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 Diaper Day donation drive continues through Oct. 28

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Cobb Diaper Day donation drive continues through Oct. 28

Submitted information:

The 17th Annual Cobb Diaper Day is being held on Tuesday, October 28. Through the efforts of the Barbara Hickey Children’s Fund – Cobb Diaper Day Committee, more than two million diapers have been donated to assist low-income families in Cobb County since the program’s founding. This year’s goal is to collect over 100,000 diapers.

Organizations, companies and individuals are encouraged to participate in a variety of ways:

  • Make a donation at www.cobbdiaperday.com.
  • Purchase diapers for delivery through Amazon.
  • Declare a “Diaper Day” within your workplace, organization, neighborhood, or social circle to collect diapers.
  • Drop off donations during our community collection event at the Cobb EMC Solar Flower Gardenin Marietta on October 28, 2025, from 2 PM to 6 PM.

Cobb Diaper Day was founded in 2008 by the late Barbara Hickey to help families in Cobb County. Barbara envisioned the community coming together to support local families in need and reminded us that often it is the little things in life that make the biggest difference.

For many low-income families, diapers represent a daily financial strain. Prolonged use of a wet diaper can lead to diaper rash and additional stress for both children and parents. Families often face the difficult choice between purchasing food or diapers, especially since:

  • Food stamps do not include hygiene products such as diapers.
  • On average, diapers cost more than $100 per month.
  • Daycare centers require parents to provide diapers.

To help ease some of the burdens of the thousands of families in critical need, diaper donations will be distributed to local nonprofits, including:

  • Center for Family Resources
  • Cobb & Douglas Public Health
  • Communities In Schools Georgia in Marietta/Cobb County
  • LiveSafe Resources
  • MUST Ministries
  • Ser Familia
  • Simple Needs GA
  • Sweetwater Mission

For additional information, please visit www.cobbdiaperday.com or donate to the Barbara Hickey Children’s Fund to support the efforts. To arrange for a diaper pick-up or for any other questions, please email DiaperDayCobb@gmail.com.

About The Barbara Hickey Children’s Fund

Established in 2008 as a 501(c)3 fund under the Cobb Community Foundation, by Barbara Hickey and a group of dedicated community leaders. Through its signature initiative, Cobb Diaper Day, the Fund raises awareness of the critical need, and significant expense, of diapers for families in need. Too often, parents must make the difficult choice between purchasing food or diapers. Since its inception, Cobb Diaper Day has provided nearly two million diapers to families across Cobb County. Learn more by visiting the Barbara Hickey Children’s Fund.

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Cobb Elections Board members to get major stipend increases

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Cobb Elections Board dispute roils along partisan lines
East Cobb resident Jennifer Mosbacher, chairwoman of the Cobb Board of Elections

Members of the Cobb Board of Elections will be receiving a big pay boost for the work that they do.

The Cobb Board of Commissioners on Tuesday voted to increase the monthly stipends for the five-member board, which is one of only six appointed bodies in the county getting them.

By a 3-2 vote, commissioners approved a request to increase the stipends by $50 a month.

The chair’s monthly stipend will go from $200 a month to $450 a month, and the other four members’ stipends are rising from $150 to $350 a month.

While those represent more than double what they had been paid, the new amounts are less than what was requested. An agenda item stated that $600 monthly stipend was being sought for the chair and $500 a month for everyone else.

Interim Cobb Elections director Michael D’Istri said at Tuesday’s commissioners meeting that elections board members haven’t received a raise in more than three decades, and in more recent years, their workload has increased.

Typically board members are now meeting several times a month during occasionally long meetings. A new Georgia elections law requires elections boards across the state to hold additional certification meetings around elections.

This year alone, with several municipal elections concluding in November, board members will be holding more than 30 meetings.

D’Istri also noted more recent political tensions, including in Cobb, which has swung from Republican domination in local offices to Democrats holding all countywide offices as well as majorities on the commission and legislative delegation. The GOP has a slight edge on the Cobb school board.

“The culture, the environment, the atmosphere of elections has changed drastically over the years,” D’Istri said.

Those tensions have broken out into the open at elections board meetings, including a proposed by-law change that was dropped in August. Democrats have four appointees on the current board; the Republicans one.

Current chair Jennifer Mosbacher, an appointee of Democratic Cobb Commission Chairwoman Lisa Cupid, has been attacked by some citizens for her refusal to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

After Cupid made a comparison to the stipends for Cobb Planning Commission members, who get around $10,00 a year, Commissioner JoAnn Birrell of East Cobb said the comparison wasn’t fair.

