East Cobb News

Editor’s Note: The Power of Local during a dangerous storm

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Editor's Note: The Power of Local during a dangerous storm

Tropical Storm Helene’s arrival in our area Friday morning was bound to have a devastating impact, and there’s no better way to illustrate how damaging the storm was than to see what those most affected by it have had to deal with.

When I issued a call-out to readers for photos of storm damage and flooding near them, I was honored that so many bothered to take the time to share what they saw.

One of them is Renae Popkin, a resident of Columns Drive, who sent the photos and video included in this post of the flooding in her yard, the road in front of her home and in the neighborhood.

This was where storm flooding from Helene was worst in East Cobb, and Columns Drive was closed until late Friday afternoon.

In addition to surging storm waters, downed trees and debris in the road made it impassable.

Popkin told us on Friday that there were staff from the Cobb Sheriff’s Office trying to cut the trees and remove pieces from Columns Drive.

When we checked back with her on Saturday, she sent a photo of a portion of the road that’s still blocked off.

“Luckily most of the water has receded!” she said.

(Click the middle button to view the slideshow.)

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

While she and her neighbors still have cleaning up to do as they dry off from a very soggy few days, we in East Cobb are breathing a sigh of relief that the damage wasn’t worse.

Only a few thousand people in Cobb County lost power, and the wind gusts that promised to be at tropical-storm levels didn’t materialize as they could have.

We really dodged a catastrophe. When I woke up after daybreak Friday morning, I said a prayer and cried a little.

I won’t lie, I was deeply afraid of what might have happened here. I had my evacuation bag packed and ready to go. My cat slept through the whole thing, right near a window, so perhaps I should have taken that as a clue.

When I see photos and videos of what Helene wrought elsewhere in Georgia, and in the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee—where whole towns disappeared and doctors, nurses and patients had to be rescued from the top of hospital that had been flooded—tears come to my eyes.

Mostly, I feel a great sense of gratitude that our lives haven’t been ripped apart by the storm like so many others have.

Around 15 Georgians have died, including a first responder. Parts of the city of Valdosta have been leveled. Massive flooding in the metro Atlanta area persists. A million people were without power.

We have so much to be thankful for in East Cobb, and this local news publisher is especially grateful to readers for giving us an up-close glimpse of what even a fraction of a powerful storm can do.

One of the biggest changes in the news business in the digital age is the ease with which everyday people can be citizen-reporters, if you will, relaying their observations, photos and videos with the public.

The last thing I did as the editor of East Cobb Patch was cover the major ice storm of January 2014. Like everyone else, I was hunkered down and frozen in, but readers sent in their information and photos of what their neighborhood looked like, how long it took them to get home, etc.

That’s the Power of Local on display, as it was here again on Friday, in a time of a potential crisis that could have crippled this community.

I deeply appreciate Renae and all the others who shared with us a sense of what it was like out there.

I like to say that readers have helped make East Cobb News better—not just with their contributions but also with their feedback—good, bad or otherwise—to guide me as we continue here.

Thanks to all of you for your readership, and for investing your time with East Cobb News. Please get in touch at wendy@eastcobbnews.com with suggestions, comments, etc. I’d love to hear from you!

 

 

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East Cobb restaurant update: Flying Biscuit Cafe closes

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East Cobb Flying Biscuit opening

The Flying Biscuit Cafe at Parkaire Landing was among the restaurants in East Cobb that announced Friday it was closing due to weather stemming from Tropical Storm Helene.

But a social media posting from the restaurant also indicated the doors won’t be opening up again.

“We have made the decision to permanently close this location and focus our growth with our other Atlanta locations,” the message on its Facebook page said.

“Please visit us nearby in Kennesaw, Roswell or Sandy Springs!”

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

Flying Biscuit opened at the retail center in March 2021, then closed several months later due to a management change and staff retraining.

The restaurant reopened in August 2022.

It’s the second time a location of the Atlanta-based breakfast and lunch chain has left East Cobb.

Flying Biscuit occupied an outparcel in the Woodlawn Commons Shopping Center until 2010.

Since its reopening in East Cobb, however, the local breakfast-lunch competition has grown. In addition to J. Christopher’s, Biscuits and More and Eggs Up, the Johnson Ferry corridor also includes a First Watch location, also in Woodlawn Commons.

Related:

 

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East Cobb Helene update: Columns Drive reopens after flooding

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East Cobb Helene update: Columns Drive closed; send your storm photos!
A reader photo from Columns Drive, which is closed between Atlanta Country Club Drive and Riverlook Parkway.

UPDATED, 6:20 P.M.:

Cobb Police said just a few moments ago that Columns Drive has reopened. “There is still some standing water and a tree down in the area, but the roadway is deemed passable,” according to a message on its Facebook page posted around 6 p.m.

ORIGINAL REPORT:

Cobb County was spared the worst of Tropical Storm Helene Friday morning, but there’s extensive flooding that’s affecting travel for the remainder of the day.

A local state of emergency remains in place as cleanup crews continue their work.

Cobb also remains under a flash flood watch until 1:15 p.m. Friday, and citizens are urged not to get out on the roads before then, if at all today, unless absolutely necessary.

That’s because even main roads are treacherous after heavy rains, estimated to be in excess of six inches in some places, and trees and power lines were downed.

High winds are also continuing through Friday, with gusts in parts of the East Cobb area topping 40 mph.

Cobb DOT said Friday morning that Columns Drive in East Cobb, along the Chattahoochee River, is closed between Atlanta Country Club Drive and Riverlook Parkway.

A reader sent the following photos from her backyard on Columns Drive that extends to the river. Click the middle button to start the slideshow:

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

In Northeast Cobb, Blackwell Road is closed between Fowler Drive and Windridge Drive (east of Canton Road) because of downed power lines.

Cobb government said its crews have already dealt with 55 downed trees on roads, 11 flooded roads and eight reports of traffic lights being out.

In addition, flood warnings are in effect along most rivers and major streams and creeks in Cobb, including the Chattahoochee River and Noonday Creek.

Cobb Police said in a social media posting that the Bells Ferry Trailhead at Noonday Creek “saw quite a bit of water buildup, now it’s more of a ‘Trail-Lake’—serious flooding over there, so maybe skip that hike for now!”

