The Cobb Sheriff’s Office said Monday that a woman being held at the Cobb Adult Detention Center has died.
In a release, sheriff’s spokesperson Randi Okray said that Clara Palmer was pronounced dead at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital Saturday evening.
Okray said she had been rushed there after being found unresponsive in her cell and that emergency responders began administering CPR.
The release said the Cobb County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine a cause of death.
According to a booking report, Palmer, 39, from Union City, had been held without bond since Dec. 11 on a variety of charges, including possessing a weapon while committing a crime, possession of methamphetamine, theft by receiving stolen property and tampering with evidence.
The release also included a message citing figures from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention that “an estimated 90% of individuals who die by suicide have a diagnosable mental health condition—most often depression or a substance use disorder—at the time of their death.
“The holidays can sometimes feel overwhelming. Sheriff Owens urges detainees and their loved ones to seek help if they need emotional support,” the release stated.
“Individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts or severe emotional distress can call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8 or visit 988lifeline.org for free and confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
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Cobb Police have arrested one adult and two juveniles after a fight broke out at Cumberland Mall Sunday that was initially reported as an active shooter incident.
Officer Aaron Wilson said in a release that “several 911 calls described males wearing masks running through the mall and allegedly shooting” in the food court area early Sunday evening.
But police said a part-time security officer saw no victims or armed individuals when arriving at the scene, although officers from several law enforcement agencies responded.
The three individuals were taken into custody and “a blood trail was discovered in front of several stores, prompting further investigation” of a possible stabbing, Wilson said.
He said that surveillance video footage showed that a fistfight had broken out, and that one of the persons involved had been bleeding.
Wilson said that no firearms or knives were discovered and no hospitals reported any injuries related to the incident.
Cobb Police did not release the names of those who were arrested, but said that it “would like to assure the public that there is no ongoing threat to safety at Cumberland Mall.”
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Cobb Police said Tuesday morning that a school bus was hit by another vehicle on Roswell Road in East Cobb but that there were no injuries.
Police said the crash occurred as the bus was attempting a left turn in the eastbound lane of Roswell Road onto Providence Road West.
That’s close to Walton High School and Dodgen Middle School.
Police said all lanes of traffic affect by the crash have been reopened.
A Cobb County School District spokesperson said that “a Walton bus was involved in an accident when a car made contact with the rear of the bus. We are grateful for the quick response of first responders who arrived to provide support and ensure everyone was okay. Fortunately, students were then able to be transported to school on another bus.”
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A pedestrian was killed Friday night after being struck by a vehicle on Canton Road near the intersection of Jamerson Road, according to Cobb Police.
Officer Aaron Wilson said in a release that the unidentified victim, a Hispanic male, was trying to cross Canton Road outside a crosswalk just north of Jamerson Road around 7:27 p.m. Friday when he was hit by a black 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE heading north on Canton Road.
Wilson said the car was driven by a 42-year-old man from Woodstock and included two juvenile occupants.
Police said the pedestrian was taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital by ambulance, and was pronounced dead there. The occupants of the car were not injured, according to police.
Wilson said anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Cobb County Police Department STEP Unit at 770-499-3987.
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Cobb Police said Friday that a motorist was killed in a two-car collision on Hawkins Store Road Thursday night.
Sgt. Eric Smith said in a release that the unidentified victim was pronounced dead on the scene of the crash at the intersection of Hawkins Store Road and Farmbrook Lane.
Smith said the incident took place at approximately 6:57 p.m., when a white 2006 Toyota Tundra heading west on Hawkins Store Road veered off the road and onto a curb and sidewalk.
At the same time, according to police, a white 1997 Ford F-250 was traveling east on Hawkins Store, and was struck by the Toyota as the driver tried to get back into the westbound lane.
Smith said first responders attended to the driver of the Toyota, but he died on the scene. His next of kin has been notified, said Smith, who added that the driver of the Ford truck was hospitalized with minor injuries.
