Wendy Parker

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

Kroger’s $23M Parkaire expansion to include fuel center

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Kroger's $23M Parkaire expansion to include fuel center

Demolition work is getting underway for a major renovation and expansion of the Kroger store at the Parkaire Landing Shopping Center in East Cobb.

Kroger’s Atlanta Division said in a release on Tuesday that the store will grow from 59,000 square feet to 85,000 square feet and will include a fuel station in the parking lot.

That’s almost as big as the Kroger Superstore that opened on Powers Ferry Road in 2023 as the anchor for the MarketPlace Terrell Mill development.

Three vacant retail spaces will be converted for the Kroger project, including the former Tuesday Morning store next door, where the construction work is beginning.

Kroger said the project is expected to be completed by the spring of 2027 and that the store will remain open during the construction period.

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

The Parkaire location is the only Kroger in East Cobb that currently doesn’t have a fuel center, and “a portion of existing surface parking will be removed to accommodate” the 12-pump gas station, the Kroger release said.

“We’re thrilled to see Kroger expand its presence at Parkaire Landing,” Eric Hines, director and Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regional lead of asset management at Jamestown, the retail center’s management company, said in the release.

“The store’s evolution aligns with our vision of creating a dynamic, one-stop destination, and we look forward to the benefits the new space will bring to the neighborhood.”

Kroger has been located at Parkaire Landing (4880 Lower Roswell Road at Johnson Ferry Road) since the 1970s.

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Local, gubernatorial candidates to visit East Cobb Democrats

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Local, gubernatorial candidates to visit East Cobb Democrats
Michael Garza (L) and Chris Harden

Announced candidates for local elections in East Cobb as well as a candidate for Georgia governor will be visiting the February meeting of the East Cobb Democrats.

The meeting is Feb. 25 at Round Trip Brewing at Avenue East Cobb (4475 Roswell Road, Suite 1600). The featured guests include former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for Georgia governor.

Chris Harden has announced as a Democratic candidate for the Georgia 11th Congressional District seat, and Micheal Garza is running for Post 4 on the Cobb Board of Education.

The event takes place at 7 p.m. and attendees must RSVP at this link.

Local, gubernatorial candidates to visit East Cobb Democrats
Keisha Lance Bottoms

Bottoms (campaign website) is in a crowded Democratic race to succeed outgoing Republican Gov. Brian Kemp. Former State Sen. Jason Esteves, former Republican Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan and former DeKalb County CEO and ex-Georgia Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond also are among the candidates vying in the May 19 primary.

In the 11th District Congressional race, Harden (campaign website) is an attorney in Cherokee County and is one of four Democrats who have announced. Republican incumbent GOP Congressman Barry Loudermilk is not seeking re-election.

Garza is an East Cobb resident who is seeking a seat on the Cobb school board currently held by Republican David Chastain.

Thus far they are the only announced candidates for Post 4, which includes the Kell, Lassiter and Sprayberry attendance zones.

Garza (campaign website) who ran for the District 46 Georgia House seat in 2024, has been a frequent critic of the Cobb County School District and the GOP leadership on the Cobb school board, which holds a 4-3 majority.

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East Cobb restaurant update: Press Waffle closes at Avenue

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East Cobb restaurant update: Press Waffle closes at Avenue

The Belgian-style concept Press Waffle Co. has closed at Avenue East Cobb, a little more than two years after opening in one of the retail center’s “jewel box” spaces.

Owners Keith and Niki Ginel announced the news on the restaurant’s Instagram page last week, saying that the the last day of service was Sunday.

No reason was given for the closure. The restaurant’s website is still functional and includes a menu and store hours.

“We are thankful to those of you who were a part of our Press Waffle community,” the Instagram message states. “It was an honor to receive so many prayer requests from our customers. We hope that our little restaurant served as a light and brought joy to East Cobb.”

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

Press Waffle Co., which began as a food truck venture in St. Louis in 2016 and vaulted into fame via the television show “Shark Tank” had seven locations in Missouri, Arkansas, Texas and Colorado when the East Cobb venue opened.

Menu features included “customizable” handmade gourmet waffles and coffee and espresso items. With the East Cobb closure, there are only three Press Waffle locations remaining: in Oviedo, Fla., Houston and the original site in St. Louis.

Press Waffle is the third restaurant to close recently at Avenue East Cobb, following Tin Lizzy’s and Tin Pin Game Bar, which were part of a company reduction.

In November, Luga Italian Eatery opened in the former Drift space, and is being run in conjunction with the adjacent Giulia Italian Bakery.

The other jewel box occupant at Avenue is set to open soon. Tenku Sushi Elevation is hiring staff and has indicated on social media it will be opening soon, but has announced a date.

