Month: January 2026

East Cobb weather closings: Businesses, churches, events, etc.

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Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, East Cobb weather closings
Johnson Ferry Baptist Church will be having online only worship on Sunday.

We’ll be updating this post Friday into Saturday as closings/cancellations/postponements are announced due to Winter Storm Fern.

If you have an announcement to add to this list, let us know and we’ll add it here: e-mail editor@eastcobbnews.com, or text/call 404-219-4278.

PLEASE DO NOT send your announcement through a social media direct message tool. We don’t monitor those accounts 24/7 and we’d hate to miss it that way.

We’ll have a separate post later Friday on the latest weather forecast and an update on road conditions and other preparations.

The latest from the National Weather Service is that that worst of the rain/sleet/ice will be coming overnight Saturday into Sunday morning.

A winter storm watch will be in effect in Cobb from 1 p.m. Saturday through 10 a.m. Monday, with the possibility of significant amounts of ice.

An ice storm warning has been declared for much of northeast Georgia but has not yet extended to metro Atlanta.

Still Going On-Saturday

Before we get to what’s closed or is going online, here’s one major event this weekend that is still going on: The Johnson Ferry Christian Academy’s Polar Bear Run early Saturday morning. Race packets can be picked up until 6:30 p.m. Friday at Big Peach Running Co. (1062 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite C).

Congregation Etz Chaim will be open Saturday for Shabbat services and Kiddush lunch, but the facility will be closed on Saturday. There will be no religious school and Minyan will be via Zoom only.

Closed/Cancelled/Rescheduled

Cobb Government/Courts

All county government offices, facilities and courts will be closed starting at 6 p.m. Saturday and will remain closed through Monday, as will Cobb and Douglas Public Health facilities.

Libraries

The Cobb County Public Library System announced early Friday afternoon that all branches will be closed and activities canceled Sunday and Monday.

Senior Services

Cobb Senior Services locations and activities for Monday, including the Tim D. Lee Senior Center in East Cobb, have been canceled.

Schools

As we noted Thursday the Cobb County School District has cancelled or rescheduled Saturday and Sunday extracurricular activities and will be making a call on Monday classes by Sunday afternoon; the district said it will provide updates at this link during the weekend.

Marietta City Schools events after noon on Saturday have been canceled.

The Walker School campus on Allgood Road will close at 1 p.m. Saturday, and both campuses of Kennesaw State University will close at 6 p.m. Saturday through Monday.

Churches/Faith Communities

Late Thursday/early Friday a few churches announced they were switching to online-only services and events this weekend or cancelling them altogether. Check the church/synagogue website or social media channels for service times and other updates.

They include Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, Mt. Bethel Church, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Unity North Church. St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church, Holy Family Catholic Church, East Cobb UMC, St. Andrew UMC, Piedmont Church and Pilgrimage United Church of Christ.

Businesses

The Three-13 Salon and Spa on Canton Road is saying for now it’s open this weekend (Friday-Saturday 8a-9p and Sunday 12-7p) but is asking customers to text/call for updates and appointments at 770-426-0313.

Peach Out Power Yoga (3162 Johnson Ferry Road) also is holding all scheduled weekend classes at this time and waiving cancellation and late fees through Monday for those who can’t attend.

The Club Pilates studios on Shallowford Road and Merchants Walk announced they will be closed Sunday and Monday.

The School of Rock East Cobb is closed Saturday, and will follow the Cobb school district decision about Monday classes/activities.

The Good Mews cat shelter on Robinson Road will be open for adoptions Saturday 10-4, but will be closed on Sunday.

The Challise and Co. salon and spa (3534 Canton Road) will be closed on Saturday.

 

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Weather update: Cobb school district cancels weekend events

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Updated: More cancellations/closures in the East Cobb area.

Original post:

Cobb County School District Superintendent Chris Ragsdale said Thursday that weekend extracurricular events have been cancelled or postponed due to approaching Winter Storm Fern.Campbell High School lockdown

During a Cobb Board of Education work session Thursday afternoon, Ragsdale said that a decision on whether to cancel classes and activities on Monday will be made by no later than mid-afternoon Sunday.

Ragsdale said communications have gone out to Cobb school district parties that had sporting events and other activities scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.

The cancelled events this weekend have been rescheduled, the district said in a statement, and “over the weekend, staff will continue preparing our schools for severe weather and will be in constant communication with the state, county offices, neighboring school districts, and weather experts.”

Cobb County was added to a winter storm watch earlier Thursday that begins at 1 a.m. Saturday and continues through 10 a.m. Monday.

That forecast includes a strong chance of ice accumulations throughout North and Central Georgia, with as much as a half-inch in some places.

The latest prediction for Cobb and metro Atlanta is as much as a quarter-inch of ice.

Gov. Brian Kemp has declared a state of emergency through Thursday to mobilize crews to begin preparations for road closures and power outages.

