At new Heavenly BBQ, the mission is to ‘elevate the food’

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Daryl Stewart says he continues to experiment with his Brunswick stew recipe that leans on the spicy side. (ECN photos)

Daryl Stewart’s previous career in the food industry prompted him to return earlier this year when he opened Heavenly BBQ in the Sprayberry Square Shopping Center.

It’s located in the former Willie Jewell’s location, and looks very much the same.

He put in new flooring and lightened up the interior.

But the biggest change is not only the barbecue concept he has had in mind for a long time, but the taste of the food.

“The failure for a lot of restaurants is that they cut corners on the quality of their food,” he said.

That’s what Stewart said he tasted when he got interested in taking over the Willie Jewell’s space, when the restaurant announced its closure in November after nearly seven years in East Cobb.

Stewart attends to a customer with a to-go order.

Stewart said he tried everything on the Willie Jewell’s menu, and “I didn’t like it. The product was going down and got away from fresh ingredients.”

His concept stresses fresh as much as possible, from smoked meats to classic barbecue side dishes. For example, the coleslaw is made with fresh, not bagged, cabbage, and he’s just added fresh okra because customers have been asking for it.

Collard greens, also fresh, are slow-cooked with whole garlic cloves. The mac and cheese also is entirely from scratch.

At the heart of the menu, Stewart says, is the brisket and Brunswick stew.

“I’m not a chef, but I designed the whole menu,” said Stewart, who managed two Jersey Mike’s franchises in the area, and has spent most of the last decade and a half as a chief financial officer in the information technology field.

His entrepreneurial itch was for barbecue with a distinct touch, something that’s not easy to pull off.

“I’m a foodie,” he said. “I was looking for an opportunity that had infrastructure in place, and where I can elevate the food. I thought I could do better.”

Grillmaster Gary Hampton with a brisket, which like all meats at Heavenly BBQ is hickory-smoked.

He’s hired a chef and a grill master to oversee the kitchen, and after 90 days since opening, customers are starting to file in via word of mouth.

“I want this to be a community destination for people who like barbecue,” said Stewart, who tries to interact with every customer who comes through the doors.

One of the first changes he made was at the grill, switching from oak to hickory, and taking out the fire for smoke.

All meats at Heavenly BBQ—beef, pork, chicken and turkey—are smoked.

So are the chicken sausages, which he sources from Cajun Meat Co. in East Cobb.

Being able to control the menu, and easily adapt it to customer tastes, with an emphasis on local and Georgia vendors, is a priority.

The Brunswick stew recipe includes a tomato base, with cooked meats, corn, chipotle peppers, Georgia sweet sauce and Louisiana hot sauce.

He said he may tamp that down, because some customers have found it a bit spicy.

He’s also sampled some of the nearby barbecue restaurants, and says he doesn’t necessary think of them as competitors.

“I want us all to succeed, but I want to offer something different,” Stewart said.

The menu includes hamburgers, chicken wings and a kid’s menu.

He doesn’t think that there’s a “go to” place for barbecue in metro Atlanta.

But for now, he’s focused on getting his menu right for this burgeoning customer base.

Stewart said many of them are senior citizens (and there’s a new seniors-only apartment community opening nearby at the former Sprayberry Crossing Shopping Center).

He’s also doing some catering and is putting together a special Easter menu. Like many restaurant owners, he’s  challenged by labor and food cost issues.

“If this catches on,” he says of Heavenly BBQ, “I think it’s going to be a great place to go to.”

Heavenly BBQ is located at 2550 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 400.

Hours are daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Website: https://www.heavenlybbqatl.com/

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East Cobb man indicted for setting his house on fire

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A Cobb Superior Court grand jury has indicted an an East Cobb man for arson at his own home last fall.East Cobb man convicted

According to an indictment issued March 28, Nader Nahid was indicted on one count of first-degree arson for a fire that took place on Oct. 10, 2024 at his residence on Taliwa Trail.

That’s located off Roswell Road near Old Canton Road.

An arrest warrant included in the court filings alleges that at around 3:10 that afternoon, Nahid set on fire a stack of luxury vinyl planks outside the front door of the home.

