3 East Cobb school PTAs get School of Excellence recognition

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The PTAs at three schools in East Cobb are being recognized in the National PTA Schools of Excellence program for the 2025-27 period.3 East Cobb school PTAs get School of Excellence recognition

The East Cobb County Council of PTAs announced last week that the Dodgen Middle School PTSA, the Keheley Elementary School PTA and the Mountain View Elementary School PTA are among the five recognized for the honor from the state of Georgia.

“This year, National PTA honored 321 local PTAs and schools as 2025-2027 National PTA Schools of Excellence for building partnerships between families and their schools that enrich the educational experience and overall well-being of all students,” the ECCC PTA message stated.

Lindse Parsons, co-president of the Mountain View PTA, told East Cobb News that “I just felt it shines a great light on our East Cobb area and the level of volunteering and engagement in our schools!”

More detailed information and criteria about the National PTA School of Excellence program can be found by clicking here.

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Cobb extends data center moratorium with code changes coming

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Cobb extends data center moratorium with code changes coming

The Cobb Board of Commissioners on Tuesday voted to extend a moratorium on considering new data center applications for another six months.

The existing moratorium was set to expire later this month, and at a work session last week, commissioners were briefed on forthcoming ordinances to address the issue.

An item on Tuesday’s meeting agenda states that the Cobb County Code enacted in 1972 “gives no consideration for this more modern land use.

“Today, data centers are most similar to a private utility or a warehouse use, both of which are permitted by right in Cobb County in the light industrial (LI) and heavy industrial (HI) zoning districts.”

No data centers have been formally proposed in unincorporated Cobb, but local governments around the nation are issuing moratoria as they grapple with a fast-moving issue that has galvanized community and political opposition.

The City of Marietta imposed a six-month moratorium last month after being besieged by residents opposed to a proposed data center off Delk Road near Interstate 75 as well as consideration of a similar facility on land zoned for a data center off Bells Ferry Road.

The Marietta moratorium does not apply to the former, a proposal by Prime Storage to convert a portion of a storage facility on Powers Ferry Place for what the applicant said is for “mission critical” local purposes.

The Marietta City Council held that case, which is scheduled to be reconsidered on Wednesday. There has been no proposal for a data center on the Bells Ferry Road site.

Cobb Community Development Agency officials have not given a timetable for bringing proposed code amendments for data centers, but the moratorium extension expires on Feb. 24, 2027.

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Democratic challenger in Cobb commission race raises $100K

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A Democrat seeking to unseat four-term Republican incumbent JoAnn Birrell on the Cobb Board of Commissioner has reported raising more than $100,000. Richardson advisor declares intent for Cobb commission campaign

According to campaign disclosure reports filed last week, Kevin Redmon has spent roughly half of that total as the District 3 general election campaign heats up.

District 3 covers most of East Cobb, and is the only contested commissioner’s race in November.

Democrats control the five-member body with a 3-2 majority, and the two Republican-held seats are on the ballot this year.

In May, two-term Republican incumbent Keli Gambrill won her primary in District 1 in West Cobb, and is unopposed in November.

Redmon, who ran for the Cobb Board of Commissioners in 2024 in District 2 and was a “community cabinet” member for former commissioner Jerica Richardson, has reported raising $100,520 in contributions for the District 3 race.

His disclosure report (you can read it here) reports that he has $50,386 on hand.

Redmon announced his candidacy last October and was unopposed in the May primary, while Birrell easily defeated Chris Wasserman in the Republican primary.

Birrell’s campaign disclosure report (you can read it here) indicates that she has raised $50,839, and has $32,007 on hand.

Cobb approves $1.4B fiscal year budget on party-line vote

His campaign issued a release Monday saying that nearly 80 percent of donors live in Cobb, and more than 60 percent of contributors have given 100 or less.

But Redmon also has received large contributions from several sources, including $3,300 amounts from Goldman Sachs tecnology executive Justin Smith; noted Atlanta homebuilder John Wieland; and The Barnes Law Group, the practice run by former Georgia Gov. Roy Barnes.

