MDJ Script/ Top Stories for February 19th Publish Date: February 19th Commercial: From the BG Ad Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. Today is Wednesday, February 19th and Happy Birthday to I’m Dan Ratcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal Cobb Plans to Start Burning Sewage Sludge Again Cobb Inmate Accused of Identity Theft Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center Gallery to Host Quilt Exhibit 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 STORY 1: Cobb Plans to Start Burning Sewage Sludge Again Cobb County plans to spend $70 million to retrofit and reactivate sludge incinerators at the R.L. Sutton Water Reclamation Facility, addressing rising landfill costs and limited disposal options. The incinerators, decommissioned in 2015 due to stricter EPA standards, will now meet updated guidelines, reducing sludge volume by 90%. Public concerns about emissions remain, but officials emphasize stricter monitoring and compliance. Alternatives like land application face scrutiny over potential health risks, while landfill costs have surged. Construction is set to begin in 2027, with public input sessions planned to address community concerns. STORY 2: Cobb Inmate Accused of Identity Theft Stephanie Leah Cherry, 22, of Austell, is accused of using a victim's Sheriff’s Office ID to access their Inmate Detention Account at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center, transferring funds to her own account between Dec. 16-25, 2024. She allegedly used the stolen funds for entertainment purchases. Cherry faces charges of identity theft and computer theft and is being held on an $8,000 bond. STORY 3: Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center Gallery to Host Quilt Exhibit The Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center in Marietta will host the East Cobb Quilters’ Guild’s “Make Your Own Masterpiece” challenge quilts exhibit from Feb. 27 to April 5. Featuring 28 quilts inspired by favorite works of art, the exhibit showcases members’ creativity and technical skills. Each quilt is accompanied by an artist’s statement detailing its inspiration. An opening reception is set for March 1, from 2 to 4 p.m., with gallery hours Monday through Saturday. 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 1 STORY 4: 'A Better Parent': Cobb Jail Inmates Graduate Parenting 101 Course Nine incarcerated mothers at the Cobb Jail graduated from the Parenting 101 course, part of the Realign Restart Initiative led by Sheriff Craig Owens. The nine-week program equips parents with skills to rebuild family dynamics post-release. This largest graduating class began with 35 participants, focusing on topics like family roles, cultural influences, and parenting strategies. Graduate Faith Williams highlighted how the course helped her maintain relationships with her children while incarcerated. The initiative also offers GED programs, anger management, and more, aiming to reduce recidivism. Chief Deputy Rhonda Anderson encouraged graduates to stay present in their children’s lives. STORY 5: Georgia Gas Prices Jump Georgia's average gas price has risen to $3.00 per gallon, with Cobb County slightly higher at $3.09, up 15 cents in two weeks, according to AAA. Seasonal refinery maintenance, a switch to summer fuel blends, and a California refinery outage are contributing to the increase. State prices are 6 cents higher than a month ago but 17 cents lower than last year. The most expensive metro areas include Atlanta ($3.06), while the cheapest are in Dalton ($2.91). AAA advises drivers to save by using fuel programs, paying with cash, and maintaining efficient driving habits. Break: STORY 6: Whataburger Withdraws Application for Atlanta Road Location Whataburger has withdrawn its request for a sixth Cobb County location on Atlanta Road near I-285. The fast food chain planned to combine two properties for the site but paused to reassess traffic impacts and community-requested design changes. Local residents, including those from West Village Smyrna, opposed the proposal, citing concerns over traffic, safety, noise, and property values. They suggested changes like reorienting the building and limiting hours. While residents are pleased with the withdrawal, Whataburger may reapply in the future. The chain currently operates three Cobb locations, with two more approved but not yet built. STORY 7: Cobb Approves Lost Mountain Road Subdivision The Cobb County Board of Commissioners approved a 27-home subdivision on Lost Mountain Road in a 4-0 vote. Traton Homes will develop the 40.5-acre lot, with 18 of the homes on the ...
