The playoff picture is heating up in Cobb County! Week 12 marks the end of the regular season, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Hosts Brian Giffin and John Bednarowski break down key matchups, playoff scenarios, record-breaking performances, and the shifting schedule caused by Halloween. From McEachern’s dominance to Marietta’s resurgence, this episode dives deep into the drama, surprises, and standout players shaping the final week. Plus, a salute to seniors playing their last game and a look ahead to the postseason.

Cobb Football Friday

Chapters

00:00 Kickoff to Week 12: The Final Stretch of the Season
02:09 Clarifying Marietta’s Playoff Path and Region Updates
04:30 McEachern’s Dominance and Playoff Picture
06:47 Hillgrove’s Defensive Struggles and Region 3-6A Shakeup
09:25 Week 12 Schedule Shifts and Halloween Impacts
11:46 Thursday Matchups: Key Games and Playoff Implications
14:05 Friday Spotlight: Marietta vs. North Paulding Showdown
16:28 Whitfield vs. Fellowship: Private School Clash of the Week
18:58 Final Segment: Underdogs, Salutes, and Season Wrap-Up
21:23 Looking Ahead: Basketball Season, Bowl Eligibility & Playoffs

The playoff picture is heating up in Cobb County! Week 12 marks the end of the regular season, and the stakes couldn&rsquo;t be higher. Hosts Brian Giffin and John Bednarowski break down key matchups, playoff scenarios, record-breaking performances, and the shifting schedule caused by Halloween. From McEachern&rsquo;s dominance to Marietta&rsquo;s resurgence, this episode dives deep into the drama, surprises, and standout players shaping the final week. Plus, a salute to seniors playing their last game and a look ahead to the postseason.
<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/cobb_football_friday/">Cobb Football Friday</a>
Chapters
00:00 Kickoff to Week 12: The Final Stretch of the Season 02:09 Clarifying Marietta&rsquo;s Playoff Path and Region Updates 04:30 McEachern&rsquo;s Dominance and Playoff Picture 06:47 Hillgrove&rsquo;s Defensive Struggles and Region 3-6A Shakeup 09:25 Week 12 Schedule Shifts and Halloween Impacts 11:46 Thursday Matchups: Key Games and Playoff Implications 14:05 Friday Spotlight: Marietta vs. North Paulding Showdown 16:28 Whitfield vs. Fellowship: Private School Clash of the Week 18:58 Final Segment: Underdogs, Salutes, and Season Wrap-Up 21:23 Looking Ahead: Basketball Season, Bowl Eligibility &amp; Playoffs

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 

 

 

 

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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>
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This podcast is produced by BG Ad Group
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For advertising inquiries, please email <a href="mailto:j.southerland@bgadgroup.com">j.southerland@bgadgroup.com</a>
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Marietta Daily Journal Podcast

Cobb County's authority on high school football, brought to you by the Marietta Daily Journal.

https://www.mdjonline.com/

Cobb County's authority on high school football, brought to you by the Marietta Daily Journal.
https://www.mdjonline.com/

Cobb County's authority on high school football, brought to you by the Marietta Daily Journal.

Cobb Football Friday

Playoff Chaos: Cobb’s Final Countdown | Records, Rivalries & Region Titles | Week 12: Where Legends Are Made

 MDJ Script/ Top Stories for January 21st 

Publish Date:  January 21st 

 

Commercial:  

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

  

Today is Wednesday, January 21st and Happy Birthday to Jack Nicklaus 

 

I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal 
Students shine at the Marietta City Schools district spelling bee
Atlanta mayor talks FIFA, housing, transit
Dog gained 57 pounds after rescue; owner now charged with animal cruelty

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: Students shine at the Marietta City Schools district spelling bee 

  Seventh-grader Ella Grace Beard from Marietta Middle School clinched the top spot at the Marietta City Schools spelling bee on Friday, sealing her victory with the word “allergenic.” 

The competition was intense—10 students, each a champion from their school, battled it out for 26 rounds. Now, Ella Grace is headed to the Georgia District 2 spelling bee in Cherokee County. 

Her dad, Jason Beard, couldn’t be prouder. “She’s been studying like crazy—she even got a dictionary for Christmas last year,” he shared. 

Superintendent Grant Rivera, who handed out trophies to Ella Grace and runner-up Sreenika Arcot, called the spelling bee one of the most stressful events of the year.  

Jeff Hubbard, president of the Cobb County Association of Educators, praised the event as a celebration of intelligence.  

Words like “archetype” and “tenement” challenged the spellers, but Ella Grace rose to the occasion. Now, she’s ready for the next round. 

STORY 2: Atlanta mayor talks FIFA, housing, transit 

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens had a simple message at the Cobb Chamber luncheon: when Atlanta thrives, the whole region wins. Borrowing JFK’s famous line, “A rising tide lifts all boats,” Dickens made it clear that Atlanta’s success ripples far beyond city limits. 

Take the FIFA World Cup, for example. Starting in June, Atlanta will host eight matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, but the impact? It’ll stretch across the metro—Cobb County, Truist Park, Six Flags, Marietta Square.  

Through “Showcase Atlanta,” a leadership initiative chaired by Dickens, Arthur Blank, and UPS CEO Carol Tomé, the city plans to maximize the World Cup’s economic impact while spotlighting Atlanta’s culture and hospitality. And it’s not just about FIFA—Atlanta’s hosting the Super Bowl in 2028 and the NCAA Final Four in 2031. 

But Dickens didn’t shy away from challenges. With the metro population expected to grow by 1.8 million by 2050, he stressed the need for affordable housing and better transportation. “Teachers, first responders—they’re being priced out of the communities they serve. That’s a loss for all of us,” he said. 

And traffic? Atlanta’s infamous for it. Dickens wants to change that, starting with MARTA expansion into Cobb and Gwinnett. “We can’t keep doing this one-person-per-car thing forever,” he said. 

Dickens closed with a reminder: safety, health, opportunity—these aren’t partisan issues. “We all want thriving communities,” he said. “That’s something we can all agree on.” 

STORY 3: Dog gained 57 pounds after rescue; owner now charged with animal cruelty 

  Jordan Dean, 30, of Marietta, is facing an animal cruelty charge after what authorities describe as a heartbreaking case involving his Great Dane, Snoop. 

