‘Born to Be a Senior’ charity ride to set off in East Cobb

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'Born to Be a Senior' charity ride to set off in East Cobb

Submitted information and photos:

The Senior Citizens Council of Cobb County will host its 2nd Annual Born to Be a Senior Charity Ride on Saturday, June 20, 2026, raising funds for local senior assistance programs at a time when food insecurity among older adults continues to rise across Cobb County.

In Cobb County, nearly 1 in 12 adults over age 60 faces food insecurity, often forced to choose between groceries, medication, and housing costs. Statewide, Georgia ranks among the top 10 states in the nation for senior hunger.

Registration opens at 10:30 AM at Williamson Bros Bar-B-Q in Marietta, with kickstands up at 11:30 AM. The ride concludes at Southern Devil Harley-Davidson with food, raffles, and a post-ride community gathering open to riders and non-riders alike.

Registration is $20 per vehicle, with proceeds supporting Cobb County Senior Services Meals on Wheels Cobb and MUST Ministries through the Senior Citizens Council of Cobb County.

Cobb County Senior Services Meals on Wheels and MUST Ministries provide critical meal assistance, food access, and community support services for vulnerable seniors and families throughout the region, helping older adults remain independent and safely housed.

‘This ride is about more than miles. It’s about showing up for the seniors in our community who need support,’ said Jim D’Emilio, Executive Director of the Senior Citizens Council of Cobb County.

‘Every rider who registers, every business that sponsors, and every neighbor who shares the event helps put meals on tables and supports seniors across our community.

Persons can register and get details on the ride and raffle prizes by visiting seniorsofcobb.org and clicking on the Meetings and Events tab.

'Born to Be a Senior' charity ride to set off in East Cobb

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John Wieland entity buys East Cobb land once eyed by church

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John Wieland entity buys East Cobb land once eyed by church

A few months after a church backed out of plans to build a new worship facility on a six-and-a-half acre tract on Oak Lane in East Cobb, the property has been sold to a prominent Atlanta homebuilding company.

Cobb property sale records show that JWC Interests LLC of Vinings paid $1.6 million for the land on May 15 to the Barkis Family Revocable Trust.

The land is located at the intersection of Oak Lane, Casteel Road and Bill Murdock Road and is zoned residential.

JWC Interests does business as the JW Collection, which has built more than a dozen upscale residential developments in metro Atlanta.

The “JW” stands for John Wieland, who has been building homes in the Atlanta area for more than 50 years under a number of entities.

JW Collection homes are marketed as luxury single-family detached and upscale townhomes. The company is also developing 11 acres off of Post Oak Tritt Road called The Paddocks East Cobb, with prices starting at $1 million.

The Oak Lane property was being considered by Grace Resurrection Methodist Church for a new campus, but the church withdrew a request for approval before the Cobb Board of Zoning Appeals in December.

The church’s plans were opposed by nearby residents who said a 15,000-square-foot building and a 286-space parking lot was too intense for the area, and would cause traffic, noise, lighting and environmental problems.

Grace Resurrection has said it’s looking at other options to expand its church as it’s outgrown a former Lutheran church on Indian Hills Parkway.

The Oak Lane land has been in the Barkis family for years and includes a 2,700-square foot home built in 1971.

The JW Collection also is developing a single-family detached community in Powder Springs. Its townhome communities include Woodstock, Sandy Springs, Kennesaw and Canton.

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East Cobb Real Estate: Creekside Oaks home sells for $760K

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East Cobb Real Estate: Creekside Oaks home sells for $760K

This week’s featured home sale is in the Creekside Oaks subdivision, in the Lassiter High School, Mabry Middle School and Davis Elementary School attendance zones.

It has 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, is on 0.35 acres, and sold for $760,000 on May 26, 2026.

The home blends open concept living with custom built-in flanking the dining area fireplace and opening to the kitchen and family rooms.

The kitchen features a new gas range and a walk-in pantry. Other upgrades includes the laundry room, new storage built-ins in the garage, a new den/office in the former dining room and a new coat closet.

Expanded entertaining areas include a living room that opens to a new dining room and a screened-in porch, patio and private back yard.

Click the middle button below to see more photos.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The following East Cobb residential real estate sales from May 26-29, 2026 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

