Nikeya Savala, a Cobb County government veteran of more than 20 years, has joined the office of District 3 Cobb Commissioner JoAnn Birrell as her staff assistant.
The four district commissioners each have a full-time assistant to handle constituent matters, coordinate schedules and conduct other tasks of the office.
District 3 includes most of East Cobb.
Savala has previously held jobs in county government in the Community Development, Water System, and Purchasing departments.
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Relocating the East Cobb Library is among the proposed projects on a 2028 Cobb SPLOST project list.
Cobb County government is soliciting public feedback for a SPLOST renewal referendum that will take place in November.
Cobb commissioners recently voted to hold a referendum to extend the current Special Purpose-Local Option Sales Tax, starting in 2028, for another six years, with estimated collections of $1.15 billion.
The county has prepared a brief online survey for citizens to fill out stating their preferences.
If approved by voters on Nov. 3, those projects include relocating the East Cobb Library branch at a cost of $25 million away from Parkaire Landing Shopping Center to a standalone building on county-owned property to be determined.
Library officials said the branch needs more space and that the annual rental costs are $263,000, with the current lease expiring in July 2029.
Also on the proposed project list submitted by county department heads are renovations at the Tim D. Lee Senior Center and to purchase additional Tritt property next to East Cobb Park.
The biggest ticket item on the list is the construction of a new Cobb State Court building, to the tune of $174 million. The current buildings on the Marietta Square are more than 60 years old and have been overcrowded for years.
Other proposals call for $135 million in road resurfacing projects, $30 million to replace the Cobb Central Aquatic Center in Marietta and $18.5 million to build a new recreation center in an unspecified area.
Among the proposed traffic improvements on the list, the following are in East Cobb:
Shallowford Road at McPherson Road ($3.5 million)
Canton Road at Canton Road Connector ($6 million)
Lower Roswell Road at Old Paper Mill Road ($1.5 million)
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Information and photo submitted by Cobb County Government:
The Cobb Judicial Circuit was thrilled to welcome 88 fifth-grade students from Timber Ridge Elementary School to the Cobb County Superior Court on Friday morning. This initiative is designed to demystify the judicial process for local youth by giving them hands-on experience in the courtroom.
The immersive field trip offered students more than just a tour; it provided a front-row seat to justice in action. Under the guidance of court staff and volunteer local attorneys, the students acted out a full mock trial involving a bicycle theft. The fifth graders stepped into every critical role in the courtroom, serving as the jury, attorneys, witnesses, and defendant.
Judge Kellie S. Hill presided over the mock trial, offering the students real-time feedback and instruction from the bench. “Superior Court is a place where everyone’s voice matters. Through programs like Courtroom to Classroom, we help children see how fairness, listening, and asking questions can make a real difference and inspire the next generation of leaders in our community,” said Judge Hill.
In addition to the mock trial, the students were given a behind-the-scenes tour of the judicial complex, including a visit to the holding cells and other secure areas of the courthouse.
The Courtroom to Classroom mock trial program is suitable for fourth- and fifth-grade groups and is offered, space permitting, in the courtroom. Educators interested in scheduling a visit for the 2025 – 2026 school year are encouraged to contact Erin Mendez at Erin.Mendez@cobbcounty.gov for more information.
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Hosted each year at Simpson Middle School, STEAMapalooza is designed as an open-house experience that invites families to explore the school at their own pace. Classrooms and hallways were filled with engaging activities that encouraged curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving for learners of all ages.
The event is the result of months of planning and a true schoolwide effort. Simpson’s PTSA worked alongside staff leaders and administrators to bring the event to life, with every teacher taking an active role in facilitating activities, supervising students, and supporting setup and breakdown.
“Every single teacher on the Simpson team takes a role in facilitating activities for our guests, supervision, and set up and breakdown of this schoolwide experience,” said Principal D. Cory Stanley. “The coordination and collaboration of the entire neighborhood is truly second to none.”
