Nearly two dozen Cobb criminal street gang defendants get long sentences

The Cobb District Attorney’s Office said Friday that 23 people have been sentenced to long prison terms for a range of gang-related criminal offenses in the county in 2015 and 2016.Cobb criminal street gang defendants

In a release, DA’s office spokeswoman Kim Isaza said that members of Get Money Squared, Wildlyfe and 2200, three criminal street gangs with roots in Cobb, pleaded guilty to drive-by shootings, drug offenses, thefts, car break-ins, assault, street-gang terrorism, criminal trespass, disrupting a public school and firearms violations.

One of the crimes tied to the defendants included a car break-in on Manning Road in the East Cobb area in January 2016.

Another case tied to the crime spree, according to prosecutors, was a drug sale at Windy Hill Road and Circle 75 Parkway in May 2016.

Isaza said Cobb Superior Court Judge Reuben Green handed down sentences ranging from 10 years to 20 years.

She said many of them were given first-offender status, which means that if they complete their custody and probation periods without further incidents, their records will be sealed.

Isaza said the defendants are between 20-27 years old and come from Cobb, Woodstock, Lawrenceville, Atlanta, and Dothan, Ala. The last of the defendants was sentenced last month, she added, and all of them pleaded guilty to racketeering.

Investigating the case were the Cobb Police Anti-Gang Enforcement Unit, Smyrna Police, Marietta Police and Cobb County School District Police.

“Members and associates of these gangs admitted that they sold drugs, broke into dozens of cars to commit thefts and committed acts of violence against people outside the gangs, all to increase their status within the criminal organization and further the gangs’ violent reputations,” said Cobb Senior Assistant District Attorney Jaret Usher, who prosecuted the case, in a statement.

 

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East Cobb Halloween Weekend Events: Festivals, Haunted Theater, Trunk or Treat and more

East Cobb Halloween Weekend Events

We’re off to a wet, cold start, but that’s about all that can dampen a packed slate of East Cobb Halloween Weekend Events. Saturday will be rainy and chilly too, but Sunday through Oct. 31 promise to be warmer and very sunny.

On Saturday morning, hearty souls will be out early with their running shoes on, in the Haunted Hustle Run at the Northeast Cobb YMCA (3010 Johnson Ferry Road) to benefit both Y branches in East Cobb.

This is for kids, young and old, from the folks at Zaxby’s at 2981 Delk Road: Touch-A-Truck, from 11-3 Saturday. The vehicles to explore will come from local law enforcement, a stretch Hummer, USPS mail truck, and dump truck and more. Wear a costume for “truck” or treating.

The Avenue East Cobb will be holding its Fall Festival Saturday from 3-7 around the shopping center (4475 Roswell Road), with trick-or-treating, games, face-painting, games, prizes and live acoustic music starting at 5 in front of Stockyard Burgers.

Another Community Fall Festival, from 5-7 Saturday at Paper Mill Road Baptist Church  (3227 Paper Mill Road), that’s open to the public, with trick or treating, games, door prizes and more.

Stay warm indoors with the start of Pope High School’s Haunted Theater. This year’s production is “The Circus,” a Halloween thriller with friendly clowns and performers including the bearded lady, a contortionist and a two-headed human, among other creatures. The show starts at 6 p.m. Saturday.

Also indoors, all day Saturday, is the GirlsFIRST Jr. Robotics workshop, from 9-4 at the old East Cobb Middle School (380 Holt Road). It’s for girls grades 6-8, as they will learn about a variety of STEM opportunities and speak to women in STEM fields. Lunch is also being provided.

Saturday’s also the day to deposit old and unused medications on national Medication Take Back Day. Visit WellStar East Cobb Health Park (3747 Roswell Road) between 10-2.

Saturday night, cozy up indoors at the Lassiter Concert Hall (2601 Shallowford Road) for the U.S. Navy Jazz Band Concert, which starts at 7. It’s free to the public.

Sunday’s going to be sunny and in the 70s, perfect for outdoor fun. From 4-6, enjoy another Sunday Funday concert at East Cobb Park (3322 Roswell Road). Bring a picnic and take in the sounds of The Loose Shoes Band.

Also from 4-6, the public is invited to a Trunk or Treat at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church (4495 Sandy Plains Road).

With Halloween stretching into the middle of the week, we’ll stretch our calendar a few days ahead too.

On Monday, it’s a Halloween Food Truck from 5-8 at Paper Mill Village (255 Village Parkway). There will be face painting, live music from the East Cobb School of Rock and all kinds of food truck fare, including Cousins Maine Lobster, Deep South Biscuit and Cattywumpus Grill.

