Cobb to hold 2025 Comprehensive Plan meeting in East Cobb

by

The next in a series of community meetings about Cobb County’s 2050 Comprehensive Plan update will take place next week in East Cobb.Cobb to hold 2025 Comprehensive Plan meeting in East Cobb

The meeting takes place on Tuesday, July 7, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Tim D. Lee Center (3332 Sandy Plains Road).

The 2050 Comprehensive Plan is a long-range planning document that incorporates such issues as land use, transportation, housing and economic development, typically with a 20-year window.

Under Georgia law, counties are required to update their plans accordingly and hold public engagement meetings.

In Cobb, those sessions began earlier in June (you can watch a video of the opening meeting at the bottom of this post) and are held in each of the four Board of Commissioners districts, as well as on a countywide basis.

Citizens also can complete an online survey to provide feedback on the plan, which must be formally updated by October 2027.

Here’s more general information about the Cobb 2050 Comprehensive Plan, with breakouts here about the update’s timeline, the Cobb community profile and other documents and resources.

Related:

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

East Cobb QuikTrip sells $20K Ga. Lottery ‘Mega’ ticket

by

East Cobb QuikTrip sells $20K Ga. Lottery 'Mega' ticket

A QuikTrip store in East Cobb on Friday sold a Georgia Lottery ticket that netted the recipient a $20,000 prize.

The Georgia Lottery announced Monday that the ticket was sold at the QT location at 1900 Lower Roswell, at the intersection of Marietta Parkway.

The winner bought a Mega Millions ticket that matched four of the five white-ball numbers (5, 13, 30, 33, 52) that were drawn for a $10,000 pzier, and doubled the amount with a Mega Ball number of 6.

As of Monday, the Powerball jackpot is at $360 million ($163.8 million cash option) and Tuesday’s Mega Millions jackpot has climbed $511 million ($231 million cash option).

Mega Millions and Powerball winners in Georgia have 180 days from the draw date to claim prizes.

Proceeds from Georgia Lottery ticket sales benefit public education in Georgia.

 

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

Rotary Club of East Cobb installs new leaders for 2026-27

by

Rotary Club of East Cobb installs new leaders for 2026-27

Submitted information and photo:

The Rotary Club of East Cobb is proud to announce the formal installation of its new Board of Directors, marking the beginning of a dynamic new chapter of service and community impact.

In a traditional passing-of-the-torch ceremony, outgoing President Liz Myers officially concluded her successful term, handing over the leadership gavel to incoming President Ben Alper. Alper, a well-known local attorney who has lived and practiced in the East Cobb area for years, expressed his deep gratitude for the opportunity to guide the club forward.

“Liz Myers has provided outstanding leadership over the past year, steering our club through impactful community initiatives,” said Alper during his acceptance remarks. “As we look ahead, I am honored to lead this incredible group of professionals. Our focus will remain steadfast on deepening our commitment to local service, supporting our youth, and fostering meaningful connections that make East Cobb a thriving place for everyone.”

The Rotary Club of East Cobb is part of Rotary International, a global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers. The mission of Rotary is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders. Through local scholarships, hands-on charity work, and international initiatives, the East Cobb club continuously strives to embody the core Rotary motto: “Service Above Self.”

Community members, local business owners, and professionals interested in making a difference are warmly invited to learn more about the club’s initiatives. The Rotary Club of East Cobb meets every Wednesday morning at 7:00 a.m. at the Indian Hills Country Club, located at 4001 Clubland Dr, Marietta, GA 30068.

For more information about upcoming meetings, guest speakers, or how to become a member, please visit www.eastcobbrotary.com.

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!

Related:

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

Leadership Cobb 2027 Class announced by Cobb Chamber

by

Submitted information:Cobb Chamber annual golf tournament

Leadership Cobb, the Cobb Chamber’s premier leadership development program, has selected 60 new participants for the 2026-2027 class.

Founded in 1983, Leadership Cobb brings together diverse business and community leaders for a 10-month journey focused on personal and professional growth.

The program accomplishes this through leadership training, teambuilding, and educational experiences highlighting our community’s greatest success stories and most significant ongoing challenges.

