2026 Milestones test results: East Cobb middle, high schools

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Pope High School, Cobb SAT scores

The 2026 Georgia Milestones test results were released this week, minus some important categories of metrics.

The Georgia Department of Education has been revising its standards for Reading and English Language Arts, and is delaying release of those test scores until November.

At the middle and high school levels, East Cobb News has been breaking down 8th grade English Language Arts and the four subject-area high school tests.

(In a separate post, we looked at elementary school results.)

For the Georgia Milestones assessments, students are tested in grades 3-8 in English Language Arts, reading and math, in grades 5-8 in those subjects plus science, and all those subjects plus social studies in grade 8.

Those are formally called End of Grade Assessments.

High school students are tested in American Literature, algebra, biology and U.S. history under what’s called the End of Course Assessments.

A total of 20 different assessments are measured at the end of each semester, as well as the end of the school year.

Students are categorized in one of four levels, based on those test scores: Level 1 is Beginning Learner, Level 2 is a Developing Learner, Level 3 is a Proficient Learner and Level 4 is Distinguished Learner.

Here’s the link to the Georgia Milestones dashboard, but a warning: There is a massive amount of information and instructions on how to use it.

Broader state education data, including district- and school-level test results, can be found at this link.

The 8th grade math scores at elementary schools in East Cobb (see the table at the bottom of this post) show a variety of differences from 2025.

The same goes for high school tests in biology, algebra and U.S. history (see 2025 test results for a comparison).

What the tables below do not show—again because of state delays—are 8th grade English Language Arts and high school American literature and composition. That testing data will be available in November, according to the Georgia Department of Education.

Schools in East Cobb reported some of the highest figures in the Cobb County School District.

According to a Cobb school district release, 82 percent of all students tested at 82 percent in proficiency levels and above, the highest for a large district in metro Atlanta.

At Lassiter that figure was 94 percent, and at Pope and Walton, those figures were at 90 percent.

At Simpson Middle School, 98.7 of the students taking the Milestones tests were deemed proficient learners and above in social studies, while that metric was 97.9 percent at Dodgen and 97.5 at Hightower Trail.

The downloadable school-level spring 2026 End of Course spreadsheets contain all results by high school name, grade and subject.

The spring 2026 End of Grade spreadsheets include elementary and middle school results by individual school name, grade and subject as well.

8th Grade Math

# Tested % Proficient Learners and Above % Distinguished Learners
Daniell 260 51.9 21.9
Dickerson 362 90.3 69.1
Dodgen 386 88.9 58.5
East Cobb 432 38.9 22.0
Hightower Trail 320 87.5 57.5
Mabry 113 81.4 43.4
McCleskey 184 60.3 33.2
Simpson 310 73.2 43.2
Cobb 7,729 55.4 29.1
Georgia 126,997 46.4 23.1

High School Biology

# Tested 2026 % Proficient Learners and Above 2025 % Proficient Learners and Above
Kell 318 63.8 73.7
Lassiter 510 79.6 80.3
Pope 453 81.5 84.1
Sprayberry 397 46.1 58.8
Walton 668 86.2 85.5
Wheeler 623 55.9 63.3

High School Algebra

# Tested 2026 % Proficient Learners and Above 2025 % Proficient Learners and Above
Kell 341 56.3 46.7
Lassiter 327 74.9 80.3
Pope 236 67.4 64.1
Sprayberry 354 41.8 39.4
Walton 395 81.8 70.6
Wheeler 497 41.4 31.2

High School U.S. History

# Tested 2026 % Proficient Learners and Above 2025 % Proficient Learners and Above
Kell 346 64.7 55.8
Lassiter 297 89.5 89.4
Pope 178 78.7 80.3
Sprayberry 328 57.7 60.3
Walton 377 76.4 89.2
Wheeler 351 35.3 45.3

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2026 Milestones test results: East Cobb elementary schools

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2026 Milestones test results: East Cobb elementary schools
More than 90 percent of 5th graders at Sope Creek ES are proficient or better in math, the best figure in the Cobb County School District.

The 2026 Georgia Milestones test results were released this week, minus some important categories of metrics.

The Georgia Department of Education has been revising its standards for Reading and English Language Arts, and is delaying release of those test scores until November.

At the elementary school level, East Cobb News has been breaking down 3rd grade reading and 5th grade math in the years since COVID-19 disruptions, and this report will focus on the latter.

(In a separate post, looked at some middle school and high school results.)

For the Georgia Milestones assessments, students are tested in grades 3-8 in English Language Arts, reading and math, in grades 5-8 in those subjects plus science, and all those subjects plus social studies in grade 8.

Those are formally called End of Grade Assessments.

High school students are tested in American Literature, algebra, biology and U.S. history under what’s called the End of Course Assessments.

A total of 20 different assessments are measured at the end of each semester, as well as the end of the school year.

Students are categorized in one of four levels, based on those test scores: Level 1 is Beginning Learner, Level 2 is a Developing Learner, Level 3 is a Proficient Learner and Level 4 is Distinguished Learner.

Here’s the link to the Georgia Milestones dashboard, but a warning: There is a massive amount of information and instructions on how to use it.