A detailed forecast is still emerging, and Ragsdale said that “nobody really knows what we don’t know.”

The major storm is expected to leave what forecasters are calling “crippling” amounts of ice through the lower Midwest and into the Mid-Atlantic region.

Georgia and Alabama are at the Southern edige of storm, which will bring snow and high winds through the weekend.

The chance of precipitation is near 100 percent Saturday evening and Sunday, and 80 percent into Monday morning, with temperatures dropping into the high teens for the return to school.

Cobb DOT will brief the public Friday with further details about its plans to address road conditions.

“Hopefully we won’t have to make any call,” Ragsdale said about the possibility of delaying or cancelling classes and activities on Monday.

The Cobb school district is updating its weather information at this link.

 

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Cobb in winter storm watch; Ga. state of emergency declared

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Cobb in winter storm watch; Ga. state of emergency declared

Updated Friday 7 p.m.

Here’s the latest forecast, and how Cobb DOT is preparing to treat the roads Saturday.

Updated Friday, 1 p.m.

Here’s a running list of cancellations/closures in the East Cobb area.

Original post:

Cobb County and metro Atlanta have been included in a winter storm watch that could bring thick layers of ice, freezing rain, sleet and snow.

Wednesday’s watch area that included North Georgia was expanded by the National Weather Service Thursday at 2 p.m., and after Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency.

The watch period is from 1 p.m. Saturday to 10 a.m. Monday; the state of emergency through the entire state extends through Thursday.

The potential for dangerous ice accumulations is the overriding concern, and local and state officials are urging citizens to prepare for the worst—impassable roads, power outages and bone-chilling temperatures.

The latest NWS forecast has Cobb with a heightened chance of getting at least a quarter-inch of ice, and some areas in the watch area could get a half-inch or more.

Stores already are being swamped with shoppers loading up on food and other necessities; the worst of the weather in the Cobb area is being forecast for Saturday evening and overnight into Sunday morning.

The Cobb County School District said all Saturday and Sunday extracurricular activities have been rescheduled, and a decision on holding Monday classes and activities will be made by Sunday afternoon.

A few closures, cancellations and delays in events are being announced; East Cobb News will have a separate post on local closures when those are announced as well.

Cobb County government said in a release that Cobb DOT officials will hold a press briefing Friday morning to detail plans, as well as provide updates on road closures.

“Most of the storm’s impact is expected to involve icy conditions, which can be especially challenging to address,” the Cobb statement said.

“Drivers are urged to avoid travel if roads become slick, both for their safety and to give crews the best opportunity to stay ahead of deteriorating conditions.”

Cobb Police have also posted a social media message urging motorists “if you can stay home: Do it. Pajamas. Couch. Zero shame.” But “If you HAVE to drive: Please drive slow and watch our video for tips from one of our Police EVOC instructors as he gives tips on how to actually drive in snow and ice without ending up in the ditch.”

Citizens are encouraged to finish their preparations before the weekend, to cancel or adjust plans and to prepare to get emergency alerts and for the possibility of being without power.

Utility companies also have set up outage channels to provide information and take outage reports from customers.

Here’s the link to Georgia Power’s storm center; and here’s the link to Cobb EMC’s storm center.

East Cobb News will have new posts on Friday as more detailed plans for the storm emerge.

Let us know what’s going on in your area—e-mail us at editor@eastcobbnews or text/call 404-219-4278.

For more local weather information, click here.

 

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Motorcyclist seriously injured in Johnson Ferry Road crash

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Cobb Police said Thursday that a motorcyclist is in serious condition after a crash on Johnson Ferry Road.Northeast Cobb car crash, Cops on Donut Shops

Sgt. Eric Smith said that the unidentified motorcyclist is in serious condition after his bike collided with a vehicle on Johnson Ferry Road near Little Willeo Road.

Police said the crash took place at around 7:41 a.m. Thursday when a gray 2015 Yamaha FZ09 motorcycle heading northbound on Johnson Ferry was struck by a gray 2022 Chrysler Pacifica making a left turn from a southbound lane onto 1000 Johnson Ferry Road, at Woodlawn Point Shopping Center.

Smith said the driver of the Chrysler was not injured in the crash, which remains under investigation. Traffic was backed up in that area for a while on Thursday morning, according to local traffic reports.

Cobb Police are asking anyone with information about the crash to call 770-499-3987.