The 2027 Class:

  • Coleman Alford, Atlanta Braves Baseball Club
  • Rhonda Anderson, Cobb County Sheriff’s Office
  • Tee Anderson, Capstone Communities, LLC
  • Norman Barnett, Magistrate Court of Cobb County
  • Kayla Bedwell, CROFT & Associates
  • Trevor Beemon, Cobb Landmarks & Historical Society, Inc.
  • Cole Blackwell, Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority
  • Tara Boockholdt, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
  • Barbie Brown, The Brown Agency
  • Cassandra Brown, City of Mableton
  • Patina Brown, City of Marietta
  • Shaneak Brown, Comcast
  • Keynun Campbell, Marietta Sixth Grade Academy
  • Cory Chipman, Freeman Mathis & Gary LLP
  • Jessica Coane, Cobb Travel & Tourism
  • Natalie Dale, Georgia Department of Transportation
  • Naceo Denney, Georgia Power
  • Alice Dondelinger, Pinnacle Financial Partners
  • Jason Doss, The Doss Firm, LLC
  • Anita Douglas Murphy, Status: Home
  • Chandler Fincher, Southeastern Engineering, Inc (SEI)
  • Barbara Garner, Circles Cobb
  • Anna Goolsby, Cobb Chamber
  • Edrick Harris, Prestwick Development Company
  • Matt Heather, Savant Technologies
  • Zephaniah Horton, Lockheed Martin
  • Chaundra Johnson, TK Elevator
  • Michelle Jorda, United Way of Greater Atlanta
  • Solomon Jordan, Gas South
  • Lisa-Ruth Karnes, Cobb Community Foundation
  • Jonathan Kemp, Cobb & Douglas Public Health
  • Jennifer Kilgo, Cox Communications
  • Natalie Knight, Impact Public Affairs, LLC
  • Kim Kranzlein, Cobb County School District
  • Laura Kraus, Marietta Schools Foundation
  • Audrey Lewis, Gregory, Doyle, Calhoun and Rogers
  • Drew McCollum, Ameris Bank
  • Scott McNally, Croy Engineering
  • Anand Mehta, Stand Up Family Medicine
  • Eric Mohrman, Smyrna Fire Department
  • Amy Mollohan, Ansley Real Estate
  • Matt Moore, Atlanta United FC
  • Nwakaego Nkumeh Walker, Kennesaw State University
  • Heather Pence, Chattahoochee Technical College
  • Ben Perkins, Propylaeum Systems, LLC
  • Ben Peterson, Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC
  • Terrance Pryor, Pryor Innovations, LLC
  • Tara Riddle, Cobb County Probate Court
  • Carlos Rodriguez, Kilgore & Rodriguez LLC
  • Karl Sadler, Northside Hospital
  • Miranda Sanders, Walton Communities
  • Carlos Searcy, The Los and Lisha Legacy Foundation
  • Slade Sellers, Sterling Seacrest Pritchard
  • Angie Smith, Mission 1:27
  • Jodi Taylor, Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC
  • Kristen Trice, Wellstar Health System
  • Fred Tull, JE Dunn Construction
  • Brent Turner, Calvary Children’s Home
  • Amy Welchel, Welchel Enterprise
  • Tim Willis, Summit Heating and Air

Andy Gaines, Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre, and Tricia Newton, Waterworks Atlanta, will be co-chairs for the 2026-2027 program year. Daniel Cummings, City of Marietta, and Rachel Rogers, Cobb Travel & Tourism, will be the vice co-chairs for the 2026-2027 program year. This year’s class theme is “Me | Us | We.”

The Leadership Cobb class of 2027’s Yearlong Presenting Sponsor is Kennesaw State University Coles College of Business MBA Programs; Legacy Sponsors, CDH Partners, Cobb Travel & Tourism, Accounting Consultants of Cobb, Mauldin & Jenkins, Johnson & Alday, Croy Engineering, and Genuine Parts Company; and Champion Sponsors, Corient, Brasfield & Gorrie, and Atlanta Braves. For more information about Leadership Cobb, contact Kai Lawrence at 770-859-2346 or [email protected].

Related:

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

East Cobb Real Estate: Princeton Pointe home sells for $829K

by

Princeton Pointe, East Cobb real estate sales

This week’s featured real estate sale is a custom-built home in the Princeton Pointe subdivision, in the Sprayberry High School, Simpson Middle School and Addison Elementary School attendance zones.

It has 5 bedrooms and 4.5 baths and includes 4,77 square feet on 0.28 acres, and sold for $829,000 on June 15, 2026.