Last call for Trunk or Treat is on Halloween day itself, Wednesday from 6-7:30 p.m. at Powers Ferry United Methodist Church (245 Powers Ferry Road). After collecting candy treats, a hot dog dinner will be served.

Check our full calendar listings for more things to do in East Cobb this weekend, and beyond.

Did we miss anything? Do you have a calendar item you’d like to share with the community? Send it to us, and we’ll spread the word! E-mail: calendar@eastcobbnews.com, and you can include a photo or flyer if you like.

Whatever you’re doing this weekend, make it a great one! Enjoy!

 

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East Cobb Elections Preview: District 32 Georgia State Senate

District 32 Georgia State Senate, Kay Kirkpatrick, Christine Triebsch

The District 32 Georgia State Senate race is a rematch from last year’s special election.

Kay Kirkpatrick (pictured at left), a Republican retired orthopedic surgeon who won that election to succeed Judson Hill, is once again facing family law attorney Chrstine Triebsch, a Democrat (pictured at right).

Kirkpatrick won a runoff against Triebsch by 57-43 percent for the seat that covers most of East Cobb and some of Sandy Springs.

Neither of them faced primary opposition in May. They were part of a candidates forum in early October sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Cobb-Marietta.

They discussed health care, taxes, public safety and other issues on a panel with candidates in other Cobb senate races.

Triebsch said that in the Republican-dominated Georgia state government, “we need a two-party system.” She said her platform is comprised of “common sense and compassion” and fresh approaches for jobs, health care, education and the environment.”

Kirkpatrick said her objective has been to “bring a voice of reason to state government” and has focused on improving health insurance options, public safety and services for military veterans.

Candidate websites

At the League of Women Voters forum, they differed on tax issues. Kirkpatrick voted for a state tax cut for individuals and businesses and said “I would like to look for more savings [in places such as state agencies] and cut taxes further.

Triebsch said that before cutting taxes, new sources of revenue must be found. She’s also against eliminating the state income tax.

On health care issues, Triebsch supports expanding Medicaid in Georgia and preserving the Affordable Health Care Act, or Obamacare.

A member of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, Kirkpatrick said she hears more from constituents about health insurance issues than just about anything else, especially the costs of premiums on the individual market.

“There’s a lot we can do to rein in the big carriers,” she said.

As for Medicaid expansion, Kirkpatrick said a problem bigger than expansion is that “we have to fix a system that is broken.”

On education matters, Triebsch advocates a new funding formula to replace the Quality Basic Education Act, which is more than 30 years old. She opposes vouchers for private schools.

School choice, she said, “is not a choice if the choice is not a public school.”

Triebsch says she supports better pay for teachers and efforts to reduce class size.

Kirkpatrick said she wants to “support teachers in a different way” with funding also being directed to address social issues, including more support for counselors. She also is stressing school safety and has been appointed to a special Senate study committee on the subject.

Related coverage

 

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Cobb SAT scores for 2018 paced by Pope, Lassiter and Walton

Pope High School, Cobb SAT scores

Similar to what we posted last week about Cobb ACT scores, the Cobb SAT scores for 2018 are in, and three East Cobb schools led the way in the county.

Walton’s average score of 1,262 once again led all Cobb schools, followed by fellow East Cobb schools Lassiter (1,204) and Pope (1,203).

They were among 12 high schools in Georgia with a mean score of 1,200 above (out of a maximum 1,600).

Wheeler’s mean score was 1,147, followed by Kell (1,059) and Sprayberry (1,049).

Cobb’s 1,107 average outpaced both the Georgia and national mean scores (see chart below).

The SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) is administered by the College Board, and tests students in two cluster subject areas: Math and ERW (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing). The score grading is from 400 to 1,600.

According to Cobb schools, more than 70 percent of the 2018 graduating class in the district took the new SAT.

Two East Cobb schools had mean increases of 20 percent or more: Pope (39) and Walton (20). Lassiter’s mean score is 15 percent better than 2017.

“The growth that we have seen this year on our SAT scores is amazing. We are extremely proud of our students for the focused and intentional effort they have put into achieving a high level of success on their SATs,” Pope Principal Tom Flugum said in a statement released by Cobb schools.

“These results are a testament to the commitment of our staff and students to continually improve so that they can learn, grow, and lead both now and in the future.”

Here are the six East Cobb high school scores, as well as the Cobb, Georgia and national results. ERW is an abbreviation for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing.

