East Side Elementary PTA Co-President Caitlin Smith, PeachSkinSheets David Bartow
Submitted information and photo:
The Original PeachSkinSheets donated $720 to East Side Elementary PTA as part of the company’s launch of Partners In Education. Many more East Cobb schools will be partnering with PeachSkinSheets this school year.
Known for its super-soft, moisture-wicking antimicrobial bedding, PeachSkinSheets understands the importance of a good night’s sleep for students and educators. Sleep impacts more than just students’ ability to perform well; it improves the ability to learn, memorize, retain, recall and use new knowledge to solve problems creatively. With 32 ultra-soft colors from which to choose, PeachSkinSheets is a necessity for optimal sleep and creativity this school year.
How it works: Families receive a unique online discount code for their school, and with every qualifying purchase, PeachSkinSheets donates $20 per set back to the individual school. All proceeds will be used at schools for various projects including classroom supplies, podcast equipment, teacher appreciation, libraries and more. Online purchase with home delivery makes it simple and easy for Principals/PTAs as well as school families.
On-going commitment: In May 2024, a Teacher Appreciation discount event will give educators a great night’s sleep at an affordable price, while also providing additional funding for teacher’s needs.
The PeachSkinSheets Partners In Education program proudly supports schools across the country while enriching communities. Partners In Education plans to donate $1 Million to schools. For more information, please visit partnerwithpeachskin.com.
Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!
Cobb DOT is seeking condemnations for portions of commercial property on Lower Roswell Road near Johnson Ferry Road.
Efforts by Cobb DOT to acquire right-of-way to begin long-planned improvements along Lower Roswell Road have hit a snag with some commercial property owners.
The department said it’s still negotiating, but will ask the Cobb Board of Commissioners on Tuesday to approve condemnation proceedings for six parcels of land at Parkaire Landing Shopping Center and across the road near the intersection of Johnson Ferry Road.
Those include properties housing a Bank of America branch, a McDonald’s, a medical building and a small strip retail building, as well as a Taco Bell.
In an agenda item (you can read it here), Cobb DOT said the condemnations are needed “to ensure project deadlines are met,” but didn’t indicate when those deadlines might be. The condemnations would be enacted “in the event negotiations are unsuccessful.”
The condemnations would include property for permanent rights-of-way as well as temporary construction easements.
It’s been more than a decade since Cobb DOT proposed traffic improvements at a busy intersection it says has a high number of vehicle crashes.
The project, with an estimated cost of $9 million from the Cobb 2011 SPLOST, would add turn lanes, install a multi-use trail and make other improvements along Lower Roswell between Woodlawn Drive and Davidson Road.
The agenda item states that there is funding available for permanent right-of-way acquisitions for the six parcels, but doesn’t indicate a cost.
Until a few years ago, there wasn’t much public skepticism of the plan, although the county has been talking with business owners concerned about a proposed raised median affecting their businesses.
Cobb DOT maintains that the proposed raised median—which would prevent left turns out of Parkaire Landing onto Lower Roswell Road—would substantially reduce crashes (from a 2021 project fact sheet that hasn’t been publicly updated).
After some residents expressed opposition in 2022, Cobb DOT held a town hall meeting about the project at the East Cobb Library. Many of the objections were over the creation of bike and pedestrian lanes.
Additional public feedback prompted Cobb DOT to announce in late 2022 it would redesign the project, including removal of a planned bike path and expanding a multi-use trail to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists.
That redesign hasn’t been unveiled.
The specific parcels being sought for condemnation resolutions Tuesday include the following:
Parcel 22 (4811 Lower Roswell Road; Papa John’s Pizza, My Emergency Dental, 101 Bagel Café) 5,097 square feet of right-of-way
Parcel 28 (4939 Lower Roswell Road, Parkaire Medical Center): 1,226 square feet of right-of-way
The commission meeting begins at 9 a.m. Tuesday in the second floor board room of the Cobb government building (100 Cherokee St., downtown Marietta), and the full agenda can be found by clicking here.