Police are continuing to investigate, and anyone with information asked to call the Cobb County Police Department STEP Unit at 770-499-3987.
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Cobb Police Chief Stuart VanHoozer said Monday that an internal investigation is continuing into the shooting death of a pet dog last week by an officer making a 911 call to a residence in South Cobb.
During a brief press conference at Cobb Police headquarters in Marietta, VanHoozer said that while the event was “tense and unpleasant,” no apparent department policies have been violated.
Cobb Police released a four-minute segment of officer bodycam footage from the Dec. 2 incident at a home off Macland Road near Powder Springs (see below; the video is graphic and reader discretion is advised.)
Police were responding to a 911 call about a reported missing person in the area when they arrived at the home of Justin and Tessa Carr around 8:40 p.m.. They own two dogs and according to the initial police report, the dogs began to leave the home.
Police said one of the dogs ran toward an officer, who “perceived the dog’s actions as potentially threatening” and then shot the animal in self-defense.
That dog was named Zeta (photo above), who was fatally wounded.
VanHoozer said Monday (you can hear his comments here) that he watched the video footage, pledging transparency and a better understanding of the incident. But he said he didn’t any conclusions about possible contact between the officer and the animal.
“Part of doing right is to look into what happened to see if we can do better as a profession,” he said.
He offered condolences to the family of Zeta, saying that “it’s very, very sad to lose a dog, a friend, man’s best friend.”
The officers have not been cleared of wrongdoing, and they are back on duty, VanHoozer said, adding that more information will be coming out as open records requests have been filed.
The Carrs have started a Facebook page and are raising funds for legal action they’re planning against the police.
They said on that page after the incident that Zeta never showed aggression to humans or animals, except for barking.
Tessa Carr said she took a video of the dog’s corpse and has no intention of releasing it publicly but “in case I need it for later.”
She added that “we are not going to stop until we have real answers. . . I wanna know what the Cobb County Police Department’s training looks like for situations like these. Most of all, I wanna know who’s gonna make this right for my family, my friends, and most of all Zeta.”
Editor’s Note: Viewer discretion is advised.
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From L-R: Left to Right: Chief Deputy Rhonda Anderson (CCSO), Sheriff Craig Owens (CCSO), Sgt. John Beasley (CCSO), Sgt. Anthony Mosby (CCSO), Assistant Chief Deputy Gina Hawkins (CCSO).
Submitted information and photos:
On Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office hosted a heartfelt retirement ceremony for K-9 Krush, a black Labrador retriever with over eight years of distinguished service. Held at the Advanced Operation Center, the event celebrated Krush’s remarkable contributions to public safety and his impact on the Cobb County community.
Trained by US K9 Unlimited in narcotics detection, K-9 Krush was a critical asset in hundreds of drug inspections, aiding in the seizure of approximately $4.5 million worth of drugs, cash, and assets. One of his career highlights was his largest single seizure of 17 kilograms of heroin.
The ceremony featured a retrospective of Krush’s career, recognition of his handlers—retired Sgt. Kite, Deputy Perez, and Sgt. Beasley—and a tribute to his unwavering dedication to public safety.
The most heartwarming moment of the ceremony came at the very end when K-9 Krush was reunited with his former handler, retired Sgt. Kite, whom he hadn’t seen in eight months. Overcome with excitement, Krush whimpered and eagerly jumped on Sgt. Kite. With his tongue hanging out and his eyes fixed lovingly on Sgt. Kite, it was clear he was thrilled to be reunited with the person who had been such an important part of his K-9 career. Sgt. Kite, now Krush’s retirement caretaker, expressed his gratitude and shared his excitement for Krush’s well-deserved retirement.
Krush will enjoy a slower pace of life, filled with lake swims, road trips, fetch, and plenty of affection. His legacy as a dedicated and skilled K-9 officer will continue to inspire the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office and the community it serves.
