East Cobb Votes: 2026 primary election runoff results

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Runoffs loom for Ga. Congress Senate governor's primaries
L-R: John Cowan, Rob Adkerson

Physician John Cowan has defeated Rod Adkerson handily Tuesday in the 11th Congressional District Republican primary runoff.

That’s the Congressional District that includes of most of East Cobb, and where Republican U.S. Rep. Barry Loudermilk is retiring.

According to results compiled by the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office, Cowan has more than 65 percent of the vote.

Adkerson had been Loudermilk’s chief of staff in a district that includes Bartow, Cherokee and parts of Dawson and Gordon counties.

Cowan will face Chris Harden, a Democrat, in November. Cowan’s campaign claimed victory by 8:45 p.m. Tuesday, and he thanked 11th District voters.

“They want a conservative outsider who will stand with President Trump to put America First,” Cowan said in a statement issued by his campaign.”

“I’m a doctor and a businessman, not a politician. I’ve spent my life solving problems and serving this community, and that’s exactly what I’ll keep doing in Congress.”

Governor/U.S. Senate runoffs

In other results Tuesday, health business executive Rick Jackson is leading Lt. Gov. Burt Jones for the Republican nomination for Georgia governor.

Jackson, who has spent more than $100 million of his own money, is also claiming victory with 55 percent of the vote against Jones, who had the endorsement of President Donald Trump and belatedly, outgoing Gov. Brian Kemp.

The winner will meet Democratic nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms, the former Atlanta mayor, in November.

In the Republican U.S. Senate runoff, U.S. Rep. Mike Collins defeated former football coach Derek Dooley, also with 555 percent of the vote.

Collins was endorsed by Trump; Dooley, the son of former UGA football coach Vince Dooley, is backed by Kemp.

Collins will face incumbent Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff in November.

Other Runoffs

Lieutenant Governor: In a duel between two state senators on the Republican side, Greg Dolezal is leading John F. Kennedy with 53 percent of the vote.

Democratic State Sen. Josh McLaurin is leading Nabilah Parkes, a former state senator, with 55 percent of the vote.

Secretary of State: Tim Fleming defeated Vernon Jones with nearly 65 percent of the vote for the Republican nomination; the Democratic nominee will be Penny Brown Reynolds, who has 64 percent of the vote against Dana Barrett.

Insurance Commissioner: Keisha Sean Waites has 59 percent of the vote against DeAndre Mathis in the Democratic runoff.

School Superintendent: Incumbent Richard Woods is leading his Republican runoff against Candler County schools superintendent Fred “Bubba” Longgrear with just 51 percent of the vote.

Labor Commissioner: Nikki Porcher has 62 percent of the vote against Michelle Sanchez in the Democratic runoff.

For full election runoff results around Georgia, click here.

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East Cobb Food Scores: Bagelicious; Los Arcos; Sidelines; more

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Bagelicious, 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:

Bagelicious
1255 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 37
June 12, 2026, Score: 87, Grade: B

East Cobb Fit Nutrition Club
2145 Roswell Road, Suite 130
June 12, 2026, Score: 100, Grade: A

Goldbergs Bagel Co. and Deli
1062 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite A-110
June 11, 2026, Score: 87, Grade: B

Hoyle’s Kitchen and Bar
1440 Roswell Road, Suite A
June 11, 2026, Score: 100, Grade: A

Los Arcos Mexican Restaurant
3101 Roswell Road, Suite 104
Jun 12, 2026, Score: 87, Grade: B

Marietta Burger Bar
1392 Roswell Road, Suite B
June 11, 2026, Score: 89, Grade: B

Mr. Wok
1750 Bells Ferry Road, Suite B
June 15, 2026, Score: 100

Sidelines Grille
4719 Lower Roswell Road, Suite 210
June 15, 2026, Score: 89, Grade: B

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East Cobb polling station voting hours extended due to delay

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Submitted information:

Due to a brief delay experienced during morning setup, the polling place at ELIZABETH 03 (EL03) – Piedmont Road Church of Christ, 1630 Piedmont Road, Marietta, GA 30066, opened at 7:16 a.m. for the June 16, 2026, General Primary Runoff Election.

Pursuant to an order issued by Judge Kimberly Childs, voting at this location will remain open until 7:16 p.m. to ensure voters have the full voting period available to cast their ballots.

Cobb County Elections and Registration is committed to ensuring all voters are informed and able to cast their ballots safely and efficiently. We appreciate the patience and understanding of voters and want to reassure the public that all eligible voters assigned to ELIZABETH 03 will have the opportunity to vote today.

We understand the inconvenience caused by the delayed opening and thank Cobb County voters for their patience.

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Cobb school district sues county over tax-collection fees

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The Cobb County School District on Tuesday said it has filed a lawsuit against Cobb County government for what it calls “a money-grab” over administrative fees levied to collect property and sales taxes for schools.

Cobb board of educcation vice chairman David Chastain

In a press release issued Tuesday morning, the district said that over the last 15 years, it has been billed more than $130 million in administrative fees to collect property taxes that are then turned over to the school district.

This year, that total is $13 million, and the district claimed in the release for fiscal year 2027—which begins on July 1—the county is charging the district $20 million.