Broader state education data, including district- and school-level test results, can be found at this link.

The 5th grade math scores at elementary schools in East Cobb (see the table at the bottom of this post) show a variety of differences from 2025 (you can see that graphic at this link).

At Sope Creek Elementary School, 90 percent of the 181 5th graders taking the Milestones are considered proficient or above. That’s the highest number in the Cobb County School District, and 10 percentage points higher at Sope Creek than in 2025.

Students at seven elementary schools in East Cobb have distinguished learning rates in 5th grade math at 40 percent or above, and Sope Creek, Timber Ridge, Tritt and Mt. Bethel have more than 50 percent testing at that level or above.

The Cobb school district reports that nearly 60 percent of more than 7,600 students testing for 5th grade math were at profiency level or above, and 22.8 percent are distinguished learners.

Those benchmarks are higher than the statewide averages of 44.1 percent and 16.9, respectively.

The downloadable school-level spring 2026 End of Grade spreadsheets contain all results by school name, grade and subject.

On that spreadsheet, you search through grades 3-8 math scores in individual assessment categories. As we noted at the top, the Reading and English Language Arts results will be released in November.

# Tested % Proficient Learners and Above % Distinguished Learners
Addison 92 76.1 37.0
Bells Ferry 138 41.3 15.7
Blackwell 102 44.1 15.7
Brumby 138 14.0 8.7
Davis 122 77.0 36.9
East Side 211 85.3 43.1
Eastvalley 97 68.0 32.0
Garrison Mill 128 71.1 35.2
Keheley 56 60.7 16.1
Kincaid 113 66.4 31.9
Mt. Bethel 187 80.2 50.8
Mountain View 131 81.7 45.8
Murdock 159 82.4 46.5
Nicholson 62 66.1 27.4
Powers Ferry 80 26.3 6.3
Rocky Mount 80 65.0 27.5
Sedalia Park 98 34.7 12.2
Shallowford Falls 110 64.5 30.0
Sope Creek 181 90.6 59.1
Timber Ridge 88 79.5 58.0
Tritt 151 86.1 53.0
Cobb 7,604 52.9 22.8
Georgia 123,478 44.1 16.9

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Cobb County International Festival returns Aug. 22

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Submitted information:

Hola! Ciao! Konnichiwa! Olá! Jambo! Marhaban! Nǐ hǎo! However you say it, say hello to the Cobb County International Festival, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, at Jim R. Miller Park and Event Center in Marietta.

Join us for a trip around the world with stops for food, drinks, entertainment and activities for all ages — no passport needed. Cobb’s free community favorite returns with even more flavors, performances, traditions and engaging experiences. Bring your appetite and a sense of adventure.

This year’s festival features:

  • More than 20 world consulates represented
  • Global cuisine from more than 30 food trucks and booths, including Mexico, the Philippines, Turkey and Vietnam
  • Handcrafted and imported merchandise from more than 35 international vendors
  • Stage performances by more than 15 cultural groups
  • International sports village with interactive activities
  • Cultural demonstrations and exhibits
  • A passport scavenger hunt for kids and adults
  • New this year: “Taste of Home” bar serving international alcoholic beverages on the plaza and in the event center
  • New this year: Water tent to help guests beat the heat
  • Kids Zone area with crafts and activities

Plan your visit

Where: Jim R. Miller Park and Event Center, 2245 Callaway Road, Marietta 

When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22 

Admission: FREE

Stay cool: Booths and the stage are indoors. Most food vendors are outdoors, and an outdoor water tent will help guests stay hydrated.

Parking: Parking is free and available in the venue’s main lot, with overflow parking at the North Lot on Al Bishop Drive (marked with signage). Shuttles for ADA guests and others needing assistance will run from the North Lot to the event center, and a second shuttle will be available inside the main gate. Shuttle wait times may vary depending on demand.

For more information visit the Cobb PARKS webpage or contact [email protected]

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Marietta Art in the Park festival returns Labor Day weekend

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Marietta Art in the Park festival returns Labor Day weekend

Submitted information:

Marietta Art in the Park is back September 5–7, 2026 from 10am–5pm!

This Atlanta Labor Day weekend tradition is celebrating its 40th anniversary on the historic Marietta Square in Glover Park. This incredible three-day juried Fine Art Festival attracts more than 55,000 guests and continues to shine as one of the top art events in the country.

Ranked #13 by Sunshine Artist Magazine in 2022 and consistently named a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society, it’s also the only fine art festival in Cobb County.

Presented by the Marietta Business Association, this award‑winning festival supports the community’s civic, social, and economic vitality.

Don’t miss this milestone year—come celebrate art, creativity, and community at Marietta’s Art in the Park Festival.

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Inaugural Cumberland Art Festival scheduled for October

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Submitted information:

One Cumberland announced today that Genuine Parts Company (NYSE: GPC), a leading global distributor of automotive and industrial replacement parts and value-added solutions, will serve as the presenting sponsor of the inaugural Cumberland Art Festival, a free two-day celebration of art, culture, and community taking place October 17–18, 2026, at Galleria on the Park (100 Galleria Parkway, Atlanta 30339). Hosted by One Cumberland, the festival is expected to welcome between 15,000 and 25,000 visitors for a weekend featuring more than 125 artists, live entertainment, family activities, local food vendors, and interactive experiences.