A reader sent the photo below of  flooded soccer fields at Noonday Park:

We haven’t heard of any such warnings along Sope Creek in East Cobb, but the U.S. Geological Survey indicated water levels above 12 feet.

The reader who sent the photo above tells us that the creek “looks like it’s about to come over the bridge on Columns where it dumps into the Chattahoochee.”

Another East Cobb resident posted this video of Sope Creek at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area:

We’d also like to share your information/photos/videos of storm conditions near you with the community. If it’s safe, please e-mail editor@eastcobbnews.com or text 404-219.4278.

Nearly 1 million Georgia electrical customers were without power Friday morning after Helene barged in from Florida as a Category 2 storm, then was downgraded to a tropical storm as it approached metro Atlanta.

More than 5,000 electrical customers in Cobb County are without power as of mid-Friday morning, according to Georgia Power and Cobb EMC, which provide most service to the East Cobb area.

According to Georgia Power, roughly 1,000 East Cobb customers are without electricity, while Cobb EMC reports that an estimated 750 customers in East Cobb are reporting outages.

Another Columns Drive reader sent us this video showing the extent of the flooding, and how it trapped residents for hours:

Much heavier wind damage and flooding occurred east of the metro area. Gov. Brian Kemp said at a news briefing Friday morning that 11 deaths have been reported across Georgia, including a first responder.

As the storm gathered in the Gulf of Mexico, a rare tropical storm warning was issued for north Georgia, with gusts as high as 73 mph anticipated.

Winds were expected to gust between 30-40 mph through Friday afternoon, with partly sunny skies also in the forecast as Helene moved north out of Georgia.

Cooler temperatures also greeted the passage of the storm, in the mid-60s on Friday morning, as the weather improves for the weekend.

Sun and highs in the high 70s return for the weekend and temperatures will be back in the low 80s next week.

But for the rest of Friday, you’re asked to stay put if possible while the cleanup work continues.

If/when you do get out, do not try and drive through a flooded area. You’re asked to call 911 or Georgia Power/Cobb EMC immediately if they see a fallen or low-hanging power line.

Cobb government said if you have structural property damage to report, you can do so by clicking here.

An aerial photo of a flooded golf course at Indian Hills Country Club, posted on its social media account:

 

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East Cobb weather update: Helene emergency info, forecast

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East Cobb weather update: Forecast, closings, more for Helene
Rain ahead of Hurricane Helene was already waterlogging major roads in East Cobb Thursday, including the Roswell-East Piedmont intersection.

UPDATED, FRIDAY, 11 A.M.:

Here’s our report on the latest road conditions, power outages and more in the East Cobb area on Friday morning. You’re asked to avoid travel as much as possible due as work crews are addressing flooding and downed power lines and trees.

A few roads are closed, and rivers and creeks are overflowing, including Sope Creek in East Cobb.

Overall, our area was spared the worst of Helene.

ORIGINAL REPORT:

State and local authorities continued to warn citizens to take extreme precautions Thursday as Hurricane Helene is set to move into Georgia with anticipated tropical storm-force winds and heavy rains.

Between 4-8 inches of rain is predicted for the Cobb area as the hurricane moves inland from the Big Bend coastline of Florida, where it’s expected to reach landfall Thursday night as least as a Category 3 storm.

In addition, sustained winds in excess of 50 mph and gusts up to 60 mph could take place in the metro Atlanta starting late Thursday night and into Friday.

Emergency officials are urging citizens to prepare for flooding, heavy property damage and extended power outages in what could be life-threatening conditions.

“Due to the intensity and fast forward motion, unprecedented wind and flooding impacts, rivaling or exceeding those of Hurricanes Opal (1995), Irma (2017) and Michael (2018), are expected across the north and central Georgia,” the National Weather Service said in a statement Thursday afternoon.

Local response

Cobb government issued statements Thursday morning closing offices, including libraries, through Friday, and Chairwoman Lisa Cupid issued a countywide state of emergency to allow “the county to quickly access state and federal resources that may be needed after the storm passes.

“I encourage everyone to take precautions and avoid travel during the storm,” she said. “Forecasters are predicting high winds and heavy rainfall. With the amount of rain we’ve already received, flooding is likely. If you live in a flood-prone area, please assess whether it is necessary to relocate to a safer location.”

Cobb DOT crews will operate on 12-hour shifts starting Thursday night to handle calls about downed trees, blocked roads and flooding.

Cobb spokesman Ross Cavitt said the Cobb Emergency Management Agency will activate its Emergency Operations Center, “and a combined police and fire incident command will coordinate the emergency response. Additionally, 911 will increase its number of operators to manage the expected surge in calls and dispatch emergency responders.”

He added that “during the peak of the storm, anticipated on Friday morning, residents are asked to call 911 only for immediate emergencies. For non-emergency assistance, a list of contact numbers is available on the Helene Information page at cobbcounty.org.”

Latest conditions

The NWS said that the majority of Georgia has an “80-90 percent chance of seeing tropical storm force winds” from late Thursday afternoon until as late as Friday afternoon.

Those winds range from 38 mph to 73 mph.

“The strongest winds and wind gusts will continue to be found on the eastern side of the storm and may change with small wobbles in the forecast track,” the NWS message said.

Gov. Brian Kemp has declared a statewide emergency, and hurricane warnings have been issued for southwest Georgia.

Cobb and most of the rest of Georgia are under a flash flood watch and a tropical storm warning until Friday afternoon.

Tornadoes also are expected to materialize during Helene’s onslaught into Georgia, and tornado warnings have been in effect in parts of south and middle Georgia Thursday afternoon,

The storm center is expected to pass over the metro Atlanta area by 7 a.m. Friday, but winds and rain from Helene will be arriving before that.

“The worst of the system is expected to arrive between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m.,” the Cobb Emergency Management Agency said Thursday.

“With this being the case, the GREATEST risk is overnight. As you prepare to go to bed tonight, make sure any supplies you may need are in an easy to access area. Power outages may make it difficult to collect items after the storm system has arrived, so stage it TODAY before you may need it! Don’t forget to plan for small children and pets.”

