Podcasts about cobb chamber

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for May 14th Publish Date:  May 14th    Commercial: NASHVILLE GREEK FESTIVAL From the BG Ad Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Wednesday, May 14th and Happy Birthday to George Lucas. ***05.14.25 - BIRTHDAY – GEORGE LUCAS*** I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal Cobb Contributes $100k for MUST Ministries’ Cooling Center 18-year-old Charged with Bringing Knife to Marietta High Atlanta Braves to Honor USHER with Bobblehead All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!  BREAK: TIDWELL TREES_FINAL STORY 1: Cobb Contributes $100k for MUST Ministries’ Cooling Center Cobb County commissioners voted 3-2 to allocate $108,000 to MUST Ministries for its summer cooling center, providing refuge for the homeless on days over 90°F. The funding covers food, supplies, security, and bus vouchers, with hotel stays for overflow. While Democrats supported the initiative as a proactive measure to prevent heat-related deaths, Republicans opposed it, citing concerns about government funding for nonprofits and favoritism. Chairwoman Lisa Cupid defended the decision, emphasizing the county’s responsibility to address homelessness compassionately. The funds come from Cobb’s Emergency Management budget, which also supports other emergencies like fire displacement. STORY 2: 18-year-old Charged with Bringing Knife to Marietta High Mikaya Kameron Thompson, 18, was arrested on May 2 for bringing a 6-inch Kunai knife to Marietta High School. Charged with carrying weapons in a school safety zone, she was taken into custody at 8 a.m. and remains in the Cobb County Adult Detention Center without bond. STORY 3: Atlanta Braves to Honor USHER with Bobblehead The Atlanta Braves will honor GRAMMY-winning artist Usher on June 18 at Truist Park. The first 15,000 fans will receive an exclusive Usher bobblehead featuring the iconic “Peace Up, A-Town” gesture. Pre-game celebrations in The Battery Atlanta include live music with a DJ playing Usher’s hits and a themed food truck offering dishes inspired by his songs. Usher also collaborated on a co-branded merchandise collection, available at the Braves Clubhouse Store starting that day. Fans are encouraged to arrive early for the festivities. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.   We’ll be right back. Break: INGLES 5 STORY 4: Atlanta Man Charged with Damaging Safe at Carrabba’s Italian Grill Amari Diallo of Atlanta is accused of using a power hose to damage a $20,000 safe at Carrabba’s Italian Grill in the Cumberland area before quitting his job on May 3. The safe was rendered inoperable, according to the manager. Diallo faces a second-degree criminal damage charge but does not appear in jail records. STORY 5: 1885 Grill Named Cobb County's Small Business of the Year 1885 Grill in Acworth was named Cobb County's 2025 Small Business of the Year by the Cobb Chamber of Commerce. Owner Michael Schroeder was recognized for overcoming challenges in the hospitality industry, opening during the pandemic and expanding to a second location in Kennesaw. Other awards included FruiTea Bubbles Café as Minority-Owned Business of the Year, The Music Studio Atlanta as Woman-Owned Business of the Year, and Essayon Construction Group as Veteran-Owned Business of the Year. The chamber also celebrated its Top 25 Small Businesses, highlighting their innovation, growth, and community contributions. Break: TIDWELL TREES_FINAL STORY 6: Mableton Man Charged with Attempted Kidnapping at School Bus Stop Seron Kennedy, 39, of Mableton, was arrested for attempting to kidnap a 12-year-old girl at a bus stop in Austell on May 5. The girl reported the incident to a school counselor, leading to a forensic interview where she provided a detailed description of Kennedy and his vehicle. Police located and arrested Kennedy, charging him with attempted kidnapping. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities urge anyone with information to contact Cobb Police's Crimes Against Children Unit. Parents are encouraged to discuss safety with their children, teach safety procedures, stay vigilant, and report suspicious activity. STORY 7: Marietta Student Among 2025 Graduates Recognized by WKU Academic Colleges Western Kentucky University recently celebrated its spring and summer 2025 graduates from its five academic colleges. Among the honorees was Shannon Maloney of Marietta, a dance major and Scholar of the Potter College of Arts & Letters. Maloney is also a member of the Mahurin Honors College. We’ll have closing comments after this. Break: TOP TECH_FINAL Signoff-   Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.mdjonline.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com tidwelltrees.com toptechmech.com mariettagreekfestival.com #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sharon Mason, President and CEO of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce, discussed her 22 years of chamber leadership and the chamber's significant growth, from a $3 million budget to over $7 million. She highlighted the chamber's role in attracting major companies like the Atlanta Braves, which led to over 46,000 new jobs and $6.3 billion in private investment. Mason emphasized the importance of listening to businesses, adapting policies, and collaborating with local and state entities. The chamber also played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic, administering $50 million in small business grants and hosting weekly recovery webinars. Full show notes are at: chamberchatpodcast.com/episode326 Please support this podcast by supporting our sponsors. Bringing Local Back bringinglocalback.com Community Matters, Inc. chamberchatpodcast.com/podcast App My Community appmycommunity.com/chamberchat Resource Development Group rdgfundraising.com Swypit chamberchatpodcast.com/cc Izzy West, LLC theizzywest.com  

