Editor’s Note: Keep local news strong, free and independent!

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Skip Wells Memorial Ride, East Cobb News subscriber campaign
East Cobb News rolled out in July 2017, and we’re excited to be marking another anniversary!

It’s hot, and the dog days of summer are upon thus.

But at East Cobb News, this is a special time of the year.

For it was nine years ago during these months that we launched this news and information resource free of charge, with a mission of serving this community first.

No middle-managers in corporate offices, reporting to bosses in another time zone.

No cookie-cutter, formulaic stories just to get you to click, presuming that you don’t know what’s important to you.

At East Cobb News, readers come first, and always will. Our vow when we launched on July 4, 2017, was to make the news free and accessible to everyone, and to keep it that way.

Please help us keep local news free.

We’ve built a modest small business with local business advertising, but like other news outlets—including many that are much larger and older than we are—East Cobb News also relies on reader support to sustain our efforts.

We’ve been asking readers for some months now to provide voluntary financial support, and we appreciate those of you who have contributed. But we need more of you to help us as we continue our mission of giving you the local news that you love.

The past few months have been excellent traffic-wise at East Cobb News, and we’d like to increase the levels of support we get from our readers.

We’ll be telling you more stories about the first eight years of East Cobb News in the coming weeks, as we approach our 9th anniversary.

For now, please consider how much you value what y0u get from East Cobb News. Not just when you visit our website, get our newsletter or check in on our social media accounts.

But also think about the sense of community we provide every day, unlike any other entity in this community.

For the price of a cup of coffee.

For just a few dollars a month, your support will help sustain local journalism—right here in East Cobb.

You rely on us to stay informed and we depend on you to make our work possible.

Your donation is voluntary and the amount you pay is up to you, but here are some suggested amounts:

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Your donation—continued or new—will help keep East Cobb News strong, free and independent for years to come. Thank you for your support! And long live local news!

 

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More than 33K in Cobb vote early in primary runoff elections

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More than 33,000 Cobb voters cast their ballots early in the 2026 primary election runoffs.cobb advance voting, Cobb voter registration deadline, Walton and Dickerson PTSA candidates forum

The runoffs will culminate on Tuesday with election-day voting at regularly assigned precincts.

Among the races to be decided include Republican Party nominees for governor, U.S. Senate and the 11th Congressional District.

According to Cobb Elections and Registration, the busiest early voting locations over the last week were the East Cobb Government Service Center (4,714 votes) and the Tim D. Lee Senior Center (4,555 votes).

The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday. The deadline for mailed-in or hand-delivered absentee ballots to the Cobb Elections office is 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Voters who will be voting on Tuesday must go to their assigned precincts. In East Cobb, seven precincts will have new locations for the runoffs, as well as the general election in November.

Voters must must choose either a Democratic or a Republican ballot for the runoffs, and they cannot switch from the party ballot they cast in the primaries.

Cobb Elections has prepared consolidated sample ballots: Democratic | Republican (non-partisan judicial races were decided during the primaries).

Voters must bring a valid photo ID with them to the polls (click here for details).

To check your voter registration status, and to get a customized sample ballot, visit the Georgia Secretary of State’s My Voter Page.

Who’s On the Ballot

For Republican voters, selecting a nominee for governor is leads their runoff ballot. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and business executive Rick Jackson will be facing off for the right to meet former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, who won the Democratic primary, in the general election.

The GOP runoffs also will decide the November opponent for Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff. Congressman Mike Collins and former football coach Derek Dooley led in the primaries.

Republican voters in East Cobb also will have a say in the party choice for the 11th Congressional District, where GOP U.S. Rep. Barry Loudermilk is retiring.

Loudermilk’s chief of staff Rod Adkerson and physician John Cowan are the candidates, with the winner to face Democrat Chris Harden in November.

Republican Georgia School Superintendent Richard Woods is in a runoff against Fred “Bubba” Longgrear, superintendent of schools in Candler County, in southeast Georgia.

There will be runoffs in a number of other statewide offices:

  • Lieutenant Governor: Josh McLaurin vs. Nabilah Parkes (D); Greg Dolezal vs. John F. Kennedy (R);
  • Secretary of State: Dana Barrett vs. Penny Brown Reynolds (D); Tim Fleming vs. Vernon Jones (R);
  • Commissioner of Insurance: DeAndre Mathis vs. Keisha Sean Waites (D)
  • Commissioner of Labor: Nikki Porcher Michelle vs. Michi Sanchez (D)
  • Public Service Commissioner, District 5: Bobby Mehan vs. Josh Tolbert (R)

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Theme of 2026 Marietta Campmeeting is ‘Jesus Is Our Hope’

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The 188th Marietta Campmeeting takes place from July 10-19 at the Marietta Campground (2301 Roswell Road, across from East Cobb United Methodist Church), starting with the traditional opening night picnic from 6-7 p.m.Marietta Campmeeting

The theme of this year’s revival event is “Jesus Is Our Hope As An Anchor for the Soul,” with special events and guest speakers who will feature at the revival that dates back to 1837 (full schedule here).

Other long-standing events include a watermelon-cutting (July 11), an ice cream social (July 17) and tentholder meetings for members.

