Wendy Parker

Editor/publisher, East Cobb News, hyperlocal site serving the East Cobb community of metro Atlanta with 24/7 news, events and information.

Cobb Elections seeks public input on polling locations

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Submitted information:Cobb Elections Office seeks public input on polling locations

Cobb County Elections & Registration is seeking community partners to help serve voters by hosting polling locations for upcoming elections. To ensure Cobb County voters have convenient and accessible places to cast their ballots, the department is currently identifying both primary and backup polling locations throughout the county.

The initiative was highlighted during the Cobb County Board of Elections & Registration meeting on Monday, February 10, 2026, where Elections & Registration staff introduced a new tool designed to strengthen community involvement in the polling location selection process.

“We are excited to release a new way for the community to partner with us in sourcing polling locations in their communities,” said Michael D’Itri, Interim Director of Cobb County Elections & Registration. “Cobb voters know their neighborhoods best, and this partnership helps us find locations we might not otherwise know about.”

Voters, community organizations, faith-based institutions, schools, and other facilities are encouraged to participate by suggesting locations that may be suitable for use as polling places. Public participation is a critical part of ensuring elections are accessible, secure, and efficiently administered for Cobb County’s more than half-million registered voters.

To support this effort, Cobb County Elections & Registration has launched two new public-facing tools:

  • An online Polling Location Suggestion Form, allowing community members and organizations to submit potential polling sites for consideration.
  • An interactive Geographic Information System (GIS) map, available on the Elections & Registration website, which highlights areas of the county where polling locations are most needed. The GIS application was formally introduced during the February 10 Board meeting as part of the department’s ongoing modernization efforts

Hosting a polling location is an important public service that directly supports voter access and civic engagement. All proposed locations are carefully evaluated to ensure they meet accessibility, security, parking, and operational requirements established by state and federal election guidelines.

Facilities interested in being considered should review the Polling Location Expectations outlined on the Elections & Registration website before submitting a suggestion.

For more information, to view the interactive GIS map, or to submit a suggested polling location, visit: https://www.cobbcounty.gov/elections/election-reference/suggest-polling-location

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Sprayberry HS lockdown lifted after report of weapon

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A Code Red alert was issued at Sprayberry High School Thursday following a report that a student had a weapon in a backpack.

In an e-mail message that went out to the school community, Principal David Church said that the lockdown was issued “out of an abundance of caution” and that “there is a significant police presence on campus as they investigate.”

The message said that a 911 call was made Thursday morning but provided few other details.

Church said that “students and staff are safe and secure and procedures are being followed carefully and calmly.”

In response to a request for information from East Cobb News, the Cobb County School District issued the following response:

“Earlier today, a report was made of a weapon at Sprayberry High School. Law enforcement responded immediately, and the school was placed on a brief Code Red lockdown while police investigated. All students and staff are safe. No weapon was found and police are investigating the report as a hoax 911 call. We are grateful for the swift response and continued support of our law enforcement partners.”

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East Cobb Food Scores: Frankie’s; Rosa’s; Freakin’ Incan; more

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Frankie's Italian Restaurant, 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:

The Flippin’ Chicken
4674 Sandy Plains Road
Feb. 9, 2026, Score: 93, Grade: A

The Freakin’ Incan
4651 Woodstock Road, Suite 305
Feb. 9, 2026, Score: 93, Grade: A

Frankie’s Italian Restaurant
3100 Roswell Road
Feb. 6, 2026, Score: 85, Grade: B

Fugu Express
2900 Delk Road, Suite 2000
Feb. 6, 2026, Score: 84, Grade: B

Hikaru Ramen
2014 Powers Ferry Road, Suite 400-A
Feb. 9, 2026, Score: 87, Grade: B

Mellow Mushroom
2000 Powers Ferry Road, Suite G-3
Feb. 9, 2026, Score: 87, Grade: B

Mika Sushi
4648 Woodstock Road, Suite 210
Feb. 5, 2026, Score: 96, Grade: A

Moe’s Southwest Grill
2022 Powers Ferry Road, Suite E
Feb. 6, 2026, Score: 83, Grade: B

Murdock Elementary School
2320 Murdock Road
Feb. 9, 2026, Score: 100, Grade: A

Panera Bread
1430 Terrell Mill Road
Feb. 10, 2026, Score: 94, Grade: A

Papa John’s Pizza
3165 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite B
Feb. 6, 2026, Score: 97, Grade: A

Rosa’s Pizza
3605 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 110
Feb. 11, 2026, Score: 93, Grade: A

Sope Creek Elementary School
3320 Paper Mill Road
Feb. 6, 2026, Score: 100, Grade: A

Sterling Estates
4220 Lower Roswell Road
Feb. 11, 2026, Score: 96, Grade: A

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Physician announces campaign for Ga. 11th District Congress

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Dr. John Cowan, a physician from Cartersville, announced Monday he will be running for the 11th Congressional District seat in Georgia.Physician announces run for Ga. 11th District Congress

The 11th District includes most of East Cobb and is represented by U.S. Rep. Barry Loudermilk, a six-term Republican who said last week he is not seeking re-election.

