 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 Wednesday, December 17th and Happy Birthday to Eugene Levy 

 

I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal 
‘History Rocks!’: Sonny Perdue celebrates America’s 250th at Allatoona High
Sheriff’s annual Santa On Wheels donates thousands of toys
100+ wreaths placed at veteran tombstones at Kennesaw cemetery

 

Plus, Shane Delancey the Director of the Christmas Tradition at the Strand Theatre 

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: ‘History Rocks!’: Sonny Perdue celebrates America’s 250th at Allatoona High 

  Allatoona High kicked off the buzz for America’s 250th birthday this week with a visit from the U.S. Department of Education’s “History Rocks! Trail to Independence” tour. And yes, former Gov. Sonny Perdue was there, rallying students to think big about the next 250 years. 

“America doesn’t stay great by accident,” Perdue told the crowd. “It takes work—your work. Education is what keeps democracy alive.” 

The event wasn’t just speeches. Students played history-themed games like “E Pluribus Unum” and a patriotic spin on “Family Feud.” 

Cobb Superintendent Chris Ragsdale called it “tremendous,” reminiscing about celebrating the bicentennial as a kid in 1976. Full circle, indeed. 

STORY 2: Sheriff’s annual Santa On Wheels donates thousands of toys 

Cobb Sheriff Craig Owens and his team brought some serious holiday magic to Mableton schools on Saturday with their fourth annual Santa On Wheels toy drive. 

Over 1,600 toys were handed out at Lindley and Floyd middle schools, turning the day into a Christmas wonderland for families in need. “Seeing those kids’ smiles—it’s everything,” Owens said. “Times are tough, but this? This is why we do it.” 

Owens, dressed as Santa (with Mrs. Claus by his side), posed for photos and handed out gifts, while Christmas music played and kids lined up for presents—and even a chance to win a bike. 

STORY 3: 100+ wreaths placed at veteran tombstones at Kennesaw cemetery 

  On a chilly Saturday afternoon, Kennesaw City Cemetery became a quiet, reverent place of remembrance. Volunteers—city officials, Scouts, families—gathered to lay wreaths on the graves of 139 veterans as part of the Wreaths Across America campaign. 

Each headstone, marked with an American flag, received a wreath. Volunteers paused, saluted, and reflected. “This is Christmas,” said Mayor Derek Easterling, a Navy veteran. “We honor them because they gave everything for our freedom.” 

For 8-year-old Scout Archer Linscott, it was about tradition. “We’ll be back,” his dad said. “It’s about remembering the past as we move forward.” 

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: Villa Rica Wonderland Train 

 

STORY 4: Second suspect in Kell High School vandalism case charged, released from custody 

The second suspect in the Thanksgiving break vandalism at Kell High School has been charged, according to jail records. 

Hunter Bridges, 18, of Marietta, was arrested last Thursday and released on a $16,720 bond. He and Micah Zefo, 22, of Acworth, allegedly broke into the school on Nov. 24, causing over $12,000 in damage. 

Police say the pair climbed onto the roof, entered through a hatch, and spent hours inside. They reportedly drove floor scrubbers across the gym’s newly refinished hardwood, leaving deep scratches, and even tampered with school buses. 

Both face multiple felonies. The district called the behavior “unacceptable.” 

STORY 5:  Cobb 911 earns triple accreditation as center of excellence 

 Cobb County’s Emergency Communications team just hit a major milestone: triple accreditation from the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED). That’s right—Tri-ACE status. Only 27 agencies in the world have it, and Cobb’s the first county agency in Georgia to pull it off. 

This recognition means Cobb’s 911 center excels in fire, police, and medical dispatch. It wasn’t easy—earning this required meeting 20 tough accreditation standards and passing expert reviews. 

“This is the gold standard,” said E911 Director Melissa Alterio. “It’s proof of the incredible work our team does every single day.” 

Break:  

STORY 6: Cobb Collaborative, Cobb Community Foundation honor community leaders 

   The Cobb Collaborative and Cobb Community Foundation came together for the 32nd annual Human Services Awards Luncheon, a heartfelt celebration of the people and organizations transforming lives in Cobb County. 

“This is about selflessness, innovation, and teamwork,” said Irene Barton, Cobb Collaborative’s executive director. “These honorees remind us what’s possible when we work together to tackle issues like homelessness and food insecurity.” 

Among the winners: Mark Riggans of Cobb Christmas and Janet Porter of Four Corners Group, honored for their service; Kelsey Thompson-White Battersby, recognized for her housing initiatives; and Kidz2Leaders, awarded $10,000 for breaking cycles of generational incarceration. 

STORY 7: Navigating Food Allergies During the Holiday Season: What Families Need to Know 

The holidays are all about food, right? But for families dealing with food allergies, festive treats can feel more like a minefield than a celebration. One wrong bite, and it’s not just a ruined party—it’s a trip to the ER. 

Over 33 million Americans have food allergies, and anaphylaxis-related emergencies have skyrocketed in recent years. Dr. Joanna Dolgoff says about 1 in 20 kids now has a diagnosed food allergy. Why? Better diagnoses, sure, but also changes in diet, environment, and how kids’ immune systems develop. 

