Stephanie Coston is *the* person who knows what’s going on at the Marietta Square, and today you can here her talk with Madison Hogan about all the holiday fun coming to Marietta. 

#CobbCounty #Georgia #LocalNews     

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The Marietta Daily Journal Podcast is local news for Marietta, Kennesaw, Smyrna, and all of Cobb County. 

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This Podcast was produced and published for the Marietta Daily Journal and MDJ Online by BG Ad Group



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Stephanie Coston is *the* person who knows what’s going on at the Marietta Square, and today you can here her talk with Madison Hogan about all the holiday fun coming to Marietta. 
#CobbCounty #Georgia #LocalNews     
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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! <a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/" data-auth="NotApplicable">MDJOnline</a>           
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Get the news for Marietta, Kennesaw, Smyrna, and all of Cobb County with the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.

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Marietta Daily Journal Podcast

Cobb Life: Stephanie Coston

sports

 MDJ Script/ Top Stories for January 28th 

Publish Date:  January 28th 

 

Commercial:  

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

  

Today is Wednesday, January 28th and Happy Birthday to Jermaine Dye 

 

I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal 
Local student Mathletes to compete in Cobb County Math Contest
Support Cobb law enforcement and get a state tax credit
Lawmakers push transparency in school board public comments

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 9 

STORY 1: Local student Mathletes to compete in Cobb County Math Contest 

  Cobb County’s middle school math whizzes are gearing up for the local MATHCOUNTS competition on Feb. 28 at Marietta High School. Organized by the Cobb County Chapter of the Georgia Society of Professional Engineers, the event will feature teams from Dickerson, Dodgen, and Hightower Trail middle schools. 

These students have been prepping since fall—hours of practice, problem-solving, and probably a few late-night algebra sessions. The competition includes both individual and team rounds, with topics like geometry, probability, and statistics. Oh, and there’s a fast-paced oral round too—no pressure, right? 

Winners will snag prizes and move on to the state finals on March 9 in Buford. 

MATHCOUNTS, a national program, aims to spark a love for math in middle schoolers—because let’s face it, this is the age where kids either embrace math or start running from it. With 50,000 students competing nationwide this year, it’s a big deal. 

For details, check out www.mathcounts.org. 

STORY 2: Support Cobb law enforcement and get a state tax credit 

Tax season is here, and if you live in Cobb County, there’s a way to support local law enforcement and get a state income tax credit. Thanks to the 2022 LESS Crime Act (short for Law Enforcement Strategic Support Act), Georgia taxpayers can donate to approved public safety foundations and get a dollar-for-dollar credit on their state taxes. 

Here’s the deal: individuals can donate up to $5,000, couples filing jointly can give $10,000, and corporations can contribute up to 75% of their state tax liability. Statewide, there’s a $75 million cap, and each foundation can accept up to $5 million annually. 

The process? Register with the Georgia Tax Center, wait for approval, and send your donation within 60 days. Funds go toward training, equipment, officer wellness, and community programs. 

In Cobb, you can donate to: 
Cobb Sheriff’s Foundation 
Acworth Police Community Foundation 
Cobb County Public Safety Foundation 
Kennesaw Public Safety Foundation 
Marietta Police Foundation 

For links and details, visit their websites. 

STORY 3: Lawmakers push transparency in school board public comments 

 Cobb County lawmakers are pushing for more transparency in school board meetings with House Bill 989, which would require public comments to be broadcast or recorded if the rest of the meeting is aired. Rep. David Wilkerson said it’s about consistency: “If you’re showing the meeting, show all of it. Don’t cut out the tough parts.” 

The bill comes after Cobb’s school board stopped broadcasting public comments last year, sparking backlash from parents and lawmakers. Critics called it censorship; the board cited liability concerns. 

Rep. Solomon Adesanya said public comments are crucial for oversight: “If you only hear one side, you control the narrative.” 

The bill has bipartisan support, with Rep. Jordan Ridley also signing on. “Transparency matters,” he said. “If you’re broadcasting, show the good, bad, and everything in between.” 

Meanwhile, Ridley floated the idea of an independent audit for Cobb schools, similar to one he championed in Cherokee County.  

Cobb school board Chair Randy Scamihorn defended the district, saying claims of a lack of transparency are “absolutely false.” Still, he invited lawmakers to review their processes, adding, “No organization is perfect.” 

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 9 

 

STORY 4: Cobb opens $24M joint police, sheriff firing range 

 Cobb County just unveiled its shiny new $24 million firing range, and let’s just say—it’s a game-changer. Sheriff Craig Owens and Police Chief Dan Ferrell cut the ribbon Friday morning, joined by the Board of Commissioners, a crowd of officers, and deputies. 

The 65,000-square-foot facility, located next to the Public Safety Training Academy in Austell, replaces the old outdoor range that had been around for over 30 years. That one? It had a strict 8 p.m. curfew because of nearby neighborhoods. Now? Training can happen 24/7. 

The range features three separate areas, including a 100-yard precision range, and a high-tech 360-degree targeting system for realistic drills. Officers can train in low-light, no-light, and even less-lethal scenarios. 

Paid for with SPLOST funds, the range is a long-term investment in public safety—and a big win for Cobb County. 

STORY 5:  Northwest Georgia voters to head to polls March 10 for federal and, now, state election 

Northwest Georgia voters are in for a political doubleheader on March 10. Not only will they pick a new state senator, but they’ll also decide if the former holder of that Senate seat, Colton Moore, should head to Congress. 

Here’s the backstory: Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene resigned in January with a year left in her U.S. House term, triggering a special election for District 14. Moore, who represented Senate District 53 (Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Walker, and part of Floyd counties), stepped down mid-January to join the crowded race for Greene’s seat—22 candidates, to be exact. 

Qualifying for Moore’s old Senate seat runs Jan. 29 to Feb. 2. Voter registration closes Feb. 9, with early voting starting Feb. 16. If no one wins outright, expect a runoff on April 7. Buckle up, northwest Georgia—it’s going to be a busy ballot. 

Break:  

STORY 6: Chris Carr talks public safety in Cobb 

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr didn’t hold back when he spoke to the Cobb County Republican Women’s Club on Friday. Public safety, he said, isn’t just about stopping crime—it’s about supporting law enforcement, tackling mental health, and improving education. And now, as a candidate for governor, he’s making his case. 

Carr highlighted his record: creating units to fight human trafficking, gangs, opioids, and organized retail crime. “Keeping people safe is the most basic job of government,” he said. “If families don’t feel safe, we’ve failed.” 

He shared staggering numbers—over 200 children rescued from trafficking, 115 gang members convicted—and warned about the fentanyl crisis, calling it a “war” fueled by Mexican cartels. His office recently seized 15 pounds of the drug, enough to kill millions. 