Throughout the evening, families participated in a wide range of STEAM-focused experiences. Guests experimented with household chemistry by creating slime and lava lamps, while students tackled engineering challenges such as building sleds and spaghetti towers. Additional activities included interactive science demonstrations, hands-on encounters with animals, and introductions to coding and artificial intelligence.
Community partners helped expand learning opportunities beyond the classroom. Experts from Georgia Tech Astronomy and the Ramblin’ Rocket Club shared their passion for space and engineering. Students and sponsors from Wheeler High School’s National Honor Society, Society of Women Engineers, and Robotics programs connected with younger learners, offering inspiration and mentorship. Representatives from Cobb County GIS and the Watershed Departments highlighted how STEAM-related careers connect directly to the local community.
Parents and local businesses also supported the event as exhibitors and contributors to a silent auction, helping fund future programs and reinforcing the strong partnership between the school and its community.
“The result of this all-hands-on-deck effort is a building full of hundreds of smiling faces, learning about Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics in the best way possible — hands on,” Stanley said.
STEAMapalooza continues to be a highlight of the school year at Simpson Middle School, strengthening connections with families and feeder schools while showcasing Cobb Schools’ commitment to engaging students through meaningful, hands-on learning experiences.
Click the middle button below to view more photos:
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This week’s featured home sale is a private estate home in The Estates of Chimney Lakes, zoned for Lassiter High School, Simpson Middle School and Shallowford Falls Elementary School.
It features six bedrooms and 6.5 baths, covering 9,261 square feet 1.05 acres. The home sold for $1.25 million on Jan. 30, 2026.
A grand foyer leads to open spaces downstairs for entertaining and dining, featuring a full chef’s kitchen and a great room.
The primary suite is on the main level with a spa-like bath, separate vanities, and a walk-in closet.
Three secondary bedrooms upstairs each have an ensuite bathroom. The back porch opens out to an outdoor retreat at the end of a cul-de-sac, with a patio, pool and mature landscaping.
A carriage suite can be used for a home office, guest quarters, a gym or studio space, connected to the home via a breezeway.
A walk-out basement contains more entertainment and living space with a den, full bath, recreation area and storage.
Click the middle button below to see more photos.
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The following East Cobb residential real estate sales from Jan. 26-30, 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
4941 Willow Lane, 30066 (Willow Creek): $500,000
Lassiter
2150 Wenlok Trail, 30066 (Cork Wren): $575,000
4150 Chimney Heights, 30075 (The Estates of Chimney Lakes):$1.25 million
Marietta
None
Pope
2260 Falkirk Pointe, 30062 (Falkirk Pointe): $1.077 million
Sprayberry
3886 Ebenezer Road, 30066: $824,800
188 Bluffington Way, 30066 (Bluffs at Bells Ferry): $379,900
245 Bluffington Way, 30066 (Bluffs at Bells Ferry): $415,900
2581 Oak Village Place, 30062 (Post Oak Village): $585,000
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We’ve been busy at the start of another year with so much compelling and important local news, and we’ve had great traffic, engagement and new advertisers to reflect that.
But we want to take a bit of a pause as another Valentine’s Day is approaching to ask readers to think about what they value from East Cobb News.
We know how much you enjoy what you get here—we hear from our readers all the time!—but what do you really love about East Cobb News? We hope it’s enough to consider financially supporting the work we do, and that nobody else in the community is doing.
Newspapers everywhere continue to shrink—this week’s layoffs at The Washington Post in particular are truly devastating, especially when it comes to local news coverage.
And more cuts are coming at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, which is now all-online.
You have responded so well to what we have done over the years at East Cobb News; now we need you to respond in an even more significant way.
I have come to you numerous times before, asking for continued reader support to help us keep giving you the local news that you love. It’s with a sense of optimism about continuing to provide solid community news coverage in East Cobb.
Whether it’s stories featuring our original reporting, or others in our community passing along news about local events and activities, East Cobb News is devoted to what’s valued the most by readers here.
It’s our stock-in-trade, and for eight-plus years we’ve been building that community trust, one story at a time.
