New Gritters Library opening, ribbon-cutting set for November

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Gritters Library project to proceed
A rendering of the new Gritters Library-Northeast Cobb Community Center.

It’s been a little more than a year since the Gritters Library branch was demolished (our story on its temporary closing here) to make way for a new, expanded library and Northeast Cobb Community Center in Shaw Park.

The Cobb Library System announced Thursday that the new facility will be opening less than a week from now, on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 10 a.m.

And there will be a ribbon-cutting on Thursday, Nov. 14, at 2 p.m.

The event is sponsored by the Cobb Library Foundation and hosted by the Cobb County Board of Commissioners, Cobb County Manager, Cobb County Public Library Board of Trustees, Cobb County Workforce Development and Cobb PARKS.

The 15,000-square-foot Gritters Library (880 Shaw Park Road), built at a cost of $9.8 million, will include county workforce development programs and the Northeast Cobb Community Center, which is being relocated from another part of Shaw Park.

Other outreach that will stem from Gritters includes civic engagement and health and wellness matters.

Gritters, which opened in Shaw Park in 1973, serves a community of around 65,000 people within a three-mile radius.

The small building had outgrown all of those uses years ago, but securing funding was challenging.

The Gritters replacement project was included in the 2016 Cobb SPLOST, with $6.8 million originally budgeted for the library and $1.2 million for the community center.

There was a ground-breaking ceremony in 2021, but a $2.5 million shortfall emerged due to rising construction costs. Cobb commissioners approved some creative financing in 2023 to set the project in motion.

In addition to CobbWorks, Gritters has partnerships with the Northeast Cobb Business Association, SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) and nearby higher educational institutions.

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1 person killed, another injured in Powers Ferry Road crash

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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.Northeast Cobb car crash, Cops on Donut Shops

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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Lassiter Craft Fair leads off holiday events in East Cobb

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Lassiter Craft Fair, East Cobb Weekend Events

Just after the turn into November is the start of a number of holiday-related events in the East Cobb area: the Lassiter Craft Fair.

The fundraiser of the Lassiter PTSA takes place Saturday and Sunday at the school (2601 Shallowford Road), featuring dozens of vendors and the work of local artists, concessions, raffle prizes and a bake sale.

Clothing, jewelry, wreathes, ornaments, custom gifts, wood decor, handbags and wallets, knitwear, quilling and clay pots, food items and candles and bath oils are among the items that will be on display and for sale.

Admission is free and the hours are 10-5 Saturday and 11-4 Sunday.

The organizers are updating activities and feating artists who’ll be there for holiday and other shopping items on its Facebook page.

As we’ve noted previously, we’d love to tell the community about holiday events that are open to the public, for our calendar listings and even for coverage of Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s.

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Jamestown acquires Avenue East Cobb property management firm

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xJamestown acquires Avenue East Cobb property management firm
The outdoor public plaza that’s the centerpiece of major changes at Avenue East Cobb. (ECN file photo)

Back in August we noted the pending sale of the Atlanta office of North American Properties, which has managed the overhaul of Avenue East Cobb.

On Wednesday NAP officially sent out word that the acquisition by Jamestown, a commercial real estate investment and management firm, which also operates Parkaire Landing Shopping Center in East Cobb and Ponce City Market in Atlanta, has closed.

A sale price was not disclosed but the acquisition includes other metro Atlanta properties in Avalon, Atlantic Station and Colony Square. Jamestown’s assets now total $13.7 billion, according to a release sent out Wednesday.

“This acquisition gives us the ability to accelerate our expansion in secondary and tertiary markets throughout the Sun Belt where the population is growing,” Jamestown CEO Matt Bronfman said in the release.

“The additional experience in these markets and product types reinforces and enhances our differential capabilities as a vertically integrated, mixed-use operator, providing additional bench strength in these fast-growing markets.”

NAP took over management of Avenue East Cobb in 2021 and installed an outdoor public plaza and other amenities, and increased public events.

With those changes have come a number of new tenants, especially restaurants. Most recently, NAP announced an Italian restaurant and patisserie and a Japanese restaurant will be opening in early 2025.

