Podcast appearances and mentions of marietta city schools

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for April 11th Publish Date:  April 11th    Commercial: From the BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Friday, April 11th and Happy Birthday to Ethel Kennedy ****04.11.25 -BIRTHDAY – ETHEL KENNEDY*** I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal Marietta Adds 11 Apartments to Development at Former Harry's Site UPDATE: Six Arrested After Shooting, Police Chase in Marietta Atlanta Rhythm Section to Perform at Strand Theatre Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on sugar free cakes 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: MONSTER JAM STORY 1: Marietta Adds 11 Apartments to Development at Former Harry's Site The Marietta City Council approved changes to the Marietta Crossing development, adding 11 apartments for a total of 247 units at the former Harry’s Farmer’s Market site. After much debate and a veto from Mayor Steve Tumlin, the council voted 4-3 in favor of full residential use for one building, citing challenges in attracting commercial tenants. The developer argued the weak retail market made the change necessary. The site will also include 39 townhomes, with most being three stories tall. The decision reflects ongoing efforts to balance housing needs and market realities in the area. STORY 2: UPDATE: Six Arrested After Shooting, Police Chase in Marietta Six men, aged 18-23, were arrested after a shooting at Lakeside at Town Center Apartments in Marietta led to a police chase. The suspects, armed with handguns and an AK-47-style rifle, allegedly fired at two victims, Deshawn Hirsch and Miykael Davis, who were injured but later discharged from the hospital. The suspects fled in a BMW, crashing during a police pursuit. Multiple apartments and vehicles were damaged by gunfire, and police are investigating if others were involved. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact Marietta Police or submit anonymous tips. STORY 3: Atlanta Rhythm Section to Perform at Strand Theatre Fans of 70s rock can catch the Atlanta Rhythm Section (ARS) at the Strand Theatre in Marietta on Friday, April 18, as part of the Homegrown Georgia Songwriter concert series. Known for hits like “Imaginary Lover” and “So Into You,” ARS blends Southern rock with jazz and blues influences. Led by original member Rodney Justo, the band cherishes intimate venues like the Strand for audience connection. Justo, who rejoined ARS in 2011 after retiring, promises a setlist of classics and hidden gems. Limited tickets remain, starting at $69, with the show beginning at 8 p.m. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.  Break: Ingles Markets 6 STORY 4: First-year KSU Student, Author Recognized as Versed Local Historian At just 19, Andrew Bramlett, a history student at Kennesaw State University, has already made a significant impact as a historian. A former vice president of the Kennesaw Historical Society at age 10, he now serves on the Kennesaw Historic Preservation Commission. Bramlett has earned accolades like KSU's Undergraduate Research Award and the Georgia Historical Records Advisory Council award. He’s published articles, led tours at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, and unveiled historical storyboards. Known for his research skills and passion for history, Bramlett also assists with rare book collections at KSU, continuing to inspire with his dedication to preserving local history. STORY 5: 'A Conversation Starter': Marietta Super on State Phone Ban Georgia's "Distraction-Free Education Act" (HB 340), awaiting Gov. Brian Kemp's signature, would ban cellphone use in public schools for grades K-8 starting July 2026. Schools must adopt policies by January 2026 but can choose how to enforce the ban. Marietta City Schools already uses Yondr pouches to restrict phone access in middle schools and is considering expanding the policy. Superintendent Grant Rivera sees the bill as a statewide acknowledgment of the issue, sparking broader discussions, including potential high school bans. Cobb County schools, however, prefer a flexible, teacher-led approach to managing devices. Break: MONSTER JAM And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on sugar free cakes *** INGLES ASK LEAH (SUGAR FREE CAKES)*** We’ll have closing comments after this. Break: MONSTER JAM 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.monsterjam.com/en-us/ #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 January 29th Publish Date:  January 29th    Commercial: From the BG Ad Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Wednesday, January 29th and Happy Birthday to Franklin Roosevelt ***01.29.25 - BIRTHDAY – FDR*** I’m Dan Ratcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia.  Cobb Sheriff Deputy Injured in Four-Car Collision Little Free Library Opens at Marietta Teacher's House 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 Sheriff Deputy Injured in Four-Car Collision A Cobb County sheriff’s deputy, Deputy Wyland, was injured in a four-car crash Monday morning on Leader Road at South Cobb Drive. Wyland’s Ford Explorer collided with a Subaru while turning, leading to further collisions with a Chevrolet and a Toyota. Wyland and the Chevrolet driver, Michelle Pack, were taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The Subaru and Toyota drivers were unharmed. The crash remains under investigation, and anyone with information is urged to contact Cobb County Police. STORY 3: Little Free Library Opens at Marietta Teacher's House Marietta Middle School teacher Methany Thornton unveiled a new Little Free Library on her front lawn, thanks to the nonprofit Cobb Collaborative. Located on Griggs Street, the community library encourages neighbors to “take a book, leave a book” to promote literacy. Thornton, a language arts teacher, hopes the stand inspires kids and adults to read more. Cobb Collaborative, focused on improving children’s lives, partners with organizations like Marietta City Schools to install these libraries across Cobb County, increasing access to books. The ribbon-cutting ceremony included Thornton’s family and community leaders, celebrating this effort to foster a love of reading. 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: Georgia DOT Hosts Open House for I-285 Express Lanes Project The Georgia Department of Transportation will host community conversations on Feb. 11-12 to update the public on the I-285 Westside Express Lanes project in Cobb and Fulton counties. The project now includes two barrier-separated express lanes in each direction over a 10-mile stretch, shifting financial responsibilities to a private sector partner. These open house events, held in Atlanta and Smyrna, allow attendees to review updates, speak with the project team, and provide input. For those unable to attend, a virtual meeting room with project details is available online. STORY 5: Georgia Supreme Court Dismisses Mableton Cityhood Challenge The Georgia Supreme Court has dismissed a challenge to the constitutionality of Mableton’s cityhood. Filed in 2023, the lawsuit claimed the legislation creating the city and a community improvement district (CID) violated Georgia’s single subject rule. However, the court ruled unanimously that the rule wasn’t breached, as the CID is logically connected to the city’s creation. Mableton was established via a 2022 referendum, with 53% voting in favor. Mayor Michael Owens expressed hope that the ruling will help the community move forward and embrace the city’s progress. Break: STORY 6: The Battery Welcomes Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux This Summer The Battery Atlanta will welcome Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux this summer, offering a family-friendly sports bar with Cajun-inspired cuisine. Operated by Atlanta-based Port Royal Brands, this 3,600-square-foot location will be Walk-On’s first non-traditional prototype, featuring a bar-centric design, 50+ TVs, and signature dishes like Fried Alligator and Bayou Pasta. Located near Battle & Brew and the Aloft Hotel, it will include a 120-seat dining room and a walk-up bar window, leveraging The Battery’s open container policy for a unique dining experience. STORY 7: Kennesaw Resident Relishes "Surreal" Finish at Miss America Pageant Carley Vogel, a senior at Middle Tennessee State University from Kennesaw, achieved second runner-up at the Miss America pageant in January. Representing Tennessee, Vogel described the experience as both challenging and rewarding, emphasizing the importance of discipline, resilience, and self-discovery. A music business major and musical theatre minor, she won a preliminary talent award for her performance of "Climb Every Mountain," dedicated to her late grandmother. Her success earned her a $10,000 scholarship. Post-graduation, Vogel plans to pursue a career in country music, building on her experience performing the national anthem at major events. Break: Ingles Markets 5 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.

From the Ingles Studio this is your news minute on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast presented by Credit Union of Georgia. Today is Friday, December 13th and I'm Keith Ippolito. Ragsdale Tells Lawmakers No to Phone Ban, Yes to THC Crackdown Superintendent Chris Ragsdale of Cobb County School District stated he won’t impose a cellphone ban, trusting teachers to manage classrooms. This contrasts with Marietta City Schools, where Superintendent Grant Rivera implemented a middle school ban on cellphones and smartwatches, managed via locked pouches, which received positive feedback. Ragsdale supports a flexible, school-specific approach, citing cellphones’ educational benefits. He voiced concern over student access to e-cigarettes and THC, urging stricter regulations and highlighting the severe legal consequences of THC possession. He also called for harsher penalties for school threat makers, citing the disruptions caused by over 80 false threats this year. To enhance safety, Ragsdale partnered with private intelligence firm Servius Group without board approval, stirring controversy. Though he described the partnership as critical for safety, some questioned its financial transparency. Meanwhile, Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick offered collaboration on stricter THC regulations to further safeguard students. 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 July 30th   Publish Date:  July 30th    Commercial: From the BG Ad Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Tuesday, July 30th and Happy 77th Birthday to Arnold Schwarzenegger ***07.30.24 – BIRTHDAY – ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER*** I'm Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia.  Grandson Joins Marietta School Bus Driver's Route Marietta Man Arrested in Connection to 70 plus Car Break-ins 66th Annual Miss Cobb County Scholarship Competition Announced   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: Grandson Joins Marietta School Bus Driver's Route   Yvette Corella, a former Denver police officer, has returned to work as a bus driver for Marietta City Schools after retiring and moving to be closer to her family. This school year, her 4-year-old grandson, Joshua Powell, will ride her bus to kindergarten at Burruss Elementary. Corella, who finds driving the bus as challenging as her previous job, has adapted well and appreciates the emotional connection with her young passengers. Despite occasional frustrations with other drivers, she is excited for the new school year and seeing her students again. The district will complete 670 bus runs, transporting about 4,700 students on the first day. STORY 2: Marietta Man Arrested in Connection to 70 plus car Break-ins   Christopher Emerson, 19, was arrested in Marietta on Wednesday in connection with over 70 car break-ins across the city. Already out on bond for a previous car burglary charge, Emerson faces 18 felony charges including theft, fraud, and drug trafficking, plus one misdemeanor charge. He is being held without bond in Cobb County Adult Detention Center. The break-ins, involving stolen belongings and three handguns, occurred over the past five weeks, with suspects either entering unlocked cars or smashing windows. The investigation is ongoing, and police believe multiple suspects are involved. Anyone with information should contact Detective Michael Randall or Crimestoppers Greater Atlanta. STORY 3: 66th Annual Miss Cobb County Scholarship Competition Announced   The 66th annual Miss Cobb County Scholarship Competition, themed “Respect,” will take place at 7 p.m. on August 3 at the Jennie T. Anderson Theater in Marietta. Tickets are $20, available from 6 p.m. The event will feature 18 contestants competing for $16,000 in scholarships. Audrey Kittila, the current Miss Cobb County, and Miss Georgia 2024 Lulu Louizaire will participate in the crowning. Carrington Manous, Miss Georgia's Teen, will also be present. The competition includes categories like Talent, Evening Wear, and Fitness, with judges from diverse backgrounds. The winners will serve as community ambassadors and represent Cobb County in state contests. For more details, contact misscobbcounty@yahoo.com or call 770-545-1351.     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: ‘See You at the Flagpole': Mableton Church Hosts Prayer Walk for Schools   The annual South Cobb Prayer Walk took place on Saturday morning, focusing on 19 schools in Mableton. Organized by the Mableton Pastors Collective and involving seven local churches, the event featured prayers for school administrators, teachers, students, and families. This year, the walk was scaled down from a county-wide event to a citywide one due to declining participation. The day included visits to schools such as Pebblebrook High and Aspire, with prayers for safety and support. The event concluded at Mableton Elementary and SAE School, reflecting the community's strong ties and faith-based support for local education. A community prayer night is scheduled for Wednesday at First Christian Church. STORY 5: Turner Chapel Hosts Back to School Bash Turner Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Marietta hosted its annual back-to-school block party on Saturday, attracting over 500 families. The event, organized by the church's youth ministries, featured free food, games, and community resources, including 600 backpacks and other school supplies. Local organizations provided additional support, such as hygiene kits and information on social services. Highlights included bilingual announcements, raffle prizes, and fun activities like "Dunk Your Pastor." Senior Pastor Rev. Tar-U-Way Bright emphasized the event's goal of community support and outreach, demonstrating care beyond the church's walls. We'll be back in a moment    Break: INGLES 3 STORY 6: Successfully Sober Summer BBQ   The Cobb County Drug Treatment Court held its first Successfully Sober Summer BBQ on July 13 at Laurel Park in Marietta. The event, organized with the help of the Rotary Club of Marietta Metro and Celebrate Recovery Eastwood Baptist Church, included outdoor games, card games, and face painting for children. It provided a chance for participants, their families, and community partners to connect outside the courtroom. Porsha Middlebrook, the program coordinator, praised the event for showcasing positive, pro-social activities in the recovery journey, highlighting the crucial support from Judge Kimberly A. Childs and the dedicated team behind the program. For more details, contact Middlebrook at 770-528-1933 or porsha.middlebrook@cobbcounty.org. STORY 7: Cobb County Water System Reports 2 Sewage Overflows    The Cobb County Water System reported two sewage overflows on July 27. The first, at 1430 Bentley Road, involved 620 gallons of wastewater caused by grease, discharging into a tributary of Rottenwood Creek. It was addressed by 10:45 p.m. the same day, with cleanup including lime application and no observed fish kills. The second overflow, at 1920 Barnes Mill Road, involved 900 gallons, also due to grease, and discharged into a tributary of Sope Creek. It was stopped by 7:30 p.m., with similar cleanup measures and no fish kills reported. For more details, contact 770-419-6351. Break: Marietta Theater BONNIE & CLYDE   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.

From the BG Ad Group Studio this is your news minute on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast presented by Credit Union of Georgia. Today is Wednesday, April 3rd, and I'm Keith Ippolito. 'Concocted': Marietta City Schools Denies Allegations of Discrimination, Whistleblower Retaliation The Marietta School District has formally refuted claims made in a federal lawsuit by Sarah Barbour, director of the Marietta Student Life Center, regarding racial discrimination and whistleblower retaliation. The district categorically rejected the allegations as unfounded and incorrect. Barbour's lawsuit alleged that budget reductions at the center, which she attributed to its support for LGBTQ+ students, constituted discrimination. Contrary to these claims, the district asserts that no budget cuts were implemented and that any financial adjustments were solely focused on enhancing instructional time. The legal proceedings are set to continue, with the discovery phase extending until August 29th. 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 #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.

On today's edition of "Closer Look with Rose Scott," we continue our weeklong series, “FAILING GRADE: Analysis of America's Public Education Crisis.” The series explores the current state of public education in Georgia and across the nation, from pre-K to higher-ed. On day four of the series, we continue with our interview from visiting Pass Pod. The founder of the South Atlanta micro-school talks about the Georgia Promise Scholarship Act and how she views her school as a modern-day freedom school, a place where Black children can learn about Black culture and contributions.Rose then talks with guests associated with the Atlanta-based Freedom University about educating undocumented students in Georgia with a pathway to higher education, while also organizing students as activists to repeal certain immigration policies. We will also air WABE education reporter Juma Sei's latest feature that spotlights how Marietta City Schools is working to improve literacy rates by changing how students learn to read. Lastly, two local educators discuss the national Black male teacher shortage. Guests include: April Jackson, the founder of Pass Pod school and the co-founder of Black MicroSchools ATL Julius Cave, the program manager for The Literacy Lab's Leading Men Fellowship in Atlanta Zachary White, a senior fellow for the Leading Men Fellowship in Atlanta Jabari Cain, an associate professor in the Bagwell College of Education and the director of the Call Me MISTER program at Kennesaw StateDr. Laura Emiko Soltis, executive director and professor of human rights at Freedom University Nayelly, an undocumented student, Freedom University alumna and a current student at Emory UniversitySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for Feb 6th            Publish Date:  Feb 5th            Commercial: From the Drake Realty Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Tuesday, February 6th, and Happy heavenly Birthday to President Ronald Reagan.  ***BIRTHDAY – 02.06.24 – RONALD REGAN*** I'm Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia.  Police Arrest 17-Year-Old Suspect in McEachern Shooting Man Pleads Guilty to Triple Homicide at Kennesaw Country Club Kennesaw Man Indicted in August Shooting Death of 15-Year-Old   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: Police Arrest 17-Year-Old Suspect in McEachern Shooting A 17-year-old, Scott Foor, has been arrested and charged with aggravated assault and possessing a gun on school property after a shooting at McEachern High School in Cobb County. The incident occurred in the school's parking lot, leaving two individuals with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. Foor, a witness to a physical altercation, produced a pistol and shot both victims. Another unidentified suspect also brandished a firearm, leading to gunfire without causing further injuries. The motive is under investigation, and the police emphasize it was a specific, targeted incident, not posing a broader threat to students. The second shooter remains unidentified. Increased police presence and counseling support are provided at McEachern High School. STORY 2: Man Pleads Guilty to Triple Homicide at Kennesaw Country Club Bryan Rhoden, charged with killing three individuals at a Kennesaw country club in July 2021, has pleaded guilty to murder. Initially facing the death penalty, Rhoden's plea deal ensures life imprisonment without parole. Rhoden murdered golf pro Gene Siller, Henry Valdez, and Paul Pierson. He bound Valdez and Pierson, transporting them to the golf course where he killed them. Rhoden pleaded guilty to 17 charges, including malice murder, felony murder, kidnapping, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during a felony, and tampering with evidence. He received consecutive life imprisonment sentences without parole, ensuring he spends the rest of his life behind bars. STORY 3: Kennesaw Man Indicted in August Shooting Death of 15-Year-Old Lorenz McNeill, 22, from Kennesaw, was indicted by a Cobb grand jury for the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Tayshawn Omari Dean in August 2023. McNeill faces charges of involuntary manslaughter, possession of a firearm during a felony, and reckless conduct. The indictment states that McNeill aimed a semiautomatic handgun at Dean without checking if it was unloaded, resulting in a fatal shot to the back. Acworth Police found Dean unresponsive at Cobblestone Landing Apartments, and despite immediate first aid, he was pronounced dead at Kennestone Hospital. McNeill is held at Cobb County Adult Detention Center on a $27,720 bond. 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: A 'Moral and Educational Responsibility': Cobb's Focus on Literacy The Literacy and Justice for All initiative in Cobb, which involves Marietta City Schools, Wellstar Health System, and Kennesaw State University, discussed the importance of prioritizing literacy. The panel emphasized that literacy begins well before elementary school, and Dr. Douglas Bell from KSU highlighted the responsibility to set the groundwork before kindergarten. Wellstar Health System's Dana Rohulich discussed literacy practices for new parents, including the Small Talk program. Superintendent Grant Rivera shared Marietta City Schools' success in raising literacy rates, attributed to strategies like increased reading specialists and a focus on phonics education. The discussion emphasized the need for community support in literacy-rich interactions and addressing disparities tied to zip codes. STORY 5: Power-Jackson Cabin Gets Funding for Relocation Cobb Landmarks has successfully raised the funds required to relocate the Power-Jackson Cabin, believed to be Cobb County's oldest structure. With an initial goal of $65,000, the funds reached an estimated $73,000. The plan is to relocate the cabin to Hyde Farm Park, a county-owned park in east Cobb. The cabin, potentially predating the Cherokee Land Lotteries of 1832 and 1833, is a "rived" log house, unique in construction. Cobb Landmarks aims to preserve this historical structure, and discussions with the county's parks department are ongoing to determine the best location within Hyde Farm Park for the cabin. ***GCPS READ*** Hey, Cobb County! Don't forget to mark your calendar for the GCPS Teacher Job Fair in just 4 days! Join us on February 10th at 8am at the Gas South Convention Center. This is a golden opportunity to be a part of Gwinnett County Public Schools - Georgia's largest school district and a top employer recognized by Forbes. Whether you're kick-starting your career or seeking a change, your passion for education could find its perfect home with us. Say 'yes' to GCPS, where passion meets opportunity!   Break: INGLES 3 STORY 6: Osborne High Students Learn How to do Taxes Osborne High School in Marietta, Georgia, is offering students the opportunity to learn tax preparation skills through the IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. Osborne accounting teacher Michael Devault guides students in preparing taxes for community members with incomes of $64,000 or less. This initiative aims to provide free tax preparation services while educating students about the tax filing process. Osborne is reportedly the only high school in Georgia and one of 50-60 high schools in the country offering a tax preparation class. The students' involvement helps them gain valuable skills while contributing to their community. STORY 7: Cobb School Board Chair Slams County's Transit Tax Proposal Randy Scamihorn, the Republican Chair of Cobb County School District, criticized the proposed 30-year transit tax (Mobility Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax - M-SPLOST) in a blog post, stating that it is "bad for Cobb County and our future." The M-SPLOST aims to implement a 1% sales tax to fund transportation projects, including 108 miles of rapid bus routes and new transit centers. Scamihorn expressed concerns about increased transiency, potential negative effects on educational outcomes, and characterized the proposal as disruptive to traffic. County officials, including Democrat Lisa Cupid, support the M-SPLOST as a transformative investment in transportation infrastructure.   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 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.

