Kennesaw State breaks ground on $50M dormitory project

KSU breaks ground on $50M dormitory project

Submitted information and photo:

Kennesaw State University will make room for approximately 460 more students interested in living on campus with the addition of The Summit II residence hall, which was celebrated during a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday.

The nearly 97,000-square-foot residence hall is being built on the south end of the Kennesaw campus adjacent to The Summit I student housing, which opened in 2022. The Summit II, which will include housing for 460 students, will consist primarily of double-bedroom suites for first-year students and will feature study spaces and community areas, including an outdoor space connecting the Summit I and Summit II buildings.

The new residence hall, scheduled to open in Fall 2026, will help meet the needs of Kennesaw State’s growing enrollment. The addition of The Summit II will bring KSU’s total number of residential communities to 11, with a total capacity of more than 6,300 beds across the Kennesaw and Marietta campuses.

“Summit II is an exciting example of our mission and strategic plan in action,” KSU President Kathy S. Schwaig said. “With group study spaces, enhanced safety features, and a premier living-learning environment, Summit II exemplifies our commitment to student success.”

Special guests at the groundbreaking ceremony included Kennesaw State University Foundation Trustees, representatives from the University System of Georgia, members of the KSU President’s Community Advisory Board, and Cobb County Commissioner JoAnn Birrell. Following Schwaig’s remarks, Board of Trustees Chair Teddy Parrish and Kennesaw State student Dallas Lee spoke about the significance of the project.

“This is a time of transformation and growth in which I am tremendously proud to take part,” said Parrish, a 1995 Kennesaw State graduate. “I can assure you, when I was at KSU as a student, we did not have any housing like this. Students will benefit from spaces that build community for years to come.”

Lee, a senior majoring in media and entertainment, can attest to Kennesaw State having modernized residence halls where students feel welcomed and supported. Lee is in his third year living in The Summit I while working for KSU Housing and Residence Life, first as a resident assistant and now as a community assistant.

“I am proud to stand here today and discuss why an underclassman community like The Summit is so unique and impactful for student life, and how excited I am to see a new phase of this home come to life,” Lee said. “This place is a steppingstone into adulthood, and we want to make sure our students recognize that and take advantage of what KSU has to offer.”

Adding another personal touch to the project, four people with ties to Kennesaw State will be involved in the construction of The Summit II. The staffs of the consulting firms partnering with KSU include three Owl alumni – Jean Heo (civil engineering ’22), Ryan Horgan (architecture ’15) and Stephen Prather (civil engineering ’15) – as well as current construction management student and intern A.J. Clanton.

“I love working in construction because it allows me to see the tangible results of my hard work,” said Clanton, who received his internship through a Kennesaw State job fair. “KSU has equipped me with the skills and knowledge to not only earn an internship but also excel in the field.”

 

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Cobb government, Kennesaw to hold countywide job fair

Submitted information:Cobb government, Kennesaw to hold countywide job fair

Job seekers, mark your calendars! Cobb County, in partnership with the City of Kennesaw, is hosting a Countywide Job Fair on Tuesday, April 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Cobb County Civic Center, 548 S. Marietta Parkway SE, Marietta, offering an invaluable opportunity for professionals at all career levels to connect with hiring employers.

This event provides a unique opportunity for job seekers from across metro Atlanta to make meaningful connections with employers and discover why Cobb County is truly “Where Talent Meets Opportunity.” Several organizations have already confirmed their participation, including representatives from Smyrna, Acworth, Town Center CID, Powder Springs, Marietta, Austell, and Mableton.

“Cobb County is a thriving hub of opportunity, and this job fair is designed to connect talented individuals with businesses looking to grow their workforce,” said Jim Harner, Cobb’s chief human resources officer. “We encourage job seekers to come prepared to network and explore a wide range of career paths available throughout the county.”

Attendees can expect:

  • On-the-spot interviews and hiring opportunities
  • Networking with industry professionals
  • Insights into career growth and development
This event is free and open to the public, and all job seekers—recent graduates, career changers, or seasoned professionals—are encouraged to attend. For more information, visit https://www.cobbcounty.org/human-resources/news/cobb-county-host-countywide-job-fair-april-15

Sedalia Park, Powers Ferry ES renovations to be considered

Contracts for major renovations projects at two East Cobb elementary schools are on the Cobb Board of Education agenda Thursday.

Sedalia Park and Powers Ferry elementaries are scheduled to get flooring, door, hardware, window and blind replacements and new bathroom partitions in the current Cobb Education SPLOST VI.

They’re among a number of school construction contracts that will be presented at a board work session that starts at 1:30 p.m., with proposed action scheduled at a voting meeting beginning at 7 p.m. Thursday.

An executive session is scheduled in between the public meetings, which will take place in the board room of the Cobb County School District’s central office (514 Glover Street, Marietta).