Like the original, in Woodstock, Tenku’s restaurant at Avenue features a variety of Japanese dishes that include nigiri and sashimi, signature rolls, robata grills, omakase, and flame-seared marinated octopus.

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East Cobb Real Estate: Wildwood townhouse sells for $530K

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East Cobb Real Estate: Wildwood townhouse sells for $530K

This week’s featured home sale is a townhouse at the Riverstone at Wildwood, located in the Wheeler High School, East Cobb Middle School and Brumby Elementary School attendance zones.

It features 3 bedrooms and 3.5 baths, covering 3,510 square feet, and it sold for $530,000 on Feb. 3, 2026.

The townhouse opens to a three-story grand foyer leading to the main level, including a living area with a fireplace that opens to a large private deck.

The upper level includes a primary suite with lofty ceilings and natural light, a large walk-in closet, and an en-suite bath with dual vanities, a separate shower, and a soaking tub.

An additional bedroom can be used as a home office, and a lower level includes an extra family room with a bedroom and access to a private patio, a full bath, and ample storage.

The townhouse also has two-car garage with extra storage space and additional parking.

Click the middle button below to see more photos.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The following East Cobb residential real estate sales from Feb. 2-6, 2026 were compiled from agency reports and Cobb County property records.

They include the street address, subdivision name and sales price listed under their respective high school attendance zones:

Kell

1877 Falcon Wood Drive 30066 (Falcon Wood): $429,000

Lassiter

3480 Pebble Hill Drive, 30062 (Woodbine Station): $625,000

4545 Forest Peak Circle, 30066 (Highland Pointe): $900,000

2402 Woodbridge Drive, 30066 (Cambridge Forest): $675,000

4464 Windsor Oaks Drive, 30066 (Windsor Oaks): $735,000

Marietta

1511 Emerald Glen Drive, 30062 (Cameron Creek): $560,000

Pope

3461 Salem Trace, 30062 (Liberty Ridge): $549,000

2901 Davis Road, 30062: $375,000

Sprayberry

2260 Seatton Court, 30062 (Harper Woods): $615,000

2839 Pine Meadow Drive, 30066 (Pine Meadow): $380,000

358 Timber Way East, 30066 (Piedmont Hills): $420,000

2846 Summit Ridge Drive, 30066 (Piedmont Hills): $406,000

2243 Rosemoore Walk, 30062 (Rosemoore at Harper Woods): $491,000

3150 Vickery Drive, 30066 (Vickery Park): $577,000

3909 Bellair Drive, 30066 (Philmont Estates): $625,000

1386 Valmont Trace, 30066 (St. Charles Square): $535,000

2800 Fernvalley Road, 30066 (Piedmont Hills): $350,000

3216 Guynelle Drive, 30066 (Addison Heights): $393,000

Walton

2880 Octavia Circle, 30062 (Vestavia Estates): $2.063 million

2482 North Forest Drive, 30062 (North Forest): $655,000

1967 Rolling House Lane, 30068 (Timber Ridge): $757,000

2903 Ashebrooke Drive, 30068 (Ashebrooke): $842,550

5108 Nicolet Court, 30062 (North Forest): $659,000

Wheeler

2439 Little John Trail, 30067 (Red Oak Park): $325,000

1769 Millview Drive, 30062 (Barnes Mill Lake): $357,000

5882 Riverstone Circle, Unit 15, 30339 (Riverstone at Wildwood): $530,000

1507 Wynnes Ridge Circle, 30067 (Wynnes Ridge): $245,000

566 Lyle Drive, 30067 (Meadow Brook): $350,000

399 Old Canton Road, 30068 (Sope Creek Farms): $730,000

1564 Park Lane 30066: $395,000

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Bookmiser hosts ‘Southern Gothic’ author as reopening nears

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Bookmiser hosts 'Southern Gothic' author as reopening nears

After being closed since late September due to a fire, the longstanding East Cobb independent bookstore Bookmiser is close to reopening.

That was the message this week from owner Annell Gerson in a message to store customers.

She said in an e-mail newsletter that the store at 3822 Roswell Road will reopen its doors “sometime during the week of February 21” but a specific date hasn’t been announced.

Gerson said that to celebrate the reopening, Bookmiser will have a book author session with Dick Harpootlian, a noted South Carolina attorney and political figure whose recently published book, “Dig Me A Grave,” recounts the life of a serial killer known as “The Redneck Charles Manson.”

The Bookmiser event with Harpootlian will be led by Adam Beam, an editor for the Politically Georgia newsletter published by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. It will take place on Saturday, Feb. 28, from 4-5:30 p.m. at Bookmiser, and is free to the public, but registration is requested.

