East Cobb Food Scores: Westfield Tavern; Marietta Donuts; more

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Westfield Tavern opening East Cobb

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

American Deli
2745 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 128
Feb. 25, 2026, Score: 84, Grade: B

Chick-Fil-A
1440 Terrell Mill Road
Feb. 23, 2026, Score: 87, Grade: B

Dunkin Donuts
2022 Powers Ferry Road, Suite 100
Feb. 23, 2026, Score: 90, Grade: A

East Side Elementary School
3850 Roswell Road
Feb. 25, 2026, Score: 100, Grade: A

Eastvalley Elementary School
380 Holt Road
Feb. 25, 2026, Score: 100, Grade: A

Handmade Dumplings and Noodles
1100 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 365
Feb. 24, 2026, Score: 81, Grade: B

Los Abuelos Mexican Grill
1420 Terrell Mill Road, Suite 117
Feb. 20, 2026, Score: 87, Grade: B

Marietta Donuts
2520 East Piedmont Road, Suite 122
Feb. 25, 2026, Score: 97, Grade: A

McCleskey Middle School
4080 Maybreeze Road
Feb. 25, 2026, Score: 100, Grade: A

Mt. Bethel Elementary School
1210 Johnson Ferry Road
Feb. 24, 2026, Score: 100, Grade: A

Moxie Burger (re-inspection)
2421 Shallowford Road, Suite 158
Feb. 24, 2026, Score: 96, Grade: A
Previous Inspection: Feb. 16, 2026, Score: 51, Grade: U
See East Cobb News story

Nicholson Elementary School
1599 Shallowford Road
Feb. 25, 2026, Score: 100, Grade: A

Paradise Grille
3605 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 165
Feb. 26, 2026, Score: 85, Grade: B

Tasty China
1808 Powers Ferry Road
Feb. 25, 2026, Score: 58, Grade: U
See East Cobb News story

Timber Ridge Elementary School
5000 Timber Ridge Road
Feb. 24, 2026, Score: 100, Grade: A

Westfield Tavern
4401 Shallowford Road, Suite 138
Feb. 23, 2026, Score: 91, Grade: A

Wimal Authentic Thai Food
2960 Shallowford Road, Suite 112
Feb. 25, 2026, Score: 86, Grade: B

Zeus Greek Street Food
2022 Powers Ferry Road, Suite 130
Feb. 26, 2026, Score: 80, Grade: B

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Moxie Burger fails health inspection; gets 96 on follow-up

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Moxie Burger Shallowford, East Cobb food scores

UPDATED:

Jordan Clear, the Moxie Burger owner/operator, contacted us shortly after this story was published to say that the restaurant received a score of 96 on a re-inspection that took place on Tuesday. You can read the report by clicking here.

ORIGINAL REPORT:

The management of the East Cobb-based Moxie Restaurant Group has apologized to patrons and said it’s looking into a recent failing health inspection score at its Moxie Burger location on Shallowford Road.

Cobb and Douglas Public Health issued a score of 51—graded “U” or unsatisfactory—on Feb. 16 that included a variety of serious violations, including an employee grabbing a raw hamburger patty from a cooling drawer and placing it on a grill without washing hands or changing gloves.

That is one of three 9-point deductions on the inspection report (you can read it here), along with storing raw chicken tenders above raw hamburger patties and storing cold TCS foods (which need to be held at 41 degrees or below) above the maximum temperature.

Other issues involved other improper food storage temperatures, storing some foods uncovered, an employee cooking without a hair restraint, spray bottles being stored at a handwashing sink and not protecting or inverting foam to-go containers stored on a shelf above the food prep area.

Near the bottom of the report, the inspector noted that the person-in-charge “did not feel like signing this inspection.”

Restaurants with failing inspections are typically re-inspected within 10 working days.

On a social media posting announcing the score, Moxie Burger management said on Saturday that “efforts fell short during the recent health inspection and this is not something we are taking lightly. We have done an internal investigation and are taking measures to address all infractions. Most have already been handled and with protocol in place to prevent any issue in the future.”

East Cobb News has left a message with the Moxie Restaurant Group seeking more information.

Moxie Burger has three locations in Cobb, including its original spot at Paper Mill Village, and has typically received strong health inspection scores.

But the Shallowford location got scores of 87 in June 2025 and a score of 84 in July 2024.

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Taste of East Cobb accepting applications for 2026 festival

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Editor's Note: The savory tastes of the Taste of East Cobb
A chicken salad croissant and tomato basil pasta salad from La Madeleine. ECN photos and videos.