Click the middle button below to see more photos.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The following East Cobb residential real estate sales from June 15-19, 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

5052 Rodrick Trail, 30066 (Oxford Manor): $410,000

4674 Jamerson Creek Drive, 30066 (Jamerson Forest): $360,000

Lassiter

2298 Wickingham Drive, 30066 (Cambridge Crossing): $635,000

4905 Raven Way, 30066 (Falcon Crest): $391,340

2688 Raven Trail, 30066 (Falcon Crest): $385,000

3822 Rockhaven Court, 30066 (Stonehurst): $1.595 million

3851 Trickum Road, 30066 (Trickum Heights): $408,000

3620 Brookhill Circle, 30062 (Woodbine Station): $594,000

Marietta

1519 Evanston Lane, 30062 (Gables at East Worthington): $425,000

1169 Mountain View Drive, 30062 (Bonnie Dell): $386,000

1420 Jazzberry Way, 30066 (Old Bells Ferry): $398,900

529 Water Birch Way, 30066 (Hamilton Grove): $482,000

Pope

1961 Kramer Way, 30062 (Holly Springs Crossing): $630,000

3870 Bays Ferry Trail, 30062 (Baywater): $810,000

2198 Carlyle Drive, 30062 (Cedar Hills Estates): $519,999

3666 Chestnut Ridge Court, 30062 (Chestnut Ridge): $520,000

2861 Interlaken Drive, 30062 (Alpine Lakes): $566,000

3080 Waterfront Circle, 30062 (Waterfront): $1.249 million

3311 Woodleaf Way, 30062 (Chestnut Creek): $599,500

Sprayberry

2137 Boyce Circle, 30066 (Princeton Pointe): $829,000

1051 Camellia Drive, 30062 (Eastwood Forest): $385,000

1661 Huntington Drive, 30066 (Huntington Woods): $395,000

2993 Huntcliff Drive, 30066 (Piedmont Hills): $412,000

2072 Abode Way, 30066 (Courtyards at Ebenezer): $694,000

671 Dozier Drive, 30066 (Breezecrest): $360,000

3863 Clarington Drive, 30066 (Chastain Overlook): $436,000

2800 Idlewood Drive, 30062 (Mountain View): $380,000

1250 Rockcrest Drive, 30062 (Blackjack Hills): $625,000

2925 Bob Bettis Road, 30066 (Caribou Hills): $405,750

Walton

2788 Dellinger Drive, 30062 (Wooded Hills): $500,000

1394 Waterford Green Drive, 30068 (Waterford Green): $1.5 million

1705 Nordic Trace, 30068 (Lake Fjord): $955,000

714 Olde Towne Lane, 30068 (Hamptons of Olde Towne): $468,000

4415 Blackland Drive, 30067 (Sanders Field Estates): $3.069 million

4161 Thunderbird Drive, 30067 (Atlanta Country Club): $2.5 million

889 Fawn Way, 30068 (Fawn Ridge): $695,000

958 Bridgegate Drive, 30068 (Bridge Gate): $610,000

1120 Taliwa Trail, 30068 (Mohina Woods): $615,000

746 Mockingbird Lane, 30068 (Cobb Estates): $1.4 million

Wheeler

3300 Windy Ridge Parkway, Unit 1321, 30339 (Horizon): $439,500

80 Pinehurst Lane: $485,000

3036 Leafwood Drive, 30067 (Stratford): $525,000

300 Millbrook Farm Court, 30068 (Millbrook Farm): $610,000

1069 Cliffridge Court, 30067 (Millridge): $737,000

3405 Rivers Call Boulevard, 30067 (Rivers Call): $1.935 million

314 Lamplighter Lane, 30067 (Fox Hills): $690,000

1398 Old Virginia Court, 30067 (Salem Ridge): $349,000

122 Cross Gate Drive, 30068 (Crossgate): $495,000

1650 Cedar Bluff Way, 30067 (Cedar Bluff): $274,000

Related:

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up and you’re good to go!

July 4 events slated for Marietta, Cobb as America turns 250

by
July 4 events slated for Marietta and Cobb as America turns 250
Marietta’s Fourth in the Park celebration includes the long-standing Let Freedom Ring parade Saturday, along Roswell Street to the Square.

Many of the cities and entities that hold annual July 4 celebrations will be doing them again, but the schedules for some will look a little different this year.

And that’s not just because of the milestone of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

July 4 falls on a Saturday, and some related events have already taken place, or have been scheduled throughout the holiday weekend.

On Wednesday, July 1, the City of Marietta will be holding a ragtime band concert at the Square from 12-1 p.m.

Among the entities getting a head start is the Indian Hills Country Club, whose annual fireworks show takes place on Thursday, July 3, starting at sundown.