In November, Bookmiser and other tenants at the Village East strip center had to vacate the premises for remediation after the fire broke out at Owl Repair, a computer repair store, adjacent to the bookstore.

Cobb Fire investigators said the bookstore sustained extensive soot and smoke damage, and Gerson held special sales before the closure and referred customers to online ordering options.

Most of the other businesses have reopened, including the Chopsticks China Bistro restaurant.

In her message this week, Gerson said that “nothing says ‘welcome back’ better than the story of a serial killer who seduced the South. Join us for some refreshments, an intriguing story, and an opportunity to see the new space.”

“Dig Me A Grave” examines the life, crimes, trial and execution of “Pee Wee” Gaskins, a serial rapist and killer who claimed to have murdered more than 100 people.

The book is being dubbed as “the definitive true ‘Southern Gothic’ account” of a charismatic lifelong criminal and “written by the prosecutor who brought him to justice.”

Gaskins was on South Carolina’s death row when he went on trial for killing another inmate. Harpootlian was the prosecutor in a case in which Gaskins received a second death sentence, resulting in his execution in 1991.

Harpootlian served as a state senator in South Carolina and also was the state Democratic Party chairman. As a defense attorney, he has represented Alex Murdaugh, a South Carolina lawyer convicted in 2021 of killing his wife and son. That conviction is being appealed.

Bookmiser is also partnering with the Cobb Library Foundation for a book author event with novelist Patti Callahan Henry at the North Cobb Regional Library on March 2 from 5-7:30 p.m.

Her most recent book is “The Story She Left Behind.” Attendees who purchase the ticket and book option will receive a signed/personalized copy of the book, a photo taken with the author, and preferential seating.

Details here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nyt-bestselling-author-patti-callahan-henry-in-discussion-wcolleen-oakley-tickets-1969357412033?aff=oddtdtcreator.

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Powers Ferry Corridor Alliance seeks Adopt-a-Mile volunteers

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Powers Ferry Corridor Alliance seeks Adopt-a-Mile volunteers
More than 30 adults and youth helped clean up the area surrounding Terrell Mill and Powers Ferry last October, during the Powers Ferry Corridor Alliance’s Fall Adopt-A-Mile clean-up in conjunction with Keep Cobb Beautiful and supported by Kroger. 

Submitted information and photo:

The Powers Ferry Corridor Alliance (PFCA) is seeking community volunteers for its Adopt-A-Mile spring event on Saturday, March 28, from 9-10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, along Powers Ferry Road at Terrell Mill Road. Meet up at 8:30 a.m. at the Kroger parking lot, 1310 Powers Ferry Rd., Marietta, GA 30067, and enjoy complimentary refreshments. PFCA hosts this event each spring and fall to invite individuals and groups to help improve the appearance of the community, in conjunction with Keep Cobb Beautiful, and supported by Kroger. All supplies and safety equipment will be provided. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult chaperone. In the event of inclement weather, an email will go out the night before to all registered participants.

Sign up: https://www.cognitoforms.com/PFCA3/PFCAsAdoptAMileDay

Learn more: https://powersferryca.com/adopt-a-mile-cleanup.html

Email: volunteer@powersferryca.com

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Wheeler retires basketball star Collier’s jersey number

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Wheeler retires basketball star Collier's jersey number
Isaiah Collier brought some of his Utah Jazz teammates to his Wheeler jersey retirement. Cobb County School District photos.

He’s only 21 years old, but Isaiah Collier’s old Wheeler High School basketball jersey number will never be worn again.

His No. 4 shirt was retired recently at a special ceremony, three years after Collier led the Wildcats to their third Georgia state championship in four years.

Now a guard with the Utah Jazz of the NBA, Collier is being honored in Wildcat Arena next to Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics, recently inducted in the Wheeler Athletic Hall of Fame.

They are the only former Wheeler players to have their jerseys retired.

As a senior, Collier was Georgia Mr. Basketball, the Naismith National high school player of the year and an All-American.

After graduation, he played one season at the University of Southern California. In his second professional season, he leads the Jazz with 7.4 assists and averages 10 points a game as a part-time starter.

“Isaiah, your jersey goes up tonight because you’ve earned it,” Wheeler athletics director Barry Bowdre told him, in a release issued by the Cobb County School District.

“From this moment forward, every young Wildcat who looks up on this wall will see your number and know what’s possible. Congratulations, Isaiah Collier. The number 4 will never be worn again in Wheeler Basketball history.”

Collier was honored before the Jazz played the Hawks in Atlanta, and was joined by some of his Utah teammates and family members.

