Cobb County Attorney retires; deputy appointed as successor

March 17, 2026March 17, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Deputy Cobb County Attorney Debbie Blair has been named to succeed William Rowling, who has retired as Cobb County Attorney.

The appointment was made official last week by Cobb County Manager Jackie McMorris after being recommended by Cobb Commission Chairwoman Lisa Cupid.

Blair has been in the deputy’s role since 2019 and has been with the County Attorney’s office for the last decade. Rowling retired last week after 25 years in the department. She has focused on zoning and land-use matters and has handled “all sectors of public sector law, including constitutional issues, governmental transparency ethics, zoning and codification of laws,” according to a statement from the county.

“The Cobb County Attorney’s Office assists in the preparation of legislation and resolutions, provides legal opinions, and negotiates and reviews contracts,” the statement continued. “It represents the county and its officials in civil litigation matters ranging from civil rights and constitutional cases to land use and zoning disputes.”

Blair leads a staff of 12 other in-house attorneys, including Lauren Bruce, who has been named the new deputy county attorney.

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Send East Cobb News your spring calendar items!

March 16, 2026 by Wendy Parker

We’re hoping to break out into spring for good very soon, and our events calendar is filling up with plenty of fun things to do for the season.

If you’ve got a community event to share, please let us know, and follow the instructions below carefully so we can get your news published to our site quickly.

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, 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: editor@eastcobbnews.com, 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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Marietta Arts Council launches search for executive director

March 16, 2026March 16, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Submitted information:

The Marietta Arts Council has announced the launch of a search for its next Executive Director, a leadership role that will guide the organization’s continued growth and support its work advancing arts and culture throughout the City of Marietta.

The position is structured as a part-time role averaging approximately 20 hours per week and will work closely with the Marietta Arts Council’s Board of Directors to support strategic initiatives, fundraising, communications, and organizational operations. The Executive Director will help strengthen partnerships across the community, support the Council’s public art initiatives, and assist in advancing programs that celebrate Marietta’s vibrant creative identity.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, with interviews anticipated in mid-April. The Marietta Arts Council is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The full job description and application details are available here: https://workforgood.org/listing-job/executive-director-part-time-795ede9a/

About the Marietta Arts Council

Marietta Arts Council, Inc. is a volunteer-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the artistic and cultural landscape of the City of Marietta through advocacy, education, and public art.

For more information, visit mariettaartscouncil.com.

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East Cobb Real Estate: Suttons Orchard home sells for $700K

March 16, 2026 by Wendy Parker

East Cobb Real Estate: Suttons Orchard home sells for $700K

This week’s featured home sale is a fully renovated home in the Suttons Orchard subdivision, located in the Lassiter High School, Simpson Middle School and Shallowford Falls Elementary School attendance zones.

It features four bedrooms and four baths, covering 3,292 square feet. The home sold for $700,000 on March 5, 2026.

The main living area has an open concept, with the completely rebuilt kitchen leading to a spacious back deck and yard.

The home has new HVAC, plumbing, siding and a new roof, with updated flooring, fixtures and lighting.

All the bathrooms were reconstructed with custom tile work and modern fixtures, giving each bedroom the feel of a private suite

Click the middle button below to see more photos.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The following East Cobb residential real estate sales from March 2-6, 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