Cowan is a Republican who ran for the 14th Congressional District seat in 2020 and lost to Marjorie Taylor Greene in a GOP runoff. Greene recently resigned her seat in Congress.

Cowan said in his announcement that he has $1.5 million in his campaign account.

“I’m running for Congress because I believe our country works best when serious people step up to solve serious problems,” Cowan said in a statement.

“I’m not running to be loud or to chase headlines. I’m running to put people ahead of politics and do what’s right for hardworking Georgians, representing the 11th District with integrity and common sense.”

The only other Republican to announce thus far for the 11th District race is Chris Mora, a local party activist from Pickens County. Several Democrats have announced in what is expected to be a GOP-leaning seat.

The 11th District includes East Cobb, some of North Cobb, western Cherokee County, as well as Bartow, Gordon and Pickens counties.

Cowan is from a long-standing family in Bartow County and grew up on a family farm. He graduated from  Cartersville High School as valedictorian and his father was a physician.

Cowan is a neurosurgeon with a private practice in Cartersville and he has led small businesses in Bartow, Cobb, Cherokee, and Gordon counties.

Cowan graduated from Davidson College with a B.S. in physics and received an M.D. from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He completed a residency in neurosurgery at the University of Michigan Medical School and is the founder of Cortex Toys and Cortex Holdings.

“Leadership in the operating room and in business requires listening, caring, and sound judgment,” Cowan said in his statement.

“The people of the 11th District care for their communities and expect the same from their leaders. Washington too often loses sight of the everyday pressures facing working families. I will provide a steady hand on my constituents’ behalf.”

He does not yet have a campaign website and his campaign announcement did not specify other priorities.

Cowan aand his wife, Dr. Anne Cowan, are the parents of four children and are active members of First Presbyterian Church of Rome, where he serves as an elder.

The Georgia Congressional primaries will be May 19. Candidate qualifying takes place from March 2-6.

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East Cobb students advance to FIRST LEGO World Championships

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East Cobb students advance to FIRST LEGO World Championships

Thanks to Jianfeng Jiang and the parents of the First Lego League Team 71595 Brick Storm from East Cobb for the following information, photos and video: 

We are excited to share wonderful news about a group of outstanding Cobb County elementary students (names listed below) living in East Cobb. These students formed a robotics team, FLL Team 71595 Brick Storm, and registered to compete in the 2025–2026 FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL) Challenge, a global STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) program for students ages 4–16.

Under the guidance of their coaches, Ms. Yuan Zhuang and Ms. Jane Yang, the team devoted a tremendous amount of extracurricular time to collaborative learning and problem-solving. Their work included studying archaeological sites, researching archaeological technologies, designing educational board games to teach archaeology concepts to the public, performing robot missions, visiting archaeological museums, and much more. Through these activities, the students developed creativity, persistence, teamwork, and mutual respect—while learning how to apply STEM skills to help improve the world around them.

Their hard work has been consistently rewarded. The team won the Robot Best Performance Award at the regional tournament held at Walton High School on December 6, 2025. They then earned both the Robot Best Performance Award and the Champion’s Award at the super-regional tournament held at Wheeler High School on January 17, 2026. Winning the Champion’s Award advanced the team to the Georgia State Championship at Georgia Tech on February 7, 2026, where 60 top teams competed for just two Champion’s 1st Place Awards and the opportunity to advance to the World Championship.

At the State Championship, the team exceeded all expectations. They won the Robot Performance 2nd Place Award and the Champion’s 1st Place Award, becoming one of only two teams in the entire state of Georgia selected to represent Georgia at the FIRST LEGO League World Championship, scheduled for April 29–May 2, 2026, in Houston, Texas.

Considering that more than 4,000 students and over 470 teams across Georgia participated in the FLL Challenge this year—and only two teams advanced to the World Championship—this achievement is truly exceptional. The team will now compete against top teams from more than 60 countries around the world.

We are incredibly proud of these young students and would like to share this exciting news with East Cobb News in celebration of their dedication, teamwork, and success.

The team’s success highlights the strength of East Cobb’s academic and extracurricular community, the commitment of supportive parents, and the boundless creativity of youth. Their advancement to the world tournament has not only brought pride to East Cobb—it has inspired the community as a whole.