Britni Johnson, a company spokeswoman, told East Cobb News that “no further changes are planned at this time; we’re just continuing to move forward on new tenant buildouts. Guests should not notice any differences in the team or property operations.”

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East Cobb precinct voters mailed incorrect polling location

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Mt Zion United Methodist Church

Cobb Elections said it mailed incorrect location information to voters in two precincts, including one in East Cobb.

A county mailer that went out to voters in the Roswell 02 and Acworth 1C precincts had the wrong locations for those two precincts.

In Roswell 02 (see map below), the correct precinct is Mt. Zion United Methodist Church (1770 Johnson Ferry Road).

Mt. Zion has been the precinct location for Roswell 02 for a number of years but was unavailable for the June 2022 runoffs due to scheduling conflicts, according to Cobb Elections precinct information.

The polling station was temporarily relocated across the street, to the Episcopal Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, but was moved back to Mt. Zion for the 2024 elections.

“We regret this error and are working to distribute the correct information via social media, our website, and the media,” Cobb Elections Director Tate Fall said in a county statement.

“Additionally, poll workers at the incorrectly listed locations will be ready to direct voters to the correct locations on Nov. 5. We encourage all voters to double-check their My Voter Page (mvp.sos.ga.gov) before heading out to vote on Election Day.”

The county said the mailers  were “not part of a state mandate but an educational initiative approved earlier this year in a contingency package for the general election. They were a component of the county’s Strategic Plan to ‘enhance voter education to inform citizens about early voting, referenda, sample ballots, and registration.’ ”

Voters in East Cobb precinct mailed incorrect polling location

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Cobb schools named ‘Literacy Leaders’ by Ga. superintendent

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Cobb schools named 'Literacy Leaders' by Ga. superintendent

Submitted information and photo:

Georgia Schools Superintendent Richard Woods recently visited Mountain View Elementary School to recognize 25 Cobb County School District schools as Literacy Leaders.

“Literacy is the foundation of success, and it’s clear Cobb students have a strong foundation. Our schools are recognized as leaders because our teachers are able to focus on what matters and use Georgia standards as their guide,” said Board member Brad Wheeler.

Recognizing the success of their students, each honored school received ribbons to add to the school’s Literacy Leader Banner. For seven elementary schools, this was the second year in a row as a Georgia literacy leader. This was the first year the state recognized middle and high schools for literacy achievement, and eight Cobb middle and high schools earned the inaugural honor.

Instructional coaches, teachers instrumental in this reading achievement, and school administrators were honored at the event.

Superintendent Ragsdale praised the work of Cobb educators in keeping the spotlight on literacy.

According to the state school superintendent, Cobb’s literacy success “doesn’t happen just by chance, but it is intentionality.”

Cobb Literacy Leaders being recognized include:

  • Acworth Elementary School
  • Addison Elementary School
  • Davis Elementary School
  • East Side Elementary School
  • Garrison Mill Elementary School
  • Hendricks Elementary School
  • Keheley Elementary School
  • Mount Bethel Elementary School
  • Mountain View Elementary School
  • Murdock Elementary School
  • Nicholson Elementary School
  • Pitner Elementary School
  • Shallowford Falls Elementary School
  • Still Elementary School
  • Sope Creek Elementary School
  • Timber Ridge Elementary School
  • Tritt Elementary School
  • Dickerson Middle School
  • Dodgen Middle School
  • Garrett Middle School
  • McCleskey Middle School
  • McClure Middle School
  • Lassiter High School
  • Pope High School
  • Walton High School

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Cobb Schools Foundation raises $88K for family fund

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Submitted information:Cobb Schools Foundation

The Cobb Schools Foundation (CSF) is proud to announce the successful completion of a $25K matching gift challenge, raising a total of nearly $100,000 to support families facing crises in our community. Thanks to the generosity of individual donors, local businesses, and organizations, the Foundation exceeded its original goal, raising $63,000, which was then matched by Superior Plumbing presents North Georgia State Fair, bringing the total to $88,000 for the Family Stabilization Fund.