The fire spread to the attic and caused “substantial damage” to the residence, according to the warrant, and officers noted that “the odor of gasoline was present.”

The warrant further states that Nahid was the only person at the home at the time, and also was the only person there when a fire was reported on July 31, 2024.

Court filings indicate that Nahid was found to be indigent and is being represented by a public defender. He was released on a $15,000 bond in February and ordered not to return to the home, according to court filings.

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Lassiter, Walton, Wheeler students named Georgia Scholars

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Ten students from high schools in East Cobb are among the 145 chosen across the state as Georgia Scholars, State School Superintendent Richard Woods announced Tuesday.Georgia Department of Education, Georgia Scholars East Cobb

According to the Georgia Department of Education, “Georgia Scholars carried exemplary course loads during their four years of high school, performed excellently in all courses, successfully participated in interscholastic events within their schools and communities, and assumed leadership roles in extracurricular activities sponsored by their schools.

(Click here to view the full program criteria.)

Each honoree receives a seal for their diploma along with a graduation cord to recognize their achievement.

The local students include the following:

  • Lassiter: Elizabeth George, Andrea Joya, Sophia Joya
  • Walton: Vishruth Tallam, Rahaf Vaid, Shalein Valvani, Owen Wu, Edward Yao
  • Wheeler: Marissa Loncar, Leanne Vuong

Students from Kennesaw Mountain and North Cobb high schools also are among the honorees,

“Congratulations to the 145 outstanding students honored as Georgia Scholars this year” Woods said in a statement. “This prestigious recognition identifies students who go above and beyond in all aspects of life – both within the school walls and in the community. I wish them great success in their futures and can’t wait to see the impact they make on our state, nation, and world.”

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Cobb Planning Commission member from East Cobb resigns

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Christine Lindstrom of East Cobb, who has served on the Cobb Planning Commission for the last year, resigned after Tuesday’s meeting.

The former member of the East Cobb Civic Association was greeted by District 3 Commissioner JoAnn Birrell, who appointed her in March 2024, and presented with a bouquet of flowers.

“Thank you for your service on the Planning Commission,” Birrell said. “We’re going to miss you.”

“Thank you for the opportunity you’ve given me,” Lindstrom said, embracing Birrell.

Lindstrom, who succeeded Deborah Dance after she resigned to run for Cobb Superior Court Clerk, is stepping down for personal reasons, leaving the five-member board with two vacancies.

David Anderson of East Cobb, who was appointed by former Commissioner Jerica Richardson, resigned at the start of the year.

Planning Commission members are appointed by commissioners and serve concurrent terms, making recommendations in zoning and land-use cases

Lindstrom has lived in the East Cobb area for the last 50 years. She was a longtime member of the ECCA, which formed in 1982, representing around 9,000 households, and is actively involved in rezoning cases.

Her successor, when appointed, will have a term that expires in December 2026.

The other vacancy is expected to be filled in May, following a special election for District 2 on the Cobb Commission. The candidates are Democrat Erick Allen and Republican Alicia Adams.

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Noonday Shanty 5K/10K run draws nearly 400 participants

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Noonday Shanty 5K/10K run draws 400 participants

Submitted information and photos:

A perfect spring morning set the stage for nearly 400 runners and walkers to lace up their sneakers and hit the Noonday Creek Trail for the fourth annual Noonday Shanty 5K/10K. Held Saturday, March 22, the popular race – presented by Avonlea Apartments and benefiting the Town Center Community Alliance – offered participants a chance to connect, compete and spend time with family and friends.

Featuring USA Track and Field-certified 5K and 10K courses, the event welcomed athletes of all ages and skill levels to experience some of the area’s most scenic landmarks and attractions, including Aviation Park, Cobb International Airport and Fifth Third Bank Stadium. In addition to supporting local green space and park improvements, the race also provided runners an opportunity to qualify for the AJC Peachtree Road Race.

“Now in our fourth year, the Noonday Shanty has grown into one of the community’s favorite traditions,” said Jennifer Hogan, director of community engagement at Town Center Community. “We are incredibly grateful to our generous sponsors, local businesses, volunteers and nearly 400 runners who made this an event to remember.”