Students (alphabetically by first name):
Alexander Sun, Mt. Bethel Elementary School, 4th Grade
Boyan Jiang, East Side Elementary School, 5th Grade
Carrie Chen, Mt. Bethel Elementary School, 4th Grade
Edward Tang, Mt. Bethel Elementary School, 4th Grade
Eric Jiang, Mt. Bethel Elementary School, 3rd Grade
Ethan Zhou, Tritt Elementary School, 5th Grade
Janie Luo, Sope Creek Elementary School, 4th Grade
Krithik Tadimarri, Rocky Mount Elementary School, 4th Grade
Peter Alan Niculescu, Mt. Bethel Elementary School, 4th Grade
Rishaan Ranjan, Mt. Bethel Elementary School, 5th Grade

East Cobb students advance to FIRST LEGO World Championships
First Lego League Team 71595 students and their parents.

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Cobb Commissioner Birrell introduces new staff assistant

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Cobb Commissioner Birrell introduces new staff assistant

Nikeya Savala, a Cobb County government veteran of more than 20 years, has joined the office of District 3 Cobb Commissioner JoAnn Birrell as her staff assistant.

The four district commissioners each have a full-time assistant to handle constituent matters, coordinate schedules and conduct other tasks of the office.

District 3 includes most of East Cobb.

Savala has previously held jobs in county government in the Community Development, Water System, and Purchasing departments.

She can be reached about constituent matters at nikeya.savala@cobbcounty.gov.

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Timber Ridge students take part in ‘Courtroom to Classroom’

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Timber Ridge students take part in 'Courtroom to Classroom'

Information and photo submitted by Cobb County Government:

The Cobb Judicial Circuit was thrilled to welcome 88 fifth-grade students from Timber Ridge Elementary School to the Cobb County Superior Court on Friday morning. This initiative is designed to demystify the judicial process for local youth by giving them hands-on experience in the courtroom.

The immersive field trip offered students more than just a tour; it provided a front-row seat to justice in action. Under the guidance of court staff and volunteer local attorneys, the students acted out a full mock trial involving a bicycle theft. The fifth graders stepped into every critical role in the courtroom, serving as the jury, attorneys, witnesses, and defendant.

Judge Kellie S. Hill presided over the mock trial, offering the students real-time feedback and instruction from the bench. “Superior Court is a place where everyone’s voice matters. Through programs like Courtroom to Classroom, we help children see how fairness, listening, and asking questions can make a real difference and inspire the next generation of leaders in our community,” said Judge Hill.

In addition to the mock trial, the students were given a behind-the-scenes tour of the judicial complex, including a visit to the holding cells and other secure areas of the courthouse.

The Courtroom to Classroom mock trial program is suitable for fourth- and fifth-grade groups and is offered, space permitting, in the courtroom. Educators interested in scheduling a visit for the 2025 – 2026 school year are encouraged to contact Erin Mendez at [email protected] for more information.

 

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Simpson Middle School celebrates annual STEAMapalooza

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Simpson Middle School celebrates annual STEAMapalooza

Information and photos submitted by the Cobb County School District:

Simpson Middle School welcomed families, students, and community partners for its annual STEAMapalooza, an interactive event celebrating Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics through hands-on learning and collaboration.

Hosted each year at Simpson Middle School, STEAMapalooza is designed as an open-house experience that invites families to explore the school at their own pace. Classrooms and hallways were filled with engaging activities that encouraged curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving for learners of all ages.

The event is the result of months of planning and a true schoolwide effort. Simpson’s PTSA worked alongside staff leaders and administrators to bring the event to life, with every teacher taking an active role in facilitating activities, supervising students, and supporting setup and breakdown.

“Every single teacher on the Simpson team takes a role in facilitating activities for our guests, supervision, and set up and breakdown of this schoolwide experience,” said Principal D. Cory Stanley. “The coordination and collaboration of the entire neighborhood is truly second to none.”

Throughout the evening, families participated in a wide range of STEAM-focused experiences. Guests experimented with household chemistry by creating slime and lava lamps, while students tackled engineering challenges such as building sleds and spaghetti towers. Additional activities included interactive science demonstrations, hands-on encounters with animals, and introductions to coding and artificial intelligence.

Community partners helped expand learning opportunities beyond the classroom. Experts from Georgia Tech Astronomy and the Ramblin’ Rocket Club shared their passion for space and engineering. Students and sponsors from Wheeler High School’s National Honor Society, Society of Women Engineers, and Robotics programs connected with younger learners, offering inspiration and mentorship. Representatives from Cobb County GIS and the Watershed Departments highlighted how STEAM-related careers connect directly to the local community.

