MDJ Script/ Top Stories for March 12th 

Publish Date:  March 12th 

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

Today is Wednesday, March 12th and Happy Birthday to  

***03.12.25 - BIRTHDAY – JAMES TAYLOR*** 

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

1. May-Retta Daze Will Be May 3-4 
2. Former Campbell Student Killed at Prom After-Party Identified 
3. Erick Allen Wins Runoff for Cobb Commission Seat 

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 7 

STORY 1:   May-Retta Daze Will Be May 3-4 

Marietta’s May-Retta Daze Festival returns May 3-4 on Marietta Square, featuring arts, crafts, music, and family fun. Presented by Superior Plumbing, the event showcases handmade goods like pottery, paintings, and candles, alongside local acoustic performances on the Glover Park stage. Visitors can enjoy festival foods and a Kid's Zone. Hours are 10 a.m.–6 p.m. (May 3) and 11 a.m.–5 p.m. (May 4), with free admission. 

STORY 2:     Former Campbell Student Killed at Prom After-Party Identified 

Former Campbell High student Ashton Hornsby, 17, was fatally shot at a prom after-party in Powder Springs. Police arrested 18-year-old Carlos Diaz, who claimed self-defense, alleging Hornsby intended to attack him. Hornsby suffered two gunshot wounds and died at Wellstar Cobb Hospital. Diaz faces murder and aggravated assault charges and is held without bond. Campbell High Principal Vanessa Watkins expressed deep sorrow, noting the impact on students, while the Cobb County School District offered counseling and emphasized safety measures. 

STORY 3:  UPDATE: Erick Allen Wins Runoff for Cobb Commission Seat 

Erick Allen defeated Dr. Jaha Howard in the Democratic runoff for Cobb County’s District 2 Commission seat, earning 56.72% of the vote to Howard’s 42.28%, per unofficial results. Howard conceded and pledged support for Allen in the April 29 general election against Republican Alicia Adams. This marks Allen’s second victory over Howard, following a February primary where neither secured a majority. The special election follows legal disputes over district maps, with the original map drawn by the Republican-led legislature reinstated after a court ruling. The election redo is estimated to cost taxpayers $1.5 million. Results will be certified on March 17. 

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STORY 4:  GMDT’s Don Quixote Ballet Debuts the First Weekend of Spring 

Georgia Metropolitan Dance Theatre will debut the ballet *Don Quixote* on March 22-23 at Marietta’s Jennie T. Anderson Theatre. This comedic, Spanish-inspired “rom-com” ballet follows Don Quixote and Sancho Panza’s adventures alongside sweethearts Kitri and Basilio. Featuring pre-professional dancers aged 7 to high school seniors, the production is set to Ludwig Minkus’ score and includes both traditional and original choreography. Showtimes are 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. (March 22) and 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. (March 23). Tickets start at $25 at georgiametrodance.org/tickets. 

STORY 5:  Mechanic Shop Catches Fire in Marietta 

A fire broke out at a mechanic shop on Gann Road in Marietta Tuesday, but no injuries were reported, according to Cobb County Fire Department. The fire started when a mechanic removing a fuel tank from a Ford F-150 caused an explosion, igniting gasoline and the truck. The flames quickly spread to the single-story building and multiple vehicles. Crews arrived around 2:40 p.m. and had the fire under control by 3:10 p.m. 

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STORY 6:  Events and Happenings: The Week of March 10 

Here’s a quick roundup of upcoming events in Marietta and nearby areas: 

- *The Bodyguard: The Musical* runs March 14-30 at Theatre in the Square, starring Tierra Robinson.   

- Adults can join a Glow-in-the-Dark Egg Hunt on April 19 at Lost Mountain Park for $5.   

- Women’s 5v5 Drop-In Basketball is open Tuesdays through April 8 at Custer Park for $2.   

- A Basketball Skills Clinic for kids (ages 7-15) runs April 15-May 24 at Custer Park.   

- *Alice in Wonderland* ballet by Georgia Ballet is March 13-16 at Jennie T. Anderson Theatre.   

- St. Patty’s events include Shamrocks & Shenanigans (March 15) and Smyrna’s St. Patrick’s Festival (March 15-16).   

- Six Flags Over Georgia opens March 15, and the Marietta Shamrock Shuffle 5K is the same day.   

For more details, visit respective event websites! 

STORY 7:  Cobb Deadlocks Over Mableton Alcohol License 

The Cobb Board of Commissioners faced a deadlock over an alcohol license appeal for Vape Vibes, a Mableton convenience and vape shop. The shop sought the license to expand into a full convenience store, but concerns arose over its proximity to residences and its focus on vape products. While some commissioners supported the application, citing the shop's efforts to grow and its clean operation, others questioned its alignment with community needs. With Mableton transitioning regulatory authority, the case remains unresolved, and the shop owner withdrew the application, leaving future decisions to the city. 

Break: INGLES 8 

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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