Marietta Daily Journal Podcast

  1 / 4 MDJ Script/ Top Stories for December 31st Publish Date: December 31st   Commercial: From the BG Ad Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.     Today is Wednesday, December 31st and Happy Birthday to Donna Summer   I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal 1. ‘Bittersweet’ goodbye: Marietta school board says farewell to three colleagues 2. New Cobb Young Republicans Chair looks to affordability, voter engagement 3. Cumberland CID details big projects, future plans 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: ‘Bittersweet’ goodbye: Marietta school board says farewell to three colleagues  The final meeting of the year for the Marietta Board of Education was a bittersweet one, full of hugs, tears, and heartfelt goodbyes as three longtime members—A.B. Almy, Kerry Minervini, and Jason Waters—stepped down. During the meeting, emotions ran high. Vice Chair Jaillene Hunter praised Almy for her relentless push for academic excellence. Angela Orange called Minervini “a woman who gives a million percent,” while Irene Berens, tearing up, described Waters as “an exceptional man and a dear friend.” Waters, who’s moving on to the Marietta City Council, called the moment “surreal.” Minervini, meanwhile, joked about finding a new hobby, and Almy expressed gratitude for her time on the board. The night ended with a video tribute, glass plaques, and a reminder of the board’s legacy: being named Georgia’s 2025 School Board of the Year.   STORY 2: New Cobb Young Republicans Chair looks to affordability, voter engagement At just 25, Andre Stafford is stepping up as the new chairman of the Cobb Young Republicans, ready to shake things up. “I’m all in,” he says, a mantra that’s driven him since he first got involved in politics after the 2024 assassination attempt on Donald Trump—a moment that, for him, changed everything. Stafford, a restaurant manager by day, wants to grow the group, boost voter turnout, and focus on issues like affordability. “The American Dream feels like a fairy tale to my generation,” he says. “We need more homeowners, less paycheck-to-paycheck living.” His goal? Turn Cobb red—and keep it that way. STORY 3: Cumberland CID details big projects, future plans 2 / 4 Big things are happening in Cumberland, and Kim Menefee, the CID’s executive director, couldn’t be prouder. “2025 was our best year yet,” she told lawmakers at a recent meeting. One highlight? The first phase of the New Day Palisades project at Paces Mill Park. With $6.3 million in upgrades—like better parking, trail access, and erosion control—it’s already drawing millions of visitors. Phase 2 kicks off in 2026, with a $9.5 million price tag and plans for a visitor center and river overlooks. Oh, and driverless shuttles? Coming in 2027. Free rides connecting The Battery, Truist Park, and more. Cumberland’s future? Bold. 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 1   STORY 4: Cobb Superior Court Clerk asks judge to dismiss charges against her Lawyers for Cobb Superior Court Clerk Connie Taylor are fighting to get her case dismissed before it even reaches trial. Meanwhile, prosecutors are busy filing motions over what evidence can and can’t be shown in court. Taylor, elected in 2020, faces four felony charges tied to allegations she mishandled passport fee records—pocketing over $425,000 in fees during her first two years in office. Things escalated when a whistleblower claimed Taylor ordered records destroyed, reportedly saying, “We’re just going to Donald Trump this thing.” Taylor denies wrongdoing, but if convicted, she’ll lose her job permanently. A hearing is set for Feb. 5. STORY 5: Marietta residents call for increased safety measures after crash on train tracks  Residents are sounding the alarm after a truck barreled off the road and crashed near the train tracks at Kennesaw Avenue and Church Street last week. Melissa Korczyk, out for a walk with her toddler and dog, heard the screech of tires just before 10 a.m. “I look up, and this car is flying down Kennesaw Avenue,” she said. “It hit the tracks, went airborne, and slammed into the pedestrian signal.” The driver, who also hit a light post and tree, escaped with minor injuries and was charged with reckless driving. “It’s scary,” Korczyk said. “That intersection feels like an accident waiting to happen.” Break:   3 / 4 STORY 6: Marietta celebrates legacy of service as three council members retire    The Marietta Fire Museum was full of laughter, hugs, and a few teary eyes last week as friends, family, and city staff gathered to honor retiring council members Andy Morris, Grif Chalfant, and Johnny Walker. “You’ve left a footprint on this city that just keeps getting better,” said Mayor Steve “Thunder” Tumlin, summing up the mood of the night. Chalfant, who’s been on the council since 2005, joked about finally tackling 20 years of neglected home projects—and maybe fixing up his Triumph TR3. Morris, a lifelong Marietta resident, said he’s ready to relax with his new dog, Harry. “I might even pick up golf again,” he added. Walker, proud of his work on school