You can view the agendas for the public meetings by clicking here.

The open meetings also will be live-streamed on district’s BoxCast channel and on CobbEdTV, Comcast Channel 24.

Agendas item for the Sedalia Park project indicate a cost of $1.323 million, and $778,565 for Powers Ferry.

Both projects are expected to be completed by July, according to the agenda items.

Another contract would spend $997,633 to resurface the tracks at Wheeler, Kell and Campbell high schools, also to be completed by July.

At the evening meeting, a number of athletics recognitions will take place.

They include the state champion girls swimming and diving team from Lassiter High School, including individual champions Finnly Jollands, Kate Bradley, Ashlyn Loftin, Ashley Gal, Rose Jones and Gavin Halusic.

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Projected 2025 Cobb tax digest cools off to 2 percent growth

Highland Pointe, East Cobb real estate sales

After a heated rise in the real estate market over the last two years, the projected tax digest for Cobb County is expected to cool off a bit.

Outgoing Cobb Tax Assessor Stephen White announced in a county release Tuesday that expected growth in the tax digest this year will be 2 percent.

That’s down from 8.52 percent last year and a record digest of $60 billion.

The 2025 tax digest projection, which is set by the Cobb Board of Tax Assessors, would come to $62 billion.

The tax digest is official assessed value of all taxable properties in the county, including residential, commercial and personal property.

Local governments base their budget and millage rates on the tax digest, which is formalized in July.

(Here’s more information on the tax digest and related details.)

White and new Cobb Tax Assessor Christine Stinchcomb detailed the 2025 projection in the video below; White said that one of the main reasons for lesser growth in the tax digest is that the number of reassessed properties this year will be substantially lower than in 2024.

In addition, the average home sale price in Cobb grew by only $20,000 last year, hovering just under the $500,000 mark.

By contrast, in May 2024, that average was $533,557, an all-time high.

In 2020, the average home sale price in Cobb was $346,715.

“Just two years ago, the average price of a home in Cobb County increased by $50,000; this year, it’s only $20,000—so things are changing,” said White, who recently was named Cobb Support Services Agency director.

He said that’s a result of the local real estate market, especially the residential sector, slowing down.

White added that not just the number of reassessments are down this year, but also the rate of the increase in assessments also has gone down, but he did not elaborate.

The Cobb tax digest grew by double-digit figures in both 2022 and 2023, primarily due to sharply rising asssessments that prompted citizen outcry.

The Cobb Board of Commissioners has not reduced its general fund millage rate in that time. The Cobb Board of Education did slightly, in 2023.

Full tax assessments will go out in May; the final tax digest is issued in July, as Cobb commissioners consider the fiscal year 2025 budget and just after the Cobb school board finalizes its fiscal year 2025 budget, which goes into effect on July 1.

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Mt. Bethel Church draws 1K for youth recreation open day

Mt. Bethel Church draws 1K for youth recreation open day
All photos by Katie Beth Rogers, Mt. Bethel Church

Submitted information and photos:

Opening day at Mt. Bethel Church recreation was Saturday, March 15 with a record number of post-covid participation filling the fields and the gyms.

Nearly 1000 athletes ages 4 -12 and 200 coaches from the Mt. Bethel Church community in East Cobb County  played soccer, volleyball, flag football and baseball.

“Spring has definitely sprung around here” said Mt. Bethel Director of Recreation Dan Boswell. “We’ve seen a steady increase in registration of our year-round program especially in the past two years.”

In 2024 the recreation ministry, celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, fielded over 2,350 athletes with the support of 550 coaches. That represented all seasons and summer camps combined. “We are especially pleased by this spring season’s growth and are honored at the opportunity to reach so many families in our East Cobb community who love sports and our church,” said Boswell.

Mt. Bethel Church is here to lead people to trade the pursuit of more for a life worth pursuing in Jesus Christ. We serve our community in truth, freedom and purpose of God’s Word. The church is located at 4385 Lower Roswell Road in Marietta, GA. It serves the East Cobb County Georgia and international online communities with worship, connection, training and the pursuit of God to multiply leaders for the broader Church. Please visit us at mtbethel.org and find us on social for more information on Mt. Bethel Church or summer activities for children’s recreation or camps.

Mt. Bethel Church draws 1K for youth recreation open day

Mt. Bethel Church draws 1K for youth recreation open day

Mt. Bethel Church draws 1K for youth recreation open day

Mt. Bethel Church draws 1K for youth recreation open day

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Cobb school board member to speak at Chamber breakfast

Newly elected Cobb school boar member John Cristadoro will be the featured speaker at the East Cobb Area Council Chamber of Commerce breakfast on March 27.Cobb school board member to speak at Chamber breakfast

The event takes place from 7:30-9 a.m. at Indian Hills Country Club (4001 Clubland Drive).