It’s a little more than a couple of months from the 2026 Taste of East Cobb, and organizers announced last week that they’re accepting vendor applications for the 2026 festival.

The date is Saturday, May 2, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church (955 Johnson Ferry Road).

Vendors include restaurants (deadline March 20) other vendors (deadline April 3) and sponsors.

The festival is a fundraiser for the Walton Band Parent Association, with proceeds to benefit the school’s band programs.

This year will mark the 20th anniversary of the Taste of East Cobb, and for the last three years East Cobb News has been proud to be a sponsor—and we’re looking forward to it again.

The WBPA has also begun issuing Taste of East Cobb discount cards. For $30 the cards can be used at more than 20 local restaurants and eateries (details here).

Visit the event website for more information; Taste of East Cobb updates continue on the its Facebook page.

 

 

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Cobb and Douglas Public Health issues community survey

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Submitted information:Cobb coronavirus statement

Cobb & Douglas Public Health (CDPH) is seeking valuable feedback from our community, and we need your help to spread the word. We’re inviting residents to take a quick 5-minute survey to share their thoughts about CDPH and help shape the future of public health in our area.

As an added incentive, survey participants will be entered to win one of five $50 Visa® gift cards as a thank-you for their time. The survey closes on March 6, 2026, so we’re encouraging everyone to act quickly.

Take the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CDPHCommunitySurvey

Thank you for helping us share this important message and for your continued partnership in supporting public health.

 

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Addison ES principal resigns after DUI arrest; interim named

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Addison ES principal resigns after DUI arrest; interim named
Jill Spiva

Jill Spiva, principal at Addison Elementary School in East Cobb, has resigned, according to a message that went out Monday to the school community.

Spiva was arrested last month on driving under the influence charges.

Dr. Kevin Carpenter, an assistant superintendent with the Cobb County School District, said in his message on Monday that “Principal Spiva has resigned and will not be returning to Addison.”

Her successor for the rest of the current school year, according to Carpenter, is Brett Ward, formerly a principal at Brown, Smyrna and Kennesaw elementary schools in the Cobb school district.

Ward, an educator with more 40 years of experience in Cobb, is already included on the Addison website as the interim principal.

“He is deeply committed to students and families,” Carpenter’s message states. “He believes in strong relationships, open communication, and supporting your child with whatever they need to learn.

“Mr. Ward’s experience and calm presence will help our school continue moving forward. He is truly excited to serve your children. You will hear directly from Principal Ward and see him at school on Tuesday for his first day.”

The Cobb school district returned to session Monday after its winter break last week.

Spiva was arrested by Cobb Police Jan. 8 and charged with one misdemeanor count of DUI and separate counts of an open container violation and failure to maintain a lane, also misdemeanors.

The arrest took place at Ebenezer Road and Sandy Plains Road, close to the school, according to Spiva’s booking report. Police said at the time that officers discovered a plastic bag with vodka near a console when they approached her vehicle. When she refused a blood test, according to the report, a judge signed a search warrant ordering her to give blood.

Spiva was released from custody a day later, according to the booking report. The Cobb school district has said only that an investigation into the incident was ongoing and it could not comment further.

In response to a message for more information from East Cobb News, a district spokesperson said Tuesday morning that “We can confirm that Jill Spiva resigned from her position as principal of Addison Elementary School. Our focus remains on what is best for our students, and we are moving forward to ensure continued stability and success for the Addison community.”

Spiva had been the Addison principal for the last four years, and had been an educator in Cobb for more than 20 years. She is a Lassiter High School graduate and previously had been an assistant principal at Shallowford Falls Elementary School and Davis Elementary School.

In his Monday message, Carpenter told Addison families that “additionally, as we look to the next school year, Addison’s Principal Advisory Council will have the chance to give input on the leadership traits and qualities that are important to you! This input will help hire the best principal for your children.”

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East Cobb Real Estate: Chastain Ridge home sells for $711K

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Chastain Ridge, East Cobb real estate sales

This week’s featured home sale is a two-story brick traditional in Chastain Ridge, located off New Chastain Road in the Sprayberry High School, Daniell Middle School and Blackwell Elementary School attendance zones.

It features seven bedrooms and 4.5 baths, covering 5,188 square feet on 0.63 acres. Built in 2007, the home sold for $711,000 on Feb. 13, 2026.

There is hardwood flooring throughout, and bedrooms are located on every level, including a finished basement that also features a secondary entertainainment and eat-in dining space. A covered deck and open balcony open to a tree-lined backyard.

Click the middle button below to see more photos.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The following East Cobb residential real estate sales from Feb. 9-13, 2026 were compiled from agency reports and Cobb County property records.

