MDJ Script/ Top Stories for March 19th

Publish Date:  March 19th

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

Today is Wednesday, March 19th and Happy Birthday to

***03.19.25 - BIRTHDAY - BRUCE WILLIS***

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

1. Powder Springs Woman Accused of Pushing Woman out of Moving Vehicle
2. Smyrna to Close Portion of King Street Each Weekend
3. Town Center Mall Pays Taxes, Avoids Auction

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 9

STORY 1:   Powder Springs Woman Accused of Pushing Woman out of Moving Vehicle

Kenya Latrice Smith, 48, of Powder Springs, is accused of pushing a woman out of a moving vehicle during an argument on March 8 in Marietta. According to police, Smith struck the victim while driving, and when the victim tried to exit, Smith pushed her out, causing severe injuries, including road rash, facial wounds, and permanent scarring. Smith was arrested shortly after and charged with aggravated assault and aggravated battery. She remains in custody without bond.

STORY 2:     Smyrna to Close Portion of King Street Each Weekend

Starting this weekend, a portion of King Street in Smyrna will close to vehicle traffic from Fridays at 3 p.m. to Sundays at 6 p.m. until November. The Smyrna City Council approved the closure to enhance pedestrian safety around the popular downtown greenspace. Mayor Derek Norton emphasized the need to protect families enjoying the area, allowing easier access between the playground and greenspace. Barriers and potential bollards will be installed to enforce the closure, which may also benefit festivals. Norton praised the greenspace’s success and plans to evaluate the measure’s impact before considering expansion.

STORY 3:  Town Center Mall Pays Taxes, Avoids Auction

Town Center mall has paid off nearly $1 million in overdue 2024 property taxes, avoiding a tax deed auction that could have led to new ownership. The mall, owned by Kohan Retail Group since 2023, has faced financial struggles, including power shutoffs and lawsuits. Recently placed in receivership, Lewis Taulbee of JLL now oversees its management. Despite challenges, the mall remains 90% leased, with hopes for redevelopment into a mixed-use space to revitalize the area. Local leaders envision a thriving future for the property, though its exact path remains uncertain.

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Break: INGLES 10

STORY 4:  Kennesaw Begins Construction on $13.9M Public Safety Building

Kennesaw officials broke ground on a $13.9 million public safety building on Moon Station Road, set to become the city’s new police headquarters. The 25,000-square-foot facility will consolidate all police operations, offering 40% more space and modern amenities like a crime lab, K-9 space, and emergency operations center. Funded by SPLOST, stormwater reserves, and the American Rescue Plan, the project has been in development for nine years. Mayor Derek Easterling and Police Chief Bill Westenberger emphasized the building’s role in enhancing safety and supporting officers, with construction expected to finish in 15 months.

STORY 5:  Suspect Charged with Armed Robbery of Smyrna Business

Treveon Jeremiah Hogges of Suwanee is accused of attempting an armed robbery at Ace Cash Express in Smyrna on Jan. 16. He allegedly threatened an employee with a loaded Glock 17, fired shots at the business causing over $500 in damages, and shot at two police officers before fleeing. Hogges faces multiple charges, including attempted armed robbery, aggravated assault, and obstruction, but does not appear in jail records.

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STORY 6:  Griffin Man Accused of Stealing from Kennestone Hospital

Corey Demetrius Jones of Griffin is accused of stealing $3,500 worth of equipment, including RAM cards, a security camera, hard drives, and a laptop, from Kennestone Hospital on Jan. 29. He faces charges of second-degree burglary and theft over $1,500, though he does not appear in jail records.

STORY 7:  Cobb to Consider CITA Construction, Other School Renovations

The Cobb Board of Education will vote Thursday on contracts for constructing a second Cobb Innovation and Technology Academy at Allatoona High, set to open in 2026, and renovations at several schools. The new academy will offer 11 career pathways, including aviation and AI, funded by SPLOST VI. Renovation contracts include upgrades at five elementary schools, one middle school, and three high schools, with projects like flooring replacements and track resurfacing. All projects aim for completion by mid-2025, with the board's final decision expected during its evening session.

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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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