=====  MDJ Script/ Top Stories for December 19th 

Publish Date:  December 19th 

Commercial:  

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

Today is Friday, December 19th and Happy Birthday to Al Kaline 

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

1. South Cobb mayors speak on accomplishments, future
2. Jaha Howard wins runoff for Georgia Senate District 35
3. Cobb County staff trade desk work for Christmas carols

Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on saturated fats 

As well as Shane Delancey the Director of the Christmas Tradition at the Strand Theatre 

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!  

Now here is Shane Delancey the Director of the Christmas Tradition at the Strand Theatre 

BREAK: THE STRAND 

STORY 1:  South Cobb mayors speak on accomplishments, future 

 Three mayors, three cities, and a lot to reflect on. Austell Mayor Ollie Clemons, Mableton Mayor Michael Owens, and Powder Springs Mayor Al Thurman gathered at the Riverside EpiCenter to talk about 2025 wins and what’s next for 2026 during the State of South Cobb event. 

Clemons? He’s proud of Austell’s bold move to raise the millage rate for the first time in decades. “It’s about reinvesting in our community,” he said, pointing to plans for downtown revitalization and hiring a city manager—finally. 

Owens celebrated Mableton’s new departments and leadership team, calling 2025 a year of “building the foundation.” Next year? It’s all about community engagement and growth. 

Thurman highlighted Powder Springs’ shiny new city hall and parking garage, plus job-creating developments. His focus for 2026? Sustainable growth and leaving a legacy of leadership.  

STORY 2:  Jaha Howard wins runoff for Georgia Senate District 35 

Jaha Howard pulled off a narrow win Tuesday night, defeating fellow Democrat Roger Bruce in the runoff for state Senate District 35. Unofficial results show Howard, a dentist and former Cobb school board member, edging out Bruce with 51.9% of the vote to Bruce’s 48.1%. 

The seat, which covers parts of Cobb and Fulton counties, was left open when Jason Esteves stepped down to run for governor. Howard credited his win to personal outreach—hundreds of phone calls, he said, to build trust. “People want to feel heard,” he said. 

Bruce’s campaign struggled with name recognition, especially in Cobb. 

STORY 3: Cobb County staff trade desk work for Christmas carols 

 Glover Park got a dose of holiday magic Tuesday, thanks to Cobb County’s newest choir, “Cobb County Sonic Sound” (or, as they like to call themselves, “CoCo SoSo”). 

Led by Dr. Jatunn Gibson, head of the county’s Public Services Agency, the group—decked out in festive sweaters and holiday flair—belted out classics like “Joy to the World” and “White Christmas.” Oh, and they’ve got their own band too, all county employees. 

Between songs, they performed skits about elves saving Christmas. “It’s all about fun and camaraderie,” said Grace Williams, a choir member. “We’re connecting beyond work—and it’s a blast.” 

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We’ll be right back. 

Break: Villa Rica Wonderland Train 

STORY 4: Jason Gaines named Mableton Citizen of the Year 

 Jason Gaines didn’t see it coming. This week, he was named the 2025 Mableton Citizen of the Year at the South Cobb Area Council meeting, and the surprise left him, well, a little speechless. 

“It just warms my heart,” Gaines said. “To know the work I’ve done is appreciated like this—it’s humbling.” 

Gaines, who’s the director of planning at Croy Engineering and chairs the Mableton Development Authority Board, was honored by Mayor Michael Owens. “Jason’s been a force,” Owens said. “His expertise and passion have shaped this community at such a critical time.” 

The guy’s résumé? Stacked. Leadership programs, board memberships—he’s everywhere. 

STORY 5: Anderson steps down as Walker football coach 

TJ Anderson pulled off something close to miraculous in 2025. 

With just 23 players—yes, 23—he guided Walker through a grueling 10-game season. The Wolverines finished 2-8, but they still earned a spot in the Class A-AAA Private state playoffs. Unfortunately, injuries piled up, and the team had to decline the bid. “We had to make the best decision for our kids,” Anderson said, reflecting on the tough call. 

But that season? It was his last. Anderson announced on X that he’s stepping down as Walker’s head coach after three years. “It’s been a journey,” he wrote, thanking the community and his family. 

BRAVES:  Ha-Seong Kim is staying put in Atlanta—at least for another year. The 30-year-old shortstop signed a one-year, $20 million deal with the Braves on Monday, locking him in as the team’s starter for 2026. Not bad, considering he turned down a $16 million option just last month and walked away with an extra $4 million. 

Kim joined the Braves late last season, claimed off waivers from Tampa Bay on Sept. 1. He made an immediate impact, hitting .309 with a .372 OBP, three homers, and 12 RBIs in his first 19 games. Sure, he cooled off at the end—1-for-19 in the last five games—but the Braves clearly see his potential. 

Kim’s journey hasn’t been without bumps. Injuries sidelined him for much of 2025 with the Rays, where he hit just .214 in 24 games. But let’s not forget—this guy won a Gold Glove with the Padres in 2023 and has 84 career stolen bases. 

The Braves are betting on a bounce-back. And if Kim can channel his San Diego form, he could be a 3-4 WAR player. High hopes, but hey, the talent’s there. 

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

And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on saturated fats 

We’ll have closing comments after this. 

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 mdjonline.com 

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