We thank K-9 Krush for his exceptional service and wish him a joyful and restful retirement!
Krush is reunited with his retired handler, Sgt. Kite.
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Cobb Police said Thursday that one person died and another was injured in a single-car crash on Powers Ferry Road in East Cobb.
Officer Aaron Wilson said in a release that the incident happened at 5:46 Wednesday on Powers Ferry Road, near the intersection of Bonnie Glen Court.
The two persons, from Marietta, were occupants in a a silver 2010 Toyota Camry that was heading eastbound on Powers Ferry when it veered out of its lane, crossed in the westbound lane and went down an embankment before crashing into a tree.
Wilson said both persons were taken to WellStar Kennestone Hospital, with one later being pronounced dead. They were not identified, and the status of the other person was not disclosed.
He said the crash is still being investigated and that anyone with information is asked to contact the Cobb County Police Department’s S.T.E.P. Unit at 770-499-3987.
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This year, the Cobb County Police Department has been blessed with a remarkable “baby boom,” with over 30 officers welcoming new additions to their families so far in 2024.
Among these joyful new parents, some officers even met their significant others within the department, building their careers and families together.
In the spirit of Halloween, this group photo captures about a third of these proud officers holding their newborns, each dressed in adorable Halloween costumes.
The Cobb County Police Department is honored to share this joyous time and celebrates the officers who work tirelessly to protect and serve. Congratulations to all the new parents!
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“Rob” speaking to the Cobb Board of Education on Oct 18, is the founder of an intelligence firm working with the Cobb County School District.
The Cobb County School District’s new partner on safety issues is an intelligence firm that wasn’t identified last week when making a presentation about the new plans before the Cobb Board of Education.
The AJC on Friday revealed the company is the Servius Group, and its CEO and founder is Rob Sarver, and also reported that the district has confirmed that information.
At the meeting last week, the district wouldn’t say how much money it’s spending, but Friday told the newspaper it has has spent less than $200,000 on a non-contractual basis.
At the Oct. 18 school board meeting, four intelligence officials, including a man who identified himself only as “Rob” (above) , who said he was a former Navy SEAL, broadly outlined services they’ll be provide in what Superintendent Chris Ragsdale said would be a long-term association.
They include scraping social media accounts and using a bevy of behavioral indicators to detect possible threats and risks before they happen.
Other efforts involve counterintelligence techniques as well as employing data science and machine-learning components.
While the new partnership came about in the wake of the deadly shooting at Apalachee High School, the new measures are also designed to address gang activity, cyberviolence and other safety threats.
The AJC reported Friday that “the district said Servius would only get basic school directory information such as what schools share with the companies that produce yearbooks, textbooks and diplomas.”
The company has conducted risk assessments at three unidentified schools in the Cobb district and will be conducting others on all campuses, according to Ragsdale’s remarks last week.
The report said Sarver confirmed that information and said that Servius has worked with schools “elsewhere in the U.S. and abroad.”
Servius Group is based in Florida but there’s little other public information available. A domain name tied to the company is parked with no additional content.
Ragsdale said last week that most of the funding for the intelligence firm will come from previously budgeted sources and a state school safety grant.
The Georgia legislature this year approved an amount of $47,124 per school in state funding to be used for security initiatives.
On Thursday, State Rep. Devan Seabaugh, a Republican from Marietta, issued a release saying that after brainstorming with Ragsdale about the issue, “I was able to connect the superintendent with highly trained intelligence officials I’ve collaborated with on other projects to explore how cutting-edge technology might be utilized to proactively identify potential threats to school safety.”
“It is certainly a step in the right direction in helping keep our kids, teachers and staff safe, and along with the safety measures already in place I think this approach could serve as a model program for other school districts across the state.”
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How many times has a first responder positively impacted your life without you even realizing it? Probably more times than you can count. Recently, the Janice Overbeck Real Estate Team hosted three events in one week focused on the mental health of our local heroes to thank them for their services.
