Month: January 2026

Master Gardeners to hold ‘Thyme to Read’ book club

by

Submitted information:Cobb Master Gardeners

Thyme to Read is Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County  adult book discussion group for individuals who enjoy reading and thoughtful conversation around environmental and horticultural themes.

Participants discuss selected books that explore nature, gardening, sustainability, and our relationship with the natural world. Meetings are held virtually on the second Friday of select months from 10:15 to 11:30 am. 

The next Thyme to Read virtual meeting is scheduled for February 13. Meetings will be held via Zoom, and open to the public. Join in!

*All books are available from the Cobb County Library System.

The Serviceberry: Abundance & Reciprocity by Robin Wall Kimmerer February 13, 2026

Kimmerer writes of the concept of reciprocity and gift economies through the lens of the serviceberry plant and its relationship with the natural world. The book contrasts the serviceberry’s natural abundance and generosity with human-centric models of scarcity and competition. Kimmerer uses the serviceberry as a metaphor for a more sustainable and interconnected way of living, encouraging readers to consider how a focus on mutual care and gratitude can lead to a more flourishing world.

Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ncn9zskYSmGEJ4GvlwjT7g.

Underland: A Deep Time Journey by Robert MacFarlane March 13, 2026

Though the title conjures up fictional fantasy, this is a work of non-fiction, exploring the Earth’s literal underworld, as well as the metaphorical, and the human relationship with them. Macfarlane delves into caves, mines, glacial crevasses, catacombs, and even nuclear waste storage facilities, examining how these spaces shape our understanding of time, memory, and the future. He connects these subterranean landscapes to human history, myth, and our current ecological crisis, prompting reflection on our role as ancestors to future generations.

Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/AIm06zYJTkuoW4b6iXILXg.

The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan April 10, 2026

Over several years, Tan records her observations of the birds in her backyard, documenting their behaviors, personalities, and the evolution of her own understanding of them. The book features Tan’s journal entries as well as her own sketches of the birds, adding a personal, joyful, and artistic touch to her narrative.

Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/f8B-oGmlSCuNGnAqv5uXgA.

Playground: A Novel by Richard Powers May 8, 2026

Playground tells the story of Todd Keane, a tech billionaire facing dementia, who reflects on his life, his friendship with Rafi Young, and the creation of the fictional social media platform “Playground,” which is heavily gamified. The novel also features Evie Beaulieu, a marine biologist, and Ina Aroita, a sculptor, who are part of Todd’s and Rafi’s intertwined lives. The narrative alternates between Todd’s first-person account and third-person perspectives on the lives of these interconnected characters. The novel explores themes of friendship, technology, artificial intelligence, the impact of human actions on the environment, and the nature of memory and identity. It also delves into the potential for technology to both connect and divide, and the consequences of our actions on the planet.

Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85081396718.

Thyme to Read Book Club is an educational series presented and funded by the Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb.

Related:

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.

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!

Two Cobb police officers charged with crimes against minors

by

Cobb Police said Wednesday that two of their officers are facing criminal charges in Cherokee County involving minors.Northeast Cobb car crash, Cops on Donut Shops

In separate releases, Cobb Police Sgt. Eric Smith said that Officer Withman Benjamin and Officer Tyler Bertolini have been placed on administrative leave pending continuing investigations.

Smith said that Benjamin has been charged with sexual battery against a minor, and Bertolini has been charged with child cruelty.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said it arrested Benjamin, 47, of Canton, on Friday, on one count of sexual battery against a child under 16, following an investigation that began in September at the request of Canton Police.

Benjamin was booked in the Cherokee Adult Detention Center but is no longer in custody.

“The residents of Cobb County expect and deserve law enforcement officers who uphold the law and demonstrate integrity at all times, both on and off duty,” Cobb Police Chief Dan Ferrell said in a statement.

“We are committed to following the facts, respecting due process, and taking all appropriate action to maintain the trust and confidence of our community.”

Bertolini, also of Canton, turned himself in to Cherokee authorities Tuesday after being charged with two counts of cruelty to children. He is accused of using a belt against a 10-year-old boy in November, causing bruises and welts, and then pushing the child down onto a floor.

Ferrell issued a similar statement about Bertolini’s arrest, saying that “the expectation in Cobb County is clear. Our officers must uphold the law and conduct themselves with integrity, on and off duty.

“We are reviewing the facts, respecting due process, and will take appropriate action to maintain the trust of our community.”

Smith said the two cases are not related.

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 school district 2026-27 transfer window to open

by

Submitted information:Campbell High School lockdown

Parents/guardians of a student zoned to attend a District school may apply for a School Choice transfer under Georgia law (HB 251) and the District Administrative Rule JBCD-R to request placement at a school other than the one to which the student is zoned. Available space at a school is based on permanent classroom space. If the number of transfer requests exceeds available capacity, the District will conduct a random lottery.

Important 2026–2027 Application Windows

HB 251 School Choice Transfer Applications 

Application Window: January 22 – February 13, 2026

The application window for HB 251 School Choice Transfers for the 2026–2027 school year is scheduled from January 22 to February 13, 2026. No late applications will be accepted after these established dates. 

For more information about this program, including instructions on how to apply, please visit our School Choice Transfers page. 