She said planning board members, who meet once a month, do a lot of outside work, visiting sites and holding community meetings.

But Birrell, who voted against the elections board increases along with Keli Gambrill, the other Republican commissioner, was more concerned about the precedent.

“If we do this outside of the budget, we’re going to get a lot of other requests” from other appointed bodies.

According to the agenda item, the additional annual expense for the elections board stipend rises comes to $21,600, and those raises are effective immediately.

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Another ‘No Kings’ rally planned in East Cobb on Saturday

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Another 'No Kings' rally planned in East Cobb on Saturday

Another nationwide protest against the Trump Administration entitled “No Kings” is slated for Saturday, and local organizers are once again coming to a busy intersection East Cobb.

Indivisible Cobb will be staging a protest at Roswell and Johnson Ferry roads starting at 2 p.m., following a similar rally in downtown Atlanta.

“We are planning an inclusive, safe, and fun time while addressing a profoundly serious subject–Trump and this administration claiming powers they do not have, launching one unconstitutional action after another. The citizens of Cobb County and this country are saying ‘Enough.’ We are coming together, peacefully and with one voice, to register our opposition,” said Stacey Parlotto of Indivisible Cobb.

What’s being called “No Kings 2” follows June protests that drew several hundred people to the East Cobb event.

Indivisible Cobb describes itself as ” a local, grassroots, non-partisan group dedicated to building community. We organize around progressive ideals that honor our basic human dignity and resist the oppressive policies coming out of the current administration.”

Other groups involved in the protests include the American Civil Liberties Union, the American Federation of Teachers, Human Rights Campaign, League of Conservation Voters and MoveOn.

For more information, visit the No Kings and Indivisible Cobb websites.

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Sprayberry HS reconstruction open house is Wednesday

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Sprayberry HS reconstruction open house is Wednesday

The $71.9 million reconstruction project that’s continuing at Sprayberry High School is the subject of a community open house on Wednesday.

The open house takes place from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the main gymnasium lobby at the school (2525 Sandy Plains Road).

That’s the first phase of the project that’s expected to be done in the summer of 2026. The new main classroom building will have four stories and 68 classrooms, new administrative and guidance offices and learning commons. The funding comes from the Cobb Education SPLOST VI.

This is the second academic year for the Sprayberry rebuild, which has prompted major disruptions. Parking has been severely restricted due to several dozen portable classrooms.

When the contract was awarded last spring, Superintendent Chris Ragsdale said that the three-year duration “not going to be a fun time” for the Sprayberry community.

But most of the exterior of the new building is nearing completion (here’s a time-lapse video of the construction thus far, posted recently on the school’s Instagram page). In addition to classrooms, the building will house administrative and guidance offices and a learning commons.

In the second phase, renovations will be made to existing cafeteria space and other facilities.

All work is expected to be completed by the start of the 2027-28 school year. The contractor is Carroll Daniel Construction of Atlanta, which rebuilt the Osborne High School campus.

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Cobb delays vote on appointing police chief for two weeks

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The Cobb Board of Commissioners is set to vote on a new police chief this month.Cobb delays vote on appointing police chief for two weeks

But the vote naming interim chief J.D. Ferrell as police chief that had been on Tuesday’s agenda is being pushed back two weeks.

Cobb government sent out a statement Monday afternoon saying that the board “will move ahead” with a vote on the selection of Ferrell on Oct. 28.

Ferrell was recommended by Cobb County Manager Jackie McMorris, but on Friday Cobb Commission Chairwoman Lisa Cupid called for a Monday press conference “to provide transparency in addressing challenges with the announced selection of Police Chief.”

The county statement Monday afternoon said that “the delay was requested by Chairwoman Lisa Cupid, who initially sought to address issues related to the search and selection process, but supports the candidate and moving forward with the process of approving this candidate on the 28th.”

Earlier Monday afternoon, the county announced Cupid was cancelling the press conference less than an hour before it was to begin, citing a scheduling conflict.

Cobb spokesman Ross Cavitt told East Cobb News that commissioners were still in meetings, over Tuesday’s agenda, and for other matters.

The MDJ reported last week that Cobb Commission Chairwoman Lisa Cupid wanted former Atlanta Police Chief Erika Shields for the job.

But Cupid hasn’t confirmed that information, and the paper quoted Commissioner Keli Gambrill as saying that she thought Shields had “a chip on her shoulder” in the interview process, which apparently included two other unnamed candidates.