Headquartered in Cumberland, GPC is partnering with One Cumberland to help launch what organizers envision as the district’s signature annual arts festival. The partnership reflects the company’s longstanding investment in the community while expanding opportunities for residents and visitors to experience arts and culture in one of Metro Atlanta’s fastest-growing business districts.

“Cumberland has been home to GPC for more than a decade, and we’re proud to support this inaugural event that will bring people together while celebrating creativity and community,” said Renay Blumenthal, Senior Director, Corporate Giving & Community Relations for Genuine Parts Company. “We’re excited to help launch what we believe will become a signature event for the region and look forward to welcoming thousands of residents and visitors this October.”

“We are thrilled to have GPC as our presenting sponsor for the Cumberland Art Festival,” said Kim Menefee, Executive Director of One Cumberland. “Their support and commitment are helping bring the inaugural event to life, creating a new tradition that celebrates local creativity, strengthens community connections, and showcases everything that makes Cumberland a vibrant place to live, work, and visit.”

The Cumberland Art Festival will feature a curated artist market showcasing work across a variety of mediums, alongside live music, a Kid Zone, local food and beverage vendors, and so much more. Designed to become an annual destination event, the festival will celebrate the creativity and energy that continue to shape Cumberland’s growing identity.

The Cumberland Art Festival presented by GPC will take place Saturday, October 17, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Galleria on the Park. Admission is free and open to the public.

For more information about the festival, sponsorship opportunities, or media inquiries, contact [email protected]. 

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Peachtree Art Center to hold first anniversary celebration

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Submitted information:

Peachtree Art Center is celebrating one amazing year! Come share in this special milestone on Sunday, August 23, 12-5pm. If you’ve driven by, saw us on social media, or heard about the center and wondered what we offer, now’s your chance to check it out. Come and enjoy:

  • Original artwork available for purchase from talented local artists
  • A chance to explore the center, meet our instructors and exhibitors, and discover the many classes and workshops we offer
  • Free mini-classes*
  • Food & prizes

Thank you for making our first year so special, and we look forward to another year of providing creative opportunities to the greater Atlanta area and beyond. See you on August 23!

2601 Sandy Plains Rd, Marietta, Ga 30066

PeachtreeArtCenter.com – 678-457-3872

*Pre-registration required for mini-classes, see website.

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East Cobb schools earn top marks in Georgia Niche rankings

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Walton HS sports complex pedestrian bridge
Walton HS is among the top public high schools in Georgia, according to 2026 Niche rankings.

Several schools at all grade levels in East Cobb have been listed as some of the best in Georgia, according to a prominent education ranking service.

The Niche.com 2026 Best Schools in Georgia update came out on July 31, and Walton and Lassiter are among the Top 25 in the high school rankings.

Walton is at No. 9 and Lassiter is at No. 24, according to the Niche Georgia public high school rankings, which are compiled with a variety of data from the U.S. Department of Education, students reviews and other indicators.

Wheeler came in No. 26, followed by Pope at No. 35. Niche also has ranked high schools within the Cobb County School District.

Among charter high schools in Georgia, Walton comes in at No. 1,

According to the Niche website, its rankings also include factors relating to culture and diversity, teacher quality, clubs and activities, resources and facilities and sports.

Among private high schools in Georgia, Niche ranked The Walker School at No. 6, while Mt. Bethel Christian Academy was ranked sixth among best private schools in Cobb County.

The Georgia public middle school rankings by Niche have Dickerson at No. 15, Simpson at No. 18 and Dodgen at No. 25. Here are the Cobb middle school rankings.

Among public elementary schools in the state, Timber Ridge is ranked No. 24 and Sope Creek is at No. 30, and other East Cobb schools are among the leaders in the Cobb County rankings.

As for the Cobb County School District overall, the Niche rankings have assigned an “A” score, with A or A- scores in most categories.

That comes to No. 15 among public school districts in the state, and tops among the larger districts. Gwinnett is No. 18, Fulton County No. 19 and Marietta City Schools are No. 24.

To look at a map of Cobb County schools and to view individual school profiles, click here.

You can also go to the Niche.com main page and search for any school or school district for customized information.