On education, he stressed the importance of literacy by third grade and slammed “woke progressivism” in schools. “Our kids aren’t social experiments,” he said. “Schools should teach reading, writing, and math—not radical ideology.” 

Mental health? Another priority. Carr called for more facilities statewide, saying jails shouldn’t double as treatment centers. He also floated limiting phones in high schools, blaming social media for worsening students’ mental health. 

When asked about gambling, Carr stood firm against casino betting, citing addiction concerns. On minors accessing pornography, he tied it to human trafficking and expressed fears about AI being used to exploit kids. 

Former Cobb GOP Chair Rose Wing praised Carr’s tough stance on drug cartels and said she believes he’d make a “great governor.” 

STORY 7: Woodstock native Bolt named assistant golf coach at KSU 

 Abigail Bolt, a former Woodstock High School star, is heading back to familiar turf—this time as the new assistant women’s golf coach at Kennesaw State. Owls head coach Ket Vanderpool, who worked with Bolt for three seasons at Georgia State, made the announcement Friday. 

Bolt, who played collegiate golf at Appalachian State from 2017-21, brings a mix of coaching chops and on-course expertise. At Georgia State, she helped lead the team to nine top-five finishes and four tournament wins. Before that? She honed her skills at Towne Lake Hills Golf Club, running junior clinics and managing tournaments. 

As a player, Bolt was a standout at Appalachian State, earning MVP honors her senior year and finishing with a 77.81 stroke average. Since graduating in 2021, she’s stayed active in the game, competing in amateur events and continuing to build her career in golf. 

We’ll have closing comments after this. 

Break: INGLES 9 

 