# Test Takers ERW Mean Math Mean 2018 Overall Mean 2017 Overall Mean
Kell 198 541 518 1,059 1,091 (-32)
Lassiter 480 602 602 1,204 1,189 (+15)
Pope 307 608 596 1,203 1,164 (+39)
Sprayberry 255 540 509 1,049 1,040 (0)
Walton 528 628 634 1,262 1,242 (+20)
Wheeler 273 576 571 1,147 1,153 (-6)
Cobb 5,472 563 544 1,107 1,088 (+19)
Georgia 542 522 1,064 1,050 (+14)
National 536 531 1,068 1,060 (+8)

 

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Cobb library hours expanding Nov. 5, featuring earlier Saturday hours

Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center, Cobb library hours expanding

The Cobb County Public Library System has announced that expanded operating hours will start Monday, Nov. 5, for most branches.

That’s due to the recently approved county budget, which also added Sunday hours at regional branches, including Mountain View.

The biggest change is in Saturday hours. Many branches open late in the morning or in the early afternoon.

All Cobb branches, with one exception, will open at 10 a.m. starting Nov. 10. Those branches currently close at 6; the new closing time will be at 5 p.m. (The Windy Hill branch will remain closed on Saturday.)

Currently, the East Cobb and Mountain View branches open at 11 a.m. Saturday, while Gritters and the Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center (pictured above) open at 1 p.m.

In addition, opening times on Thursday and Friday will be at 10 a.m. at larger branches, including Mountain View, East Cobb and Sewell Mill, that currently open at 11 a.m. The closing time for those branches on those days will stay at 6 p.m.

Gritters is classified as a mid-size branch and also will have new Thursday and Friday hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Hours will remain unchanged at branches open on Sunday, from 1-5 p.m.

For more information call 770-528-2320 or visit the Cobb library website.

A quick note if you’re visiting any Cobb library branch, for Friday only: They’re all opening an hour later than usual, at noon, for staff in-service training.

 

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Cobb teachers of the year honored at rally-style celebration

Cobb teachers of the year, Keelan Seabolt, Lassiter
Lassiter students cheer on science teacher Keelan Seabolt, who’s also the school’s STEM coordinator.

Submitted photos and information are from the Cobb County School District about Tuesday’s special celebration for Cobb teachers of the year on a countywide basis.

We’ve posted before about Fred Veeder, the Dodgen Middle School seventh-grade math teacher who was named the county’s teacher of the year for 2018.

He was on hand for the celebration at Roswell Street Baptist Church, and so were students, staff and each school’s teacher of the year. Teachers also were honored for Marietta City Schools, Chattahoochee Technical College, Life University, Georgia Highlands College and Kennesaw State University. Jayne Becker, East Side ES, Cobb teachers of the year

The event was put on by the Cobb Chamber of Commerce as part of its “Give Our Schools a Hand” program.

The individual teachers of the year for all East Cobb schools are listed below:

  • Debbie Burdett, Addison ES, (2nd Grade)
  • Sayonara Aybar, Bells Ferry ES, (Special Ed)
  • Mandy Spence, Blackwell ES (Physical Education)
  • Shirley Davis, Brumby ES (ESOL)
  • Susan L. Cronin, Daniell MS (6th Grade Social Studies, ESOL)
  • Nancy Parsons, Davis ES (Target)
  • Sunny Williams, Dickerson MS (6th Grade AC ELA)
  • Fred Veeder, Dodgen MS (7th Grade Math, Cobb Teacher of the Year)
  • Addison Brooks, East Cobb MS (Special Ed)
  • Jayne Becker, East Side ES (1st Grade)
  • Lida Sacia, Eastvalley ES (2nd Grade)

    Fred Veeder of Dodgen Middle School, the Cobb Teacher of the Year, and Superintendent Chris Ragsdale.
  • Sharon Hanna, Garrison Mill ES (1st Grade
  • Kaitlin Hankinson, Hightower Trail MS (Special Ed)
  • Sarah Dupuis, Keheley ES (Media Specialist)
  • Lauren Hines, Kell HS (Physical Ed/Health)
  • Sheila Hitt, Kincaid ES (3rd Grade)
  • Keelan Seabolt, Lassiter HS (Science)
  • Libby Lippincott, Mabry MS (6th Grade Math
  • Carin Wilkes, McCleskey MS (PE/Health)
  • Missy Bain, Mt. Bethel ES (2nd Grade)
  • Ashley Montejo, Mountain View ES (3rd Grade)
  • Susann Peck, Murdock ES (Kindergarten)
  • Katherine Hines, Nicholson ES (Special Ed)
  • William Blythe, Pope HS (Science)
  • Oscar Tromp, Powers Ferry ES (5th Grade)
  • Laurie McGillis, Rocky Mount ES (Speech and Language Pathologist)
  • Anne Bernard, Sedalia Park ES (3rd Grade)
  • Lynn Boland, Shallowford Falls ES (Music)
  • Mary Colclasure, Simpson MS (8th Grade Math)
  • Rebecca Dershowitz, Sope Creek ES (Special Ed)
  • Marykay Wright, Sprayberry HS (Math)
  • Staci Carper, Timber Ridge ES (1st Grade)
  • Joni Adams, Tritt ES (3rd Grade)
  • Laura Speer, Walton HS (Math)
  • Michael Sawyer, Wheeler HS (U.S. History)

Susann Peck Murdock ES, Cobb teacher of the year

Laura Speer, Walton HS, Cobb teachers of the year

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East Cobb Elections Preview: Georgia 6th Congressional District

Georgia 6th Congressional District, Karen Handel, Lucy McBath

A year after the most expensive U.S. House race in American history was waged in the Georgia 6th Congressional District, the seat could be closely contested again.