Sibling Transfer Applications

Application Window: January 5 – January 16, 2026

Parents/guardians of a student who has a sibling already enrolled in a District school through an approved transfer may apply for the younger sibling to attend the same school in accordance with District Administrative Rule JBCD-R. This provision attempts to address siblings enrolled in different schools at the same time due to an approved transfer. The application window for siblings of currently enrolled transfer students for the 2026–2027 school year is scheduled from January 5 to January 16, 2026. 

Children of Employees Transfer

Application Window: December 1, 2025 – January 16, 2026

Cobb County School District employees may apply for a Children of Employees Transfer for the 2026–2027 school year in accordance with District Administrative Rule JBCD-R. The application window is scheduled from December 1, 2025, to January 16, 2026. Students currently attending their school of choice through this option are not required to reapply unless they are changing school levels (elementary to middle or middle to high). Applications submitted after January 16, 2026, will only be accepted for qualifying events, such as new employment or a job location change, and available school options may be limited based on space.

Learn More: Understanding School Choice

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!

Senior Wellness Wednesdays continue at East Cobb Library

by

Senior Wellness Wednesdays continue at East Cobb Library

Submitted information:

Senior Wellness Wednesdays – Free classes that make it easy for older adults to be proactive about their health at East Cobb Library at 11 a.m. – noon.

1st Wednesdays – Tai Chi ( Feb. 4, March 4, April 1)

Join local certified instructors from Body & Brain Tai Chi and Yoga as they lead the class through basic Tai Chi poses, as well as balance and strength training techniques. Poses will be performed from a standing position though modifications will be offered. All ages 18 + are welcome.
https://www.cobbcounty.gov/…/2026-02-04senior-wellness…

2nd Wednesdays – Chair Yoga (Jan. 14, Feb. 11, March 11)
Join local certified Yoga instructor, Nancy Sauer, as she leads the class through Yoga poses, breathing exercises, and mind-calming techniques. All poses can be performed from a seated position. All ages 18 + are welcome.
https://www.cobbcounty.gov/…/2026-02-11senior-wellness…

3rd Wednesdays – Falls Prevention ( Jan. 21, Feb. 18, March 18, April 15)
Falls Prevention – This program is led by PT Solutions Physical Therapy, located in the Parkaire Landing Plaza. A physical therapist will teach participants balance and strengthening exercises.
https://www.cobbcounty.gov/…/2026-01-21senior-wellness…

4th Wednesdays – Gentle Qigong ( Jan. 28, Feb. 25, March 25, April 22)
Body & Brain Tai Chi and Yoga, gentle Qigong movements, slow breathing, and focused meditation to cultivate and balance the body’s vital energy. Movements will be performed from a standing position though modifications will be offered.
https://www.cobbcounty.gov/…/2026-01-28senior-wellness…

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 reverses course, approves $2M for veterans memorial

by

Cobb approves $2M for veterans memorial

Several months after rejecting a request to spend $1 million to help finance a veterans memorial, Cobb commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved allocating $2 million to help get the long-awaited project started.

After some discussion, commissioners agreed to revise the 2022 Cobb sales tax (SPLOST) revenues to allocate an additional $2 million to help close a funding gap for the memorial, to be built near the Cobb Civic Center.

That project, begun by the private Cobb Veterans Memorial Foundation, is expected to cost a little more than $6 million, and design revisions will be necessary.

Donna Rowe

In August, commissioners rejected a proposal by Commissioner JoAnn Birrell of East Cobb to use $1 million from her contingency account, citing issues with a memorandum of understanding and concerns over rising costs stated by the private group.

However, on Tuesday, commissioners said the situation was different, and that the $2 million isn’t diverting funding from other needed projects, or those on the SPLOST project list.

Commissioner Erick Allen, whose District 2 includes the area where the memorial will be built, said there were no other viable funding solutions to start the project, which has been more than a decade in the making.

There are unresolved administrative issues, and Cobb PARKS director Michael Brantley said that a project designer needs to be hired to develop a new conceptual plan.

Cobb commissioners previously approved spending $3 million in what’s been billed as a private-public-partnership. Cobb has more than 60,000 veterans

The original cost was priced at $8 million, but private fundraising struggles have delayed the project. Commissioner Keli Gambrill asked Brantley if doubling the spending request from last August would be enough to complete the project.

He said it would not, “but it would be extremely close” based on the latest estimates “on what it would take to build out.”

Brantley added that there is not a designer hired yet to provide more specific renderings and details, and that there are several options available.

He said “having the funding in place” would ideally be needed to “move forward to start looking at those options.”

Gambrill also said she was disappointed other community projects weren’t included in the vote. Deputy county manager Bill Volckmann told her another list would be forthcoming, but this one was submitted to reflect “the priorities of the board.”

Birrell, who has been vocal about supporting the veterans memorial, said the memorial was always slated to be a county park. She said a new MOU will be produced and said that “there is still work to be done, but what we’re trying to do today is to get to the $5 million and solidify this once and for all.

Donna Rowe, head of the Cobb Veterans Memorial Foundation, a former Army nurse in Vietnam, told commissioners before the vote that “I cannot deeply express the gratitude of every veteran in Cobb County and Georgia, or those that I served with in battle, but I do want you to do know that the hours spent, the months spent by you do not fall on deaf ears.”

