Episodes

  • Mableton candidates share plans to tackle homelessness amid rising concerns | Turnout remains steady in Week 2 of early voting | Brazilian steakhouse coming to Cumberland Mall

    Mableton candidates share plans to tackle homelessness amid rising concerns | Turnout remains steady in Week 2 of early voting | Brazilian steakhouse coming to Cumberland Mall
    Oct 24 2025
    ===== MDJ Script/ Top Stories for October 24th Publish Date:  October 24th    Commercial: From the BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Friday, October 24th and Happy Birthday to Kevin Kline I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal Mableton candidates share plans to tackle homelessness amid rising concernsTurnout remains steady in Week 2 of early votingBrazilian steakhouse coming to Cumberland Mall Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on sweet tooths 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 Markets 2 STORY 1: Mableton candidates share plans to tackle homelessness amid rising concerns  Homelessness is a growing issue in Cobb County, and Mableton, as the county’s newest city, isn’t immune. As of February, five homeless encampments were identified in the area. Local resources like Family Life Restoration Center and HOPE Family Resource Center are working to help, but the challenge is complex. In August, a former Wingate Hotel near Six Flags was converted into housing for homeless veterans, despite pushback from Mableton’s City Council. With two contested City Council races on the Nov. 4 ballot, candidates were asked how they’d address homelessness. District 2 Michael McNeely emphasized collaboration: “We need an asset map to identify resources and capacity, especially as the weather changes. I’ll work with elected officials, churches, and nonprofits like Family Life Restoration to create a sustainable plan.” Incumbent Dami Oladapo focused on partnerships and community action: “We can expand resources with groups like HOPE Family Resource Center and Family Life Restoration. But it’s not just about institutions—neighbors coming together to collect blankets or food makes a real impact. Long-term, we need attainable housing and neighborhood revitalization.” District 4 Patricia Auch acknowledged the complexity: “We direct people to nonprofits like MUST Ministries and Sweetwater Mission, but homelessness often involves mental health or substance abuse issues. It’s not just about finding a home—it’s about addressing deeper problems.” Cassandra Brown, meanwhile, stressed connection over criminalization: “We need to link unhoused residents to local nonprofits already doing the work, like Family Life Restoration and HOPE. MUST Ministries is great, but it’s too far—over two hours by bus. We need solutions closer to home.” Homelessness remains a tough, multifaceted issue, but candidates agree: it’ll take compassion, collaboration, and creativity to make progress. STORY 2: Turnout remains steady in Week 2 of early voting  Early voting in Cobb County is off to a slow but steady start, with just under 6% of eligible voters casting ballots so far. Monday and Tuesday saw the second- and third-highest turnout days, with 1,410 and 1,495 voters, respectively. Friday still holds the top spot with 1,728 votes. Some locations, like the Cobb Elections Main Office in Marietta, are seeing spikes—554 voters showed up Tuesday. East Cobb’s Government Service Center also had its busiest days, with 321 voters Monday and 329 Tuesday. Early voting runs through Oct. 31 at seven locations countywide, with hours varying by day. Election Day is Nov. 4. STORY 3: Brazilian steakhouse coming to Cumberland Mall  Fogo de Chão, the beloved Brazilian steakhouse known for its tableside meat service, is heading to Cumberland Mall, taking over part of the old Sears site. This week, the Cobb Board of Commissioners gave the green light for the mall’s site plan update, paving the way for an 8,670-square-foot restaurant between Dick’s Sporting Goods and Cobb Parkway. If you’re unfamiliar, Fogo de Chão is all about churrasco—Brazilian barbecue where meats are roasted over an open flame and carved right at your table. Guests use a green-and-red disc to signal servers: green means “keep it coming,” red means “I’m stuffed.” This will be Georgia’s third Fogo location, joining Buckhead and Dunwoody. 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: Ingles Markets 2 STORY 4: Cobb School Board vice chair ordered to repay $225,000 in lawsuit settlement On Wednesday, a Fulton County judge ordered Cobb School Board Vice Chair John Cristadoro to pay $225,000 to Sagicor Life Insurance Company after allegations of misappropriated funds. According to court documents, Cristadoro’s marketing firm, Alliance Activation, received $250,000 from Sagicor to fund an advertising campaign. Of that, $225,000 was meant for a third-party vendor, Sunburst Entertainment, but the money never ...
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    13 mins
  • Steamrolled: McEachern Sends a Message | Playoff Dreams & Penalty Nightmares | Cobb County’s Rushing King Nears 2,000