The area has been watterlogged by 2-5 inches of rain thus far from unrelated rain showers since Wednesday, prompting further warnings for those living near creeks, streams, rivers and other bodies of water.

Water levels at Sope Creek in East Cobb were already surging to nearly five feet (see map).

Numerous local businesses in East Cobb were altering their schedules or closing early or cancelling activities.

Staying safe

Local and state authorities have been sending out messages on how to prepare for what could be catastrophic conditions for several days:

  • Prepare an Emergency Kit: Include at least a gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, necessary medications, a multi-tool, and a whistle. Don’t forget items like batteries, a manual can opener, and personal hygiene products.
  • Secure Your Home: Bring in or secure any outdoor furniture, decorations, and equipment that could be damaged or become projectiles. Check windows and doors to ensure they are properly sealed.
  • Prepare for Power Outages: Charge power banks for devices and have extra batteries for flashlights. Consider investing in a generator if you live in an area prone to outages, and make sure you have candles and matches as backups.
  • Avoid Floodwaters: Even shallow water can be dangerous, hiding debris or strong currents. Stay informed about local weather conditions and heed warnings from authorities.
  • Know Evacuation Plans: Familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes and have a go-bag ready with essentials like clothing, cash, and important documents. Discuss a meeting place with family in case you get separated.

Power outages

Gather emergency contact information for your electricity provider to report power outages, downed lines, etc., and to receive messages and alerts.

Georgia Power is preparing an outage map and has compiled safety information here; Cobb EMC provides similar resources here.

Contact info:

  • Acworth Power – 770-293-9557
  • Atlanta Gas Light – 877-427-4321
  • Marietta Power – Emergency 770-794-5160
  • Cobb EMC – Power Outage 770-429-2100, then press 3
  • Georgia Power – 888-660-5890
  • Greystone Power – 770-942-6576

Officials are warning that the outages could be extensive. Georgia Power offers additional tips:

  • Before a Storm: Stay aware, heed advice from officials, and check the weather forecast before heading outdoors. Check your emergency kit and family plan. Unplug major appliances and charge cell phones in case you lose power.
  • During a Storm: Take safe shelter inside a sturdy building away from windows and doors. Avoid contact with conductors of electricity – appliances, metal objects and water.
  • After a Storm: Never touch any downed or low-hanging wire, including telephone or TV wires that touch a power line. Never pull tree limbs off of power lines yourself or enter areas with debris or downed trees as downed power lines may be buried in wreckage. Customers should call 911 or Georgia Power immediately if they see a fallen or low-hanging power line.

Travel cautions

Authorities are asking citizens to avoid driving if at all possible on Friday morning, even on major roads, which are already struggling to absorb pre-Helene rains.

If you must drive, do not try to drive through a flooded area.

“Turn around, don’t drown! An estimated 2-3 inches of rain has already fallen due to unrelated storms,” Cobb EMA Said.

We can expect an additional 4-6 inches. This may present as flash flooding and may be extremely dangerous. DO NOT wade in storm water. Remember: 6 inches of water is enough to knock over a person and 12 inches is enough to carry a vehicle. Do not attempt to cross moving waters.”

Cobb EMA said the storm system from Helene is expected to clear out of the area by between 1-3 p.m. Friday.

Cobb government has provided a Helene information and resource page with updates and real-time storm information.

You can report storm damage by clicking this link.

 

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Cobb government offices, libraries close due to Helene

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Submitted information:

All Cobb County offices, including all Cobb County Public Libraries, will close at 12 pm, noon, on Thursday, September 26 and remain closed through Friday, September 27, 2024 due to the risk of damaging winds and flooding rains from Tropical Storm Helene. Libraries will reopen as normal on Saturday, September 28, 2024.

Stay informed on the potential impact of the storm by visiting https://www.cobbcounty.org/helene-information. 

Here’s more from the county:

County Manager Dr. Jackie McMorris has ordered the closure of all county facilities at noon on Thursday in anticipation of the approaching remnants of Hurricane Helene.

The closure will remain in effect through at least 11:59 p.m. on Friday.

All emergency responders, including 911, DOT, police, and fire personnel, will remain on duty to handle storm-related calls.

Chairwoman Lisa Cupid has declared a local State of Emergency, allowing the county to quickly access state and federal resources that may be needed after the storm passes.

‘Unprecedented event’ for Ga. as Hurricane Helene intensifies

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Tropical storm Helene was declared a hurricane on Wednesday as it approaches the Florida gulf coast, and emergency declarations for Georgia have been heightened for most of the state.'Unprecedented event' for Ga. as Hurricane Helene intensifies

That includes a tropical storm warning covering most of metro Atlanta and north Georgia, by the National Weather Service. Helene is expected to make landfall in the “Big Bend” coastal area of Florida on Thursday, possibly as a Category 4 storm (130 mph winds).

“This could be an unprecedented event for north and central Georgia given the expected track and strength of Helene,” the National Weather Service in Peachtree City said in a briefing Wednesday around noon (you can watch it below).

That’s because forecasters say the storm, which has been fast-moving as it treks across the Gulf of Mexico, will continue to move quickly inland.

Tropical storm-caliber winds (45 mph to 55 mph) may include gusts up to 75 mph in some areas, according to the NWS forecast, with the greatest risk coming early Friday morning (overnight hours) through early Friday afternoon.

Tornadoes are possible for areas east of the storm path. Thus far, Cobb is not included in that likely area.

Cobb has been under a flood watch since 2 p.m. Wednesday, an alert that continues through 2 p.m. Thursday.

Light rain began falling in Cobb on Wednesday afternoon, unrelated to Helene.

But the storms and winds associated with Helene are expected to increase significantly.

The NWS is predicting that the center of the storm will pass over metro Atlanta as it moves further north, dropping between 4-7 inches of rain.

The high winds could be devastating, as local governments and emergency agencies are encouraging citizens to prepare for the worst.

That includes the possibility of property damage, long power outages, heavy flooding in waterways and on roads and scattered debris.

Cobb government is updating information and providing resources at this link; there’s no word yet on county closures.