U.S. Rep. Karen Handel (left), a Roswell Republican, fended off Democrat Jon Ossoff in a special election despite being outspent in a race that raised more than $30 million.

This year, she’s being opposed by first-time candidate Lucy McBath (right), a nationally known gun-control advocate.

The 6th Congressional District, which includes most of East Cobb, North Fulton and north and central DeKalb, has been in Republican hands since former House Speaker Newt Gingrich first won in 1978.

6th District maps

But Handel, a former Georgia Secretary of State, won only after Ossoff, a political novice, barely avoided a runoff following a “jungle primary” in which she finished second. In the runoff, she got some of her strongest margins in East Cobb and was actively supported by commissioners Bob Ott and JoAnn Birrell.

Handel was unopposed in the Republican primary in May. McBath earned the Democratic nomination in a runoff.

A poll released Tuesday shows Handel with a four-point lead, which is within the margin of error.

The National Republican Campaign Committee has purchased $1.4 million in Atlanta TV air time for pro-Handel commercials that began this week.

Candidate websites

President Donald Trump won the 6th District with just 51 percent of the vote in 2016. Since succeeding former Rep. Tom Price, Handel has touted her vote for Trump’s tax cuts, but she opposes his steel and aluminum tariffs. (The 6th District includes the U.S. headquarters of Mercedes-Benz.)

McBath is a former Delta Air Lines flight attendant who lives in East Cobb. Her son, a Marietta High School graduate, was shot and killed in 2012 in Florida by an angry motorist for playing loud car music at a gas station.

Since then, she’s been an outspoken advocate for gun-control and other traditional liberal positions.

She wants to preserve the Affordable Health Care Act (referred to as “Obamacare”) with some changes, as well as expand Medicaid in Georgia. McBath has been critical of what she calls the “Trump-Handel Tax Scam” and supports citizenship for the “Dreamers,” the children of undocumented immigrants who have grown up in the United States.

Handel has advocated “repealing and replacing” Obamacare with a market-based alternative, as well as building a wall along the southern border of the U.S. to prevent illegal immigration.

Related coverage

McBath has been endorsed by EMILY’s list, a political action committee that supports pro-choice Democrats. Handel has the endorsement of the Susan B. Anthony List, which supports pro-life candidates.

During the campaign, Handel has raised questions of McBath’s East Cobb residency pertaining to her claiming homestead exemptions.

McBath noted that Handel, a former Georgia Secretary of State and candidate for the U.S. Senate and Georgia Governor, is only now running for re-election for the first time and that the incumbent “will do or say anything” to remain in power.

McBath made those remarks Tuesday in a debate with Handel that was conducted by the Atlanta Press Club. The video below is about a half an hour, and includes a heated exchange about gun-control, background checks for arms purchases and the National Rifle Association.

 

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Cobb Diaper Day donations accepted at Monday event on Marietta Square

Press release:Cobb Diaper Day

Low-income families often have the daily stress of choosing between food and diapers.

Prolonged wearing of a wet diaper causes diaper rash and a crying baby leads to more stress in the home. Local agencies such as the Center for Family Resources, liveSAFE, MUST Ministries and others can only dispense diapers four times a year to their clients, due to the lack of resources. In tough economic times, low-income families face the facts that:

  • Food stamps do not include hygiene products such as diapers.
  • On average, the cost to purchase diapers is approximately $100/month. 
  • Day care centers require parents to provide their own diapers.

Declare a day in October to collect diapers from your employees, organization members or friends, or hold a diaper drive in your neighborhood.

Drop off the diaper donations at Glover Park on the Marietta Square on Monday, Oct. 29 from 5-6 p.m. 

For more information and questions, download the flyer, visit Cobb Diaper Day or e-mail CobbOperationWarmth@gmail.com or call 678-296-6501.

All donated diapers will be given to Center for Family Resources, liveSAFE Resources, MUST Ministries, Ser Familia, Simple Needs GA and Sweetwater Mission for distribution to help ease some of the burdens of the hundreds of families with infants that enter their doors each month.