It’s part of the community’s Member Appreciation Day that takes place in concurrence with Independence Day.

Nearby, Congregation Etz Chaim (1180 Indian Hills Parkway) is inviting the public to a Shabbat service and cookout on Friday. The event gets underway at 6 p.m. and after service, the foods include hamburgers, hot dogs and others observing dietary laws. The cost is $17.76 for adults and $7.76 for children.

The deadline to sign up is Monday at noon.

The Atlanta Southern band Drivin ‘N’ Cryin’ will be performing at the Marietta Square in an Independence Eve concert.

The City of Kennesaw’s Salute to America celebration (2829 Cherokee Street) also takes place on Friday, with food, live music and other entertainment from 4-10 p.m., with fireworks to start at 9:30 p.m.

On Saturday, the cities of Acworth and Powder Springs, as well as Six Flags over Georgia and Truist Park will be having some combination of July 4 celebrations and fireworks shows, and Cobb Travel has all the details.

The biggest celebration of them all is in the City of Marietta, and literally will be a day- and night-long event on Saturday.

But on Friday, a concert on the Marietta Square kicks off everything, from 7-9 p.m. The band is Atlanta’s Drivin’ N’ Cryin’ and it’s free to attend. Participants can bring their bring blankets and lawn chairs, like they do for Glover Park Concert Series events.

But this one has no VIP or table reservations.

Fourth in the Park continues at 10 a.m. Saturday with its annual Let Freedom Ring Parade (see the route), which roams through Roswell Street to the Square (see the list of road closures), followed by a day-long festival at Glover Park. There will be arts and crafts, food, a kids zone and free concerts during the day.

A special bell-ringing takes place at 2 p.m. and fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.

For more on the Marietta celebrations, including parking, click here.

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

Founding head of school of Mt. Bethel Christian Academy dies

by

Founding head of school of Mt. Bethel Christian Academy dies

Mt Bethel Christian Academy announced on Saturday that Vivian Lovett, who served as the first head of school at the East Cobb parochial school, has passed away.

A message on the school’s Facebook page did not disclose the cause of death or other related details, but said that “we will share more details regarding her celebration of life soon.”

Lovett was the head of what was then only the Lower School of MBCA when it opened in 1998, on the campus of what was at the time called Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church.

The school was a direct ministry of the church, and was started because, according to its mission statement, “the demand for quality Christian education far exceeded the supply of available options for parents in the immediate area.”

Over her 20-year tenure, “Mrs. Lovett’s vision, faith, and unwavering commitment established the foundation upon which our school stands today,” the MBCA message continued.

She “was the heart and soul of the Mt. Bethel Christian Academy community. She was more than an administrator—she was a mentor, leader, encourager, and faithful servant whose influence extended far beyond the walls of the classroom. She knew students by name, celebrated their successes, comforted them in difficult moments, and inspired them to pursue both academic excellence and a deeper relationship with Christ.”

Lovett retired in 2018, as MBCA was undergoing a major transformation. That was the year of the first graduating class for the school’s high school component, which held classes on a new campus on Post Oak Tritt Road.

That same year, MBCA was honored as a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.

In 2021, MBCA became independent of the church, and in 2023, the school lease was terminated by the church, which had separated from the United Methodist Church.

MBCA, which has until 2028 to leave the Lower Roswell Road campus, is in the process of relocating K-8 grades to the Post Oak Tritt Road facility after Cobb approved major site plan changes last year.

More than 700 students attend MBCA, making it the largest religious-affiliated school in East Cobb.

“Her greatest legacy lives in the thousands of students who walked our halls and the families whose lives were forever changed through the ministry of Mt. Bethel Christian Academy,” the MBCA message stated about Lovett.

“Her steadfast faith, compassionate leadership, and genuine love for children helped shape countless lives and left an enduring mark on our community.”

Related:

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

 

Cobb Chamber accepting nominations for Citizens of the Year

by
Butch Carter named 2024 East Cobb Citizen of the Year
Butch Carter, owner of the Honest-1 Auto Care Center, was the 2025 East Cobb Citizen of the Year.

Submitted information:

The Cobb Chamber is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Citizen of the Year Awards. The Cobb Chamber, in partnership with cities, business associations and various civic partners throughout the community, come together each year to select and recognize outstanding, service-minded individuals across Cobb County. These citizens are chosen for their definable, exceptional deeds, with which he or she has made their community a better place to live.