Daily services will take place at 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., and the public also is invited. There’s also a special children’s church Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to noon with Bible lessons, games and crafts.

The guest preachers this year include Johnny Foster of East Cobb Baptist Church, Scott Kelly of Eastside Baptist Church, Kristen Lee of East Cobb United Methodist Church and Rev. Ike Reighard of Piedmont Church and the CEO of MUST Ministries.

The Marietta Campmeeting is open to the public and free to attend.

For more information and a full list of events, speakers and other guests, click here.

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New home design series casting for Atlanta-area competition

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A new home makeover design competition media series is underway for homeowners in metro Atlanta-area communities, including East Cobb, and candidates are being accepted now as the casting process is underway.

The project is coordinated by Open the Junk Drawer, a creative agency behind the Zillow Gone Wild, Brother vs Brother, Giada in the Kitchen, and Trading Spaces series.

We heard from Rachel Macy, the casting director, who got in touch with us via the recommendation of several East Cobb real estate agents, and told us they’ve tapped into some East Cobb neighborhoods and would like to have some casting candidates from this community.

The still-to-be-named design series is casting now through the end of June, with filming potentially starting in late July.

Here’s what we got from the Macy about what she’s looking for in casting candidates:

“In a nutshell, we’re searching for amazing homeowners and their neighbors to compete for the best room makeover. This friendly competition films over several days and takes rooms from regular to wow. There’s a cash prize for the winner, a whole lot of fun, designer expertise for both teams, and an amazing reveals at the end.”

If you’re interested contact [email protected].

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East Cobb restaurants to take part in 2026 Cobb Foodie Week

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Several restaurants in East Cobb will be participating in Cobb Travel and Tourism’s annual Cobb Foodie Week promotion.

The event takes place from June 20-27, and customers will be able to redeem digital coupons for meals, appetizers and other menu items from more than 50 restaurants in Cobb.  

Here’s how it works, per Cobb Travel:

“After signing up for a Meal Deals Pass on CobbFoodieWeek.com, participants will instantly receive a digital passport on their phone through text or email and can save the pass to their home screen for easy access, without ever downloading an app! The Meal Deals will be ready to use starting June 20th and can be redeemed by presenting the pass to the staff at participating restaurants.”

The restaurants will be detailing their specific promotions here, and here’s who’s taking part in East Cobb:

  • Aspens Signature Steaks (Sandy Plains Shopping Center)
  • Camps Kitchen and Bar (Paper Mill Village)
  • Green Coyote Cantina (Paper Mill Village)
  • Marlow’s Tavern (Merchants Walk)
  • Marlow’s Tavern (Sandy Plains Shopping Center)
  • Mezza Luna Italian Restaurant (Pavilions at East Lake)
  • Pho Hoa and Jazen Tea (Market Plaza)
  • Round Trip Brewing Company (Avenue East Cobb)
  • Stem Wine Bar (Merchants Walk)

Sprayberry assistant principal named McCleskey MS principal

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The Cobb County School District had announced that McCleskey Middle School in East Cobb has a new principal.Sprayberry assistant principal named McCleskey MS principal

She is veteran educator Dr. Tonya Polk, who most recently has been an assistant principal at Sprayberry High School.

Her appointment was ratified by the Cobb County Board of Education Thursday night after an executive session.

Polk, whose appointment is effective July 1, succeeds Dr. Andrea Jenkins-Mann, who was reassigned to principal at Cobb Horizon School, an alternative high school program.

Jenkins-Mann had been at McCleskey since 2017.

Several other schools in East Cobb will be getting new principals in the 2026-27 school year that begins Aug. 1.

They include Dr. Kristi Lankford at Timber Ridge Elementary School, Dr. Christina Moll at Addison Elementary School and Lauren Rabil at Kincaid Elementary School.

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Marietta Arts Council names new executive director

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Marietta Arts Council names new executive director

Submitted information and photo:

The Marietta Arts Council (MAC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Kris Delaney as its new part-time Executive Director, effective June 5, 2026. Following a comprehensive search led by the Board of Directors, Delaney was unanimously selected to lead the organization as it continues to expand its impact through public art, cultural programming, and community engagement.

“Kris brings a rare combination of artistic creativity, strategic thinking, and community-minded leadership,” said Michele Howard, Vice Chair of the Marietta Arts Council Board of Directors and Co-Chair of the Executive Director Search Committee. “She understands that the arts do far more than beautify a community—they create gathering places, inspire civic pride, support local businesses, and attract visitors. Building on the strong foundation and legacy of the Marietta Arts Council, Kris has the vision and experience to elevate Marietta’s arts scene and help our community continue to thrive culturally and economically.”

Delaney brings a unique blend of arts, nonprofit, and community leadership experience to the role. Her career includes senior leadership positions with The Woodruff Arts Center and the Fox Theatre, where she helped grow audiences, strengthen community engagement, and elevate two of the Southeast’s most iconic cultural institutions. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications for Cobb EMC and is the founder of The Branding Labs, a marketing and communications consulting firm serving businesses and nonprofit organizations throughout the region.