4109 Barbara Drive, 30066 (Greenland): $615,000

Lassiter

4180 Summit Way, 30066 (Creekside Oaks): $760,000

2472 Devon Wood Way, 30066 (Devon Way): $705,000

3424 Brandon Hall Way, 30062 (Woodbine Station): $590,000

3875 Winners Court, 30062 (Village North Highlands): $483,375

4423 Windsor Oaks Circle, 30066 (Windsor Oaks): $627,300

Marietta

1408 Jazzberry Way, 30066 (Bluffs at Bells Ferry): $390,000

1664 Crestridge Drive, 30067 (Powers Ferry Hills): $675,000

1412 Jazzberry Way, 30066 (Bluffs at Bells Ferry): $379,104

1416 Jazzberry Way, 30066 (Bluffs at Bells Ferry): $395,500

1057 Soaring Way, 30062 (Eagle Ridge): $360,000

1424 Jazzberry Way, 30066 (Bluffs at Bells Ferry): $400,320

1432 Jazzberry Way, 30066 (Bluffs at Bells Ferry): $462,809

1231 Herty Drive 30062 (Parkside East): 407,500

1425 Rosewood Creek Drive, 30062 (Briarwood): $389,000

Pope

1937 Rand Ridge Court, 30062 (Middleton Place): $1.365 million

3057 Bunker Hill Circle, 30062 (Bunker Hills): $636,000

3350 Woodleaf Way, 30062 (Chestnut Creek): $606,500

2731 Spencers Trace, 30062 (Holly Springs East): $460,000

3612 Cherbourg Way, 30062 (Dorset): $735,000

3664 Hadfield Drive, 30062 (Charrington): $865,000

4008 Chelsea Lane, 30062 (Lexington): $660,000

2787 Hearthstone Circle, 30062 (Chimney Springs): $680,000

4630 Clary Lakes Drive, 30062 (Clary Lakes): $840,000

Sprayberry

2190 Northfield Court, 30066 (Northfield): $555,000

1351 Linley Trace, 30066 (Landsdowne): $544,500

2651 Shaw Road, 30066 (Pine Valley Farms): $430,000

3180 Sandy Plains Road, 30066 (Mountain View): $276,000

2415 Wistful Way, 30066 (Brookview Manor): $1.2 million

1296 Worley Drive, 30066 (Shaw Woods): $430,000

3901 Ebenezer Road, 30066 (Philmont Estates): $400,000

4077 Christacy Way, 30066 (Thornbrook): $515,000

1670 Huntington Drive, 30066 (Huntington Woods): $690,000

2159 Chartley Place, 30062 (Chartley Woods): $469,900

2316 Milstead Circle, 30066 (Landsdowne): $590,000

1730 Cedar Grove Drive, 3006 (Cedar Grove) $385,000

1562 Hillhaven Drive, 30062 (Blackjack Hills): $564,000

1991 Kinridge Road, 30062 (Piedmont Bend): $744,900

1860 Twin Branch Drive, 30062 (Sandy Plains Estates): $515,000

3000 Alberta Drive, 30062 (Holly Springs): $450,000

3520 Chastain Glen Lane, 30066 (Chastain Glen): $435,000

Walton

5093 Viking Walk, 30068 (Lake Fjord): $579,900

4812 Fernie Court, 30068 (Chadds Lake): $960,000

5341 Tall Oak Drive, 30068 (Woodland Trails):$545,000

3626 High Green Drive, 30068 (Indian Hills): $768,500

4250 Summit Drive, 30068 (Indian Hills): $2.4 million

4001 Riverlook Parkway, Unit 203, 30067 (Willows by the River): $220,000

816 Hillwood Drive, 30068 (Indian Hills): $2.575 million

1118 Midsummer Court, 30068 (Camden Glen): $875,000

1331 Nantahala Trail, 30062 (Indian Ridge): $780,000

4032 Bradbury Drive, 30062 (Penhurst): $1.1 million

65 Gateside Place, 30067 (Column Gate): $1.525 million

Wheeler

2958 Chipmunk Trail, 30067 (The Village): $315,000

757 Terrell Crossing, 30067 (Old Paper Mill): $1.02 million

2829 Hitchcock Mill Run, 30068 (Princeton Mill): $795,000

2878 Clearbrook Drive, 30068 (Country Place East): $525,000

1972 Clearwater Drive, 30067 (Hamby Acres): $345,000

71 Cecil Drive, 30068 (Kathleen Place): $625,000

1657 Cedar Bluff Way, 30062 (Cedar Bluff): $270,000

3150 Woodwalk Drive, Unit 3202, 30339 (The Flats at Riverwalk): $279,000

732 Earl Street, 30067 (Sun Valley Estates): $445,000

2481 Weatherford Court, 30068 (Weatherstone): $553,000

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Citizens to protest forthcoming Bells Ferry Road data center

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Citizens to protest forthcoming Bells Ferry Road data center
The proposed data center land (in pink) covers nearly 30 acres on Bells Ferry Road at Interstate 75. OpenStreetMap

Citizens opposed to a new data center in the city of Marietta are planning to speak out on the issue at a Marietta City Council meeting this coming week.

Some had claimed that a public hearing was to have been held at the council’s regular meeting on Wednesday, but city officials said Friday that’s not the case.

“The City of Marietta is aware of misinformation being circulated regarding discussion of data centers,” the city announced over social media channels Friday afternoon.

“The City confirms there is NO town hall, public hearing, or item for Council discussion regarding data centers scheduled for the June 10, 2026 City Council meeting.”

There’s no mention of the data center on the council’s meeting agenda.

The city’s message was in response to information distributed on a website opposed to the data center with the URL StopCobbDataCenter.com and headlined “Not for Us—Cobb County.”

The site includes a message at the top indicating a public hearing before the Marietta City Council on June 10 (Wednesday), and asks that “we’re asking all attendees who support a permanent ban to wear red—speaking slots are limited, so a united visual presence is our strongest message.”

A Northeast Cobb resident contacted East Cobb News this week on the same matter, saying that she “just found out about the data center they’re planning to put up” and that “apparently there’s folks going to show up at a meeting of the Marietta City Council to have a say about this.”

But the caller’s concerns, as well as those from the “Not for Us—Cobb County” site are coming nearly a year too late.