traffic safety, plans to focus on real estate, photography, and more time at home. Each was presented with a Distinguished Service Award, a fitting send-off for years of dedication. STORY 7: Baby clothes program helps mothers in need year-round For nearly two decades, Rosemary Buckley has quietly made life a little easier for new moms in need. Every month, she gathers bundles of baby clothes—layettes—and delivers them to Wellstar Kennestone, where they’re given to families who could use a little extra help. “It’s not just store-bought stuff,” Buckley says. “Parishioners make blankets, tiny hats, even mittens. It’s beautiful.” Inspired by her 12 grandchildren and a simple church request back in 2007, Buckley has turned this into her mission. Monsignor John Walsh calls her a “woman of action.” She just calls it “something that needs to be done.”   We’ll have closing comments after this. Break: INGLES 1   Signoff-   Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.mdjonline.com 4 / 4 Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network   Show Sponsors: ● www.ingles-markets.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  =====  MDJ Script/ Top Stories for December 26th  Publish Date:  December 26th      Commercial:   From the BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.      Today is Friday, December 26th and Happy Birthday to Lars Ulrich    I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal  Piastra closing, reopening as café and grocery in January Salleigh Grubbs appointed to State Election Board Bittersweet: Candymakers navigate tariff, supply chain challenges during holiday season   Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on holiday foods     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 10  STORY 1:  Piastra closing, reopening as café and grocery in January   Big changes are coming to Piastra, the Italian spot that’s been a Marietta Square favorite since 2015. After New Year’s Eve, the restaurant will close its doors—but not for good. In January, it’ll reopen as Asher and Rose Modern Grocers, a café and market dreamed up by co-owners Greg Lipman and his mom, Betty Bahl.  Why the shift? “We’ve been listening,” Lipman said. Locals have been asking for a specialty grocery store on the Square for years, and now they’re getting one—complete with fresh bread, local produce, prepared meals, and an all-day breakfast café.  “We love this community,” Lipman added.  STORY 2:  Salleigh Grubbs appointed to State Election Board  Salleigh Grubbs, former Cobb GOP Chair, is stepping into a new role on the State Election Board. The Georgia Republican Party announced Monday that Lt. Gov. Burt Jones appointed her to fill the seat left vacant by Rick Jeffares. It’s a “recess appointment,” Grubbs explained, and she’s diving in immediately.  “I’m honored, humbled, all of it,” she said. “Fair elections are something I’ve been passionate about for years, and I’m ready to get to work.”  A Marietta native, Grubbs led the Cobb GOP until earlier this year and now serves as the Georgia GOP’s first vice chair. “This is about transparency,” she added.  STORY 3: Bittersweet: Candymakers navigate tariff, supply chain challenges during holiday season    For Jocelyn Dubuke, owner of Jardi Chocolates, 2025 has been a rollercoaster. Tariffs, supply chain chaos, rising costs—it’s enough to make anyone panic. And yet, back in January, she made a bold move: she spent every penny of last year’s revenue stockpiling chocolate.  “I told my distributors, ‘Whatever you’ve got in the States, I’ll take it,’” she said. “I wasn’t about to tell my customers halfway through the year, ‘Oh, by the way, your chocolate’s double the price now.’”  Chocolate’s tricky—rules you can’t break, ingredients you can’t grow here. But for Dubuke, it’s personal.   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 10  STORY 4: Georgia DOT suspends lane closures for the holidays   With the holidays happening,  the Georgia Department of Transportation is hitting pause on lane closures—at least on interstates, major routes, and roads near shopping hubs.  From Dec. 23 at 6 a.m. to Dec. 28 at 10 p.m., and again from Dec. 31 at 5 a.m. to Jan. 2 at 5 a.m., you’ll get a break from the usual construction chaos. But don’t get too comfortable—crews might still be working nearby, and emergency closures? Yeah, those can still happen.  Stay sharp, watch for signs, and if you’re curious about road updates, check out GDOT’s website or the 511GA app.  STORY 5: Walton claims first county title in nearly two decades  Walton’s boys wrestling team finally broke through, snagging their first Cobb County title in nearly 20 years Saturday at Harrison High. And they did it in style—five wrestlers in the finals, five gold medals.  Coach Dylan Turner couldn’t stop smiling. “We’ve got everyone back from last year, and it took every single one of them to pull this off,” he said. “They’re just gamers.”  The standout? Brandon Whiteford. An eighth seed at 165 pounds, he shocked the top seed with a pin in his opener, then clinched the title with a gritty 6-3 win in the final. “I love the pressure,” he said.  