You also can watch on the county’s website and YouTube channels and on Cobb TV 23 on Comcast Cable.
Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!
The Cherokee Sheriff’s Office has charged an 18-year-old with vehicular homicide and other felony charges stemming from a single-vehicle crash in January that killed two other teens and injured three others, including the suspect.
Gabe Escandon, a senior soccer player at Pope, was killed on the scene of the Jan. 8 crash in Woodstock.
Booking reports show that Oliver Luis Roman, 18, of Powder Springs, was being held without bond after being charged Wednesday morning. He is charged with two counts of first-degree vehicular homicide, two counts of serious injury by vehicle and reckless driving.
Roman allegedly was driving a Mazda 6 sedan that slammed into a tree in a median along Towne Lake Parkway in Woodstock on Jan. 9. Gabriel Escandon, 17, a member of Pope’s varsity boys soccer team, was pronounced dead on the scene, while Esteban Cortez-Rendon of Woodstock, who turned 18 that day, died at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, Cherokee authorities previously said.
Chris Peixoto, a soccer player at Lassiter High School, was hospitalized with serious injuries, as were the other two occupants of the car, including Roman.
Friends and family responded to an online fundraiser that netted more than $81,000 for his recovery. A message on Jan. 28—Peixoto’s 18th birthday—said asked for continuing donations of $18 and said that “Chris is continuing to improve day by day, but he still is going to need lots of support and prayers from the entire community.”
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!
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!
Georgia Celebrates Quilts® Show, presented by the East Cobb Quilters’ Guild, is a juried and judged quilt show, with over 300 quilts competing for Best of Show and other top ribbon and cash awards totaling $4,000. All styles of quilts are eligible to be submitted including traditional, contemporary, done by machine or by hand. Entries are now being accepted until Friday, March 29, 2024. For complete details on how to enter the competition visit https://www.georgiacelebratesquilts.com/enter-a-quilt/
About East Cobb Quilters’ Guild
Since its founding in 1982, the East Cobb Quilters’ Guild has promoted and advanced the art of quilting and fostered community goodwill. There are more than 340 members from throughout the greater Atlanta metropolitan area and beyond. The guild meets monthly and sponsors lectures, workshops, and exhibits that educate members and the community about quilting and encourage the highest standards in design and techniques. Every two years they produce Georgia Celebrates Quilts® – the state’s largest judged and juried quilt show – set for June 6 – 8, 2024 at the Cobb County Civic Center. In the months leading up to the show the guild will present “Quilts on Display” with quilt exhibits at four regional libraries and three arts centers. Additionally, the guild contributes hundreds of quilts, placemats, Beads of Courage bags and pillowcases to nonprofit organizations. For additional information about the guild – www.ecqg.com and the show – https://georgiacelebratesquilts.com.
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L to R: Kiwanis Club of Marietta Golden K members Jim Perry and Rosie Teague; Elayna Wilson, Principal of Powers Ferry Elementary School; Kiwanis Club of Marietta Golden K members Paul Smith, KCMGK President and member John Kone
Submitted information and photo:
Twenty four Powers Ferry Elementary School students were presented with a “TERIFFIC KIDS” certificate on February 1st, 2024. Terrific Kids, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Marietta Golden K recognizes students who have demonstrated excellence in showing “RESPECT” during the month of January.
Jim Perry, Past President of the Kiwanis Club of Marietta Golden K explained, “Terrific Kids is a character-building program that recognises students for modifying their behavior. The program encourages kids to become the best version of themselves. Kids determine what being terrific means to them, then develop their own goals and use peer mentoring to hold themselves accountable for the actions they take each week. When a participant achieves a goal, he or she is recognized for being a Terrific Kid.”
Elayna Wilson, Principal of Powers Ferry ES and Aimee Pieree of the Powers Ferry ES staff presided over the presentation. A brief party followed the ceremony whereby students that received a certificate received a scrumptious “good bag” filled with delicious snacks.