That’s due to an increase in what the county charges the school district in those collection fees, from 1.6 percent to 2.5 percent of the total taxes collected—from property taxes and Special-Purpose Local-Option Sales Taxes (SPLOST).

“This lawsuit is about the hundreds of teachers and thousands of students who would be affected. Every Cobb homeowner, business owner, parent, grandparent, and student benefits from a strong public education,” Cobb Board of Education vice chairman David Chastain of Post 4 in Northeast Cobb said in the district release.

“The Commission is trying to take millions of dollars from our classrooms for a tax increase, disguised as ‘administrative fees.’ Cobb’s parents want smaller class sizes, not more ‘fees.’ ”

The district’s press release—which didn’t state an author’s name—alleges that the county is guilty of “a money-grab, from classrooms, for absolutely no reason, other than the presumed hope of ending the senior school tax exemption or forcing a tax increase on Cobb homeowners. Both of which are strongly opposed by the District.”

The lawsuit, which was filed in Cobb Superior Court, named Cobb County and Cobb Tax Commissioner Carla Jackson as defendants. (You can read the lawsuit by clicking here.)

But the ire of the district’s statements, and claims in the lawsuit, are aimed at the Cobb Board of Commissioners.

“The collection fee is both unreasonable and unlawful. No reasonable person would believe the County incurs over $20,000,000 in annual expenses just to collect school taxes,” the district lawsuit states.

“And more importantly, the County lacks legal authority to charge the collection fee in the first instance.”

The lawsuit states that a 2011 Georgia law, Local Act 240, requires a county tax commissioner “to remit all educational taxes collected to the Cobb County Board of Education without charging a collection fee.

“But the County has unilaterally decided that Local Act 240 is invalid and has refused to comply with its mandate.”

Cobb delays vote on appointing police chief for two weeks
Cobb Commission Chairwoman Lisa Cupid

The lawsuit further states that Cobb improperly adopted a home rule ordinance from 2011-2021 to circumvent the new law and “unlawfully” charged the school district a 1.6 percent collection fee, even after that provision expired.

Since then, the lawsuit alleges, the school district’s fees have increased from $9.4 million in fiscal 2022 to the present $13 million.

“Despite receiving more than $130,000,000 in collection fees since 2011, the County remains unsatisfied,” the lawsuit states.

A discussion between the school district and the county over the fees was to have taken place in February, with the county seeking an increase in the tax-collection fee to 2.5 percent, according to the lawsuit.

But the the lawsuit said that Cobb Commission Chairwoman Lisa Cupid, who asked for the meeting with school district leaders, tabled that discussion, saying it was premature, and no further talks were held on the subject.

In May, the Cobb school adopted a fiscal year 2027 budget of nearly $1.9 billion.

On May 29, the lawsuit states, Cupid sent a letter to Cobb superintendent Chris Ragsdale and school board chairman Randy Scamihorn saying that Cobb would be imposing a 2.5 percent collection fee for school taxes, starting on July 1.

In that letter, which is included in the school district’s legal findings (you can read it here), Cupid wrote that there “is no valid legal local legislation designating a commission rate for the collection of school taxes. Without such local legislation, the state law rate of 2.5 percent is applicable.”

Cupid concluded her letter by saying that “there has been no further discussion on this issue since the February meeting and, as Cobb County enters its budget process, it is appropriate to make the change.”

The district’s lawsuit states that “over the next five years, the proposed increase would allow the Board of Commissioners to charge over $100,000,000 in fees for collecting school taxes.”

Cobb government spokeswoman Shelly Weidner told East Cobb News that county officials are reviewing the lawsuit with legal counsel and issued the following statement:

“The County’s position regarding the school tax collection commission was outlined in the May 29 letter provided to the School District and referenced in the lawsuit. This matter involves the interpretation and application of state law governing the collection of school taxes, and we believe it is appropriate for the courts to provide clarity on the issue.

“Because this matter is now pending litigation, we will have no further comment on the specifics of the case at this time.”

The Cobb school district said the $130 million sum it’s paid in property-tax collection fees since 2011 could go to fund the salaries and benefits of 130 teachers.

“Our bottom line is simple: Cobb’s students are already funded less than their peers in most neighboring counties,” the district statement said.

“We will protect the investment parents and grandparents have made to live and raise their families in Cobb.”

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East Cobb Biz Scene: Mezza Luna to become Trattoria Bella

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East Cobb Biz Scene: Mezza Luna to become Trattoria Bella
Daniele Furfaro and his wife Bella have received a variety of honors in the three years they’re run Mezza Luna in East Cobb.

At the end of May, Mezza Luna owner Daniele Furfaro announced his restaurant at the Pavilions at East Lake Shopping Center will be changing names and getting a menu make-over as well.

What he had rebranded Mezza Luna Furfaro Italian Restaurant to distinguish it from the original Mezza Luna restaurant in Smyrna will soon be known as Trattoria Bella.

“We are changing names because we don’t want be confused about the other Mezza Luna,” Furfaro told East Cobb News. “And plus, we going to update the menu and bar drinks and decorate over the restaurant.”

