Former Ga. Congressman Tom Price resigns as HHS Secretary

Tom Price
Official U.S. Health and Human Services Department portrait of Tom Price.

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price resigned on Friday afternoon following reports that he spent several hundred thousand dollars at taxpayers’ expense flying charter planes, sometimes for personal as well as government business.

Price is a Roswell Republican who represented East Cobb in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2006 until his appointment in February by President Donald Trump.

He is the first Trump cabinet member to step down from his position, although the administration has been unsettled by several firings and resignations within high levels of the White House staff.

Price served less than eight months in that role. He was succeeded in Congress by Karen Handel, who won a June special election against Democrat Jon Ossoff in what’s been regarded the most expensive U.S. House race in history.

Last week Politico first reported about Price’s plane travel, leading off with a government-funded trip to St. Simons Island, on the Georgia coast, for a medical conference. In all, Politico reported, Price took at least 26 trips on charter aircraft, which are far more expensive than commercial planes.

On Thursday Price said he would partially reimburse the federal government for his plane usage, which included military aircraft, reportedly after Trump expressed displeasure with the news.

Price, who also served in the Georgia State Senate, was an orthopedic physician before his political career in Washington.

A former House Budget Committee chairman, Price was the lead administration official in charge of White House efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, and which has run into Republican opposition in the Senate.

Dogden and Dickerson named National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2017

The latest East Cobb recipients of the National Blue Ribbon Schools designation by the U.S. Department of Education are Dodgen and Dickerson middle schools.

The two feeder schools into Walton High School are among 342 schools nationwide and the only two schools in the Cobb County School District to be honored for 2017.Dodgen and Dickerson, National Blue Ribbon Schools

For Dickerson, it’s the second time it’s been named a Blue Ribbon School, which has been given out since 1982. Dodgen’s addition makes it 17 different East Cobb schools that have been so honored (see the list at the bottom of this post).

So what, exactly, is a Blue Ribbon School, and what does a school have to do be named? Like the other winners this year and in the past, Dodgen and Dickerson are “exemplary high performing schools,” as measured by overall academic performance, including test scores, closing achievement gaps in school subgroups and other factors.

The Blue Ribbon Schools summary sheet for Dodgen also details a high participation rate in music programs and the school’s 2016 designation as being the best in Georgia in the Scholastic Summer Reading Program.

Here’s Dodgen principal Dr. Loralee Hill, in comments provided by the CCSD:

“This recognition is the result of our vision to allow students to grow academically, cognitively, emotionally, and socially through service and leadership. Our teachers and staff are committed to providing our students with rigorous and challenging opportunities that will allow them to gain the knowledge and skills to be successful in their next phase of life. This honor truly belongs to everyone associated with Dodgen Middle School.”

At Dickerson, a school-wide Lead by Example program transcends academics to include social and emotional interactions and relationships between students, teachers and staff. Here’s principal Carol Brink’s reaction:

“The Blue Ribbon Award is truly an honor and a shared celebration both in our district and our school community. However, I must say that at the heart of this celebration is truly the focus and commitment of our students and teachers who lead by example by putting forth their very best every day!”

Both of the above links contain more information about Dodgen and Dickerson, including their application statements for the Blue Ribbon Schools designation, including demographics, special programs and more.

Here’s a longer roster of all the Blue Ribbon School winners from East Cobb:

  • 2016: Mt. Bethel Elementary School;
  • 2013: Tritt Elementary School;
  • 2011: Timber Ridge Elementary School;
  • 2009: Hightower Trail Middle School;
  • 2008: Mabry Middle School;
  • 2007: Walton High School;
  • 2003: Dickerson Middle School;
  • 2001: Shallowford Falls Elementary School;
  • 2000: Lassiter High School;
  • 1996: Sprayberry High School;
  • 1994: Eastvalley Elementary School;
  • 1992: McCleskey Middle School;
  • 1990: East Cobb Middle School;
  • 1988: Murdock Elementary School; Sope Creek Elementary School;
  • 1986: Mt. Bethel Elementary School;
  • 1984: Walton High School.

Lassiter High School band invited to 2019 Tournament of Roses parade

Earlier this month, students in the Lassiter High School band got some exciting news: They’ll be marching in Pasadena, California, on New Year’s Day 2019.Lassiter High School band

That can mean only one thing: The Tournament of Roses Parade. It will be the fifth time for Lassiter, and yes, that’s not during the current school year but for the one to follow, in 2018-19. But it’s another distinguishing accomplishment for a decorated program.

Lassiter band director James Thompson told the students at a band meeting during homecoming week:

Here’s the letter Thompson sent to the Lassiter community:

It is with tremendous joy that I announce that the Lassiter High School Marching Trojan Band has been extended an invitation to perform in the 130th annual Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. This distinction was only extended to 13 bands from across the globe after a rigorous application process. This marks an unprecedented fifth invitation extended to the Lassiter Band Program to perform in America’s New Year Celebration; and I could not be more thrilled.
 
The Tournament of Roses Parade (www.tournamentofroses.com) on New Years Day is an annual occurrence held in southern California since 1890. The tournament is a celebration and salute to community spirit, service, and a love of pageantry. The Rose Parade is marked by a 5-½ mile parade route along Colorado Boulevard through Pasadena, for an overwhelming one million spectators and a worldwide television viewing audience estimated at nearly half of a billion in over 80 countries. The opportunity to share our talents and represent our community for such a vast viewing audience is both daunting and thrilling.
 