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

&nbsp;MDJ Script/&nbsp;Top Stories for&nbsp;January&nbsp;28th&nbsp;
Publish Date: &nbsp;January&nbsp;28th&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Commercial:&nbsp;&nbsp;
From the&nbsp;BG Ad Group&nbsp;Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. &nbsp;
 &nbsp;
Today is&nbsp;Wednesday,&nbsp;January&nbsp;28th&nbsp;and Happy Birthday to&nbsp;Jermaine Dye&nbsp;
&nbsp;
I&rsquo;m&nbsp;Keith Ippolito&nbsp;and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by&nbsp;Times Journal&nbsp;
<ol>
<li>Local student Mathletes to compete in Cobb County Math Contest</li>
<li>Support Cobb law enforcement and get a state tax credit</li>
<li>Lawmakers push transparency in school board public comments</li>
</ol>
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! &nbsp;
&nbsp;
BREAK:&nbsp;INGLES&nbsp;9&nbsp;
STORY 1:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/education/local-student-mathletes-to-compete-in-cobb-county-math-contest/article_b7972a20-c32e-4014-808b-b55c1cde1075.html">Local student Mathletes to compete in Cobb County Math Contest</a>&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;Cobb County&rsquo;s middle school math whizzes are gearing up for the local MATHCOUNTS competition on Feb. 28 at Marietta High School. Organized by the Cobb County Chapter of the Georgia Society of Professional Engineers, the event will feature teams from Dickerson, Dodgen, and Hightower Trail middle schools.&nbsp;
These students have been prepping since fall&mdash;hours of practice, problem-solving, and probably a few late-night algebra sessions. The competition includes both individual and team rounds, with topics like geometry, probability, and statistics. Oh, and&nbsp;there&rsquo;s&nbsp;a fast-paced oral round too&mdash;no pressure, right?&nbsp;
Winners will snag prizes and move on to the state finals on March 9 in Buford.&nbsp;
MATHCOUNTS, a national program, aims to spark a love for math in middle schoolers&mdash;because&nbsp;let&rsquo;s&nbsp;face&nbsp;it,&nbsp;this is the age where kids either embrace math or start running from it. With 50,000 students competing nationwide this year,&nbsp;it&rsquo;s&nbsp;a big deal.&nbsp;
For details, check out&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mathcounts.org/">www.mathcounts.org</a>.&nbsp;
STORY 2:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/police_fire/support-cobb-law-enforcement-and-get-a-state-tax-credit/article_b69e9721-e8a2-4d39-bbb5-8c8b26c25ab1.html">Support Cobb law enforcement and get a state tax credit</a>&nbsp;
Tax season is here, and if you live in Cobb County,&nbsp;there&rsquo;s&nbsp;a way to support local law enforcement&nbsp;and&nbsp;get a state income tax credit. Thanks to the 2022 LESS Crime Act (short for Law Enforcement Strategic Support Act), Georgia taxpayers can donate to approved public safety foundations and get a dollar-for-dollar credit on their state taxes.&nbsp;
Here&rsquo;s&nbsp;the deal: individuals can donate up to $5,000, couples filing jointly can give $10,000, and corporations can contribute up to 75% of their&nbsp;state&nbsp;tax liability. Statewide,&nbsp;there&rsquo;s&nbsp;a $75 million cap, and each foundation can accept up to $5 million annually.&nbsp;
The process? Register with the Georgia Tax Center, wait for approval, and send your donation within&nbsp;60 days. Funds go toward training, equipment, officer wellness, and community programs.&nbsp;
In Cobb, you can donate to:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="17" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Cobb Sheriff&rsquo;s Foundation&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="17" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1">Acworth Police Community Foundation&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="17" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1">Cobb County Public Safety Foundation&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="17" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1">Kennesaw Public Safety Foundation&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="17" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1">Marietta Police Foundation&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
For links and details, visit their&nbsp;websites.&nbsp;
STORY 3:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/education/lawmakers-push-transparency-in-school-board-public-comments/article_0c44dbe8-23e5-4f9a-a53a-f82bac582843.html">Lawmakers push transparency in school board public comments</a>&nbsp;
 Cobb County lawmakers are pushing for more transparency in school board meetings with House Bill 989, which would require public comments to be broadcast or recorded if the rest of the meeting is aired.&nbsp;Rep. David Wilkerson&nbsp;said&nbsp;it&rsquo;s&nbsp;about consistency: &ldquo;If&nbsp;you&rsquo;re&nbsp;showing the meeting, show all of it.&nbsp;Don&rsquo;t&nbsp;cut out the tough parts.&rdquo;&nbsp;
The bill comes after Cobb&rsquo;s school board stopped broadcasting public comments last year, sparking backlash from parents and lawmakers. Critics called it censorship; the board cited liability concerns.&nbsp;
Rep. Solomon Adesanya&nbsp;said public comments are crucial for oversight: &ldquo;If you only hear one side, you control the narrative.&rdquo;&nbsp;
The bill has bipartisan support, with Rep. Jordan Ridley&nbsp;also signing on. &ldquo;Transparency matters,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;If you&rsquo;re broadcasting, show the good, bad, and everything in between.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Ridley&nbsp;floated&nbsp;the idea of an independent audit for Cobb schools, similar to one he championed in Cherokee County.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Cobb school board Chair Randy Scamihorn defended the district, saying claims of a lack of transparency are &ldquo;absolutely false.&rdquo; Still, he invited lawmakers to review their processes, adding, &ldquo;No organization is perfect.&rdquo;&nbsp;
We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info. &nbsp;
&nbsp;
We&rsquo;ll&nbsp;be right back.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Break:&nbsp;INGLES&nbsp;9&nbsp;
&nbsp;
STORY 4:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/police_fire/cobb-opens-24m-joint-police-sheriff-firing-range/article_5666e91c-0bea-423d-8e8a-7f4e009ff376.html">Cobb opens $24M joint police, sheriff firing range</a>&nbsp;
&nbsp;Cobb County just unveiled its shiny new $24 million firing range, and&nbsp;let&rsquo;s&nbsp;just say&mdash;it&rsquo;s&nbsp;a&nbsp;game-changer. Sheriff Craig Owens and Police Chief Dan Ferrell cut the ribbon Friday morning, joined by the Board of Commissioners, a crowd of officers, and deputies.&nbsp;
The 65,000-square-foot facility,&nbsp;located&nbsp;next to the Public Safety Training Academy in Austell, replaces the old outdoor range that&nbsp;had&nbsp;been around for over 30 years. That one? It had a strict 8 p.m. curfew because of nearby neighborhoods. Now? Training can happen 24/7.&nbsp;
The range features three separate areas, including a 100-yard precision range, and a high-tech 360-degree targeting system for realistic drills. Officers can train in low-light, no-light, and even less-lethal scenarios.&nbsp;
Paid&nbsp;for with&nbsp;SPLOST funds, the range is a long-term investment in public safety&mdash;and a big win for Cobb County.&nbsp;
STORY 5:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/northwest-georgia-voters-to-head-to-polls-march-10-for-federal-and-now-state-election/article_640f5b44-6fb3-445b-9fb1-7b7394939a02.html">Northwest Georgia voters to head to polls March 10 for federal and, now, state election</a>&nbsp;
Northwest Georgia voters are in for a political doubleheader on March 10. Not only will they&nbsp;pick&nbsp;a new state senator, but&nbsp;they&rsquo;ll&nbsp;also decide if the former holder of that Senate seat, Colton Moore, should head to Congress.&nbsp;
Here&rsquo;s&nbsp;the backstory: Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene&nbsp;resigned in January with a year left in her U.S. House term, triggering a special election for District 14. Moore, who&nbsp;represented&nbsp;Senate District 53 (Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Walker, and part of Floyd counties), stepped down mid-January to join the crowded race for Greene&rsquo;s seat&mdash;22 candidates, to be exact.&nbsp;
Qualifying for Moore&rsquo;s old Senate seat runs Jan. 29 to Feb. 2. Voter registration closes Feb. 9, with early voting starting Feb. 16. If no one wins outright, expect a runoff on April 7. Buckle up, northwest Georgia&mdash;it&rsquo;s&nbsp;going to be a busy ballot.&nbsp;
Break:&nbsp;&nbsp;
STORY 6:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/local/chris-carr-talks-public-safety-in-cobb/article_d973058c-55e2-4a43-aa58-1df7dea35f5f.html">Chris Carr talks public safety in Cobb</a>&nbsp;
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr&nbsp;didn&rsquo;t&nbsp;hold back when he spoke to the Cobb County Republican Women&rsquo;s Club on Friday. Public safety, he said,&nbsp;isn&rsquo;t&nbsp;just about stopping&nbsp;crime&mdash;it&rsquo;s&nbsp;about supporting law enforcement, tackling mental health, and improving education. And now, as a candidate for governor,&nbsp;he&rsquo;s&nbsp;making his case.&nbsp;
Carr highlighted his record: creating units to fight human trafficking, gangs, opioids, and organized retail crime. &ldquo;Keeping people safe is the most basic job of&nbsp;government,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;If families don&rsquo;t feel safe, we&rsquo;ve failed.&rdquo;&nbsp;
He shared staggering numbers&mdash;over 200 children rescued from trafficking, 115 gang members convicted&mdash;and warned about the fentanyl crisis, calling it a &ldquo;war&rdquo; fueled by Mexican cartels. His office recently seized 15 pounds of the drug, enough to kill millions.&nbsp;
On education, he stressed the importance of literacy by third grade and slammed &ldquo;woke progressivism&rdquo; in schools. &ldquo;Our kids aren&rsquo;t social experiments,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Schools should teach reading, writing, and math&mdash;not radical ideology.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Mental health? Another priority. Carr called for more facilities statewide, saying jails&nbsp;shouldn&rsquo;t&nbsp;double as treatment centers. He also floated limiting phones in high schools, blaming social media for worsening students&rsquo; mental health.&nbsp;
When asked about gambling, Carr stood firm against casino betting, citing addiction concerns. On minors accessing pornography, he tied it to human trafficking and expressed fears about AI being used to exploit kids.&nbsp;
Former Cobb GOP Chair Rose Wing praised Carr&rsquo;s tough stance on drug cartels and said she believes&nbsp;he&rsquo;d&nbsp;make a &ldquo;great governor.&rdquo;&nbsp;
STORY&nbsp;7:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/sports/woodstock-native-bolt-named-assistant-golf-coach-at-ksu/article_093e5cbd-428d-5f0c-b749-f195f21d5c62.html">Woodstock native Bolt named assistant golf coach at KSU</a>&nbsp;
 Abigail Bolt, a former Woodstock High School star, is heading back to familiar turf&mdash;this time as the new assistant women&rsquo;s golf coach at Kennesaw State. Owls head coach Ket Vanderpool, who worked with Bolt for three seasons at Georgia State, made the announcement Friday.&nbsp;
Bolt, who played collegiate golf at Appalachian State from 2017-21, brings a mix of coaching chops and on-course&nbsp;expertise. At Georgia State, she helped lead the team to nine&nbsp;top-five&nbsp;finishes and four tournament wins. Before that? She honed her skills at Towne Lake Hills Golf Club, running junior clinics and managing tournaments.&nbsp;
As a player, Bolt was a standout at Appalachian State, earning MVP honors her senior year and finishing with a 77.81 stroke average. Since graduating in 2021,&nbsp;she&rsquo;s&nbsp;stayed active in the game, competing in amateur events and continuing to build her career in golf.&nbsp;
We&rsquo;ll&nbsp;have closing comments after this.&nbsp;
Break:&nbsp;INGLES&nbsp;9&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Signoff-  &nbsp;
Thanks again for hanging out with us on today&rsquo;s&nbsp;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&nbsp;
Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling&nbsp;great stories&nbsp;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&nbsp;your Google&nbsp;Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.bgpodcastnetwork.com/">Produced by the BG Podcast Network</a>&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;
Show Sponsors:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.ingles-markets.com/">www.ingles-markets.com</a></li>
</ul>

Local student Mathletes to compete in Cobb County Math Contest | Support Cobb law enforcement and get a state tax credit | Lawmakers push transparency in school board public comments

  =====  MDJ Script/ Top Stories for January 23rd 

Publish Date:  January 23rd 

   

Commercial:  

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

  

Today is Friday, January 23rd and Happy Birthday to Earl Falconer 

 

I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal 
KSU students rally on campus to protest ICE, deportations and detentions
National Weather Service: Potential ‘major winter storm’ incoming this weekend
Cobb victim advocate appointed to State Parole Board

Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on breads 

 

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 8 

STORY 1:   KSU students rally on campus to protest ICE, deportations and detentions 

 Hundreds of Kennesaw State students walked out of class Tuesday, joining a nationwide protest against ICE on the anniversary of Donald Trump’s second inauguration. The “Free America” walkout, organized by Students for Socialism at KSU, called for justice for those detained, deported, or killed by ICE—like Renee Nicole Good, who was fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis earlier this month. 