On Oct. 23, 2025, Dean reportedly brought Snoop to Cobb County Animal Services, claiming he’d found the dog as a stray near a Walgreens on Canton Road. But Snoop’s condition told a different story. Severely emaciated, his ribs and bones jutted out—no fat, barely any muscle. 

A cruelty exam scored Snoop at 1/9 on the body condition scale. He weighed just 50 pounds. After care, he reached 107 pounds with no medical issues causing the weight loss. 

Dean was arrested Jan. 5 and released the next day on a $10,000 bond. 

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 7 

 

STORY 4: Where the sidewalk ends: Mableton mayor talks SPLOST goals 

Mableton Mayor Michael Owens has his sights set on two big priorities: public safety and economic growth. And with the upcoming vote on a 1% special sales tax (SPLOST), he sees a chance to make it happen. 

If approved, the 2028 SPLOST would bring $97.6 million to Mableton—its first time creating its own project list since becoming a city in 2022. For Owens, it’s a defining moment.  

Top of the list? Sidewalks. “It’s the one thing everyone’s asking for,” Owens said, pointing to gaps along Veterans Memorial Highway and Nickajack Road. Parks, neighborhoods, and even businesses are disconnected, making walking unsafe—or impossible.  

But sidewalks are just the start. Owens envisions SPLOST funds going toward civic spaces, recreation centers, and even office parks to attract businesses. “You drive down Veterans Memorial, and it’s all shopping centers—no office buildings, no tech parks. That has to change,” he said. 

For Owens, the November vote is more than a tax—it’s a chance for Mableton residents to shape their city’s future.  

STORY 5:  Marietta Police paint vibrant interrogation room for child witnesses, victims 

  The Marietta Police Department has turned one of its interview rooms into something truly special—a space designed with kids in mind. 

Gone are the cold, blank walls. In their place? A vibrant, hand-painted mural that feels more like a storybook than a police station. It’s colorful, calming, and, most importantly, comforting—created to help children, especially those who’ve experienced trauma, feel a little less scared during tough conversations. 

Marietta High School art teachers Amanda Rudolph and Katherine Robinson, along with students from the National Art Honor Society, poured their hearts into this project.  

The department’s goal? To make sure every child feels protected and heard.  

Break:  

STORY 6: Mableton earns recognition as environmentally friendly city 

   Mableton just snagged some serious recognition for going green. Mayor Michael Owens and city council members accepted the Silver-level Green Communities certification from the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC). It’s a big deal—proof that the city’s making real moves to cut its environmental impact. 

How’d they do it? Think tree preservation ordinances, a community composting program, expanded recycling, and even switching to a 100% electric vehicle fleet. Practical stuff with long-term impact. 

The certification also boosts Mableton’s chances for state and federal grants, meaning more investment without raising taxes.  

The Green Communities program evaluates cities on their environmental performance, and Mableton’s efforts earned them a spot among metro Atlanta’s leaders. But the work doesn’t stop here—the certification lasts four years, and the city will need to keep proving its commitment to stay certified. 

STORY 7: Senate bill would hold down property tax increases that fund Georgia schools 

 Georgia lawmakers are back at it, debating how to handle property taxes—and this time, they’re eyeing a cap tied to inflation. A new bill from Senate Republicans would force all school systems to limit property tax hikes, even as rising home values push assessments higher. 

Here’s the twist: last year, 71% of Georgia’s school systems voted to reject a similar cap. Why? Because it slashes funding for education. If this bill passes, schools would lose the ability to tax property values that outpace inflation, leaving them scrambling to cover costs. 

Sen. Chuck Hufstetler, the bill’s sponsor, argues it’s about fairness.  

The bill would also impact city and county governments that opted out of last year’s cap. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones called it a priority, saying it’s about “putting more money back in Georgians’ pockets.” 

Meanwhile, other tax proposals are swirling at the Capitol—like eliminating income taxes or ending homestead property taxes altogether. Gov. Brian Kemp? He’s pushing for tax rebates and a slight income tax cut. 

We’ll have closing comments after this. 

Break: INGLES 7 

 

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 

  