    Steamrolled: McEachern Sends a Message | Playoff Dreams & Penalty Nightmares | Cobb County’s Rushing King Nears 2,000
    Oct 23 2025

    One team steamrolled a defense that hadn’t allowed more than 13 points all season—find out who and how. In this episode of Cobb Football Friday, Brian Giffin and John Bednarowski break down Week 11’s biggest wins, playoff implications, and standout performances across Cobb County. From McEachern’s dominance to Mason Hollingsworth’s march toward 2,000 rushing yards, it’s all here. Plus, what’s next for teams on the bubble and those chasing region titles? Tune in for expert insights, local pride, and the drama of high school football at its peak.

    Cobb Football Friday

    Chapters

    00:00 Cobb Football Friday Kickoff
    03:02 Week 11 Highlights and Key Matchups
    05:48 Playoff Implications and Team Performances
    08:59 Upcoming Games and Predictions
    11:57 Season Reflections and Player Spotlights
    14:37 Final Thoughts and Community Engagement

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    22 mins
  • State approves Wellstar's application for 230-bed hospital in Acworth

    State approves Wellstar's application for 230-bed hospital in Acworth
    Oct 22 2025
    1 / 4 MDJ Script/ Top Stories for October 22nd Publish Date: October 22nd Commercial: From the BG Ad Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. Today is Wednesday, October 22nd and Happy Birthday to Christopher Llyod I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal 1. State approves Wellstar's application for 230-bed hospital in Acworth 2. Judge denies request to seal settlement involving Cobb school board vice chair 3. Sixth suspect charged in hotel shooting that killed baby 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 1 STORY 1: State approves Wellstar's application for 230-bed hospital in Acworth Well, it’s official—Wellstar’s getting the green light to build a massive new hospital on Cobb Parkway. The Georgia Department of Community Health gave the thumbs-up to their $1 billion plan for a 230-bed facility in Acworth. Big news, right? Apparently, Wellstar pitched this back in May, saying the area’s bursting at the seams with demand for hospital beds. And yeah, some rival health systems tried to block it—because of course they did—but Wellstar’s exec Matthew O’Connor wasn’t having it. He basically said, “Look, we’re the only ones who can handle this.” The hospital? Eight stories, 675,000 square feet, emergency bays, operating rooms—the works. It’s supposed to ease the load on their Marietta location, which is practically bursting at 98.5% capacity. Plus, it’ll bring 1,500 jobs to the area. STORY 2: Judge denies request to seal settlement involving Cobb school board vice chair So, here’s the deal: a Fulton County judge just said “nope” to sealing the settlement terms in a lawsuit involving Cobb school board VP John Cristadoro. Privacy concerns? Not enough to outweigh the public’s right to know, according to Judge Wesley Tailor. He didn’t