Students gathered on the campus green, holding signs and chanting, “Justice for Renee” and “The people united will never be defeated.” Some marched around the student center, megaphones in hand, their voices echoing across campus. 

Grace Blomberg, one of the organizers, said the walkout was about solidarity. “We have a responsibility to stand with our immigrant brothers and sisters and with students in Minneapolis who’ve been striking for days,” she said. 

Not everyone agreed. Andre Stafford, chair of the Cobb Young Republicans, called the protests “misinformed” and said, “At the end of the day, it’s about law and order.” 

STORY 2:  National Weather Service: Potential ‘major winter storm’ incoming this weekend 

 Winter’s about to make its presence known in Georgia, and the National Weather Service is urging everyone to stay alert. A major winter storm is brewing, set to hit the eastern U.S. this weekend, but where it’ll hit hardest? Still up in the air. 

Meteorologist Sam Marlow explained the storm’s setup: Arctic air surging south meets warm, moisture-packed air from the Gulf and Pacific. Somewhere along a line from the Carolinas to Texas, they’ll collide—bringing snow, freezing rain, and chaos. 

For Cobb County, expect a messy mix. Rain and snow showers could start early Saturday, with temps hovering around 40. By nightfall, it’s all but guaranteed—precipitation, freezing rain, and lows dipping to 26. Sunday? More of the same, with highs near 36 and lows plummeting to 19. 

And once the storm’s gone? Bitter cold sticks around.  

The advice? Be ready. Stock up on groceries, cover outdoor pipes, and pack an emergency kit for your car. If roads get bad, stay put—it helps crews clear them faster. 

For those without a warm place to stay, MUST Ministries is opening its winter warming shelter Saturday through Feb. 3. Located at 1297 Bells Ferry Road in Marietta, the shelter offers hot meals, beds, and breakfast. Guests should arrive by 8 p.m., and transportation is available through county transit vouchers. 

Stay safe, Georgia.  

STORY 3: Cobb victim advocate appointed to State Parole Board 

 Kimberly McCoy, a veteran in victim advocacy from Cobb County, has been appointed to the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles by Gov. Brian Kemp. She steps into the role left by Meg Heap, who departed in August to become U.S. attorney for Georgia’s Southern District. 

McCoy’s resume is stacked. She co-founded the Cobb Family Justice Center, served 25 years as director of the Cobb DA’s Victim Witness Unit, and holds degrees in criminal justice and public administration. 

But her new role hasn’t been without controversy. Attorneys for death row inmate Stacey Humphreys, convicted of killing two Cobb real estate agents, argued McCoy’s past work with victims’ families creates a conflict of interest in his clemency case. 

Though McCoy planned to abstain from voting, a judge ruled her involvement could still unfairly sway the outcome. Humphreys’ execution, originally set for Dec. 17, has been delayed until a full, impartial clemency hearing can take place. 

McCoy’s appointment marks a new chapter in her career, but it’s already proving to be a challenging one. 

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 8 

STORY 4: Severe blood shortage: Give blood to Red Cross now 

 The American Red Cross is in desperate need of blood donors—like, now. Winter always strains the blood supply, but this year? It’s critical. Patients can’t afford delays in lifesaving care, so if you’re eligible, roll up your sleeve and help. 

As a thank-you, donors through Jan. 25 are entered to win a trip to Super Bowl LX in California. From Jan. 26 to Feb. 28, you’ll snag a $20 e-gift card. 

Local drives are happening all over Cobb County—Marietta, Kennesaw, Smyrna, and more. Check RedCrossBlood.org for dates and locations. 

And remember: your donation could literally save a life. 

STORY 5: 

F 

BRAVES: Carlos Beltrán and Andruw Jones are headed to Cooperstown, two center fielders who dominated their eras with a mix of power, speed, and jaw-dropping defense. Born just a day apart in April 1977, they’ll now share the stage at the Hall of Fame induction on July 26. 

Beltrán, in his fourth year on the ballot, finally crossed the 75% threshold, earning 84.2% of the vote. Jones, in his ninth year, got 78.4%. Both had to climb uphill—Beltrán’s path clouded by the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal, Jones’ by a slow start in Hall voting (just 7.3% in 2018). 

Beltrán, a nine-time All-Star, hit .279 with 435 homers and 1,587 RBIs over 20 seasons. He was a postseason monster, batting .307 with 16 homers in 65 playoff games. “The Mets are a big part of my identity,” he said, though his career spanned stints with Kansas City, Houston, St. Louis, and others. 

Jones, meanwhile, was a defensive wizard, winning 10 Gold Gloves and smashing 434 homers. He’s now the sixth Braves legend from their 1990s dynasty to make the Hall, joining Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz, Chipper, and McGriff. 

 

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

 

And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on breads 

 

We’ll have closing comments after this. 

 

Break: INGLES 8 

 

