Editor’s Note: Please support local news that supports you!

April 11, 2026April 9, 2026 by Wendy Parker

I don’t know where they come up with all these designated “days” for just about everything under the sun, but this past Thursday, April 9, 2026, was Local News Day across America.

This one is brand new, and it was being organized by news organizations, philanthropies and others that support local news.

The appeal is very similar to what we’ve been asking readers of East Cobb News:

If you value the local news that you get here, please consider supporting our work, so we can keep giving you the local news that you love.

According to the Nieman Lab, which does a great job tracking the transformation of the news industry and journalism profession, there were 1,300 news outlets taking part in this inaugural Local News Day.

John Adams, the founder of the Montana Free Press, which started this event, said that Local News Day is meant to raise awareness about the importance of supporting local news in a variety of ways, and not just financially.

“Sign up to get an email. Tune in to your local public radio station. Subscribe to a local news source.” For those of us “producing local journalism, we want to bring audiences to your doorstep, and that’s really what Local News Day is all about.”

Click here to donate to ECN today!

Another publisher brought Local News Day to our attention, and we’re glad to sign up to be a partner and will update you on what that all means as we become part of this effort.

This is an exciting initiative to help the public learn more about the importance of local news, and the value it brings to communities.

At East Cobb News, local news isn’t just a one-day thing, however—we’ve been bringing you local news nearly every single day since July 2017.

That’s right—we’ve been at this for nearly nine years, and are proud not only of the variety, depth and relevance of local news to East Cobb readers, but the community connections we have provided.

We’ve been asking for reader support for some time now, and we appreciate the donations that we get, which supplement the local business advertising revenue that’s the main component of our business model.

Just as I was settling into Local News Day Thursday, I received an incredibly generous donation from a reader who said in a handwritten note, “thank you for your service to our community. Keep up the good work.”

The emphasis is mine in italicizing our. East Cobb is our community, this place we call home, and that connection to the place where I grew up is a major driving force behind East Cobb News.

I was as touched by the message as much as the donation. We’re so grateful to the readers who tell us this, and it confirms much of what I’ve learned in the eight-plus years of publishing East Cobb News.

Local news is endangered in almost every community in the country, but the support from readers like you in East Cobb have bolstered the mission and power of East Cobb News.

For that, I thank you so much!

As Adams also said:

“Let’s talk about all the good things that are happening and draw the public’s attention to something they can be a part of right now to build something new and exciting.”

Donating is secure and easy!

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! Today and every day!

Northside East Cobb Medical Center sold for $32.5 million

April 8, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Northside East Cobb Medical Center sold for $32.5 million

Patients and clients won’t notice any changes, the but ownership of Northside Hospital’s East Cobb Medical Center is changing hands.

Stonemont, an Atlanta real estate investment firm specializing in healthcare real estate and industrial development, has purchased the 103,184-square-foot medical office building on Johnson Ferry Road at Olde Towne Parkway.

The Atlanta Business Chronicle reported that Stonemont secured a $32.5 million loan from Webster Bank to complete the acquisition from Northside, which opened the facility in 2018 on land that had been the Fountains at Olde Towne Shopping Center.

The four-story building houses Northside’s Imaging, Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Primary Care and Urgent Care providers, Dermatology and Surgery Associates, East Cobb Spine and Sport Chiropractic and other physician specialty practices.

The building, which has a 400-space parking lot, is 100 percent leased.

According to Cobb property tax records, the total appraised value of the building and property, which covers more than 12 acres, is around $34 million.

“Our collaboration with Northside Hospital reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to healthcare throughout the region,” said Matt Stone, President of Stonemont’s Healthcare Real Estate division, in a statement.

“East Cobb Medical Center is an exceptional facility in a thriving community, and we’re pleased to add it to our growing healthcare platform.”

Stonemont invests in major healthcare complexes across the country, and a company release said its healthcare portfolio exceeds $375 million.

In Cobb County, Stonemont owns the Atlanta Riverview commercial development in Mableton, which includes 216,400 square feet of space.

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

Food Scores: Atlanta Braves ballpark fare at Truist Park

April 8, 2026April 8, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Cobb schools SPLOST vote World Series

The Atlanta Braves began their 2026 season at home last week, and inspectors from the Georgia Department of Public Health were there to visit restaurants, concession stands and all kinds of food vendors.

We included most, but not all, of the results from their inspections, in case you’re heading out to the ballpark this weekend as the Braves return for another homestand.

All of the inspections took place on Wednesday, April 1. We’ll have a separate report later this week on food scores in the East Cobb area.

Click the link under each listing for inspection details:

1st Base Dugout Lounge
Score: 93, Grade: A

3rd Base Dugout Lounge
Score: 100, Grade: A

Back Porch
Score: 100, Grade: A

Beer Garden Bites
Score: 100, Grade: A

Bell Street Burritos
Score: 100, Grade: A

Blue Moon Concourse Bar
Score: 100, Grade: A

Braves Market Stand
Score: 100, Grade: A

The Carvery
Score: 96, Grade: A

Champions Kitchen
Score: 100, Grade: A

Chophouse
Score: 100, Grade: A

Closer’s Bar
Score: 96, Grade: A

Coca-Cola Corner Stand
Score: 100, Grade: A

Coops
Score: 96, Grade: A

The Giving Kitchen
Score: 96, Grade: A

Granny’s Southern Kitchen
Score: 100, Grade: A

Grindhouse
Score: 96, Grade: A

Hank Aaron Terrace Bar
Score: 100, Grade: A

Launching Pad
Score: 100, Grade: A

Pepper’s Hot Dogs
Score: 100, Grade: A

Svedka Bar
Score: 100, Grade: A

Tacos Mejor
Score: 91, Grade: A

Taqueria Tsunami
Score: 91, Grade: A

Truist and Delta Club
Score: 99, Grade: A

Vice
Score: 100, Grade: A

Xfinity Club
Score: 91, Grade: A

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!