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East Cobb Food Scores: Round Trip; Sam’s BBQ; Marietta Donuts; more

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Round Trip Brewing Co. holds grand opening at Avenue East Cobb

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

Baladi Coffee
3460 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 600
July 30, 2026, Score: 99, Grade: A

Belen de la Cruz Empanadas and Pastries
1050 East Piedmont Road, Suite 146
Aug. 6, 2026, Score: 100, Grade: A

Brazilian Bakery and Cafe
1260 Powers Ferry Road, Suite A
Aug. 5, 2026, Score: 87, Grade: B

Great American Cookie/Marble Slab Creamery
4101 Roswell Road, Suite 308
Aug. 5, 2026, Score: 100, Grade: A

GTC Merchants Walk Cinema
1301 Johnson Ferry Road
Aug. 5, 2026, Score: 99, Grade: A

Hong Kong Star
4719 Lower Roswell Road, Suite 110
Aug. 5, 2026, Score: 96, Grade: A

J’mz Bowls
4400 Roswell Road, Suite 136
Aug. 6, 2026, Score: 100, Grade: A

Kumo Hibachi Sushi
2595 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 103
Aug. 6, 2026, Score: 80, Grade: B

Marietta Crawfish and Seafood
1420 Roswell Road
July 31, 2026, Score: 94, Grade: A

Marietta Donuts
1282 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 109
July 30, 2026, Score: 86, Grade: B

New China House
1050 East Piedmont Road, Suite 142
Aug. 5, 2026, Score: 93, Grade: A

Pizza Hut
2520 East Piedmont Road, Suite 124
Aug. 5, 2026, Score: 96, Grade: A

Planet Smoothie
1050 East Piedmont Road, Suite 200
Aug. 6, 2026, Score: 87, Grade: B

Spice Wing
4101 Roswell Road, Suite 904
Aug. 6, 2026, Score: 100, Grade: A

Starbucks and Pizza Hut at Target
1401 Johnson Ferry Road
Aug. 5, 2026, Score: 100, Grade: A

Round Trip Brewing Co.
4475 Roswell Road, Suite 1600
Aug. 4, 2026, Score: 89, Grade: B

Sam’s BBQ 1
4958 Lower Roswell Road, Suite 116
July 31, 2026, Score: 86, Grade: B

Xengo
3162 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 420
Aug. 3, 2026, Score: 85, Grade: B

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Together with Families holds back-to-school bash in NE Cobb

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Together with Families holds back-to-school bash in NE Cobb
Photos courtesy Together With Families.

The East Cobb-based non-profit Together With Families held a back-to-school celebration Saturday to kick off a new school year.

As we noted previously, the organization recently opened what it calls its KinRise community youth leadership and wellness hub on Sandy Plains Road, servicing teens experiencing poverty and other issues.

“More than backpacks were handed. Families found encouragement. Children found joy. Neighbors became community,” Together with Families’ Sarah Donegan said.

“With backpacks, school supplies, free health screenings, driver’s education, bike giveaways, food, games and dozens of volunteers, the event helped families start the school year feeling supported and connected.

“Thank you to every sponsor, volunteer, partner and donor who made the day possible. When a community shows up for families, everyone is stronger.”

The backpacks included school supplies and families enjoyed food and refreshments, music, games and a community celebration.

Click the middle button below to view more photos.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

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Mediation stalls between Cobb, schools over tax collections

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Cobb school district
The Cobb County School District accused Cobb County Government of a “money grab” over tax collection fees.

Cobb County Government said Monday that a mediation meeting last week with the Cobb County School District to resolve a lawsuit over tax collection fees came to an impasse.

In an unsigned statement, the county said that after the July 31 meeting, and noting that it “mediated in good faith, a resolution was not reached.”

The statement didn’t detail the reasons, and the case continues in Cobb Superior Court. The county statement added added only that “our responsibility is to protect the taxpayers of Cobb County and maintain the level of services that they have come to expect.”

On June 30, Cobb Superior Court Judge Julie Jacobs ordered the parties to appear before Judge Stephen Schuster in a mediation hearing, according to court filings.

The county was sued in Cobb Superior Court on June 15 by the Cobb school district, which alleged that the county has improperly billed the district more than $130 million in administrative fees over the last 15 years to collect school taxes that are then turned over to the school district.

The lawsuit (you can read it here) claims that the county unlawfully raised the collection fee amount from 1.6 percent to 2.5 percent of what it collects for the school district, both in property taxes and the Special-Purpose Local-Option Sales Taxes (SPLOST) for education.

The school district claims a state law, Local Act 240, should prevail. That states that all education funds since 2011 should be directed to the school district without any fees.

The total the county is charging the Cobb school district for tax collections for fiscal year 2027—which began on July 1—is $20 million.

John Floresta, Chief Strategy and Accountability Officer for the Cobb school district, issued the following statement when asked for a response about the mediation meeting by East Cobb News.
“Whether it’s $13 million or $20 million, and whether it’s called a tax on top of taxes or a “fee,” taking even one dollar that taxpayers intended for students doesn’t work for our Board or our Superintendent. This week, our teachers and staff welcomed students back to school, and our focus remains where it belongs—on educating children. That same focus drives this lawsuit. Our teachers already serve students at one of the lowest per-pupil costs in the metro area, and we’re committed to protecting the taxpayer dollars intended for their classrooms. This lawsuit says enough is enough.”

Cobb government has contended that current Georgia law allows for the 2.5 percent collection fee, and “that, due to no current local legislation setting the commission rate lower, the commission rate should be 2.5 percent.”

The county’s actions, the district said in its initial release, constitute “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.”

On July 17, the Cobb school district filed a motion for a partial summary judgment; a mediation notice was filed on July 20 setting the July 31 date.