1659 Millhouse Landing, 30066 (Spencer’s Landing): $575,000

1471 Ebb Court, 30066 (Lamplighter Cove): $375,000

4509 North Landing Drive, 30066 (North Landing): $415,000

2075 Pinevale Drive, 30066 (Greenland): $295,000

Lassiter

3769 Cochran Lake Road, 30062: $600,000

3533 Dexter Way, 30066 (Suttons Orchard): $700,000

4918 Climbing Vine Place, 30066 (Cooks Valley): $735,000

3968 Rock Mill Drive, 30062 (Rock Mill): $415,000

Marietta

1621 Warsaw Pointe, 30062 (East Park): $536,000

1145 Mountain View Drive, 30062 (Bonnie Dell): $275,000

Pope

1984 Charrwood Court, 30062 (Charrington): $650,000

3218 Holly Mill Run, 30062 (Holly Springs Crossing): $475,000

2934 Wendover Street, 30062 (Creek Park): $496,150

2552 Hollycreek Drive, 30062 (Sweetwater): $655,000

Sprayberry

2295 Venture Drive 30062 (The Legends at East Piedmont): $957,600

282 Mark Avenue, 30066 (Kings Wood Estates): $227,000

2931 Leasa Court, 30066 (Northeast Colony): $479,000

3022 Timberline Road, 30062 (Mountain View): $391,000

2728 Vintage Reserve Lane, Unit 21, 30066 (The Vintage Club): $425,000

1713 Lancaster Drive 30066 (Huntington Woods):$405,000

678 Verney Drive, 30066 (Addison Heights): $650,000

1604 Rex Drive, 30066 (Pine Valley Farms): $449,000

3399 Clair Circle, 30066 (Shaw Woods): $360,000

2591 Alcovy Trail, Unit 37, 30066 (East Cobb Walk): $530,000

556 Embry Lane, 30066 (Addison Heights): $480,000

3398 Clair Circle, 30066 (Shaw Woods): $417,150

1513 Monarch Drive, 30062 (Glen Crest): $620,000

2085 East Piedmont Road, 30066: $580,000

Walton

3919 Lower Roswell Road, 30068 (Woodstone West) $565,000

1751 East Bank Drive, 30068 (Jacksons Creek): $725,000

5290 Lower Roswell Road, 30068 (Chattahoochee Heights): $1.45 million

565 Woodlawn Drive, 30067: $1.2 million

569 Woodlawn Drive, 30067: $800,000

3792 Raccoon Run, 30062 (Princeton Corners): $610,000

Wheeler

3043 Greyfield Place, 30067 (Greyfield): $605,000

601 Timberlea Lake Court, 30067 (Timberlea Lake): $623,000

1463 Dewberry Trail, 30062 (Briarwood Hills): $330,000

529 Greystone Trail, 30068 (Indian Hills): $800,000

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Publix store at Woodlawn Point to close for major renovation

March 16, 2026 by Wendy Parker

A busy Publix grocery store in East Cobb will be closed for renovations starting later this month.

The Publix at Woodlawn Point Shopping Center at 1100 Johnson Ferry Road will be closed starting March 28, according to the Florida-based company.

The closure will continue for several months, and the renovations will include a complete overhaul of the interior and an expansion of the store’s space.

While there are signs greeting Publix shoppers near the entrance (see right), the company has not divulged details of the renovations.

East Cobb News has left multiple messages with Publix seeking more information.

The Publix store at Woodlawn Point anchors that retail center with nearly 56,000 square feet of space.

Its main Atlanta-area grocery rival, Kroger, is spending $23 million to renovate and expand its Parkaire Landing Shopping Center store that will remain open during the process.

The Kroger space will grow from 59,000 square feet to 85,000 square feet at Parkaire, less than a mile away from Woodlawn Point, and will include a fuel station.

Publix shoppers have several nearby alternatives during the Woodlawn Point closure, including a mile away at East Cobb Crossing (Roswell at Johnson Ferry Road), Piedmont Commons (Roswell at East Piedmont Road), Shallowford Corners (Shallowford Road at Childers Road) and Trowbridge Crossing (7525 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs).

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Early-morning Monday storms to be followed by freeze warning

March 15, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Early-morning Monday storms to be followed by freeze warning

We’re in store for some wildly fluctuating weather to start the week.

The National Weather Service in Peachtree City has issued a hazardous weather outlook that begins early Monday morning with thunderstorms and continues into a freeze warning Monday night.

Thunderstorms are in the overnight forecast Sunday into early Monday morning, with the possibility of a quarter- to a half-inch of rain during the rush hour and into early Monday afternoon.

Temperatures will reach only into the low 50s before they will drop severely Monday afternoon, below 40 by the end of the work day and with wind gusts in some areas of up to 30 mph.

A freeze warning is in effect from 11 p.m. Monday to 10 a.m. Tuesday. Lows could get into the mid 20s overnight Monday into Tuesday, and winds also will be gusting, between 20-30 mph in the freeze warning area (yellow in map above).

Tuesday will be sunny with a high in the mid 40s and lows in the high 20s.

Wednesday also will be sunny with highs in the mid 50s and lows around freezing.

By Thursday, warmer weather will return, with sunny skies and highs in the mid 60s.

Weekend highs will be back in the 70s.

For more local weather information, click here.

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Wheeler repeats as state basketball champs for 11th title

March 15, 2026March 14, 2026 by Wendy Parker

The Wheeler Wildcats prevailed in an all-Cobb County matchup Saturday by defeating Pebblebrook 62-52 to win the Georgia High School Association Class 6A boys basketball championship.

