East Cobb News

East Cobb On the Spot: Tin Pin Game Bar Grand Opening

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Tin Pin Grand Opening

We’re rolling out a new feature at East Cobb News, posting short videos from around the East Cobb community, highlighting events, people and a variety of topics.

We’re calling it East Cobb On the Spot, and this will be posted near the end of the week, ideally with a focus on weekend activities.

For this first (and admittedly very unpolished) installment, we’re visiting the new Tin Pin Game Bar at Avenue East Cobb, an expansion of Tin Lizzy’s, in the former Bennie’s Cubano space.

In the coming weeks, we want to talk with citizens and others from around the local scene, and I promise: We’ll improve this a lot.

I want the focus to be on people in East Cobb and what is important and enjoyable to them, such as the young lad who was waving behind me in the video.

Maybe he can show me how to look into the camera!

We’ll have more photos and videos on the grand opening on Monday, when we’re also launching a regular column called the East Cobb Biz Scene.

It’s a roundup of openings and closings, stressing small and locally- owned and operated enterprises, community service and charity events, and more.

There’s so much going on around here that it’s time to put all those happenings in one place.

Stay tuned and please let us kmow what you think!

 

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Delta Community’s college scholarship program accepting entries

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Submitted information:

Delta Community Credit Union philanthropic grants
Delta Community Credit Union Logo (PRNewsFoto/Delta Community Credit Union)

Delta Community Credit Union, Georgia’s largest credit union with more than $8.6 billion in assets, is accepting entries for its 19th Annual College Scholarship Program. Delta Community will award a $5,000 scholarship to five deserving students to assist with the cost of their college education. Applicants will be awarded scholarships based on their academic achievement, community involvement and essays on the following topic:

With an understanding that financial literacy is an important subject often omitted from school curriculums across many grade levels, Delta Community has developed a nationally recognized Financial Education Center, providing consumers of all ages with comprehensive knowledge of money, saving, banking, investing and more. As you embark on your future, how do you plan to use key financial tips learned along your journey to help you reach your goals?

“Our annual scholarship program emphasizes the importance of financial education, which we believe is essential to everyone’s personal and professional journeys,” said Hank Halter, Delta Community’s CEO. “As champions of community education, we take pride in helping exceptional students pay for the cost of higher learning so they can focus on pursuing their goals and ambitions.”

Applicants must be Delta Community members seeking a first-time undergraduate degree and enrolled full-time at an accredited U.S. college or university during the 2024-2025 fall semester. Students must complete the Delta Community 2024 scholarship application online by 5 p.m. ET on March 1, 2024, in order to qualify, and the award recipients will be announced in early April.

In addition to its annual Scholarship Program, Delta Community offers scholarships for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities and provides hundreds of free classes in metro Atlanta through its Financial Education Center.

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Roswell Road lane closures set for Saturday for resurfacing

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Roswell Road resurfacing

Submitted information:

Contractors for the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) will install lane closures on State Route 120/Roswell Rd NE (SR 120) this Saturday night as resurfacing activities continue on roadway from SR 120 ALT to the Cobb County/Fulton County line. Resurfacing improves the condition of the deteriorating roadway and provides a smother ride for drivers.

Weather and on-site conditions permitting, one alternating right or left lane will be closed on SR 120 in the project area beginning 9 p.m. on Saturday, February 3 until 5 a.m. on Sunday morning. These lane closures will help ensure the safety of drivers and workers as crews begin milling, inlay and resurfacing operations on the roadway.

This $7.1 million resurfacing project is scheduled for completion in spring 2024.

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Georgia sample ballots released for 2024 presidential primaries

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While the presidential primaries have yielded little drama thus far, voters will have options when they go to the polls in Georgia.

Georgia runoff elections

Democratic incumbent President Joe Biden and Republican former President Donald Trump were the winners of the first-in-the-nation primary in New Hampshire Jan. 23.

Both will be on Georgia’s March 12 primary ballot, and are heavily favored to win their parties’ nominations.

But they won’t be alone.

Biden is one of three Democrats listed on the Georgia ballot, along with Minnesota U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips and self-help author Marianne Williamson.

Trump is among 11 names listed on the Republican ballot that includes Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott and technology entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, all of whom have dropped out and endorsed Trump.

Former South Carolina Nikki Haley, who is actively campaigning, is also on the Georgia GOP ballot.

She finished second in New Hampshire, collecting 43 percent of the vote to 54 percent for Trump, who also won the Iowa Caucuses.

Biden, who didn’t formally enter the New Hampshire primary due to Democratic National Committee schedule changes, still won 63 percent of the vote thanks to a write-in campaign.

The South Carolina Republican primary is Feb. 24, setting off a wave of primary contests in short order. That includes “Super Tuesday” on March 5, the week before Georgia, with voting taking place in 17 states and territories.

Voters choosing either primary ballot in Georgia also will be able to cast a write-in vote.

The Cobb Board of Elections has approved early voting for the presidential primary, starting Feb. 19 and continuing through March 8.

Among the early voting locations will be the East Cobb Government Services Center (4400 Lower Roswell Road) and the Tim D. Lee Senior Center (3332 Sandy Plains Road).

For more information on early voting, click here.

