Marietta Daily Journal Podcast

Written by: BG Podcast Network
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  • Summary

  • Get the news for Marietta, Kennesaw, Smyrna, and all of Cobb County with the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.

    Marietta Daily Journal - https://www.mdjonline.com

    Cobb Life Magazine - www.cobblifemagazine.com

    This podcast is produced by BG Ad Group

    For advertising inquiries, please email j.southerland@bgadgroup.com

    For more information be sure to visit https://www.bgpodcastnetwork.com/
    2025 MDJ News
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Politics & Government
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Episodes
  • Cobb Court Clerk Plans to Return $84K in Passport Shipping Fees

    Cobb Court Clerk Plans to Return $84K in Passport Shipping Fees
    Feb 21 2025
    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 ...
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    11 mins
  • Cobb Plans to Start Burning Sewage Sludge Again

    Cobb Plans to Start Burning Sewage Sludge Again
    Feb 19 2025
    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 ...
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    9 mins
  • Marietta Takes Over Franklin Gateway Bridge Project From State

    Marietta Takes Over Franklin Gateway Bridge Project From State
    Feb 14 2025
    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 ...
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    11 mins

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