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for January 15th Publish Date:  January 15th    Commercial: From the BG Ad Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Wednesday, January 15th and Happy Birthday to Martin Luther King Jr ***01.15.25 - BIRTHDAY – MARTIN LUTHER KING JR*** I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia.  Harris Begins Term as Cobb Superior Court Chief Judge $10,000 winning ticket purchased in Austell Cobb Eyes Security Upgrades for Bus Stations All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!  BREAK: CU of GA (06.26.24 CU OF GA FREE CHECKING_REV_FINAL) STORY 1: Harris Begins Term as Cobb Superior Court Chief Judge Judge Ann Harris has begun her two-year term as Cobb Superior Court's chief judge, having been elected by her peers. Serving since 2014, she oversees the county's Mental Health and Parent Accountability Courts, focusing on mental health treatment and transforming non-payers of child support. Harris is also president of Georgia’s Council of Superior Court Judges and has worked internationally to support Georgia's justice system. Previously, she was an assistant district attorney, notable for trying Georgia's first felony elder abuse case and drafting human trafficking laws. Harris is active in community service and lives in Smyrna with her husband and rescue dog. STORY 2: $10,000 winning ticket purchased in Austell A $10,000 winning Georgia 5 ticket was bought at Austell Food Store for the Jan. 9 evening draw. Winners have 180 days to claim their prizes. Proceeds from Georgia Lottery games, including Georgia 5, support education in Georgia. Players can win up to $10,000 twice daily, with drawings at 12:29 and 6:59 p.m. Tickets are available at Georgia Lottery retailers statewide. For more details, visit the Georgia Lottery website. STORY 3: Cobb Eyes Security Upgrades for Bus Stations Cobb County is considering a $300,000 contract with Tarian Group to enhance security at its Marietta and Cumberland CobbLinc Transfer Stations. The decision follows the recent shooting of a MARTA bus driver in DeKalb County. If approved, unarmed guards will patrol the stations daily to deter criminal activity and respond to security threats. The initiative aims to improve safety for transit users and operators. The contract, funded equally by a Federal Transit Administration grant and local funds, will be voted on by the Board of Commissioners. Guards are expected to start next month if the contract is approved. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.    We’ll be right back  Break: DRAKE (Drake Realty (Cobb County) STORY 4: Children's Healthcare CEO Talks Marietta Schools, New Projects At a Cobb Chamber luncheon, Donna Hyland, CEO of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, highlighted Cobb County's proactive mental health initiatives, such as Yondr Pouches in Marietta schools, which improve focus and social interaction. Children's Healthcare, with over 14,000 employees, manages 1.2 million annual visits, including 111,000 from Cobb. Hyland discussed the new Arthur Blank Hospital, a 19-story pediatric facility in Brookhaven, which opened ahead of schedule. The hospital consolidates services from Egleston and Emory Children’s Center. Hyland also mentioned upcoming expansions at Truist Park and involvement with Atlanta United, emphasizing Children's commitment to Cobb's youth. STORY 5: Proposed Atlanta Road Whataburger Draws Concern Whataburger is planning a sixth Cobb County location on Atlanta Road, near I-285, requiring a site plan amendment and rezoning of adjacent land. The proposal, a remnant from a road project, will be reviewed by the Planning Commission on Feb. 4 and the Board of Commissioners on Feb. 18. Concerns from local residents, including Alette Stache, focus on potential traffic, safety, and noise issues, as the site is near a residential area. Residents have suggested changes to the site plan, such as altering the building's orientation and limiting operating hours, but await further communication from Whataburger. Break: STORY 6: Cobb County Water System Reports 1,980 Gallon Sewage Overflow The Cobb County Water System reported a 1,980-gallon wastewater overflow on Jan. 13 at 1631 Timber Lane NW in Kennesaw, caused by rags blocking the system. The overflow, which lasted from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., discharged into a tributary of Noonday Creek. Crews used a jet machine to clear the blockage and cleaned the spill area, spreading lime to mitigate effects. No debris or fish deaths were observed. For further details, contact the Cobb County Water System’s Maintenance Division. STORY 7: McCall Primary and Norton Park Recognized as Distinguished and Reward Schools by GaDOE The Georgia Department of Education honored schools for exceptional academic achievement or improvement, including Title I Distinguished and Reward Schools. McCall Primary was named a "Distinguished" school, and Norton Park Elementary a "Reward" school, recognizing top-performing and most improved Title I schools, respectively. Distinguished Schools rank in the top 5% for performance, while Reward Schools are in the top 5% for improvement. Additionally, City View Elementary and Cobb Horizon High School were recognized as CSI Progress Schools for significant gains in the College & Career Ready Performance Index. State Superintendent Richard Woods praised the dedication and collaboration leading to these achievements. Break: Ingles Markets 1 Signoff-   Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.mdjonline.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com www.cuofga.org www.drakerealty.com #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for December 26th Publish Date:  December 26th    Commercial: From the BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Thursday, December 26th and Happy Birthday to Lars Ulrich *** 12.26.23 - BIRTHDAY - LARS ULRICH*** I’m Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia.  Sheriff's Office Santa on Wheels Distributes 2K Toys MCS Announces Be Somebody and Blue Devil Awards Sawyer Road Media Center Gets 50K Makeover Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on healthy alternatives. All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!  BREAK: CU of GA (06.26.24 CU OF GA FREE CHECKING_REV_FINAL) STORY 1: Sheriff's Office Santa on Wheels Distributes 2K Toys The Cobb County Sheriff's Office's third annual Santa on Wheels toy drive donated over 2,000 toys to children in underserved communities. Deputies, led by Sheriff Craig Owens as Santa, paraded through neighborhoods delivering gifts. The initiative, in collaboration with the Cobb Sheriff’s Foundation, aims to support families facing financial challenges. Toys were collected through donations and distributed to four communities in south Cobb. The event featured Christmas music and photo opportunities with Santa and Chick-fil-A’s mascot. Residents expressed gratitude, highlighting the positive impact and community connection fostered by the event. STORY 2: MCS Announces Be Somebody and Blue Devil Awards Marietta's Mayor Steve Tumlin and Superintendent Grant Rivera toured all 12 Marietta City Schools, presenting the Be Somebody Award to dedicated educators and the Blue Devil Award to student leaders. These awards honor the legacy of Coach Ben "Big Ben" Wilkins and celebrate the community's spirit. The ceremony highlighted the commitment to preserving Marietta's heritage and fostering future excellence. Tumlin emphasized the importance of recognizing those who contribute to the community's heart, while Rivera praised the role models who embody Marietta's values. The event reinforced the "Be Somebody" mantra, inspiring future generations. STORY 3: Sawyer Road Media Center Gets 50K Makeover Sawyer Road Elementary received a $50,000 media center makeover from the College Football Playoff Foundation's Extra Yard for Teachers initiative, in anticipation of the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship. The revamped space was unveiled with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, featuring a performance by the school choir and a visit from the Peach Bowl Mascot, Huddles. Principal Susan Graves highlighted the impact of the new media center on student success. The initiative aims to empower teachers with resources to inspire students. Additionally, School Specialty donated $1,000, and a teacher received a $1,000 award. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.  We’ll be right back  Break: DRAKE (Drake Realty (Cobb County) STORY 4: Dunaway Receives Lifetime Achievement Award Former Marietta Mayor Bill Dunaway received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Marietta Area Council of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce. The surprise award was presented at the council's final meeting of the year. The award, not given annually, recognizes significant contributions to the community. Dunaway, moved to tears, credited his parents for inspiring his community involvement. His tenure as mayor from 2002 to 2010 and leadership in various businesses and organizations, including The Strand Theatre, were highlighted. Dunaway expressed his enduring love for Marietta, noting its small-town feel despite growth. STORY 5: Campus News: University of North Georgia Confers Degrees for Fall 2024 Graduates The University of North Georgia in Dahlonega awarded over 900 degrees and certificates for the fall 2024 semester, with more than 650 graduates participating in the commencement ceremonies on December 7. Local graduates included William Allen, Catherine Crawford, and Emilie Finch, among others, who earned degrees in fields such as Modern Languages, Computer Science, Psychology, and Nursing. Several graduates, including Hope Kellum and Deishanique Kennedy, received Graduate Certificates in Cybersecurity. The ceremony celebrated a diverse range of academic achievements across various disciplines. We’ll be back in a moment Break: And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on healthy alternatives *** INGLES ASK LEAH 2 HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES*** We’ll have closing comments after this. Break: Ingles Markets 6 Signoff-   Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at mdjonline.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com www.cuofga.org www.drakerealty.com #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for November 21st  Publish Date:  November 21st      Commercial:   From the BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.      Today is Thursday, November 21st and Happy Birthday to Stan Musial  ***11.21.24 - BIRTHDAY – STAN MUSIAL***  I'm Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia.   Rose Diggs Named 2024 Smyrna Citizen of the Year  Judge Murphy Appoints 3 to Cobb Magistrate Bench  Allatoona High Threatened Two Days in a Row, District Says    Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on donating food.    All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!     BREAK: CU of GA (06.26.24 CU OF GA FREE CHECKING_REV_FINAL)  STORY 1:  Rose Diggs Named 2024 Smyrna Citizen of the Year  Rose Diggs, CEO of Down 7 Up 8 Incorporated, has been named Smyrna Citizen of the Year by the Smyrna Area Council of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce. Over 13 years, Diggs has significantly impacted foster care, fostering over 300 children and providing free virtual tutoring to over 700 in Georgia. Her nonprofit supports fostered, adopted, and underprivileged children with school supplies, Christmas gifts, and parent training. Her advocacy has influenced policy changes at state and national levels. Diggs has held key roles in foster care organizations and received multiple awards for her contributions, including the Hero Award from AmeriGroup.  STORY 2:  Judge Murphy Appoints 3 to Cobb Magistrate Bench  Chief Magistrate Judge Brendan Murphy has appointed Norman Barnett and Mellori Lumpkin-Dawson, and re-appointed Judge Jennifer Inmon as full-time Magistrate judges. Selected through a competitive process, they bring strong legal expertise and dedication to service. The Magistrate Court, operating 24/7, handles a heavy caseload, focusing on access to justice. Barnett, an assistant U.S. attorney, and Lumpkin-Dawson, a skilled litigator, both express commitment to serving Cobb County. Inmon, with 25 years on the bench, continues her role, praised for her leadership and experience. All appointees are active in their communities and legal professions.    STORY 3:  Allatoona High Threatened Two Days in a Row, District Says  Allatoona High School faced violent threats on consecutive days, prompting a code red alarm on Wednesday. The Cobb County School District confirmed the threats were not credible after investigation. Since a shooting at Apalachee High School in September, the district has experienced numerous false threats and "swatting" incidents. The district emphasized its commitment to safety and intends to prosecute those responsible for such disruptions. Despite these incidents, the school remains secure, with students and staff focused on education. For more safety information, visit the district's website.     We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.      We'll be right back   Break: DRAKE (Drake Realty (Cobb County)  STORY 4:  Friends, Witnesses Testify About Crash that Killed Kennesaw Teen  In Marietta, the trial of Jerome Lee Cox, accused of killing 17-year-old Olivia Pugh in a DUI incident, continued with testimonies from Pugh's friends and bystanders. Cox allegedly hit Pugh with his vehicle after drinking at a holiday party. Pugh, a senior at Harrison High School, died two days later. The trial, overseen by Judge Kimberly Childs, began with opening statements and witness testimonies, including friends who were with Pugh and bystanders who assisted at the scene. A deleted TikTok video filmed by the girls that night became a point of contention, with the defense arguing it could have shown the girls were distracted. The trial is set to continue.  STORY 5: Cobb Considering New Library Director as Longtime Leader Retires  After 15 years as Director of the Cobb County Public Library System, Helen Poyer is retiring. Poyer, who began her career in Cobb in 2006 and became director in 2009, has overseen significant outreach programs and led the system to be named 2023 Library of the Year. Her leadership is credited to her dedicated 270-person staff. The Cobb County Board of Commissioners will vote on her replacement, with Chairwoman Lisa Cupid proposing Keith Schuermann, a veteran librarian with extensive experience, including leading the Troup-Harris Library System. If approved, Schuermann will start on December 2.    We'll be back in a moment     Break: Ingles Markets 6     And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on donating food  *** INGLES 5 'ASK LEAH' DONATING FOOD***  We'll have closing comments after this.    Break: Marietta Theatre Gift Maji    Signoff-    Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at mdjonline.com  Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.  Produced by the BG Podcast Network     Show Sponsors:  www.ingles-markets.com    www.cuofga.org    www.drakerealty.com  www.mariettatheatresquare.com    #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for November 5th Publish Date:  November 5th    Commercial: From the BG Ad Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Tuesday, November 5th and Happy Birthday to Brian Adams. ***11.05.24 - BIRTHDAY – BRIAN ADAMS*** I'm Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia.  1.      Cobb, Marietta Teachers of the Year Receive New Cars 2.      1 Dead, 1 Injured in Austell Shooting 3.      Gun Brought to Marietta Preschool All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!    BREAK: CU of GA (06.26.24 CU OF GA FREE CHECKING_REV_FINAL)   STORY 1:  Cobb, Marietta Teachers of the Year Receive New Cars At the Cobb Chamber of Commerce's Marquee Monday luncheon, the top three Teachers of the Year from Cobb County School District and Marietta's Teacher of the Year received year-long car leases from Voyles Automotive Group, including insurance coverage. Each teacher selected a car from a dealership, with Marietta's Maria Nelson choosing a gray 2025 Kia Telluride. Cobb's overall Teacher of the Year, Karen Wright, selected a white 2024 Honda Pilot. The event celebrated their achievements with videos highlighting their impact. Both Wright and Nelson will compete for Georgia Teacher of the Year, with a chance to keep their cars permanently if they win. STORY 2:     1 Dead, 1 Injured in Austell Shooting Over the weekend, a shooting at a home in Austell resulted in one death and one injury. Cobb County Police responded to the incident on Linworth Boulevard around 12:30 a.m. Sunday. Jeffrey Moore, 54, of LaGrange, Georgia, died from his injuries, while another 44-year-old man from LaGrange is in stable condition. Police arrested 42-year-old Courtney Rashun Woullard of Austell at the scene. Woullard faces charges including murder and aggravated assault and is held without bond. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Cobb Police Major Crimes Unit. STORY 3:  Gun Brought to Marietta Preschool In an email to families, Christine Ramirez, director of Marietta's Emily Lembeck Early Learning Center, reported that a child brought a loaded handgun to preschool. The Marietta Police Department found that the child's regular backpack was broken, and the parent unknowingly sent the child with a different bag containing the weapon. There was no intent to harm, and the gun was not displayed in class. The investigation is ongoing to determine if charges are necessary. Ramirez invited parents to contact her with questions, and praised the handling of the situation by the child and teacher.     We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.    We'll be right back    Break: DRAKE (Drake Realty (Cobb County)   STORY 4:  'Record Breaking' Early Turnout in Cobb Could Mean Short Election Day Lines Ahead of Election Day, 53% of eligible residents and 61% of active voters in Cobb have already voted, with 293,623 in-person votes and 20,960 absentee ballots, according to Elections Director Tate Fall. Across Georgia, a record 4 million voters cast early ballots, surpassing previous records. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger highlighted the success of the early voting period, noting that 92 of Georgia's 159 counties exceeded 50% turnout. The Georgia Supreme Court ruled that absentee ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day to be counted. Polls will be open from until 7 p.m. today, with specific locations serving as polling sites. STORY 5:  Marietta Relaunches Free Preschool Program with United Way Marietta City Schools, in partnership with the United Way of Greater Atlanta, is relaunching its free preschool program, Learning Spaces, starting mid-November. This program offers early learning and play sessions for children under five and their caregivers, aiming to enhance social interactions and provide developmental support tools. Sessions will be held three days a week at various Marietta locations, including the YELLS Building, GraceLife Church, and 353 Lemon Street. All sessions are free, and caregivers can register on-site. The initiative supports early literacy and aims to make learning accessible and supportive for families.   We'll be back in a moment    Break: Ingles Markets (Cereal Options) 1 STORY 6:  KSU Preserving Legacies of U.S. WWII Veterans, Civil Rights Participants Kennesaw State University's Center for the Advancement of Military and Emergency Services is preserving the legacies of U.S. veterans who fought in WWII and participated in the civil rights movement. Funded by the Veterans Legacy Grants Program, the project, led by Kristin Horan and Chris Hess, involves collecting life histories of Georgia's veterans. The team is identifying individuals from records at major cemeteries and plans to create a museum exhibition. Six undergraduate research assistants are involved, using resources like Ancestry.com. The project aims to honor veterans' contributions and facilitate K-12 learning through a traveling exhibit. STORY 7:     Music mastermind Quincy Jones dies aged 91 Quincy Jones, the legendary music impresario who shaped American music and the careers of stars like Michael Jackson, has passed away at 91. Surrounded by family in Bel Air, his death marks the end of a seven-decade career that spanned jazz, pop, and hip-hop. Jones was a pioneering Black executive in the music industry, winning 28 Grammys and producing iconic works like Michael Jackson's "Thriller." He also contributed to film and TV, producing "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." Tributes from figures like Al Sharpton and LL Cool J highlight his transformative influence on culture and music.   Break: Marietta Theatre (06.10.24 MARIETTA THEATRE MARGARITAVILLE_FINAL)   Signoff-   Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.mdjonline.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network   Show Sponsors: ●        www.ingles-markets.com  ●        www.cuofga.org  ●        www.drakerealty.com ●        www.mariettatheatresquare.com   #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversationsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the Ingles Studio this is your news minute on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast presented by Credit Union of Georgia. Today is Friday, October 4th, and I'm Keith Ippolito. Cobb Lawmakers, Business Leaders Rally Against 30-Year Transit Tax In Marietta, Republican lawmakers and business leaders rallied against Cobb County's proposed 30-year transit tax, the Mobility Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (M-SPLOST), which aims to raise $11 billion for transit improvements. Critics, including LOUD Security Systems President John Loud and other former Cobb Chamber of Commerce chairs, argue the tax represents the largest increase in Cobb's history and could lead to "SPLOST fatigue," affecting future tax extensions. They claim the tax would harm businesses and isn't justified by the county's population density. Republican state representatives and senators also voiced opposition, citing concerns over economic impact and inefficacy of mass transit in Georgia. Despite the 2018 bipartisan support for House Bill 930, which enabled the tax proposal, some lawmakers now regret their votes. Proponents argue the tax is necessary for accommodating growth and improving transportation, while opponents suggest focusing on road improvements and remote work to address traffic issues. For more news about our community, visit mdjonline.com. For the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, I'm Keith Ippolito. Produced by The BG Podcast Network NewsPodcast CurrentEvents TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations #podcast #podcasts #podcaster #podcastlife #podcastshow #podcasting #podcasters #podcastersofinstagram #itunes #applepodcasts #spotifypodcast #soundcloud #youtube #radio #radioshow #comedy #music #hiphop #art #entrepreneur #covid #motivation #interview #repost #loveSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for September 10th Publish Date:  September 10th    Commercial: From the BG AD GROUP Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Tuesday, September 10th and Happy heavenly Birthday to outfielder Rodger Maris ***09.10.24 – BIRTHDAY – ROGER MARIS*** I'm Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia.  Mountain View Opens New Community-Sponsored Sensory Room Coca-Cola to Have 'Seat at the Table' in A.I. Innovations Locals Among Stamps Scholars Class of 2024 All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!    BREAK: CU of GA STORY 1:  Mountain View Opens New Community-Sponsored Sensory Room Mountain View Elementary School has introduced a new sensory room, thanks to contributions from former PTA president Inez Finch and Piedmont Church. The sensory room, the 39th installed by Piedmont Church in Cobb County, features three distinct areas: one for energizing students, one for deep pressure stimulation, and one for relaxing. Each area includes visual choice boards to help students select activities suited to their sensory needs. Teachers are already noting positive impacts, as the room helps students regulate their sensory input, enhancing their focus and learning readiness. STORY 2:     Coca-Cola to Have 'Seat at the Table' in A.I. Innovations At the Cobb Chamber's monthly luncheon, Coca-Cola President John Murphy highlighted the company's new five-year partnership with Microsoft, which involves a $1.1 billion investment in AI and Microsoft Cloud technologies. Murphy discussed how Coca-Cola plans to use AI tools like Azure OpenAI Service and Microsoft 365 Copilot to boost productivity in areas from marketing to manufacturing. He emphasized the importance of staying ahead in technological advancements, noting the significant impact of AI on content creation and operational efficiency. Attendees expressed optimism about AI's potential to enhance workplace productivity and innovation. STORY 3:  Locals Among Stamps Scholars Class of 2024 Fourteen freshmen at the University of Mississippi have been honored as Stamps Scholars, receiving full scholarships and leadership development opportunities. Among the recipients are Marietta students Hannah Levy and Josephine McCarey, both majoring in International Studies. The Stamps Scholars program recognizes academic excellence, leadership, and character, offering a $12,000 stipend for enrichment activities like study abroad and conferences. The scholarship was established in 2006 by Georgia native Roe Stamps and his late wife, Penny. For more details, visit stampsscholars.org.     We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.    We'll be right back    Break: DRAKE (COBB) STORY 4:  Shouts of 'Heil Hitler!' Shut Down Cobb Elections Meeting At a Cobb County Elections Board meeting in Marietta, proceedings were halted after an audience member shouted “Heil Hitler” twice. Board member Jennifer Mosbacher, a Jewish woman, strongly condemned the hate speech, referring to the historical context of Leo Frank's lynching. The outburst followed a public comment from Hugh Norris, who criticized Mosbacher for not standing during the Pledge of Allegiance, suggesting she might be a Communist. The board voted to adjourn after failing to identify the individual responsible for the outburst. Board Chair Tori Silas and Mosbacher emphasized that hate speech would not be tolerated, while some members expressed concerns about handling the disruptive situation. The board plans to address agenda items at a future meeting. STORY 5:  Cobb Schools Foundation and Papa Johns Partnership The Cobb Schools Foundation has teamed up with Papa John's to support students through the Family Stabilization Fund. For the week of Sept. 9-15, 20% of all pizza sales will go to local schools, with schools competing for a $200 donation or 10 pizzas based on sales. Last year's fundraiser raised over $7,000 for students in need. Use specific school promo codes to track donations or the code "COBBFS" to support the district as a whole. Papa John's also offers educational opportunities through their Dough and Degrees program. For more details, visit www.cobbschoolsfoundation.org. We'll be back in a moment    Break: INGLES 5 STORY 6:  Man Accused of Trafficking Meth in Kennesaw Michael Christopher Nobach, 39, of Atlanta, was arrested on August 26 for trafficking methamphetamine and obstruction of law enforcement. Nobach met an MCS Narcotics Unit agent at a BP gas station in Kennesaw to sell methamphetamine. Police discovered 1.07 kilograms of meth in his vehicle, and when Nobach tried to flee, an officer used a taser to stop him. Nobach was booked into the Cobb County Adult Detention Center and is currently held without bond. STORY 7:    Marietta Man Accused of Using a Hidden Bathroom Camera Francis Leroy Muchanic, 53, of Marietta, was arrested on August 26 for eavesdropping-surveillance after allegedly using a hidden camera to record two women in a private bathroom without their consent. The camera was found in a ceiling vent at a Marietta residence. Muchanic was booked into the Cobb County Adult Detention Center and released later that day on a $7,000 bond. Break: DRAKE (GEOFF)   Signoff-   Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.mdjonline.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network   Show Sponsors: ingles-markets.com cuofga.org drakerealty.com mariettatheatresquare.com   #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversationsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the ………………. Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Thursday, September 5th and Happy Birthday to ……………. Freddie Mercury    I'm Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia.  Former Mountain View Coach Killed in Apalachee Shooting Remembered Fondly A 'Reimagined' Mableton: Development Authority Revamped Mother and Son Open Cumberland Restaurant   Plus, Bruce Jenkins sits down with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets to discuss kombucha   All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!    BREAK: CU of GA    STORY 1: Former Mountain View Coach Killed in Apalachee Shooting Remembered Fondly Marquel Broughton, a Mountain View High School graduate and U.S. Military Academy alumnus, considers his former coach, Ricky Aspinwall, a true hero. Aspinwall, who had recently moved to Apalachee High, was tragically killed in a school shooting on Wednesday. Known for his dedication and impact on students and athletes, Aspinwall was remembered as a loving mentor and role model. He was a highly respected defensive coach and teacher, recognized for his contributions to Mountain View's football program and his genuine care for his students. His legacy is honored by those he inspired and mentored throughout his career. STORY 2:  A 'Reimagined' Mableton: Development Authority Revamped Mableton Mayor Michael Owens, driven by his concerns about local blight and economic opportunities, has established the Mableton Development Authority (MDA) to boost economic growth. This new independent board replaces the underfunded South Cobb Redevelopment Authority. The MDA, funded by $100,000 annually from Mableton, will work closely with the Cobb Chamber of Commerce and its economic development arm to market the city and drive development projects. Key initiatives include revitalizing Veterans Memorial Highway and the Six Flags Entertainment District, and developing the Magnolia Crossing site. Owens envisions the MDA as crucial for transforming Mableton into a more vibrant, economically robust community.   STORY 3:  Mother and Son Open Cumberland Restaurant Robyn Thompson, CEO of Ashland's Kitchen, has opened a new restaurant in Cumberland with her son Jacob Higbee. Located on the ground floor of One Overton Park, Ashland's Kitchen offers a menu of seasonal, mostly scratch-made dishes for breakfast and lunch, including unique options like shakshuka, keto pancakes, and vegan “chicken” nuggets. Inspired by their global travels and Thompson's early love for cooking, the restaurant features comfort foods and creative salads, alongside a convenience store for quick snacks. Open Monday through Friday, Ashland's Kitchen aims to bring joy with its innovative food offerings and plans to expand catering and delivery options soon.   We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.    We'll be right back  Break: DRAKE STORY 4:  Scamihorn Outraising Benson in Cobb School Board Race In the race for Cobb Board of Education's Post 1 seat, incumbent Republican Randy Scamihorn significantly outpaces Democratic challenger Vickie Benson in fundraising. Scamihorn has raised over $25,000, including significant contributions from the law firm Freeman Mathis & Gary and local nonprofits. In contrast, Benson has reported just $245.51 in recent filings, though she previously raised $1,065. Despite this disparity, Benson views her campaign as a fight for accountability rather than a fundraising competition. Both candidates will face off in the November election, with control of the school board potentially hanging in the balance. STORY 5:  Marietta Schools to Host Town Hall Following Winder School Shooting Marietta City Schools will hold a virtual town hall on Thursday evening to address safety concerns following a deadly school shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder. The shooting, which resulted in at least four deaths and multiple injuries, has prompted Marietta Schools Superintendent Grant Rivera to offer a platform for addressing school safety questions. The webinar will be livestreamed from 8:30 to 9 p.m., and questions can be submitted beforehand via email. Cobb Schools Superintendent Chris Ragsdale also expressed gratitude for the efforts of school district police and first responders. The event will be available on the Marietta School District's website for later viewing.   We'll be back in a moment    Break: INGLES 4   STORY 6: LEAH MCGRATH And now here is the conversation with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets to discuss kombucha   STORY 7: LEAH INTERVIEW     Break:   Signoff-   Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at https://www.mdjonline.com/ Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. www.henssler.com  www.ingles-markets.com  www.cuofga.org  www.drakerealty.com  www.elonsalon.com  #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for August 27th   Publish Date:  August 27th    BREAK: From the BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Tuesday, August 27th and Happy Birthday to ***08.27.24 – BIRTHDAY – PAUL REUBEN*** I'm Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia.  Commissioner Invokes 'Bloods and Crips' as Map Feud Rages Severe Weather Challenging Blood Supply Marietta Preservationist Florence Corley Remembered   All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!    BREAK: CU of GA STORY 1:  Commissioner Invokes 'Bloods and Crips' as Map Feud Rages In a heated Cobb County commission meeting, commissioners debated redistricting after a court ruling invalidated their "home rule" map and ordered elections based on a state legislature map. The debate revealed deep divisions, with accusations of political bias and distrust of the county attorney. Commissioner Jerica Richardson faces potential loss of her seat, but she would remain a "de facto" commissioner during any appeal. Republican commissioners argue for repealing the home rule resolution to comply with the law, while others worry this would delay the process. The meeting was marked by intense rhetoric, reflecting broader political tensions. STORY 2:     Blood Emergency: Severe Weather Challenging Blood Supply The American Red Cross is facing a national blood emergency exacerbated by recent severe weather, including Hurricane Debby, which has led to the cancellation of around 60 blood drives and a shortfall of approximately 1,500 blood products. In Georgia alone, over 450 blood drives have been canceled in the past decade, with 12 cancellations this year resulting in about 400 uncollected donations. To help alleviate the shortage, donors are encouraged to schedule appointments. Those who donate by August 31 will receive a $20 Amazon gift card, while those donating between September 1-15 will receive an exclusive Red Cross T-shirt. Blood drives are scheduled throughout September and October at various locations. STORY 3:  Marietta Preservationist Florence Corley Remembered Florence “Florrie” Corley, who passed away on August 18 at age 91, was a multifaceted Marietta educator and historian. She was a teacher, writer, Presbyterian elder, and co-founder of Cobb Landmarks. Born on January 6, 1933, in Augusta, Georgia, she dedicated her life to preserving and teaching history, from her academic achievements to her work with Cobb Landmarks, which she helped establish in 1974. She taught history at The Westminster Schools and Kennesaw State University and was active in numerous community and historical organizations. A memorial service will be held on August 28 at First Presbyterian Church of Marietta. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.     We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.    We'll be right back    Break: DRAKE STORY 4:  Melissa Cantrell Named 2026 Cobb Chamber Chair Melissa Cantrell, president and CEO of CDH Partners, has been appointed the Cobb Chamber of Commerce chairwoman for 2026. Starting in January 2026, Cantrell will first serve as board chair elect in 2025. She is currently the 2024 vice chair of member and community programs for the chamber. Cantrell, a long-time chamber board member and taskforce participant, has been recognized for her leadership and commitment to the business community. Cobb Chamber President Sharon Mason praised Cantrell for her strategic vision and leadership. Cantrell, who also leads CDH Partners' education studio, was named Small Business of the Year by the chamber in 2023. STORY 5:  MHS Student Selected to Delta Community's Apprentice Program Marietta High School senior Ashauna Perry has been chosen for Delta Community Credit Union's High School Apprentice Program. She is one of 17 students selected from nine metro Atlanta districts for the 2024-2025 school year. The program, part of Georgia's Work-Based Learning initiative, allows students to work as part-time tellers at various credit union branches. Perry will apprentice at the Marietta branch on Dallas Highway. Since its start in 2006, the program has included 220 students, making Delta Community a leading employer in Georgia's work-based learning program. We'll be back in a moment    Break: INGLES 1 STORY 6:  Proposed Marietta Parking Deck Returns to City Council The Marietta City Council will discuss plans for a new parking deck near Marietta Square today. Mayor Steve Tumlin proposed the collaboration with the Downtown Marietta Development Authority (DMDA) for planning, financing, and constructing the deck, with a targeted start date of June 1, 2025. The deck aims to address parking shortages as downtown development increases. Tumlin suggests a revenue bond for financing, potentially implementing paid parking to support the project's costs. The proposed site is on Mill Street, with the design reflecting Marietta's historical aesthetic. Tumlin and DMDA Chairman Tom Browning will present the plan to the Economic and Community Development Committee. STORY 7:    One Killed in I-75 Collision with Freightliner Early Saturday morning, a fatal collision occurred on I-75 in Marietta. LaForest Williamson, 46, of Columbia, SC, was driving a Freightliner with two trailers southbound when a 2009 Nissan Altima, driven by Kejaunaye Rollins, 21, of Stone Mountain, collided with the rear of the second trailer. The impact caused the Nissan to spin, partially blocking multiple lanes. Passenger Anetrya Johnson, 28, of Jonesboro, was pronounced dead at Kennestone Hospital, while Rollins suffered serious injuries. Williamson was unharmed. Cobb Police seek information at 770-499-3987. Break: Marietta Theater (COLOR PURPLE)   Signoff-   Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at mdjonline.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network   Show Sponsors: ingles-markets.com cuofga.org drakerealty.com mariettatheatresquare.com   #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversationsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for June 11th                   Publish Date:  June 11th    Commercial: From the Ingles Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Tuesday, June 11th and Happy heavenly Birthday to NFL coach Vince Lombardi. ***06.11.24 – BIRTHDAY – VINCE LOMBARDI*** I'm Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia.  Human Skeletal Remains Found in Kennesaw Marietta Man Drowns in Lake Allatoona After Tubing Incident Rhonda Jacobson Named Cobb Chamber's Woman of Distinction   All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!    BREAK: CUofGA STORY 1: Human Skeletal Remains Found in Kennesaw Human skeletal remains were discovered in Kennesaw on Monday by a Cobb Electric Membership Corporation employee near the EMC power station at 4043 George Busbee Parkway. Reported at 12 p.m., the remains were in an advanced state of decomposition. Kennesaw Police, currently lacking details on the victim's gender, age, or cause of death, noted no open cases matching the discovery. The remains were collected by the Cobb Medical Examiner's Office for an autopsy. The location, on the city limits, leaves many possibilities about the origin of the remains, said police spokesman David Buchanan. STORY 2: Marietta Man Drowns in Lake Allatoona After Tubing Incident A Marietta man, Robbie Cornelius, drowned in Lake Allatoona on Sunday after falling off a boat-pulled tube. Responding to a 2:25 p.m. call near Little River Marina, Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) game wardens, along with Cherokee Fire and EMS and the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, learned Cornelius wasn't wearing a life jacket and complained of leg pain upon falling. Rescue attempts by others failed as he began pulling them under. Using SONAR, game wardens and firefighters found Cornelius's body around 5 p.m. in 16 feet of water. The Cherokee County coroner now has his body. STORY 3: Rhonda Jacobson Named Cobb Chamber's Woman of Distinction Rhonda Jacobson, co-founder and co-owner of Cumberland Diamond Exchange, was named the Cobb Chamber of Commerce's Cobb Executive Women 2024 Woman of Distinction. Jacobson, also the VP of human resources and a gemologist, has been a key figure at Cumberland Diamond Exchange for over 40 years, driving the company to numerous accolades. The award recognizes exceptional leadership, community involvement, and social responsibility. Jacobson actively supports various causes and organizations, including the Wellstar Foundation and SafePath Children's Advocacy Center. Her mentorship and dedication to her profession and community set a sterling example for women in business.     