The North Georgia State Fair in Cobb County has been cancelled for Wednesday and Thursday.

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is closed on Friday.

The Atlanta Braves series at Truist Park against the New York Mets also has been put on hold. Wednesday and Thursday games will be made up as part of a Monday doubleheader as the Braves trail the Mets by a game in a battle for a playoff spot.

Some metro Atlanta school districts are cancelling classes as well. The Cobb County School District is on fall break this week.

Cobb government said Tuesday that the county DOT will have extra crews on stand-by to respond to flooded roads and emergencies.

Here’s what local emergency authorities are asking citizens to do to prepare:

  • Prepare an Emergency Kit: Include at least a gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, necessary medications, a multi-tool, and a whistle. Don’t forget items like batteries, a manual can opener, and personal hygiene products.
  • Secure Your Home: Bring in or secure any outdoor furniture, decorations, and equipment that could be damaged or become projectiles. Check windows and doors to ensure they are properly sealed.
  • Prepare for Power Outages: Charge power banks for devices and have extra batteries for flashlights. Consider investing in a generator if you live in an area prone to outages, and make sure you have candles and matches as backups.
  • Avoid Floodwaters: Even shallow water can be dangerous, hiding debris or strong currents. Stay informed about local weather conditions and heed warnings from authorities.
  • Know Evacuation Plans: Familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes and have a go-bag ready with essentials like clothing, cash, and important documents. Discuss a meeting place with family in case you get separated.

Georgia Power is preparing an outage map and has compiled safety information here; Cobb EMC provides similar resources here.

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East Cobb Food Scores: Goldbergs Bagel; Cuban Diner; more

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Goldberg’s Bagel, 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:

Bowlero
2749 Delk Road
September 25, 2024 Score: 92, Grade: A

Cuban Diner
1484 Roswell Road
September 23, 2024 Score: 82, Grade: B

Goldbergs Bagel Co. and Deli
1062 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite A110
September 24, 2024 Score: 85, Grade: B

Kumo Hibachi Sushi
2595 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 103
September 24, 2024 Score: 87, Grade: B

Mexican Wing City
1750 Bells Ferry Road, Suite E
September 24, 2024 Score: 79, Grade: C

Sterling Estates of East Cobb
4220 Lower Roswell Road
September 24, 2024 Score: 96, Grade: A

Related:

 

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4 East Cobb high schools stand out in 2024 SAT scores

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Pope High School, Cobb SAT scores
Pope’s overall 2024 SAT score was a 15-point improvement from the year before.

Four high schools in East Cobb are among the Top 25 in Georgia in overall Scholastic Aptitude Test results for the Class of 2024, according to data released Wednesday by the Georgia Department of Education.

Walton (1249), Pope (1194), Lassiter (1182) and Wheeler (1167) led the Cobb County School District, whose overall mean score of 1105 was the best for a large school district in metro Atlanta.

The SAT is administered every spring for seniors, who are tested on evidence-based reading and writing and math, and the maximum score is 1,600.

Walton’s “mean score” was fifth in the state, Pope’s was 11th, Lassiter’s was 13th and Wheeler’s was tied for 21st, according to state education figures.

For the most part, those results are only slightly different from the Class of 2023. Pope’s overall mean of 1194 was a 15-point improvement from 2023.

The Cobb school district said in a release that its “average for the evidence-based reading and writing section was 565 out of a maximum of 800, 2 points higher than in 2023. The district average for the math section was 540 out of a maximum of 800, 1 point lower than in 2023.”

The charts below detail the SAT results for East Cobb schools and the Cobb school district, and rank the Top 25 schools in the state for overall mean score.

You can read more about Cobb results by clicking here.

# Taking Test Total Score Mean Reading & Writing Mean Math Mean 2023 Mean
Kell 196 1064 546 517 1063
Lassiter 347 1182 593 589 1183
Pope 321 1194 604 590 1179
Sprayberry 226 1058 546 511 1059
Walton 504 1249 624 625 1255
Wheeler 284 1167 591 576 1255
Cobb 4593 1105 565 508 1104

Total Score Mean
Gwinnett School of Math, Science & Technology 1370
Innovation Academy (Fulton) 1286
Northview (Fulton) 1268
Lambert (Forsyth) 1256
WALTON (Cobb) 1249
Alliance Academy (Forsyth) 1245
South Forsyth (Forsyth) 1221
Johns Creek (Fulton) 1218
Columbus (Muscogee) 1207
Chattahoochee (Fulton) 1197
POPE (Cobb) 1194
Alpharetta (Fulton) 1185
LASSITER (Cobb) 1182
Atlanta Classical Academy (Atlanta) 1181
Denmark (Forsyth) 1180
McIntosh (Fayette) 1180
Chamblee Charter (DeKalb) 1174
North Oconee (Oconee) 1174
Starr's Mill (Fayette) 1170
Decatur (Decatur) 1169
WHEELER (Cobb) 1167
Savannah Arts Academy (Savannah-Chatham) 1167
Midtown (Atlanta) 1166
Cambridge (Fulton) 1165
Heritage (Catoosa) 1162

Related:

 

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Flood watch in effect for Cobb in aftermath of Helene storm

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Flood watch in effect for Cobb in aftermath of Helene storm

Tropical storm Helene is expected to be upgraded to a hurricane as it approaches the Florida panhandle later this week.

The National Weather Service in Atlanta is forecasting plenty of heavy rain the storm moves inland north into Georgia, and has included Cobb County and much of Georgia in a flood watch starting Wednesday afternoon.

That watch period starts at 2 p.m. Wednesday and extends to 2 p.m. Friday, according to the NWS, which is predicting that those areas of the state in the watch could get between 4-7 inches of rain during that period.

The storm is expected to pass by the Yucatan Peninsula Wednesday and is tracking toward the Florida coastal “Big Bend” area east of the panhandle. It could become a Category 3 hurricane by the time it reaches landfall Thursday.

Here’s more from the NWS about the projected path of Helene and the likely conditions. More NWS-related links here.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has declared a state of emergency through Oct. 2, and the Georgia Emergency Management Association is urging citizens to prepare for “significant” power outages, downed trees and even tornadoes east of the main storm path.