Gambrill, in the same media report, also objected to the process, saying it’s the county manager’s job to recommend a candidate, not the elected chair.

Ferrell is a 29-year veteran of the Cobb Police Department and had been a deputy chief when former Chief Stuart VanHoozer retired in April.

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Tenor Tim Miller to perform in concert in East Cobb

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Tenor Tim Miller, who features at Atlanta Braves home games, will begin the 14th annual Friends of St. Catherine’s Concert Series on Sunday.

Tenor Tim Miller to perform in concert in East Cobb
Tim Miller

The concert begins at 3 p.m. Sunday at St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church (571 Holt Road) and is free and open to the public.

Here’s more on Miller:

“A native of Augusta, Georgia, tenor Timothy Miller is an active performer with both national and international credits in opera, concerts and much more. Widely recognized for his stirring renditions of “God Bless America” during the seventh inning stretch of Atlanta Braves home games, Miller has extended his exposure well beyond the concert stage. Featured artist promos for Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim, and featured artist profiles for magazines including The Atlantan round out a growing list of memorable career highlights. In addition to a busy performance schedule, Mr. Miller is an Assistant Professor of Voice and Music at Morehouse College and serves on the board of the Meridian Herald.”

The Friends of Music at St. Catherine’s features several public concerts during the year. After the concerts attendees can meet and visit with the musicians. The concerts are free to the public but freewill donations are accepted.

This year’s schedule includes the pianist/cellist duo of Catherine Lan/Duo Arpeggione on Jan. 11, 2026, and the Atlanta chorale ensemble Coro Vocati on May 6, 2026. 

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‘How to Do Business With Cobb’ session set for Thursday

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Submitted information:'How to Do Business With Cobb' session set for Thursday

Interested in becoming a vendor with Cobb County? If so, you don’t want to miss the upcoming free seminar, How to do Business with Cobb County Government and Cobb County Schools, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 16, at the Cobb Civic Center, 548 South Marietta Parkway SE, Marietta. Registration is required as seats are limited.

To register, email kimberly.jorgensen@cobbcounty.gov or call 770-528-3317.

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East Cobb residential real estate sales, Sept. 29-Oct. 3, 2025

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Palmer Oaks, East Cobb real estate sales
Palmer Oaks

The following East Cobb residential real estate sales 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