Among the biggest expenses are $13,000 for campaign manager Mindy Seger, a leader with the anti-cityhood group East Cobb Alliance who also was an adviser to Richardson.

Birrell is the longest-serving member on the Cobb commission. Among her campaign contributors are $3,300 from Building Together, the political action committee of the Georgia Home Builders Association; $2,500 from the Project Health Solutions PAC; $2,000 each from Cynthia Reichard and Steve Tanner, top executives at Arylessence Inc., a privately held fragrance firm based in East Cobb; $2,000 from Ben Mathis, managing partner of the Cumberland law firm Freeman Mathis & Gary, LLP; and $2,000 from the Freeman Mathis Decisions PAC.

The primary expenses reported by Birrell are $12,000 for campaign mailings.

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League of Women Voters launches ‘How Georgia Votes’ series

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Submitted information: League of Women Voters launches 'How Georgia Votes' series

Sixty-one years ago, the Voting Rights Act was signed into law, a promise that every eligible American’s voice would count. This year, as Georgians prepare to choose a governor, a United States senator, and leaders in every county from Whitfield to Fulton to Colquitt, the League of Women Voters of Georgia is marking that anniversary by launching “How Georgia Votes,” a weekly series that walks through exactly how an election runs in this state — from the moment you register to the moment the results are certified.

Each week between now and November 3, the League will publish a plain-language explanation of one piece of the process: how to register and check your registration, who runs elections in your county, how every Georgia ballot produces a paper record, how voting equipment is tested before a single vote is cast, and how the count is audited after the polls close. No jargon, no politics, just how it works, because Georgians deserve to see the machinery of their own democracy up close.

“Elections in Georgia are run by our neighbors in county offices in Dalton and Moultrie just as in Atlanta, and the process they follow is careful, layered, and open to public view,” said Jackie Killings, President of the League of Women Voters of Georgia. “When voters can see each step for themselves, confidence follows. That confidence is what carries people to the polls.”

The deadline to register for the November 3 general election is Monday, October 5. Voters can check their registration status any time at the Georgia My Voter Page (mvp.sos.ga.gov) or through Vote411.org.

Registering to Vote in Georgia: Everything You Need to Know

Every Georgia election begins the same way, with a voter registration list built one neighbor at a time. This week, the League of Women Voters of Georgia’s “How Georgia Votes” series covers the first step in the process: getting on that list, and helping others do the same, ahead of the October 5 registration deadline for the November 3 general election.

Any U.S. citizen who lives in Georgia and will be at least 18 years old by Election Day can register. Registration takes only a few minutes: (1) online through the Georgia Secretary of State’s registration portal for anyone with a Georgia driver’s license or state ID, (2) by mail using a paper application available at any county registrar’s office or public library, (3) or in person when renewing a license at the Department of Driver Services. Every application, however it arrives, is reviewed and verified by trained election staff in the voter’s home county before a name is added to the rolls.

“Registration is where trust in our elections starts, because it is where accuracy starts,” said Jackie Killings, President of the League of Women Voters of Georgia. “Every name on Georgia’s voter list was checked by an election professional in one of our 159 counties — someone who lives in that community and answers to it. That is true whether your county office sits in downtown Atlanta or on the square in a town of two thousand people.”

Georgians who want to help friends, family, or neighbors register can do so. Anyone may give someone else an application or direct them to the Secretary of State’s portal, and community groups that plan to hold registration drives can find the state’s guidelines through their county registrar. Local Leagues of Women Voters across the state host registration events year-round and welcome volunteers.

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East Cobb resident named manager of Delta Community branch

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Submitted information and photo:

Delta Community is pleased to announce that Greg Fugate has been named branch manager of its Marietta Branch at 1205 Johnson Ferry Road in East Cobb County. The branch’s previous manager, Kara Buckner, has been appointed to lead the credit union’s Marietta branch on Dallas Highway.

Fugate is a longtime resident of East Cobb County and began his career at Delta Community in 2022. He joined the credit union as a Hybrid Member Service Agent at the Johnson Ferry branch, before being promoted to head teller. He later served as assistant branch manager at the credit union’s Alpharetta branch and now returns to Johnson Ferry with a strong understanding of the branch, its members and community.

