Rabbi to lead Passover Seder at Catholic Church of St. Ann

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Submitted information:Rabbi Albert Slomowitz, East Cobb interfaith service

Rabbi Albert Slomovitz, the executive director of the Jewish Christian Discovery Center (JCDC), will lead a model Passover Seder Supper at the Catholic Church of St. Ann in Marietta on Thursday, April 10 at 6:30 pm. This year Passover and Easter share a date on the calendar with Passover beginning at sundown Saturday, April 12 and ending on Easter Sunday, April 20.

Passover is the Jewish holiday that commemorates the ancient Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt. Jews around the world sit with friends and family for the Seder meal to retell the Exodus story of Moses leading the Israelites to freedom.

Each spring as Jews observe Passover, Christians celebrate Easter. They believe that Jesus’s last supper was a Passover Seder.

“Both Passover and Easter have a lot of shared meaning,” Rabbi Slomovitz said. “Jesus would have celebrated Passover as the Jews of his era did. His Seder would retell the story of freedom from slavery in ancient Egypt.”

The Passover and Easter holidays are times when both faiths celebrate freedom and religious renewal.

“As a practicing Jew, Jesus led his Seder with his apostles. Christians and Jews can come together for Passover to celebrate shared religious meaning,” Rabbi Slomovitz said.

JCDC is a non-profit educational foundation whose mission is to reduce antisemitism and other forms of intolerance. It publishes children’s books in English and Spanish about Judaism and Jesus’ Jewish life. It produced the award-winning film, “The Magical Encounter.” In December 2024, it sponsored the Let There Be Light campaign with billboards and public service announcements across the country commemorating shared meaning for Hannukah and Christmas. In 2023 it worked with several Atlanta area churches on the Breaking Badness Choosing Goodness Easter and Passover interfaith prayer service.

Send Us Your News!

Let East Cobb News know what’s going on with your faith community, especially with Easter and Passover coming up.

It’s what we call The Power of Local, and we’d love for you to take part!

Pass along your details/photos/videos/information to: editor@eastcobbnews.com, and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.

Send the body of your announcement, calendar item or news release IN TEXT FORM ONLY in the text field of your e-mail template. Reformatting text from PDF, JPG and doc files takes us longer to prepare your message for publication.

We accept PDFs as an accompaniment to your item. Images are fine too, but we prefer those to be JPG files (more than jpeg and png). PLEASE DO NOT send photos inside a PDF or text or any other kind of file, but d0 send them as attachments to your email.

Of course, send us links that are relevant to your message so we can direct people to your website.

Thanks for your cooperation and we look forward to hearing from you!

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Cobb included in frost advisory through Wednesday morning

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Cobb included in frost advisory through Wednesday morning

Most of metro Atlanta and portions of west and central Georgia will be under a frost advisory Wednesday morning.

The National Weather Service issued the advisory from 2 a.m. to 10 a.m. Wednesday, as overnight temperatures are expected to be around freezing.

There’s a freeze warning for most of north Georgia, with lows dipping into the high 20s in some areas.

The specific Cobb forecast for late Tuesday-early Wednesday is for lows around 39, right before daybreak.

Winds of ar0und 15 mph are in the forecast, with gusts expected of up to 25 mph.

Wednesday’s weather will be sunny with highs in the mid 60s and lows in the high 40s.

Low temperatures will remain in the 40s for most of the rest of the week as highs return to the 60s through the weekend.

Next week will be warmer, with highs generally in the 70s and lows in the 50s, and with no rain in the forecast.

 

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Cobb libraries offer ‘perks’ program with local businesses

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Cobb libraries offer 'perks' program with local businesses

Submitted information and photo:

Cobb County Public Library announces the launch of the CCPL Perks Program during National Library Week, offering exclusive discounts to library cardholders at popular participating Marietta Square businesses.

With over 480,000 cardholders, Cobb County Public Library serves a large and diverse community, and now, library cardholders can receive a 10% discount at participating Marietta Square shops, restaurants, and service providers simply by presenting their library card. The CCPL Perks Program is designed to encourage library membership, support small businesses, and strengthen connections between the library, local businesses, and the community.

Funded by the Georgia Public Library Service 2025 Marketing Grant, this program is part of a broader effort to expand library services and benefits throughout Cobb County. While the pilot program begins in Marietta Square, the Cobb County Public Library aims to expand the CCPL Perks Program across the county, including those areas near its 15 library locations.

Participating Marietta Square Businesses Offering Cobb Library Card Discounts

The following Marietta Square businesses are the first official CCPL Perks Partners, providing a 10% discount to Cobb Library cardholders:

  • Marietta Proper,  9 W Park Square, Marietta, GA 30060, Cozy brunches with gourmet coffee, curated wine selections, and small plate pairings reminiscent of the Great Gatsby era.
  • Hamp & Harry’s, 168 Roswell St NE, Marietta, GA 30060, Delicious small plates and craft cocktails in a vibrant, neighborhood restaurant.
  • Warm Hugs Bakery, 156 Roswell St NE, Marietta, GA 30060, Cupcakes, cheesecakes, cookies, brownies, and traditional Turkish confections like baklava.
  • Sweet Treats Ice Cream, 134 S Park Square NE, Marietta, GA 30060, Soft-serve ice cream with customizable toppings, hot chocolate, and a variety of candies.
  • Bomb Babes, Pop-up with assorted gourmet cake bombs, cupcakes, and more. Find them at The Local Exchange at the Marietta Square or look for their next pop-up shop here:

New businesses will be added to the CCPL Perks Program regularly. Visit the Cobb Library’s website for an updated list of Perks Partners.