The presentation was held at 8 am so as not to interfere with students “rest of the day” activities. A great way to start the school day … a “Teriffic Kids” certificate and morning snack. Congratulations to all of the Powers Ferry Elementary School “TERIFFIC KIDS.”
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Super Chix, a fast-casual restaurant that specializes in chicken dishes, will be opening its third location in metro Atlanta this summer at Avenue East Cobb.
North American Properties, which manages the retail center at 4475 Roswell Road, said the Texas-based franchise will occupy 3,800 square feet near the Sephora store and that the franchisee is East Cobb resident Missy Newks.
Super Chix, which features grilled chicken sandwiches (which the chain dubs “The Last True Chicken Sandwich”), hand-cut fries and frozen custards, has locations in Peachtree City and near Perimeter Mall in Dunwoody.
It was started in 2014 and was purchaed in 2018 by Darryl Neider, formerly with Five Guys,
It’s the fourth new restaurant/eatery to open at Avenue in recent weeks, along with Peach State Pizza, Press Waffle Co. and Tin Pin Gaming Bar.
Round Trip Brewing Co., which originated in Westside Atlanta in 2021. is slated to open a German-style craft brewhouse and restaurant in the spring, but an opening hasn’t been announced.
Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!
The Walton Band Parent Association, which puts on the Taste of East Cobb food festival, announced Tuesday that May 4 is the date for the 2024 event.
It’s being held once again at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church (955 Johnson Ferry Road), and applications are being accepted for restaurants, vendors and sponsors.
The hours are 11-5, with food samplings from local restaurants, live music, and demonstrations and swag from local businesses (East Cobb News was a proud first-time participant!)
Interested applicants can sign up and get more information by clicking here.
The proceeds benefit the Walton band programs, and since last year’s event here’s what they accomplished:
August – December 2023
The Walton Raider Marching Band played almost every Friday night last fall and cheered on the Walton Raiders all the way to the State Championship game. (Our marching band had its longest football season ever!) Go Raiders!
October 2023 (We won the top honor at every competition!)
Walton Raider Marching Band competed at the Super Bowl of Sound Marching Band Competition and won: Grand Champion Band, Most Entertaining Band Award, Best Overall Color Guard, Best Overall Percussion, Best Overall Front Ensemble, Best in Class AAAAA Band.
Walton Raider Marching Band competed at the Buford Music for All Affiliate Marching Band Competition and won: AAAA Outstanding Musical, Visual, General Effect, and Overall First Place.
Walton Raider Marching Band competed at the Kennesaw Mountain Marching Invitational and won: Best in Class, Best Color Guard, Best Musical Performance, Best General Effect, and Best Visual Performance.
Walton Raider Marching Band marched at the Magic Kingdom in Disney World.
December 2023
Walton band students performed their winter concert at Walton High School. There were four levels of concert bands.
January 2024
The Walton Percussion Ensemble was invited to perform at the GMEA (Georgia Music Educators Association) In-Service Conference in Athens, GA.
Many Walton band students performed in the All-State Jazz Band and the Atlanta Youth Symphony Orchestra.
February 2024
Many Walton band students performed in the GMEA District 12 Honor Bands just this past weekend.
Photo: Walton Band Parents Association
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Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!
Welcome to East Cobb Biz Scene, a weekly roundup of openings, closings and other news involving local businesses in East Cobb, and the people behind them.
We’ll be running this feature on Monday, when we focus on small businesses, and invite members of the business community to let us know what’s going with their businesses, including community activities.
At the end of a hectic week, I spent some time Friday afternoon checking out the grand opening of the Tin Pin Game Bar at Avenue East Cobb (4475 Roswell Road).
It’s been open for about a week, but the after-school hour schedule for this event was ideal for families and others wanting to unwind with pinball and other arcade games that were free during the grand opening hours.
It’s a sliver of a space next to Tin Lizzy’s in the former Benni’s Cubano space, and Friday’s pleasant weather was very inviting for leaving the door open, as well as patio dining.