The changes will take place gradually over the summer, and the restaurant (2100 Roswell Road, Suite 2198) is remaining open.

Bella Furfaro, who like her husband is a native of Italy, is the namesake of the rebrand, and she oversaw Mezza Luna’s recent dining room upgrade.

In an East Cobb News sponsored post in February, Furfaro explained that he added his name to the restaurant because diners thought the two spots were still had the same owners. He was originally a partner in the East Cobb business before becoming its owner in 2023.

The Furfaros also have been busy moving their family, which includes two daughters, to East Cobb after living in Woodstock.

“Mezza Luna Pasta & Seafood remains your neighborhood Italian table in Marietta: handmade pastas, seafood, wine, cocktails, and service that makes dinner feel personal,” the restaurant noted on its website. “Trattoria Bella is the next chapter, carrying the same spirit into a refreshed experience” that is “a subtle rebrand inspired by the same family passion and a more elevated evening out.”

In May, Mezza Luna sponsored a table at the Taste of East Cobb for the first time, and won the Best Taste award.

Furfaro has been teasing to the rebrand with short videos on the restaurant’s new Facebook page, and on Thursday the soft opening continues with a five-course wine dinner, “An Evening of Coastal Elegance.”

New pop-up farmer’s markets

After more than three years of home delivery of fresh fruits and vegetables (we featured them here in 2022), an East Cobb produce business is giving shoppers a chance to enjoy a retail operation once again.

Holland Botanical, which delivers to the greater East Cobb area on Tuesdays for advance orders only, recently started a pop-up market on the weekends.

It takes place Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the parking lot of Jackie’s Fine Wine and Spirits (3140 Johnson Ferry Road), and during the week publishes the lineup of available items.

Holland Botanical originally began as a pop-up in the nearby Shallowford Falls Shopping Center, then switched to delivery only during COVID.

Coming this Friday, the Mabry Farm market opens daily from dawn to dusk (4480 Wesley Chapel Road), featuring blackberries, blueberries and apples grown on the premises. Later in the summer, they expect to have tomatoes, cucumbers and bell peppers avaiable.

Payment is via a cash deposit box at the top of the orchard, or by Venmo.

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East Cobb Real Estate: St. Andrews Park home sells for $1M

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East Cobb Real Estate: St. Andrews Park home sells for $1M

This week’s featured home sale is a brick traditional in the St. Andrews Park subdivision, in the Walton High School, Dickerson Middle School and Mt. Bethel Elementary School attendance zones.

It has 6 bedrooms and 5 baths with 5,160 square feet on 0.32 acres, and sold for $1 million on June 5, 2026.

The home has recently a finished basement, new paint, new carpet and refinished hardwood floors.

The main level features an open concept floor plan with a two-story great room and natural light. There is a guest bedroom with full a bath and an office on the main floor.

The primary suite has abundant closet space. There’s also an extra secondary bedroom and a full bath plus a game room, media room and a gym in the basement.

A arge level back yard is fully fenced, and the home is located close to the Chattahoochee River with more than five miles of a wide walking path that connects to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area trails.

Click the middle button below to see more photos.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The following East Cobb residential real estate sales from June 1-5, 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