The watch notice states that “widespread torrential rainfall is expected to then overspread the area on Thursday into Thursday night as Tropical Storm Helene approaches.”

Temperatures will be cooling as a result, with Wednesday’s high expected around 80. The chance of rain in the Cobb area is 70 percent, and between a half and three-quarters of an inch of rain in expected.

On Thursday, more heavy rainfall is in the forecast, with a 90 percent chance of showers and a high in the low 70s. The wind also could gust up to 25 mph.

Friday’s chance of rain is around 50 percent, with highs in the high 70s.

The heavy rainfall amounts could cause rivers, streams, ponds and lakes to rise and pose dangers on the roads.

The NWS said late Tuesday that the metro Atlanta area is in the highest risk area for flash flooding Wednesday into Thursday (see map below).

Cobb government said Tuesday that the county DOT will have extra crews on stand-by to respond to flooded roads and emergencies.

Cobb Police on Tuesday issued the following preparedness message:

  • 1. Prepare an Emergency Kit: Stock essential supplies, including water, food, and medications.
  • 2. Secure Your Home: Safeguard outdoor items.
  • 3. Prepare for Power Outages: Charge devices and have flashlights ready.
  • 4. Avoid Floodwaters: Don’t walk or drive through flooded areas.
  • 5. Know Evacuation Plans: Be ready to evacuate if advised by authorities.

Georgia Power is preparing an outage map and has compiled safety information here; Cobb EMC provides similar resources here.

Both electrical providers are encouraging their customers to enroll for text alerts and to receive other messages.

Flood watch in effect for Cobb in aftermath of Helene storm

 

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The Art Place’s Wizarding Academy celebrates 7th year

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The Art Place's Wizarding Academy celebrates 7th yearSubmitted information:

Join The Art Place’s Wizarding Academy as we celebrate Year 7 on Saturday, October 19th!

Wizarding students aged 6-12 will be welcomed into our magically transformed blackbox theater where they will attend classes led by witches and wizards, craft their own magical items, take pictures with their favorite characters, and more! We encourage all who attend to dress in their most magical attire.

There are two sessions, one from 11:00am-1:00pm and another at 2:30-4:30pm, each with three groups. Coordinate with your friends to sign up for the same session and group to ensure you share the adventure. Please sign up for one session only, projects will repeat. We want as many wizards and witches as possible to have the opportunity to experience the magic and mystery of Year 7.

Early bird price of $40.00 lasts through September 30th. The price will increase to $45.00 on October 1st. The Art Place is located at 3330 Sandy Plains Road Marietta, GA 30066. Please visit www.artplacemarietta.org or call (770) 509-2700 to register.

 

 

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East Cobb restaurant update: Super Chix opens at Avenue

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The fast casual chicken franchise Super Chix opened its third location in Georgia Monday at Avenue East Cobb, the retail center announced.

As we noted earlier this year, the eatery is occupying the former Victoria’s Secret space (3,800 square feet) andthe franchisee is East Cobb resident Missy Newks.

The Texas-based company serves grilled chicken sandwiches (which the chain dubs “The Last True Chicken Sandwich”), hand-cut fries and frozen custards (menu here).

The flavor options for the chicken sandwiches, salads and tenders include Nashville Hot, Cheesy BBQ, Buffalo Ranch, Blackened Cajun, Crispy Avocado and Cordon Bleu.

In addition to the fries, Super Chix also serves fried pickles, and coleslaw and kids’ meals.

The frozen custards are available in cups, cold fusions, shakes and pints. Flavors include Strawberry Cheesecake, Cookies n’ Cream, Butterfinger, English Toffee, and Reese’s Peanut Buttercup.

Super Chix is the fourth restaurant/eatery to open at Avenue East Cobb since the retail center’s overhaul, joining Round Trip Brewing Co., Peach State Pizza and Press Waffle Co. The existing Tin Lizzy’s also expanded to include a game bar with food service from the main restaurant.

It’s also the latest fast-casual chicken eatery in what’s becoming a competitive market in East Cobb. In April, Howlin’ Willy’s, a hot-chicken concept from Willy’s Mexicana Grill, opened at Pine Straw Place.

Guthrie’s Chicken will be opening in a drive-through-only capacity at the intersection of Lower Roswell and Johnson Ferry roads. Construction work is nearing completion but a specific timetable hasn’t been announced.

Super Chix hours are daily from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and online ordering is available.

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Fall Prevention Nature Walk featured at Sewell Mill Library

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Fall Prevention Nature Walk featured at Sewell Mill Library
Bruce Thompson, branch manager of the Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center

Submitted information and photo:

Fall Prevention Nature Walk, a set of informational panels designed to promote awareness and action for injury prevention, is on display outdoors at Sewell Mill Library & Cultural Center through Wednesday, Oct. 2.

The Fall Walk at Sewell Mill coincides with National Falls Prevention Awareness Week 2024, Sept. 23–27, which is organized “to raise awareness on preventing falls, reducing the risk of falls, and helping older adults live without fear of falling,” the National Council on Aging states at ncoa.org.

An initiative of Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) Injury Prevention Program, the Fall Walk was initially inspired by walk paths featuring stories, often with pages of picture books, in community parks and outside libraries organized by Cobb County library workers. It was developed with input on its design and evidence-based messages from leading injury prevention experts of DPH, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Injury Prevention Research Center at Emory (IPRCE), Emory University School of Medicine, and Mercer University Department of Physical Therapy, Shepherd Center and others.

“Cobb libraries serve as community focal points for bringing to the public’s attention critically important information for people to act on for a better quality of life,” said Sewell Mill Branch Manager Bruce Thompson. “The Fall Walk is designed to start meaningful conversations of families and individuals to consider proven ways to reduce fall risks in their lives and to share this with their neighbors and the people they are closest to.”

The public launch of the initiative was the Fall Prevention Nature Walk in place for several days in spring 2023 in the City of Kennesaw’s Swift-Cantrell Park in partnership with Cobb County Public Library. The Fall Walk has been shared by Cobb Senior Services, the Northeast Georgia Fall Prevention Coalition and others with temporary installations in parks, public libraries, churches and other locations. DPH developed an Implementation Guide for the Fall Walk and continues to seek input from organizers of its instillations as part of planning for more Fall Walks across Georgia.