Cristadoro, a Republican, serves Post 5, which includes the Walton, Wheeler and Pope clusters.

He and his wife have two children, who attend Walton High School and Dickerson Middle School, and he has been involved with the Walton youth football program as a coach.

Cristadoro also serves as the Cobb school board vice chairman.

The East Cobb Area Council holds three breakfasts during the year, including the East Cobb Pigskin Preview in August and the East Cobb Citizen of the Year award in November.

The cost for the March 27 breakfast is $35 for Chamber members and $45 for non-members.

Registration: https://web.cobbchamber.org/atlas/events-v4/register/12645.

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East Cobb residential real estate sales, March 3-7, 2025

Breckenridge, East Cobb real estate sales
Breckenridge

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

None

Lassiter

3828 Bluffview Drive, 30062 (Creekside Bluffs): $700,000

3880 Northpoint Drive, 30062 (Spring Wood): $425,000

4079 Southerland Drive, 30075 (Loch Highland): $718,000

Pope

1925 Annwicks Drive, 30062 (Wicks Lake): $510,000

2875 Clary Hill Drive, 30075 (Clary Lakes): $972,000

3208 Saddleback Mountain Road, 30062 (Chestnut Creek): $595,000

4550 Wenden Lane, 30062 (Breckenridge): $825,000

Sprayberry

510 Debra Drive, 30066 (Hidden Hills): $410,000

1753 Hasty Road, 30062 (Hasty Acres): $478,000

3428 Vandiver Drive, 30066 (North Forty): $320,500

3673 Ebenezer Road, 30066: $590,000

2224 Snug Harbor, 30066 (St. Charles Square): $595,000

2524 Camata Way, 30066 (Hillcrest Oaks): $510,000

2142 Arbor Oaks Drive, Unit 2, 30062 (Arbor Oaks): $575,000

2537 Chambers Drive, 30066 (Fraser): $789,000

2279 Post Oak Tritt Road, 30062: $288,000

Walton

4000 Tall Pine Drive, 30062 (Tall Pines): $475,000

4010 Summit Drive, 30068 (Indian Hills): $2.8 million

5067 Meadow Lane, 30068 (The Meadows): $322,500

1227 Independence Way, 30068 (Independence Square): $590,000

2207 Heritage Trace View, 30062 (Heritage Trace): $605,500

4093 River Cliff Chase, 30067 (Rivermill): $1.475 million

5220 Sunset Trail, 30068 (Woodland Trails): $715,000

Wheeler

2480 Magnolia Ridge Drive, 30067 (The Oaks at Powers Ferry): $515,000

3339 Somerset Trace, 30067 (Somerset): $870,000

3044 Canton Pines Place, 30068 (Old Canton Pines): $1.465 million

80 Gatewood Drive, 30068 (Sentinel Lake): $825,000

365 Millbrook Trace, 30068 (Millbrook Farm): $725,000

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East Cobb Traffic Update: Bill Murdock Road closed at Walton

East Cobb Traffic Update: Bill Murdock Road closure

Cobb DOT said Sunday afternoon that Bill Murdock Road—right at one of the entrances to Walton High School—is closed due to a fallen tree that’s brought down power lines.

That’s from last night’s severe thunderstorms that caused some other similar road closures in the county Sunday.

The Bill Murdock closure is between Pine Road and Old College Way (the area indicated between the two blue stars).

According to DOT, “road maintenance crews have cleared the tree and debris, but fire personnel are still on-site, awaiting the arrival of the power company. Currently, there is no estimated time for reopening the road.”

Hicks Road in South Cobb also has been closed on Sunday for similar reasons.

In a separate message early Sunday evening, the county said that “these roads are expected to be open for the morning rush hour.”

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East Cobb man’s Everest aspiration: ‘My mindset is the summit’

East Cobb man's Everest aspiration: 'My mindset is the summit'
Brian O’Malley is also using his Mt. Everest expedition to raise money for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which assists veterans and first responders and their families with housing needs. (All photos and videos courtesy Brian O’Malley)

After trekking the equivalent of three or four marathons in a little more than a week near Mt. Everest, Brian O’Malley is back home the States, resting up for a return to attempt to reach the top of the world.

The long-time East Cobb resident admits to having been intrigued by the idea of climbing Everest before, and has watched many programs and videos of those who’ve aimed at reaching the peak of 29,032 feet above sea level.

But taking on such a plan for real was prompted by a physical challenge.

The 60-year-old former U.S. Navy aviator has always been up for daunting tasks. But after recovering from major back surgery—after decades of being in constant pain—he wanted to test his renewed body in a completely different way.

“My back hasn’t felt this good in my life,” O’Malley said earlier this week, a few days after his arrival back from Nepal. “And I’ve had that [Everest climb] in the back of my head.”

After convincing his wife he was up to the challenge, he and his brother-in-law Steve McDaniel made a preparatory visit earlier this month.