2242 Nantucket Court, 30066 (North Landing): $390,000

3911 Hollander Downs, 30066 (Spencers Mill): $675,000

Lassiter

4028 Rock Mill Drive, 30062 (Rock Mill): $400,000

3664 Outlook Court, 30066 (Highland Ridge): $845,000

Marietta

1404 Jazzberry Way, 30066 (Bluffs at Bells Ferry: $433,032

744 Bonnie Dell Drive, 30062 (Bonnie Dell): $336,732

1428 Jazzberry Way, 30066 (Bluffs at Bells Ferry: $412,000

1565 Pinebreeze Drive, 30062 (East Worthington): $543,000

Pope

2320 Buck Drive, 30062 (Holly Ridge): $452,500

Sprayberry

2198 Whitehall Drive, 30066 (Churchill Village): $502,000

3061 Karen Lane, 30062 (Mountain View):$385,000

2383 Black Oak Drive, 30066 (Bristol Mill): $465,000

193 Laura Lake Road, 30066: $753,000

178 Parkstone Way, 30066 (Barrett Creek): $467,999

198 Parkstone Way, 30066 (Barrett Creek): $560,000

1513 Oakmoor Place, 30062 (Allgood Farms): $650,000

1810 Kinridge Road, 30062 (Sandy Plains Estates): $520,000

2115 Bells Ferry Road, 30066: $719,900

3075 Wayward Drive, 30066 (Oak Knoll): $435,000

3072 Vandiver Drive, 30066 (Vandiver Heights): $385,000

1270 Little Acres Place, 30066 (Philmont Estates): $480,000

Walton

1266 Stonecroft Way, 30062 (Stonecroft): $1.8 million

4884 Kentwood Drive, 30068 (Cobblestone Manor): $1.1 million

1347 Waterford Green Close, 30068 (Waterford Green): $1.238 million

1442 Heritage Glen Drive, 30068 (Heritage Glen): $615,000

4092 Columns Drive, 30067 (River Place): $820,000

5405 St. Lyonn Place, 30068 (St. Lyonn): $1.8 million

957 Richmond Hill Drive, 30068 (Yorkshire Hills): $700,000

4528 Lashley Court, 30068 (Lashley Farms): $550,000

1056 Indian Hills Parkway, 30068 (Indian Hills): $657,000

888 Saints Drive, 30068 (St. Andrews Park): $1 million

1474 Wood Thrush Way, 30062 (Chestnut Springs): $710,000

2252 Rushmore Drive, 30062 (Plantation Place): $865,000

1427 Lafayette Lane, 30068 (Princeton Lakes): $730,000

3085 Brockton Close, 30068 (Park at Papermill): $815,000

Wheeler

2514 Sunny Lane, 30067 (Red Oak Park): $350,000

890 Oriole Lane, 30067 (Meadow Brook): $355,000

2403 Montclair Park Lane, 30068 ($638,000)

1390 Old Virginia Court, 30067 (Salem Ridge): $345,000

1960 Hamilton Place, 30067 (Hamilton Placr): $247,000

706 Twin Brooks Court, 30067 (Twin Brooks): $247,000

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Editor’s Note: Keep local news strong, free and independent!

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Skip Wells Memorial Ride, East Cobb News subscriber campaign
East Cobb News rolled out in July 2017, and we’re excited to be marking another anniversary!

It’s hot, and the dog days of summer are upon thus.

But at East Cobb News, this is a special time of the year.

For it was nine years ago during these months that we launched this news and information resource free of charge, with a mission of serving this community first.

No middle-managers in corporate offices, reporting to bosses in another time zone.

No cookie-cutter, formulaic stories just to get you to click, presuming that you don’t know what’s important to you.

At East Cobb News, readers come first, and always will. Our vow when we launched on July 4, 2017, was to make the news free and accessible to everyone, and to keep it that way.

Please help us keep local news free.

We’ve built a modest small business with local business advertising, but like other news outlets—including many that are much larger and older than we are—East Cobb News also relies on reader support to sustain our efforts.

We’ve been asking readers for some months now to provide voluntary financial support, and we appreciate those of you who have contributed. But we need more of you to help us as we continue our mission of giving you the local news that you love.

The past few months have been excellent traffic-wise at East Cobb News, and we’d like to increase the levels of support we get from our readers.

We’ll be telling you more stories about the first eight years of East Cobb News in the coming weeks, as we approach our 9th anniversary.

For now, please consider how much you value what y0u get from East Cobb News. Not just when you visit our website, get our newsletter or check in on our social media accounts.

But also think about the sense of community we provide every day, unlike any other entity in this community.

For the price of a cup of coffee.

For just a few dollars a month, your support will help sustain local journalism—right here in East Cobb.

You rely on us to stay informed and we depend on you to make our work possible.

Your donation is voluntary and the amount you pay is up to you, but here are some suggested amounts:

  • $6/month or $60/year
  • $12/month or $125/year
  • $30/month or $300/year
  • $50/month or $500/year
  • Custom amount
  • One-time donation

Your donation—continued or new—will help keep East Cobb News strong, free and independent for years to come. Thank you for your support! And long live local news!

 

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More than 33K in Cobb vote early in primary runoff elections

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More than 33,000 Cobb voters cast their ballots early in the 2026 primary election runoffs.cobb advance voting, Cobb voter registration deadline, Walton and Dickerson PTSA candidates forum

The runoffs will culminate on Tuesday with election-day voting at regularly assigned precincts.

Among the races to be decided include Republican Party nominees for governor, U.S. Senate and the 11th Congressional District.

According to Cobb Elections and Registration, the busiest early voting locations over the last week were the East Cobb Government Service Center (4,714 votes) and the Tim D. Lee Senior Center (4,555 votes).

The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday. The deadline for mailed-in or hand-delivered absentee ballots to the Cobb Elections office is 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Voters who will be voting on Tuesday must go to their assigned precincts. In East Cobb, seven precincts will have new locations for the runoffs, as well as the general election in November.

Voters must must choose either a Democratic or a Republican ballot for the runoffs, and they cannot switch from the party ballot they cast in the primaries.

Cobb Elections has prepared consolidated sample ballots: Democratic | Republican (non-partisan judicial races were decided during the primaries).

Voters must bring a valid photo ID with them to the polls (click here for details).

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

Who’s On the Ballot

For Republican voters, selecting a nominee for governor is leads their runoff ballot. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and business executive Rick Jackson will be facing off for the right to meet former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, who won the Democratic primary, in the general election.

The GOP runoffs also will decide the November opponent for Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff. Congressman Mike Collins and former football coach Derek Dooley led in the primaries.

Republican voters in East Cobb also will have a say in the party choice for the 11th Congressional District, where GOP U.S. Rep. Barry Loudermilk is retiring.

Loudermilk’s chief of staff Rod Adkerson and physician John Cowan are the candidates, with the winner to face Democrat Chris Harden in November.

Republican Georgia School Superintendent Richard Woods is in a runoff against Fred “Bubba” Longgrear, superintendent of schools in Candler County, in southeast Georgia.