On primary day, March 12, voters will go to their regularly assigned polling stations between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Presidential primaries are held separately in Georgia from Congressional, state and local primaries, which this year will be on May 21.

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Cobb State Court Clerk introduces QR codes to track cases

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Submitted information and photo:Cobb State Court Clerk introduces QR codes

Drivers who get traffic tickets in Cobb County will notice something new on their citations–a QR code. The little black-and-white checkered code that gained widespread usage during the COVID-19 pandemic has been added to the ticket to make it easier to find a case, access information, and determine the next steps.

The Georgia Department of Driver’s Services mandates police agencies use a uniform traffic citation template,  but agencies can customize the back side with local court information. After almost a year of development and testing, the Cobb State Court Clerk’s office implemented the QR code system-wide.

The old citations only included the clerk’s website, which contained basic court information on traffic fines and fees, court dates, and payment options. Users had to visit a different web page to locate their case.  The new QR code system will allow users to quickly find and monitor court dates, view docket updates, change their address, and, in allowable cases, pay fines online with one scan rather than visiting multiple sites.

“We are always looking for innovative ways to assist customers with locating case information, following and updating records, and making these records accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” said State Court Clerk Robin Bishop. While technology streamlines processes, the State Court Clerk reiterated, “We are still available by phone 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday, as well as in person at our public service counters at 12 E. Park Square, Marietta, to assist the public.”

The Clerk’s Office worked with several Cobb County agencies on this new tool, including the Cobb Police Records Management team, Cobb’s website team, and Information Technology Services team members.

QR codes will not only be on citations. The Clerk’s Office has duplicated this concept at the State Court building, with a “Follow Your Case” QR code visible when users come in for various criminal and civil hearings, interactive screens, and coming soon on some court notices. 

The Cobb State Court Clerk’s Office maintains the records of all court proceedings in the State Court of Cobb County, including all traffic offenses, misdemeanors, and civil actions.

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Ex-Marietta City Council member running for Cobb Commission

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Reggie Copeland, who served a term on the Marietta City Council from 2018-2021, announced Tuesday he will be running for the Cobb Board of Commissioners.

In a brief e-mail message, Copeland said he will be running as a Democrat in the May 21 primary for District 2, which includes the City of Marietta.

He is the second candidate to express interest in the seat being vacated by Democrat Jerica Richardson, who is running for 6th District Congress.

Previously, former Cobb Board of Education member Jaha Howard filed a declaration of intent form with Cobb Elections, also for the Democratic primary.

Copeland, who is a counselor, said he will be providing more details about his priorities and platform soon.

In his e-mail announcement, he said that “I don’t see myself literally as just running against another candidate but I am running for ‘All’ people in Cobb County.

“The reason I am running is to improve the quality of life for ‘ALL’ individuals through a process call legislation via best practices, policies, and procedures,” he said.

Copeland represented Ward 5 on the Marietta City Council and was a controversial figure during his time in office.

A judge dismissed his request in 2018 for a restraining order against fellow council member Andy Morris following an argument in a meeting.

A city employee filed an ethics complaint against Copeland for verbally attacking her during a meeting, but that complaint was dismissed.

In 2019, he was charged with obstructing police after a traffic accident. Months later he said he feared for his life as a black man in dealing with law enforcement.

Copeland, who was chairman of the city council’s public safety committee at the time, was sentenced as a first offender and ordered to have an anger management evaluation.

In November 2021, he was defeated for re-election in a runoff with Carlyle Kent, who got 71 percent of the vote.

UPDATED:

After this story was posted, Copeland sent what he called a “complaints file” to East Cobb News (you can read it here) and said that “these FACTS will be shared with the community at large, as I host round tables while on my exciting campaign trail. Also, I will make this information available to ALL that have questions regarding your story.

“As a matter of fact we have already shared the FACTS with numerous citizens and they were elated to find out the real FACTS! Please know that I appreciate FACTS not fake news or alternative facts.”

ORIGINAL REPORT:
A native of Marietta, Copeland was a standout athlete at Marietta High School. He earned an undergraduate at Piedmont College, a master’s in education and counseling from the University of Georgia and a master of divinity from Emory University.

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Dental office proposed for former Mt. Bethel Community Center

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Mt. Bethel Church Community Center rezoning

For the second time in a year, the former Mt. Bethel Community Center is being eyed for professional use.

A rezoning request was withdrawn without prejudice last summer when the Cobb Zoning Office recommended that the building at 4608 Lower Roswell Road be granted designation for a limited professional services permit (LPSP).

MRE Properties, the applicant, sought a low-rise office (LRO) designation, but zoning staff said an LPSP would be more appropriate to the residential neighborhoods surrounding the site.”

A different applicant wants to convert the 6,060-square-foot building into a dental office. Marianna Kovitch, who has a practice in Buckhead, initially sought LRO rezoning and has hired noted zoning attorney Kevin Moore, who represented MRE Properties.

An initial hearing is scheduled before the Cobb Planning Commission on Tuesday in the first zoning hearings of 2024.

The land has been zoned residential because its owner is Mt. Bethel Church, which has been putting up selected properties for sale since departing the United Methodist Church in 2022.

A preliminary staff analysis of Z-5-2024 (you can read it here) also is recommending deletion to LPSP.