Parents and local businesses also supported the event as exhibitors and contributors to a silent auction, helping fund future programs and reinforcing the strong partnership between the school and its community.

“The result of this all-hands-on-deck effort is a building full of hundreds of smiling faces, learning about Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics in the best way possible — hands on,” Stanley said.

STEAMapalooza continues to be a highlight of the school year at Simpson Middle School, strengthening connections with families and feeder schools while showcasing Cobb Schools’ commitment to engaging students through meaningful, hands-on learning experiences.

Click the middle button below to view more photos:

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East Cobb Real Estate: Chimney Heights home sells for $1.25M

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East Cobb Real Estate: Chimney Heights home sells for $1.25M

This week’s featured home sale is a private estate home in The Estates of Chimney Lakes, zoned for Lassiter High School, Simpson Middle School and Shallowford Falls Elementary School.

It features six bedrooms and 6.5 baths, covering 9,261 square feet 1.05 acres. The home sold for $1.25 million on Jan. 30, 2026.

A grand foyer leads to open spaces downstairs for entertaining and dining, featuring a full chef’s kitchen and a great room.

The primary suite is on the main level with a spa-like bath, separate vanities, and a walk-in closet.

Three secondary bedrooms upstairs each have an ensuite bathroom. The back porch opens out to an outdoor retreat at the end of a cul-de-sac, with a patio, pool and mature landscaping.

A carriage suite can be used for a home office, guest quarters, a gym or studio space, connected to the home via a breezeway.

A walk-out basement contains more entertainment and living space with a den, full bath, recreation area and storage.

Click the middle button below to see more photos.

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The following East Cobb residential real estate sales from Jan. 26-30, 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

4941 Willow Lane, 30066 (Willow Creek): $500,000

Lassiter

2150 Wenlok Trail, 30066 (Cork Wren): $575,000

4150 Chimney Heights, 30075 (The Estates of Chimney Lakes):$1.25 million

Marietta

None

Pope

2260 Falkirk Pointe, 30062 (Falkirk Pointe): $1.077 million

Sprayberry

3886 Ebenezer Road, 30066: $824,800

188 Bluffington Way, 30066 (Bluffs at Bells Ferry): $379,900

245 Bluffington Way, 30066 (Bluffs at Bells Ferry): $415,900

2581 Oak Village Place, 30062 (Post Oak Village): $585,000

2404 Pondside Court, 30062 (Magnolia Pond): $400,000

Walton

4096 Audubon Drive, 30068 (Pinecrest): $405,000

4871 Karls Gate Drive, 30068 (Karls Gate): 4630,000

4116 River Cliff Chase, 30067 (Rivermill): $800,000

1038 Seven Springs Circle, 30068 (Seven Springs): $495,000

5122 Sapphire Drive, 30068 (Tiffany Park): $1.55 million

Wheeler

104 Shareese Court, 30067 (Oak Leaf): $725,000

5854 Riverstone Circle, Unit 13, 30339 (Riverstone and Wildwood): $510,000

1392 Old Virginia Court, 30067 (Salem Ridge): $306,000

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Editor’s Note: How sweet it is to support local news you love!

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We’ve been busy at the start of another year with so much compelling and important local news, and we’ve had great traffic, engagement and new advertisers to reflect that.

But we want to take a bit of a pause as another Valentine’s Day is approaching to ask readers to think about what they value from East Cobb News.

We know how much you enjoy what you get here—we hear from our readers all the time!—but what do you really love about East Cobb News? We hope it’s enough to consider financially supporting the work we do, and that nobody else in the community is doing.

Newspapers everywhere continue to shrink—this week’s layoffs at The Washington Post in particular are truly devastating, especially when it comes to local news coverage.

And more cuts are coming at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, which is now all-online.

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!

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Three graduate from Cobb County Veterans Treatment Court  

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Three graduate from Cobb County Veterans Treatment Court  

Submitted information and photos:

The Cobb County Veterans Accountability and Treatment Court (VATC) graduated three veteran participants during a 9:30 a.m. ceremony Friday, Feb. 6, at the Cobb County Superior Court Building, 70 Haynes Street.

The graduation brings the total number of local participants who have completed the 18- to 24-month intensive treatment program to 72. The Cobb County VATC began June 13, 2014, under the leadership of Judge Reuben Green, joining a nationwide surge of accountability courts specifically tailored for veterans. The program addresses post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, and other mental health issues through counseling, job training, and additional supportive services.

Judge Green, a U.S Marine Corps veteran, served as a judge through 2020 and passed away in 2025. The VATC honored his legacy during Friday’s ceremony, unveiling a painted portrait and placing a custom embroidered streamer on the Marine Corps flag. His portrait will be displayed in the VATC, courtroom 6100, in Superior Court.