At the Macon Coliseum, Wheeler defended its 2025 title to earn its fifth championship in the last seven years and 11th overall, dating back to 2002.

The Wildcats led from early in the first quarter, but had to fend off a scrappy Pebblebrook team that got as close as two points in the third quarter.

But Wheeler star Colben Landrew was tough to stop in the final minutes, as he scored a game-high 29 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in his last high school game.

“This is a group that has been resilient,” Wheeler coach Larry Thompson said in a post-game interview with Georgia Public Broadcasting. “This game was a testament of who they are.

“These guys are competitors. They play a state championship game every day in practice. I’m so proud of them.”

Wheeler finished the season with a 27-6 record but was 21-0 against teams from Georgia. The Wildcats played against some of the top high school teams in the country earlier in the season to prepare them for the playoffs.

They led 31-23 at halftime, but then Pebblebrook played aggressive defense, with pressing and trapping that disrupted Wheeler and forced turnovers.

The Falcons closed to 38-36 after stealing the ball. A short time later, Landrew threw down a one-handed dunk to make the score 42-36, and Wheeler led 44-37 after the third quarter.

The Wildcats maintained a single-digit lead until Landrew scored on the fastbreak and made a free throw for a 49-37 lead.

He later tipped in a missed shot for a 55-46 lead, and Pebblebrook (23-9) struggled to make jump shots.

When asked about the key to Wheeler’s success this season, Thompson said this year’s team was easy to coach.

“They stay humble and they stay hungry,” said Thompson, whose win Saturday was his fifth at the helm of the Wildcats.

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Editor’s Note: Help us keep marching on with your support!

March 14, 2026March 14, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Editor's Note: Help us keep marching on with your support!

All around East Cobb the feel of spring is in the air, although it still looks a bit like winter in some places.

One of my favorite ways to appreciate the seasons is when I visit East Cobb Park and take in this panoramic view, as I did as February turned to March.

It was a warm, sunny weekend day after some chilly days and weeks, and it was a teaser that soon we’ll be able to enjoy more days like this.

I think this is everyone’s favorite time of year, because our springs don’t last long and sweltering heat comes around really fast.

That’s why I try to take in not only the joys of spring, but also take stock of the hopefulness of this time of year.

As March continues, East Cobb News continues to provide you with local news that no one is providing, and this week has been no exception.

We broke news about a carjacking incident, told you about a student publishing his own novel, updated you about ongoing renovations at Parkaire Landing and let you know about a long-standing business that will soon close its doors.

This is nothing unusual—we do this every week, and have for years—because that’s what East Cobb News is all about.

There was only one place to find out about any or all of these stories. At East Cobb News, we give you the local news that you can’t find anywhere else. That’s not bragging; that’s the truth.

Sometimes we find out via a social media message or a press release, write stories based off public meetings and events, or just stumble upon a story driving around or looking for something else.

Click here to donate to ECN today!

Yes, being in the community every day makes all the difference. And at East Cobb News, which is truly reader-driven, we get plenty of reader tips and submissions that makes this news outlet stand out.

We do this for our readers without a paywall. We make it easy for you to find out what’s going on, so you can get on with other things.

As we march on during the month of March and further into the spring, we’d like to renew our request for readers to financially support the work that we do.

We don’t have the corporate resources or decades-long name recognition of other outlets that bombard you with cluttery prompts just to read a story that you still have to pay for.

Many of you have responded so well to what we have done over the years at East Cobb News; now we need you to respond in an even more significant way.

I have come to you numerous times before, asking for continued reader support to help us keep giving you the local news that you love.

Whether it’s stories featuring our original reporting, or others in our community passing along news about local events and activities, East Cobb News is devoted to what’s valued the most by readers here.

It’s our stock-in-trade, and for eight-plus years we’ve been building that community trust, one story at a time.

We do this without charging readers, because we believe reliable local news should be accessible to all.

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It’s our passion and our pride to give you the local news that makes a difference in this community.

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

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Thank you East Cobb! And long live local news!

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‘Dodgen Through the Decades’ event marks school’s 50th year

March 14, 2026March 14, 2026 by Wendy Parker

'Dodgen Through the Decades' event marks school's 50th year

On Thursday all current, former and future Dodgen Middle School students, parents and teachers are invited to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the school’s opening on Wednesday.