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&nbsp;MDJ Script/&nbsp;Top Stories for&nbsp;January&nbsp;21st&nbsp;
Publish Date: &nbsp;January&nbsp;21st&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;January&nbsp;21st&nbsp;and Happy Birthday to&nbsp;Jack Nicklaus&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>Students shine at the Marietta City Schools district spelling bee</li>
<li>Atlanta mayor talks FIFA, housing, transit</li>
<li>Dog gained 57 pounds after rescue; owner now charged with animal cruelty</li>
</ol>
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/students-shine-at-the-marietta-city-schools-district-spelling-bee/article_60604859-1c8d-44b4-a67b-d2e5ee0110fe.html">Students shine at the Marietta City Schools district spelling bee</a>&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;Seventh-grader Ella Grace Beard from Marietta Middle School clinched the top spot at the Marietta City Schools spelling bee on Friday, sealing her victory with the word &ldquo;allergenic.&rdquo;&nbsp;
The competition was intense&mdash;10 students,&nbsp;each a&nbsp;champion from their school, battled it out for 26 rounds. Now, Ella Grace is headed to the Georgia District 2 spelling bee in Cherokee County.&nbsp;
Her dad, Jason Beard,&nbsp;couldn&rsquo;t&nbsp;be&nbsp;prouder. &ldquo;She&rsquo;s been studying like crazy&mdash;she even got a dictionary for Christmas last year,&rdquo; he shared.&nbsp;
Superintendent Grant Rivera, who handed out trophies to Ella Grace and runner-up Sreenika Arcot, called the spelling bee one of the most stressful events of the year.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Jeff Hubbard, president of the Cobb County Association of Educators, praised the event as a celebration of intelligence.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Words like &ldquo;archetype&rdquo; and &ldquo;tenement&rdquo; challenged the spellers, but Ella Grace rose to the occasion. Now,&nbsp;she&rsquo;s&nbsp;ready for the next round.&nbsp;
STORY 2:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/atlanta-mayor-talks-fifa-housing-transit/article_d60b71c8-951e-4f6a-b3c0-9e7a488bf936.html">Atlanta mayor talks FIFA, housing, transit</a>&nbsp;
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens had a simple message at the Cobb Chamber luncheon: when Atlanta thrives, the whole region wins. Borrowing JFK&rsquo;s famous line, &ldquo;A rising tide lifts all boats,&rdquo; Dickens made it clear that Atlanta&rsquo;s success ripples far beyond city limits.&nbsp;
Take the FIFA World Cup, for example. Starting in June, Atlanta will host eight matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, but the impact?&nbsp;It&rsquo;ll&nbsp;stretch across the metro&mdash;Cobb County, Truist Park, Six Flags, Marietta Square.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Through &ldquo;Showcase Atlanta,&rdquo; a leadership initiative chaired by Dickens, Arthur Blank, and UPS CEO Carol Tom&eacute;, the city plans to maximize the World Cup&rsquo;s economic impact while spotlighting Atlanta&rsquo;s culture and hospitality. And&nbsp;it&rsquo;s&nbsp;not just about FIFA&mdash;Atlanta&rsquo;s hosting the Super Bowl in 2028 and the NCAA Final Four in 2031.&nbsp;
But Dickens&nbsp;didn&rsquo;t&nbsp;shy away from challenges. With the metro population expected to grow by 1.8 million by 2050, he stressed the need for affordable housing and better transportation. &ldquo;Teachers, first responders&mdash;they&rsquo;re&nbsp;being priced out of the communities they serve.&nbsp;That&rsquo;s&nbsp;a loss for all of us,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;
And traffic? Atlanta&rsquo;s infamous for it. Dickens wants to change that, starting with MARTA expansion into Cobb and Gwinnett. &ldquo;We can&rsquo;t keep doing this one-person-per-car thing forever,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;
Dickens closed with a reminder: safety, health, opportunity&mdash;these&nbsp;aren&rsquo;t&nbsp;partisan issues. &ldquo;We all want thriving communities,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;That&rsquo;s something we can all agree on.&rdquo;&nbsp;
STORY 3:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/police_fire/dog-gained-57-pounds-after-rescue-owner-now-charged-with-animal-cruelty/article_d16a7aa9-2d59-47d8-85d0-74ae275321f2.html">Dog gained 57 pounds after rescue; owner now charged with animal cruelty</a>&nbsp;
  Jordan Dean, 30, of Marietta, is facing an animal cruelty charge after what authorities describe as a heartbreaking case involving his Great Dane, Snoop.&nbsp;
On Oct. 23, 2025, Dean&nbsp;reportedly brought&nbsp;Snoop to Cobb County Animal Services, claiming&nbsp;he&rsquo;d&nbsp;found the dog as a stray near a Walgreens on Canton Road. But Snoop&rsquo;s condition told a different story. Severely emaciated, his ribs and bones jutted out&mdash;no fat, barely any muscle.&nbsp;
A cruelty exam scored Snoop at 1/9 on the body condition scale. He weighed just 50 pounds. After care, he reached 107 pounds with no medical issues causing&nbsp;the weight&nbsp;loss.&nbsp;
Dean was arrested Jan. 5 and released the next day on a $10,000 bond.&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;INGLES&nbsp;7&nbsp;
&nbsp;
STORY 4:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/where-the-sidewalk-ends-mableton-mayor-talks-splost-goals/article_a4df5a14-0ccf-463d-af68-b18a666122a5.html">Where the sidewalk ends: Mableton mayor talks SPLOST goals</a>&nbsp;
Mableton Mayor Michael Owens has his sights set on two big priorities: public safety and economic growth. And with the upcoming vote on a 1% special sales tax (SPLOST), he sees a chance to make it happen.&nbsp;
If approved, the 2028 SPLOST would bring $97.6 million to Mableton&mdash;its first time creating its own project list since becoming a city in 2022. For Owens,&nbsp;it&rsquo;s&nbsp;a defining moment.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Top of the list? Sidewalks. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s the one thing everyone&rsquo;s asking for,&rdquo; Owens said, pointing to gaps along Veterans Memorial Highway and&nbsp;Nickajack&nbsp;Road. Parks, neighborhoods, and even businesses are disconnected, making walking unsafe&mdash;or impossible.&nbsp;&nbsp;
But sidewalks are just the start. Owens envisions SPLOST funds going toward civic spaces, recreation centers, and even office parks to attract businesses. &ldquo;You drive down Veterans Memorial, and&nbsp;it&rsquo;s&nbsp;all shopping centers&mdash;no office buildings, no tech parks. That&nbsp;has to&nbsp;change,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;
For Owens, the November vote is more than a tax&mdash;it&rsquo;s&nbsp;a chance for Mableton residents to shape their city&rsquo;s future.&nbsp;&nbsp;
STORY 5:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/marietta-police-paint-vibrant-interrogation-room-for-child-witnesses-victims/article_87e99884-4461-4a61-b30b-ebbdf50e96a5.html">Marietta Police paint vibrant interrogation room for child witnesses, victims</a>&nbsp;
  The Marietta Police Department has turned one of its interview rooms into something truly special&mdash;a space designed with kids in mind.&nbsp;
Gone are the cold, blank walls. In their place? A vibrant, hand-painted mural that feels more like a storybook than a police station.&nbsp;It&rsquo;s&nbsp;colorful, calming, and, most importantly, comforting&mdash;created to help children, especially those&nbsp;who&rsquo;ve&nbsp;experienced trauma, feel a little less scared during tough conversations.&nbsp;
Marietta High School art teachers Amanda Rudolph and Katherine Robinson, along with students from the National Art Honor Society, poured their hearts into this project.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The department&rsquo;s goal? To make sure every child feels protected and heard.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Break:&nbsp;&nbsp;
STORY 6:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/local/mableton-earns-recognition-as-environmentally-friendly-city/article_591e61f2-6e91-4ae9-95da-19c16cbbdb77.html">Mableton earns recognition as environmentally friendly city</a>&nbsp;
   Mableton just snagged some serious recognition for going green. Mayor Michael Owens and city council members accepted the Silver-level Green Communities certification from the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC).&nbsp;It&rsquo;s&nbsp;a big deal&mdash;proof that the city&rsquo;s making real moves to cut its environmental impact.&nbsp;
How&rsquo;d&nbsp;they&nbsp;do it? Think tree preservation ordinances, a community composting program, expanded recycling, and even switching to a 100% electric vehicle fleet. Practical stuff with long-term impact.&nbsp;
The certification also boosts Mableton&rsquo;s chances for state and federal grants, meaning more investment without raising taxes.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The Green Communities program evaluates cities on their environmental performance, and Mableton&rsquo;s efforts earned them a spot among metro Atlanta&rsquo;s leaders. But the work&nbsp;doesn&rsquo;t&nbsp;stop here&mdash;the certification lasts four years, and the city will need to keep proving its commitment to stay certified.&nbsp;
STORY&nbsp;7:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/state/senate-bill-would-hold-down-property-tax-increases-that-fund-georgia-schools/article_0add435a-5778-55c1-aa71-9521151d7e39.html">Senate bill would hold down property tax increases that fund Georgia schools</a>&nbsp;
 Georgia lawmakers are back at it, debating how to handle property taxes&mdash;and this time,&nbsp;they&rsquo;re&nbsp;eyeing a cap tied to inflation. A new bill from Senate Republicans would force all school systems to limit property tax hikes, even as rising home values push assessments higher.&nbsp;
Here&rsquo;s&nbsp;the twist: last year, 71% of Georgia&rsquo;s school systems voted to reject a similar cap. Why? Because it slashes funding for education. If this bill passes, schools&nbsp;would&nbsp;lose the ability to tax property values that outpace inflation, leaving them scrambling to cover costs.&nbsp;
Sen. Chuck Hufstetler, the bill&rsquo;s sponsor, argues&nbsp;it&rsquo;s about&nbsp;fairness.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The bill would also&nbsp;impact&nbsp;city and county governments that opted out of last year&rsquo;s cap. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones called it a priority, saying&nbsp;it&rsquo;s&nbsp;about &ldquo;putting more money back in Georgians&rsquo; pockets.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Meanwhile, other tax proposals are swirling at the Capitol&mdash;like&nbsp;eliminating&nbsp;income taxes or ending homestead property taxes altogether. Gov. Brian Kemp?&nbsp;He&rsquo;s&nbsp;pushing for tax rebates and a slight income tax cut.&nbsp;
We&rsquo;ll&nbsp;have closing comments after this.&nbsp;
Break:&nbsp;INGLES&nbsp;7&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 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>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Students shine at the Marietta City Schools district spelling bee | Atlanta mayor talks FIFA, housing, transit | Dog gained 57 pounds after rescue; owner now charged with animal cruelty