Are You a Local Business in Cobb County? Join the CCPL Perks Program!

The Cobb County Public Library invites local businesses throughout Cobb County to join the CCPL Perks Program and benefit from increased visibility and community engagement. Interested businesses can sign up or learn more by contacting Allyson at allyson.eads@cobbcounty.org or by visiting cobbcounty.org/library/services/perks.

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East Cobb resident named to Ga. charter schools commission

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East Cobb resident named to Ga. charter schools commissionScott Sweeney, a former member of the Cobb Board of Education who lives in East Cobb, has been appointed to the Georgia Charter Schools Commission.

Sweeney most recently was the chairman of the Georgia Board of Education. He was appointed in February to the GCSC by Gov. Brian Kemp and will serve a four-year term.

The Georgia Charter Schools Commission approves and oversees charter schools in the state of Georgia, including through policy-making and renewal activities.

There are 111 charter schools in Georgia, with 78 authorized by local school districts and 33 directly by the GCSC.

The GCSC is an agency of Georgia state government and operates with an appointed body of seven members. Sweeney is one of three members appointed by Kemp, and the others are appointed by the lieutenant governor, and Speaker of the House.

Sweeney, whose sons attended schools in the Walton High School cluster, served on the Cobb school board for two terms, from 2011-2018.

He was defeated in a bid for a third term, then served on the state board of education from 2018-2024, including the last two years as chairman, and also as chairman of the board’s charter schools committee.

Upon his appointment to the GCSC, Sweeney said that he was “thankful for all who were able to join me for my swearing in ceremony and immensely grateful for having served on the State Board, and now with the SCSC. I’m Looking forward to continuing service for students, families, teachers, and leaders.”

Sweeney is a senior business advisor for InPrime Legal, a law firm based in East Cobb that provides legal services for businesses.

East Cobb resident named to Ga. charter schools commission
Sweeney and Kemp with State Rep. Sharon Cooper of East Cobb (L) and Georgia First Lady Marty Kemp.

East Cobb resident named to Ga. charter schools commission

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East Cobb residential real estate sales, March 24-28, 2025

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Fainview Farm, East Cobb real estate sales
Fainview Farm

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

2242 Longford Court, 30066 (Longford):$396,500

2021 North Cove Court, 30066 (North Landing): $388,000

4575 Jamerson Forest Parkway, 30066 (Jamerson Forest): $345,000

Lassiter

4305 East Summit Court, 30066 (Windsor Oaks): $860,000

2653 Forest Way, 30066 (Forest Chase): $450,000

2938 Summitop Road, 30066 (The Summit at Sweat Mountain): $1.015 million

3652 McCleskey Drive, 30066 (Shallowford-Trickum Cross Roads): $899,900

4176 Shallowford Road, 30066 (Johnson Ferry Estates): $775,000

Pope

3338 Ethan Drive 30062 (Hembree Hills): $480,000

3012 Manning Drive, 30062 (Manning): $730,000

1741 Canton Lane, 30062 (Olde Canton Chase): $630,000

3640 Shelby Lane, 30062 (Rolling Acres): $467,500

Sprayberry

2739 Post Oak Court, 30062 (Robyn Valley): $370,000

1030 Whistling Swan Place, 30066 (Thornbrook): $511,000

541 Buckingham Circle, 30066 (Canterbury North): $440,000

Walton

290 Connemara Drive, 30067 (Fainview Farm): $775,000

2269 Chimney Swift Circle, 30062 (Chestnut Springs): $470,000

1090 Brockton Close, 30068 (The Park at Papermill):$835,000

2193 Bliss Lane, 30062 (Birch Grove): $1.515 million

5006 Merton Lane, 30068 (Cobblestone Manor):$989,000

4084 Columns Drive, 30067 (River Place): $1 million

3371 Liberty Lane, 30062 (Independence Square): $735,000

Wheeler

117 Holt Road 30068: $520,000

152 Weatherstone Parkway, 30068 (Weatherstone): $680,000

2187 Freydale Road, 30067 (Freywood Estates): $466,000

50 Stonington Place, 30068 (Stonington): $570,000

735 Princeton Mill Run, 30068 (Princeton Mill): $715,000

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Editor’s Note: As springtime blooms, a thank-you to readers

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Editor’s Note: As springtime blooms, a thank-you to readers

A beautiful first Saturday in April wasn’t meant to spend indoors.

I got up this morning and drove around East Cobb, taking in the gorgeous scenery in so many neighborhoods, of flowers, trees and landscaping bursting with the spring in full bloom.

I later ventured to the Marietta Square area, where the Marietta Farmers Market was underway, and legions of pedestrians were milling about, sampling the hand-made goods from vendors and visiting the many shops, restaurants and artisanal businesses that make it such a popular weekend destination.

