MDJ Script/ Top Stories for February 14th Publish Date: February 14th Commercial: From the BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. Today is Friday, February 14th and Happy Birthday to Rob Thomas ***02.14.25 - BIRTHDAY – ROB THOMAS*** I’m Dan Ratcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal Marietta Takes Over Franklin Gateway Bridge Project From State Marietta Cracks Down on Homeless Encampments CobbWorks Opens Mableton Job Assistance Center Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on fast food 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: Marietta Takes Over Franklin Gateway Bridge Project From State The Marietta City Council unanimously rejected $4.05 million in federal funding and opted to take control of the Franklin Gateway Bridge replacement project from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). Concerns over GDOT’s timeline, which could delay construction by over five years, led the city to prioritize its own 18-month schedule. While the project’s cost is estimated at $6 million now, inflation could push it to $10 million under GDOT’s timeline. The city will use $4 million from SPLOST funds and reallocate additional funds as needed, ensuring faster progress and local control over the project. STORY 2: Marietta Cracks Down on Homeless Encampments The Marietta City Council approved a new ordinance targeting homeless encampments, allowing police to charge individuals camping, sleeping, or storing property on private land without permission. The law, passed 6-1 with Councilmember Joseph Goldstein opposed, aims to address frequent complaints about trespassing. Police Chief David Beam emphasized that officers would issue warnings and verify property owner consent before citing violators. Goldstein raised concerns about potential Fourth Amendment violations under future leadership. Additionally, the council expanded a public camping ban to include all public property and recently amended a disorderly conduct ordinance to address disruptive behavior. STORY 3: CobbWorks Opens Mableton Job Assistance Center CobbWorks has transformed a former Cobb fire station on Mableton Parkway into a 10,000-square-foot Work Source Center, offering workforce development services to over 10,000 jobseekers annually. The $5 million renovation provides career coaching, job placement, GED testing, and entrepreneurial support, with added amenities like shared workspaces and a computer lab. The center also offers low-cost office rentals for business owners. Funded by private donors, grants, and ARPA contributions, the facility aims to drive generational change in South Cobb. Officials celebrated its opening, highlighting its potential to expand services and promote equity across the county. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info. Break: STORY 4: Marietta OKs Burnt Hickory-Polk Roundabout, Other Projects The Marietta City Council approved a $1.5 million roundabout at Burnt Hickory Road and Polk Street, aiming to improve traffic flow and reduce rush-hour backups. Funded by the 2022 SPLOST, the project includes a 120-foot radius roundabout, a slip lane for continuous traffic, pedestrian crosswalks with flashing beacons, and a central greenspace. While some residents raised concerns about pedestrian safety and opposed the project, Public Works Director Mark Rice emphasized extensive public input and support during planning. The council also approved $125,000 in safety upgrades for nearby intersections, adding crosswalks, speed tables, and stop signs to enhance pedestrian safety. STORY 5: Cobb Schools Super Purchases K-9s to Detect Weapons The Cobb County School District has purchased two Vapor Wake K-9s for $80,000 to enhance school safety by detecting explosives and firearms. These specially trained dogs, Major and Aubie, will patrol campuses with certified handlers, focusing on concealed weapons through scent detection. Superintendent Chris Ragsdale highlighted their efficiency compared to traditional weapons detectors, which can be disruptive and less accurate. While some board members raised concerns about student allergies or fears, handlers assured they are trained to address such issues. The district plans to expand the program, pending additional state funding for safety initiatives. Break: And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on fast food *** INGLES ASK LEAH 5 FAST FOOD*** We’ll have closing comments after this. Break: Ingles Markets 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 ...