Wheeler students take part in ‘Civic Chats with the Wildcats’

April 8, 2026April 8, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Information and photos from the Cobb County School District:

At Wheeler High School, civic learning is more than a lesson—it is an experience shaped by students for students. Through a student-led initiative called “Civic Chats with the Wildcats,” members of the Social Studies Honor Society help their peers better understand how government works and why their voices matter.

For nearly two years, this weekly program has created a meaningful space for students to explore civic processes in a way that feels relevant and accessible. It stands out not just for the content, but for the leadership behind it. The program was co-created by students, and together, they built something that goes beyond traditional instruction.

Their goal is simple and powerful: to put faces to the names of public officials and help students see how they can engage in their communities. Each week, “Civic Chats with the Wildcats” features a mix of guest speakers, curated video segments, and student-produced content. Participants research, create, and share their own segments that break down complex topics into clear, understandable ideas.

Early on, the team began connecting with local and state leaders, inviting them to participate by submitting short videos. These clips introduce officials, explain their roles, and highlight the real-world impact of their work. In just a year and a half, students have connected with a wide range of public officials, including Georgia’s U.S. senators, the Georgia State Superintendent of Schools, Superior Court judges, and many others who serve their communities every day.

Many of these leaders have taken the next step by visiting Wheeler High School in person, giving students the chance to ask questions, hear firsthand experiences, and better understand the responsibilities of public service. One recent highlight came during Women’s History Month, when State Representative Lisa Campbell contributed a featured segment. Campbell later invited the group to the Georgia State Capitol. There, students were recognized on the House floor for their efforts to promote civic engagement—a moment that reflected both their hard work and the importance of their mission.

Since launching “Civic Chats with the Wildcats,” the Social Studies Honor Society at Wheeler has seen significant growth. What was once an inactive organization has become a thriving student group with more than 80 active members. The program’s digital presence has also expanded, reaching an audience well beyond the school building. Through social media and video content, “Civic Chats” now connects with approximately 40,000 viewers each month. That reach reflects not only strong student engagement, but also a broader interest in understanding how government works and how individuals can make a difference. At its core, the success of this program comes back to people.

At Cobb Schools, preparing students for life after graduation includes helping them become informed and thoughtful members of their communities. Programs like “Civic Chats with the Wildcats” reflect that commitment—giving students the tools, knowledge, and confidence to engage with the world around them.

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!

Domestic violence suspect near KSU campus identified

April 7, 2026April 7, 2026 by Wendy Parker

UPDATED, 4:50 P.M.

The Cobb Sheriff’s Office has just issued the following statement:

“Despite extensive efforts by deputies and assisting agencies, the suspect was not located during today’s search. Law enforcement personnel are now concluding the active search in the immediate area and will regroup to continue investigative efforts at a later time.

“While this search generated public attention due to its proximity to a college campus, situations like this occur more frequently than many realize and are typically resolved without the need for public notification. Out of an abundance of caution, information was shared earlier today to ensure the campus community and surrounding residents were aware of the law enforcement activity.

“At this time, there is no known danger to the public.”

ORIGINAL REPORT, 3:50 P.M.

The Cobb Sheriff’s Office said Tuesday it’s searching for a man wanted on a domestic violence warrant near the Kennesaw State University campus.

Domestic violence suspect near KSU campus identified — *Jessie Santiago*

Public information officer Hassan Glenn said the suspect is Jessie Santiago, 26, and whose photo was distributed Tuesday afternoon as the manhunt continues.

Hassan said that deputies recognized the suspect from an active domestic violence warrant near KSU and although they weren’t serving a warrant at the time, they tried to take him into custody after identifying him.

Hassan said that when deputies approached the suspect, he fled on foot, and that the Sheriff’s Office is working with KSU police and Cobb Police to locate Santiago.

“Residents are urged to remain alert and use caution as law enforcement patrol the area,” Hassan said in a statement. “Please stay aware of your surroundings and avoid approaching the individual.”

Anyone with information about the suspect’s whereabouts is asked to call Cobb County Sheriff’s Office at (770) 499-4600 or submit a tip through the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office mobile app.

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RaceTrac rezoning request held by Cobb Planning Commission

April 7, 2026April 7, 2026 by Wendy Parker

The revived rezoning request by RaceTrac for a gas station and convenience store on Bells Ferry Road at Barrett Parkway has been delayed by the Cobb Planning Commission.

After a lengthy discussion the commission voted 5-0 Tuesday to hold the application for 30 days for environmental, traffic and other reasons.

RaceTrac is bringing back plans for a facility at the corner of Bells Ferry Road and Barrett Parkway that it withdrew late last year, before the Cobb Board of Commissioners could vote.

The planning board had recommended prohibiting gas station use, as well as alcohol, vaping and tobacco sales, car washes, automotive uses or any type of drive-through business.