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East Cobb Food Scores: Mediterranean Grill; Mazzy’s; more

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Mediterranean Grill, 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:

Atami Grill Sushi
2960 Shallowford Road, Suite 311
Jan. 22, 2026, Score: 96, Grade: A

Domino’s Pizza
2146 Roswell Road, Suite 100
Jan. 22, 2026, Score: 95, Grade: A

Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q
3420 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 100
Jan. 22, 2026, Score: 92, Grade: A

Mazzy’s Sports Bar and Grill
2217 Roswell Road, Suite A-200
Jan. 16, 2026, Score: 83, Grade: B

Mediterranean Grill
1255 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 15
Jan. 21, 2026, Score: 77, Grade: C

Monarca Alta Cocina
3085 Canton Road
Jan. 16, 2026, Score: 97, Grade: A

Perks Coffee
3000 Windy Hill Road, Suite 176
Jan. 21, 2026, Score: 96, Grade: A

Starbucks at East Lake Kroger
2100 Roswell Road, Suite 300A
Jan. 21, 2026, Score: 95, Grade: A

Taco La Villa
3545 Canton Road, Suite 102
Jan. 2026, Score: 100, Grade: A

Wildwood Cafe at 3200
3200 Windy Hill Road, Suite 150
Jan. 20, 2026, Score: 95, Grade: A

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Walton Chess Club finishes in third place in MLK tournament

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Walton Chess Club finishes in third place in MLK tournament

Submitted information and photos:

Walton High School earned 3rd Place Overall at the MLK Tournament, competing against 26 teams.

Tournament Details:
MLK Tournament – Sunday, January 18, 2026

Team Walton (Marietta, GA):
Sarvesh Prabhu — 3.0
Ritvik Rachamallu — 3.0
Logiit Mugunthan — 2.5
Shreyas Rachamallu — 2.0
Aaryan Sheikh — 2.0

Walton Chess Club finishes in third place in MLK tournament

Send Us Your News!

Let East Cobb News know what your organization is doing for our community events calendar.

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

 

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Ga. bill would mandate airing school board public comments

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Editor's Note: Whither public comments in an age of rage?
Critics of the Cobb school district, including former school counselor Jennifer Susko, lashed out last summer when their public comments were no longer aired.

Several Cobb County lawmakers have introduced a bill in the Georgia General Assembly that would require public school districts to air or record public comments at school board meetings that are broadcast to their communities.

Six legislators, including Democratic State Rep. Solomon Adesanya of East Cobb, introduced the bill on Friday. HB 989 (you can read it here) would add to an existing state law that requires school boards to provide public comment periods.

Last July the Cobb Board of Education voted on a 4-3 partisan basis to bar the airing of public comments, with the Republican majority and Cobb County School District Superintendent Chris Ragsdale saying it was for legal reasons and to ensure more people get to comment.

Critics said it’s the latest attempt by the Cobb school district and the GOP members to silence their dissenting voices during public comment periods, and follows several years of highly charged partisan rhetoric over a number of controversial issues and events in the district.

Since then, the district no longer shows or records what citizens say before the board and superintendent at public meetings. Viewers see a black screen saying the board is hearing public comment, but there is no audio or video.

The Cobb County Courier local news site has been streaming the public comments on-site, but must do so from a seat in the audience.

State law requires school boards to set aside time for public comment but they’re not required to air their meetings.

The proposed bill includes language that states that “any public comment period provided for in this subsection shall be recorded or broadcast by the local board of education in the same manner and to the same extent as the remainder of the public portions of the meeting are recorded or broadcast.”

East Cobb News has left a message with Randy Scamihorn, the Republican Cobb school board chairman, seeking comment.

The other co-sponsors of HB 989 include Democrats David Wilkerson, the Cobb legislative delegation chairman, Mekyah McQueen, Mary Frances Williams and Lisa Campbell.

The lone Republican co-sponsor is Rep. Jordan Ridley of Woodstock, whose district includes the Bells Ferry Elementary School area in Northeast Cobb.

The bill has had a first reading and has been assigned to the Georgia House Education Committee, but a hearing has not been scheduled.

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Weather Update: Winter storm watch issued for North Georgia

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Weather Update: Winter storm watch issued for North Georgia

An update to our Wednesday story: Cobb is now included in the winter storm watch area, and a state of emergency has been declared.

An update to our Tuesday story:

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for most of North Georgia.

The watch period begins at 1 a.m. Saturday and continues through 10 a.m. Monday.

Although Cobb is not included in the watch area it’s close to it, and county government officials are urging residents to make preparations for the weekend.

The NWS forecast is calling for snow and sleet accumulations up to four inches in some part of the affect storm area, and up to a quarter-inch of ice accumulations.

High temperatures around 50 will continue through Friday afternoon, according to the forecast, with temperatures falling to near freezing on Friday night, with a 50 percent chance of showers forecast.

More showers are expected Saturday, with a “wintry mix” possible in the Cobb and metro Atlanta area, and with highs only around 40.

Saturday’s low could get into the high 20s, with a 100 percent chance of rain expected.

Sunday’s weather will be similar, with an 80 percent chance of rain and highs only around 40, and lows Sunday night dipping into the teens.

Cobb has not issued any further weather or transportation information Wednesday, but the Cobb Emergency Management Agency is urging residents to use the following checklist to prepare for the weather:

For more local weather information, click here.