Brian O’Malley and brother-in-law Steve McDaniel during their trek near the Mt. Everest base camp earlier in March.

O’Malley will return in mid-April to join an elite, experienced Everest team to see how far high he can go. He would be the oldest Georgian to reach the top, and only the third person his age to do it.

“The goal is to get to the summit,” he said. “But not everyone can do that. My mindset is the summit.

If he can achieve that, he said, “all glory to God. If not, “at least I tried and gave it the best I have.”

His first trip to the Himalayas also served as the first phase of O’Malley’s fundraising effort for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which provides mortgage-free homes for the families of fallen first responders, Gold Star families, and catastrophically injured veterans and first responders.

They’ve nearly surpassed their initial goal of $15,000 in pledges and are accepting pledges for the second leg (you can donate here).

O’Malley is the son of a retired Chicago firefighter, and his brother-in-law is a police officer in Georgia. The O’Malley family—he and his wife Shelley and daughter Lauren are U.S. Naval Academy graduates, and son Luke is enrolled there now—is steeped in service.

(The O’Malley children all graduated from Lassiter High School.)

“Training for Life” has been his motto, extending to the Georgia Stingrays swimming team, based at the Mountain View Aquatic Center, and where his other daughter, Shannon (later a University of Georgia standout and All-American) nurtured her athletic talent.

“I’ve never stopped training,” O’Malley said. “I’ve always been physical.”

His preparations beforehand included incorporating a regimen that included plenty of leg squats, pullups, and other body motions to simulate “what I would be doing on the mountain.”

(The soundless video below shows O’Malley walking along an area near the basecamp.)

In his first trip, they reached the Everest base camp, at around 17,000 feet, to get acclimated to the altitude, testing equipment and learning all the details about making such a journey.

He donned an oxygen mask that made him look like Darth Vader, as he climbed incrementally, 2,000 or so feet at a time.

“It made you really concentrate on your breathing,” he said, admitting also that “it kind of caused a panic attack. The key was to work through that, to learn how to take deep breaths and think pleasant thoughts.”

But overall, he said, “we did good on our initial effort.”

O’Malley took most of this week off at the behest of the expedition leader, and will resume his workouts and preparations next week.

The expedition will last around 45-50 days, traversing more than 12,000 from the basecamp (there are four camps in all) to the top.

“It’s dangerous, but the sherpas know that mountain like the back of their hand,” O’Malley said. “They know what they’re doing. I feel like I’m in really good hands.”

If you’re interested in donating to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, you can do so by clicking here.

Click the button in the middle to view the slide show, and check out the videos below that from O’Malley and McDaniel’s trip.

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Ga. state of emergency declared for severe thunderstorms

Ga. state of emergency declared for severe thunderstorms

Updated, Saturday, 8:50 pm:

Cobb and metro Atlanta are under a tornado watch until 4 am Sunday.

Original story:

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency on Saturday morning, as a large line of severe thunderstorms approach much of the state with the threat of high winds, tornadoes, hail and other severe weather conditions.

Kemp said the National Weather Service’s upgrading of the threat prompted the emergency declaration, noting that wind gusts in some places could reach up to 75 mph, as well as several inches of rain, large hail and the possibility of flash flooding.

“This storm will hit at the worst possible time, as people are heading to or already in bed,” he said. “Be prepared ahead of time and remain weather aware as long as this system is in the state.”

The declaration sets in motion statewide emergency response planning and resources.

The NWS on Saturday morning revised its estimate of when the strongest impact will hit the state. Cobb is in a range between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m., but citizens are advised to prepare sooner than that for the storms.

Tornadoes have left deadly damage through the Midwest and Deep South, with more than a dozen fatalities already, as a massive storm system gradually moves east.

Cobb government said in a social media posting late Friday a wind advisory was in effect from 11 a.m. Saturday to 5 a.m. Sunday, with southerly winds of 10 to 20 mph with gusts of 30 to 40 mph expected.

Falling trees and limbs and power outages could result from those winds, which will continue through much of Sunday.

Here’s more from what Cobb government is sharing with the public:

Risk Levels
Western Cobb County: MODERATE RISK (Level 4 of 5) – This is unusual for our area and indicates a significant threat of severe storms.

Rest of Cobb: ENHANCED RISK (Level 3 of 5) – Severe weather is likely across the entire region.

Key Threats & Potential Impacts

Tornadoes: -High Risk of EF2 or stronger tornadoes in western Cobb -Elevated risk for tornadoes in the rest of the county -Strong, long-track tornadoes are possible—especially west of I-75Damaging winds of 60-80 mph — capable of causing: -Downed power lines and widespread outages -Significant structural damage -Fallen trees—blocking roads and endangering property

Hail up to 1 inch in diameter.