  =====  MDJ Script/ Top Stories for January 16th 

Publish Date:  January 16th 

   

Commercial:  

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

  

Today is Friday, January 16th and Happy Birthday to Albert Pujols 

 

I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal 
50th Annual Kennesaw/Big Shanty Festival
Community holds out hope for Ted's Montana Grill on Marietta Square
Cobb advances 2028 SPLOST, sets community meetings

Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on raw milk 

 

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 6 

STORY 1:  50th Annual Kennesaw/Big Shanty Festival 

 Mark your calendars—April 18 and 19 is the 50th Annual Kennesaw/Big Shanty Festival, brought to you by Superior Plumbing. It’s all happening in downtown Kennesaw, with hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. 

What’s in store? Over 250 arts and crafts booths, fair food galore, a beer garden, kids’ activities, and live acoustic music in the food court all weekend. Don’t miss the Georgia Grown Member Village, showcasing local goods from across the state. 

Scott Thompson of Brother Mojo will play at the 1885 Grill food court, while the United Bankshares Amphitheater and Main Street’s entertainment stage will feature local dance groups, school choirs, and more. 

Admission’s free, and parking’s available at Adams Park, Kennesaw First Baptist, and Swift-Cantrell Park, with shuttles running from Swift-Cantrell. 

Questions? Call 770-423-1330 or email missy@jrmmanagement.com. 

STORY 2:  Community holds out hope for Ted's Montana Grill on Marietta Square 

 So, Ted’s Montana Grill is out. The long-vacant lot at 77 North Park Square stays empty, and the bison burgers? Not happening—at least for now. 

CEO George McKerrow, a Cobb local, said the decision came after a wave of public backlash. “In 50 years in this business, I’ve never seen this kind of vitriol,” he said. 

But here’s the twist: the tide on social media had actually shifted. By the time Ted’s pulled out, most comments were supportive. Even Mayor Steve “Thunder” Tumlin invited McKerrow to walk the Square and reconsider. 

The lot’s been an eyesore since 2010, and Councilman Johnny Walker, who’s been pushing for something—anything—to fill the space, is frustrated. “If Ted’s doesn’t come back, it could be years before anyone else steps up,” he said. 

The $5 million project was ready to go: a 4,311-square-foot building designed to match the Square’s historic charm. But now? It’s back to square one. 

STORY 3: Cobb advances 2028 SPLOST, sets community meetings 

 Cobb County’s 2028 SPLOST plan is officially in motion. On Tuesday, commissioners gave a unanimous thumbs-up to a preliminary list of projects, kicking off months of public input. 

What’s on the table? Everything from new fire stations and libraries to pedestrian safety upgrades and a $30 million aquatic center. The total? A hefty $790 million. 

Chair Lisa Cupid called it a balancing act: “Every dollar has a constituency. We need projects that move the county forward but also maintain the basics—roads, public safety, services.” 

Nine community meetings are set through March, giving residents a chance to weigh in before the final vote in April. 

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 6 

STORY 4: Addison Elementary School principal charged with DUI 

 Addison Elementary Principal Jill Spiva was arrested Thursday for DUI after a crash near the school, according to Cobb County Police. 

The wreck happened around 4:45 p.m. at Ebenezer and Sandy Plains roads, just minutes from Addison. Officers said Spiva appeared intoxicated and was at fault for the crash. A half-empty bottle of Smirnoff vodka was reportedly found in her car, per WSB-TV. 

Spiva refused sobriety and blood tests, prompting a judge to issue a warrant for a blood draw. She’s facing charges of DUI, open container, and failure to maintain lane. 

The district acknowledged the incident but declined to comment on her status. 

