  =====  MDJ Script/ Top Stories for October 10th 

Publish Date:  October 10th 

   

Commercial:  

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

  

Today is Friday, October 10th and Happy Birthday to Van Halen 

 

I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal 
The Georgia Ballet presents Dracula
Kent leads fundraising in Marietta Council race
Two students arrested for bringing weapons, drugs onto South Cobb High campus

 

Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on budgeting 

 

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 6 

STORY 1: The Georgia Ballet presents Dracula 

The Georgia Ballet is kicking off its 65th season with something deliciously dark—Dracula. Running Oct. 23–26, 2025, at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre in Marietta, this marks the company’s first-ever production of the gothic classic. 

Choreographed by Norbe Risco (of Kentucky Ballet Theatre fame), the ballet dives into Bram Stoker’s eerie world of moonlit castles, restless spirits, and, of course, the seductive Count himself. Jonathan Harker’s business trip? Yeah, it spirals into a nightmare of terror and temptation. 

Under Artistic Director Daet Rodriguez, The Georgia Ballet continues to push boundaries, blending tradition with bold, new works. 

Heads up: this one’s not for the little ones—recommended for ages 12+ due to its mature themes. 

Oh, and here’s a fun touch: Hamp & Harry’s will be serving up themed cocktails in the lobby. 

Performances are limited, so grab your tickets soon at georgiaballet.org or call 770-528-0881. 

STORY 2:Kent leads fundraising in Marietta Council race 

Councilman Carlyle Kent is leading the money game in the Ward 5 race for Marietta City Council, outpacing both former Councilman Reggie “Game Changer” Copeland and retiree Kenneth Wright. As of the latest fundraising deadline, Kent’s pulled in over $7,880—far more than his opponents, who’ve both pledged to keep their campaigns under $2,500. 

Kent’s spent about $3,800 so far, leaving him with $4,082 in the bank. His expenses? Campaign staples like shirts, yard signs, postcards, and even a $955 video camera. 

Notable backers include former Gov. Roy Barnes ($1,500), ex-Councilman Johnny Sinclair ($250), and a mix of local business owners, church leaders, and community figures. Kent even chipped in $400 himself. 

The final fundraising deadline is Oct. 25—just ahead of the Nov. 4 election. 

 

STORY 3: Two students arrested for bringing weapons, drugs onto South Cobb High campus 

 Cobb Police arrested two students after finding weapons and drugs in a car parked at South Cobb High School last Friday. 

Inside the vehicle? A loaded gun with 14 rounds, two knives, a THC vape, and less than an ounce of marijuana. Jentry Henson, of Austell, and Kensley Merriweather, of Powder Springs, now face multiple charges, including felony drug possession and carrying weapons in a school safety zone. 

Merriweather was also charged with an additional felony for allegedly having a THC vape on her. Both teens, born in 2008, were released on bond—$16,720 for Henson and $27,720 for Merriweather. 

The school district emphasized there was no threat to the community and encouraged parents and students to use the district’s anonymous tip line to report concerns. 

 

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: TRUCK A PALOOZA 

STORY 4: Artists to chalk the streets at Marietta’s Chalktoberfest 

Chalktoberfest is back this weekend, ready to transform Marietta Square into a kaleidoscope of color—and draw a crowd of 40,000 to 60,000 art lovers. Hosted by the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art, this two-day festival combines jaw-dropping chalk art with craft beer, live performances, and a whole lot of community spirit. 

It all kicks off Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and continues Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission? Totally free. 

What started in 2013 with 20 artists has exploded into a global event, featuring 100 artists from places like Italy, Mexico, and Ukraine. Each artist is sponsored by local businesses—so many, in fact, that organizers had to turn some away this year. 

And the impact? Huge. Executive Director Sally Macaulay says the festival brings $5.2 million to the city and national recognition to the museum.  

Sunday’s community chalk competition lets kids (ages 9–17) join the fun, while Saturday’s beer festival offers 120+ brews. Tickets for the beer fest are $55 at the door or $50 online in advance. 

New this year? Aerial performers will dazzle the crowd with acrobatic routines. 

Street closures start Friday afternoon, so plan ahead. And the weather? Perfect—sunny and mid-70s all weekend. 

For tickets and details, visit chalktoberfest.com. 