The Fall Walk at Sewell Mill is next to the library’s outside patio in a relatively dense space in comparison to installations in parks and other paths with several feet between each panel offering a walk-and-talk opportunity. Its duration is more “pop-up” than longer lasting installations at other locations. Cobb library officials said they’re confident visitors of the Sewell Mill installation will find value in choosing to experience all 24 panels together or taking in one or a few of the panels at a time.

Among the Fall Walk panels, which provide information on accessing resources, are The Importance of Fall Prevention, Risk Factors, Home Safety, Outdoor Safety for Kids, Talking to a Primary Care Provider, Get a Screening and Staying Active.

Falls are costly for individuals and families as well as healthcare systems and public safety agencies. According to DPH’s OASIS data dashboard, in 2023 there were 9,100 Emergency Room visits due to falls by Cobb residents. By comparison, last year there were 5,459 ER visits by Cobb residents due to Motor Vehicle Accidents.

Fall injuries impact all ages. In 2023, children age 9 and younger account for 1,287 of the ER visits by Cobb residents.

For information on Cobb County Public Library programs and resources, visit cobbcat.org or call 770-528-2326.

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East Cobb weather update: A summer-like start to autumn

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East Cobb weather update: A summer-like start to autumn

The autumnal equinox took place on Sunday morning, but the weather in East Cobb is going to feel a lot like the summer.

This week’s fall break will include high temperatures in the high 90s and low 90s.

The high on Sunday—the first day of fall—felt like the middle of summer, with temps in the mid-90s and humidity around 30 percent.

Sunny skies are in the forecast through Tuesday night, and a 30-40 percent chance of rain is expected from Wednesday-Sunday night.

Cooler weather will come in over the weekend, with Saturday’s high in the high 70s and similar temperatures in the forecast for early next week.

For more local weather details, click here.

The equinox takes place twice a year, in September and March, when the sun is exactly above the equator and day and night are of equal length.

The start to spring is around March 20-21, then the sun crosses back northbound across the celestial equator.

Autumn officially lasts until Dec. 21-22 in the Northern Hemisphere, when winter begins.

 

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East Cobb residential real estate sales, Sept. 3-6, 2024

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Trickum Heights, East Cobb real estate sales
Trickum Heights

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

4930 Tremont Drive, 30066 (Tremont): $457,950

Lassiter

3840 Northpoint Drive, 30062 (Springwood): $530,000

3241 Talimore Circle, 30066 (Northampton): $900,000

3889 Easy Circle, 30066 (Trickum Heights): $840,000

Pope

3014 Lanta Lane, 30062 (Mar-Lanta): $590,000

3290 Chestnut Oaks Drive, 30062 (Holly Oaks): $579,000

2621 Murdock Road, 30062 (Ashley Hall): $685,000

4110 Manor House Drive, 30062 (Mar-Lanta): $710,000

3644 Blakeford Way, 30062 (Blakeford): $896,500

2506 Kingsley Drive, 30062 (Newcastle): $479,000

4654 Bishop Lake Road, 30062 (East Hampton): $1 million

Sprayberry

4011 Ebenezer Drive, 30066 (Philmont Estates): $410,000

2389 Worchester Way, 30062 (Waverly Woods): $390,000

2290 Lessie Maude Drive, 30066 (Powell Station): $470,000

1870 Goodhearth Drive, 30066 (Olde Mill Creek): $690,000

Walton

2205 Heathermoor Hill Drive, 30062 (Heathermoor): $2 million

Wheeler

2693 Meadowlawn Drive, 30067 (Sandpiper): $315,000

2946 Chipmunk Trail, 30067 (The Village): $394,900

3323 Greenfield Drive, 30068 (Indian Hills): $647,000

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Cobb superintendent to make school safety presentation

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Cobb superintendent to make school safety presentation

Cobb school superintendent Chris Ragsdale said Thursday he will make a detailed school safety presentation to the public in October.

During a Cobb Board of Education meeting Thursday, he said that while “I will not identify systems and structures designed to keep our students, teachers, and staff safe,” additional safety measures will be announced next month.

His comments (full video here) come in the wake of the deadly shootings at Apalachee High School in Winder earlier this month, and following calls from local citizens for more open discussion of safety measures in the Cobb County School District.

Ragsdale was responding in particular to demands that board member Tre’ Hiutchins’ previous attempts to put such a discussion on the agenda be reconsidered.

But he said that “I fully appreciate the desire to know and the frustration that you cannot. However, law enforcement and school safety experts repeatedly caution that school safety plans should not be discussed in public—ever.”

He said the Cobb school district spends $35 million a year on student and staff safety, including the efforts of an 81-officer district police department.

“Our Board receives briefings in executive session, Ragsdale said, adding that he told the board on Thursday “of expanded threat assessment and abatement measures that we are investigating in a more detailed discussion. Following the Board’s input, I anticipate bringing a PUBLIC presentation on those aspects we can share without endangering students and staff of those measures during next month’s Board meeting.”

In addition to the Apalachee reaction, the district said it has received more than 60 reports of threats, none of which posed an actual threat to a Cobb school campus.

They included Dickerson Middle School last week and at Walton High School on Tuesday, which was on a brief lockdown after a report of a bomb that the district said “was not an active threat.”

In reference to those incidents, Ragsdale said that “we do not consider any threat ‘false’ until we are confident it is false. And also, please know we do not consider these false threats as pranks and every threat is reported to law enforcement and will likely result in both serious school discipline and criminal prosecution.”

Hutchins’ proposal would add non-certified school support officers and install weapons detection devices at schools and for large events.

For parent Melissa Marten, a frequent critic of Cobb school district, Ragsdale’s pledges weren’t satisfactory.

“All we’ve been asking for is an open discussion for you to consider any and all things that could keep our kids safe,” she said during a public comment Thursday night, “and an acknowledgement of the fear we live with every day. But you refuse.”

Marten asked how would a parent know about how the district’s emergency tip line was being monitored and responded to, and she claimed Ragsdale is “incapable” of extending empathy.