Signoff-   

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

&nbsp; =====&nbsp;&nbsp;MDJ&nbsp;Script/&nbsp;Top Stories for&nbsp;January&nbsp;23rd&nbsp;
Publish Date: &nbsp;January&nbsp;23rd&nbsp;
  &nbsp;
Commercial:&nbsp;&nbsp;
From the&nbsp;BG AD Group&nbsp;Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. &nbsp;
 &nbsp;
Today is&nbsp;Friday,&nbsp;January&nbsp;23rd&nbsp;and Happy Birthday to&nbsp;Earl Falconer&nbsp;
&nbsp;
I&rsquo;m&nbsp;Keith Ippolito&nbsp;and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by&nbsp;Times Journal&nbsp;
<ol>
<li>KSU students rally on campus to protest ICE, deportations and detentions</li>
<li>National Weather Service: Potential &lsquo;major winter storm&rsquo; incoming this weekend</li>
<li>Cobb victim advocate appointed to State Parole Board</li>
</ol>
Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets&nbsp;on&nbsp;breads&nbsp;
&nbsp;
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! &nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
BREAK:&nbsp;INGLES&nbsp;8&nbsp;
STORY 1:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/education/ksu-students-rally-on-campus-to-protest-ice-deportations-and-detentions/article_5b182538-f5cb-4eaf-a286-2309cc07897e.html">KSU students rally on campus to protest ICE, deportations and detentions</a>&nbsp;
 Hundreds of Kennesaw State students walked out of class Tuesday, joining a nationwide&nbsp;protest against&nbsp;ICE on the anniversary of Donald Trump&rsquo;s second inauguration. The &ldquo;Free America&rdquo; walkout, organized by Students for Socialism at KSU, called for justice for those detained, deported, or killed by ICE&mdash;like Renee Nicole Good, who was fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis earlier this month.&nbsp;
Students gathered on the campus green, holding signs and chanting, &ldquo;Justice for Renee&rdquo; and &ldquo;The people united will never be defeated.&rdquo; Some marched around the student center, megaphones in hand, their voices echoing across campus.&nbsp;
Grace Blomberg, one of the organizers, said the walkout&nbsp;was about&nbsp;solidarity. &ldquo;We have a responsibility to stand with our immigrant brothers and sisters and with students in Minneapolis who&rsquo;ve been striking for days,&rdquo; she said.&nbsp;
Not everyone agreed. Andre Stafford, chair of the Cobb Young Republicans, called the protests &ldquo;misinformed&rdquo; and said, &ldquo;At the end of the day, it&rsquo;s about law and order.&rdquo;&nbsp;
STORY 2:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/local/national-weather-service-potential-major-winter-storm-incoming-this-weekend/article_83e2bafb-dca5-43ff-8232-76cbf9e65be1.html">National Weather Service: Potential &lsquo;major winter storm&rsquo; incoming this weekend</a>&nbsp;
 Winter&rsquo;s about to make its presence known in Georgia, and the National Weather Service is urging everyone to stay alert. A major winter storm is brewing, set to hit the eastern U.S. this weekend, but where&nbsp;it&rsquo;ll&nbsp;hit hardest? Still up in the air.&nbsp;
Meteorologist Sam Marlow explained the storm&rsquo;s setup: Arctic air surging south meets warm, moisture-packed air from the Gulf and Pacific. Somewhere along a line from the Carolinas to Texas,&nbsp;they&rsquo;ll&nbsp;collide&mdash;bringing&nbsp;snow, freezing rain, and chaos.&nbsp;
For Cobb County, expect a messy mix. Rain and snow showers could start early Saturday, with&nbsp;temps&nbsp;hovering around 40. By nightfall,&nbsp;it&rsquo;s&nbsp;all but guaranteed&mdash;precipitation, freezing rain, and lows dipping to 26. Sunday? More of the same, with highs near 36 and lows plummeting to 19.&nbsp;
And once the storm&rsquo;s gone? Bitter cold sticks around.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The advice? Be ready. Stock&nbsp;up on&nbsp;groceries, cover outdoor pipes, and pack an emergency kit for your car. If roads get bad, stay put&mdash;it helps crews clear them faster.&nbsp;
For those without a warm place to stay, MUST Ministries is opening its winter warming shelter Saturday through Feb. 3. Located at 1297 Bells Ferry Road in Marietta, the shelter offers hot meals, beds, and breakfast. Guests should arrive by 8 p.m., and transportation is available through county transit vouchers.&nbsp;
Stay safe, Georgia.&nbsp;&nbsp;
STORY 3:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/local/cobb-victim-advocate-appointed-to-state-parole-board/article_c3e7110c-39c7-4f70-bcbd-e17544724011.html">Cobb victim advocate appointed to State Parole Board</a>&nbsp;
 Kimberly McCoy, a veteran in victim advocacy from Cobb County, has been appointed to the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles by Gov. Brian Kemp. She steps into the role left by Meg Heap, who&nbsp;departed&nbsp;in August to become U.S. attorney for Georgia&rsquo;s Southern District.&nbsp;
McCoy&rsquo;s resume is stacked. She co-founded the Cobb Family Justice Center, served 25 years as director of the Cobb DA&rsquo;s Victim Witness Unit, and holds degrees in criminal justice and public administration.&nbsp;
But her new role&nbsp;hasn&rsquo;t&nbsp;been without controversy. Attorneys for death row inmate Stacey Humphreys, convicted of killing two Cobb real estate agents, argued McCoy&rsquo;s past work with victims&rsquo; families creates a conflict of interest in his clemency case.&nbsp;
Though McCoy planned to abstain from voting, a judge ruled her involvement could still unfairly sway the outcome. Humphreys&rsquo; execution, originally set for Dec. 17, has been delayed until a full, impartial clemency hearing can take place.&nbsp;
McCoy&rsquo;s appointment marks a new chapter in her career, but&nbsp;it&rsquo;s&nbsp;already&nbsp;proving&nbsp;to be a challenging one.&nbsp;
We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info. &nbsp;
We&rsquo;ll&nbsp;be right back.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Break:&nbsp;INGLES&nbsp;8&nbsp;
STORY&nbsp;4:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/severe-blood-shortage-give-blood-to-red-cross-now/article_2154e3e4-15b4-4b86-8c66-c1c5b23d8e3c.html">Severe blood shortage: Give blood to Red Cross now</a>&nbsp;
 The American Red Cross is in desperate need of blood donors&mdash;like, now. Winter always strains the blood supply, but this&nbsp;year?&nbsp;It&rsquo;s&nbsp;critical. Patients&nbsp;can&rsquo;t&nbsp;afford delays in lifesaving care, so if&nbsp;you&rsquo;re&nbsp;eligible, roll up your sleeve and help.&nbsp;
As a thank-you, donors through Jan. 25 are entered to win a trip to Super Bowl LX in California. From Jan. 26 to Feb. 28,&nbsp;you&rsquo;ll&nbsp;snag a $20 e-gift card.&nbsp;
Local drives are happening all over Cobb County&mdash;Marietta, Kennesaw, Smyrna, and more. Check RedCrossBlood.org for dates and locations.&nbsp;
And remember: your donation could&nbsp;literally save&nbsp;a life.&nbsp;
STORY&nbsp;5:&nbsp;
F&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/sports/wire/carlos-beltr-n-and-andruw-jones-elected-to-baseballs-hall-of-fame/article_d940de4b-c097-5ac9-97b3-f33339c3051c.html">BRAVES:</a>&nbsp;Carlos Beltr&aacute;n and Andruw Jones are headed to Cooperstown, two center fielders who dominated their eras with a mix of power, speed, and jaw-dropping defense. Born just a day apart in April 1977,&nbsp;they&rsquo;ll&nbsp;now share the stage at the Hall of Fame induction on July 26.&nbsp;
Beltr&aacute;n, in his fourth year on the ballot, finally crossed the 75% threshold, earning 84.2% of the vote. Jones, in his ninth year, got 78.4%. Both had to climb uphill&mdash;Beltr&aacute;n&rsquo;s path clouded by the Astros&rsquo; sign-stealing scandal, Jones&rsquo; by a slow start in Hall voting (just 7.3% in 2018).&nbsp;
Beltr&aacute;n, a nine-time All-Star, hit .279 with 435 homers and 1,587 RBIs over 20 seasons. He was a postseason monster, batting .307 with 16 homers in 65 playoff games. &ldquo;The Mets are a big part of my identity,&rdquo; he said, though his career spanned stints with Kansas City, Houston, St. Louis, and others.&nbsp;
Jones, meanwhile, was a defensive wizard, winning 10 Gold Gloves and smashing 434 homers.&nbsp;He&rsquo;s&nbsp;now the sixth Braves legend from their 1990s dynasty to make the Hall, joining Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz, Chipper, and McGriff.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
I'm&nbsp;Keith Ippolito and&nbsp;that&rsquo;s&nbsp;your MDJ Sports Minute.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles&nbsp;Markets&nbsp;on&nbsp;breads&nbsp;
&nbsp;
We&rsquo;ll&nbsp;have closing comments after this.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Break:&nbsp;INGLES&nbsp;8&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Signoff-  &nbsp;
Thanks again for hanging out with us on today&rsquo;s Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other&nbsp;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&nbsp;
Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling&nbsp;great stories&nbsp;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&nbsp;your Google&nbsp;Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.bgpodcastnetwork.com/">Produced by the BG Podcast Network</a>&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;
Show Sponsors:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.ingles-markets.com/">www.ingles-markets.com</a></li>
</ul>