 

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East Cobb food scores: AJ’s; Chicken Salad Chick; Los Arcos; XenGo and more

XenGo Fusion Kitchen and Sushi; East Cobb food scores

The following East Cobb restaurant scores from Oct. 4-19 have been compiled by the Cobb & Douglas Department of Public Health. Click the link under each listing to view details of the inspection:

AJ’s Famous Seafood and Poboys
2100 Roswell Road, Suite 2148
October 9, 2018 Score: 92, Grade: A

Bells Ferry Elementary School 
2600 Bells Ferry Road
October 5, 2018 Score: 93, Grade: A

Chicken Salad Chick 
4101 Roswell Road, Suite 811
October 4, 2018 Score: 91, Grade: A

Chopstix China Bistro 
3822 Roswell Road, Suite 113
October 5, 2018 Score: 95, Grade: A

Dickerson Middle School 
855 Woodlawn Road
October 11, 2018 Score: 100, Grade: A

East Cobb Middle School
825 Terrell Mill Road
October 11, 2018 Score: 100, Grade: A

El Taco Mexican Bar and Grill
1050 East Piedmont Road, Suite 136-140
October 10, 2018 Score: 61, Grade: U
October 19, 2018 Score: 99, Grade: A

Jersey Mike’s Subs 
2014 Powers Ferry Road, Suite 300
October 15, 2018 Score: 82, Grade: B

Kumo Hibachi Sushi 
2595 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 103
October 11, 2018 Score: 64, Grade: U

Los Arcos Mexican Restaurant 
3101 Roswell Road, Suite 104
October 17, 2018 Score: 85, Grade: B

The Patty Wagon 
4796 Canton Road, Suite 500
October 10, 2018 Score: 100, Grade: A

Pope High School 
3001 Hembree Road
October 9, 2018 Score: 100, Grade: A

Simpson Middle School 
3340 Trickum Road
October 16, 2018 Score: 100, Grade: A

The Wing Factory  
1475 Terrell Mill Road, Suite 106
October 10, 2018 Score: 80, Grade: B

XenGo Fusion Kitchen and Sushi
3162 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 120
October 16, 2018 Score: 95, Grade: A

 

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Cobb schools safety town hall meeting is Thursday at Lassiter High School

A Cobb schools safety town hall meeting that will include district officials and public safety leadership will take place Thursday at Lassiter High School. Cobb schools parent portal, Cobb schools safety town hall

The town hall is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. at the Lassiter Concert Hall (2601 Shallowford Road).

Here’s what CCSD is saying about the town hall:

Parents will have the opportunity to participate in the conversation about student safety with members of Cobb’s public safety team and CCSD officials.       

“We believe the combined efforts of the police department and school administrators with the support of the superintendent’s office and the school board has resulted in our district having safe schools,” said CCSD Captain Wayne Pickett.

It’s been a little more than a year since Cobb schools unveiled the AlertPoint security system at select schools, including Bells Ferry Elementary School in Northeast Cobb.

Earlier this year, after the Parkland, Fla., high school shootings, Cobb school superintendent Chris Ragsdale announced that the district would be stepping up unannouced code red drills to measure the effectiveness of safety preparations.

In March, some school students around the county, including East Cobb, staged a walkout for gun control and student safety that was not endorsed by the district, and that earned them in-school suspensions.

In August, Campbell High School was placed on a lockdown after three students made what were termed non-specific threats of violence over the school’s walkie-talkie system.

The AlertPoint system was triggered and a code red alert was issued during that incident. All students and staff were safe, and those responsible were detained but not formally charged.

 

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East Cobb Elections Preview: Post 4 Cobb Board of Education

Post 4 Cobb Board of Education

The Post 4 Cobb Board of Education contest pits Republican incumbent David Chastain against Democrat Cynthia Parr, a first-time candidate.

They were both unopposed in the primaries.

Chastain, a logistics analyst in the aeronautics industry, is completing his first term representing the area that includes the Kell and Sprayberry attendance zones. He and his wife are Wheeler High School graduates, and their three grown children also graduated from Cobb schools.

Parr is a pastor at Faith Presbyterian Church in Canton, and her son graduated from the Wheeler STEM magnet school.

Chastain has served as the chairman and vice chairman of the Cobb school board in his first term. He has touted his experience, not just on the school board

He is in favor of eliminating the Georgia Milestones tests, and has been endorsed by Educators First, which advocates for teachers.

In a recent Cobb County School District podcast, he said maximizing educational opportunities for students may not necessarily be due to smaller class sizes but to have staff and technology in place to meet those needs on an individual basis.

“If the teacher has the tools and people available to help address the situation, that’s where we’re headed,” he said.

On her campaign website, Parr said the Cobb district ideally should balance individual learning styles with local, state and federal standards.