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The Cobb County Veterans Accountability and Treatment Court (VATC) graduated three veteran participants during a 9:30 a.m. ceremony Friday, Feb. 6, at the Cobb County Superior Court Building, 70 Haynes Street.
The graduation brings the total number of local participants who have completed the 18- to 24-month intensive treatment program to 72. The Cobb County VATC began June 13, 2014, under the leadership of Judge Reuben Green, joining a nationwide surge of accountability courts specifically tailored for veterans. The program addresses post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, and other mental health issues through counseling, job training, and additional supportive services.
Judge Green, a U.S Marine Corps veteran, served as a judge through 2020 and passed away in 2025. The VATC honored his legacy during Friday’s ceremony, unveiling a painted portrait and placing a custom embroidered streamer on the Marine Corps flag. His portrait will be displayed in the VATC, courtroom 6100, in Superior Court.
“As a Marine, Judge Green brought his passion for helping military servicemembers in need into the courtroom,” said Superior Court Judge Robert D. Leonard. “He was a trailblazer with a reputation for excellence and for changing lives. Veterans Court is his legacy.”
The mission of the Veterans Accountability and Treatment Court is to increase public safety by reducing recidivism, alleviating the tax burden of incarcerating law-breaking veterans, and helping participants become productive members of the community. The program provides intensive case management to address mental health issues while offering the familiarity of structure and accountability similar to military service.
Participants receive alcohol and drug treatment through contracted treatment providers and the Department of Veterans Affairs. When a participant is stable in their recovery and treatment, the assigned VATC team addresses other issues that hinder success, such as unemployment, lack of stable housing, the need for continuing education, or the benefits of family counseling.
One unique aspect of the VATC is the Mentor Program. Each participant is paired with a veteran mentor who understands the challenges faced by veterans working toward program completion. VATC mentors must be honorably discharged from military service, have no prior criminal record, and commit to assisting at least one veteran for the duration of the 18-month VATC program.
The three veteran participants graduated from the VATC with their mentors by their sides. These veterans turned what once seemed like a dismal path into a very bright future for themselves and their families.
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Since assuming sole ownership of the Mezza Luna Restaurant in East Cobb in 2023, Daniele Furfaro has added his own personal touch to everything: From menu items to a remodeled dining room to the family atmosphere that he wants diners to enjoy—as well as his own name.
In rebranding what’s now known as the Mezza Luna Furfaro Italian Restaurant and Bar, the Calabria-born Furfaro is emphasizing community ties as well in serving lunch and dinner seven days a week.
Specialty dishes include veal chop gorgonzola, butter squash ravioli, gnocchi al pesto with blue crab meat and salmon piccata, as well as starters, soups, salads and a wide variety of desserts, wines and cocktails.
“This is a family-owned restaurant,” Furfaro says, noting that his wife, Bella, also a native of Italy, oversaw the dining room upgrade, even down to the choice of dinner plates and silverware.
“A lot of our customers come back with their friends,” he added.
Daniele Furfaro and his wife Bella
Furfaro and his family will soon putting down roots in East Cobb to further invest in the restaurant and the community.
They are the parents of daughters, ages 10, 5 and one and a half, and are in the process of moving from Woodstock, where he previously was a chef.
Many of those Furfaro knew from his previous restaurants have followed him to Mezza Luna, located in the Pavilions at East Lake (2100 Roswell Road, Suite 2198). He also was a chef at Dolce, an Italian restaurant in Buckhead.
He wants the East Cobb community to experience the distinctive food and ambience of Mezza Luna. Furfaro is the chef as well as the owner. Everything is freshly made on the premises and many food items are sourced locally as well as from Italy.
Trained at an Italian culinary school, Furfaro worked in the American corporate restaurant industry, which brought him to Atlanta. He became a partner in Mezza Luna, then took over the East Cobb restaurant in 2023 (it remains independent from the Mezza Luna restaurant in Smyrna).
As the dining room was overhauled, Furfaro amplified the menu to reflect “a mix of Italy.” Meat dishes like chicken marsala are traditionally served in northern Italy, while seafood dishes like branzino, sea bass seared in a lemon butter sauce, are standard in the south.