Participants who made their mark with the fastest times in the 5K and 10K are listed below.

Overall 5K winners:

  • Female – Marie Reed, Acworth, GA, 25:07
  • Male – Andrew Yankowsky, Marietta, GA, 18:07

Masters 5K winners:

  • Female – Marisol Odom, Dallas, GA, 25:25
  • Male – TJ Staritz, Marietta, GA, 22:11

Overall 10K winners:

  • Female – Micah Weathers, Statham, GA, 39:11
  • Male – Kevin Rymut, Atlanta, GA, 37:45

Masters 10K winners:

  • Female – Shannon Fulcher, Dallas, GA, 45:33
  • Male – Grant Baker, Atlanta, GA, 38:14

For a complete list of winners by age group, visit this website.

For more information about Town Center Community, the race and results, visit this website.

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Cobb Senior Citizens Council to hold 2025 legislative forum

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Submitted information:Cobb Senior Citizens Council to hold 2025 legislative forum

The 2025 Cobb County Legislative Delegation Forum is jointly sponsored by the Senior Citizens Council of Cobb County and Cobb County Senior Services, and is being held on Tuesday, April 22 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at the Senior Wellness Center, 1150 Powder Springs Street, Marietta, GA 30064.

This event is a rare opportunity for the Cobb senior community to hear important information and engage directly with their state legislators. Every Georgia house representative and senator serving a Cobb County district has been invited to participate. All persons who attend will leave the forum knowing more about which critical issues affecting seniors were addressed in the most recent legislative session at the Gold Dome.

Registration and information: https://www.seniorsofcobb.org/meetings-events/2025-cobb-county-legislative-delegation-forum. 

The event is free but space is limited and persons need to register ahead of time to secure a spot.

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Cobb Republican Party chooses new chairwoman, officers

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The Cobb County Republican Party has new leadership. Cobb Republican Party chooses new chairwoman, officers

Mary Clarice Hathaway, an insurance business owner and political activist in the Kennesaw area, was elected at the party’s election in late March.

She succeeds chairwoman Salleigh Grubbs, who was term-limited, after defeating challengers Sophia Farooq and Dr. Fun Fong.

Hathaway’s immediate priority is campaigning for Alicia Adams, the Republican nominee in the April 29 special election for District 2 on the Cobb Board of Commissioners.

Her larger task is revitalizing Republican politics countywide. After the 2024 elections, Democrats hold all countywide seats in Cobb County, from Commission Chairwoman down to State Court Clerk.

The GOP had dominated county government since the 1980s, but in 2020 the commission went from 4-1 Republican to 3-2 Democrat. Democrats also control the Cobb legislative delegation by one seat, while the GOP holds a 4-3 majority on the Cobb Board of Education.

Hathaway, who has six children and also is a grandmother of six, vowed to bring new energy across the county for Republican candidates.

“There are people whom I think if we had the right outreach and the right message, we could reach a lot of people who have previously been unreached,” she said at March candidate forum.

While Hathaway is new to Cobb GOP politics, said that “having a fresh perspective, a fresh set of eyes to solve problems is an asset.

“My goal is not to come in and take over anything. My goal is to steer and guide an organization . . . to get Cobb County trending red again.”

While East Cobb and North Cobb remain Republican strongholds, Hathaway said she wants to cultivate grassroots support even in South Cobb, which is dominated by Democrats.

“I’m not afraid to go anywhere,” she said. “Give me a shot.”

She was elected with a slate of officers that include her oldest son.

Jeff Hathaway Jr., an East Cobb resident, was voted first vice chair of the Cobb GOP. He and his wife have three children who attend Mt. Bethel Elementary School.

Another East Cobb resident, Arielle Kurtz, was voted Cobb GOP secretary, and was involved in John Cristadoro’s recent election to the Cobb school board.

The treasurer is Scott Brandenberg and the assistant treasurer is Skyler Atkins of Smyrna, a national board member of Log Cabin Republicans, which represents gay and lesbian Republicans.