She also supports “an environment that nurtures and encourages parental involvement as doing so decreases behavior problems and increases graduation rates.”

Candidate websites

 

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East Cobb-based Simple Needs GA non-profit gets Wells Fargo grant

Press release:

The Atlanta office of Wells Fargo has awarded Simple Needs GA (SNGA) a $5,000 grant to help people in need in Cobb County. 

The Human Services & Basic Needs grant will go toward SNGA’s Simple Household Needs program, which provides furniture, household items and cleaning kits to people transitioning out of homelessness or escaping from domestic violence. 

“We are deeply honored to receive this generous grant from Wells Fargo’s Atlanta office,” said Brenda Rhodes, an East Cobb resident and Founder and Executive Director of SNGA. “This will help dozens of children and families in need in Cobb. It will translate directly into people moving from the floor or air mattresses to real beds, or finally having kitchen or bath basics that most of us take for granted.”

The Atlanta office of Wells Fargo is proud to support SNGA’s commitment to the community, said Tai A. Roberson, Vice President, Senior Community Development Officer, Wells Fargo Government and Community Relations. Each year, she noted, local offices of the national bank provide similar grants to a wide variety of community organizations across the country. 

“At Wells Fargo, we believe that grant-making decisions are more effective when made locally,” Roberson said. “That’s why Wells Fargo is actively involved in the communities where we live and work, and why our team members are leaders in helping our communities succeed.”

SNGA’s Simple Household Needs program provides all-new cleaning kits to help families sanitize and dignify their surroundings. The new laundry baskets are filled with more than a dozen cleaning products and tools—supplies not covered by food stamps. “Social workers help us distribute these kits to families,” Rhodes said. “They also go to our furniture clients and to several agencies who shelter clients in apartments, such as LiveSAFE Resources.”

Via the program, SNGA also relies on donations of household items, including dishes, linens, silverware, microwaves, vacuums and cookware for clients and collects donations of gently used furniture such as beds, tables and chairs, dressers and more. “It’s all the essential items you would need if you had nothing in a new home,” Rhodes families. “Struggling families are typically overjoyed when we drive up in the delivery truck and also when they see all the household items from which they can choose during their appointment at our space. Most leave with no room left in their car. This program helps them live with greater ease and dignity.”

For more information about SNGA or Simple Household Needs, email brenda@simpleneedsga.org.

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New Cobb schools parent portal to be introduced in January

Press release:Cobb schools parent portal

During the October 18 Board of Education meeting, Cobb County School District leaders discussed the January launch of a new parent portal—CTLS Parent—that will show parents what their child knows and provide resources to help their child master other content areas. Initially, CTLS Parent will roll out to a select group of schools to serve as a proof-of-concept. The District will collect feedback from parents and teachers before CTLS Parent is expanded to all schools. 

CTLS Parent is part of the Cobb Teaching and Learning System (CTLS). The innovative digital platform empowers teachers with information on what each student knows and what they don’t know so the educators can realign instruction time to help students achieve success. 

The new parent portal was developed with input from parent focus groups. Parents helped District leaders understand what Cobb parents want to see about their children. The system will not only provide information, in real-time, about the progress their students are making, CTLS Parent will also give parents access to on-demand resources so they can support their children at home. The thousands of District-vetted resources will make up Cobb’s Learning Object Repository (LOR) within CTLS Parent. 

“Parent engagement is critical to the success of the educational process,” said Cobb Superintendent Chris Ragsdale. “We have talked to parents. We have talked to teachers. With their help, we have developed a system that will help each student succeed, and I think CTLS could be used as a model to help students outside of Cobb succeed too.”  

The Cobb County School District has already taken steps to pilot CTLS as the foundation of a new assessment model for Georgia. Learn more about Cobb Metrics here. 

 

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East Cobb Elections Preview: District 3 Cobb Board of Commissioners

District 3 Cobb Commission, District 3 Cobb Board of Commissioners
From L-R: Republican incumbent JoAnn Birrell; Democratic challenger Caroline Holko

The District 3 Cobb Board of Commissioners race gives voters a distinct choice.

Republican commissioner JoAnn Birrell, first elected in 2010, is a conservative from Northeast Cobb who has cited her votes against tax increases, her work to improve blighted properties in the Canton Road corridor and her push to build Mabry Park.

Democrat Caroline Holko, a first-time candidate, is an admitted “progressive” liberal who favors expanding transit options in Cobb, has been critical of the county’s Atlanta Braves stadium deal and supports more hours for services like libraries.

Birrell, a former lobbyist and consultant, said she brings “a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table.”

Holko, whose family moved to Cobb from New Orleans and who home-schools her children, said “it’s time to do things differently.”

District 3 includes much of Northeast Cobb and portions of the city of Marietta and the area around Kennesaw State University.