Such a use “will minimize impact to residential neighbors while allowing continued use of the existing site,” the analysis said, adding that the LRO category on that 1.13-acre parcel does not conform to the Cobb County Comprehensive Plan

It also indicates that no new major modifications or additions are being planned for the building, which would be open for dental services Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

In a stipulation letter dated Jan. 29 (you can read it here) Moore wrote that his client was in agreement with the staff recommendation of LPSP specific to dental, medical and administrative use. He also is seeking a waiver that LPSP is specific to the property owner.

The Cobb Planning Commission meeting Tuesday will take place starting at 9 a.m. in the second floor board room of the Cobb government building (100 Cherokee St., downtown Marietta).

Here’s a summary agenda; you can read through the full agenda by clicking here.

The meeting will be live-streamed on the county’s website, cable TV channel (Channel 24 on Comcast) and Youtube page. Visit cobbcounty.org/CobbTV for other streaming options.

The Planning Commission recommendations will be considered by the Cobb Board of Commissioners on Feb. 20.

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East Cobb Food Scores: Fresh To Order; Moxie Burger; more

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Fresh to Order, 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:

Arbor Terrace of East Cobb
886 Johnson Ferry Road
January 30, 2024 Score: 100, Grade: A

Blackwell Elementary School
3470 Canton Road
February 2, 2024 Score: 100, Grade: A

Fresh To Order
1333 Johnson Ferry Road
January 29, 2024 Score: 81, Grade: B

Green Coyote Cantina 
255 Village Parkway, Suite 330
January 29, 2024 Score: 87, Grade: B

Legacy Ridge at Marietta 
840 Lecroy Drive
January 29, 2024 Score: 100, Grade: A

Lomi Restaurant
2555 Delk Road, Suites A5-A7
February 1, 2024 Score: 91, Grade: A

Moxie Burger
255 Village Parkway, Suite 110
January 29, 2024 Score: 99, Grade: A

Mt. Bethel Christian Academy
4385 Lower Roswell Road
February 1, 2024 Score: 100, Grade: A

Papa John’s Pizza
1860 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 105
February 2, 2024 Score: 100, Grade: A

The Solana East Cobb 
1032 Johnson Ferry Road
February 1, 2024 Score: 90, Grade: A

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Cobb Police shoot man with a gun in East Cobb neighborhood

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Cobb Police said Wednesday that an officer shot a man with a gun after confronting him on Columns Drive in East Cobb Tuesday evening. Northeast Cobb car crash, Cops on Donut Shops

Officer Joseph Wilson said in a release that police received numerous 911 calls around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday saying that a man was walking down Columns Drive and firing his gun.

When officers arrived, police confronted him near the front door of a Columns Drive home and ordered him several times to drop the weapon, Wilson said.

When the suspect refused, according to Wilson, an officer fired at and struck the suspect, who was taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has taken over the case and in a release Wednesday afternoon, said the suspect was identified as Thomas Yarborough, 83, of Marietta.

The GBI said Yarborough is in critical condition and no officers were injured.

The GBI will turn over the findings of its investigation to the Cobb District Attorney’s Office.

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GOP-backed Cobb school board redistricting bill signed into law

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Following up last week’s story about a GOP Cobb school board map that passed the Senate; the same bill was approved by the House Monday by a party-line vote and was signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Brian Kemp.

GOP-backed Cobb school board redistricting bill passes House
State Sen. Ed Setzler’s Cobb school board electoral map would split the Walton and Wheeler attendance zones. For a larger view click here.

The Georgia legislature was ordered to draw new maps last month by a federal judge as part of a continuing lawsuit alleging that the 2022 maps diluted minority voting strength under the U.S. Voting Rights Act.

The judge, Eleanor Ross, will review the newly approved map.

The 2022 maps pushed most of the East Cobb area (Walton and Wheeler attendance zones) out of Post 6 and into the Cumberland-Vinings-Smyrna area.

That’s one of three posts held by Democrats on the seven-member Cobb Board of Education. Republicans hold a 4-3 majority and three of the GOP-occupied seats expire at the end of this year.

That includes Post 5 in East Cobb, where four-term Republican David Banks is retiring. The new map, sponsored by GOP Sen. Ed Setzler of Acworth would include most of the Wheeler zone in Post 6.

The 2022 maps had Walton, Wheeler and Pope clusters in Post 5, with Kell, and most of the Lassiter and Sprayberry clusters in Post 4, which is represented by Republican David Chastain.

The new maps were introduced despite the objections of the Democratic-majority Cobb legislative delegation. Rep. Teri Anulewics of Smyrna, the delegation chairwoman, has introduced her own maps, and legislation has passed the House.

Democrats contend the Setzler map continues to pack minority voters into limited areas and reduce their political influence.

Qualifying for school board races is in early March, with primaries in May. Thus far Democrat Laura Judge and Republican John Cristadoro, parents in the Walton zone, have announced their candidacies for the Post 5 seat.

(Note: While school board posts are drawn by the legislature, school attendance zones are determined administratively by the Cobb County School District.)