The Cobb GOP will have its first monthly breakfast with the new leadership Saturday at 8:30 a.m. at the Taco Mac on 2650 Dallas Highway.

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Cobb delays Columns Drive median tree-cutting after protests

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ECN photo

Plans by the Cobb Department of Transportation to cut down trees in medians along Columns Drive are being delayed, after residents in the East Cobb community publicly complained to county officials over the weekend.

Cobb officials said Monday they won’t be moving ahead with the tree-cutting for now, after more than 1,000 people signed a petition in protest, entitled “STOP Cobb County’s Plans to Cut Down Trees on Columns Drive Median.”

Cobb DOT had planned to remove and replace oak and magnolia trees along most of the medians on Columns Drive, which runs along the Chattahoochee River from Johnson Ferry Road to the Cochran Shoals unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.

Cobb DOT cited the “significant maintenance” costs of maintaining the trees, some of which had reached the end of their lives, and safety hazards stemming as a result, after consulting with the county arborist.

Instead, the county will be re-evaluating to see which trees “pose an imminent risk to the travelling public,” and only those will be cut down, Cobb officials said in a statement Monday.

The petition was sent to the four sitting commissioners and other county officials, including with Cobb DOT.

Cobb DOT said several trees along Columns Drive have fallen in recent weeks. (Cobb Government photo)

The petition reads in part:

“We are local residents, runners, and cyclists whose daily lives have been graced by the majesty and beauty of the Oak and Magnolia trees along Columns Drive. These trees serve as an emblem of natural heritage, significantly enhancing the local aesthetic while also providing myriad environmental benefits. Regrettably, the Cobb County last week approved plans to cut down these mature trees, purportedly to reduce maintenance costs.

“We adamantly believe this decision would lead to a tragic loss of a Cobb County treasure that is not easily quantifiable in monetary terms.”

Both Cobb officials and Commissioner JoAnn Birrell said in statements to East Cobb News that initial plans were to cut trees in 11 of the 18 medians along Columns Drive, which is a popular pedestrian and biking path, and to replace most of them.

The cost of that work was to have been $215,000, with the funding coming from a contingency fund for former Commissioner Jerica Richardson.

“This project remained a priority, as three trees have fallen within the last month,” according to the county statement from Cobb DOT director Drew Raessler. “Work was originally scheduled to begin next week. However, we do understand the community concerns that have been raised.

“The plan is for [Cobb DOT] Road Maintenance to work with an arborist to scale the project down by identifying just the trees that pose an imminent risk to the travelling public. Just those trees will be removed and replaced with trees that match the character of the corridor.”

Columns Drive also is susceptible to flooding during heavy rains, and leaves and other tree debris can contribute to clogging up drains. Portions of the road were closed in September after flooding that was caused by the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

One of the signatories to the petition is resident Jeff Cohen, who told East Cobb News Monday that “the commissioners were discussing flood prevention and came up with this looney idea, rather than just cleaning the drains more often. We were blindsided.”

Before the county announced a delay in tre-cutting, other East Cobb community entities brought the matter to light.

Big Peach Running Co. on Johnson Ferry Road posted a message on its Facebook page urging signatures for the petition, as “our beloved Columns Drive is facing a challenge that could change its scenic charm. . . . These trees not only beautify our running, walking and cycling route but also provide essential environmental benefits. Let’s unite to preserve the natural heritage of our community.”

Raessler said in the statement that “we’re still working on the details of the revised scope of the work on Columns Drive and we will share those details when completed.”

Cobb delays Columns Drive median tree-cutting after protests
ECN photo of a tree in Columns Drive median at the intersection of Atlanta Country Club Drive.

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Cobb under severe thunderstorm watch into Monday evening

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Cobb and much of metro Atlanta are in a thunderstorm watch through early Monday evening.Cobb under severe thunderstorm watch into Monday evening

The National Weather Service in Peachtree City issued the advisory late Monday morning for major portions of central and northeast Georgia, as a severe thunderstorm system moved into the state.

Tornado warnings were in effect south of Atlanta for a time on Monday morning, and there are some radar reports of tornadoes being spotted in Coweta and Fayette counties.