In this episode of 'Cobb Life,' host Keith Ippolito chatted with Karla Jacobs and Kayla Sergeant from Marietta in the Middle, a bipartisan coalition that is committed to keeping everyone involved with Marietta City Schools informed. They discuss their commitment to transparency and share their dissatisfaction with the recent book ban appeal process. Additionally, they highlight their ongoing coat drive aimed at ensuring every student has a warm coat for the colder months. Tune in to learn about how you can contribute to their cause and help ensure no student is left in the cold. www.inglesmarkets.com www.cuofga.org www.drakerealty.com www.esogrepair.com www.bgpodcastnetwork.com SOCIAL: @KeithIpp86 Cobb Life Instagram Cobb Life Facebook mariettainthemiddle.substack.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for Jan 26th            Publish Date:  Jan 25th Commercial: From the Drake Realty Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.  Today is Friday, January 26th, and Happy heavenly Birthday to guitarist Eddie van Halen. ***01.26.24 – BIRTHDAY – EDDIE VAN HALEN*** I'm Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Engineered Solutions of Georgia Dowell Elementary Incident: Kindergarten Student Brings Knife, Parents Left in the Dark. Georgia Senate Passes Cobb School Board Map in Party-Line Vote Birrell Calls Out Current Commission as Unconstitutional 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: A Dowell Elementary Student Brought a Knife to Campus. Parents Never Knew. A kindergarten student brought a knife to Dowell Elementary School, raising concerns about communication regarding student safety. The weapon was reported by another student, and the teacher confiscated it, following district and state protocols. However, only the parents of the student involved were informed. The Cobb County Association of Educators criticized the lack of communication, emphasizing the importance of transparency. The school administration and district defended their actions, stating that there was no threat to students and that disciplinary details cannot be made public. The incident has sparked discussions on balancing safety protocols with open communication in schools. STORY 2: Georgia Senate Passes Cobb School Board Map in Party-Line Vote The Georgia Senate passed the redrawn Cobb County Board of Education map proposed by state Sen. Ed Setzler in a party-line vote. The map is a response to a lawsuit claiming racial gerrymandering in the previous map. Setzler defended his map as the result of a thoughtful process, addressing the judge's order. Democrats, led by Sen. Jason Esteves, opposed Setzler's bill, stating it doesn't remedy the identified problems and violates the Voting Rights Act. Esteves criticized the process, suggesting local collaboration would have been better. The map will now head to the House of Representatives for consideration. STORY 3: Birrell Calls Out Current Commission as Unconstitutional Republican Commissioner JoAnn Birrell criticized the Cobb County Commission's attempt to create its own district boundaries, calling it unconstitutional. Earlier this month, Cobb Superior Court Judge Ann Harris ruled against the commission's move, stating it was unconstitutional. The Democratic majority used Georgia's constitutional home rule powers to substitute the state legislature-approved map to keep Democratic Commissioner Jerica Richardson in office. Commissioner Birrell, opposing the move, supported Judge Harris' ruling, stating that the commission's action is void. The county is appealing the decision to the Georgia Supreme Court. Commissioner Richardson will remain in office during the appeal. 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:  CU of GA – GCPS STORY 4: 'A Hoot': Smyrna Public Library's Story Time Builds Literacy and Connection The Smyrna Public Library in Georgia hosts infant and toddler story time sessions every Tuesday and Wednesday, emphasizing the importance of early childhood development, socialization, and pre-literacy. The program, running for over 60 years, provides an opportunity for children to hear a large volume of words, contributing to their vocabulary and readiness to read. Research indicates that reading to young children significantly impacts their word exposure, with programs like the Smyrna Library's story time working to close the "million-word gap." The library's independent status, funded by Smyrna taxpayers, allows flexibility in responding to community needs. STORY 5: Marietta in the Middle Launches Coat Drive Marietta in the Middle, a local nonprofit, has initiated a coat drive in response to last week's cold snap. The drive, running until Feb. 9, aims to provide coats to students in need, particularly after learning that some students at Dunleith Elementary School lacked proper outerwear during the frigid temperatures. Collection points include First United Methodist Church, First Presbyterian Church, First Baptist Church, and Wellstar Kennestone Hospital Emergency Room. The organization, which started in October to combat book bans in Marietta City Schools, aims to address various issues in the district through community outreach projects. We'll be back in a moment  Break: DRAKE STORY 6: 48th Annual Superior Plumbing Kennesaw/Big Shanty Festival is April 20-21 The 48th annual Superior Plumbing Kennesaw/Big Shanty Festival, presented by Georgia Grown, is scheduled for April 20-21 in downtown Kennesaw. The festival will showcase over 250 arts and crafts booths, 25 food booths, an entertainment stage, kids activities, and live acoustic music. The Georgia Grown Member Village will feature goods and products from across the state. The festival will kick off with a parade on April 20 at 9:30 a.m., featuring over 2,000 children and various local groups. Attendees can enjoy performances by puppeteer Peter Hart, musician Scott Thompson, and local dance groups. Admission is free, and parking is available nearby. STORY 7: dk Gallery to have 16th Annual Nude & Figure Show The opening reception for the 16th Annual Nude & Figure Show at dk Gallery in Marietta will take place on Feb. 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. The exhibition, running until Feb. 24, showcases classical and contemporary works by various artists, including Chantel Barber, Kevin Chambers, Amy Cobb, Shellie Lewis Crisp, and more. The show features the Georgia Metropolitan Dance Theatre dancers performing contemporary movements inspired by the art, accompanied by Tracy Woodard and Misha Stefanuk. The event aims to celebrate the human form through diverse artistic expressions. For additional details, visit www.dkgallery.us. Break: INGLES 5 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   #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.

Support learning by supporting school safety! Join us in conversation with Dr. Grant Rivera and Chuck Gardner of Marietta City Schools to learn more.

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for Jan 20th         Publish Date:  Jan 19th    Commercial: Henssler :15   From the Henssler Financial Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Saturday, January 20th and Happy 93rd Birthday to astronaut Buzz Aldrin. ***01.20.24 – BIRTHDAY – BUZZ ALDRIN*** I'm Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia.  Woman Charged with Manslaughter in Death of Six Flags Employee Acworth Police Name Suspect in Card Theft from Assisted Living Facility McEachern Basketball Standout JD Palm Has Both Kidneys Removed   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: Woman Charged with Manslaughter in Death of Six Flags Employee A 27-year-old Austell woman, Asia Danielle Hendricks, faces charges of involuntary manslaughter and six counts of reckless conduct in connection with the October 2023 death of Andrea Crook, a Six Flags employee. Hendricks was allegedly driving a van on the Six Flags Over Georgia grounds with multiple occupants in the rear cargo compartment, including two juveniles, without seatbelts or seats. The van's sliding door was reportedly open. Hendricks is accused of operating the van in a manner that ejected Crook while navigating a left curve, leading to serious head injuries. Crook was pronounced dead at Grady Memorial Hospital. Hendricks was released on $27,720 bond. STORY 2: Acworth Police Name Suspect in Card Theft from Assisted Living Facility The Acworth Police Department has identified Markinious Katrell Hartfield of New Orleans as the suspect who allegedly used stolen credit and debit cards from an assisted living facility. Hartfield, who presents as female despite being male, is charged with first-degree burglary, credit card forgery, identity theft, and exploiting a disabled or elderly person. He has multiple arrests for similar incidents in other jurisdictions. The stolen cards were used at Walmart, and Hartfield was captured on surveillance cameras. The suspect, not employed by the facility, allegedly entered the business wearing scrubs similar to staff uniforms, checking residents' doors and entering unlocked rooms. Acworth Police suspect additional victims and encourage residents to check financial statements for fraudulent activities.     STORY 3: McEachern Basketball Standout JD Palm Has Both Kidneys Removed McEachern High School junior center JD Palm is facing a critical situation as he underwent surgery to remove both kidneys due to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, diagnosed last spring. The 6-foot-10, 210-pound player, once a five-star prospect, urgently needs a kidney donor. Despite the kidney disease diagnosis in 2022, Palm played limited minutes in the 2022-23 season, dealing with constant headaches and high blood pressure. Now in need of a donor, Palm's coach, Tremayne Anchrum Sr., is reaching out for help, emphasizing the urgency of finding a match for the young player. JD Palm aspires to return to school after the surgery. 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 STORY 4: 'Good and Evil': Ragsdale Plans to Continue Banning Books in Cobb County Schools Cobb County School District Superintendent Chris Ragsdale has expressed his intention to continue banning books in the district, emphasizing the removal of "sexually explicit, lewd, and pornographic" material. Ragsdale commended Marietta City Schools for their similar efforts. The initial bans were prompted by an email from the right-wing social media group Libs of TikTok. Ragsdale asserted that once sexually explicit content is identified, it is the district's responsibility to protect students and inform parents. The ongoing review aims to identify and remove such materials. Critics argue that the bans disproportionately affect LGBTQ+ content, leading to concerns about the targeting of the LGBTQ+ community. Public commenters, including high school senior Ava Bussey, expressed opposition to the book bans, citing the impact on LGBTQ+ students and urging the district to listen to students' needs for a successful learning environment. STORY 5: Cobb Leaders Break Ground on Mableton Workforce Development Center Cobb County is set to establish the Cobb WorkSource Center in Mableton, with a groundbreaking ceremony attended by over 50 people. The $4 million project, funded by $2.8 million from the American Rescue Plan Act and grants, aims to become a hub for workforce development, offering training rooms, a computer lab, and business coaching services. The 10,000-square-foot center will replace Cobb Fire Station 1 on Mableton Parkway, addressing the need for workforce development services in the southern part of the county. The initiative aligns with the county's commitment to equity, focusing on areas with high concentrations of low-income and minority communities. We'll be back in a moment.   Break: GCPS   STORY 6: Ragsdale Announces Location for $50 Million Event Center The Cobb County Board of Education plans to build a $50 million, 8,000-seat event building on Glover Street next to the district's headquarters. The facility, approved in a 6-1 vote in March 2023, is intended for hosting events like science fairs, art presentations, and graduation ceremonies. The property, spanning over 10 acres, includes the former A1 Rental facility, the district's police department headquarters, and a demolished building at 440 Glover Street. The new event center aims to fill a void in the northern part of Cobb County, providing a space for various activities. Board member Becky Sayler has expressed concerns about additional costs and lack of clarity regarding the project's expenses. Board Chairman Randy Scamihorn anticipates the new facility's potential and the need for improvements to the police department headquarters, with construction timelines yet to be determined. STORY 7: 'A Different Mindset': Cobb School Board Talks New Career Center The Cobb County School Board is considering options to enhance post-secondary education by approving an architect for a new career center in north Cobb. The board plans to engage Atlanta-based Collins Cooper Carusi Architects to design the center, funded by the sixth education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (Ed-SPLOST) at an estimated cost of over $700,000. The center, mandated to be in north Cobb per the SPLOST project list, aims to provide students with alternative pathways to traditional four-year colleges. The district is currently exploring suitable locations for the center, with a central north Cobb location suggested for better accessibility. Additionally, the board discussed the development of a $50 million multi-use facility approved in March 2023, which is expected to host various events such as science fairs, arts presentations, and graduation ceremonies. BREAK: DRAKE STORY 8: Major airline fires back at analyst over bankruptcy claims The airline industry, known for its challenges, faces uncertainties with potential bankruptcies. Warren Buffett's past skepticism resonates, as airlines like JetBlue and Spirit grapple with financial woes. Analysts, including TD Cowen's Helene Becker, express concerns about Spirit Airlines' survival, pointing to its debt and financial constraints. While Spirit denies pursuing Chapter 11, analysts suggest bankruptcy restructuring as a viable option. The airline's future hinges on debtholder cooperation, given its financial vulnerabilities. Fitch Ratings urges a clear liquidity plan. Despite potential disruptions, bankruptcy doesn't guarantee passenger abandonment. Spirit's decision to resist a merger with JetBlue adds complexity to its fate, impacting consumers and the airline industry. Spirit asserts ongoing efforts to fortify its balance sheet and operations.   Break: INGLES 1 – 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.   Produced by the BG Podcast Network   Show Sponsors: henssler.com ingles-markets.com cuofga.org drakerealty.com esogrepair.com gcpsk12.org/jobs   #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.

Police officer and suspect hospitalized after a chase and shooting near Dayton; mobile home being prepped for a move falls onto workers, killing one and injuring another in Fostoria; 20-year-old man in custody for allegedly sexually assaulting a toddler at an in-home day care center near Cleveland; Marietta City Schools parents now have new technology to keep track of students.

Marietta Education Association member Alex Myers is on a mission to make sure every child can get the benefits of great physical education classes in welcoming environments that embrace differences in kids' abilities, and he wants to make sure educators have training about how to adapt their phys. ed. lessons to meet the needs of students with disabilities. Now, he's asking other educators to join him. Plus, now that OEA's revamped Legislative Scorecard has officially been launched, we're taking a deeper dive into the tool's features and how it can help ensure the best pro-public education lawmakers serve in Ohio's General Assembly.SHARE YOUR IDEAS AND EXPERIENCES | If you'd like to join the growing community of Ohio educators who are coming together to help each other create welcoming adaptive physical education classes, please email Alex Myers at myersa@oeaone.orgSEE HOW OHIO'S LEGISLATORS STACK UP | Click here to explore OEA's new Legislative Scorecard and to see where your legislator, and other Ohio legislators, stand on public education and labor rights issues. SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to subscribe on Google podcasts so you don't miss a thing. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.Featured Public Education Matters guests:  Alex Myers, Marietta Education Association member Alex Myers is a K-2 Physical Educator currently in his 9th year at Marietta City Schools. He is also a current Ohio's New Educators (ONE) Member Ambassador. He is currently working to expand awareness and comfort in educating our students on IEPs in Physical Education. He believes that every student deserves to feel welcome in the Physical Education environment and we need to destigmatize the intimidation factor of students with disabilities in inclusions settings. Jeff Wensing, OEA Vice President A high school math teacher in Parma City Schools, Jeff Wensing has been a public education advocate and leader for more than 30 years. Jeff served as President of the Parma Education Association from 2012-2018 and as President of the North Eastern Ohio Education Association (NEOEA) from 2016-2018. One of Jeff's accomplishments as a local and district leader was organizing members and the community to elect a new Parma Board of Education majority in 2017. Jeff has served on OEA's Constitution and Bylaws Committee and President's Cabinet, as Vice Chair of OEA's District Leaders Council, and as a member of the Fiscal Fitness Review Committee and Systemic Practices Committee. Since his election as OEA Vice President in 2019, Jeff has continued to emphasize the importance of organizing members throughout the state. He believes the OEA must support locals in order to both maintain and grow membership. Jeff believes it is critical to listen to members before decisions are made, ensure communication throughout the process, and engage in full transparency. In his second term as Vice President, he has continued to focus on the OEA's strategic issues, shared values, and the students members work with each day. Dan Ramos, OEA Manager of Government Relations Dan Ramos is from Lorain, Ohio, where he attended school at St. John the Baptist and Lorain Southview High School.  After graduating high school in 2003, Dan obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, International Affairs and Philosophy from Baldwin Wallace College in Berea, OH in 2007.  Through the 2008 presidential election cycle, he joined the Obama for America campaign, working to help elect President Obama in northeastern Ohio.  In 2009, Dan was hired by the Service Employees' International Union (SEIU) District 1199 WV/OH/KY.  Initially working with SEIU as an Administrative Organizer, representing and negotiating contracts for SEIU's state employees' division, he became SEIU 1199's Political and Legislative Liaison in late 2010.  In 2011, Dan worked with fellow labor lobbyists and attorneys in the effort to stop Senate Bill 5 while it was in the General Assembly, and then lead SEIU's efforts field in Central and Northeast Ohio to collect signatures referendum and then defeat SB 5 on the November 2011 ballot.  In 2012, Dan moved to the Ohio Education Association. Dan has served as OEA's Political Advocacy Consultant, where he was responsible for growing OEA's member political action and legislative advocacy, increasing OEA's PAC membership, the Fund for Children and Public Education, and assisting in OEA's political coalitions, such as LEAD Ohio and the America Votes Coalition. In 2018, Dan Ramos moved to Cincinnati, Ohio where he served as a Labor Relations Consultant for the Warren County Leadership Council, representing over 2,400 certified and classified K-12 teachers and ESPs.  Dan returned to his political role with OEA in 2021, returning as a UniServ Political Advocacy Consultant and then moving into his current role as the Manager of Government Relations in May of 2022. As the Manager of Government Relations, Dan heads up OEA's efforts to engage the Ohio General Assembly and Members of Congress to advance OEA's legislative policy priorities, build relationships with Ohio's elected officials, and engage members in advocacy and accountability programs.  Dan also helps coordinate OEA's political, coalition, and electoral programs.     Connect with OEA: Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topics Like OEA on Facebook Follow OEA on Twitter Follow OEA on Instagram Get the latest news and statements from OEA here Learn more about where OEA stands on the issues  Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative Watch About us: The Ohio Education Association represents about 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio's schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio's children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio's schools. Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. This episode was recorded on November 27 and December 12, 2023.