4374 South Landing Drive, 30066 (North Landing): $430,000

4057 Longford Drive, 30066 (Longford): $389,000

1827 Rockybranch Pass, 30066 (Spencer’s Mill): $525,000

4525 North Landing Drive, 30066 (North Landing): $320,000

Lassiter

4976 Concert Lane, 30066 (Tanglewood Enclave): $1.399 million

2812 Forest Wood Drive, 30066 (Forest Chase): $475,000

2850 Landing Drive, 30066 (Windsor Oaks): $725,000

3626 Lone Indian Trail, 30066 (Highland Pointe): $485,000

2620 Middle Coray Circle, 30066 (The Oaks at Mill Pond): $1.073 million

4815 Holmes Farm Court, 30066 (Holmes Farm): $1.225 million

4468 Windsor Oaks Drive, 30066 (Windsor Oaks): $661,500

Marietta

1324 Pinebreeze Way, 30062 (The Pines at East Worthington): $425,000

Pope

2380 Chelsea Landing Way, 30062 (Chelsea Landing): $1.985 million

2728 Saddle Ridge Lake Drive, 30062 (Saddle Ridge Lake): $630,000

4011 Charrwood Trace, 30062 (Charrington): $917,500

2965 Village Drive 30062 (Brownstone): $585,000

Sprayberry

815 Sylvan Drive, 30068 (Sylvan Hills): $559,000

2140 Spalding Drive, 30062 (Sandy Plains Estates): $400,000

2205 Beaver Shop Road 30066: $780,000

2713 Post Oak Court, 30062 (Robyn Valley): $350,000

1715 Brown Circle, 30066 (Stillwater Registry): $788,000

2418 Retreat Close, 30066 (Stone Creek): $597,500

1617 Rex Drive, 30066 (Village North): $470,000

Walton

1104 Kelden Ridge, 30068 (Camden Ridge): $1.005 million

1042 Hidden Hollow Drive, 30068 (Hidden Hollow): $706,000

5065 Fields Pond Cove, 30068 (Fields Pond): $1.1 million

4300 Cove Island Drive, 30067 (Kings Cove): $875,000

3506 Billingsley Drive, 30062 (Princeton Corners): $798,000

1735 Little Willeo Road, 30066 (Willow Point): $382,500

4619 Villa Chase Drive, 30068 (Villa Chase): $587,000

Wheeler

150 Palmer Oaks Lane, 30068 (Palmer Oaks): $780,000

2625 Sunny Lane, 30067 (Red Oak Park): $368,500

2350 Maxine Drive, 30067 (Tuxedo Estates): $428,000

277 Weatherstone Parkway, 30068 (Weatherstone): $645,000

502 Abbington River Lane, 30339 (Abbington at Wildwood): $1.285 million

478 Timberlea Lake Drive, 30067 (Timberlea Lake): $520,150

949 Bobcat Court, 30067 (The Village): $333,000

2010 Barnes Mill Road, 30062 (Woodmont): $550,000

181 Sentinel Place, 30067 (Sentinel Ridge): $1.05 million

525 Robin Lane, 30067 (Red Oak Park): $478,525

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Planning Commission scuttles NE Cobb RaceTrac proposal

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Planning Commission scuttles NE Cobb RaceTrac proposal
Cobb Planning Commission member David Anderson.

The Cobb Planning Commission this week recommended approval of rezoning the former site of an historic home in Northeast Cobb for a variety of commercial uses.

But they didn’t include the use the applicant, RaceTrac Inc., had in mind.

After a very long discussion and by a 4-1 vote, the board recommended to allow Neighborhood Retail Commercial (NRC) zoning on Bells Ferry Road at Barrett Parkway where the McAfee House once stood.

That’s a home built in the 1840s that served as headquarters for a Union general during the Civil War, and was relocated earlier this year to Cherokee County after an effort to save it by Cobb Landmarks.

But the planning commission vote excludes fuel sales as one of the permitted businesses that could go on the two-acre site across from Bells Ferry Elementary School, along with no alcohol, vaping and tobacco sales, car washes, automotive uses or any type of drive-through business.

Nearby citizens turned out to oppose RaceTrac’s plans, citing safety, environmental and traffic congestion issues, among other things.

The decision rebuffed a recommendation for by Planning Commission member David Anderson, who represents the area in question, District 2.

His motion would have prohibited fuel sales and drive-through businesses, and would have required light automotive uses to come back to the county with a noise mitigation plan.

The board’s vote also went against a recommendation for approval by the Cobb Zoning Staff (analysis here).

After being satisfied with the results of a traffic analysis and an explanation from Cobb DOT, Anderson made a motion to recommend what RaceTrace was asking for—NRC designation for 24/7 gas sales and a convenience store.

But his motion died because it didn’t get a second, and another motion by Planning Commission member Fred Beloin of North Cobb added the stipulations that were approved. Under the motion that passed, small businesses and retail and some office uses would be allowed.

Anderson was the only vote against Beloin’s substitute motion. The Cobb Board of Commissioners will decide the matter at its Oct. 21 zoning hearing.

RaceTrac’s request was delayed a month after a previous Planning Commission hearing generated plenty of community opposition.

Beloin said the issue of methane gas emissions near the school—or at least the lack of definitive information about the threat it may cause—made it “impossible for me to support this request.”

He also said that school traffic issues that would arise both in the morning and afternoon “are profound. This would be the opposite of an old Beatles song where you take a sad song and make it better. This would be take a bad road and make it far, far worse.”

The land, owned by Medford Family LP, was proposed for a car wash in 2023 before applicant pulled out due to other business issues.

Some opponents wished the property, located next door to a day care center and near a retail center, would not become commercialized.

But Anderson’s issue was what he said was a lack of clarity in the county code about how close gas stations could be located next to day care centers.

“I see this site as having a lot of conflicts in terms of uses,” he said.

Anderson, an East Cobb resident initially appointed by former Commissioner Jerica Richardson, was reappointed earlier this year by Commissioner Erick Allen, whose District 2 includes the Medford property.

When the application was first filed, the land was in District 3, represented by Commissioner JoAnn Birrell.

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Cobb Foodie Week 2025 sets record for participation

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Tin Lizzy's The Avenue East Cobb temporarily closing
Tin Lizzy’s was among the East Cobb restaurants taking part in Cobb Foodie Week.

Submitted information:

Cobb Travel & Tourism’s annual Cobb Foodie Week saw record-breaking participation and engagement this year, celebrating the county’s diverse culinary scene. Held September 6-13, the event achieved impressive year-over-year growth across nearly every category, reflecting the community’s growing appetite for local dining experiences.