“The arts have the power to transform communities,” said Delaney. “Marietta already has an incredible foundation of artists, cultural organizations, public art, and community support for the arts. I am excited to build on that momentum by creating new opportunities for artistic expression, strengthening partnerships, and expanding access to the arts. Together, we can continue to make Marietta a vibrant destination where creativity flourishes, residents feel connected and inspired, and visitors experience the unique character and energy of our community.”

About the Marietta Arts Council

Marietta Arts Council, Inc. is a volunteer led 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to enriching the artistic and cultural landscape of the City of Marietta through advocacy, education, and public art. In 2018, The Marietta Arts Council partnered with the City of Marietta to create the inaugural Mountain to River TrailFest with performances, mural installations, and a sculpture garden along the trail ​connecting Lewis Park to Brown Park, running through downtown Marietta. Since then, the Council has partnered with private, public, and civic groups to expand its public art footprint across the City of Marietta through public art, murals, and placemaking.

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Citizens urge Marietta City Council to scuttle data center

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Citizens urge Marietta City Council to scuttle data center
“Focus on what the community needs,” State Rep. Gabriel Sanchez told the Marietta City Council Wednesday.

Dozens of citizens crowded Marietta City Hall Wednesday to demand that a year-old vote allowing a data center on Bells Ferry Road to be overturned.

A few days after announcing they would speak at a regular council meeting, the protesters repeated recent claims they’ve made about environmental and noise concerns related to data centers, as well as potential rises in electricity bills.

Their remarks came at the end of the meeting during a general public comment period but didn’t generate a response from Marietta elected officials.

There wasn’t an item on the meeting agenda about the data center, and in the days since the protest was announced, city officials have issued statements reiterating that there’s no data center project that’s in the works, nor is there any agreement with Marietta Power for electrical use.

But that didn’t deter citizens, many of them wearing similar matching colored shirts and holding up “No Data Center” signs.

Many are younger political activists, associated with the Democratic Socialists of America. A man wearing an ATL DSA shirt, Perry Barrett (at right), who lives near the land where the data center was zoned, held up sheets of paper indicating signatures on a petition.

He said he works and is struggling to pay for increased household costs “and I can’t afford to move.” He urged the city council to impose a moratorium on data centers until conducting an environmental impact study.

Cobb commissioners issued a six-month data center moratorium in February. Data centers have been the subject of increased opposition across the country in recent months as high tech giants build gigantic data centers for artificial intelligence projects.

State Rep. Gabriel Sanchez, a Democrat from Smyrna whose district includes a sliver of Marietta city limits, said there is a “big push by billionaire elites” to build AI data centers, which he called “something we don’t need. Focus on what the community needs.”

Sanchez, a Walton High School graduate who also is active with DSA, told city council members that “you should listen to your constituents and put something else on this land.”

Also speaking out against the data center is Sam Foster, a recent Kennesaw State University graduate who nearly toppled longtime Marietta Mayor Steve “Thunder” Tumlin in last year’s elections.

The data center issue has begun to take on some partisan dynamics as well. The Cobb County Democratic Committee is supporting the protests.

Michelle Schreiner (seen below), a Democrat who is challenging longtime Republican State Rep. Sharon Cooper of East Cobb in November, issued a statement on her campaign website, saying that “the Bells Ferry Road data center isn’t just a local issue. It’s part of a much larger conversation about AI, infrastructure, and Georgia’s future. These aren’t anti-technology questions. They’re governance questions.”

She also supports a temporary moratorium “on large-scale data center approvals.”

But what Marietta passed in June 2025 on its zoning calendar, after going through the usual public notice procedures, was a data center on a smaller scale.

The city noted in its message earlier this week that the original proposal would have allowed up to 100 megawatts of power, but that fell through.

“The most recent discussions have included much smaller power purchase amounts of 60MW or less; however, even those conversations have stalled,” the city message said.

“Due to the careful structure of any potential agreement, a data center at this property would not place strain on the electrical grid or negatively impact current customers.”

Tracy Stevenson of Marietta, who led the public commenters, said the facts don’t add up in the favor of the protesters.

He said he’s been vilified in taking issue with the data center opponents and has “even been misgendered, but none of that hurts my feelings.”

Stevenson said he’s not either for or against a data center in Marietta, but what was approved a year ago “isn’t about AI.

“There is no deal. We do not know what we do not know.”

A resident in the nearby Bells Ferry Road community, Diana Martin, said she was among those who didn’t know about a data center approval until it was recently brought to her attention.

She said she’s not involved in any political groups, but is worried about noise and pollution issues, and followed other speakers in mentioning possible political repercussions in the next election (Marietta’s next election is in 2027).

“You can make a decision to reverse this based on what the community wants,” Martin said.

“We do not know what we do not know” about a site for a data center in Marietta in which there is no active project, resident Tracy Stevenson said.

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Cobb narcotics agents seize $1.6M worth of fentanyl in arrest

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The Cobb Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday that it has charged a man with attempting to traffick a large amount of fentanyl and is holding him without bond.Cobb narcotics agents seize $1.6M worth of fentanyl in arrest

Akira Mondragon, whose address is listed in Smyrna, was booked into the Cobb County Adult Detention Center on Tuesday on single felony counts of drug trafficking and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

According to his booking report, he was arrested at Veterans Memorial Highway and Maxham Road, after what authorities said was a month-long investigation.