We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.    We'll be right back.   Break: DRAKE STORY 4: Marietta School Board to Hear Cell Phone Policy Proposal The Marietta Board of Education will review a new cell policy for middle-grade students on Tuesday. Superintendent Grant Rivera proposes locking students' cellphones and smartwatches in pouches throughout the school day, which can only be opened by staff. The policy aims to address mental health concerns and social media usage. The initial purchase of pouches will not exceed $100,000. Exceptions will be made for medical conditions, and families can purchase their own pouches if desired. Stakeholder feedback has been incorporated into the policy. A vote on the purchase will occur on June 18 after further public discussion. STORY 5: GOP congressional candidate walks off debate stage During a debate for Georgia's 2nd Congressional District runoff, Republican candidate Chuck Hand walked off the stage, leaving opponent Wayne Johnson to debate alone. Hand objected to debating someone outside the district, as Johnson lives in Macon. Johnson then highlighted Hand's misdemeanor from the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. Johnson addressed illegal immigration, asylum policies, and opposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). He also suggested replacing federal student loans with grants and defended in vitro fertilization without federal funding. The district covers Southwest Georgia, from Columbus to the Florida line. We'll be back in a moment.   Break: INGLES 2 STORY 6: Lower Roswell Road Upgrades Back on Cobb Commission Agenda The Cobb Board of Commissioners will consider three items related to the $11.2 million road improvement project on Lower Roswell Road. The project includes resurfacing, adding a raised median and turn lanes, extending sidewalks, and creating a multi-use trail. Aimed at reducing crashes, it has raised concerns among local business owners about potential traffic and economic impacts during the two-year construction period. Commissioner Jerica Richardson delayed the project to address these concerns, developing a fact sheet and appointing a construction ambassador to work with businesses. Key decisions on land acquisition and construction contracts will be discussed at the meeting. STORY 7: 'God's Amen': Marker for Famed Vinings Folk Artist Unveiled The Georgia Historical Society, in partnership with local organizations, has unveiled a historical marker honoring self-taught African-American artist Nellie Mae Rowe. Located at the Hotel Indigo in Vinings, the marker commemorates Rowe's life and her “Playhouse,” where she created art after her husband's death. Rowe's home, known for its vibrant decorations and sculptures, was demolished after her death in 1982. The dedication event, attended by about 100 people, highlighted Rowe's influence on American folk art. Her works are displayed globally, including at the High Museum of Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Break: MARIETTA THEATRE HANDS ON HARDBODY   Signoff-   Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.mdjonline.com/ Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network   Show Sponsors: ingles-markets.com cuofga.org drakerealty.com mariettatheatre.com   #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversationsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for May 14th               Publish Date:  May 14th              Commercial: From the Ingles Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Tuesday, May 14th, and Happy 79th Birthday to director George Lucas. ***05.14.24 – BIRTHDAY – GEORGE LUCAS*** I'm Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia.  6 More Arrested for Fight That Left 19-Year-Old Dead Former Facebook and Nike Diversity Manager Gets 5 Years for Fraud Candidates Sound Off on Wildman's Civil War Store   All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!    BREAK: CUofGA STORY 1: 6 More Arrested for Fight That Left 19-Year-Old Dead Six additional men have been arrested in connection with a fatal fight in a Powder Springs subdivision that resulted in the death of 19-year-old Fabrice Robelin. The altercation occurred after a dispute, initiated by text messages, led to a physical confrontation at the Lost Lakes subdivision. Coledye Warnock, the brother of one of the arrested men, is accused of fatally shooting Robelin during the altercation. According to witness statements, the fight ensued between multiple individuals, leading to Robelin being shot. Warnock and others fled the scene, with Warnock later arrested and charged with murder, aggravated assault, and other offenses. The other six men face charges of fighting and disorderly conduct, with one also charged with obstructing law enforcement. Robelin was pronounced dead at the scene, and investigations are ongoing. STORY 2: Former Facebook and Nike Diversity Manager Gets 5 Years for Fraud Barbara Furlow-Smiles, a former diversity program manager at Facebook and Nike, has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for orchestrating a complex wire fraud scheme aimed at stealing over $5 million. Furlow-Smiles exploited her position at Facebook to manipulate invoices and payments, directing fraudulent proceeds to herself and associates. She continued the scheme at Nike after being fired from Facebook, using similar tactics to siphon funds. Furlow-Smiles recruited various individuals, including friends and family, to participate in the scheme. She used the stolen funds to finance a lavish lifestyle across multiple states. Furlow-Smiles was sentenced to prison and ordered to pay restitution to Facebook and Nike. STORY 3: Candidates Sound Off on Wildman's Civil War Store Wildman's, a longstanding store in downtown Kennesaw known for controversial merchandise, has sparked debate among candidates in the upcoming city council election. The store, featuring Confederate and Nazi memorabilia, has divided opinions, with some calling for its removal and others emphasizing free speech rights. Councilwoman Madelyn Orochena campaigned on removing the store, while candidates Ben Day and Beatrice Shakal expressed moral opposition. However, some candidates prioritize other city issues, such as development and public safety. While acknowledging concerns about Wildman's, candidates emphasize the importance of upholding First Amendment rights and engaging in constructive dialogue rather than bullying tactics. The controversy surrounding Wildman's underscores broader discussions about community values and inclusivity in Kennesaw. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.    We'll be right back   Break: DRAKE STORY 4: 'Too Extravagant': GOP Commissioners Balk at Funding Galas At a Cobb Board of Commissioners planning meeting, Commissioners Birrell and Gambrill criticized Commissioner Richardson's proposal to allocate $20,000 of her discretionary funds to Keep Cobb Beautiful's fall gala. They argued that taxpayer money should be spent on projects, not events, and raised concerns about accountability issues within the organization. While Richardson defended the gala as a celebration of sustainability efforts, Birrell and Gambrill called for greater transparency in event funding and suggested hosting county events in more cost-effective venues. Chairwoman Cupid noted the lack of available county facilities for events like her State of the County address, which prompted the discussion on event spending. The commission plans to revisit the issue at their next meeting. STORY 5: Drayton Leads Fundraising in Cobb Superior Court Clerk Race In the race for Cobb Superior Court clerk, Democratic challenger Brunessa Drayton has outpaced incumbent Connie Taylor in fundraising, raising nearly $14,000 in the latest reporting period and totaling $31,605 overall, compared to Taylor's $16,900. Drayton's support spans nationally, with notable contributions from Georgia figures like Rep. Terry Cummings and Austell Police Chief Scott Hamilton. Taylor received donations from figures like former Gov. Roy Barnes' law firm and former Cobb NAACP President Deane Bonner. Carole Melton, a bailiff, raised $4,700 this period, with support from various legal professionals. Nick Simpson raised $7,530, mostly spent, while Deborah Dance, the sole Republican candidate, hasn't reported significant fundraising. The primary is on May 21. We'll be back in a moment   Break: INGLES 10 STORY 6: Cobb Chamber Names Yalo Small Business of the Year Yalo, a minority-owned creative agency, was named the 2024 Small Business of the Year by the Cobb Chamber of Commerce. Known for branding and advertising, Yalo saw impressive growth, making the Inc. 5000 list with 151% revenue growth. They added 12 new clients in 2023, reaching $10.6 million in revenue. The award recognizes Yalo's unique approach and results. They will compete at the state level. The chamber also honored other businesses, including CDH Partners in the Small Business Hall of Fame, Perfect Image as Minority-Owned Business of the Year, FruTea Bubbles Café as Woman-Owned Business of the Year, 1885 Grill and the Alley Stage for Community Service Excellence, Wasserman Talent Solutions as Business to Watch, and AquaGuard for Next Level of Excellence. STORY 7: Civil Rights Complaint Filed Against Cobb Schools The Cobb County School District faces a complaint filed with the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights alleging "discriminatory censorship" in its book-banning practices. The complaint, filed by the National Women's Law Center, asserts that Cobb, along with a Florida district, targeted books by and about racial and LGBTQ+ minorities. Cobb removed 25 books from libraries since August, with several featuring LGBTQ+ or racial minority characters or authors. The complaint claims this violates Title IX and Title VI, creating a hostile environment for marginalized students. Superintendent Chris Ragsdale denied targeting specific groups, citing sexually explicit content as the reason for removals. The Cobb Board of Education plans to review the complaint. This follows a previous civil rights complaint regarding "shared ancestry." Break:   Signoff-   Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at mdjonline.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network   Show Sponsors: ingles-markets.com cuofga.org drakerealty.com tedsmontanagrill.com   #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversationsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 MDJ Script/ Top Stories for April 16th            Publish Date:  April 16th              Commercial: From the Ingles Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Tuesday, April 16th and Happy 76th Birthday to NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. ***04.16.24 – BIRTHDAY – KAREEM ABDUL-JABBAR*** I'm Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia.  Kemp Touts Tax Cuts and Economic Growth at Cobb Chamber Lake Acworth Declared Safe After Sewage Spill Gas Prices Continue to Rise in Georgia   All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!    BREAK: CUofGA   STORY 1: Kemp Touts Tax Cuts and Economic Growth at Cobb Chamber Governor Brian Kemp celebrated legislative victories and economic achievements in a speech to the Cobb Chamber of Commerce, highlighting income tax cuts, upcoming sports events, and economic development projects. He praised Georgia's role as a global hub for sports and outlined investments in infrastructure, education, and public safety. However, some critics, like State Rep. Teri Anulewicz, raised concerns about gun safety and Medicaid expansion. Anulewicz also noted the absence of discussions on sports betting, which she believes could generate revenue for need-based HOPE scholarships. Despite criticisms, Cobb Chamber Chairman Mike Plant commended Kemp's leadership, while Cobb Chairwoman Lisa Cupid emphasized Cobb's interconnectedness with Georgia's success and anticipated continued growth. STORY 2: Lake Acworth Declared Safe After Sewage Spill Lake Acworth has resumed recreational activities following a sewage spill caused by a fallen tree damaging an above-ground sewage line on U.S. Army Corp of Engineers property. The spill, totaling under 10,000 gallons, didn't meet the criteria for a "major spill" as per Georgia Environmental Protection Division guidelines. Although some reported seeing a sheen on the water, survey crews determined it was caused by pollen and airborne particulates accumulating on the lake's surface. STORY 3: Gas Prices Continue to Rise in Georgia Gas prices in Georgia have surged, with residents now paying 10 cents more per gallon compared to last week and 17 cents more than last month, according to AAA. In Cobb, the average price per gallon stands at $3.47, slightly higher than the state average. Drivers across Georgia are facing a 60-cent increase compared to a year ago. This rise is attributed to factors including crude oil prices around $85 per barrel, high demand, and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Despite the increase, Georgians are still paying about 20 cents less per gallon than the national average. AAA suggests several tips for drivers to save money at the pump, including shopping around for gas prices, enrolling in fuel savings programs, and maintaining their vehicles for better fuel economy.     We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.    We'll be right back    Break: DRAKE   STORY 4: New Pathway Helps Disabled Residents Access Lake Allatoona City officials in Acworth have introduced a new accessible pathway at Dallas Landing Park, aimed at easing access to Lake Allatoona for people with disabilities. The $15,000 "Mobi-Mat" pathway, a collaboration between the city and the Special Needs Development Group, replaces an aging concrete ramp. The pathway is weather-resistant, water-resistant, and durable, providing accessibility for wheelchairs, strollers, and walkers. The Special Needs Development Group funded the installation of the mat, emphasizing their commitment to improving life for everyone. Acworth officials and community members celebrated the pathway's unveiling, highlighting its significance in ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all residents and visitors. Allatoona Lake, a popular destination, is now more accessible, allowing individuals of all abilities to enjoy its beauty. STORY 5: High Court Hears Cobb Commission Map Case Wednesday The dispute over the Cobb Board of Commissioners' map is reaching a critical juncture as the Georgia Supreme Court prepares to hear oral arguments this week. The court will determine whether Chairwoman Lisa Cupid's "home rule" map or Governor Brian Kemp's approved map will prevail. The case arose when the commission adopted a map not endorsed by the Republican-controlled legislature, invoking constitutional home rule powers to do so. Judge Ann Harris previously ruled the county's map unconstitutional, but the county appealed. The outcome will impact upcoming elections, as candidates' qualifications are affected. The court's decision is eagerly awaited by all parties involved, with implications for future governance and electoral processes in Cobb County.   We'll be back in a moment    Break: TEDS   STORY 6: Comparing Cobb and Gwinnett County Transit Tax Plans This fall, voters in Gwinnett and Cobb County will decide on a one-cent sales tax proposal aimed at enhancing public transit. The Georgia Public Policy Foundation has shed light on the transition from an initial interest in connecting with MARTA to adopting bus-centric strategies in both counties. A detailed comparison reveals that while both plans are funded through a one-cent sales tax, there are distinct differences in their approaches and allocations. Cobb County's plan emphasizes Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) with six heavy lines and a significant investment in local buses and active transportation, totaling an estimated cost of $11 billion. In contrast, Gwinnett County focuses more on local bus services and microtransit, covering 27 zones, aiming for a more extensive transit network with a total cost of $17 billion. Both counties prioritize 100% service coverage across their territories, showcasing a commitment to comprehensive public transit development. STORY 7: A Georgia First! Barber Students Win National Poison Prevention Video Competition Barber Middle School students produced three videos for the National Poison Prevention Week video contest, aiming to educate about the dangers of poisoning and the importance of calling 1-800-222-1222 during a poison emergency. Their submission won the grand prize, marking the first time Georgia students have achieved this honor. Xenia Okonta, Sara Pilic, and Bailey Faulks were the award-winning producers, guided by their teacher Saundra Watts. They received $500 and a trip to Virginia for the awards ceremony. Watts emphasizes hands-on learning experiences to help students discover their strengths and apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations.   Break: INGLES 8   Signoff-   Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Marietta Daily Journal podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Gwinnett Daily Post, the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties, or the Paulding County News Podcast. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at MDJonline.com.     Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.   Produced by the BG Podcast Network   Show Sponsors: ingles-markets.com cuofga.org drakerealty.com tedsmontanagrill.com   #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversationsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for Mar 5th             Publish Date:  Mar 4th            Commercial: From the Ingles Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Tuesday, March 5th, and Happy heavenly Birthday to entertainer Andy Gibb. ***03.05.24 – BIRTHDAY – ANDY GIBB*** I'm Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia.  GBI Investigates Officer Involved Shooting Near Six Flags Woman Arrested After Threatening Sheriff's Deputies in Standoff Members say Traffic Circle Threatens Marietta Church   All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!    BREAK: CUofGA   STORY 1: GBI Investigates Officer Involved Shooting Near Six Flags A 15-year-old is in critical condition following a shooting incident involving a Cobb police officer near Six Flags amusement park. The incident occurred amidst attempts to control a crowd of approximately 500-600 individuals who were reportedly involved in a brawl and causing havoc in the park. According to reports, shots were fired during the chaos, striking a police vehicle. This prompted officers to chase several individuals into a nearby wooded area. During the pursuit, an officer discharged his weapon, resulting in the teenager's injury. A handgun was subsequently discovered in the vicinity of the injured minor. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has been tasked with conducting an independent investigation into the incident. The findings of this probe will be turned over to the Cobb County District Attorney's Office for review. Importantly, no officers were harmed during the altercation. STORY 2: Woman Arrested After Threatening Sheriff's Deputies in Standoff A woman, identified as Ebony Shari Singleton, has been arrested following a standoff with the Cobb County Sheriff's Office deputies at a residence in Mableton. The situation unfolded when deputies attempted to serve a restraining order at the property. Singleton, however, barricaded herself in an upstairs bedroom and threatened to shoot the deputies, claiming possession of a firearm. Despite several attempts to persuade Singleton to surrender peacefully, the decision was ultimately made to forcibly breach the door to her location. Singleton was apprehended and initially transported to a local hospital before being officially taken into custody. She is currently held on a $6,820 bond and will be evaluated by mental health professionals. Cobb County Sheriff Craig Owens has praised the officers involved for their handling of the incident, culminating in a successful and safe resolution. STORY 3: Traffic Circle Threatens Marietta Church, members say The New Hope United Methodist Church, a historical landmark in Marietta since 1856, is at risk due to the city's plan to construct a roundabout. The proposed traffic circle would encroach on the church's parking lot and necessitate modifications to its entrance. Members of the church express concern that the changes could disrupt their congregation and diminish the church's identity. From the city's perspective, the roundabout is seen as a solution to manage increasing traffic and enhance pedestrian safety, spurred by nearby development. However, church members are advocating for different solutions such as the installation of a traffic light or the use of adjacent parking lots. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.    We'll be right back.   Break: HENRY CO SHERIFFS – DRAKE   STORY 4: Circles Cobb Celebrates First Graduates of Poverty Reduction Program Circles Cobb is actively working to combat poverty in Cobb County through the application of the Circles USA model. This model provides crucial support to individuals working towards achieving financial stability. Recently, eight participants successfully completed an initial 12-week training program, designed to foster financial literacy and encourage goal-setting. As a result of their participation in the program, these graduates have undergone significant changes in their financial behaviors. They have transitioned to fixed spending habits and have placed a greater emphasis on saving. To ensure ongoing support, each graduate is paired with volunteer allies. The effectiveness of the program is underscored by its results; typically, participants across Circles chapters in North America see a 75% increase in income after 18 months. The recent graduates have already reported improvements in income and housing stability, offering a beacon of hope for their families. For more information, visit www.CirclesCobb.org. STORY 5: Cobb Development Authority OKs $4.25M Bonds for Tommy Nobis Center The Development Authority of Cobb County has given its approval for $4.25 million in tax-exempt bonds to facilitate the renovation of Tommy Nobis Center's new headquarters. The new location, at 240 Interstate North Parkway, was previously occupied by the Cobb Chamber of Commerce. Nonprofit organizations like the Tommy Nobis Center can only issue tax-exempt bonds through conduit authorities, a mechanism that helps reduce borrowing costs. The issuance of these bonds also received approval from the Cobb Board of Commissioners. These bonds have a maturity period of five years. In other developments, the authority unanimously reelected its officers. Clark Hungerford will continue as chair, Donna Rowe as vice chair, Karen Hallacy as secretary treasurer, and Smith Peck as assistant secretary treasurer.   We'll be back in a moment.   Break: CURIOSITY LAB BIKE RACE    STORY 6: Applications Now Open for Pigs & Peaches BBQ Competition and Vendors Kennesaw Parks & Recreation is inviting applications for the barbeque competition and vendors for the 2024 Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival. The festival will run from August 16th to 17th at Adams Park, featuring the Kansas City Barbeque Society-sanctioned competition and recognized as a Southeast BBQ Championship event. The competition will host 30 teams in the pro category and 20 in the backyard category. Alongside, there will be contests for Anything Butt and Peach Desserts with over $16,000 in cash and prizes. Interested vendors or competitors can apply at www.pigsandpeaches.com. STORY 7: Pop Culture and Nerddom Gather in Marietta The second annual Marietta the Gathering celebrated pop culture and geekdom on Marietta Square. Attendees enjoyed activities like Super Smash Bros. gaming, classic Super Mario games, and the Box of Doom game. The event also featured pickup games of Magic: The Gathering and showcased local authors' books. Characters from various universes, including Star Wars, were present, many of whom were members of the Georgia Garrison of the 501st Legion, known for their charitable work. MomoCon hosted a tent with video game consoles, offering players a chance to enjoy games like Super Metroid, Super Mario World, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.   Break: INGLES 10   Signoff-   Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Marietta Daily Journal podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Gwinnett Daily Post, the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties, or the Paulding County News Podcast. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at MDJonline.com.     Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.   Produced by the BG Podcast Network   Show Sponsors: ingles-markets.com cuofga.org drakerealty.com henrycountysheriffga.gov Curiosity Lab Criterium Bike Race   #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for Jan 30th           Publish Date:  Jan 29th           Commercial: From the Drake Realty Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Tuesday, January 30th, and Happy heavenly Birthday to President Franklin Roosevelt. ***01-.30.24 - BIRTHDAY – FRANKLIN D ROOSEVELT*** I'm Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Engineered Solutions of Georgia.  Marietta Man Killed Crossing South Marietta Parkway 'Revolutionary Approach': Local Nonprofit Launches Food Choice Pantry Deane Bonner named MDJ Cobb County Citizen of the Year   All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!    BREAK: ESOG    STORY 1: Marietta Man Killed Crossing South Marietta Parkway In Marietta, a man, William Gould, 57, was fatally struck and killed by a 2014 Nissan Altima while crossing South Marietta Parkway outside of a marked crosswalk around 10:15 p.m. The incident occurred at the intersection with Wylie Road. The driver, traveling eastbound, stayed at the scene and cooperated with authorities. Marietta Police Department's Officer Chuck McPhilamy stated that no charges are anticipated. Gould succumbed to his injuries on-site. An investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact Investigator C. Roper at 770-794-5357. STORY 2: 'Revolutionary Approach': Local Nonprofit Launches Food Choice Pantry In December, Marietta-based nonprofit the Center for Family Resources introduced The Family Cupboard, a choice pantry addressing food insecurity for Cobb families. Unlike traditional food pantries, it allows families to freely select their preferred items, offering a more realistic shopping experience. The pantry, with three aisles of shelf-stable items and fresh produce, emphasizes healthy choices and efficient budgeting. Volunteers accompany visitors, providing nutritional guidance and discussing goal progress. The Food Security Program aids families with a minor child in Cobb, allowing weekly visits and promoting goal-setting. The pantry, open by appointment, aims to enhance lives by empowering families to make their own food choices. STORY 3: Deane Bonner named MDJ Cobb County Citizen of the Year The Marietta Daily Journal honored Deane Bonner, Cobb County NAACP president emerita, with the Citizen of the Year Award during the Cobb Chamber of Commerce's annual dinner. Bonner, known as "the moral conscience of the community," received a standing ovation as she accepted the award. She played a pivotal role in civil rights activism, leading the Cobb NAACP for 20 years and initiating various community-based programs. Bonner, at 88, shared her journey from growing up in segregated Weirton, West Virginia, to receiving the prestigious award. Her impact on Cobb County was lauded by prominent figures, highlighting her tireless efforts and leadership.     We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.    We'll be right back    Break: CUofGA – INGLES 8   STORY 4: Cobb Tourism: Hotel/Motel Taxes Trending Up Cobb County's tourism is on an upward trend, as reported during Cobb Travel and Tourism's recent board meeting. Sporting events, a significant contributor, have rebounded to pre-COVID levels, attracting over 851,000 visitors and generating $189 million in economic impact in the past year. Hotel-motel tax collections in Cobb County are also rising, showing a 7.12% increase in the fiscal year so far. Monthly tax collections, while fluctuating, overall indicate positive trends, with 2023 standing out as an exceptional year for tourism. Cobb Travel and Tourism sees these figures as a testament to the county's diverse attractions and robust tourism economy. STORY 5: Mike Plant Brings Sports Success to Cobb Chamber Chairmanship Mike Plant, head of development for the Atlanta Braves and the new chair of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce, has been honored at the chamber's annual dinner. Plant, known for his success in both the business and political aspects of sports, highlighted the chamber's neutral stance on a proposed 30-year transit tax in Cobb County. He emphasized educating the public about the tax and its implications rather than taking a position. Plant's extensive career includes his role in bringing the Braves to Cobb County in 2017 and his involvement in the success of Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta.   We'll be back in a moment    Break: DRAKE – GCPS   STORY 6: Cobb Off the Hook for More Than $7M in Barrett Reliever Costs Cobb County's contribution to the South Barrett Reliever project is decreasing significantly due to increased funding from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). The county, initially expected to cover over $11 million of the $38 million project, will now pay about $5.6 million for the third phase, including the construction of a 450-foot bridge over I-75. GDOT will contribute an additional $7.4 million in construction costs, bringing the state's total contributions to approximately $32 million. The project, led by the Town Center Community Improvement District, aims to reduce traffic on Barrett Parkway by around 20%. The final phase is expected to conclude by the end of the year. Additionally, the commission approved around $280,000 to consultancy Kimley Horn for the third phase of a countywide surveillance and communication network, aiming to improve traffic flows and reduce delays. STORY 7: UGA Extension announces 2024 Georgia Farmer of the Year Bruce Redmond, owner of Shiloh Farms in Effingham County, Georgia, has been named the 2024 Georgia Farmer of the Year. Redmond took over Shiloh Farms in 2018, expanding its operations to 2,800 acres of rented and owned farmland, cultivating peanuts and cotton. The farm, a major producer of certified Tifton 9 bahia grass seed, has become the Southeast's largest producer. Redmond has been recognized for his dedication to conservation farming practices, incorporating sustainability, minimizing environmental impact, and increasing efficiency. He actively supports his community and has received various awards, including the 2022 Georgia Outstanding Young Farmer.   Break: TEDS Signoff-   Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Marietta Daily Journal podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Gwinnett Daily Post, the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties, or the Paulding County News Podcast. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at MDJonline.com.     Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.   Produced by the BG Podcast Network   Show Sponsors: ingles-markets.com cuofga.org drakerealty.com esogrepair.com gcpsk12.org/jobs com   #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the Henssler Financial Studio this is your news minute on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast presented by Engineered Solutions of Georgia. Today is Monday, January 8th, and I'm Keith Ippolito. Braves GM Talks Trades and Connection In a recent talk at the Cobb Chamber of Commerce, Alex Anthopoulos, the General Manager of the Atlanta Braves, discussed the Braves' impact on local communities, his managerial philosophy, and recent trades. He emphasized the importance of sports as a community connector and highlighted the team's recent acquisitions of pitcher Chris Sale from the Boston Red Sox and outfielder Jared Kelenic from the Seattle Mariners. He also stressed the importance of not getting overly fixated on winning the World Series. "I never view it as 'World Series or bust,'" he said. "Only one (team) of 30 is going to win the World Series. So, I think if that's the way you look at it, it's going to be a hard way to go to work each day." Anthopoulos shared that while player trades aren't his main focus in the off-season, fans should never expect the team to settle. "If (a trade) is the right decision for the team, I'm all in," he said. Business leaders in the audience resonated with Anthopoulos' emphasis on teamwork and informed decision-making, drawing parallels between sports and their own professional lives. For more news about our community, visit mdjonline.com. For the Marrietta Daily Journal Podcast, I'm Keith Ippolito. Produced by The BG Podcast Network www.esogrepair.com www.henssler.com #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations #podcast #podcasts #podcaster #podcastlife #podcastshow #podcasting #podcasters #podcastersofinstagram #itunes #applepodcasts #spotifypodcast #soundcloud #youtube #radio #radioshow #comedy #music #hiphop #art #entrepreneur #covid #motivation #interview #repost #loveSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the Henssler Financial Studio this is your news minute on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast presented by Engineered Solutions of Georgia. Today is Wednesday, December 6th and I'm Keith Ippolito. Poll: Majority of Cobb voters ‘likely' to support 30-year transit tax A new poll indicates that a majority of Cobb County voters are likely to support a 30-year program to expand transit and build a new rapid bus system. According to the poll commissioned by the Cobb Business Alliance, about 63% of voters said they would likely support a 30-year, 1% sales tax to fund transit in next November's election. However, the level of support varied depending on the phrasing of the question, with undecided voters ranging from 9% to 25%, and opposition consistently around 25-28%. The Cobb Business Alliance is a nonprofit group led by Cobb Chamber of Commerce Chairman Greg Teague, Chamber President/CEO Sharon Mason, and Amanda Seals, the chamber's executive vice president of advocacy and government relations. The group's mission is to educate the public about the upcoming referendum but refrains from taking a position on it. The poll was conducted from November 10th to 13th. For more news about our community, visit mdjonline.com. For the Marrietta Daily Journal Podcast, I'm Keith Ippolito. www.esogrepair.com www.henssler.com www.bgpodcastnetwork.com #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversationsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for Nov 16th      Publish Date:  Nov 15th      Commercial: Henssler :15   From the Henssler Financial Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Thursday, November 16th, and Happy Heavenly Birthday to Burgess Meredith.  ***Rocky - You're a bum*** I'm Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia.  Cobb Jail Detainee Dies Marietta Man Killed Crossing Powder Springs Road   Marietta Schools Eyes Heightened Security at Stadium   Plus, Bruce Jenkins sits down with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets to discuss cottage cheese.   All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!    BREAK: CU of GA    STORY 1: Cobb Jail Detainee Dies Fernando Carr, a 29-year-old detainee at Cobb County Adult Detention Center, died after experiencing chest pains and seizures. Carr had a documented heart condition and drug addiction. While in the recreation yard, he began having chest pains, was taken to the infirmary, and later experienced another episode. Despite life-saving efforts, he died at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital. The sheriff's office is awaiting autopsy results but has notified the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and will conduct an internal investigation. Carr was arrested on Nov. 1 for drug and weapons possession charges and was the 10th inmate to die in custody since Sheriff Craig Owens took office in 2021, the fifth this year.   STORY 2: Marietta Man Killed Crossing Powder Springs Road A Marietta man, Henry J. Ducre, 58, was fatally struck by a 2015 Mercedes Benz ML350 driven by Antario D. Robertson, 40, while crossing Powder Springs Road near Curtis Lane outside a crosswalk at 4:51 a.m. Ducre was pronounced dead at the scene, and Robertson, driving south in the left lane, was unharmed. The Cobb Police Department is investigating the collision, urging anyone with information to contact investigators at 770-499-3987.     STORY 3: Marietta Schools Eyes Heightened Security at Stadium The Marietta Board of Education is set to discuss new security measures for Northcutt Stadium, including the approval of a $117,000 weapons detection system, Opengate. The system, aimed at enhancing safety during large public events, can quickly screen for guns and large knives. Additionally, the board will review its legislative wish list for the upcoming Georgia General Assembly session, focusing on literacy initiatives. The priorities include increased budgetary support for literacy programs, a statewide literacy assessment for first and second graders, foundational training in structured literacy for teacher certification, and alignment of state pre-K curricula with the science of reading. The contentious book ban issue involving "Flamer" is not on the agenda. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday at 6 p.m.     We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.    We'll be right back  Break: ESOG – ELON – DAYCO   STORY 4: Cobb Schools and Wellstar Announce $2 Million Partnership Cobb Schools Superintendent Chris Ragsdale announced a $2 million partnership between the school district and Wellstar Health System at the Cobb Chamber of Commerce's Marquee Monday luncheon. The initiative, named the Wellstar Healthcare Pathway Program, will focus on introducing students to healthcare careers and building a career pipeline. Wellstar's investment includes $2,500 college scholarships for students pursuing healthcare education. The partnership aims to connect students with Wellstar professionals and cutting-edge technology. During the "State of Education in Cobb" discussion, both Ragsdale and Marietta Superintendent Grant Rivera highlighted challenges like school safety and the social-emotional aspect of students' lives, emphasizing the importance of addressing bullying and social media threats. Rivera praised Marietta's literacy gains, while Ragsdale promoted the Georgia's BEST program in Cobb, a partnership with the University of West Georgia to provide teachers with fully funded graduate education.   STORY 5: Cobb Elections Board Certifies City Elections in 4-1 Vote In a 4-1 vote, the Cobb County Board of Elections certified the Nov. 7 municipal elections. The lone dissenting vote came from Cobb GOP appointee Debbie Fisher, who raised concerns about a six-vote discrepancy between the Georgia Registered Voter Information System (GARViS) and ePulse, a state election management program. The ePulse system failed to sync six votes with GARViS. The issue was manually resolved, but Fisher urged internal testing. Cobb GOP Chair Salleigh Grubbs requested a full hand recount, citing distrust in elections, but the request was denied based on rules and regulations. The certified results were approved despite concerns.   We'll be back in a moment  Break: DRAKE – INGLES 4   STORY 6: LEAH MCGRATH And now here is Bruce Jenkins' conversation with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets to discuss cottage cheese.           STORY 7: LEAH INTERVIEW     Break: Henssler :60  Signoff-   Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Marietta Daily Journal podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Gwinnett Daily Post, the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties, or the Paulding County News Podcast. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at MDJonline.com.     Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.    www.henssler.com  www.inglesmarkets.com  www.cuofga.org  www.drakerealty.com  www.daycosystems.com  www.powerselectricga.com  www.esogrepair.com  www.elonsalon.com  www.jrmmanagement.com  #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for Nov 4th      Publish Date:  Nov 3rd Commercial: Henssler :15   From the Henssler Financial Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.  Today is Saturday, November 4th and Happy 53rd Birthday to Puff Daddy  ***PUFF DADDY – CAN'T NOBODY HOLD ME DOWN*** I'm Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia Second Man Arrested for Street Race That Killed 15-Year-Old Marietta Man Arrested in Stabbing at Motel 6 4 Sentenced for 2021 Drive-by Shooting in Cobb  All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!  