Feeling overwhelmed? Totally normal. Start small: communicate, read labels, pack safe snacks, and always—always—carry epinephrine. 

Now, here is Shane Delancey the Director of the Christmas Tradition at the Strand Theatre 

Break: THE STRAND HOLIDAY 

 

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;December&nbsp;17th&nbsp;
Publish Date: &nbsp;December&nbsp;17th&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;December&nbsp;17th&nbsp;and Happy Birthday to&nbsp;Eugene Levy&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>&lsquo;History Rocks!&rsquo;: Sonny Perdue celebrates America&rsquo;s 250th at Allatoona High</li>
<li>Sheriff&rsquo;s annual Santa On Wheels donates thousands of toys</li>
<li>100+ wreaths placed at veteran tombstones at Kennesaw cemetery</li>
</ol>
&nbsp;
Plus, Shane Delancey the Director of the Christmas Tradition at the Strand Theatre&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;
BREAK:&nbsp;INGLES&nbsp;7&nbsp;
STORY 1:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/education/history-rocks-sonny-perdue-celebrates-america-s-250th-at-allatoona-high/article_308f64ce-40c8-4cc8-bc52-516bdbb68ae9.html">&lsquo;History Rocks!&rsquo;: Sonny Perdue celebrates America&rsquo;s 250th at Allatoona High</a>&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;Allatoona High kicked off the buzz for America&rsquo;s 250th birthday this week with a visit from the U.S. Department of Education&rsquo;s &ldquo;History Rocks! Trail to Independence&rdquo; tour. And yes, former Gov. Sonny Perdue was there, rallying students to think big about the next 250 years.&nbsp;
&ldquo;America doesn&rsquo;t stay great by accident,&rdquo; Perdue told the crowd. &ldquo;It takes work&mdash;your work. Education is what keeps democracy alive.&rdquo;&nbsp;
The event&nbsp;wasn&rsquo;t&nbsp;just speeches. Students played history-themed games like &ldquo;E Pluribus Unum&rdquo; and a patriotic spin on &ldquo;Family Feud.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Cobb Superintendent Chris Ragsdale called it &ldquo;tremendous,&rdquo; reminiscing about celebrating the bicentennial as a kid in 1976. Full circle, indeed.&nbsp;
STORY 2:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/sheriff-s-annual-santa-on-wheels-donates-thousands-of-toys/article_4e3ad8ee-e5bd-4f95-b255-e4807e20ad90.html">Sheriff&rsquo;s annual Santa On Wheels donates thousands of toys</a>&nbsp;
Cobb Sheriff Craig Owens and his team brought some serious holiday magic to Mableton schools on Saturday with their fourth annual Santa&nbsp;On&nbsp;Wheels toy drive.&nbsp;
Over 1,600 toys were handed out at Lindley and Floyd middle schools, turning the day into a Christmas wonderland for families in need. &ldquo;Seeing those&nbsp;kids&rsquo;&nbsp;smiles&mdash;it&rsquo;s everything,&rdquo; Owens said. &ldquo;Times are tough, but this? This is why we do it.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Owens, dressed as Santa (with Mrs. Claus by his side), posed for photos and handed out gifts, while Christmas music&nbsp;played&nbsp;and kids lined up for presents&mdash;and even a chance to win a bike.&nbsp;
STORY 3:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/100-wreaths-placed-at-veteran-tombstones-at-kennesaw-cemetery/article_0ccdcf0c-d3bf-43c3-afde-a9f3fb72b744.html">100+ wreaths placed at veteran tombstones at Kennesaw cemetery</a>&nbsp;
  On a chilly Saturday afternoon, Kennesaw City Cemetery became a quiet, reverent place of remembrance. Volunteers&mdash;city officials, Scouts, families&mdash;gathered to lay wreaths on the graves of 139 veterans as part of the Wreaths Across America campaign.&nbsp;
Each headstone, marked with an American flag, received a wreath. Volunteers paused, saluted, and reflected. &ldquo;This is Christmas,&rdquo; said Mayor Derek Easterling, a Navy veteran. &ldquo;We honor them because they gave everything for our freedom.&rdquo;&nbsp;
For 8-year-old Scout Archer Linscott, it was about tradition. &ldquo;We&rsquo;ll be back,&rdquo; his dad said. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s about remembering the past as we move forward.&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;Villa Rica Wonderland Train&nbsp;
&nbsp;
STORY 4:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/second-suspect-in-kell-high-school-vandalism-case-charged-released-from-custody/article_e43f04a3-cce9-464f-b5bc-5ab522a73e20.html">Second suspect in Kell High School vandalism case charged, released from custody</a>&nbsp;
The second suspect in the Thanksgiving&nbsp;break&nbsp;vandalism at Kell High School has been charged, according to jail records.&nbsp;
Hunter Bridges, 18, of Marietta, was arrested&nbsp;last&nbsp;Thursday and released on a $16,720 bond. He and Micah&nbsp;Zefo, 22, of Acworth, allegedly broke into the school on Nov. 24, causing over $12,000 in damage.&nbsp;
Police say the pair climbed onto the roof, entered through a hatch, and spent hours inside. They&nbsp;reportedly drove&nbsp;floor scrubbers across the gym&rsquo;s newly refinished hardwood, leaving deep scratches, and even tampered with school buses.&nbsp;
Both face multiple felonies. The district called the behavior &ldquo;unacceptable.&rdquo;&nbsp;
STORY 5:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/local/cobb-911-earns-triple-accreditation-as-center-of-excellence/article_96afecfb-74ba-4d11-aba4-bbdb9c72b1bd.html">Cobb 911 earns triple accreditation as center of excellence</a>&nbsp;
 Cobb County&rsquo;s Emergency Communications team just hit a major milestone: triple accreditation from the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED).&nbsp;That&rsquo;s&nbsp;right&mdash;Tri-ACE status. Only 27 agencies in the world have it, and Cobb&rsquo;s the first county agency in Georgia to pull it off.&nbsp;
This recognition means Cobb&rsquo;s 911 center excels in fire, police, and medical dispatch. It&nbsp;wasn&rsquo;t&nbsp;easy&mdash;earning&nbsp;this required meeting 20 tough accreditation standards and passing expert reviews.&nbsp;
&ldquo;This is the gold standard,&rdquo; said E911 Director Melissa Alterio. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s proof of the incredible work our team does every single day.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Break:&nbsp;&nbsp;
STORY 6:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/local/cobb-collaborative-cobb-community-foundation-honor-community-leaders/article_d28601b0-1c74-4a1c-bdfd-bfb7943d7080.html">Cobb Collaborative, Cobb Community Foundation honor community leaders</a>&nbsp;
   The Cobb Collaborative and Cobb Community Foundation came together for the 32nd annual Human Services Awards Luncheon, a heartfelt celebration of the people and organizations transforming lives in Cobb County.&nbsp;
&ldquo;This is about selflessness, innovation, and teamwork,&rdquo; said Irene Barton, Cobb Collaborative&rsquo;s executive director. &ldquo;These honorees remind&nbsp;us&nbsp;what&rsquo;s possible when we work together to tackle issues like homelessness and food insecurity.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Among the winners: Mark Riggans of Cobb Christmas and Janet Porter of Four Corners Group, honored for their service; Kelsey Thompson-White Battersby, recognized for her housing initiatives; and Kidz2Leaders, awarded $10,000 for breaking cycles of generational incarceration.&nbsp;
STORY&nbsp;7:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/lifestyle/navigating-food-allergies-during-the-holiday-season-what-families-need-to-know/article_511e7c58-9596-4656-af59-36edd0082b1b.html">Navigating Food Allergies During the Holiday Season: What Families Need to Know</a>&nbsp;
The holidays are all about food, right? But for families dealing with food allergies, festive treats can feel more like a minefield than a celebration. One wrong bite, and&nbsp;it&rsquo;s&nbsp;not just a ruined party&mdash;it&rsquo;s&nbsp;a trip to the ER.&nbsp;
Over 33 million Americans have food allergies, and anaphylaxis-related emergencies have skyrocketed in recent years. Dr. Joanna Dolgoff says about 1 in 20 kids now&nbsp;has&nbsp;a diagnosed food allergy. Why? Better diagnoses, sure, but also changes in diet, environment, and how kids&rsquo; immune systems develop.&nbsp;
Feeling overwhelmed?&nbsp;Totally normal. Start small: communicate, read labels, pack safe snacks, and always&mdash;always&mdash;carry epinephrine.&nbsp;
Now, here is Shane Delancey the Director of the Christmas Tradition at the Strand Theatre&nbsp;
Break:&nbsp;THE STRAND HOLIDAY&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&nbsp;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>