“I began my Delta Community career at this branch, so it is very rewarding to now have the opportunity to lead it,” Fugate said. “As a proud ‘East Cobber’ for more than three decades, it is truly a privilege to have community members trust me and my team with their banking needs.”

Fugate looks forward to deepening relationships throughout East Cobb and partnering with local schools and organizations through Delta Community’s financial literacy and education initiatives.

The Johnson Ferry branch is one of three Delta Community locations serving Cobb County. Together, the branches help serve more than 40,000 members who live throughout the county.

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Dobbins Air Reserve conducting ‘routine training exercise’

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Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta said on Monday that what it’s calling “a routine training exercise” this week may generate more attention than usual from the public.Dobbins Air Reserve conducting 'routine training exercise'

That’s because “there may be noise impacts to the areas surrounding the installation, and community members should be assured that these are for exercise purposes only. The activities are part of a controlled, simulated training environment that is essential to the readiness and preparedness of our force.”

Dobbins is the home of the 94th Airlift Wing of the Air Force Reserve Command, featuring a fleet of C-130 Hercules transport planes, and is thebase for its 22nd Air Force.

Dobbins also is the home of an aviation service facility for the U.S. Army National Guard and reserve units of the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Navy.

The Dobbins message—posted from a social media account of the 94th Airlift Wing—said on Monday that “in the event of any real-world incidents, notifications will be made through our on- and off-base community emergency management partners.

“Dobbins Air Reserve Base appreciates the community’s understanding and continued support.”

 

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East Cobb Real Estate: Marlanta home sells for $760K

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This week’s featured real estate home sale is in the Marlanta subdivision, in the Pope High School, Hightower Trail Middle School and Shallowford Falls Elementary School attendance zones.

It has 5 bedrooms and 4 baths and includes 3,444 square feet on 0.46 acres, and sold for $760,000 on July 28, 2026.

Click on the middle button below to see more photos.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The following East Cobb residential real estate sales from July 27-31, 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