Flooding: Elevated risk of flooding and flash flooding from Saturday night into early Sunday due to heavy rainfall. Frequent Lightning: Increased likelihood of cloud-to-ground lightning strikes

The Cobb Emergency Management Agency also is providing updates on its Facebook page.

The chance of rain is 50 percent on Saturday afternoon, with thunderstorms most likely after 2 p.m. Highs will be in the high 70s.

That will increase to 100 percent chance of rain Saturday night, with winds gusting between 20-30 mph as well as lows around 60.

On Sunday, the chance of rain will lower to 30 percent, with a high around 70, as the storms move east. A 10 percent chance is in the forecast for Sunday night.

 

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Editor’s Note: Your donation supports news you can trust!

Editor’s Note: Your donation supports news you can trust!Click here or on the links in this column to support East Cobb News today! Thank you!

In journalism circles, trust is a high value. So is credibility.

They’re core values, in fact, for reporters, editors and news organizations everywhere—hard to obtain, easy to squander and almost possible to retrieve if they’re ever lost.

But many in the public are skeptical, especially as traditional outlets continue their rapid decline.

I was reading recently about how the decline of “objectivity” as an organizing principle for journalists has coincided with mass layoffs at many of our leading newspapers, and as political tensions have been roiling over the last decade.

By “objectivity,” I’m referring more to the process of news gathering than anything else. Pure objectivity is impossible, because journalists are subjective creatures like all other humans.

We all have our biases, but I was trained early on to set aside my views for the job at hand—informing the public. That’s just basic professionalism, but it seems to be a lost value these days.

The issue at the heart of the above link—and it’s rather long and dense piece that’s primarily of interest to people like me—is that some journalists seem to be doing their work for other journalists, or to go along with the trendy issues in our profession.

Quite often, they have little to do with journalism. The career fallout has been harsh, and I know a number of people who have been affected by these reductions. I feel their pain, because twice I’ve been forced to leave corporate media jobs.

At East Cobb News, being independent and being devoted to local news means we can take a different, more authentic approach. In fact, I started this site to get back to what’s really important—reporting directly for the readers of this community.

Last week I mentioned that one such person here in East Cobb donated $300 to our March fundraising drive. I was so deeply touched, and I e-mailed to ask why. Here’s what she told me:

“I was responsive to your request for donations because I so appreciate your service to the East Cobb community in keeping us informed of happenings (big and small) that matter to our daily lives and bring us closer together. And you do so in a manner that is non-partisan and straightforward.”

If I could copy and paste and laminate my mission statement for all to see, this is how it would read.

Please donate today!

I’m deeply honored to know people here feel this way about what we’ve done at East Cobb News, and I’ve heard from others who feel the same way.

Of course, there are those who think we could do better, or that we’re biased somehow. Some think we’re in cahoots with the Democratic-led Cobb commissioners, others think we go too easy on the Republican-majority Cobb school board.

Others still say we go too hard on either.

Depending on who you ask, we’re either Commie libtards or MAGA Trumpers.

That’s a very vast ocean indeed, and we’re somewhere in between.

We’ve built East Cobb News on the premise that party affiliation or political/social/cultural views aren’t as important as community affinity.

And we built it especially for readers, regardless of their views, much less those of this editor and publisher.

This month we set a goal of raising $1,500 from readers. About halfway through, we’re only a third of the way there. But I think we can reach that number, and even exceed it, because I know there are plenty of you who share the above reader’s appreciation for what East Cobb News means to you.

If you have already donated, thank you! If you have not, please support the work we do. If you value what we do—based on the values of trust and credibility—consider a modest monthly recurring donation. You can give an amount of your choosing, either monthly, annually or on a one-time basis.

Unlike other corporate-owned outlets, East Cobb News does not charge for reader access. While we’re a for-profit entity, we’re not unlike those who ask readers for their assistance in not just preserving, but strengthening local news.

Nor do we charge for our newsletter—one of the more popular ways readers keep up with East Cobb News—and we invite public comments on all our stories. We’ve got a healthy, vibrant community that comes online to discuss the top headlines of the day, and I’m proud of what’s been built up here.

Press Patron, our online platform is safe, secure and easy to use, and you can manage your account however you like.

Just click the link below and thank you so much!

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East Cobb Food Scores: Fast food; school cafeterias; more

Zaxby's Delk Road, East Cobb food scores

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

Arby’s
2161 Roswell Road
March 11, 2025, Score: 100, Grade: A

Blackwell Elementary School
3470 Canton Road
March 12, 2025, Score: 100, Grade: A

Brumby Elementary School
815 Terrell Mill Road
March 13, 2025, Score: 100, Grade: A

East Cobb Middle School
825 Terrell Mill Road
March 13, 2025, Score: 100, Grade: A

Willy’s Mexicana Grill
2900 Delk Road, Suite 8
March 11, 2025, Score: 100, Grade: A

Wings N Things
255 Delk Road, Suite A8
March 13, 2025, Score: 100, Grade: A

Wingstop
2900 Delk Road, Suite 100
March 11, 2025, Score: 93, Grade: A

Zaxby’s
2981 Delk Road
March 10, 2025, Score: 100, Grade: A

Zaxby’s
2756 Sandy Plains Road
March 13, 2025, Score: 100, Grade: A

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East Cobb Weather Update: Severe thunderstorms expected Sat.