They include the street address, subdivision name and sales price listed under their respective high school attendance zones:

Kell

None

Lassiter

3410 Bonaire Crossing, 30066 (Northampton): $857,000

2280 Brandon Court, 30066 (Brandon Ridge): $400,000

2696 South Arbor Drive, 30066 (Arbor Bridge): $580,000

Marietta

676 Maple Grove Way, 30062 (Hamilton Grove): $520,000

Pope

2675 Tritt Springs Trace, 30062 (Post Oak Springs): $412,000

Sprayberry

241 Bluffington Way, 30066 (Bluffs at Bells Ferry): $395,000

233 Bluffington Way, 30066 (Bluffs at Bells Ferry): $379,900

3174 Vickery Drive, 30066 (Vickory Park): $590,000

2550 Alberta Lane, 30062 (Holly Springs): $425,000

2998 Kodiak Court, 30062 (Holly Springs): $420,000

3981 Lookout Point, 30066 (Lookout Point): $425,000

1350 Piedmont Road, 30066 (Pine Valley Farms): $489,000

1784 Wingard Drive, 30062 (Hasty Meadows): $400,000

3328 Knight Road, 30066: $925,000

3301 Chastain Ridge Drive, 30066 (Chastain Ridge): $711,000

1924 Wilkenson Crossing, 30066 (St. Charles Square): $568,000

2128 Carefree Circle, Unit 1, 30062 (The Crossings of East Cobb): $375,000

1100 Sallete Court, 30066 (Powell Station): $457,750

2277 Macby Court, 30066 (Sandy Mill): $325,510

3170 Ebenezer Road, 30066 (Shadowood): $425,000

Walton

4082 Audubon Drive, 30068 (Pinecrest): $412,500

1195 Fielding Way, 30068 (Indian Hills): $625,000

2764 Brookcliff Landing, 30062 (Brookcliff): $524,000

688 Serramonte Drive, 30068 (Villas at Parkaire): $310,000

5409 St Lyonn Place, 30068 (St Lyonn): $1.8 million

5371 Tall Oak Drive, 30068 (Woodland Trails): $590,000

815 Fairfield Drive, 30068 (Indian Hills): $800,000

4521 Woodhaven, 30067 (Woodhaven): $895,000

Wheeler

3088 Woodwalk Drive, Unit 5, 30339 (Riverwalk at Wildwood): $620,000

1620 High Trail, 30339 (Rivers Call): $1.305 million

461 Meadowbrook Drive, 30067 (Meadow Brook): $345,000

2748 Okawana Drive, 30068 (Beverly Hills Estates): $635,000

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Editor’s Note: Please support community-driven news today!

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Editor's Note: Please support community-driven news today!

February is the shortest month, but it’s been a busy one these days in East Cobb.

And this week alone, East Cobb News has been brimming with the local news that you love—and depend upon—to keep you updated with what’s happening in our community.

This week alone, we’ve provided you with a number of important headlines, from plans for the new worship center at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, the expansion of a popular grocery store, the closures of restaurants old and relatively new and a proposal to reimagine a longstanding local park.

There are plenty of other stories we’ve brought to you this week (you can get them all in one place, in our Sunday newsletter), and that nobody else is doing in this community.

East Cobb News exists for you, our readers, because we value the importance of local news and information. They’re part of the glue of this community, and along with promoting local businesses, they’re the essence of what we do at East Cobb News.

We do this all without a paywall, and we want to keep it that way. But for us to continue giving you this essential package and make it accessible to everyone, we’re asking for financial support from our readers.

As we near the end of February, we’d like for you to consider making a donation today if you haven’t done so.

Click here to donate to ECN today!

In the eight-plus years since I started East Cobb News, I have tried to keep alive the spirit of the best of the newspaper tradition I was brought up in while embarking on the necessary task of providing the news for readers in the early 21st century. That’s why the original subtitle was “Local News for the Way You Live Today.”

Now, it’s “Discover the Power of Local,” because since this site was launched, I’ve seen that new vision in action, and it indeed has been powerful in this community.

That’s because it’s community-driven, focused on the needs of readers and the local businesses that we promote. I call it hyperlocal, because we can be flexible and adapt more easily to their demands than the larger corporations.

You have responded so well to what we have done over the years at East Cobb News; now we need you to respond in an even more significant way.

I have come to you numerous times before, asking for continued reader support to help us keep giving you the local news that you love. It’s with a sense of optimism about continuing to provide solid community news coverage in East Cobb.

THAT TIME HAS NEVER BEEN MORE IMPORTANT THAN NOW.

Donating is secure and easy!