The Family Stabilization Fund provides crucial assistance to families experiencing unexpected hardships, helping to ensure that every student in the Cobb County School District can thrive. These funds will be used to provide emergency resources—such as food, housing assistance, and other essential support—directly to families in need.

This achievement would not have been possible without the incredible support from our matching gift partner, Superior Plumbing presents North Georgia State Fair, and the contributions from several other key supporters, including:

  • C & S Paving
  • LGE Community Outreach Foundation
  • Papa John’s Foundation’s 2024 Building Community Fund Grant
  • Keylan and Erika Mitchell
  • North Cobb Rotary
  • John Thombley
  • And many other generous donors

“The overwhelming response to this matching gift challenge demonstrates the strength and compassion of our community,” said Felicia Wagner, Executive Director of the Cobb Schools Foundation. “Times are tough right now, and these funds will make a significant impact for families who are struggling, helping to alleviate some of the burdens that may disrupt a child’s education and well-being. Our social workers are dedicated to maximizingthe impact of these gifts and work so well with many other local agencies that we are equally grateful for.”

The Cobb Schools Foundation extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to this campaign, helping us far exceed our original goal. With nearly $100,000 raised, we can continue to provide critical support to those who need it most.

The Cobb Schools Foundation is the nonprofit arm of the Cobb County School District, dedicated to supporting the district’s mission of student success. Through programs and initiatives that address students’ immediate needs and enhance their educational experience, the Foundation works to ensure that every student can succeed.

For more information about the Family Stabilization Fund and the Cobb Schools Foundation, please visit www.cobbschoolsfoundation.org or contact cobbschoolsfoundation@cobbk12.org.

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Pause wellness studio to hold East Cobb grand opening

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Pause wellness studio to hold East Cobb grand opening

Submitted information and photo:

Celebrate the highly anticipated grand opening of Pause Studio at Avenue East Cobb on Saturday, November 2, 2024. From 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Pause East Cobb will officially open its doors to wellness enthusiasts with an all-day event featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony, studio tours, wellness consultations, exclusive discounts, an exciting raffle, and goodie bags for the first 50 guests. Attendees can meet local owners Lisa and Evan Benson while sipping beverages from The Georgia Hemp Company, enjoying treats from Sugar Shane’s, getting permanent jewelry courtesy of Sparx, or creating custom trucker hats with Boho Trace. The event also includes exclusive discounts including Founding Discovery Packages at 50% off, along with 20% off other packages and founding Memberships at www.pausestudio.com/eastcobb. 
WHAT:  Pause East Cobb Grand Opening Celebration

WHEN:  Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

WHERE:  Pause East Cobb 

Avenue East Cobb
4475 Roswell Rd, Suite B-420
Marietta, GA 30062

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East Cobb Church holds long-awaited groundbreaking ceremony

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East Cobb Church holds long-awaited groundbreaking ceremony

The long-awaited groundbreaking ceremony for East Cobb Church took place Oct. 14, four years after Northpoint Ministries purchased more than 33 acres at the southwest corner of Johnson Ferry and Shallowford roads.

Local officials, church members and others in the community were on-hand for the event, which is the official start of the construction process for the 125,000-square-foot worship center (rendering below),

East Cobb Church got a land disturbance permit from the county last year, but had to wait to break ground due to flood plain issues and for the recent relocation of Waterfront Drive at Johnson Ferry.

The church will occupy 13 of those acres; Northpoint sold the remaining 20 acres after rezoning to Ashwood Atlanta, a residential developer.

East Cobb Church began worship services in 2020 at Eastside Church, but earlier this year began holding services at Blessed Trinity Church in Roswell while it awaits its new campus.

You can watch a video of the groundbreaking event by clicking here.

East Cobb Church holds long-awaited groundbreaking ceremony

East Cobb Church Revitalize JOSH

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GSO to hold sensory-friendly concert at Wheeler HS

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GSO to hold sensory-friendly concert at Wheeler HS

Submitted information and photo:

The Georgia Symphony Orchestra opens the concert hall to all through sensory-friendly and family concerts, continuing a tradition begun nine years ago. These specially tailored performances will take place November 9, 2024 at Wheeler High School in Marietta, GA.