East Cobb Weather Update: Severe thunderstorms expected Sat.

The beautiful weather we’ve had all week is going to change on Saturday in dramatic fashion.

The National Weather Service in Peachtree City said that much of North Georgia will be the path of a line of severe thunderstorms late Saturday night and early Sunday morning, including the possibility of tornadoes.

A hazardous weather outlook issued Friday said that Cobb is included in an area for severe weather that is expected to arrive by Saturday afternoon.

“All severe weather hazards including tornadoes, damaging winds, and hail are possible
with this event,” the NWS said in its forecast.

The chance of rain is 50 percent on Saturday afternoon, with thunderstorms most likely after 2 p.m. Highs will be in the high 70s.

That will increase to 100 percent chance of rain Saturday night, with winds gusting between 20-30 mph as well as lows around 60.

On Sunday, the chance of rain will lower to 30 percent, with a high around 70, as the storms move east. A 10 percent chance is in the forecast for Sunday night.

The weather will clear up into Monday morning, with sunny skies and highs in the low 60s on Monday, then highs in the 70s for most of the rest of next week.

For more local weather details, click here.

 

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Cobb Sheriff’s Office to hold ‘community briefing’ for citizens

Submitted information:Cobb Sheriff's Office to hold 'community briefing' for citizens

The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office invites the public to attend its first community briefing of the year. As part of Sheriff Owens’ ongoing commitment to fostering trust and transparency with Cobb County residents, this event provides an opportunity for community members to engage with the Sheriff’s Office and the command staff, gain insights into agency operations, and pose questions.
Additionally, the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office will be recognized by KultureCity for completing its certification in sensory training. This certification enhances the office’s ability to serve individuals with sensory needs, including those with autism. As part of this initiative, KultureCity will provide sensory bag items and tools to the Sheriff’s Office, including:
  • Fidget Tools – For calming and focus
  • Noise-Canceling Headphones – For reducing sound input
  • Visual Cue Cards – For communication and emotional expression
  • Weighted Lap Pads – For deep pressure and regulation, useful in high-seating demand areas
KultureCity is a nonprofit organization dedicated to sensory accessibility and acceptance for individuals with invisible disabilities and sensory needs. They work to create sensory-inclusive environments by training staff and certifying them for sensory accessibility. This initiative reinforces the Sheriff’s Office’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for all members of the community.
The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office will also celebrate the graduation of its latest Citizens’ Academy cohort. 
To wrap up the community briefing, our Special Operations Division will host a dynamic showcase featuring the Mounted Patrol Unit, SWAT, Drone Unit, and Motor Unit.
Who: Cobb County Sheriff’s Office
What: An open-to-the-public community briefing allowing Cobb County’s community leaders and residents to understand the efforts of the sheriff’s office in ensuring public safety and the range of services it offers. 
When: Apr. 1, 2025 | Event: 5:45 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. | Media check-in: 5:45 p.m. | Community Briefing: 6:15 p.m.
Where: Strand Theatre | 117 N Park Square | Marietta, GA 30060
Parking: Learn more here.
Why: The community briefing gives the public an opportunity to hear directly from Sheriff Owens about the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office’s ongoing efforts to ensure public safety, strengthen community relations, and outline future goals.

Cost: Free. To register for the event, click HERE or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1564462434950239

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Cobb County Mental Health Court celebrates five graduates

Cobb County Mental Health Court celebrates five graduates
Cobb Mental Health Court graduate Andrew Salaun

Submitted information and photos:

Cobb Superior Court Judge Ann B. Harris presided over the Mental Health Court graduation on Thursday, March 6, where officials, community members, attorneys, family members and friends came together to congratulate five graduates of the Cobb County Mental Health Court (MHC).

MHC provides accountability and treatment to Cobb County citizens who are diagnosed with mental illness and find themselves involved in the criminal justice system The graduates were recognized for successfully completing the program which is a rigorous 18- to 24-month program offering supervision, accountability, and intensive treatment services.  The overriding theme was a sense of accomplishment, hope, and excitement for the next chapter of their lives.

The Cobb County Mental Health Court strives to improve mental health, promote self-sufficiency, reduce recidivism, and offer cost effective alternatives to incarceration and hospitalization. Cobb MHC represents an effort to increase effective cooperation between two systems: the mental health system and the criminal justice system. The MHC holds participants accountable while assisting them in achieving long term stability, becoming successful community members, and remaining law abiding citizens.