BREAK: CU of GA – ESOG STORY 1: Second Man Arrested for Street Race That Killed 15-Year-Old An 18-year-old man, Caleb Evan Hasty, was arrested in connection with a fatal crash that occurred on August 26 in south Cobb, Georgia. The crash resulted in the death of a 15-year-old passenger. Hasty was the second person arrested in connection with the incident. The crash allegedly involved two cars, a 2001 Ford Mustang driven by another 18-year-old, Garrett Tyler Betts, and a 2009 Pontiac G8 driven by Hasty. Both drivers are accused of racing at speeds of 100 mph in a 45-mph zone. The Mustang lost control, causing a collision with a tree, resulting in the death of the passenger and serious injuries to Betts. Hasty is charged with vehicular homicide, speeding, reckless driving, and racing on highways and streets. He is currently in custody without bond. STORY 2: Marietta Man Arrested in Stabbing at Motel 6 Samir Bennett, a 23-year-old Marietta man, is facing charges of stabbing another man with a kitchen knife and resisting arrest. The incident occurred on September 28 at a Motel 6/Studio 6 in Marietta, where Bennett allegedly stabbed the victim in the left middle side of his abdomen and threatened him with the knife. He was subsequently arrested on September 29 at 5 a.m. and charged with aggravated assault with a weapon, possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of a crime, and obstruction or hindrance of law enforcement. Bennett is currently in custody without bond. STORY 3: 4 Sentenced for 2021 Drive-by Shooting in Cobb Four men, alleged gang members, have been sentenced for their involvement in a 2021 drive-by shooting in south Cobb County, Georgia. Their sentences range from four to 13 years after pleading guilty in Cobb County Superior Court. The gang members include Nicholas Poole, James Daniels, Bryce Dowell (members of the "2Solid" gang), and Thomas White (a member of the "Good Product Team" gang, who allegedly ordered the shooting from prison). A fifth suspect, Thomas Williams, who was allegedly the getaway driver, has not been arrested. The case involved shootings in Atlanta and Cobb County in 2021, injuring bystanders and causing property damage. The investigation revealed connections to gang activity and the use of contraband cell phones in prison. The gang members pleaded guilty to various charges, including violations of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, aggravated assault, and property damage charges. They received prison sentences and probation as part of their sentences. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.  We'll be right back  Break: ELON – DAYCO – TEDS STORY 4: 'The Secret's Out': Mayor Says Rising Home Prices Show Mableton's the Place to Be Mableton, Georgia, a recently established city with a population of over 75,000, has reported over $1.4 million in revenues since officially becoming a city on June 1. Despite its limited time as a city, Mableton has remained debt-free and has spent approximately $130,000. The city's housing market has been on the rise, with Forbes reporting the highest year-over-year increase in median home prices among Georgia cities at 19.9%. The median home price in Mableton increased from $339,950 to $407,500 over the past year, attracting more people to the area. Mayor Michael Owens emphasized the need to improve residents' quality of life through city services. While the charter outlines services such as code enforcement, zoning and planning, sanitation, and parks and recreation, Mayor Owens suggested evaluating additional services to benefit the community. STORY 5: Visit Marietta's Holiday Logo up for a Vote The 2023 Winter in Marietta Logo Design contest has four finalists, and voting is underway. Organized by Visit Marietta and the Marietta Arts Council, the winning design will be featured on merchandise sold at the Marietta Welcome Center's gift shop. People can cast their votes by liking or commenting on the designs posted on Visit Marietta's Facebook and Instagram pages until November 6. The winning design options include depictions of local landmarks like the Big Chicken, Kennesaw Mountain, and more. The designs reflect the spirit of the winter season in Marietta, Georgia, and offer a chance for local artists to showcase their creativity. We'll be back in a moment  Break: THE MARKET – DRAKE – INGLES 6 STORY 6: Austell, Mableton and Powder Springs Name Citizens of the Year Austell, Mableton, and Powder Springs honored their citizens of the year at the Cobb Chamber of Commerce's South Cobb Area Council meeting. Delores Powell, founder and executive director of the Cool Kids Committee, received the Austell Citizen of the Year Award for her work in gang and bullying prevention among at-risk youth. Christopher Boyd, a pastor and general manager of the Riverside EpiCenter, was named the 2023 Mableton Citizen of the Year for his commitment to making south Cobb a better place and offering various community services. Laurie Wong, founder of the nonprofit Reflections of Trinity, received the 2023 Powder Springs Citizen of the Year award for combating food insecurity through service and education. STORY 7: Mableton Mayor Invites Residents to Comment on Spending Plan Mableton Mayor Michael Owens invites residents to attend and comment on an upcoming public hearing about the city's transitional spending plan. The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Nov. 9 at Riverside EpiCenter, 135 Riverside Pkwy, Austell, GA 30168. Owens said the plan is publicly available and may be retrieved by emailing Mableton's city clerk at: clerkhiott@gmail.com. Closing comments after this. Break: JRM (KENNESAW) – Henssler :60  Signoff-   Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Marietta Daily Journal podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Gwinnett Daily Post, the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties, or the Paulding County News Podcast. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at MDJonline.com.   Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.    www.henssler.com  www.inglesmarkets.com  www.cuofga.org  www.drakerealty.com  www.daycosystems.com  www.powerselectricga.com  www.esogrepair.com  www.elonsalon.com  www.jrmmanagement.com    #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for Oct 27th     Publish Date:  Oct 26th Commercial: Henssler :15   From the Henssler Financial Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.  Today is Friday, October 27th  and Happy heavenly Birthday to musician Scott Weiland.  ***STONE TEMPLE PILOTS*** I'm Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Engineered Solutions of Georgia Man Fatally Shot Himself After Shooting Brother Eric Homansky named Smyrna's citizen of the year Mount Paran Christian School promotes breast cancer awareness during their home football game All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!  BREAK: CU of GA  STORY 1: Police: Man Fatally Shot Himself After Shooting Brother In Marietta, Georgia, a man, Philip Tokos, fatally shot himself after shooting his brother, Michael Tokos, in the leg during a heated argument. The incident occurred at 3230 Plains Way, near Mountain View Elementary, around 5:40 p.m. Michael Tokos was shot in the lower part of his right leg but managed to leave the home and seek help. He was taken to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. An arrest warrant was issued for Philip Tokos, and a Cobb SWAT team was dispatched to the residence. After a search, Philip Tokos was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The investigation is ongoing. STORY 2: To Countless Kids, He's 'Coach'; To Smyrna, He's Citizen of the Year Eric Homansky, a physical education teacher and coach at Teasley Elementary School in Smyrna, Georgia, has been named Smyrna's Citizen of the Year. The honor, awarded by the Smyrna Area Council of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce, recognizes individuals who have made a significant impact on Cobb County. Homansky has dedicated 23 years to Cobb County Schools, teaching and coaching in various capacities. He is known for his commitment to coaching and mentoring young athletes, particularly Mak Yost, who suffered a series of strokes and has limited mobility. Homansky's dedication to helping Yost in his recovery and competing in wheelchair races has been especially heartwarming to the community. STORY 3: "Tackling" Cancer at Mount Paran Christian School During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Mount Paran Christian School HOPE Club organized a school-wide campaign to raise cancer awareness and show support for those affected by the disease. The initiative included a "Tackle Cancer Pink-Out" event at a varsity home football game, where attendees wore pink attire and wrote the names of individuals facing cancer or illness on Tackle Cancer prayer cards, which were displayed during a moment of prayer. High school students collected funds to benefit Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, and the initiative culminated in a Pink Ribbon Luncheon, providing important women's health messages to senior girls and guests. The campaign aimed to emphasize the power of prayer and community support. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.  We'll be right back  Break: ESOG – ELON – JRM (CRAFTS & DRAFTS) – THE MARKET STORY 4: Chattahoochee Tech Foundation Raises Over $78,000 at Dueling Pianos Event to Help Students in Need The Chattahoochee Tech Foundation hosted a lively music and comedy show featuring the Andrews Brothers Dueling Pianos, raising over $78,000 for students in need. The event took place at Chattahoochee Tech's North Metro Campus and featured John Loud, president of LOUD Security System, as the emcee. The funds raised will go towards scholarships, emergency grants, and textbooks for deserving students. The event generated proceeds through corporate sponsorships, a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, and tips. Sponsors from local companies, including platinum, gold, and bronze sponsors, contributed to the success of the event. These funds will support students' educational goals and help them become valuable members of the workforce. STORY 5: Plaintiffs Seek Injunction in Cobb School Board Map Lawsuit Plaintiffs involved in a lawsuit against the Cobb County Board of Education have requested a federal judge to issue a preliminary injunction to prevent the use of the current board map, which they allege represents an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. This map went into effect this year, and the plaintiffs have requested the injunction to halt its use in future elections by December 15, with an interim remedial map to be adopted by January 22, 2024. The case has received attention due to allegations of gerrymandering, with legal representation from organizations like the Southern Poverty Law Center and the American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia. We'll be back in a moment  Break: DAYCO – DRAKE – POWERS STORY 6: Delta Community Holds Largest Single-Day Financial Literacy Event at Elementary School Delta Community Credit Union hosted a series of financial literacy workshops for nearly 500 students at Peeples Elementary School in Fayetteville. The workshops were tailored for third, fourth, and fifth graders and aimed to teach them essential money skills such as earning, saving, spending, and giving. The interactive lessons included games and real-world scenarios to help students understand money management. The event was part of Delta Community's Financial Education Center and was made possible through the Delta Community Schools Program, which partners with local schools to provide financial education resources to students in the Atlanta metro area. STORY 7: UPS slumps after cutting full-year sales outlook following labor hit to Q3 earnings United Parcel Service (UPS) reported stronger-than-expected third-quarter earnings, with earnings at $1.57 per share, slightly ahead of estimates. However, group revenues declined by 12.7% to $21.1 billion, falling short of expectations. Domestic segment revenues fell 11.1% to $13.66 billion. International revenues were down 11% to $4.27 billion, and supply chain solutions sales fell 21.4% to $3.13 billion. The company cited weakening macroeconomic conditions impacting demand but noted that volumes that diverted during its labor dispute with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters union are now returning to the network. UPS lowered its full-year sales forecast and expects revenues between $91.3 billion and $92.3 billion. Break: JRM (KENNESAW) – INGLES 10 – Henssler :60  Signoff-   Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Marietta Daily Journal podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Gwinnett Daily Post, the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties, or the Paulding County News Podcast. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at MDJonline.com.   Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.  www.henssler.com  www.inglesmarkets.com  www.cuofga.org  www.drakerealty.com  www.daycosystems.com  www.powerselectricga.com  www.esogrepair.com  www.elonsalon.com  www.jrmmanagement.com  #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for Oct 26th     Publish Date:  Oct 25rd Commercial: Henssler :15   From the Henssler Financial Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.  Today is Thursday, October 26th and Happy 76th Birthday to Pat Sajak I'm Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia.  Cobb Commission Puts Brakes on Resolution Supporting Israel and Condemning Hamas Georgia Supreme Court upholds six-week abortion ban   Cobb Commission Wants Legislature to Tighten Process for Forming New Cities   Plus, Bruce Jenkins sits down with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets to discuss cottage cheese.   All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!    BREAK: CU of GA  STORY 1: Cobb Commission Puts Brakes on Resolution Supporting Israel and Condemning Hamas The Cobb Board of Commissioners delayed passing a resolution condemning Palestinian terrorist group Hamas and offering unequivocal support for Israel after extended discussion at its meeting Tuesday evening. While the board technically voted 5-0 to deny the resolution, Commissioner Keli Gambrill clarified the board would engage more community members in attempting to draft a revised resolution that addresses the war. The decision came in the wake of Commissioner JoAnn Birrell presenting a draft resolution to the board at Monday's work session offering “full and unwavering support of Israel's self-defense” weeks after it declared war on the militant Palestinian group Hamas. However, Chairwoman Lisa Cupid started a debate when she presented messages from Muslim residents expressing disappointment in the resolution's language. The board, after a prolonged debate Monday, decided against moving forward with the resolution, though it remained on the board's consent agenda when Tuesday's meeting rolled around. Before discussing the resolution Tuesday, commissioners heard from six people during the first public comment segment of the meeting who were opposed to the resolution. Those speakers were joined by scores of Muslim residents of Cobb in the crowd at Tuesday's meeting. STORY 2: Georgia Supreme Court upholds six-week abortion ban The Georgia Supreme Court ruled in favor of allowing a state law, known as the Living Infants Fairness and Equality (LIFE) Act, to remain in effect. This law, passed in 2019, prohibits most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, with exceptions for rape, incest, and medical emergencies. The law had been blocked by federal courts, but it was reinstated by the state Supreme Court pending the outcome of a lawsuit. The plaintiffs, including the reproductive rights group Sistersong, argued that the Georgia law was unconstitutional as it conflicted with the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade, which protected women's right to abortion. However, the majority of Georgia justices sided with the state's argument that the law should stay in effect following the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in the Dobbs case, which overturned Roe v. Wade and removed the constitutional right to abortion. STORY 3: Cobb Commission Wants Legislature to Tighten Process for Forming New Cities The Cobb Board of Commissioners is requesting the Cobb County Legislative Delegation to tighten the process for creating new cities. The move comes after the incorporation of Mableton and the subsequent efforts by some residents to de-annex from the new city. The county's legislative priorities include the need for new cities to demonstrate substantial support by gathering a petition signed by at least 10 percent of registered voters within the proposed city's jurisdiction before incorporation. The commission argues that newly incorporated cities can lead to duplication of local government structures, disrupt long-term planning and service delivery, and potentially result in higher taxes for both city and non-city residents. Additionally, the commission is emphasizing the importance of prioritizing transportation funding in the 2024 legislative session, particularly focusing on supporting Georgia's Major Mobility Investment Program. This program aims to enhance transportation infrastructure, including express lane projects and bus rapid transit implementation.   We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.    We'll be right back  Break: ESOG – ELON – JRM (CRAFTS & DRAFTS) – THE MARKET STORY 4: Groups Compete for Best Scarecrow on Marietta Square The Marietta Square hosted a scarecrow competition as part of the city's HarvestFest. More than 50 entries were received from local schools, clubs, companies, and organizations, each displaying unique scarecrow creations. These entries were judged in categories such as Business, School/Scout/Youth Club, Nonprofit/Adult Club, Government Entities, and Best in Show. Winners in these categories included Urban Renewal Consignment, Marietta High School Theatre Department, Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County, Cobb County Communications Department, and Marietta Daisies Garden Club, respectively. The event aims to celebrate creativity and community spirit while providing a festive atmosphere on Marietta Square. STORY 5: Cobb and Marietta Teachers of the Year Honored at Pep Rally Over 130 educators, including Teachers of the Year from various public schools in Cobb County, Marietta City Schools, and local colleges, were celebrated at the 35th annual "Give Our Schools a Hand" pep rally held at Wheeler High School. The event recognized teachers with advanced degrees and a collective teaching experience of 2,200 years. Performances by school bands and choirs added to the celebratory atmosphere. The four district-level Teachers of the Year received the big prize of a one-year car lease from Voyles Automotive Group. The event, sponsored by the Cobb Chamber of Commerce and local businesses, aims to honor educators and strengthen the local educational system. We'll be back in a moment  Break: DAYCO – DRAKE – POWERS   STORY 6: LEAH MCGRATH And now here is Bruce Jenkins' conversation with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets to discuss Cottage Cheese.   STORY 7: LEAH INTERVIEW   Break: JRM (KENNESAW) – INGLES  – Henssler :60  Signoff-   Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Marietta Daily Journal podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Gwinnett Daily Post, the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties, or the Paulding County News Podcast. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at MDJonline.com.     Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.  www.henssler.com  www.inglesmarkets.com  www.cuofga.org  www.drakerealty.com  www.daycosystems.com  www.powerselectricga.com  www.esogrepair.com  www.elonsalon.com  www.jrmmanagement.com  #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MDJ  Script/ Top Stories for Sept 14th Publish Date:  Sept 14th   Commercial:  Henssler :15   From the Henssler Financial Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast    Today is Thursday, September 14th and happy heavenly birthday to Jesse Owens ***OWENS*** I'm Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia Activists to rally at school board; Mayor Tumlin on school books Home Depot CEO touts company's innovation and growth before Cobb Chamber All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subcribe! Commercial : ESOG - Elon   STORY 1: Ragsdale Senior Property Tax Exemption   Superintendent Chris Ragsdale, the Cobb County Superintendent, delivered a speech at the Kiwanis Club of Marietta where he touched on two key points. Firstly, he highlighted that Cobb County offers a property tax exemption for residents aged 62 and older. Here is discussing the tax exemption:    *Ragsdale 1*     STORY 2: Ragsdale Truist Park Economic Impact   Superintendent Ragsdale also discussed the substantial economic impact generated by Truist Park. Here he is discussing its significance in the local community:   *Ragsdale 2*   STORY 3: Activists to rally at school board; Mayor Tumlin on school books   Left-wing activists Jennifer Susko and Michael Garza, along with others, are organizing a "Replace Ragsdale Rally" ahead of the upcoming Cobb school board meeting. They have been critical of Superintendent Chris Ragsdale and the Republican majority on the board during public comment sessions, even creating a Facebook page to promote their event. The group accuses Ragsdale of various offenses and plans to rally outside the district office at 3:30 pm before attending the board meeting. Cobb school board member Randy Scamihorn defended Ragsdale, describing the group as "a vocal few" reacting strongly to decisions made by the superintendent and staff. The Cobb GOP issued an email alert urging members to attend the board meetings to support Ragsdale. Scamihorn highlighted the district's high teacher retention rate and recognition as one of Georgia's best employers. He also addressed Susko's claim of an HR executive's past misconduct, emphasizing the importance of redemption and forgiveness for mistakes made decades ago..........…..(pause) We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info.   We'll be right back   Break:   CU of GA – Drake- – Dayco   STORY 4: Home Depot CEO touts company's innovation and growth before Cobb Chamber   Ted Decker, CEO and Chairman of Home Depot, shared insights about his 23-year career with the company at a Cobb Chamber of Commerce luncheon. He discussed the company's growth from its founding in 1979 to having over 2,300 stores across North America and employing over 475,000 people. Decker emphasized the importance of great people in driving Home Depot's success and the company's commitment to letting employees explore diverse career paths. He also mentioned the significance of maintaining a strong corporate culture, particularly the inverted pyramid leadership model. Decker highlighted the company's focus on innovation, both in terms of online presence and products, and its continued competitiveness in the market. He advised small business owners to understand their target market, prioritize customer satisfaction, maintain liquidity, and seek inspiration from successful companies like Chick-fil-A and Delta Airlines.   STORY 5: Cobb commission cancels land swap deal meant to protect Dobbins Air Reserve Base   The Cobb County Board of Commissioners has voted to terminate a land swap agreement with developer Venture Communities, which could potentially lead to the construction of condominiums within the accident potential zone of Dobbins Air Reserve Base. In a controversial 2021 vote, the commission approved rezoning for a condo development in the accident zone despite objections from Dobbins, the Cobb Chamber of Commerce, and the county's Planning Commission. The land swap agreement approved in January 2022 was meant to resolve the issue, but the commission has now decided to terminate it. Encroachment by development remains a significant concern for the base's viability, and discussions with the developer are ongoing to find a resolution that complies with FAA guidelines. STORY 6:  Marietta school board to superintendent: 'Remove sexually explicit material from our district' The Marietta City Schools Board of Commissioners is taking action to address sexually explicit content in school media centers. They plan to issue a directive to Superintendent Grant Rivera, requesting the removal of material deemed "obscene, pornographic, not age-appropriate, and without substantive historical or academic value." The directive aims to ensure content aligns with the district's educational goals and community standards. It also calls for staff training, a review process for library books, and a system for reporting potentially explicit materials. Superintendent Rivera has outlined steps to monitor content, including policy reminders and oversight of book purchases. Both actions come after the removal of controversial books from Marietta High School's library. The board emphasizes that it is not a book ban but a measure to remove explicit and inappropriate content.   We'll be back in a moment   Break:   Disney on Ice  - Ingles 9 - JRM   STORY 7: Marietta man gets life in prison for child molestation   A Marietta man, Jason T. Haygood, has been sentenced to life in prison plus 25 years after being found guilty by a Cobb County jury on multiple child molestation charges. Haygood was convicted of three counts of aggravated child molestation, one count of aggravated sexual battery, two counts of child molestation, and related charges. The abuse occurred over a ten-year period from 2010 to 2020, starting when the victim was just four years old. The victim's testimony, along with evidence obtained during a police search warrant, corroborated the allegations. The sentencing judge highlighted the depravity of Haygood's actions in abusing and grooming the victim. The trial team, law enforcement, and jury were commended for their efforts in bringing Haygood to justice.     STORY 8: Police: 2 stabbed at Coca-Cola Roxy over weekend   A Cartersville man, Oskar Tapia Gonzalez, has been arrested by the Cobb County Police Department for allegedly stabbing two men from Tustin, California, at the Coca-Cola Roxy in The Battery Atlanta after a Saturday night concert. The victims, aged 27 and 31, suffered multiple stab wounds and were hospitalized. First responders and bystanders provided initial care before they were transferred to WellStar Kennestone Hospital. The suspect, described as a Hispanic male wearing a beige floral shirt and blue jeans, was apprehended near a Shell gas station on Windy Hill Road. Gonzalez has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault and is currently held at the Cobb County jail with a $20,000 bond and an Immigration and Customs Enforcement hold. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact the police………….…Back with final thoughts after   Break:  Powers - Henssler 60 Signoff- Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Marietta Daily Journal podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Gwinnett Daily Post, the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties, or the Paulding County News Podcast. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at MDJonline.com. Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. www.henssler.com  www.ingles-markets.com  www.cuofga.org  www.drakerealty.com  www.daycosystems.com  www.powerselectricga.com  www.esogrepair.com  www.elonsalon.com  www.jrmmanagement.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for August 19th sat Publish Date: Aug 18 fri   Commercial: Henssler :15   From the Henssler Financial Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast Today is saturday August 19th and happy 34th birthday to NFL QB Kirk Cousins ***Cousins*** I'm Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia 1. Cobb School Board votes to fire teacher who read book about gender identity 2. Man accused of crashing into Dairy Queen during police chase 3. And Cobb sheriff beefing up courthouse security with new tech Plus, Brian Giffin will have a Cobb Sports Report, Powered by Powers Electrical Solutions   All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subcribe! Commercial : CUofGA   STORY 1 fire   Katie Rinderle, an elementary school teacher in Cobb County, has been terminated by the school district despite the recommendation of a disciplinary tribunal against firing her. The controversy stemmed from Rinderle reading the picture book "My Shadow is Purple," which touched on topics of gender fluidity. The book's content sparked debate among parents. The school district rejected the tribunal's advice, leading to Rinderle's termination. While the teacher's certification remains intact, she plans to explore her legal options and appeal to the state board of education. The case highlights debates surrounding book selection, teacher autonomy, and parents' rights in education. ......................……... read more about this at mdjonline.com   Story 2: chase   Rodriguez Butler, an Atlanta man, is facing multiple charges after a police chase resulted in a crash into a Dairy Queen. During the chase, Butler allegedly fled from police, drove on the wrong side of the road at high speeds, crashed into the Dairy Queen, and attempted to flee on foot. He had to be tasered before being apprehended. Butler was found in possession of a stolen firearm. Additionally, he fled the scene of a wreck he caused, which resulted in injuries to a passenger. He is charged with various offenses, including eluding police, obstruction, criminal damage, and theft of a firearm, and is currently in custody on a $15,000 bond.   Story 3: tech   Cobb County Sheriff Craig Owens has introduced advanced security technology, the Smiths Detection HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX, to enhance safety at the Cobb County court complex. The new machines, similar to those used at airports, are designed to detect weapons and explosives using computerized tomography (CT) to produce three-dimensional images. This upgrade from the older two-dimensional X-ray machines allows for better identification of objects and materials. The new scanners have built-in artificial intelligence to identify potential threats. In addition to the larger scanners, six smaller, less advanced machines are being added across the complex. The investment of about $3.26 million is funded by a special 1% sales tax..…..(pause)   We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info.   we'll be right back   Break: Drake – Dayco - Elon   STORY 4: safety   Mayor Michael Owens of Mableton, Georgia, has announced that the city will continue relying on Cobb County for essential services such as police, fire, and emergency medical services (EMS). Owens emphasized the partnership's benefits, enabling Mableton to focus on its growth and development while ensuring the safety of its citizens. Despite the city's growth, there are no plans to take control of police, fire, and public safety services. The collaboration between Mableton and Cobb County's public safety leadership aims to provide a high level of service to residents. Public safety officials will periodically attend Mableton's City Council meetings to provide updates and maintain the partnership's collaborative spirit....program reminder, we'll have a feature interview with Mayor Owens on Sunday's Cobb Life Podcast.   STORY 5: refresh   Brittney Gray, the executive director of Visit Marietta, discussed the impact of travel and tourism on Cobb County's economy during a talk to the Cobb Chamber of Commerce. Gray highlighted that travel and tourism contribute a $2.2 billion economic impact to the area, generating $135.9 million in state and local taxes and supporting 23,830 jobs. She emphasized the importance of visitors to the local economy and outlined the efforts of Visit Marietta to promote the city as a destination, increase economic growth, and serve visitors. Gray also plans to rebrand Visit Marietta and conduct research to better understand the city's visitors and their preferences.   Story 6: music   The 2023 Georgia Country Music Fest, the largest red dirt country music festival in Georgia, will take place from September 1st to 3rd at Jim R. Miller Park in Marietta. The festival will feature over 30 artists, including national recording artists and emerging talents. The event will include multiple stages, with performances by artists such as Koe Wetzel, Cody Jinks, Turnpike Troubadours, Ashley McBryde, and more. Each day will have a different theme night and showcase a variety of musicians. The festival is rain or shine, and attendees must have ID to drink. General admission, Main Stage VIP, and Super VIP tickets are available for purchase on the festival's website.   We'll be back in a moment   Break: Powers – Ingles 1 - ESOG   Story 7: warriors   North Cobb High School's football team, ranked No. 10 in Class 7A, has built a challenging schedule to prepare for its competitive region. The team will face No. 8 Westlake followed by games against top-ranked Buford and rival Marietta. The coach, Shane Queen, emphasizes improvement in avoiding mental mistakes and penalties, aiming for success in the fourth quarter. The upcoming Westlake game is expected to be decided in the trenches, as both teams have strong lines. Junior quarterback Nick Grimstead, in his first full season as a starter, and senior David Eziomume, a Clemson commit, are key players for North Cobb. Westlake boasts a defense with multiple Division I talents committed to FBS programs.   Story 8: Bucs   Allatoona High School's football team enters the 2023 season with new coach Brad Smith, replacing the long-time coach Gary Varner. The team faces North Paulding in their first game under Smith's leadership. Despite a young and inexperienced lineup, Smith is optimistic about his team's performance. Allatoona has undergone changes in coaching staff and offensive/defensive schemes, adapting to a spread offense and multiple front defense. The upcoming match against North Paulding, the 2022 Region 3 7A champions, poses a significant challenge. North Paulding's well-coached and talented team will be a test for Allatoona, which is starting several sophomores.   Story 9: Football   Back The 2023 high school football season began in Cobb County with the newly renamed Corky Kell-Dave Hunter Classic, featuring Kell hosting Parkview Wednesday. The MDJ introduces "Kickoff '23," a 164-page football preview containing team previews for every Georgia High School Association program in Cobb and Cherokee counties, as well as Kennesaw State and Reinhardt. The main feature focuses on whether it's east Cobb's time to win a state championship, with an exploration of the county's football history and aspirations. The Dynamite Dozen showcases top football players in Cobb, with interactive QR codes for more information. The issue is also available online. The full color issue is a must read for all Cobb County High School Football fans……Back with final thoughts after thisthis…..   Break: JRM - Ted's - Henssler 60 Signoff- Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Marietta Daily Journal podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Gwinnett Daily Post, the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties, or the Paulding County News Podcast. Read more about all our stories, and get other great content at MDJonline.com. Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. www.henssler.com  www.ingles-markets.com  www.cuofga.org  www.drakerealty.com  www.daycosystems.com  www.powerselectricga.com  www.esogrepair.com  www.elonsalon.com  www.jrmmanagement.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MDJ  Script/ Top Stories for June 15th Thursday Publish Date: June 14th Wednesday   Commercial:  Henssler :15   From the Henssler Financial Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast    Today is Thursday June the 15th and happy 69th birthday to actor Jim Belushi ***Belushi*** I'm Dan Radcliffe and here are the top stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia Suspect in murder at Norcross-area wings restaurant arrested in Cobb County SUV reported stolen in Marietta, later found on fire in Cherokee County And Stacey Chapman wins the Cobb Chamber's Woman of Distinction Award Plus, Leah McGrath of Ingles markets is here to talk about Keto Diets, and we have our weekly piece with “The Marietta Food Guy” we'll talk with Leah McGrath of Ingles Markets about healthy dinner ideas All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.   Commercial : CUofGA   STORY 1 arrested   Xavier Jones, a Norcross man, has been arrested for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Jerrett Mitchell at a wings restaurant in Gwinnett County in April. The shooting resulted in Mitchell's death, and another individual was injured. Jones faces charges including felony murder, aggravated assault, and firearm possession by a convicted felon. The arrest was made in Cobb County on unrelated charges. Mitchell, a 22-year-old aspiring entertainer, was out shopping for his upcoming birthday when the incident occurred. Mitchell's friend was also injured in the shooting......stay up to date on this story at mdjonline.com     Story 2: suv   Cherokee County fire investigators are asking for information regarding a stolen car that was found on fire on Interstate 575. The black 2018 Mercedes GLE35 was reported stolen in Marietta on June 12. The SUV was discovered engulfed in flames on Interstate 575 northbound in Cherokee County. Firefighters responded to the scene and extinguished the fire. No injuries were reported, and there were no individuals present when the firefighters arrived. The cause of the fire is currently being investigated. If anyone has information related to this incident, they are encouraged to contact Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services investigators at 678-493-4197. Check back for developments in the case at mdjonline.com     Story 3: chapman   Stacey Chapman, an executive at architecture firm CROFT & Associates, has been honored with the 2023 Woman of Distinction Award by the Cobb Chamber of Commerce's Cobb Executive Women. The award recognizes Chapman's exceptional leadership in her professional endeavors, community involvement, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. As the first woman on the company's executive leadership team, Chapman brings a unique perspective to address the needs of the staff and drive the company's vision. She actively promotes female representation, supports professional development, and founded the CROFT Women's LeadHership Initiative. Chapman also leads the company's giving and volunteerism program, CROFTCares, contributing over $2 million to local charities and causes. She is involved in various community organizations and has received other notable accolades….we'll be right back   Break:   ESOG– Dayco   STORY 4: 159th   Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park in Kennesaw will commemorate the 159th anniversary of the Civil War battle with a series of events on June 24-25. The weekend will feature various activities including talks, demonstrations, living history walks, music performances, history hikes, and more. Programs will take place at the Visitor Center and other designated locations within the park. Continuous programs such as military camps and children's games will be available throughout both days. For further details and information, interested individuals can contact 770-427-4686 or visit the park's website at www.nps.gov/kemo. Get more details on the celebration at mdjonline.com     STORY 5: tilt   Elizabeth Tilt, a senior swimmer at Lassiter High School, has had an impressive career, winning seven state championships and leading her team to four consecutive state titles. Tilt was named Cobb County Girls Swimmer of the Year for three consecutive years and has been part of the SA Swimming Scholastic All-America Team each season. She excelled in the 100-yard butterfly and the 200 individual medley, posting impressive times. Tilt's talent and confidence have grown over the years, and she is known for her team spirit and dedication. She will continue her swimming career at the University of Georgia, where she will compete in various events. Despite her success, Tilt remains focused on continuous improvement.   Story 6: united   The Atlanta United Community Fund is organizing the opening of a mini-pitch at the SAE School in Mableton. The event, scheduled for Saturday at 1:30 pm, will be attended by Atlanta United players and club representatives. This mini-pitch is part of the GA 100 campaign, an initiative by Atlanta United to build up to 100 soccer fields across Georgia. The SAE pitch is the third field to be opened, following fields in Gainesville and Brunswick. The program was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic but is now gaining momentum, with several more field openings planned for later this year.          Coming up next, Leah McGrath gets together with our Bruce Jenkins…………we're back, in a moment   Break  Drake – Ingle's 8 - Elon   Story 7:  Leah   And now, Leah McGrath of Ingles Markets talks keto diets with our Bruce Jenkins   ****Leah – Keto****   While we're talking food, our Brian Giffin has Matt Debusschere (Duh-BUSH-ur), the Marietta Food guy, for this weeks visit.   ****Food Guy 6-15****     We'll have closing comments after this.   Henssler 60 Signoff- Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Marietta Daily Journal podcast. Read more about all our stories, and get other great content at MDJonline.com. Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. www.henssler.com   www.ingles-markets.com   www.cuofga.org   www.daycosystems.com   www.elonsalon.com   www.esopgrepair.com    See omny.fm/listener for privacy information.