“I cannot thank you enough.”

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!

Addison ES principal charged with DUI, traffic violations

by

Addison ES principal charged with DUI

The principal of Addison Elementary School in East Cobb has been charged with driving under the influence and other traffic violations.

According to Cobb Sheriff’s Office records, Jill Spiva was charged with one misdemeanor count of DUI and separate counts of an open container violation and failure to maintain a lane, also misdemeanors.

The arrest took place on Thursday afternoon at Ebenezer Road and Sandy Plains Road, close to the school, according to the booking report.

She was booked into the Cobb Adult Detention Center around 5 p.m. Thursday, and was released the following day after posting a $1,980 bond, the booking report states.

A report from WSB-TV states that Spiva caused a crash near the school, and that officers discovered a plastic bag with vodka near a console when they approached her vehicle. When she refused a blood test, according to the report, a judge signed a search warrant ordering her to give blood.

Her status as principal is unclear; a Cobb County School District spokesperson told East Cobb News the following:

“The district recently became aware of an incident which we have verified happened off-campus and after school hours. Because the investigation is ongoing, we cannot comment further. We are happy to hear everyone involved is safe.”

Spiva, who lives in Milton, has been with the district for more than 20 years, and is in her fourth year at Addison. She is a Lassiter High School graduate and has been an assistant principal at Shallowford Falls Elementary School and Davis 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!

 

 

Cobb announces MLK celebration and day of service events

by

Cobb MLK holiday service

Submitted information:

Cobb County Government offices will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 19. Many county services are available online at cobbcounty.gov.

You can join in the celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. King at an event filled with meaningful performances, 10 a.m. – noon Monday, Jan. 19 at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre, 548 S. Marietta Parkway, SE, Marietta. The annual event, hosted by the Cobb NAACP, will showcase singers, dancers, musicians, spoken word performers and more.

The event will be streamed live on Cobb TV here and Cobb’s YouTube channel here.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is an opportunity to start your year in the spirit of volunteerism and service while continuing his legacy. Here are some ways to participate with service events in Cobb and Metro Atlanta:
  • Acworth – A Welcome Breakfast and Unity Walk will be held at the Roberts School Community and Education Center 8:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19. The walk will be followed by a program and day of service at 10 a.m. at the Tanyard Creek Overlook at the Acworth Community Center. Get Acworth event details here.
  • Kennesaw volunteer day will be held 9 a.m. – noon Monday, Jan. 19 at Smith-Gilbert Gardens. Volunteers will assist with a garden entryway beautification project. Get Kennesaw event details here.
  • Austell’s Community Cleanup will help beautify streets and Keep Cobb Beautiful Adopt-A-Mile areas. Volunteers of all ages are needed Monday, Jan. 19, from 10 a.m. -1 p.m. Meet at Destiny World Church, 7400 Factory Shoals Road, Austell. Get Austell cleanup details here and sign up using the QR code or sign up here.
  • Chattahoochee Cleanup – Monday, Jan. 19, noon – 2 p.m. at the Paces Mill Unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. 3444 Cobb Parkway, Atlanta. For ages 10 and older. Get Chattahoochee cleanup details and register 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!

East Side ES students take part in Cobb court mock trial

by

East Side ES students take part in Cobb court mock trial series

Submitted information and photos:

The Cobb Judicial Circuit continued its commitment to community outreach this Friday, turning the courthouse into a classroom for 230 fifth-grade students from East Side Elementary School. As part of the ongoing “Courtroom to Classroom” initiative, students traded their textbooks for a real-life legal experience.

Friday’s session was a collaborative effort from the bench, featuring Superior Court Judges Jason D. Marbutt and Sonja N. Brown and Probate Court Chief Judge Kelli L. Wolk and Judge Tara C. Riddle. The program bridges the gap between the community and the judiciary by allowing students to participate directly in the legal process. Guided by court staff and local attorneys, the East Side students took on the responsibilities of the justice system — serving as prosecutors, defense counsel, witnesses, and jurors — during a mock trial centered on a bicycle theft case.

Judge Marbutt, a former educator, emphasized the impact of seeing the justice system up close. “As a former teacher, I enjoy the opportunity to educate students about the courts,” Judge Marbutt said. “The Courtroom to Classroom program is a great and fun way to get kids experience with the justice system.”

Judge Sonja Brown noted how the experience transforms abstract lessons into reality. “It is wonderful to see the law come to life for these students,” Judge Sonja Brown said. “They aren’t just reading about a trial; they are living it, and that experience fosters a deeper understanding of fairness that textbooks alone cannot provide.”

Beyond the verdict, the field trip offered students a comprehensive look at courthouse operations. The group explored the infrastructure of the judicial complex, including a visit to the secure holding areas, providing a stark and memorable reality of the justice system.

Judge Wolk highlighted the importance of transparency and judicial interaction with the community. “Hosting East Side Elementary was a reminder of why we serve,” Judge Wolk added. “By inviting the community in, especially our students, we build trust in our institutions and show them that the courtroom is a place for justice.”