KSU students rally on campus to protest ICE, deportations and detentions | National Weather Service: Potential ‘major winter storm’ incoming this weekend | Cobb victim advocate appointed to State Parole Board

 MDJ Script/ Top Stories for January 21st 

Publish Date:  January 21st 

 

Commercial:  

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

  

Today is Wednesday, January 21st and Happy Birthday to Jack Nicklaus 

 

I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal 
Students shine at the Marietta City Schools district spelling bee
Atlanta mayor talks FIFA, housing, transit
Dog gained 57 pounds after rescue; owner now charged with animal cruelty

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 7 

STORY 1: Students shine at the Marietta City Schools district spelling bee 

  Seventh-grader Ella Grace Beard from Marietta Middle School clinched the top spot at the Marietta City Schools spelling bee on Friday, sealing her victory with the word “allergenic.” 

The competition was intense—10 students, each a champion from their school, battled it out for 26 rounds. Now, Ella Grace is headed to the Georgia District 2 spelling bee in Cherokee County. 

Her dad, Jason Beard, couldn’t be prouder. “She’s been studying like crazy—she even got a dictionary for Christmas last year,” he shared. 

Superintendent Grant Rivera, who handed out trophies to Ella Grace and runner-up Sreenika Arcot, called the spelling bee one of the most stressful events of the year.  

Jeff Hubbard, president of the Cobb County Association of Educators, praised the event as a celebration of intelligence.  

Words like “archetype” and “tenement” challenged the spellers, but Ella Grace rose to the occasion. Now, she’s ready for the next round. 

STORY 2: Atlanta mayor talks FIFA, housing, transit 

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens had a simple message at the Cobb Chamber luncheon: when Atlanta thrives, the whole region wins. Borrowing JFK’s famous line, “A rising tide lifts all boats,” Dickens made it clear that Atlanta’s success ripples far beyond city limits. 

Take the FIFA World Cup, for example. Starting in June, Atlanta will host eight matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, but the impact? It’ll stretch across the metro—Cobb County, Truist Park, Six Flags, Marietta Square.  

Through “Showcase Atlanta,” a leadership initiative chaired by Dickens, Arthur Blank, and UPS CEO Carol Tomé, the city plans to maximize the World Cup’s economic impact while spotlighting Atlanta’s culture and hospitality. And it’s not just about FIFA—Atlanta’s hosting the Super Bowl in 2028 and the NCAA Final Four in 2031. 

But Dickens didn’t shy away from challenges. With the metro population expected to grow by 1.8 million by 2050, he stressed the need for affordable housing and better transportation. “Teachers, first responders—they’re being priced out of the communities they serve. That’s a loss for all of us,” he said. 

And traffic? Atlanta’s infamous for it. Dickens wants to change that, starting with MARTA expansion into Cobb and Gwinnett. “We can’t keep doing this one-person-per-car thing forever,” he said. 

Dickens closed with a reminder: safety, health, opportunity—these aren’t partisan issues. “We all want thriving communities,” he said. “That’s something we can all agree on.” 

STORY 3: Dog gained 57 pounds after rescue; owner now charged with animal cruelty 

  Jordan Dean, 30, of Marietta, is facing an animal cruelty charge after what authorities describe as a heartbreaking case involving his Great Dane, Snoop. 

On Oct. 23, 2025, Dean reportedly brought Snoop to Cobb County Animal Services, claiming he’d found the dog as a stray near a Walgreens on Canton Road. But Snoop’s condition told a different story. Severely emaciated, his ribs and bones jutted out—no fat, barely any muscle. 

A cruelty exam scored Snoop at 1/9 on the body condition scale. He weighed just 50 pounds. After care, he reached 107 pounds with no medical issues causing the weight loss. 

Dean was arrested Jan. 5 and released the next day on a $10,000 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: INGLES 7 

 

STORY 4: Where the sidewalk ends: Mableton mayor talks SPLOST goals 

Mableton Mayor Michael Owens has his sights set on two big priorities: public safety and economic growth. And with the upcoming vote on a 1% special sales tax (SPLOST), he sees a chance to make it happen. 

If approved, the 2028 SPLOST would bring $97.6 million to Mableton—its first time creating its own project list since becoming a city in 2022. For Owens, it’s a defining moment.  

Top of the list? Sidewalks. “It’s the one thing everyone’s asking for,” Owens said, pointing to gaps along Veterans Memorial Highway and Nickajack Road. Parks, neighborhoods, and even businesses are disconnected, making walking unsafe—or impossible.  

But sidewalks are just the start. Owens envisions SPLOST funds going toward civic spaces, recreation centers, and even office parks to attract businesses. “You drive down Veterans Memorial, and it’s all shopping centers—no office buildings, no tech parks. That has to change,” he said. 

For Owens, the November vote is more than a tax—it’s a chance for Mableton residents to shape their city’s future.  

STORY 5:  Marietta Police paint vibrant interrogation room for child witnesses, victims 

  The Marietta Police Department has turned one of its interview rooms into something truly special—a space designed with kids in mind. 

Gone are the cold, blank walls. In their place? A vibrant, hand-painted mural that feels more like a storybook than a police station. It’s colorful, calming, and, most importantly, comforting—created to help children, especially those who’ve experienced trauma, feel a little less scared during tough conversations. 