Bob Prillaman, former executive of Caraustar Industries and philanthropist, passed away at the age of 90. Prillaman made an indelible impact on Cobb County through his philanthropy and activism. He played a key role in the growth of Wellstar Health System in the region and in the partnership between Wellstar and Kennesaw State University. Prillaman also wrote about healthcare issues for his community in a November MDJ guest column, encouraging collaboration among local hospitals, government, and community members. Prillaman was born into poverty in Bassett, Virginia, and worked his way up the ranks in the paper industry. He will be remembered for his kindness, thoughtfulness, and loyalty as a friend. A motorcyclist named Felix Witt was injured in a crash in east Cobb on Monday night. The incident took place around 6:10 pm when Witt's black 2022 KTR 390 motorcycle collided with a white 2017 Mazda CX5 driven by Sandra Craine. Craine attempted a U-turn at the intersection, in front of the motorcycle, which led to the collision. Witt was ejected from his motorcycle and was taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Craine, who is 76 years old, was not hurt. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact Cobb police. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp spoke to the Cobb Chamber of Commerce, touting the state's economy and fiscal conservatism. Kemp pointed to the state's low unemployment rate, economic development successes, and balanced budget. With a budget surplus of over $6 billion, the state returned funds to taxpayers through state income tax rebates and property tax relief. Kemp highlighted the state's record of being named the best state to do business for nine years in a row and announced roughly 150,000 new jobs and $60 billion of new investment since he took office. The governor also mentioned legislative measures passed, such as the Safe School Act, teacher pay raises, and combating human trafficking. The Kennesaw Downtown Development Authority and the Kennesaw Downtown Merchants Association have announced the third annual First Friday Concert Series in downtown Kennesaw. The series will run from May to October, with no concert in July. The community is invited to stroll through the historic downtown area and enjoy an evening of shopping, dining, and live music from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Pedestrian Underpass/Tunnel Plaza off Main Street. VIP Tables are available for reservation, which include a six-foot table with a tablecloth, centerpiece, and special gift, and can seat six individuals. The lineup includes bands such as 293 Band, The GlowBand- an Ealges tribute, Run Katie Run, Brotherhood-a Doobie Brothers tribute, and Emerald Empire Band. Two high school basketball teams from Cobb County finished in the top 25 of the final national polls. Wheeler, the Class 7A state champion, ranked 24th in ESPN's final top 25. Kell, the Class 5A state champion, ranked 20th in USA Today's poll. Wheeler went 27-7 and defeated opponents by an average of 14 points. Kell went 28-2 and won their games by an average of 34 points in the final 15 games of the season. Both teams played a national schedule and won their state championships, while featuring rosters full of future college stars. Kennesaw State has found their new basketball coach, and he's coming from an SEC power.   The five newest graduates of the Cobb County Drug Treatment Court were recently celebrated by judges, elected officials, community members, court staff, attorneys, family members, and friends. The program, which lasts 18-24 months, provides an alternative to incarceration for individuals with substance use disorders. The program combines close supervision, evidence-based treatment, and recovery support to teach offenders to be productive members of the community. The graduates shared their success stories and expressed hope and excitement for their future. The program is presided over by Superior Court Judge Kimberly A. Childs, and attended by other elected officials, including the District Attorney, Commissioner, and Clerk of Superior Court. The Harrison girls' soccer team won their eighth straight game with a 4-0 victory over South Gwinnett in the Class AAAAAAAA state playoffs. Caroline Shaw had a goal and an assist, and Addie Watt, Courtney Cangialosi, and Sydney Snow all scored. In other Cobb County action, Walton won 3-0 against West Forsyth, Kennesaw Mountain lost 3-0 to Denmark, and Brookwood beat Hillgrove 1-0. Harrison (13-3-1) will face the winner of Camden County and East Coweta in Round 2 on Monday, and Walton will host the winner of Meadowcreek and Buford on Monday. Lia McGrath from Ingles Markets answers our questions about Fasting. Community reporter Matt Goldin joins us again with our Dayco Systems Community Event Calendar.   #CobbCounty #Georgia #LocalNews      -            -            -            -            -            The Marietta Daily Journal Podcast is local news for Marietta, Kennesaw, Smyrna, and all of Cobb County.             Subscribe today, so you don't miss an episode! MDJOnline            Register Here for your essential digital news.            https://www.chattahoocheetech.edu/  https://cuofga.org/ https://www.esogrepair.com/ https://www.drakerealty.com/           Find additional episodes of the MDJ Podcast here.             This Podcast was produced and published for the Marietta Daily Journal and MDJ Online by BG Ad Group   For more information be sure to visit https://www.bgpodcastnetwork.com          See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lassiter grad Cody Rhodes, along with Finn Balor, Carmella, Liv Morgan, and announcer Alicia Taylor of the WWE visited 20 families through the Make-A-Wish program at Universal Studios on Friday. The wrestlers posed for photos, signed autographs, and gave the families a private tour of the studio and access to the theme park. They also invited the families to attend WrestleMania 39 this weekend. Rhodes, who lost in the main event against Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship on Sunday, said helping others with his fame is the best part of his job. He believes the visit to the families was the most important thing he did all week. Vietnam veterans and their families were celebrated and recognized during a commemoration event hosted by the Horace Orr Post 29 of the American Legion at Chattahoochee Technical College. President Obama proclaimed a 13-year period to thank and honor veterans of the war, starting on Memorial Day in 2012 and continuing through Veterans Day in 2025. In 2017, President Trump signed the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act, designating every March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. This year, President Biden honored the veterans in a proclamation letter, thanking them for their sacrifice. Approximately 9 million Americans served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces during the Vietnam War, and around 7 million are still living today. A $1.45 million contract was awarded to Accenture by the Cobb Board of Commissioners to develop a five-year strategic plan for the county. However, tension arose this week between Chairwoman Lisa Cupid and Commissioner Keli Gambrill as the board quizzed consultants with questions about recommended strategies the county might pursue over the next five years. Gambrill expressed skepticism over the recommended strategies, particularly in relation to economic development, and suggested that the county's involvement in these initiatives should be left to the Cobb Chamber of Commerce. Cupid argued that economic development was a key function of government, and the county could partner with the chamber while retaining accountability to taxpayers And, John Bednarowski checks in with us from Augusta National as the Masters Practice rounds have begun. Make sure to tune in all this week for our Masters Coverage presented by Ingles. Marietta's Dansby Swanson, in his debut for the Chicago Cubs, hit three hits, drove in a run and helped Marcus Stroman escape a bases-loaded jam to a 4-0 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers. He was signed to a seven-year, $177m contract and became the first Cub to have three hits in his team debut since September 2019. Swanson admitted the transition to Chicago had been tough, but he was sure he was led there. Faith is an essential part of the Swansons' outlook, and prayer played a significant role in his free agency decision. Swanson's value goes beyond just numbers, and his durability has become a trademark of his game. The Cobb County Department of Public Safety is hosting a 13-week Citizens Public Safety Academy starting May 2nd at 6 p.m. This program provides citizens aged 21 or older with an inside look at how the police, fire, animal services, and 911 departments work together to ensure public safety. Interested individuals must live or work in Cobb County, and all applicants must fill out an application and undergo a background check. The program includes tours of public safety facilities, training on firearms safety and defensive tactics, and classes on hazardous materials and heavy rescue operations. The deadline to register is April 29th at 3 p.m. For more information, contact Sargent Reid. The Powder Springs Planning Commission approved a rezoning request allowing for the construction of 446 apartments and 11,000 square feet of retail space on a 56-acre tract at the northwest corner of Barrett Parkway and Macedonia Road. South City Partners, an Atlanta-based developer, is seeking the rezoning for the mixed-use development, which will include a mix of multifamily units, single-family homes, and townhomes, as well as retail components, and potential for a sit-down restaurant. Monthly rents will range from $1,400 to $2,600 for the apartments, and the development is expected to act as a "gateway to the city." Five Cobb County players and four coaches from Georgia Athletic Coaches Association's all-state teams are recognized this week. Among the players, Kell's Crystal Henderson, Isaiah Collier from Wheeler, Ace Bailey from McEachern, Peyton Marshall from Kell, and Albert Wilson from North Cobb Christian, earned the GACA player of the year. Four teams from each classification received North and South honors. Four coaches of the year were recognized for the boys, while Kandra Bailey and Stephanie Dunn were recognized for the girls. In total, 27 players were honored, and schools from Kell, Wheeler, and McEachern dominated the all-state selections. #CobbCounty #Georgia #LocalNews        -            -            -            -            -            The Marietta Daily Journal Podcast is local news for Marietta, Kennesaw, Smyrna, and all of Cobb County.             Subscribe today, so you don't miss an episode! MDJOnline            Register Here for your essential digital news.            https://www.chattahoocheetech.edu/  https://cuofga.org/ https://www.esogrepair.com/ https://www.drakerealty.com/           Find additional episodes of the MDJ Podcast here.             This Podcast was produced and published for the Marietta Daily Journal and MDJ Online by BG Ad Group   For more information be sure to visit https://www.bgpodcastnetwork.com      See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Marietta man was killed in a shooting at an extended stay on South Cobb Drive and another arrested in the early morning incident Wednesday, according to the Cobb County Police Department. Ricky Haney died after being shot in the abdomen while in room 210 of the Cumberland Lodge Hotel.. Wilson said Clarence Mitchell of Marietta, told detectives at the scene an altercation occurred on Tuesday between him and Haney, leading to a separate altercation at 4:40 a.m. Wednesday. Wilson added that the second altercation allegedly led Mitchell to fire a single gunshot at Haney, who died of his injuries after being transported to the hospital. Mitchell was arrested by police and charged with felony murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, Wilson said. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Cobb County Police Tip Hotline. State Senator Ed Setzler, a Republican from Acworth, filed legislation this week he said would expand state religious protections to mirror those imposed by a 1993 federal law. The Religious Freedom Restoration Act, SB 180, borrows from existing federal legislation on religious liberty, and renews the debate over constitutional rights nearly seven years after a previous bill was vetoed by former Governor Nathan Deal. Deal's decision to shoot down the legislation in 2016 came as LGBTQ rights activists said it would effectively legalize discrimination, as the bill would have allowed religious organizations to refuse service if doing so would violate their beliefs, among other measures. Georgia's business community — including the Cobb Chamber of Commerce — commended the veto by Deal. Setzler's new bill enters the General Assembly with significant Republican support out of the gate, as 24 other GOP state senators have already co-signed the measure. Cobb's two other Republican state senators — Kay Kirkpatrick and John Albers — were not listed as co-sponsors. Both told the MDJ they had not reviewed the bill before it was filed. Senator Setzler stated that the law isn't designed to favor one side or another in a question over religious expression, but to serve as a yardstick by which disputes can be evaluated in court. Jeff Graham, executive director of Georgia Equality, said that while freedom of religion is a cornerstone of the country, it is imperative that in the protection of religion that the state not create license to discriminate. McEachern pulled away with a big second quarter, and held off a late Hillgrove comeback, to win 50-43 in the semifinals of the girls Region 3AAAAAAA basketball tournament at Harrison on Wednesday. The Indians outscored the Hawks 13-3 in the second quarter to take control, though Hillgrove eventually closed the gap in the second half and got within one late in the fourth quarter. The win earned McEachern a spot in the today's championship game against North Paulding. Hillgrove will face Harrison in the third-place game. Kalise Hill scored 21 points and Jada Bates added 15 points to lead the way for McEachern. Yolanda Floyd scored 16 points for Hillgrove. McEachern got its quest for a region championship off to a strong start with a 84-56 victory over Marietta in the semifinals of the Region 3 seven a basketball tournament at Harrison on Wednesday. The Indians will play Hillgrove in the championship game, while Marietta takes on Harrison in the third-place contest today. McEachern was boosted by a strong first quarter in which it outscored Marietta 21-12 and it continued to gradually build its lead the rest of the way. Rutgers commitment Ace Bailey led the way for McEachern with 31 points, while Moses Hipps contributed 14 points for the Indians. Jack Bourgeois scored 15 points on five 3-pointers, while Jaiden Mann added 13 points for Marietta. A Douglasville man has been arrested and charged with arson, accused by authorities of starting a fire in Mableton on Tuesday. Sebastian Perez was charged with first degree arson, a felony, according to Cobb County Fire and Emergency Services. As the Arnolds sought to retrieve some belongings from the home, Strong attacked Maurice Arnold with a hunting knife. As DeAndre Arnold attempted to stop Strong from continually stabbing Maurice Arnold, he was injured by Strong, the DA's office added. Police arrived at the scene and arrested Strong after talking to witnesses, according to the DA's office. Maurice Arnold later died from his injuries. Firefighters responded to a commercial fire in the 1300 block of Old Powder Springs Road shortly before 10 a.m. Tuesday. Perez is being held at the Cobb County jail. He is ineligible for bond. Two people were shot and injured at an apartment complex in south Cobb early Thursday, the Cobb County Police Department said. Officers responded to a reported shooting around 1:24 a.m. at the Premier Apartments, located off Riverside Parkway in the Six Flags area, police said. There, they found Phil Ray, 23, of Austell, and Jamari Payne, 19, of Woodstock, with gunshot wounds. One person had a gunshot wound to their left foot, while the other had gunshot wounds to their arm and torso, police said. Ray and Payne were both taken to a local hospital for treatment, where they remain in stable condition, according to police. Police continue to investigate the shooting. Anyone with information about it is asked to contact Cobb police. #CobbCounty #Georgia #LocalNews      -            -            -            -            -            The Marietta Daily Journal Podcast is local news for Marietta, Kennesaw, Smyrna, and all of Cobb County.             Subscribe today, so you don't miss an episode! MDJOnline            Register Here for your essential digital news.            https://www.chattahoocheetech.edu/  https://cuofga.org/ https://www.esogrepair.com/ https://www.drakerealty.com/           Find additional episodes of the MDJ Podcast here.             This Podcast was produced and published for the Marietta Daily Journal and MDJ Online by BG Ad Group   For more information be sure to visit https://www.bgpodcastnetwork.com            See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sherry Willingham, a bank teller at Fifth Third Bank in Merchant's Walk, was at work Monday when her daughter-in-law called. She asked Willingham if she had been contacted by the management of the Hamptons at East Cobb apartment complex at 1523 Roswell Road. Willingham lived on the second floor of the complex's 200 building. The fire had indeed broken out in Willingham's building, displacing her and nearly 40 more residents while also leaving a 74-year-old man dead. Thomas Alexander, or “Tommy,” as he was known to Willingham and others in the building, was found dead in apartment 226, just across the hall from Willingham's unit, following Monday's fire, according to Officer Shenise Barner, spokesperson for the Cobb Police Department. Willingham left work to check on her dog, a 14-year-old chihuahua named Chi Chi, and came home to find her building ablaze. Firefighters had rescued the dog, Willingham's emotional support animal since 2016, from the burning building. Though she is grateful she and Chi Chi are alive, Willingham is devastated, having lost her home. It adds to the traumas she has suffered in the last two decades: the death of her mother, a bout with breast cancer and a recent divorce. Police and the Cobb and Marietta fire departments responded to the fire around 11 a.m. Monday. Fire units were on scene within five minutes, the Cobb County Fire Department said in a news release, finding “heavy fire at the front of the building and flames through the roof.” Fifty firefighters and a dozen fire trucks responded. Cobb County has sued the contractors behind the largest water system project in county history, alleging their negligence led to a “massive and catastrophic failure” of a wastewater facility in 2018. The county's lawsuit — which seeks at least $39 million — accuses contractors J.F. Shea and Traylor Brothers of faulty welding in the construction of the sewage pumping facility. A 200-foot deep concrete shaft, the structure sits near the Chattahoochee River in south Cobb and pumps waste from a huge underground tunnel up to the county's treatment plant. J.F. Shea and Traylor Brothers — two of the country's largest construction firms, who completed the project under the joint venture Shea-Traylor — were hired in 2008 to construct both the pumping facility and the nearly 6-mile tunnel, and awarded a contract worth $305 million. Construction lasted nearly a decade, and was completed in February 2018. But the failure of the project happened less than a year later. On Dec. 30, 2018, per the county's lawsuit, a cover for one of the gates separating the wells from the tunnel system “suddenly ruptured and exploded upward.” The result was that liquid sewage flooded the pump chamber, spilling “a combination of rainwater, creek water, and untreated wastewater” into nearby Nickajack Creek, the county said at the time. The volume of the spill was some 113 million gallons. It took the county months to clear out the pump facility, the lawsuit says. The county alleges the failure was directly attributable to faulty welding and that Shea-Traylor hasn't helped with the cleanup or remediation efforts. Kennesaw State University is not the only major research university with a foothold in Cobb County. Just ask Ángel Cabrera, the president of the Georgia Institute of Technology. Cobb Chamber of Commerce Chairman Greg Teague did just that, interviewing Cabrera on the stage of the Coca-Cola Roxy at the chamber's monthly luncheon Monday. Cabrera, the 12th president of Georgia Tech, touted the Atlanta-based university's impact, across the U.S. and globally, but also in Cobb. He added that Georgia Tech is the fastest growing university in Georgia and the second fastest growing in the country over the last decade. And now, for two straight years, Cabrera said, Georgia Tech is the top spender for research among universities without a medical school, a title the Institute wrestled from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. A portion of that research takes place at the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI), Cabrera noted, which focuses on applied research, or research focused on solving real-world problems. About 900 of the nearly 3,000 research engineers and scientists in the GTRI are based at the Cobb County Research Facility, Cabrera said. The Cobb location of the GTRI is based at the Lockheed Martin campus adjacent Dobbins Air Reserve Base. With Jackie Smallwood Field, home of Marietta's baseball program, sitting at the low point of the school's campus, rainouts and a sloppy playing field were an issue each season. Now, after the recent completion of a $2 million upgrade to the Marietta baseball and softball facilities — featuring the installation of artificial turf surfaces — neither should be a problem again. New Marietta baseball coach Josh Davis said his players have raved about the facility upgrades, and it has allowed him to hold practice outside, while other programs around Cobb County have had to move indoors to get their work done. McKinney said the baseball and softball facilities were the first of Marietta City Schools' SPLOST VI projects to be completed. Other athletic projects still on the docket as part of the overall $71.5 million which include an LED video scoreboard for Northcutt Stadium, in addition to a scoreboard for the on-campus field that serves as home for Marietta's track and field, lacrosse and soccer programs. The project was done by Hellas Construction. The turf is called Major Play Matrix, which was created specifically for baseball and softball. It is designed to deliver “consistent and predictable ball response, a shock-absorbent field of play and a long-lasting investment.” A Marietta man previously convicted of stabbing his stepson to death over dirty dishes has once again been found guilty by a Cobb jury, the Cobb County District Attorney's Office announced. Aaron Edward Strong  was found guilty of felony murder, two counts of aggravated assault and two counts of possession of a knife during the commission of a felony in the August 2015 attack of his stepson, 32-year-old Maurice Arnold, and step-grandson, 22-year-old DeAndre Arnold. Strong was granted a new trial in 2020 after the Georgia Supreme Court overturned his first conviction. According to the DA's office, Strong came home after a weekend away to the residence he shared with his wife Felicie Strong, Maurice Arnold and DeAndre Arnold on August 24, 2015. Strong, upset about dirty dishes in the sink, began a verbal altercation with his stepson and step-grandson, the DA's office said, and after Aaron Day, a neighbor and friend of DeAndre Arnold's, overheard the altercation in the background of a video game chat, he suggested Maurice and DeAndre Arnold leave the residence. As the Arnolds sought to retrieve some belongings from the home, Strong attacked Maurice Arnold with a hunting knife. As DeAndre Arnold attempted to stop Strong from continually stabbing Maurice Arnold, he was injured by Strong, the DA's office added. Police arrived at the scene and arrested Strong after talking to witnesses, according to the DA's office. Maurice Arnold later died from his injuries. A crucial heads-up play by Zach Bleshoy helped propel Pope into the Region seven six A championship game after a nail-biting 51-50 win over Alpharetta on Tuesday at Roswell High School. With 30 seconds left in the game, the Raiders had possession and Alpharetta leading scorer Bryant put up a shot that just missed off the front of the rim. It looked like the Raiders were going to keep possession as the ball was heading out of play, but Bleshoy found a way to give the ball back to the Greyhounds. He grabbed the ball, and as he was heading out of bounds, managed to throw it off an Alpharetta player. The win sends Pope into the region title game where it will face top-seed Blessed Trinity on Friday. The Titans beat Greyhounds 55-46 in mid-January and then 61-52 just over a week ago. Alpharetta will take on Sprayberry in the third-place game.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kennesaw police named two men Friday in the alleged beating of a Kennesaw State University student near the school's main campus last week. According to a release, Gauge Dakota Stanley of Chatsworth and Kole Zuba Reasoner of Flowery Branch were charged with battery, a misdemeanor, and aggravated battery, a felony. Police spokesperson David Buchanan said Jalique Rosemund, who is Black, was attacked at the West 22 apartment complex on Cherokee Street in Kennesaw, about 1 mile west of the university's campus, around midnight January 22. Rosemund said his attackers were two white men who repeatedly called him the N-word, according to a report by the responding officer. Rosemund was treated at a nearby hospital, according to the report. Kennesaw police thanked KSU police and the public in the release, stating without tips from the public “these arrests would not have been possible.” However, neither suspect had been booked into Cobb County jail as of Sunday evening. A man is being held without bond in the Cobb County jail after authorities say he tried to rape a 12-year-old girl in Shaw Park. According to a warrant filed by Cobb police, the victim said a man approached her while she was walking through the woods in the north Marietta park around 5 p.m. She said he offered her a water bottle that appeared to be sealed. The warrant says that “after drinking from the bottle she began to feel dizzy and tingle.” Then the man pulled out a knife, threatened her, and sexually assaulted her, according to the warrant. Cobb police arrested Douglas Darch on January 22 and connected him to the alleged attack. Darch, who is in his late 50s and homeless according to jail records, is charged with five felonies: aggravated assault with attempt to rape, child molestation, aggravated child molestation, child cruelty, and making terroristic threats. Dwight “Ike” Reighard, CEO of MUST Ministries, has been named the Cobb County Citizen of the Year.  Reighard received the award, presented by the Marietta Daily Journal, at the Cobb Chamber of Commerce's annual dinner celebration Saturday evening at the Cobb Galleria Centre. Following in the footsteps of past honorees, Reighard was recognized for his leadership of a ministry which provides services to some 60,000 people a year struggling in poverty. He became head of MUST Ministries in 2011. During his tenure, the Marietta-based charity launched its mobile pantry, which served 17,000 families in its first year, and the MUST Hope House shelter in Marietta. The 43,000 facility opened last year and features 136 beds and 36 respite beds used during inclement weather, a chapel, a rooftop retreat for families and a large dining hall. Reighard has often recounted how hungry hobos from the nearby Inman railway yard in Atlanta would stray into his childhood backyard seeking a handout. His mother never gave money, but would offer food and ice tea in mason jars to those who drifted onto their property. Word of the Reighards' generosity spread through the hobo village alongside the railroad tracks. Visits became more frequent. Neighbors grew upset, telling Reighard's mother she was going to be hurt or get someone else hurt. Her reply was that these men were somebody's son, father or brother and that if her son, father or brother were in trouble, she would hope someone would help them. As a child of the Great Depression, he said his mother never forgot how quickly one's fortunes can change. Brian Snitker is set to remain the Atlanta Braves' manager through his 70th birthday after agreeing to contract extension through the 2025 season Friday. The 67-year-old Snitker guided the team to 101 wins and its fifth consecutive NL East title last season, one year after helping the Braves win the fourth World Series title in franchise history. Snitker finished third in the Manager of the Year voting in 2022, after winning the award in 2018. He also was a finalist for the honor in 2019 and finished fourth in 2020 and 2021. Snitker completed his 46th season in the Braves' organization in 2022, and his sixth full campaign as the Braves manager. He took over on an interim basis following the firing of Fredi Gonzalez on May 17, 2016, then was named the permanent manager October 11 of the same year. The native of Decatur, Illinois, first joined the Braves as a non-drafted free agent in 1977. He spent four years as a player before beginning his managerial career at 26 years old with the Class A Anderson Braves in 1982. Snitker went on to manage for 20 seasons in the Braves' system, compiling a 1,301-1,309 record with 10 different affiliates. He also had three tours of duty on the major league staff as a coach in 1985 and again from 1988-90 and 2007-13.  Dozens of trains ran simultaneously at full speed in downtown Kennesaw on Saturday. No crashes resulted because of careful planning — with each train running on a closed loop. The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History in downtown Kennesaw held its annual “Trains, Trains, Trains!” event over the weekend. The event began in 2010 when the museum's executive director, Richard Banz, had the idea for the event after taking his niece to a train show. The event featured 10 model train layouts built by local hobbyists. Three of the layouts were interactive, allowing visitors to control the trains. The model trains on display ranged from the extremely small “z gauge” trains to huge, one-sixth-scale models. The Smithsonian-affiliated museum also houses three real locomotives as part of its permanent collection, including the famed General. The price of admission included access to the whole museum in addition to the model trains, which were interspersed throughout the exhibits. Banz said family educational experiences are important for children, and the event is ultimately about sharing the joy of trains. Banz, who has been a model train hobbyist since he got his first train set as a child, said Kennesaw's model train event is the only one he knows of designed with families and children in mind. Greg Teague waited an extra year for his turn, but it has finally come. Teague, CEO of Croy Engineering, is the Cobb Chamber of Commerce's 2023 chairman, a role he was set to fill in 2022 before the pandemic threw things a bit off course. The chamber's 2022 chairwoman, Britt Fleck, passed the baton to Teague at the chamber's 81st annual dinner Saturday night. A graduate of Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering, now a part of Kennesaw State University, Teague has experience in both the public and private sectors. He was the city engineer and public works director for the city of Marietta before moving onto Marietta-based construction firm Traton Homes. After a stint there, he moved to Croy in 2007. With his business partners Eddie Wade and Adam Langley, Teague purchased the company, which employs 120 people and has offices in Marietta, Chattanooga, Tennessee and Huntsville, Alabama, from founder Jim Croy, Sr., last year. Teague lives in Elijay with his wife Sabrina. They have three daughters: Madison, Sydney and Georgia. #CobbCounty #Georgia #LocalNews      -            -            -            -            -            The Marietta Daily Journal Podcast is local news for Marietta, Kennesaw, Smyrna, and all of Cobb County.             Subscribe today, so you don't miss an episode! MDJOnline            Register Here for your essential digital news.            https://www.chattahoocheetech.edu/  https://cuofga.org/ https://www.esogrepair.com/ https://www.drakerealty.com/           Find additional episodes of the MDJ Podcast here.             This Podcast was produced and published for the Marietta Daily Journal and MDJ Online by BG Ad Group   For more information be sure to visit https://www.bgpodcastnetwork.com        See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2013, Jonathan left a mid-sized firm, where he served as corporate counsel for large privately-held corporations and small businesses, to found InPrime Legal – a revolutionary way for businesses to approach legal. In doing so, he left the bloody red ocean of the traditional “bill-you-for-every-minute” law firm model and created a “blue ocean” of proactive and predictable legal services for small to mid-sized companies. For the past three years, Jonathan has been recognized by Georgia Trend as one of Georgia's Legal Elite and by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star. Under Jonathan's leadership, the Cobb Chamber of Commerce recognized InPrime Legal as a Top 25 Small Business for 2018. Show Notes: In this episode, Jonathan talks about the courage it takes to start your own business, the importance of advocating for your vision as a small business leader, how commitment to your business goals drives success, and how at its core, the purpose of every business it to serve its customers. Episode Highlights: • What Matters to Small Business [0:02:18] • Milestones Along the Way [0:04:17] • Common Growth Issues [0:07:48] • What's Changed in Small Business [0:11:11] • An Advocate Leader [0:13:09] • Changing the Business Model [0:15:45] • Interim CEO [0:19:23] • Rapid Fire [0:24:39] • Takeaways [0:28:12] • Contact Information [0:29:08] • SBM Announcements [0:29:51]