Diners can choose from an offering of appetizers, including blue crab cakes and calamari fritti, tomato bisque soup and salads. All meals come with generous baskets of fresh bread. There’s also a menu fearing pizza, pasta and meatballs with children in mind.
Furfaro changes the menu every three months or so to reflect seasonal favorites, but “I also keep a few dishes all year” that are popular Italian-American fare.
“If you love chicken parmigiana, you can get chicken parmigiana,” Furfaro says. His diners rate the surf and turf and lamb and veal dishes as among their favorites.
“People like to come and feel they’re at home,” Furfaro says.
“I’ve put my life and my heart into this place, and I want people in East Cobb to come and try us.”
Mezza Luna is open Monday-Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5-9 p.m, Friday-Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 12-9 p.m.
Reservations are accepted, and online ordering and catering are also available.
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Jaylen Brown, who led Wheeler to a Georgia high school boys state basketball championship, headlines the 2025-26 Wheeler Athletic Hall of Fame inductees.
Also honored in late January were former basketball player Sharaud Curry, baseball player Joey Monahan, football-baseball-track athlete Hal Shaw, and the 1977 and 1978 softball teams. A formal induction ceremony was postponed due to inclement weather and will be rescheduled at a date to be announced.
Brown played four years of varsity basketball for the Wildcats and as a senior was named Georgia Mr. Basketball. He played at the University of California-Berkeley for one season and was the third player chosen in the 2016 NBA draft. In 2024, he was named the MVP of the NBA Finals as the Boston Celtics won their 18th championship, and he has been an All-Star four times.
Curry was part of two Wheeler boys basketball state championship teams, in 2003 and 2005, and he later starred at Providence College. He played professional basketball in Europe for 13 seasons and has been a coach and owner of a basketball training academy.
Monahan was a standout on the baseball diamond for Wheeler in the late 1990s, earning first-team All-Cobb County, as well as being named MVP of the East Cobb Yankees and selected to the All-Tournament Team at the Connie Mack World Series.
He starred at Liberty University and was drafted by the Chicago Cubs, and played minor league baseball for several seasons before running an insurance business.
Shaw was a lineman for the Wheeler football team under coach Corky Kell, and named a permanent co-captain in the 1973 season, when the Wildcats went undefeated before falling to Thomasville in the state championship game.
He was named All-County and All-State by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and he joins his brother Bill (Class of 1968) in the Wheeler Hall of Fame.
The Wheeler girls softball team played a slow-pitch version of the sport in the late 1970s under coach Jim Mau, who previously led the Wildcats to a baseball state title. His softball teams in 1977 and 1978 won Cobb County titles and finished with respective records of 19-2 and 17-3.
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High school athletes from around the country made their college commitments this week in what’s known as National Signing Day.
That’s when the officially sign scholarship offers to continue their sports careers at the next level.
According to the Cobb County School District, Sprayberry High School had 14 athletes sign, the most for any school in the district. They included five football players as well as the first Yellow Jacket athlete to sign a college commitment in flag football.
The district compiled the following names and schools (this is only a partial list):
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The Georgia Symphony Orchestra is thrilled to announce an exciting lineup of performances for 2026, offering an extraordinary range of musical experiences across genres, styles, and audiences. From boundary‑breaking jazz and cinematic favorites to youth performances and sensory‑friendly classics, GSO’s 75th season underscores its commitment to artistic excellence, community engagement, and inclusive access to the transformative power of live music.
The 2026 lineup includes:
Big Band & Beyond – Jazz Meets Symphonic Sound
Saturday, February 7
This show promises an electrifying blend of jazz energy and orchestral power held at the Dr. Bobbie Bailey & Family Performance Center.
Mas Que Nada: The Music of Sergio Mendes
Saturday, February 28
Audiences will experience the vibrant rhythms and passion of Brazilian music as GSO Jazz, joined by award-winning vocalist, Karla Harris, honors the legendary Sergio Mendes at The Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre.
Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra, March & May Concert Series – Showcasing Your Talent
Sunday, March 1 & Sunday, May 17
The Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra will take the stage this March and May at the Dr. Bobbie Bailey & Family Performance Center, showcasing the next generation of exceptional musicians.
Cinema Classics: The Magic of the Movies
Sunday, March 15
A dazzling Pops event at the Strand Theatre will bring Hollywood’s most beloved film scores to life in two performances, celebrating the magic of the silver screen through an unforgettable orchestral sound.
Anniversary Songbook – A Choral Tribute
Sunday, March 22
Enjoy free admission to the GSO Chorus at First Presbyterian Church in Marietta for an uplifting choral celebration showcasing favorite works from the ensemble’s storied past.
Music of Magic and Myth – Orchestral Adventure
Saturday, March 28 (2:00 & 4:00 PM)
Presented in two performances at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre, this program includes a Sensory Friendly Concert with supportive accommodations such as reduced lighting and sound levels and a relaxed environment for individuals with sensory sensitivities, as well as a Family Concert designed for audiences of all ages to enjoy spellbinding orchestral works inspired by enchanted landscapes and legendary tales.
GSO 75: A Musical Celebration – A Milestone Anniversary Event
Saturday, May 23
The season culminates with GSO 75: A Musical Celebration at Atlanta Symphony Hall, a landmark concert honoring 75 years of artistic excellence, community connection, and cultural enrichment, featuring the full orchestra, 200 voice chorus, and side-by-side performance with the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra.
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Republican Rick Jackson, who announced his campaign this week for Georgia governor, has purchased advertising time during the Super Bowl game on Sunday.
The 30-second ad (you can watch it below) references his childhood growing up in public housing and in foster care to becoming a self-made billionaire as the CEO of Jackson Health Care.
A longtime supporter of President Donald Trump, Jackson said in the ad that “like President Trump, I don’t owe anybody anything.”
He pledged in the ad that Georgia would lead in criminal deportations of illegal immigrants if he’s elected and advocates cutting the state income tax rate in half and freezing property taxes.
Jackson’s priorities also include stopping “woke ideology” and ending reverse discrimination and supporting children in foster care.
In announcing his campaign earlier this week (his campaign website can be found here), Jackson said he was putting $50 million of his own money into his campaign account, including an initial $40 million advertising blitz to introduce himself to the public.
The Super Bowl is the most expensive advertising window in American television. While national ad rates for Sunday’s game between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks are estimated to cost an average $8 million for a 30-second spot, local rates are lower.
According to ALM Corp., a marketing agency, Super Bowl rates in markets like Atlanta could cost $300,000 and $600,000 for 30 seconds, and the same time slot typically costs from $50,000 to $300,000 in smaller and mid-tier markets.
The surprise entry by Jackson—who has never sought public office before—crowds an already loaded Republican battle to succeed Gov. Brian Kemp. That field includes Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and Attorney General Chris Carr.
In announcing his campaign Wednesday, Jackson called Raffensperger a “Judas” for not bowing to Trump’s demands to find more votes in the 2020 Georgia presidential election.
Jackson called the Georgia political establishment a “cartel” that he intends to break up.
Although he donated $1 million to Trump’s campaigns, the president has endorsed Jones.
On the Democratic side, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, former State Sen. Jason Esteves, former Republican Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan and former DeKalb County CEO and ex-Georgia Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond are among the candidates vying in the May 19 primary.
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Congressman Barry Loudermilk, whose 11th District in Georgia includes East Cobb, announced Wednesday he won’t be seeking re-election.
U.S. Rep. Barry Loudermilk
He issued a statement on his Congressional website as well as social media accounts saying that “while serving my constituents in Congress ranks among my greatest honors, being a husband, a father, and a grandfather holds even greater importance to me; and at this time, I wish to spend more dedicated time with my family.”
Loudermilk, 62, a Republican serving his sixth term in a conservative district, is a strong ally of President Donald Trump, but the narrow GOP majority in the U.S. House could be in jeopardy in 2026 midterm elections.
He is the 29th incumbent Republican in the House who is leaving Congress, and the fourth sitting member from the Georgia delegation not seeking re-election.