“Dodgen Through the Decades” takes place from 6-8 p.m. at the school (1725 Bill Murdock Road).

The festivities include a student-led STEM Night to “highlight innovations through the years. Our fine arts programs will be featured with an art exhibit and musical vignettes,” according to social media messages posted by the school.

Dodgen opened in the fall of 1975, just as Walton High School did down the street, as residential growth in East Cobb was skyrocketing.

It’s one of two middle schools that feed into Walton, and has been honored various times for its combination of academic and extracurricular achievements.

Dodgen was named a Georgia School of Excellence in 2013 by the Georgia Department of Education and in 2017 was named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.

Dodgen students won state Science Olympiad competitions between 2015-18 and the Dodgen Orchestra won the National Orchestra Festival’s middle school competition in 2017.

The school also has had several Cobb County School District teachers of the year, most recently the late Fred Veeder in 2018.

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LGE Community Credit Union announces scholarship program

March 14, 2026March 14, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Submitted information:

LGE Community Credit Union is accepting applications for its 2026 scholarship program through March 31, 2026.

The annual scholarship program helps exceptional high school seniors from our communities attend the college, university, or technical school of their dreams by providing them with a $1,000 scholarship. Scholarships will be awarded in each of the following counties: Bartow, Cherokee, Cobb, Floyd, Fulton, Gordon, and Paulding County.

Eligibility requirements:

Be an LGE Community Credit Union member in good standing at time of entry; OR have a parent, grandparent, or legal guardian who is an LGE Community Credit Union member in good standing at time of entry. Membership will be verified upon receipt of entry.

Be a legal resident of the United States residing in the state of Georgia.

Be a high school senior graduating in the 2025–2026 school year from a public high school, private school, or accredited home school in Bartow, Cherokee, Cobb, Floyd, Fulton, Gordon, or Paulding County.

Be enrolling to attend as a full-time student in an accredited college, university, or technical school in the United States during the fall of the 2026-2027 academic year.

Application process:

Register for an LGE Community Credit Union KOFE account and navigate to the 2026 LGE Scholarship Program page.

Watch the “Money Moves: Mastering Budgeting Before Graduation” video and pass the 10-question quiz.

Fully complete all fields of the 2026 LGE Scholarship Program Questionnaire, including answering the following questions:

What was the most impactful lesson you learned from this course? (in fewer than 300 words)

What would winning the LGE Scholarship mean to you? (in fewer than 400 words)

The 2026 LGE scholarship program is subject to Official Rules. Please visit LGEccu.org/Scholarship for complete details.

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Walton HS student advances to regional STAR competition

March 13, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Sean Dalton of Walton High School has advanced to regional competition for the Student Teacher Achievement Recognition Program (STAR).

He and other Cobb students and teachers were honored recently by Metro Marietta Kiwanis Club. STAR is sponsored by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators.

According to the Cobb County School District, “the STAR program recognizes high school seniors with the highest SAT scores and grade point averages at their school. Each student selects a teacher who made a significant impact on their academic journey to be honored alongside them.”

East Cobb schools have done well in recent STAR competition. In 2025, Wheeler student Fiona Peterson and Latin teacher Cameron Ward were named the Georgia STAR runners-up. In 2024, Walton’s Omer Mustafa Inan and Tamara Hollingsworth earned top STAR honors.

The Cobb County School District announced on Friday all of the 2026 STAR students and teachers, respectively, and here they are for high schools in East Cobb:

Kell High School — Juan Diego Jimenez “JD” Ramirez and Danielle LeBrun
Lassiter High School — Carter Kopp and Catherine Mardis
Pope High School — Ishaan Marwaha and Briana Ransom; Lucy Nichols and Angela Chapin
Sprayberry High School — Eli Suddeth and Chris Shields
Walton High School — Sean Joseph Dalton and Allen Hubbard
Wheeler High School — Arpit Rajkumar Ramani and Andrew Avizbakiyev

Walton High School — Sean Joseph Dalton and Allen Hubbard Wheeler High School — Arpit Rajkumar Ramani and Andrew Avizbakiyev — *Sean Dalton at the Walton table at the STAR banquet.*

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Dodgen MS teacher honored by music educators association

March 13, 2026March 13, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Ashley Culley, the director of orchestras at Dodgen Middle School, has been named the 2026 Educator of the Year by the Georgia Chapter of the American String Teachers Association (ASTA). Dodgen MS teacher honored by music educators association

According to a release from the Cobb County School District, the award “recognizes her commitment to music education and the lasting impact she has made on students across Cobb Schools.”