On Tuesday, the board heard from citizens near the two-acre tract that was formerly the site of the McAfee House, a home dating to the 1840s and that has been relocated to Cherokee County.

They repeated concerns about traffic, especially due to the property’s location across from Bells Ferry Elementary School, and adjacent to a day care center, as well as worries over gas emissions from the fuel pumps.

The new site plan by RaceTrac, a Cobb-based company (you can read it here) is relatively unchanged from last year, with a 16-pump fuel station and convenience store that would be open 24/7.

The primary opposition came from the Bells Ferry Civic Association, which repeated environmental concerns about the release of gas vapors into the vicinity on an around-the-clock basis. More than 30 people turned out in opposition at Tuesday’s hearing.

The applicant’s attorney, Kevin Moore, said RaceTrac’s pumps and fuel tanks would be equipped with equipment to capture gas vapors from the pumps.

But Planning Commission member Fred Beloin pressed the issue, asking Moore and Cobb Zoning Division head John Peterson if there’s anything the county can do to require applicants to provide information about what Beloin called “a known environmental threat.”

Moore said there’s no county ordinance to that effect, and Peterson replied that county commissioners have latitude in incorporating such information.

“We’re acting without data, without information . . . to suggest it’s safe,” a frustrated Beloin said.

Other opponents expressed concerns about traffic related not just to school operations but the area in general.

Cobb Board of Education member David Chastain, whose granddaughter attends Bells Ferry Elementary was among them, noting a high number of similar businesses nearby to the proposed RaceTrac.

“How many more 24-hour convenience stores do we need in this particular area?” asked Chastain, who said he was speaking on behalf of the community and not the Cobb County School District.

“Denying this request is not going to harm a good corporate citizen.”

He suggested the property, owned by by Medford Family LP, could be used for medical and professional offices instead.

Moore has countered that a RaceTrac will have no adverse traffic impacts in a commercialized area that’s adjacent to a major retail center with a Publix and a Barnes and Noble and close to the Town Center area.

The Cobb Zoning Division has recommended approval of the application, concluding that a traffic study completed for the initial request “will be considered satisfied” for the renewed application.

The staff analysis recommends that RaceTrac make access on Barrett Parkway right-in, right-out only.

But Sara Micheletto, a newly appointed Planning Commission member who did not hear the RaceTrac case last fall, questioned Moore’s claim in the wake of reconstruction at Bells Ferry Elementary that has relocated some students to Chalker Elementary.

When full capacity returns in the fall of 2027, school-related traffic in the area will return.

The Planning Commission’s vote is contingent on additional staff research into possible traffic and environmental impacts.

Editor’s Note: A makeover for an old East Cobb retail center

April 6, 2026April 6, 2026 by Wendy Parker

East Cobb Biz Scene: Another makeover for aging retail center — *The Planet Fitness at East Cobb Station will be getting some new tenant neighbors soon as the retail center takes shape again.*

For more than 65 years, a shopping center on Roswell Road near the Big Chicken has served as a retail gateway of sorts in East Cobb.

When it opened in 1958, the sprawling facility was called Town and Country Shopping Center. East Cobb wasn’t even a place name then, but a mostly rural area east of the City of Marietta that was beginning to sprout with suburban development.

The place names denoted that too: East Side Elementary School, Eastvalley Elementary School, Eastside Baptist Church, etc. This was the east side of Marietta, which was the absolute hub of Cobb County.

When our family moved to the “east side” in the early 1970s, Town and Country was as busy as the shopping malls that would soon replace it. After living way up in the Canton Road corridor when I was in grade school, I thought we moved to a big city.

My mother, who hailed from a small town in the Midwest, loved Town and Country—there was a Woolworth (and later a Woolco) and a JCPenney and a Dunaway Drugs, where we could eat at the luncheonette if we kids behaved, a Kinney’s Shoes store, as well as a Kroger. Who needed Cumberland Mall when everything was just a couple miles away?

When I was in high school, I enjoyed matinee films at the cinema—less than $5 a ticket!—at Town and Country. Years later, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution had its Cobb bureau located there (during a time in which I worked at the AJC downtown).

Since then, as development and affluent shoppers moved further east, and as East Cobb became even urbanized in some areas, Town and Country fell out of favor.

It was was rebranded as East Cobb Station, to add some labeling prestige to an area that was going through substantial cultural, socioeconomical and generational change. Harry’s Farmers Market took a stab in the 1990s in opening a magnificent store nearby that drew shoppers from all over north Georgia.

In recent years, East Cobb Station has been practically empty, although a Planet Fitness and a few other stores have moved in. It’s been a relatively lonely setting for the gym franchise, which has hung on in spite of the odds that the area, much less East Cobb Station, would mount the kind of recovery needed to sustain such a business.

But that slice of the East Marietta of my youth that has vanished to the wind of memories may be making something of a comeback.

Across Roswell Road at the Powers Ferry Road junction, the redevelopment of the former Harry’s site, with lots of housing, is underway. The Movie Studio Grill, which opened in 2017 as Harry’s closed, is banking on those prospects.

And Hendon Properties, an Atlanta commercial real estate firm that takes older properties and revamps them, is taking a chance at East Cobb Station too.