“As a Marine, Judge Green brought his passion for helping military servicemembers in need into the courtroom,” said Superior Court Judge Robert D. Leonard. “He was a trailblazer with a reputation for excellence and for changing lives. Veterans Court is his legacy.”

The mission of the Veterans Accountability and Treatment Court is to increase public safety by reducing recidivism, alleviating the tax burden of incarcerating law-breaking veterans, and helping participants become productive members of the community. The program provides intensive case management to address mental health issues while offering the familiarity of structure and accountability similar to military service.

Participants receive alcohol and drug treatment through contracted treatment providers and the Department of Veterans Affairs. When a participant is stable in their recovery and treatment, the assigned VATC team addresses other issues that hinder success, such as unemployment, lack of stable housing, the need for continuing education, or the benefits of family counseling.

One unique aspect of the VATC is the Mentor Program. Each participant is paired with a veteran mentor who understands the challenges faced by veterans working toward program completion. VATC mentors must be honorably discharged from military service, have no prior criminal record, and commit to assisting at least one veteran for the duration of the 18-month VATC program.

The three veteran participants graduated from the VATC with their mentors by their sides. These veterans turned what once seemed like a dismal path into a very bright future for themselves and their families.

Three graduate from Cobb County Veterans Treatment Court  

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Mezza Luna serves up authentic Italian cuisine in East Cobb

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Mezza Luna serves up authentic Italian cuisine in East Cobb

Please Note: This is a paid advertisement.

Since assuming sole ownership of the Mezza Luna Restaurant in East Cobb in 2023, Daniele Furfaro has added his own personal touch to everything: From menu items to a remodeled dining room to the family atmosphere that he wants diners to enjoy—as well as his own name.

In rebranding what’s now known as the Mezza Luna Furfaro Italian Restaurant and Bar, the Calabria-born Furfaro is emphasizing community ties as well in serving lunch and dinner seven days a week.

Specialty dishes include veal chop gorgonzola, butter squash ravioli, gnocchi al pesto with blue crab meat and salmon piccata, as well as starters, soups, salads and a wide variety of desserts, wines and cocktails.

“This is a family-owned restaurant,” Furfaro says, noting that his wife, Bella, also a native of Italy, oversaw the dining room upgrade, even down to the choice of dinner plates and silverware.

“A lot of our customers come back with their friends,” he added.

Mezza Luna serves up authentic Italian cuisine in East Cobb
Daniele Furfaro and his wife Bella

Furfaro and his family will soon putting down roots in East Cobb to further invest in the restaurant and the community.

They are the parents of daughters, ages 10, 5 and one and a half, and are in the process of moving from Woodstock, where he previously was a chef.

Many of those Furfaro knew from his previous restaurants have followed him to Mezza Luna, located in the Pavilions at East Lake (2100 Roswell Road, Suite 2198). He also was a chef at Dolce, an Italian restaurant in Buckhead.

He wants the East Cobb community to experience the distinctive food and ambience of Mezza Luna. Furfaro is the chef as well as the owner. Everything is freshly made on the premises and many food items are sourced locally as well as from Italy.

Trained at an Italian culinary school, Furfaro worked in the American corporate restaurant industry, which brought him to Atlanta. He became a partner in Mezza Luna, then took over the East Cobb restaurant in 2023 (it remains independent from the Mezza Luna restaurant in Smyrna).

As the dining room was overhauled, Furfaro amplified the menu to reflect “a mix of Italy.” Meat dishes like chicken marsala are traditionally served in northern Italy, while seafood dishes like branzino, sea bass seared in a lemon butter sauce, are standard in the south.

Mezza Luna serves up authentic Italian cuisine in East CobbDiners can choose from an offering of appetizers, including blue crab cakes and calamari fritti, tomato bisque soup and salads. All meals come with generous baskets of fresh bread. There’s also a menu fearing pizza, pasta and meatballs with children in mind.

Furfaro changes the menu every three months or so to reflect seasonal favorites, but “I also keep a few dishes all year” that are popular Italian-American fare.

“If you love chicken parmigiana, you can get chicken parmigiana,” Furfaro says. His diners rate the surf and turf and lamb and veal dishes as among their favorites.

“People like to come and feel they’re at home,” Furfaro says.

“I’ve put my life and my heart into this place, and I want people in East Cobb to come and try us.”

Mezza Luna is open Monday-Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5-9 p.m, Friday-Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 12-9 p.m.

Reservations are accepted, and online ordering and catering are also available.

For information, visit the Mezza Luna website or call 678-214-5856.