GSO Music Director and Conductor Timothy Verville will lead the orchestra in a forty-five minute program as they perform music from some of the greatest heroes of cinema, including the epic sounds of Captain Jack Sparrow, the Dark Knight, the Man of Steel, and many more. Up to 30 minutes before or after each concert, children and families are invited to touch and experience a myriad of instruments first-hand as part of a musical petting zoo.

As a KultureCity Sensory Inclusive Certified organization, the GSO is proud to offer a sensory-friendly performance for individuals with sensory sensitivities and their families, where audience members can experience orchestra music without any of the constraints of a standard performance. Individuals are free to move about, dance, speak, sing, or vocalize, and have access to a quiet room for sensory breaks.

GSO patron Sarah Arrington shares, “As a mother of a child with special needs, the Sensory Friendly concerts really spoke to me. In that environment, [my son] can experience the music without limitations. To see the smile on his face when he gets to put his hands on the instruments in the Instrument Petting Zoo…where else can kids put their hands all over real instruments?! My son put his cheek on the cello to feel the vibrations. It was a magical experience for him.”

People of all ages and abilities will delight in the discovery of an orchestral experience that invites and welcomes all to the world of classical music.

Tickets are priced at just $10, and are now available through georgiasymphony.org/special-events.

 

 

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Cobb Elections Office accepting absentee ballots this weekend

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Cobb Elections Office accepting absentee ballots this weekend

The Cobb Elections Office said Tuesday that voters with absentee ballots can drop them off this weekend at its headquarters.

The times are 8-5 Saturday and 12-5 Sunday at the Cobb Elections Office, 995 Roswell St., Marietta. It’s located just west of Cobb Parkway and the Big Chicken.

There’s no early voting this weekend, and the only absentee ballot dropoff options have been at selected locations during early voting hours.

As we noted in our early voting story Monday, the East Cobb Government Service Center (4400 Lower Roswell Road) has an absentee ballot dropbox.

You can drop off an absentee ballot there from 7-7 daily through Friday.

The Tim D. Lee Senior Center (3332 Sandy Plains Road) is also open for early voting but does not have a dropbox.

The Cobb Elections Office must receive all absentee ballots on Election Day by 7 p.m., when the polls close, either by mail or hand-delivered.

Once a ballot has been received, it can no longer be canceled.

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7 Cobb libraries to be closed on Election Day for voting

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Mountain View Regional Library

Submitted information:

Seven Cobb County Public Library locations will be closed on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, to be used as polling sites. Libraries that will close include:
  • Switzer Library
  • Mountain View Regional Library
  • South Cobb Regional Library
  • West Cobb Regional Library
  • Sewell Mill Library
  • Vinings Library
  • Gritters Library (which continues to be closed for construction)

All other branches will remain open throughout this time.

For official Advance Voting, absentee ballot information, and polling locations, visit cobbcounty.org/elections. For library details, visit cobbcat.org or call 770-528-2326.

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Cobb Police Department experiences a literal ‘baby boom’

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Cobb Police Department experiences a literal 'baby boom'
Submitted information and super-cute photos:

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!

Cobb Police Department experiences a literal 'baby boom'

Cobb Police Department experiences a literal 'baby boom'

 

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East Cobb residential real estate sales, Oct. 7-11, 2024

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East Cobb real estate sales, Idlewild
Idlewild

The following East Cobb residential real estate sales were compiled from agency reports and Cobb County property records.