These awards are presented as a part of the Cobb Chamber’s Area Council programs, and will be presented to individuals in Acworth, Austell, Cumberland, East Cobb, Kennesaw, Mableton, Marietta, Powder Springs, Smyrna, Town Center and West Cobb.

Nominations are now open through Friday, August 28 at https://tinyurl.com/mtexbjfj. Thank you Presenting Sponsor, Capital City Bank. For more information on the Citizen of the Year Awards, contact Katie Guice at 770-859-2334 or [email protected]. 

About the Cobb Chamber

At the Cobb Chamber, we believe in the power of ambition. Through our wealth of programming and partnerships, we unite the region’s most innovative, informed, and determined people so that they can achieve more. And through our advocacy and initiatives, we ensure that our county is a healthy place to do business. While our members span industry, background, and experience, we share a common desire: to see Cobb County flourish. For more information, visit www.cobbchamber.org.

Related:

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

 

Suspect sought after bear spray injures 15 at Cobb hotel pool

by

Cobb Police said Friday that they’re looking for a woman they say injured 15 people after she released bear spray during a brawl at a hotel pool in the Cumberland area.Northeast Cobb car crash, Cops on Donut Shops

A warrant has been issued for Porsha Liddell, of Clinton, Miss., on a felony charge of first-degree child cruelty and misdemeanor charges of battery and reckless conduct.

Sgt. Eric Smith said that the incident took place around 6 p.m. last Saturday at the Embassy Suites hotel (2815 Akers Mill Road), and was after a verbal altercation between two females at an indoor pool.

“During the incident, one of the individuals produced a canister of bear spray and discharged it, striking the other female, her daughter, and numerous individuals in the surrounding area,” Smith said in a Cobb Police release.

He said the suspect fled the scene. The warrant states that eight of the people were minors who “suffered significant physical pain” that required medical attention.

Police said Cobb Fire personnel rendered aid on the scene.

In his release, Smith didn’t indicate what triggered the incident.

Bear spray is a concentrated red-pepper oil used to fend off attacks from bears and other large animals. When emitted from a cannister, the spray produces a cloud of heavy fog designed to disorient the animal and that lasts for several seconds.

Related:

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

 

East Cobb Indian restaurant gets 90 after failing inspection

by

East Cobb Indian restaurant gets failing health inspection

An Indian restaurant in East Cobb that failed a health inspection last week got a much better score on Thursday.

Cobb and Douglas Public Health inspectors gave Vatica Indian Cuisine  (1475 Terrell Mill Road, Suite 105) a score of 90, or A, upon a re-inspection.

Vatica received a score of 57 on June 17 for a variety of violations, including food-handling and storage issues, food build-up on surfaces throughout the kitchen and the presence of roaches.

On Thursday, inspectors docked the restaurant nine points after seeing “employee using bare fingers to remove ghee from a container, then apply it to uncooked naan in main kitchen. The same container of ghee was used on ready-to-eat cooked naan in main kitchen.”

Otherwise, the major issues cited in the original report had been corrected, although inspectors also cited Vatica on Thursday for not posting the initial inspection report in public view.

“The most current inspection report shall be prominently displayed in public view at all times, within fifteen feet of the front or primary public door and between five feet and seven feet from the floor and in an area where it can be read at a distance of one foot away,” states the re-inspection report (which you can view here).

Restaurants that get scores of 70 or below are typically re-inspected with 10 working days.

Related:

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

Teenager charged with East Cobb home invasion and auto theft

by

An 18-year-old woman is being held without bond after being arrested for committing a home invasion in East Cobb and stealing a vehicle from the residence.Northeast Cobb car crash, Cops on Donut Shops

According to an arrest warrant, Haylie Marshall, of College Park, is facing felony charges of home invasion, theft by taking and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

She has been at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center since Monday, according to her booking report.

The warrant states that Marshall and two other females arrived at a home in 1800 block of East Piedmont Road around 11 p.m. on June 15 and forced a resident to open the door.

Once inside, Marshall and the other females took car keys belonging to the resident’s stepfather, who was sleeping, according to the warrant, which states that they used the keys to steal a 2006 Jeep Grand Wagoneer.

The warrant did not identify the other two females, but said that Marshall was transferred to the custody of the Cobb Sheriff’s Office after being detained at the Fulton County jail.

In Fulton County, Marshall was charged with theft by receiving stolen property, loiter prowl and willful obstruction of law enforcement, according to her booking report there.