For Judge Riddle, the event was an opportunity to foster early respect for civic duty. “These fifth graders asked insightful questions and took their roles seriously,” said Judge Riddle. “Programs like this are essential because they plant the seeds of good citizenship and show our youth that the justice system is accessible to them.”

The “Courtroom to Classroom” mock trial program is available for fourth- and fifth-grade classes, subject to docket availability. Schools and educators interested in participating in future sessions during the 2025-2026 school year should contact Erin Mendez at Erin.Mendez@cobbcounty.gov.

East Side ES students take part in Cobb court mock trial series

 

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 Library System’s spring book sale returns in March

by

East Cobb weekend events, Cobb Book Fair

Submitted information:

It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for! The Spring Book Sale will be held at Cobb Civic Center March 13-15, 2026.

Materials for sale include books for all ages in both hardcover and paperback, DVDs, books on CD, magazines, and puzzles. Prices range from 10 cents to $4.00.

Find a price list here.

Cobb Civic Center is at 548 South Marietta Pkwy SE, Marietta, GA 30060. Hours for the sale are Friday and Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm, and Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm. There is plenty of free parking.

Acceptable forms of payment are debit, credit, cash, and checks — Visa and MasterCard only.

On Friday until 1 pm electronic (scanning) devices are not permitted. While we hope you will buy lots of materials, we are only able to sell up to 2 boxes of items at a time on Friday until 1 pm. Please plan to pay and take items to your vehicle before coming in to shop some more.

On Sunday we will be working to sell out the Civic Center so please come to buy, buy, buy!

Sunday is BYOB (Bring Your Own Box) Day: fill any size box (you can bodily get back to your car) for a flat rate — $10 upper level only; $20 lower level only; $20 mixed.

All profits from this book sale go directly to buying more items for Cobb County Public Library’s 15 branches and bookmobile. Thank you for your support!

 

 

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 Tax Aide to offer free filing services from February-April

by

AARP Tax-Aides—a service of the AARP Foundation—are ready to help people with low to moderate incomes prepare and file their taxes at no charge.

Tax-Aide volunteers are located nationwide and are IRS-certified every year.

AARP free tax preparation sessions

The Cobb schedule schedule begins at Feb. 2 and concludes on April 15, and there are three locations in the East Cobb area: The Gritters Library on Mondays, the East Cobb Library on Tuesdays, and the Mountain View Regional Library on Thursdays.

Check the full schedule contact information below or click here for more details.

The Cobb Public Library System has provided the following information:

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers will provide free tax preparation assistance at six Cobb County libraries. 

Service is provided by appointment only. AARP’s online reservation system opens Thursday, January 15, 2026. Taxpayers will see available slots and may select desired dates. Links to each library’s online reservation system are below. 

Other appointment sign-up options are also detailed. Tax aides cannot service walk-in patrons on the same day and will not make same-day appointments.

For a list of documentation required for an AARP Tax-Aide appointment, click here.

Taxpayers with scheduled appointments will have returns completed same day. They are welcomed to wait in the library or leave and come back to pick up completed returns.

Tax Forms

For the do-it-yourself tax preparer, Cobb County libraries are making available federal 2025 1040 tax forms and instruction booklets while supplies last. Libraries also will offer free printing of federal and state forms, up to 10 pages. This service does not include instruction books. 

Library staff is unable to answer tax questions or provide advice about which forms to use. Residents are encouraged to review tax-filing information at irs.gov and dor.georgia.gov/taxes for details that apply to individual circumstances, including virtual resources for tax-filing assistance.

Deadline

The deadline to file federal tax returns, request extensions, or pay owed taxes is Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

AARP Tax-Aide Schedule

Gritters Library, Mondays 10 am to 3 pm, February 2 thru April 13

  • Self-scheduling link for Gritters is here. Taxpayers will select desired dates and see available slots.
  • Taxpayers may also email appointment requests to gritterstaxes@gmail.com. Tax-aide volunteers will confirm appointments.
  • In-person reservations may be made Mondays beginning February 2 during tax help hours. These appointments will be for a future date. 

South Cobb Regional Library, Mondays 10 am to 2 pm, February 2 thru April 13. 

  • Self-scheduling link for South Cobb is here. Taxpayers will select desired dates and see available slots.
  • Taxpayers may also email appointment requests to sclibtaxes@gmail.com. TaxAide volunteers will confirm appointments.
  • In-person reservations may be made Mondays beginning February 2 during tax help hours. These appointments will be for a future date.

East Cobb Library, Tuesdays 10:15 am to 4 pm, February 3 thru April 14

  • Self-scheduling link for East Cobb is here. Taxpayers will select desired dates and see available slots.
  • Taxpayers may also email appointment requests to eclib.taxaide@gmail.com. Tax-aide volunteers will confirm appointments.
  • In-person reservations may be made Tuesdays beginning February 3 during tax help hours. These appointments will be for a future date.

Mountain View Regional Library, Thursdays 10 am – 3 pm, February 5 – April 9

  • Self-scheduling link for Mountain View is here. Taxpayers will select desired dates and see available slots.
  • Taxpayers may also email appointment requests to mvlibtaxes@gmail.com. Tax-aide volunteers will confirm appointments.
  • In-person reservations may be made Thursdays beginning February 5 during tax help hours. These appointments will be for a future date. 