Tin Pin has a sports bar atmosphere, although kids were running around everywhere (and in the case of my quickie video last Friday, waving behind me!).’
Also new at Avenue
Tin Pin wasn’t the only new entry at Avenue to open over the weekend. A women’s boutique, Boho Trace, has opened in Suite 1725 (the former Olea Oliva! space). It’s a women-owned shop started by CEO Devon Sawyer, who’s dedicating her new business in the memory of her mother, who died suddently in 2021.
In addition to women’s outfits, Boho Trace sells accessories, shoes, swimwear, and more. Hours are Monday -Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 12-5 p.m.
Also at Avenue, a family lounge has opened, between Tin Lizzy’s and Panera Bread, with public restrooms, a mother’s l0unge, electronic charging stations and a kids’ play area with lounge seating.
Lounge hours are Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 12-6 p.m.
Biz luncheons in February
The guest speaker at the Feb. 20 luncheon of the East Cobb Business Association is Dr. Eric Plasker of Plasker Family and Performance Chiropractic, who will speak about “healty longevity in business and life.” He’s the author of “The 100 Year Lifestyle,” speaks regularly on wellness topics.
The luncheon takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Rich Hart Global Studios (2030 Powers Ferry Road, Suite 270-280). The cost ranges from $20-$30 and you can sign up by clicking here.
The following day, Wednesday, Feb. 21, the Northeast Cobb Business Association will hold its monthly luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Piedmont Church (570 Piedmont Road).
The guest speaker is Roger Tutterow, economics professor at Kennesaw State University. The cost is $20-$35; more info by clicking here.
Jewelry fundraiser to help Sprayberry TD club
Rebecca Deutsch of Park Lane Jewelry, has announced her latest fundraiser in the East Cobb area to help a community organization.
Between now and Wednesday (Feb. 7), she’s doing a give-back fundraiser on behalf of the Sprayberry High School Touchdown Club, donating 50 percent of the proceeds.6-7:30
The booster club is aiming to raise $1,000, and Park Lane offers more than 200 different products between $22-$200. For the full listings, visit https://parklanejewelry.com/f/3276.
Your order will be shipped directly to you. For information call 404-769-3502.
Strong Hearts, Strong Lives session
Several East Cobb wellness professionals are holding a special session Thursday to promote better lifestyle and fitness habits related to heart health.
“Strong Hearts, Strong Lives” takes place from 6-7:30 p.m. at the StrongVibe Fitness Studio in Paper Mill Village, 147 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 2110. (We profiled StrongVibe and owner Erica Manning last fall, shortly after she opened.)
Also on hand will be Dr. Dolapo Babalola of the Living at Your Finest Wellness office on Johnson Ferry Road, and Dr. James Cullison of Mojo Vitality, also at PMV.
The event will include free scans, meditation sessions, food and giveaways. It’s free to the public and you can RSVP by emailing erica@strongvibefit.com.
Send us your biz news!
We’d love to hear from local businesses about what’s going on in the local business scene: Openings, ribbon-cuttings, closings, anniversaries, new management, etc.
We also take tips from the public about these items as well, so if you see something, let us know,
E-mail us: editor@eastcobbnews.com with your information, questions, photos, announcements, etc.
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Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!
The following East Cobb residential real estate sales were compiled from agency reports. They include the subdivision name, high school attendance zone and sales price:
Jan. 16
2991 Lassiter Road, 30062 (Pope): $490,000
2906 Octavia Circle, 30062 (Vestavia Estates, Walton): $1.495 million
2798 New South Drive, 30066 (Piedmont Station, Sprayberry): $247,500
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!
We’re rolling out a new feature at East Cobb News, posting short videos from around the East Cobb community, highlighting events, people and a variety of topics.
We’re calling it East Cobb On the Spot, and this will be posted near the end of the week, ideally with a focus on weekend activities.
For this first (and admittedly very unpolished) installment, we’re visiting the new Tin Pin Game Bar at Avenue East Cobb, an expansion of Tin Lizzy’s, in the former Bennie’s Cubano space.