In June 2025, the Marietta City Council unanimously proved a digital data center proposal on a 30-acre undeveloped tract following claims from prominent land-use attorney Kevin Moore that it would provide more than $70 million in tax revenue.

The data center would employ 40 people and house computer systems and servers and data and networking equipment.

While there was some community support expressed at the time, concerns also were raised over possible effects on nearby residential developments.

The more recent opposition comes as protests specifically against artificial intelligence data centers are growing around the country, citing electrical and water costs, as well as noise and environmental impacts.

A number of local governments in metro Atlanta have imposed temporary moratoria on data centers, including a six-month pause in unincorporated Cobb approved unanimously by commissioners in February.

Noted environmental activist Erin Brockovich also has joined efforts to oppose data centers and has begun an online map to track data centers across the country.

Her map includes the Bells Ferry Road property as a “community reported” site as of May 4. According to the map, such sites “show data submitted by concerned residents across the US about AI data centers.”

The concerned residents behind the “Not for Us—Cobb County” site are not identified. The site offers tips on how public speakers should express their opposition to the data center, including pointing out that no environmental impact study was conducted before the Marietta vote in 2025, and to contact their city council members.

“The developer has lawyers and $100M for a substation. You have the vote and the documented evidence,” according to the “Not for Us—Cobb County” site.

On the City of Marietta’s Facebook page, some citizens took exception to the city’s message about there not being a public hearing.

“There has been zero misinformation about it—public comment is open to non-agenda topics,” wrote one citizen.

“Surely you aren’t trying to discourage your constituents from attending a public council meeting, to speak with representatives who work for us? See you on Wednesday!,” commented another.

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Cobb sends out 2026 tax assessments with notice changes

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Cobb sends out 2026 tax assessments with notice changes

The Cobb Tax Assessor’s Office on Friday sent out 2026 property tax assessments with a number of changes in the notices, due to a new state law.

The changes include a place for homeowners to notify their county tax commissioner if they’re no longer eligible for a homestead exemption, a new box including current and previous year’s fair market value and a new box listing the “estimated tax savings associated with the exemptions, credits, or preferential assessment programs” indicated in another part of the notice.

The changes were prompted by the passage this year in the Georgia legislature of SB 566, which was to make property tax assessment notices easier to understand (more details here and you can watch the video below).

Legislators have been responding in recent years to concerns from property owners over rising assessments.

Friday’s mailings by Cobb are notices of assessment only and not property tax bills—those will go out in August and will be due in October.

Cobb Tax Assessor Christine Stinchcomb is estimating that the Cobb tax digest for 2026 will grow by around four percent.

The Cobb Board of Education in May adopted a fiscal year 2026 budget of nearly $1.9 billion that reflects that projection, although the formal digest total will be determined in July.

The Cobb Board of Commissioners will be holding budget sessions in July, after the fiscal year 2027 proposal is presented. They heard budget requests from department heads in April and a formal budget proposal is to be made on June 23.

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Cobb Police shoot and kill armed suspect after traffic stop

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Cobb Police said Saturday that a man pulled over for a traffic stop near Osborne High School was shot and killed by police after pulling out a weapon against officers as he tried escape the scene.Northeast Cobb car crash, Cops on Donut Shops

It’s the second fatal officer-involved shooting involving Cobb Police in the last two weeks.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation identified the suspect as Gregory Hill Jr., 43, of Austell, and said that an autopsy will be performed by the Cobb Medical Examiner’s Office.

Sgt. Eric Smith of Cobb Police said that after 10:20 p.m. Friday, police attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a Cadillac SUV that was “being driven recklessly” on Windy Hill Road at Osborne Court.

The driver tried to flee, and the vehicle overturned and crashed near a residence, with the suspect refusing to exit, according to police.

Smith said that the driver began firing a weapon and officers responded by firing their service weapons.

The GBI said in a release that police backed away from the Cadillac and the Cobb Police SWAT team was called as the suspect was barricaded in the vehicle.

According to the GBI, police tried to negotiate with the driver for an hour and a half to come out, and then Hill “displayed a gun.”

The driver tried to flee the SUV and was showing his weapon, and “an officer involved shooting occurred. The driver was struck by gunfire and was beyond lifesaving measures,” Smith said, adding that no officers were injured.

The GBI said that Hill was shot at least once, and he was pronounced dead on the scene.

The GBI is investigating the incident and will turn over its review to the Cobb District Attorney’s Office.

Last week, police shot and killed a shoplifting suspect at Town Center Mall they said brandished a weapon at officers.

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Early voting for Georgia primary election runoffs to begin

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Cobb tag offices reopening
The East Cobb Government Service Center on Lower Roswell Road.

Early voting in the Georgia primary election runoffs begins Saturday and continues through next Sunday, June 14.

Voters will be choosing party candidates in a number of key races, including governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state and the U.S. Senate (see previous ECN story for the details).

There are no runoffs for state legislative and county elections for East Cobb-area voters, but they will help decide the Republican nominee for the 11th Congressional District.

Early voting will take place at select locations in Cobb, including the East Cobb Government Service Center (4400 Lower Roswell Road) and Tim D. Lee Senior Center (3332 Sandy Plains Road).

Those polling stations will be open next week, Monday June 8-Friday, June 12 from 7 a.m. to p.m.