This year’s event featured 72 participating restaurants, marking a 26% increase from 2024, and offered 75 exclusive meal deals – a 32% jump from last year. Participants went above and beyond with 1,832 digital pass sign-ups (up 73% from last year) and 300 meal deal redemptions throughout the week.

“Cobb Foodie Week continues to highlight the incredible talent and creativity within our restaurant community,” said Holly Quinlan, President & CEO of Cobb Travel & Tourism. “Each year, we see more residents and visitors engaging with the event, both in person and online, which speaks to how strongly people connect with Cobb’s culinary experiences.”

Cobb Foodie Week has become a signature celebration for food enthusiasts and local chefs alike, offering an opportunity for diners to discover new favorites while supporting the county’s thriving culinary scene.

For more information about Cobb Foodie Week and other upcoming events, visit CobbFoodieWeek.com or follow @TravelCobb on social media.

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‘Community Coffee and Protest’ group gathering in East Cobb

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'Community Coffee and Protest' group gathering in East Cobb

For the last few weeks East Cobb and Roswell residents have been gathering in front of the Trader Joe’s at Pine Straw Plaza—where anti-Trump protests took place this summer—”to bring the resistance to their own neighborhood corner” on a regular basis.

The group calls itself “The Dissenters,” and they meet every Saturday from 8-10 a.m. at the Johnson Ferry-Roswell intersection in what’s being called the “Community Coffee and Protest” initiative. Organizers provide free coffee and donuts as participants “engage in community building and peaceful advocacy on rotating weekly themes.”

The group was formed by four women who met on their neighborhood corner with coffee and donuts, as well as political signs.

“We believe real change starts with neighbors who know each other’s names and show up for each other consistently,” said East Cobb resident, Jennifer Schwert, founder of Community Coffee and Protest, in a release the group sent out this week.

“Big rallies are important, but sustainable change happens when you build genuine community networks at the local level.” 

East Cobb News has left a message seeking more specific information about what “The Dissenters” are dissenting about, how they define what they call “the resistance,” and how many people have turned out for their events thus far.

Schwert said on the group’s website that she got the idea to do something after the 2024 elections, and had around 200 names of  “women and LGBTQIA+ people across metro Atlanta—all of us furious, all of us ready to fight back” but not sure how to proceed.

Based on previous gatherings, their events favor advocacy of politically liberal positions on such issues as immigration and gun control and opposition to Trump Administration actions.

“Last week, community members who are DACA recipients approached the group to express gratitude for neighbors taking a public stand on issues affecting local families and lives,” the release said. 

[DACA means Deferred Action for Childhood Arrrivals, who are the children of illegal immigrants but who have generally been granted a reprieve from deportation.]

“The initiative is intentionally unaffiliated with any political organization, focusing instead on building grassroots community networks that can respond to local needs and concerns.”

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Town Center CID unveils murals along Noonday Creek Trail

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Town Center CID unveils murals along Noonday Creek Trail

Submitted information and photos:

Last Saturday, the Town Center Community debuted two new murals along the Noonday Creek Trail with a public Art Walk and artist meet-and-greet at the Bells Ferry Trailhead. The event highlighted the work of muralists Kelsey Wishik and Leigh Ann Culver, whose installations will reshape the corridor into a vibrant cultural destination. 

In addition to the Art Walk, the celebration marked the 10th anniversary of the Town Center Community Bikeshare, sponsored by Georgia Power, with a bike pop-up, the announcement of the Bikeshare Anniversary Sweepstakes winners, and family-friendly activities. Visitors can connect with the muralists, see their installations up close, and enjoy an energizing morning outdoors.

About the Muralists

  • Kelsey Wishik, a graduate of UGA’s Lamar Dodd School of Art, explores growth, connectivity, and transformation through painting, sculpture, movement, and music. Her work draws on natural systems and cultural traditions, with exhibitions ranging from neighborhood galleries to international venues. Her newest mural will include wrapping a bridge support beam in bold blocks of color and floral motifs, creating a dynamic and uplifting visual. Her mural will be completed by October 11.
  • Leigh Ann Culver, an Atlanta-based artist, is known for evocative portraits and charcoal works rooted in Southern history. Her mixed-media pieces appear across Georgia, reflecting human stories that connect past and present. Culver will turn the adjacent embankment into a serene setting with stained glass-inspired panels and candle imagery, bringing “light” beneath the bridge. Her mural will be completed by October 20.

“The Noonday Creek Trail has become a place where art, nature, and active living intersect,” said Jennifer Hogan, Director of Community Engagement at Town Center Community. “Marking 10 years of bikeshare alongside these new works demonstrates how shared spaces can inspire creativity, connection, and healthier communities.”