Our beloved Lassiter band has gained national notoriety for its high level of achievement over the years. The fast paced, musically and visually challenging marching programs are a testament to an uncompromising commitment to excellence by our students, staff, and directors. I am filled with such joy to share our talents with the entire world. Moreover, I am appreciative to our students, staff, administration, and boosters for an uncompromising commitment to our standard of excellence. Work ethic is the hallmark of our program and is the precursor of this once in a lifetime opportunity. This invitation is a testament to the time, energy, and sacrifice paid by our students. Our Marching Trojans have worked hard to receive an occasion to showcase their talents for the world to see. In fact, to my knowledge, only the Sprayberry and Walton bands have been offered this opportunity, placing Lassiter in the extreme minority as one of the select few to perform in the Rose Parade.
 
In addition to work ethic, one of our most sacred traditions is service. A special thank you is in order for our senior class of 2018. Like each senior class before them, they have learned to share their knowledge in service to the youngest and least skilled among them. Each Lassiter student learns the joy of gracious giving. The class of 2018 will join the ranks of countless Lassiter band alumni who will look on with pride as “The TRADITION continues . . .” knowing that they are a part of that tradition. There is no way that we could have achieved this honor without them. We all thank you so very much.
 
While the details of the performance will be communicated very soon, today is cause for celebration, reflection, and joy. Happy homecoming. Take a bow Lassiter band, job well done!
 
Eyes With Pride,
James E. Thompson, Jr.
Director of Bands
Lassiter High School

Wheeler graduation rate up nearly 10 percent since 2013; 3 East Cobb schools above 90 percent for 2017

Wheeler graduation rate, East Cobb graduation rates
East Cobb News file photo of Wheeler High School

The Cobb County School District released graduation rates for the last four years on Wednesday, and all six high schools in East Cobb have remained steady or had moderate rises in the last five years. The Wheeler graduation rate, which has jumped nearly 10 percent in that time, is one of the biggest increases in the district.

The statistics show that Walton, Lassiter and Pope were among the six high schools with graduation rates exceeding 90 percent in 2017.

Kell and Sprayberry reported graduation rates in the mid-to-high 80s. At Wheeler, where the graduation rate was 71.2 percent in 2013, it now is 81.1, a boost of 9.9 percent.

The only gains larger than the Wheeler graduation rate were at Osborne, Campbell and South Cobb, whose jumps were in double digits.

Related Story

East Cobb SAT scores: Walton, Lassiter, Pope, Wheeler among best in Georgia

Sprayberry had the biggest increase in its graduation rate from 2016, from 81.7 percent to 85.5.

“We don’t allow students to make mistakes that will cost them graduation. We prepare our students for life after high school,” Sprayberry principal Joe Sharp said in a statement issued by the CCSD, adding that “all the students know there are adults in the building to support them in their goal of graduation.”

Harrison High School led all of Cobb with a 2017 graduation rate of 96.3, followed by Lassiter (95.7), Walton (94.5), Pope (91.8), Hillgrove (91.0) and Allatoona (90.1).

Cobb’s graduation rate for 2017 is 83.6 percent.

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 5-Year Trend
Kell 80.6 78.5 84.7 85.0 87.9 +7.3
Lassiter 91.4 91.5 93.8 94.5 95.7 +4.3
Pope 91.9 88.0 91.7 93.4 91.8 -0.1
Sprayberry 82.4 80.9 72.0 81.7 85.5 +3.1
Walton 90.8 92.7 94.1 96.1 94.5 +3.7
Wheeler 71.2 70.5 79.4 80.7 81.1 +9.9
Cobb 76.5 78.2 81.4 83.8 83.6 +7.1

East Cobb SAT scores: Walton, Lassiter, Pope, Wheeler among best in Georgia

Walton High School, East Cobb SAT scores
East Cobb News file photo of Walton High School

The results of the 2017 Scholastic Aptitude Test, one of the major guideposts for college admissions, were released on Tuesday. East Cobb SAT scores were among the highest in Georgia.

Walton High School’s mean score of 1,242 was second in all of Georgia, trailing only the Gwinnett School of Math, Science and Technology (1,315). But three other East Cobb schools also placed high in the statewide mean scores as well: Lassiter was 7th at 1,189; Pope was 15th at 1,164; and Wheeler was 22nd at 1,153.

Kell finished just above the Cobb County School District mean of 1,088 with a score of 1,091, while Sprayberry’s mean score is 1,049.

The SAT is administered by the College Board, and tests students in two cluster subject areas: Math and ERW (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing). The score grading is from 400 to 1,600.

This is a change that was made in the last year, with the previous maximum score 2,400. The redesigned test includes questions about history, science and social studies (more comparable to the ACT); whereas the previous test focused on math and English.

Three Walton students earned perfect scores of 1,600 in the 2017 testing period.

“Our teachers are doing a great job focusing on literacy in the classroom. This focus has had a positive impact on all of the state and national measurements,” Walton principal Judy McNeill said in a statement issued by the Cobb County School District. “We thank the faculty, students, and community for making Walton such a positive learning environment. We have students that really want to do well.”

The Georgia Department of Education offered this summary of the statewide results, which also include links to district and school-level databases. Here are the six East Cobb high school scores, as well as the Cobb, Georgia and national results.

# Test Takers Overall Mean ERW Mean Math Mean
Kell 176 1,091 555 536
Lassiter 341 1,189 598 591
Pope 232 1,164 587 577
Sprayberry 260 1,049 536 512
Walton 351 1,242 621 621
Wheeler 236 1,153 579 574
Cobb 4,707 1,088 554 534
Georgia 63,805 1,050 535 515
National 1,715,481 1,060 533 527

Mountain View Elementary School honored by physical fitness group

Before Cobb schools went out on fall break this week, they passed along this news about Mountain View Elementary School for creating a strong environment for physical fitness:

Active Schools honored Mountain View Elementary School with the 2017 Let’s Move! Active Schools National Award for its outstanding efforts in creating an active school environment. Active Schools is a national movement dedicated to ensuring that 60 minutes of physical activity a day is the norm in K-12 schools.

