MDJ Script/ Top Stories for February 28th 

Publish Date:  February 28th 

Commercial:  

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

Today is Friday, February 28th and Happy Birthday to Brian Jones 

02.28.25 - BIRTHDAY – BRIAN JONES*** 

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

1. Mableton Man Receives Life for Killing Two Women in Fire 
2. Annual Bunny Breakfast is April 5 
3. Sex Crime Accusations at Smyrna Mental Health Facility Under Investigation 

Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on fast food  

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 4 

STORY 1:  Mableton Man Receives Life for Killing Two Women in Fire 

Robert Colt Smith, 32, of Mableton, was sentenced to two life terms for setting a fire that killed Andrea Nall, 52, and Michelle Lacroix, 74, in March 2023. Convicted of felony murder, arson, and assault, Smith’s actions stemmed from a history of domestic violence against his then-girlfriend, Carolyn Parmalee. After violating a no-contact order and learning Nall sought to revoke his bond, Smith set fire to a vehicle outside her home, which spread to the house, killing the victims and eight pets. Cobb DA Sonya Allen emphasized the tragic escalation of domestic violence, while prosecutors highlighted the victims’ bravery in protecting their family. 

STORY 2:  Annual Bunny Breakfast is April 5 

The Kennesaw Parks & Rec Department will host its annual Bunny Breakfast, presented by iThink Financial, on April 5 at the Ben Robertson Community Center. Two seatings are available: 8–9:15 a.m. and 10–11:15 a.m. Guests can enjoy a buffet of pancakes, eggs, sausage, fruit, and sweets while the Easter Bunny visits for photos. Professional photos with a real bunny will also be offered. Tickets are $10 per person (free for children under 2 if seated on a lap) and must be purchased in advance by March 22. Tickets are non-refundable. 

STORY 3:   Sex Crime Accusations at Smyrna Mental Health Facility Under Investigation 

Ridgeview Institute in Smyrna, a mental health and substance use treatment facility, is under investigation for multiple sex crime allegations, with 14 cases reported between January 2024 and February 2025. Seven cases remain open, involving victims aged 12 to 44 and suspects aged 12 to 62, all patients at the facility. Notable incidents include the arrest of 34-year-old patient Joshua Burney for rape and aggravated sodomy in July 2024. Smyrna police have responded to over 1,500 calls at Ridgeview since January 2024. Cobb DA Sonya Allen expressed concern and pledged to pursue justice as investigations continue. Ridgeview declined to comment. 

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Break: INGLES 5 

STORY 4:  OUT AND ABOUT: 5 Things to Do This Weekend in Cobb County — Feb. 28 - March 2 

This Saturday, Marietta the Gathering returns to Glover Park, celebrating pop culture with artists, games, and performances from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Georgia Beer Day also kicks off, featuring special pint glasses at over 70 breweries, with proceeds supporting the Georgia Craft Brewers Guild. Smyrna wraps up Black History Month Friday with a $30 dinner featuring playwright Kelundra Smith. March launches Cobb’s Bubbles & Brews, spotlighting local craft beverages with a BrewPass for prizes. Lastly, the Strand Theatre opens "The Last Five Years" Friday, a two-person musical exploring a relationship’s highs and lows. 

STORY 5:   New Chief Justice a Cobb County Resident 

Georgia Supreme Court Presiding Justice Nels Peterson, a Marietta resident, has been unanimously elected as the court's next chief justice, succeeding Michael Boggs on April 1. Peterson, 46, was appointed to the court in 2016 and has since been re-elected for full terms. A Kennesaw State and Harvard Law graduate, Peterson has extensive legal experience, including roles as Georgia's first solicitor general and vice chancellor for the University System of Georgia. Justice Sarah Hawkins Warren was also elected as the next presiding justice. Peterson lives in Marietta with his wife and two children. 

Break:  

And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on fast food  

*** INGLES ASK LEAH 5 FAST FOOD*** 

We’ll have closing comments after this. 

Break: Ingles Markets 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 mdjonline.com 

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Produced by the BG Podcast Network 

Show Sponsors: 

• www.ingles-markets.com   

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