“This means a lot,” Collier said in the district release. “With all the alumni that have come through this school, and the history of basketball at this school, it means a lot to me and my family. Am I surprised it happened so quickly? I feel like, yeah, I’m a little bit surprised how fast it happened, but I’m happy about it. I’m just happy about it.”

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Cobb superintendent: ‘Our schools are politically neutral’

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Cobb superintendent: 'Our schools are politically neutral'
“Public schools are—and must be—places for learning, not battlegrounds for ideology,” Cobb superintendent Chris Ragsdale said.

Moments after getting a contract extension, Cobb County School District Superintendent Chris Ragsdale on Thursday spoke out about the student walkouts last week at several district high schools.

They included Sprayberry and Wheeler high schools as part of coordinated protests against federal immigration activities that supporters said were student-run.

But in remarks at a Cobb Board of Education meeting Thursday night, Ragsdale disputed that claim, and accused those behind the walkouts of trying to indoctrinate public school students.

He said that the Georgia Emergency Management Administration identified some of the groups as Liberation Atlanta and the Party for Socialism, and that they “want schools to use their access and authority to advance their political agendas.

“And once again in Cobb, we say no.”

He said that parents have the right to make decisions for their children, “a right we recognize.

“They do not, however, have the right to force the children of other families to sacrifice their learning to advance that parent’s political goals,” Ragsdale said, reading from prepared remarks, as he has done frequently on a variety of controversial topics in recent years.

“In what is far from the first time I’m having to say this and unfortunately unlikely not the last, our schools must be politically neutral. ”

Before the walkouts took place, the district said that students violating its student code of conduct—which includes disruptions to the school day—would be subject to disciplinary matters including out-0f-school suspensions and bans from extracurricular activities.

In his remarks, Ragsdale did not indicate what, if any, disciplinary measures have taken place. He said that unspecified property damage during walkouts could cost between $150,000 to $200,000.

Nor did he mention an incident at Campbell High School during the walkouts in which a student allegedly was attacked by Principal Paul Gillihan—formerly of Wheeler.

Ragsdale also called out Cobb Democratic legislators who supported and encouraged the walkouts and who said the district’s threatened punishments violated students’ First Amendment rights.

“They know that minors do not have the same rights in schools that adults have in society,” Ragsdale said, adding that “the First Amendment ends when schools are disrupted.

“These people knew that, but they did not care.”

At some schools students were driving around on campus, while at Sprayberry, several dozen students left the school grounds and held up signs at the intersection of Sandy Plains and Piedmont roads.

“Public schools are—and must be—places for learning, not battlegrounds for ideology,” Ragsdale said, adding that the district will ensure that classrooms remain “free of political games.”

The Cobb school board voted 5-2 to extend Ragsdale’s contract into 2029. It’s a three-year deal that has been routinely extended by a year by the board, which has a 4-3 Republican majority.

There was no discussion of the extension by the board, which voted after coming out of an executive session. Board members Becky Sayler and Nichelle Davis, Democrats, from the Smyrna area, voted against the extension, also without making any comment.

No details of Ragsdale’s current contract were presented; his base salary has been at $350,000 but with bonuses and other incentives his total package is estimated to be near $500,000 a year.

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Cobb Library System offers winter break week activities

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Submitted information:Cobb library tax forms

Cobb County Public Library locations are go-to Winter Break destinations for a packed calendar of free engaging and creative in-person programs for young children, students and adults, organizers say. School is out Feb. 16-20 for students and educators in the Cobb County and Marietta City school districts, and for many independent schools and homeschool families.

The popular African Cultural Fest is 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Charles D. Switzer Library, 266 Roswell St. in downtown Marietta. Organized as a Black History Month celebration for all ages, the Feb. 18 event is an afternoon of cultural enrichment and African heritage. The family-friendly program features performances by the Switzer Library Teens, including African drama and masquerade; a fashion show, live music and dance, and African cuisine with servings of African jollof rice. For more information, call 770-528-2320.

Gritters Library’s Medieval Storytime is 10:30 a.m. Thursday. The program offers a chance for children ages two through 9 and participating caregivers to come dressed in princess, knight, renaissance or dragon costumers and experience tales of knights confronting fire-breathing beasts. Participants in the Feb. 19 program will also work on a special craft. The library is located at 880 Shaw Park Road, Marietta 30066.

Inside the Mind, a Pope High School student group, will present a screening of the Pixar movie Inside Out 1 p.m. Friday at Mountain View Regional Library, 3320 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta 30066. The Feb. 20 Family Movie Day program will also include giveaways, snacks and writing activity. For more information, call the library at 770-509-2725.

For information on the full lineup of Winter Break week programs at Cobb County libraries, visit cobbcounty.gov/library.

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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 Erin.Mendez@cobbcounty.gov 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.

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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.

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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.

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