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Marietta Daily Journal Podcast

Marietta Daily Journal Podcast

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Get the news for Marietta, Kennesaw, Smyrna, and all of Cobb County with the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.

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2025 MDJ News Politics & Government
Episodes
  • South Cobb mayors speak on accomplishments, future | Jaha Howard wins runoff for Georgia Senate District 35 | Cobb County staff trade desk work for Christmas carols

    South Cobb mayors speak on accomplishments, future | Jaha Howard wins runoff for Georgia Senate District 35 | Cobb County staff trade desk work for Christmas carols
    Dec 19 2025
    ===== MDJ Script/ Top Stories for December 19th Publish Date:  December 19th    Commercial: From the BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Friday, December 19th and Happy Birthday to Al Kaline I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal South Cobb mayors speak on accomplishments, futureJaha Howard wins runoff for Georgia Senate District 35Cobb County staff trade desk work for Christmas carols Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on saturated fats As well as Shane Delancey the Director of the Christmas Tradition at the Strand Theatre All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!  Now here is Shane Delancey the Director of the Christmas Tradition at the Strand Theatre BREAK: THE STRAND STORY 1: South Cobb mayors speak on accomplishments, future  Three mayors, three cities, and a lot to reflect on. Austell Mayor Ollie Clemons, Mableton Mayor Michael Owens, and Powder Springs Mayor Al Thurman gathered at the Riverside EpiCenter to talk about 2025 wins and what’s next for 2026 during the State of South Cobb event. Clemons? He’s proud of Austell’s bold move to raise the millage rate for the first time in decades. “It’s about reinvesting in our community,” he said, pointing to plans for downtown revitalization and hiring a city manager—finally. Owens celebrated Mableton’s new departments and leadership team, calling 2025 a year of “building the foundation.” Next year? It’s all about community engagement and growth. Thurman highlighted Powder Springs’ shiny new city hall and parking garage, plus job-creating developments. His focus for 2026? Sustainable growth and leaving a legacy of leadership. STORY 2: Jaha Howard wins runoff for Georgia Senate District 35 Jaha Howard pulled off a narrow win Tuesday night, defeating fellow Democrat Roger Bruce in the runoff for state Senate District 35. Unofficial results show Howard, a dentist and former Cobb school board member, edging out Bruce with 51.9% of the vote to Bruce’s 48.1%. The seat, which covers parts of Cobb and Fulton counties, was left open when Jason Esteves stepped down to run for governor. Howard credited his win to personal outreach—hundreds of phone calls, he said, to build trust. “People want to feel heard,” he said. Bruce’s campaign struggled with name recognition, especially in Cobb. STORY 3: Cobb County staff trade desk work for Christmas carols  Glover Park got a dose of holiday magic Tuesday, thanks to Cobb County’s newest choir, “Cobb County Sonic Sound” (or, as they like to call themselves, “CoCo SoSo”). Led by Dr. Jatunn Gibson, head of the county’s Public Services Agency, the group—decked out in festive sweaters and holiday flair—belted out classics like “Joy to the World” and “White Christmas.” Oh, and they’ve got their own band too, all county employees. Between songs, they performed skits about elves saving Christmas. “It’s all about fun and camaraderie,” said Grace Williams, a choir member. “We’re connecting beyond work—and it’s a blast.” We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.  We’ll be right back. Break: Villa Rica Wonderland Train STORY 4: Jason Gaines named Mableton Citizen of the Year  Jason Gaines didn’t see it coming. This week, he was named the 2025 Mableton Citizen of the Year at the South Cobb Area Council meeting, and the surprise left him, well, a little speechless. “It just warms my heart,” Gaines said. “To know the work I’ve done is appreciated like this—it’s humbling.” Gaines, who’s the director of planning at Croy Engineering and chairs the Mableton Development Authority Board, was honored by Mayor Michael Owens. “Jason’s been a force,” Owens said. “His expertise and passion have shaped this community at such a critical time.” The guy’s résumé? Stacked. Leadership programs, board memberships—he’s everywhere. STORY 5: Anderson steps down as Walker football coach TJ Anderson pulled off something close to miraculous in 2025. With just 23 players—yes, 23—he guided Walker through a grueling 10-game season. The Wolverines finished 2-8, but they still earned a spot in the Class A-AAA Private state playoffs. Unfortunately, injuries piled up, and the team had to decline the bid. “We had to make the best decision for our kids,” Anderson said, reflecting on the tough call. But that season? It was his last. Anderson announced on X that he’s stepping down as Walker’s head coach after three years. “It’s been a journey,” he wrote, thanking the community and ...
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    22 mins
  • ‘History Rocks!’: Sonny Perdue celebrates America’s 250th at Allatoona High | Sheriff’s annual Santa On Wheels donates thousands of toys | 100+ wreaths placed at veteran tombstones at Kennesaw cemetery