There will be runoffs in a number of other statewide offices:

  • Lieutenant Governor: Josh McLaurin vs. Nabilah Parkes (D); Greg Dolezal vs. John F. Kennedy (R);
  • Secretary of State: Dana Barrett vs. Penny Brown Reynolds (D); Tim Fleming vs. Vernon Jones (R);
  • Commissioner of Insurance: DeAndre Mathis vs. Keisha Sean Waites (D)
  • Commissioner of Labor: Nikki Porcher Michelle vs. Michi Sanchez (D)
  • Public Service Commissioner, District 5: Bobby Mehan vs. Josh Tolbert (R)

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Theme of 2026 Marietta Campmeeting is ‘Jesus Is Our Hope’

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The 188th Marietta Campmeeting takes place from July 10-19 at the Marietta Campground (2301 Roswell Road, across from East Cobb United Methodist Church), starting with the traditional opening night picnic from 6-7 p.m.Marietta Campmeeting

The theme of this year’s revival event is “Jesus Is Our Hope As An Anchor for the Soul,” with special events and guest speakers who will feature at the revival that dates back to 1837 (full schedule here).

Other long-standing events include a watermelon-cutting (July 11), an ice cream social (July 17) and tentholder meetings for members.

Daily services will take place at 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., and the public also is invited. There’s also a special children’s church Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to noon with Bible lessons, games and crafts.

The guest preachers this year include Johnny Foster of East Cobb Baptist Church, Scott Kelly of Eastside Baptist Church, Kristen Lee of East Cobb United Methodist Church and Rev. Ike Reighard of Piedmont Church and the CEO of MUST Ministries.

The Marietta Campmeeting is open to the public and free to attend.

For more information and a full list of events, speakers and other guests, click here.

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New home design series casting for Atlanta-area competition

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A new home makeover design competition media series is underway for homeowners in metro Atlanta-area communities, including East Cobb, and candidates are being accepted now as the casting process is underway.

The project is coordinated by Open the Junk Drawer, a creative agency behind the Zillow Gone Wild, Brother vs Brother, Giada in the Kitchen, and Trading Spaces series.

We heard from Rachel Macy, the casting director, who got in touch with us via the recommendation of several East Cobb real estate agents, and told us they’ve tapped into some East Cobb neighborhoods and would like to have some casting candidates from this community.

The still-to-be-named design series is casting now through the end of June, with filming potentially starting in late July.

Here’s what we got from the Macy about what she’s looking for in casting candidates:

“In a nutshell, we’re searching for amazing homeowners and their neighbors to compete for the best room makeover. This friendly competition films over several days and takes rooms from regular to wow. There’s a cash prize for the winner, a whole lot of fun, designer expertise for both teams, and an amazing reveals at the end.”

If you’re interested contact [email protected].

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East Cobb restaurants to take part in 2026 Cobb Foodie Week

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Several restaurants in East Cobb will be participating in Cobb Travel and Tourism’s annual Cobb Foodie Week promotion.

The event takes place from June 20-27, and customers will be able to redeem digital coupons for meals, appetizers and other menu items from more than 50 restaurants in Cobb.  

Here’s how it works, per Cobb Travel:

“After signing up for a Meal Deals Pass on CobbFoodieWeek.com, participants will instantly receive a digital passport on their phone through text or email and can save the pass to their home screen for easy access, without ever downloading an app! The Meal Deals will be ready to use starting June 20th and can be redeemed by presenting the pass to the staff at participating restaurants.”

The restaurants will be detailing their specific promotions here, and here’s who’s taking part in East Cobb:

  • Aspens Signature Steaks (Sandy Plains Shopping Center)
  • Camps Kitchen and Bar (Paper Mill Village)
  • Green Coyote Cantina (Paper Mill Village)
  • Marlow’s Tavern (Merchants Walk)
  • Marlow’s Tavern (Sandy Plains Shopping Center)
  • Mezza Luna Italian Restaurant (Pavilions at East Lake)
  • Pho Hoa and Jazen Tea (Market Plaza)
  • Round Trip Brewing Company (Avenue East Cobb)
  • Stem Wine Bar (Merchants Walk)

Sprayberry assistant principal named McCleskey MS principal

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The Cobb County School District had announced that McCleskey Middle School in East Cobb has a new principal.Sprayberry assistant principal named McCleskey MS principal

She is veteran educator Dr. Tonya Polk, who most recently has been an assistant principal at Sprayberry High School.

Her appointment was ratified by the Cobb County Board of Education Thursday night after an executive session.

Polk, whose appointment is effective July 1, succeeds Dr. Andrea Jenkins-Mann, who was reassigned to principal at Cobb Horizon School, an alternative high school program.

Jenkins-Mann had been at McCleskey since 2017.

Several other schools in East Cobb will be getting new principals in the 2026-27 school year that begins Aug. 1.

They include Dr. Kristi Lankford at Timber Ridge Elementary School, Dr. Christina Moll at Addison Elementary School and Lauren Rabil at Kincaid Elementary School.

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Marietta Arts Council names new executive director

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Marietta Arts Council names new executive director

Submitted information and photo:

The Marietta Arts Council (MAC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Kris Delaney as its new part-time Executive Director, effective June 5, 2026. Following a comprehensive search led by the Board of Directors, Delaney was unanimously selected to lead the organization as it continues to expand its impact through public art, cultural programming, and community engagement.