The Let’s Move! Active Schools National Award is the nation’s top physical education and physical activity distinction for K-12 schools and celebrates a school’s commitment to providing students with physical activity before, during and after school. Only 452 schools across the country achieved this prestigious honor in 2017.

Powered by a national collaborative of leading health, education, and private sector organizations, Active Schools equips schools with the resources, programs, professional development, and grants to increase physical education and physical activity opportunities for students, and to cultivate an active school environment.

According to Active Schools, active kids do better in school. Regular physical activity not only helps kids stay healthy and strong, but it can also lead to higher test scores, improved attendance, increased focus, better behavior in class, enhanced leadership skills, and a lifetime of healthy habits.

“ ‘We commend Mountain View Elementary’s model work around enhancing physical education and physical activity opportunities and inspiring students to perform their best, both in the classroom and in life,’ said Charlene R. Burgeson, Active Schools Executive Director. ‘Mountain View is leading the way in this generation-changing movement that is transforming our nation’s schools into active and healthy hubs.’ ”

To earn a Let’s Move! Active Schools National Award, a school must have met significant benchmarks in five areas: physical education, physical activity before and after school, physical activity during school, staff involvement, and family and community engagement.

As part of the Let’s Move! Active Schools National Award package, Mountain View received a large display banner, national award certificate, and congratulatory letter.

Find out more about Let’s Move! Active Schools at www.letsmoveschools.org.

East Cobb resident recognized as Cobb declares ‘Henry Holley Day’

Henry Holley

Henry Holley’s recent 90th birthday didn’t go unnoticed by the Cobb Board of Commissioners, who honored the longtime East Cobb resident with an official recognition before their Friday meeting.

Holley, who’s lived in Indian Hills for 45 years, is retired director of international crusades for the Billy Graham ministries, a job he held after a long career in the U.S. Marine Corps that included service World War II and the Korean War. He’s also a member of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, where he was ordained in the gospel ministry in 1995.

His wife Bettie died last year at the age of 91. They were married for 67 years, after meeting in 1948 on a blind date.

Cobb commissioners also declared Friday to be “Henry Holley Day” in the county as he gave the invocation at the meeting. Holley served under Graham in several capacities for 48 years and organized the evangelist’s largest crusades. More below the photo from the official recognition read out at Friday’s meeting:

Henry Holley
Cobb commission chairman Mike Boyce and commissioner JoAnn Birrell recognizing Rev. Henry Holley. (East Cobb News photos by Wendy Parker)

“Holley organized the historic Korean 1973 Crusade in Seoul in which never before had so many come to one place to hear a preacher proclaim the Gospel. On the final day, there were 1.3 million people in attendance. Across the five-day Crusade, there were over 3.2 million people that heard Dr. Graham face to face.

“In 1974, Holley was Crusade Director for another precedent shattering Crusade, The Greater Rio de Janeiro Billy Graham Crusade in Brazil held at the famous Maracana stadium-the world’s largest. More people attended this meeting than any other crusade ever held in North or South America; over 250,000 attended on closing day.

“He served as Director of Development for the International Conference for Itinerant Evangelists in Amsterdam (1983) in which he was responsible for raising much of the budget.

“After his duties in Amsterdam, Holley prepared for Dr. Graham’s participation in the 100th Anniversary of the Korean Church Crusade held in Seoul (1984). For the second time, over one million attended the service when Dr. Graham preached at Yoido Plaza with an estimated ten million more across Korea viewing via television. In 1985-86, he was Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Amsterdam ’86 International Conference for Itinerant Evangelists (ICIE) meeting. He prepared many special meetings for Dr. Billy Graham and conducted investigation meetings for possible future crusades all over the world.

“In 1990, Holley directed the Hong Kong Crusade, which had the largest attendance ever for an evangelistic meeting in Hong Kong. In addition, the Crusade message was extended by satellite television to 30 countries in Asia in 45 different languages. Over 100 million people were reached with the Gospel in this effort.

“Holley has been to North Korea (DPRK) seventeen times. In 1992 Holley was responsible for the diplomatic and administrative preparation work for a most historic and extraordinary visit by Dr. Billy Graham to North Korea. Holley directed the small team that accompanied Dr. Graham to the capital city of Pyongyang. The significant mission to Pyongyang was highlighted by Dr. Graham preaching the Gospel in the two churches in North Korea. In addition, he lectured at Kim Il-Sung University — the first American to have this privilege. Dr. Graham and Rev. Holley also had a personal meeting with President Kim Il-Sung where he brought private messages from President George Bush and Pope John Paul II.

“Holley directed the Tokyo Crusade in January 1994 at the world famous Tokyo Dome. Audiences averaged 32,000 at each meeting with over 3,000 decisions for Christ. Thousands more attended at the 60 satellite locations around the country. In a country where less than 1% identified as Christians, this was an extraordinary response. Church leaders credited this and previous Billy Graham Crusades with the growth of the Christian church in Japan.

“These highlights in Holley’s career came after a variety of assignments in the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association during his 48 years with the organization. Holley directed Billy Graham Crusades in Taipei, Taiwan (1975); Hong Kong (1975 and 1990); Manila (1977); Singapore (1978); Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka and Okinawa (1980). He also gave supervision and direction to the Paris Crusade and Helsinki Crusade (1986). He assisted in Crusade preparations in London (1966); Tokyo (1967); Sydney (1968 & 1979); Melbourne; Auckland; Honolulu; New York; and other USA cities. He also organized Christian participation in the Washington, DC “Honor America Day” celebration in 1970 and 1979.

“For each major foreign crusade, Holley spent over a year in preparation, organization, and in joint venture with the local invitational committee to mobilize the entire city for these meetings.