Related:

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

 

East Cobb Food Scores: Williamson Bros.; Derek’s Cafe; more

by

Williamson Bros. Bar-B-Q; 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:

Chili’s Grill and Bar
4111 Roswell Road
June 24, 2026, Score: 100, Grade: A

Derek’s Cafe
1779 Canton Road
June 23, 2026, Score: 100, Grade: A

Ducks Burger Bar
2100 Roswell Road, Suite 2114
June 22, 2026, Score: 91, Grade: A

El Huarache Veloz
1157 Roswell Road
June 24, 2026, Score: 94, Grade: A

Harold’s Chicken and Ice Bar
1477 Roswell Road
June 24, 2026, Score: 84, Grade: B

La Carreta
1252 Roswell Road
June 24, 2026, Score: 95, Grade: A

Lemon Grass Thai Restaurant
2145 Roswell Road, Suite 190
June 24, 2026, Score: 91, Grade: A

Super Chix
4475 Roswell Road, Suite 400
June 23, 2026, Score: 91, Grade: A

Taco Hub
2800 Canton Road, Suite 1220
June 24, 2026, Score: 87, Grade: B

Vatica Indian Cuisine (re-inspection)
1475 Terrell Mill Road
June 25, 2026, Score: 90, Grade: A
(East Cobb News story)

Williamson Bros. Bar-B-Q
1425 Roswell Road
June 23, 2026, Score: 95, Grade: A

Related:

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

Profiles: New principals at McCleskey MS and Timber Ridge ES

by

Profiles: New principals at McCleskey MS and Timber Ridge ES

During the summer break, the Cobb County School District has been published brief Q and A profiles with newly appointed principals.

Four district schools in East Cobb will be getting new principals when the 2026-27 school year begins in August.

They include Dr. Tonya Polk, who was appointed principal at McCleskey Middle School. She succeeds Dr. Andrea Jenkins-Mann, who is the principal at Cobb Horizon School, an alternative high school program.

Polk has been in the Cobb school district for 12 years, and for the last two years has been an assistant principal at Sprayberry High School.

McCleskey is a Sprayberry feeder, and Polk said that in that time, “I have gained insight into the skills students bring to high school and the areas where they need stronger preparation, and I look forward to using that experience to help ensure McCleskey students are fully prepared for the next level.”

Polk holds business-related degrees from Valdosta State University and the University of West Georgia.

At Timber Ridge Elementary School, Dr. Kristi Lankford will step in as principal following the retirement of Shannon McGill.

Lankford was most recently an assistant principal at Pearson Middle School and taught at Dowell Elementary School and Fair Oaks Elementary School, as part of more than 25 years in Cobb schools.

She said that what she likes best about being an educator is that “as a principal, witnessing the success and growth of both students and staff is incredibly rewarding. I enjoy supporting others as they build confidence, reach goals, and recognize their own potential.”

Lankford earned education degrees from the University of South Florida.

Polk and Lankford will begin their new roles on July 1, as will Dr. Christina Moll at Addison Elementary School and Lauren Rabil at Kincaid Elementary School.

Related:

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

 

2028 Cobb SPLOST referendum to be put on November ballot

by

Cobb commissioners set to vote on 2028 SPLOST project list

The Cobb Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday to place on the November ballot a referendum to extend the Special-Purpose Local-Option Sales Tax starting in 2028.

The vote was 4-0, with Chairwoman Lisa Cupid absent.

Cobb voters will vote by Nov. 4 whether or not to renew the one-percent tax for another six years.

The 2028 SPLOST would continue collections for a variety of projects, including roads and transportation, public safety facilities, parks and libraries upgrades and maintenance and more.

The estimated collection for the 2028 SPLOST would be $1.15 billion, with $794 million going to Cobb government projects.

The project list was approved by commissioners in April, and includes a $20 million relocation of the East Cobb Library from Parkaire Landing Shopping Center to an unspecified site.

County officials said in January they would like to rebuild the East Cobb branch, the second-busiest in the Cobb system, on county-owned land.

Cobb has leased space for the East Cobb Library at Parkaire since 2010, after the branch previously was located at Merchants Walk Shopping Center.

The rental cost has been nearly $400,000 a year, and library officials say they need more space. The East Cobb Library has 17,000 square feet of space, and a request for the proposed new branch called for 28,000 square feet.

But before adopting the referendum resolution Tuesday night, commissioners approved a late change capping capacity at the current 17,000 square feet.