Whether it’s stories featuring our original reporting, or others in our community passing along news about local events and activities, East Cobb News is devoted to what’s valued the most by readers here.

It’s our stock-in-trade, and for eight-plus years we’ve been building that community trust, one story at a time.

We do this without charging readers, because we believe reliable local news should be accessible to all.

At East Cobb News, nobody else does what we do, every day.

It’s our passion and our pride to give you the local news that makes a difference in this community.

Our donation amounts are voluntary, and what you pay is up to you. We are suggesting $6 a month on a recurring basis. You can also donate on an annual or one-time basis.

You rely on us to stay informed and we depend on you to make our work possible.

We appreciate whatever you are able to donate. Please click the box below to show your support via our Press Patron payment platform, which is safe, secure and easy. 

Thank you East Cobb! And long live local news!

 

 

Sandy Plains-Holly Springs traffic project to be considered

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Sandy Plains-Holly Springs traffic project to be considered

Proposed traffic improvements at the Sandy Plains Road-Holly Springs Road intersection will come before Cobb commissioners on Tuesday.

A contract for $1.367 million is being requested by Cobb DOT for the low bidder out of six companies, according to an agenda item.

The agenda item (you can read it here) said the work will entail re-aligning turn lanes, pavement markings and traffic signal modifications and will take roughly a year to complete once it gets underway.

The low bidder is Azimuth Contractors, LLC  of Suwanee and the funding would come from the current 2022 Cobb SPLOST (Special-Purpose Local-Option Sales Tax).

The Cobb Board of Commissioners meeting begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the second floor board room of the county office building at 100 Cherokee Street, Marietta. You can view the full agenda by clicking here.

At 1 p.m. Tuesday, commissioners will hold a work session that will include updates on the county’s economic development strategic plan and the proposed Unified Development Code (meeting agenda here).

You also can watch the meetings on the county’s website and YouTube channels and on Cobb TV 23 on Comcast Cable.

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Community meeting set to discuss Shaw Park’s future

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Shaw Park redevelopment town hall meeting

Long-awaited plans for improving Shaw Park will be disclosed next week at a community engagement meeting.

Cobb PARKS and Commissioner JoAnn Birrell have put out notices for the meeting, next Thursday, Feb. 26, from 6-7:30 p.m. at Northeast Cobb Community Center/Gritters Library (880 Shaw Park Drive).

County spokeswoman Shelly Weidner told East Cobb News that conceptual plan will involve updating athletic fields, including synthetic turf on some of them, as well as updating the tennis/pickleball/basketball court area and adding amenities, including batting cages, LED lighting and concrete walkways.

Details of those plans will be presented at the meeting, with a chance for the public to provide input, Weidner said.

“The meeting will be held in an open-house format, similar to our recent SPLOST community engagement sessions, allowing attendees to view the plans, and speak directly with staff.”

The redevelopment of Shaw Park is included in the current 2022 Cobb SPLOST (Special-Purpose Local-Option Sales Tax), with the project designed to “better meet the recreational needs and desires of the surrounding community.”

The Shaw Park redevelopment, according to the SPLOST project list, is estimated to cost $4 million (you can read through the thumbnail description at this link on page 37).

Shaw Park is the second park in the county parks system, and has been showing signs of age for years.

There are five softball fields, nine pickleball courts, two tennis courts, playgrounds, picnic pavilions and the community center.

“Shaw Park was first developed in 1970, and has served several generations of families since,” the SPLOST project booklet states. “However, the park design and amenities are now outdated, and the park no longer meets the recreational needs of the community.”

It’s been nearly three years since Birrell held a town hall meeting that got a little testy at times, with youth softball parents pleading to preserve their ballfields pickleball enthusiasts demanding more courts for their fast-growing activity.

Birrell told East Cobb News this week that softball fields will remain part of the park, and the proposal calls for adding pickleball courts.

“We’re not decreasing the number of fields,” she said, adding that those attending the community engagement meeting will be able to see a variety of proposed layouts for the part and provide feedback.

The delay in doing so now was in part due to the redevelopment of Gritters Library and to address SPLOST funding issues she said have been resolved.

“There is more than one option, and we want to see what’s best before we continue,” Birrell said.

 

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East Cobb Wendy’s closes on Johnson Ferry Road

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East Cobb Wendy's closes on Johnson Ferry Road

Almost all the signage is gone, replaced by other signs acknowledging the obvious.

The Wendy’s on Johnson Ferry Road at East Cobb Drive has closed, as part of a larger wave of closings initiated by the fast-food hamburger chain.