“This required great skill in reaching across many different cultures and languages in order to be successful. For years, he traveled an average of 150,000 miles and 200 days overseas each year and accumulated over 13 million air miles. At 85 years of age, he was still employed by BGEA and actively engaged in ministry.

“He was responsible for the cultivation and development of ministry, government, and church leaders in China. He organized and executed meetings for Rev. Franklin Graham in many cities in China, beginning in 2006.

“In addition to regular international Crusade responsibilities of cultivating and directing, Holley served as Special Assistant to Dr. Billy Graham on many projects and missions and in the cultivation and development of potential crusade opportunities for Rev. Franklin Graham. In 2005, he was honored to bring the opening prayer in the U. S. House of Representatives and in 2007 was honored, again, to offer the opening prayer in the U. S. Senate.”

A native of Texas, Holley attended the University of Houston and studied administration, law, management and leadership while in the military. He and his wife had three children, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

East Marietta adult store robbery suspect arrested; another at-large

Elations, East Marietta adult story robbery

Marietta Police said Friday afternoon they have charged a man wanted in an East Marietta adult store robbery last month, and are searching for another suspect.

Willie Demetrics Shaw, 25, of Acworth, was being held without bond at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center, police said. He’s been charged with two counts of felony armed robbery for the Aug. 24 hold-up of the Elations adult entertainment store, located at 1424 Roswell Road.

Marietta Police said Shaw was taken into custody Tuesday in Austell, and was apprehended with assistance from the Cobb Anti-Gang Enforcement unit. Police also said they obtained video surveillance photos from surrounding businesses during the investigation.

The second suspect, who was not identified, was outside of Elations when the robbery took place, police said. Anyone with information is asking to contact Marietta Police Det. Sheffield at 770-794-5345.

Cobb fiscal year 2018 budget approved in close vote

Cobb fiscal year 2018 budget

After a lengthy public hearing and discussion and the possibility of not approving a budget today, the Cobb fiscal year 2018 budget was adopted by the Board of Commissioners.

The $403.4 million budget is based on the millage rate of 6.76 set by commission in July, and using $19.7 million in contingency funding—”one-time monies” in budget parlance—to balance the budget. More than $1 million for Cobb community charities was not included in the budget, and representatives of many of those organizations were vocal about keeping their funding.

The new budget includes funding for the East Cobb Library, which commissioner JoAnn Birrell had proposed closing, but does not include funding for the Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center, which will replace the East Marietta Library and is slated to open this winter.

Like the funding for the charities, funding for the new library is expected to be taken up by the commissioners in the new fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1.

What follows is a live-blog format of the public comment period, both from the public and the commissioners, that was updated as the budget proceedings took place.

We’ll have other matters from today’s commission meeting, including the approval of the Cobb 2040 Comprehensive Plan, posted separately.

We’ll also link to the final budget document once it’s made available online. Here’s the original.

1:41 PM: The budget passes 3-2, with Boyce, Birrell and Bob Weatherford voting yes, Ott and Cupid voting no.

1:28 PM: Chairman Mike Boyce is the last member of the board to speak, saying “budgets are never easy.” Regarding the non-profits, he said many provide services that government should be doing, but they do it better. “This isn’t black and white. The bottom line is we can’t give you what we don’t have . . . money because of the millage rate.”

Carving out a budget based on a 6.76 millage rate includes figuring out how “to provide services this county has come to expect.” He said “we’re a five-star county” and that he hopes conversations over the next few months will result in some kind of consensus from the board in the future.

Boyce makes motion to approve budget, with Birrell seconding.

1:15 PM: South Cobb commissioner Lisa Cupid said the budget situation today is “the direct result of the millage rate vote [from earlier this summer] that I did not support.” She also said that the situation is “not only mind-boggling but somewhat shameful,” and cited cuts in assistance to community non-profits, the continued limited hours for libraries and more.

“This is a not a good situation that we’re in today, to not pass a budget” that will “put us in a worse situation. There are real people with real needs that are attached to” what is tied into the budget.

She also referenced how the needs of the Braves are being accommodated, but not those who benefit from community charities. “I’m just troubled by this whole ordeal.” Cupid said she cannot support the budget proposal.

1:08 PM: The public hearing is closed, and the commissioners are making some opening comments during their discussion period. Northeast Cobb commissioner JoAnn Birrell said: “Is this a perfect budget? No. But is pretty much a flat budget” and she supports it.

East Cobb commissioner Bob Ott said he would like to see some details on how to deal with the one-time money, but “I don’t see it there.”

1:01 PM: Michael Paris of East Cobb, head of the Council for Quality Growth, spoke in support of the proposed budget. “Go forward and make sure we continue to make this county great,” he said.

12:29 PM: Ray Thomas, a South Cobb resident, expressed concern that the budget proposal includes contingency funding despite an improving economy and rising Cobb tax digest. “What happens when things really get tough? . . . This is very disconcerting.” He said the county has two choices: cut back services or find more revenue, and he cited a rise in the millage rate.

12:23 PM: Dan Daniel, a longtime East Cobb resident and volunteer at the East Cobb Library, pleaded with the commissioners to keep that branch open. If it closes, he said, nearby residents would have to go a great distance to patronize the library system.

12:01 PM: The public hearing on the budget is continuing, but we’re taking a break. This very well may be an all-day meeting, given what else is on the agenda, and what looks to be a commission impasse on the budget. Some very impassioned speakers already, and there are more to come.

11:22 AM: The directors of a number of community service organizations, including MUST Ministries, Family Promise of Cobb County and the Cobb Schools Foundation, are speaking on behalf of continuing the county funding they receive. The proposed budget does not include charities funding.

A retired citizen, John Morgan, asks the commissioners to consider “what will your legacy be?” especially as it pertains to Cobb’s homeless, and cites several Bible passages. The crowd applauded as he concluded.