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for Nov 17th      Publish Date:  Nov 16th       Commercial: Henssler :15   From the Henssler Financial Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Friday, November 17th and Happy Birthday to Tom Seaver  ***TOM SEAVER – NO HITTER*** I'm Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia.  Cobb Sheriff Uses Drone to Nab Suspect Marietta School Board to Issue Final Decision on "Flamer" 21st Annual MDJ Gobble Jog Fights Poverty This Thanksgiving       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 Sheriff Uses Drone to Nab Suspect Cobb County Sheriff Craig Owens praised the use of a drone unit in the arrest of 28-year-old Antonio Carter for violating probation. Deputies, serving a warrant at a Marietta motel, encountered Carter who fought with them, then fled into nearby woods. The drone unit, along with deputies and K9 units, tracked Carter to a neighboring apartment complex where he was found hiding in a laundry room. Carter was arrested without incident, showcasing the effective use of technology in law enforcement. Owens commended the diligence of the teams involved. Carter, facing probation violation charges, was previously arrested in April for multiple offenses.   STORY 2: Marietta School Board to Issue Final Decision on "Flamer" The Marietta Board of Education is set to make a final decision on the fate of the book "Flamer" by Mike Curato at a special meeting. The book was removed from Marietta High School's library due to Superintendent Grant Rivera's judgment of "highly inappropriate, sexually explicit content." Parent Kayla Sargent filed an appeal to reinstate the book, arguing against book banning and claiming the removal is linked to the main character, Aiden, being gay. Supporters of the removal thanked Rivera during public comments. The board's decision on Thursday is expected to be final, but Sargent indicated the community might continue addressing the issue through elections. STORY 3: 21st Annual MDJ Gobble Jog Fights Poverty This Thanksgiving The 21st annual Gobble Jog, sponsored by the Marietta Daily Journal, will take place on Thanksgiving at Marietta Square to support MUST Ministries in fighting poverty. The event, featuring 10K, 5K, one-mile, and "tot trot" courses, is expected to draw 10,000 runners, aiming to raise over $500,000 for food donations, shelter, job creation, and other resources for the impoverished in Cobb and nearby counties. Dr. Dwight "Ike" Reighard, CEO of MUST Ministries, emphasizes the impact of the race, stating that participants are not just running for their health but making a meaningful difference in the community. Runners can register online or in person on race day, and "phantom runners" are encouraged to support MUST from a distance.     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 Commission Debates DA's Request For More Funding Cobb Commissioner Keli Gambrill voted against approving $680,000 for eight full-time victim advocates in Cobb District Attorney Flynn Broady Jr.'s office, citing concerns about using county funds and equity. Broady, facing a reduction in Victims of Crime Act grant funding, sought county support. Gambrill questioned why other departments with staffing needs weren't considered and argued using insurance premium taxes was against board policy. Commissioner Jerica Richardson suggested strategic planning for county program funding. Despite acknowledging equity concerns, Commissioner Monique Sheffield emphasized the responsibility to protect Cobb residents. Chairwoman Lisa Cupid acknowledged Gambrill's points but stressed the importance of funding victim support services as mandated by state law. Gambrill criticized the decision, alleging campaign-related motivations.   STORY 5: Marietta School Board Extends Superintendent's Contract Superintendent Grant Rivera's contract with Marietta City Schools has been extended through December 31, 2026, following a 6-0 vote by the Board of Education. The contract includes a 5.5% pay increase, raising Rivera's base salary to approximately $247,200, with a total pay package, including benefits, reaching about $392,200. This marks an increase from his previous base salary of about $234,400, with an additional $10,000 annual bonus. Rivera has been serving as superintendent since January 2017, and the board expresses enthusiasm about his continued leadership in the district. Georgia state law limits superintendent contracts to three years, and the board has been annually extending Rivera's contract to meet this requirement. We'll be back in a moment  Break: DRAKE – INGLES 10 – Christmas Piedmont   STORY 6: Spending Plan: Mableton Expects to Take in Nearly $4 Million through June 2024 The Mableton City Council discussed the city's transitional spending plan, serving as a de facto budget until June 30, 2024. Although not obligated to have a budget currently, city officials aim for transparency. The plan outlines revenue streams, with motor vehicle taxes expected to bring in $2.25 million, insurance premium taxes $500,000, franchise fees $400,000, and business and occupation taxes $350,000. Total anticipated revenue is $3.93 million, primarily from taxes. Major expenditures include salaries, code enforcement, and legal representation, with $112,500 budgeted for mayor and council salaries, $431,500 for code enforcement, and other allocations. Residents expressed support for the plan, acknowledging its transparency. A business license fee ordinance was discussed but not officially acted upon. The city aims to pass the transitional spending plan on November 30. STORY 7: Kennesaw State Bailey School of Music to Present Holiday Concert Kennesaw State University's Bailey School of Music will present its 2023 Holiday Concert on December 2 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. The annual tradition includes over 200 KSU students and faculty performing holiday classics, classical pieces, and music from popular holiday movies. The lineup features selections like a "Frozen" medley, Tchaikovsky's "Pas De Deux" from The Nutcracker, Kevin Phillip Johnson's "Children, Go Where I Send Thee," and David Eddleman's "Bidi Bom" for Hanukkah. The concert will also include traditional tunes like "Greensleeves" and "Mary, Did You Know?" The program promises a lively and festive celebration of the holiday season. 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.ingles-markets.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.

 Paulding County News Podcast Sunday 24, 2023  Runaway step-siblings missing in Paulding County, deputies asking for help:    Bryson Barton and Chloe Huges have come up missing in Paulding County. Paulding County deputies are seeking help from the public to locate two missing step-siblings, Bryson Barton (15) and Chloe Hughes (14), who ran away from their home on Billy Bullock Road in Dallas at approximately 2:30 a.m. Neither teen has a cell phone. While authorities don't believe the teens are in immediate danger, their family is concerned about their whereabouts. Bryson Barton is 6 feet tall, around 190 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes, last seen in a gray shirt and blue jeans. Chloe Hughes is 5 feet 5 inches tall, approximately 130 pounds, with blonde hair and hazel eyes, last seen in a blue hoodie and flannel pajamas. We were also just informed that they were found and are now safe back at home!...........This from Fox 5    Paulding County Recognized for Pioneering Election Innovations: How it Impacts Our Residents:    Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger has commended Paulding County for its contributions to secure elections in Georgia. The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) previously recognized the county for its election innovations and selected it for a study on list maintenance practices in line with the Help America Vote Act. The study will focus on voter registration methods, maintaining accurate voter lists, and ensuring proper polling site assignments, using credit-bureau data for improved accuracy. Raffensperger praised Paulding County's commitment to election administration excellence and acknowledged Georgia's leadership in elections, including measures like automatic voter registration, early voting, and absentee voting without an excuse. The state has received recognition for election integrity and voter accessibility from various organizations...........This from Newsbreak      Walmart Opens First-Ever Pet Services Center in Dallas, Georgia:  Walmart is launching its first-ever Walmart Pet Services center in Dallas, Georgia, aiming to provide affordable pet care services to customers. With two-thirds of U.S. households owning pets and a significant increase in pet adoption during the pandemic, the pet industry is expected to grow to $277 billion by 2030. Walmart's new center will offer low, transparent pricing for services such as routine veterinary care, grooming, and self-serve dog wash. These services will be provided by qualified professionals in collaboration with PetIQ. The move is part of Walmart's mission to offer convenient and affordable health care solutions for families, including their pets, and may expand to other communities in the future. Walmart is also enhancing its pet offerings nationwide and introducing a pet pharmacy experience online. Additionally, Walmart+ members can access pet-related benefits, such as virtual veterinary consultations and discounts on services like dog walking and sitting...........This from Walmart.com         Weather:    Fall is here!! I repeat FALL IS HERE! This next week is going to have the highs in the 70's and the lows sitting in the low 60's to the high 50's. This is the perfect weather for bonfires and those after noon games!   #weatherreport #coolingoff #high70s #low80s #pleasestaycool #toohot #humidity #mostlysunny #outdooractivities #perfectweather    Paulding County Arrest Reports:  PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE INDIVIDUALS HAVE ONLY BEEN ARRESTED AND HAVE NOT HAD THEIR DAY IN COURT WHEN WE RECORDED THIS PODCAST. WE WISH THEM LUCK ON THEIR DAY IN THE COURT.  Jonah Miller was booked on 9/16/2023. It was pulled over by a white tag light that was out, and the officer then found out that he was driving under the influence of Alcohol. He was then booked for both a DUI and a tag light.  AGAIN, PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE INDIVIDUALS HAVE ONLY BEEN ARRESTED AND ARE NOT CONVICTED. THEY HAVE NOT HAD THEIR DAY IN COURT WHEN WE RECORDED THIS PODCAST. WE WISH THEM LUCK ON THEIR DAY IN THE COURT.     Paulding Officer dies after battling cancer    Melanie (Hunton) Bell, Bonding and Visitation Clerk for the Paulding County Sheriff's Office, has passed away after battling cancer, according to an announcement by the Paulding County Sheriff's Office. Visitation for Ms. Bell will be held on Sunday, September 24, 2023, from 5-7 PM at Jones Wynn Funeral Home in Villa Rica, Georgia. Funeral services will take place on Monday, September 25, 2023, at 1 PM in the chapel at Jones Wynn Funeral Home, followed by a graveside service at Melrose Cemetery (Villa Rica Hwy). The family has requested attendees to wear vibrant colors in honor of Ms. Bell's colorful personality. Jones Wynne Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.........This from the Paulding County sheriffs Facebook page      PCHS honors family   Paulding County High School Honors Avery James Cox's family on Firday August 26th during Halftime. Avery James Cox's life was taken too soon. His family started the Avery James Cox foundation to help financially support the community efforts related to sports for youth through highschoolers............This from the Dallas New Era    Sports:  From the Paulding Sports Chronicles  3 out of our 5 teams won this past Thursday night.  Paulding County lost to East Paulding   Hiram lost to Woodland 2-12  South Paulding ran bases around Huges 19-1  North Paulding beat Mt. Paren 8-0    Weird news:  Alligators in the sewer myth is true:  In Oviedo, Florida, a work crew discovered a 5-foot alligator residing in a sludge-filled pipe during a routine pothole inspection. The shocking encounter was captured on video and has garnered attention on social media. The workers initially mistook the alligator for a toad until they saw its glowing eyes. While the discovery may seem like a Florida version of the "alligators in the sewer" urban legend associated with New York City, it's not uncommon for alligators to be found in storm runoff networks in Florida. The article also mentions previous incidents of alligators appearing unexpectedly in places like New York City parks and Prospect Park Lake in Brooklyn...........This from Ny post    Well Paulding County: If you are missing an alligator in your pond, check the sewers!    Can you speak chicken? AI can translate for you:  Researchers in Japan have used AI to decode the emotional states of chickens by analyzing their vocalizations. The study, led by University of Tokyo professor Adrian David Cheok, employed a technique called Deep Emotional Analysis Learning (DEAL) to identify six distinct emotional states in chickens, including hunger, fear, anger, contentment, excitement, and distress, with 80% accuracy. The team collaborated with animal psychologists and veterinary surgeons, analyzing 80 birds and around 200 hours of chicken sounds. The findings have implications for animal welfare, veterinary medicine, poultry farming conditions, and human-animal interaction. They also plan to create a free app for farmers to communicate with their chickens using this technology.  Wow Paulding County you can now use AI to talk to your chickens!!!!    Here are some things you're talking about: Call us with your thoughts or story at 404.997-8655  From What's Happening in Paulding County Facebook Page:  An anonymous member posted “Last night we lost our Australian Shepherd, Lulu to an unbelievable seizure. When the seizure started and we recognized after a minute or so that this was not a typical one for her (she had a history is seizures) we immediately started loading her up to get her to the emergency vet closest to us which is Westside Animal Emergency. They turned us away. Despite us having a dog actively seizing non-stop they turned us away saying they were “at capacity” and too busy. By this time the seizure was into the 20 minute mark.   Our only choice at this point was to drive another 30-40 minutes away to Blue Pearl in Marietta. I called them and let them know we were coming and how long at that time the seizure had been going.   We got there and they rushed out the door to help us. Within a minute or so we were with the vet telling us the seizure had gone on so long that it had raised Lulu's body temperature to at least 109 because that is as high as the thermometer would go. Her seizing for almost an hour caused the temperature spike. At this point the vet felt while they could try to stabilize her and see if there was permanent brain damage but I knew the chances of Lulu making any meaningful recovery were almost non-existent. A fever that high plus the seizure made recovery impossible so we had to make the best choice for Lulu and let her be at peace.   I say all of that to say, IF Westside EMERGENCY Animal clinic had done their job and taken in a true EMERGENCY within the first minutes of the seizure, I wonder would we still have Lulu with us today? Instead, we came home to an empty bed that was Lulu's. Her doggie siblings are looking for her. Her human sister, dad and I are just heartbroken without our sweet pup.   I have nothing positive to say about Westside. We have never heard anything good about them and now I know why. I attempted to use them only because they were closest to us and time was critical. I even called our vet today and told them how we were treated. If you live in our area and ever need an animal ER, go anywhere but Westside.   The staff at Blue Pearl was amazing, loving and loved on Lulu with us as she was passing. They petted her, stroked her paws and talked to her right along with us. They are what a true animal ER should be and I am so grateful they were there and willing despite how busy they were.”  These are your responses from actual Paulding county citizens - as reported on Whats Happening Paulding County   Kacie Ignacio from Dallas “This is horrendous… I am SO SORRY for your loss. “  Lynn Tyler Nemzer from Dallas “I'm so sorry