The Cobb MHC has been recognized as a Model Court in the state of Georgia by the Council of Accountability Court Judges and has served as a mentor court to other mental health courts in the state. Cobb MHC is a voluntary, pre-, or post-plea, judicially supervised, treatment-based program for those individuals with a documented mental health diagnosis. Cobb MHC partners with Highland Rivers Behavioral Health to provide comprehensive treatment services.

Cobb County Mental Health Court celebrates five graduates
Cobb Mental Health Court graduate Yola Onileere

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Send us your East Cobb event news for our calendar listings!

Marietta Greek Festival
The Marietta Greek Festival returns to the East Cobb area in May.

Spring is bursting out everywhere, and so many kinds of activities are coming up in the East Cobb area.

We invite individuals and organizations holding public events to share their items with East Cobb News, so we can let the whole community know.

Our calendar listings (check out what’s coming up soon) include community events and festivals, fundraisers, educational sessions, arts and entertainment activities, civic meetings, and more.

We hear from all kinds of community members in a variety of ways, and here’s the best way to ensure that your calendar listing is shared on East Cobb News:

  • PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE! Send us the body of your announcement, calendar item or news release IN TEXT FORM ONLY in the text field of your e-mail template. Reformatting text from PDF, JPG and doc files takes us longer to prepare your message for publication.
  • Please limit your events to the East Cobb/City of Marietta area. We get requests to list events in other parts of Cobb County and metro area, but we cover a big community with a lot going on and our pledge is to be all local, all the time.
  • We accept PDFs as an accompaniment to your item. Images are fine too, but we prefer those to be JPG files (more than jpeg and png). PLEASE DO NOT send photos inside a PDF or text or any other kind of file. Of course, send us links that are relevant to your message so we can direct people to your website.
  • We STRONGLY PREFER E-MAIL SUBMISSIONS over other forms of transmission. While we get text and private social media messages about events for publication, we don’t monitor those accounts as often as our inboxes. Please e-mail your information, photos, graphics, etc. to calendar@eastcobbnews.com.
  • If you are a new business, we cover grand openings, ribbon-cuttings, etc., as a news item. Please send that information to editor@eastcobbnews.com.
  • If you are interested in promoting your event or business on East Cobb News, with paid advertising, we would be glad to discuss our many dynamic digital options with you. Contact us at advertising@eastcobbnews.com and we’ll get in touch right away.

 

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Cobb County School District to hold College Fair

Submitted information:Cobb County School District to hold College Fair

As graduation season approaches, Cobb County School District is dedicated to preparing students for their next big step. To help guide them through the transition, Cobb Schools is hosting a College Fair on Tuesday, March 25, at Hillgrove High School.

This event is designed to equip students with the tools they need to continue to the successful start they earned in Cobb. By connecting with representatives from over 50 universities, students and families can explore academic programs, learn about admissions requirements, and get answers to key questions about their postsecondary options.

Event Details:

Hillgrove High School (4165 Luther Ward Rd, Powder Springs, GA 30127)

Tuesday, March 25

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Overview of the U.S. College Application Process

6:00 PM – 7:30 PM | College Fair

Additional Informational Sessions:

Financial Aid Overview – Learn how to navigate the financial aspects of college or trade school.

Understanding the Role of the College Essay – Get advice on crafting a compelling personal statement.

HBCU Experience Panel – Gain insights from alumni about Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Taking Advantage of the Hope & Zell Grant – Discover how Georgia’s programs support the Technical College System of Georgia students.

From Graduation to the Next Chapter

Cobb Schools has a strong tradition of preparing students for success beyond high school, and this college fair is just one of the many ways the district ensures students are ready for their next journey. As seniors prepare to walk across the stage this May, underclassmen can use this event to start planning for their own futures.

Register Today!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to take charge of your future! Scan the QR code or visit ScholarTrek/Cobb to sign up. The journey to college and career success starts here—see you at the College Fair on March 25!

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East Cobb Rotary Club distributes $100K to local charities

East Cobb Rotary Club distributes $100K to local charities

Submitted information and photos:

The East Cobb Rotary Club proudly announced the distribution of $100,000 to 29 local charities during a special giveback ceremony held on March 4, 2025, at Piedmont Church. These funds were raised through the club’s highly successful annual Dog Days Road Race.

The ceremony brought together representatives from the recipient charities, race sponsors, Rotary members, and community guests to celebrate the collective impact of their efforts. The $100,000 will directly support a diverse array of organizations serving the East Cobb community, focusing on crucial areas such as youth programs, housing, mental health services, and more.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who participated in and supported the Dog Days Road Race,” said Jonathan Lyons, the current President of East Cobb Rotary. “This significant contribution reflects the strong commitment of our community to supporting those in need. It is a testament to the power of collective action and the spirit of giving that defines East Cobb.”