11:05 AM: The first speaker is East Cobb resident Abby Shiffman, the chairwoman of the Cobb library board of trustees, and she’s urging the commission not pass a budget today, especially as it pertains to the library budget. “How can you pass a budget without specifics?” she asked, noting that the library system has suffered “cut after cut after cut” with no increase in funding, including expansion of library hours, since the recession. The notion of closing a library branch (Birrell has proposed closing the East Cobb Library) “without a true hearing is something I cannot understand.”

BTW: Tonight is the Cobb Library Foundation’s gala dinner, “Booked for the Evening,” featuring East Cobb author Jonathan W. Jordan, that’s one of the year’s biggest fundraising events for outside money to support the library system.

Read more

East Cobb students named to state education advisory councils

Two East Cobb students will serve on state education advisory councils this academic year after being appointed by Georgia School Superintendent Richard Woods.

They are:

  • Zechariah Fuller, Dickerson Middle School, Middle School Advisory Board;
  • Nidhi Manikkoth, Walton High School, High School Advisory Board.Georgia Department of Education, East Cobb students

They’re among six Cobb County School District students and 142 across the state to serve on the advisory councils, who will meet with the superintendent during the school year to offer feedback on the impact of state education policies in the classroom and other education issues.

The panelists were chosen from an original pool of 1,500 students in Georgia public schools who applied and wrote essays explaining why they wanted to serve.

Here’s Woods, via a CCSD release:

“Every year, it is so valuable to hear directly from students through my Student Advisory Council, In the past, we have made direct changes based on student feedback, and I look forward to working with these 142 students who I know will make an impact. I’m so grateful for every student who took the time to apply and share their thoughts.”

The first meetings will take place Oct. 3-4, with future sessions in January and April.

East Cobb Traffic: Your morning update for the last day of summer

East Cobb traffic, Johnson Ferry at Roswell Road
Johnson Ferry at Roswell Road

7:12 AM: Good morning East Cobb! It’s the last day of summer—fall officially kicks in around 4 p.m. today, although it won’t feel like it, with high temperatures once again in the high 80s, and high humidity to boot.

Here’s a quick look at some key traffic points this morning as the commuting hours get underway. Thus far no major accidents to report on local roads in East Cobb, although there is a minor accident which is being reported on Roswell Road near the 120 Loop.

For the most part, though, the East Cobb area—as we’re typing this anyway—is relatively clear as daybreak sets in. There are the usual jams and bottlenecks appearing along key Interstate 75 junctions, and an accident also is just now being reported via Waze on I-75 southbound near Windy Hill Road.

The photos are screenshots of key East Cobb intersections from the Georgia 511 site (and area map as we have it now):

Old Canton at Roswell Road
Powers Ferry Road at Terrell Mill Road
Roswell Road at East Piedmont Road
Sandy Plains Road at Shallowford Road
Canton Road at Shallowford Road

Cobb 2018 budget adoption, 2040 comprehensive plan on Friday agenda

A postponed meeting from last week that was to include the Cobb 2018 budget adoption and the Cobb 2040 Comprehensive Plan will take place Friday.

Bob Ott, Cobb 2018 budget adoption
District 2 commissioner Bob Ott.

The Cobb Board of Commissioners will meet starting at 10 a.m. in the 2nd floor room of the Cobb BOC building, 100 Cherokee St., in downtown Marietta.

The meeting was rescheduled because county government was shut down due to Tropical Storm Irma. Before commissioners vote on the fiscal year 2018 budget, a final public hearing on the budget will take place.

Cobb commission chairman Mike Boyce has proposed an $890 million budget (PDF here), with $405 million for the general fund, and without a millage rate increase. After losing a battle in July to boost the millage rate to fully fund the 2008 Cobb parks bond referendum, Boyce is proposing to use $21.5 million in contingency funding to balance the budget.

East Cobb commissioner Bob Ott has gone on the record stating he does not support a millage rate increase and called for a budget review to find cost savings (East Cobb News post here).

East Cobb Library
The East Cobb Library opened at Parkaire Landing Shopping Center in 2010.

He’s also been feuding with his fellow East Cobb commissioner, JoAnn Birrell, who has proposed closing the East Cobb Library to help balance the budget. At an August town hall meeting at that same library branch—the second-busiest in the Cobb public library system—Ott said he would propose closing an “underperforming” branch elsewhere in his district but has not publicly elaborated since then (East Cobb News post here).

East Cobb residents spoke out loudly at a previous public hearing before Birrell defended her proposal to close the East Cobb Library. More than 5,000 people have signed an online petition to keep it open.

Addoption of the Cobb 2040 Comprehensive Plan is on Friday’s agenda, which reflects “Cobb’s vision, policies and goals based on the existing plan and community involvement,” according to documents explaining the plan update process.

Hearings, revisions and other work going into the 2040 plan have been ongoing since 2015. The final draft was completed on Sept. 5, with final revisions explained here.

Several East Cobb citizen activists have been critical of the proposed Cobb 2040 report, concerned about the influx of high-density development in the East Cobb area.

The county is required by the state to adopt a plan and submit it for review by the Atlanta Regional Commission.

Also on Friday’s agenda are the following East Cobb-related items:

  • A change order to approve $194,700 in funding to resurface Dickerson Road, located off Lower Roswell Road, where a new subdivision, Crossvine, is being built by Lynwood Development;
  • An appeal by the owner of a proposed bar in northeast Cobb whose application for a liquor license was denied. Naseeb Rana of Kasbah Corp. wants to open an establishment in the Sandy Plains Village shopping center called Paprik’a which would have outdoor seating close to residential homes. Citizens from the Chatsworth and other subdivisions have strongly protested the application, saying the noise and late hours are incompatible with the community. They also said other establishments in the area serving alcohol are all-indoors and that Rana has not been responsive to community concerns;
  • East Cobb resident Ross Cavitt is expected to be appointed Cobb communications director, after more than 20 years as a reporter at WSB-TV (East Cobb News post here.)