STORY 5: Mount Paran Christian enter apparel agreement with Nike and BSN Sports 

Mount Paran Christian School just announced a big win for its athletics program—a multi-year partnership with Nike and BSN SPORTS. Translation? Top-tier gear and branded apparel for student-athletes, coaches, and the entire MPC sports community. 

Nike will now be the official provider of athletic apparel and equipment, while BSN SPORTS steps in as the school’s brand distributor. 

“This partnership is huge,” said Athletic Director Mike Walker. “It’s about giving our athletes the best—gear that matches their heart and hustle.” 

The deal also lowers costs for families, sharpens team branding, and fuels MPC’s mission to compete at a championship level. 

FALCONS: The Atlanta Falcons officially introduced Matt Ryan as their new president of football on Tuesday, and honestly, it feels like a full-circle moment. 

At the press conference in Flowery Branch, Ryan—who spent 14 seasons as the face of the franchise—spoke about his “unfinished business” with the team. “Since I was drafted, my mission’s been the same: help this organization win championships. We came close, had some success, but I believe we’ll get there,” he said. 

After retiring and working as a CBS Sports analyst, Ryan said he wasn’t looking for a new job—unless it was with the Falcons. Now, he’ll report directly to owner Arthur Blank, focusing on hiring a head coach and GM who share a unified vision. 

I'm Keith Ippolito and that’s your MDJ Sports Minute. 

 

And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on raw milk 

 

We’ll have closing comments after this. 

 

Break: INGLES 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 

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; =====&nbsp;&nbsp;MDJ&nbsp;Script/&nbsp;Top Stories for&nbsp;January&nbsp;16th&nbsp;
Publish Date: &nbsp;January&nbsp;16th&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;Friday,&nbsp;January&nbsp;16th&nbsp;and Happy Birthday to&nbsp;Albert Pujols&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>50th Annual Kennesaw/Big Shanty Festival</li>
<li>Community holds out hope for Ted's Montana Grill on Marietta Square</li>
<li>Cobb advances 2028 SPLOST, sets community meetings</li>
</ol>
Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets&nbsp;on&nbsp;raw milk&nbsp;
&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;
&nbsp;
BREAK:&nbsp;INGLES&nbsp;6&nbsp;
STORY 1:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/lifestyle/50th-annual-kennesaw-big-shanty-festival/article_170150bd-ecc0-428e-8a75-07c9b3800f8c.html">50th Annual Kennesaw/Big Shanty Festival</a>&nbsp;
 Mark your calendars&mdash;April 18 and 19 is the 50th Annual Kennesaw/Big Shanty Festival, brought to you by Superior Plumbing.&nbsp;It&rsquo;s&nbsp;all happening in downtown Kennesaw, with hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.&nbsp;
What&rsquo;s&nbsp;in store? Over 250 arts and crafts booths, fair food galore, a beer garden, kids&rsquo; activities, and live acoustic music in the food court all weekend.&nbsp;Don&rsquo;t&nbsp;miss the Georgia Grown Member Village,&nbsp;showcasing&nbsp;local goods from across the state.&nbsp;
Scott Thompson of Brother Mojo will play at the 1885 Grill food court, while the United&nbsp;Bankshares&nbsp;Amphitheater and Main Street&rsquo;s entertainment stage will feature local dance groups, school choirs, and more.&nbsp;
Admission&rsquo;s free, and&nbsp;parking&rsquo;s&nbsp;available at Adams Park, Kennesaw First Baptist, and Swift-Cantrell Park, with shuttles running from Swift-Cantrell.&nbsp;
Questions? Call 770-423-1330 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:missy@jrmmanagement.com">missy@jrmmanagement.com</a>.&nbsp;
STORY 2:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/local/community-holds-out-hope-for-teds-montana-grill-on-marietta-square/article_91b0a893-4d53-42eb-bcc8-a11a346e5894.html">Community holds out hope for Ted's Montana Grill on Marietta Square</a>&nbsp;
 So, Ted&rsquo;s Montana Grill is out. The long-vacant lot at 77 North Park Square stays empty, and the bison burgers? Not happening&mdash;at least for now.&nbsp;
CEO George McKerrow, a Cobb local, said the decision came after a wave of public backlash. &ldquo;In 50 years in this business, I&rsquo;ve never seen this kind of vitriol,&rdquo; he&nbsp;said.&nbsp;
But here&rsquo;s the twist: the tide on social media&nbsp;had&nbsp;actually shifted. By the time Ted&rsquo;s pulled out, most comments were supportive.&nbsp;Even Mayor&nbsp;Steve &ldquo;Thunder&rdquo; Tumlin invited McKerrow to walk the Square and reconsider.&nbsp;
The lot&rsquo;s been an eyesore since 2010, and Councilman Johnny Walker,&nbsp;who&rsquo;s&nbsp;been pushing for something&mdash;anything&mdash;to fill the space, is frustrated. &ldquo;If Ted&rsquo;s doesn&rsquo;t come back, it could be years before anyone else steps up,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;
The $5 million project was ready to go: a 4,311-square-foot building designed to match the Square&rsquo;s historic charm. But now?&nbsp;It&rsquo;s&nbsp;back to square one.&nbsp;
STORY 3:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/local/cobb-advances-2028-splost-sets-community-meetings/article_5897a5b3-76cb-46ae-a12d-6bb897aecc34.html">Cobb advances 2028 SPLOST, sets community meetings</a>&nbsp;
 Cobb County&rsquo;s 2028 SPLOST plan is officially in motion. On Tuesday, commissioners gave a unanimous thumbs-up to a preliminary list of projects, kicking off months of public input.&nbsp;
What&rsquo;s&nbsp;on the table? Everything from new fire stations and libraries to pedestrian safety upgrades and a $30 million aquatic center. The total? A hefty $790 million.&nbsp;
Chair Lisa Cupid called it a balancing act: &ldquo;Every dollar has a constituency. We need projects that move the county forward but also&nbsp;maintain&nbsp;the basics&mdash;roads, public safety, services.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Nine community meetings are set through March, giving residents a chance to weigh in before the final vote in April.&nbsp;
We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info. &nbsp;
We&rsquo;ll&nbsp;be right back.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Break:&nbsp;INGLES&nbsp;6&nbsp;
STORY&nbsp;4:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/police_fire/addison-elementary-school-principal-charged-with-dui/article_199d0f4e-e625-48a1-8f4f-16837b480d9f.html">Addison Elementary School principal charged with DUI</a>&nbsp;
 Addison Elementary Principal Jill Spiva was arrested Thursday for DUI after a crash near the school, according to Cobb County Police.&nbsp;
The wreck happened around 4:45 p.m. at Ebenezer and Sandy Plains roads, just minutes from Addison. Officers said Spiva appeared intoxicated and was at fault for the crash. A half-empty bottle of Smirnoff vodka was&nbsp;reportedly found&nbsp;in her car, per WSB-TV.&nbsp;
Spiva refused sobriety and blood tests, prompting a judge to issue a warrant for a blood draw.&nbsp;She&rsquo;s&nbsp;facing charges of DUI, open container, and failure to&nbsp;maintain&nbsp;lane.&nbsp;
The district acknowledged the incident but declined to comment on her status.&nbsp;
STORY&nbsp;5:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/education/mount-paran-christian-enter-apparel-agreement-with-nike-and-bsn-sports/article_fe9ad102-f483-402a-ada9-363f8659e33b.html">Mount Paran Christian enter apparel agreement with Nike and BSN Sports</a>&nbsp;
Mount Paran Christian School just announced a big win for its athletics program&mdash;a multi-year partnership with Nike and BSN SPORTS. Translation? Top-tier gear and branded apparel for&nbsp;student-athletes, coaches, and the entire MPC sports community.&nbsp;
Nike will now be the official provider of athletic apparel and equipment, while BSN SPORTS steps in as the school&rsquo;s brand distributor.&nbsp;
&ldquo;This partnership is huge,&rdquo; said Athletic Director Mike Walker. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s about giving our athletes the best&mdash;gear that matches their heart and hustle.&rdquo;&nbsp;
The deal also lowers costs for families, sharpens team branding, and fuels MPC&rsquo;s mission to compete at a championship level.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/matt-ryan-has-unfinished-business-his-new-role-falcons-president-football/EYDCERH4LVCD3FCVJB426UI7II/">FALCONS:</a>&nbsp;The Atlanta Falcons officially introduced Matt Ryan as their new president of football on Tuesday, and honestly, it feels like a full-circle moment.&nbsp;
At the press conference in Flowery Branch, Ryan&mdash;who spent 14 seasons as the face of the franchise&mdash;spoke about his &ldquo;unfinished business&rdquo; with the team. &ldquo;Since I was drafted, my mission&rsquo;s been the same: help this organization win championships. We came close, had some success, but&nbsp;I believe we&rsquo;ll&nbsp;get there,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;
After retiring and working as a CBS Sports analyst, Ryan said he&nbsp;wasn&rsquo;t&nbsp;looking for a new job&mdash;unless it was with the Falcons. Now,&nbsp;he&rsquo;ll&nbsp;report directly to owner Arthur Blank, focusing on hiring a head coach and GM who share a unified vision.&nbsp;
I'm&nbsp;Keith Ippolito and&nbsp;that&rsquo;s&nbsp;your MDJ Sports Minute.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles&nbsp;Markets&nbsp;on&nbsp;raw milk&nbsp;
&nbsp;
We&rsquo;ll&nbsp;have closing comments after this.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Break:&nbsp;INGLES&nbsp;6&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 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 for our&nbsp;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>&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