Click the middle button below to see more of Mezza Luna’s menu items and the dining room.

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East Cobb Food Scores: J. Christopher’s; Yogli Mogli; more

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J. Christopher's Powers Ferry, 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:

Asian Foodie and Bubble Drink
33490 Canton Road, Suite 201
Feb. 5, 2026, Score: 63, Grade: U

Bells Ferry Elementary School
2600 Bells Ferry Road
Feb. 2, 2026, Score: 100, Grade: A

Catering Cajun of Georgia
2421 Shallowford Road, Suite 130
Feb. 2, 2026, Score: 95, Grade: A

Coldstone Creamery
1255 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 320
Feb. 2, 2026, Score: 81, Grade: B

J. Christopher’s
1275 Powers Ferry Road
Feb. 4, 2026, Score: 91, Grade: A

Lux Banquet Hall
2727 Canton Road, Suites 200-210
Feb. 4, 2026, Score: 100, Grade: A

Night Life Pizza
562 Wylie Road, Suite 18
Feb. 2, 2026, Score: 92, Grade: A

Papa John’s Pizza
1860 Sandy Plains Road, 105
Feb. 5, 2026, Score: 100, Grade: A

Pruitt Place East Cobb
3039 Sandy Plains Road
Feb. 2, 2026, Score: 82, Grade: B

Sedalia Park Elementqry School
2230 Lower Roswell Road
Feb. 4, 2026, Score: 90, Grade: A

Smoothie King
1271 Johnson Ferry Road
Feb. 4, 2026, Score: 89, Grade: B

Yogli Mogli
1255 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 35
Feb. 2, 2026, Score: 95, Grade: A

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Boston Celtics star joins Wheeler Athletic Hall of Fame

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Boston Celtics star joins Wheeler Athletic Hall of Fame

Jaylen Brown, who led Wheeler to a Georgia high school boys state basketball championship, headlines the 2025-26 Wheeler Athletic Hall of Fame inductees.

Also honored in late January were former basketball player Sharaud Curry, baseball player Joey Monahan, football-baseball-track athlete Hal Shaw, and the 1977 and 1978 softball teams. A formal induction ceremony was postponed due to inclement weather and will be rescheduled at a date to be announced.

Brown played four years of varsity basketball for the Wildcats and as a senior was named Georgia Mr. Basketball. He played at the University of California-Berkeley for one season and was the third player chosen in the 2016 NBA draft. In 2024, he was named the MVP of the NBA Finals as the Boston Celtics won their 18th championship, and he has been an All-Star four times.

Curry was part of two Wheeler boys basketball state championship teams, in 2003 and 2005, and he later starred at Providence College. He played professional basketball in Europe for 13 seasons and has been a coach and owner of a basketball training academy.

Monahan was a standout on the baseball diamond for Wheeler in the late 1990s, earning first-team All-Cobb County, as well as being named MVP of the East Cobb Yankees and selected to the All-Tournament Team at the Connie Mack World Series.

He starred at Liberty University and was drafted by the Chicago Cubs, and played minor league baseball for several seasons before running an insurance business.

Shaw was a lineman for the Wheeler football team under coach Corky Kell, and named a permanent co-captain in the 1973 season, when the Wildcats went undefeated before falling to Thomasville in the state championship game.

He was named All-County and All-State by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and he joins his brother Bill (Class of 1968) in the Wheeler Hall of Fame.

The Wheeler girls softball team played a slow-pitch version of the sport in the late 1970s under coach Jim Mau, who previously led the Wildcats to a baseball state title. His softball teams in 1977 and 1978 won Cobb County titles and finished with respective records of 19-2 and 17-3.

For more information and photos about the inductees, visit the Wheeler Athletic Hall of Fame Facebook page.

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East Cobb high school athletes make college commitments

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East Cobb high school athletes make college commitments
Photo: Cobb County School District

High school athletes from around the country made their college commitments this week in what’s known as National Signing Day.

That’s when the officially sign scholarship offers to continue their sports careers at the next level.

According to the Cobb County School District, Sprayberry High School had 14 athletes sign, the most for any school in the district. They included five football players as well as the first Yellow Jacket athlete to sign a college commitment in flag football.

