MDJ Script/ Top Stories for February 12th Publish Date: February 12th Commercial: From the BG Ad Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. Today is Wednesday, February 12th and Happy Birthday to Peter Gabriel ***02.12.25 - BIRTHDAY – PETER GABRIEL*** I’m Dan Ratcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal Cobb Under Flood Watch Until Thursday Morning South Cobb Library Seeking $3 Million from State for Upgrades Erick Allen, Jaha Howard Headed for Runoff 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 Under Flood Watch Until Thursday Morning Cobb County is under a flood watch until 7 a.m. Thursday due to heavy rainfall, with up to 4-5 inches expected by Thursday morning and additional showers through the weekend. Some areas could see 6-8 inches total. Cooler temperatures are forecasted due to "cold air damming," with highs in the 50s and 60s this week. The National Weather Service urges caution on roadways, especially at night, as heavy rain may cause limited visibility and potential road washouts. STORY 2: South Cobb Library Seeking $3 Million from State for Upgrades Cobb County is requesting $3 million from the state to expand the South Cobb Regional Library in Mableton. The $4.2 million project, with $1.2 million already locally funded, will add 5,000 square feet for community events, an expanded teen space, and a new computer lab. Opened in 2006, the library is heavily used, especially for computer access. State Rep. Terry Cummings emphasized the need for a larger, modern facility to better serve the community. The Cobb County Library System, with 15 branches and a $17 million budget, serves over 750,000 residents and boasts 418,000 active cardholders. STORY 3: Erick Allen, Jaha Howard Headed for Runoff The race for Cobb County’s District 2 Board of Commissioners seat heads to a runoff between Democrats Erick Allen and Dr. Jaha Howard, with Allen leading at 45.49% and Howard at 42.74%. The runoff is set for March 11, as no candidate secured over 50%. Republican Alicia Adams awaits the winner in the April 29 general election. The seat was vacated after former Commissioner Jerica Richardson was removed due to a court ruling on district maps. Low voter turnout marked the special primary, with only 3.74% of eligible voters participating. Early voting for the runoff begins March 3. 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: Ringling Bros STORY 4: New Cobb County Fire Chief Named The Cobb Board of Commissioners appointed Michael Cunningham as the new fire chief on Tuesday. A member of Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services since 2005, Cunningham has risen through the ranks to division chief and chief of staff. He succeeds retired Chief Bill Johnson and will earn an annual salary of $195,000. An Air Force veteran with extensive academic credentials, including a Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Cunningham expressed gratitude and excitement for leading the department. His appointment begins February 17, but he has already assumed interim duties. STORY 5: Austell Man Accused of Fleeing Police with Modified Gun Shakur King, 21, of Austell, was arrested on Feb. 5 after crossing Austell Road outside a crosswalk and fleeing from police near Wellstar Cobb Medical Center. Officers found King in possession of a Glock 21 modified to be fully automatic, which he is prohibited from carrying due to a pending felony charge for aggravated battery. King faces multiple charges, including unlawful firearm possession, obstruction, and crossing outside a crosswalk. He remains in custody without bond at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center. Break: STORY 6: Bubbles & Brews is March 1-31 Bubbles & Brews is a month-long celebration in March, showcasing Cobb County’s craft beverage makers. Visitors can explore 15 breweries, distilleries, and wineries along the Cobb Ale Trail using a free digital BrewPass to collect stamps and win prizes. Special events throughout the month will feature activities, themed giveaways, and opportunities to earn double stamps. Guests can also vote online for their favorite beverages and categories. For more details and to sign up for the BrewPass, visit bubblesandbrews.com. STORY 7: North Cobb Christian Students Win First Place in Congressional App Challenge Four North Cobb Christian School students—Kameron Fournillier, Jason Osborn, Nathan Stinson, and Jade Zebrowski—won first place in the 2024 Congressional App Challenge for Georgia’s 11th District with their app, CTrack. Designed to help users track expenses, create budgets, and make stock ...
