MDJ Script/ Top Stories for December 12th 

Publish Date:  December 12th 

Commercial:  

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

Today is Thursday, December 12th and Happy Birthday to Frank Sinatra 

***12.12.24 - BIRTHDAY – FRANK SINATRA*** 

I’m Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia.  

• Sonya Allen Sworn in as Cobb DA 

• Cobb Christmas Stuff-a-Bus Gathers Toys for Annual Giveaway 

• Cupid Ethics Complaint to be Heard in New Year 

Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on picky toddlers 

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: CU of GA (06.26.24 CU OF GA FREE CHECKING_REV_FINAL) 

STORY 1:  Sonya Allen Sworn in as Cobb DA 

Sonya Allen was sworn in as Cobb County's new district attorney, becoming the first elected Black woman to hold the position. She ran unopposed in the November election after defeating incumbent Flynn Broady in the Democratic Primary. Allen, who previously served as a deputy district attorney and chief deputy in the Cobb Sheriff’s Office, emphasized her commitment to fairness, transparency, and respect for the law. During her swearing-in, she acknowledged the trailblazers before her and pledged to uphold justice and equality. Georgia Supreme Court Justice Verda Colvin praised Allen's dedication to her constituents and her legal expertise. 

STORY 2:  Cobb Christmas Stuff-a-Bus Gathers Toys for Annual Giveaway 

CobbLinc is partnering with Cobb Christmas for their annual toy giveaway by using a bus to collect donations from local businesses. The "stuff-a-bus" event runs from Tuesday to Thursday, gathering toys for over 1,300 children from low-income families. The toys are sorted at the IAM Local Lodge 709, provided free by the IAM, where volunteers prepare them for distribution. Cobb Christmas, run entirely by volunteers, aims to spread holiday cheer by providing three toys per child. Donations are accepted until Thursday, with options to donate toys or money online. The toy distribution is set for Friday and Saturday at the IAM lodge. 

STORY 3:   Cupid Ethics Complaint to be Heard in New Year 

 The Cobb County Ethics Board will address a complaint against Chairwoman Lisa Cupid in January. Lance Lamberton, president of the Cobb Taxpayers Association, filed the complaint in October, accusing the county of improperly using taxpayer funds to promote a 30-year, 1% sales tax for transit, which failed in the November election. The ethics hearing was initially canceled due to a lack of quorum, leading to accusations of stalling. However, board attorney Lynn Rainey clarified that the absences were unrelated to Cupid. The rescheduled hearing is set for January 6, where the board will decide on further investigation. 

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We’ll be right back  

Break: DRAKE (Drake Realty (Cobb County) 

STORY 4:  Citizens of the Year Named for Acworth, Kennesaw, Town Center, West Cobb 

Five outstanding Cobb County residents were honored as Citizens of the Year for their communities. Acworth's honoree, Police Cpl. Tamara Severtson, was recognized for her life-saving actions and compassionate service. In Kennesaw, father-son duo Lewis and Andrew Bramlett were celebrated for their extensive volunteer work and dedication to local history. Dan Buyers was named the first Town Center Citizen of the Year for his contributions to economic development. West Cobb's honoree, attorney Justin O’Dell, was praised for his community service and leadership. Each awardee exemplifies dedication and service to their community. 

STORY 5:  School Board Approves School Year Calendars, Public Comment Changes 

The Marietta Board of Education approved school calendars for 2026-2029, choosing Option A, which includes September and February breaks. This decision followed a survey where 70% of families and 90% of staff favored Option A. The first day of school for 2026-2027 is set for August 4, ending May 26. The board also extended public comment sessions from 15 to 20 minutes and approved several expenditures, including a $379,474 furniture refresh at Marietta Middle School and $19,050 for fuel tank repairs. Additionally, a contract with BlazerWorks, LLC for staffing services was approved. 

We’ll be back in a moment  

Break: Ingles Markets 2 

And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on picky toddlers. 

***INGLES 1 (PICKY TODDLER) *** 

We’ll have closing comments after this. 

Break: 08.09.24 MDJ THEATRE MOTOWN CHRISTMAS_FINAL 

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   
• www.cuofga.org   
• www.drakerealty.com 
• www.mariettatheatresquare.com 

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