Birrell and Holko easily won their respective primaries in May.

Candidates homepages

Birrell and Holko met recently at a forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Cobb-Marietta, and discussed the above issues and others. Joseph Pond, who ran against Birrell in the 2014 Republican primary, and who is running as an independent write-in candidate, was not invited.

Birrell, who supported the Braves stadium financing in 2013, said she understands why people are still upset by that vote, “but I can’t say I regret the decision.”

She cited a recent Cobb Chamber of Commerce fiscal impact study claiming an $18.9 million annual revenue benefit for the county.

Joseph Pond
Write-in candidate Joseph Pond

Holko noted a recent vote by the commissioners to settle a dispute with the Braves over infrastructure costs.

“I would like to see the entire contract laid bare to the public so we don’t get surprises like this,” she said.

Birrell responded that the Braves-Cobb contract “is an open record” and includes a provision for disputes like this one that go to mediation.

Pond, an East Cobb resident who has clashed with the county over his backyard chickens, is a plumber and organizer of the Backyard Chickens Alliance.

He thinks commissioner seats should be non-partisan and wants to reduce county building code that’s now around 1,400 pages long. Pond also is critical of “corporate welfare,” specifically tax breaks for companies that move to Cobb.

At the League of Women Voters forum, Birrell and Holko supported the acquisition of more green space.

Holko is an unabashed supporter of more transit options. Birrell said that “we need to look at everything,” especially with a county transit study being completed by the end of the year that “will give input to where transit is needed,” followed by a referendum.

Birrell supports the creation of a special tax district to fund Cobb Police operations, similar to what is done for fire and emergency services. Holko said she supports better salaries for public safety employees.

Cobb BOC District 3 mapHolko also said she is in favor of opening libraries seven days a week, as recently was begun at regional libraries, and she prefers a neighborhood branch concept to a regional branch concept.

Birrell said the regional library concept “has been around for a long time.” She also said she wouldn’t support closing smaller branches that aren’t close to a regional library.

Holko said she’s proud to be a liberal Democrat, and that “one thing I would be on the board is [provide] a little bit of balance.”

Birrell touted her record of keeping taxes low while preserving “our quality of life . . . If you’re asking for someone who can get things done, my record speaks for itself. I do get results.”

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East Cobb Restaurant Update: Jason’s Deli opening delayed to Nov. 5

East Cobb Jason's Deli opening

We heard from Benny Marchuk this morning that the Jason’s Deli opening that was slated for today is being pushed back.

He’s the manager for the East Cobb location at Merchants Festival shopping center (1205 Johnson Ferry Road), and said the restaurant will open two weeks from today, on Nov. 5, due to construction delays.

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New East Cobb Primrose School to hold open house Saturday

East Cobb Primrose School

On Saturday the new East Cobb Primrose School will have an open house for prospective families, a couple weeks after the facility opened its doors at Paper Mill Village.

The open house is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and activities include children’s arts and crafts, a scavenger hunt, face painting and lunch from the school menu.

Tours also will be available at 12,000-square-foot school building at 202 Village Parkway, and members of the East Cobb Business Association the included in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m.

The East Cobb Primrose School is operated by East Cobb residents Tara and John Fudge, whose son and daughter have enrolled at the school.

The school features 10 classrooms and is designed to enroll 175 children from six weeks to five years old.

 

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Cobb advance voting expands to Jim Miller Park this week

We’ve been getting some inquiries about Cobb advance voting details, and when people will be able to do that in East Cobb, since there were some long lines last week.cobb advance voting, Cobb voter registration deadline, Walton and Dickerson PTSA candidates forum

As we noted earlier, there will be three locations in East Cobb next week only for those who want to vote early in person.

This week, you can vote at the Cobb Elections office (736 Whitlock Ave.) and also the Jim Miller Park Event Center (2245 Callaway Road), from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday.

Those venues also will be open this coming Saturday, Oct. 27, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Some lines at the Cobb Elections office last week were reported to be more than three hours long.

According to Cobb Elections, the unofficial early voting totals have topped 20,000. That includes absentee ballots, but the number is higher since absentee ballots from Saturday have not been added.

Next Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., you’ll be able to vote at the following locations in East Cobb:

  • East Cobb Government Service Center (4400 Lower Roswell Road);
  • Noonday Baptist Church (4120 Canton Road);
  • East Cobb Senior Center (3332 Sandy Plains Road).

There will be no advance voting on Saturday, Nov. 3, or Monday, Nov. 6.