FALCONS: Bijan Robinson was electric, C.J. Henderson clutch, and the Falcons? They held on—barely. Atlanta edged Arizona 26-19 on Sunday, thanks to Henderson’s diving interception with 90 seconds left, slamming the door on the Cardinals’ final drive.  Robinson? Unreal. 171 total yards, a touchdown grab, and a spot in Falcons history—just the third player to hit 2,000 scrimmage yards in a season. Not bad company: Jamal Anderson, William Andrews.  Arizona? Another heartbreak. Seven straight losses, 12 of their last 13. Brissett’s 203 yards weren’t enough, and a wild Michael Wilson TD catch wasn’t either.  Atlanta’s still alive. Barely.  I'm Keith Ippolito and that’s your MDJ Sports Minute.    And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on holiday foods     We’ll have closing comments after this.    Break: INGLES 10    Signoff-    Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at mdjonline.com  Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.  Produced by the BG Podcast Network     Show Sponsors:  www.ingles-markets.com   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 MDJ Script/ Top Stories for December 24th  Publish Date:  December 24th    Commercial:   From the BG Ad Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.      Today is Wednesday, December 24th and Happy Birthday to Howard Hughes    I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal  Atlanta's Christmas Day forecast sees temperatures near record high Vegan Bakery opens in East Cobb Marietta History Center revisits the Square’s Christmas Past 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: Atlanta's Christmas Day forecast sees temperatures near record high    It’s not exactly sweater weather, folks—Christmas in Atlanta is shaping up to feel more like a spring fling. Highs are expected to hit the low to mid-70s, putting this year in the running for one of the warmest Christmas Days on record. The all-time high? A toasty 75 degrees back in 2015.  Rain? Not likely. Just sunshine, warmth, and maybe a little disbelief.  STORY 2: Vegan Bakery opens in East Cobb   Tropicups, a vibrant new vegan bakery, officially opened its doors on Saturday, bringing cupcakes, cakes, and a whole lot of heart to 2525 Shallowford Road.  Owner and baker Renée de Gannes Penn started Tropicups as a home bakery, whipping up treats for friends and family after going vegan a few years ago.   Now, with her first storefront, she’s serving up cupcakes, brownies, lemon-blueberry squares, and even vegan soft-serve ice cream. Custom orders? Yep, she’s got those too.  The name “Tropicups” is a nod to her Trinidadian roots—“tropical” meets “cupcakes.” But her treats aren’t just for vegans. “People with dairy, egg, or gluten allergies love them too,” she said, though she notes the bakery isn’t allergy-certified.  De Gannes Penn hopes Tropicups becomes a community hub. “I’m just so excited to share this with everyone,” she said.  STORY 3: Marietta History Center revisits the Square’s Christmas Past   The Marietta History Center and Parks and Rec are taking a stroll down memory lane—Christmas tree style. Every year, Glover Park gets its holiday glow-up with a big, beautiful tree, and now the history center is celebrating that tradition by sharing photos of past displays.  The collection spans from 1987 to 2001, showcasing everything from classic decorations to quirky, playful themes. “These trees have been the heart of Marietta Square’s holiday season for decades,” the museum shared on social media. “We’re thrilled to keep their stories safe—no dusting required!”  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 9     STORY 4: Congregation Ner Tamid celebrates 10th annual Marietta Square Menorah lighting  Marietta Square buzzed Saturday night—families, friends, officials, all huddled together under the glow of the menorah for Congregation Ner Tamid’s 10th annual Hanukkah celebration. The air smelled like latkes and fried donuts, kids clutching raffle tickets, hoping for gift cards from local shops. Rabbi Joseph Prass, marking a decade with the synagogue, called up children to light the candles, weaving the story of Hanukkah into the night.  “Freedom,” he said, “is worth celebrating—publicly, boldly.”  The crowd nodded, some teary-eyed. After all, safety isn’t guaranteed everywhere. Prass reflected on recent tragedies, grateful for this moment of peace.  Chocolate coins flew, kids laughed, and the night ended with blessings sung loud enough to echo.  STORY 5:  Georgia Power wins approval for massive expansion    Chaos. That’s the only word for it. Last week, Georgia Power got the green light—unanimously, no less—from state regulators to build five gas plants, a move critics say could cost $60 billion. Sixty. Billion. Dollars. That’s five Hoover Dams’ worth of power, and nearly a 50% boost in capacity. Why? Supposedly, tech giants need it for their AI and server farms.  But here’s the kicker: the numbers? Secret. Opponents begged for transparency—“show your work,” they said. Nope. Denied.  The vote? Rushed, just weeks before two new Democratic commissioners take office.   