The greatest weather threat in the Cobb area is expected to be until 4 p.m., with a 100 percent chance of showers, including the possibility of severe storms.

The chance of rain and storms will fall to 45 percent until 7 p.m., and then to 30 percent into the later evening.

Winds could reach between 10-15 mph with gusts of up to 20 mph during that period, according to the forecast.

Monday’s highs in the Cobb area are forecast to be in the mid 70s.

Tuesday will be sunny with highs also in the mid 70s before a slight chance of rain is in the forecast, on Wednesday and Thursday.

The rest of the week is expected to be sunny with highs in the high 80s on Saturday and Sunday, and some more rain possibly returning on Sunday.

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Sewell Mill Library to hold ‘Colors of Spring’ festival

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Submitted information:Sewell Mill Library to hold 'Colors of Spring' festival

Join Cobb Library’s Multicultural Services Group in welcoming spring with family-friendly crafts, activities, and snacks from around the world, while supplies last! This event is a celebration of cultures and all ages are welcome.

Some crafts & activities include:

  • DIY kites
  • Bead jewelry
  • Mini piñatas
  • Origami
  • Bollywood dancing, and more!

About the Multicultural Services Group

The Multicultural Services Group fosters cross-cultural understanding through inclusive programming and resources. Its members offer programming and outreach that celebrate the diverse cultures and groups in the county, providing education and entertainment for all.

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Powers Ferry Corridor Alliance conducts spring Adopt-A-Mile

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Powers Ferry Corridor Alliance conducts spring Adopt-A-Mile
A record number of 40 volunteers picked up 44 bags of trash along Powers Ferry, Terrell Mill and Delk Roads during Powers Ferry Corridor Alliance’s Spring Adopt-A-Mile clean-up with Keep Cobb Beautiful on Saturday, March 29, 2025.

Submitted information and photos:

Powers Ferry Corridor Alliance welcomed a group of 40 volunteers, including District 3 Cobb County commissioner JoAnn Birrell, to its Spring 2025 Adopt-a-Mile event on Saturday, March 29th.

“This was the largest turnout ever, essentially doubling the number of participants from any prior event,” said Patti Rice, the event’s project leader. “It’s amazing and heartwarming to see these people join forces to improve the community’s environment. Forty-four bags of trash is a significant number.”

Area neighborhoods represented included Riverwalk at Wildwood, Riverstone at Wildwood, The Flats at Riverwalk, River’s Call, Woodruff Plantation, Millridge, Sedalia Park, Stratford Grove/Mead/Hyde Park, Valencia Hills and Terrell Mill Estates.

Volunteers enjoyed complimentary refreshments provided by Kroger and a surprise donation of lots of Krispy Kreme donuts!   

PFCA conducts the cleanup every spring and fall in partnership with Keep Cobb Beautiful.

ABOUT POWERS FERRY CORRIDOR ALLIANCE

As a non-profit, non-partisan alliance of individuals, HOAs and businesses, the PFCA works to understand community issues, promote quality development, support local schools and help drive the area’s economic vibrancy.  For more information, visit powersferryca.com

Powers Ferry Corridor Alliance conducts spring Adopt-A-Mile
Event organizer Patti Rice and neighbor Linda Bell proudly show off 44 bags of trash collected along Powers Ferry, Terrell Mill and Delk Roads.
Powers Ferry Corridor Alliance conducts spring Adopt-A-Mile
Jordan Deeney, pictured with his sons, Maxen and Oliver, were among the nearly 40 community volunteers who picked up 44 bags of trash.
Powers Ferry Corridor Alliance conducts spring Adopt-A-Mile
District 3 Cobb County Commissioner JoAnn Birrell, left, with event organizer Patti Rice.

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East Cobb residential real estate sales, March 17-21, 2025

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St. Regis Park, East Cobb real estate sales
St. Regis Park

The following East Cobb residential real estate sales were compiled from agency reports and Cobb County property records.