Back in our community, and after a late breakfast at Biscuits and More on Johnson Ferry Road, I did some serendipitous subdivision grazing, checking out neighborhoods like the one above off Murdock Road I hadn’t visited before.

No matter what street you turn down these days, you’re sure to view such splendorous sights. That’s one of the things my late mother missed the most about East Cobb and the Marietta area after she retired to Florida, and occasionally I took photos like the one above and e-mailed them to her.

These indeed are the most pleasant weeks of the year, as far as I’m concerned—once the pollen doses fall off, that is—and there isn’t much time to savor it.

We tried the spicy Brunswick stew at Heavenly BBQ this week, and it was delicious!

At the end of another busy week in East Cobb, milling around also a good way to clear my head before I write this column, and finish the newsletter that many of you get on Sunday.

In case you missed it, this week we talked to the proprietor of the new Heavenly BBQ on Sandy Plains Road (where Willie Jewell’s used to be), and covered the grand opening of the new Cobb Police Precinct 6, close to the Mountain View Aquatic Center.

We also reported on how citizen protests prompted a delay by Cobb DOT in cutting down trees in the medians on Columns Drive, where so many go to walk, bike and take in a scenic thoroughfare near the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.

Instead of wholesale cutting, they’re going to remove only the trees that pose a safety hazard, with the details to come.

Those are just a few examples of the kind of feature stories that we provide for East Cobb residents every week, demonstrating what I like to call The Power of Local.

We’ve also signed up to be a sponsor of the Taste of East Cobb for the third year in a row, and they’re still accepting food and other vendors and other sponsors. It’s May 3 at the usual place—Johnson Ferry Baptist Church—and as far as I’m concerned it’s the signature spring event around here.

It embodies everything we do at East Cobb News, where readers and local businesses always come first.

As I write this I’m also taking stock of the tremendous privilege and opportunity I have to serve all of you with community news and information, and to help promote local businesses.

I’ve been using this space in recent weeks to ask for financial contributions more frequently than usual, and for those of you who have donated, thank you!

Cobb delays Columns Drive median tree-cutting after protests
East Cobb residents gave Cobb officials an earful about not cutting down trees on Columns Drive, and they heard them—loud and clear.

We received $900 from readers in March, and because we want to keep East Cobb News free and accessible to all, please know that your support goes a long way to continue to give you the local news that you love!

I don’t want to belabor this too much longer, because my real intent is to turn this weekly column into a summary of stories we’ve posted during the week, as I started above, and include other little tidbits of community life that you can’t get anywhere else.

The Power of Local comes from being in this community every day, and being all-in in this community, whether it’s covering stories, talking with prospective advertisers or sharing some goodwill about what makes this place so special for all of us.

Let us know what you think about East Cobb News, suggest stories, etc.: wendy@eastcobbnews.com. Our aim is to make it more relevant and useful for you, because that’s what we’re all about.

And if you find value in what you get from East Cobb News, please consider making a donation today, if you haven’t already.

We’re asking for a $6 donation on a recurring monthly basis, but you can contribute whatever amount you like, either monthly, annually or on a one-time basis.

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East Cobb Weather Update: Flood watch Sunday-Monday

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Updated:

A tornado watch is in effect for Cobb until 7 pm Sunday.

Original report:

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for northwest Georgia and metro Atlanta, including Cobb County, from Sunday morning to Monday evening.East Cobb Weather Update: Flood watch Sunday-Monday

The watch period begins at 8 a.m. Sunday and continues through 8 p.m. Monday.

A thunderstorm system coming into Georgia could stall over the state, dumping between 2-4 inches of rain during the watch period, according to the NWS forecast in Peachtree City.

In Cobb, rain is expected by early Sunday afternoon, with a 75 percent chance of precipitation during the day and up to 90 percent Sunday night.

The high Sunday will be around 80 with lows in the mid 50s.

On Monday, the chance of rain is 80 percent during the day and 30 percent Monday night.

Highs will be in the low 60s and lows around 40.

Cooler weather will stay as the sun returns with a high Wednesday near 60 and lows in the mid 30s.

Warmer weather will return by the end of next week with sunny and partly cloudy skies in the forecast Wednesday and  Thursday, before there’s a chance of rain again next Friday.

For more local weather conditions, click here.

 

 

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Grace Resurrection Church to hold Easter sermon series

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Grace Resurrection Church to hold Easter sermon series

Submitted information and photo:

Grace Resurrection Methodist Church welcomes the community to a season of spiritual renewal and reflection through its special sermon series, titled “Can You Hear Me Now?”

As we journey toward Easter, this four-part series invites worshipers to reflect on what it truly means to hear God’s voice—and how staying spiritually “awake” changes everything. Senior Minister Rev. James Williams invites everyone—whether lifelong believers or those seeking a fresh encounter with God—to participate. “So often we talk to God, but don’t take time to listen,” says Rev. Williams. “This series challenges us to tune in and truly hear the voice of the Lord. Whether you’re new to faith or returning to church, we welcome you.”

Worship Services & Childcare:

Easter and Palm Sunday services begin at 11:00 a.m. Good Friday service is at 6 p.m. Nursery care provided at every gathering.