“Whose tips would you take seriously, and whose would you blow off?” Whether the reported threats are real or not, she continued, “it’s taking a toll.”

During his prepared remarks, Ragsdale said that “in general terms, our school safety measures are among the most comprehensive and layered in the State of Georgia.”

He added that “in times less troubled than these, this Board has endured loud and organized opposition to police presence on campus, armed police, safety drills, and even crisis response systems. Despite these critics and criticism, this Board has put the safety of students first.”

Before the meeting Thursday, the district said that students taking part in school walkouts to protest gun violence would be facing suspensions. A special assembly was held Friday morning without incident at the Wheeler High School football stadium to honor the Apalachee victims.

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Cobb schools threaten suspensions for walkout protesters

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Wheeler name change

Amid possible protests on Friday in response to a school shooting in Barrow County, the Cobb County School District said that students who disrupt the school day “will, at a minimum, be suspended.”

A message that went out after school was dismissed on Thursday said that “students’ ability to express themselves is important to us, without disrupting school.”

Walkouts have been called around the country following the fatal shooting of two students and two teachers earlier this month at Apalachee High School.

The district said in response to further information from East Cobb News that “through national and local social media campaigns, we are aware some students could be planning to participate in a protest on Friday, September 20th, 2024.”

The response wasn’t more specific except to say that “as a reminder to families, we shared information about the District policy related to school attendance and behavior that causes a disruption to the school day.”

Published reports said some students were planning a protest at the Georgia Capitol Thursday to demand gun safety measures in schools, as legislators were meeting to discuss the subject.

The Cobb school district message to parents said that “as we continue to reflect and process the tragedy in Barrow,” students and staff are “actively invited to participate in school-sponsored memorials and the condolences” for the victims.

But “participating in disruptions to school could impact a student’s ability to participate in sports and other extracurriculars.”

One school that has organized a remembrance is Wheeler High School in East Cobb.

Principal Paul Gillihan said in a message to the school community that the homeroom period on Friday will provide an opportunity to “allow students a chance to have their voices heard and not miss any academic class time.”

He said that “this will also allow them to have a designated place (the football stadium) as a safe place to walk out to. The students who participate in this organized and safe event will not receive consequences as this has been cleared by the administration and will not disrupt any instructional time.”

Gillihan’s message said discussions to coordinate such an event began with student council members last week.

Tensions have been heightened in school districts following the Apalachee shooting, in which a 14-year-old student and his father have been charged.

Cobb school district officials said more than 60 reports of “threats” have been investigated since then, but none of them have been deemed a threat to a school campus.

They include Dickerson Middle School and Walton High School, which was subject to a brief lockdown on Tuesday after a bomb threat was reported.

The Cobb school district said that after multiple law enforcement agencies investigated, it was considered “not an actual threat.”

At a Cobb Board of Education work session Thursday afternoon, some critics urged the district to discuss school safety plans and in particular, a request by school board member Tre’ Hutchins to increase use of technology to detect weapons.

But his concerns have not made it to the school board agenda.

“Apalachee High School has the same systems in place that we have,” said East Cobb resident Heather Tolley-Bauer of Watching the Funds-Cobb, a watchdog group. “And yet, here we are, another tragedy, all because a gun was brought into a school by a student.

“We are not asking you to share everything, we are asking you to consider everything. It is not a lot to ask. Will you be able to say you did enough? Because right now the answer is no.”

In 2018, following a mass school shooting in Florida, students at several high schools in Cobb, including Walton, Wheeler, Lassiter and Pope, took part in a walkout.

Some campuses locked their front gates, and at Walton school officials led an observance before classes began.

The district handed out in-school suspensions then, but in its message Thursday wasn’t more specific than the threats of class and activity suspensions.

It encouraged parents to visit the district’s website for its code of conduct policies.

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Cobb schools remove six more sexually explicit books

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The Cobb County School District announced Thursday that six more sexually explicit books have been removed from library shelves, bringing to 26 the number of titles that have been withdrawn over the last year.Cobb schools remove six more books from libraries; 26 in all

Superintendent Chris Ragsdale said during a Cobb Board of Education work session Thursday that the most recent removals, like the others, were deemed inappropriate for school children.

They include five books by fantasy author Sarah J. Maas:

  • “A Court of Wings and Ruin”
  • “A Court of Thorns and Roses”
  • “A Court of Mist and Fury”
  • “A Court of Frost and Starlight
  • “A Court of Silver Flames”

The other book is “Iron Fire” by David Ball, who writes historical fiction.

The work of both authors is aimed at young adult readers, although Maas’ books are also read by teenagers.

A Maas book was temporarily banned in Charlotte-Mecklenberg (N.C.) schools in late 2023 after a parental complaint.

“A Court of Mist and Fury” was among the 10 “most challenged books” for 2022 according to the American Library Association, covering library, school, and university materials and services.

A recent review of Maas’ work at Entertainment Weekly acknowledged the amount of sexual content in her books, but argues that “the reality of life is that passion, desire, lust, and love all occur alongside sadness, death, and war. Why are so many hell-bent on framing books that acknowledge that reality as lesser titles just because they’re popular with teenage girls (who, frankly, deserve more credit for driving pop culture and taste)?”

Ragsdale’s announcement came just before takingAstandcobb, a local citizens group, held a press conference “about pornography in Cobb schools.”

“I encourage you, especially those who defend this content, to read the excerpts before doing so,” he said in prepared remarks at the work session.

“Google them. Use community web sites. Go to the book store. Go to the public library. I trust you will conclude that like rated R movies children should not be provided unrestricted access to all media.”

He said the Cobb school district has more than a million total media assets and “will remain broadly inclusive of the diverse individuals, groups, stories, and experiences of our nation.

If parents wish to introduce their children to such subjects outside of schooltime, Ragsdale said, they are free to do so.

But as “a public school serving over 100,000 students, we are not going to impose that choice on other people’s children.”

At a board meeting Thursday night, several parents objected to the continuing book removals, and some wore purple shirts saying “Ban Bias Not Books.”