Around 5 percent, or roughly 300, Wendy’s stores are in the process of being closed during the first part of 2026. Wendy’s has around 6,000 restaurants across the U.S.

On an earnings call last week, Wendy’s interim CEO Ken Cook said the locations targeted for closure were “consistently underperforming.”

The East Cobb area is now left with three Wendy’s: On Powers Ferry Road, on Roswell Road near East Lake, and on Shallowford Road at Highland Plaza.

East Cobb Wendy's closes on Johnson Ferry Road

East Cobb Wendy's closes on Johnson Ferry Road

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Chastain to launch Cobb school board re-election campaign

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David Chastain, Cobb school board candidate

Cobb Board of Education member David Chastain, a three-term Republican from Post 4 in Northeast Cobb, will be officially launching his re-election campaign next week.

His campaign sent a message Thursday about a “meet and greet fundraiser” next Wednesday in the Town Center area organized by the campaign’s steering committee.

The names include some of the most prominent members of Cobb Republican and business leadership.

They include John Loud of Loud Security Systems, a former Cobb Chamber of Commerce chairman who’s gotten involved recently in local Republican campaigns, and who is Chastain’s steering committee chairman.

Republicans hold a 4-3 majority on the Cobb school board, which has been roiled by a number of partisan controversies in recent years.

Three of the seven school board posts are up for election in 2026, and Chastain is the only Republican. Post 4 includes the Kell, Lassiter and Sprayberry high school attendance zones (post map here).

In 2022, Chastain was re-elected with 55 percent of the vote in a bitter general election campaign (he was later fined for campaign finance violations).

He’s the only Republican to announce thus far for the Post 4 seat; Micheal Garza, a vocal critic of Cobb County School District and Republican school board leadership, is the only Democrat who has announced. The primaries are May 19.

Chastain’s campaign has been stressing what it calls his “record of proven success” as reflected by Cobb school district scores in student academic performance, upgrading facilities through SPLOST sales-tax extensions, school safety initiatives and “leadership that puts students first.”

Here’s Chastain’s campaign website. His campaign Facebook page also has recently been making many of those claims, with some critics of district and board leadership taking issue.

Loud is the head of Chastain’s steering committee, which incudes Jay Cunningham of Superior Plumbing, another former Chamber luminary, as well as former Chamber chairman David Connell; Mitch Rhoden, president and CEO of Futren Hospitality, which manages Indian Hills Country Club; business and community leaders Frank Wigington, Stan Wise and Shane Spink, Chastain’s appointee to the board’s facilities and technology committee; and Donna Rowe, head of the Cobb Veterans Memorial Foundation.

Others from GOP politics include former Cobb school board member Scott Sweeney of East Cobb; former Cobb Republican Party chairmen Jason Shepherd and Scott Johnson; former Georgia State Sen. Chuck Clay; and Larry Savage of East Cobb, a former candidate for Cobb Commission Chairman.

Loud previously worked in 2024 to elect John Cristadoro, the Post 5 Republican school board member from East Cobb, and also recruited realtor Kay Morgan, the GOP nominee for Cobb Commission Chair who was defeated in 2024 by incumbent Democrat Lisa Cupid.

Chastain’s campaign chairwoman is Joy Doss, a securities fraud attorney.

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Cobb to open first drive-through court service in Georgia 

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Submitted information:

Cobb County Government will open the state’s first drive-through court service on Monday, Feb. 23, offering the public a faster, more convenient way to pay fines.Cobb to open first drive-through court service in Georgia 

The State and Magistrate Court Clerk’s Office Express will operate from 122 Waddell Street, Marietta. Individuals will be able to pay for traffic citations, school bus arm violations, probation fees, fines and restitution for cases that do not require a court appearance.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at noon Monday, Feb 23.

“Modern courts must meet people where they are,” said State Court Clerk Tahnicia Phillips, who developed the concept. “The Clerk’s Office Express provides a faster, more convenient way for people to resolve their cases and get back to their day.”

The drive-through express service comes at a critical time, as the county has seen an increase in cases following the installation of 150 school bus cameras. While online payment options remain available, the drive-through service removes barriers such as transportation, parking, and long wait times. Individuals should bring their citation or case number, a photo ID, and a debit or credit card to make payments. Court staff will provide receipts.

“We are proud to provide a service that makes court access easier for our community,” said Phillips. “We hope it sets a precedent for other courts and shows that innovation doesn’t always require new technology.”

The Clerk’s Office Express will operate 7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. It will be operating out of the former Cobb Purchasing Department Building.