They include the street address, subdivision name and sales price listed under their respective high school attendance zones:

Kell

1867 Falcon Wood Drive, 30066 (Falcon Wood): $415,000

Lassiter

2699 Raven Trail, 30066 (Falcon Crest): $367,000

4610 Savage Drive, 30066 (Forest Chase): $381,000

3834 Upland Drive, 30066 (Highland Park): $760,000

2749 Hawk Trace, 30066 (Falcon Crest): $415,000

Pope

1760 Canton Hills Circle, 30062 (Canton Hills): $485,000

4590 Mountain Creek Drive, 30075 (Mountain Creek): $610,000

Sprayberry

40 Highoak Drive, 30066 (Ashford Oaks): $270,000

3111 Ebenezer Road, 30066: $950,000

808 Sylvan Drive, 30066 (Sylvan Hills): $725,000

2078 Dayron Circle, 30062 (Piedmont Chase): $580,000

151 Bluffington Way, 30066 (Old Bells Ferry): $439,900

2759 Wyndcliff Way, 30066 (Wyndcliff): $464,000

Walton

4508 Oakside Point, 30067 (Oaks on Woodlawn): $1.61 million

4129 Avid Park, 30062 (St. Clair): $755,000

2285 Moondance Lane, 30062 (Olde Anderson Estates): $1.5 million

4150 Lower Roswell Road, 30067 (Kings Cove): $755,000

Wheeler

630 Denards Mill, 30067 (Sibley Forest): $1.256 million

3042 Kalah Place, 30067 (St. Regis Park): $700,000

250 East Valley Drive, 30068 (East Valley Estates): $700,000

1948 Hamilton Place, 30067: $654,000

2483 Crockett Drive, 30067 (Red Oak Park): $295,000

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Wheeler Band Booster Club to hold fundraising shoe drive

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Submitted information:Wheeler Band Booster Club to hold fundraising shoe drive

The community is invited to clean out their closet for a shoe drive to raise funds for the Wheeler Band Booster Club. Donations of gently worn, used and new shoes will be accepted. Any size, any shoe! While you spring clean please put your shoes aside to help us out! The fundraiser’s success is based on the total weight of the shoes collected so more shoes equals more funds raised! Find our more: https://www.wheelerbands.org/shoes

All donated shoes will be redistributed to micro-enterprise partners through Funds2Orgs, a for profit social enterprise, and used in developing nations for impoverished people to start their own businesses.

WHEN: April 5th, April 26th and May 10th from 9am – noon

WHERE: Wheeler High School, 375 Holt Road, Marietta, 30068

DETAILS: In the US alone, over 300 million pairs of shoes are thrown away per year. The materials used to manufacture a pair of shoes are created from chemical compounds that will create health hazards if left to disintegrate openly or in landfills. By donating your gently worn, used and news shoes to The Wheeler Band, your shoes are given a second chance to make a difference. 

The Wheeler High School Band Booster Club is an organization that supports and uplifts our talented band students. As Boosters, our primary role is to provide operational support to the band directors, allowing them to focus on nurturing the talent of their students. We coordinate various activities for the band and provide additional resources, both financial and volunteer driven. This fundraiser will support our annual budget. 

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Cobb Veterans Memorial group to hold fundraising gala

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Submitted information:Cobb Veterans Memorial groundbreaking

Celebrate veterans with a VIP reception, dinner, dancing, and silent auction, 6 p.m., Saturday, May 17, at the Marriott Atlanta Northwest at Galleria, 200 Interstate North Parkway SE, Atlanta. Tickets are now available on the website. Proceeds will help build the Cobb Veterans Memorial. Email cvmfmilitaryballgala@gmail.com for more information.

The Cobb Veterans Memorial is a project planned as a park to honor veterans, teach history, and inspire future generations to live meaningful and purposeful lives of service. 

Steps you can take right now to support the project are:

  • Click Facebook.com/CobbVetMemorial to “Like” the project on Facebook

  • Make a donation HERE to help raise the funds to start construction of the Memorial. Every dollar helps!

  • Want to do even more? If you would like to host a fundraising event, make a corporate/foundation donation, or help some other way, please email contact@cobbvmf.com.