One of them is Mary Davis, mother of a middle-school student, who read from an author, Emma Kress, who said that “when we ban books, we teach them that some people, possibly even them, can and should be made invisible.”

Quoting Kress again, Davis said that that “in my experience, people, young ones included, a quite good about making choices about what to read.

“It’s a powerful thing that a child can sit down with a book they’re not yet ready for or do not need. It’s a powerful thing for a child to know that the adults surrounding them enough to trust that they can choose books for themselves.

“You can put the books back. You can open the doors to the library and invite children into the joy of reading.”

The Kress book that Davis held up, “Dangerous Play,” is not among those removed from Cobb school libraries.

On Friday, takingAstandcobb said that “our county saw over 40 parents, students, men, women, gay, straight, of faith and not, defend Cobb’s children. We’re supporting a Board that is removing porn from schools and calling out those who support the sexual exploitation of children.”

The group’s leaders are Francisco Vega, a pastor at A.R.C. City Church in West Cobb and parent Arielle Kurtz.

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East Cobb Food Scores: Reveille Café; Los Arcos; more

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Reveille Cafe, 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:

Brumby Elementary School
815 Terrell Mill Road
September 18, 2024 Score: 100, Grade: A

East Cobb Middle School
825 Terrell Mill Road
September 18, 2024 Score: 100, Grade: A

Jersey Mike’s
2014 Powers Ferry Road, Suite 300
September 18, 2024 Score: 89, Grade: B

Jimmy John’s
1337 Powers Ferry Road
September 18, 2024 Score: 90, Grade: A

Lemon Grass Thai Restaurant
2145 Roswell Road, Suite 190
September 20, 2024 Score: 82, Grade: B

Los Arcos Mexican Restaurant
3101 Roswell Road, Suite 104
September 18, 2024 Score: 90, Grade: A

Reveille Café
2960 Shallowford Road, Suite 1140A
September 17, 2024 Score: 90, Grade: A

Taco Hub
2800 Canton Road, Suite 1220
September 18, 2024 Score: 100, Grade: A

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Cobb citizens group to protest ‘pornography in Cobb schools’

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A group of citizens who say they’re “taking a stand against pornography in Cobb schools” will hold a press conference Thursday before a Cobb Board of Education meeting.Cobb school district pulls sexually explicit books

An e-mail from an account called “takingAstandcobb” said the press conference will start at 5 p.m. at the Cobb County School District Central Office, 514 Glover Street, in Marietta and that two school board members will be present.

A follow-up message in response to a question from East Cobb News identified those school board members as Randy Scamihorn and Brad Wheeler, the current and most recent chairmen. Both are Republicans who are up for re-election in November.

When East Cobb News asked for information about “takingAstandcobb,” the response indicated that “we are a group of Cobb Citizens that have fully researched the book contents, and believe the public has a right to be fully informed.”

No names were disclosed.

The message also said that a representative from Gays Against Groomers will be on hand for the press conference.

It’s a national organization that is “fighting back from inside the community against the sexualization, indoctrination and medicalization of children happening under the guise of “LGBTQIA+,” according to its website.

That also includes opposition to “queer theory and gender ideology being taught in the classroom.”

Those issues have been the subject of controversy in the Cobb school district for the last year.

The district has removed 20 books because of what Superintendent Chris Ragsdale said include sexually explicit, lewd, obscene and vulgar content that aren’t appropriate for children.

Cobb schools also fired a Due West Elementary School teacher last year for reading a book to her fifth-grade students about a boy who questions his gender identity. The district said that was a violation of a new “divisive concepts” law in education in Georgia.

The teacher, Katie Rinderle, is suing the district.

At the same time, those protesting the book removals have said the objections from the district are largely due to LGBTQ content.

But at a school board meeting in August, East Cobb resident JoEllen Smith read from books that complained explicit content.

Her remarks were not aired on the district’s livestream due to “federal regulations” because of their explicit nature.

Later, Smith said that “there are hundreds of pro-LBGT books that don’t include kiddie porn. And it’s unfairly conflating homosexuality to pedophilia which is stigmatizing our gay youth.”

The Cobb school board will hold a work session at 3 p.m. Thursday and a voting meeting at 7 p.m., with an executive session in between.

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

The open meetings also will be live-streamed on the Cobb County School District’s BoxCast channel and on CobbEdTV, Comcast Channel 24.

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Cobb schools: Walton HS bomb report ‘not an active threat’

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Walton HS sports complex pedestrian bridge

A bomb threat was reported at Walton High School on Tuesday, according to a message that went out to the school community.

But the Cobb County School District said late Tuesday afternoon in response for information from East Cobb News that “there is not an active threat to Walton High School.”

A message from Principal Stephanie Santoro that was sent out around 3 p.m. said that the threat was called into 911, and “our team immediately reported the threat to multiple law enforcement agencies.”

She said in the message those agencies are now conducting an investigation.

“Currently, while there is an increased law enforcement presence, there has been no interruption to the school day, and dismissal is on schedule,” according to the message, which was not more specific.

There were social media reports of a lockdown at Walton that the district did not confirm nor deny when asked by East Cobb News.

It’s the second time an East Cobb school has been what appears to be the subject of false threats in as many weeks, two weeks after a deadly shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder.

Last week, the Cobb County School District said a student at Dickerson Middle School was charged with making threats, but said the student is “not a threat to the school.”

It was among the more than 50 such incidents the district said it has received since the Apalachee shootings that have “not been proven to be actual threats to a Cobb school.”

WSB-TV reported Tuesday afternoon that in addition to the Walton incident, Northview High School in North Fulton went on lockdown, and that a sweep of that campus by police “determined that there was no threat.”

The Cobb school district said that there was no evacuation at Walton.

“We take each reported threat very seriously, including increased law enforcement so the school day can continue without disruption,” a district spokesperson told East Cobb News in a statement.

On Tuesday, the message that went out to the Walton school community said the number of reported threats in the Cobb school district has now grown to more than 60, and that “almost all these incidents were the result of bad behavior on the part of people who are seeking to disrupt the school day.

“Our administration, the District, and law enforcement take every rumored threat seriously and are thoroughly investigating. Once we have an update, we will update you.”

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