 

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New East Side ES playground on Cobb school board agenda

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East Side ES playground

The Cobb Board of Education will be asked Thursday to spend $218,892 to build a new playground at East Side Elementary School.

That’s one of the action items on the board’s agenda that will be discussed at an afternoon work session and considered during an evening business meeting.

The board will hold a work session Thursday at 3 p.m., followed by a voting session Thursday at 7 p.m.

All meetings take place in the board room of the Cobb County School District Central Office, at 514 Glover St. in Marietta. An executive session will follow the work session.

The public meetings will be streamed live and you can watch on Comcast Cable or on a livestream on the district’s Boxcast Channel.

You can find agendas for both public meetings by clicking here.

The East Side playground has been in use since the replacement school opened on Roswell Road at Indian Hills Parkway in 2011.

According to the East Side agenda item, most of the funding for the new playground—$215,000—has been raised privately by the school’s foundation. The remaining $3,892 would come from East Side’s district-budgeted after-school program account.

The recommended vendor is Playworld Preferred Systems, which the Cobb County School District said in the agenda item is “the designated standard for the District’s playscapes.”

At the work session Thursday, the board will hear an independent audit of district finances and will be presented with a request to accept bids for an issuer of $100 million in short-term construction notes.

The board in recent years has annually borrowed Cobb Education Special-Purpose Local-Option Sales Tax VI (SPLOST) funds in advance to begin construction and maintenance projects at the beginning of the calendar year, then repaying them by the the end of the year.

This is done, according to an agenda item, due to rising construction cost and that bidding on projects earlier enables the district to projects to be bid earlier and “[capture] savings in the current construction market.”

A recommended bidder will be brought back to the board in a separate vote.

At the Thursday evening meeting, two Pope High School girls sports state championship teams will be recognized—cross country and flag football—along with Pope’Aislynn Dunn, the Georgia High School Association Class 5A girls individual cross country champion.

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Major winter storm forecast includes most of north Georgia

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Major winter storm forecast includes most of north Georgia

NWS Forecast map for moderate impacts Friday and Saturday.

Updated, Thursday: Cobb is now included in the winter storm watch area, and a state of emergency has been declared.

Updated, Tuesday: A winter storm watch has been issued for North Georgia.

Original post:

Cobb government said Tuesday that plans are being put in place to prepare for a major winter storm that is forecast for this weekend to include most of north Georgia.

A social media message about those preparations said that “forecasters believe some form of winter weather could fall over Cobb County this weekend, with a good chance it may be ice.”

The National Weather Service is forecasting a large storm to cut across the lower Midwest, Kentucky and Tennessee and into the mid-Atlantic by the weekend.

“There is significant uncertainty on the track and intensity of this storm system and the forecast should be monitored closely this week,” the NWS forecast said.

Locally, a wintry mix is being forecast for north Georgia and the metro Atlanta area in a window from Friday night through Sunday.

While high temperatures through most of the week are expected to reach into the low 50s, lows from Saturday-Monday night could dip into the low 20s.

Precipitation is forecast for Saturday and Sunday, according to the forecast. In the Cobb area, there’s a 90 percent chance of rain during the day Saturday and 100 percent Saturday night.

The rain is forecast to drop to a 30 percent chance by Sunday night, but lows could fall into the teens.

Cobb DOT is urging motorists to be prepared to adjust weekend plans, complete weekend errands early, if possible and keep weather apps and information sources updated.

“The forecast could change, but there’s nothing wrong with preparing early,” the Cobb government message said.

For more local weather information, click here.

 

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Mt. Bethel Christian Academy STAR student and teacher named

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Mt. Bethel Christian Academy STAR student and teacher named

Submitted information and photos:

Jackson Sparrow of Mt. Bethel Christian Academy Upper School has been named the school’s 2026 PAGE STAR Student. Dr. Eric Pratt, MBCA Upper School Head announced the honor on January 20, 2026. Jackson selected John Whitehurst, English teacher at Mt. Bethel Christian Academy, as his STAR Teacher.

Jackson Sparrow, the son of Chuck and Missy Sparrow of Marietta, earned the recognition for academic achievement and performance on the SAT.

The PAGE Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program is sponsored, administered, and promoted by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) and the PAGE Foundation. Since its inception in 1958 the STAR program has honored nearly 30,000 students and the teachers selected as the most influential to their academic achievement. High school seniors must have the highest score on a single test date on the SAT and be in the top 10 percent or top 10 students of their class based on grade point average to qualify for STAR nomination.Mt. Bethel Christian Academy STAR student and teacher named

STAR begins each year in participating Georgia high schools when the STAR Student is named and chooses a STAR Teacher to share in this recognition. The students and their teachers are honored by their schools and receive special recognition in their communities from one of the more than 170 statewide civic organizations and businesses that serve as local sponsors of the STAR program. Students then compete for school system recognition as the top STAR Student, and those winners compete for region honors. Region winners contend for the honor of being named State PAGE STAR Student. STAR Teachers continue on with their STAR Students at every level of the program.

