MDJ Script/ Top Stories for Mar 28th           

Publish Date:  Mar 28th        

Commercial:

From the Ingles Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. 

Today is Thursday, March 28th, and Happy 68th Birthday to singer Reba McEntire.

***03.28.24 – BIRTHDAY – REBA MCENTIRE***

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

1. Woman on Cocaine and Fentanyl Caused Fatal Crash in Smyrna
2. Teenager Accused of Having Gun at Sprayberry High School
3. Cobb County Stormwater Fee Vote Delayed Amid Deluge of Opposition

Plus, Bruce Jenkins sits down with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets to discuss raw milks health benefits.

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 

STORY 1: Police: Woman on Cocaine and Fentanyl Caused Fatal Crash in Smyrna

Sandrika Brock, a Marietta woman, faces charges including vehicular homicide, serious injury by vehicle, and DUI after a fatal crash in Smyrna on Oct. 20. Allegedly under the influence of cocaine, marijuana, and fentanyl, Brock reportedly caused the collision while driving westbound in the eastbound lane, crashing into Jose Cuellar's Kia Sportage. Leonard Johnson was killed, and Cuellar and Maria Cuellar were seriously injured. Brock's boyfriend, Aaron Thedford, was also injured. Police refute Brock's claim that Thedford grabbed the wheel, stating evidence suggests Brock accelerated toward oncoming traffic. Brock, found driving without insurance or a seatbelt, is held without bond at Cobb County Adult Detention Center.

STORY 2: Teenager Accused of Having Gun at Sprayberry High School

Cameron Mekhi Hester, 17, is accused of possessing a .177 caliber Daisy pistol in his bookbag following a physical altercation at Sprayberry High School on March 14. Assistant Principal Richmond Parker discovered the gun during an administrative search. Hester faces a charge of carrying weapons within a school safety zone. He was arrested on March 22 and booked into Cobb County Adult Detention Center, later released on a $3,500 bond.

STORY 3: Cobb County Stormwater Fee Vote Delayed Amid Deluge of Opposition

The Cobb Board of Commissioners, considering a stormwater fee, faced significant opposition during a meeting packed with residents. Commissioner Jerica Richardson expressed hesitancy after public comment, requesting more education for residents and stakeholder meetings. The proposed fee would fund stormwater infrastructure improvements, but many residents opposed it, calling it a tax burden. Richardson's motion to delay the vote was supported, aiming to refine the proposal and engage the community further. The board agreed to postpone the decision to August, seeking to address concerns and enhance understanding before proceeding.

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We’ll be right back 

Break: HENRY CO SHERIFFS – DRAKE

STORY 4: Cobb Commission Makes Changes to Public Comment Rules

The Cobb Board of Commissioners made several revisions to its rules on public comment during a marathon meeting. Changes included increasing the number of speakers allowed from 12 to 20 but reducing their speaking time from five to three minutes each. Speakers are now restricted to one slot per meeting, and commissioners' remarks after public comment periods were shortened to three minutes. Discussion also arose about prohibiting audiovisual presentations during public comment due to cybersecurity concerns, with Chairwoman Lisa Cupid suggesting addressing concerns separately. Despite opposition, most changes were approved, including limits on commissioners' presentations and prohibitions on campaigning during public comments.

STORY 5: 'Accountability and Protection': Marietta Discusses Squatting Solutions

Marietta Mayor Steve Tumlin has proposed an ordinance aimed at addressing squatting and homelessness in the city. The ordinance would prohibit squatting on private and public property during certain hours and impose fines for violations. Despite concerns about criminalizing homelessness, the City Council discussed the proposal, emphasizing the need for public-private partnerships to address the underlying issues. However, there are challenges in enforcing such ordinances due to jurisdictional complexities and limited resources. While the proposed ordinance may strengthen police response, it is acknowledged that it won't completely solve the homelessness issue.

We’ll be back in a moment 

Break: TEDS – INGLES 10

STORY 6: LEAH MCGRATH

And now here is Bruce Jenkins’ conversation with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets to discuss raw milk’s health benefits.

STORY 7: LEAH INTERVIEW

Break: ATL HEALTH FAIR

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 Gwinnett Daily Post, the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties, or the Paulding County News Podcast. 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:

• ingles-markets.com
• cuofga.org
• drakerealty.com
• henrycountysheriffga.gov
• acc.org/ATLHealthFair
• tedsmontanagrill.com

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