The district compiled the following names and schools (this is only a partial list):

Kell High School

  • Jacob Carroll (Football/Reinhardt)
  • Kennedy Deese (Basketball/Howard)
  • Anabel Gonzalez (Lacrosse/Life)
  • Alexander Jean (Football/Shorter)
  • Myles Jones (Football/Arkansas at Monticello)
  • Chase Lewandowski (Football/Miles)
  • David Ornelas (Football/Reinhardt)
  • Jaziah Owens (Football/Muskingum)
  • Leah Wetherington (Soccer/Kennesaw State)

Pope High School

  • Jaxson Griffin (Football/Reinhardt)
  • Mathews Lago (Football/Newberry)

Sprayberry High School

  • Josh Alequin (Baseball/Brewton-Parker Christian)
  • Colton Clearman (Baseball/Paradise Valley C.C.)
  • Luke Hopkins (Baseball/Truett-McConnell)
  • Kobe Lewis (Football/Drake)
  • Lenai Louie (Basketball/Montreat)
  • Graci Pederson (Softball/Shorter)
  • Isabella Puleo (Softball/Reinhardt)
  • Payton Ramsay (Soccer/West Georgia)
  • Jordan Simpson (Softball/West Georgia)
  • Brock Trout (Football/Berry)
  • Jack Trout (Football/Berry College)
  • Judah Williams (Football/Central Georgia Tech)
  • Mikyla Wilson (Flag Football/Alabama State)
  • Ashton Wright (Football/Andrew)

Walton High School

  • Christian Andrews (Football/Reinhardt)
  • Ethan Baker (Football/Berry)
  • Cooper Bowles (Football/Johns Hopkins)
  • Bryant Gunnels (Football/University of the South)
  • Max McRaney (Football/Anderson)
  • Sam Strickland (Football/Furman)
  • Nick Thorner (Football/Kennesaw State)

Wheeler High School

  • Khalil Bullock (Football/Muskingum)
  • Jemar Mitchell (Football/Benedict)
  • Jashawn Sanders (Football/Huntingdon)
  • Greg Kendrick (Football/Miles)

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Georgia Symphony Orchestra kicks off 75th anniversary season

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Georgia Symphony Orchestra kicks off 75th anniversary season

Submitted information and photo:

The Georgia Symphony Orchestra is thrilled to announce an exciting lineup of performances for 2026, offering an extraordinary range of musical experiences across genres, styles, and audiences. From boundary‑breaking jazz and cinematic favorites to youth performances and sensory‑friendly classics, GSO’s 75th season underscores its commitment to artistic excellence, community engagement, and inclusive access to the transformative power of live music.

The 2026 lineup includes:

Big Band & Beyond – Jazz Meets Symphonic Sound

Saturday, February 7

This show promises an electrifying blend of jazz energy and orchestral power held at the Dr. Bobbie Bailey & Family Performance Center.

Mas Que Nada: The Music of Sergio Mendes

Saturday, February 28

Audiences will experience the vibrant rhythms and passion of Brazilian music as GSO Jazz, joined by award-winning vocalist, Karla Harris, honors the legendary Sergio Mendes at The Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre.

Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra, March & May Concert Series – Showcasing Your Talent

Sunday, March 1 & Sunday, May 17

The Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra will take the stage this March and May at the Dr. Bobbie Bailey & Family Performance Center, showcasing the next generation of exceptional musicians.

Cinema Classics: The Magic of the Movies

Sunday, March 15

A dazzling Pops event at the Strand Theatre will bring Hollywood’s most beloved film scores to life in two performances, celebrating the magic of the silver screen through an unforgettable orchestral sound.

Anniversary Songbook – A Choral Tribute

Sunday, March 22

Enjoy free admission to the GSO Chorus at First Presbyterian Church in Marietta for an uplifting choral celebration showcasing favorite works from the ensemble’s storied past.

Music of Magic and Myth – Orchestral Adventure

Saturday, March 28 (2:00 & 4:00 PM)

Presented in two performances at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre, this program includes a Sensory Friendly Concert with supportive accommodations such as reduced lighting and sound levels and a relaxed environment for individuals with sensory sensitivities, as well as a Family Concert designed for audiences of all ages to enjoy spellbinding orchestral works inspired by enchanted landscapes and legendary tales.

GSO 75: A Musical Celebration – A Milestone Anniversary Event

Saturday, May 23

The season culminates with GSO 75: A Musical Celebration at Atlanta Symphony Hall, a landmark concert honoring 75 years of artistic excellence, community connection, and cultural enrichment, featuring the full orchestra, 200 voice chorus, and side-by-side performance with the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra.

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New Georgia gubernatorial candidate to run Super Bowl ad

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Republican Rick Jackson, who announced his campaign this week for Georgia governor, has purchased advertising time during the Super Bowl game on Sunday.New Georgia gubernatorial candidate to run Super Bowl ad

The 30-second ad (you can watch it below) references his childhood growing up in public housing and in foster care to becoming a self-made billionaire as the CEO of Jackson Health Care.

A longtime supporter of President Donald Trump, Jackson said in the ad that “like President Trump, I don’t owe anybody anything.”