None

Lassiter

3692 Stoney View Drive, 30062 (Rock Mill): $370,000

3845 Fenway Crossing, 30062 (Beacon Hill): $755,000

2451 Stockton Drive, 30066 (Stocktons Ford): $540,000

3985 Loch Highland Pass, 30075 (Loch Highland): $645,000

4311 Summit Oaks Lane, 30075 (Summit Oaks): $925,000

3877 Winners Court, 30062 (Village North Highlands):$489,000

4507 North Slope Circle, 30066 (Highland Pointe): $582,500

3540 Jefferson Township Parkway, 30066 (Jefferson Township): $1.195 million

4978 Gunners Pass, 30075 (Gunners Pond) $474,000

Marietta

739 Pear Grove Place, 30062 (Hamilton Grove): $597,500

Pope

2193 Oakrill Court, 30062 (Cedar Forks): $514,250

3026 Coach Lane, 30062 (Marlanta): $760,000

2737 Hearthstone Circle, 30062 (Chimney Springs): $650,000

2961 Connie Street, 30062 (Rolling Acres): $625,000

4205 Manor House Drive, 30062 (Marlanta): $515,000

3297 Post Oak Tritt Road, 30062: $575,000

2802 Field Creek Court, 30062 (Timber Bluff): $371,500

Sprayberry

1430 Shadowrock Court, 30062 (Woodstream): $632,000

2652 Green Meadow Lane, 30066 (Pine Valley Farms): $450,000

3305 Paxton Drive, 30066 (Brookhaven): $459,000

1314 Shadowood Court, 30066 (Blackwell Road): $500,000

3560 Ebenezer Court, 30066 (Noonday Hills): $485,000

2403 Cape Sable Drive, 30066 (Delac0ur): $460,000

1494 Longwing Lane, 30066 (The Village at Sandy Plains): $671,585

2686 Evers Drive, 30062 (East Cobb Walk): $499,000

197 Laura Lake Road, 30066: $749,000

2831 Bettis Court, 30066 (Caribou Hills): $630,000

Walton

1020 Fairfield Court, 30068 (Indian Hills): $720,000

4411 Kings Way, 30067 (Kings Cove): $760,000

5103 Sandlewood Court, 30068 (Tally Green): $675,000

5058 Meadow Lane, 30068 (The Meadows): $337,000

2210 Heathermoor Hill Drive, 30062 (Heathermoor): $1.85 million

5215 Huntingford Terrace, 30068 (Willow Point): $635,000

640 Maddie Way, 30068 (Robinson Manor): $940,000

836 Chelsea Park Drive, 30068 (Chelsea Park): $1.23 million

4972 Secluded Pines Drive, 30068 (Rose Oak): $712,000

927 Lerose Court, 30068 (Lashley Farms): $650,000

208 Indian Hills Trail, 30068 (Indian Hills): $1.875 million

4505 Paper Mill Road, 30067 (Atlanta Country Club): $2.775 million

1462 Brookcliff Drive, 30062 (Brookcliff): $680,000

505 Bridle Path, 30067 (Mulberry Farms) $500,000

Wheeler

177 Millbrook Farm Road, 30068 (Gant Quarters): $650,000

3093 Old Canton Court, 30068 (Old Canton Court): $465,000

800 Woodmont Drive, 30062 (Woodmont): $635,000

783 Gardenside Circle, 30067 (Gardenside at Powers Ferry): $414,900

5858 Riverstone Circle, Unit 13, 30339 (Riverstone at Wildwood): $578,000

720 Brookline Drive, 30067 (Hyde Park): $607,000

2707 Gettysburg Lane, 30067 (Hyde Park): $470,000

12 Vickwood Court, 30068 (Sentinel Lake): $710,000

265 Pinetree Drive, 30068 (Cross Gate): $565,100

3415 Indian Hills Drive, 30068 (Indian Hills): $750,000

725 Scottish Mill Run, 30068 (Princeton Mill): $652,500

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2026 Milestones test results: East Cobb middle, high schools

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Pope High School, Cobb SAT scores

The 2026 Georgia Milestones test results were released this week, minus some important categories of metrics.

The Georgia Department of Education has been revising its standards for Reading and English Language Arts, and is delaying release of those test scores until November.

At the middle and high school levels, East Cobb News has been breaking down 8th grade English Language Arts and the four subject-area high school tests.

(In a separate post, we looked at elementary school results.)

For the Georgia Milestones assessments, students are tested in grades 3-8 in English Language Arts, reading and math, in grades 5-8 in those subjects plus science, and all those subjects plus social studies in grade 8.

Those are formally called End of Grade Assessments.

High school students are tested in American Literature, algebra, biology and U.S. history under what’s called the End of Course Assessments.

A total of 20 different assessments are measured at the end of each semester, as well as the end of the school year.

Students are categorized in one of four levels, based on those test scores: Level 1 is Beginning Learner, Level 2 is a Developing Learner, Level 3 is a Proficient Learner and Level 4 is Distinguished Learner.

Here’s the link to the Georgia Milestones dashboard, but a warning: There is a massive amount of information and instructions on how to use it.

Broader state education data, including district- and school-level test results, can be found at this link.

The 8th grade math scores at elementary schools in East Cobb (see the table at the bottom of this post) show a variety of differences from 2025.

The same goes for high school tests in biology, algebra and U.S. history (see 2025 test results for a comparison).

What the tables below do not show—again because of state delays—are 8th grade English Language Arts and high school American literature and composition. That testing data will be available in November, according to the Georgia Department of Education.

Schools in East Cobb reported some of the highest figures in the Cobb County School District.

According to a Cobb school district release, 82 percent of all students tested at 82 percent in proficiency levels and above, the highest for a large district in metro Atlanta.

At Lassiter that figure was 94 percent, and at Pope and Walton, those figures were at 90 percent.

At Simpson Middle School, 98.7 of the students taking the Milestones tests were deemed proficient learners and above in social studies, while that metric was 97.9 percent at Dodgen and 97.5 at Hightower Trail.