The firm bought the retail center in 2024, and announced recently that it’s adding some well-known names to its list of tenants. Anchored by a Lidl discount grocery store, East Cobb Station will include the return of Burlington Coat Factory, site of the Woolco and now the home of Andretti Indoor Karting & Games.

Also coming will be a Hibbett Sports store and a 7 Brews Coffee location.

Hendon’s track record has been a successful one, as it’s worked to overhaul properties in Brookhaven, Gwinnett County, Austell and Greenbriar Mall.

Elsewhere in East Cobb, Hendon has ushered in change at Sandy Plains Village, located at the county line with Roswell.

In-store retail has been a difficult transformation in this age of online and delivery sales (and now drones?), and big shopping centers have become massive casualties.

Reviving East Cobb Station won’t be an easy task. It’s more than 200,000 square feet of space that’s been so much of an eyesore, as eastbound vehicles pass by and stop instead at Avenue East Cobb, Merchants Walk and Parkaire Landing and others with more upscale options.

If the newest update of what had been Town and Country is to become a success, then the kinds of stores coming to East Cobb Station are encouraging; they appeal to shoppers of a variety of income levels, and for a variety of goods and services.

I’m rooting for that to happen, and if there’s a way to bring back the drug store luncheonette, it would be perfect!

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

East Cobb Real Estate: Hadley Farm ranch sells for $455K

April 6, 2026 by Wendy Parker

East Cobb Real Estate: Hadley Farm ranch sells for $455K

This week’s featured home sale is a raised ranch in the Hadley Farm subdivision, located in the Sprayberry High School, McCleskey Middle School and Nicholson Elementary School attendance zones.

It has 4 bedrooms and 3 baths, covering 2,391 square feet on 1.97 acres. The home sold for $455,000 on March 23, 2026.

More than $150,000 in new upgrades includes renovated upstairs bathrooms, a new roof, a new hot water heater, and a recent HVAC replacement, as well as new flooring and fresh interior paint.

A vaulted family room, an updated fireplace and an open layout are featured in the main living area. The lower level includes a recreational room, a bedroo and full bath, storage room and expanded garage space.

There’s also a freshly painted covered front porch, a newly stained back deck and nearly two acres of private land backing directly to Little Noonday Creek, as well as a fenced-in backyard.

Click the middle button below to see more photos.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The following East Cobb residential real estate sales from March 23-27, 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

4554 South Landing Drive, 30066 (North Landing): $430,000

Lassiter

2805 Cranmore Court, 30066 (Northampton): $1.08 million

3623 Summerford Way, 30062 (Summerford): $1.08 million

3241 Mountain Hollow Drive, 30062 (The Glenns): $392,000

3333 Devaughn Drive, 30066 (Village North Crossing): $431,000

4548 High Rock Terrace, 30066 (Highland Pointe): $749,000

3371 Winfair Place, 330062 (Woodbine): $725,000

3626 Lone Indian Trail, 30066 (Highland Pointe): $807,367

3745 Heddington Lane, 30066 (Garrison Parc): $1.335 million

Marietta

1622 Lightfoot Circle, 30062 (Hamilton Corners): $665,000

1701 Tappahannock Trail, 30062 (Hamilton Corners): $635,000

1628 Warsaw Pointe, 30062 (Olde Lexington): $675,000

Pope

4472 Chimney Springs Court, 30062 (Chimney Springs): $638,000

4035 Willows Way, 30062 (Walden): $750,000

3306 Stillbrook Pass, 30062 (Glenmoor): $793,950

3616 Blakeford Court, 30062 (Blakeford): $915,000

1771 Canton Hills Circle, 30062 (Canton Hills): $450,000

2640 Whitehurst Drive, 30062 (Plantation Pines): $350,512

3222 Bluff Road, 30062 (Hickory Bluff): $425,000

3515 Creek Court, 30062 (Hickory Bluff): $371,545

Sprayberry

323 West Claiborne Court, 30066 (Piedmont Hills): $465,000

3748 Hadley Ridge Court, 30066 (Hadley Farm): $455,000

422 Buckingham Drive, 30066 (Canterbury North): $552,500

823 Prince Avenue, 30062 (Kings Estates): $400,000

2265 Piedmont Glen Court, 30062 (Piedmont Forest): $478,500

2216 Concord Square, 30062 (Concord Square): $410,000

1192 Pathfinder Road, 30066 (Philmont Estates): $365,000

4100 Christacy Way, 30066 (Thornbrook): $492,500

Walton

1299 Seven Springs Circle, 30068 (Seven Springs): $313,587

750 Bayliss Drive, 30068 (River Springs): $700,000

4804 Dalhousie Place, 30068 (Chadds Lake): $965,000

4503 Dobbs Crossing, 30068 (Woodlawn Commons): $650,000

1098 Princeton Walk, 30068 (Princeton Walk): $805,000

Wheeler

1665 High Trail, 30339 (Rivers Call): $1.358 million

1129 Roselawn Lane, 30067 (Sandpiper): $240,000

2754 Terrell Trace Drive, 30067 (Terrell Trace): $315,000

2895 Brandl Cove Court, Unit 4, 30067 (Brandl Cove):$419,000

156 Rhodes Drive, 30068 (East Valley Estates): $233,000

273 Shaded Oaks Lane, 30067 (Shaded Oaks): $270,800

3300 Windy Ridge Parkway, Unit 1109, 30339 (Horizon): $380,000

3048 Woodwalk Drive, Unit 14, 30339 (Riverwalk at Wildwood): $577,500

16 Ancient Oak Court, 30067 (Ancient Oak Court): $550,500

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East Cobb high school students named 2026 Georgia Scholars

April 4, 2026April 4, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Submitted information: East Cobb high school students named 2026 Georgia Scholars

Cobb Schools is proud to celebrate a remarkable group of graduating seniors named 2026 Georgia Scholars by the Georgia Department of Education. This prestigious recognition highlights students who go above and beyond in the classroom, in their schools, and throughout their communities.