Marietta High School art teachers Amanda Rudolph and Katherine Robinson, along with students from the National Art Honor Society, poured their hearts into this project.  

The department’s goal? To make sure every child feels protected and heard.  

Break:  

STORY 6: Mableton earns recognition as environmentally friendly city 

   Mableton just snagged some serious recognition for going green. Mayor Michael Owens and city council members accepted the Silver-level Green Communities certification from the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC). It’s a big deal—proof that the city’s making real moves to cut its environmental impact. 

How’d they do it? Think tree preservation ordinances, a community composting program, expanded recycling, and even switching to a 100% electric vehicle fleet. Practical stuff with long-term impact. 

The certification also boosts Mableton’s chances for state and federal grants, meaning more investment without raising taxes.  

The Green Communities program evaluates cities on their environmental performance, and Mableton’s efforts earned them a spot among metro Atlanta’s leaders. But the work doesn’t stop here—the certification lasts four years, and the city will need to keep proving its commitment to stay certified. 

STORY 7: Senate bill would hold down property tax increases that fund Georgia schools 

 Georgia lawmakers are back at it, debating how to handle property taxes—and this time, they’re eyeing a cap tied to inflation. A new bill from Senate Republicans would force all school systems to limit property tax hikes, even as rising home values push assessments higher. 

Here’s the twist: last year, 71% of Georgia’s school systems voted to reject a similar cap. Why? Because it slashes funding for education. If this bill passes, schools would lose the ability to tax property values that outpace inflation, leaving them scrambling to cover costs. 

Sen. Chuck Hufstetler, the bill’s sponsor, argues it’s about fairness.  

The bill would also impact city and county governments that opted out of last year’s cap. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones called it a priority, saying it’s about “putting more money back in Georgians’ pockets.” 

Meanwhile, other tax proposals are swirling at the Capitol—like eliminating income taxes or ending homestead property taxes altogether. Gov. Brian Kemp? He’s pushing for tax rebates and a slight income tax cut. 

We’ll have closing comments after this. 

Break: INGLES 7 

 