STORY 5:  Cobb, Marietta Teachers of the Year honored with handprints in Walk of Honor 

On a crisp fall day in Glover Park, two extraordinary teachers left their mark—literally. Hailey Howdyshell of Marietta City Schools and Amanda Dillard of Cobb County Schools unveiled their handprints on the Teacher Walk of Honor, surrounded by cheering students, proud families, and teary-eyed colleagues. 

“This isn’t just about me,” Howdyshell, a first-grade teacher, said. “It’s about the kids, my mentors, my team—everyone who’s shaped me.”  

Dillard, a special education teacher at Pope High, reflected on her journey: “I never planned to teach, but my students showed me why I was meant to.” She’s known for her relentless dedication, helping kids of all abilities find their version of success. 

The ceremony, part of the Cobb Chamber’s monthlong celebration, will wrap up with a pep rally and a car giveaway for the honorees. But for these two, the real reward is the impact they make every single day. 

And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on budgeting 

 

 

 

We’ll have closing comments after this. 

 

Break: Ingles Markets 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 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; MDJ Script/ Top Stories for October 10th&nbsp;
Publish Date:  October 10th&nbsp;
  &nbsp;
Commercial:&nbsp;&nbsp;
From the BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. &nbsp;
 &nbsp;
Today is Friday, October 10th and Happy Birthday to Van Halen&nbsp;
&nbsp;
I&rsquo;m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal&nbsp;
<ol>
<li>The Georgia Ballet presents Dracula</li>
<li>Kent leads fundraising in Marietta Council race</li>
<li>Two students arrested for bringing weapons, drugs onto South Cobb High campus</li>
</ol>
&nbsp;
Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on budgeting&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;
BREAK: Ingles Markets 6&nbsp;
STORY 1:&nbsp; <a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/lifestyle/the-georgia-ballet-presents-dracula/article_d200578b-5eea-49ea-a818-a9cb577abe5c.html">The Georgia Ballet presents Dracula</a>&nbsp;
The Georgia Ballet is kicking off its 65th season with something deliciously dark&mdash;Dracula. Running Oct. 23&ndash;26, 2025, at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre in Marietta, this marks the company&rsquo;s first-ever production of the gothic classic.&nbsp;
Choreographed by Norbe Risco (of Kentucky Ballet Theatre fame), the ballet dives into Bram Stoker&rsquo;s eerie world of moonlit castles, restless spirits, and, of course, the seductive Count himself. Jonathan Harker&rsquo;s business trip? Yeah, it spirals into a nightmare of terror and temptation.&nbsp;
Under Artistic Director Daet Rodriguez, The Georgia Ballet continues to push boundaries, blending tradition with bold, new works.&nbsp;
Heads up: this one&rsquo;s not for the little ones&mdash;recommended for ages 12+ due to its mature themes.&nbsp;
Oh, and here&rsquo;s a fun touch: Hamp &amp; Harry&rsquo;s will be serving up themed cocktails in the lobby.&nbsp;
Performances are limited, so grab your tickets soon at georgiaballet.org or call 770-528-0881.&nbsp;
STORY 2: <a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/elections/kent-leads-fundraising-in-marietta-council-race/article_ae39f1d8-7a00-4d6f-9407-e72f67aba354.html">Kent leads fundraising in Marietta Council race</a>&nbsp;
Councilman Carlyle Kent is leading the money game in the Ward 5 race for Marietta City Council, outpacing both former Councilman Reggie &ldquo;Game Changer&rdquo; Copeland and retiree Kenneth Wright. As of the latest fundraising deadline, Kent&rsquo;s pulled in over $7,880&mdash;far more than his opponents, who&rsquo;ve both pledged to keep their campaigns under $2,500.&nbsp;
Kent&rsquo;s spent about $3,800 so far, leaving him with $4,082 in the bank. His expenses? Campaign staples like shirts, yard signs, postcards, and even a $955 video camera.&nbsp;
Notable backers include former Gov. Roy Barnes ($1,500), ex-Councilman Johnny Sinclair ($250), and a mix of local business owners, church leaders, and community figures. Kent even chipped in $400 himself.&nbsp;
The final fundraising deadline is Oct. 25&mdash;just ahead of the Nov. 4 election.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
STORY 3: <a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/education/two-students-arrested-for-bringing-weapons-drugs-onto-south-cobb-high-campus/article_ae775973-81cf-4077-aeed-7b907278208f.html">Two students arrested for bringing weapons, drugs onto South Cobb High campus</a>&nbsp;
 Cobb Police arrested two students after finding weapons and drugs in a car parked at South Cobb High School last Friday.&nbsp;
Inside the vehicle? A loaded gun with 14 rounds, two knives, a THC vape, and less than an ounce of marijuana. Jentry Henson, of Austell, and Kensley Merriweather, of Powder Springs, now face multiple charges, including felony drug possession and carrying weapons in a school safety zone.&nbsp;