“We are very proud of Jackson and Mr. Whitehurst and the academic excellence they exemplify at Mt. Bethel Christian Academy,” said Dr. Pratt.

PAGE and the PAGE Foundation honor outstanding students and educators and encourage academic excellence through competitive academic programs such as PAGE STAR, the PAGE Academic Bowl for Middle Grades and the PAGE Georgia Academic Decathlon.

The Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) is a statewide professional association of more than 93,000 educators, administrators, and support personnel. PAGE provides professional learning to enhance competence and confidence, build leadership and increase student achievement while providing the best in membership, legal services, and legislative support.

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Scene in East Cobb: Cobb Master Gardeners fill blessing bags

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Scene in East Cobb: Cobb Master Gardeners fill blessing bags

Submitted information:

On January 16th, Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County assembled over 175 blessing bags filled with socks, toothbrushes/paste, floss, many snacks, nail clippers, mini first aid kits, washcloths, soap, lotions, and other small personal care items.

They also collected 57 blankets, 4 tarps, 1 sleeping bag, and about 25 warm hats.  All were donated to Seven Bridges to serve those in need.

Send Us Your News!

Let East Cobb News know what your organization is doing for our community events calendar.

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

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East Cobb Real Estate: Hampton Woods home sells for $1.225M

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East Cobb Real Estate: Hampton Woods home sells for $1.225M

This week’s featured sale is a hardcoat stucco home in the Hampton Woods subdivision, in the Walton High School attendance zone (Dickerson MS, Mt. Bethel ES).

It’s got five bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms and a total of 5,488 square feet, and sold for $1.225 million.

A two-story grand foyer includes cathedral ceilings, custom-built bookshelves and cabinetry and a fireplace, as well a two-story window allowing for plentiful light.

The family room leads to an open breakfast area and kitchen, with an adjoining dining room on the main level.

The primary bedroom upstairs includes a large sitting room and there’s a large bedroom on the main level for guests.

A finished terrace level includes open space for entertainment and a family room, and another private bedroom with a full bath.

The backyard has a play area, a stone firepit and a playhouse, with views from an open deck area.

Click the middle button below to see more photos.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The following East Cobb residential real estate sales from Jan. 5-9, 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

4243 North Mountain Road, 30066 (Highland Pointe): $540,000

Marietta

1673 Barrington Overlook, 30062: $320,000

332 Hamilton Trace, 30068 (Hamilton Trace): $235,000

1080 Soaring Way, 30062 (Eagle Ridge): $495,000

Pope

2997 Gateland Square, 30062 (Garden Gate on Lassiter): $800,000

3241 Running Cedar Drive, 30062 (Chestnut Creek): $652,500

2572 Walden Estates Drive, 30062 (Estates at Walden): $1.145 million

Sprayberry

2895 Bob Bettis Road, 30062 (Caribou Hills): $410,000

2321 Post Creek Court, 30062 (Robyn Valley): $410,000

1494 Oak Springs Drive, 30066 (Oak Creek Estates): $390,000

1822 Hasty Road, 30062 (Hasty Acres): $421,000

Walton

907 Parkaire Crossing, 30068 (Parkaire Crossing): $230,000

4599 Lasalle Court, 30068 (East Hampton): $900,000

50 Old Fuller Mill Road, 30067 (Sturbridge Heights): $780,000

2082 Kinsmon Drive, 30068 (East Hampton): $1.14 million

861 Chestnut Lake Drive, 30068 (Hampton Woods): $1.225 million

Wheeler

420 Huntsman Way, 30067 (Fox Hills): $535,000

787 Coventry Township Place, 30062 (Coventry Township): $275,000

3344 Brookview Drive, 30068 (Heritage Woods): $457,000

2868 Octavia Circle, 30062 (Vestavia Estates): $2.05 million

Related:

 

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Cobb Police: Pedestrian killed in Powers Ferry Road crash

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Cobb Police said that a man who was laying down in Powers Ferry Road was struck and killed by a pickup truck early Saturday morning.Northeast Cobb car crash, Cops on Donut Shops

Sgt. Eric Smith said Sunday that the victim, who was not identified except that he was Hispanic, was pronounced dead after being taken to a hospital.

Smith said that the incident took place at 1:19 am. Sunday on Powers Ferry Road near Sherwood Drive. That’s located east of the South Marietta Parkway near Powers Ferry Elementary School.

According to police, a 2014 Ford F-150 was traveling northbound on Powers Ferry Road when it hit the pedestrian, who “for unknown reasons” was laying perpendicular in a center turn lane and a northbound lane.

Smith said the victim’s next of kin have not been identified, and the driver of the Ford was not injured.