 

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Keep Cobb Beautiful April events include Tim D. Lee Center

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Submitted information:

Get your spring cleaning started and participate in one of the community recycling and educational events hosted by Keep Cobb Beautiful.
KCB Mobile Recycling Pop-up/Drop-off

April – July – Various dates – visit the website for more information.

Community Recycling event

Saturday, April 12, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Jim R. Miller Park, 2245 Callaway Road SW, Marietta
Free on-site document shredding, electronics, metal, textiles, and Hefty Renew Program plastics will be accepted. Register here. 
Medication Disposal event
Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location 1: 2380 Cobb Parkway NW, Kennesaw
Location 2: 4025 S. Hurt Road NW, Smyrna
Location 3: Tim D. Lee Senior Center, 3332 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta
Safely dispose of unused and expired medications by bringing them to this free event. 
 
Sustainability Forum and Expo
Thursday, April 30, 4 – 8 p.m.
Jim R. Miller Event Center, 2245 Callaway Road SW, Marietta  
 
Attend sessions, demonstrations, and interactive exhibits and hear guest speakers on green initiatives and how they affect you. Nominate your fellow neighbors for a sustainability award.
For more information on the above events, visit keepcobbbeautiful.org or call 770-528-1135.

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Former Cobb Sheriff’s Deputy indicted on fraud charges

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The Cobb District Attorney’s Office said a former Cobb Sheriff’s Deputy has been indicted on charges of fraud and violating his oath of office.Cobb sheriff

Cobb DA Sonya Allen said in a release Friday afternoon that Mark Ryan Hampton, 38, has been indicted by a grand jury for multiple counts of allegedly defrauding individuals and organizations by receiving money through fundraising and gifts after falsely claiming to have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and having complications.

Hampton was a sheriff’s deputy for five years, and an investigation into his activities began in November 2021, after complaints were filed about a social media account associated with him, according to the release.

The DA’s office said the investigation yielded that Hampton faked an illness with multiple sclerosis to solicit financial support.

Allen’s office didn’t indicate how much money Hampton allegedly raised, but said he was arrested on June 13, 2022. His indictment charges him with violations of Oath by Public Officer and the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.

“This indictment reflects our commitment to upholding the law and ensuring that public trust is maintained. He betrayed that trust by deceiving others for personal gain. No one should ever feel they are above the law,” Allen said in the release.

Related:

 

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Walton football inviting alumni for 50th anniversary celebration

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Walton High School football coach Daniel Brunner is inviting all former Raiders football players for a special ceremony at the spring football game on May 15.Walton football inviting alumni for 50th anniversary celebration

In a social media posting this week, Brunner said that alumni will be honored at the spring game as part of the school’s 50th anniversary celebration.

There will be a special open house at the school (1590 Bill Murdock Road) on April 19 (details here), and the football portion of the celebration will take place at Raider Valley starting at 7 p.m.

Alumni will be recognized at halftime of the Walton game against Cambridge.

Former Walton football players are asked to sign up at this link if they’re interested in attending and/or staying in touch with the program.

According to the Georgia High School Football Historians Association, Walton is 356-198-1 in 49 seasons of varsity football.

The Raiders have won nine region championships in that time. They have reached the state finals twice, in 2011 and 2023, and the semifinals three times.

Walton’s 50th season kicks off on Aug. 16 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta in the Corky Kell Classic against McEachern.

 

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East Cobb Food Scores: Camps; Biscuits and More; Ming’s; more

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Camps Kitchen and Bar, East Cobb food scores,

The following food scores have been compiled by the Cobb & Douglas Department of Public Health. Click the link under each listing for inspection details:

Biscuits and More
3162 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 140
March 26, 2025, Score: 93, Grade: A

Camps Kitchen and Bar
255 Village Parkway, Suite 310
March 25, 2025, Score: 82, Grade: B

Lassiter High School
2601 Shallowford Road
March 24, 2025, Score: 100, Grade: A

Ming’s Asian Kitchen
4665 Lower Roswell Road, Suite 101
March 25, 22025, Score: 100, Grade: A

Waffle House
1811 Williams Drive
March 21, 2025, Score: 100, Grade: A

Wildwood Cafe at 3200
3200 Windy Hill Road, Suite 150
March 24, 2025, Score: 100, Grade: A

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Editor’s Note: Please contribute to our March fundraiser!