He pledged in the ad that Georgia would lead in criminal deportations of illegal immigrants if he’s elected and advocates cutting the state income tax rate in half and freezing property taxes.

Jackson’s priorities also include stopping “woke ideology” and ending reverse discrimination and supporting children in foster care.

In announcing his campaign earlier this week (his campaign website can be found here), Jackson said he was putting $50 million of his own money into his campaign account, including an initial $40 million advertising blitz to introduce himself to the public.

The Super Bowl is the most expensive advertising window in American television. While national ad rates for Sunday’s game between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks are estimated to cost an average $8 million for a 30-second spot, local rates are lower.

According to ALM Corp., a marketing agency, Super Bowl rates in markets like Atlanta could cost $300,000 and $600,000 for 30 seconds, and the same time slot typically costs from $50,000 to $300,000 in smaller and mid-tier markets.

The surprise entry by Jackson—who has never sought public office before—crowds an already loaded Republican battle to succeed Gov. Brian Kemp. That field includes Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and Attorney General Chris Carr.

In announcing his campaign Wednesday, Jackson called Raffensperger a “Judas” for not bowing to Trump’s demands to find more votes in the 2020 Georgia presidential election.

Jackson called the Georgia political establishment a “cartel” that he intends to break up.

Although he donated $1 million to Trump’s campaigns, the president has endorsed Jones.

On the Democratic side, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, former State Sen. Jason Esteves, former Republican Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan and former DeKalb County CEO and ex-Georgia Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond are among the candidates vying in the May 19 primary.

 

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U.S. Rep. Loudermilk not seeking re-election to Congress

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Congressman Barry Loudermilk, whose 11th District in Georgia includes East Cobb, announced Wednesday he won’t be seeking re-election.

Ga. Congress members respond to ' One Big Beautiful Bill'
U.S. Rep. Barry Loudermilk

He issued a statement on his Congressional website as well as social media accounts saying that “while serving my constituents in Congress ranks among my greatest honors, being a husband, a father, and a grandfather holds even greater importance to me; and at this time, I wish to spend more dedicated time with my family.”

Loudermilk, 62, a Republican serving his sixth term in a conservative district, is a strong ally of President Donald Trump, but the narrow GOP majority in the U.S. House could be in jeopardy in 2026 midterm elections.

He is the 29th incumbent Republican in the House who is leaving Congress, and the fourth sitting member from the Georgia delegation not seeking re-election.

Loudermilk had been serving as chairman of a Republican-led subcommittee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021 invasion of the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters as the Electoral College was meeting to certify the 2020 presidential election.

In 2024, Loudermilk won the general election by 34 percent. Another Republican has previously announced for the 11th District seat, Chris Mora, a local party activist from Pickens County. Several Democrats have announced in what is expected to be a GOP-leaning seat.

The 11th District is one of the most conservative in Georgia and in addition to East Cobb includes western Cherokee County, as well as Bartow, Gordon and Pickens counties.

The Georgia Congressional primaries will be May 19. Candidate qualifying takes place from March 2-6.

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Cobb students earn national honors at 4-H championships

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Cobb students earn national honors at 4-H championships

Submitted information and photo:

Four Cobb County high school students earned top national honors after representing Cobb 4-H and Georgia 4-H at the 4-H Family and Consumer Science National Championship and Conference in San Antonio, Texas.

Prayushi Padhi (Campbell High School), Aarsheya Gunjal (Sprayberry High School), Naitik Maheshwari (Wheeler High School), and Shubham Badve (Wheeler High School) competed against teams from across the country and returned home with an impressive slate of awards.

As a team, the students earned Champion Team Overall, Champion Team for Placings, Champion Team for Group Think, and Reserve Champion Team for Reasons.

Individually, students were also recognized for outstanding performance:

  • Prayushi Padhi: Third High Individual for Reasons; Fourth High Overall

  • Aarsheya Gunjal: Fifth High Individual for Reasons

  • Naitik Maheshwari: Fourth High Individual for Placings

  • Shubham Badve: First High Individual Overall; First High Individual for Reasons; Fifth High Individual for Placings; earned perfect scores for both sets of reasons, a rare national achievement

The students’ success reflects years of dedication. Each has participated in the Georgia 4-H Cotton Boll and Consumer Judging Competition since fourth grade. Consumer Judging teaches students how to evaluate products and services based on quality, cost, and value, while building critical thinking, teamwork, and public speaking skills that translate to academic and career success.

Congratulations to Prayushi, Aarsheya, Naitik, and Shubham for representing Cobb County with excellence. Their achievements highlight the impact of long-term commitment, strong mentorship, and supportive learning communities.

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