East Cobb restaurant scores: Muss & Turner’s, Egg Harbor Cafe, Fresh To Order and more

Muss & Turner's, East Cobb restaurant scores
East Cobb News file photo

The following East Cobb restaurant scores for thus far in the month of September have been compiled by the Cobb & Douglas Department of Public Health. Click the link under each listing to view details of the inspection:

American Deli 
1230 Powers Ferry Road
September 7, 2017 Score: 95, Grade: A

Aurelio’s Is Pizza 
1255 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 22
September 14, 2017 Score: 90, Grade: A

Bagelicious 
1255 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 37
September 5, 2017 Score: 90, Grade: A

Barista’s 
4932 Lower Roswell Road
August 24, 2017 Score: 77, Grade: C
September 1, 2017 Score: 95, Grade: A

Bells Ferry Elementary School 
2600 Bells Ferry Road
September 13, 2017 Score: 100, Grade: A

Brewsters 
3595 Canton Road Suite C-17
September 7, 2017 Score: 100, Grade: A

Cafe Hot Wing #8 
1153 Roswell Road
September 6, 2017 Score: 91, Grade: A

Chick-Fil-A at Sprayberry Square #806 
2530 Sandy Plains Road
September 7, 2017 Score: 99, Grade: A

Chopsticks China Bistro 
3822 Roswell Road, Suite 113
September 1, 2017 Score: 96, Grade: A

Dunkin Donuts 
611 Johnson Ferry Road
September 5, 2017 Score: 92, Grade: A

Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins #308655 
2885 Canton Road
September 13, 2017 Score: 99, Grade: A

Egg Harbor Cafe
4719 Lower Roswell Road, Suite 210
September 1, 2017 Score: 79, Grade: C

Firehouse Subs #260 
1100 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 120
September 7, 2017 Score: 85, Grade: B

Frankie’s Italian Restaurant 
3125 Roswell Road
September 8, 2017 Score: 99, Grade: A

Fresh To Order 
1333 Johnson Ferry Road
September 7, 2017 Score: 92, Grade: A

Fuji Hana Steak & Sushi 
1255 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 1
September 1, 2017 Score: 92, Grade: A

Garrison Mill Elementary School 
4111 Wesley Chapel Road
September 18, 2017 Score: 100, Grade: A

Goldbergs Bagel Co. & Deli 
1062 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite A-110
September 1, 2017 Score: 95, Grade: A

Jet’s Pizza 
2900 Delk Road, Suite 300
September 14, 2017 Score: 99, Grade: A

Los Arcos Mexican Restaurant 
3101 Roswell Road, Suite 104
September 15, 2017 Score: 96, Grade: A

Mabry Middle School 
2700 Jims Road
September 18, 2017 Score: 100, Grade: A

Marietta Donut 
1282 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 109
September 5, 2017 Score: 99, Grade: A

Mr. Wonton 
3595 Canton Road, Suite 328
September 7, 2017 Score: 92, Grade: A

Muss & Turner’s East Cobb 
1205 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 101
September 6, 2017 Score: 84, Grade: B

Panda Express #1135 
4275 Roswell Road
September 20, 2017 Score: 100, Grade: A

Schlotzsky’s Deli 
3000 Windy Hill Road, Suite A-10
September 20, 2017 Score: 96, Grade: A

Sedalia Park Elementary School 
2230 Lower Roswell Road
September 14, 2017 Score: 100, Grade: A

Starbucks Coffee #8260 
1207 Johnson Ferry Road
September 14, 2017 Score: 95, Grade: A

Subway 
4880 Lower Roswell Road, Suite 115
September 14, 2017 Score: 91, Grade: A

Subway #20259 
2200 Roswell Road, Suite 110
September 20, 2017 Score: 100, Grade: A

Subway #46780 
1860 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 301
September 20, 2017 Score: 66, Grade: U

Wendy’s #79 
1312 Johnson Ferry Road
September 5, 2017 Score: 91, Grade: A

What’s For Lunch 
2995 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 440
September 20, 2017 Score: 88, Grade: B

Zaxby’s 
2080 Lower Roswell Road
September 14, 2017 Score: 86, Grade: B

East Cobb Health Park is collection point for Cobb medication take back day

The Cobb Police Department, Safe Kids Cobb County and WellStar are joining forces Saturday to encourage Cobb citizens to round up unwanted, unused and expired medications and drop them off at selected locations in the county this Saturday.  It’s the Cobb medication take back day, which began in 2015.

Saturday’s event takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the WellStar East Cobb Health Park (3747 Roswell Road) is one of those collection locations.

More from Cobb government: East Cobb Health Park

“Do your part to prevent accidental poisoning, overdoses and improper use of medications by simply taking your medications to one of these three drop-off locations. Your efforts will ultimately save lives by removing expired and unused prescription medications from your medicine cabinet. No questions will be asked and no forms or ID required. Sharps, liquids and pills are accepted. Since these events started in 2015, a little more than two tons of medication has been collected. WellStar Clinical Partners will also offer flu shots at the Acworth and East Cobb Health Park locations (not available at the Cobb Senior Services location). Cobb County Police Department and Safe Kids Cobb County team up with WellStar to offer this event in our community. For more information these events, call 770-793-7373.”

A few more details about the flu shots: They’re for adults and children ages 13 and older, and there is a $24 out-of-pocket cost if you’re not using your medical provider. Contact WellStar Clinical Partners at 470-644-0889 or email: wellstarclinicalpart@wellstar.org.