“Kris brings a rare combination of artistic creativity, strategic thinking, and community-minded leadership,” said Michele Howard, Vice Chair of the Marietta Arts Council Board of Directors and Co-Chair of the Executive Director Search Committee. “She understands that the arts do far more than beautify a community—they create gathering places, inspire civic pride, support local businesses, and attract visitors. Building on the strong foundation and legacy of the Marietta Arts Council, Kris has the vision and experience to elevate Marietta’s arts scene and help our community continue to thrive culturally and economically.”

Delaney brings a unique blend of arts, nonprofit, and community leadership experience to the role. Her career includes senior leadership positions with The Woodruff Arts Center and the Fox Theatre, where she helped grow audiences, strengthen community engagement, and elevate two of the Southeast’s most iconic cultural institutions. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications for Cobb EMC and is the founder of The Branding Labs, a marketing and communications consulting firm serving businesses and nonprofit organizations throughout the region.

“The arts have the power to transform communities,” said Delaney. “Marietta already has an incredible foundation of artists, cultural organizations, public art, and community support for the arts. I am excited to build on that momentum by creating new opportunities for artistic expression, strengthening partnerships, and expanding access to the arts. Together, we can continue to make Marietta a vibrant destination where creativity flourishes, residents feel connected and inspired, and visitors experience the unique character and energy of our community.”

About the Marietta Arts Council

Marietta Arts Council, Inc. is a volunteer led 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to enriching the artistic and cultural landscape of the City of Marietta through advocacy, education, and public art. In 2018, The Marietta Arts Council partnered with the City of Marietta to create the inaugural Mountain to River TrailFest with performances, mural installations, and a sculpture garden along the trail ​connecting Lewis Park to Brown Park, running through downtown Marietta. Since then, the Council has partnered with private, public, and civic groups to expand its public art footprint across the City of Marietta through public art, murals, and placemaking.

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Citizens urge Marietta City Council to scuttle data center

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Citizens urge Marietta City Council to scuttle data center
“Focus on what the community needs,” State Rep. Gabriel Sanchez told the Marietta City Council Wednesday.

Dozens of citizens crowded Marietta City Hall Wednesday to demand that a year-old vote allowing a data center on Bells Ferry Road to be overturned.

A few days after announcing they would speak at a regular council meeting, the protesters repeated recent claims they’ve made about environmental and noise concerns related to data centers, as well as potential rises in electricity bills.

Their remarks came at the end of the meeting during a general public comment period but didn’t generate a response from Marietta elected officials.

There wasn’t an item on the meeting agenda about the data center, and in the days since the protest was announced, city officials have issued statements reiterating that there’s no data center project that’s in the works, nor is there any agreement with Marietta Power for electrical use.

But that didn’t deter citizens, many of them wearing similar matching colored shirts and holding up “No Data Center” signs.

Many are younger political activists, associated with the Democratic Socialists of America. A man wearing an ATL DSA shirt, Perry Barrett (at right), who lives near the land where the data center was zoned, held up sheets of paper indicating signatures on a petition.

He said he works and is struggling to pay for increased household costs “and I can’t afford to move.” He urged the city council to impose a moratorium on data centers until conducting an environmental impact study.

Cobb commissioners issued a six-month data center moratorium in February. Data centers have been the subject of increased opposition across the country in recent months as high tech giants build gigantic data centers for artificial intelligence projects.

State Rep. Gabriel Sanchez, a Democrat from Smyrna whose district includes a sliver of Marietta city limits, said there is a “big push by billionaire elites” to build AI data centers, which he called “something we don’t need. Focus on what the community needs.”

Sanchez, a Walton High School graduate who also is active with DSA, told city council members that “you should listen to your constituents and put something else on this land.”

Also speaking out against the data center is Sam Foster, a recent Kennesaw State University graduate who nearly toppled longtime Marietta Mayor Steve “Thunder” Tumlin in last year’s elections.

The data center issue has begun to take on some partisan dynamics as well. The Cobb County Democratic Committee is supporting the protests.

Michelle Schreiner (seen below), a Democrat who is challenging longtime Republican State Rep. Sharon Cooper of East Cobb in November, issued a statement on her campaign website, saying that “the Bells Ferry Road data center isn’t just a local issue. It’s part of a much larger conversation about AI, infrastructure, and Georgia’s future. These aren’t anti-technology questions. They’re governance questions.”

She also supports a temporary moratorium “on large-scale data center approvals.”

But what Marietta passed in June 2025 on its zoning calendar, after going through the usual public notice procedures, was a data center on a smaller scale.

The city noted in its message earlier this week that the original proposal would have allowed up to 100 megawatts of power, but that fell through.

“The most recent discussions have included much smaller power purchase amounts of 60MW or less; however, even those conversations have stalled,” the city message said.

“Due to the careful structure of any potential agreement, a data center at this property would not place strain on the electrical grid or negatively impact current customers.”

Tracy Stevenson of Marietta, who led the public commenters, said the facts don’t add up in the favor of the protesters.

He said he’s been vilified in taking issue with the data center opponents and has “even been misgendered, but none of that hurts my feelings.”