In the coming weeks, we want to talk with citizens and others from around the local scene, and I promise: We’ll improve this a lot.
I want the focus to be on people in East Cobb and what is important and enjoyable to them, such as the young lad who was waving behind me in the video.
Maybe he can show me how to look into the camera!
We’ll have more photos and videos on the grand opening on Monday, when we’re also launching a regular column called the East Cobb Biz Scene.
It’s a roundup of openings and closings, stressing small and locally- owned and operated enterprises, community service and charity events, and more.
There’s so much going on around here that it’s time to put all those happenings in one place.
Stay tuned and please let us kmow what you think!
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Delta Community Credit Union Logo (PRNewsFoto/Delta Community Credit Union)
Delta Community Credit Union, Georgia’s largest credit union with more than $8.6 billion in assets, is accepting entries for its 19th Annual College Scholarship Program. Delta Community will award a $5,000 scholarship to five deserving students to assist with the cost of their college education. Applicants will be awarded scholarships based on their academic achievement, community involvement and essays on the following topic:
With an understanding that financial literacy is an important subject often omitted from school curriculums across many grade levels, Delta Community has developed a nationally recognized Financial Education Center, providing consumers of all ages with comprehensive knowledge of money, saving, banking, investing and more. As you embark on your future, how do you plan to use key financial tips learned along your journey to help you reach your goals?
“Our annual scholarship program emphasizes the importance of financial education, which we believe is essential to everyone’s personal and professional journeys,” said Hank Halter, Delta Community’s CEO. “As champions of community education, we take pride in helping exceptional students pay for the cost of higher learning so they can focus on pursuing their goals and ambitions.”
Applicants must be Delta Community members seeking a first-time undergraduate degree and enrolled full-time at an accredited U.S. college or university during the 2024-2025 fall semester. Students must complete the Delta Community 2024 scholarship application online by 5 p.m. ET on March 1, 2024, in order to qualify, and the award recipients will be announced in early April.
In addition to its annual Scholarship Program, Delta Community offers scholarships for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities and provides hundreds of free classes in metro Atlanta through its Financial Education Center.
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A couple weeks after a Cobb Police K-9 annex was named for Cobb Commissioner JoAnn Birrell, the new facility will officially open next week.
A ribbon-cutting for the Joann K. Birrell Police K9 annex will be Tuesday at 10 a.m. at 1060 Al Bishop Drive in Marietta.
That’s where the team of nine K-9 teams operates in assisting in criminal investigations, including narcotics, explosives, evidence recovery and search and rescue.
Birrell, a noted dog-lover, was taken by surprise during a recognition at the board’s Jan. 9 meeting, when her colleagues informed her they voted to name the new facility after her.
She was also joined by her husband, David Birrell, and some of the K-9 dogs, who are Belgian Malinois, German Shepherds and a Dutch Shepherd.
As a leader of the Northeast Cobb Business Association, she led fundraising efforts to help Cobb Police purchase service dogs before she was in public office.
As a commissioner, she has earmarked some of her district contingency funding to replace a retiring dog and fund the department’s kennel system.
Birrell also helped create Superior Pets for Patriotic Vets, a partnership with Superior Plumbing and Cobb Animal Services that waives fees for military veterans who adopt shelter dogs and cats.
The Cobb Police K-9 program accepts donations from the public; more information and online payment are available by clicking here.
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Contractors for the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) will install lane closures on State Route 120/Roswell Rd NE (SR 120) this Saturday night as resurfacing activities continue on roadway from SR 120 ALT to the Cobb County/Fulton County line. Resurfacing improves the condition of the deteriorating roadway and provides a smother ride for drivers.
Weather and on-site conditions permitting, one alternating right or left lane will be closed on SR 120 in the project area beginning 9 p.m. on Saturday, February 3 until 5 a.m. on Sunday morning. These lane closures will help ensure the safety of drivers and workers as crews begin milling, inlay and resurfacing operations on the roadway.