MDJ  Script/ Top Stories for Sept 21st Publish Date:  Sept 20th   Commercial:  Henssler :15   From the Henssler Financial Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast    Today is Thursday, September 21st and happy heavenly birthday to Author H.G. Wells ***H.G. WELLS*** I'm Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia Marietta junior killed in crash Monday evening Cobb approves 90 senior houses amid affordability debate Smyrna mayoral race heats up 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 : CU of GA – ESOG STORY 1: Marietta junior killed in crash Monday evening   A 16-year-old Marietta High School junior named Liv Teverino tragically died in a single-vehicle crash on Burnt Hickory Road near Devonwood Trail, close to the school. The crash led to a car fire, which was contained by first responders. Liv was described as a scholar, athlete, and community leader, excelling academically and in sports. A memorial appeared in her parking space at the school, with heartfelt tributes from friends who remembered her as a beacon of positivity, faith, and joy. The school community mourns her loss and remembers her not only for her achievements but for her kind spirit and determination…….Get more stories like this from mdjonline.com     STORY 2: Cobb approves 90 senior houses amid affordability debate   The Cobb Board of Commissioners voted 4-1 to approve the construction of 90 new single-family homes for seniors aged 55 and up in southwest Cobb. This decision sparked a debate on housing availability and affordability in the area. Commissioner Sheffield advocated for reducing the number of homes to match the area's character but emphasized the housing shortage. Commissioner Gambrill, who voted against the development, argued that higher density doesn't guarantee affordability, especially for seniors responsible for infrastructure costs. Despite concerns about affordability, Chair Lisa Cupid supported the idea of more senior housing, citing the county's growing senior population.   STORY 3: Smyrna mayoral race heats up   In Smyrna's upcoming mayoral race, candidate Ken Hymes is voicing sharp criticism against incumbent Mayor Derek Norton's leadership. Hymes, a director at Warner Bros. Discovery, is emphasizing the need for a new direction in the city, pointing to concerns over project mismanagement and financial decisions. Notably, he questions the new downtown brewery and park project and the purchase of a church campus without clear funding or plans. Hymes is committed to engaging citizens, highlighting their role in successful projects. Meanwhile, Mayor Norton defends his record, underscoring Smyrna's financial stability as a key achievement............…..(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:   Elon – Drake- – JRM   STORY 4: North Georgia State Fair kicks off Thursday at Jim Miller Park   The 91st annual North Georgia State Fair, presented by Superior Plumbing, is set to open its gates at Jim Miller Park in Marietta on Thursday afternoon. The fair will run through Sunday, October 1, offering a wide range of attractions and entertainment for visitors. The fair features free shows, farm animals, flower displays, competitions, local entertainment, and a variety of delicious fair foods. Exciting rides and games can be found on the Great James H. Drew Exposition midway, including popular attractions like the Wildcat Rollercoaster and the Mega Slide. Various events, including the Piccolo Zoppe Circus, Demolition Derby, Monster Truck shows, and American Bull Riders Tour, will take place in a covered arena. Gate admission is $10, and children under 10 enter for free. Ride tickets are available at different prices, and special promotions are offered throughout the fair's duration. Fair Manager Tod Miller expressed excitement about the new attractions and the fair's commitment to providing value to visitors. Cobb County School District and Marietta City Schools' fall break coincides with the fair, making it an excellent family destination. Visit www.northgeorgiastatefair.com for more information.   STORY 5: Marietta school officials allay worries about student life center   Marietta school officials are addressing concerns about the Marietta Student Life Center ahead of the Marietta Board of Education's vote on funding for the center. The center, originally established as the Graduate Marietta Student Success Center, offers a range of resources, including counseling, a food pantry, clothing closet, and college and career coaching, to support students and families. Some concerns were raised about potential interruptions to therapy services. School board member Angela Orange and Superintendent Grant Rivera have reassured families that therapeutic services will continue, with adjustments to scheduling to minimize disruptions during instructional time. The funding under consideration is related to orientation programs, not therapy services.   STORY 6: Suspect in social media influencer's death booked into Cobb jail   A 21-year-old man, Eugene Louis-Jocques, accused of murder in the death of Cobb resident Beauty Couch, a social media influencer found dead in Austell on August 23, has been booked into the Cobb County Adult Detention Center. Louis-Jocques faces charges of murder, aggravated assault, and arson in connection with Couch's death. He was apprehended by sheriff's deputies in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, days after Couch's body was discovered and was awaiting extradition to Cobb. Couch, a popular Instagram influencer known for her dancing roller skating videos, was allegedly murdered by Louis-Jocques, who is accused of repeatedly stabbing her and setting her vehicle on fire.   We'll be back in a moment   Break:   Ingles 4 – Dayco – Powers   STORY 7: Homeschool Beta Club inducts 21 members   The Global Leadership Academy for Homeschoolers celebrated its annual National Beta Club induction ceremony at the Switzer Library in Marietta. Twenty-one homeschooled students were inducted into the National Beta Club, selected for their outstanding academic standing and character. The National Beta Club, with over 500,000 members across the U.S., promotes academic achievement, character, service, and leadership among students. Chartered in 2018, GLA actively participates in National Beta activities, including the upcoming Leadership Summit at Great Wolf Lodge and the Georgia Convention in November. GLA students are making a positive impact through community service, exemplifying their commitment to academic success and service projects.   STORY 8: Commissioners to consider senior housing in southwest Cobb   The Cobb Board of Commissioners is set to consider a proposal for senior housing (age 55 and up) in the southwest part of the county at its zoning meeting on Tuesday. The development, known as Spring Lake Village, would occupy approximately 41 acres on Morris Road, near Hiram Lithia Springs Road. The Cobb Planning Commission previously endorsed the project with the condition that the developer reduces the number of homes from the initial 110 to 62, resulting in a lower density of 1.75 units per acre. Additionally, the board will review a revised site plan for a 49-unit townhome development on Cooper Lake Road. The meeting will take place at 9 a.m. at 100 Cherokee St. in Marietta.………….…Back with final thoughts after   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.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 15th Monday Publish Date: Aug 14 Monday   Commercial: Henssler :15   From the Henssler Financial Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast Today is Tuesday August 15th and happy 51st birthday to actor Ben Affleck ***Affleck*** I'm Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia 1. Smyrna woman accused of DUI with granddaughter in car 2. Marietta man accused of selling drugs to undercover narcotics agent 3. And Smyrna's Sharon Baptist Church sold to developer   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 dui   Lydia Atia Parvanta, a Smyrna woman, has been charged with driving under the influence of drugs after being found asleep at an intersection while driving her granddaughter. The incident occurred at the intersection of Mt. Wilkinson and Spring Hill parkways. Parvanta was observed slumped over with her face covered in sweat, and attempts to wake her were initially unsuccessful. A juvenile victim, her granddaughter, was asleep in the back seat. Parvanta appeared disoriented upon waking, with pinpoint pupils. A subsequent vehicle search uncovered suspected cocaine, heroin, and Alprazolam pills. Parvanta was charged with multiple offenses including drug-related DUI, child endangerment, and possession of controlled substances. She was arrested, booked into the Cobb County Adult Detention Center, and remains in custody on a $15,000 bon.........read more about this story at mdjonline.com. ......................……... read more about this at mdjonline.com   Story 2: drugs   Joahan Dwain Thomas Howard, a Marietta resident, faces charges of drug possession and sale after allegedly selling heroin to an undercover narcotics agent. The accusations involve selling one gram of heroin for $120 in May and two grams for $260 in June to the agent. Authorities also discovered around 3.5 grams of fentanyl, one gram of heroin, and 1.2 grams of amphetamine in Howard's hotel room. He has been charged with various counts including drug sale and possession. Howard was arrested on July 26 and is currently in custody without bond.   Story 3: church   Sharon Baptist Church, situated on South Cobb Drive near Concord Road since the mid-1960s, held its final service last Sunday. The 23,570-square-foot building and its 1.75-acre plot were purchased by Halpern Enterprises for $1.1 million. The fate of the building remains undecided, with the possibility of demolition. The congregation will now gather at Trinity Fellowship Church in Marietta. A moving sale will be held to dispose of church items. The declining congregation size and financial strain led to this decision, as maintaining the building became unsustainable. This scenario reflects a broader trend of declining congregations in churches across the nation, which was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. …..(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: ESOG – Dayco - Elon   STORY 4: molestation   Antonio Davis, a 32-year-old Smyrna man, has been arrested and charged with child molestation for allegedly engaging in sexual acts with juvenile girls. The incidents are said to have occurred at a residence on Wynndowne Trail in Smyrna between May 20 and June 19. Davis is facing charges including eight counts of aggravated child molestation and three counts of child molestation. He was apprehended on July 25 and is currently being held in the Cobb County Adult Detention Center without bond.   STORY 5: 3rd grade   In Marietta City Schools, efforts to enhance third-grade reading skills have yielded substantial results. Three teachers at Burruss Elementary School demonstrate how they use engaging methods to teach reading, exemplified by their collective approach to a Guardian article on kindness. This dynamic method encompasses group readings, discussions, and hands-on activities. Marietta City Schools experienced a remarkable 20-point increase in the mean third-grade reading score, far surpassing other districts and the state average. The improvement is attributed to a science-based reading strategy, integrating phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. The curriculum extends beyond traditional reading by incorporating writing and connecting learning across subjects. The district also invests in reading specialists and teacher incentives. The collaborative community-wide initiative "Literacy and Justice for All" further fosters early literacy development. Students with diverse learning needs, such as dyslexia, benefit significantly from these approaches, illustrating Marietta's commitment to transformative education.     Story 6: whitlock   The Marietta City Council has rejected a developer's proposal to construct eight single-family detached houses near Marietta High School on Whitlock Ave. The plan entailed building three-story, 2,700-square-foot modern homes on a 1.64-acre tract of land at 1141 Whitlock Ave. The homes would have ranged from $800,000 to $1 million in price. Neighbors on Brighton Court raised concerns over issues like stormwater runoff. Despite modifications to the plan, including added parking spots, a fire truck turnaround, and a playground, the council was concerned about the homes towering over existing residences. Councilman Johnny Walker suggested the homes back up to Whitlock rather than existing properties. Ultimately, the rezoning was denied, highlighting the balance between private development rights and community concerns.   We'll be back in a moment   Break: Drake- Powers – Ingles 9   Story 7: harvard   Sixteen-year-old Trina Whitaker, a junior at Marietta High School, has secured victory in the 2023 Harvard Debate competition. As part of a 38-student team organized by the Veritas Debate Institute in Atlanta, Trina and her team competed against around 70 other teams from worldwide locations. Competing against more than 200 students, Trina emerged as the winner, showcasing her impressive debating skills. This marks the fifth consecutive year that the Veritas team has triumphed in the Harvard debate competition. Trina's achievement is particularly noteworthy as she began her preparation in June, while many opponents had been honing their skills for years. Trina aspires to attend law school and has her sights set on universities like Howard University and Columbia University for her undergraduate studies.   Story 8: diversionary We're back with final thoughts after this Cobb Superior Court Judge Kellie Hill has initiated a 12-month pilot program aimed at offering young defendants a chance to avoid felony records by providing them with a second chance. The program is designed to reduce recidivism rates and break the cycle of repeated offenses. Defendants aged 17 to 25 charged with non-violent felonies, who express interest and meet certain criteria, can qualify for this pretrial diversion program. The unique feature of Hill's program is its length of one year, compared to other diversionary programs. The initiative includes personal interviews, mentors, public service requirements, and life skills training. The program has successfully assisted participants in completing their program and avoiding convictions.   Story 9: college   As the Division I college football season approaches, North Cobb and Marietta high schools lead the pack in producing alumni who will be playing at this level. North Cobb boasts 21 former players, including those at prestigious schools like Georgia, Arkansas, and Michigan. Marietta follows closely with 19 players on Division I rosters, competing at universities such as Nebraska, Georgia Tech, and Tennessee. Coaches emphasize not only developing athletes' skills but also their character, focusing on accountability, professionalism, and personal growth. The recruitment process has grown more complex with changes in programs like the transfer portal and name, image, and likeness policies. Success in high school playoffs also enhances players' chances of progressing to the next level.   Back with final thoughts after this…..   Break: JRM - 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.esogrepair.com  www.daycosystems.com  www.powerselectricga.com  www.jrmmanagement.com  www.elonsalon.com  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for August 1st Tuesday Publish Date: July 31 Monday   Commercial: Henssler :15   From the Henssler Financial Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast Today is Tuesday July 29th and happy 61st birthday to actor Wesley Snipes ***Snipes*** I'm Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit of Georgia 1. 1991 California cold case reopened after retired Marietta pastor's arrest 2. Marietta weighs renewal of tax-sharing agreement with Cobb Galleria authority 3. And a Cobb, Marietta schools see mixed results on statewide test   All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. Commercial : CU of GA   STORY 1: 91   After the arrest of an 83-year-old retired minister in connection with the kidnapping and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Pennsylvania almost 50 years ago, investigators in California reopened a cold case involving a 4-year-old girl who went missing in 1991. David George Zandstra, the accused, admitted to the crime after evidence of sexual misconduct was presented. Investigators are looking into possible connections between the two cases, separated by 16 years and multiple states, to see if there might be a pattern of similar crimes. The Christian Reformed Church in North America, where Zandstra served as a minister, has also initiated its own investigation.....................……... Read more about this at mdjonline.com   Story 2: galleria   The Cobb-Marietta Coliseum and Exhibit Hall Authority, which manages the Cobb Galleria Centre and Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center, has renewed 30-year tax revenue-sharing agreements with several cities, but the city of Marietta is yet to reach an agreement. The authority seeks a steady revenue stream to fund a $150-170 million redevelopment. Marietta's hotel-motel tax revenue contributes to the authority's revenue, but some officials are questioning the continuation of the subsidy for three more decades. The authority argues that it has a significant economic and philanthropic impact, generating billions in economic impact and supporting jobs. Marietta's City Council plans to discuss the matter further in a special meeting on August 9.   Story 3: test   The 2022-2023 Georgia Milestones test scores show that Marietta City Schools saw significant improvements in reading across most grade levels, particularly in third-grade reading with a 20-point increase. This improvement is attributed to the Literacy and Justice for All program. However, the average score for high schoolers in algebra saw a 23-point drop since last year. In contrast, Cobb County School District's scores remained relatively steady or slightly dropped, with some grade levels showing declines in reading. Marietta outperformed the state in various categories but fell short in some subjects. Statewide, there were improvements in student scores on most assessments compared to the previous year. Efforts to improve reading outcomes include expanding tutoring programs through Georgia Virtual Learning and partnering with AmeriCorps.   we'll be right back   Break: ESOG – Elon – Dayco   STORY 4: college   Rob Garcia III has been appointed to lead the Marietta College and Career Academy in Marietta City Schools. The academy offers unique pathways for students to gain hands-on experience in various industries and develop skills for high-paying jobs. Garcia's aim is to connect local businesses with the academy to build curriculum according to their needs, offer internships and apprenticeships, and ensure students are prepared for the workforce. The academy spans the entirety of Marietta High School, and its success is driven by partnerships with local industries. Garcia's return to his hometown is seen as a significant asset to the community.   STORY 5: 6 holocaust   Holocaust survivor Sami Steigmann shared his story during a three-day symposium off Marietta Square hosted by Zachor Shoah, Inc., a nonprofit combating Holocaust denial and distortion. Born in 1939 in Czernowitz, Bukovina, Steigmann and his family were imprisoned in the Mogilev-Podolsky labor camp in Transnistria. He survived medical experiments, starvation, and death marches during the Holocaust. Steigmann emphasized the importance of education to prevent hate, bigotry, and genocide, urging people to be vigilant against hate groups and propaganda. The symposium aimed to promote Holocaust education and raise awareness about the dangers of antisemitism and discrimination.   Story 6: jackson   Republican Cobb County Tax Commissioner Carla Jackson, the first Black tax commissioner in Cobb County's history, is switching to the Democratic Party ahead of next year's election. She has been reelected twice as a Republican but will now seek reelection as a Democrat. Jackson cited the changes in the Republican Party since 2016 as her reason for the switch and mentioned that her beliefs and values as a Black woman are in direct opposition to GOP actions regarding race, voting rights, gender, and the environment. The Cobb Democratic Committee welcomed her to the party.   We'll be back in a moment   Break: Drake- Ingles 7- JRM   Story 7: foti   The Walton Raiders achieved their 23rd overall state title in girls' tennis, winning the Georgia state playoffs under coach Anthony Foti's leadership. Foti was named the 2023 Cobb County Girls Tennis Coach of the Year. The team faced tough opponents, including state champions Northview, Pace Academy, and Marist, to prepare for the championship match against North Gwinnett. Led by Notre Dame commit Hayden Mulberry, who displayed dominant play, Walton secured a decisive victory in the final. The team will face new challenges next season with the graduation of seven seniors but remains confident in maintaining their high level of performance.   Story 8: santanna   The Dillon Santana of Mount Paran Christian had a remarkable comeback story in tennis. Despite facing setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a wrist injury, he played consistently as the No. 1 singles player and led his team to its first-ever state championship. Santana's performance earned him the title of 2023 Cobb County Boys Tennis Player of the Year. Motivated by past missed opportunities, he fought hard in every match, and the culmination of his efforts led to an emotional victory. Santana will continue his tennis journey at Georgia College and State University.   Story 9: rhodes   Cody Rhodes, a professional wrestler, reminisces about his WWE career, starting in Detroit in 2007 when he inducted his father, Dusty Rhodes, into the WWE Hall of Fame. Rhodes, a Cobb Native and Lassiter alum, later debuted in WWE, left in 2016 to join the independent circuit, co-founded All Elite Wrestling, and returned to WWE in 2022. Rhodes aims to win the WWE heavyweight title, a dream that eluded his father. Despite challenges and emotions, he remains focused on his goal and cherishes his Detroit connection through his wife's family. Cody Rhodes is set to wrestle Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam.     We're back with final thoughts after this     Break: UMC 15 – 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.esogrepaire.com  www.jrmmanagement.com  www.drakerealty.com  www.daycosystems.com  www.unitedmilitarycare.org  www.elonsalon.com  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MDJ  Script/ Top Stories for July29th Saturday Publish Date: July 28 Friday   Commercial:  Henssler :15   From the Henssler Financial Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast    Today is Saturday July 29th and happy 70th birthday to rock singer Geddy Lee ***Geddy Lee*** I'm Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit of Georgia Man with suspected meth tries to burn down Austell McDonald's, police say Marietta man accused of shooting at his family And a Longtime Cobb police detective dies following 2-year battle with cancer   All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. Commercial : CU of GA   STORY 1: meth   Kelvin Moses, an Atlanta man, has been charged with attempted arson for allegedly trying to burn down a McDonald's in Cobb County. On July 15, at the McDonald's located at 4065 Austell Road in Austell, Moses refused to leave the bathroom after lighting various objects on fire. He reportedly threatened to burn down the establishment and attempted to carry out the threat by setting a roll of toilet paper on fire while customers and employees were present. During his arrest, a small baggie of suspected methamphetamine was found on him. Moses faces charges of simple battery, possession of methamphetamine, obstruction/hindering law enforcement, attempted arson, and criminal trespass. He is currently in custody with a bond set at $5,000.....................……... Read more about this at mdjonline.com     Story 2: accused   Adonis Reid, a 23-year-old Marietta man, has been charged with aggravated assault for allegedly shooting at his baby's mother, Tanayja Lacey, and his juvenile daughter on July 13. The incident occurred at 2751 Hammondton Road in Marietta, with Reid using a SCCY CPX-1 9mm firearm. He is facing two counts of aggravated assault with a weapon, one count of cruelty to children in the third degree, and two counts of reckless conduct. Reid was arrested on July 14 and is currently in custody at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center with no bond set.   Story 3: dies   Detective James Uzee, a 23-year veteran of the Cobb County Police Department, passed away on Wednesday after a two-year battle with cancer. Throughout his career, Uzee served in various roles within the department and left a lasting impression on his colleagues and the public. The department paid tribute to him on social media, praising him as a genuinely caring man who shared his goodness with everyone he worked with and served. Detective Uzee's dedication and compassion will be deeply missed by many.   we'll be right back   Break:   ESOG – Elon – Dayco   STORY 4: swat    A domestic dispute in a Kennesaw neighborhood led to a SWAT standoff, resulting in the arrest of Joey Holcomb. The stepfather of Holcomb called 911 to report threats made by him at the residence. SWAT members responded after Holcomb barricaded himself in a trailer on the property. He was charged with simple assault, terroristic threats, obstruction of law enforcement, and possession of a destructive device. Holcomb had allegedly made a Molotov cocktail during the incident. This was the second SWAT standoff in Cobb County that week, with another incident involving a man threatening suicide in a Kennesaw home, leading to his death by self-inflicted gunshot.   STORY 5: 6 flags   An Atlanta man, Troy Bracy, was killed after being struck by an SUV driven by Gustavo Isidoro in Mableton near Six Flags and I-20. The incident occurred at 11:23 p.m. on Cityview Drive, where Bracy was walking in the eastbound lane when he was hit by the GMC Sierra SUV. Bracy was pronounced dead at the scene, and Isidoro, the driver, was not injured. Cobb police are conducting an active investigation and urge anyone with information to contact them at 770-499-3987.   Story 6: 101   The Kennesaw City Manager's Office is offering the Kennesaw 101: Citizens Government Academy, an eight-week course starting on September 14. It is open to residents and workers within Kennesaw city limits, aged 18 or older. The course provides insight into the city's day-to-day operations, partnerships, and planning. Limited to 15 registrants, the academy offers hands-on learning activities, networking, and updates from city staff. The classes will be held at City Hall every Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. The program concludes with a graduation ceremony during the November 6 Mayor and Council meeting. The academy aims to empower citizens for future government-citizen interaction.   We'll be back in a moment   Break:   Drake- Ingles 7- G.O.N.   Story 7: smyrna   During his State of the City address, Smyrna Mayor Derek Norton highlighted his efforts to revamp the downtown area and pledged to continue these initiatives if re-elected. The downtown redevelopment includes new greenspaces, a splash pad, a plaza, benches, and more. Norton also mentioned upcoming projects, including a brewery, Village Green Park, and a parking deck. He emphasized the economic impact of these developments and efforts to make Smyrna more energy-efficient and eco-friendly. While some residents remain skeptical about certain projects, Norton remains focused on the city's progress and potential for future growth and improvement.   Story 8: speed   The city of Marietta is considering adding three more red light cameras, bringing the total to seven, at various intersections to improve safety and reduce accidents. Additionally, the city is exploring the possibility of installing speed cameras in school zones to enhance safety for children and drivers during school hours. The proposal for speed cameras was previously discussed in 2021 and is now being reconsidered. The city aims to collaborate with Marietta City Schools to implement the cameras. The red light cameras have been effective in reducing accidents, with traffic studies indicating a significant decrease in crashes at intersections equipped with cameras.   Story 9: tennis   Hayden Mulberry, a rising senior at Walton High School, has been named the 2023 Cobb County Girls Tennis Player of the Year after winning her third state championship and maintaining an undefeated high school record. She went 21-0 in the past season and led the team as the No. 1 singles player. Mulberry's determination and backhand skills have earned her a commitment to Notre Dame. She aims to complete the quadruple and leave a legacy among Walton's greats in her final season, though she acknowledges the challenge of losing several seniors. Her coach, Anthony Foti, praises her focus, intelligence, and team motivation.     We're back with final thoughts after this     Break:   UMC 15 – Ted's -  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.drakerealty.com  www.esogrepair.com  www.daycosystems.com  www.gon.com  www.elonsalon.com  www.unitedmilitarycare.org     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for July21st Friday Publish Date: July 20 Thursday   Commercial: Henssler :15   From the Henssler Financial Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast Today is Friday July 21st and happy 74th birthday to folk singer Cat Stevens ***Stevens*** I'm Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Engineered Solutions of Georgia 1. Chattahoochee River reopens 2. GBI announces promotion of Mableton resident 3. And Woods takes over at helm of Marietta Center for Advanced Academics All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. Commercial : ESOG   STORY 1: river   The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area has reopened all sections of the river that were previously closed due to high levels of E. Coli contamination caused by a release at the Big Creek Water Reclamation Facility in Roswell. Bacteria levels are now below the EPA's recommended criteria. The park is assessing the impact on wildlife, vegetation, and aquatic resources, and water quality will continue to be monitored at specific locations. Visitors are advised to wear life vests, check flow rates, weather forecasts, and bacteria levels before entering the water. Current information is available on social media and the park's website..................……... Read more about this at mdjonline.com   Story 2: gbi   The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has promoted Mableton's Kim Jewett to Assistant Manager of Trace Evidence. In her new role, she will assist the Trace Evidence Manager in overseeing the section's daily operations and supervising personnel. Jewett has been with the GBI since December 2009 and has specialized in areas like hair analysis, fracture match analysis, and Gunshot Primer Residue Analysis. She has also led a research project on GSR contamination and received recognition for her outstanding achievements. The GBI is a state agency with four divisions and over 900 employees, operating with a budget of nearly $148 million.   Story 3: woods   Heather Woods, with over 20 years of experience in education, including 10 in Marietta City Schools, has become the principal of Marietta Center for Advanced Academics (MCAA). MCAA is a unique Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) school with a dual focus on high achievement and hands-on learning. It caters to about 310 high-achieving students across third, fourth, and fifth grades who test into the school. The curriculum includes units in various STEAM areas. The school also emphasizes "House Challenges" where students work together to solve real-world problems and develop essential skills like collaboration, creativity, communication, and critical thinking. Woods is enthusiastic about maintaining and enhancing partnerships with community organizations and businesses, fostering a unique learning experience for the students.   we'll be right back   Break: CU of GA - Dayco – Ingles 1   STORY 4: cognia   The Marietta Board of Education has decided to delay paying an annual membership to accreditation firm Cognia while exploring other options for accreditation. One possibility is seeking accreditation through the Georgia Accrediting Commission, although it accredits individual schools rather than entire districts. The board is also exploring whether Cognia would accredit the district without an annual payment. Cognia faced controversy in 2021 for a review of Cobb County School District, which was eventually voided due to evidence ignored during the process. The board voted 6-1 to table the payment, with concerns about potential risks for students and the monopolistic position of Cognia in Georgia's accreditation landscape. Research and discussions are ongoing to find the best solution for maintaining accreditation.   STORY 5: hall   The Georgia Law Enforcement Organization is raising funds to support Hall County Sheriff's Deputy Patrick Neil Holtzclaw, whose wife and young children tragically died in a fiery crash in Habersham County. The crash involved a speeding Corvette colliding with the Ford Explorer driven by Holtzclaw's wife. All occupants of both vehicles were killed. The fundraising efforts will help Deputy Holtzclaw with funeral expenses. The Georgia Law Enforcement Organization is a 501c3 non-profit, ensuring that all donations will go directly to Deputy Holtzclaw without any deductions. The community has been urged to offer support and prayers during this difficult time.   Story 6: park   A new skate park at the Silver Comet Linear Park in Powder Springs, Cobb County, has officially opened. Designed by California Skateparks, the 20,000-square-foot park cost $1.8 million and can host Olympic qualifying competitions. Powder Springs Mayor Al Thurman expressed his excitement, calling it a "dream come true." Skaters and bikers were thrilled with the park's features, and it's expected to be a safe and popular gathering spot for skateboarders in the community. The skatepark is seen as a valuable asset to the city of Powder Springs and is expected to inspire future generations of skateboarders to enjoy the sport in a secure environment.   We'll be back in a moment   Break: Drake- Elon- UMC 30   Story 7: transit   Cobb County is planning to build a new transit center in south Cobb to improve access to different bus routes of the CobbLinc transit system. The project aims to enhance transportation options for residents and ease traffic congestion. Two existing transit centers in Marietta and Cumberland are also being considered for renovation and relocation. The studies will help the county access federal funding for the project. The completion of the centers is expected to take five to seven years. The proposed transit center in south Cobb is likely to be located near Wellstar Cobb Hospital, with the exact site to be determined.   Story 8: team usa   Three Cobb County baseball players, Levi Clark, Bryce Clavon, and Michael Mullinax, have been selected for Team USA's 18U national team training camp roster. They earned their spots after competing in the Prospect Development Pipeline League. The training camp will take place in California, and the final 20-man roster will be announced on August 25. The team aims to defend its world title in September. The training camp roster features players from 19 states, with California having the most representatives. The 18U national team will be managed by Michael Cuddyer, a two-time All-Star.   Story 9: smart   At SEC Media Days, Georgia coach Kirby Smart said he is focused on the present and not getting caught up in making history by potentially winning three straight national titles. The Bulldogs have a shot at achieving a rare three-peat, with Minnesota being the only team to have done it before in 1934-1936. However, Smart believes in taking it one day at a time and not relying on historical feats for motivation. Georgia is coming off two impressive seasons and is considered the favorite to win it all again this year, but they remain focused on the new challenges ahead.   We're back with final thoughts after this     Break: G.O.N :30. - 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.daycosystems.com  www.esogrepair.com  www.gon.com  www.unitedmilitarycare.org  www.drakerealty.com  www.cuofga.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MDJ  Script/ Top Stories for June 13th Tuesday Publish Date: June 12th Monday   Commercial:  Henssler :15   From the Henssler Financial Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast    Today is Tuesday June the 13th and happy 82nd birthday to longtime broadcaster Marv Albert ***Marv Albert*** I'm Dan Radcliffe and here are the top stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia GBI investigating deadly police-involved shooting in Marietta Acworth opens improved Highway 92 between Cobb Parkway and Allatoona Gateway And Electric Avenue opens new Smyrna green space with '80s fun    Plus, PPlus, 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 gbi   The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is looking into a case of fatal domestic violence involving Cobb police in Marietta. The incident occurred after a 911 call reported a woman being assaulted by her boyfriend, who also threatened her with a firearm. The call was made by a neighbor who was contacted by the victim. Upon arriving at the scene, officers found the victim and the armed man in the driveway of a residence. The man, identified as Murdock Jackson, was shot by the responding officers and died at the scene. No officers were injured. The GBI will conduct a thorough investigation, and once completed, the case will be reviewed by the Cobb Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office. This marks the 45th officer-involved shooting investigated by the GBI this year.....stay up to date on this story at mdjonline.com     Story 2: acworth   The Highway 92 Improvement Project in Acworth, Georgia, was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the opening of all four lanes. The project involved widening the road from two to four lanes over a stretch of about 2.5 miles between Cobb Parkway and Allatoona Gateway. It included additional features such as a new sidewalk, multipurpose trail, bridges, turn lanes, signalization improvements, and stormwater enhancements. The $64 million project was primarily funded by state and federal sources. Acworth Mayor Tommy Allegood expressed appreciation to contractor C.W. Matthews for their efficient handling of the complex project, which aimed to alleviate congestion, enhance safety, and accommodate the growing needs of the region. C.W. Matthews will continue with final touches while maintaining a construction zone speed limit of 35 mph for worker safety. Once completed, the speed limit will return to its original 40 mph.     Story 3: green   Smyrna's newest downtown green space was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, drawing a lively crowd. Mayor Derek Norton expressed his excitement about the space, which took a year and a half to develop and still has additional features to be added, including a playground, splash pad, activity center, and a brewery. Families enjoyed the evening on the massive lawn, with kids playing and parents relaxing. The atmosphere was filled with joy and anticipation as an '80s cover band performed, and community members expressed their enthusiasm for the new park and the progress made. The event showcased the vibrant community spirit and positive evolution of Smyrna....see photos and read more about this at mdjonline.com………………we'll be right back   Break:   ESOG– Dayco   STORY 4: cheney   The Switzer Library is hosting an exhibition of Rich Cheney's folk art during the month of June. Cheney's sculptures, made from various materials such as wood, bronze, brass, iron, and aluminum, adorn the library's entrance. The library aims to provide access to art and its stories as part of its mission to serve the community. Cheney draws inspiration from geometric abstract public art he encountered during his travels to South American countries like Chile, Peru, and Machu Picchu. After retiring as a master aircraft welder, Cheney dedicated himself to creating art and now resides in his Cool Metalz Studio, crafting metal and wood sculptures. The retrospective exhibition showcases his work from the past eight years. Cheney, who is also a blues musician, finds connections between his love for music and his sculpting. He hopes to continue creating and sharing his art within the local community.   STORY 5: mcs   The Mayor's Award is given annually to outstanding students in the Marietta City Schools district. Marietta Mayor Steve "Thunder" Tumlin presents the award at each school's awards ceremony. One student from each elementary school and Marietta Middle School receives the Mayor's Award, while another student receives the Superintendent's Award. The recipients are selected by the school staff based on their exceptional contributions to the school community. This year's awardees include students from various elementary schools, Marietta Middle School, and the Marietta Center for Advanced Academics. The Mayor and the Superintendent are present to present the awards and celebrate the students' achievements......see the lists of winners at mdjonline.com   Story 6: trails   A network of trails spanning nearly four miles in and around Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park has been opened to bikers and pedestrians after about two years of construction. The project, costing $12 million, was overseen by the Cobb Department of Transportation in partnership with the National Park Service and the city of Marietta. The eight- to ten-foot-wide paved trail connects various parts of the park that were previously inaccessible. The project was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local officials, who emphasized the benefits of improved mobility, recreation, and economic impact for the area. The collaboration between the county and the city was highlighted as crucial to the success of the project.               Back, in a moment   Break  Drake – Ingle's 7 - Elon   Story 7:  Young   Sprayberry and Clayton State University men's basketball alum Kevin Young has signed a new contract to become the associate head coach for the Phoenix Suns. Young will work alongside head coach Frank Vogel. He played a key role in guiding the Suns to their second consecutive Western Conference Semifinals appearance last season and their first NBA Finals appearance in his first season with the organization. Prior to his coaching career, Young played for Clayton State under coach Gordn Gibbons, where his teams achieved a combined record of 39-20 and reached the semifinals of the Peach Belt Conference Tournament. Young's success as a player and coach has now earned him a prominent position in the NBA. Read more about this at mdjonline.com   Story 8:  remy   Kennesaw State University's Charles Remy, along with three other athletes, has been honored as an Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar. The award recognizes minority undergraduate students who excel in academics and athletics. Remy, a defensive lineman with a 3.55 GPA, played nine games in the 2022 season, recording 10 tackles and his first career sack. The other awardees include Michael Benefield, a sophomore running back, Kierra Cooper, a junior softball outfielder, and Kyarra Newton, a graduate student in track and field. All four athletes have demonstrated exceptional academic achievements while actively participating in their respective sports.   We'll have closing comments after this.   Ted's - 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.cuofga.org   www.esogrepair.com   www.daycosystems.com   www.elonsalon.com   www.drakerealty.com  www.ingles-markets.com       See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MDJ  Script/ Top Stories for June 10th Saturday Publish Date: June 9th Friday   Commercial:  Henssler :15   From the Henssler Financial Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast    Today is Saturday June the 10th and happy heavenly birthday to famous lawyer F. Lee Bailey ***Fox*** I'm Bruce Jenkins and here are the top stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia Driver arrested, injured pedestrian still in critical condition after Monday hit-and-run County looks to build new transit centers in Cumberland, Marietta and South Cobb And Kemp awards Acworth PD $900K, KSU $600K for public safety initiatives    Plus, PPlus, 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 driver   In an update on a story from earlier in the week, A man has been arrested by Marietta police in a hit-and-run incident on Delk Road that critically injured a pedestrian. Miguel Bacilio-Marquez, 43, was charged with serious injury by vehicle, hit-and-run, failure to maintain lane, and driving on a suspended license. The collision occurred on Sunday night when a white Ford F-150 struck 40-year-old Oscar Sanchez from Houston, Texas, who was walking along Delk Road near Interstate 75. The driver fled the scene without calling for help. Sanchez was taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital in critical condition. Bacilio-Marquez is currently in custody at the Cobb County jail. The investigation is still ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact the police………..For more on this, visit mdjonline.com     Story 2: county   Cobb County is planning to build new transit centers to meet the ridership needs and future capacity demands of its bus system. Currently, there are transfer centers in Marietta and Cumberland, but they require improvements. A study is underway to find a new location for the Cumberland Transfer Center, potentially at Cumberland Mall, while another study for a new Marietta center will be completed in spring 2024. A new transfer center in south Cobb is also planned, possibly near Wellstar Cobb Hospital. The site selection process is expected to take 5-7 years. The new centers will accommodate existing routes and future projects like a bus rapid transit line along Cobb Parkway. The current Cumberland site has limitations that hinder efficient operations. Read more at mdjonline.com     Story 3: awards   Governor Brian Kemp has awarded over $1.6 million in grants to two Cobb-based projects aimed at improving public safety and addressing law enforcement staffing challenges. The Acworth Police Department will receive $930,000 to upgrade its computers, expand its real-time crime center, and purchase more FLOCK license-plate reading cameras. This will enhance their intelligence-led policing initiative and strengthen partnerships with other law enforcement agencies. The Kennesaw State University Research and Service Foundation will receive $640,000 to integrate technology into a crisis preparedness plan focused on identifying potential threats and responding swiftly to gun-related incidents. These grants are part of a statewide effort to support law enforcement staffing, reduce violent crime, and invest in technology and equipment to combat community violence………………we'll be right back   Break:   ESOG– Dayco   STORY 4: Meals   Marietta City Schools is offering free summer meals to children through its summer meal program. From May 30 to July 28, meals are available at 34 locations citywide for children under 18. The program is open to all children without registration or income/residency restrictions. The initiative aims to provide nutritious meal options during the summer break. The meals include items like PB and J sandwiches, broccoli, milk, fruit cups, goldfish, and apple juice. Children happily enjoy their meals, and the program has been running successfully for many years. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and addresses child hunger, ensuring children have access to consistent and healthy meals outside of the school year. Marietta City Schools encourages families to utilize this program and support their child's nutritional needs during the summer.   STORY 5: woke   The Georgia Professional Standards Commission has unanimously voted to remove words such as "equity," "inclusion," and "diversity" from the state's teacher preparation rules. The changes were requested by the University System of Georgia to provide clarity, as the meanings of these words have become ambiguous. Chairman Brian Sirmans emphasized that the revisions do not aim to limit educational opportunities for minority students. However, critics, including educators, parents, and civil rights activists, argue that removing these words will leave teachers ill-equipped to address the needs of diverse students and marginalized communities. They expressed concerns about the impact on minority teachers' morale and the potential for attrition from the profession.   Story 6: williams   The Smyrna City Council has unanimously chosen a team of three artists to construct a memorial honoring Fanny Williams, the namesake of Aunt Fanny's Cabin. The memorial will feature a life-size statue of Williams, who was a Black woman known for her work as a caretaker, cook, and civil rights activist. The historic building, which housed a controversial restaurant, was demolished last year. The chosen design, titled "Testimony of Redemption," includes a statue of Williams holding a shovel against a perforated metal backdrop depicting Wheat Street Baptist Church in Atlanta. The memorial aims to recognize Williams' achievements beyond the restaurant and highlight her contributions to the community. The next steps involve finalizing the details and starting construction. Checkback for updates on the project at mdjonline.com               Back, in a moment   Break  Drake – Ingle's 5 - Elon   Story 7:  swimmer   Noah Smith, a swimmer from Allatoona High School, has been named the Cobb Swim Coaches Association Swimmer of the Year for the second year in a row. Smith had an exceptional season, winning two individual Class 6A state championships in the 50-yard freestyle and 100 freestyle events. He also received the title of Class 6A Boys Swimmer of the Year. Despite training mostly with the Marietta-based Stingrays club team, Smith has shown remarkable leadership and character within the Allatoona Buccaneers' program. He aims to continue building a strong team culture and hopes to win a relay championship with his teammates next year. Smith has committed to swim at the University of Tennessee but still has goals to achieve in his high school career.   Story 8:  Hillgrove  (Slenz-Ka)   Shawn Slenczka, the head coach of the Hillgrove wrestling program, was named the 2022-23 Wrestling Coach of the Year by the Cobb County Wrestling Association. In his 10th season, Slenczka led the team to its first Cobb County Invitational title and a seventh-place finish in Class AAAAAAA. He guided Zion Rutledge to a second consecutive state title at 215 pounds, and Connor Cooper also claimed a championship at 190 pounds. Despite losing some key wrestlers to graduation, Slenczka is optimistic about the team's future, with a solid lineup and talented underclassmen ready to make an impact. Hillgrove aims to continue its success and compete for state championships in the coming years.   We'll have closing comments after this.   Ted's - 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.cuofga.org   www.esogrepair.com   www.daycosystems.com   www.elonsalon.com  www.drakerealty.com   www.ingles-markets.com   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support from bus manufacturers increases for greener bus options, including renewable fuel.  Director of Transportation Kimberly Ellis talks technology, training and techniques in use at Georgia‘s innovative Marietta City Schools to fight illegal passing, retain bus drivers and track student ridership. Read more at stnonline.com/tag/operations.