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East Cobb residential real estate sales, Jan. 8-12, 2024

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Blackjack Hills, East Cobb real estate sales
Blackjack Hills

The following East Cobb residential real estate sales were compiled from agency reports. They include the subdivision name, high school attendance zone and sales price:

Jan. 8

3980 Cliffmont Circle, 30068 (Fairvue at Indian Hills, Walton): $865,000

4205 Cove Court, 30067 (Kings Cove, Walton): $625,000

3702 Hembree Lane, 30062 (Hembree Hills, Pope): $342,000

Jan. 9

Sims Drive, 30066 (Heatherwood, Lassiter): $921,300

3980 Cliffmont Circle, 30068 (Fairvue at Indian Hills, Walton): $825,000

2355 Carrington Way, 30067 (Tuxedo Estates, Wheeler): $310,000

330 Hamilton Court, 30068 (Hamilton Trace Townhomes, Wheeler): $230,000

968 Pine Valley Drive, 30062 (Eastwood Forrest, Sprayberry): $320,000

2476 Sewell Mill Road, 30062 (Walton): $780,000

1045 Plainview Drive, 30066 (Sprayberry): $210,000

3270 Trickum Road, 30066 (Sprayberry): $545,000

3751 Apple Way, 30066 (North Ridge, Sprayberry): $475,000

Jan. 1o

3265 Beechwood Drive, 30067 (Terrell Mill Estates, Wheeler): $637,500

1923 Clearwater Drive, 30067 (Hamby Acres, Wheeler): $279,900

3538 Turtle Cove Court, 30067 (Dover Mitcham, Wheeler): $599,900

969 Bridgegate Drive, 30068 (Bridge Gate, Walton): $729,000

3949 Tall Pine Drive, 30062 (Tall Pines, Walton) $531,000

1980 Trophy Drive, 30062 (Sandy Plains Estates, Sprayberry): $328,500

Jan. 11

3909 Brave Trail, 30062 (North Indian Springs, Pope): $315,000

2326 Wilderness Way, 30066 (Natures Cove, Sprayberry): $450,000

2833 Pine Meadow Drive, 30066 (Pine Meadow, Sprayberry): $350,000

2829 Cobb Place Manor Court, 30066 (Cobb Place Manor, Sprayberry): $290,000

1411 Windburn Drive, 30066 (Shaw Woods, Sprayberry): $290,000

Jan. 12

4251 Columns Drive, 30067 (Columns Drive at Atlanta Country Club, Walton): $1.3 million

1231 Blackjack Court, 30066 (Blackjack Hills, Sprayberry): $490,000

4110 Meadow Way, 30066 (Northwind Meadows, Kell): $368,750

2141 Preswick Drive, 30066 (Tremont, Kell): $470,000

508 Parkaire Crossing, 30068 (Parkaire Crossing, Walton): $250,000

674 Highland Court, 30068 (Wimbledon Place, Walton): $245,000

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Cobb school district opens 2024-25 school choice slots

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Campbell High School lockdown

The Cobb County School District has opened up its annual period for school choice transfers for the following school year.

The deadline to apply for a school choice transfer for the 2024-25 academic year is Feb. 16.

According to the school district, “available space at a school is based on permanent classroom space. In the event that the number of transfer requests exceeds the available capacity of a school, the District will conduct a random lottery.”

Parents have the flexibility to transfer their children under transfer provisions of Georgia’s Quality Basic Education Act.

The following schools in East Cobb have the following availability:

Elementary Schools

  • Blackwell, 140 slots
  • Brumby, 25
  • Davis, 125
  • Keheley, 158
  • Kincaid, 69
  • Mountain View, 56
  • Nicholson, 126
  • Powers Ferry, 59
  • Sedalia Park, 249
  • Shallowford Falls, 266
  • Timber Ridge, 68
  • Tritt, 73

Middle Schools

  • Daniell, 199
  • Mabry, 197
  • McCleskey, 335
  • Simpson, 10

High Schools

  • Kell, 392
  • Lassiter, 33
  • Pope, 30
  • Sprayberry, 150

The full list can be found by clicking here; schools that do not have any seats available are not listed.

The link also has further information on eligibility criteria for the transfer program.

Parents will be informed of transfer approval before spring break, and they must accept an approved transfer by March 29.

For questions about the transfer program, e-mail: Student.Transfers@cobbk12.org.

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Family Cupboard Choice Pantry opened by Center for Family Resources

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Family Cupboard Choice Pantry opens
Photos courtesy The Family Resource Center

Submitted information:

The Center for Family Resources (CFR) is excited to announce the official unveiling of The Family Cupboard Choice Pantry. This revolutionary approach to food distribution is an updated concept to the CFR’s former food pantry, designed to empower families with a personal shopping experience while continuing to emphasize the importance of making healthy and nutritious food choices and getting the most out of their shopping budgets.

There’s a distinct difference between a traditional food pantry and a choice pantry: Regular food pantries pre-pack meals and groceries, limiting shoppers from selecting specific items, while choice pantries grant shoppers the freedom to choose their food items. At The Family Cupboard Choice Pantry, families will enjoy an experience similar to shopping at a regular grocery store. Each food item is assigned a certain number of points, and visiting families will receive a points budget to make their selections.

To enhance the experience, every shopper will be accompanied by one of the CFR’s dedicated and knowledgeable volunteers. These volunteers will provide nutrition information, share good shopping techniques, and offer valuable insights. This interaction not only aids the CFR clients during their trip to The Family Cupboard but also helps them make informed decisions about food, promoting healthier and smarter choices for their families.