The gathering also marks the 10th anniversary of the Town Center Bikeshare Program, the first CID-led bikeshare program in Georgia. Since its 2015 launch, the program has become a fixture in the area, surpassing 100,000 rides and recently adding e-bikes to make cycling more accessible. 

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East Cobb Publix store sells $30K Mega Millions lottery ticket

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Submitted information:

A Georgia Lottery player won $30,000 in the Oct. 7 Mega Millions drawing with a ticket purchased at Publix, 4750 Alabama Road in Roswell. The ticket matched four of the five numbers plus the Mega Ball and had a built-in 3X multiplier, tripling the prize from $10,000 to $30,000. The winning numbers were 17-26-33-45-56 with a Mega Ball of 2. The next drawing will be Oct. 10 with an estimated jackpot of $575 million.

In addition, a Lindale resident won $15,000 playing the Pumpkin Plunder Diggi Game on the Georgia Lottery mobile app and a Powder Springs player won $10,00 playing Jackpot Spectacular on the website, both on Oct. 7.

As with all Georgia Lottery games, proceeds from Mega Millions and Diggi Games benefit education in the state of Georgia. 

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Cobb Police interim chief named lone finalist for top job

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Cobb Police interim chief named finalist for top job
J.D. Ferrell

The Cobb Board of Commissioners on Tuesday will be asked to remove the interim tag from Cobb Police Chief J.D. Ferrell.

His name has been submitted as the recommendation as the lone finalist for police chief by Cobb County Manager Jackie McMorris, with his tenure to begin immediately if confirmed, according to an agenda item for Tuesday’s meeting.

McMorris said that Ferrell “has distinguished himself with his leadership and management” in a 32-year law enforcement career, including the last 29 years with Cobb Police.

His positions with Cobb have included patrol officer, training, special operations, special investigations and crimes against persons. He also has served as executive officer to the Cobb Director of Public Safety.

Ferrell, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, was named interim chief in April, when Stuart VanHoozer retired.

The MDJ reported last week that Cobb Commission Chairwoman Lisa Cupid wanted former Atlanta Police Chief Erika Shields for the job.

But Cupid declined to confirm that information, and the paper quoted Commissioner Keli Gambrill as saying that she thought Shields had “a chip on her shoulder” in the interview process, which apparently included two other unnamed candidates.

Gambrill, in that same report, objected to the process, saying it’s the county manager’s job to recommend a candidate, not the elected chair.

UPDATED, FRIDAY, 3 p.m.:

The Cobb government communications office on Friday sent out an advisory about a press availability with Cupid on Monday, something she has rarely done in five-plus years in office.

“Chairwoman Cupid seeks to provide transparency in addressing challenges with the announced selection of Police Chief and answer questions from the media,” the advisory said.

ORIGINAL REPORT:

Shields was a longtime Atlanta police officer and was named chief in 2016, but resigned in 2020 following the shooting death of a man at a Wendy’s restaurant by an officer. That was in the wake of protests following the death of George Floyd.

Shields was named Louisville Police Chief in 2021 but resigned in late 2022 after a new mayor was elected. Shortly after that she was hired later by a technology company in Suwanee that provides training for law enforcement, but her name is no longer listed on its leadership team.

If Ferrell is confirmed, it would continue a pattern of long-time Cobb Police veterans becoming chief. VanHoozer was with the department for 35 years, but served as chief for less than three years. He succeeded Tim Cox, whose long tenure in Cobb also included serving as the Precinct 4 commander in East Cobb.

The Board of 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.

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Opera meets Broadway in the GSO’s ‘Drama and Destiny’

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Opera meets Broadway in the GSO’s 'Drama and Destiny'

Submitted information and photo:

Prepare for an unforgettable evening where the grandeur of opera meets the magic of Broadway! The Georgia Symphony Orchestra (GSO) proudly presents Drama and Destiny: Opera Meets Broadway on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. in the Bailey Performance Center.

This sweeping musical journey explores timeless stories of love, power, and passion—uniting the emotional depth of opera with the dazzling charm of musical theatre.

“Opera and musical stages are known to feature great moments where storytelling and music are combined,” adds Timothy Verville, GSO Music Director and Conductor. “And this performance captures that, from emotional depths to the sheer joy of celebration.”

Internationally acclaimed soprano Indra Thomas joins the GSO for a captivating performance that bridges these two worlds. Renowned for her rich, emotive voice and commanding stage presence, Ms. Thomas will bring thrilling intensity and lyrical beauty to each selection.