 Ike Reighard, senior pastor of Piedmont Church and CEO of MUST Ministries, was named the Marietta Citizen of the Year Thursday by the Cobb Chamber of Commerce. Reighard was surprised with the honor at the chamber's Marietta council luncheon following Mayor Steve “Thunder” Tumlin's State of the City address.    For the Marietta flag football team, it follows a simple premise. If the other team doesn't score, it can't win.  That was the case again Thursday night when the Blue Devils defeated North Gwinnett 13-0 in the quarterfinals of the Class 7A state playoffs. With the win, Marietta moves on to play Blessed Trinity in a rematch of last year's state semifinals, a game the Blue Devils won 26-0.  Plans for a controversial west Cobb development have been scrapped again after heated debate over the project for most of this year. Developer Pulte Homes withdrew its rezoning request for 61 homes on Midway Road near Lost Mountain Park, according to Cobb Commissioner Keli Gambrill, who represents the area. Because the proposal was taken off the agenda at least a week before the next Cobb Planning Commission hearing on Dec. 6, it is considered withdrawn without prejudice. That means Pulte can return to the county's zoning division with a new plan at any time.   A Smyrna man was arrested Saturday evening, accused by police of causing a crash at South Cobb Parkway and Spinks Drive that left another man seriously injured. Selvin De Jesus Herrera-Lopez, 31, is charged with seven misdemeanors, including DUI, open container and reckless driving, according to jail records. Marietta police say his 2021 Toyota Tacoma struck the rear of 62-year-old Christopher Okabah's Toyota Camry around 6:50 p.m. Saturday.   #CobbCounty #Georgia #LocalNews      -            -            -            -            -            The Marietta Daily Journal Podcast is local news for Marietta, Kennesaw, Smyrna, and all of Cobb County.             Subscribe today, so you don't miss an episode! MDJOnline            Register Here for your essential digital news.            https://www.chattahoocheetech.edu/  https://cuofga.org/ https://www.esogrepair.com/ https://www.drakerealty.com/           Find additional episodes of the MDJ Podcast here.             This Podcast was produced and published for the Marietta Daily Journal and MDJ Online by BG Ad Group   For more information be sure to visit https://www.bgpodcastnetwork.com                    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ike Reighard, senior pastor of Piedmont Church and CEO of MUST Ministries, was named the Marietta Citizen of the Year Thursday by the Cobb Chamber of Commerce. Reighard was surprised with the honor at the chamber's Marietta council luncheon following Mayor Steve “Thunder” Tumlin's State of the City address. As Tumlin announced Reighard as the Citizen of the Year, the pastor shook his head in disbelief. Tumlin cited the famous New Testament verse, Matthew 25:35 — “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,” — to describe Reighard's service to the community. Reighard joined MUST Ministries in 2011. The organization provides assistance to families and individuals in need, from food drives and fundraisers to the Hope House Emergency Shelter, which sleeps 136 residents. After receiving a standing ovation, Reighard made his way to the front of the room and accepted the award from Tumlin and Andy Gaines, the 2022 Marietta Area Council director. Two former Amazon employees who worked at an Amazon warehouse in Smyrna pleaded guilty after being accused of stealing nearly $10 million from the company, federal prosecutors announced Thursday. The defendants stole the funds while employed at the company in managerial and loss prevention roles, prosecutors said, and spent it on real estate, sports cars and jewelry. Ryan K. Buchanan, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, said that Kayricka Wortham of Atlanta and Demetrius Hines of Smyrna used their positions at the e-commerce and tech giant to submit more than $10 million in fictitious invoices for fake vendors, leading the company to pay approximately $9.4 million to Wortham, Hines and co-conspirators. As part of their sentencing, Wortham and Hines will forfeit cash and assets purchased with the stolen funds, prosecutors said. For Wortham, that includes more than $2.7 million, a Smyrna residence (purchased for more than $900,000), a 2019 Lamborghini Urus, a 2021 Dodge Durango, a 2022 Tesla Model X, a 2018 Porsche Panamera and a Kawasaki ZX636 motorcycle. Hines will forfeit more than $600,000, along with a 2022 Suzuki GSX1300 Motorcycle, a 2013 Ford Shelby Mustang, a 2021 Ford F-150 Black Widow, a Rolex Day-Date watch, a diamond bracelet and a diamond necklace. Wortham, 31, also known as Kayricka Dupree or Kayricka Young, was the leader of the scheme and worked as an operations manager at Amazon from August 2020 to March 2022 at the Smyrna warehouse, according to prosecutors. A Marietta man was sentenced to life in prison for aggravated sodomy, the Cobb County District Attorney's office announced Wednesday. Travis Leonard Hudson, 50, was sentenced by Cobb Superior Court Judge Mary Staley Clark Monday after he was found guilty by a jury on November 18, according to a news release from the DA's office. Prosecutors said Hudson's trial began Nov. 14, and that he was tried for sexually assaulting a female acquaintance on the night of March 12, 2021. The woman was reportedly visiting Hudson at his apartment and woke up to him assaulting her. Following an investigation by the Cobb County Police Department's Crimes Against Persons Unit, Hudson was arrested in June of last year. During the trial, Assistant District Attorney Sarah Hilleren presented the testimony of law enforcement, the victim, medical professionals and other evidence, the release said.   An Acworth woman and alleged gang member previously convicted for her involvement in the murder of a 17-year-old in Bartow County has been sentenced to more than a decade in federal prison, federal prosecutors announced Wednesday. Jennifer Foutz, 30, received 12 years in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, after she pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting murder in aid of racketeering, and aiding and abetting the use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia said. Gary Terrell Davis was sentenced this week for his role in the murder, the last of eight alleged members or associates of northwest Georgia's 135 Pirus gang accused in the murder. The lead defendant in the case, Maurice Antonio Kent, 32, of Cartersville, was found guilty of four felonies in May. On Aug. 24, Kent was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Others convicted in the case included Christopher Nwanjoku, 30, of Lawrenceville, Jamel Dupree Hughes, 27, of Atlanta, Cedric Sams, 29, of Cartersville, Michael Kent, 32, of Atlanta and DaSean Dorey, 29, of Decatur. Foutz, also known as “Rose,” had previously been arrested in connection to an unrelated shooting at an Acworth gas station in June 2017. Authorities said at the time she and Hughes encountered a member of another gang at the gas station. Hughes allegedly shot the member of the other gang multiple times before undercover police at the gas station working an unrelated case saw the shooting, and proceeded to pursue Foutz and Hughes, who attempted to flee in their car.   For the Marietta flag football team, it follows a simple premise. If the other team doesn't score, it can't win.  That was the case again Thursday night when the Blue Devils defeated North Gwinnett 13-0 in the quarterfinals of the Class 7A state playoffs. With the win, Marietta moves on to play Blessed Trinity in a rematch of last year's state semifinals, a game the Blue Devils won 26-0.  For the Blue Devils, it was their eighth shutout of the season and third straight to open the playoffs. The defense was so dominant it allowed only two first downs over the first 39 minutes of the 40 minute game, and only two plays of more than five yards during that stretch. With 3:53 left to play, North Gwinnett had one last chance to try to work its way downfield to try and tie the game, instead it went backwards. A run on first down lost three yards, a botched pitch on a reverse lost seven yards and two incomplete passes gave the ball back to Marietta at the Bulldogs' 5-yard line. It took only one play for Hennessey to find Gabi O'Neill with a short touchdown pass to put the game away.  Monday's semifinal matchup will be played at the Atlanta Falcons training facility in Flowery Branch. It is the first time the final four will be played there.   The Marietta Police Department and its retiree association honored women who have worked on the force in a ceremony at City Hall on Thursday. Jack Shields, a retired sergeant who worked for the MPD for 33 years and now organizes the department's retiree club, had the idea for the ceremony when he heard Susan Fuder would be in town for the regular MPD retiree lunch. Fuder, now in her 70s, became Marietta's first woman police officer in 1972. She was an officer for 10 years, during which she worked on patrol and in crime prevention. Shields said he figured it would be a good opportunity to recognize all women police officers. He and Marietta Chief Marty Ferrell presented Fuder with a plaque for her service. Fuder said when she applied to be an officer, the police chief at the time asked if she was sure she didn't want to be a secretary. She was sure — and had wanted to be a police officer since childhood. When Fuder became an officer she said her first uniform was a skirt, despite her request for pants. That changed after she had to retrieve a stolen bicycle tossed in some brambles. Frank Fuder, her husband who coached football at Osborne and Campbell high schools, said at the time he was concerned about her safety, but knew she would do a first rate job. #CobbCounty #Georgia #LocalNews      -            -            -            -            -            The Marietta Daily Journal Podcast is local news for Marietta, Kennesaw, Smyrna, and all of Cobb County.             Subscribe today, so you don't miss an episode! MDJOnline            Register Here for your essential digital news.            https://www.chattahoocheetech.edu/  https://cuofga.org/ https://www.esogrepair.com/ https://www.drakerealty.com/           Find additional episodes of the MDJ Podcast here.             This Podcast was produced and published for the Marietta Daily Journal and MDJ Online by BG Ad Group   For more information be sure to visit https://www.bgpodcastnetwork.com                        See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen in as Sheila and Ericka have a candid discussion with Irene Barton, Executive Director of Cobb Collaborative. Topics include childhood eduction and the impact of the pandemic on children and families. This episode is chock-full of information to raise awareness of needs Cobb Collaborative is filling. ADVERTISE ON THE CNN PODCAST About Irene and the Cobb Collaborative: Irene Barton was named the Executive Director of the Cobb Collaborative in September 2018 after serving as the organization's Resource Manager since July 2017.   Since becoming the Director, Irene has diversified the Collaborative's funding streams, doubled its membership roster, hired a full-time Program Manager as well as a Communications Director to overhaul and grow the communications channels. Using the collective impact model, the Collaborative convenes community stakeholders to improve outcomes for children and families in Cobb County and is the local presence for the Georgia Family Connection Partnership. The Collaborative focuses on three priorities: 3rd Grade Reading Proficiency as the local contact for the Get GA Reading Campaign Mental Health through its Mind Your Mind (Cuida tu Mente) work Civic Engagement – voting and engagement at the grassroots level Irene is a member of the East Cobb Civitans and is the President-Elect. She was recently appointed to the Georgia PTA Board of Directors as the mental health chair and has been presenting to PTA leaders across the state on the importance of mental health, risk factors, protective factors and local resources. She is the Co-Chair of the Cobb & Douglas Public Health Behavioral Health Workgroup which is charged with implementing the strategies of the current Community Health Improvement Plan and was appointed to the Regional Advisory Committee for DBHDD's Region 1. In 2022, she was named a Woman of Achievement by LiveSafe Resources. Prior to joining the Collaborative, Irene held numerous volunteer leadership positions with Georgia PTA at the local, district and state level and served on several nonprofit boards in a variety of positions, including as Board Chair.  Irene was selected as a member of the 2021 Regional Leadership Institute Class and was an Education Policy Fellow for the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education in 2016-17. She is an alumni of the Cobb Chamber's Honorary Commanders program. She worked in the financial services field for a number of years prior to joining the Cobb Collaborative. BE A GUEST ON THE CNN PODCAST Irene and her husband Steve have resided in Cobb County for 30 years and are the proud parents of a daughter who is enrolled at Georgia Tech and a son who is a freshman at Auburn University. Her “favorite” child is their rescue dog, Harper.  The Bartons are parishioners at the Catholic Church of St. Ann.  Irene enjoys reading nonfiction and running in her spare time. Do you have a question or comment for Irene, Sheila or Ericka ? Please leave your question or comment below. Feel free to contact us privately. Thank you!