In addition, the East Cobb Government Service Center will have weekend early voting, this Saturday and Sunday, as well as next Saturday and Sunday.

The Saturday early voting hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday from 12-5 p.m.

The East Cobb Government Service Center also will have a dropbox for absentee ballots that is open only during early voting hours.

Voters who voted in the primaries will be able to vote only in the party primary they have previously chosen, Democratic or Republican.

All voters must bring a valid photo ID with them to their early voting location.

To check your voter registration status, and to get a customized sample ballot, visit the Georgia Secretary of State’s My Voter Page.

East Cobb News has published a story on our approach to covering politics and elections; we don’t endorse candidates and focus instead on providing information to help citizens cast their votes.

On runoff election day, Tuesday, June 16, voters will go to their assigned precincts.

For more information about early voting, visit the Cobb Elections website.

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Travel Cobb details World Cup watch parties and events

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Travel Cobb details World Cup watch parties and events

The world’s largest sporting event is coming to the U.S. and to Atlanta. The men’s soccer World Cup starts June 11 and continues through July 19, and several venues in Cobb County will be holding public events, according to Cobb Travel.

The tourism agency is promoting soccer-watching and related activities as part of its Kick It In Cobb campaign.

Eight World Cup matches will take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta, including two knockout-stage games plus a semifinal contest.

The watch party venues in Cobb include Round Trip Brewing Co. at Avenue East Cobb (4475 Roswell Road, Suite 1600), which will be holding several events.

A major event to kick off the festivities takes place next Friday-Sunday, June 12-14. The Marietta Soccer Fest is sponsored by the City of Marietta and will be held at the Marietta Square.

These officially licensed public viewing events also include family-friendly activities and will culminate with the Marietta SoccerFest ’26 on Sunday at the Franklin Gateway Sports Complex.

The event features a variety of soccer activities, food trucks and special soccer-related programming for kids.

There also will be watch parties at The Battery Atlanta, with selected games on tap.

For more about Kick It In Cobb events and World Cup match ticket information, click here.

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Race car driver from Walton HS honored as ‘positive athlete’

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Race car driver from Walton HS honored as 'positive athlete'
Photos courtesy of Cobb County School District.

Javier Soto, a student at Walton High School who competes in the Legends Auto Racing tour, is a recipient of a 2026 Georgia Positive Athlete Award.

Soto was among the 31 honorees recently at the Georgia state capitol, and was named the winner of the boys alternative category.

The awards are given to high school student-athletes for their “leadership, resilience, and community impact.”

Recipients are nominated by coaches and school administrators who demonstrate positive values, including optimism, encouragement, respect and who are committed to service.

More than 5,000 students were nominated from more than 400 high schools in Georgia. Allatoona High School received the Most Positive High School award. Allatoona’s Avery Shoplock was honored in the girls’ soccer category.

Soto, who is a rising junior at Walton, has been successful on the track, earning several wins and podium appearances,” according to a release from the Cobb County School District, “but it may have been his willingness to mentor younger drivers that put him in the spotlight for Positive Athlete.

“Javi always has such a positive and optimistic approach and outlook toward each event,” said his coach, mentor, and crew chief, Andy James, who nominated Javier.

“He doesn’t have the best equipment, but he doesn’t let that change his mindset on the outcome of the race. Many times, he has outperformed his competitors that have bigger budgets and better equipment, but even when he doesn’t, he maintains a positive attitude.”

The Legends Auto Racing tour features vehicles modeled on the vintage American styles of the 1930s and 1940s. Soto also competes in the INEX Racing Series.

Soto also races for Podium Motorsports, which James owns.

He has competed in over 150 races and currently has 10 wins and more in the Top 5 and Top 10 of races he’s entered.

“This recognition speaks volumes about the culture that exists throughout Cobb County School District athletics,” Don Baker, the district’s athletics director, said in the release.

Javier Soto and former UGA football star Champ Bailey at the Georgia Positive Athlete awards.

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East Cobb Food Scores: My Friend’s Place; Salata; more

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My Friend's Place, East Cobb food scores

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

Clubhouse ATL
2852 Delk Road, Suite 205
June 4, 2026, Score: 84, Grade: B

French Toast ATL (re-inspection)
2468 Windy Hill Road, Suite 600
June 2, 2026, Score: 100, Grade: A
Previous Inspection: May 27, 2026, Score: 62, Grade: U

Goianao Restaurant and Catering
1475 Terrell Mill Road, Suite 103
June 1, 2026, Score: 100, Grade: A

Heirloom Market BBQ
2243 Akers Mill Road, Suite 110
June 4, 2026, Score: 96, Grade: A

Lomi Restaurant
2555 Delk Road, Suites A 5-7
June 2, 2026 Score: 83, Grade: B

Marco’s Pizza
2424 Roswell Road, Suite 150
June 1, 2026, Score: 85, Grade: B

My Friend’s Place
1205 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 125
June 3, 2026, Score: 83, Grade: B

Rusty Barrel
138 Powers Ferry Road
June 4, 2026, Score: 95, Grade: A

Salata
4101 Roswell Road, Suite 1100
June 4, 2026, Score: 89, Grade: B

Studio Movie Grill
40 Powers Ferry Road, Suite 400
June 4, 2026, Score: 87, Grade: B

VFW Post 2681
140 Powers Ferry Road
June 4, 2026, Score: 87, Grade: B

Wendy’s
2238 Roswell Road
June 4, 2026, Score: 96, Grade: A

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Sewell Mill Library to celebrate 6 years of MiniCon June 20

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4th annual MiniCon returns to Sewell Mill Library in late June
A rendition of Beowulf at a previous MiniCon at the Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center.