On October 9th, Janice opened her office’s front doors to all Firefighters, Police, Sheriff’s Deputy, Veterans, and local community heroes alike for the semi-annual First Responders Appreciation Lunch. These heroes were hungry for barbeque and appreciation, being the largest turnout of the semi-annual lunch in five years. Sitting down with officers who put their lives on the line every day, Janice heard their stories, laughed with them, and offered the well-deserved rest from protecting our community.
Leftover sweets from the event were not wasted, instead delivered to the Cherokee County 911 center, one of the first 911 Centers in the nation to create a foundation specifically for the mental health and overall nutritionment of the dispatchers.
The Cherokee County 911 Center has even adopted an office dog, named Ruby, to help lighten the emotional weight of the difficult conversations they face daily. Emergency operators are an often neglected aspect of crisis responding, but with this 501(c)(3) foundation, the community can give back to those on call for us 24/7. GA Senator John Albers explains that other public safety offices have established foundations for officers in times of need, which is revolutionary for the holistic health of first responders.
“Let’s say a dispatcher gets cancer, this is where we can help them out personally and internally.” The foundation acknowledges a budget gap hindering the ability to rightly serve our first responders in their times of need without additional tax burdens.
Janice also interviewed U.S. Congressman Rich McCormick about the lack of first responder mental health awareness that exists at the “Fireside Chat” on October 15th.
As an ER Doctor and a U.S. Marine, Congressman McCormick has a vital perspective on the physical and mental challenges first responders face on a daily basis. Working with community members, business owners like Janice Overbeck, and a U.S. Congressman was a great start to serve our local heroes and make lasting change in Metro Atlanta. This change can take form through policy initiative, supporting foundations, or simply saying thank you to a local hero.
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“An off-the-shelf solution won’t work” when it comes to school safety, Cobb school board members were told Thursday.
A group of private high-tech professionals with experience in military and national security operations has conducted safety assessments at three schools in the Cobb County School District and will eventually do the same for other schools.
That’s according to Superintendent Chris Ragsdale, who on Thursday announced a new “partnership” with a company that signals “a new era” in an effort to become more proactive about school safety.
He did not identify the schools, nor did he name those doing the assessments.
“Although they were impressed with our schools’ preparedness, they identified safety solutions that could be employed and tailored specifically for each Cobb school,” the district said in a statement issued later Thursday.
Nor did Ragsdale say how much that partnership will cost, but that “local funds are available” that have previously been secured and that there is state funding for school security and safety efforts that he could explain in executive session.
In the wake of a fatal mass-shooting at Apalachee High School in Barrow County, Cobb and other school districts have been responding to increased concerns about safety and in particular the presence of guns on school campuses.
Ragsdale said the intelligence operations will supplement, and not replace, existing safety measures headlined by the Cobb Shield program and that feature regular Code Red drills.
The Cobb school district spends around $35 million a year for safety and security measures, mostly with its police department of 85 officers.
“No price is too high to protect students and staff,” he said.
Since the Apalachee shootings, threats have been made at a number of Cobb schools, including Walton High School and Dickerson Middle School, but the district said there have been no active threats on campuses.
The safety presentation Ragsdale promised in September took place at a Cobb Board of Education meeting Thursday night and featured four individuals with intelligence expertise.
A private intelligence company will be conducting security assessments across the Cobb school district.
Citing security concerns, they also used only their first names when explaining an overview of the services that will be provided in an ongoing relationship.
“It’s a process, not a product,” Ragsdale said of the district’s work with the intelligence company.
It’s a multi-level process that involves collecting intelligence information on potentially threatening individuals, including using counterintelligence techniques, making a “socio-cognitive” analysis of behavioral risks as well as employing data science and machine-learning components.
The intelligence company was co-founded by a former Navy SEAL, who led the presentation, along with a former federal counterintelligence officer, a cognitive scientist and a data scientist.