50th Annual Kennesaw/Big Shanty Festival | Community holds out hope for Ted's Montana Grill on Marietta Square | Cobb advances 2028 SPLOST, sets community meetings

 MDJ Script/ Top Stories for January 14th 

Publish Date:  January 14th 

 

Commercial:  

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

  

Today is Wednesday, January 14th and Happy Birthday to Dave Grohl 

 

I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal 
East Cobb protest calls to end ICE after deadly shooting
Interstate lane closure advisory for the I-285/I-20 West Interchange project
‘Ready to work for it’: Miss Cobb County 2026 looks toward Miss Georgia competition

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 5 

STORY 1: East Cobb protest calls to end ICE after deadly shooting 

  The intersection of Johnson Ferry and Roswell roads buzzed with energy Sunday afternoon as over 150 protesters gathered for the “ICE Out for Good” rally, part of a nationwide movement calling for the abolition of ICE. 

Chants of “No ICE, no fear, immigrants are welcome here” echoed across the streets, accompanied by honking horns and waves from passing cars. Protesters held handmade signs with messages like “Melt ICE,” “Justice for Renee,” and “Keep Orwell fiction.” 

The rally followed the recent fatal shooting of Renee Good, a Minneapolis woman, by an ICE agent during an immigration operation. Protesters, led by Indivisible Cobb, called out what they described as ICE’s unchecked violence. “This is about justice,” said Susan Lopez of Smyrna. “ICE is overstepping, and it’s time to hold them accountable.” 

Not everyone agreed. Terry Frost, a lone counter-protester, stood silently with a Trump campaign flag, voicing his support for ICE. “I can’t stand with people defending criminals,” he said. 

The protest remained peaceful, with no arrests reported. 

STORY 2: Interstate lane closure advisory for the I-285/I-20 West Interchange project 

 Heads up, drivers: weather permitting, GDOT contractors will be closing lanes around the I-285/I-20 West Interchange for a major reconstruction project. Expect delays, lane shifts, and some frustration—so plan ahead. 

The project? Widening ramps, adding collector-distributor lanes, and improving traffic flow. But first, the closures: 
I-285 Northbound: Cascade to Bolton, nightly Jan. 12-16. Single-lane closures start at 9 p.m., double-lane closures at 11 p.m. 
I-285 Southbound: Hollowell to MLK Jr. Drive, same deal. 
I-20 Westbound: Anderson to Riverside, 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. 
I-20 Eastbound: Riverside to I-285, alternating lane closures. 

Flagging operations and pacing will also hit nearby roads. Check 511ga.org for updates, and drive safe! 

STORY 3: ‘Ready to work for it’: Miss Cobb County 2026 looks toward Miss Georgia competition 

  For Dominique Verville, crowned Miss Cobb County 2026 last August, life’s best moments often sit just past fear. 

“Fear shows up when something matters,” the 23-year-old from Kennesaw told the Kiwanis Club of Marietta on Thursday. “It doesn’t mean you’re unprepared—it means you’re standing at the edge of growth.” 