“We understand the importance of nourishing the mind, body, and soul, and that’s why our mission is to make every trip to The Family Cupboard a journey toward a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling family life,” says Melanie Kagan, Chief Executive Officer of the CFR. “By enabling families to select their own food, we aim to help reduce food waste, optimize inventory, and utilize funding more efficiently.”

The Family Cupboard opened to the public in January, is available by appointment only, four days a week. To learn more about this exciting new Choice Pantry, click here.

To donate food items, please visit The Family Cupboard Amazon List.

The CFR remains grateful for the continued generosity and commitment of its community. Together, through initiatives like The Family Cupboard Choice Pantry, we can continue to uplift Cobb families and strengthen our community one step at a time.

Family Cupboard Choice Pantry opens

Family Cupboard Choice Pantry opens

Family Cupboard Choice Pantry opens

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East Cobb Food Scores: LongHorn Steakhouse; Verandah; more

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Longhorn opening East Cobb

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

Bells Ferry Elementary School
2600 Bells Ferry Road
January 24, 2024 Score: 100, Grade: A

Cafe Clement
1438 Canton Road
January 26, 2024 Score: 93, Grade: A

Delkwood Grill
2769 Delk Road
January 25, 2024 Score: 82, Grade: B

Empire Care Center
4360 Johnson Ferry Place
January 24, 2024 Score: 97, Grade: A

LongHorn Steakhouse
4370 Roswell Road
January 25, 2024 Score: 91, Grade: A

McCleskey Middle School
4080 Maybreeze Road
January 26, 2024 Score: 100, Grade: A

Mt. Bethel Elementary School
1210 Johnson Ferry Road
January 26, 2024 Score: 100, Grade: A

Starbucks at Kroger East Lake 
2100 Roswell Road, Suite 300A
January 23, 2024 Score: 95, Grade: A

Sunrise at East Cobb
1551 Johnson Ferry Road
January 25, 2024 Score: 90, Grade: A

Verandah Indian Restaurant
3101 Roswell Road, Suite 100
January 24, 2024 Score: 87, Grade: B

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Former Cobb County Manager David Hankerson dies at 77

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Submitted by Cobb County Government:Former Cobb County Manager David Hankerson dies

After his retirement, David Hankerson told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “I never hated to come to work for Cobb; I couldn’t wait. I was always here early, always here late.”

Those who worked with and for him know that is almost an understatement.

Hankerson came to work for Cobb in 1984 and was named County Manager in early 1993. He held that position for 24 years and shepherded county government as it moved from a mixed suburban/rural area to a rapidly growing metropolitan county.

David Hankerson died Thursday after a long illness. He was 77.

Current County Manager Dr. Jackie McMorris says Hankerson brought her to Cobb County in 2013.  

“But for Mr. Hankerson, I would not be where I am today,” Dr. McMorris said. “I believe the core values he has instilled in Cobb still resonate to this day, which include integrity, honesty, work hard, show up, and be ready when you show up. He was a giant in Cobb, and his legacy will live on in all of us.”

Chairwoman Lisa Cupid said Hankerson provided needed guidance when she became a district commissioner.

“David was a giant in our county and unmatched in his leadership and service to commissioners, employees, and civic and business leaders,” Chairwoman Cupid said. “I could not have accomplished all I did as a District Commissioner without his support. My prayers go out to David’s family and the Cobb Community during this very difficult time.”

“Today, we lost a gentle giant and exemplary leader of this county,” said District 3 Commissioner JoAnn K. Birrell. “David Hankerson will be remembered fondly for his management style, integrity, and leadership. He was a great mentor, husband, father, son, and friend. Thoughts and prayers are with his family. RIP Mr. H.”

David Hankerson acquired a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy from Fort Valley State College and a Juris Doctorate from the Woodrow Wilson College of Law. He served in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1970 in the Signal Corps, headquartered in Seoul, Korea. Upon his return to Georgia, he was a District Conservationist for the United States Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service.

He came to Cobb County Government in 1984 and served as manager of the Community Development Department. He was appointed Cobb County Manager on February 1, 1993. 

His last appearance before the Board of Commissioners came in September 2022 to celebrate the county’s 25th year of receiving a triple AAA rating. Hankerson said that had become a priority when he became county manager, and the county achieved that goal just a few years later.

“Triple AAA is about financing, but it’s more than just financing,” Hankerson said. “It’s about leadership, about community relations, and business relationships. We were very proud of that triple AAA rating.”

Hankerson was a Leadership Cobb Alumnus, a graduate of the Regional Leadership Institute, a member of the Association County Commissioners of Georgia General Government and Natural Resources and Environmental Policy Committees, a graduate of the Institute for Georgia Environmental Leadership Class, National Security Forum Alumni and a member of the Marietta Kiwanis Club. 

He served on numerous civic and professional boards. In 2006, Governor Perdue appointed him to the Environmental Advisory Council. In 2008, he became a member of the ICMA Client Advisory Forum, and in 2009, he was invited to serve on The Walker School Board of Directors and The Strand Board of Directors. 