Loudermilk had been serving as chairman of a Republican-led subcommittee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021 invasion of the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters as the Electoral College was meeting to certify the 2020 presidential election.
In 2024, Loudermilk won the general election by 34 percent. Another Republican has previously announced for the 11th District seat, Chris Mora, a local party activist from Pickens County. Several Democrats have announced in what is expected to be a GOP-leaning seat.
The 11th District is one of the most conservative in Georgia and in addition to East Cobb includes western Cherokee County, as well as Bartow, Gordon and Pickens counties.
The Georgia Congressional primaries will be May 19. Candidate qualifying takes place from March 2-6.
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Four Cobb County high school students earned top national honors after representing Cobb 4-H and Georgia 4-H at the 4-H Family and Consumer Science National Championship and Conference in San Antonio, Texas.
Prayushi Padhi (Campbell High School), Aarsheya Gunjal (Sprayberry High School), Naitik Maheshwari (Wheeler High School), and Shubham Badve (Wheeler High School) competed against teams from across the country and returned home with an impressive slate of awards.
As a team, the students earned Champion Team Overall, Champion Team for Placings, Champion Team for Group Think, and Reserve Champion Team for Reasons.
Individually, students were also recognized for outstanding performance:
Prayushi Padhi: Third High Individual for Reasons; Fourth High Overall
Aarsheya Gunjal: Fifth High Individual for Reasons
Naitik Maheshwari: Fourth High Individual for Placings
Shubham Badve: First High Individual Overall; First High Individual for Reasons; Fifth High Individual for Placings; earned perfect scores for both sets of reasons, a rare national achievement
The students’ success reflects years of dedication. Each has participated in the Georgia 4-H Cotton Boll and Consumer Judging Competition since fourth grade. Consumer Judging teaches students how to evaluate products and services based on quality, cost, and value, while building critical thinking, teamwork, and public speaking skills that translate to academic and career success.
Congratulations to Prayushi, Aarsheya, Naitik, and Shubham for representing Cobb County with excellence. Their achievements highlight the impact of long-term commitment, strong mentorship, and supportive learning communities.
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For more than 25 years, the talent show at East Cobb Middle School has been a staple within Cobb Schools, an event hundreds look forward to each year.
This year, the talent show brought out brave 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students who showcased a wide range of talents they had spent weeks and months preparing to perform.
“My favorite part is seeing the joy all the students have,” said longtime East Cobb teacher and event organizer Hope Onyeukwu.
People in attendance saw everything from inspiring piano performances and energetic dance routines to heartfelt singing and even a unique yo-yo performance.
“I feel like I unite with my team when we do it, and it’s all about unity when we dance,” said 8th grader Adrienne.
According to the talented East Cobb students, the event provided more than the fun of showcasing their talent. They also learned more about their fellow classmates through shared interests and made new friends.
“I hope that they get out of this that no matter what you do, you have to have courage. These kids are so inspiring because the amount of courage they have to get up there at such a young age inspires not only the young but the older people as well,” said ELA teacher Andrew Trowers, who helps host the event every year.
Click the button in the middle to view more photos.
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The first meeting of the Senior Citizens Council of Cobb County in 2026 is a decluttering and downsizing seminar.
The event takes place on Friday, Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Wellstar Vinings Health Park, 4441 Atlanta Road, in Smyrna.
Roxie Hernandez, a relocation specialist and Linda Kaplan, a consultant in move management, will lead the seminar.
Together they have over 20 years experience in giving valuable information for seniors on decluttering, downsizing, and rightsizing to fit an individual or family’s current or future needs.
The event is free but persons need to preregister to secure a seat. Seniors can use the QR code on the flyer or register by going to the website www.seniorsofcobb.org where the seminar is listed under the Meetings & Events tab.
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The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office invites community members to participate in the 5th Cobb County Sheriff’s Citizens Academy (CCSCA) — a hands-on, behind-the-scenes opportunity to learn about the structure, operations, and leadership of the Sheriff’s Office.