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Cobb Elections seeks new location for Bells Ferry 2 precinct

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The Cobb Board of Elections and Registration will be asked next week to consider a new location for the Bells Ferry 2 precinct in Northeast Cobb.Cobb Elections Office seeks public input on polling locations

The board will meet next Tuesday to consider a request to permanently move the polling location from the Kulture Event Center (2932 Canton Road) to Legacy Church (1030 Blackwell Road).

According to a public notice, Cobb Elections said the move is necessary because “this precinct would no longer operate as a co-located precinct with Addison 01.”

The move would be effective on Aug. 11, and in time for the November general elections.

The Kulture Event Center served as the temporary precinct location for Bells Ferry 2 in the May primaries, after being moved from Christ Worship Center on Canton Road.

It was one of several relocations for this year’s elections, as Cobb Elections used some venues for dual precinct operations.

They included several in East Cobb, including the Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center, where long delays ensued due to technical problems with computer check-in devices.

In the November elections, the Sewell Mill Library will continue to be the polling locations for the Eastside 2 and Powers Ferry 1 precincts; Sope Creek Elementary School is the voting location for the Sope Creek 2 and Terrell Mill 1 precincts; Chestnut Ridge Christian Church is the venue for the Chestnut Ridge 1 and Hightower 1 precincts; Crossview Baptist Church is the polling station for the Gritters 1 and Elizabeth 2 precincts; the Catholic Church of St. Ann is the joint location for the Roswell 1 and Timber Ridge 1 precincts; and Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church is the polling station for the Post Oak 1 and Willeo 1 precincts.

Cobb Elections also has been asking the public for feedback on polling locations.

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What East Cobb homeowners should look for after heavy storms

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What East Cobb homeowners should look for after heavy storms

Please Note: This is a paid advertisement.

Another thunderstorm is in the forecast. With it, comes another potential for trapped moisture that can lead to black mold and structural rot. When that happens homeowners end up with repair bills for damage that could have been prevented with early detection.

David Cardenas owns Relief Remediation—Water Damage Restoration and regularly helps East Cobb and Marietta residents navigate these challenges. He notes that our dense Georgia clay traps water against exterior walls. This moisture quickly seeps into crawlspaces and basements.

“Newer builds use engineered lumber that is highly susceptible to hidden moisture, while older homes struggle with aging foundations,” Cardenas said.

“By the time you smell a musty odor, the damage behind the drywall is already extensive.”

To help the East Cobb community protect their properties, Cardenas shares four warning signs of hidden water intrusion:

  • 1. Spongy Floors: Walk barefoot near exterior doors or ground-floor windows. A slight spongy feeling indicates water pooling beneath the subfloor.
  • 2. Musty Odors: A damp smell in a specific room points to hidden mold growth in the ductwork or behind drywall.
  • 3. Bubbling Paint: Paint that looks blistered means water is trapped inside the wall and trying to evaporate outward.
  • 4. Indoor Allergies: Persistent sneezing or respiratory issues indoors can signal mold spores circulating in the home’s air supply.

What East Cobb homeowners should look for after heavy storms

Cardenas advises against trying to assess the full scope of moisture damage alone. Certified professionals, like Cardenas, use infrared thermal imaging cameras to locate trapped water without tearing down drywall. This technology detects minute temperature differences to map out the exact problem areas.

When facing sudden plumbing failures or post-storm damage, you want to look for certified restoration professionals who offer rapid emergency response times. It is also highly recommended to choose a local company that coordinates directly with insurance carriers, as this can streamline the recovery process and reduce the administrative burden on families.

About Relief Remediation: Based in Marietta, Relief Remediation is a family-owned disaster recovery company specializing in water extraction, water damage cleanup and restoration and mold remediation. Serving all of Cobb County, the company prides itself on rapid response times and working directly with insurance.

Business Location: Relief Remediation—Water Damage Restoration, 25 Powder Springs St, Suite 215 Marietta, GA 30064. Phone: 770-741-0183.

 

 

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Charlie Duncan, oldest living Ga. WWII veteran, dies at 107

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Cobb honors 107-year-old as oldest living Ga. WWII veteran

Back in May we wrote about Charlie Duncan being honored by the Cobb Board of Commissioners when he turned 107 years old.

That made him the oldest living World War II veteran in Georgia.

Over the weekend, Duncan’s family announced that he passed away on Friday.

According to his obituary, Duncan’s funeral will take place Wednesday at 1 p.m. at Sandy Plains Baptist Church (2825 Sandy Plains Road), with a visitation taking place at noon.

On his 107th birthday, commissioners passed a resolution on “Charlie Duncan Day” as he was joined by family members and friends.

Duncan was born on May 27, 1919, grew up in Cobb and Cherokee counties. He served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, building prefabricated bridges for use in the Allied campaign in Europe.

He was sworn in on his 25th birthday and served for 18 months, until shortly after the German surrender in May 1945.

He came home and lived in Cobb County the rest of his life, retiring as a master craftsman at an Atlanta millworks company.