Submitted information:

Sewell Mill Library & Cultural Center welcomes back MiniCon, a free fan convention, on June 20th, 2026, from 10am-5pm. Fans of all ages are invited to celebrate everything fantasy, Sci-Fi, and anime with their community.

“Now in its sixth year,” says Cobb PARKS Cultural Affairs Manager, Marie Jernigan, “MiniCon has truly become a cornerstone of our community programming. It’s an incredible, high-energy day where families and fans of all ages can come together, showcase their incredible cosplay, and discover amazing local talent in our artist vendor market. Seeing the community connect over shared passions, from anime and superheroes to Dungeons & Dragons, is what makes this event an absolute highlight of our year.”

Young fans can start their day with a themed story time and craft before walking in the Children’s Costume Parade. Guests can get their face painted, play a game of Dungeons and Dragons, and have a mini photoshoot in their costume. Throughout the day, fans of all ages can attend a variety of panel discussions, watch live entertainment, and shop the Artist Alley that features 25 local artists. Cosplay enthusiasts are invited to enter the cosplay contest in one of three categories: Youth, Teen, or Adult. Guests can wrap up the day singing along in Cosplay Karaoke.

Readers of all ages can head to the Black Box Theater to hear from local authors Jo Schulte, Xan Kaur, Preeti Chhibber, and Vanya Stoyanova while they discuss their Young Adult books and about book fandom. Copies of their books will be for sale in the lobby through the Brave + Kind Bookstore.

Local food trucks, the Cheesy Truck and Sweet Zensations will be next to the flagpole with delicious food and treats. Stop by Mr. Tombstone’s Coffee Emporium in the café for an extra boost of energy and spooky snack.

With nearly 1,500 guests every year, and growing, MiniCon is the place to be for celebrating the movies, tv shows, books (and more) that have defined pop culture!

Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center are under Cobb County Libraries and Cobb PARKS, and they offer creative programming through their gallery, arts classes, and Creative Studios in addition to other library resources. For more information regarding MiniCon 2026, email [email protected] or call 770-509-4989.

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Cobb State Court judge to resign; successor to be appointed

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Submitted information:Cobb State Court judge to resign; successor to be appointed

State Court of Cobb County Judge Jane P. Manning notified Governor Brian Kemp that she will be resigning January 1, 2027.

Manning was elected to the Cobb State Court in May 2016 and took office in January 2017. This year marks the 40th anniversary of her admission into the State Bar of Georgia, a milestone that reflects her distinguished career in law.

Before her role as judge, she served as an assistant solicitor general with the Cobb County Solicitor General’s Office for 15 years, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to the county. Manning earned both her undergraduate and law degrees from Emory University. In May 2023, she furthered her legal education by earning a Master of Judicial Studies.

“Serving the people of Cobb County has been one of the greatest honors of my career,” said Manning. “I have cherished every moment on the bench and hope I have made a difference in our profession and our community.”

The governor has been asked to formally accept the resignation and will appoint a replacement to fill the remainder of Manning’s unexpired term. Following her resignation, she intends to enter the private practice of law.

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‘Road rage’ victim hospitalized after shooting in NE Cobb

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'Road rage' victim hospitalized after shooting in NE Cobb

Updated, Wednesday, 5:50 p.m.:

Cobb Police said the suspect was taken into custody in Cherokee County and the victim remains hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries.

Officer Joseph Wilson said Bashir Beal, 47, of Acworth, is facing charges of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm in the commission of a crime.

Beal has been booked into the Cobb County Adult Detention Center, according to Cobb Sheriff’s Office records.

An arrest warrant for Beal alleges that he “shot the victim several times using a firearm,” specifically a pistol.

Wilson said Kenneth Taylor, 57, suffered multiple gunshot wounds and is being treated at North Fulton Hospital.

Wilson said Cobb Police reviewed real-time camera footage to identify Beal’s vehicle, a gold SUV, as it headed toward Cherokee County.

The warrant and police statements have not indicated what may have led to the shooting.

Wilson said the investigation continues and anyone with information is asked to call the Cobb Police Major Crimes Unit.

Original post, Wednesday, 1:33 p.m.:

Cobb Police said Wednesday someone in a vehicle who was shot by a driver in another vehicle at a major intersection in Northeast Cobb has been taken to a hospital.

Cobb Police said on its Facebook page shortly after 1 p.m. Wednesday that the condition of the unidentified victim is unknown.

The social media message said that the incident took place on Woodstock Road near the intersection of Mabry Road, in the vicinity of the Sandy Plains Village shopping center.

It’s also near the boundary between Cobb County and the city of Roswell.

Cobb Police said officers were called to the area at around 11:13 a.m., after receiving reports of a driver firing shots at another vehicle “during an apparent road rage incident.”

Police said both vehicles continued through the intersection, and the vehicle with the person who had been shot stopped inside Roswell city limits.