A graduate of Auburn University with degrees in aviation management and finance, Verville is a classically trained dancer, a licensed pilot, and now an aviation insurance underwriter. But her heart? It’s in service. 

Through her nonprofit, Hearts for Heroes, she supports veterans transitioning to civilian life, delivering supplies and reading her children’s book, Dear Soldier, to students. 

“The crown isn’t about me,” she said. “It’s about serving others.” 

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 5 

 

STORY 4: Mableton swears in new councilmembers, elects mayor pro tem 

The Mableton City Council kicked off the year with a packed agenda—and a little drama. 

New council members Cassandra Brown and Michael McNeely were sworn in, while Debora Herndon, reelected unopposed, will take her oath later this month. Then came the vote for mayor pro tem. 

After a 3-3 tie between Ron Davis and Keisha Jeffcoat, McNeely flipped his vote in a second round, giving Davis the role with a 4-2 majority. “Big shoes to fill,” Davis said, “but I’m ready to make this city the best it can be.” 

The council also approved Mableton’s participation in HUD’s Community Development Block Grant program, partnering with Cobb County to fund affordable housing, infrastructure upgrades, and economic development. 

STORY 5:  Wood you believe it? New art exhibits open in Marietta 

  Two fresh exhibitions are taking over the Marietta-Cobb Museum of Art and they couldn’t be more different. Downstairs, “Georgia Wood Artists” showcases 50 stunning woodworks from 39 Georgia artists—everything from bowls to mandolins to abstract sculptures. Upstairs? Lawrenceville painter Maya Perez-Lugones makes her solo debut with a series of bold, surreal bathroom scenes. 

“It’s like night and day,” said museum director Sally Macaulay. “Every piece evokes something different. I love hearing what people feel.” 

Perez-Lugones’ work, inspired by light bouncing off bathroom surfaces, explores ego and compulsion. Meanwhile, the wood exhibit highlights craftsmanship, from whittling to woodturning. 

Tickets are $10; kids under 6 get in free. 

Break:  

STORY 6: Braves re-sign reliever Tyler Kinley 

   The Braves are keeping their bullpen busy this offseason, signing right-hander Tyler Kinley to a $3 million deal for 2026, with a $5.5 million club option for 2027 (or a $1.25 million buyout). 

Kinley, 34, was lights-out last season—5-0 with a ridiculous 0.72 ERA in just 25 innings after being traded from Colorado in July. Not bad, right? 

This move follows Atlanta’s other bullpen splashes: a $45 million deal for Robert Suarez and a $16 million re-signing of closer Raisel Iglesias. 

STORY 7: Health inspection follow-up brings big change for Hoboken Cafe 

 The Hoboken Café on Whitlock Avenue, a local favorite for Italian eats, bounced back this week after a rough health inspection in December. The follow-up? A shiny 97 out of 100—an “A” for food safety excellence. 

Back in December, though, things weren’t so great. The café scored a 69, just one point above a failing grade. Violations included raw meat stored above ready-to-eat foods, cooling and reheating issues, and sanitizer buckets with way too much solution. 

The last inspection found just one issue—improper cooling for stuffed peppers, which was fixed on the spot. Management says everything’s been addressed. 

We’ll have closing comments after this. 

Break: INGLES 5 

 