Also taking part in Grace Resurrection’s Easter services are Founding Pastor Emeritus Rev. Dr. Randy Mickler and Pastor Emeritus Rev. Charlie Marus, both of whom continue to bless the congregation with wisdom, grace, and faithful leadership.

The music ministry, led by Suzanne Tucker, will feature a blend of traditional and familiar worship throughout Lent and Easter, culminating in a deeply moving Good Friday service and a joyful Resurrection celebration.

From just 30 worshipers to more than 300 in under two years, Grace Resurrection Methodist Church is experiencing extraordinary growth rooted in traditional worship, biblical teaching, and deep community.

Send Us Your News!

Let East Cobb News know what’s going on with your faith community, especially with Easter and Passover coming up.

It’s what we call The Power of Local, and we’d love for you to take part!

Pass along your details/photos/videos/information to: editor@eastcobbnews.com, and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.

Send the body of your announcement, calendar item or news release IN TEXT FORM ONLY in the text field of your e-mail template. Reformatting text from PDF, JPG and doc files takes us longer to prepare your message for publication.

We accept PDFs as an accompaniment to your item. Images are fine too, but we prefer those to be JPG files (more than jpeg and png). PLEASE DO NOT send photos inside a PDF or text or any other kind of file, but d0 send them as attachments to your email.

Of course, send us links that are relevant to your message so we can direct people to your website.

Thanks for your cooperation and we look forward to hearing from you!

 

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With Cobb Police Precinct 6, ‘we can be a little more local’

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With Cobb Police Precinct 6, 'we can be a little more local'
Cobb commissioners and public safety leaders officially open Cobb Police Precinct 6 Friday. (ECN photos and video)

After more than a decade of planning, cajoling and hustling by county officials to put together funding and complete construction, a Cobb Police precinct in Northeast Cobb has opened to the public.

At a Friday morning ribbon-cutting for Precinct 6, Commissioner JoAnn Birrell noted that the flagpoles had just gone up a couple days before.

Most of the offices and rooms inside the new facility are unoccupied, save a small staff comprising the Cobb Police DUI Task Force.

Located off Gordy Parkway near Sandy Plains Road and the Mountain View Aquatic Center at 3141 Hong Way, Precinct 6 will eventually include patrol officers in an area of East Cobb that is a good distance from Precinct 4, on Lower Roswell Road.

Precinct 4 stretches from Canton Road to the Powers Ferry Road corridor.

Cobb Police’s current coverage map, with most of East Cobb in Precinct 4.

With a presence in Northeast Cobb, “we can be a little more local,” Cobb Police Chief Stuart VanHoozer said of the aim to better-serve the public for emergencies as well as routine matters, like picking up police reports.

There’s part-time staff on hand for that purpose now, but the mission of the precinct—to become full-service–is a longer-term prospect.

“This is a dream come true,” said Birrell, who has been pushing for a precinct in her District 3 for years.

“Even though it’s not a full-fledged precinct yet, you’re still covered. You haven’t missed a beat.”

Citizens can go to Precinct 6 to file an incident report and receive a copy of one, do vehicle identification number (VIN) checks, hold community meetings, conduct online safe sales, obtain vehicle releases and speak with an officer.

Hours are daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In 2023, commissioners approved $7.7 million to complete a Precinct 6 project that was initially budgeted for $5 million in 2016 Cobb SPLOST funds. But construction cost increases delayed the opening.

When commissioners approved the additional $2.2 million in spending in 2023, the building was only 60 percent complete, with most of the interior build-out still to come.

Most of Birrell’s district now includes coverage by Precinct 4, commanded by Maj. Brian Batterton, who will be overseeing the phased expansion of Precinct 6 operations.

Commissioner JoAnn Birrell calls the opening of Precinct 6 “a dream come true.”

Precinct 4 has 18 patrol “beats,” or coverage zones, while Precinct 1 in Northwest Cobb has 8 beats, and public safety officials admit both are stretched thin, both in geography and staffing.

A possible scenario once Precinct 6 is fully operational would be to have each of those three precincts with six beats apiece.

“As the county continues to grow, more public safety services will be needed,” Cobb Public Safety Director Mike Register said. “When you look at the population growth here you really can see it’s needed.”

The ability to decrease response times is among the driving factors, as is the ability to retain emergency equipment that can’t be put in each patrol car.

While Friday’s grand opening (which included lunch courtesy of Williamson Bros. BBQ) is the first phase of the Precinct 6 build out, the timetable for the next steps is fluid.

Retiring Cobb Police Chief Stuart VanHoozer said the department has 60 officer openings.

The second phase will be to take a few beats from Precincts 1 and 4 and move them to Precinct 6.

VanHoozer, who is retiring at the end of the month after 35 years with Cobb Police, said it’s possible two beats from each could start up that process, possibly by the end of next year, depending on the department’s hiring and retention success.

The Cobb Police Department has around 700 sworn officers, and is around 60 officers short.

He said that’s a lot less than the department has had in recent years, but challenges remain filling them, like many law enforcement agencies are experiencing.

The third phase would be a fully operational precinct with a command staff similar to the existing five precincts.