Get the news for Marietta, Kennesaw, Smyrna, and all of Cobb County with the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.

Marietta Daily Journal - https://www.mdjonline.com 

Cobb Life Magazine - www.cobblifemagazine.com 

 

 

 

This podcast is produced by BG Ad Group

 

For advertising inquiries, please email j.southerland@bgadgroup.com

For more information be sure to visit https://www.bgpodcastnetwork.com/

Get the news for Marietta, Kennesaw, Smyrna, and all of Cobb County with the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.
Marietta Daily Journal - <a href="https://www.mdjonline.com">https://www.mdjonline.com </a>
Cobb Life Magazine - <a href="http://www.cobblifemagazine.com">www.cobblifemagazine.com </a>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
This podcast is produced by BG Ad Group
&nbsp;
For advertising inquiries, please email <a href="mailto:j.southerland@bgadgroup.com">j.southerland@bgadgroup.com</a>
For more information be sure to visit <a href="https://www.bgpodcastnetwork.com/">https://www.bgpodcastnetwork.com/</a>

Marietta Daily Journal Podcast

‘History Rocks!’: Sonny Perdue celebrates America’s 250th at Allatoona High | Sheriff’s annual Santa On Wheels donates thousands of toys | 100+ wreaths placed at veteran tombstones at Kennesaw cemetery

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