This year, 162 students across Georgia earned the Georgia Scholar distinction, a testament to their hard work, character, and commitment to excellence. Among them are outstanding students from the Cobb County School District, each representing the very best of what it means to be a Cobb learner.

The Georgia Scholar program honors high school seniors who demonstrate excellence in both school and community life. These students are not only academically accomplished but also actively engaged leaders who contribute their time and talents to make a difference. Each honoree receives a special seal for their diploma and a graduation cord, symbolizing their achievement and dedication.

These students are leaders in every sense — whether in the classroom, on the stage, on the field, or through service initiatives that make a difference close to home. In Cobb, that excellence shines brightly.

Lassiter High School

Amol Balakrishnan, Chloe Cummings, Arianna Mukherji

Walton High School

Hrehaan Bhutada, Katherine Entrekin, Aashrith Muppalla, Dev Patel, Christina Philip, Jeremiah Raj, Eliza Saifee, Vibha Vijay, Jerry Xu

Wheeler High School

Zayne Nair

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Georgia Symphony Orchestra presents Jazz and Juleps event

April 4, 2026April 4, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Georgia Symphony Orchestra presents Jazz and Juleps event

Submitted information:

The Georgia Symphony Orchestra (GSO) invites the community to celebrate, connect, and give back at Jazz & Juleps, a lively Kentucky Derby-inspired fundraiser on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at The Gardens at Brumby Hall.

Blending Southern charm with the energy of live music, this festive spring evening will feature entertainment by GSO Jazz, along with a special performance by the Honors String Quartet from the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra (GYSO) a powerful reminder of the impact of the GSO’s music education programs.

Guests will enjoy an evening of live jazz, signature cocktails, games, and great food, while also having the opportunity to bid in an exciting silent auction featuring fine jewelry and art, wine and spirits, date night packages, restaurant gift cards, tickets, and more. Derby inspired attire is encouraged and prizes will be given out for best dressed and best hat.

“This event captures everything we love about the GSO—great music, a strong sense of community, and a shared commitment to making the arts accessible to all,” said Suzanne Tucker, Executive Director of the Georgia Symphony Orchestra. “Jazz & Juleps is not only a joyful celebration, but also an opportunity for our supporters to invest directly in the programs that bring music to life across our region.”

Set in the picturesque surroundings of The Gardens at Brumby Hall, Jazz & Juleps offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere where guests can gather with friends, celebrate the GSO’s 75th Anniversary Season, and support its mission to connect and inspire through music.

Proceeds from the event directly benefit the GSO’s performances, education initiatives, and community outreach programs, ensuring that music continues to enrich lives throughout metro Atlanta.

This year’s event is proudly presented in part by SA White, whose support reflects a strong commitment to the arts and the local community. The GSO also extends its gratitude to the City of Marietta for its continued support throughout the orchestra’s milestone 75th season.

Join the Georgia Symphony Orchestra for an unforgettable evening of music, merriment, and generosity. Tickets available at georgiasymphony.org/jazzandjuleps

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Cobb Drug Treatment Court celebrates four graduates

April 3, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Cobb Drug Treatment Court celebrates four graduates

Submitted information:

Four individuals have transformed their lives through the Cobb County Drug Treatment Court, graduating with renewed focus, hope, and determination. Judges, court staff, attorneys, elected officials, family, and friends gathered in the Jury Assembly Room at the Cobb Superior Court to celebrate their accomplishments.

The program offers an 18-to-24-month voluntary alternative to incarceration for individuals
struggling with substance use disorders. Participants receive close judicial supervision, individualized treatment, and recovery support to help them rebuild their lives and become productive members of the community.

Reflecting on her journey, one graduate shared: “My experience with Drug Court has been life-changing in a positive way, my hope has been restored, and I am grateful for the program.”

Superior Court Judge Jason D. Marbutt, who presides over the Drug Treatment Court, said, “Drug Treatment Court shows that change is possible for those who commit to it. Our participants work hard to rebuild their lives, and we are here to support them every step of the way.”

Program Coordinator Porsha Winfrey added, “This program meets people where they are and gives them the support they need to make real changes in their lives. These graduates are a reflection of what’s possible when that support is matched with commitment.”

For more information about Cobb County Drug Treatment Court, including ways to get involved or
support the program, contact Porsha Winfrey, Program Coordinator, at 770-528-1933 or
Porsha.Winfrey@cobbcounty.gov

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Marietta History Center opens exhibit on 1900 lynching

April 3, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Submitted information: Marietta History Center opens exhibit on 1900 lynching

The Marietta History Center is proud to announce the opening of its newest permanent exhibit, Forgotten No More: The Story of John Bailey, a powerful and thoughtfully researched exploration of a tragic chapter in Marietta’s past.