Break:   STORY 6: Atlanta named best US city for Christmas in 2025 by WalletHub      Turns out, Atlanta’s the place to be for Christmas this year. WalletHub just crowned it the best city in the U.S. to celebrate the holidays in 2025. Why? Well, it’s not just the lights or the shopping (though there’s plenty of that). Atlantans are apparently big on giving—clothing drives, online donations, you name it. Generosity, it seems, is kind of our thing.  San Francisco came in second (candy shops galore), Seattle third (tree farms and bakeries, anyone?). Meanwhile, Stockton? Dead last.  But hey, as one expert put it: the best holiday moments? They don’t cost a dime.  STORY 7: Georgia prepares for Sugar Bowl rematch as Ole Miss promises a better fight   Here we go again. Georgia vs. Ole Miss, round two—this time in the Sugar Bowl. The Bulldogs took the first matchup back in October, a wild 43-35 shootout in Athens, but Ole Miss? They’re not exactly rolling over.  A lot’s changed since then. Lane Kiffin’s out, Pete Golding’s in, and Ole Miss just steamrolled Tulane. Oh, and they’ve got a new QB, Trinidad Chambliss, who’s been proving doubters wrong all season.  Revenge? Maybe. Opportunity? Definitely. Buckle up.    We’ll have closing comments after this.  Break: INGLES 9    Signoff-    Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.mdjonline.com  Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.  Produced by the BG Podcast Network     Show Sponsors:  www.ingles-markets.com  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  =====  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, future Jaha Howard wins runoff for Georgia Senate District 35 Cobb 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 his family.  BRAVES:  Ha-Seong Kim is staying put in Atlanta—at least for another year. The 30-year-old shortstop signed a one-year, $20 million deal with the Braves on Monday, locking him in as the team’s starter for 2026. Not bad, considering he turned down a $16 million option just last month and walked away with an extra $4 million.  Kim joined the Braves late last season, claimed off waivers from Tampa Bay on Sept. 1. He made an immediate impact, hitting .309 with a .372 OBP, three homers, and 12 RBIs in his first 19 games. Sure, he cooled off at the end—1-for-19 in the last five games—but the Braves clearly see his potential.  Kim’s journey hasn’t been without bumps. Injuries sidelined him for much of 2025 with the Rays, where he hit just .214 in 24 games. But let’s not forget—this guy won a Gold Glove with the Padres in 2023 and has 84 career stolen bases.  The Braves are betting on a bounce-back. And if Kim can channel his San Diego form, he could be a 3-4 WAR player. High hopes, but hey, the talent’s there.    I'm Keith Ippolito and that’s your MDJ Sports Minute.    And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on saturated fats    We’ll have closing comments after this.    Break: INGLES 8    Signoff-    Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at mdjonline.com  Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.  Produced by the BG Podcast Network     Show Sponsors:  www.ingles-markets.com   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 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 High Sheriff’s annual Santa On Wheels donates thousands of toys 100+ 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 heartfelt celebration of the people and organizations transforming lives in Cobb County.  “This is about selflessness, innovation, and teamwork,” said Irene Barton, Cobb Collaborative’s executive director. “These honorees remind us what’s possible when we work together to tackle issues like homelessness and food insecurity.”  Among the winners: Mark Riggans of Cobb Christmas and Janet Porter of Four Corners Group, honored for their service; Kelsey Thompson-White Battersby, recognized for her housing initiatives; and Kidz2Leaders, awarded $10,000 for breaking cycles of generational incarceration.  STORY 7: Navigating Food Allergies During the Holiday Season: What Families Need to Know  The holidays are all about food, right? But for families dealing with food allergies, festive treats can feel more like a minefield than a celebration. One wrong bite, and it’s not just a ruined party—it’s a trip to the ER.  Over 33 million Americans have food allergies, and anaphylaxis-related emergencies have skyrocketed in recent years. Dr. Joanna Dolgoff says about 1 in 20 kids now has a diagnosed food allergy. Why? Better diagnoses, sure, but also changes in diet, environment, and how kids’ immune systems develop.  Feeling overwhelmed? Totally normal. Start small: communicate, read labels, pack safe snacks, and always—always—carry epinephrine.  Now, here is Shane Delancey the Director of the Christmas Tradition at the Strand Theatre  Break: THE STRAND HOLIDAY    Signoff-    Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.mdjonline.com  Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.  Produced by the BG Podcast Network     Show Sponsors:  www.ingles-markets.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.