 

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Homeless Pets Foundation schedules events, seeks volunteers

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Homeless Pets Foundation seeks volunteers

Submitted information and photos:

You may not know there is a no-kill animal shelter right near East Cobb called the Homeless Pets Foundation (HPF). Homeless Pets Foundation is a veterinary-led rescue dedicated to saving the lives of cats and dogs that have run out of time at public shelters. 

HPF holds several events every month at locations around our community, at the shelter, or at the Pet Smart located on Cobb Parkway. Please check out all the events at https://homelesspets.com

In addition, there are many volunteer opportunities. For example, every Sunday morning, there is a group walk with the dogs  that are housed at the shelter. This is a fun event that gives you time to play, walk and cuddle with the fur babies, all while getting the opportunity to meet other animal lovers. If you love animals, want to help shelter pets and make some great friends, then Homeless Pets Foundation can make it easy for you to get involved. 

Homeless Pets Foundation seeks volunteers

 

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GBI: Man shot, killed by Cobb Police had deportation order

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GBI: Man shot, killed by Cobb Police had deportation order
GBI released this photo of a home in southwest Marietta where a man was shot and killed Monday by Cobb Police.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said Wednesday identified a man shot and killed by Cobb Police during a residential standoff as a Guatemalan national who had “an active removal order.”

The GBI said in a release that Hermelindo Morete-Dista, 27, was pronounced dead on the scene of the incident on Bradley Avenue southwest of Marietta Monday night.

The GBI said that Cobb Police were responding to reports of possible gunshots at a home on Bradley Avenue, located off Smyrna-Powder Springs Road, around 10:40 p.m. Monday.

Police set up a perimeter around the front of the residence, according to the GBI. When Morete-Dista left the home with a weapon in his hand, the GBI said, he was given verbal commands by officers to drop the gun.

The GBI said that instead, Morete-Dista “continued to hold the firearm and began pointing it toward officers,” and several of them shot him, hitting him multiple times.

The GBI, which investigates officer-involved shootings in Georgia, said that it will turn over its findings to the Cobb District Attorney’s office for review.

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Johnson Ferry Baptist Church seeks new worship center permit

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Johnson Ferry Baptist Church seeks new worship center permit
The new Johnson Ferry Baptist Church worship venue (left) would be located next to the chapel and main sanctuary on Johnson Ferry Road.

Several months after revealing plans for a new $55 million worship center to its congregation, leaders of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church have taken the first step toward starting construction.

Church officials announced in a brief video last week that they’ve filed for a land-disturbance permit with the Cobb Community Development Agency.

Agency files show the church filed the request for a full site review on Thursday for six acres on Johnson Ferry Road, next to the church chapel.

A land-disturbance permit is needed for any construction work to begin, and a full site permit “allows for tree removal, site grading, and installation of project infrastructure,” according to the agency.

County filings indicate that Johnson Ferry work will be done by Croy Engineering of Marietta.

In a video posted on the church website on Friday, church officials wearing hard hats said they anticipate being able to begin the project this summer.

East Cobb News has left a message with Johnson Ferry Baptist seeking more information.

Johnson Ferry Baptist, which has 4,700 members, is located on a 37-acre campus it has occupied since 1983 on Johnson Ferry Road near Woodlawn Drive.

The 2,500-seat worship center, as revealed to Johnson Ferry members last fall, is a central component of an $84 million initiative that includes planting another church in metro Atlanta and expanding its missions.

Thus far, church members have pledged nearly $20 million for what’s being called “Forward Vision.”

As East Cobb News reported in May, church leaders have been contemplating building a new worship venue in recent years due to membership growth and to have the sprawling congregation worship under a single roof.

Currently Johnson Ferry holds a traditional worship in its main sanctuary (capacity 1,200) and three modern services in the church’s activities center, which holds 1,600.

Neither are large enough to accommodate what church leaders say they need to transform the 44-year-old faith community for the long-term future, into a “multi-generational, multi-ethnic congregation.”

“They don’t always have community together,” Shane Bruce, Johnson Ferry’s executive pastor, told East Cobb News last May.

The worship center financials are included in a Forward Vision booklet that details all the initiatives.

A total of $30.1 million from those pledges would be used to build the worship center, along with $9 million in current reserve funding as well as another $15.9 million “to be financed responsibly,” according to the booklet.

More than half of the Forward Giving funds will be used for ongoing ministry work and another $11.3 million for global missions.

In order to create space for the new worship center, Johnson Ferry Baptist acquired 1.7 acres at 919 Johnson Ferry Road next to the sanctuary that had been residential property for $2 million.

That’s close to where church officials made their announcement last week about the land-disturbance permit filing.

Church leaders said the sanctuary would continue to be used for special events. The new venue would connect with the church’s busy activities center.