mince words—“no reason” to keep it under wraps. The backstory? Cristadoro and his marketing firm were accused of pocketing $250K meant for advertising at sports games. He denied it, of course, but the case dragged on for over a year before both sides finally settled. They wanted the terms sealed. Parents like Heather Tolley-Bauer? Not having it. “Transparency matters,” she said. STORY 3: Sixth suspect charged in hotel shooting that killed baby 2 / 4 A sixth person’s been charged in that awful Cumberland hotel shooting—the one that killed a 9-month-old baby. Nateemah Ware, 32, from Marietta, is accused of hiding two suspects, Jayvian Young and Anthony Smith, in her apartment near the Chattahoochee River. Police say she knew what went down and still helped them. She was arrested on Oct. 6 but got out the same day on an $8,470 bond. The shooting happened Sept. 23 at the Budgetel Inn. A baby girl—just 9 months old—was hit by gunfire. Her mom was there. Can you even imagine? She didn’t make it. 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: COBB FALL FESTIVAL STORY 4: Cobb begins second week of early voting So, here’s the scoop: early voting’s kicked off in Cobb County, and so far, just over 6,000 people have cast their ballots. That’s, what, about 3.86% of eligible voters? Not exactly a stampede, but hey, it’s early. Marietta’s leading the charge with more than 2,300 voters showing up at the main office on Roswell Street. Other spots? East Cobb had 1,071, Mableton 950, and so on—Austell brought up the rear with 271. People are trickling in steadily, no lines, no drama. Hamilton Shelfer, a Tampa transplant, said he’s all about staying informed—property taxes are on his radar. Meanwhile, Kassie Jones called voting her “civic duty,” and Guy Williams? He’s just here for the low-stress vibes of early voting. Oh, and if you’re wondering, polls are open through Oct. 31 at seven locations. Bring your ID, check your voter page, and don’t wait till the last minute. STORY 5: Two Hillgrove High School students selected for State Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council Big news for Hillgrove High sophomores Adrianne Marriott and Jillian Taylor—they’ve snagged spots on State Superintendent Richard Woods’ 2025-2026 Student Advisory Council. Out of 1,200+ applicants, only 79 made the cut, and these two are in. Pretty impressive, right? Their job? Sit down with Woods throughout the year, talk about what’s actually happening in classrooms, and give him the real-deal student perspective. They’ll also tackle service projects and act as school ambassadors. Woods said he’s pumped to hear from students directly—“the ones living it every day.” First meeting’s in November in Atlanta. Exciting stuff ahead! Break: 3 / 4 STORY 6: Sheriff’s Office introduces ...
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    9 mins
  • Cobb County Sheriff's Office welcomes newest GED graduates | ACT scores increase in Cobb, dip in Marietta | KSU student arrested after protesting Charlie Kirk memorial

