MDJ Script/ Top Stories for March 7th 

Publish Date:  March 7th 

Commercial:  

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

Today is Friday, March 7th and Happy Birthday to Bryan Cranston 

***03.07.25 - BIRTHDAY – BRIAN CRANSTON*** 

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

1. Cobb Drug Task Force Seizes $261K, Drugs, Guns in Bust 
2. Construction on New Austell Park Begins Next Week 
3. Kennesaw Greenlights $13.9M Public Safety Building 

Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on cooking for picky toddlers  

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 Markets 6 

STORY 1:  Cobb Drug Task Force Seizes $261K, Drugs, Guns in Bust 

The Marietta Cobb Smyrna Narcotics Task Force seized over $261,000 in cash, 867 grams of heroin, 39 grams of cocaine, five grams of fentanyl, marijuana, and five firearms in a major drug bust this week. The operation stemmed from a traffic stop and search warrant. The task force, a multi-agency group formed in 1980, investigates narcotics activity across Cobb County. Officials praised the collaboration for enhancing community safety. The investigation is ongoing, with no details about suspects released yet. 

STORY 2: Construction on New Austell Park Begins Next Week 

Construction begins next week on Austell's new Jefferson Street Park, a 10,000-square-foot greenspace replacing part of a strip mall parking lot downtown. The $250,000-$300,000 project will feature a pavilion, fire pit, cornhole area, community stage, and updated parking with sidewalks and landscaping. Funded by grants and sponsorships, the park aims to host events like seasonal markets and the city's annual Christmas tree lighting. Part of Austell's Downtown Livable Center Initiative, the project is set to finish by November, with a ribbon-cutting and holiday celebration planned for December. 

STORY 3:   Kennesaw Greenlights $13.9M Public Safety Building 

The Kennesaw City Council approved a $13.9 million contract to build a new 25,000-square-foot police headquarters on Moon Station Road, addressing overcrowding at the current facility. Funded by SPLOST, stormwater reserves, and ARPA, the building will also house 911 staff and emergency operations. Construction, managed by Gay Construction, is expected to take 15 months. The council also approved a $282,900 contract with Patterson & Dewar Engineers for construction oversight, funded by SPLOST. Additional approvals included funding for sidewalks in Woodland Acres, stormwater pipe purchases, and a $127,750 contract for the 2025 Concert Series. 

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Break: INGLES 7 

STORY 4:  Large-Screen TVs, Lockers, Landscaping Upgrades Coming to The Battery 

The Battery Atlanta is getting a series of upgrades ahead of the 2025 MLB All-Star Game at Truist Park. Enhancements include updated LED screens, expanded restrooms, new seating, interactive digital directories with emergency call buttons, redesigned landscaping, and updated walkways. Large TVs will be installed above Shake Shack and Good Game restaurants, ensuring fans can watch games. Additional updates include new seating and drink rails at Heritage Court and Battery Avenue, plus secure Binbox Lockers for personal items. While The Battery remains open during construction, temporary disruptions are expected. 

STORY 5:   OUT AND ABOUT: 5 Things to Do This Weekend in Cobb County — March 7 - 9 

This weekend in Cobb County offers a variety of events:  

- Atlanta Opera's "Macbeth" at Cobb Energy Centre, starring Michael Mayes and Sara Gartland, with showtimes Friday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets start at $52.   

- Atlanta Home Show at Cobb Galleria Centre, featuring 175+ booths of home improvement ideas, running Friday through Sunday. General admission is $11.   

- "The Last Five Years" at the Strand Theatre, a two-person musical running Friday through Sunday at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $35.   

- Bubbles & Brews Craft Beverage Month, with tastings, live music, and prizes at local breweries all weekend.   

- "A Comedy of Errors" at the Strand Theatre, with its final show Friday at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 (21+ only).   

Break:  

And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on cooking for picky toddlers  

*** INGLES 1 (PICKY TODDLER) *** 

We’ll have closing comments after this. 

Break: Ingles Markets 8 

Signoff-   

Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the 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   

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