Johnson Ferry Baptist Church seeks new worship center permit
A rendering of a new worship venue at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church (with the roof cut away for viewing purposes), which would be next to the current sanctuary facing Johnson Ferry Road.

 

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East Cobb Food Scores: Mediterranean Grill gets 80 on follow-up

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Mediterranean Grill, East Cobb food scores

A few weeks after getting a 77 (C) score in a health inspection, the Mediterranean Grill at Market Plaza didn’t fare much better on a re-inpsection.

The Johnson Ferry Road eatery earned an 80 (B) score on a follow-up visit Friday.

According to inspection reports, the initial visit on Jan. 13 included violations pertaining to improper food storage temperatures and an employee taking an order on a tablet and failing to wash hands before changing into gloves for food-handling work.

Last week’s second visit noted two new violations, including cooking beef and chicken at temperatures lower than the minimum-required heat and storing foods at higher temperatures than allowed.

During both visits (you can read them below), health inspectors said the violations were corrected on-site.

Restaurants that score under 80 on a routine inspection are entitled to re-inspections.

The Asian Foodie and Bubble Drink restaurant on Canton Road got a 90 score on Friday, after earning a failing score earlier this month.

On Feb. 5, inspectors issued a 63 score after noting that lemonade and punch were stored in bottles “with nozzles having some type of black up (mold like), food temperature storage issues and an employee’s personal thermos sitting on a prep board in the main kitchen.

Another violation was reported oberserving an “employee could not name the 5 symptoms and 6 illnesses that she has to report to the owner. The owner had a hard time as well, even reading the policy.” The other violations were corrected on-site.

During the re-inspection, inspectors noticed “some type of pink build-up” near an ice bin, and gave the restaurant 72 hours to correct the violation.

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

Aroma Indian Kitchen
4750 Alabama Road, Suite 114
Feb. 19, 2026, Score: 80, Grade: B

Asian Foodie and Bubble Drink (re-inspection)
3349 Canton Road, Suite 201
Feb. 13, 2026, Score: 90, Grade: A
Previous Inspection:  Feb. 5, 2026, Score: 63, Grade: U

Augie’s Street Tacos
1951 Canton Road, Suite 340
Feb. 16, 2026, Score: 100, Grade: A

Ducks Burger Bar
2100 Roswell Road, Suite 2114
Feb. 17, 2026, Score: 95, Grade: A

Dumpling Garden
2731 Sandy Plains Road
Feb. 18, 2026, Score: 51, Grade: U

Einstein Bros. Bagels
4101 Roswell Road, Suite 101
Feb. 19, 2026, Score: 88, Grade: B

Harry’s Pizza and Subs
2150 Powers Ferry Road, Suite C
Feb. 16, 2026, Score: 89, Grade: B

Marietta Fusion Pizza
3000 Windy Hill Road, Suite 124
Feb. 16, 2026, Score: 70, Grade: C

Mediterranean Grill (re-inspection)
1255 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 15
Feb. 13, 2026, Score: 80, Grade: B
Previous Inspection: Jan. 21, 2026, Score: 77, Grade: C

Papa John’s Pizza
1325 Powers Ferry Road
Feb. 13, 2026, Score, 100, Grade: A

Red Elephant Thai Cuisine
3000 Windy Hill Road, Suite 152
Feb. 16, 2026, Score: 81, Grade: B

Rise Coffee and Tea
4651 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 108
Feb. 18, 2026, Score: 91, Grade: A

Schlotzky’s Deli
3000 Windy Hill Road, Suite A-10
Feb. 17, 2026, Score: 83, Grade: B

Smoothie King
2022 Powers Ferry Road, Suite 120
Feb. 16, 2026, Score: 94, Grade: A

Three Dollar Cafe
3000 Windy Hill Road, Suite 132
Feb. 17, 2026, Score: 87, Grade: B

Wendy’s
3035 Canton Road
Feb. 13, 2026, Score: 91, Grade: A

Wendy’s
1123 Roswell Road
Feb. 17, 2026, Score: 100, Grade: A

Related:

 

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Wheeler CircuitRunners Robotics advance to state competition

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Wheeler CircuitRunners Robotics advance to state competition

Submitted information and photos:

Two of Wheeler High School’s CircuitRunners Robotics teams, the  FTC Team 1002 Surge and FTC Team 11347 Blackout, have officially qualified for the Georgia FIRST Tech Challenge State Championship, which will be held on February 21, 2026, at Riverside Preparatory Academy in Gainesville, GA.