That too depends on what staffing will look like, and VanHoozer said a comprehensive analysis will likely take place to reallocate beat resources across the county.

In touting Birrell’s work to see Precinct 6 become a reality, Commissioner Monique Sheffield said her colleague “understands that safe neighborhoods are a bedrock of any community.

“It’s more than a building. Let’s continue to build a strong and safer Cobb County.”

An office for a sergeant with the Cobb Police DUI Task Force.

Cobb Police is selling K-9 plush toys to support the 11 units in the department.
Rose, a Cobb Police K-9 dog, greets a citizen.

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East Cobb Food Scores: Pho Hoa; Chaska; Truist Park; more

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East Cobb Restaurant Update: Pho Hoa coming to Market Plaza

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

Chaska Indian Restaurant
1836 Lower Roswell Road
April 3, 2025, Score: 96, Grade: A

Eastside Christian School
2450 Lower Roswell Road
April 2, 2025, Score: 88, Grade: B

Pho Hoa and Jazen Tea
1255 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 22
March 28, 2025, Score: 100, Grade: A

Shish Kabob Mediterranean Grill (re-inspection)
2060 Lower Roswell Road, Suite 280
April 1, 2025, Score: 94, Grade: A

Spizzy’s Philadelphia Water Ice
1642 Roswell Road
April 2, 2025, Score: 100, Grade: A

Sprayberry High School
2525 Sandy Plains Road
March 31, 2025, Score: 100, Grade: A

Truist Park Vendors
March 28, 2025

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Cobb County School District police chief dies

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Ron Storey, who has been the Cobb County School District Department’s police chief since 2013, has died.Cobb County School District police chief dies

The department announced the news on a social media posting Thursday, but provided no details, saying “Chief Storey was an exceptional leader and individual, who cherished his family and work family.”

The Cobb school district did not disclose a cause of death in response to a message for information from East Cobb News.

A district spokeswoman sent the following response Thursday night:

“Our hearts are saddened by the passing of Cobb Schools Chief of Police Ron Storey, whose decades of service have left a lasting impact on our schools and community.

“Chief Storey dedicated his life to protecting others, serving in law enforcement for nearly 40 years and leading school safety efforts in Cobb for over a decade. His leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to safety made a difference in the lives of countless students, staff, and families.

“We are grateful for his years of service and devotion to keeping our schools safe. His legacy will endure, and our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.”

 

The district’s police department has around 80 staffers and sworn officers, many of them assigned to schools as resource officers.

Storey, who was 72, joined Cobb schools in 2013 after serving as a Cobb Police officer and administrator since 1986. He was a graduate of Osborne High School and his children graduated from McEachern High School.

Storey was a former master sergeant in the Georgia Air National Guard and after serving as a patrol officer with Cobb Police, worked his way up to deputy chief.

The Cobb school district did not indicate if a successor has been named. According to the department’s leadership information, the second-in-command is Capt. Wayne Pickett, who like Storey also came from Cobb Police.

Storey’s death comes as the Cobb school district is undertaking a variety of safety initiatives in the wake of a deadly shooting last year at Apalachee High School.

In October the district hired a private security firm with former intelligence and military officials to provide what it calls proactive solutions to address not only potential active-shooter situations but also gang activity, cyberviolence and other safety threats.

Two canine detection teams also will be employed, with another security firm training CCSD officers to work with the dogs who can identify “person-worn or concealed-carried explosives and firearms.”

And in 2022, the district began a policy of hiring non-police professionals to help provide security at schools over the protests from some in the public.

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At new Heavenly BBQ, the mission is to ‘elevate the food’

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Daryl Stewart says he continues to experiment with his Brunswick stew recipe that leans on the spicy side. (ECN photos)

Daryl Stewart’s previous career in the food industry prompted him to return earlier this year when he opened Heavenly BBQ in the Sprayberry Square Shopping Center.

It’s located in the former Willie Jewell’s location, and looks very much the same.

He put in new flooring and lightened up the interior.

But the biggest change is not only the barbecue concept he has had in mind for a long time, but the taste of the food.

“The failure for a lot of restaurants is that they cut corners on the quality of their food,” he said.

That’s what Stewart said he tasted when he got interested in taking over the Willie Jewell’s space, when the restaurant announced its closure in November after nearly seven years in East Cobb.

Stewart attends to a customer with a to-go order.

Stewart said he tried everything on the Willie Jewell’s menu, and “I didn’t like it. The product was going down and got away from fresh ingredients.”

His concept stresses fresh as much as possible, from smoked meats to classic barbecue side dishes. For example, the coleslaw is made with fresh, not bagged, cabbage, and he’s just added fresh okra because customers have been asking for it.

Collard greens, also fresh, are slow-cooked with whole garlic cloves. The mac and cheese also is entirely from scratch.

At the heart of the menu, Stewart says, is the brisket and Brunswick stew.

“I’m not a chef, but I designed the whole menu,” said Stewart, who managed two Jersey Mike’s franchises in the area, and has spent most of the last decade and a half as a chief financial officer in the information technology field.

His entrepreneurial itch was for barbecue with a distinct touch, something that’s not easy to pull off.