This $7.1 million resurfacing project is scheduled for completion in spring 2024.
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!
While the presidential primaries have yielded little drama thus far, voters will have options when they go to the polls in Georgia.
Democratic incumbent President Joe Biden and Republican former President Donald Trump were the winners of the first-in-the-nation primary in New Hampshire Jan. 23.
Both will be on Georgia’s March 12 primary ballot, and are heavily favored to win their parties’ nominations.
Trump is among 11 names listed on the Republican ballot that includes Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott and technology entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, all of whom have dropped out and endorsed Trump.
Former South Carolina Nikki Haley, who is actively campaigning, is also on the Georgia GOP ballot.
She finished second in New Hampshire, collecting 43 percent of the vote to 54 percent for Trump, who also won the Iowa Caucuses.
Biden, who didn’t formally enter the New Hampshire primary due to Democratic National Committee schedule changes, still won 63 percent of the vote thanks to a write-in campaign.
The South Carolina Republican primary is Feb. 24, setting off a wave of primary contests in short order. That includes “Super Tuesday” on March 5, the week before Georgia, with voting taking place in 17 states and territories.
Voters choosing either primary ballot in Georgia also will be able to cast a write-in vote.
The Cobb Board of Elections has approved early voting for the presidential primary, starting Feb. 19 and continuing through March 8.
Among the early voting locations will be the East Cobb Government Services Center (4400 Lower Roswell Road) and the Tim D. Lee Senior Center (3332 Sandy Plains Road).
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Drivers who get traffic tickets in Cobb County will notice something new on their citations–a QR code. The little black-and-white checkered code that gained widespread usage during the COVID-19 pandemic has been added to the ticket to make it easier to find a case, access information, and determine the next steps.
The Georgia Department of Driver’s Services mandates police agencies use a uniform traffic citation template, but agencies can customize the back side with local court information. After almost a year of development and testing, the Cobb State Court Clerk’s office implemented the QR code system-wide.
The old citations only included the clerk’s website, which contained basic court information on traffic fines and fees, court dates, and payment options. Users had to visit a different web page to locate their case. The new QR code system will allow users to quickly find and monitor court dates, view docket updates, change their address, and, in allowable cases, pay fines online with one scan rather than visiting multiple sites.
“We are always looking for innovative ways to assist customers with locating case information, following and updating records, and making these records accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” said State Court Clerk Robin Bishop. While technology streamlines processes, the State Court Clerk reiterated, “We are still available by phone 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday, as well as in person at our public service counters at 12 E. Park Square, Marietta, to assist the public.”
The Clerk’s Office worked with several Cobb County agencies on this new tool, including the Cobb Police Records Management team, Cobb’s website team, and Information Technology Services team members.
QR codes will not only be on citations. The Clerk’s Office has duplicated this concept at the State Court building, with a “Follow Your Case” QR code visible when users come in for various criminal and civil hearings, interactive screens, and coming soon on some court notices.
The Cobb State Court Clerk’s Office maintains the records of all court proceedings in the State Court of Cobb County, including all traffic offenses, misdemeanors, and civil actions.
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Reggie Copeland, who served a term on the Marietta City Council from 2018-2021, announced Tuesday he will be running for the Cobb Board of Commissioners.
In a brief e-mail message, Copeland said he will be running as a Democrat in the May 21 primary for District 2, which includes the City of Marietta.
He is the second candidate to express interest in the seat being vacated by Democrat Jerica Richardson, who is running for 6th District Congress.
Previously, former Cobb Board of Education member Jaha Howard filed a declaration of intent form with Cobb Elections, also for the Democratic primary.
Copeland, who is a counselor, said he will be providing more details about his priorities and platform soon.
In his e-mail announcement, he said that “I don’t see myself literally as just running against another candidate but I am running for ‘All’ people in Cobb County.
“The reason I am running is to improve the quality of life for ‘ALL’ individuals through a process call legislation via best practices, policies, and procedures,” he said.
Copeland represented Ward 5 on the Marietta City Council and was a controversial figure during his time in office.