Culley is in her 21st season at Dodgen, and before that taught three years at Kell High School. In addition to her classroom and Dodgen orchestra duties, she is a co-director of the Upbeat! String Camp summer program for middle- and high school students and that is based at Dodgen and Awtrey Middle School.

“I love seeing when students have their ‘a-ha’ moment, and things start to click,” Culley said in the Cobb school district release. “When something that might have seemed overwhelmingly difficult at first becomes second nature to them, it is always exciting to see.”

For more about Culley’s honor, click here.

At the start of the current 2025-26 school year, she was interviewed by The Orchestra Teacher podcast about her work and her career.

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Kell girls fall in Ga. state basketball finals to Marist

March 14, 2026March 13, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Kell girls fall in state finals; Wheeler aims for 11th title — *Kell senior Kennedy Deese scored 10 points in the Class 4A state title game. Photos via Cobb County School District.*

The Kell girls were aiming for their second Georgia High School Association basketball championship on Thursday, but fell short in the Class 4A finals in a 58-50 win by Marist.

The Kell Lady L0nghorns were the underdog on Thursday against Marist, which had been No. 1 in Class 4A and features high school All-American Kate Harpring, the national high school player of the year.

At the Macon Coliseum, Kell fell behind in the first quarter but stayed close, trailing 26-21 at halftime, then took the lead in the third quarter.

But that was the only lead they would have, as Harpring helped close out Marist’s third title in five years with 12 points in the fourth quarter. She finished with 40 points and 16 rebounds, becoming the all-time girls basketball scoring leader in Georgia high school basketball history, with 3,399 points.

“It’s been a great season, but I’m super proud that we even got here,” Kell coach Kandra Bailey said in a Cobb County School District release after the game. “I’m proud of the effort we put on the floor tonight.”

Bailey, who gave birth to a baby boy less than two weeks ago, said that “obviously, I’m going to finish this season with my girls, because they’re my first kids! But now I’m going to get back home with my baby tonight.”

*Kell coach Kandra Bailey accepts the state runner-up trophy.*

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Update: Parkaire Landing Kroger expansion getting underway

March 12, 2026 by Wendy Parker

The year-long Kroger renovations at Parkaire Landing Shopping Center are just getting started, and motorists will notice part of the parking lot has already been closed off.

It’s a section of the lot behind the Providence Dental Center outparcel on Johnson Ferry Road (formerly Engineered Smiles), and access is limited around that fenced-off area.

As we reported earlier this month, Kroger is investing $23 million to expand at Parkaire, and this has been the only East Cobb Kroger that doesn’t have a fuel station.

The store will grow from 59,000 square feet to 85,000 square feet—almost as large as the Kroger Superstore at Terrell Mill MarketPlace—and it will remain open during the renovations.

The key features of the expansion include an expanded produce department and an enlarged deli counter, a full-service Murray’s cheese counter and the addition of a sushi culinary kiosk.

Workers have torn down a section of parcels next to Kroger that will be added to the grocery store’s footprint. Those spaces included the former Tuesday Morning consignment shop.

The expansion will continue to CycleBar, a fitness center, which announced it was closing in early February. But in a social media message earlier this week, management said it was reopening, and it was offering free rides as part of its grand reopening March 27-29.

East Cobb News has left a message with CycleBar seeking more information.

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Northeast Cobb Business Association honors volunteer of the year

March 12, 2026March 12, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Submitted information and photo:

Credit Union of Georgia is proud to announce that Business Development Officer Kathy Winiarczyk has been named the 2025 Volunteer of the Year by the Northeast Cobb Business Association. The recognition celebrates Kathy’s exceptional leadership, dedication to volunteerism, and her lasting impact on the local business community.

Winiarczyk was honored during the organization’s annual recognition event, where community leaders gathered to celebrate individuals who demonstrate outstanding service and commitment to strengthening businesses and community partnerships across Northeast Cobb.

As Business Development Officer for Credit Union of Georgia, Winiarczyk plays a vital role in building relationships with local businesses, supporting community initiatives, and helping individuals and organizations achieve their financial goals. Her passion for community involvement extends far beyond her professional role, as she actively volunteers her time to support numerous local events and programs.