“I’m a foodie,” he said. “I was looking for an opportunity that had infrastructure in place, and where I can elevate the food. I thought I could do better.”

Grillmaster Gary Hampton with a brisket, which like all meats at Heavenly BBQ is hickory-smoked.

He’s hired a chef and a grill master to oversee the kitchen, and after 90 days since opening, customers are starting to file in via word of mouth.

“I want this to be a community destination for people who like barbecue,” said Stewart, who tries to interact with every customer who comes through the doors.

One of the first changes he made was at the grill, switching from oak to hickory, and taking out the fire for smoke.

All meats at Heavenly BBQ—beef, pork, chicken and turkey—are smoked.

So are the chicken sausages, which he sources from Cajun Meat Co. in East Cobb.

Being able to control the menu, and easily adapt it to customer tastes, with an emphasis on local and Georgia vendors, is a priority.

The Brunswick stew recipe includes a tomato base, with cooked meats, corn, chipotle peppers, Georgia sweet sauce and Louisiana hot sauce.

He said he may tamp that down, because some customers have found it a bit spicy.

He’s also sampled some of the nearby barbecue restaurants, and says he doesn’t necessary think of them as competitors.

“I want us all to succeed, but I want to offer something different,” Stewart said.

The menu includes hamburgers, chicken wings and a kid’s menu.

He doesn’t think that there’s a “go to” place for barbecue in metro Atlanta.

But for now, he’s focused on getting his menu right for this burgeoning customer base.

Stewart said many of them are senior citizens (and there’s a new seniors-only apartment community opening nearby at the former Sprayberry Crossing Shopping Center).

He’s also doing some catering and is putting together a special Easter menu. Like many restaurant owners, he’s  challenged by labor and food cost issues.

“If this catches on,” he says of Heavenly BBQ, “I think it’s going to be a great place to go to.”

Heavenly BBQ is located at 2550 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 400.

Hours are daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Website: https://www.heavenlybbqatl.com/

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East Cobb man indicted for setting his house on fire

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A Cobb Superior Court grand jury has indicted an an East Cobb man for arson at his own home last fall.East Cobb man convicted

According to an indictment issued March 28, Nader Nahid was indicted on one count of first-degree arson for a fire that took place on Oct. 10, 2024 at his residence on Taliwa Trail.

That’s located off Roswell Road near Old Canton Road.

An arrest warrant included in the court filings alleges that at around 3:10 that afternoon, Nahid set on fire a stack of luxury vinyl planks outside the front door of the home.

The fire spread to the attic and caused “substantial damage” to the residence, according to the warrant, and officers noted that “the odor of gasoline was present.”

The warrant further states that Nahid was the only person at the home at the time, and also was the only person there when a fire was reported on July 31, 2024.

Court filings indicate that Nahid was found to be indigent and is being represented by a public defender. He was released on a $15,000 bond in February and ordered not to return to the home, according to court filings.

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Lassiter, Walton, Wheeler students named Georgia Scholars

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Ten students from high schools in East Cobb are among the 145 chosen across the state as Georgia Scholars, State School Superintendent Richard Woods announced Tuesday.Georgia Department of Education, Georgia Scholars East Cobb

According to the Georgia Department of Education, “Georgia Scholars carried exemplary course loads during their four years of high school, performed excellently in all courses, successfully participated in interscholastic events within their schools and communities, and assumed leadership roles in extracurricular activities sponsored by their schools.

(Click here to view the full program criteria.)

Each honoree receives a seal for their diploma along with a graduation cord to recognize their achievement.

The local students include the following:

  • Lassiter: Elizabeth George, Andrea Joya, Sophia Joya
  • Walton: Vishruth Tallam, Rahaf Vaid, Shalein Valvani, Owen Wu, Edward Yao
  • Wheeler: Marissa Loncar, Leanne Vuong

Students from Kennesaw Mountain and North Cobb high schools also are among the honorees,

“Congratulations to the 145 outstanding students honored as Georgia Scholars this year” Woods said in a statement. “This prestigious recognition identifies students who go above and beyond in all aspects of life – both within the school walls and in the community. I wish them great success in their futures and can’t wait to see the impact they make on our state, nation, and world.”

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Cobb Planning Commission member from East Cobb resigns

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Christine Lindstrom of East Cobb, who has served on the Cobb Planning Commission for the last year, resigned after Tuesday’s meeting.

The former member of the East Cobb Civic Association was greeted by District 3 Commissioner JoAnn Birrell, who appointed her in March 2024, and presented with a bouquet of flowers.

“Thank you for your service on the Planning Commission,” Birrell said. “We’re going to miss you.”

“Thank you for the opportunity you’ve given me,” Lindstrom said, embracing Birrell.

Lindstrom, who succeeded Deborah Dance after she resigned to run for Cobb Superior Court Clerk, is stepping down for personal reasons, leaving the five-member board with two vacancies.

According to an agenda item for Tuesday’s commissoner’s meeting, Birrell will be reappointing Dance, a former Cobb County Attorney, to complete a term that expires in December 2026.

David Anderson of East Cobb, who was appointed by former Commissioner Jerica Richardson, resigned at the start of the year.