Christal McNair was named the 2021 West Cobb Citizen of the Year by the Cobb Chamber. She is the owner of Studio Bungee and a champion of our community who donates her time to many organizations in and around Cobb County. #CobbCounty #Georgia #LocalNews      -            -            -            -            -            The Marietta Daily Journal Podcast is local news for Marietta, Kennesaw, Smyrna, and all of Cobb County.             Subscribe today, so you don't miss an episode! MDJOnline            Register Here for your essential digital news.              Find additional episodes of the MDJ Podcast here.             This Podcast was produced and published for the Marietta Daily Journal and MDJ Online by BG Ad Group   For more information be sure to visit bgadgroup.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    John Loud (yes, that is his real name) is more than the president of LOUD Security Systems. He's a talented hockey player, a pilot, and the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Cobb Chamber. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Walker School teacher was arrested for distributing obscene material to a minor; Military members and Delta Air Lines were honored at a Cobb Chamber event; Cooter Swanson told his hometown hero son Dansby to "Just go do you' during the World Series #AtlantaBraves #WorldSeries #CobbCounty #Georgia #LocalNews      -            -            -            -            -            The Marietta Daily Journal Podcast is local news for Marietta, Kennesaw, Smyrna, and all of Cobb County.             Subscribe today, so you don't miss an episode! MDJOnline            Register Here for your essential digital news.             Find additional episodes of the MDJ Podcast here.             This Podcast was produced and published for the Marietta Daily Journal and MDJ Online by BG Ad Group on 11-5-2021 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Holly Springs police officer was killed in the line of duty; Three Kennesaw-based beer business entrepreneurs spoke to the Cobb Chamber about the growing industry; Two dozen #SmyrnaGA businesses will fly a rainbow flag in their storefront windows for #PrideMonth  #CobbCounty #Georgia #LocalNews  - - - - - The Marietta Daily Journal Podcast is local news for Marietta, Kennesaw, Smyrna, and all of Cobb County.  Subscribe today, so you don't miss an episode! MDJOnline Register Here for your essential digital news.  Find additional episodes of the MDJ Podcast here.  This Podcast was produced and published for the Marietta Daily Journal and MDJ Online by BG Ad Group on 6-18-2021.  For advertising inquiries, please email j.southerland@bgadgroup.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katy Ruth Camp sits down with Cobb Chamber of Commerce CEO and #CobbLife 20 in their 40s honoree Sharon Mason to talk about the chamber’s efforts to help small businesses, her background and the women who inspire her. #CobbCounty #MariettaGA  - - - - - - Listen to the MDJ Podcast each week to stay up to date with the local news for Cobb County.  Subscribe today, so you don't miss an episode! MDJOnline Register Here for your essential digital news.  Find additional episodes of the MDJ Podcast here.  This Podcast was produced and published for the Marietta Daily Journal and MDJ Online by BG Ad Group on 3-13-2021.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life University Vice President of University Advancement Dr. Gilles LaMarche hosts another Today’s Conversations on Leadership session with Sharon Mason, President & CEO of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce in Marietta, Georgia.