Cobb Sheriff’s Office spokesman Hassan Glenn said in a release that the fentanyl seized during Mondragon’s arrest has a street value of $1.65 million, and that more than 25 pounds of the lethal substance was found at the scene.

Glenn said that the Marietta/Cobb/Smyrna (MCS) Narcotics Unit conducted a traffic stop on vehicle that had been traveling in Cobb, and a law enforcement K-9 dog signaled the presence of narcotics inside.

Fentanyl is a highly potent synthetic opioid that “is estimated to be up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine,” the release states.

“Fentanyl is one of the most dangerous drugs our communities have ever faced. An amount comparable to a few grains of salt can be enough to take a life. By removing more than 25 pounds of fentanyl from our streets, our investigators potentially prevented countless tragedies and saved lives throughout Cobb County and beyond,” said Cobb Sheriff Craig Owens said in the release.

The Marietta/Cobb/Smyrna Narcotics Unit is a joint effort among eight law enforcement agencies and the Cobb County District Attorney’s Office, under the leadership of the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office.

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Avenue East Cobb plaza to hold public World Cup viewings

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Avenue East Cobb plaza to hold public World Cup viewings

Soccer fans who want to take in the action from the World Cup in a communal setting have a number of options, as we noted last week.

Add to the list the big screen at the plaza at Avenue East Cobb (4475 Roswell Road), which has released its initial schedule of World Cup matches through the weekend.

That includes the U.S. match against Paraguay on Friday night. The World Cup matches will be interspersed with airings of Atlanta Braves games.

Admission to the plaza is free, but spectators are not permitted to bring their own coolers, food and drink.

A couple more points to keep in mind, per Avenue management:

Screenings are free for all visitors & seating is open to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis. Guests are encouraged to bring their tailgate chairs & blanket to watch the game. Showings are subject to be turned off during overlapping events and/or when The Plaza closes at 10PM.

Nearby restaurants will be offering some specials connected to the World Cup matches, which continue through July 19.

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Lassiter HS graduate earns prestigious Stamps Scholarship

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Lassiter graduate earns prestigious Georgia Tech scholarship

Submitted information and photo:

Arianna Mukherji, a graduate of Lassiter High School, has been awarded a Stamps Scholarship at the Georgia Institute of Technology, earning one of the nation’s most prestigious merit scholarships for undergraduate students.

Selected through a highly competitive process, Stamps Scholars are recognized for exceptional academic achievement, leadership, initiative, and service. Stamps Scholarships are awarded in partnership with leading universities and typically cover up to the full cost of attendance for undergraduate or, in select cases, graduate study. In addition, Scholars receive dedicated enrichment funding to pursue opportunities such as research, study abroad, internships, leadership development, conference participation, and independent projects around the world.

At the Georgia Institute of Technology, Mukherji plans to study Business Administration. 

During high school, Mukherji demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership, business, civic engagement, and community service. She served as President of Lassiter High School’s Student Council and DECA chapter, leading initiatives that increased student involvement, expanded membership, and strengthened the school community.

Through DECA, she helped organize fundraisers supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month and WAGR syndrome advocacy efforts, raising funds and awareness for important causes. As a leader in Student Council and the Lassiter President’s Club, she also helped coordinate Paws for Life, a schoolwide fundraiser that raised approximately $1,200 to support service and therapy animals.

Through internships with Cobb Collaborative’s Vote Your Voice Initiative and Lassiter’s Business and Entrepreneurship Program, she gained experience in civic outreach, digital marketing, data analysis, and strategic communications. Mukherji also worked as an after-school supervisor and tutor, mentoring younger students at Moohan Martial Arts. 

Additionally, she was selected as a finalist for Georgia’s Governor’s Honors Program in Social Studies, where she collaborated on research and presented innovative solutions to environmental challenges posed by AI data centers.

The Stamps Scholars Program recently announced its 21st class of Scholars and will welcome 393 students from 34 partner institutions across the United States this fall. Selected from a pool of approximately 655,000 applicants, these Scholars join a network of more than 4,400 current Scholars and alumni connected across 53 partner institutions nationwide and into the UK.

Founded in 2006 by E. Roe Stamps and his late wife, Penny, the Stamps Scholars Program partners with leading universities to support students with extraordinary academic talent, leadership potential, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond. In addition to scholarship support, Stamps Scholars gain access to a national network of peers, mentors, leadership experiences, research opportunities, and enrichment programs designed to help them reach their biggest goals.

Learn more about the Stamps Scholars Program at stampsscholars.org.

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It’s what we call The Power of Local, and we’d love for you to take part!

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Popefest celebration to start school’s 40th anniversary year

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When the 2026-27 school year begins, Pope High School will be having a special event to greet more than a new academic year.

Popefest celebration to start school's 40th anniversary yearThe 40th anniversary year of Pope High School also will be recognized during the coming months, starting with a “Popefest” celebration on Aug. 14.