    Cobb County Sheriff's Office welcomes newest GED graduates | ACT scores increase in Cobb, dip in Marietta | KSU student arrested after protesting Charlie Kirk memorial
    Oct 17 2025
    ===== MDJ Script/ Top Stories for October 17th Publish Date:  October 17th    Commercial: From the BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Friday, October 17th and Happy Birthday to Alan Jackson I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal Cobb County Sheriff's Office welcomes newest GED graduatesACT scores increase in Cobb, dip in MariettaKSU student arrested after protesting Charlie Kirk memorial Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on grass fed beef 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 Markets 10 STORY 1: Cobb County Sheriff's Office welcomes newest GED graduates The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office hosted its third GED graduation of the year on Oct. 8, right inside the Adult Detention Center. Seven detainees walked away with diplomas in hand—proof that change is possible, even behind bars. Since the program launched in March 2024, over 30 detainees have earned their GEDs. The ceremony was heartfelt, with speeches from Chief Deputy Rhonda Anderson, Col. Michael Williams, and Dr. Kim Kranzlin of Cobb Adult Education. The program isn’t easy—four subjects, a minimum score of 145, and 40+ hours of study. But for these seven, it’s a step toward something better. STORY 2: ACT scores increase in Cobb, dip in Marietta  ACT scores are in, and Cobb County is celebrating its highest average in four years, while Marietta High saw a slight dip. Cobb’s average jumped to 23.7 (up 0.9 points), while Marietta landed at 22.2 (down 0.5). Both still outpaced state (21.4) and national (19.4) averages. Wheeler High led Cobb with a stellar 28.5 average, even climbing 2.5 points from last year. Meanwhile, Marietta students continued to outperform state and national peers in every subject, despite the slight drop. “Success takes time,” said Marietta Superintendent Grant Rivera. “Hard work and curiosity drive our students forward.” Georgia students, for the ninth year, beat the national average. STORY 3: KSU student arrested after protesting Charlie Kirk memorial  A protest at Kennesaw State University’s memorial for conservative activist Charlie Kirk ended in chaos Tuesday night, with one student, Luca Compiani, 18, arrested on charges of battery and obstruction. According to police, Compiani “intentionally” bumped into KSU Police Capt. Timothy Murphy in a “provoking manner” and fled when confronted. Protesters, however, claim the situation was escalated unnecessarily, calling the arrest “a gross abuse of authority.” The memorial, hosted by Young Americans for Liberty, drew both supporters and protesters. Some shouted chants, others threw ketchup at a flag. Despite the tension, organizers said the event achieved its goal: promoting free speech—even amid dissent. 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: Ingles Markets 10 STORY 4: 1,100+ voters cast ballots on Day 1 of early voting  Nearly 1,200 Cobb County voters turned out Monday for the first day of early voting, with Marietta leading the charge. Of the 1,193 ballots cast, 481 came from the Cobb Elections Main Office, while Mableton saw 221 voters at the South Cobb Community Center. Michael D’Itri, acting director of Cobb Elections, said turnout usually starts strong, dips mid-period, then surges in the final days. For Marietta voter Chris Danos, 28, the mayoral race is top of mind. “We need better transportation options,” he said. Meanwhile, Dan and Vicki Rupnow, who moved from Atlanta, love Marietta’s walkability and lighter traffic. “It’s perfect for us,” they said. STORY 5: OUT AND ABOUT: 5 things to do this weekend in Cobb County — Oct. 17 - 19 Marietta HarvestFest Marietta Square is the place to be this Saturday for HarvestFest—think scarecrows, costumes, games, and all the fall vibes. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., you can wander Glover Park, shop the craft show, or dive into a pie-eating contest (messy, but worth it). Oh, and don’t miss the Big Chicken Cornerback’s Coop—a college football watch party. Bring a lawn chair and settle in. Smyrna Spooky Festival Market Village gets spooky Saturday night, 6–9 p.m., with trick-or-treating, a live DJ spinning Halloween jams, and a free outdoor showing of Hotel Transylvania. Costumes? Highly encouraged. Witches & Friends Paddle At Cauble Park in Acworth, Halloween hits the water! Decorate your kayak, canoe, or paddleboard and join the fun Saturday at 9 a.m. Registration’s $45, and spectators watch for free. Powder Springs Trunk-or-Treat Thurman Springs Park transforms into a candy wonderland Saturday at 10 a.m. Trick-or-treat, ...
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    11 mins
  • Comebacks, Shutouts & Showdowns: Cobb Football Heats Up | From 18 Down to Victory: Marietta’s Wild Ride | Defense Rules the Turf: Hillgrove’s Iron Wall

