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MDJ Script/ Top Stories for December 31st

Publish Date: December 31st

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

Today is Wednesday, December 31st and Happy Birthday to Donna Summer

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

1. ‘Bittersweet’ goodbye: Marietta school board says farewell to three colleagues

2. New Cobb Young Republicans Chair looks to affordability, voter engagement

3. Cumberland CID details big projects, future plans

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!  

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STORY 1: ‘Bittersweet’ goodbye: Marietta school board says farewell to three colleagues

 The final meeting of the year for the Marietta Board of Education was a bittersweet one, full of hugs, tears, and heartfelt goodbyes as three longtime members—A.B. Almy, Kerry Minervini, and Jason Waters—stepped down.

During the meeting, emotions ran high. Vice Chair Jaillene Hunter praised Almy for her relentless push for academic excellence. Angela Orange called Minervini “a woman who gives a million percent,” while Irene Berens, tearing up, described Waters as “an exceptional man and a dear friend.”

Waters, who’s moving on to the Marietta City Council, called the moment “surreal.” Minervini, meanwhile, joked about finding a new hobby, and Almy expressed gratitude for her time on the board.

The night ended with a video tribute, glass plaques, and a reminder of the board’s legacy: being named Georgia’s 2025 School Board of the Year.  

STORY 2: New Cobb Young Republicans Chair looks to affordability, voter engagement

At just 25, Andre Stafford is stepping up as the new chairman of the Cobb Young Republicans, ready to shake things up. “I’m all in,” he says, a mantra that’s driven him since he first got involved in politics after the 2024 assassination attempt on Donald Trump—a moment that, for him, changed everything.

Stafford, a restaurant manager by day, wants to grow the group, boost voter turnout, and focus on issues like affordability. “The American Dream feels like a fairy tale to my generation,” he says. “We need more homeowners, less paycheck-to-paycheck living.”

His goal? Turn Cobb red—and keep it that way.

STORY 3: Cumberland CID details big projects, future plans

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Big things are happening in Cumberland, and Kim Menefee, the CID’s executive director, couldn’t be prouder. “2025 was our best year yet,” she told lawmakers at a recent meeting.

One highlight? The first phase of the New Day Palisades project at Paces Mill Park. With $6.3 million in upgrades—like better parking, trail access, and erosion control—it’s already drawing millions of visitors. Phase 2 kicks off in 2026, with a $9.5 million price tag and plans for a visitor center and river overlooks.

Oh, and driverless shuttles? Coming in 2027. Free rides connecting The Battery, Truist Park, and more. Cumberland’s future? Bold.

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We’ll be right back.

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STORY 4: Cobb Superior Court Clerk asks judge to dismiss charges against her

Lawyers for Cobb Superior Court Clerk Connie Taylor are fighting to get her case dismissed before it even reaches trial. Meanwhile, prosecutors are busy filing motions over what evidence can and can’t be shown in court.

Taylor, elected in 2020, faces four felony charges tied to allegations she mishandled passport fee records—pocketing over $425,000 in fees during her first two years in office. Things escalated when a whistleblower claimed Taylor ordered records destroyed, reportedly saying, “We’re just going to Donald Trump this thing.”

Taylor denies wrongdoing, but if convicted, she’ll lose her job permanently. A hearing is set for Feb. 5.

STORY 5: Marietta residents call for increased safety measures after crash on train tracks

 Residents are sounding the alarm after a truck barreled off the road and crashed near the train tracks at Kennesaw Avenue and Church Street last week.

Melissa Korczyk, out for a walk with her toddler and dog, heard the screech of tires just before 10 a.m. “I look up, and this car is flying down Kennesaw Avenue,” she said. “It hit the tracks, went airborne, and slammed into the pedestrian signal.”

The driver, who also hit a light post and tree, escaped with minor injuries and was charged with reckless driving.

“It’s scary,” Korczyk said. “That intersection feels like an accident waiting to happen.”

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STORY 6: Marietta celebrates legacy of service as three council members retire

   The Marietta Fire Museum was full of laughter, hugs, and a few teary eyes last week as friends, family, and city staff gathered to honor retiring council members Andy Morris, Grif Chalfant, and Johnny Walker.

“You’ve left a footprint on this city that just keeps getting better,” said Mayor Steve “Thunder” Tumlin, summing up the mood of the night.

Chalfant, who’s been on the council since 2005, joked about finally tackling 20 years of neglected home projects—and maybe fixing up his Triumph TR3.

Morris, a lifelong Marietta resident, said he’s ready to relax with his new dog, Harry. “I might even pick up golf again,” he added.

Walker, proud of his work on school traffic safety, plans to focus on real estate, photography, and more time at home.

Each was presented with a Distinguished Service Award, a fitting send-off for years of dedication.

STORY 7: Baby clothes program helps mothers in need year-round

For nearly two decades, Rosemary Buckley has quietly made life a little easier for new moms in need. Every month, she gathers bundles of baby clothes—layettes—and delivers them to Wellstar Kennestone, where they’re given to families who could use a little extra help.

“It’s not just store-bought stuff,” Buckley says. “Parishioners make blankets, tiny hats, even mittens. It’s beautiful.”

Inspired by her 12 grandchildren and a simple church request back in 2007, Buckley has turned this into her mission. Monsignor John Walsh calls her a “woman of action.” She just calls it “something that needs to be done.”

We’ll have closing comments after this.

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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

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