Tickets have been on sale since late May for the event at the school’s Matt Hobby Field (30o1 Hembree Road), and they start at $10 for general admission and $75 for what’s called the “VIP experience.” That’s for adults ages 19 and older.

Students and staff will have free admission, and parking costs $10 per vehicle.

The evening will feature, food, music, VIP hospitality, an artisan market and fireworks at the end of it all.

In the weeks leading up to the event, the Pope staff is seeking nominations for “40 Distinguished Greyhounds” who will also be introduced and honored. You can nominate someone by clicking here; the deadline is July 10.

Alan C. Pope High School opened in 1987, as East Cobb was continuing rapid suburban growth. In 1981, Lassiter High School opened, following Walton in 1975.

Pope is named after a former Walton High School teacher who grew up in what is now East Cobb, attending Sprayberry High School, where he was a star athlete and student.

He was killed in a car accident four years after returning to Cobb County to become a teacher.

Pope currently has 1,800 students (school profile here).

For more Popefest information (and a cool video promo featuring 70s-80s band “Journey”) click here.

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East Cobb Food Scores: Axia; Mezza Luna; Suburban Tap; more

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Axia Chinese Bistro, East Cobb food scores

The following food scores have been compiled by Cobb and Douglas Public Health. Click the link under each listing for inspection details:

Axia Chinese Bistro
1401 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 128
June 8, 2026, Score: 99, Grade: A

Bites Sliders and Fries
4750 Alabama Road, Suite 110
June 9, 2026, Score: 91, Grade: A

Buffalo Bar
2580 Windy Hill Road, Suite 400
June 5, 2026, Score: 71, Grade: C

Cherokee Cattle Co.
2710 Canton Road
June 9, 2026, Score: 91, Grade: A

Chopstix Sushi House and Asian Fusion
4651 Woodstock Road, Suite 301
June 9, 2026, Score: 90, Grade: A

Goldbergs Bagel Co. and Deli
1062 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite A-110
June 11, 2026, Score: 87, Grade: B

Hoboken Bread and Bagel
1033 Sandy Plains Road, Suite G
June 9, 2026, Score: 94, Grade: A

Hoyle’s Kitchen and Bar
1440 Roswell Road, Suite A
June 11, 2026, Score: 100, Grade: A

J. Christopher’s
2100 Roswell Road, Suite 500
June 9, 2026, Score: 82, Grade: B

Mezza Luna Seafood and Pasta
2100 Roswell Road, Suite 2198
June 8, 2026, Score: 96, Grade: A

Marietta Burger Bar
1392 Roswell Road, Suite B
June 11, 2026, Score: 89, Grade: B

Panda Express
3460 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 210
June 8, 2026, Score: 99, Grade: A

Suburban Tap
1318 Johnson Ferry Road
June 5, 2026, Score: 96, Grade: A

Tofu Village
700 Sandy Plains Road, Suite B1
June 5, 2026, Scor: 92, Grade: A

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Woman injured in Brumby ES carpool lane crash facing charges

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A woman Cobb Police said was injured in a pedestrian crash in a carpool lane at Brumby Elementary School in April has been charged with reckless conduct. Northeast Cobb car crash, Cops on Donut Shops

Shumeka Lana Johnson, 35, was hospitalized after the April 22 incident when a minor behind the wheel of her Chrysler Pacifica accidentally put the vehicle into drive, according to the initial police report.

Johnson had left the vehicle for an unknown reason, police said at the time, when it struck “and landed on top of her,” then went into reverse and crashed into a parked, unoccupied car.

In a warrant filed last week, police said that Johnson “did endanger the bodily safety” of her minor daughter, who was operating the vehicle.

“The vehicle did not have an adult inside the vehicle but was occupied by 2 juvenile siblings, ages 4 years old and 6 months old,” according to the warrant, which said that the 13-year-old “accelerated the vehicle forward,” striking Johnson and with the vehicle’s front right tire landing on her.

The warrant alleges that Johnson engaged in a misdemeanor act of reckless conduct “by consciously disregarding a substantial and unjustifiable risk that her act or omission would endanger the safety of said person and such disregard constituted a gross deviation from the standard of care which a reasonable person would have exercised in the situation.”

The following day at a Cobb Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Chris Ragsdale commented on the incident, saying that Johnson was “seriously injured” and that it was a “miracle” and that while she is recovering, “it’s a long road ahead.”

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Cobb Sheriff’s Office graduates 1st training academy class

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Cobb Sheriff’s Office graduates 1st training academy class

Submitted information and photo:

On Friday, June 5, the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) proudly graduated 21 deputies from Mandate Class #26-01, the inaugural graduating class of the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office Training Academy.

The ceremony marked a milestone for the agency as the first class completed training through the newly established academy. Family members, friends, agency personnel, and community supporters gathered to recognize the graduates’ hard work, dedication, and commitment to public service.

The evening began with a formal processional led by Mandate Class #26-01 and featured the presentation of colors by the CCSO Honor Guard, the national anthem, and an invocation by Bishop S. Scott. Throughout the ceremony, attendees heard remarks from Director of Training Academy Major L. White, Class President Deputy C. Jones, and Sheriff Craig D. Owens, Sr., each emphasizing the significance of the occasion and the responsibility that comes with serving the people of Cobb County.