“Kathy embodies the spirit of service that Credit Union of Georgia stands for,” said Amanda Arnold, Director of Community Outreach “Her dedication to uplifting our local business community and her genuine passion for helping others make her incredibly deserving of this honor. We are proud to have her representing Credit Union of Georgia.”

The Businessperson of the Year award recognizes members of the Northeast Cobb Business Association who demonstrate outstanding leadership, community involvement, and a commitment to supporting the growth and success of fellow businesses.

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Police: Suspect in East Cobb carjacking ‘not identified’

March 12, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Cobb Police said Thursday they have not been able to identify any suspects in a carjacking case at an East Cobb shopping center last weekend.

Sgt. Eric Smith, a spokesman for Cobb Police, said police are continuing to investigate an incident that took place Sunday night at 3162 Johnson Ferry Road.

That’s the Shallowford Falls Shopping Center anchored by a Kroger store. In response to a request for information from East Cobb News, Smith said that police were called to that address at 11:26 p.m. Sunday after getting reports of an armed robbery.

When officers arrived, Smith said they found a man who told them that an unknown man with a handgun “had forcibly taken his vehicle.”

Police took the victim’s statement and offered medical assistance that Smith did not describe but said that the victim “requested no further medical attention.”

Smith did not provide information about the vehicle or the suspect or any other details about the incident. He said the investigation is “active and ongoing” by the Cobb Police Major Crimes Unit.

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Chicago’s Restaurant gets ‘B’ after failed health inspection

March 12, 2026March 12, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Chicago's Restaurant

A week after getting a failing health inspection, the Chicago’s Steak and Seafood Restaurant in East Cobb got a score of 89 on a re-inspection Wednesday.

Cobb and Douglas Health reports indicate that Chicago’s got a “B” grade on the follow-up visit, after receiving a 69, or “unsatisfactory” score on March 4.

On the first visit, inspectors cited Chicago’s for several violations, including improper food storage issues, including holding some ready-to-eat foods for longer than seven days and not having proper procedures for discarding certain foods.

An inspector recommended that reach-in coolers showing temperatures higher than 40 degrees Fahrenheit “be taken out of service until they are repaired.”

The report (you can read the report here) also called for Chicago’s to provide services receipt for those repairs.

A few days later, Chicago’s management acknowledged the issues on its Facebook page, saying that “the report reflected minor items noticed during the first assessment, and we were given time to address them.”

The message said that all the matters had been corrected and that regular restaurant hours were continuing.

“At Chicago’s Restaurant, we take cleanliness, food safety and your dining experience very seriously, and we remain committed to the very highest standards in every meal we serve.”

On Wednesday, inspectors observed some cooked foods being stored from the previous day at above 41 degrees. Those foods included grits, sweet and mashed potatoes, stroganoff and black beans.

The follow-up report (you can read it here) noted that the food was discarded and the violation was corrected on-site.

Chicago’s has been serving upscale steak, seafood and other entrees in the East Cobb area as an independent restaurant since 1991, and also provides live entertainment in a “speakeasy lounge” atmosphere.

In 2017, Chicago’s was sold to new owners who have maintained much of the same menu and dining environment.

The restaurant has had traditionally strong health inspection scores, but got an 86 score in 2025.

Cobb and Douglas Public Health inspects most restaurants at least once, and sometimes twice a year.

Restaurants that score below 70 are re-inspected within a couple of weeks.

Several other East Cobb restaurants also have received failing scores in recent weeks, including Tasty China, Dumpling Garden and the Moxie Burger on Shallowford Road (see stories below).

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Cobb Senior Services participating in ‘March for Meals’

March 11, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Submitted information and photo:

Cobb County Senior Services, a local provider for Meals on Wheels, is participating in March for Meals, a national month-long awareness campaign led by Meals on Wheels America. This year’s campaign focuses on ending the wait for the thousands of seniors waiting for meals and connection nationwide.

“Receiving Meals on Wheels services can be life-changing for a senior who can no longer cook or shop for themselves,” says Ioana Bovo-Nicolescu, Director, Cobb County Senior Services. “However, with the number of older adults in our community growing, we have more seniors turning to us for meals than we have funding to serve. When we receive support from individuals, businesses or other groups, that gift goes directly to provide meals for those who would otherwise remain on the waitlist.”

The evidence-based program goes beyond providing nutrition. Cobb County Senior Services’ dedicated volunteers also deliver much-needed social interaction during the weekly visits.