This seven-week interactive program includes lectures, interdisciplinary workshops led by Sheriff’s Office personnel, tactical equipment displays, and discussions with specialized units. Participants will gain firsthand insight into the daily operations and responsibilities of the men and women who serve Cobb County.
Who: Cobb County Sheriff’s Office What: Cobb County Sheriff’s Citizens Academy (CCSCA) — a seven-week program focused on educating residents about the Sheriff’s Office through immersive learning and direct engagement with Sheriff’s Office leadership. When: Every Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on the following dates:
March 5, 2026
March 12, 2026
March 19, 2026
March 26, 2026
April 2, 2026
April 16, 2026
April 23, 2026
Where: Cobb County Public Safety Training Center, Cobb County Adult Detention Center, and the Sheriff’s Office Headquarters in downtown Marietta
Why: This free academy strengthens community partnerships by empowering residents through transparency, education, and open dialogue. It offers a rare chance to go beyond the badge and engage with key personnel who protect and serve Cobb County.
Enrollment Requirements:
Must be 18 years or older
Possess a valid government identification
Complete an application and submit it to the Community Engagement Unit
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During its regular meeting last week, the Board of Commissioners appointed Alicia Giddens as the new Cobb Water System director. Today, Feb. 2, was her official first day in the role.
Giddens, who has been with the agency for more than 30 years, previously served as the deputy director. She joined in 1995 as an environmental compliance technician. Since then, she has held numerous positions, including laboratory technician, biologist (quality assurance/quality control manager), laboratory superintendent, environmental compliance division manager and water protection division manager.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in biology and minor in chemistry from Kennesaw State University. She is certified as a wastewater laboratory analyst and wastewater operator class III by the Georgia Board of Water and Wastewater. Giddens was also chairperson of the Georgia Water and Wastewater Institute Board of Directors and a member of the Board of Directors of the Georgia Association of Water Professionals. She is also an alumnus of the Cobb County EXCEL Leadership program.
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The Planning Commission recommended the request for approval on its consent agenda.
ORIGINAL POST:
A residential developer who wants to convert 13 largely undeveloped acres near Pope High School for a subdivision is seeking a rezoning request to increase the number of homes to be built.
Red Ridge Properties LLC, of Athens, will go before the Cobb Planning Commission Tuesday seeking rezoning from R-30 to R-20 to build 20 homes, or 1.95 units an acre. The current zoning category allows for 14 homes.
The land at 2760 and 2830 Hembree Road contains a single home, built in 1976, and it surrounded by newer subdivisions. According to an agenda item (you can read it here), Red Ridge Properties is planning to build homes with an average of 2,500 square feet and a traditional or craftsman architecture.
The property is being sold by the Estate of James Lamar Rucker.
The Cobb Zoning Division is recommending approval of the request, which is on the consent agenda, meaning there’s no known opposition to the application. Red Ridge is represented by noted Cobb zoning attorney Kevin Moore.
In its analysis, the staff noted that the adjacent Liberty Ridge subdivision also has a similar density of 1.9 units an acre, and that it conforms with the low-density residential category called for in the Cobb Future Land Use Map.
The subdivision would be zoned in the Cobb County School District to Pope High School, Hightower Trail Middle School and Murdock Elementary School, all of which are under capacity, according to the agenda item.
The agenda item also states that Cobb DOT is recommending a deceleration lane be built as part of the subdivision’s access point because Hembree Road is an minor collector road.
The Cobb Planning Commission meeting begins at 9 a.m. Tuesday in the second floor board room of the county office building at 100 Cherokee Street, Marietta. You can view the full agenda by clicking here.
You also can watch the hearing on the county’s website and YouTube channels and on Cobb TV 23 on Comcast Cable.
The Planning Commission’s recommendations will be considered by the Cobb Board of Commissioners on Feb. 17.
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Diners can choose from an offering of appetizers, including blue crab cakes and calamari fritti, tomato bisque soup and salads. All meals come with generous baskets of fresh bread. There’s also a menu fearing pizza, pasta and meatballs with children in mind.