The class adopted the motto, “One Class. One Mission. One Standard,” which reflects the unity, discipline, and commitment demonstrated throughout their training journey.

Sheriff Owens delivered the keynote address before conferring certificates upon each graduate and administering the oath of office, officially welcoming the members of Mandate Class #26-01 into their roles as deputy sheriffs.

“Today, you are planting that seed; over your law enforcement career, you will tend to that tree. Those who come after you will bear witness to the dedication to this office, to the people of Cobb County, and to those who wear the badge.” Said Sheriff Owens during his speech.  

Several graduates were recognized for outstanding achievement through special awards honoring leadership, academic excellence, physical fitness, and marksmanship. These honors reflected the dedication required to successfully complete the academy’s 17 weeks of rigorous training, which challenged recruits both mentally and physically while preparing them for the responsibilities of law enforcement service. Attendees also viewed a commemorative class video highlighting the graduates’ experiences and accomplishments throughout the academy. 

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East Cobb Democrats to hold ‘No Gerrymandering’ protest

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Democratic Party activists are organizing a protest for Sunday in East Cobb against what they say is political gerrymandering by Republicans.

A “No Gerrymandering, No Kings” rally is set for Sunday from 1-2:30 p.m. at the intersection of Roswell Road and Johnson Ferry Road.

The East Cobb Democrats are among the groups behind the event, following several anti-Trump “No Kings” rallies at the same location last year.

On their Facebook page, the East Cobb Democrats linked to an event page with the name of the Cobb County Democratic Committee at the top. The other groups include Indivisible Cobb, a left-leaning advocacy group with organized three previous No Kings protests and a group called East Cobb Against Gerrymandering.

Those in the latter group aren’t identified, and the group is linked only to an Instagram page with some more information.

Gov. Brian Kemp has called a special session of the Georgia General Assembly to start June 17 to redraw the state’s Congressional and legislative district maps.

That follows a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in April affecting how Southern states subject to the Voting Rights Act of 1965 can factor race in redistricting.

The special session, which comes a day after Georgia’s primary runoffs, also will address issues with QR codes related to elections.

The maps that will be redrawn in June will not take effect until 2028. Other Southern states have tried to redraw maps for 2026, which critics contend will dilute minority voting strength by making it easier to eliminate majority-black districts.

Kemp and the legislative majority are Republican, and the East Cobb Democrats are messaging three local GOP lawmakers in their appeals.

A message posted on the group’s Instagram page last week urges Republican State Reps. Sharon Cooper, John Carson and Don Parsons, all of East Cobb, “to oppose Governor Kemp’s gerrymandering efforts and stand up for democracy in a moment when it truly matters.

“East Cobb is quickly becoming one of the most competitive battlegrounds in the state, and voters will know whether our Representatives stood up for the people or succumbed to partisan interests.”

Since last year, “No Kings” rallies in East Cobb protested Trump administration policies on immigration and other “unconstitutional actions.”

In March, a similar protest was held against U.S. military action against Iran, led by Indivisible Cobb and a variety of progressive political groups.

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‘Born to Be a Senior’ charity ride to set off in East Cobb

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'Born to Be a Senior' charity ride to set off in East Cobb

Submitted information and photos:

The Senior Citizens Council of Cobb County will host its 2nd Annual Born to Be a Senior Charity Ride on Saturday, June 20, 2026, raising funds for local senior assistance programs at a time when food insecurity among older adults continues to rise across Cobb County.

In Cobb County, nearly 1 in 12 adults over age 60 faces food insecurity, often forced to choose between groceries, medication, and housing costs. Statewide, Georgia ranks among the top 10 states in the nation for senior hunger.

Registration opens at 10:30 AM at Williamson Bros Bar-B-Q in Marietta, with kickstands up at 11:30 AM. The ride concludes at Southern Devil Harley-Davidson with food, raffles, and a post-ride community gathering open to riders and non-riders alike.

Registration is $20 per vehicle, with proceeds supporting Cobb County Senior Services Meals on Wheels Cobb and MUST Ministries through the Senior Citizens Council of Cobb County.

Cobb County Senior Services Meals on Wheels and MUST Ministries provide critical meal assistance, food access, and community support services for vulnerable seniors and families throughout the region, helping older adults remain independent and safely housed.

‘This ride is about more than miles. It’s about showing up for the seniors in our community who need support,’ said Jim D’Emilio, Executive Director of the Senior Citizens Council of Cobb County.

‘Every rider who registers, every business that sponsors, and every neighbor who shares the event helps put meals on tables and supports seniors across our community.

Persons can register and get details on the ride and raffle prizes by visiting seniorsofcobb.org and clicking on the Meetings and Events tab.

'Born to Be a Senior' charity ride to set off in East Cobb

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John Wieland entity buys East Cobb land once eyed by church

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John Wieland entity buys East Cobb land once eyed by church

A few months after a church backed out of plans to build a new worship facility on a six-and-a-half acre tract on Oak Lane in East Cobb, the property has been sold to a prominent Atlanta homebuilding company.