According to Roswell Police, the victim was found at Highway 92 (Woodstock Road) and Laurel Lake Drive in Roswell and was conscious and alert.

The victim was rendered medical aid there and then taken to an unnamed hospital, according to police.

“Preliminary information indicates that the individual was shot in Cobb County before driving into Roswell. Their police department has assumed the investigation,” Roswell Police said.

Cobb Police had no further information, including the whereabouts of the suspected shooter, but said it is continuing to investigate.

“Significant traffic delays are expected in the area as investigators continue processing the scene,” Cobb Police said.

“Motorists are encouraged to avoid the area and utilize alternate routes whenever possible. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.”

This story will be updated.

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Walton student wins award at pre-college STEM competition

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Walton student wins award at pre-college STEM competition

Walton High School student Rachel Lee recently earned the Third Grand Award at the the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).

That’s the world’s largest international pre-college STEM competition, and Lee qualified from the Cobb/Paulding County Regional Science and Engineering Fair.

Lee titled her project “Glucotoxicity in Regeneration: Modeling Hyperglycemia-Induced Repair Failure in Schmidtea mediterranea,” and it “investigated how elevated glucose levels affect tissue regeneration using planaria as a model organism to better understand impaired wound healing. The project was conducted through research at Kennesaw State University under the mentorship of Dr. Varholick.”

Lee’s project also received the Regeneron Biomedical Science Award and was recognized as a runner-up in the Georgia BioGENEius Challenge.

“I was honored to represent our community and compete alongside students from around the world,” Lee tells us, and if you’re interested to learn more about the project, here’s a link with all that information.

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8 East Cobb students receive National Merit Scholarships

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Eight recently graduated high school students from East Cobb are the latest recipients of college aid from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.East Cobb National Merit Scholarship Program

The NMSC students announced on Wednesday more than 2,500 nationwide recipients of scholarships from the college or university of the student’s choice.

According to a release, “these awards provide between $500 and $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study at the institution financing the scholarship.

“This year, 138 higher education institutions are underwriting Merit Scholarship awards through the National Merit Scholarship Program. Sponsor colleges and universities include 69 private and 69 public institutions located in 42 states and the District of Columbia.”

The students were chosen based on a variety of factors, including SAT and other test scores, a writing essay, and extracurricular activities, awards, and leadership positions.

“Semifinalists also had to have an outstanding academic record, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, and earn SAT or ACT scores that confirmed the qualifying test performance,” the release said.

The NMSC, a not-for-profit organization, has conducted the National Merit Scholarship Program since 1955.

What f0llows is the name of the student and high school, college choice, and intended field of study.

  • Nathan Cole Lawson, Wheeler: University of Alabama, mechanical engineering
  • Carter Kopp, Lassiter: Vanderbilt Univerity, orthopedics
  • John Mackay Leith, Wheeler: University of Georgia, software engineering
  • Ameen H. Sayeed, Walton: University of Georgia, business
  • Aubrey Seay, Walton: Texas A & M University, industrial engineering
  • Riley J. Sullivan, Lassiter: Vanderbilt University, engineering
  • Vishruthi Thiyagarajan, Walton: University of Texas at Dallas, materials science
  • Jacob Podolski, Campbell: University of Georgia, public policy

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East Cobb Chin Chin restaurant relocating; Chicago’s closes

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East Cobb Chin Chin restaurant relocating; Chicago's closes

Several months after its building was destroyed in a fire, the owners of the Chin Chin Chinese restaurant in East Cobb are in the process of relocating.

Chin Chin Chen Asian Fusion will be opening in the former Zaxby’s space at 3030 Johnson Ferry Road, near the Northeast Cobb YMCA and Walmart.

The premises is still being renovated, with a construction dumpster located near the front. There’s no further information available about when the restaurant will open; East Cobb News has left a message with Qing Yun Chen, the applicant for the relocated business.

According to Cobb County business license information, Chin Chin Chen applied for an alcohol license in April. Cobb property tax records also indicate that the building was purchased in February by Yung Heng LLC, an entity with an address the same as Chen’s.

Chin Chin had operated for nearly three decades in a building on Johnson Ferry Road near Parkaire Landing that caught fire last September and was severely damaged. An online fundraiser begun by Sabrina Gao, daughter of co-owner Jasmine Chen, raised several thousand dollars as the family vowed to rebuild.

Chicago's Restaurant

Chicago’s closes

Not far from the Chin Chin Chen site another longstanding East Cobb restaurant has apparently closed for good.

Chicago’s Steaks and Seafood, which was open for more than 35 years in various locations, closed its doors on Saturday at the Shallowford Crossing Shopping Center (4401 Shallowford Road at Johnson Ferry).

Social media messages in recent weeks speculated about the closing, especially after Chicago’s received a failing health inspection in March, The restaurant later received a ‘B’ score on a follow-up, with ownership acknowledging the issues but saying they had all been addressed.

After that, Chicago’s regularly updated its social media channels to reflect menu changes and live music acts, but did not indicate anything about closing.

Its last Facebook post on May 23 promoted live entertainment. A message on Chicago’s Google listing indicates it’s closed temporarily, but there are no signs on the exterior of the restaurant.

East Cobb News has left multiple messages with Chicago’s management seeking information but has not received a response.