Switzer Library, Thursdays 10:30 am – 4 pm, February 5 – April 9

  • Self-scheduling link for Switzer is here. Taxpayers will select desired dates and see available slots.
  • Taxpayers may also email appointment requests to switzertaxes@gmail.com. Tax-aide volunteers will confirm appointments.
  • In-person reservations may be made Thursdays beginning February 5 during tax help hours. These appointments will be for a future date.

North Cobb Regional Library, Fridays 10 am – 3 pm, February 6 – April 10. 

  • NOTE: Tax preparation will not be available April 4 as the library is closed for the Good Friday holiday.
  • Self-scheduling link for North Cobb is here. Taxpayers will select desired dates and see available slots.
  • Taxpayers may also email appointment requests to nclibtaxes@gmail.com. Tax-aide volunteers will confirm appointments.
  • In-person reservations may be made Fridays beginning February 6 during tax help hours. These appointments will be for a future date. 

Helpful Websites and Services

IRS
  • irs.gov
  • irs.gov/forms
  • Forms and Publication Orders: (800) 829-3676
  • Tax Information: (800) 829-1040
  • Recorded Tax & Refund Information: (800) 829-4477
  • Federal Taxpayer Advocate Service of the IRS: (404) 338-8099
  • TDD Equipment: (800) 829-4059 
Georgia Department of Revenue
 VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance)

 

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: Stone Creek tri-level sells for $652K

by

East Cobb Real Estate: Stone Creek tri-level sells for $652K

This week’s featured home sale is a three-story in the Stone Creek subdivsion, in the Sprayberry High School attendance zone, and which sold for $652,500 on Dec. 31, 30062.

The home sits on 0.37 acres and has 3,1,61 square feet, with five bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms.

It includes a full renovated main level with an open-concept design and a new kitchen with quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and a service and entertainment island.

There’s a covered back porch and a backyard entertainment and dining area with a fire pit and a fenced-in backyard.

The second level features a spacious primary suite and generous closet space. Three additional secondary bedrooms offer versatility for family, guests or a home office.

On the third level is a full bedroom and bathroom. The home also has a recently replaced HVAC system and roof.

Click the middle button below to see more photos.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The following East Cobb residential real estate sales from Dec. 29, 2025 to Jan. 2, 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

4509 North Bay Court, 30066 (North Landing): $365,000

1634 Barrier Road, 30066 (Lamplighter Ridge): $379,900

Lassiter

3634 Stonehenge Way, 30066 (Stocktons Mill): $380,000

3238 Mountain Hollow Drive, 30062 (The Glenns): $529,000

Marietta

1673 Barrington Overlook, 30062: $320,000

1260 Herty Drive, 30062 (Parkside East): $420,000

Pope

4789 Waterhaven Bend, 30062 (Easthampton): $970,000

3812 Mine Creek Lane, 30062 (The Park at Lost Forest): $780,000

3025 Bunker Hill Circle, 30062 (Bunker Hills): $791,500

2268 Woods Field Lane, 30062 (Post Oak Square): $680,000

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

Sprayberry

1932 Ferry Drive, 30066 (Kings Wood Estates): $385,000

3288 Crawford Circle, 30066 (Addison Heights): $375,000

2161 Deep Woods Way, 30062 (Piedmont Forest): $495,000

2411 Hidden Hills Drive, 30066 (Hidden Hills): $425,000

2605 Irene Drive, 30066: $295,000

183 Kathryn Lane, 30066 (Brookhaven): $431,000

2410 Retreat Close, 30066 (Stone Creek): $652,500

Walton

5473 Heyward Square Place, 30068 (Heyward Square): $1.98 million

4040 Summit Drive, 30068 (Indian Hills): $637,000

4121 Fawn Court, 30068 (Fawn Ridge): $625,000

748 Noble Oak Drive, 30068 (Rose Oak): $868,000

1281 Riversound Drive, 30068 (River Sound): $1.1 million

Wheeler

3300 Windy Ridge Parkway, Unit 1110, 30339 (Horizon at Wildwood): $492,500

61 Holt Road, 30068: $525,000

29 Rhodes Drive, 30068 (East Valley Estates): $345,000

2330 Trellis Lane, 30067 (Gardenside at Powers Ferry): $455,000

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!

Editor’s Note: Long live local news! Support ECN today!

by

I try not to get emotional with these appeals asking for reader support of East Cobb News, but as 2026 gets underway, it’s been hard for me not to.

As we rang in the new year, the The Atlanta Journal-Constitution—where I proudly worked for nearly two decades—published its last print edition.

As I contemplated the end of a 157-year-run—the AJC will continue in all-digital form—I had to fight off some tears.

During my time there as an online editor I realized that the future of local news most likely would be best reshaped in the virtual world that we’ve all gotten very accustomed to and don’t even think about today.

Still, it was hard letting go of what that world of print was like, not just for me as a journalist, but for readers who loved to page through each day’s bundle of top stories, sports standings, obituaries, comics and crossword puzzles.