Merriweather was also charged with an additional felony for allegedly having a THC vape on her. Both teens, born in 2008, were released on bond&mdash;$16,720 for Henson and $27,720 for Merriweather.&nbsp;
The school district emphasized there was no threat to the community and encouraged parents and students to use the district&rsquo;s anonymous tip line to report concerns.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info. &nbsp;
We&rsquo;ll be right back.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Break: TRUCK A PALOOZA&nbsp;
STORY 4: <a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/local/artists-to-chalk-the-streets-at-marietta-s-chalktoberfest/article_54cee8e9-43f0-4aca-b180-a51ba6436397.html">Artists to chalk the streets at Marietta&rsquo;s Chalktoberfest</a>&nbsp;
Chalktoberfest is back this weekend, ready to transform Marietta Square into a kaleidoscope of color&mdash;and draw a crowd of 40,000 to 60,000 art lovers. Hosted by the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art, this two-day festival combines jaw-dropping chalk art with craft beer, live performances, and a whole lot of community spirit.&nbsp;
It all kicks off Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and continues Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission? Totally free.&nbsp;
What started in 2013 with 20 artists has exploded into a global event, featuring 100 artists from places like Italy, Mexico, and Ukraine. Each artist is sponsored by local businesses&mdash;so many, in fact, that organizers had to turn some away this year.&nbsp;
And the impact? Huge. Executive Director Sally Macaulay says the festival brings $5.2 million to the city and national recognition to the museum.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Sunday&rsquo;s community chalk competition lets kids (ages 9&ndash;17) join the fun, while Saturday&rsquo;s beer festival offers 120+ brews. Tickets for the beer fest are $55 at the door or $50 online in advance.&nbsp;
New this year? Aerial performers will dazzle the crowd with acrobatic routines.&nbsp;
Street closures start Friday afternoon, so plan ahead. And the weather? Perfect&mdash;sunny and mid-70s all weekend.&nbsp;
For tickets and details, visit chalktoberfest.com.&nbsp;
STORY 5:&nbsp; <a href="https://www.mdjonline.com/news/education/cobb-marietta-teachers-of-the-year-honored-with-handprints-in-walk-of-honor/article_646fdec7-c493-4e1c-a685-2cd6429f7665.html">Cobb, Marietta Teachers of the Year honored with handprints in Walk of Honor</a>&nbsp;
On a crisp fall day in Glover Park, two extraordinary teachers left their mark&mdash;literally. Hailey Howdyshell of Marietta City Schools and Amanda Dillard of Cobb County Schools unveiled their handprints on the Teacher Walk of Honor, surrounded by cheering students, proud families, and teary-eyed colleagues.&nbsp;
&ldquo;This isn&rsquo;t just about me,&rdquo; Howdyshell, a first-grade teacher, said. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s about the kids, my mentors, my team&mdash;everyone who&rsquo;s shaped me.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Dillard, a special education teacher at Pope High, reflected on her journey: &ldquo;I never planned to teach, but my students showed me why I was meant to.&rdquo; She&rsquo;s known for her relentless dedication, helping kids of all abilities find their version of success.&nbsp;
The ceremony, part of the Cobb Chamber&rsquo;s monthlong celebration, will wrap up with a pep rally and a car giveaway for the honorees. But for these two, the real reward is the impact they make every single day.&nbsp;
And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on budgeting&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
We&rsquo;ll have closing comments after this.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Break: Ingles Markets 7&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 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.&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>

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 

 

 

 

This podcast is produced by BG Ad Group

 

For advertising inquiries, please email j.southerland@bgadgroup.com

For more information be sure to visit https://www.bgpodcastnetwork.com/

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>
Cobb Life Magazine - <a href="http://www.cobblifemagazine.com">www.cobblifemagazine.com </a>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
This podcast is produced by BG Ad Group
&nbsp;
For advertising inquiries, please email <a href="mailto:j.southerland@bgadgroup.com">j.southerland@bgadgroup.com</a>
For more information be sure to visit <a href="https://www.bgpodcastnetwork.com/">https://www.bgpodcastnetwork.com/</a>

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