MDJ Script/ Top Stories for March 5th 

Publish Date:  March 5th 

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

Today is Wednesday, March 5th and Happy Birthday to Andy Gibb

***03.05.25 - BIRTHDAY – ANDY GIBB*** 

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

1. Early Voting in Cobb Commission Runoff Underway 
2. Cobb to Consider Gas Station, Drive-Thru on Austell Road 
3. Cobb and Douglas Public Health wants to expand services, but federal funding has grown more uncertain 

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 5 

STORY 1:   Early Voting in Cobb Commission Runoff Underway 

Early voting for the March 11 runoff in Cobb County’s District 2 special primary election has begun, with Democrats Erick Allen and Dr. Jaha Howard competing for the seat formerly held by Jerica Richardson. Neither candidate secured over 50% in the February primary. Key voter concerns include zoning, transportation, and LGBTQ+ rights. Early voting runs through March 7 at two locations, with Election Day on March 11. The winner will face Republican Alicia Adams on April 28. The election redo, ordered after a court ruling on district maps, could cost taxpayers $1.5 million. 

STORY 2:     Cobb to Consider Gas Station, Drive-Thru on Austell Road 

The Cobb County Planning Commission will review a proposal for a gas station, convenience store, retail spaces, and a drive-thru restaurant on Austell Road near Pat Mell Road. The 3.83-acre site will replace an existing water damage recovery business with two new buildings: a 5,000-square-foot convenience store with eight fuel stations and attached retail spaces, and a 2,200-square-foot fast-food restaurant. The convenience store will operate 24/7, while other spaces will run 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Zoning staff supports the plan, recommending a 20-foot landscape buffer and lighting plans to protect nearby residential areas. 

STORY 3:  Cobb and Douglas Public Health wants to expand services, but federal funding has grown more uncertain 

Lisa Crossman, deputy director of Cobb and Douglas Public Health, is focused on improving health services in South Cobb, where many residents lack insurance, healthy food options, and mental health resources. Plans include a $17.5 million health center offering services like cancer screenings, mental health care, and a food pantry. Federal funding delays, including $3 million from Sen. Jon Ossoff, threaten the project’s timeline. Local nonprofits like Sweetwater Mission and the Center for Family Resources support the initiative, emphasizing its importance for underserved residents. Crossman is seeking alternative funding to avoid significant delays, aiming for a 2026 opening. 

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STORY 4:  The Avenue West Cobb kicks off spring with first ever Bloom Campaign 

The Avenue West Cobb in Marietta is hosting BLOOM, a month-long eco-friendly event series from March 15 to April 22, celebrating spring and sustainable living. Highlights include: 

- **World Water Day** (March 22): Free water bottles, goodie bags, and donations benefiting Pure Water for the World, with a $100 gift card giveaway. 

- **Spring Fashion Preview** (March 24-28): Showcasing spring collections from retailers like J. Jill and Altar’d State, with giveaways and promotions. 

- **Spring Festival** (April 17): Family-friendly activities like an Easter egg drop, scavenger hunt, face painting, and a petting farm. 

Local artist Sheena Yoe will also display her spring-inspired art collection. Visit avenuewestcobb.com/bloom for details. 

STORY 5:  High Court Upholds Conviction of Mableton Murderer 

The Georgia Supreme Court upheld the murder conviction of David Nesbit, who fatally shot Gregory Gabriel during a 2020 altercation at a Mableton gas station. Nesbit initiated the dispute, firing the first shot, while Gabriel, unable to flee, was struck twice and later died. Nesbit fled the scene but was arrested over a week later, indicted in 2021, and sentenced to 35 years in 2022. His appeal for a new trial, citing ineffective counsel and alleged prosecutorial misconduct, was denied, with the Supreme Court affirming the conviction on Tuesday. 

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STORY 6:  'A Social Thing': New Wine Tasting Room Coming to Austell 

Divinely Elegant Vines, a wine tasting room and bottle shop in downtown Austell, will open on March 15. Founded by Jessena and Michael Waldo, the space offers 12 wine varietals, locally-sourced charcuterie, and an intimate, educational wine experience. The 1,000-square-foot venue features dark red and black decor, an outdoor patio, and events like wine tastings, classes, and live entertainment. The Waldos aim to foster community and share their passion for wine, with plans to expand in the future. The grand opening includes live music, food, and wine giveaways. Visit www.divinelyelegantvines.com for details. 

STORY 7:  Georgia Senate Republicans pass religious freedom law, raising concerns about discrimination 

The Georgia Senate passed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (SB 36) on Tuesday in a 32-23 party-line vote. The bill requires courts to prioritize religious customs in disputes unless there’s a “compelling government interest.” Proponents, like Sen. Ed Setzler, argue it protects religious rights, citing cases from other states. Critics, including Sen. RaShaun Kemp, warn it could enable discrimination against LGBTQ individuals and others, as the bill lacks anti-discrimination protections. Similar legislation was vetoed in 2016 due to backlash from civil rights groups and businesses. SB 36 now heads to the Georgia House for consideration. 

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 www.mdjonline.com 

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