This season, FTC 1002 earned 2nd Place Inspire Award and was part of the Winning Alliance, 1st Team Selected, while FTC 11347 earned the 1st Place Inspire Award. These awards reflect not just on-field success, but excellence in engineering, design, outreach, and leadership. Both teams are among the top FIRST Tech Challenge programs in Georgia this season.

CircuitRunners Robotics is a 23-year student-led STEM program that has built a sustainable pipeline for students in Marietta, reaching over 18,000 people this year through competitions, outreach, and mentorship. We are proud of our students’ achievements and the community impact they continue to create.

For more information on the CircuitRunners, click here.

Wheeler CircuitRunners Robotics advance to state competition

Wheeler CircuitRunners Robotics advance to state competition

Wheeler CircuitRunners Robotics advance to state competition

Wheeler CircuitRunners Robotics advance to state competition

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Kincaid ES principal retiring after 33-year education career

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Kincaid ES principal retiring after 33-year education career

The Cobb County School District announced last week that one of its longest-serving educators is retiring.

Debbie Tennyson, who is in her ninth year as principal of Kincaid Elementary School in East Cobb, will be retiring as of July 1.

Her retirement was announced Thursday at a Cobb Board of Education meeting following an executive session.

According to her Kincaid biography Tennyson hails from Michigan and earned a bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University.

She came to the Cobb school district in 1998 and she has been an elementary teacher, instructional lead teacher, technology integration specialist and an assistant principal.

Tennyson also earned a master’s degree and a specialist in education degree from Georgia State University.

East Cobb Middle School assistant principal Kevin Triebsch announced his retirement in January, also effective July 1. He has been the 7th grade assistant principal for four years and has been in the Cobb school district for 29 years.

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Cobb Police officer helps save newborn after roadside birth

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Cobb Police officer helps save newborn in roadside delivery
The Preston family with their newborn child. Photos courtesy of Cobb Police.

A Cobb Police officer responding to an emergency request for assistance last week ended up helping save a newborn baby in distress.

Officer William Desaussure was conducting an unrelated traffic stop on Thursday on Sandy Plains Road near Whitlock Road in East Cobb when he was approached by a driver asking for help.

The man told the officer his wife was in active labor and they weren’t going to make it to the hospital, according to a release Tuesday from Cobb Police.

https://eastcobbnews.com/sprayberry-hs-placed-on-lockdown-after-report-of-weapon/
Cobb Police Officer William Desaussure

Desaussure reached the vehicle where a woman had already delivered the baby. But the infant was not breathing, and he began performing chest compressions, police said.

After several compressions, according to police, the baby began breathing.

Cobb Fire and Emergency Services were called to the scene and took the mother and child to a hospital for further care, according to police, who said “we are happy to report that both have since been released and are doing well.”

Police said the Prestons shared the above photo and “expressed their gratitude for Officer Desaussure’s actions.

“As first responders, officers never know when or where they may be called upon to act. On this day, Officer Desaussure was in the right place at the right time, and his quick response helped ensure this child entered the world safely.

“We extend our congratulations to the Preston family on the birth of their child and wish them continued health and happiness.”

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Kroger’s $23M Parkaire expansion to include fuel center

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Kroger's $23M Parkaire expansion to include fuel center

Demolition work is getting underway for a major renovation and expansion of the Kroger store at the Parkaire Landing Shopping Center in East Cobb.

Kroger’s Atlanta Division said in a release on Tuesday that the store will grow from 59,000 square feet to 85,000 square feet and will include a fuel station in the parking lot.

That’s almost as big as the Kroger Superstore that opened on Powers Ferry Road in 2023 as the anchor for the MarketPlace Terrell Mill development.

Three vacant retail spaces will be converted for the Kroger project, including the former Tuesday Morning store next door, where the construction work is beginning.

Kroger said the project is expected to be completed by the spring of 2027 and that the store will remain open during the construction period.

The key features of the expansion include an expanded produce department and an enlarged deli counter, a full-service Murray’s cheese counter and the addition of a sushi culinary kiosk.

The Parkaire location is the only Kroger in East Cobb that currently doesn’t have a fuel center, and “a portion of existing surface parking will be removed to accommodate” the 12-pump gas station, the Kroger release said.

“We’re thrilled to see Kroger expand its presence at Parkaire Landing,” Eric Hines, director and Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regional lead of asset management at Jamestown, the retail center’s management company, said in the release.

“The store’s evolution aligns with our vision of creating a dynamic, one-stop destination, and we look forward to the benefits the new space will bring to the neighborhood.”

Kroger has been located at Parkaire Landing (4880 Lower Roswell Road at Johnson Ferry Road) since the 1970s.

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