The Development Authority of Cobb County has approved a $159.5 million bond request to fund the construction of a $500 million mixed-use development near Truist Park. The development will feature two towers, including a 250-room hotel and condos at the top of the building. Nebraska-based developer Goldenrod Companies, which owns most of the parcels along Circle 75 Parkway, is leading the project. The first bond is for $143.9 million to fund the hotel building, and the second bond is for $15.6 million to fund the retail portion of the other building. The project is expected to net the school district about $2.4 million in revenue over the 10-year period the tax abatement is in effect. The Yaarab Shrine Circus and Fair, the biggest Shrine Circus and Fair in North America, will take place from May 20-29 at Jim R. Miller Park in Marietta. Visitors can enjoy world-class entertainment under the Big Top, including Motorcycles on a Wire, The Flying Clarkonians, and The Hanneford Circus Elephants. The fair will also feature 35 rides for all ages, carnival games, and a variety of delicious foods such as pizza, cotton candy, and funnel cakes. The circus runs from Monday to Friday at 7 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 4 p.m., and 7 p.m. The entrance fee is $10 for adults, and children under 10 are free. Special event days include Sneak-A-Peek-Ride-A-Thon, Cobb County Employee Day, Car Load Night, First Responders Night, and free admission for veterans on Memorial Day. Tickets are available online at Shrine Circus Atlanta dot com. Kyle McKinney, known as “Mr. Everywhere,” announced on social media that he will be playing college football at the University of Alabama Birmingham. McKinney, who finished the 2022 season with 64 tackles and 12 tackles for loss, had offers from Stetson and two Division III programs. He thanked his family, teammates, coaches, and trainer for supporting him and developing his skills. McKinney spent his first three high school seasons at Hillgrove and earned all-county honors in 2021 and all-Region 5AAAAAAA honors this past season. Hunter Teal, the go-to receiver for Walton quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski, announced his commitment to the Miami University of Ohio on social media earlier this week. Teal earned first-team all-Region 5AAAAAAA, all-county and all-state honors following the 2022 season. The 6-foot-2, 225-pound tight end caught 50 passes for 970 yards and four touchdowns. Teal chose Miami, a Mid-American Conference program, over an offer from Florida A&M. According to 247Sports, he also had interest from Florida, Missouri, Central Florida, South Florida and Wake Forest. Mableton, has elected its leaders. The Cobb County Board of Elections is due to certify the election on Monday, with the terms of the initial mayor and council to begin immediately following this. The new city should come online in June. The mayor and council will meet in a school in Mableton, until facilities have been built. Mableton officials will decide which services they want to take over from Cobb during a two-year phase-in period. Mableton's feasibility study found the city could support itself without increasing property taxes, operating with an annual surplus of $3.2m The principal of Marietta Sixth Grade Academy, Corey Lawson, has resigned after eight years of service. Lawson announced his decision to leave in an email to MSGA families, saying that it was not an easy decision and required much prayer and discussion with his family. Lawson has been involved in Marietta City Schools' middle grades for 22 years, with 12 of those spent at MSGA in various roles. He expressed gratitude for his time at MSGA and working with the Blue Devil family. The school will now need to start the search for a new principal, with Lawson's last day set for June 30th. The Allatoona girls soccer team lost to Blessed Trinity 1-0 in their second round of the Class AAAAAA state playoffs, ending their season. The only goal of the match was scored by Caroline Smith of Blessed Trinity with four minutes remaining in regulation. Blessed Trinity dominated the game, out-shooting Allatoona 16-2 and having five corner kicks, while Allatoona had none. Allatoona was unable to match the pace of Blessed Trinity and struggled to move the ball downfield. Despite the loss, Allatoona had a successful season, making it to the state playoffs for the first time since 2019. #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.

