 MDJ Script/ Top Stories for July 16th 

Publish Date:  July 16th 

   

Commercial:  

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

  

Today is Wednesday, July 16th and Happy Birthday to Will Ferrell 

 

I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal 
Marietta School Board to consider vape detection, substitute teacher funding
Acworth Book & Storytelling Festival is Aug. 23
Letter shows Cobb's threat to halt police services in Mableton

 

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 3 

STORY 1:   Marietta School Board to consider vape detection, substitute teacher funding 

The Marietta Board of Education is set to discuss installing Halo vape detection systems in Marietta High, Middle, and Woods-Wilkins Campus. These devices, costing up to $60,000 funded by grants, discreetly monitor air quality, alerting staff to harmful chemicals like nicotine. Superintendent Grant Rivera and his team aim to tackle vaping issues proactively. Additionally, the board will consider a $2.4M contract with Kelly Services for substitute staffing and appointing R.K. Redding Construction for Marietta High renovations, scheduled for summers 2026-2027, funded by SPLOST. 

 

STORY 2: Acworth Book & Storytelling Festival is Aug. 23 

The Acworth Book & Storytelling Festival is set for Aug. 23, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at The Roberts School in Acworth. Hosted by Acworth Cultural Arts, this free event features local and regional authors, professional storytellers, vendors, and a panel discussion themed “Ink & Echo: Writing the stories. Speaking the truth.” Keynote speaker Bren McClain, author of *One Good Mama Bone*, will join T.M. Brown in conversation. 

 

STORY 3: Letter shows Cobb's threat to halt police services in Mableton 

Mableton officials agreed to pay Cobb County $9.5 million for police and transportation services after the county threatened to halt them by June 1. Mayor Michael Owens said the city was forced into the deal to ensure public safety, despite concerns of "double taxation" for residents already paying county taxes. The agreement funds services until May 2026, with Mableton exploring a special service district to cover costs. While Cobb County claimed it wouldn’t abandon residents, a May 30 letter revealed threats to cease services if no deal was reached. The city council initially rejected the plan but later approved it after mediation. 

 

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: INGLES 3 

 

STORY 4:Austell approves 158% property tax increase 

 

The Austell City Council approved a 158% property tax increase, raising the millage rate from 3.25 to 8.25 mills, despite strong opposition from residents. The hike, expected to double property tax revenue to $3.85 million, aims to stabilize finances and address a $1.6 million budget shortfall. Mayor Ollie Clemons defended the decision as necessary for the city’s future, while critics, including Council member Meredith Adams, opposed the sharp increase, citing its impact on residents, especially those on fixed incomes. Many residents blamed city leadership for financial mismanagement, while Clemons attributed the issues to inflation and past inaction. 

 

STORY 5:  Cobb Water Authority manager talks fluoride, forever chemicals, costs 

Cole Blackwell, general manager of the Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority, emphasized proactive planning for water quality, affordability, and infrastructure reliability during a Kiwanis Club talk. The authority, sourcing water from Lake Allatoona and the Chattahoochee River, is addressing emerging contaminants like PFAS, though current levels remain safe. Inflation and rising construction costs have impacted operations, but costs are stabilizing, and the authority has a water supply sufficient through 2055. Blackwell reassured residents of continued fluoride use, compliance with regulations, and efforts to maintain reasonable water rates while ensuring future reliability. 

 

 

Break:  

 

STORY 6: Marietta man charged with stealing from Ford Elementary School 

Jamie Jr. Cline, 44, of Marietta, faces two theft charges for allegedly stealing a trailer and hay blower from Ford Elementary School in Acworth during separate incidents on June 29 and 30. According to police, Cline accessed the school by opening chained gates. Arrested on July 8, he was booked into the Cobb County Adult Detention Center and released the next morning on a $35,000 bond. 

STORY 7: Shaw Park Community Block Party is July 19 

The Shaw Park Community Block Party will take place on July 19, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Gritters Library in Marietta. Hosted by Gritters Library, CobbWorks, and Cobb PARKS, this free, family-friendly event features a live DJ, inflatable games, face painting, bilingual storytime, and a Bollywood Dance Challenge. Food will be available for purchase from The Patty Wagon and King of Pops. The event aims to bring the community together and highlight local resources while celebrating the library’s recent reopening. 

 

We’ll have closing comments after this.  

Break: INGLES 3 

 