To view following slides that were presented to the school board Thursday, click the middle button.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
The intelligence officials focused on proactive strategies that are designed to help students, teachers, staff and parents detect trouble before it arises.
A woman who told school board members she has been a counterintelligence agent supporting the Federal Bureau of Investigation explained 16 safety indicators that will be employed “to help equip school officials to stop these threats themselves.”
Another woman summarized data science and machine-learning elements that provide real-time risk monitoring indicators.
And “Robert,” a cognitive scientist, laid out strategies to identify psychological, cultural and social drivers behind potentially threatening behavior.
Counterintelligence strategies are designed “to help equip school officials to stop these threats themselves.”
When asked by school board member Becky Sayler how these measures would involve community, he responded that they were designed to identify “early on where support is needed and then work with stakeholders to get those kids the support they need.”
When school board member Brad Wheeler asked “What can parents do?” Ragsdale responded that “parents need to know the warning signs . . . . but we’re educators. We don’t know how to spot the warning signs.”
The monitoring would include, but not be limited to, scraping social media data “to customize a solution for the community,” he said.
“One school will be different from the others.”
“Rob,” the intelligence company CEO, explained that the crux of his company’s work is to customize down to the school level, since every campus has different layouts, entry points and logistics, as well as socio-cultural dynamics.
“If you have seen one school, you have seen only one school,” he said. “An off-the-shelf solution will not work.”
He also said that “over the past months, our work has put Cobb County on the forefront of school safety in the state of Georgia and on a national level.”
Ragsdale said the next steps are to identify “the next set of schools” to undergo security assessments, but a timetable wasn’t mentioned.
“Our parents have to know that when they bring their kids to school, they’re safe,” Ragsdale said.
Taking additional steps to enhance safety by working with those whose expertise is beyond what Cobb currently provides is the only option, he said.
“It’s not needed, it’s required, if we want to maintain student and staff safety. This is not a proof of concept. This is our partnership, and we’re looking forward to a long relationship.”
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An interfaith groups, Jews and Allies of Georgia, is holding a panel discussion Sunday in East Cobb on the subject of safety in houses of worship.
The event is free and takes place from 4-7 p.m. in the Chimney Springs subdivision clubhouse (2465 Hearthstone Circle).
The invited speakers include State Sen. John Albers, a Republican who represents part of East Cobb, and Eric Castater, a Democrat seeking the State House District 45 seat.
The moderator is JoEllen Smith of East Cobb of Jews and Allies of Georgia and an advocate for legislation to protect houses of worship.
The discussion will examine security threats to places of worship in the United States as is occurring in Europe and elsewhere, and the need for additional measures to protect churches, mosques and synagogues and evaluating K-12 curricula for religious bias.
Anyone wishing to attend is asked to e-mail JewsAllies@gmail.com to RSVP.
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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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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.
Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!
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.
Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up and you’re good to go!
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.”
Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up and you’re good to go!
Whether you’re a truck enthusiast or just looking for a fun-filled family outing, mark your calendar for Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., and head to Town Center at Cobbmallfor an unforgettable day.
From fire engines to police motorcycles, the mall’s back parking lot will transform into a playground for both kids and adults. This is your chance to get up close and personal with some of the largest and most impressive trucks around. Let your inner 5-year-old run wild as you explore everything from SWAT vehicles to steam shovels.
But that’s not all—this event is also for a great cause! All proceeds from Truck-A-Palooza will benefit the Cobb County Safety Village, helping fund vital educational safety programs for the community. So not only will you have fun, but you’ll be making a positive impact, too.
Charge up your camera for the ultimate photo opportunities with these massive machines, and be ready to make some amazing memories!
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024
Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. (rain or shine)
Location: Town Center at Cobb, 400 Ernest W Barrett Parkway NW, Kennesaw (Back parking lot near the food court)
Cost: $5 per person (family pack: $20 for up to six people), children under 2 are free
Tickets: Available at the gate (cash and credit cards accepted)
Proceeds Benefit: Cobb County Safety Village educational safety programs
Don’t miss out—come for the trucks, stay for the memories!