He received numerous awards, including one of five distinguished Georgians to receive an Excellence in Public Service Award for 2004, and in 2005, the Blacks United for Youth/Cobb presented him with the Justice Robert Benham Award for outstanding leadership, service, and total commitment for the equality of all citizens. In 2008, the Senior Citizen Council of Cobb County presented Hankerson with the Community Leader of the Year award. In May 2009, he received the Delta Upsilon Boule Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity Founder’s Day Excellence in Government Award. 

In July 2009, the Board of Commissioners named the Safety Village Education Building in his honor. 2010 awards include the Marietta Daily Journal Citizen of the Year, 100 Black Men of North Metro Image Award, and the Cobb NAACP Hugh Grogan Political Action Award.

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Cobb Library System named Georgia’s ‘Library of the Year’

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East Cobb Library, Cobb budget crisis

Submitted by Cobb County Government:

Cobb County Public Library (CCPL) has been recognized as Library of the Year for its commitment to serving its community by partnering with numerous organizations within its county and statewide, and for efforts to expand access to materials and essential services to its community.

The library serves a population of over 750,000 across 15 branches and is dedicated to being a resource center in the community by providing equal access to information, materials, and services.

“The Cobb County Public Library prides itself with providing excellent, responsive service to enrich people’s lives, support lifelong learning, build and enhance our communities,” said Georgia State Senator Michael Rhett. “The library meets the needs of patrons across school systems, the county, and beyond by providing high quality services for early and adult learning literacy, hotspot and internet access, digital skills training, continuing education, health and wellness offerings, and cultural awareness in 15 branch locations.”

Cobb County Public Library received nomination letters from local elected officials, partnering organizations, school systems, and patrons who highlighted the library’s efforts across the community.

“This library has always been a safe haven and refuge from some of the confusing things about growing up,” said Jesse Quinton, Cobb County Public Library patron of over 15 years. “The library, staff, and other patrons have always been very respectful and helpful of my desire to learn, and I’ve grown here in ways that I might not have been able to if I wasn’t provided this resource.”

“We have a diverse, creative, knowledgeable, innovative, and experienced team that goes above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of the people we serve,” said Helen Poyer, director of Cobb County Public Library. “Staff are resilient and adapt well to the changing technologies, information needs, and community dynamics. They are public servants who are committed to and passionate about the role they play in promoting literacy at all levels and to all people. It is a joy, a privilege, and an honor to work with such an amazing team.”

The Cobb County Public Library has developed programs and services that enhance its role as a community hub and resource center, partnering with organizations that contribute to its goals.

A few of the library’s many unique local initiatives include:

  • Books By Mail: A free service that provides library materials to Cobb County residents who are unable to visit the library because of a physical disability, long-term illness, or lack of transportation. Items are delivered through the U.S. Postal Service, and the library provides pre-paid return postage at no cost to patrons.

“Books By Mail is a critical solution for not only our elderly patrons, but also chronically ill and physically challenged residents,” said Rachel Gray, Cobb County Public Library board trustee. “Cobb Library, in so many ways, can truly say it serves all residents, and that is possible because of our talented staff and their dedication to services like this.”

The Cobb County Board of Commissioners approved the service in February 2023, and the program is supported by the county’s federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) fund.

  • Falls Prevention Awareness Initiative: The library partners with a wide range of organizations to provide senior wellness programs, health screenings, and education for the community about the effects of injuries caused by falls.

Cobb County Public Library launched the Falls Prevention Awareness Initiative in 2015. A few of the library’s earliest collaborators include the Georgia Department of Public Health Injury Prevention Program, Cobb Senior Services, and the Shepherd Center, one of the country’s top hospitals for rehabilitation.

Staff have been trained to offer evidence-based fall prevention programs that bring people together while learning how to prevent injuries and illnesses. Year-round senior class offerings include tai chi, yoga, chair yoga, and hula hoop.

“Our falls prevention programming shows how libraries are effective in intervening to address significant community issues,” said Poyer. “These classes are about increasing knowledge and confidence and improving quality of life. The library is a place for lifelong learning; we can help you learn what you need, when you need it.”

For the initiative, Cobb County Public Library received the Award for Outstanding Service presented by the Injury Prevention Research Center at Emory (IPRCE) in 2023.

  • Vision To Learn Partnership: The library’s partnership with the nonprofit organization Vision To Learn has provided more than 2,100 eye exams and 1,400 pairs of glasses to Cobb County children for free through on-site mobile vision clinics at library branches.

This partnership helps children who have uncorrected vision needs, which means they are more likely to struggle in learning how to read. Vision To Learn visits are part of the library’s collaboration with Learn4Life, Metro Atlanta Regional Education Partnership.

“Although we have provided service at libraries across the country, Cobb County Public Library was a pioneering partner and has continued to set the standard for using libraries as a critical resource in the community, not just for literacy, but for health and wellness,” said Peter Silberman, chief growth officer at Vision To Learn.

  • Accessibility Services: Cobb County Public Library has made meeting the needs of the underserved in their community a priority. The library offers patrons a place to use assistive technology such as screen readers and magnifiers, listen to talking books, or find disability resources.