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;January&nbsp;14th&nbsp;
Publish Date: &nbsp;January&nbsp;14th&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;January&nbsp;14th&nbsp;and Happy Birthday to&nbsp;Dave Grohl&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>East Cobb protest calls to end ICE after deadly shooting</li>
<li>Interstate lane closure advisory for the I-285/I-20 West Interchange project</li>
<li>&lsquo;Ready to work for it&rsquo;: Miss Cobb County 2026 looks toward Miss Georgia competition</li>
</ol>
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;5&nbsp;
STORY 1:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/east-cobb-protest-calls-to-end-ice-after-deadly-shooting/article_a5195440-66b9-4505-a54e-befee76b2ec9.html">East Cobb protest calls to end ICE after deadly shooting</a>&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;The intersection of Johnson Ferry and Roswell roads buzzed with energy Sunday afternoon as over 150 protesters gathered for the &ldquo;ICE Out for Good&rdquo; rally, part of a nationwide movement calling for the abolition of ICE.&nbsp;
Chants of &ldquo;No ICE, no fear, immigrants are welcome here&rdquo; echoed across the streets, accompanied by honking horns and waves from passing cars. Protesters held handmade signs with messages like &ldquo;Melt ICE,&rdquo; &ldquo;Justice for Renee,&rdquo; and &ldquo;Keep Orwell fiction.&rdquo;&nbsp;
The rally followed the recent fatal shooting of Renee Good, a Minneapolis woman, by an ICE agent during an immigration operation. Protesters, led by Indivisible Cobb, called out what they described as ICE&rsquo;s unchecked violence. &ldquo;This is about justice,&rdquo; said Susan Lopez of Smyrna. &ldquo;ICE is overstepping, and it&rsquo;s time to hold them accountable.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Not everyone agreed. Terry Frost, a lone counter-protester, stood silently with a Trump campaign flag, voicing his support for ICE. &ldquo;I can&rsquo;t stand with people defending criminals,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;
The protest remained peaceful, with no arrests reported.&nbsp;
STORY 2:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/interstate-lane-closure-advisory-for-the-i-285-i-20-west-interchange-project/article_4ec4ca02-a7f7-433e-bc53-0de2d78e3102.html">Interstate lane closure advisory for the I-285/I-20 West Interchange project</a>&nbsp;
 Heads up, drivers: weather&nbsp;permitting,&nbsp;GDOT contractors will be closing lanes around the I-285/I-20 West Interchange for a major reconstruction project. Expect delays, lane shifts, and some&nbsp;frustration&mdash;so&nbsp;plan&nbsp;ahead.&nbsp;
The project? Widening ramps, adding collector-distributor lanes, and improving traffic flow. But first, the closures:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="16" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">I-285 Northbound: Cascade to Bolton, nightly Jan. 12-16. Single-lane closures start at 9 p.m.,&nbsp;double-lane closures at 11 p.m.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="16" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1">I-285 Southbound: Hollowell to MLK Jr. Drive, same deal.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="16" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1">I-20 Westbound: Anderson to Riverside, 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="16" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1">I-20 Eastbound: Riverside to I-285, alternating lane closures.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Flagging operations and pacing will also hit nearby roads. Check 511ga.org for&nbsp;updates, and&nbsp;drive&nbsp;safe!&nbsp;
STORY 3:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/ready-to-work-for-it-miss-cobb-county-2026-looks-toward-miss-georgia-competition/article_717033a8-0c93-49ce-86c2-507986d90efb.html">&lsquo;Ready to work for it&rsquo;: Miss Cobb County 2026 looks toward Miss Georgia competition</a>&nbsp;
  For Dominique Verville, crowned Miss Cobb County 2026 last August, life&rsquo;s best moments often sit just past fear.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Fear shows up when something matters,&rdquo; the 23-year-old from&nbsp;Kennesaw told the Kiwanis Club of Marietta on Thursday. &ldquo;It doesn&rsquo;t mean you&rsquo;re unprepared&mdash;it means you&rsquo;re standing at the edge of growth.&rdquo;&nbsp;
A graduate of Auburn University with degrees in aviation management and finance, Verville is a classically trained dancer, a licensed pilot, and now an aviation insurance underwriter. But her heart?&nbsp;It&rsquo;s&nbsp;in service.&nbsp;
Through her nonprofit, Hearts for Heroes, she supports veterans transitioning to civilian life, delivering&nbsp;supplies&nbsp;and reading her children&rsquo;s book, Dear Soldier, to students.&nbsp;
&ldquo;The crown isn&rsquo;t about me,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s about serving others.&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;INGLES&nbsp;5&nbsp;
&nbsp;
STORY 4:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/local/mableton-swears-in-new-councilmembers-elects-mayor-pro-tem/article_72453a76-5595-4e73-a839-ad7ef3cf5a7b.html">Mableton swears in new councilmembers, elects mayor pro&nbsp;tem</a>&nbsp;
The Mableton City Council kicked off the year with a packed agenda&mdash;and a little drama.&nbsp;
New council members Cassandra Brown and Michael McNeely were sworn in, while Debora Herndon, reelected unopposed, will take her oath later this month. Then came the vote for mayor pro&nbsp;tem.&nbsp;
After a 3-3 tie between Ron Davis and Keisha Jeffcoat, McNeely flipped his vote in&nbsp;a second&nbsp;round, giving Davis the&nbsp;role with&nbsp;a 4-2 majority. &ldquo;Big shoes to fill,&rdquo; Davis said, &ldquo;but I&rsquo;m ready to make this city the best it can be.&rdquo;&nbsp;
The council also approved Mableton&rsquo;s participation in HUD&rsquo;s Community Development Block Grant program, partnering with Cobb County to fund affordable housing, infrastructure upgrades, and economic development.&nbsp;
STORY 5:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/local/wood-you-believe-it-new-art-exhibits-open-in-marietta/article_ff8e2792-c9f2-4cc7-bbb8-2ad8e6d48e73.html">Wood&nbsp;you believe it? New art exhibits open in Marietta</a>&nbsp;
  Two fresh exhibitions are taking&nbsp;over&nbsp;the Marietta-Cobb Museum of&nbsp;Art&nbsp;and they&nbsp;couldn&rsquo;t&nbsp;be&nbsp;more&nbsp;different. Downstairs, &ldquo;Georgia Wood Artists&rdquo;&nbsp;showcases&nbsp;50 stunning woodworks from 39 Georgia artists&mdash;everything from bowls to mandolins to abstract sculptures. Upstairs? Lawrenceville painter Maya Perez-Lugones makes her solo debut with a series of bold, surreal bathroom scenes.&nbsp;
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s like&nbsp;night and day,&rdquo; said museum director Sally Macaulay. &ldquo;Every piece evokes something different. I love hearing what people feel.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Perez-Lugones&rsquo; work, inspired by light bouncing off bathroom surfaces, explores ego and compulsion. Meanwhile, the wood exhibit highlights craftsmanship, from whittling to woodturning.&nbsp;
Tickets are $10; kids under 6&nbsp;get in&nbsp;free.&nbsp;
Break:&nbsp;&nbsp;
STORY 6:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/sports/atlanta_braves/braves-re-sign-reliever-tyler-kinley/article_6064e04d-c70f-4580-a825-a07e546f89f0.html">Braves re-sign reliever Tyler Kinley</a>&nbsp;
   The Braves are keeping their bullpen busy this offseason, signing right-hander Tyler Kinley to a $3 million deal for 2026, with a $5.5 million club option for 2027 (or a $1.25 million buyout).&nbsp;
Kinley, 34, was&nbsp;lights-out last season&mdash;5-0 with a ridiculous 0.72 ERA in just 25 innings after being traded from Colorado in July. Not bad, right?&nbsp;
This move follows Atlanta&rsquo;s other bullpen splashes: a $45 million deal for Robert Suarez and a $16 million re-signing of closer Raisel Iglesias.&nbsp;
STORY&nbsp;7:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/local/health-inspection-follow-up-brings-big-change-for-hoboken-cafe/article_422e5f5d-2f86-4ee6-a86c-c97e11e77162.html">Health inspection follow-up brings big change for Hoboken Cafe</a>&nbsp;
 The Hoboken Caf&eacute; on Whitlock Avenue, a local favorite for Italian eats, bounced back this week after a rough health inspection in December. The follow-up? A shiny 97 out of 100&mdash;an &ldquo;A&rdquo; for food safety excellence.&nbsp;
Back in December, though, things&nbsp;weren&rsquo;t&nbsp;so great. The caf&eacute; scored a 69, just one point above a failing grade. Violations included raw meat stored above ready-to-eat foods, cooling and reheating issues, and sanitizer buckets with way too much solution.&nbsp;
The last&nbsp;inspection found just one issue&mdash;improper cooling for stuffed peppers, which was fixed on the spot. Management says&nbsp;everything&rsquo;s&nbsp;been addressed.&nbsp;
We&rsquo;ll&nbsp;have closing comments after this.&nbsp;
Break:&nbsp;INGLES&nbsp;5&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&nbsp;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;
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