Chicago’s was a popular venue for upscale dining in East Cobb and with live entertainment and cocktails at a speakeasy lounge.

Ownership has changed hands twice since 2017, with the latest acquisition in 2022.

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Eastside Church senior living rezoning proposal put on hold

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Eastside Church senior living rezoning proposal put on hold
An aerial rendering of the main senior living building, with the Red Oak Park neighborhood in the background.

The Cobb Planning Commission on Tuesday put a hold on Eastside Church’s proposal to build a senior living facility on its campus on Lower Roswell Road.

The vote was 4-0 for the delay until July, to give time for the applicant to meet with nearby residents who expressed concerns over stormwater and density issues above all.

As reported by East Cobb News, Eastside Church wants to convert vacant parking areas on its property for a 95-unit assisted living/memory care building and eight independent living cottages for seniors as part of its expanded church mission.

The main three-story building would have full services and amenities, including medical care and food service, as well as exercise and recreational space.

A retention pond would be landscaped and surrounded by a walking trail to serve the senior community, which would have 133 parking spaces.

Eastside would build, operate and maintain the complex, which it would run through a non-profit entity.

Church leaders didn’t speak at the Tuesday zoning hearing, but Eastside attorney Kevin Moore made multiple references that the project would resemble in concept, if not in scale, the Sterling Estates senior complexes in both East Cobb and West Cobb.

Moore pointed out what a church marketing study concluded, with an unmet demand of nearly 1,500 senior living units in the East Cobb area.

Richard Grome of the East Cobb Civic Association.

“Which goes to show you why this is so necessary and so needed,” Moore said.

He also reminded members of the Planning Commission that the residential senior-living (RSL) category Eastside is seeking includes in the Cobb County Code that “these uses shall not be established as a precedent for any other residential or non-residential district.”

But Richard Grome, president of the East Cobb Civic Association, said the senior living complex is incompatible with nearby residential areas and would offer a “fortress-like structure” that would be easily visible.

He said the 13-unit per-acre density is too high for the community, saying the proposal is not a “modest increase but is a dramatic escalation” compared to its residential surroundings.

Nearby residents said they were given notice by Eastside of the rezoning only by the end of April, and said the plans changed multiple times but they weren’t always updated.

“This project would tower over the homes on Freydale Road,” said Abby Shiffman of the Magnolia South subdivision across Lower Roswell from the church.

Eastside Church is bounded by the Red Oak Park subdivision, which has smaller, mostly single-story homes built in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

Steve Wright, a Freydale Road resident since 1984 and whose home is adjacent to the soccer field on the church property, said stormwater problems have increased as the church has grown over the years.

In addition to the sanctuary and church office building, Eastside added a community recreation center and a school, adding to the impervious surface area. The new parking spaces, Wright said, will only add to that.

“I’ve had to build a berm three feet high and 50 feet long at my own expense to keep the stormwater from overflowing my backyard,” he said. Another neighbor had to install a dry creek to prevent water overflows from the church parking lot.

“If you’re going to approve this project, make sure the retention pond actually works,” he said, “and drain to it and not into my backyard.”

Another resident on Lucky Court worried about noise and lighting from the proposed site for the cottages, which would back up to her property.

Moore said the retention pond in the area hasn’t been sufficient because it is aging and hasn’t been maintained, and that with the Eastside Church project, “we’re going to employ today’s standards on stormwater retention and management” that will alleviate many of the existing issues.

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Cobb Public Library System compiles Pride Month reading list

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From the Cobb County Public Library System:Cobb Public Library System compiles Pride Month reading list

June is Pride Month! These books celebrate diversity, community, inclusivity, and understanding!

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month is celebrated each June. According to the Library of Congress, “The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally.”

The month-long celebration has its origins in the Stonewall Uprising in NYC’s Greenwich Village in Manhattan, which turned into a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement. Stonewall involved several days of conflict between police and patrons of a gay bar and onlookers in violent clashes beginning June 28, 1969.

Visit loc.gov/lgbt-pride-month/about to learn more.

For individual listings of books in the Cobb library system, click here.

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The Wig Dr. receives American Express ‘shop small’ grant

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The Wig Dr. receives American Express 'shop small' grant

The Wig Dr. Boutique and Mastectomy Center, an East Cobb business that provides wigs and related post-mastectomy care and services for cancer patients, is a recipient of an American Express “shop small” grant for small businesses.

The grants are for $20,000 and help businesses “grow, innovate and support their local communities,” according to an American Express release.

The grant program, done in conjunction with Main Street America, an economic development and historic preservation organization, is providing $10 million in grants to 250 small businesses to honor the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence this summer.

The Wig Dr. (website) is owned by Dr. Erica Gamble, who said the grant will “help us expand our Mobile Confidence Care Unit, bringing wigs, mastectomy products, fittings, and compassionate care directly to underserved communities. For many clients facing cancer treatment, hair loss, or recovery after surgery, transportation and access can be major barriers. This investment will help us meet people where they are and provide meaningful support, education, and confidence-restoring care directly in their communities.”

She said that “our mission has always been about more than wigs or products. It’s about restoring dignity, confidence, and hope during some of the most vulnerable moments in a person’s life. Support from the Amex Shop Small Grants Program will allow us to deepen our impact across the community and continue showing women and families that they are seen, supported, and never alone in their journey.”