A judge dismissed his request in 2018 for a restraining order against fellow council member Andy Morris following an argument in a meeting.
A city employee filed an ethics complaint against Copeland for verbally attacking her during a meeting, but that complaint was dismissed.
In 2019, he was charged with obstructing police after a traffic accident. Months later he said he feared for his life as a black man in dealing with law enforcement.
Copeland, who was chairman of the city council’s public safety committee at the time, was sentenced as a first offender and ordered to have an anger management evaluation.
In November 2021, he was defeated for re-election in a runoff with Carlyle Kent, who got 71 percent of the vote.
UPDATED:
After this story was posted, Copeland sent what he called a “complaints file” to East Cobb News (you can read it here) and said that “these FACTS will be shared with the community at large, as I host round tables while on my exciting campaign trail. Also, I will make this information available to ALL that have questions regarding your story.
“As a matter of fact we have already shared the FACTS with numerous citizens and they were elated to find out the real FACTS! Please know that I appreciate FACTS not fake news or alternative facts.”
ORIGINAL REPORT:
A native of Marietta, Copeland was a standout athlete at Marietta High School. He earned an undergraduate at Piedmont College, a master’s in education and counseling from the University of Georgia and a master of divinity from Emory University.
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For the second time in a year, the former Mt. Bethel Community Center is being eyed for professional use.
A rezoning request was withdrawn without prejudice last summer when the Cobb Zoning Office recommended that the building at 4608 Lower Roswell Road be granted designation for a limited professional services permit (LPSP).
MRE Properties, the applicant, sought a low-rise office (LRO) designation, but zoning staff said an LPSP would be more appropriate to the residential neighborhoods surrounding the site.”
A different applicant wants to convert the 6,060-square-foot building into a dental office. Marianna Kovitch, who has a practice in Buckhead, initially sought LRO rezoning and has hired noted zoning attorney Kevin Moore, who represented MRE Properties.
An initial hearing is scheduled before the Cobb Planning Commission on Tuesday in the first zoning hearings of 2024.
The land has been zoned residential because its owner is Mt. Bethel Church, which has been putting up selected properties for sale since departing the United Methodist Church in 2022.
A preliminary staff analysis of Z-5-2024 (you can read it here) also is recommending deletion to LPSP.
Such a use “will minimize impact to residential neighbors while allowing continued use of the existing site,” the analysis said, adding that the LRO category on that 1.13-acre parcel does not conform to the Cobb County Comprehensive Plan
It also indicates that no new major modifications or additions are being planned for the building, which would be open for dental services Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
In a stipulation letter dated Jan. 29 (you can read it here) Moore wrote that his client was in agreement with the staff recommendation of LPSP specific to dental, medical and administrative use. He also is seeking a waiver that LPSP is specific to the property owner.
The Cobb Planning Commission meeting Tuesday will take place starting at 9 a.m. in the second floor board room of the Cobb government building (100 Cherokee St., downtown Marietta).
The meeting will be live-streamed on the county’s website, cable TV channel (Channel 24 on Comcast) and Youtube page. Visit cobbcounty.org/CobbTV for other streaming options.
The Planning Commission recommendations will be considered by the Cobb Board of Commissioners on Feb. 20.
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!
Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!
Cobb Police said Wednesday that an officer shot a man with a gun after confronting him on Columns Drive in East Cobb Tuesday evening.
Officer Joseph Wilson said in a release that police received numerous 911 calls around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday saying that a man was walking down Columns Drive and firing his gun.
When officers arrived, police confronted him near the front door of a Columns Drive home and ordered him several times to drop the weapon, Wilson said.
When the suspect refused, according to Wilson, an officer fired at and struck the suspect, who was taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has taken over the case and in a release Wednesday afternoon, said the suspect was identified as Thomas Yarborough, 83, of Marietta.
The GBI said Yarborough is in critical condition and no officers were injured.
The GBI will turn over the findings of its investigation to the Cobb District Attorney’s Office.
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!