Planning Commission members are appointed by commissioners and serve concurrent terms, making recommendations in zoning and land-use cases

Lindstrom has lived in the East Cobb area for the last 50 years. She was a longtime member of the ECCA, which formed in 1982, representing around 9,000 households, and is actively involved in rezoning cases.

The other vacancy is expected to be filled in May, following a special election for District 2 on the Cobb Commission. The candidates are Democrat Erick Allen and Republican Alicia Adams.

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Noonday Shanty 5K/10K run draws nearly 400 participants

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Noonday Shanty 5K/10K run draws 400 participants

Submitted information and photos:

A perfect spring morning set the stage for nearly 400 runners and walkers to lace up their sneakers and hit the Noonday Creek Trail for the fourth annual Noonday Shanty 5K/10K. Held Saturday, March 22, the popular race – presented by Avonlea Apartments and benefiting the Town Center Community Alliance – offered participants a chance to connect, compete and spend time with family and friends.

Featuring USA Track and Field-certified 5K and 10K courses, the event welcomed athletes of all ages and skill levels to experience some of the area’s most scenic landmarks and attractions, including Aviation Park, Cobb International Airport and Fifth Third Bank Stadium. In addition to supporting local green space and park improvements, the race also provided runners an opportunity to qualify for the AJC Peachtree Road Race.

“Now in our fourth year, the Noonday Shanty has grown into one of the community’s favorite traditions,” said Jennifer Hogan, director of community engagement at Town Center Community. “We are incredibly grateful to our generous sponsors, local businesses, volunteers and nearly 400 runners who made this an event to remember.”

Participants who made their mark with the fastest times in the 5K and 10K are listed below.

Overall 5K winners:

  • Female – Marie Reed, Acworth, GA, 25:07
  • Male – Andrew Yankowsky, Marietta, GA, 18:07

Masters 5K winners:

  • Female – Marisol Odom, Dallas, GA, 25:25
  • Male – TJ Staritz, Marietta, GA, 22:11

Overall 10K winners:

  • Female – Micah Weathers, Statham, GA, 39:11
  • Male – Kevin Rymut, Atlanta, GA, 37:45

Masters 10K winners:

  • Female – Shannon Fulcher, Dallas, GA, 45:33
  • Male – Grant Baker, Atlanta, GA, 38:14

For a complete list of winners by age group, visit this website.

For more information about Town Center Community, the race and results, visit this website.

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Cobb Senior Citizens Council to hold 2025 legislative forum

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Submitted information:Cobb Senior Citizens Council to hold 2025 legislative forum

The 2025 Cobb County Legislative Delegation Forum is jointly sponsored by the Senior Citizens Council of Cobb County and Cobb County Senior Services, and is being held on Tuesday, April 22 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at the Senior Wellness Center, 1150 Powder Springs Street, Marietta, GA 30064.

This event is a rare opportunity for the Cobb senior community to hear important information and engage directly with their state legislators. Every Georgia house representative and senator serving a Cobb County district has been invited to participate. All persons who attend will leave the forum knowing more about which critical issues affecting seniors were addressed in the most recent legislative session at the Gold Dome.

Registration and information: https://www.seniorsofcobb.org/meetings-events/2025-cobb-county-legislative-delegation-forum. 

The event is free but space is limited and persons need to register ahead of time to secure a spot.

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Cobb Republican Party chooses new chairwoman, officers

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The Cobb County Republican Party has new leadership. Cobb Republican Party chooses new chairwoman, officers

Mary Clarice Hathaway, an insurance business owner and political activist in the Kennesaw area, was elected at the party’s election in late March.

She succeeds chairwoman Salleigh Grubbs, who was term-limited, after defeating challengers Sophia Farooq and Dr. Fun Fong.

Hathaway’s immediate priority is campaigning for Alicia Adams, the Republican nominee in the April 29 special election for District 2 on the Cobb Board of Commissioners.

Her larger task is revitalizing Republican politics countywide. After the 2024 elections, Democrats hold all countywide seats in Cobb County, from Commission Chairwoman down to State Court Clerk.

The GOP had dominated county government since the 1980s, but in 2020 the commission went from 4-1 Republican to 3-2 Democrat. Democrats also control the Cobb legislative delegation by one seat, while the GOP holds a 4-3 majority on the Cobb Board of Education.

Hathaway, who has six children and also is a grandmother of six, vowed to bring new energy across the county for Republican candidates.

“There are people whom I think if we had the right outreach and the right message, we could reach a lot of people who have previously been unreached,” she said at March candidate forum.

While Hathaway is new to Cobb GOP politics, said that “having a fresh perspective, a fresh set of eyes to solve problems is an asset.

“My goal is not to come in and take over anything. My goal is to steer and guide an organization . . . to get Cobb County trending red again.”

While East Cobb and North Cobb remain Republican strongholds, Hathaway said she wants to cultivate grassroots support even in South Cobb, which is dominated by Democrats.

“I’m not afraid to go anywhere,” she said. “Give me a shot.”

She was elected with a slate of officers that include her oldest son.

Jeff Hathaway Jr., an East Cobb resident, was voted first vice chair of the Cobb GOP. He and his wife have three children who attend Mt. Bethel Elementary School.