Cobb Police said anyone with information about the crash is asked to call 770-499-3987.

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Cobb schools financial watchdog group launches website

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Cobb schools financial watchdog group launches website

A watchdog group that began scrutinizing Cobb County School District finances five years ago on Facebook has launched a website.

Watching the Funds—Cobb announced Friday that its new website is designed to make it easier for citizens to track district budgeting and spending, retrieve agendas and reports, watch meetings, file open records requests and provide tips.

“For five years, we’ve tracked your tax dollars and supported our schools. Now we’ve built a one-stop resource hub for YOU by putting everything you need to hold the school board accountable in one place,” the group stated on its Facebook page, which has more than 3,000 followers.

The group also has posted a link to signup for its newsletter, and has linked to official district and other related financial pages.

Watching the Funds-Cobb began in 2021 over spending issues related to the district’s efforts to mitigate against COVID-19 (our initial post on the group is here).

Since then, group members have been active in speaking out during public comment at Cobb Board of Education meetings, and have been critical of other district spending initiatives.

Heather Tolley-Bauer of Watching the Funds-Cobb

In 2024, the Cobb school cancelled a previously approved $50 million special events center after Watching the Funds-Cobb revealed blueprints and other details the Cobb school district had not disclosed.

A new feature on the Watching the Funds-Cobb website is an anonymous tip and story function.

“A citizen tip helped us kill the $50 million event center,” Watching the Funds-Cobb said in announcing the website. “We’ve NEVER identified a source. Ever. The form asks for your name for follow-up questions, but you can type ‘anonymous.’ We never share sources or identifying details. We protect you because your story matters.”

Late last year, the group also revealed that school board member John Cristadoro of East Cobb was being sued in a business matter in Fulton State Court that he and his client wanted sealed from the public.

Then-board chairman David Chastain said the board had no authority to look into the matter, in which Cristadoro was accused of misusing $250,000 of client money.

Cristadoro, who settled the suit, accused his critics of “trying to tear down Cobb schools.”

Watching the Funds-Cobb leader Heather Tolley-Bauer of East Cobb said the group is a “a grassroots organization and is not formally organized.”

It’s officially non-partisan, although two former leaders have delved into politics: East Cobb residents Laura Judge, who ran against Cristadoro in 2024, and Stacy Efrat, an appointed member of the Cobb Board of Elections. Both are Democrats.

Tolley-Bauer said Watching the Funds-Cobb includes “three core leaders,” herself, Jamie Mohr and Jessica Killcreas, as well a few dozen go‑to volunteers and stakeholders we can tap for projects.”

They’re asking for non-tax-deductible donations for their work, which includes building a searchable archive as well as continuing to obtain information about school district finances through open records requests in particular.

“Donations will be used in a variety of ways, but open records requests have been our single biggest expense,” she said.

“Since the district often makes basic information hard to get, we end up filing Open Records Act requests that are delayed and come with price tags that are designed to make people give up.”

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Cobb Community Foundation names five to leadership program

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Cobb Community Foundation names five to leadership program
(L-R Andy Gaines, Executive Director, Friends of The Strand / Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre; Carolyn Turner, Founder & Executive Director, HOPE Family Resource Center; Jody Vane, Volunteer President, Cobb Moms Helping Cobb; Kristen Thompson, Executive Director, Mentoring for Leadership; Laura Kraus, Executive Director, Marietta Schools Foundation)

Submitted information and photo:

Five nonprofit leaders shaping the future of Cobb County have been selected for a highly competitive leadership development program designed to strengthen the organizations residents depend on every day.

Cobb Community Foundation (CCF), in partnership with Kennesaw State University (KSU), has announced its 2026 Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) cohort — a select group of executives representing the arts, education, family services, mentoring, and grassroots community support.

“This is an investment in people who are already doing great work for our community,” said Shari Martin, President & CEO of Cobb Community Foundation. “This program is designed to equip them with stronger systems, sharper strategies, and sustainable funding tools.  It’s a win-win for all of us.”

Leadership Training with Immediate Impact

The six-month program combines rigorous online coursework with six in-person workshops facilitated by Dr. Jennifer Wade-Berg, Assistant Dean and Professor at Kennesaw State University. Participants commit approximately 10 hours per week while continuing to lead their organizations.

Cohort members also participate in Elevate, a national virtual conference hosted by the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, connecting nonprofit leaders across the country and highlighting emerging trends in the sector.

$5,000 Incentive Grants: “The Big Finish”

Upon successful completion, each participant’s organization will receive a $5,000 unrestricted grant from Cobb Community Foundation. Known as The Big Finish, the incentive helps translate learning into action.

One graduate from last year’s cohort used the grant to launch a texting campaign that helped raise nearly $108,000 during the holiday season to support cancer patients in crisis.

