=====  MDJ Script/ Top Stories for January 16th 

Publish Date:  January 16th 

Commercial:  

From the BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.  

Today is Friday, January 16th and Happy Birthday to Albert Pujols 

I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal 

1. 50th Annual Kennesaw/Big Shanty Festival
2. Community holds out hope for Ted's Montana Grill on Marietta Square
3. Cobb advances 2028 SPLOST, sets community meetings

Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on raw milk 

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: INGLES 6 

STORY 1:  50th Annual Kennesaw/Big Shanty Festival 

 Mark your calendars—April 18 and 19 is the 50th Annual Kennesaw/Big Shanty Festival, brought to you by Superior Plumbing. It’s all happening in downtown Kennesaw, with hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. 

What’s in store? Over 250 arts and crafts booths, fair food galore, a beer garden, kids’ activities, and live acoustic music in the food court all weekend. Don’t miss the Georgia Grown Member Village, showcasing local goods from across the state. 

Scott Thompson of Brother Mojo will play at the 1885 Grill food court, while the United Bankshares Amphitheater and Main Street’s entertainment stage will feature local dance groups, school choirs, and more. 

Admission’s free, and parking’s available at Adams Park, Kennesaw First Baptist, and Swift-Cantrell Park, with shuttles running from Swift-Cantrell. 

Questions? Call 770-423-1330 or email missy@jrmmanagement.com. 

STORY 2:  Community holds out hope for Ted's Montana Grill on Marietta Square 

 So, Ted’s Montana Grill is out. The long-vacant lot at 77 North Park Square stays empty, and the bison burgers? Not happening—at least for now. 

CEO George McKerrow, a Cobb local, said the decision came after a wave of public backlash. “In 50 years in this business, I’ve never seen this kind of vitriol,” he said. 

But here’s the twist: the tide on social media had actually shifted. By the time Ted’s pulled out, most comments were supportive. Even Mayor Steve “Thunder” Tumlin invited McKerrow to walk the Square and reconsider. 

The lot’s been an eyesore since 2010, and Councilman Johnny Walker, who’s been pushing for something—anything—to fill the space, is frustrated. “If Ted’s doesn’t come back, it could be years before anyone else steps up,” he said. 

The $5 million project was ready to go: a 4,311-square-foot building designed to match the Square’s historic charm. But now? It’s back to square one. 

STORY 3: Cobb advances 2028 SPLOST, sets community meetings 

 Cobb County’s 2028 SPLOST plan is officially in motion. On Tuesday, commissioners gave a unanimous thumbs-up to a preliminary list of projects, kicking off months of public input. 

What’s on the table? Everything from new fire stations and libraries to pedestrian safety upgrades and a $30 million aquatic center. The total? A hefty $790 million. 

Chair Lisa Cupid called it a balancing act: “Every dollar has a constituency. We need projects that move the county forward but also maintain the basics—roads, public safety, services.” 

Nine community meetings are set through March, giving residents a chance to weigh in before the final vote in April. 

We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.  

We’ll be right back. 

Break: INGLES 6 

STORY 4: Addison Elementary School principal charged with DUI 

 Addison Elementary Principal Jill Spiva was arrested Thursday for DUI after a crash near the school, according to Cobb County Police. 

The wreck happened around 4:45 p.m. at Ebenezer and Sandy Plains roads, just minutes from Addison. Officers said Spiva appeared intoxicated and was at fault for the crash. A half-empty bottle of Smirnoff vodka was reportedly found in her car, per WSB-TV. 

Spiva refused sobriety and blood tests, prompting a judge to issue a warrant for a blood draw. She’s facing charges of DUI, open container, and failure to maintain lane. 

The district acknowledged the incident but declined to comment on her status. 

STORY 5: Mount Paran Christian enter apparel agreement with Nike and BSN Sports 

Mount Paran Christian School just announced a big win for its athletics program—a multi-year partnership with Nike and BSN SPORTS. Translation? Top-tier gear and branded apparel for student-athletes, coaches, and the entire MPC sports community. 

Nike will now be the official provider of athletic apparel and equipment, while BSN SPORTS steps in as the school’s brand distributor. 

“This partnership is huge,” said Athletic Director Mike Walker. “It’s about giving our athletes the best—gear that matches their heart and hustle.” 

The deal also lowers costs for families, sharpens team branding, and fuels MPC’s mission to compete at a championship level. 

FALCONS: The Atlanta Falcons officially introduced Matt Ryan as their new president of football on Tuesday, and honestly, it feels like a full-circle moment. 

At the press conference in Flowery Branch, Ryan—who spent 14 seasons as the face of the franchise—spoke about his “unfinished business” with the team. “Since I was drafted, my mission’s been the same: help this organization win championships. We came close, had some success, but I believe we’ll get there,” he said. 

After retiring and working as a CBS Sports analyst, Ryan said he wasn’t looking for a new job—unless it was with the Falcons. Now, he’ll report directly to owner Arthur Blank, focusing on hiring a head coach and GM who share a unified vision. 

I'm Keith Ippolito and that’s your MDJ Sports Minute. 

And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on raw milk 

We’ll have closing comments after this. 

Break: INGLES 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