MDJ  Script/ Top Stories for May 20th Friday 

Publish Date: May 1, Friday

Henssler :15,  Bed Music fires 

From the Henssler Financial Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast 

   Today is Saturday May the 20th, and happy 77th birthday to Cher 

***Cher*** 

I’m Dan Radcliffe and here are the top stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia 

1. Georgia Department of Driver Services launches Georgia Digital Driver’s License and ID in Apple Wallet 

1. Apartment growth "concerning" for Cobb schools, superintendent says 

1. Former Marietta High School student arrested for having a gun on campus 

1. And an EV company opens location at the Battery 

Plus we’ll hear from Leah McGrath of Ingles Markets about high grocery prices, then later in the show 

ry Crawford of the USDA will have thoughts on that same topic. 

All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.  

Commercial : CU of GA 

STORY 1  DDS 

Commissioner Spencer R. Moore announced that the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) will now offer residents the option to add their Georgia-issued driver's license and ID to their iPhone and Apple Watch. This allows customers to securely present their digital license and ID at select Transportation Security Administration checkpoints, including those at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Georgia becomes the largest state to provide this capability, offering an easy and secure way for residents to present their credentials without needing their physical card. Governor Brian Kemp expressed his appreciation for the innovative service and expects it to benefit both Georgians and visitors. To add the digital license or ID, Georgia residents need a compatible iPhone or Apple Watch and follow a simple setup process in Apple Wallet….read more about it on MDJonline.com 
 

STORY 2: apartment 

** Authorities are intensifying their search for two homicide suspects following a fatal assault in Bartow County. The incident occurred Tuesda 

The attendance zone for McEachern High School in Powder Springs, Cobb County, has historically lacked apartment units. However, the superintendent of Cobb Schools, Chris Ragsdale, discussed changing demographics and the development of 550 apartment units in the area during a Cobb Board of Education work session. Ragsdale expressed concerns about the negative impact of apartments on schools, citing Osborne High School as an example. He mentioned threats to student and staff safety originating from neighboring apartments. Ragsdale acknowledged that the district does not expect zero apartment construction but emphasized the primarily negative impact on schools and graduation rates, particularly highlighting the issue of transiency. Education consultant James Wilson supported this argument, noting that students in permanent housing tend to have higher test scores compared to those in transient housing. 

Story 3: arrested 

A former student at Marietta High School was arrested on Thursday for possessing marijuana and a handgun on campus. The school's interim principal, Marco Holland, informed MHS families about the incident, stating that a school administrator, in collaboration with the Marietta Police Department School Resource Officer, detained and searched the individual. The former student was found in possession of marijuana and a handgun, leading to their arrest and charges by the police. In response to the incident, the school increased police presence on campus during dismissal for added student safety. Additional officers will remain on campus next week. Further details regarding the suspect and the incident were not available at the time of the report. Please check MDJonline.com for updates as developments unfold........…..we’ll be right back 

Break:   ESOG– Dayco  

Story 4: EV 

Swedish electric vehicle maker, Polestar, has opened a new retail location at The Battery Atlanta. The new space will allow Cobb residents to experience Polestar vehicles firsthand and take test drives with Polestar specialists. Atlanta's existing EV charging infrastructure and growing demand for electric vehicles made it an ideal choice for Polestar's expansion. The new location at 950 Battery Avenue adds to the wide array of shopping and entertainment options at The Battery, a mixed-use development surrounding Truist Park. Polestar, headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, aims to accelerate the shift to sustainable mobility through design and technology. Visitors to Polestar Atlanta can test drive the Polestar 2 model and learn about local electric vehicle incentives. The company plans to open more locations in major EV markets across North America. 

STORY 5: Library 

The Gritters Library in Shaw Park, northeast Cobb, will be closing on June 17 to make way for the construction of a new library and community center. The new facility, costing $9.8 million, will house the Gritters Library along with space for the county PARKS department, community meetings, and CobbWorks workforce development programs. Funding for the project comes from the county Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST), state and federal grants, and the county's fund balance. Batson-Cook Construction will be the contractor for the design-build project. During the rebuild, patrons can visit the Mountain View Regional Library as an alternative. The new Gritters Library aims to meet the evolving information needs of the community, focusing on workforce development, job skills, and lifelong learning. 

Break  Elon – Ted’s- JRM 

STORY 6: Pebblebrook       (pronounciation: (EE-foo-NON-ya  OH-bee-ON-woo) 

The Pebblebrook High School senior Ifunanya Obianwu bid farewell to her high school days, reflecting on her achievements and looking ahead to a promising future. The pandemic served as a catalyst for her Ivy League aspirations, igniting a dream that led her to Princeton University. With hours of daily study, Obianwu dedicated herself to debate club preparation. She chose Princeton for its intimate writing classes and abundant resources for undergraduates. English is her passion, and she envisions a career involving writing, possibly as an attorney or journalist. Debate and sports, including soccer, track and field, and cross country, enriched her high school experience. Obianwu's involvement in her church community and her faith have also been significant. As she prepares to embark on her next chapter, she advises incoming freshmen to remain adaptable and open to change.………More community News after this 

Story 7: Greek 

The Georgia High School Football Hall of Fame is finalizing its voting process to welcome its second class. This year's ballot features 36 newcomers and 64 players from the inaugural class in 2022, including three notable alumni from Cobb County. Hutson Mason, a standout quarterback from Lassiter High School, shattered the state passing record during his senior season. He went on to lead the Georgia Bulldogs' offense, setting a single-season pass completion percentage record in 2014. Adam Meadows, a former McEachern High School star, earned first-team all-state honors before becoming a four-year starter for the Georgia Bulldogs. Meadows had a successful career with the Indianapolis Colts and briefly played for the Denver Broncos. Jonathan Dwyer, who excelled at Kell High School, became the ACC Player of the Year during his sophomore season at Georgia Tech. He was later drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers and also played for the Arizona Cardinals. Other notable candidates on the ballot include Georgia offensive coordinator Mike Bobo and former Atlanta Falcons coach Dan Reeves. 

Break   Drake – Ingles 9 

Story 8: Fire award 

The Valencia Hills Condominium Association honored the firefighters and EMTs of Cobb County Fire Station 19 with a Community Service Award at their annual homeowner's association meeting. The fire station, located near Valencia Hills, has been quick to respond to emergencies in the community, arriving in under two minutes to save lives, assist residents in need, and extinguish fires. They have even assisted in the delivery of a baby. In addition, the team recently participated in a cleanup day organized by the Powers Ferry Corridor Alliance to help keep the area clean. The association expressed gratitude for their dedicated service and recognized their contributions to the Powers Ferry/Terrell Mill area of East Cobb.……back with closing comments after this 

Story 9: NBA 

The San Antonio Spurs' potential plans to select Victor Wembanyama in the NBA draft may not be set in stone. G League Ignite player Scoot Henderson, a Kell alum, believes he has a chance to go first overall and is confident in his abilities. The Charlotte Hornets hold the second pick and have the option to choose between Henderson and Alabama's Brandon Miller. While Miller fills a positional need, Henderson believes he can complement Hornets' star LaMelo Ball. Both players are determined to make an impact on whichever team selects them. The Hornets face a crucial decision that could greatly impact their future. 

.……back with closing comments after this 

Commercial:  Henssler 60 

Signoff- use same bed as open 

Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Marietta Daily Journal podcast. Read more about all our stories at MDJonline.com. Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about your 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. 

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