Cobb County Public Library began its focus on special needs populations in 2014, when the Windy Hill Therapeutic Center Library opened within the Cobb County PARKS Therapeutic Center. The center provides adult day care for those 18 and over who have a disability and need recreational, social, and skill-building activities. In 2019, the library expanded its programs to also serve the general public.

“We recognized that accessibility needed to become a priority for our library. Disability doesn’t have an age limit,” said Renaté Elliott, accessibility services supervisor at Cobb County Public Library. “We needed to provide services beyond those who attend adult day care. We also needed to include kids, as well as young adults who graduated from high school but are not quite ready for college or a job. We wanted to prioritize inclusion across the board.”

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  • Public Library Access for Student Success: Students who attend a Marietta City School or a Cobb County Public School can use their student ID number, commonly referred to as a lunch number, to check out library materials and access digital resources.

The library is also known for providing career advancement opportunities through educational programming, workshops, partnerships, and more.

“The Cobb County Public Library has been instrumental in organizing educational workshops, offering technological access, and hosting a wide range of programs that cater to people of all ages,” said Sonya Grant, president and chief executive officer of CobbWorks. “Their unwavering commitment to serving the community is apparent in the resources and support they provide, enabling individuals to enhance their skill sets and improve their employment prospects.”

The library also partnered with Georgia Educational Resources, Inc., a sponsor of Georgia’s Summer Food Service Program, to provide over 141,500 meals to more than 11,000 children at branches in response to the pandemic’s impact on families’ ability to afford food and the program has continued since.

“The dedication and hard work that Cobb County Public Library has invested in supporting the Summer Food Service Program over the past four years are nothing short of outstanding,” said Tammie Johnson, director at Georgia Educational Resources, Inc. “Because of the library, many children received nutritious meals who may not have otherwise.”

Teen arrested after carjacking, lockdown at KSU campus

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UPDATED, Jan. 25, 12:10 P.M.:

Cobb Police said Wednesday that one suspect was taken into custody and two others remain at-large following a carjacking attempt that occurred near the KSU campus Tuesday.

Officer Aaron Wilson said that three males carjacked a 2023 Cadillac on Frey Road in Kennesaw and headed toward the KSU campus around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The vehicle was spotted by the Cobb Police Real-Time Crime Center near campus, and KSU authorities issued a lockdown around 6:20 p.m. following reports of an armed intruder, Wilson said in a release.

Marquise Adams, 17, of Lithonia, was arrested following a brief foot chase with the keys to the Cadillac in his possession, police said.

Police said that no shots were fired during the incident and that they searched the area for several hours for the other suspects. The investigation is continuing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Cobb Police Major Crimes Unit at 770-499-4111.

UPDATED, 8:40 PM:

An all-clear message has been issued and all campus operations have resumed.

ORIGINAL REPORT:

Kennesaw State University issued an emergency alert shortly after 6 p.m. Wednesday, saying that an armed suspect has been reported near the main campus in Kennesaw. KSU logo

The university’s Office of Emergency Management is asking those on campus to remain sheltered in place until further notice.

Shortly after 7 p.m., the message was updated to say that all persons should remain sheltered in place, and that police are searching the area.

This story will be updated.

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Ga. Senate approves Republican Cobb school board map bill

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A Cobb Board of Education map proposed by Sen. Ed Setzler would split Walton and Wheeler zones into different elected posts. For a larger view, click here.

The Georgia Senate on Wednesday approved a Republican-sponsored map redistricting the seven posts on the Cobb Board of Education.

By a 32-19 party-line vote, the Senate passed a bill sponsored by Sen. Ed Setzler (R-Acworth) that would moderately change maps the legislature approved in 2022.

But that map was thrown out in December by Eleanor Ross, a federal judge in Atlanta, who said it diluted minority voting strength provisions of the U.S. Voting Rights Act.

She gave lawmakers until Feb. 9 to redraw the lines, and the bill sponsored by Setzler would put some of Post 6 back into the East Cobb area.

That includes some of Wheeler High School attendance zone, which along with the Walton zone had been placed in Post 5 in the 2022 maps.

Four of the seven posts are up for election in 2024, including three of the four seats held by Republicans.

Post 5 in East Cobb, which has been held by Republican David Banks since 2009, will get a new representative since he announced recently he wouldn’t be seeking re-election. Qualifying takes place in March for May primaries.

UPDATED:

On Thursday the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals suspended Ross’ order for the maps to be redrawn immediately, meaning that the legislature doesn’t have to act further, at least for the moment.

A hearing on the merits of the legal case is expected to go before that court in Miami next week.

On Friday, a Georgia House committee approved Setzler’s map in a party-line 10-9 vote.

ORIGINAL REPORT RESUMES:

Setzler defended his bill, SB 338, during a floor debate on Wednesday, although he didn’t mention that as was the case in 2022, he was sponsoring a map that the Democratic-led Cobb legislative delegation objected to.

Sen. Jason Esteves, an Atlanta Democrat who represents some of East Cobb, said the map “doesn’t remedy” the violations of the U.S. Voting Rights Act that were called out in the federal court order.

“This map continues the packing of black and brown voters in Cobb County, limiting their influence,” he said, and in particular South Cobb, where the three posts there are currently held by Democratic members.

He said the refusal by Setzler to consult with the full Cobb delegation led to his map splitting some school attendance zones, including a disruption of some of the Walton and Wheeler feeder patterns.