My late mother was a longtime subscriber, and I chalk up my love for reading and getting into this profession largely because of that. Those daily newspaper rituals became a passion, and the curiosities inspired by reading general-interest news became an obsession for serving communities.

It wasn’t just about keeping up with the news, but also opening up a personal community gathering place. I sat and read the paper with my morning coffee and breakfast, at my leisure.

I loved taking a good bit of Sunday to work my way through the big weekend edition, from the big investigations on Page A1 to the book reviews to a nifty weekly feature about all the many little communities across Georgia.

I will always call it The Paper. Most of us who worked in places like that always will.

That’s what the employees of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette are feeling this week after learning that their newspaper, 240 years young, will be shutting down entirely in May. There won’t even be a digital edition; everyone will lose their jobs.

Most of all, a major metro region will be without a comprehensive print or online outlet.

Click here to donate to ECN today!

I wish my former AJC colleagues the best in their new world. I pray for those soon to be displaced at the Pittsburgh paper; it’s gut-wrenching to lose a job doing what you love the most. I know; I’ve been there.

At the really local news level, however, there are some different dynamics. Our friends at The Marietta Daily Journal—where I first worked in this industry more than than 40 years ago—are marking that paper’s 160th anniversary this year.

In the eight-plus years since I started East Cobb News, I have tried to keep alive the spirit of the best of the print tradition while embarking on the necessary task of providing the news for readers in this very different world. That’s why the original subtitle was “Local News for the Way You Live Today.”

Now, it’s “Discover the Power of Local,” because since this site was launched, I’ve seen that new vision in action, and it indeed has been powerful in this community.

That’s because it’s community-driven, focused on the needs of readers and the local businesses that we promote. I call it hyperlocal, because we can be flexible and adapt more easily to their demands than the larger corporations.

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. It’s with a sense of optimism about continuing to provide solid community news coverage in East Cobb.

THAT TIME HAS NEVER BEEN MORE IMPORTANT THAN NOW.

Donating is secure and easy!

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.

At East Cobb News, nobody else does what we do, every day.

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

Our donation amounts are voluntary, and what you pay is up to you. We are suggesting $6 a month on a recurring basis. You can also donate on an annual or one-time basis.

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

We appreciate whatever you are able to donate. Please click the box below to show your support via our Press Patron payment platform, which is safe, secure and easy. 

Thank you East Cobb! And long live local news!

 

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!

 

Senior Center expansion, Tritt Park plans on SPLOST list

by
Cobb Senior Services membership program
The Tim D. Lee Senior Center offers a wide variety of programs and services that are high in demand, and that have prompted waitlists. ECN file photo.

A major expansion of the Tim D. Lee Senior Center is on a submitted project list for an extension of the Cobb Special-Purpose Local-Option Sales Tax that may be up for referendum later this year.

According to the project list for the proposed 2028 SPLOST (you can read it here), funding to complete the purchase of the Tritt property next to East Cobb Park and to begin building that out also is being requested.

The Cobb Board of Commissioners will be asked Tuesday to approve the project list totaling nearly $795 million and that was submitted by county government department heads. The 2028 SPLOST would begin collections on Jan. 1, 2028 for six years, with nearly $1.15 billion expected (the rest would be collected by Cobb’s seven cities).

As we noted earlier this week in a story about the proposed $25 million relocation of the East Cobb Library, Cobb commissioners would have to vote to call for a referendum, and that vote is anticipated for April.

The first of several public engagement meetings about the proposed 2028 SPLOST takes place next Thursday, also at the Tim D. Lee Senior Center (3332 Sandy Plains Road).

The one-percent sales tax collects revenues for county and municipal government construction and maintenance projects

The expansion for the Tim D. Lee Senior Center (formerly the East Cobb Senior Center) is being budgeted for $8.2 million. Cobb government spokesman Ross Cavitt told East Cobb News this week that the facility is of one of Cobb Senior Services’ busiest locations.

“Demand for programs and services has increased significantly in recent years, resulting in full classes and long waitlists,” he said.

“With participation rising sharply and Cobb County’s senior population continuing to grow, expanding the center is essential to ensure seniors can continue to access the programs, services, and social opportunities that support healthy, active aging.”

Cavitt said the expansion would build out more space for programs and services, reduce those waitlists and overcrowding in popular classes, and provide capacity for elections.

Cobb PARKS officials have asked for $2 million to make additional purchases of the Tritt property as they continue to build out the larger East Cobb Park concept.

In 2018, commissioners approved spending $8.3 million to buy 22 acres of land owned adjacent to the park by Wylene Tritt, who also donated 7.7 acres.

The vision for that property would be to extend connections with East Cobb Park in keeping with its passive nature, including additional walking trails and possibly converting the Tritt home into an environmental education center.

Another $1 million on the SPLOST project list is being requested for the development of a master plan for that work, which Cavitt said “is to ensure we are ready to formulate a master plan and at least begin construction once we have acquired the property.”

The biggest ticket item on the list is the construction of a new Cobb State Court building, to the tune of $174 million. The current buildings on the Marietta Square are more than 60 years old and have been overcrowded for years.

Other proposals call for $135 million in road resurfacing projects, $30 million to replace the Cobb Central Aquatic Center in Marietta and $18.5 million to build a new recreation center in an unspecified area.