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

Kell

1700 Latour Drive, 30066 (Keheley Bend): $475,000

Lassiter

2386 Sims Drive, 30066 (Shallowford-Trickum Crossroads): $406,400

4011 Idlewilde Meadows Drive, 30066 (Idlewild): $1.95 million

3444 Orange Wood Court, 30062 (Parkview East): $455,000

2651 Forest Way, 30066 (Forest Chase): $415,000

Pope

1930 Beaver Brook Lane, 30062 (Beaver Brook Farms): $403,000

4653 Amberwood Trail, 30062 (Chimney Springs): $665,000

2401 Prince Howard Way, 30062 (Corinth): $510,000

Sprayberry

3080 Randall Drive, 30066 (Randall Plantation): $370,000

3421 Fawn Trail, 30066 (Stags Run): $350,000

3281 Allegheny Drive, 30066 (North Chestnut Grove): $410,500

3089 Cynthia Court, 30062 (Mountain View): $425,000

616 Silverwood Court, 30066 (Canterbury Ridge): $350,000

2746 Stillwater Lake Lane, 30066 (Stillwater Lake): $550,000

3265 Sweet Buckeye Drive, 30066 (North Chestnut Grove): $605,000

2643 Green Meadow Lane, 30066 (Pine Valley Farms): 399,900

863 Leamington Court, 30066 (Colleton Plantation): $430,000

3003 Mulberry Street, 30066 (Mulberry Street): $425,000

Walton

5301 Sunset Trail, 30067 (Woodland Trails): $1.175 million

4376 Blackland Drive, 30067 (Sanders Field Estates): $1.3 million

5046 Meadow Lane, 30068 (The Meadows): $360,000

Wheeler

2604 Sunny Lane, 30067 (Red Oak Park): $509,900

2483 Cedar Wood Court, 30068 (Cedar Cove): $534,000

997 Birch Creek Lane, Unit 6, 30067 (Oaks at Powers Ferry): $510,000

2889 Brandl Cove Court, Unit 3, 30067 (Brandl Cove): $450,000

803 Birds Mill, 30067 (Sibley Forest): $1.35 million

2313 Bent Pine Overlook, 30068 (Hanover Woods): $512,500

2606 Mill Pond Court, 30068 (Princeton Mill): $695,000

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East Cobb Biz Scene: The Playroom children’s gym opens

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East Cobb Biz Scene: The Playroom children's gym opens

Last week The Playroom East Cobb, a “children’s gym” catering to youngsters with developmental differences, opened to the public and held a grand opening.

The Playroom is located at 1344 East Cobb Drive, Suite 200. Among the features of the 3,600-square-foot space are a climate-controlled space with play structures, activities, toys and therapy facilities for children with autism, sensory challenges and ADHD.

Owner and founder Stephanie Fisher, an East Cobb resident, said she was inspired to create the space in response to challenges she faced in finding play spaces for her own children that weren’t overstimulating.

She and her husband Nate are the parents of two boys, Jackson and Greyson.

“We designed The Playroom for kids, but as a mom, parents were always on the top of my mind,” Fisher said. “So, we made it easy to watch your kids. We wanted a place where parents could play with their kids, but also be able to drop them off when they needed a break. And it needed to be affordable enough that they could bring their children regularly. We knew that having the therapists on site will be incredibly valuable for the families that need them.”

The Playroom also has a therapy suite and gym for professionals such as speech therapists, counselors, and occupational therapists, who will provide care and classes for children and parents.

Fisher said the age range for children are infants through elementary school, and The Playroom is available for open play, private birthday parties, special classes programs and related activities.

Play sessions last up to 90 minutes and there are various individual and family membership rates. For more information, click here.

The Downtown Pooch opens at PMV

A pet boutique shop, The Downtown Pooch, has opened at Paper Mill Village (255 Village Parkway, Suite 134), across from Hot Dogs Cool Cats.

The doors opened officially on Monday, and it’s the second location of the Roswell-based pet retailer, which provides a range of products and services, including “wholistic pet cuisine,”

A grand opening is set for Saturday, Nov. 2. For information, contact hello@thedowntownpooch.com.

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Halloween week weather: Warm, sunny conditions continue

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It’s starting to feel a little like the fall, with some windy weather over the weekend.Halloween week weather: Warm, sunny conditions continue

But the week of Halloween in the East Cobb area will continue to be unseasonably warm, according to the National Weather Service.

The local forecast calls for more sunny and partly sunny days with high temperatures in the mid- to high 70s, and lows around 60 most nights.

Wednesday and Thursday (Halloween) will be the warmest, with highs reaching 80 degrees during the day.

Conditions will be more cloudy toward the end of the week and through the weekend, with highs remaining in the 70s as Daylight Saving Time ends on Saturday.