Cobb property sale records show that JWC Interests LLC of Vinings paid $1.6 million for the land on May 15 to the Barkis Family Revocable Trust.

The land is located at the intersection of Oak Lane, Casteel Road and Bill Murdock Road and is zoned residential.

JWC Interests does business as the JW Collection, which has built more than a dozen upscale residential developments in metro Atlanta.

The “JW” stands for John Wieland, who has been building homes in the Atlanta area for more than 50 years under a number of entities.

JW Collection homes are marketed as luxury single-family detached and upscale townhomes. The company is also developing 11 acres off of Post Oak Tritt Road called The Paddocks East Cobb, with prices starting at $1 million.

The Oak Lane property was being considered by Grace Resurrection Methodist Church for a new campus, but the church withdrew a request for approval before the Cobb Board of Zoning Appeals in December.

The church’s plans were opposed by nearby residents who said a 15,000-square-foot building and a 286-space parking lot was too intense for the area, and would cause traffic, noise, lighting and environmental problems.

Grace Resurrection has said it’s looking at other options to expand its church as it’s outgrown a former Lutheran church on Indian Hills Parkway.

The Oak Lane land has been in the Barkis family for years and includes a 2,700-square foot home built in 1971.

The JW Collection also is developing a single-family detached community in Powder Springs. Its townhome communities include Woodstock, Sandy Springs, Kennesaw and Canton.

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East Cobb Real Estate: Creekside Oaks home sells for $760K

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East Cobb Real Estate: Creekside Oaks home sells for $760K

This week’s featured home sale is in the Creekside Oaks subdivision, in the Lassiter High School, Mabry Middle School and Davis Elementary School attendance zones.

It has 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, is on 0.35 acres, and sold for $760,000 on May 26, 2026.

The home blends open concept living with custom built-in flanking the dining area fireplace and opening to the kitchen and family rooms.

The kitchen features a new gas range and a walk-in pantry. Other upgrades includes the laundry room, new storage built-ins in the garage, a new den/office in the former dining room and a new coat closet.

Expanded entertaining areas include a living room that opens to a new dining room and a screened-in porch, patio and private back yard.

Click the middle button below to see more photos.

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The following East Cobb residential real estate sales from May 26-29, 2026 were compiled from agency reports and Cobb County property records.

They include the street address, subdivision name and sales price listed under their respective high school attendance zones:

Kell

4109 Barbara Drive, 30066 (Greenland): $615,000

Lassiter

4180 Summit Way, 30066 (Creekside Oaks): $760,000

2472 Devon Wood Way, 30066 (Devon Way): $705,000

3424 Brandon Hall Way, 30062 (Woodbine Station): $590,000

3875 Winners Court, 30062 (Village North Highlands): $483,375

4423 Windsor Oaks Circle, 30066 (Windsor Oaks): $627,300

Marietta

1408 Jazzberry Way, 30066 (Bluffs at Bells Ferry): $390,000

1664 Crestridge Drive, 30067 (Powers Ferry Hills): $675,000

1412 Jazzberry Way, 30066 (Bluffs at Bells Ferry): $379,104

1416 Jazzberry Way, 30066 (Bluffs at Bells Ferry): $395,500

1057 Soaring Way, 30062 (Eagle Ridge): $360,000

1424 Jazzberry Way, 30066 (Bluffs at Bells Ferry): $400,320

1432 Jazzberry Way, 30066 (Bluffs at Bells Ferry): $462,809

1231 Herty Drive 30062 (Parkside East): 407,500

1425 Rosewood Creek Drive, 30062 (Briarwood): $389,000

Pope

1937 Rand Ridge Court, 30062 (Middleton Place): $1.365 million

3057 Bunker Hill Circle, 30062 (Bunker Hills): $636,000

3350 Woodleaf Way, 30062 (Chestnut Creek): $606,500

2731 Spencers Trace, 30062 (Holly Springs East): $460,000

3612 Cherbourg Way, 30062 (Dorset): $735,000

3664 Hadfield Drive, 30062 (Charrington): $865,000

4008 Chelsea Lane, 30062 (Lexington): $660,000

2787 Hearthstone Circle, 30062 (Chimney Springs): $680,000

4630 Clary Lakes Drive, 30062 (Clary Lakes): $840,000

Sprayberry

2190 Northfield Court, 30066 (Northfield): $555,000

1351 Linley Trace, 30066 (Landsdowne): $544,500

2651 Shaw Road, 30066 (Pine Valley Farms): $430,000

3180 Sandy Plains Road, 30066 (Mountain View): $276,000

2415 Wistful Way, 30066 (Brookview Manor): $1.2 million

1296 Worley Drive, 30066 (Shaw Woods): $430,000

3901 Ebenezer Road, 30066 (Philmont Estates): $400,000

4077 Christacy Way, 30066 (Thornbrook): $515,000

1670 Huntington Drive, 30066 (Huntington Woods): $690,000

2159 Chartley Place, 30062 (Chartley Woods): $469,900

2316 Milstead Circle, 30066 (Landsdowne): $590,000

1730 Cedar Grove Drive, 3006 (Cedar Grove) $385,000

1562 Hillhaven Drive, 30062 (Blackjack Hills): $564,000

1991 Kinridge Road, 30062 (Piedmont Bend): $744,900

1860 Twin Branch Drive, 30062 (Sandy Plains Estates): $515,000

3000 Alberta Drive, 30062 (Holly Springs): $450,000

3520 Chastain Glen Lane, 30066 (Chastain Glen): $435,000

Walton

5093 Viking Walk, 30068 (Lake Fjord): $579,900

4812 Fernie Court, 30068 (Chadds Lake): $960,000

5341 Tall Oak Drive, 30068 (Woodland Trails):$545,000

3626 High Green Drive, 30068 (Indian Hills): $768,500

4250 Summit Drive, 30068 (Indian Hills): $2.4 million

4001 Riverlook Parkway, Unit 203, 30067 (Willows by the River): $220,000

816 Hillwood Drive, 30068 (Indian Hills): $2.575 million

1118 Midsummer Court, 30068 (Camden Glen): $875,000

1331 Nantahala Trail, 30062 (Indian Ridge): $780,000

4032 Bradbury Drive, 30062 (Penhurst): $1.1 million

65 Gateside Place, 30067 (Column Gate): $1.525 million

Wheeler

2958 Chipmunk Trail, 30067 (The Village): $315,000

757 Terrell Crossing, 30067 (Old Paper Mill): $1.02 million

2829 Hitchcock Mill Run, 30068 (Princeton Mill): $795,000

2878 Clearbrook Drive, 30068 (Country Place East): $525,000

1972 Clearwater Drive, 30067 (Hamby Acres): $345,000

71 Cecil Drive, 30068 (Kathleen Place): $625,000

1657 Cedar Bluff Way, 30062 (Cedar Bluff): $270,000

3150 Woodwalk Drive, Unit 3202, 30339 (The Flats at Riverwalk): $279,000

732 Earl Street, 30067 (Sun Valley Estates): $445,000

2481 Weatherford Court, 30068 (Weatherstone): $553,000

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Citizens to protest forthcoming Bells Ferry Road data center

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Citizens to protest forthcoming Bells Ferry Road data center
The proposed data center land (in pink) covers nearly 30 acres on Bells Ferry Road at Interstate 75. OpenStreetMap

Citizens opposed to a new data center in the city of Marietta are planning to speak out on the issue at a Marietta City Council meeting this coming week.

Some had claimed that a public hearing was to have been held at the council’s regular meeting on Wednesday, but city officials said Friday that’s not the case.

“The City of Marietta is aware of misinformation being circulated regarding discussion of data centers,” the city announced over social media channels Friday afternoon.

“The City confirms there is NO town hall, public hearing, or item for Council discussion regarding data centers scheduled for the June 10, 2026 City Council meeting.”

There’s no mention of the data center on the council’s meeting agenda.

The city’s message was in response to information distributed on a website opposed to the data center with the URL StopCobbDataCenter.com and headlined “Not for Us—Cobb County.”

The site includes a message at the top indicating a public hearing before the Marietta City Council on June 10 (Wednesday), and asks that “we’re asking all attendees who support a permanent ban to wear red—speaking slots are limited, so a united visual presence is our strongest message.”

A Northeast Cobb resident contacted East Cobb News this week on the same matter, saying that she “just found out about the data center they’re planning to put up” and that “apparently there’s folks going to show up at a meeting of the Marietta City Council to have a say about this.”

But the caller’s concerns, as well as those from the “Not for Us—Cobb County” site are coming nearly a year too late.

In June 2025, the Marietta City Council unanimously proved a digital data center proposal on a 30-acre undeveloped tract following claims from prominent land-use attorney Kevin Moore that it would provide more than $70 million in tax revenue.

The data center would employ 40 people and house computer systems and servers and data and networking equipment.

While there was some community support expressed at the time, concerns also were raised over possible effects on nearby residential developments.

The more recent opposition comes as protests specifically against artificial intelligence data centers are growing around the country, citing electrical and water costs, as well as noise and environmental impacts.

A number of local governments in metro Atlanta have imposed temporary moratoria on data centers, including a six-month pause in unincorporated Cobb approved unanimously by commissioners in February.

Noted environmental activist Erin Brockovich also has joined efforts to oppose data centers and has begun an online map to track data centers across the country.

Her map includes the Bells Ferry Road property as a “community reported” site as of May 4. According to the map, such sites “show data submitted by concerned residents across the US about AI data centers.”

The concerned residents behind the “Not for Us—Cobb County” site are not identified. The site offers tips on how public speakers should express their opposition to the data center, including pointing out that no environmental impact study was conducted before the Marietta vote in 2025, and to contact their city council members.

“The developer has lawyers and $100M for a substation. You have the vote and the documented evidence,” according to the “Not for Us—Cobb County” site.

On the City of Marietta’s Facebook page, some citizens took exception to the city’s message about there not being a public hearing.

“There has been zero misinformation about it—public comment is open to non-agenda topics,” wrote one citizen.

“Surely you aren’t trying to discourage your constituents from attending a public council meeting, to speak with representatives who work for us? See you on Wednesday!,” commented another.

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