    Comebacks, Shutouts & Showdowns: Cobb Football Heats Up | From 18 Down to Victory: Marietta’s Wild Ride | Defense Rules the Turf: Hillgrove’s Iron Wall
    Oct 16 2025

    An 18-point comeback, a defensive fortress, and playoff dreams on the line. Week 10 of Cobb Football Friday dives into the most thrilling moments from across the county, including Marietta’s stunning rally, Hillgrove’s relentless defense, and McEachern’s quarterback duo lighting up the scoreboard. Hosts Brian Giffin and John Bednarowski break down key matchups, playoff implications, and the stories behind the stats. From underdog victories to historic rivalries, this episode captures the pulse of high school football in Cobb County.

    Cobb Football Friday

    Chapters

    00:00 Week 10 Highlights and Key Games
    07:15 Defensive Dominance in Cobb County Football
    15:20 Playoff Implications and Upcoming Matchups

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    19 mins
  • Commissioners to appoint Ferrell police chief Oct 28

    Commissioners to appoint Ferrell police chief Oct 28
    Oct 15 2025
    MDJ Script/ Top Stories for October 15th Publish Date:  October 15th Commercial: From the BG Ad Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Wednesday, October 15th and Happy Birthday to Mario Puzzo I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal Commissioners to appoint Ferrell police chief Oct 28Popular cotton candy food truck opens first location in downtown AcworthCobb Elections Board seeks pay raise, citing increased workload 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 9 STORY 1: Commissioners to appoint Ferrell police chief Oct 28  The Cobb Board of Commissioners is set to make interim Police Chief James Ferrell’s role permanent on Oct. 28, with a vote followed by his swearing-in. Afterward, Ferrell will meet with community members, the county announced Monday. Ferrell, who stepped in as interim chief after Stuart VanHoozer’s April retirement, has been recommended by County Manager Jackie McMorris. While Chair Lisa Cupid initially considered Erika Shields, former Atlanta and Louisville police chief, as a candidate, the focus has shifted to Ferrell. Support for Ferrell is strong, with Commissioner Keli Gambrill and the Georgia Fraternal Order of Police backing his appointment. STORY 2: Popular cotton candy food truck opens first location in downtown Acworth After years of spinning sugar on the go, Gimme That Sugar has finally found a home. Lynn and Phil Lafferty, the couple behind the beloved cotton candy business, just opened their first storefront in Acworth on South Main Street. What started as a pandemic project—a tiny cart, a dream, and a lot of trial and error—has grown into a local favorite. “We had no idea people would love fresh cotton candy this much,” Lynn said. The shop serves their signature spun-to-order cotton candy (on glow sticks, if you’re feeling fancy), plus shaved ice, milkshakes, and more. “It’s surreal,” Lynn added. “A childhood dream come true.” STORY 3: Cobb Elections Board seeks pay raise, citing increased workload   The Cobb County Board of Elections is asking for a big pay bump—over 200%—citing the growing workload and expectations placed on its members. Right now, the board chair gets $200 a month, and members get $150. That’s it. Those rates haven’t changed since the early ’90s, back when meetings were short and infrequent. Now? They’re meeting two or three times a month, often for hours, plus prep work, state meetings, and more. The board wants $600 monthly for the chair and $500 for members. Some commissioners agree a raise is overdue but think the jump might be too steep. 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: COBB FALL FESTIVAL STORY 4: Sheriff’s office donates sneakers to middle schoolers  The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office teamed up with No Bull Apparel on Oct. 8 to deliver nearly 100 pairs of sneakers to students at three Cobb middle schools—Garrett, Lindley, and Pearson. Chief Deputy Rhonda Anderson and other CCSO leaders personally handed over the shoes, a gesture aimed at supporting kids who need it most. “It’s about more than sneakers,” one official said. “It’s about showing these students we care.” The sheriff’s office thanked No Bull Apparel for stepping up and investing in Cobb’s youth, calling the partnership a meaningful way to build community and promote wellness. STORY 5: Marjorie Taylor Greene sounds alarm over expiring health care subsidies as shutdown continues As the government shutdown drags on, Georgia’s congressional delegation is locked in a messy blame game. Then there’s Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene—doing her own thing. She’s breaking with her party, slamming both sides over skyrocketing health care costs. “I’m carving my own lane,” she posted online, saying premium hikes will hit her kids and her Northwest Georgia constituents hard. Meanwhile, Democrats and Republicans are at each other’s throats. Democrats blame GOP leadership for the shutdown, while Republicans insist it’s not about health care—it’s about funding the government. And the health care crisis? Still looming, unresolved, and deeply personal for Georgians. Break: STORY 6: Square Threads owner Boozer McClure leads fundraising in Ward 3 bid    Local business owner Boozer McClure has taken the lead in fundraising for the three-way race to replace retiring Ward 3 Councilman Johnny Walker. McClure, who owns Square Threads on Marietta Square, has raised $30,000, outpacing city planner Daniel Gaddis ($26,000) and retired educator Nora Gaudet ($12,500, including loans). ...
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    8 mins
  • The Georgia Ballet presents Dracula