According to the National Weather Service in Peachtree City, metro Atlanta has gone without rain for 29 consecutive days.

If the rain holds off through Halloween, the area will experience the first completely dry month on record, dating back to 1878.

For more local weather information, click here.

 

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Last week of early voting in Cobb: Locations; wait-time map; more

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Cobb tag offices reopening

Cobb residents can vote ahead of the Nov. 5 general this week during weekday hours at 12 locations in the county.

They include the East Cobb Government Service Center (4400 Lower Roswell Road, above) and the Tim D. Lee Senior Center (3332 Sandy Plains Road), which have been two of the most popular early polling stations in the county over the past two weeks.

The early voting hours are from 7-7 Monday-Friday; unlike the last two weeks, there will be no weekend early voting.

In addition, there will be an absentee drop box available at the East Cobb Government Service Center that’s open during early voting hours.

To check the estimated wait-times at each of the 12 locations, click here. You can vote at any location in Cobb regardless of where you live in the county.

Here are the other locations, with dropbox availability noted by an asterisk:

  • Ben Robertson Community Center (2753 Watts Drive, Kennesaw)
  • * Boots Ward Recreation Center (4845 Dallas Highway, Powder Springs)
  • * Cobb Elections Office (995 Roswell St., Marietta)
  • Collar Park Community Center (2625 Joe Jerkins Blvd., Austell)
  • Fair Oaks Recreation Center (1465 West Booth Road Extention, Marietta)
  • * North Cobb Senior Center (3900 Main St., Acworth)
  • Ron Anderson Recreation Center (3820 Macedonia Road, Powder Springs)
  • * Smyrna Community Center (1290 Powder Springs St., Smyrna)
  • * South Cobb Community Center (620 Lions Club Drive, Mableton)
  • West Cobb Regional Library (1750 Dennis Kemp Lane, Kennesaw)

Voters must bring a valid photo ID with them to the polls (click here for details). For more early voting information in Cobb, click here.

More than 200,000 votes have been cast in Cobb, most of them in-person, nearly 40 percent of the registered voters, as early voting continues to set records across the state.

UPDATED, 3 p.m. Monday: The Secretary of State’s office said Monday that 2.73 million early votes have been cast, 40 percent of all registered voters in Georgia.

Voters who will be voting on election day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, will go to their assigned precincts. To check your voter registration status, and to get a customized sample ballot, visit the Georgia Secretary of State’s My Voter Page.

All absentee ballots must be received by mail at the Cobb Elections Office or at a designated dropbox by 7 p.m. on Nov. 5.

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Nearly 200k have voted in Cobb after 2 weeks of early voting

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There are still Saturday and Sunday totals to be added, but Cobb Elections is saying that through Friday, a grand total of 197,.548 ballots have been cast in  the first two weeks of early voting for the 2024 general elections.cobb advance voting, Cobb voter registration deadline, Walton and Dickerson PTSA candidates forum

The Georgia Secretary of State’s office Election Data Hub reports that that’s nearly 40 percent of Cobb’s registered voters, with six more days of early voting plus election day on Nov. 5.

Voting continues from Sunday 12-5, but at limited locations. The East Cobb Government Service Center (4400 Lower Roswell Road) will be among them.

That will be the last weekend day for early voting. Next week, early voting will be Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m at 12 locations, including the East Cobb Government Service Center and the Tim D. Lee Senior Center (3332 Sandy Plains Road).

You can also drop off an absentee ballot at the East Cobb Government Service Center during early voting hours.

Those are also record figures statewide, as Georgia remains in play in the presidential race. Both the Harris and Trump campaigns will continue to appear in the state and metro Atlanta in the final week.

Across the state, more than 2.5 million votes have been cast, reflecting a turnout of nearly 50 percent of registered voters in Georgia.

Cobb Elections figures show that of those early votes already cast, 7,750 are absentee ballots that have been mailed in, out of nearly 12,000 returned. More than 27,000 absentee ballots have been requested as of Friday, the deadline for doing so.

Here are the individual breakdowns through Friday at each of the early voting locations.