The Wig Dr. is located at 4939 Lower Roswell Road, Suite 202.

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East Cobb Real Estate: Hembree Road estate sells for $3.7M

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East Cobb Real Estate: Hembree Road estate sells for $3.7M

This week’s featured home sale is an estate on Hembree Road, in the Pope High School, Hightower Trail Middle School and Murdock Elementary School attendance zones.

It has 8 bedrooms and 5.5 baths on 13 acres, and sold for $3.7 million on May 18, 2026.

The home is on land formerly owned by the Hembree family, and was on the market for the first time in 50 years.

The ranch home includes a complete secondary duplex-type living area and a partially built-out basement area.

The property includes gently rolling land surrounded by mature native trees in a wooded setting.

Click the middle button below to see more photos.

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The following East Cobb residential real estate sales from May 18-22, 2026 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

1956 Myrtle Drive, 30066 (Greenland): $470,000

4506 Bay Court, 30066 (Lamplighter): $420,000

Lassiter

2572 Chestea Drive, 30066 (Cooks Valley): $782,000

4692 Bluffside Court, 30066 (Bluffs at Jamerson): $1.145 million

3445 Orange Wood Court, 30062 (Parkview East): $380,000

4743 Carmichael Chase, 30066 (Forest Chase): $409,000

2677 Forest Way, 30066 (Forest Chase): $562,000

4711 Blisston Street, 30066 (Everleigh): $1 million

Marietta

773 Trevett Way, 30062 (Hamilton Grove): $410,000

1565 Reids Ferry Way, 30062 (Alexandria at East Park) $518,000

Pope

2760 Hembree Road, 30062: $3.7 million

2796 Craig Court, 30062 (Olde Canton Chase): $450,000

3182 Wicks Lake Drive, 30062 (Wicks Lake): $580,000

1816 Bishops Green Drive, 30062 (Bishops Green): $975,000

4047 Jordan Lake Drive, 30062 (Walden): $950,000

1963 Benthill Drive, 30062 (Benthill): $619,000

3582 Casteel Road, 30062: $560,000

4331 Edgemere Drive, 30062 (Edgemere Estates): $1.365 million

2450 Castle Lane, 30062 (Newcastle): $467,500

Sprayberry

1856 Kristen Mill Way, 30062: $1 million

2560 Blakely Court, 30066 (Morgan Station): $470,000

2799 Post Oak Drive, 30062 (Christopher’s Corner): $460,000

3050 Scott Road, 30062: $375,000

920 Chesterfield Drive, 30062: $367,500

2233 Gardenwalk Way, 30066 (Gatherings at Greenhouse): $710,000

1992 Claiborne Court, 30062 (Cambridge Park): $665,000

2357 Talamill Drive, 30066 (Talamill): $575,000

2840 Colleton Drive, 30066 (Colleton Plantation): $429,900

915 Pine Manor, 30066 (Glendale): $416,000

1810 Ebenezer Farm Circle, 30066 (Ebenezer Farm): $1 million

844 Kurtz Road, 30066 (Sylvan Hills): $470,000

1814 Chasewood Park Drive, 30066 (Chasewood Park): $485,900

389 England Place, 30066 (Canterbury North): $435,000

Walton

1183 Robert Lane, 30062 (Tall Pines): $1.55 million

3769 High Green Drive, 30068 (Indian Hills): $2.6 million

4920 River Farm Road, 30068 (Riverhill): $1.15 million

1530 Brookcliff Circle, 30062 (Brookcliff): $440,000

4491 Chattahoochee Plantation Drive, 30067 (Chattahoochee Plantation): $1.3 million

2180 River Heights Court, 30067 (Overlook at Riverview): $259,000

1242 Gray Squirrel Crossing, 30062 (Providence Corners): $612,500

3887 Lindsey Road, 30067 (The Enclave at Sope Creek): $1,.8 million

945 Hidden Hollow Drive, 30068 (Hidden Hollow): $750,000

346 Declaire Way, 30067 (Lafayette Square): $1 million

1702 Kinsmon Cove, 30062 (East Hampton): $927,500

925 Sunny Meadows Lane, 30062 (Walton Creek Estates): $1.725 million

306 Greyhaven Lane, 30068 (The Vineyard): $1.563 million

2175 Watercrest Commons Circle, 30068 (Watercrest Commons): $1.1 million

1299 Seven Springs Circle, 30068 (Seven Springs): $625,000

1263 Colony Drive, 30068 (Lake Colony): $550,000

Wheeler

1382 Old Virginia Court, 30067 (Salem Ridge): $277,250

1670 Wildwood Road, 30062 (Briarwood Hills): $257,000

671 Willow Ridge Drive, 30068 (Willow Ridge): $575,000

2142 Sedalia Court, 30067 (Sedalia Park): $340,000

3750 Fox Hills Drive, 30067 (Fox Hills): $625,000

2951 Shillingford Court, 30067 (Stratford): $550,000

301 East Valley Drive, 30068 (East Valley Estates): $625,000

2094 Powers Ferry Trace, 30067 (Covered Bridge): $200,000

3026 Greyfield Place, 30067 (Greyfield): $725,000

3007 Greyfield Trace, 30067 (Greyfield): $505,000

139 Shadowlake Lane, 30067 (Shadowlake): $595,000

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