Among the proposed traffic improvements on the list, the following are in East Cobb:

  • Shallowford Road at McPherson Road ($3.5 million)
  • Canton Road at Canton Road Connector ($6 million)
  • Lower Roswell Road at Old Paper Mill Road ($1.5 million)
  • Johnson Ferry Road Corridor ($2.5 million)
  • Shaw Road Corridor ($2 million)

The full proposed SPLOST list can be found here, with additional background information.

The Cobb commissioners meeting begins at 9 a.m. Tuesday in the second floor board room of the county office building at 100 Cherokee Street, Marietta. You can view the full agenda by clicking here.

You also can watch the hearing on the county’s website and YouTube channels and on Cobb TV 23 on Comcast Cable.

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 rally to protest fatal ICE shooting in Minnesota

by
East Cobb rally to protest fatal ICE shooting in Minnesota
A “No Kings” protest took place in East Cobb last June. ECN file photo.

A liberal political organization that has held protests in East Cobb since last summer against the administration of President Donald Trump is holding another rally Sunday following a fatal shooting this week in Minnesota over immigration.

What’s being called an “ICE Out for Good” protest will take place from 1-2:30 p.m. Sunday at the intersection of Roswell and Johnson Ferry roads.

Indivisible Cobb said in a release Friday that the group is “demanding that ICE cease their unchecked harassment and intimidation and insist on justice for the killing of Renee Good.”

On Thursday, an officer with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency shot and killed Good, 37, in Minneapolis during an ICE operation.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has launched on investigation into the shooting, which prompted immediate protests in Minnesota.

The rally in East Cobb is among others planned nationally. Indivisible Cobb previously held rallies at the Roswell-Johnson Ferry intersection, including two “No Kings” protests against Trump policies.

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!

Steinhauer-Rocky Mountain intersection all-way stop proposed

by
Steinhauer-Rocky Mountain intersection stop signs proposed
A view of Rocky Mountain Road from the intersection of Steinhauer Road.

Cobb DOT is proposing the installation of three-way stop signs at the intersection of Steinhauer Road and Rocky Mountain Road in Northeast Cobb.

A request to spend $18,500 in signage supplies will come before the Cobb Board of Commissioners on Tuesday on its consent agenda.

Currently, only motorists approaching Steinhauer from Rocky Mountain are required to stop; the agenda item for Tuesday’s meeting said the request, if approved, would mandate vehicle stops in all directions.

The measure is designed to improve pedestrian access between Rocky Mount Elementary School and Lassiter High School.

“We have received several requests to provide pedestrian access between Rocky Mount Elementary School and Lassiter High School along the Steinhauer Road corridor,” Cobb Commissioner JoAnn Birrell said in her weekly newsletter Thursday.

“A traffic study has been completed, and the Cobb Department of Transportation has identified a location on Rocky Mountain Road that is best suited for a crosswalk.”

In Tuesday’s agenda item, Cobb DOT said that “based on the non-correctible sight distance along Steinhauer Road, installation of signage and pavement markings to convert the approaches on each road to an all-way stop-controlled intersecrion is justified,” according to federal guidelines.

The agenda item states the funding would come from the current Cobb DOT operating budget.

The BOC meeting begins at 9 a.m. Tuesday in the second floor board room of the county office building at 100 Cherokee Street, Marietta. You can view the full agenda by clicking here.

You also can watch the hearing on the county’s website and YouTube channels and on Cobb TV 23 on Comcast Cable.

Steinhauer-Rocky Mountain intersection all-way stop proposed
OpenStreetMap

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!

Small Sliders holds groundbreaking for Marietta location

by

Small Sliders holds groundbreaking for East Cobb location

Submitted information and photos:

The Smalls Sliders Marietta location (2355 Windy Hill Road) marks the latest currently under development in Georgia, further expanding the brand’s presence in the state. With one Can currently open in Stockbridge, Smalls Sliders continues to bring its signature cheeseburger sliders and innovative modular restaurant concept to new communities.

The Marietta community will soon experience the hype of Smalls Sliders. The fast-growing, QSR industry-disrupting cheeseburger slider brand, which serves cheeseburger sliders, seasoned waffle fries, and milkshakes out of a 750-square-foot Smorange-colored shipping container, known as a “Can,” is making its way across Georgia, and Marietta marks Smalls Sliders’ latest drop in the state.  

The Marietta Can will be owned and operated by multi-unit operator Rocky Moore. He is eager to connect with the community and has selected local nonprofit organization PORCH Marietta as his Smalls Town Hero, a coveted honor within the Smalls Sliders brand to be recognized for an individual’s remarkable contributions to the community. PORCH Marietta will be honored at the Can Drop as the location’s hero and play a part in its opening as well. 

PORCH Marietta is a local charitable organization dedicated to supporting families and strengthening the Marietta community through year-round giving initiatives, volunteer-driven programs, and essential resources. By partnering with schools, local leaders, and community members, PORCH Marietta works to ensure that neighbors facing hardship have access to food, household essentials, and compassionate support when they need it most.

Small Sliders holds groundbreaking for East Cobb location

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!