“I’m so looking forward to it,” said Thomas. “This will be a great fit, and I hope the audience leaves feeling like they’ve traveled the world and been touched by something divine.”Drama and Destiny: Opera Meets Broadway will also feature the GSO Chorus, led by GSO Chorus Director Brian Black.

Audiences will be swept away by stirring selections from Verdi’s Aida, including the majestic Gloria all’Egitto and its triumphant march, as well as Wagner’s electrifying Ride of the Valkyries. The program also features beloved Broadway favorites, from the blockbuster hit Wicked to a radiant Salute to Rodgers and Hammerstein, celebrating timeless classics like The Sound of Music, South Pacific, and Oklahoma!

Whether you’re an opera aficionado or a Broadway enthusiast, the GSO promises a night of soaring vocals, lush orchestrations, and emotional storytelling that transcends genre.

This special concert event also serves as the official launch of the GSO’s 75th Diamond Anniversary Season! Season subscriptions are still available on sale, and they’re the best way to experience the full spectrum of programming created for this milestone season, from tributes to the organization’s past to bold steps toward its future.

Drama and Destiny Performance Details
Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Bailey Performance Center, Kennesaw State University

Tickets and Information

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ECBA seeks donations for public safety appreciation event

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East Cobb Public Safety Appreciation Dinner

The East Cobb Business Association, in conjunction with the Cobb Chamber of Commerce and the Cobb County Public Safety Foundation, is asking for donations for its 13th annual Public Safety Appreciation Celebration.

It’s an evening in which officers and staff of Cobb Police Precinct 4 and their spouses enjoy food, entertainment and relaxation. The festivities include gift cards and other items to be given away.

The ECBA says it prefers gift cards, “especially gas cards, big box stores, restaurants and AMEX, VISA/MC gift cards” in amounts of $25, $50 or $100.

“Help us make sure that EVERY Precinct 4 officer will receive a special door prize,” says Susan Hampton, the event’s coordinator.

Donations are being accepted through Nov. 3.

You can make donations online at the Cobb Public Safety Foundation website or contact her at 404-218-6216 or Susan.Hampton6216@gmail.com.

If you’re writing a check, make it payable to “CCPSF, Inc.” and include “public safety celebration” in the memo line.

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Pope HS teacher leaves handprints at Marietta Square

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Pope HS teacher leaves handprints at Marietta Square

As the Cobb County School District Teacher of the Year, Amanda Dillard of Pope High School has already enjoyed a number of special honors.

On Wednesday she got to do another one, at the Marietta Square, as part of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce’s “Give Our Schools a Hand” celebration.

That includes the Cobb and Marietta teachers of the year leaving their handprints in a designated place near the Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre.

According to the Chamber, GOSH began in 1988 “not only to show appreciation for teachers in the community, but also to encourage area businesses, parents, and civic groups to take an active role in enhancing the quality of education.”

Dillard also will be driving a vehicle for the next year provided by the Voyles Automotive Group.

Later this month, on Oct. 29, Dillard and other school-level teachers of the year in the Cobb school district will be honored with a pep rally in front of local students.

Pope HS teacher leaves handprints at Marietta Square

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Dickerson, Mabry MS named distinguished ‘positivity’ schools

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Dickerson MS

Submitted information:

The Georgia Department of Education recently recognized 10 Cobb Schools for their work in creating an ideal learning environment for every student and avoiding major disruptions during the day. 

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support, better known as PBIS, has been a concentrated effort by Cobb Schools to equip schools with the staff and resources needed so classroom lessons are not interrupted for students.

The following Cobb Schools earned the title of Distinguished PBIS Schools for 2024-2025: Austell Elementary School, Barber Middle School, Big Shanty Elementary, School, Campbell Middle School, Compton Elementary School, Dickerson Middle School, Durham Middle School, Floyd Middle School, Mabry Middle School, and Smitha Middle School.

“Each of these schools has shown outstanding leadership and dedication in fostering a culture of positivity, engagement, and student success,” said Positive School Culture Support Supervisor Sara Folk.

To be selected as a Distinguished PBIS School, each of these 10 schools had to meet criteria set by the State, including few thresholds the following:

  • The percentage of students with 0-1 office discipline referrals must be 90% or higher. 
  • Decreases in ISS and OSS days compared to previous school year.  If there is an increase, the percentage of ISS days and OSS days (calculated per 100 students), should be no more than 5% compared to the prior year. 
  • In addition to these criteria, schools are also required to complete fidelity checks to ensure they are consistently monitoring and strengthening their PBIS implementation. 