Disney on Ice's Pablo Saccinto sits down with us to talk about the upcoming show in Duluth, life on the road, how he started skating, and his favorite Disney movies.  Also: The Taste of Mableton festival kicked off with a parade featuring Pebblebrook High School's Mighty Marching Machine band and other local groups. The parade showcased the multicultural talents of the Mableton community and marched down Floyd Road to the Mable House complex. The event was attended by many students who had worked hard to prepare for the parade. Parade grand marshal Jeff Padgett was enthusiastic about the event, and Fernanda Juarez from the TEOTL Foundation said it was emotional to see different people sharing their cultures. South Cobb students and JROTC members Andrea Galdamez and Yazmin Vanegas enjoyed the parade, but after the performance, they were really looking forward to getting some food. The M2R TrailFest is a free, public arts festival taking place on May 13th. This year, attendees can enjoy art installations and performances along the Mountain to River Trail, which stretches from Lewis Park to Brown Park. There will be sculptures, mural additions, free art drops, scavenger hunts, and a pet parade. The festival also features live music, dancers, and aerialists. Visitors can choose their path and see the brightly colored murals and sculptures along the way. The event is sponsored by SA White Oil and raises funds for the Marietta Art Council. More information is available at m2trailfest.com. Despite having five stitches removed from his shooting hand just two days before, Wheeler alum Jaylen Brown led the Boston Celtics to a 112-99 victory over the Atlanta Hawks in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series. Brown recorded game highs of 29 points and 12 rebounds, while Jayson Tatum added 25 points and 11 rebounds. Atlanta's Trae Young, finished with 16 points, and Dejounte Murray led the Hawks with 24 points and eight rebounds. Game 2 will be played in Boston tonight at 7:00 PM on NBA TV, and then the series will shift to Atlanta Friday night. Each summer, outstanding young American instrumentalists from the National Youth Orchestra 2 come together for the free orchestra program with the National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America and NYO Jazz for intensive training and performance opportunities. Four members of the NYO2 for 2023 are student musicians in Cobb Schools. Harrison 10th grader Euginie Lim will join the group as a violinist. Ian Lilly, an 11th-grade band student at North Cobb High School, earned a spot as a trombone player. And Wheeler's Christian Phanhthourath and Angelina Lu round out the Cobb selections. Christian plays the cello, and Angelina is a violinist. Gary Varner, a former head coach at Allatoona High School, has taken a new role as an assistant coach for North Cobb Christian's football team. Varner had to step down from his previous position due to the rigors of teaching full-time and dealing with recovery from multiple cancer surgeries. He received many offers from other coaches, but chose North Cobb Christian because of his respect for head coach Matt Jones. Varner will bring his experience and knowledge to the team as they prepare for the upcoming season. Marietta City Schools has welcomed a new "crisis response canine" named Barney, a black Lab who will offer support to students in need. Barney will be assigned to Officer Paul Hill, who works as a school resource officer in the city's elementary schools. The specially trained dog will assist students and adults with emotional and mental health issues by providing comfort and de-escalation during crisis situations. Barney will be used in court, too, where he can sit under the witness stand if a child has to testify. Barney's cost will be covered by the Marietta City Schools Foundation, a nonprofit which supports the school system. Sprayberry High School held its third annual interfaith baccalaureate ceremony on Thursday night. The event included seniors and local faith leaders who delivered messages of wisdom for adulthood to an audience of about 60 people. The ceremony aimed to represent the diversity of the school's student population, which includes Christians, Hindus, Jews and Muslims. The messages from the faith leaders focused on adapting to change, seeking wisdom from parents and contributing to society. Each student was called up individually to receive a certificate from the school's principal. Students stayed after the ceremony to eat baked goods and hug family members. Editor Ron Cobb recently discussed a Civil War memoir by John C. Reed, a line officer in the 8th Georgia Infantry, at an event in Marietta. The manuscript, which chronicles Reed's firsthand experiences of General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, was published in full for the first time. Reed, who fought throughout the entire war, was educated in classics and was wounded at least twice in battles at Manassas and Gettysburg. The manuscript, which includes 226 footnotes, has been edited by Cobb, who described the challenges of deciphering the text and making minimal changes. The memoir also includes Reed's observations on baseball and his practice of taking a slave to war with him. #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.

The Board of Education hired new principals for Marietta High School and Lockheed Elementary School Monday morning. In a unanimous vote, the Marietta City Schools board approved Superintendent Grant Rivera's recommendations to hire Marvin J. Crumbs as principal of Marietta High, and Tricia Patterson as principal of Lockheed Elementary. Both principals will begin their tenures in June, after the end of this school year. #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 this Breakfast-sized episode, Corey chats with the Team from Marietta City Schools regarding all things breakfast at the start of National School Breakfast Week.

Tributes to a giant of Georgia politics began to pour in after the weekend's announcement that former President Jimmy Carter, 98, would enter hospice care at his home in Plains. The news was announced by the Carter Center in a social media post Saturday. Admirers from Cobb remembered the remarkable arc of Carter's career, which carried him from the Gold Dome to the White House before a decades-long career as an advocate for humanitarian and civil rights causes. “Georgia is losing a great oak that has fallen,” said former Gov. Roy Barnes. Barnes called Carter a remarkable man who historians will treat kindly. Even though he faced steep challenges as president, Carter is already recognized as one of the great humanitarians of our age, Barnes said, and was ahead of his time on environmental issues. Barnes' father Bill Barnes supported Carter in the contentious 1970 Democratic primary election for the gubernatorial race, when Carter bested former Gov. Carl Sanders. Bill Barnes had become friends with Carter on bird hunting trips in south Georgia. Roy Barnes said that in Cobb, one of Carter's biggest supporters was the late Conley Ingram, who served as a judge in several of Cobb's courts and spent four years on the Georgia Supreme Court after being appointed by Carter. As governor, Barnes said Carter reorganized and streamlined state government. The overhaul was the most extensive since the gubernatorial term of Richard Russell in the 1930s. Barnes got to know the former president better as a state legislator. When Barnes was governor, Carter spoke out in support of Barnes' changing of the state flag to remove the Confederate battle flag. Former Marietta Congressman Buddy Darden likewise remembered when Carter was stumping in Cobb during his second, victorious run for governor in 1970. Carter ran as the supposed conservative against Gov. Sanders, Darden said, but that all changed when Carter declared in his inaugural address, “the time for racial discrimination is over.” A Georgia Department of Education investigation found that the Cobb County School District failed to follow federal law by denying services to a 5-year-old student with disabilities. The district has been ordered to provide compensatory services and review its policies in the wake of the investigation. A formal complaint was filed by the student's parent and the Southern Poverty Law Center last December, after Cobb schools denied home-based services for the student, who has Down syndrome and several other disabilities. The state found the district rejected the recommendations of two medical professionals that a unique, eight-week feeding program conducted during school hours was medically necessary for the student. After he missed 10 consecutive days of in-person school due to the medical program, the district withdrew the student and provided no special education to him from Sept. 29 through Nov. 22, and then re-enrolled him after the program was completed, according to the state. Cobb must now provide 50 hours of services to the student, the state ordered. Cobb schools said it had received the state's order and would respond accordingly. Cobb school board member Randy Scamihorn said he couldn't comment on any specific case. But, he said that he's always supported checks and balances on the school system, recognizing it will always be striving to be better. A Cobb County woman has received a life sentence after pleading guilty to the murder of her 5-year-old daughter this week, the district attorney's office said. Shekinah Akbar, 33, was accused of torturing and killing her child in a February 2020 incident. Akbar called 911 on February 20 to report that her neighbors had beat her daughter. First responders arrived to find the girl, who was not identified by name, dead and badly beaten. Akbar later told investigators she was attempting to exorcise evil spirits from her daughter, admitting she had hit the child. When confronted with the full extent of her daughter's injuries, Akbar claimed she did not remember inflicting that much harm and denied having killed her child. Akbar was subsequently arrested and charged with murdering her juvenile daughter. Akbar initially entered a plea of insanity, but later withdrew that notice and pled guilty but mentally ill to felony murder and cruelty to children, per the DA's office. She was sentenced by Superior Court Judge Robert Leonard.  It's the end of an era at one of Cobb County's oldest family-run nursing facilities. On Tuesday, residents and nurses of Ross Memorial Health Care Center hosted a send-off for brothers Jimmie and David Ross, who have operated the facility on Old 41 Highway for a generation. The brothers said they plan to turn over management to Parkside, which operates a handful of clinics in Georgia. The transition for the two comes after their brother, Russell Ross, died last year, and following nearly 60 years for the family business. The Ross brothers' grandparents, James A. and Annie Lee Ross, founded the original 24-bed Shady Grove Rest Home in 1965. David Ross said he plans to get back into his hobby of working on cars before deciding on a second act and next career. Jimmie Ross, meanwhile, said he plans to spend more time at his father's farm in south Georgia. The moment, he added, was a bittersweet one. His wife, Sheila Ross, has unofficially served as the home's decorator-in-chief, and Tuesday, the hallways were festooned in Mardi Gras decor. She too is still figuring out what's next, but looks forward to relaxing with her 14-month-old granddaughter. The Marietta Community Egg Hunt, sponsored by Superior Plumbing and the Marietta Business Association, will be April 7 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Life University's Athletic Complex, 1415 Barclay Circle in Marietta. The event will feature food, games, music, activities and egg hunts for everyone. There will be over 60,000 eggs and candy for the various hunts. The funds raised from the Egg Hunt go to support Marietta City Schools via the Marietta Business Association Education Programs. Admission is free and parking is free at Life University, 1269 Barclay Circle in Marietta. The egg hunt schedule will be 5:30 p.m. for ages three and under, 6 p.m. is a Special Needs Hunt, 7 p.m. for ages 4-7, 8 p.m. is a Special Needs Hunt and 8:30 p.m. is ages 8-10. Toddler Hunts are located in a separate area and will be at 5:30, 7 and 8:30 p.m. There will be food vendors on hand and Ultimate Kid's Zones, which are $10 per child for unlimited rides. The Powder Springs Police Department is asking for the public's help in identifying a person who they say broke into a home Sunday morning. A photo of the person was captured on a home security system, which police shared on social media. Police said the person broke into a home on Marietta Street in downtown Powder Springs and burglarized it. Anyone with information about the person is asked to contact the department on social media or call Sgt. Cheatham-Seay  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.

Charlotte Smith was joined by family and friends this month to celebrate being cancer-free after 27 months of treatment. Charlotte was diagnosed with cancer in October 2020, when she was 3. Her mother took her to the doctor after noticing she was tired, not eating much and prone to bruising. Her hemoglobin level was low — 4.9 — so they took her to Children's Scottish Rite Hospital, where she was diagnosed with leukemia. Charlotte was treated at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. Over the next two years, she had multiple chemotherapy infusions, oral chemotherapy for a year and a half, seven blood transfusions, 18 lumbar punctures and two surgeries. To celebrate being cancer-free, the Smiths threw a large party for their daughter, complete with a face painter and a DJ. During her treatment, Charlotte attended the Center for Early Education at Marietta First Baptist Church, where the Smiths are members. The teachers showed their support by wearing “Charlotte's army,” shirts. Charlotte is the great-granddaughter of Cobb Superior Court Senior Judge Adele Grubbs; Emily Smith is Grubbs' granddaughter. Charlotte's father, Brad Smith, is a business intelligence developer at Children's Healthcare. Emily Smith works as an intensive care nurse at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, and had to take a leave of absence during her daughter's treatment. Charlotte was immunocompromised due to the cancer, and the risk of her working in the hospital was too great. Now, Charlotte is in kindergarten at Kennesaw Elementary. Charlotte has two younger siblings — Olivia, 3, and Cooper, her three-month-old brother. She likes arts and crafts and coloring, and wants to be a nurse like her mother.  It was a big night for Kell guard Crystal Henderson. Her number 30, along with her brother Scoot Henderson's 0, were retired in a ceremony between the girls and boys games against Chattahoochee on Tuesday. She was celebrated for reaching the 2,000 point plateau for her career, and she scored 25 points with seven assists and five steals in the Longhorns' 64-36 Region 6AAAAA victory.  The only thing she didn't get was the ovation during a timeout as she left the court, because she couldn't. Thanks to a short bench because of an illness that was running through the team, Kell only had six healthy players for most of the game and it led to nearly every player playing all 32 minutes. The victory allowed the Longhorns to secure the Number 1 seed for this month's region tournament, but it is something coach Kandra Bailey didn't even want to think about quite yet, because the Horns still have games to play in the regular season. Between their near-century of combined service to Marietta City Schools, Kenneth and Jeanie Carter left an indelible mark on the city's history. But the Carter family has a new memento of its contributions to Marietta, as the Cole Street home of Kenneth Carter's parents was recently recognized as a historic home in one of the city's historically Black neighborhoods. The home's marker was unveiled as part of an ongoing, joint effort between Cobb Landmarks and the Marietta History Center. The program looks to memorialize the most storied homes of the city's Black families in the Baptist Town, Louisville, and Fort Hill neighborhoods, among others. The 1909 Carter house is a worthy member for inclusion. Originally built by Taylor Woods, a Black resident, the house was purchased by Sarah Young and Oscar Carter in 1944. Oscar Carter worked at Marietta's Bell Bomber plant as a custodian during World War II, and later for the city government, while his wife served as head of the Lemon Street PTA and worked as a washer woman, maid, and a nurse in the offices of Marietta physician Dr. Remer Clark. The couple raised four children in the home, which today is the last private house on the block of Cole Street between Lawrence and Lemon streets. While the Marietta Housing Authority bought the properties to the south, and Cole Street Missionary Baptist bought the properties to the north, the Carter family held on to their home. Among their children was Kenneth “Coach” Carter, who purchased the home when his mother died in the 1990s. Coach Carter, who died in 2019, spent nearly half a century as an educator and coach in Marietta City Schools. Residents interested in nominating a site for consideration as a landmark can contact Cobb Landmarks or the Marietta History Center. Two people were shot and injured in south Cobb Tuesday morning, the Cobb County Police Department said. According to police, officers were dispatched around 5:30 a.m. to a home on Main Station Drive off Hurt Road. Antoine McCain of Marietta, stated that he shot Ricky Robinson of Marietta, police said. Both men were suffering from apparent gunshot wounds, according to police. Police and firefighters responded and treated the men, who were both taken to a local hospital. The incident remains an open and active investigation. Anyone with information about it is asked to call police. University officials, alumni and students gathered Monday for the unveiling of Kennesaw State University's renovated Engineering Lab Building, a $5 million project. The 35,000-square-foot facility, known colloquially as the “G Building,” was built in 1962, said KSU President Kathy “Kat” Schwaig — the same year as she was, Schwaig joked — and last renovated in 1984. Schwaig spoke of the importance of students having a space for hands-on, collaborative work in the sciences. The building is part of the school's Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology and is home to a variety of opportunities for students, including different labs, such as for 3D printing and senior projects, a peer-to-peer tutoring program and academic advisers. Barnes & Noble plans to open a new store in the Avenue East Cobb this summer. The bookseller confirmed that it will open a 15,000-square-foot store, using part of the former Bed Bath and Beyond space at the popular shopping center off Roswell Road. The store will have a different feel to the bookstore chain's other locations — a “revamped model replicates the personal touch found in independent bookshops,” in the words of North American Properties, the owner of the Avenue East Cobb. Barnes & Noble's new approach also lets local stores stock a “hand-curated selection” of books tailored to its specific community. The store will feature “modern fixtures and furniture, an updated paint scheme, cozy book rooms, and an in-store café,” NAP said, and sell gifts, vinyl records, toys, games and puzzles. The east Cobb store is one of 30 that Barnes & Noble plans to open this year, using that new model. The company did not provide a specific opening date. #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.

