MDJ Script/ Top Stories for January 31st Publish Date: January 31st Commercial: From the BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. Today is Friday, January 31st and Happy Birthday to Jackie Robinson ***01.31.25 - BIRTHDAY – JACKIE ROBINSON*** I’m Dan Ratcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia. Police: Marietta Man Fatally Shot Thursday Marietta Mulls Student Housing Complex Cobb Immigrants Worried About ICE Arrests Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on healthy alternatives 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: CU of GA (06.26.24 CU OF GA FREE CHECKING_REV_FINAL) STORY 1: Police: Marietta Man Fatally Shot Thursday A Marietta man, Dequelle Williamson, 44, was fatally shot early Thursday at the Cobblestone Apartments on Pat Mell Road near Osborne High School. Cobb County Police responded to the scene around 12:45 a.m. and found Williamson with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite being transported to a hospital and receiving aid, he was pronounced dead. The incident is under investigation, and police urge anyone with information to contact the Major Crimes Unit at 770-499-3945. STORY 2: Marietta Mulls Student Housing Complex The Marietta City Council's Judicial Legislative Committee reviewed plans for a new student housing complex near Kennesaw State University’s Marietta campus. Developer Campus Realty Advisors proposed replacing the nine-acre Campus Edge Apartments with three five-story buildings, totaling 240 apartments and 665 beds. Concerns were raised about increased density, a lack of a second vehicular access point, and a shortfall of 61 parking spaces. The developer suggested using a pedestrian path for emergency access and negotiating overflow parking with KSU. The committee unanimously voted to send the proposal back to the Planning Commission for further review. STORY 3: Cobb Immigrants Worried About ICE Arrests As Trump’s administration intensifies immigration enforcement, Cobb County residents brace for potential ICE raids and deportations. While no arrests in Cobb have been confirmed, nearby metro Atlanta areas have reported activity. Concerns grow over new ICE policies allowing arrests in schools and churches, prompting local schools to reassure families about safety and privacy. Immigration attorney Shirley Zambrano and advocates highlight rising fear in immigrant communities, with many avoiding public spaces or reporting crimes. The administration’s stricter policies, including ending birthright citizenship and revoking protections for Venezuelans, have sparked panic, especially among children and families. Advocates urge legal consultations to navigate options. 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: DRAKE (Drake Realty (Cobb County) STORY 4: 87-Year-Old Marietta Man with Dementia Missing Cobb County Police are searching for John Elmer Eaton, 87, a Marietta man with dementia who went missing Thursday morning. Eaton was last seen leaving home around 8 a.m. to meet friends at McDonald’s but never arrived. He was wearing a dark sweatshirt and navy blue work pants and driving a 2003 silver Toyota 4Runner (GA tag 499WPR), last detected near Lawrenceville and Social Circle. Eaton, who left his medication behind, suffers from dementia and atrial fibrillation. A Mattie’s Call has been issued, and anyone with information is urged to call 911 or contact police. STORY 5: Cobb Commission Candidates Make their Case to Voters Three candidates for Cobb County’s District 2 Commission seat debated key issues like housing, transit, and environmental concerns at a forum ahead of the special election. Former state Rep. Erick Allen, former school board member Dr. Jaha Howard, and newcomer Tracy Stevenson discussed the controversial home rule map, transit tax failures, and coal ash cleanup. Allen emphasized bipartisan trust and policy experience, Howard highlighted his business background and willingness to fight for constituents, and Stevenson focused on uniting the community and innovative solutions. Early voting begins Feb. 1, with the election set for Feb. 11. Break: And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on healthy alternatives ***INGLES ASK LEAH 2 HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES*** We’ll have closing comments after this. Break: Ingles Markets 6 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. ...