The downloadable school-level spring 2026 End of Course spreadsheets contain all results by high school name, grade and subject.

The spring 2026 End of Grade spreadsheets include elementary and middle school results by individual school name, grade and subject as well.

8th Grade Math

# Tested % Proficient Learners and Above % Distinguished Learners
Daniell 260 51.9 21.9
Dickerson 362 90.3 69.1
Dodgen 386 88.9 58.5
East Cobb 432 38.9 22.0
Hightower Trail 320 87.5 57.5
Mabry 113 81.4 43.4
McCleskey 184 60.3 33.2
Simpson 310 73.2 43.2
Cobb 7,729 55.4 29.1
Georgia 126,997 46.4 23.1

High School Biology

# Tested 2026 % Proficient Learners and Above 2025 % Proficient Learners and Above
Kell 318 63.8 73.7
Lassiter 510 79.6 80.3
Pope 453 81.5 84.1
Sprayberry 397 46.1 58.8
Walton 668 86.2 85.5
Wheeler 623 55.9 63.3

High School Algebra

# Tested 2026 % Proficient Learners and Above 2025 % Proficient Learners and Above
Kell 341 56.3 46.7
Lassiter 327 74.9 80.3
Pope 236 67.4 64.1
Sprayberry 354 41.8 39.4
Walton 395 81.8 70.6
Wheeler 497 41.4 31.2

High School U.S. History

# Tested 2026 % Proficient Learners and Above 2025 % Proficient Learners and Above
Kell 346 64.7 55.8
Lassiter 297 89.5 89.4
Pope 178 78.7 80.3
Sprayberry 328 57.7 60.3
Walton 377 76.4 89.2
Wheeler 351 35.3 45.3

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2026 Milestones test results: East Cobb elementary schools

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2026 Milestones test results: East Cobb elementary schools
More than 90 percent of 5th graders at Sope Creek ES are proficient or better in math, the best figure in the Cobb County School District.

The 2026 Georgia Milestones test results were released this week, minus some important categories of metrics.

The Georgia Department of Education has been revising its standards for Reading and English Language Arts, and is delaying release of those test scores until November.

At the elementary school level, East Cobb News has been breaking down 3rd grade reading and 5th grade math in the years since COVID-19 disruptions, and this report will focus on the latter.

(In a separate post, looked at some middle school and high school results.)

For the Georgia Milestones assessments, students are tested in grades 3-8 in English Language Arts, reading and math, in grades 5-8 in those subjects plus science, and all those subjects plus social studies in grade 8.

Those are formally called End of Grade Assessments.

High school students are tested in American Literature, algebra, biology and U.S. history under what’s called the End of Course Assessments.

A total of 20 different assessments are measured at the end of each semester, as well as the end of the school year.

Students are categorized in one of four levels, based on those test scores: Level 1 is Beginning Learner, Level 2 is a Developing Learner, Level 3 is a Proficient Learner and Level 4 is Distinguished Learner.

Here’s the link to the Georgia Milestones dashboard, but a warning: There is a massive amount of information and instructions on how to use it.

Broader state education data, including district- and school-level test results, can be found at this link.

The 5th grade math scores at elementary schools in East Cobb (see the table at the bottom of this post) show a variety of differences from 2025 (you can see that graphic at this link).

At Sope Creek Elementary School, 90 percent of the 181 5th graders taking the Milestones are considered proficient or above. That’s the highest number in the Cobb County School District, and 10 percentage points higher at Sope Creek than in 2025.

Students at seven elementary schools in East Cobb have distinguished learning rates in 5th grade math at 40 percent or above, and Sope Creek, Timber Ridge, Tritt and Mt. Bethel have more than 50 percent testing at that level or above.

The Cobb school district reports that nearly 60 percent of more than 7,600 students testing for 5th grade math were at profiency level or above, and 22.8 percent are distinguished learners.

Those benchmarks are higher than the statewide averages of 44.1 percent and 16.9, respectively.

The downloadable school-level spring 2026 End of Grade spreadsheets contain all results by school name, grade and subject.

On that spreadsheet, you search through grades 3-8 math scores in individual assessment categories. As we noted at the top, the Reading and English Language Arts results will be released in November.