Meet the 2025–2026 Cohort

The selected nonprofit leaders are:

  • Andy Gaines, Executive Director, Friends of The Strand / Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre
  • Laura Kraus, Executive Director, Marietta Schools Foundation
  • Kristen Thompson, Executive Director, Mentoring for Leadership
  • Carolyn Turner, Founder & Executive Director, HOPE Family Resource Center
  • Jody Vane, President, Cobb Moms Helping Cobb

Each brings deep experience and a shared commitment to strengthening the nonprofit sector in Cobb County.

Strengthening Nonprofits Countywide

The Certified Nonprofit Professional program reflects a shared commitment by Cobb Community Foundation and Kennesaw State University to build strong, resilient nonprofit organizations with lasting community impact.

Participants will complete the program in July and present their final projects at a celebratory luncheon hosted by KSU.

Learn More

To learn more about the Certified Nonprofit Professional program and future opportunities, visit cobbfoundation.org.

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Walton Hall of Fame class includes former Little League star

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Walton Hall of Fame class includes former Little League star

Submitted information from the Cobb County School District and photo from the Walton Sports Hall of Fame:

The Walton High School (WHS) Sports Hall of Fame (HOF) recently introduced its 2026 class of honorees. Former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher Marc Pisciotta and National Football League (NFL) draftee Mike Travis were inducted alongside Aaron Kelly, Amanda Ballinger, and the undefeated 1995 Men’s Soccer Team.

Marc Pisciotta’s WHS HOF induction marked the third former MLBer to be welcomed into this elite group, joining former Raider greats Blaine Boyer and Billy Burns. Pisciotta had a 20-2 career pitching record in high school with a 2.04 earned run average and 103 strikeouts in 103 innings pitched. He went on to pitch professionally for the Chicago Cubs and the Kansas City Royals. Before high school, he was a dominant pitcher on the East Marietta team that won the 1983 Little League World Series title, and later added several amateur world titles with the East Cobb Astros. 

“Baseball is a team sport,” Pisciotta stated humbly. “I just happened to be the guy who got some notoriety. I couldn’t have done what I did in my career without my teammates at all levels of play. Success takes nine positions on the field.”

Mike Travis entered the WHS HOF due to his accomplishments in both track and football. Blessed with great speed, he was the Cobb champion in both the 100 meters and the 4×400 relay as a junior. In football, he was selected to multiple All-County and All-Region teams and earned a spot on the 1981 All-State team in his senior year. He became a four-year starter at defensive back for Georgia Tech and was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the 1986 NFL Draft.

“This honor is not only because of me,” he said. “I didn’t block. I didn’t hand off. I didn’t do all the things that allowed us to be successful as a team. There are so many people that were a part of any success that any of us honorees have had. We didn’t earn this on our own.”

Two decades after Travis, Aaron Kelly also excelled on Friday nights for the Walton Raiders. However, Kelly’s talents were displayed on the offensive side of the football as a wide receiver, a position he didn’t play until his sophomore season. Clearly, it was the right move as he went on to earn All-County, All-State, and Cobb County Player of the Year Awards. In his senior season alone, he hauled in 55 catches for 955 yards and 17 touchdowns. He followed that with a solid four-year career at Clemson and four seasons in the Canadian Football League.

“I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish what I did without my family pushing me and motivating me,” Kelly emphasized. “I would still say to this day that my twin brother was a better athlete than I was. I felt like I was just trying to chase and keep up with him.”Amanda Ballinger starred on the tennis courts for Walton from her first season. She won the 1992 State Singles Championship as a freshman, earning her recognition as an All-American. She went on to win team state titles in 1994 and 1995 before being named MVP of her University of Alabama tennis team and earning 2nd Team All-American honors during her time at Berry College. 

“I woke up this morning very grateful for this honor,” Ballinger noted at the HOF ceremony. “I loved my experience here at Walton. I had the best four years, and every team we had was just so much fun. I loved being here and had so many amazing coaches that I just really thank for my career.”

1995 was obviously a big year at Walton as the men’s soccer team also won the state championship, dethroning two-time defending champion Parkview, which came into the matchup on a 57-game unbeaten streak. The Raiders won the title 3-1, with Brian Oakes netting two goals to help secure the trophy and an overall 16-0-3 record. This team allowed only seven goals against them for the season, largely due to the efforts of goalies Greg Chandler and Matt Richardson. They were coached by Bucky Boozer, who was inducted into the WHS HOF in the Class of 2024.

“We weren’t undefeated because we were perfect,” team captain Mikel Parker remarked while representing the team. “We were undefeated because we were together. Something special happened in that ’95 team. Thank you for this honor and for remembering the team that proved what’s possible when talent meets grit, preparation, and heart.”

Former Walton basketball coach Larry Pace is a member of the WHS HOF selection committee and a co-founder, along with former Raiders basketball star Tom Wideman. He was quick to point out the significance of being inducted into the school’s Sports Hall of Fame.