Another East Cobb project on the 2028 referendum list is an $8.2 million expansion of the Tim D. Lee Senior Center.

The 2028 SPLOST also would fund a new Cobb State Court building to cost $174 million; $130 million in road resurfacing projects; and $60 million for a new infirmary building at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center.

Another $30 million would be earmarked for a central aquatic center in Marietta to replace the current facility near the Cobb Civic Center; $30 million combined for two new fire stations in West Cobb and South Cobb; and $18 million for a new recreation center at a site to be named in South Cobb.

Among the transportation projects in East Cobb, $3.5 million would go for an intersection project on Shallowford at McPherson Road; $2.5 million each for improvements in the Johnson Ferry Road corridor and the Shaw Road corridor; and $1.5 million to upgrade the intersection of Lower Roswell Road at Paper Mill Road.

For a detailed list of the 2028 SPLOST referendum project list, click here.

For more on the 2028 SPLOST in general, click here.

Related:

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

Cobb proposes $1.4B FY 2027 budget that holds millage rates

by
Cobb proposes $1.4B FY 2027 budget that holds millage rates
Cobb chief financial officer Buddy Tesar

The Cobb Board of Commissioners on Tuesday was presented a fiscal year 2027 budget proposal that would add 29 new positions to county government and keep the same property tax rates.

The budget would come to $1.4 billion, an increase of $84 million over the fiscal year 2026 budget of $1.325 billion.

The primary increases proposed are for 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.

You can read through the budget presentation by clicking here, or view the same information on the slideshow on the bottom of this post. You can also watch a replay of the work session below.

During a work session Tuesday afternoon, Cobb chief financial officer Buddy Tesar said that 20 of the new positions proposed would be funded through the general fund, and nine more in the fire fund.

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 general fund is the primary source of revenue for Cobb government, paid through property taxes. The general fund rate of 8.46 mills would be unchanged.

Under the fiscal 2027 proposal, general fund revenues would rise by $29 million, from $646 million to $672 million.

The fire fund rate of 2.97 mills also would stay the same, with expenses proposed to rise from $160 million to $166 million.

Expenditures for claims and liability would go up from $128 million in the current budget to $139 million.

The stormwater utility fee—which went into effect in June after a controversial approval last year—is being budgeted for $17.1 million for fiscal year 2027.

The water and sewer fund would rise from $286 million to $307 million.

The presentation was brief—commissioners didn’t have questions, and Chairwoman Lisa Cupid was absent—with a basic breakdown of spending and revenue categories and what Tesar called “high-level” summaries of major line items of interest.

He also outlined “budget impact items” totaling $7.6 million that commissioners will be asked to approve for the current fiscal year 2026 budget.

Those include $4.5 million for a new medical provider contract with the Cobb Sheriff’s Office for inmate health care at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center, and $2 million in increases in step and grade compensation tiers for the Cobb Police Department.

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.

Tesar said the position requests for Cobb Fire are “currently being discussed with Commissioners.”

The budget also requests $500,000 to expand on-demand transit services through CobbLinc.

Since the proposed millage rates would not “roll back” to meet current budget totals, Georgia state law considers that a property tax increase, and Cobb must hold three public hearings on the budget.

They will take place on July 14 at 9 a.m., July 21 at 6:30 p.m. and on July 28 at 7 p.m., shortly before budget adoption.

For more Cobb budget information, click here.

To view the slideshow of the budget presentation, click the middle button below.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Related:

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

Home under renovation destroyed in East Cobb house fire

by

Home under renovation destroyed in East Cobb house fire

A reader in the Post Oak Springs subdivision sent us the photos and information about a house fire overnight Tuesday that destroyed a residence that had been under renovation.

She said that the fire began around 1 a.m. Tuesday at a home on Rocky Springs Drive, located off Post Oak Tritt Road, and that fire engines “were parked all the way along” the road as they battled the blaze.

“Neighbors kept watch throughout the night.  Smoke could be seen coming out this morning at about 7 a.m. Firefighters came out again to smother the embers.”

Lauren Burden, public information officer for Cobb Fire and Emergency Services, told East Cobb News that that the home was under renovation.

She said the “fire was fully involved prior to our arrival and that crews extinguished the fire and there were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.”

“I do not currently know if the house was occupied during this renovation period, but it does not appear so.”

Property records at that address show the home is owned by an Atlanta real estate and property management company.