Opened on the anniversary of John Bailey’s death on March 20th, the exhibit examines the life of Bailey and the events surrounding his lynching on the Marietta Square in March 1900. Through historical documents, photographs, and contextual interpretation, the exhibit places this within the broader story of Marietta’s Black community at the turn of the twentieth century.

Developed in partnership with the Cobb County Remembrance Coalition and Kennesaw State University and supported by a grant from the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, the exhibit reflects a collaborative effort to present this history with accuracy, care, and respect.

“Forgotten No More represents an important step in telling a more complete and honest history of our community,” said Amy Reed, Marietta History Center Director. “By examining difficult moments from our past, we create opportunities for reflection, understanding, and meaningful dialogue.”

At the Marietta History Center, we ignite curiosity in Marietta’s history by connecting people through compelling stories and engaging experiences.

Where:Marietta History Center
1 Depot Street, Marietta, GA 30060

Permanent exhibit NOW OPEN!

Cost: Adults – $10, Students & Seniors (60+) – $7

Members, Children under 5 & Military – Free

Scheduled Guided Tours (10 or more persons) – $10 per person

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Cobb PARKS releases spring/summer 2026 activity guide

April 3, 2026April 3, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Submitted information: Cobb PARKS releases spring/summer 2026 activity guide

Fun starts here! The Spring and Summer 2026 Activity Guide is your go-to resource for everything happening across Cobb County PARKS this season. From creative arts and sports leagues to camps, festivals, and aquatics, there’s something for every age and interest.

Whether you’re looking to stay active, explore a new hobby, or spend quality time with family and friends, Cobb County Parks offers a wide range of engaging programs designed to bring the community together.

Kick off the season at the Spring Arts Festival, a vibrant outdoor event with over 100 booths featuring handcrafted art, jewelry, pottery, textiles, and more.

Date: April 18

Time: 10 AM – 4 PM

Location: Jim R. Miller Park & Event Center, Marietta

From spring break to summer adventures, camps offer exciting opportunities for kids and teens to learn, create, and explore.

Spring Break Camps (April 6–10)

Mixed Media Art Camp

TV Production Camp

Moana Musical Theater Camp

Tennis Camp

Hometown Heroes Camp

Summer Camps Highlights

Manga & Anime Drawing Camp

Mystery Drama Camp

Clay Creatives Camp

Camp Carnival & Nature Week

Theater and Performing Arts Camps

Outdoor Pool Season begins May 23

Cool off this summer at Cobb County’s outdoor aquatic centers!

Seven Springs Water Park and Sewell Park Pool season dates: May 23 – September 7

Stay Active with Sports & Recreation

Get moving this season with leagues and classes for all skill levels:

Adult basketball, volleyball, and pickleball leagues

Flag football and kickball

Youth and adult tennis lessons

Fitness and recreational programs

Sign up and register for classes at this link; download the activity guide at this link.

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East Cobb Park 2026 spring concert series schedule announced

April 2, 2026 by Wendy Parker

The local cover band 120 East will perform in a special concert on May 2 as part of the spring concert series at East Cobb Park in April and May.

The concert series begins on April 19 with four Sunday afternoon shows. The 120 East concert will be from 7-10 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, and features classic hits from the 1950s to current favorites.

“Known for their high-energy performances, 120 East is a 10-piece band featuring talented vocalists, a dynamic 3-piece horn section, guitarists, and a driving rhythm section,” according to the volunteer group Friends for the East Cobb Park, which organizes the concert series.

“With a full sound, lively stage presence, and broad appeal, 120 East delivers an entertaining experience that’s perfect for a spring night in the park.”

Here are the Sunday concerts, with some bands returning from previous shows at East Cobb Park:

April 19, 3-5 p.m.: LooSe ShoEs
April 26, 3-5 p.m.: The Dark Star Brothers
May 3, 3-5 p.m.: Rusted Melody
May 17, 3-5 p.m.: The Patriarchs

All of events are free with no registration needed.

Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, friends, and family to enjoy the show. Overflow parking will be available at WellStar Health Park.

The Friends for the East Cobb Park updates these events and others at its Facebook page.

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New Johnson Ferry-Shallowford subdivision getting underway

April 2, 2026April 2, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Site work is getting started for the residential component of the redevelopment of the Johnson Ferry-Shallowford intersection that was the point of contention during a lengthy rezoning process five years ago.

Toll Brothers, a national residential builder, announced this week that it’s commencing construction of a gated luxury subdivision to be called Shallowford Pointe, with advance sales to begin later this year.

The subdivision will have 75 single-family detached units and other amenities on land facing Johnson Ferry Road, at Waterfront Drive.

That’s a residential road leading to the Waterfront and MarLanta subdivisions and that was reconfigured to meet a traffic signal on Johnson Ferry with access to the Shallowford Falls Shopping Center.

Shallowford Pointe will feature homes ranging from 2,319 to 3,659 square feet and from 3-5 bedrooms 2.5-3.5 bathrooms with prices starting at $1 million.

“Shallowford Pointe provides an exceptional opportunity to live in a luxury home in one of East Cobb’s most desirable locations,” Eric White, Division President of Toll Brothers in Georgia, said in a company release.

“With dynamic amenities, proximity to premier shopping and entertainment, and access to top-rated schools, this community is perfect for home shoppers seeking the best of East Cobb living.”

Toll Brothers also has been building high-end townhomes as part of the new East Cobb Walk mixed-use development at the site of the former Sprayberry Crossing Shopping Center.

