MDJ Script/ Top Stories for February 21st Publish Date: February 21st Commercial: From the BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. Today is Friday, February 21st and Happy Birthday to Alan Rickman ***02.21.25 - BIRTHDAY – ALAN RICKMAN*** I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal Cobb Court Clerk Plans to Return $84K in Passport Shipping Fees Historic McAfee House Sold for $1, will be Relocated Cobb Eyes 2026 SPLOST Vote Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on seed oil 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: RINGLING BROS_FINAL STORY 1: Cobb Court Clerk Plans to Return $84K in Passport Shipping Fees Cobb Superior Court Clerk Connie Taylor plans to refund nearly $84,000 in improperly collected passport shipping fees, a controversy stemming from her pocketing expedited shipping charges, which is not allowed under state law. This refund, pending board approval, follows years of scrutiny over Taylor’s collection of over $425,000 in passport fees as personal income. The issue also sparked a Georgia Bureau of Investigation probe and legislative efforts to increase transparency. Taylor’s office has faced additional criticism for severe dysfunction, including a botched software change in 2024 that disrupted court operations. Despite these challenges, Taylor was reelected in 2024. STORY 2: Historic McAfee House Sold for $1, will be Relocated The historic Robert McAfee house, built in the 1840s, will be relocated to Ball Ground, Georgia, after being sold for $1 by Cobb Landmarks to Lee and Brittani Lusk, experienced renovators of historic homes. The Lusks plan to restore the home as a private residence, adhering to historic preservation standards. The move, costing an estimated $75,000-$100,000, with renovations around $200,000, must be completed by May 15. Originally located in Cobb County, the house has significant historical value, including its use as a Civil War headquarters. A preservation easement will protect its historic integrity. STORY 3: Cobb Eyes 2026 SPLOST Vote Cobb County is considering a new 1% SPLOST package to fund infrastructure starting in 2028, with voters deciding in November 2026. The current $750 million SPLOST cycle ends in December 2027. Commissioners aim to finalize project lists by April 2026, focusing on road improvements, stormwater infrastructure, sidewalks, and community projects. Rising costs from inflation may push unfinished 2022 SPLOST projects into the new package. Public feedback sessions are planned for early 2026. If approved, the tax would continue funding critical county needs like transportation and parks. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info. Break: STORY 4: Blackwell Farmers Market Opens April 5 The Blackwell Farmers Market at St. Andrew UMC in Marietta will kick off its 2025 season on April 5, running every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon through August 30. The market offers fresh, locally-sourced foods in a pet-friendly, inclusive setting with ample parking and restrooms. Vendor applications are now open for local farmers, artisans, and food vendors. For details, visit blackwellfarmersmarket.com or follow @blackwellfarmersmarket on social media. STORY 5: OUT AND ABOUT: 5 Things to Do This Weekend in Cobb County — Feb. 21 - 23 This weekend, Cobb County offers exciting events for all ages! Jurassic Quest at Cobb Galleria features life-size animatronic dinosaurs, rides, and interactive experiences Friday through Sunday. The Strand Theatre presents Shakespeare’s *A Comedy of Errors* Friday evening for adults 21+, while Sunday showcases the silent film *Metropolis* with live organ accompaniment. Families can enjoy Children’s Day at the Gone With the Wind Museum on Saturday or a Black History Month scavenger hunt at Smyrna Public Library all weekend. Don’t miss these fun-filled activities! Break: And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on seed oil *** INGLES 1 'ASK LEAH' SEED OILS*** We’ll have closing comments after this. Break: Ingles Markets 2 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 ...