(While school board posts are drawn by the legislature, school attendance zones are determined administratively by the Cobb County School District.)

In addition to Setzler, Cobb Republicans voting in favor of his map were Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick and John Albers, who represent parts of East Cobb.

Setzler’s bill goes to the House, where Rep. Teri Anulewicz, a Smyrna Democrat who is head of the Cobb legislative delegation, is expected to file her own map.

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Former Cobb school board member eyeing commissioner seat

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Jaha Howard, who served on the Cobb Board of Education from 2019-2022, has filed a declaration of intent form to run for the Cobb Board of Commissioners.Cobb school board COVID safety letter

A Democrat from Smyrna, Howard is considering a campaign for the District 2 seat being vacated by first-term Democrat Jerica Richardson, who is running for Congress.

She was a top campaign aide for Howard when he won election to the school board in 2018, helping reduce a 6-1 Republican majority to 4-3.

A declaration of intent is not a formal campaign launch; candidates interested in seeking public office in Cobb have until March to qualify for the May primaries.

Howard was a controversial figure during partisan disputes on the school board, notably over racial and equity issues as well as the Cobb County School District’s COVID-19 response.

He and the school board’s two other Democrats at the time filed approached Cognia, the district’s accrediting agency, complaining that they were being silenced by the four Republican members who make up the majority.

That prompted a special review by Cognia that was reversed in early 2022. 

In 2022, Howard opted to run for Georgia School Superintendent, but lost in the Democratic primary. He also ran unsuccessfully for the Georgia State Senate in 2016.

Last year, Cobb Commission Chairwoman Lisa Cupid appointed Howard to the county’s transit advisory board.

A graduate of Atlanta Public Schools and Howard University, he is a pediatric dentist who is married with three children.

East Cobb News has left a message with Howard seeking comment. 

The District 2 commission boundaries that were approved by the Georgia legislature during reapportionment in 2021 drew Richardson out of her East Cobb home.

Cobb GOP BOC redistricting map
Cobb commission maps passed by the Georgia legislature would include most of East Cobb in District 3 (gold), with District 2 shown in pink.

She and her Democratic colleagues on the commission tried to invoke home rule to keep her in her seat. Last week a Cobb judge ruled that maneuver violated the Georgia Constitution and the county filed an intent to appeal.

Richardson then reiterated her intent to run for the 6th District Congressional seat, which includes South Cobb.

The redrawn 2nd Commission district includes the Smyrna area as well as much of the city of Marietta and the I-75 corridor. It took out most of East Cobb, which is represented by Republican JoAnn Birrell.

Democrats hold a 3-2 majority on the commission and the 2nd District is likely to be held a Democrat.

Cupid and District 4 commissioner Monique Sheffield are the other Democrats, and their terms also end this year.

Before the Cobb court ruling on redistricting, East Cobb resident Kevin Redmon had declared an intent to run for the District 2 seat as a Democrat.

A former member of Richardson’s community cabinet, he reported raising more than $30,000, but he lives in District 3 according to the boundaries approved by the legislature.

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McCormick endorses Trump after initially supporting DeSantis

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A member of Congress who represents part of East Cobb has changed his endorsement in the Republican presidential primary.Rich McCormick, 6th Congressional District candidate

U.S. Rep. Rich McCormick, who initially pledged support for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, said Tuesday that he will be backing former President Donald Trump, who easily won the New Hampshire primary.

DeSantis dropped out last week after finishing a distant second to Trump in the Iowa Caucuses.

Trump defeated former U.N. Ambassador and South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley in the first primary of the 2024 election calendar in New Hampshire by a 54-43 percent margin.

The South Carolina primary is Feb. 24, and Haley has vowed to continue. Georgia’s presidential primaries are on March 12 but both Trump and Democratic President Joe Biden are expected to face off in a rematch of the 2020 election.

“After another overwhelming victory, it’s abundantly clear that the American people want Donald J. Trump to serve as President of the United States once again,” said McCormick, who is in his first term, in an e-mail distributed by his campaign Tuesday.

“As President, Donald Trump can reverse the failed policies of the Biden Administration that have compromised national security, undermined public safety, stifled our economy, and threatened our nation’s future.

“Under President Trump’s leadership, we can spur economic growth, stop the border invasion, restore our country’s standing abroad, safeguard our rights and liberties, and protect the American Dream for generations to come.”

On Wednesday, members of Georgia’s delegation to the Republican National Committee urged Haley to end her campaign.

“We are united in our call to move to the general election phase of this campaign so that the finite time, money, and other campaign resources can be focused on firing Joe Biden,” said the statement, which was signed by state party chairman Josh McKoon and RNC members Jason Thompson and Ginger Howard.

Cody Hall, a top advisor to Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, denounced the message on X (formerly Twitter), saying that “the GAGOP’s role is to support our party’s nominee, not to try to decide them. One would think they would have learned that lesson in 2022.”

That was a reference to Kemp’s easy re-election in 2022 that included a primary victory over former U.S. Sen David Perdue, whom Trump endorsed after Kemp declined demands by Trump to challenge Georgia’s 2020 presidential election results giving Biden a narrow victory for the state’s 16 electoral votes.

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