When businesses thrive, communities flourish. That's the core philosophy of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce and its leader, Sharon Mason.

Kristi comes from a long career in the global hospitality industry doing strategic finance before starting her business and opening her first Nothing Bundt Cakes in Kennesaw. She is a native Georgian, graduated from Georgia State University and is licensed CPA. She is an active member of the Cobb Chamber, served on the board for the Honorary Commanders Program and is on the Board for the Smyrna Area Council.For more info, visit https://shrimptankpodcast.com/atlanta/

This episode of Supply Chain Now features Allison Krache Giddens. Allison has been with Win-Tech, a veteran-owned small business and aerospace precision machine shop, for 14 years, recently buying the company from her mentor and Win-Tech's Founder, Dennis Winslow. She and her business partner, John Hudson now serve as Co-Presidents, leading the 32-year old company through the pandemic. She holds undergraduate degrees in psychology and criminal justice from the University of Georgia, a Masters in Conflict Management from Kennesaw State University, a Masters in Manufacturing from Georgia Institute of Technology, and a Certificate of Finance from the University of Georgia. She also holds certificates in Google Analytics, event planning, and Cybersecurity Risk Management from Harvard online. Allison founded the Georgia Chapter of Women in Manufacturing and currently serves as Vice-Chair. She serves on the Chattahoochee Technical College Foundation Board as its Secretary, the liveSAFE Resources Board of Directors as Resource Development Co-Chair, and on the Leadership Cobb Alumni Association Board as Membership Chair and is also a member of Cobb Executive Women. She is on the Board for the Cobb Chamber of Commerce's Northwest Area Councils. Allison runs The Dave Krache Foundation, a non-profit that helps pay sports fees for local kids in need. Upcoming Events & Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Subscribe to Supply Chain Now and ALL Supply Chain Now Programming Here: https://supplychainnowradio.com/subscribe Leave a review for Supply Chain Now: https://ratethispodcast.com/supplychainnow Connect with Scott on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/ Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gswhite/ Connect with Allison on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisongiddens/ Supply Chain Now Ranked #3 Supply Chain YouTube Channel: https://tinyurl.com/yazfegov Download the Q3 2020 U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index: freight.usbank.com/?es=a229&a=20 Check Out News From Our Sponsors: U.S. Bank: www.usbpayment.com/transportation-solutions Capgemini: www.capgemini.com/us-en/ Vector Global Logistics: vectorgl.com/ Verusen: www.verusen.com/ This episode was hosted by Greg White and Scott Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/episode-513.

Life University Vice President of University Advancement Dr. Gilles Lamarche hosts another Today’s Conversations on Leadership session with John Loud, founder and President of LOUD Security Systems in Kennesaw, Georgia and Chairman of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce in Marietta, Georgia.

Flying High by Serving the Airlines Casey , Wiser Wealth Management – The Sharkpreneur podcast with Seth Greene Episode 480 Casey Smith Casey Smith, President of Wiser Wealth Management, started the Marietta, GA based company in 2001. Prior to starting Wiser Wealth, Casey worked for a brokerage firm and quickly became unhappy with the traditional brokerage product pushing agenda. He became a Investment Advisor and formed a fee-only financial services firm in June 2001, which later became Wiser Wealth Management, Inc. In his 19 years with the company, Casey has focused on client service and retention to grow the business. His fee-only firm accepts fiduciary responsibility for its clients’ investments and welcomes investors of all wealth levels. In addition to investing, Casey has positioned Wiser as a one-stop-shop that offers a full complement of services including financial planning and asset management. Tax and legal services are offered through seamless professional partnerships. Casey has been recognized by his industry and peers with many awards over the years. He was named a Top 20 Innovator in the usage of ETF’s in America, Cobb Chamber of Commerce Top 25 Small Business of the Year, Cobb Life Magazine Top 20 Under 40 and Best Firm. He’s been quoted in numerous publications like the New York Times, The Wall Journal and Atlanta Journal Constitution, to name a few.   Casey hosts a weekly podcast called the Wiser Wealth Management Roundtable where he explores topics related to personal finance, investing and relevant financial business news and topics.  Listen to this informative Sharkpreneur episode with Casey Smith about starting a fee-based fiduciary practice. Here are some of the beneficial topics covered on this week’s show: How fee-based fiduciaries were not just a fad in financial planning. Why airline pilots are an underserved niche in financial planning. How entrepreneurs cannot be put into traditional financial boxes. Why it’s important to build the right team to fit your business. How it’s important to maintain the quality for clients through your process. Connect with Casey: Guest Contact Info Twitter @WiserWealthMgt Facebook facebook.com/WiserWealthManagement LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/wiserwealth Links Mentioned: wiserwealthmanagement.com wiserinvestor.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Just the Facts, 2020 Cobb Chamber Chairman John Loud will share with you how small businesses in Cobb County can apply for part of a $50M grant to help their business during these difficult economic times. He shares how the grant came to be and how businesses will be chosen to receive up to $40,000 in grant money. You will also get the requirements that need to be met to qualify for the grants. We focus on why Cobb Chamber of Commerce membership IS NOT a requirement. Chairman Loud will also share why his first goal was to ditch "The Cobb Way" moniker in favor of "Together We Can" and finally highlight upcoming chamber events and resources that Cobb businesses can benefit from. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Irene Barton was appointed as the Executive Director in September, 2018. She had served previously as the Resource Manager for the Collaborative. Irene brings a wealth of nonprofit experience to this role, with an emphasis on membership recruitment and retention, advocacy, communications and marketing. In addition, she has extensive community involvement through the Cobb Chamber of Commerce, Georgia PTA, local schools, and civic organizations. She is passionate about strengthening stakeholders to address the issues impacting our community. Irene graduated from Furman University and spent over a decade as a corporate banker.She and her husband Steve are the proud parents of two teenagers and a rescue dog. The Bartons have resided in Cobb County for over 29 years.On This Episode:Irene shares how became involved in the world of non-profits.Learn how the Cobb Collaborative is helping to improve the outcomes for children and families.Hear how Irene is helping non-profits stop competing and start collaborating.Discover the importance of civic engagement.Key Takeaways:“The way to really support your child is to be involved to the extent that you can be.”"To be perfectly frank, funders these days are looking to see collaboration.""There's a direct tie between how connected a person feels to their community and the health and educational outcomes that area sees as a result."Irene Barton: Website: https://www.cobbcollaborative.org/about/leadershipSponsor:Surviving to Thriving is brought to you by Knight Protection Services. A veteran-owned and operated company, Knight Protection Services employs a diverse group of former law enforcement officers and military veterans of the highest integrity, with extensive experience in risk assessment and crime prevention. Find out more by visiting https://knightprotectionllc.com/.For More Information About Surviving To Thriving: http://tothriving.org/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Chairman Mike Boyce delivered his State of the County address at the Cobb Chamber's "Marquee Monday" event. This is an audio version of that address.

“Full Access: Allison Krache Giddens” Supply Chain Now Radio, Episode 129 Learn more: www.FullAccessOnline.com Hosted exclusively by www.SupplyChainNowRadio.com This episode features Allison Giddens. Allison has been with Win-Tech, a small business and aerospace precision machine shop, for 13 years, currently serving as the Director of Operations. She holds undergraduate degrees in psychology and criminal justice from the University of Georgia, a Masters in Conflict Management from Kennesaw State University, a Masters in Manufacturing from Georgia Tech’s College of Engineering, and a Certificate of Finance from the University of Georgia. She serves in volunteer leadership roles within the Women in Manufacturing organization, serves on the Chattahoochee Technical College Foundation Board, the Cobb County School District Career Technical Agricultural Education (CTAE) Advisory Board, the liveSAFE Resources Board, and the Leadership Cobb Alumni Association Board and is a member of Cobb Executive Women. She is the recipient of the Georgia Manufacturing Alliance’s 2016 Frontline Leadership Award and the August 2016 Georgia Tech MEP Face of Manufacturing. She was recognized as a 2017 Woman of Excellence by Metalforming Magazine and a 2018 liveSAFE Resources Woman of Achievement and was a chosen as a member of the 2019 UK Department of Trade delegation to “STEM the Gap.” She was featured in a post for Humans of STEM UK. Most recently, Allison was honored by the Cobb Chamber of Commerce’s Cobb Executive Women as the Woman of Distinction and received the Chairs Award from the Leadership Cobb Class of 2019. Allison also runs The Dave Krache Foundation, a non-profit that helps pay sports fees for local kids in need. She was honored as an Atlanta Braves 2019 Community Hero. Just for fun, she has performed stand-up comedy at the Atlanta Punchline. She lives in a suburb outside of Atlanta, Georgia with her ever-patient husband and their two energetic cats. This episode was hosted by Scott Luton. For more information, please visit the episode page at: www.supplychainnowradio.com/episode-129

In a new podcast episode, the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Lisa Hamilton talks with the National Skills Coalition’s Brooke DeRenzis and Rob Garcia about building and sustaining a skilled labor force build and why this work is so important for America’s children, families and future. At the time of this interview, Garcia worked with the Cobb Chamber of Commerce in Atlanta, Georgia. To learn more about this CaseyCast episode, visit https://www.aecf.org/blog/theres-more-skilled-work-than-workers-and-thats-a-problem/.

How does a small town girl end up in commercial banking and owning her own small business? Christal McNair worked hard, that's how. She also paid attention from her commercial banker contacts and learned how to build a business. Studio Bungee was born from all the lessons she learned. Her business makes sure their clients get a great workout, regardless of their limitations (she has a bad back) in only 30 minutes. Christal doesn't stop with being a small business owner. She volunteers and is a member of Cobb Chamber, Board chair of Center for Family Resources, Cobb Executive Women, Kiwanis and Marietta Business Association.  Address: 999 Whitlock Ave, Suite 3 Marietta, GA 30064 Phone 770-693-2630 studiobungee.com  

Cobb Chamber, Alpine Communications, KSU College of Continuing and Professional Education On this week’s show with Cobb Chamber of Commerce we sat down with Wendy Alpine of Alpine Communications, and Alpine Communications is a leading, award-winning public relations firm in Atlanta. In business for 17 years, they help companies in healthcare, technology, workforce management and […] The post Cobb Chamber, Alpine Communications, KSU College of Continuing and Professional Education appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

  Cobb Chamber of Commerce Hosts KSU and Puckett EMS Puckett EMS was opened in 1984 as a medical transport (both emergent and non-emergent) company in Powder Springs Georgia. Now with more than 60 ambulance and support vehicles and over 340 employees, Puckett EMS has grown to provide 911 ground transportation in 6 counties in […] The post Cobb Chamber of Commerce Hosts KSU and Puckett EMS appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

My favorite quote comes from my grandfather, it's actually titled "Recipe for good living." Something to do, someone to love, something to hope for. Hi, I'm Jeff Daxe. I'm a partner here at Moore Ingram Johnson and Steele, in our Employment Law Department. I've been here since I graduated from Law school in 1997. I head that department and we work on both employment litigation, as well as employment compliance issues, helping clients with handbooks and contracts and severance agreements but also audits and responding to charge of discrimination and wage and hour issues. All sorts of small business HR type compliance is what we deal with in the Employment Law group. Referring back to my favorite quote, "the something to do," I feel like it's worked with the purpose here at Moore Ingram Johnson and Steele. I interviewed back when it had fewer than 20 lawyers and this firm has grown as Cobb County and its business community and population have grown. And we've grown in our sophistication providing services to those clients. Here at work, one of the things I'm passionate about is helping others and one of the nice things about Moore Ingram Johnson and Steele is it's given me the flexibility to do a good bit of pro bono, community service work here at the firm. I was very proud recently to be honored with a regional award for pro bono work but it's something that I couldn't have earned without the support of the firm. And doing that kind of work allows me again to have a purpose here in the office. The purpose at home, of course, is family and in supporting them. I've got three wonderful children, my wife, Stacey who I learned the law from, she was the Employment Lawyer first not me. I married into an employment law family and decided I had to know the family business to have conversation topics at the dinner table. I live in Smyrna. I'm very involved in Smyrna events, Smyrna educational foundations, Smyrna business association for the Cobb Chamber. Those are the kinds of extra curriculars that I'm involved in, in addition to scouting which has always have a very large impact on my life and remains one of the things I'm passionate about with my son in scouting now. My daughters in scouting, we like camping as a family and hiking and just being outdoors. I love it when our clients come in before they get audited, before they get sued, before there's a problem and have us check whether or not they're compliant with their HR needs. It's when they don't do those things on the front end then we see them later and they have big problems. We solve those problems, but I would much rather see them on the front end before there's a problem. Let us go out and do a little audit, an HR audit, make sure everything is in order, make sure you're compliant so that the business is compliant, the owner doesn't get harmed through later litigation and the business can continue to grow and flourish. That's really what I hope for.

David Connell, President & CEO of The Cobb Chamber, January 23, 2016 by Lou Weiland

This is Kennesaw State University’s 121st graduation ceremony. President Papp introduces the speaker David Connell, president and CEO of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce. Degrees in Master's Programs and Innovative Doctorates were awarded to the Bagwell College of Education, WellStar College of Health and Human Services, Coles College of Business, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the College of Science and Mathematics.