East Cobb Election Guide

 

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East Cobb Football Update: Walton upset by Roswell; Kell, Pope, Wheeler stay in playoff hunt

Daniel Brunner, Walton football
Walton coach Daniel Brunner’s first regular-season loss came at the hands of Roswell, his alma mater. (ECN file photo)

Friday was a dramatic night for East Cobb football teams, with four of them still involved in playoff drives. But a Walton upset at the hands of Roswell has implications for region play as well as the state rankings.

The No. 2 Raiders fell 32-31, the first regular-season loss for coach Daniel Brunner. Khaleed Mobley of Roswell blocked a 26-yard field goal attempt by Walton in the dying seconds, after the Hornets had taken the lead on a two-point conversion after a touchdown.

The Senior Night loss at Raider Valley means Walton (7-1, 2-1) will likely not be the top seed coming out of Region 4 of Class 7A. Roswell, led by former Pope coach Matt Kemper, has an identical record and a tiebreaking win, if necessary, over Walton.

Walton quarterback Austin Kirksey threw for two touchdowns and ran for another, and found star receiver Dominick Blaylock wide open down the stretch of fourth down to set up the field goal try by Jack Westbrock.

The Raiders finish up the regular season the next two weeks on the road, at Cherokee and Woodstock.

Not far away, the Wheeler Wildcats were trying to bounce back from two consecutive losses and stay in playoff contention against a Campbell team suffering through a long season.

Wheeler dashed out to a 28-0 lead in the first half, then went ahead 41-20 in the third quarter before Campbell came charging back.

The Wildcats held off the upset bid 62-56, improving to 6-2 and 1-2 in Region 2 of Class 7A, as quarterback C.J. Ogbonna threw two touchdown passes. Next week Wheeler faces region leader Westlake.

The Kell Longhorns rolled up some points as well, but the outmatched Cass Colonels couldn’t keep up, as Kell won in a 63-3 rout. Quarterback Evan Conley threw five touchdown passes for the Longhorns, who are 6-2 and 4-2 in Region 7 of Class 5A.

The Pope Greyhounds also dug out a dramatic win to keep their post-season hopes alive, as they went to Cambridge and came away with a 29-26 win. Pope pulled off an 85-yard drive in the final minute, scoring on a 9-yard touchdown pass with 21 seconds to play.

Next week the Hounds, who improved to 4-5 and 4-3 in Region 7 of Class 6A, play Northview, which also is battling for a playoff spot.

The Sprayberry Yellow Jackets threatened to upset playoff-minded Sequoyah, and took an early 13-0 lead. But the Chiefs rebounded for a 35-28 win in Class 6A Region 6 play. Sprayberry, which fell to 2-6 and 2-4, continues a tough stretch next week, visiting region leader Creekview.

A long season for the Lassiter Trojans continued Friday in a 23-6 loss to Woodstock. The Trojans, who are 1-7 and 0-6 in Region 4 of Class 7A, play Etowah next week.

 

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East Cobb election previews start Monday; visit our voters guide page

Our East Cobb election previews that begin next week will provide key information on candidates, races, ballot questions, voting details and more.

cobb advance voting, Cobb voter registration deadline, East Cobb election preview

For the first time in a long time, local ballots are competitive from top to bottom, with the Nov. 6 general elections being contested at the federal, state and local levels.

On Monday, we will take a look at the key local races you’ll be voting on, starting with the District 3 Cobb Board of Commissioners candidates.

The previews will continue with Cobb Board of Education races for Post 4 and Post 6, as well as races for State Senate District 32, and State House Districts 37, 43, 44, 45 and 46.

The U.S. House District 6 race, statewide races, including governor and other constitutional officers, and state and local ballot issues also will be previewed.

You can follow our coverage here, or more conveniently, by checking the East Cobb Elections Guide. This page will have all of those previews, voting information and more, and will be continuously updated with election-night results on Nov. 6.

Disclaimer: East Cobb News does not endorse candidates or take a position on ballot issues.

In addition, East Cobb News editor and publisher Wendy Parker does not vote in local elections and local ballot issues she covers.

In 2018, that will include 6th District Congress, 43rd District State House and Cobb Sunday Brunch Alcohol Sales.

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Tell us about your East Cobb Halloween events! Check out our calendar listings!

East Cobb Halloween events

We just added a couple more listings to our East Cobb Halloween events calendar, and we’re sure to add more.

Have a look around and see what’s on tap in the community over the next couple weeks. If you know of something that you don’t see here, let us know and we’ll add it to our listings. Just e-mail us at: editor@eastcobbnews.com.

There’s an array of trunk or treats, festivals, nature hikes, a haunted theater and a food truck.

Likewise, if you’d like to share photos of your decorations, your little trunk or treaters and your Halloween events, send them to the same e-mail address, and we’ll be glad to post them.

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up this weekend, and we’ll certainly have more over the next couple weeks as Halloween arrives.

 

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Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!