*An interior rendering at Shallowford Pointe, with prices starting at $1 million.*

Shallowford Pointe is part of another mixed-use project that includes the ongoing construction of the East Cobb Church at the Johnson Ferry-Shallowford intersection.

North Point Ministries, which operates East Cobb Church, got rezoning in 2021 for the 33-acre assemblage of land at the southwest intersection, whose previous owners, Fred and Lynn Hanna, wanted to sell only to one buyer.

Opposition grew to residential plans calling for 95 units, with nearby residents concerned about density, traffic and stormwater runoff issues. Others objected to frequent site plan updates that were submitted without being presented to the community.

Some citizens who spoke out wondered whether the rezoning would have been considered at all had it not been made by a religious organization.

One of the stipulations included in final passage called for a reduction of housing units after a dredged-up lake was declared to be in a flood plain area.

That declaration, plus the Waterfront Drive relocation, reduced the size of the developable land to 13.89 acres.

North Point Ministries sold that acreage to Johnson Ferry Road, LLC in December 2021, just after the rezoning, for $4.25 million, according to Cobb property tax records.

The land was then sold in June 2025 for $16.669 million to Arroyo Capital, a prominent acquisition and development capital firm, which also paid $4.431 million for three more acres along Waterfront Drive that includes a stream and will have natural landscape buffering.

The Shallowford Pointe site plan (see below) calls for primary right-in, right-out access via Johnson Ferry. The amenities include a pool, cabana, grill station and a covered open-air lounge with a fireplace. Residents also can customize interior features in their homes.

East Cobb Church, which began meeting at Eastside Church on Lower Roswell Road and currently holds services at Fellowship Christian School in Roswell, is expected to open its new location in 2027.

North Point Ministries owns two separate tracts on Johnson Ferry on either side of Waterfront Drive that its initial plans called for small retail space.

Georgia DOT also is planning a $2.7 million traffic improvement project at the intersection to reduce congestion and accidents. The components include signal modifications, the addition of a westbound lane on Shallowford at Johnson Ferry and the removal of an eastbound through lane.

Work was initially scheduled to begin in 2026, but an updated timeline hasn’t been announced.

Man held without bail in East Cobb domestic violence case

April 1, 2026April 1, 2026 by Wendy Parker

A man charged with threatening to kill a woman during a domestic violence incident at an East Cobb home last week is being held without bail.

Thomas Joe Garza, 51, was charged last Friday with a felony count of aggravated battery and a misdemeanor count of criminal trespass damage, according to an arrest warrant.

The warrant said that the incident happened at a home on Tritt Springs Trace on March 26, and that the female victim said Garza repeatedly slammed her head to the floor and against a metal pole in a closet, while threatening to kill them both and trying to locate a gun.

According to the warrant, the woman suffered heavy bruising to the left side of her face, as well as to her left ear, and could not hear out of it.

“The victim did have clear fluid coming from her ear that the attending physician described as Cerebrospinal fluid which is typically due to trauma to the spinal cord,” according to the warrant.

The warrant also states that Garza threw a laptop computer to the floor during the incident and destroyed it.

He was taken into custody at the home and is at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center without bond, according to the Cobb Sheriff’s Office.

The warrant states that Garza and the woman are domestic partners, but his booking sheet listed him as homeless.

Cobb Magistrate Court Clerk’s Office records show him living at an address on Roswell Road in East Cobb for this arrest and on a previous warrant for another domestic violence charge in 2010.

He is listed as living at the Tritt Springs Trace address in a separate 2008 domestic violence arrest.

Court records are not available for those previous cases.

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East Cobb Walmart files plans for drone delivery station

April 21, 2026April 1, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Representatives of Walmart will ask Cobb commissioners later this month to carve out a portion of its parking lot at its Johnson Ferry Road store to build a drone delivery station.

Filings with the Cobb Zoning Office indicate that Walmart would fence in the kiosk (indicated in the pink area on the map below), “no land disturbance is proposed and all proposed items will be anchor bolted to the pavement.”

Because Walmart would be amending the site plan, commissioners need to sign off on the proposal, which is scheduled to be heard April 21 during the monthly zoning hearing.

It’s an “other business” item (you can read the filing here), and zoning staff hasn’t yet offered an analysis.

The applicant is Rachel Sutherland, a project manager with Atwell, a national real estate and land development firm that is partnering with Walmart and a third-party drone service to develop the proposed East Cobb drone station site.

The Walmart deliveries would be for light parcels, typically under five pounds, and would cover a radius of a few miles.

Walmart is one of the first retailers to offer drone delivery services, and Atlanta is among the test markets (Amazon, Walmart’s main competitor, also is experimenting with drone delivery in certain area, but not Atlanta).

The East Cobb station would be the first such Walmart drone facility in Cobb County; the closest Walmart drone station currently is in Woodstock.

Walmart is working with the drone delivery service WING, which promises deliveries in less than 30 minutes.

The drones would travel at 60 mph at a height of 150 feet until reaching the delivery point, then would drop to around 20 feet to a driveway or yard.

Walmart has indicated it would provide deliveries only during daytime hours.

Residents in the vicinity have been receiving notifications from Walmart, and some have vowed to fight the drone kiosk.