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/ Top Stories for July 16th&nbsp;
Publish Date:  July 16th&nbsp;
  &nbsp;
Commercial:&nbsp;&nbsp;
From the BG Ad Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. &nbsp;
 &nbsp;
Today is Wednesday, July 16th and Happy Birthday to Will Ferrell&nbsp;
&nbsp;
I&rsquo;m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal&nbsp;
<ol>
<li>Marietta School Board to consider vape detection, substitute teacher funding</li>
<li>Acworth Book &amp; Storytelling Festival is Aug. 23</li>
<li>Letter shows Cobb's threat to halt police services in Mableton</li>
</ol>
&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: INGLES 3&nbsp;
STORY 1:&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/education/marietta-school-board-to-consider-vape-detection-substitute-teacher-funding/article_8c728eab-669f-4578-87e8-968d15ba57f7.html">Marietta School Board to consider vape detection, substitute teacher funding</a>&nbsp;
The Marietta Board of Education is set to discuss installing Halo vape detection systems in Marietta High, Middle, and Woods-Wilkins Campus. These devices, costing up to $60,000 funded by grants, discreetly monitor air quality, alerting staff to harmful chemicals like nicotine. Superintendent Grant Rivera and his team aim to tackle vaping issues proactively. Additionally, the board will consider a $2.4M contract with Kelly Services for substitute staffing and appointing R.K. Redding Construction for Marietta High renovations, scheduled for summers 2026-2027, funded by SPLOST.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
STORY 2: <a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/lifestyle/acworth-book-storytelling-festival-is-aug-23/article_f110b218-5473-483c-a981-847fb325bffd.html">Acworth Book &amp; Storytelling Festival is Aug. 23</a>&nbsp;
The Acworth Book &amp; Storytelling Festival is set for Aug. 23, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at The Roberts School in Acworth. Hosted by Acworth Cultural Arts, this free event features local and regional authors, professional storytellers, vendors, and a panel discussion themed &ldquo;Ink &amp; Echo: Writing the stories. Speaking the truth.&rdquo; Keynote speaker Bren McClain, author of *One Good Mama Bone*, will join T.M. Brown in conversation.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
STORY 3: <a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/police_fire/letter-shows-cobbs-threat-to-halt-police-services-in-mableton/article_b4178635-63aa-4f46-ab23-0157f350952b.html">Letter shows Cobb's threat to halt police services in Mableton</a>&nbsp;
Mableton officials agreed to pay Cobb County $9.5 million for police and transportation services after the county threatened to halt them by June 1. Mayor Michael Owens said the city was forced into the deal to ensure public safety, despite concerns of "double taxation" for residents already paying county taxes. The agreement funds services until May 2026, with Mableton exploring a special service district to cover costs. While Cobb County claimed it wouldn&rsquo;t abandon residents, a May 30 letter revealed threats to cease services if no deal was reached. The city council initially rejected the plan but later approved it after mediation.&nbsp;
&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 be right back.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Break: INGLES 3&nbsp;
&nbsp;
STORY 4: <a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/local/austell-approves-158-property-tax-increase/article_b78fd175-50e4-46cd-a21b-dfded961d901.html">Austell approves 158% property tax increase</a>&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The Austell City Council approved a 158% property tax increase, raising the millage rate from 3.25 to 8.25 mills, despite strong opposition from residents. The hike, expected to double property tax revenue to $3.85 million, aims to stabilize finances and address a $1.6 million budget shortfall. Mayor Ollie Clemons defended the decision as necessary for the city&rsquo;s future, while critics, including Council member Meredith Adams, opposed the sharp increase, citing its impact on residents, especially those on fixed incomes. Many residents blamed city leadership for financial mismanagement, while Clemons attributed the issues to inflation and past inaction.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
STORY 5:&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/local/cobb-water-authority-manager-talks-fluoride-forever-chemicals-costs/article_6b5eef4d-64e6-42c6-8cca-56c572da9316.html">Cobb Water Authority manager talks fluoride, forever chemicals, costs</a>&nbsp;
Cole Blackwell, general manager of the Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority, emphasized proactive planning for water quality, affordability, and infrastructure reliability during a Kiwanis Club talk. The authority, sourcing water from Lake Allatoona and the Chattahoochee River, is addressing emerging contaminants like PFAS, though current levels remain safe. Inflation and rising construction costs have impacted operations, but costs are stabilizing, and the authority has a water supply sufficient through 2055. Blackwell reassured residents of continued fluoride use, compliance with regulations, and efforts to maintain reasonable water rates while ensuring future reliability.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Break:&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
STORY 6: <a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/police_fire/marietta-man-charged-with-stealing-from-ford-elementary-school/article_ae1f5a42-2ae0-4d90-81d7-1cd7e96f1708.html">Marietta man charged with stealing from Ford Elementary School</a>&nbsp;
Jamie Jr. Cline, 44, of Marietta, faces two theft charges for allegedly stealing a trailer and hay blower from Ford Elementary School in Acworth during separate incidents on June 29 and 30. According to police, Cline accessed the school by opening chained gates. Arrested on July 8, he was booked into the Cobb County Adult Detention Center and released the next morning on a $35,000 bond.&nbsp;
STORY 7: <a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/lifestyle/shaw-park-community-block-party-is-july-19/article_0c047f1f-bbe0-4ddc-b441-7cc8eb0654e0.html">Shaw Park Community Block Party is July 19</a>&nbsp;
The Shaw Park Community Block Party will take place on July 19, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Gritters Library in Marietta. Hosted by Gritters Library, CobbWorks, and Cobb PARKS, this free, family-friendly event features a live DJ, inflatable games, face painting, bilingual storytime, and a Bollywood Dance Challenge. Food will be available for purchase from The Patty Wagon and King of Pops. The event aims to bring the community together and highlight local resources while celebrating the library&rsquo;s recent reopening.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
We&rsquo;ll have closing comments after this.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Break: INGLES 3&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Signoff-  &nbsp;
Thanks again for hanging out with us on today&rsquo;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&nbsp;
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.&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>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

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>

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