Toot your own horn—send your East Cobb calendar listings!

by
Come and toot your own horn—send us your calendar listings!
The Pope Band recycling event is Saturday.

We’re a week into 2026 and already our calendar listings are starting to fill out in January and beyond. If you’re part of an organization that has events for the public in the East Cobb area, let us know and we’ll help spread the word!

Follow the instructions below on submitting your information, including text, photos, graphics and videos.

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: 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!

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!

Gritters Library to display KSU exhibit on anti-Semitism

by

Gritters Library to display KSU exhibit on anti-Semitism

A traveling exhibit on anti-Semitism prepared by the Kennesaw State University Museum of History and Holocaust Education will be on display through the end of the month at the Gritters Library (880 Shaw Park Drive) in Northeast Cobb.

“(En)Countering Antisemitism in Every Age” (more information here) will be on display during regular opening hours at Gritters from Friday, Jan. 9, through Wednesday, Jan. 28.

According to information provided by the Cobb County Public Library System, “the exhibit helps viewers understand the history of antisemitism in the United States and ask themselves what they can do to combat hate.”

The exhibit is being held in conjunction with International Holocaust Remembrance Day on Monday, Jan. 26. A special program will be held at Gritters that day from 1-2 p.m.

 

 

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 officials propose relocating East Cobb Library branch

by

East Cobb Library replacement proposed on 2028 SPLOST list

A replacement for the East Cobb Library branch at Parkaire Landing Shopping Center is being proposed in the initial project list for an extension of the current Cobb Special Purpose-Local Option Sales Tax.

According to the project list for the proposed 2028 SPLOST (you can read it here), which was submitted by county government department heads, Cobb library officials want to construct a new facility at a cost of $25 million.

The East Cobb Library branch, which has been at Parkaire since 2010, is the only branch in the system that leases space. Cobb government spokesman Ross Cavitt said the county spends $360,000 a year in rental fees for the East Cobb Library.

Cobb officials next week will begin public meetings on the proposed 2028 SPLOST, which would have to be approved by voters in a referendum in November. The first of those meetings is next Thursday at the Tim D. Lee Senior Center in East Cobb.

In response to a request for information from East Cobb News, Cavitt said Wednesday that the county wants to relocate the East Cobb Library to “a freestanding facility on county property” and vastly expand the space for what’s become the second-largest circulating library in the system.

He said a new location is still undetermined, but that the county is looking at several options.

Cavitt said that the 20-year lease at the Parkaire space ends in July 2029, and that “costs related to the lease of this space have increased exponentially throughout the span of the lease.”

Eight years ago, the rent was $263,000 a year, and was one of the reasons cited by Commissioner JoAnn Birrell in 2017 in recommending the branch be closed due to county budget cuts.

Parkaire Landing is managed by Jamestown LP, a commercial real estate management company that also operates Avenue East Cobb, Colony Square, Avalon and Ponce City Market.

The East Cobb Library has 17,000 square feet of space, and includes study and meeting rooms as well as a community meeting space. Cavitt said the plans are to expand that space.

“To better serve the community today and into the future, a new facility is needed. To meet the needs of future growth, this permanent facility is proposed at 28,000 square feet.”

The East Cobb Library had more than 132,000 patron visits in 2024, trailing only the main Switzer branch in Marietta.

“It’s one of our more popular locations,” Cavitt said of the East Cobb Library. “Those who use it are very passionate about it.”

Public outcry surfaced quickly after Birrell’s proposal to close the branch, and then-Commissioner Bob Ott vowed that wouldn’t happen.

The East Cobb Library formerly was located in the Merchant’s Walk Shopping Center, and opened near what is now the Seed restaurant in 1979.

The Merchant’s Walk redevelopment company paid the county to relocate the library to Parkaire; high land prices were cited at the time for leasing space for the East Cobb Library instead of building anew.

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

Cobb commissioners would have to vote to call for a referendum, and Cavitt said that such a vote could come as early as April.

That’s when county officials and leaders from Cobb’s seven cities will have to finalize their project lists.

The public meetings that continue through March 10 also will help finalize the project list. Another such meeting in the East Cobb area will be Jan. 29 at the Fullers Recreation Center.

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: Ducks; Ming’s; Whataburger; more

by

East Cobb Restaurant Update: Ducks Burger Bar relocating

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

American Deli
1230 Powers Ferry Road, Suite 8
Dec. 31, 2025, Score: 91, Grade: A

Auggie’s Lucky Tacos
1951 Canton Road, Suite 340
Jan. 6, 2026, Score: 100, Grade: A

Bar 44
2755 Canton Road
Jan. 5, 2026, Score: 89, Grade: B

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

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

Deli Grill and Brazilian Bakery
2610 Delk Road
Jan. 5, 2026, Score: 87, Grade: B

China Dynasty
3605 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 105
Dec. 30, 2025, Score: 80, Grade: B

Ducks Burger Bar
2100 Roswell Road, Suite 2114
Dec. 30, 2025, Score: 100, Grade: A

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

Levant Oven
1275 Powers Ferry Road, Suite 130
Dec. 30, 2025, Score: 100, Grade: A

Ming’s Asian Kitchen
4665 Lower Roswell Road, Suite 101
Jan. 8, 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

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!