Stevenson said he’s not either for or against a data center in Marietta, but what was approved a year ago “isn’t about AI.

“There is no deal. We do not know what we do not know.”

A resident in the nearby Bells Ferry Road community, Diana Martin, said she was among those who didn’t know about a data center approval until it was recently brought to her attention.

She said she’s not involved in any political groups, but is worried about noise and pollution issues, and followed other speakers in mentioning possible political repercussions in the next election (Marietta’s next election is in 2027).

“You can make a decision to reverse this based on what the community wants,” Martin said.

“We do not know what we do not know” about a site for a data center in Marietta in which there is no active project, resident Tracy Stevenson said.

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Cobb narcotics agents seize $1.6M worth of fentanyl in arrest

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The Cobb Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday that it has charged a man with attempting to traffick a large amount of fentanyl and is holding him without bond.Cobb narcotics agents seize $1.6M worth of fentanyl in arrest

Akira Mondragon, whose address is listed in Smyrna, was booked into the Cobb County Adult Detention Center on Tuesday on single felony counts of drug trafficking and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

According to his booking report, he was arrested at Veterans Memorial Highway and Maxham Road, after what authorities said was a month-long investigation.

Cobb Sheriff’s Office spokesman Hassan Glenn said in a release that the fentanyl seized during Mondragon’s arrest has a street value of $1.65 million, and that more than 25 pounds of the lethal substance was found at the scene.

Glenn said that the Marietta/Cobb/Smyrna (MCS) Narcotics Unit conducted a traffic stop on vehicle that had been traveling in Cobb, and a law enforcement K-9 dog signaled the presence of narcotics inside.

Fentanyl is a highly potent synthetic opioid that “is estimated to be up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine,” the release states.

“Fentanyl is one of the most dangerous drugs our communities have ever faced. An amount comparable to a few grains of salt can be enough to take a life. By removing more than 25 pounds of fentanyl from our streets, our investigators potentially prevented countless tragedies and saved lives throughout Cobb County and beyond,” said Cobb Sheriff Craig Owens said in the release.

The Marietta/Cobb/Smyrna Narcotics Unit is a joint effort among eight law enforcement agencies and the Cobb County District Attorney’s Office, under the leadership of the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office.

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Avenue East Cobb plaza to hold public World Cup viewings

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Avenue East Cobb plaza to hold public World Cup viewings

Soccer fans who want to take in the action from the World Cup in a communal setting have a number of options, as we noted last week.

Add to the list the big screen at the plaza at Avenue East Cobb (4475 Roswell Road), which has released its initial schedule of World Cup matches through the weekend.

That includes the U.S. match against Paraguay on Friday night. The World Cup matches will be interspersed with airings of Atlanta Braves games.

Admission to the plaza is free, but spectators are not permitted to bring their own coolers, food and drink.

A couple more points to keep in mind, per Avenue management:

Screenings are free for all visitors & seating is open to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis. Guests are encouraged to bring their tailgate chairs & blanket to watch the game. Showings are subject to be turned off during overlapping events and/or when The Plaza closes at 10PM.

Nearby restaurants will be offering some specials connected to the World Cup matches, which continue through July 19.

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Lassiter HS graduate earns prestigious Stamps Scholarship

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Lassiter graduate earns prestigious Georgia Tech scholarship

Submitted information and photo:

Arianna Mukherji, a graduate of Lassiter High School, has been awarded a Stamps Scholarship at the Georgia Institute of Technology, earning one of the nation’s most prestigious merit scholarships for undergraduate students.

Selected through a highly competitive process, Stamps Scholars are recognized for exceptional academic achievement, leadership, initiative, and service. Stamps Scholarships are awarded in partnership with leading universities and typically cover up to the full cost of attendance for undergraduate or, in select cases, graduate study. In addition, Scholars receive dedicated enrichment funding to pursue opportunities such as research, study abroad, internships, leadership development, conference participation, and independent projects around the world.

At the Georgia Institute of Technology, Mukherji plans to study Business Administration. 

During high school, Mukherji demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership, business, civic engagement, and community service. She served as President of Lassiter High School’s Student Council and DECA chapter, leading initiatives that increased student involvement, expanded membership, and strengthened the school community.

Through DECA, she helped organize fundraisers supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month and WAGR syndrome advocacy efforts, raising funds and awareness for important causes. As a leader in Student Council and the Lassiter President’s Club, she also helped coordinate Paws for Life, a schoolwide fundraiser that raised approximately $1,200 to support service and therapy animals.

Through internships with Cobb Collaborative’s Vote Your Voice Initiative and Lassiter’s Business and Entrepreneurship Program, she gained experience in civic outreach, digital marketing, data analysis, and strategic communications. Mukherji also worked as an after-school supervisor and tutor, mentoring younger students at Moohan Martial Arts. 

Additionally, she was selected as a finalist for Georgia’s Governor’s Honors Program in Social Studies, where she collaborated on research and presented innovative solutions to environmental challenges posed by AI data centers.