Another East Cobb resident, Arielle Kurtz, was voted Cobb GOP secretary, and was involved in John Cristadoro’s recent election to the Cobb school board.

The treasurer is Scott Brandenberg and the assistant treasurer is Skyler Atkins of Smyrna, a national board member of Log Cabin Republicans, which represents gay and lesbian Republicans.

The Cobb GOP will have its first monthly breakfast with the new leadership Saturday at 8:30 a.m. at the Taco Mac on 2650 Dallas Highway.

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Cobb delays Columns Drive median tree-cutting after protests

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ECN photo

Plans by the Cobb Department of Transportation to cut down trees in medians along Columns Drive are being delayed, after residents in the East Cobb community publicly complained to county officials over the weekend.

Cobb officials said Monday they won’t be moving ahead with the tree-cutting for now, after more than 1,000 people signed a petition in protest, entitled “STOP Cobb County’s Plans to Cut Down Trees on Columns Drive Median.”

Cobb DOT had planned to remove and replace oak and magnolia trees along most of the medians on Columns Drive, which runs along the Chattahoochee River from Johnson Ferry Road to the Cochran Shoals unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.

Cobb DOT cited the “significant maintenance” costs of maintaining the trees, some of which had reached the end of their lives, and safety hazards stemming as a result, after consulting with the county arborist.

Instead, the county will be re-evaluating to see which trees “pose an imminent risk to the travelling public,” and only those will be cut down, Cobb officials said in a statement Monday.

The petition was sent to the four sitting commissioners and other county officials, including with Cobb DOT.

Cobb DOT said several trees along Columns Drive have fallen in recent weeks. (Cobb Government photo)

The petition reads in part:

“We are local residents, runners, and cyclists whose daily lives have been graced by the majesty and beauty of the Oak and Magnolia trees along Columns Drive. These trees serve as an emblem of natural heritage, significantly enhancing the local aesthetic while also providing myriad environmental benefits. Regrettably, the Cobb County last week approved plans to cut down these mature trees, purportedly to reduce maintenance costs.

“We adamantly believe this decision would lead to a tragic loss of a Cobb County treasure that is not easily quantifiable in monetary terms.”

Both Cobb officials and Commissioner JoAnn Birrell said in statements to East Cobb News that initial plans were to cut trees in 11 of the 18 medians along Columns Drive, which is a popular pedestrian and biking path, and to replace most of them.

The cost of that work was to have been $215,000, with the funding coming from a contingency fund for former Commissioner Jerica Richardson.

“This project remained a priority, as three trees have fallen within the last month,” according to the county statement from Cobb DOT director Drew Raessler. “Work was originally scheduled to begin next week. However, we do understand the community concerns that have been raised.

“The plan is for [Cobb DOT] Road Maintenance to work with an arborist to scale the project down by identifying just the trees that pose an imminent risk to the travelling public. Just those trees will be removed and replaced with trees that match the character of the corridor.”

Columns Drive also is susceptible to flooding during heavy rains, and leaves and other tree debris can contribute to clogging up drains. Portions of the road were closed in September after flooding that was caused by the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

One of the signatories to the petition is resident Jeff Cohen, who told East Cobb News Monday that “the commissioners were discussing flood prevention and came up with this looney idea, rather than just cleaning the drains more often. We were blindsided.”

Before the county announced a delay in tre-cutting, other East Cobb community entities brought the matter to light.

Big Peach Running Co. on Johnson Ferry Road posted a message on its Facebook page urging signatures for the petition, as “our beloved Columns Drive is facing a challenge that could change its scenic charm. . . . These trees not only beautify our running, walking and cycling route but also provide essential environmental benefits. Let’s unite to preserve the natural heritage of our community.”

Raessler said in the statement that “we’re still working on the details of the revised scope of the work on Columns Drive and we will share those details when completed.”

Cobb delays Columns Drive median tree-cutting after protests
ECN photo of a tree in Columns Drive median at the intersection of Atlanta Country Club Drive.

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Cobb under severe thunderstorm watch into Monday evening

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Cobb and much of metro Atlanta are in a thunderstorm watch through early Monday evening.Cobb under severe thunderstorm watch into Monday evening

The National Weather Service in Peachtree City issued the advisory late Monday morning for major portions of central and northeast Georgia, as a severe thunderstorm system moved into the state.

Tornado warnings were in effect south of Atlanta for a time on Monday morning, and there are some radar reports of tornadoes being spotted in Coweta and Fayette counties.

The greatest weather threat in the Cobb area is expected to be until 4 p.m., with a 100 percent chance of showers, including the possibility of severe storms.

The chance of rain and storms will fall to 45 percent until 7 p.m., and then to 30 percent into the later evening.

Winds could reach between 10-15 mph with gusts of up to 20 mph during that period, according to the forecast.

Monday’s highs in the Cobb area are forecast to be in the mid 70s.

Tuesday will be sunny with highs also in the mid 70s before a slight chance of rain is in the forecast, on Wednesday and Thursday.

The rest of the week is expected to be sunny with highs in the high 80s on Saturday and Sunday, and some more rain possibly returning on Sunday.

For more local weather details click here.

 

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