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 

&nbsp;MDJ Script/&nbsp;Top Stories for&nbsp;January&nbsp;21st&nbsp;
Publish Date: &nbsp;January&nbsp;21st&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Commercial:&nbsp;&nbsp;
From the&nbsp;BG Ad Group&nbsp;Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. &nbsp;
 &nbsp;
Today is&nbsp;Wednesday,&nbsp;January&nbsp;21st&nbsp;and Happy Birthday to&nbsp;Jack Nicklaus&nbsp;
&nbsp;
I&rsquo;m&nbsp;Keith Ippolito&nbsp;and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by&nbsp;Times Journal&nbsp;
<ol>
<li>Students shine at the Marietta City Schools district spelling bee</li>
<li>Atlanta mayor talks FIFA, housing, transit</li>
<li>Dog gained 57 pounds after rescue; owner now charged with animal cruelty</li>
</ol>
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! &nbsp;
&nbsp;
BREAK:&nbsp;INGLES&nbsp;7&nbsp;
STORY 1:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/students-shine-at-the-marietta-city-schools-district-spelling-bee/article_60604859-1c8d-44b4-a67b-d2e5ee0110fe.html">Students shine at the Marietta City Schools district spelling bee</a>&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;Seventh-grader Ella Grace Beard from Marietta Middle School clinched the top spot at the Marietta City Schools spelling bee on Friday, sealing her victory with the word &ldquo;allergenic.&rdquo;&nbsp;
The competition was intense&mdash;10 students,&nbsp;each a&nbsp;champion from their school, battled it out for 26 rounds. Now, Ella Grace is headed to the Georgia District 2 spelling bee in Cherokee County.&nbsp;
Her dad, Jason Beard,&nbsp;couldn&rsquo;t&nbsp;be&nbsp;prouder. &ldquo;She&rsquo;s been studying like crazy&mdash;she even got a dictionary for Christmas last year,&rdquo; he shared.&nbsp;
Superintendent Grant Rivera, who handed out trophies to Ella Grace and runner-up Sreenika Arcot, called the spelling bee one of the most stressful events of the year.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Jeff Hubbard, president of the Cobb County Association of Educators, praised the event as a celebration of intelligence.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Words like &ldquo;archetype&rdquo; and &ldquo;tenement&rdquo; challenged the spellers, but Ella Grace rose to the occasion. Now,&nbsp;she&rsquo;s&nbsp;ready for the next round.&nbsp;
STORY 2:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/atlanta-mayor-talks-fifa-housing-transit/article_d60b71c8-951e-4f6a-b3c0-9e7a488bf936.html">Atlanta mayor talks FIFA, housing, transit</a>&nbsp;
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens had a simple message at the Cobb Chamber luncheon: when Atlanta thrives, the whole region wins. Borrowing JFK&rsquo;s famous line, &ldquo;A rising tide lifts all boats,&rdquo; Dickens made it clear that Atlanta&rsquo;s success ripples far beyond city limits.&nbsp;
Take the FIFA World Cup, for example. Starting in June, Atlanta will host eight matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, but the impact?&nbsp;It&rsquo;ll&nbsp;stretch across the metro&mdash;Cobb County, Truist Park, Six Flags, Marietta Square.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Through &ldquo;Showcase Atlanta,&rdquo; a leadership initiative chaired by Dickens, Arthur Blank, and UPS CEO Carol Tom&eacute;, the city plans to maximize the World Cup&rsquo;s economic impact while spotlighting Atlanta&rsquo;s culture and hospitality. And&nbsp;it&rsquo;s&nbsp;not just about FIFA&mdash;Atlanta&rsquo;s hosting the Super Bowl in 2028 and the NCAA Final Four in 2031.&nbsp;
But Dickens&nbsp;didn&rsquo;t&nbsp;shy away from challenges. With the metro population expected to grow by 1.8 million by 2050, he stressed the need for affordable housing and better transportation. &ldquo;Teachers, first responders&mdash;they&rsquo;re&nbsp;being priced out of the communities they serve.&nbsp;That&rsquo;s&nbsp;a loss for all of us,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;
And traffic? Atlanta&rsquo;s infamous for it. Dickens wants to change that, starting with MARTA expansion into Cobb and Gwinnett. &ldquo;We can&rsquo;t keep doing this one-person-per-car thing forever,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;
Dickens closed with a reminder: safety, health, opportunity&mdash;these&nbsp;aren&rsquo;t&nbsp;partisan issues. &ldquo;We all want thriving communities,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;That&rsquo;s something we can all agree on.&rdquo;&nbsp;
STORY 3:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/police_fire/dog-gained-57-pounds-after-rescue-owner-now-charged-with-animal-cruelty/article_d16a7aa9-2d59-47d8-85d0-74ae275321f2.html">Dog gained 57 pounds after rescue; owner now charged with animal cruelty</a>&nbsp;
  Jordan Dean, 30, of Marietta, is facing an animal cruelty charge after what authorities describe as a heartbreaking case involving his Great Dane, Snoop.&nbsp;
On Oct. 23, 2025, Dean&nbsp;reportedly brought&nbsp;Snoop to Cobb County Animal Services, claiming&nbsp;he&rsquo;d&nbsp;found the dog as a stray near a Walgreens on Canton Road. But Snoop&rsquo;s condition told a different story. Severely emaciated, his ribs and bones jutted out&mdash;no fat, barely any muscle.&nbsp;
A cruelty exam scored Snoop at 1/9 on the body condition scale. He weighed just 50 pounds. After care, he reached 107 pounds with no medical issues causing&nbsp;the weight&nbsp;loss.&nbsp;
Dean was arrested Jan. 5 and released the next day on a $10,000 bond.&nbsp;
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We&rsquo;ll&nbsp;be right back.&nbsp;
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Break:&nbsp;INGLES&nbsp;7&nbsp;
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STORY 4:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/where-the-sidewalk-ends-mableton-mayor-talks-splost-goals/article_a4df5a14-0ccf-463d-af68-b18a666122a5.html">Where the sidewalk ends: Mableton mayor talks SPLOST goals</a>&nbsp;
Mableton Mayor Michael Owens has his sights set on two big priorities: public safety and economic growth. And with the upcoming vote on a 1% special sales tax (SPLOST), he sees a chance to make it happen.&nbsp;
If approved, the 2028 SPLOST would bring $97.6 million to Mableton&mdash;its first time creating its own project list since becoming a city in 2022. For Owens,&nbsp;it&rsquo;s&nbsp;a defining moment.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Top of the list? Sidewalks. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s the one thing everyone&rsquo;s asking for,&rdquo; Owens said, pointing to gaps along Veterans Memorial Highway and&nbsp;Nickajack&nbsp;Road. Parks, neighborhoods, and even businesses are disconnected, making walking unsafe&mdash;or impossible.&nbsp;&nbsp;
But sidewalks are just the start. Owens envisions SPLOST funds going toward civic spaces, recreation centers, and even office parks to attract businesses. &ldquo;You drive down Veterans Memorial, and&nbsp;it&rsquo;s&nbsp;all shopping centers&mdash;no office buildings, no tech parks. That&nbsp;has to&nbsp;change,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;
For Owens, the November vote is more than a tax&mdash;it&rsquo;s&nbsp;a chance for Mableton residents to shape their city&rsquo;s future.&nbsp;&nbsp;
STORY 5:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/marietta-police-paint-vibrant-interrogation-room-for-child-witnesses-victims/article_87e99884-4461-4a61-b30b-ebbdf50e96a5.html">Marietta Police paint vibrant interrogation room for child witnesses, victims</a>&nbsp;
  The Marietta Police Department has turned one of its interview rooms into something truly special&mdash;a space designed with kids in mind.&nbsp;
Gone are the cold, blank walls. In their place? A vibrant, hand-painted mural that feels more like a storybook than a police station.&nbsp;It&rsquo;s&nbsp;colorful, calming, and, most importantly, comforting&mdash;created to help children, especially those&nbsp;who&rsquo;ve&nbsp;experienced trauma, feel a little less scared during tough conversations.&nbsp;
Marietta High School art teachers Amanda Rudolph and Katherine Robinson, along with students from the National Art Honor Society, poured their hearts into this project.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The department&rsquo;s goal? To make sure every child feels protected and heard.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Break:&nbsp;&nbsp;
STORY 6:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/local/mableton-earns-recognition-as-environmentally-friendly-city/article_591e61f2-6e91-4ae9-95da-19c16cbbdb77.html">Mableton earns recognition as environmentally friendly city</a>&nbsp;
   Mableton just snagged some serious recognition for going green. Mayor Michael Owens and city council members accepted the Silver-level Green Communities certification from the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC).&nbsp;It&rsquo;s&nbsp;a big deal&mdash;proof that the city&rsquo;s making real moves to cut its environmental impact.&nbsp;
How&rsquo;d&nbsp;they&nbsp;do it? Think tree preservation ordinances, a community composting program, expanded recycling, and even switching to a 100% electric vehicle fleet. Practical stuff with long-term impact.&nbsp;
The certification also boosts Mableton&rsquo;s chances for state and federal grants, meaning more investment without raising taxes.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The Green Communities program evaluates cities on their environmental performance, and Mableton&rsquo;s efforts earned them a spot among metro Atlanta&rsquo;s leaders. But the work&nbsp;doesn&rsquo;t&nbsp;stop here&mdash;the certification lasts four years, and the city will need to keep proving its commitment to stay certified.&nbsp;
STORY&nbsp;7:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/state/senate-bill-would-hold-down-property-tax-increases-that-fund-georgia-schools/article_0add435a-5778-55c1-aa71-9521151d7e39.html">Senate bill would hold down property tax increases that fund Georgia schools</a>&nbsp;
 Georgia lawmakers are back at it, debating how to handle property taxes&mdash;and this time,&nbsp;they&rsquo;re&nbsp;eyeing a cap tied to inflation. A new bill from Senate Republicans would force all school systems to limit property tax hikes, even as rising home values push assessments higher.&nbsp;
Here&rsquo;s&nbsp;the twist: last year, 71% of Georgia&rsquo;s school systems voted to reject a similar cap. Why? Because it slashes funding for education. If this bill passes, schools&nbsp;would&nbsp;lose the ability to tax property values that outpace inflation, leaving them scrambling to cover costs.&nbsp;
Sen. Chuck Hufstetler, the bill&rsquo;s sponsor, argues&nbsp;it&rsquo;s about&nbsp;fairness.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The bill would also&nbsp;impact&nbsp;city and county governments that opted out of last year&rsquo;s cap. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones called it a priority, saying&nbsp;it&rsquo;s&nbsp;about &ldquo;putting more money back in Georgians&rsquo; pockets.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Meanwhile, other tax proposals are swirling at the Capitol&mdash;like&nbsp;eliminating&nbsp;income taxes or ending homestead property taxes altogether. Gov. Brian Kemp?&nbsp;He&rsquo;s&nbsp;pushing for tax rebates and a slight income tax cut.&nbsp;
We&rsquo;ll&nbsp;have closing comments after this.&nbsp;
Break:&nbsp;INGLES&nbsp;7&nbsp;
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Signoff-  &nbsp;
Thanks again for hanging out with us on today&rsquo;s&nbsp;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&nbsp;
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Students shine at the Marietta City Schools district spelling bee | Atlanta mayor talks FIFA, housing, transit | Dog gained 57 pounds after rescue; owner now charged with animal cruelty

Cobb Life: Stephanie Coston

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