Home under renovation destroyed in East Cobb house fire

Related:

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

Cobb 101 Citizens Government Academy registration continues

by

The registration deadline for the 2026 Cobb 101 Citizens Government Academy is July 4. Cobb 101 Citizens Academy registration deadline approaching

Cobb 101 is an 11-week program offering citizens a chance to learn in-depth about the functions and departments of Cobb County Government.

Participants will visit facilities, talk to leaders and learn how their tax dollars are spent.

The 2026 Cobb 101 program will start in August and participation is limited to 32 people. The weekly sessions will take place on Thursdays from 6-9 p.m.

Here are more details about the program:

Through a combination of presentations and hands-on projects, participants will learn about vital community services including emergency services, law enforcement, planning, zoning, finance, court systems, public works, special projects, parks and recreation. Most importantly, participants will have the opportunity to connect with their local officials and county staff who provide these services. Weekly instructors will vary depending upon the county service or department being covered that week.

The program is structured around six strategic commitments:

  • Informed and engaged community
  • Financial health and economic prosperity
  • Healthy, livable and sustainable Cobb County
  • Transportation, mobility and connectivity
  • Safe and prepared community
  • Accountable and responsive government

Participants will gain a better understanding of:

  • The relationships between residents, the county manager and Board of Commissioners and governmental departments
  • The process of deciding why and how government projects are implemented and services are provided
  • The ways various projects support county manager and Board of Commissioners’ goals and objectives
  • The budgeting process
  • Roles and functions of county departments

To learn more about the Cobb 101 Citizens Government Academy, click here. To apply, click here.

Related:

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

New East Cobb t-shirt store fundraising for homeless students

by

A new Big Frog custom t-shirt store opened recently in East Cobb at the Pavilions at East Lake Shopping Center (2100 Roswell Road, Suite 2186).New East Cobb t-shirt store fundraising for homeless students

In lieu of a traditional ribbon-cutting, owners Ben and Lydia Olu-Harding launched a fundraising campaign to assist homeless students in the area.

The “Room for Everyone” campaign thus far has raised more than $2,000 out of a targeted goal of $10,000, through sales of t-shirts at the store.

Several hundred local students are homeless, according to the campaign, which will designate portions of shirt sales as proceeds for those students in the Wheeler High School community.

The Olu-Hardings are partnering with Grace Church Marietta and four local ministries—Family Promise, Simple Needs, The Table on Delk, and Garments of Grace.

Last weekend, they activated the campaign, and the shirt sale proceeds will continue through the end of June.

You can go by the store or purchase shirts online to benefit the campaign.

On their Facebook page, Lydia Olu-Harding said “this is why we chose Big Frog as our leap into small business ownership . . . Immediate community impact driven by our business. Proud and honored to join forces with Grace Marietta to make a difference right in our backyard.”

She also said that “if you are thinking you don’t really need another t-shirt but you want to support our cause, your shirt can be donated to Garments of Grace to help the same community that needs an extra hand.”

Related:

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

Naked man accused of hitting officer in East Cobb burglary

by

A man police say showed up naked and tried to burglarize a home in East Cobb last week also has been charged with hitting an officer called to the scene.Northeast Cobb car crash, Cops on Donut Shops

A warrant for Jonathan Brown, of a Wendwood Drive address in East Cobb, said that he tried to break into a home on Missy Drive, located off Meadow Drive near Pope High School, on the afternoon of June 15.

The warrant also states that Brown “did appear in a public place in a state of complete nudity” and that “his intent was to behave in a ‘silly’ manner.”

He tried to enter through a back door of the home but failed, according to the warrant.

The warrant further states that officers were called to the scene and tried to arrest Brown, who “became actively combative and physically resisted apprehension.”

In doing so, the warrant states, Brown hit one of the officers in the head with his fist.

There’s no booking information available from the Cobb Sheriff’s Office. According to the warrant, Brown is facing felony charges of attempted burglary and obstruction and misdemeanor charges of simple battery and public indecency.

Related:

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

East Cobb Civic Association visits Cobb Fire Station 20

by

East Cobb Civic Association visits Cobb Fire Station 20

Submitted information and photo:

The East Cobb Civic Association, Inc. (ECCA) visited with Firehouse #20 located on the corner of Sewell Mill Road and Hilton Drive. Smaller and older than many stations, the facility responds to a wide and busy area of East Cobb. With only 12 firefighters divided into 3 shifts, it is remarkable how much small teams handle each day. 

ECCA commends the responsibility, dedication, and professionalism demonstrated by firefighters and police officers to protect and take care of 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!

Related:

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!