  • Tim D. Lee Senior Center: 26,953
  • Smyrna Community Center: 23,871
  • East Cobb Government Service Center: 21,261
  • Cobb Elections Office: 21,242
  • Ben Robertson Community Center: 17,098
  • South Cobb Community Center: 16,611
  • Boots Ward Recreation Center: 16,108
  • North Cobb Senior Center: 13,715
  • Ron Anderson Recreation Center: 12,202
  • West Cobb Regional Library: 11,411
  • Collar Park Community Center: 6,213
  • Fair Oaks Recreation Center: 5,112

For more early voting information in Cobb, click here. Voters must bring a valid photo ID with them to the polls (click here for details).

To check your voter registration status, and to get a customized sample ballot, visit the Georgia Secretary of State’s My Voter Page.

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East Cobb church donates $20K for hurricane relief

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Lutheran Church of the Resurrection burglary arrests

Submitted information:

In response to the devastating impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton across the Southeast, Lutheran Church of the Resurrection (LCR) has launched a community-wide fundraiser, “Compassionate Community Response: A Fundraiser to Support Those Affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.”

To jumpstart the campaign, LCR is seeding $20,000 from its mission fund and they are calling on the local community to join them in expanding the impact of this gift. After two weeks, a total of $25,490 has been raised with a goal of at least $40,000. Every donation will go directly to 3 trusted organizations providing on-the-ground relief for those affected by these natural disasters including Inspiritus, Lutheran Disaster Response, and the Southeastern Synod Disaster Ministry.

“This is a chance for us to come together and demonstrate the compassion and generosity of our local community. We’ve seen firsthand the destruction these storms have caused, and we want to extend tangible love and support to those who need it most,” said Andy Minard, one of the leaders of LCR.

How to Donate:
Visit lcrmarietta.org/compassion to make a secure contribution, mail a check with “Hurricane Relief” in the memo, or stop by our office at 4814 Paper Mill Road SE, Marietta, GA 30067. 

Together, we can extend love, support, and hope to our neighbors in their time of greatest need.

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Walton HS students, staff to be tested for tuberculosis

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More than 300 at Walton HS to be tested for tuberculosis

Cobb and Douglas Public Health said Friday that around 300 students and staff at Walton High School will have to undergo testing for tuberculosis next week.

Valerie Crow, director of communications for the agency, said in response to an inquiry by East Cobb News Friday afternoon that the testing will take place Tuesday at the school.

Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that is spread by germs through the air and attacks the lungs and other parts of the body.

Crow said there is one confirmed case of tuberculosis at Walton “and not an outbreak,” but she couldn’t provide more specifics due to federal student privacy laws.

Walton has an enrollment of nearly 2,700 students, one of the largest in the Cobb school district.

Crow said her agency and Cobb County School District staff  identified those who may have been exposed and will be administering a mandatory Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) on Tuesday.

She said that “even though the risk is very minimal, Cobb & Douglas Public Health (CDPH) is offering every precaution as recommended by the State of Georgia TB Guidelines.”

Cobb and Douglas Public Health is an agency of the Georgia Department of Public Health.

Crow said those individuals who need to be tested but don’t do so at school Tuesday will be required to get tested by a private doctor.

“They will be responsible to provide a written report on physician’s office letterhead verifying the test was completed, with the date, and test result before they will be permitted to return to school,” Crow said.

She said a positive test means someone has “been exposed to someone with active tuberculosis,” and that all of those who have a positive reaction “will have a chest x-ray to rule out active disease.”

Crow said that if the test x-ray is negative, “they will be offered preventative medication. If the chest x-ray is positive, they will be treated for the disease.”

She provided a link to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control that explains TB exposure in more detail, and “especially the ‘what to expect if you have been named as a contact of someone with active TB disease’ section.”

At least one private pediatric practice in East Cobb has notified patients about the matter, saying that “we understand that receiving this letter could be distressing for your family but want to reassure you that the Department of Public Health will be appropriately screening for any potential infection.

“We ask that you please cooperate with their efforts to make sure your student is properly monitored post-exposure.”

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