The Cobb County School District has hired Cumberland-based Freeman Mathis & Gary to represent the district in an ongoing federal lawsuit over its school board district map passed by the General Assembly last year. The lawsuit was first filed in the Northern District of Georgia in June by a coalition of civil rights and left-leaning groups, alongside several Cobb parents, alleging the map disenfranchised voters of color. The map redrawing the boundaries of the seven-member board was supported by its Republicans, who hold a 4-3 majority. Echoing arguments made by Democratic lawmakers while the map was fiercely debated at the Capitol, the lawsuit accused the maps of “intentionally discriminating against communities of color, particularly Black and Latinx voters, by ‘packing' them into a small number of districts to dilute their voting power.” The filers of the lawsuit asked the court to declare Districts 2, 3 and 6 — held by the board's three Democrats — unconstitutional and direct the state to come up with a new map. The legal challenge of the maps was made on behalf of several groups, including the League of Women Voters of Marietta-Cobb, the New Georgia Project Action Fund and the Georgia NAACP, along with several Cobb parents, according to the initial filing. The plaintiffs are represented by the Southern Poverty Law Center, American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia, Southern Coalition for Social Justice, Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and the law firm Schulte, Roth & Zabel LLP. Thousands of fans flocked to The Battery Atlanta and Truist Park on Saturday to attend the return of Braves Fest. After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the festival featured a wide variety of family-friendly events including on-field activities, interactive experiences, baseball clinics and live entertainment. The free event allowed fans to interact with Braves players and coaches while also sharing their excitement for the upcoming season. Infielder Vaughn Grissom, All-Star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. and strikeout pitcher Spencer Strider were among the many Braves players who attended the festival. Grissom said Saturday's Braves Fest was his first, adding that he enjoyed spending quality time with his fans. One of the events, “Bowl with the Braves,” allowed fans to bowl a frame and nail a strike alongside players at Punch Bowl Social. Festival-goers also had the opportunity to sit at the Bally Sports South broadcast desk and snap a picture. Walton repeated as boys' team champion in the Cobb County Swimming and Diving Championships at Mountain View Aquatic Center on Saturday. The Raiders won their second straight county title and fourth in five years in decisive fashion, scoring 1,215 points to place far ahead of runner-up Lassiter. Harrison was third, followed by Kennesaw Mountain and Allatoona to complete the awards platform. Walton was also dominant in the individual and medley events, winning seven of the 12 finals. The Raiders swept the relay events. The quartet of Sonny Panessa, Jacob Linartas, Liam Long and Jesse Franks won the 200-yard medley relay with a time of 1 minute, 40.02 seconds, while the foursome of Griffin Lovett, Charles Barry, William Iglar and Franks won the 200 freestyle relay with a time of 1:27.76 and the team of Theodore Thomas, Daniel Cushing, Panessa and Long were the winners of the 400 free relay at 3:08.19. The Walton girls continued their dominance of county swimming as they won their sixth consecutive girls' team title in the Cobb County Championships at Mountain View Aquatic Complex on Saturday. Walton scored 1,046 points to edge out runner-up Lassiter. Third-place Pope, was followed by Wheeler  and Harrison on the podium. While Walton won the team title, Lassiter dominated the individual and relay events – winning eight of the 12 finals. Elizabeth Tilt helped lead the way for Lassiter as she won two events – the 100-yard freestyle with a time of 50.13 seconds and the 200 freestyle at 1 minute, 48.23 seconds. Finnly Jollands also won two events for the Trojans – winning the 50 freestyle with a time of 24.08 and the 100 backstroke in 56.91. Cold weather and cloudy skies Saturday morning did not stop hundreds of people from gathering at the Marietta Square Farmers Market to purchase fresh fruits, veggies, kitchen staples and more. The farmers market, located just off Mill Street, operates year-round and has an average of 54 vendors every Saturday. From handcrafted spices and raw honey to homemade empanadas and fresh bread, farmers market customers can chose from a variety of fresh products that aren't offered at local supermarkets. Many stopped at the Georgia Peach Truck booth, which offered a cornucopia of fresh apples and citrus fruits. Mirhi Sirmon, who was running the fruit stand Saturday morning, said she's been with the Atlanta-based company for over 10 years and enjoys coming the Marietta Square Farmers Market. Sirmon said they only sell peaches in the summer but still offer seasonal fruits year-round. Sirmon added that the growing popularity of Georgia Peach Trucks has allowed for business to prosper even in the winter. And it seems celebrities are also fans of the fruit stand — Sirmon said she sold a bag of Pink Ladies apples last year to Alton Brown, a Marietta resident known for his culinary shows on Food Network and Netflix. Stephanie Coston, Director of Operations at the Historic Marietta Branding Project, said the Marietta Square Farmers Market has been going on for about six years. Coston said she and her husband go to the market every Saturday morning. The Marietta Square Farmers Market is open 9 a.m. to noon every Saturday year-round at 41 Mill St. in Marietta. For more information, visit mariettasquarefarmersmarket.com. There's the annual State of the Union address delivered by the president. Georgia governors give State of the State speeches, and in Cobb County, county chairs and mayors have annual speeches focused on their respective jurisdictions. Thursday night, Austell Police Chief Scott Hamilton, just five months into his tenure, localized the practice even more with a “State of the Police” address. Before a crowd of about 75 people at Austell First United Methodist Church, the chief presented his vision of the department going forward, and painted a picture of sweeping changes he's already implemented. Hamilton was hired in August as the city's first Black police chief. A former deputy chief for the Cobb County Police Department, he spent 27 years working for the county, the only department he had ever known. Hamilton's predecessor was Bob Starrett, who left amid a Georgia Bureau of Investigation probe into paperwork discrepancies in the department's K-9 unit. The investigation was closed last summer, but the GBI this month said the case had been reopened, “based on additional elements of the investigation that needed to be clarified.” Hamilton said he didn't know where the investigation stood, other than what had been reported in the news recently. In his address, Hamilton emphasized modernizing the department's equipment and internal processes, improving community relations and increasing its visibility on the streets of Austell. A new science, technology, engineering, arts and math lab has opened at Marietta Sixth Grade Academy. The Home Depot built the school's STEAM lab, which math teacher Amy Miller said will offer students an array of educational opportunities, including working with robotics and drone technology. Miller said it had been challenging for teachers to implement the full STEAM curriculum in their classrooms before the lab. The Home Depot completed the weeklong makeover of the room, which is accentuated by the company's signature orange throughout. MSGA student Simon Johnson said he is excited about what the lab has to offer him and his fellow students, noting the space could be used for after school clubs. Grant Rivera, the superintendent of Marietta City Schools, thanked Home Depot for its help. He then turned to the students and told them to look at the room full of teachers, parents, volunteers and representatives of various companies who had a hand in building the lab. #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.

Kerry Minervini was once a PTA member looking to make a difference as the mom of two boys in Marietta City Schools. Now, she has begun her second consecutive, year-long term as chair of the Marietta Board of Education, after an unanimous vote by the seven-member board to return her to the role. In March, Minervini will mark six years as a board member. She recalls coming into the role thinking she knew what the board did, though she quickly realized she “had no clue.” With all that happened in 2022, from three new board members to shuffling through three different principals at Marietta High School, Minervini deemed it “the year of change.” Even with almost six years under her belt, then, 2022 was another learning curve for Minervini. Minervini said challenges the board had to address early in 2022 included an uptick in student discipline issues following the 2021 Christmas break, something she said was not helped by the social experiences kids lost to COVID. Minervini is turning her sights toward the district's priorities for 2023 after a year that was defined by uncertainties. She identified five areas that the board will focus on this year, starting with the top priority: improving district-wide literacy. Minervini said third grade reading levels are significant indicators of a student's future success, and that “a really large portion” of Marietta third graders were below the reading level. Rivera said 37.5% of the district's third graders scored below grade level on the English language arts portion of the Georgia Milestones End of Grade tests. It's on the district, she said, to bring those reading levels up, which it will attempt to do through targeted tutoring programs this month for third graders at each of the district's elementary schools who need extra help. Minervini said parents had to opt their children into the programs, which will be small-group tutoring sessions after school. The program will run until the district's next round of MAP testing in April, she noted, at which time the board “is hoping to see some return on investment.” Gary Varner built Allatoona's football program from the ground up, turning it into a consistent winner and molding it into one of the best programs in the state. Now, the only head coach the Buccaneers have known is ready to hand the reins to someone else to keep the ship afloat. Varner stepped down from his post Tuesday, shortly after having a meeting with his players and sending out an email message to parents. The move comes with the hope that Varner can finally get healthy. During the second half of his tenure at Allatoona, Varner has underwent three cancer surgeries — the last coming last spring. It limited him to having to coach the first half of the 2022 season from the press box. Once the season was complete, Varner and his family — he and his wife, Emily, have four children — came to the conclusion that it was the right time to step away. Former Harrison coach Matt Dickmann, a good friend and on-field adversary of Varner's, said he was happy to know that Varner would be putting himself first for a change. Through his health issues, Varner may have done some of his best coaching this season. After Allatoona got off to a 1-5 start, which included close losses to ranked teams Kell and Cartersville, it rallied to win its final four games of the regular season and then won a first-round playoff game to finish the year 6-6. It marked the 13th straight season in which Allatoona made the playoffs. The William Root House Museum from February 1-25 will have the house as it would have appeared during a Victorian-era wedding and reception. No wedding had a greater impact on marriage rituals and traditions than Queen Victoria's wedding to Prince Albert on February 10, 1840. Southerners, in particular, had a fascination with the British aristocracy and eagerly adopted their customs and etiquette. Museum visitors will see how a Southern middle-class family like the Roots would have planned their nuptials and learn the origin of many wedding customs and traditions still practiced today. Nineteenth century wedding illustrations, invitations and an authentic 1860s gown will be displayed during this exhibit. Exhibit admission is included in the cost of regular museum admission. In conjunction with the exhibit, the William Root House will also host a special after-hours program called “Sex, Love, and Marriage in Victorian America” on February 18 at 7 p.m. This program is restricted to guests 18 years or older. Tickets for this program are $15 per person and must be purchased online in advance. Space is limited. For more information, visit WilliamRootHouse.com/Wedding. The Development Authority of Cobb County took the first step this week toward approving an additional $1.5 million in bonds for a senior living apartment complex in south Cobb. The Prestwick Development and Marietta Housing Authority-backed venture previously received $13.5 million for the project, but representatives said rising construction costs required them to ask for more financing. The vote to approve an inducement resolution — which moves the authority closer to issuing new bonds — carried 6-0, with board member Karen Hallacy absent. The project, dubbed “Meredith Park,” sits near the intersection of Powder Springs Road and Anderson Farm Road, just southwest of the East-West Connector. First proposed in 2019, the complex of nearly 150 apartments targeted to renters ages 55 and up is expected to be completed in February. Josh Marx of Prestwick said that the cost overruns are due to rising material costs over the last several years, not any changes to the design of the project. He added that the project is targeted to residents earning between 40% and 80% of the area median income ($25,000 to $65,000 per family), with a guarantee rent won't take up more than 30% of a resident's income. The Roadrunner Sensory Room is now open at Rocky Mount Elementary for students to decompress during the school day. The room offers an array of toys, games and furniture children can enjoy, including beanbags and a mini trampoline. Rocky Mount Principal Cheri Vaniman told the MDJ the room is for all students to use when they need to or when their teachers schedule time for it. The room has items for relaxation like weighted blankets, and a punching bag if students feel like they need to punch something. The items for the room were donated to the school by Piedmont Church. Sage Doolittle, Rocky Mount's assistant principal, said students need opportunities to refocus in the middle of a busy school day. #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.

Two students were injured during lunch Tuesday in a fight at Daniel Middle School, the Cobb County School District said. Emergency services responded to the scene and other students and staff were safe. The nature of the students' injuries was not disclosed, with district spokesperson Erich Rauch said he could not provide further details, but reports have come out that a knife was involved. Outside of Daniel Tuesday afternoon, one parent told reporters he came to pick up his daughter early from school because she had witnessed the altercation. She kept telling him that she didn't want to be there any more and begged for someone to pick her up. David Chastain, the Cobb school board member who represents Daniel, declined to go into specifics about the incident when reached by the MDJ. Cobb school board member Randy Scamihorn said the altercation at Daniel is not representative of the broader issues in CCSD. Scamihorn said the school district's police force is “thoroughly competent and outstanding,” and praised the district's teachers and counselors for their work to address students' problems and needs. One student was sickened after another released pepper spray on a Park Street Elementary school bus Tuesday, Marietta City Schools said. The district said first responders “were onsite immediately” to evaluate students and the bus driver, with no major injuries reported. The district did not provide additional information about the incident. The incident caused the bus to be delayed. Superintendent Grant Rivera said the staff responded quickly to this incident and that the district prioritizes safety of students and staff.   In a wide-ranging talk to the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff ticked through a laundry list of funding allocations and other legislative wins from his first two years in office. Of particular interest to Cobb were Senator Ossoff's comments about Lockheed Martin's Marietta plant, the neighboring Dobbins Air Reserve Base, and the Chattahoochee River. Senator Ossoff was introduced by Lockheed executive Rod McLean, who leads the Marietta plant, which employs nearly 5,000 people. The plant's flagship program is manufacturing the C-130J Super Hercules, which McLean called “the best tactical airlifter across the globe, ever made.” Senator Ossoff noted that in the 2023 omnibus spending bill, President Joe Biden did not request funding for any new C-130J planes. Senator Ossoff stated that the Georgia delegation and many Senators across the country felt they could not fail to provide guard and reserve units with the tactical airlift capabilities that they need, and that 16 Marietta-made C-130Js to the defense authorization appropriations measures this year. One of the biggest prizes Lockheed hopes to win is a contract to supply the U.S. Air Force with new aerial fuel tankers. Lockheed's LMXT plane, if given the nod, would be partially constructed at the firm's Marietta plant and could add upwards of 1,000 jobs to the 5,000 already employed there. The senator also touted $40 million in new funding he secured to protect the Chattahoochee River, which provides 70% of metro Atlanta's drinking water. The exodus of Cobb County receivers from the University of Georgia continued on Monday when former Walton High School standout Dominick Blaylock entered his name into the transfer portal. Blaylock will leave as a graduate transfer after he earns his expected degree in housing management and policy later this spring. The redshirt junior will have two years of eligibility remaining. The 6-foot-1, 225-pound pass catcher finished the 2022-23 season with 15 receptions for 227 yards and a touchdown. He played in all 15 games and will leave the program with two national championship rings. This past season, was the first in which he remained healthy after coming all the way back from two ACL injuries that cost him the entire 2020 season and much of 2021. With Blaylock's departure, he becomes the third receiver from the county to enter the portal joining former Marietta standout tight end Arik Gilbert, who made the decision before the College Football Playoffs, and former Kennesaw Mountain star tight end Ryland Goede, who made his announcement last week. Goede and Blaylock are close friends, who came to UGA beginning with the 2019 season. As a true freshman, Blaylock was making his mark as a punt returner and a receiver. He had 18 receptions for 310 yards and five touchdowns, but suffered his first torn ACL in the SEC Championship game against LSU. The following fall he reinjured the same ACL and was not able to return to the field until the middle of the 2021 season. This season, he found himself behind receivers Ladd McConkey and Kearis Jackson and others, along with the offense geared to tight ends Brock Bowers and Darnell Washington, it was hard to for Blaylock to find opportunities. He had a season-high three catches against Missouri, he caught his touchdown pass against Vanderbilt, and his final catch of his Bulldogs' career was a 20-yarder against Ohio State on third-and-10 against Ohio State in the Peach Bowl. Voting for the Cobb Life Magazine Best of Cobb 2023 contest ends in five days! After opening the polls on December 5 to the top reader-nominated businesses, community members and persons, the Best of Cobb contest has received over 323,000 votes as of Monday morning. Polls will close at midnight Friday, Jan. 20.  More than 2,800 nominations made it to voting this year, so the competition is strong. Whether you're voting for your favorite breakfast spot, realtor, hair salon or mechanic, every vote counts! Use this as an opportunity to say ‘thank you' to your favorite local businesses. The winners will be announced in the March issue of Cobb Life Magazine, followed by an annual celebration to honor our winners March 23. Voting for Best of Cobb is open until January 20 at 11:59 p.m. Visit thebestofcobb.com to begin voting for your favorites! The Cobb Community Foundation, in conjunction with United Way of Greater Atlanta Northwest, announced that 5 Network for Good Jumpstart capacity-building grants of $5,000 each have been awarded to H.O.P.E. Family Resource Center, The Sobriety Resource, Connecting Generations, Self-Discovery Pain, Positioning and Purpose, and Circles Cobb for 2023. The Jumpstart grant program partnership, now in its second year, will provide a robust, 12-month training schedule to build fundraising capacity, diversify revenue, and grow and sustain programs for a new group of nonprofits. These five agencies were selected as a result of a carefully planned approach to meet human service needs in Cobb as identified by a study commissioned in 2019 by CCF. The data collected was used to create a heat map showing where assistance should be targeted. The study emphasized the need for services to be available not just to the area of need but in the area of need. Nonprofits operating in the locality bordered to the north by State Route 360 to the east by South Cobb Drive and to the south by I-285 were then invited to learn more about the demanding Jumpstart program activities. To ensure readiness, Leadership at H.O.P.E. Family Resource Center, The Sobriety Resource, Connecting Generations and Self-Discovery Pain, Positioning and Purpose first participated in a six-month training program offered in 2022 through the Georgia Center for Nonprofits, paving the way for their participation in the Jumpstart program in 2023. The newly established Circles Cobb was identified as the fifth and final organization to join the cohort. The $25,000 needed to fund these grants was underwritten by Corporate Community Champion Liberty Furniture. In 2023, CCF's investment in even more organizations like these five will be further leveraged through its partnership with United Way.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cobb County was placed under a tornado watch and wind advisory as a wall of thunderstorms swept across the Southeast on Thursday afternoon. The most significant damage occurred in Austell, according to Cobb County, where firefighters found at least 18 homes with damage. At least 14 homes were damaged enough that the Red Cross was brought in to assist residents. No significant injuries were been reported, the county said around 6:30 p.m., but assessments were still underway. Cobb DOT was still clearing downed trees countywide Thursday night, and as of 6:30 p.m. had cleared at least 25 roads and 11 flooded roadways. Also in Austell, a warehouse on Oak Ridge Parkway was severely damaged and had a wall collapse, according to the county. Residents were asked to report damage to the county. Cobb's wind advisory was in effect from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. as gusts between 30 and 40 miles per hour were expected. The tornado watch, meanwhile, was in effect until 7 p.m. The National Weather Service expected isolated hail a few tornados in the area between Montgomery, Alabama, and Athens, including metro Atlanta. Dobbins Air Reserve Base will play host in the coming months to a high-altitude NASA research craft. The ER-2 aircraft will be flying out of the base until March 5, Dobbins announced this week. The ER-2 plane is a variant of the famous U-2 spy plane developed by Lockheed in the 1950s. It is used for civilian research missions, and operates at altitudes between 20,000 and 70,000 feet, per NASA. “These flights are sponsored by the Earth Science Division of NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington. The purpose of this mission is to track severe weather to measure properties such as wind, temperature, precipitation, humidity and aerosol profiles,” the base said in a news release. The base said while it will try to restrict flights to the hours between sunrise and sunset, but missions may occur during night time hours and on weekends. Chiefs running back and Sprayberry alum Jerick McKinnon closed out the final six weeks of the 2022 regular season in emphatic fashion, scoring a league-high nine total touchdowns in that span. It was only fitting that the NFL on Thursday recognized McKinnon as the AFC Offensive Player of the Month. McKinnon became the first running back since 1970 with a touchdown reception in at least five consecutive games, and his scoring binge was impressive. The streak started innocently enough, with a 2-yard touchdown catch in Week 13. And then his trips to the end zone kept coming, week after week. By the time the six-game stretch concluded, the 5-foot-9, 209-pound McKinnon had amassed eight touchdown catches and one rushing score. The Chiefs' all-purpose running back finished the regular season with 291 yards and a touchdown on 72 carries plus 512 yards and nine touchdowns on 56 catches. His 535 offensive snaps led all Chiefs running backs. Jerrick's Chiefs have a bye this weekend in NFL playoffs Wild Card round. If everything goes right next week in the divisional round, he could have a chance to play for the AFC championship in front of his home fans. Due to the Cincinnati Bengals-Buffalo Bills game on January the second being cancelled due to the collapse of Bills' safety Damar Hamlin, the NFL decided that if the AFC Championship game is between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills, the game will be played in Atlanta at the Mercedes Benz Stadium, giving the teams a neutral field to play on for a trip to the Super Bowl.   Kennesaw Parks & Rec will have the “Out of this World” Dance Party on February 4. Participants can dress to the nines or in their space suit and dance the night away as the Ben Robertson Community Center's Banquet Hall is transformed into outer space. This family-friendly event will feature an “all-you-can-eat” dinner and dessert bar, a professional DJ and plenty of memorable photo opportunities. All adults must be accompanied by a child and all children must be accompanied by an adult. Seating will be reserved. Participants can list all members of their party in their registration. Tickets are only $15 per person and can be purchased online or at the Ben Robertson Community Center. Advance purchase is required. Tickets are non-refundable after January 27.For more information please go to Kennesaw dash G A dot gov. The Emily Lembeck Early Learning Center, the Pre-K Center for Marietta City Schools, invites the community to learn more about the framework it uses for literacy and language development. The Community Scope and Sequence was created by the Emily Lembeck Early Learning Center and connects the Georgia Pre-K learning standards to a curriculum that builds and develops the “reading brain,” all based upon brain science. It has since been adopted by nine other early learning centers in the City of Marietta in correlation with the Literacy and Justice for All campaign, reaching a total of approximately 400 children. Each month there is a different focus on themes and “anchor” books that reinforce the themes. In February, young students will answer inquiry questions like: How does the world work? What do all living things need? and How are living things connected to each other and the Earth? February's anchor books are "Moonbear's Shadow" by Frank Asch, "The Little Engine that Could" by Watty Piper, "Rabbits and Raindrops" and "Raccoon on His Own" by Jim Arnosky. Families are encouraged to visit the public library or find the books at a local store. Suggested activities that families can do with their children to deepen their understanding and promote these themes and inquiry questions include: Find a sunny spot outside. Watch one's shadow change as the sun moves throughout the day. Stand in the same spot and trace one's shadow with chalk at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Then talk about what happened to the shadow and how it changed. Take a nature scavenger hunt and talk about the things that one finds and sees. Make a collage with the things one finds. Look for rocks to paint or decorate with fun and happy pictures or messages. Place them in public places to share with others. All of the early learning centers invite parents and caregivers in Marietta to follow along with the Community Scope and Sequence to encourage shared knowledge. 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.