    ‘History Rocks!’: Sonny Perdue celebrates America’s 250th at Allatoona High | Sheriff’s annual Santa On Wheels donates thousands of toys | 100+ wreaths placed at veteran tombstones at Kennesaw cemetery
    Dec 17 2025
    MDJ Script/ Top Stories for December 17th Publish Date:  December 17th Commercial: From the BG Ad Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Wednesday, December 17th and Happy Birthday to Eugene Levy I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal ‘History Rocks!’: Sonny Perdue celebrates America’s 250th at Allatoona HighSheriff’s annual Santa On Wheels donates thousands of toys100+ wreaths placed at veteran tombstones at Kennesaw cemetery Plus, Shane Delancey the Director of the Christmas Tradition at the Strand Theatre All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!  BREAK: INGLES 7 STORY 1: ‘History Rocks!’: Sonny Perdue celebrates America’s 250th at Allatoona High Allatoona High kicked off the buzz for America’s 250th birthday this week with a visit from the U.S. Department of Education’s “History Rocks! Trail to Independence” tour. And yes, former Gov. Sonny Perdue was there, rallying students to think big about the next 250 years. “America doesn’t stay great by accident,” Perdue told the crowd. “It takes work—your work. Education is what keeps democracy alive.” The event wasn’t just speeches. Students played history-themed games like “E Pluribus Unum” and a patriotic spin on “Family Feud.” Cobb Superintendent Chris Ragsdale called it “tremendous,” reminiscing about celebrating the bicentennial as a kid in 1976. Full circle, indeed. STORY 2: Sheriff’s annual Santa On Wheels donates thousands of toys Cobb Sheriff Craig Owens and his team brought some serious holiday magic to Mableton schools on Saturday with their fourth annual Santa On Wheels toy drive. Over 1,600 toys were handed out at Lindley and Floyd middle schools, turning the day into a Christmas wonderland for families in need. “Seeing those kids’ smiles—it’s everything,” Owens said. “Times are tough, but this? This is why we do it.” Owens, dressed as Santa (with Mrs. Claus by his side), posed for photos and handed out gifts, while Christmas music played and kids lined up for presents—and even a chance to win a bike. STORY 3: 100+ wreaths placed at veteran tombstones at Kennesaw cemetery   On a chilly Saturday afternoon, Kennesaw City Cemetery became a quiet, reverent place of remembrance. Volunteers—city officials, Scouts, families—gathered to lay wreaths on the graves of 139 veterans as part of the Wreaths Across America campaign. Each headstone, marked with an American flag, received a wreath. Volunteers paused, saluted, and reflected. “This is Christmas,” said Mayor Derek Easterling, a Navy veteran. “We honor them because they gave everything for our freedom.” For 8-year-old Scout Archer Linscott, it was about tradition. “We’ll be back,” his dad said. “It’s about remembering the past as we move forward.” We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.  We’ll be right back. Break: Villa Rica Wonderland Train STORY 4: Second suspect in Kell High School vandalism case charged, released from custody The second suspect in the Thanksgiving break vandalism at Kell High School has been charged, according to jail records. Hunter Bridges, 18, of Marietta, was arrested last Thursday and released on a $16,720 bond. He and Micah Zefo, 22, of Acworth, allegedly broke into the school on Nov. 24, causing over $12,000 in damage. Police say the pair climbed onto the roof, entered through a hatch, and spent hours inside. They reportedly drove floor scrubbers across the gym’s newly refinished hardwood, leaving deep scratches, and even tampered with school buses. Both face multiple felonies. The district called the behavior “unacceptable.” STORY 5: Cobb 911 earns triple accreditation as center of excellence  Cobb County’s Emergency Communications team just hit a major milestone: triple accreditation from the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED). That’s right—Tri-ACE status. Only 27 agencies in the world have it, and Cobb’s the first county agency in Georgia to pull it off. This recognition means Cobb’s 911 center excels in fire, police, and medical dispatch. It wasn’t easy—earning this required meeting 20 tough accreditation standards and passing expert reviews. “This is the gold standard,” said E911 Director Melissa Alterio. “It’s proof of the incredible work our team does every single day.” Break: STORY 6: Cobb Collaborative, Cobb Community Foundation honor community leaders    The Cobb Collaborative and Cobb Community Foundation came together for the 32nd annual Human Services Awards Luncheon, a ...
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    19 mins
  • Pedestrian safety improvements coming to south Cobb | Gateway Marietta CID seeks public input on 12 projects | The Georgia Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker

    Pedestrian safety improvements coming to south Cobb | Gateway Marietta CID seeks public input on 12 projects | The Georgia Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker
    Dec 12 2025
    ===== MDJ Script/ Top Stories for December 12th Publish Date:  December 12th    Commercial: From the BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Friday, December 12th and Happy Birthday to Frank Sinatra I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal Pedestrian safety improvements coming to south CobbGateway Marietta CID seeks public input on 12 projectsThe Georgia Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on milk As well as Shane Delancey the Director of the Christmas Tradition at the Strand Theatre All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!  Now here is Shane Delancey the Director of the Christmas Tradition at the Strand Theatre BREAK: THE STRAND STORY 1: Pedestrian safety improvements coming to south Cobb  Cobb County’s making moves to keep pedestrians safer in south Cobb, tackling two big projects: a pedestrian bridge near Factory Shoals Road and new bollards at Mableton Town Square Park. Let’s start with Factory Shoals. That bridge over I-20? Built in 1963, and, well, it shows. No sidewalks, no bike lanes—just a narrow shoulder that’s barely walkable. Commissioner Monique Sheffield said it’s been a problem for years, especially for folks working at nearby businesses. Now, the county’s greenlit a plan for a new pedestrian bridge alongside the old one, connecting sidewalks on both sides. And Mableton Park? Bollards are coming to stop cars from driving onto the grounds—because, yes, that’s been happening. STORY 2: Gateway Marietta CID seeks public input on 12 projects  The Gateway Marietta CID wants your thoughts—yes, yours—on 12 infrastructure projects they’re planning. These aren’t just random ideas; they’re focused on Franklin Gateway, South Marietta Parkway, and Delk Road. What’s on the table? Everything from streetscapes and trails to bridge replacements and new road connections. Some projects, like the Rottenwood Creek Trail extension ($20 million!) and Franklin Gateway bridge rebuild, are already in motion. Others, like adding Gateway signage or narrowing roads for multiuse trails, are still in the “what do you think?” phase. Your input will help shape what gets prioritized. Got opinions? Take the survey before the master plan wraps next year. Visit engage.publiccoordinate.com/en/project/gateway-marietta-cid-project-prioritization. STORY 3: The Georgia Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker  The Georgia Ballet’s The Nutcracker is back, running Dec. 18–23 at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre, and it’s bringing all the holiday magic you’d expect—plus a little extra sparkle this year. Here’s the twist: they’ve teamed up with Hamp & Harry’s, a Marietta Square favorite, to add some festive flair. Think Nutcracker-themed cocktails (yes, there’s wine and beer too) in the lobby before the show and during intermission. The ballet itself? Pure enchantment. Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, Clara’s midnight adventure, snowflakes, sweets, and Daet Rodriguez’s choreography. There’s even a Sensory-Friendly performance on Dec. 18—perfect for kids or anyone needing a gentler experience. Tickets start at $23. Don’t wait. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.  We’ll be right back. Break: Villa Rica Wonderland Train STORY 4: North Cobb Christian student wins statewide essay contest  North Cobb Christian seventh-grader Samille Shy just snagged first place in Georgia for her essay, “What Is Patriotism to Me?”—a big win in the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen contest, which had over 120,000 entries nationwide. Samille’s take on patriotism? It’s about giving back. She wrote about volunteering at a food pantry, helping out at The Humane Society, singing with her school chorus on Veterans Day, and being part of the Sea Cadet Corps. The Georgia VFW loved it, awarding her top honors. Next stop? The regional competition. Not bad for a middle schooler, huh? STORY 5: McEachern rolls into state championship game  Every time McEachern scores, the announcer calls out the updated score. And when the opponent has zero? Oh, the crowd lives for it. They stretch it out—“zerooooooo”—like it’s a victory chant. They’ve had plenty of practice. Over the last two seasons, McEachern’s flag football team has gone 51-2, allowing just 2.9 points per game with 35 shutouts. Monday was no different. The Indians blanked Lithia Springs 19-0, then crushed North Forsyth 33-0 to punch their ticket to the state championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Now, McEachern heads to the championship, chasing back-to-back titles. GEORGIA TECH: No. 22 Georgia Tech is heading ...
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    21 mins
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