“We select the cream of the crop athlete,” he said as inductees were congratulated around him, “and this is one of the highest and most recognized athletic awards that we can give them.”

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Four people celebrate Cobb Drug Treatment Court graduation

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Four people celebrate Cobb Drug Treatment Court graduation

Submitted information and photo:

Four individuals have transformed their lives through the Cobb County Drug Treatment Court, graduating with renewed focus, hope, and determination. Judges, court staff, attorneys, elected officials, family, and friends gathered in the Jury Assembly Room at Cobb Superior Court to celebrate their accomplishments.

The program offers an 18-to-24-month voluntary alternative to incarceration for individuals struggling with substance use disorders. Participants receive close judicial supervision, individualized treatment, and recovery support to help them rebuild their lives and become productive members of the community.

The graduates achieved success in education, family, and sobriety. One participant also reunited with her children, showing the program’s profound impact. Their journeys are a reminder that supporting recovery strengthens families and communities alike.

Reflecting on her journey, one graduate shared: “Drug Treatment Court helped me find my way back home. I didn’t have the resources or accountability I needed to recover, and previous attempts hadn’t worked. This program gave me the tools to stay sober and held me accountable for my actions. In the past two years, I’ve learned more about myself than ever before. Thanks to drug court, I was able to get my children back. I came here broken; I leave whole, ready to continue learning, growing, and thriving in life.”

Superior Court Judge Jason D. Marbutt, who presides over the Drug Treatment Court, said: “Drug Treatment Court shows that change is possible for those who commit to it. Our participants work hard to rebuild their lives, and we are here to support them every step of the way.”

Program Coordinator Porsha Winfrey added: “Being part of this program is a privilege because it shows firsthand that change is possible. Watching participants overcome challenges, rebuild their lives, and set new goals reminds me why this work matters. These four graduates are proof that with support, dedication, and perseverance, people can create a brighter future for themselves and their families.”

For more information about Cobb County Drug Treatment Court, including ways to get involved or support the program, contact Porsha Winfrey, Program Coordinator, at 770-528-1933 or Porsha.Winfrey@cobbcounty.gov.

 

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East Cobb Food Scores: Marietta Fish Market; Tropicups; more

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Marietta Fish Market, 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:

Arby’s
2161 Roswell Road
Jan. 15, 2026, Score: 96, Grade: A

Berry Fruity (inside LA Fitness)
4400 Roswell Road, Suite 126
Jan. 8, 2026, Score: 91, Grade: A

The Brass Tap
1420 Terrell Mill Road, Suite 100
Jan. 15, 2026, Score: 85, Grade: B

Canton Cooks (re-inspection)
2063 Canton Road
Jan. 7, 2026, Score: 92, Grade: A
Previous inspection: Dec. 12, 2025, Score: 74, Grade: C

Domino’s Pizza
4724 Lower Roswell Road, Suite 101
Jan. 14, 2026, Score: 95, Grade: A

Johnboy’s Home Cooking
3050 Canton Road
Jan. 8, 2026, Score: 75, Grade: C

Marietta Fish Market
3185 Canton Road
Jan. 12, 2026, Score: 91, Grade: A

Taqueria El Guero
2200 Roswell Road, Suite 160-170
Jan. 15, 2026, Score: 100, Grade: A

Tropicups Bakery
2525 Shallowford Road, Suite 100
Jan. 8, 2026, Score: 100, Grade: A

Whataburger
3550 Sandy Plains Road
Jan. 8, 2026, Score: 95, Grade: A

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Wheeler Theatre to present ‘SpongeBob’ musical youth edition

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Submitted information:Wheeler Theatre to present 'SpongeBob' musical youth edition

Wheeler High School Theatre Department presents “The SpongeBob Musical Youth Edition” January 30 – February 1, 2026. 

This hour-long musical is a high energy stage adaptation of the animated TV series, set in the underwater town of Bikini Bottom. When scientists discover that a massive volcano is about to erupt and destroy the city, panic spreads among the residents. As chaos grows, SpongeBob teams up with his best friend Patrick and the practical Sandy Cheeks to find a way to stop the eruption. Along the way, the story explores how fear can divide people. Through a series of adventures, setbacks, and songs, SpongeBob proves that courage, teamwork, and belief in one another can make a difference.

The SpongeBob Musical Youth Edition runs January 30 – February 1, 2026. Friday at 7:00 pm, Saturday at 5:00 pm, and Sunday at 2:00. 

THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL: YOUTH EDITION is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com

NICKELODEON, SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS, AND ALL RELATED TITLES, LOGOS AND CHARACTERS ARE TRADEMARKS OF VIACOM INTERNATIONAL INC.

TICKETS: WHEELERHS.BOOKTIX.COM 

Adult Tickets:  $20 

Student Tickets:  $10 / with student ID or children attending with an adult

CCSD Faculty and Staff receive ONE Complimentary Ticket with CCSD ID.

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