Duncan survived two wives, to whom he was married for 39 years and 44 years, and heads a family with 10 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

He later built a home on Ebenezer Road in Northeast Cobb and took water aerobics classes at the Mountain View Aquatics Center.

And Duncan. has kept strong ties with other veterans, dining them often at a Woodstock restaurant, close his home at a senior-living facility, and that’s popular with military retirees.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Sandy Plains Baptist Church Building and Grounds or to Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child.

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Garrison Mill ES student delivers snacks to Fire Station 15

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Garrison Mill ES student delivers snacks to Fire Station 15

Submitted information and photo:

Henry Zimmerman, age 10 and a proud 5th grader at Garrison Mill Elementary School, joined East Cobb Civic Association, Inc. (ECCA) representatives to make a delivery of healthy snacks and water to the Firehouse #15 team.

Located on Oak Lane located on the corner of Oak Lane and Johnson Ferry Road, Firehouse #15 is one of Cobb County’s smaller, but exceptionally busy fire stations, serving a wide stretch of East Cobb. With only nine firefighters covering three rotating shifts, the team manages a remarkable number of calls each day.

ECCA commends the responsibility, dedication, and professionalism demonstrated by firefighters and police officers to protect and care for all of us.

Thank you for your service.

Send Us Your News!

Let East Cobb News know what’s going on with your organization, or about any recognitions, to share with the community. We love to get photos and stories like the above, as well as calendar event listings and more.

We want to be the go-to source for all the many ways people in East Cobb are involved in the community.

It’s what we call The Power of Local, and we’d love for you to take part!

Pass along your details/photos/videos/information to: [email protected], and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.

Send the body of your announcement, calendar item or news release IN TEXT FORM ONLY in the text field of your e-mail template. Reformatting text from PDF, JPG and doc files takes us longer to prepare your message for publication.

We accept PDFs as an accompaniment to your item. Images are fine too, but we prefer those to be JPG files (more than jpeg and png). PLEASE DO NOT send photos inside a PDF or text or any other kind of file, but d0 send them as attachments to your email.

Of course, send us links that are relevant to your message so we can direct people to your website.

Thanks for your cooperation and we look forward to hearing from you!

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East Cobb Real Estate: Landsdowne home sells for $507.5K

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East Cobb Real Estate: Landsdowne home sells for $507.5K

This week’s featured real estate home sale is in the Landsdowne subdivision, in the Sprayberry High School, Daniell Middle School and Kincaid Elementary School attendance zones.

It has 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths and includes 2,385 square feet on 0.35 acres, and sold for $507,500 million on July 20, 2026.

Click on the middle button below to see more photos.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The following East Cobb residential real estate sales from July 20-24, 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

None

Lassiter

4508 Summersweet Drive, 30066 (Mountain Creek Estates): $1 million

3456 Woodrun Trail, 30062 (Country Woods): $610,o00

2405 Woodbridge Drive, 30066 (Cambridge Forest): $664,000

4311 Highborne Drive, 30066 (Highland Pointe): $1 million

2708 Hawk Drive, 30066 (Falcon Crest): $499,000

Marietta

None

Pope

3029 Meadow Drive, 30062 (Rolling Acres): $620,000

3513 Liberty Ridge Trail, 30062 (Liberty Ridge): $450,000

3043 South Meadow Court, 30062 (Rolling Acres): $640,000

Sprayberry

2304 Milstead Circle, 30066 (Landsdowne): $507,500

2640 Fraser Road, 30066 (Pine Knoll): $320,000

2790 Davis Road, 30062: $1.5 million

2457 Alston Drive, 30062 (Vermilion): $554,000

3563 Courtfield Trace, 30066 (Chastain Glen): $459,900

3230 Mary Drive, 30066 (Remington Glen): $568,000

3985 Lookout Point Drive, 30066 (Lookout Point): $425,000

1876 Wilkenson Crossing, 30066 (St. Charles Square): $620,000

Walton

734 Olde Towne Lane, 30068 (Hamptons of Olde Towne): $555,000

1855 Leighton Lane, 30062 (Leighton Park): $1.5 million

1128 Promontory Drive, 30062 (Walton Reserve): $852,500

2645 Indian Lake Drive, 30062 (Indian Springs): $500,000

3811 Valley Green Drive, 30068 (Indian Hills): $940,000

980 Ashebrooke Way, 30068 (Ashebrooke): $1.265 million

1468 Grovehurst Drive, 30062 (Grovehurst): $680,000

Wheeler

425 Millbrook Trace, 30068 (Millbrook Farm): $667,500

940 Bobcat Court, 30067 (The Village): $315,000

2498 Cedar Bark East, 30067 (Cedar Canyon): $380,000

737 Terrell Crossing, 30067 (Old Paper Mill): $1.18 million

2972 Chipmunk Trail, 30067 (The Village): $320,000

511 Westbury Park Place, 30067 (Westbury Park): $2.02 million

1365 Old Virginia Court, 30067 (Salem Ridge): $325,000

260 East Valley Drive, 30068 (East Valley Estates): $515,000

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Editor’s Note: Touching some cool grass for the weekend. . .

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We’re taking some of our own advice—”Get offline. Touch some grass. Reconnect with the real world.”—this weekend at East Cobb News.

