MDJ Script/ Top Stories for March 21st

Publish Date:  March 21st

Commercial:

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

Today is Friday, March 21st and Happy Birthday to Matthew Broderick

***03.20.25 - BIRTHDAY – MATTHEW BRODERICK***

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

1. Two Rescued in Powder Springs Trench Collapse
2. Cobb Sheriff's Office Bloodhound Retires
3. Man Charged with Firing Gun While Drunk at Delk Road Hotel

Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on fast food

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 10

STORY 1:   Two Rescued in Powder Springs Trench Collapse

Two workers were rescued after a trench collapse at a Powder Springs construction site on Wednesday. Cobb Fire crews responded around 4 p.m. to 5001 Hill Rd., where one worker had freed themselves, while the other remained trapped waist-deep. Specially-trained rescue teams used a concrete silo and shovels to free the second victim. Both individuals were transported to Kennestone Hospital in stable condition. The cause of the collapse is still under investigation.

STORY 2:  Cobb Sheriff's Office Bloodhound Retires

After over five years of service, K-9 Shax, a seven-year-old bloodhound with the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office, retired in a heartfelt ceremony. Trained in tracking human odor, Shax began his career in 2019 and was instrumental in locating 16 individuals and assisting in 43 other cases across 119 deployments. Honored with treats, toys, a new bed, and a plaque, Shax was celebrated for his contributions to public safety. Now retired, he will live with his handler, Deputy Barry Bales, enjoying a well-deserved life of relaxation and care.

STORY 3:   Man Charged with Firing Gun While Drunk at Delk Road Hotel

James Edward Johnson, 27, of Atlanta, was arrested for firing four shots at another man while intoxicated during an altercation at The Courtyard Marriott in Marietta on March 8. The incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. after Johnson intervened in a domestic dispute, engaged in a fistfight, and later retrieved a gun to confront the man again. A breath test confirmed alcohol in his system. Charged with discharging a weapon under the influence, Johnson was arrested at 5 a.m. and remains in custody on a $10,000 bond.

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Break: INGLES 1

STORY 4:  KSU Breaks Ground on $50 Million Dorm

Kennesaw State University broke ground on a $50 million residence hall, "Summit II," to address growing on-campus housing needs. The 97,000-square-foot facility will add 462 beds, primarily for freshmen, and is set to open by fall 2026. With nearly 48,000 students enrolled, KSU is Georgia's third-largest university, but on-campus housing remains limited, with fewer than 6,000 beds available. The project is part of KSU's master plan to add 1,500 beds across its campuses. Officials highlighted the benefits of on-campus living, including improved retention and community building, especially for first-year students.

STORY 5:   Cobb Inmate Charged with Battery of Deputy

 Christopher Brian McNeal, 34, of Marietta, faces multiple charges after allegedly assaulting a deputy at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center on March 12. During an insulin call, McNeal resisted being escorted, lunged at the deputy, and pulled him down, causing the deputy to fall and injure his knee. McNeal then mounted the deputy and attempted to strike him before being tased. He is charged with aggravated battery, obstruction, mutiny, and unlawful acts of violence in a penal institution. McNeal remains in custody without bond.

Break:

And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on fast food

*** INGLES ASK LEAH (FAST FOOD)***

We’ll have closing comments after this.

Break: Ingles Markets 2

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:

• ingles-markets.com

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