 At least one person was shot outside of a Walmart in the Town Center area Wednesday, police officials said. A person who was shot was taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, police said, and multiple people were detained. According to Cobb County Police Department Deputy Chief Ben Cohen, officers responded Wednesday afternoon to reports of an active shooter at the Walmart in Town Center Market at 2795 Chastain Meadows Parkway. The shooting stemmed from a conflict between two separate groups of people, Cohen said, and occurred outside the Walmart's automotive center. The store was subsequently evacuated. Police were still actively investigating the incident. Further details were not available by press time. The shopping center, anchored by the Walmart, is north of Barrett Parkway and east of Interstate 575.   Christopher Patrick Golden pleaded guilty Thursday morning to the murder of two Cobb County Sheriff's Deputies who were killed at a west Cobb subdivision in September. The negotiated plea agreement includes charges of aggravated assault and murder in the slaying of deputies Jonathan Koleski, 42, and Marshall Ervin Jr., 38. Under the terms of the agreement, Golden, 30, will receive two life sentences, plus an additional 55 years, without the possibility of parole. That would represent the maximum sentence short of the death penalty, according to the Cobb District Attorney's Office.  Koleski and Ervin were killed September 8 while attempting to serve a warrant at a home in the Hampton Glen subdivision for Christopher Cook, 32. Cook was wanted for failure to appear related to a theft by deception case. While the deputies were attempting to arrest Cook in the driveway of the home, they were confronted by Golden, who was inside the home with a weapon, investigators said at the time. There followed an exchange of gunfire between the suspect and the deputies, and both deputies were killed. Police said at the time that Golden was apprehended after a brief standoff at the home. The killing of Koleski and Ervin prompted an outpouring of support from across Georgia, with thousands attending memorial services in the week after their deaths.   Marietta City Schools Superintendent Grant Rivera told Cobb lawmakers Wednesday the state is facing a crossroads in how it responds to pandemic learning losses. Flush with federal cash, Rivera added, school districts are uniquely positioned to address those losses if they spend their money wisely. And for him, that starts with addressing literacy. Rivera emphasized on the importance of students reading on grade level, particularly by 3rd grade. Statistics show students that are not reading on or above grade level by third grade will typically face challenges throughout their academic career. The ripple effects of the pandemic have been evident in Marietta and its counterparts statewide. In state metrics released last month, both Cobb and Marietta schools declined in every category since 2019 except graduation rates, with some of the largest losses in “readiness,” which includes literacy as a factor. Rivera told the MDJ after the meeting — an annual summit between state legislators and Cobb's largest employers and stakeholders — literacy has to remain the focus. Rivera cited as another example ensuring students in after-school programs have remedial reading instruction when needed. One such program the district's employed is Fast Start Academy, a summer literacy program for rising second- and third-graders. Belinda Walters-Brazile, the district's deputy superintendent, said in October students who attended the four-week course saw an average increase from 65% to 79% in their reading scores. Rivera also flagged a dyslexia screening pilot program Marietta has participated in, encouraging lawmakers to forge ahead with a statewide rollout. On December 3, Smyrna-based Habitat for Humanity of NW Metro Atlanta and the Hughey family dedicated the final home of the year to Kuyshondra, a single mother of three who serves the community as a Cobb County school bus driver. Cobb County resident Jim Hughey conceived the idea to build a Habitat for Humanity home in memory of his parents, Bob and Jane Hughey in late 2021 after volunteering at a Habitat build in Veterans Place in Douglasville. It is one of only three Habitat developments in the U.S. built exclusively for veterans. Hughey was incredibly inspired by the camaraderie amongst the Habitat families and their appreciation of their homes. He shared the idea with his wife, Jackie and extended family, all whom eagerly agreed to work together to raise the funds. Bob Hughey served in the U.S. Marines and after college became a carpenter, then a high school industrial arts teacher and later, a school administrator in Ohio. Jane was a nurse and specialized in women's health when she returned to the workforce later in life. They raised five children in a small home to which Bob was able to add modest additions as the family grew. After retiring to Lake Keowee in Seneca, South Carolina, Bob became a passionate volunteer for the Seneca Habitat affiliate. Jane volunteered at a women's clinic and went on international medical mission trips. In 2012 when Parkinson's Disease took its toll on Bob, they moved to Presbyterian Village in Austell to be near Jim. Bob passed in 2015 and Jane in 2020. Jim says it is appropriate that the Habitat home being built in their memory is in Austell where their final years were spent. Kuyshondra is a single mother of three children: Markeyla, 16; D'Anthony, 13; and Richard, 11. One of her children deals with a learning disability that requires a lot of help from Kuyshondra. In seeking to have a job that allowed her to be in multiple places throughout the day or week she first worked in the cafeteria at a Cobb County school and a second job at Kroger in the deli department. To increase her income, she began driving for Uber, Lyft, doing deliveries with Instacart and earned her CDL license and became a bus driver. She has worked very hard at multiple jobs while balancing being an attentive mother, provider and working to become a Habitat homeowner. Kuyshondra gives God all the glory and praise for her home. The Marietta Planning Commission split 3-3 over Beazer Homes' application to annex nearly 170 acres of land in unincorporated Cobb County into the city, though the request will still go before the Marietta City Council next week. The board heard Beazer's request for rezoning and annexation into the city at its Tuesday night meeting. Commissioners Tee Anderson, Boozer McClure and Frasure Hunter voted to advance the proposal, while commissioners Brenda McCrae, Craig Smith and Stephen Diffley voted to deny it. Commission Chair Bob Kinney was absent from the meeting, and Diffley served as chair in his place. The Planning Commission is an advisory board appointed by the City Council which issues recommendations on zoning matters. Beazer is looking to build a 600-home development on 175 acres between Bells Ferry Road and Interstate 575, along Laura Lake Road. Last month, the Cobb Board of Commissioners objected to the annexation on the grounds that the proposed rezoning for a mix of single-family detached homes and townhomes, slated at 3.4 units per acre, exceeds the county's acceptable threshold of 3 units per acre. Since the proposal was not voted down, it advances to the Marietta City Council, which meets next on Wednesday, December 14 at 205 Lawrence St. After a short chase on Tuesday, Marietta police delivered Barbie, among other toys and goods, into the custody of Marietta school kids.  Local elementary school students and officers of the Marietta Police Department shared a holiday shopping trip at the Walmart Supercenter off Cobb Parkway by the Big Chicken.  Marietta City Schools selected 60 students based on need to receive $250 to spend on gifts and necessities while chaperoned by a police officer, a public safety official, or a volunteer. After buying the presents, students could have them gift-wrapped by volunteers while they visited with Santa. Lieutenant Gretchen Ingram, who leads the police department's community outreach unit, organized the event, which she said is meant to spread Christmas cheer and promote positive relationships between officers and local kids. The event is funded entirely by donations, Ingram said. Parents also provided their children and the officers with a list. "Shop with a Cop," as it's known, has become an annual tradition for MPD and the school system. Marietta Police Chief Marty Ferrell said the event has been running for at least 10 years. Ferrell said in past years, officers have chipped in with their own money to cover costs that exceeded the student's budget.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marietta City Schools announced Wednesday that Chris Fiore will be the district's new chief communications officer. #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.          Email bgdoughnut22@gmailcom for your chance to win a $15 gift card from Dough in the Box 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.

Marietta City Schools approved a pay raise for its bus drivers a day after the Cobb County School District did the same. #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.          Email bgdoughnut22@gmailcom for your chance to win a $15 gift card from Dough in the Box https://www.chattahoocheetech.edu/ https://cuofga.org/ https://www.esogrepair.com/ https://www.drakerealty.com/ https://doughinthebox.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.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Developing a robust system that improves the timely delivery of high-quality accessible educational materials and technologies requires coordinated work at both the state and district levels. What does that kind of partnership look like? On this episode, Carson Cochran, from the Georgia Department of Education, and Somer Smith, from Marietta City Schools, share the insights and lessons they have learned through their collaboration as part of the National AEM Cohort. And stay tuned until the end to learn about Take a Minute!, an exciting new initiative to bring a more intentional consideration of assistive technology and accessible educational materials into the IEP process in Georgia.Visit aem.cast.org for show notes. The contents of this podcast were developed under a cooperative agreement with the US Department of Education, #H327Z190004. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the US Department of Education and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. Project Officer: Rebecca Sheffield, Ph.D.

The Atlanta Braves are officially World Series Champions!  Tons of school districts – including Atlanta Public Schools, Clayton County Schools, Cobb County, Fulton County Schools, Marietta City Schools, DeKalb County Schools, Douglas County Schools and Gwinnett County Schools – are closing so that students can enjoy the parade! (Make sure you check with your local school district as closures may not apply to staff).People are excited about this parade, but others are upset kids are being let out of school for this.Which side are you on? We discuss...  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/the-bert-show.

The Atlanta Braves are officially World Series Champions!  Tons of school districts – including Atlanta Public Schools, Clayton County Schools, Cobb County, Fulton County Schools, Marietta City Schools, DeKalb County Schools, Douglas County Schools and Gwinnett County Schools – are closing so that students can enjoy the parade! (Make sure you check with your local school district as closures may not apply to staff).The parade, which will happen in two parts, is scheduled to start at noon on Friday, November 5 in Atlanta at the corner of Marietta Street NW and Peachtree Street before traveling North up Peachtree to 10th Street. The second part will take place in Cobb County on Cobb Parkway, beginning at the corner of Riverwood Parkway and ending at Truist Park at The Battery.There will also be a post-parade concert with Ludacris and Big Boi inside Truist Park and tickets are free! Make sure you get them ahead of time because there's limited capacity – you can get them starting at 1PM TODAY (Thursday) for the general public (Premium, A-List & Braves Insiders get early access at 10AM & 11:30AM) at Braves.com/parade.Check out the parade route here so you can cheer on our Braves!  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/the-bert-show.

Dragon Con is just days away. Dragon Con's Dan Carroll and Jarvis Sheffield discuss safety measures in place to keep attendees safe at the in-person festival. Plus, Dr. Grant Rivera, the superintendent of Marietta City Schools, discusses the district's back-to-school plan. Lastly, Joey Womack, the founder and CEO of Goodie Nation, and Shani Godwin, the founder of Joy Economics, discuss the history and mission of National Black Business Month, the state of minority-owned businesses amid the pandemic, and how startups can create social impact. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Melanie Lockhart v. Marietta City Schools

The Atlanta Police Department is testing out ShotSpotter, a new technology to detect the location of gunshots. Captain David Gay with the Savanah Police Department shares how the technology has helped his department fight crime. Plus, Dr. Belinda Walters-Brazile discusses how Marietta City Schools is working to make sure students are proficient readers by the completion of third grade. Lastly, Tim Fielder discusses his latest graphic novel called “Infinitum: An Afrofurist Tale.”

Marietta City Schools and #CobbCounty Schools will no longer require #masks for persons who are fully vaccinated; #Local economist says worst of the #gasshortage has come and gone; #AcworthGA liquor store clerk shot and robbed #MariettaGA #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 5-14-2021.  For advertising inquiries, please email j.southerland@bgadgroup.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marietta City Schools has made changes to its mask policy #MariettaGA #CobbCounty #Georgia #LocalNews #mask  - - - - - - 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 5-5-2021.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marietta City Schools is changing the school schedule next year; An #AustellGA cop charged with child molestation; #MariettaGA #teachers got their #covidvaccine; Plus, Around Town says no more snow days  #LocalNews #CobbCounty  - - - - - - 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 3-12-2021.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A man has been charged with arson after CSX railroad equipment was deliberately set on fire Sunday night in Marietta, police say. According to Acworth police, a North Cobb Christian School teacher has been arrested and charged with child sex crimes involving a relationship with a student at the school. Craig Dean Godfrey, 38, a band director at North Cobb Christian, is accused of having a sexual relationship with a student between 2016 and 2019. School officials report there are allegations involving a second student. Marietta City Schools is issuing new identification cards to all students to track when and where students are getting off and on the bus. And finally, the weekly sports rundown with Sports Editor John Bednarowski. Tune in to hear MORE! Listen to the MDJ Podcast each week to stay up to date with the hyperlocal 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 1-21-2021.   For advertising inquiries, please email j.southerland@bgadgroup.com 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 Dr. Grant Rivera, Superintendent of Marietta City Schools in Marietta, Georgia.

A local parent, Todd Hartel, shares why online learning poses for his son – a student with a disability.

Donisha Harrison of Marietta City Schools comes on the show this week to share her unique outlook on marketing in school nutrition as a Hospitality and Restaurant Management major and a former school nutrition manager. This episode we discuss Finding ways to meet student nutritional needs outside of the cafeteria Partnering with sports teams to creatively market school nutrition Building your school nutrition department’s brand Boosting breakfast participation with second chance breakfast

Jackie Gibbs, retired Fire Chief with City of Marietta, GA Jackie Gibbs is the retired Fire Chief for the City of Marietta, GA. Jackie served in Marietta for 41 years with the last 18 years as the Fire Chief. Jackie is a native of Marietta, attending Marietta City Schools and Southern Technical Institute in Marietta, […] The post Improving Emergency Vehicle Response Time and First Responder Roadway Safety, with Jackie Gibbs appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

Grant Rivera admits he did not grow up in Marietta, or the south for that matter. He is a Yankee from the Midwest.   Early on, he thought he wanted to be a doctor, but his first science class removed that from his plans.   Dr. Rivera did become a doctor of education, collegiate cheerleader and SEC sports fan.   We also talk about his family and his vision for Marietta City Schools. Oh yeah, he answers the questions from the Marietta City Facebook page….

Learn about the Common Core State Standards and their impact on learning in the 21st century classroom. In 2012-2013, Marietta City Schools and all Georgia public schools are implementing a set of learning standards called the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). Georgia is one of 45 states that have agreed to adopt the standards.

Learn about how the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (MYP) at Marietta City Schools, an IB World School district, prepares students to succeed in the 21st century. Learn how the IB MYP curricular framework academically challenges students in grades 6 through 10.

Welcome to MCaSt, the Marietta City Schools new podcasting service. The MCaSt Podcast Service is an effort to bring together in one place, a range of programming of interest to anyone seeking to explore or better understand teaching and learning at Marietta City Schools.