MDJ Script/ Top Stories for December 17th 

Publish Date:  December 17th 

Commercial:  

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

Today is Tuesday, December 17th and Happy Birthday to Eugene Levy 

***12.17.24 - BIRTHDAY – EUGENE LEVY*** 

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

1. Guthrie’s Opens in East Cobb 
2. Cobb to Consider Mt. Bethel Christian Academy Expansion Plan 
3. 'You Deserve It': Veteran Detainees Presented with Resources at Cobb Jail 

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: CU of GA (06.26.24 CU OF GA FREE CHECKING_REV_FINAL) 

STORY 1:  Guthrie’s Opens in East Cobb 

Guthrie's has opened a new restaurant in east Cobb's Parkaire Landing, Marietta, marking its fifth location in Georgia this year. Known for its scratch-made chicken fingers and signature sauce, Guthrie's aims to blend its heritage with Marietta's evolving culture. The drive-thru operates daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., offering hand-breaded chicken fingers, cole slaw, fries, Texas toast, and their famous sauce. This new location will create about 35 jobs. Guthrie's, founded in Haleyville, Alabama, now has over 60 locations across 10 states, continuing its national expansion. 

STORY 2:     Cobb to Consider Mt. Bethel Christian Academy Expansion Plan 

The Cobb County Board of Commissioners will review Mt. Bethel Christian Academy's expansion master plan during a zoning hearing. The plan aims to replace temporary classrooms with permanent buildings and relocate sports facilities on its high school campus, which can accommodate up to 625 students. The academy, independent of Mt. Bethel Church, faces a lease termination for its lower and middle schools, necessitating new facilities by 2028. Proposed changes include new academic buildings, improved traffic access, and relocated sports facilities, sparking opposition from local residents concerned about disruption and lack of detailed plans. Commissioner JoAnn Birrell plans a campus walkthrough before the hearing. 

STORY 3:  'You Deserve It': Veteran Detainees Presented with Resources at Cobb Jail 

Cobb County Sheriff Deputy Nedra Handia discovered numerous resources for veterans, including the Cobb County Veterans Accountability and Treatment Court and The Warrior Alliance, after connecting with Vietnam veteran Daniel Hydrick. Inspired, she organized a program for six veteran detainees to learn about these resources. With support from Sheriff Craig Owens, changes were made in the Cobb Jail, including a special wing for veterans. Detainee Gary Williams, a Vietnam-era Air Force veteran, appreciated the support and plans to share the information. The program emphasized hope and freedom, with Hydrick encouraging the veterans that the best is yet to come. 

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We’ll be right back  

Break: DRAKE (Drake Realty (Cobb County) 

STORY 4:  Christmas at Piedmont Brings Holiday Spirit to East Cobb 

Piedmont Church's annual Christmas at Piedmont celebration in East Cobb brought holiday cheer to thousands with a free, two-day event. The festivities included an arts and crafts fair with over 40 vendors, live dance performances, a petting zoo, and activities for kids like inflatable bounce houses and photos with Santa. Vendors like Two Crafty Ladies of Georgia and Samantha Raeburn offered unique gifts and experiences, such as handcrafted decorations and "blind date with a book" packages. The event, supported by sponsors, featured fair rides and food vendors, making it a festive tradition for local families. 

STORY 5:  No. 10: Cobb Schools Nixes $50 Million Event Center 

The Cobb County Board of Education canceled plans for a $50 million event center in July, following Superintendent Chris Ragsdale's recommendation due to economic concerns reminiscent of pre-2008 recession indicators. The board voted 6-0 to halt the project, initially approved in March 2023, which faced criticism for its cost and lack of detailed planning. Critics included board member Becky Sayler and the citizen group Watching the Funds — Cobb. Despite the cancellation, Ragsdale emphasized the ongoing need for such a facility but prioritized employee welfare over new infrastructure. 

We’ll be back in a moment  

Break: Ingles Markets 3 

STORY 6:  'FedUp with FedEx': Residents Complain of Austell Delays 

Residents have nicknamed the FedEx facility on Factory Shoals Road the "Austell Black Hole" due to significant delays in package deliveries, with some waiting weeks. Marietta resident Topher Evans, frustrated by lost shipments, created a Facebook group highlighting these issues. The group has grown, with members sharing stories of delayed packages, including essential items like medication. Despite FedEx's statement about efforts to resolve delays, many customers remain dissatisfied, expressing their concerns on social media. Evans now avoids using FedEx for non-express shipments, citing ongoing unresolved issues at the Austell hub. 

STORY 7:    Ruby's Sourdough Pizza Opens in Smyrna 

Ruby’s Sourdough Pizza in Smyrna aims to create a community hub with its freshly-made sourdough pizzas and inviting dining space. Owner Chris Rimby designed the venue to host families and friends, featuring an outdoor patio, greenspace, and a stage for events. The menu includes red and white pies, with popular options like "The Roundabout" and the mushroom white pizza. The restaurant also offers a variety of drinks and is pet-friendly. Future plans include a coffee and ice cream bar, and a taco restaurant.  

Break: Marietta Theatre: Motown Christmas 

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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Produced by the BG Podcast Network 

Show Sponsors: 

• www.ingles-markets.com   

• www.cuofga.org   

• www.drakerealty.com 

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