Quite often we have full days of news coverage on Friday and Saturday to include in our Sunday newsletter.

But for the first time probably since before COVID, we’re going to try and take most of the weekend off.

As in an actual three-day weekend, if we can swing it, and depending on what happens news-wise along the way.

The news business is 24/7, and the business of bringing you East Cobb News every day, plus our loaded weekend newsletter, is something we take pride in.

But at the end of a very eventful July, and with a new school year starting next week and important elections looming in the fall, we’re going to take a bit of a breather before digging in to all that.

This weekend seems like the best time to do that, again, depending on what’s happening. Or not.

If you’re a newsletter subscriber, don’t worry—you’ll be getting that as usual on Sunday.

And come Monday, we’ll be back with our usual coverage of all things East Cobb, including that new school year.

We appreciate our East Cobb News readers so much—we do this all for you!—but it’s time to take a bit of a deep breath and get ready for the rest of 2026.

If you value what you get from East Cobb News, we’d appreciate your financial support by clicking the button below, in an amount of your choosing.

Thanks for your readership, and we’ll be back in touch with you as August begins!

And long live local news!

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Eastside Church senior-living complex request delayed again

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Eastside Church proposes senior living to expand its mission
A rendering of a 95-unit independent senior living building proposed by Eastside Church on its Lower Roswell Road campus.

Eastside Church is asking for another delay for a proposed senior-living complex on its campus on Lower Roswell Road.

Church leaders told East Cobb News Thursday that they want to have a traffic study conducted, although it’s not required, to compare to Cobb Department of Transportation traffic estimates for the project.

“We want to do one, but it makes more sense to do it when school is in session,” church elder Ray Farmer said.

Eastside’s attorney, Kevin Moore, has notified the Cobb Zoning Division of the request to have the proposal rescheduled for September.

Eastside is seeking to rezone a portion of its property to RSL, or residential senior living.

The case was to have been heard on Tuesday by the Cobb Planning Commission, which voted to hold it in June. On July 2, Eastside asked for a continuance to do a traffic study and to consider concerns from citizens at a community meeting in late June.

The school year in Cobb County begins on Monday, and Eastside executive pastor Darrell Whipple said that the traffic study is expected to start next week and would take a week or two to complete.

In its traffic analysis, Cobb DOT estimated that the area around Eastside along Lower Roswell and its intersection at Little Road generates 13,000 vehicle trips per day.

Eastside is proposing a 95-unit assisted living/memory care building and eight independent living cottages for seniors as part of its expanded church mission.

The Haven, as the facility is being called, would accommodate elderly people who can live somewhat independently but don’t need nursing home-type care.

The complex also would have 133 parking spaces, and Cobb DOT estimates that the facility would generate 426 vehicle trips per day.

Traffic, density and stormwater concerns were raised by citizens at the June Planning Commission meeting and at a June 23 meeting at the church with nearby residents.

One of them, Lyndsay Webb, told East Cobb News that she was frustrated that the church didn’t adequately inform nearby residents of the Red Oak Park community and other neighborhoods about the plans.

“People were upset and they were emotional,” Webb said of the gathering, which included Cobb Planning Commissioner Deborah Dance.

On Thursday, Eastside leaders told East Cobb News that there are no revisions for the site plan or what would provided at The Haven.

“We have heard the community concerns and think that we have addressed them,” Farmer said.

The church would oversee the facility through a a 501 (c)(3) non-profit. The operator of The Haven would have expertise in providing senior care and would directly answer to the church’s board of elders.

The Haven is being opposed by the East Cobb Civic Association, mostly over density issues (13 units an acre), but also because of what it said would set a precedent in an otherwise residential area.

Moore told the Planning Commission in June that the RSL category is included in the Cobb County code as being among the uses “that shall not be established as a precedent for any other residential or non-residential district.”

On Thursday, Whipple said that “we would concur with the statement that Kevin Moore made that day.”

The Haven proposal also includes maintaining a 40-foot buffer with mature trees between the church property and nearby homes to stem any sight issues from a three-story building.

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Cobb Fire and EMS recognized for firefighter cancer research

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Submitted information: Cobb Fire and EMS recognized for firefighter cancer research

Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services (CCFES) has been recognized as a Gold Helmet Department by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) for its participation in the National Firefighter Registry (NFR) for Cancer.

CCFES joins a growing number of fire departments nationwide that have achieved Gold Helmet status and is the 12th department in Georgia to earn the recognition. With more than 300 firefighters enrolled in the National Firefighter Registry for Cancer, CCFES is the largest fire department in Georgia to achieve Gold Helmet status. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the department’s continued commitment to firefighter health, safety and wellness.

The National Firefighter Registry for Cancer is a voluntary registry designed to help researchers better understand the relationship between firefighting and cancer. By gathering information from firefighters across the country, researchers can study occupational exposures, identify trends and better understand factors that may contribute to cancer risk in the fire service.