    The Georgia Ballet presents Dracula
    Oct 10 2025
    ===== MDJ Script/ Top Stories for October 10th Publish Date:  October 10th    Commercial: From the BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Friday, October 10th and Happy Birthday to Van Halen I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal The Georgia Ballet presents DraculaKent leads fundraising in Marietta Council raceTwo students arrested for bringing weapons, drugs onto South Cobb High campus Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on budgeting 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 Markets 6 STORY 1: The Georgia Ballet presents Dracula The Georgia Ballet is kicking off its 65th season with something deliciously dark—Dracula. Running Oct. 23–26, 2025, at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre in Marietta, this marks the company’s first-ever production of the gothic classic. Choreographed by Norbe Risco (of Kentucky Ballet Theatre fame), the ballet dives into Bram Stoker’s eerie world of moonlit castles, restless spirits, and, of course, the seductive Count himself. Jonathan Harker’s business trip? Yeah, it spirals into a nightmare of terror and temptation. Under Artistic Director Daet Rodriguez, The Georgia Ballet continues to push boundaries, blending tradition with bold, new works. Heads up: this one’s not for the little ones—recommended for ages 12+ due to its mature themes. Oh, and here’s a fun touch: Hamp & Harry’s will be serving up themed cocktails in the lobby. Performances are limited, so grab your tickets soon at georgiaballet.org or call 770-528-0881. STORY 2: Kent leads fundraising in Marietta Council race Councilman Carlyle Kent is leading the money game in the Ward 5 race for Marietta City Council, outpacing both former Councilman Reggie “Game Changer” Copeland and retiree Kenneth Wright. As of the latest fundraising deadline, Kent’s pulled in over $7,880—far more than his opponents, who’ve both pledged to keep their campaigns under $2,500. Kent’s spent about $3,800 so far, leaving him with $4,082 in the bank. His expenses? Campaign staples like shirts, yard signs, postcards, and even a $955 video camera. Notable backers include former Gov. Roy Barnes ($1,500), ex-Councilman Johnny Sinclair ($250), and a mix of local business owners, church leaders, and community figures. Kent even chipped in $400 himself. The final fundraising deadline is Oct. 25—just ahead of the Nov. 4 election. STORY 3: Two students arrested for bringing weapons, drugs onto South Cobb High campus  Cobb Police arrested two students after finding weapons and drugs in a car parked at South Cobb High School last Friday. Inside the vehicle? A loaded gun with 14 rounds, two knives, a THC vape, and less than an ounce of marijuana. Jentry Henson, of Austell, and Kensley Merriweather, of Powder Springs, now face multiple charges, including felony drug possession and carrying weapons in a school safety zone. Merriweather was also charged with an additional felony for allegedly having a THC vape on her. Both teens, born in 2008, were released on bond—$16,720 for Henson and $27,720 for Merriweather. The school district emphasized there was no threat to the community and encouraged parents and students to use the district’s anonymous tip line to report concerns. 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: TRUCK A PALOOZA STORY 4: Artists to chalk the streets at Marietta’s Chalktoberfest Chalktoberfest is back this weekend, ready to transform Marietta Square into a kaleidoscope of color—and draw a crowd of 40,000 to 60,000 art lovers. Hosted by the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art, this two-day festival combines jaw-dropping chalk art with craft beer, live performances, and a whole lot of community spirit. It all kicks off Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and continues Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission? Totally free. What started in 2013 with 20 artists has exploded into a global event, featuring 100 artists from places like Italy, Mexico, and Ukraine. Each artist is sponsored by local businesses—so many, in fact, that organizers had to turn some away this year. And the impact? Huge. Executive Director Sally Macaulay says the festival brings $5.2 million to the city and national recognition to the museum. Sunday’s community chalk competition lets kids (ages 9–17) join the fun, while Saturday’s beer festival offers 120+ brews. Tickets for the beer fest are $55 at the door or $50 online in advance. New this year? Aerial performers will dazzle the crowd with acrobatic routines. Street closures start Friday afternoon, so plan ahead. And the weather? Perfect—sunny and...
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    12 mins
  • Week 9 Mayhem: Shutouts, Surprises, and Playoff Shifts | Blue Devils Rise, Hillgrove Locks Down, GHSA Shakes Up | Friday Night Fireworks: Cobb’s Wildest Week Yet

    Week 9 Mayhem: Shutouts, Surprises, and Playoff Shifts | Blue Devils Rise, Hillgrove Locks Down, GHSA Shakes Up | Friday Night Fireworks: Cobb’s Wildest Week Yet
    Oct 9 2025

    Three shutouts, two overtime thrillers, and a playoff shakeup—Week 9 of Cobb Football Friday delivers it all. Hosts Brian Giffin and John Bednarowski break down Marietta’s dramatic win over Walton, Hillgrove’s defensive dominance, and McEachern’s second-half surge. Plus, they unpack GHSA’s new playoff seeding formula and preview the biggest matchups ahead. If you love high school football with heart, grit, and game-changing moments, this episode is a must-listen.

    Cobb Football Friday

    Chapters

    00:00 Cobb Football Friday Kickoff
    02:42 Highlighting Key Games and Performances
    06:01 GHSA Playoff Seeding Changes
    08:48 Upcoming Matchups and Predictions
    12:05 Analyzing Team Strategies and Player Performances
    14:54 Final Thoughts and Week 10 Preview

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    24 mins