Auditions coming in October for St. Nick’s Cafe event at The Art Place

A St. Nick’s Cafe audition call has been announced for October. From The Art Place-Mountain View:

The Art Place is looking for actors and actresses ages 8-18 years old to be in our annual St. Nick’s Café event! This year’s show is “What Could Go Wrong the Night Before Christmas,” a fun retelling of “The Night Before Christmas” where our narrator must deal with every interruption imaginable.St. Nick's Cafe audition call

Auditions: October 17 & 19 from 6:30-8:30 at The Art Place
Shows will be at The Art Place on Saturday, December 2, 2017 at 9am, 11am & 1pm. Rehearsals will be once or twice a week and will increase in frequency as the show approaches. Please be ready for improv, a cold reading from the script and to move! Directed by Jeanette Maldonado. Presented by MVAA & The Art Place.

To be added to the audition list, please email meryl.manfre@cobbcounty.org or call 770-509-2700.

Lidl Grocery East Cobb proposal rejected by commissioners

A long-delayed site plan amendment by Lidl Grocery to convert the Park 12 Cobb theater into a supermarket was voted down Tuesday by the Cobb Board of Commissioners.

At their monthly zoning hearing, the commission voted 4-1 to turn down the application by the German-based grocer to build a store on Gordy Parkway at Shallowford Road, site of the cinema, in a case that received heavy community opposition. Park 12 Cobb, Lidl Grocery

“This use is too intense for this location,” said commissioner JoAnn Birrell, whose District 3 includes the theater location, which is close to three subdivisions and several parks as well as Lassiter High School.

She also cited traffic and crash data analysis in moving to deny the application. The number of accidents in the area—including the busy Shallowford/Sandy Plains intersection—has gone up dramatically in recent years.

Birrell said 42 accidents were recorded there in 2014, 61 in 2015, 82 in 2016 and through May of this year, 26, for a total of 211 accidents.

“Lidl would be better suited in a shopping center [on a major road] than in a standalone location on a two-lane road” that’s the primary point of access for residential communities, she said.

The Cobb zoning staff recommended approval for the grocery plan, which was first presented in May. Lidl attorney Parks Huff maintained that “this is not a difficult decision. This is technically a property rights issue and needs to be approved.”

Commissioner Bob Weatherford was the only vote in favor. While Lidl didn’t need rezoning, chairman Mike Boyce wondered why Lidl continued to insist upon a proposal that had such strong opposition (including an active Facebook group): “This one takes the cake.”

JoAnn Birrell
District 3 commissioner JoAnn Birrell. (East Cobb News file photo)

Huff, who said at the outset of the hearing that the application should be “a very routine matter,” claimed that many of those against Lidl’s plans “want to keep the movie theater as much as anything.”

Some in the audience groaned, but traffic and density issues dominated the discussion. Citizens against the Lidl proposal displayed several accident photos while making their remarks.

“We’re not opposed to this as a commercial property,” said Laura Hickman, who lives in the Highland Park neighborhood off Gordy Parkway. A grocery store, she said, “is too intense for this piece of land.” The Lidl proposal also was opposed by the East Cobb Civic Association.

Huff said the number of parking spaces would be reduced from the current 379 spaces  to 187 for the grocery store, and that landscaping and architectural plans would be an improvement from a movie theater. But East Cobb commissioner Bob Ott said the detriments to the proposal have to considered as well as the benefits.

Lidl Grocery
Opponents of the Lidl Grocery plans presented photos of accidents in the vicinity to make their case. (CobbTV screen shot)

“The traffic pictures speak for themselves,” he said.

Some citizens suggested that Lidl look elsewhere for a new site, perhaps at the old Mountain View Elementary School, which is being proposed for mixed-use redevelopment. An application for that property was to have been on the September zoning agenda but has been continued to October.

Solar panels at East Cobb veterinary clinic offer promising benefits

Montrose Animal Hospital solar panels
Solar panels on the roof of Montrose Animal Hospital were installed in July. (East Cobb News photos by Wendy Parker)

Dr. James Davis was admittedly an unlikely advocate of solar energy when he began researching the topic. Since 2011, Davis has been the owner of the Montrose Animal Hospital, an East Cobb veterinary clinic, and was looking for cost savings, as many business owners do.

While the benefits of solar energy have been touted by environmentalists, Davis, who says he personally believes in nuclear energy, kept an open mind.

He noticed that as the cost for purchasing solar panels was coming down, the energy savings were going up, as far as he could discern from government estimates that he found during his research.

“I’m not exactly a save the planet guy,” Davis said, “but if I can save a little money and the planet at the same time, then I’m all on board.”

Montrose Animal Hospital, solar panels
Dr. James Davis of the Montrose Animal Hospital keeps track of energy production from the rooftop solar panels with an app on his mobile phone.

In July, his clinic on Woodlawn Drive was equipped with solar panels on the roof that produce enough electricity to seriously cut into energy use. He said the panels already are reducing the clinic’s electricity bill, which had averaged around $1,700 a month, by around 45 percent.

He said about 20 percent of Montrose’s electric bill is for lighting, and the solar panels could reduce that to four percent.

“I’ve done a lot of analysis, and it makes more sense for businesses” to adopt solar solutions, he said. In addition to federal tax credits he said that another advantage to having the panels “is zero maintenance.”

But deciding to make the switch is still a sizable investment, and one with a longer term payoff. After making a down payment, Davis secured a loan for the panels, similar to buying a home, purchasing them from Creative Solar USA in Kennesaw.

“The costs are coming down, they’re more affordable,” he said. “We could make the payments.”

The solar panels at the 7,000-square-foot Montrose clinic are projected to have a break-even effect in about six-and-a-half years. Davis said he also tracks other local businesses that have solar equipment, and said he’s found “surprisingly few” in the East Cobb area.