The Dog Days Road Race has become a cornerstone event for the East Cobb Rotary, consistently generating substantial funds for local charities. Over the past 19 years, the event has raised and distributed over $1.2 million, directly benefiting the community. More than 10,000 runners have participated in the 5K race, which is held annually at the McCleskey East Cobb YMCA.

This year’s race marks the 20th anniversary of the Dog Days Road Race and is scheduled for August 9, 2025. The East Cobb Rotary invites runners and potential sponsors to join in the celebration and continue the tradition of community support.

“We are excited to celebrate 20 years of the Dog Days Road Race,” said Liz Myers, President-Elect of East Cobb Rotary. “We look forward to another successful event and the opportunity to further our impact in the East Cobb community.”

For more information about the Dog Days Road Race and how to participate or become a sponsor, please visit: https://dogdaysrun.com/.

About East Cobb Rotary:

The East Cobb Rotary is a service organization dedicated to making a positive impact in the East Cobb community and beyond. Through various initiatives and events, the club strives to support local charities, promote goodwill, and foster community engagement. For more information, go to https://www.eastcobbrotary.com/

East Cobb Rotary Club distributes $100K to local charities

East Cobb Rotary Club distributes $100K to local charities

East Cobb Rotary Club distributes $100K to local charities

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Allen defeats Howard in Cobb Commission Democratic runoff

Former State Rep. Erick Allen has defeated Jaha Howard in a Democratic runoff in a special election for District 2 on the Cobb Board of Commissioners.Allen defeats Howard in Cobb Commission Democratic runoff

Allen will face Republican Alicia Adams in the April 29 general election for District 2, with the winner to succeed Jerica Richardson.

In the runoff, Allen received 1,958 votes to 1,494 for Howard, a former member of the Cobb Board of Education (56.7 percent to 43.2 percent), with only three percent turnout (full results here).

District 2 formerly included much of East Cobb, but now includes only several precincts in the East Cobb area.

The special elections were ordered by a Cobb judge after May 2024 primaries were invalidated due to electoral maps that were ruled to be in violation of the Georgia Constitution.

Those maps were drawn by Allen, of Smyrna, then the chairman of the Cobb legislative delegation, but never received a vote. Since leaving office, Allen has been the head of the Cobb Democratic Party.

Howard, a dentist in Vinings, served on the Cobb school board from 2019-22. He also ran unsuccessfully for the Georgia Senate and for Georgia Superintendent of Schools.

After the court rulings, Cobb Commissioners voted to vacate the District 2 seat that had been held by Richardson, a Democrat, who was drawn out of her East Cobb home in redistricting.

Richardson and her two Democratic commissioner colleagues honored the Allen maps for more than two years in making a “home rule” challenge. But two Cobb judges ruled those maps were illegal because only the legislature can conduct county reapportionment.

In January, Richardson lost her final appeal to stay in office—although her term expired on Dec. 31—and the commission has been operating with four members since then.

In the other special election, first-term Democrat Monique Sheffield won her primary in February in District 4 in South Cobb, and will face Republican Matthew Hardwick in the April 29 general election.

Sheffield’s term also expired on Dec. 31, but she has been allowed to continue serving until the special elections are decided.

Cobb Elections estimates the special elections will cost around $1.5 million.

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Cobb Police Precinct 6 to have ribbon-cutting ceremony

Cobb Police Precinct 6

The Cobb Police DUI Task Force has been working out of a new precinct building in Northeast Cobb that will eventually include some patrol beats and other functions.

On April 4 there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Precinct 6, located near the Mountain View Aquatic Center, followed by tours that are open to the public.

The event, which lasts from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (3141 Hong Way) is a culmination of a years-long process to build and staff a new precinct.

According to Cobb officials, the total price tag for the construction will be $8.2 million. That includes an additional $500,000 coming from discretionary funding via District 3 Commissioner JoAnn Birrell. In 2023, commissioners approved $7.7 million to complete a project that was initially budgeted for $5 million in 2016 Cobb SPLOST funds.

But construction cost increases delayed the opening of Precinct 6.

When commissioners approved the additional $2.2 million in spending in 2023, the building was only 60 percent complete, with most of the interior build-out still to come.

Work was halted altogether after groundbreaking in 2021, as construction costs for a number of county projects skyrocketed.

That prompted some creative financing activities, notably including the new Gritters Library/Northeast Cobb Community Center replacement.

After the Precinct 6 ribbon-cutting, some Cobb Police officers and administrative personnel will be working during daytime hours at the Precinct 6 building.

Cobb spokesman Ross Cavitt told East Cobb News that “Cobb PD is studying its precinct beats and will eventually reconfigure beats in Precincts 1, 4, and the new 6 to have six beats running out of the new precinct. That process is expected to take 12-18 months.”

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