“Achieving Gold Helmet status represents more than a recognition for our department. It reflects our members’ commitment to taking care of one another and helping move the fire service forward,” stated Fire Chief Dr. Michael Cunningham “The information collected through this registry has the potential to shape research, prevention and firefighter health for generations to come. We are proud that so many of our members chose to be a part of this effort.”

The department’s Gold Helmet achievement was driven by Battalion Chief Ben Holley, who oversees Health and Safety, and Captain Eric Paloski, whose efforts to educate members and promote participation in the National Firefighter Registry helped make this milestone possible.

NIOSH recognizes U.S. fire departments as Gold Helmet Departments when at least 50% of their active firefighters enroll in the National Firefighter Registry for Cancer.Michele Ice, a retired Cobb County firefighter and current NIOSH National Firefighter Registry Ambassador, has worked to raise awareness about the registry and encourage participation among firefighters in Cobb County and across the state of Georgia.

“Cancer has become one of the leading threats facing the fire service, and far too many firefighters are being diagnosed after years of answering the call,” Ice said. “The National Firefighter Registry gives us an opportunity to better understand how the job impacts cancer risk and use that knowledge to better protect future generations of firefighters.

Every firefighter who registers contributes to that research, whether they are career, volunteer, active or retired, and whether or not they have ever had a cancer diagnosis.”

Participation in the NFR is open to U.S. firefighters with or without cancer, including active and retired, career, volunteer and other members of the fire service. For more information visit https://nfr.cdc.gov.

For Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services, this achievement reinforces a commitment that extends beyond emergency response: protecting the people who dedicate their careers to protecting others.

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Cobb approves $1.4B fiscal year budget on party-line vote

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Cobb approves $1.4B fiscal year budget on party-line vote
“There is too much that is not critical that we need to cut back on,” Commissioner JoAnn Birrell said.

In following a trend in recent years, the Cobb Board of Commissioners on Tuesday adopted a fiscal year 2027 budget along a party-line vote.

In a 3-2 split, with the Democrats voting in favor and the Republicans opposed, commissioners signed off on a $1.4 billion spending package to start on Oct. 1 that represents a six-percent increase from the current budget.

Although the property tax rates are staying the same, the new budget constitutes a tax increase because the millage rate wasn’t “rolled back” to current spending levels.

The county will be spending $84 million more than the fiscal year 2026 budget, with the major increases water and sewer capital expenses, the creation of a stormwater utility fee, additional employee salaries and benefits and higher costs for employee benefits as well as healthcare and workers compensation claims.

During long public hearings on Tuesday, commissioners heard from citizens who were mostly opposed to the increases, although a few spoke in favor.

Those opposed cited inflation and higher costs for household budget items and the closures of businesses in East Cobb due to rising rents.

The Republican commissioners said while they supported most of the budget items, there are some county departments that regularly overspend.

“We want to be thrifty with taxpayers’ money and I get that,” said Commissioner JoAnn Birrell of District 3 in East Cobb, who is facing a re-election challenge in November from Democrat Kevin Redmon.

“But there’s too much that isn’t critical now that we need to cut back on.”

While Birrell wasn’t specific in her remarks, she also said she couldn’t support rolling back the millage rates. The general fund rate is staying at 8.46 mills and the Fire Fund rate is holding at 2.97 mills.

She said that in 2018, commissioners voted to cut the millage rate, “and the following year we had a $20 million shortfall.”

Democratic Commissioner Erick Allen said that “while there are a lot of wins in this budget,” he wants to improve the public process for considering the budget.

Among them are to “stop putting staff in an awkward position of defending commissioner priorities” and to improve the messaging to the citizens about how the process works.

“This budget has done a good job” meeting the needs of the public in the next year, Allen said, but “I will continue to push for a better process.”

Most of the new salaries in the general fund would come in the water and sewer department, which also includes stormwater services.

The budget also proposes reducing the amount of water revenues to the general fund from 4 percent to 3 percent.

The proposed budget also recommends adding seven calendar clerks in Cobb Superior Court, a part-time position in the Cobb Medical Examiner’s Office, three veterinarian/technician positions in Cobb Animal Services and two positions in the procurement area for the countywide disparity study.

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East Cobb Food Scores: Fuji Hana; First Watch; Cazadores; more

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Fuji Hana East Cobb

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

Cazadores Mexican Restaurant
2745 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 160
July 29, 2026, Score: 96, Grade: A

Derek’s Cafe
1779 Canton Road
July 28, 2026, Score: 100, Grade: A

First Watch
3460 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 130
July 29, 2026, Score: 90, Grade: A

Fuji Hana Steak and Sushi
1255 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 1
July 24, 2026, Score: 85, Grade: B

Gladys African Cuisine
2932 Canton Road, Suite 190
July 23, 2026, Score: 90, Grade: A

Mr. Wonton
3595 Canton Road, Suite 328
July 22, 2026, Score: 95, Grade: A

Smoothie King
2525 Shallowford Road
July 22, 2026, Score: 92, Grade: A

Tandoor Tavern
3045 Gordy Parkway, Suite 108
July 27, 2026, Score: 77, Grade: C

Taquito Express
3065 Shallowford Road, Suite A
July 27, 2026, Score: 96, Grade: A

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