“It’s not just about the meals. Many seniors in the program don’t have a lot of visitors or contact with others. A visit from a friendly volunteer provides human connection and allows for a wellness check. If a senior is experiencing other challenges, the volunteer can alert our case managers or call for emergency assistance for more urgent matters,” says Bovo-Nicolescu.

Cobb County Senior Services is asking the community to step up and ensure that their older neighbors receive this vital service. Those interested in donating to provide meals for Cobb seniors, can visit cobbcounty.gov/senior-services/donate or contact cobbseniors@cobbcounty.gov to explore other ways of supporting the program.

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East Cobb Food Scores: Ege Sushi; Cava; Great Wall; more

March 14, 2026March 11, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Ege Sushi, East Cobb food scores

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

Cava
4400 Roswell Road, Suite 157
March 11, 2026, Score: 91, Grade: A

Chicago’s Restaurant (re-inspection)
4401 Shallowford Road
March 11, 2026, Score: 89, Grade: B
Previous Inspection: March 4, 2026, Score: 69, Grade: U

Coaches Corner
3920 Canton Road, Suite 250
March 12, 2026, Score: 94, Grade: A

The Corn House
2060 Lower Roswell Road, Suite 150
March 12, 2026, Score: 54, Score: U

Ege Sushi and Japanese Cuisine
2100 Roswell Road, Suite 2112
March 10, 2026, Score: 100, Grade: A

Firehouse Subs
2745 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 102
March 12, 2026, Score: 91, Grade: A

Flames Indian Grill
3000 Windy Hill Road, Suite 128
March 10, 2026, Score: 80, Grade: B

Fluffy Fluffy Dessert Cafe
4400 Roswell Road, Suite 146
March 12, 2026, Score: 96, Grade: A

Great Wall Chinese and Sushi Bar
1275 Powers Ferry Road, Suite 180
March 9, 2026, Score: 95, Grade: A

Hightower Trail Middle School
3905 Post Oak Tritt Road
March 10, 2026, Score: 100, Grade: A

Jimmy John’s
1337 Powers Ferry Road
March 9, 2026, Score: 86, Grade: B

Marco’s Pizza
2421 Roswell Road, Suite 150
March 12, 2026, Score: 97, Grade: A

Martin’s Restaurant
3101 Canton Road
March 9, 2026, Score: 90, Grade: A

McDonald’s
3010 Canton Road
March 9, 2026, Score: 95, Grade: A

Mt. Bethel Christian Academy
2905 Post Oak Tritt Road
March 11, 2026, Score: 91, Grade: A

One Atlanta Sports Lounge
2000 Powers Ferry Road, Suite 2100
March 12, 2026, Score: 98, Grade: A

The Orient
3050 Windy Hill Road
March 11, 2026, Score: 91, Grade: A

Simpson Middle School
3340 Trickum Road
March 6, 2026, Score: 100, Grade: A

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Walton freshman writes and self-publishes epic fantasy novel

March 12, 2026March 11, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Walton freshman writes and self-publishes epic fantasy novel

Anna Griffin, mother of Walton High School freshman E.N. Griffin, writes in to say that her son is a published author, and has more volumes in mind of a fantasy novel series.

“A Bond Through Time,” volume 1 of what he’s calling the Wyrmborm Saga, is available in hardcover, paperback and electronically via Amazon.

E.N. is 14 and is already studying advanced classes at Walton, and which informed his book, which is aimed at readers between the ages of 13-18.

It’s a tale of The Wymborm Prophecy, which vows to “bring an era back to the world that has been lost. . . . And all it will take is events that shape what one person has to do. Time shall pass, but eventually, peace will rule over the lands anew.”

The novel tells about a massive war “so catastrophic that all of the species vowed never to go to war again. Those vows, however, were easily forgotten over millennia,” and “darkness is beginning to brew once more all around the world of Amphiria.”

E.N. has populated his novel with a rich collection of “praesens characteres” in both military and civilian roles.

“He created an original world full of rich lore, maps, and unique characters. We are beyond proud of the discipline and creativity it took for him to achieve this literacy milestone,” Anna writes.

“It took him over two years to accomplish this. He has been an avid reader since age eight, and we never imagined he would be motivated to take on the goal of writing and publishing his own book!”

She said E.N. is already working on the second book while maintaining A’s and a rigorous class schedule at Walton.

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