Montrose Animal Hospital, solar panels
The clinic’s solar production momentarily dropped to zero during the eclipse.

Davis, who also operates the Shiloh Veterinary Clinic in Kennesaw, follows solar production figures on a mobile phone app included his purchase of the panels. He familiarized himself with its features just in time to track the energy drop that came on the solar eclipse on Aug. 21.

The Montrose staff celebrated the event with a barbecue in the clinic’s back yard. Davis looked at his app, and noticed solar production was “basically was at zero” as the eclipse passed over Georgia on a bright, sunny afternoon.

Another tool Davis uses is Google’s Project Sunroof, which estimates available sunlight for a particular location.

As his new solar investment continues to evolve, tracking data like that will be helpful, not only because solar production generally falls in the winter months, but also because he’s considering buying panels for his other clinic.

Two men sentenced in Northeast Cobb drug trafficking case

Two Cobb County men arrested last spring in a Northeast Cobb drug trafficking case that also included major weapons charges have been sentenced to prison.

Kyle Nixon, 26, was given an eight-year sentence, followed by five years of supervised release. Eric Gamez, 27, was sentenced to nine years and five months, with five years of supervised release.

The sentences were announced Monday by the Cobb District Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Atlanta. Northeast Cobb drug trafficking case, Kyle Nixon, Eric Gamez

Nixon and Gamez were arrested April 6, 2016 following a joint investigation by the Marietta/Cobb/Smyrna Organized Crime Unit and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

A search warrant was executed at Nixon’s residence on Sanford Drive in Northeast Cobb, where authorities found 400 grams of cocaine and more 300 grams of heroin, which authorities believe they intended to sell.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, more than $13,000 in cash and 19 firearms, including an AK-47 rifle, also were discovered at the home.

The men tried to flee the residence, but were taken into custody at the scene, according to police. Nixon pleaded guilty in April 2017 and was sentenced in July. Gamez pleaded guilty in February and his sentence was handed down Sept. 14, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

“These defendants were distributing cocaine and heroin while protecting their drug business with an arsenal of firearms,” Atlanta U. S. Attorney John Horn said in a statement. “Their actions disregarded the safety of our community, but swift action by law enforcement kept them from causing further harm.”

Harry’s Marietta store closing Oct. 5 as movie theater plans continue

Harry's Marietta store
Harry’s Marietta store has been part of Whole Foods since 2001. (East Cobb News photos by Wendy Parker)

What was announced earlier this year has become official: The Harry’s Marietta store is closing, and its last day of business is Wednesday, Oct. 4.

That’s because Whole Foods, which acquired Harrys in 2001 but allowed the farmers market concept to retain its name, is opening a new store in Kennesaw. That location opens on Friday, Oct. 6.

Harry’s was once the anchor of a shopping center at 70 Powers Ferry Road, at the intersection of Roswell Road, that opened in the 1990s, featuring Builders Square and Sports Authority stores and a Revco/CVS drug store. But after those businesses closed, Harry’s became the lone occupant of what was later named Harry’s Plaza.

Harry's Marietta store
A sign near the exits of Harry’s Marietta store.

Harry’s downsized its original space in Marietta following the opening of the East Cobb Whole Foods store at Merchants Walk in 2012.

Plans for the Harry’s relocation were in the works for months before Whole Foods recently became a wholly owned subsidiary of Amazon. The Studio Movie Grill, a Dallas-based company that operates big-screen cinemas with beer and restaurant fare, announced in January it would be redeveloping Harry’s Plaza.

Construction of the Studio Movie Grill is underway in the former Sports Authority spot, with a November opening tentatively scheduled.

Harry’s Plaza is in the vicinity of a larger, more gradual redevelopment of the Roswell Road corridor along Interstate 75. On the other side of the interstate, a new Waffle House has opened at Frey’s Gin Road and older commercial buildings in that area have been torn down.

All of this redevelopment is within the confines of the city of Marietta, which has been aiming to to revitalize certain portions of its eastern edge.

Harry's Marietta store
The former Sports Authority store is being turned into a Studio Movie Grill location.

 

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Walton football team ranked No. 4 in Class AAAAAAA

Following an emphatic 44-10 win over Wheeler in an East Cobb rivalry game Friday night, the Walton football team stayed unbeaten.

The 4-0 Raiders also moved up a lot in the latest statewide polls, to No. 4 in the Maxwell rankings, after being ranked 7th last week. Walton High School logo

The Lassiter Trojans are also 4-0 after defeating Marietta 37-14 Friday, and moved into the No. 14 spot in the Maxwell Rankings, which include 15 teams in each classification.

No other East Cobb school is ranked.

However, two East Cobb teams that had been winless finally earned their first victories of the season. After several close losses and falling to a No. 1 team in Rome, the Kell Longhorns (1-3) defeated Paulding County 58-46 in their first home game.

The Pope Greyhounds (1-3) traveled to Cambridge and won easily, by a 35-6 score. The Sprayberry Yellow Jackets also moved to 1-3 on the season in a 45-16 home loss to Dalton.

Walton is enjoying early success under first-year coach Daniel Brunner and has scored 40 or more points in its last three games. Against Wheeler (2-2),  D.J. Soyoye ran for 112 yards and two touchdowns for the Raiders.

In Maxwell’s all-classification rankings, Walton is at No. 7 this week, and Lassiter is 25th.

Both teams could conceivably undefeated when they meet each other in a region game at Raider Valley on Oct. 20. But they have some obstacles before that.

This Friday Lassiter plays South Forsyth, No. 12 in Class AAAAAAA. The Walton football team plays Dacula, which is ranked No. 15 in Class AAAAAA.

The Raiders and Trojans also have to play region rival Roswell, ranked 11th in this week’s polls.