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Editor's Note: Please contribute to our March fundraiser!

Over the weekend I shared with readers that we need to finish strong in our March fundraiser to reach a monthly goal of $1,500 in contributions.

In the days since, we’ve gotten a nice boost, and thanks to all of you who have donated!

With March almost over, we’re around $750 in reader contributions. I’d like to see us get to $1,000 for the month, and I think that can be done—and we’d like to get your help to do it.

Please donate today!

The state of local news in many communities is dire. In East Cobb, we launched this site more than seven years ago to address that dearth here, and many of you have responded.

We think we’ve built up a good following of engaged residents who appreciate what happens here, and that turns to East Cobb News to find out.

We have nearly 9,300 newsletter subscribers, for example, and that has grown organically. We appreciate people spreading the word about East Cobb News, which is produced for you—the citizen, voter, homeowner and stakeholder in this community.

We don’t charge readers, because we believe local news should be accessible to all. But we do have expenses, and we are trying to expand what we cover as we develop a news business that is unique to this community.

We got some encouraging messages in recent days from readers who appreciated our coverage of concerns over anti-Semitic incidents in local schools.

That’s the kind of coverage readers have come to expect from East Cobb News, which blends traditional news reporting with useful community news and information.

We’re no non-sense, and try to ensure that the news we provide you is straightforward and relevant to you.

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Proposed Cobb FY 2026 budget would increase by nearly $100M

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Cobb Republican Party chooses new chairwoman and officers

Cobb government finance officials on Tuesday presented an overview of the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget that would increase spending by nearly $100 million.

During a Cobb Board of Commissioners work session, Chief Financial Officer William Volckmann said the formal budget budge tproposal would come to a little more than $1.35 billion, based on requests from department heads.

That’s up $92.7 million from the adopted FY 2025 budget of $1.27 billion, with $74,3 million coming from the general fund.

(You can view current and recent budget details here; updated FY 2026 information also will be posted at that link.)

Much of the additional funding would pay for 290 new requested positions across the government, primarily in public safety, as well as increases in costs for pensions, health care and other employee benefits and insurance.

The biggest single increase in funding by department is the Cobb Sheriff’s Office, which is requesting 113 new full-time positions for a total budget of around $27 million.

Volckmann didn’t break down how many of those positions would be for patrol officers and support staff.

“This is quite a big budget request,” said Commissioner Keli Gambrill, who asked for a breakdown of positions within the Sheriff’s Office that may provide duplicative services.

The second-largest jump comes from Cobb Police, which is asking for an additional $8.8 million, with $5.8 million earmarked for 17 new full-time positions.

Information technology spending would go up by $6 million, and $5 million more is being requested by the library system, with most of that funding for capital improvements, Volckmann said.

The Cobb County Water Fund—which is separate from the general fund, the main source of government operations—would increase by nearly $12 million, primarily for additional maintenance and infrastructure costs for water, sewer and stormwater management.

Water revenues are derived from water and sewer bills paid by commercial and residential customers. Commissioners voted in December to approve water and sewer rate increases through 2029, at an additional 3.5 percent each year.

For the last two years, commissioners have adopted budgets of $1.2 billion and $1.27 billion, largely due to significant increases in the county tax digest.

The current FY 2025 budget was adopted with growth in the tax digest coming to more than 7 percent.

But last week, the Cobb Tax Assessor’s Office projected digest growth of only 2 percent for 2025.

Commissioners have come under fire from citizens both years for not “rolling back” the property tax rate to offset the additional revenues.

Tuesday’s presentation was the kickoff to a formal budget presentation at the end of June.

He said before then, commissioners will receive detailed binders with the budget proposals and will be able to discuss revenue projections before prioritizing requests.

Public hearings on the budget proposal and county millage rates will take place on July 8, 15 and 22, with adoption scheduled for the latter date.

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