The Stamps Scholars Program recently announced its 21st class of Scholars and will welcome 393 students from 34 partner institutions across the United States this fall. Selected from a pool of approximately 655,000 applicants, these Scholars join a network of more than 4,400 current Scholars and alumni connected across 53 partner institutions nationwide and into the UK.

Founded in 2006 by E. Roe Stamps and his late wife, Penny, the Stamps Scholars Program partners with leading universities to support students with extraordinary academic talent, leadership potential, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond. In addition to scholarship support, Stamps Scholars gain access to a national network of peers, mentors, leadership experiences, research opportunities, and enrichment programs designed to help them reach their biggest goals.

Learn more about the Stamps Scholars Program at stampsscholars.org.

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Popefest celebration to start school’s 40th anniversary year

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When the 2026-27 school year begins, Pope High School will be having a special event to greet more than a new academic year.

Popefest celebration to start school's 40th anniversary yearThe 40th anniversary year of Pope High School also will be recognized during the coming months, starting with a “Popefest” celebration on Aug. 14.

Tickets have been on sale since late May for the event at the school’s Matt Hobby Field (30o1 Hembree Road), and they start at $10 for general admission and $75 for what’s called the “VIP experience.” That’s for adults ages 19 and older.

Students and staff will have free admission, and parking costs $10 per vehicle.

The evening will feature, food, music, VIP hospitality, an artisan market and fireworks at the end of it all.

In the weeks leading up to the event, the Pope staff is seeking nominations for “40 Distinguished Greyhounds” who will also be introduced and honored. You can nominate someone by clicking here; the deadline is July 10.

Alan C. Pope High School opened in 1987, as East Cobb was continuing rapid suburban growth. In 1981, Lassiter High School opened, following Walton in 1975.

Pope is named after a former Walton High School teacher who grew up in what is now East Cobb, attending Sprayberry High School, where he was a star athlete and student.

He was killed in a car accident four years after returning to Cobb County to become a teacher.

Pope currently has 1,800 students (school profile here).

For more Popefest information (and a cool video promo featuring 70s-80s band “Journey”) click here.

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East Cobb Food Scores: Axia; Mezza Luna; Suburban Tap; more

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Axia Chinese Bistro, 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:

Axia Chinese Bistro
1401 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 128
June 8, 2026, Score: 99, Grade: A

Bites Sliders and Fries
4750 Alabama Road, Suite 110
June 9, 2026, Score: 91, Grade: A

Buffalo Bar
2580 Windy Hill Road, Suite 400
June 5, 2026, Score: 71, Grade: C

Cherokee Cattle Co.
2710 Canton Road
June 9, 2026, Score: 91, Grade: A

Chopstix Sushi House and Asian Fusion
4651 Woodstock Road, Suite 301
June 9, 2026, Score: 90, Grade: A

Goldbergs Bagel Co. and Deli
1062 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite A-110
June 11, 2026, Score: 87, Grade: B

Hoboken Bread and Bagel
1033 Sandy Plains Road, Suite G
June 9, 2026, Score: 94, Grade: A

Hoyle’s Kitchen and Bar
1440 Roswell Road, Suite A
June 11, 2026, Score: 100, Grade: A

J. Christopher’s
2100 Roswell Road, Suite 500
June 9, 2026, Score: 82, Grade: B

Mezza Luna Seafood and Pasta
2100 Roswell Road, Suite 2198
June 8, 2026, Score: 96, Grade: A

Marietta Burger Bar
1392 Roswell Road, Suite B
June 11, 2026, Score: 89, Grade: B

Panda Express
3460 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 210
June 8, 2026, Score: 99, Grade: A

Suburban Tap
1318 Johnson Ferry Road
June 5, 2026, Score: 96, Grade: A

Tofu Village
700 Sandy Plains Road, Suite B1
June 5, 2026, Scor: 92, Grade: A

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Woman injured in Brumby ES carpool lane crash facing charges

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A woman Cobb Police said was injured in a pedestrian crash in a carpool lane at Brumby Elementary School in April has been charged with reckless conduct. Northeast Cobb car crash, Cops on Donut Shops

Shumeka Lana Johnson, 35, was hospitalized after the April 22 incident when a minor behind the wheel of her Chrysler Pacifica accidentally put the vehicle into drive, according to the initial police report.

Johnson had left the vehicle for an unknown reason, police said at the time, when it struck “and landed on top of her,” then went into reverse and crashed into a parked, unoccupied car.

In a warrant filed last week, police said that Johnson “did endanger the bodily safety” of her minor daughter, who was operating the vehicle.

“The vehicle did not have an adult inside the vehicle but was occupied by 2 juvenile siblings, ages 4 years old and 6 months old,” according to the warrant, which said that the 13-year-old “accelerated the vehicle forward,” striking Johnson and with the vehicle’s front right tire landing on her.

The warrant alleges that Johnson engaged in a misdemeanor act of reckless conduct “by consciously disregarding a substantial and unjustifiable risk that her act or omission would endanger the safety of said person and such disregard constituted a gross deviation from the standard of care which a reasonable person would have exercised in the situation.”

The following day at a Cobb Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Chris Ragsdale commented on the incident, saying that Johnson was “seriously injured” and that it was a “miracle” and that while she is recovering, “it’s a long road ahead.”

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