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Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up and you’re good to go!
The chairman of the Cobb Board of Education responded to concerns from parents and students following a deadly school shooting in Georgia last week by saying the board and Cobb County School District “have doubled and tripled down on keeping your children and grandchildren safe” over the long term.
Republican Randy Scamihorn, who is up for re-election in November, said in a “Just the Facts” newsletter issued by the district that he’s heard from parents and students since four people were killed at Apalachee High School in Winder.
He reiterated that parents should visit the district’s Cobb Shield vertical devoted to safety issues, and that includes information about a tip line and the district’s public safety staff.
Scamihorn said the mother of high school twins wrote to ask “can we do something about treating schools so they do not seem like prisons?”
A retired Cobb educator, Scamihorn replied that “we know some of our safety decisions are inconvenient. Some of my family members are teachers, and yes, I am required to check in just like everyone else. If we have to choose between convenience and keeping your children safer, we choose safety every time.”
In his newsletter, Scamihorn didn’t reference an incident this week that led to criminal charges against a Dickerson Middle School student for making threatening statements toward another student.
The district said the student is not considered a threat to the school, and that’s one of more than 50 reported incidents that have “not been proven to be actual threats to a Cobb school.”
Nor did Scamihorn indicate if the school board, which meets next week, would take up a proposal by colleague Tre’ Hutchins to implement further safety measures.
They include implementing a School Support Officers program of non-post certified personnel to assist the district’s 81-member police force, and asking for technological assistance for detecting weapons at schools and at events, games and other functions in the district.
Hutchins also is asking for a financial analysis of those three items.
He proposed those measures following the shootings of former students at the McEachern High School parking lot in February (and a stabbing incident at Sprayberry in March), but couldn’t get a discussion placed on the board meeting agenda.
That’s because board policy requires either the superintendent, chairman or a four-member board majority to add agenda items.
Earlier this week, Heather Tolley-Bauer of Watching the Funds-Cobb, a school watchdog group, said the policy “is the worst example of representative democracy that you will ever see. . . . We are talking about enhancing the safety and security of our schools and they want to call us the activists?”
At the end of his newsletter Friday, Scamihorn countered critics who “have argued for ‘defunding the police,’ taking guns out of school police officers’ hands, moving money from safety to other areas of interest, blaming community crime on the schools, criticized safety drills, and fought against money spent on the crisis response system in our schools.
“Instead, the School Board and Superintendent have doubled and tripled down on keeping your children and grandchildren safe. Because of these and other safety investments we have made, the ‘feeling’ our students and parents have is one of security, not fear.”
The board will hold a work session next Thursday afternoon and a voting meeting Thursday night but agendas have not been published.
Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up and you’re good to go!
The Janice Overbeck Real Estate Team is proud to host its 11th semi-annual First Responders & Military Appreciation Lunch on Wednesday, October 9th, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This event, held twice a year, is dedicated to honoring our local heroes in Cobb County, including police officers, firefighters, EMTs, military personnel, and veterans.
Join us for a full-spread BBQ lunch featuring delicious pulled pork and pulled chicken, provided by PRIME Lending. Attendees can enjoy their meal on our spacious patio, network with fellow first responders, or take their food to go.
As well as many of our other wonderful sponsors will be supporting our heroes. Arrows Exterminators will provide beverages, First American Home Warranty will provide sweet treats, All Atlanta Ameri Spec and Perrie & Associates will be giving away fun swag items as a gift to those who tirelessly serve the Marietta community.
This heartfelt event is free for all first responders from Cobb County and the surrounding areas, including police, fire, detective units, and active/retired military personnel. We look forward to celebrating and expressing our gratitude to those who serve our community with dedication and bravery.
Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!