One of them, Stefanie Stoltz, has written to commissioners asking them to turn down the request, saying that unlike other areas where Walmart operates drones, “this is a very residential area” and that what Walmart is asking for is “a misuse of zoning.”

She lives on Freeman Road, right behind the Walmart store, and is worried about noise, mechanical failures and other issues.

“This isn’t just a small operational change—it would fundamentally change the nature of what happens right next to my property,” Stoltz wrote.

“Living next to what is effectively a drone launch site—with constant noise, overhead activity, and safety concerns—makes my home less desirable to future buyers. This is a direct financial impact on me as a homeowner, through no choice of my own.”

What isn’t included in the Walmart filings is how drone activity might change if the delivery station plans are approved.

Drones are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration, and Walmart has received permission to deliver via drone into the evening hours in some other markets.

It’s unclear if local governments could implement rules that could be overridden by the FAA.

More than anything, Stoltz, said, “I am also concerned about what this opens the door to. If this is approved, what prevents other companies or additional drone operators from using the same airspace or nearby properties? This could quickly multiply the number of drones overhead, turning an already concerning situation into a constant, unavoidable presence.”

East Cobb Food Scores: Biscuits and More; Marlow’s Tavern; more

April 3, 2026April 1, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Biscuits and More, East Cobb food scores

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

Addison Elementary School
3055 Ebenezer Road
April 2, 2026, Score: 100, Grade: A

Big Fat Vegan Co.
2110 Powers Ferry Road, Suite 120
March 30, 2026, Score: 97, Grade: A

Biscuits and More
3162 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 140
March 27, 2026, Score: 97, Grade: A

Davis Elementary School
2433 Jamerson Road
April 2, 2026, Score: 100, Grade: A

Marlow’s Tavern
1311 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 208
April 2, 2026, Score: 85, Grade: B

Planet Smoothie
2014 Powers Ferry Road, Suite 350
March 27, 2026, Score: 96, Grade: A

Pope HS Culinary Arts Department
3001 Hembree Road
March 31, 2026, Score: 91, Grade: A

Ray’s Donuts
4805 Canton Road
March 26, 2026, Score: 97, Grade: A

Regal Pointe of East Cobb
886 Johnson Ferry Road
March 26, 2026, Score: 90, Grade: A

Saratoga Event Group
1236 Powers Ferry Road
March 26, 2026, Score: 96, Grade: A

Small’s Sliders
2355 Windy Hill Road
March 31, 2026, Score: 100, Grade: A

Starbucks at Kroger
1310 Powers Ferry Road
March 26, 2026, Score: 97, Grade: A

Taco Bell
2169 Roswell Road
March 30, 2026, Score: 99, Grade: A

Waffle House
550 North Greenbriar Parkway
March 31, 2026, Score: 92, Grade: A

Zaxby’s
750 Johnson Ferry Road
March 26, 2026, Score: 91, Grade: A

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Walton winter guard team wins championships to end season

April 1, 2026April 1, 2026 by Wendy Parker

The Walton High School winter guard team concluded the 2026 season with first-place finishes recently in the Winter Guard International Buford Regional and the Southern Association for Performing Arts (SAPA) Championships.

In a release from the Cobb County School District, Walton was tops among 34 teams in regional competition, and edged 14 other schools from Georgia Alabama and Tennessee in the SAPA event in Chattanooga.

WGI competitions include color guard, percussion and marching band programs of high school students, as well as indoor wind ensembles.

At Walton, the Winter Guard program is part of the Walton band program and consists of Color Guard in the fall and Winter Guard in the winter, with both varsity and junior varsity teams.

The Winter Guard performs separately from December to April, and this year was led by first-year director Jordan Fleming.

This year the team’s production was “Will You Be There?” and was set to a soundtrack inspired by Brady Turner’s “Can You Stand the Rain?”

The Cobb school district release said that the Walton “performance blends emotion, storytelling, and technical skill. Throughout the season, the team has refined every movement and visual element, creating a show that resonates with both judges and audiences.”

“We are extremely proud of this young team of performers,” Fleming said in the release. “They have done a wonderful job of representing our community through competition and hard work. I see a bright future ahead for the Walton Color Guard teams. Go Raiders!”

Walton winter guard team wins championships to end season

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Former Cobb government spokesman visits ECCA

March 31, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Former Cobb government spokesman visits ECCA

Submitted information and photo:

The well‑known and well‑loved Ross Cavitt joined the East Cobb Civic association (ECCA) as the featured speaker for the March ECCA General Meeting. Mr. Cavitt recently retired from Cobb County after eight years as Communications Director, following a distinguished 30‑year career in Atlanta as a News Reporter and Bureau Chief at WSB‑TV.

His perspective—shaped by decades of reporting across Atlanta and around the world, and later by his leadership in Cobb County government—made for an entertaining and fascinating conversation. He shared stories from the field, insights from covering major national and international events, and reflections on the evolving landscape of local news and public communication.

During his time with Cobb County, Mr. Cavitt oversaw the department responsible for all aspects of county communications, including CobbTV, which broadcasts county meetings and assists departments in producing videos to highlight their programs. His work helped strengthen transparency, accessibility, and public engagement throughout the county.

Pictured above is ECCA’s President Richard Grome greeting Ross Cavitt to speak at the general meeting. The public is always welcome to hear a different speaker each month. ECCA’s next meeting is April 29 to be held at the Wellstar Health Park on Roswell Road at 7:00 pm.

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