With help from PBIS coaches, these schools have reduced disruptions, and as a result, increased time for learning.

“Just to see the culture change in the hallways, the cafeteria, the common areas, our kids buying into our expectation,” said Dr. Robert Grogan at Barber Middle School. 

Some schools have implemented methods that reward good behavior which in return has created a stronger bond between students and staff as well as made learning more fun.

“The kids love being able to use their points so they want to be able to earn points to be able to participate in activities like administration- being principal for the day, having lunch with the principal, and sports with the staff”, said Floyd Middle School science teacher Naasia Dubose.

For more information on PBIS and resources Cobb Schools provides, follow this link.

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East Cobb Food Scores: The Orient; Cazadores; Pappadeaux; more

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

Arby’s
4367 Roswell Road
Oct. 8, 2025, Score: 100, Grade: A

Blackwell Elementary School
3470 Canton Road
Oct. 9, 2025, Score: 100, Grade: A

Cazadores Mexican Restaurant (reinspection)
3165 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite D-2
Oct. 8, 2025, Score: 91, Grade: A
Previous Inspection: Sept, 25, 2025, Score; 70, Grade: C

Chick-Fil-A Eastlake
2105 Roswell Road
Oct. 8, 2025, Score: 82, Grade: B

Chipotle Mexican Grill
1281 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 137
Oct. 7, 2025, Score: 94, Grade: A

Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins
2885 Canton Road
Oct. 8, 2025, Score: 100, Grade: A

Essential Bowls
3595 Canton Road, Suite 318
Oct. 9, 2025, Score: 85, Grade: B

Great Wall Chinese and Sushi Bar
1275 Powers Ferry Road, Suite 180
Oct. 6, 2025, Score: 62, Grade: U

GTC Merchants Walk Cinema
1301 Johnson Ferry Road
Oct. 6, 2025, Score: 100, Grade: A

Keheley Elementary School
1985 Kemp Road
Oct. 8, 2025, Score: 100, Grade: A

Kincaid Elementary School
1410 Kincaid Road
Oct. 9, 2025, Score: 100, Grade: A

McDonald’s
3011 Johnson Ferry Road
Oct. 7, 2025, Score: 100, Grade: A

Nicholson Elementary School
1599 Shallowford Road
Oct. 6, 2025, Score: 91, Grade: A

The Orient
3050 Windy Hill Road
Oct. 9, 2025, Score: 83, Grade: B

Pappadeaux
2830 Windy Hill Road
Oct. 9, 2025, Score: 99, Grade: A

Pappasito’s Cantina
2788 Windy Hill Road
Oct. 6, 2025, Score: 86, Grade: B

Red Elephant Thai Cuisine (reinspection)
3000 Windy Hill Road, Suite 152
Oct. 3, 2025, Score: 80, Grade: B
Previous inspection: Sept. 22, 2025, Score: 62, Grade: U

Simpson Middle School
3340 Trickum Road
Oct. 6, 2025, Score: 100, Grade: A

Starbucks and Pizza Hut at Target
1401 Johnson Ferry Road
Oct. 6, 2025, Score: 100, Grade: A

Taco Bell
2971 Shallowford Road
Oct. 8, 2025, Score: 93, Grade: A

Which Wich Superior Sandwiches
1401 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 310
Oct. 6, 2025, Score: 91, Grade: A

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Good Mews seeking board and advisory council members

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Good Mews cat shelter surpasses GAgives fundraising goal

Submitted information:

Good Mews, a cage-free cat shelter and animal welfare organization in East Cobb, is seeking passionate and dedicated individuals to join our Board of Directors or the Board’s Advisory Council. 

As we continue to grow and expand our lifesaving work, we especially welcome applicants with experience in finance, law, animal advocacy legislation, technology, fundraising, strategic planning, and capital campaigns.

Board members play a vital role in guiding our mission, strengthening our organization, and helping ensure that more cats in our community and beyond receive the care they deserve. If you are ready to make a meaningful impact for animals while sharing your expertise, we invite you to apply and help shape the future of Good Mews. 

To learn more about Good Mews: https://www.goodmews.org/about-us

To be considered please send an email outlining your interest to governance@goodmews.org and attach a resume (if applicable). Board members meet monthly and dedicate approximately 5-15 hours per month. Advisory Council members meet quarterly at most, and are involved intermittently on a project basis.

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