# Tested % Proficient Learners and Above % Distinguished Learners
Addison 92 76.1 37.0
Bells Ferry 138 41.3 15.7
Blackwell 102 44.1 15.7
Brumby 138 14.0 8.7
Davis 122 77.0 36.9
East Side 211 85.3 43.1
Eastvalley 97 68.0 32.0
Garrison Mill 128 71.1 35.2
Keheley 56 60.7 16.1
Kincaid 113 66.4 31.9
Mt. Bethel 187 80.2 50.8
Mountain View 131 81.7 45.8
Murdock 159 82.4 46.5
Nicholson 62 66.1 27.4
Powers Ferry 80 26.3 6.3
Rocky Mount 80 65.0 27.5
Sedalia Park 98 34.7 12.2
Shallowford Falls 110 64.5 30.0
Sope Creek 181 90.6 59.1
Timber Ridge 88 79.5 58.0
Tritt 151 86.1 53.0
Cobb 7,604 52.9 22.8
Georgia 123,478 44.1 16.9

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Cobb County International Festival returns Aug. 22

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Submitted information:

Hola! Ciao! Konnichiwa! Olá! Jambo! Marhaban! Nǐ hǎo! However you say it, say hello to the Cobb County International Festival, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, at Jim R. Miller Park and Event Center in Marietta.

Join us for a trip around the world with stops for food, drinks, entertainment and activities for all ages — no passport needed. Cobb’s free community favorite returns with even more flavors, performances, traditions and engaging experiences. Bring your appetite and a sense of adventure.

This year’s festival features:

  • More than 20 world consulates represented
  • Global cuisine from more than 30 food trucks and booths, including Mexico, the Philippines, Turkey and Vietnam
  • Handcrafted and imported merchandise from more than 35 international vendors
  • Stage performances by more than 15 cultural groups
  • International sports village with interactive activities
  • Cultural demonstrations and exhibits
  • A passport scavenger hunt for kids and adults
  • New this year: “Taste of Home” bar serving international alcoholic beverages on the plaza and in the event center
  • New this year: Water tent to help guests beat the heat
  • Kids Zone area with crafts and activities

Plan your visit

Where: Jim R. Miller Park and Event Center, 2245 Callaway Road, Marietta 

When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22 

Admission: FREE

Stay cool: Booths and the stage are indoors. Most food vendors are outdoors, and an outdoor water tent will help guests stay hydrated.

Parking: Parking is free and available in the venue’s main lot, with overflow parking at the North Lot on Al Bishop Drive (marked with signage). Shuttles for ADA guests and others needing assistance will run from the North Lot to the event center, and a second shuttle will be available inside the main gate. Shuttle wait times may vary depending on demand.

For more information visit the Cobb PARKS webpage or contact [email protected]

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Marietta Art in the Park festival returns Labor Day weekend

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Marietta Art in the Park festival returns Labor Day weekend

Submitted information:

Marietta Art in the Park is back September 5–7, 2026 from 10am–5pm!

This Atlanta Labor Day weekend tradition is celebrating its 40th anniversary on the historic Marietta Square in Glover Park. This incredible three-day juried Fine Art Festival attracts more than 55,000 guests and continues to shine as one of the top art events in the country.

Ranked #13 by Sunshine Artist Magazine in 2022 and consistently named a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society, it’s also the only fine art festival in Cobb County.

Presented by the Marietta Business Association, this award‑winning festival supports the community’s civic, social, and economic vitality.

Don’t miss this milestone year—come celebrate art, creativity, and community at Marietta’s Art in the Park Festival.

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Inaugural Cumberland Art Festival scheduled for October

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Submitted information:

One Cumberland announced today that Genuine Parts Company (NYSE: GPC), a leading global distributor of automotive and industrial replacement parts and value-added solutions, will serve as the presenting sponsor of the inaugural Cumberland Art Festival, a free two-day celebration of art, culture, and community taking place October 17–18, 2026, at Galleria on the Park (100 Galleria Parkway, Atlanta 30339). Hosted by One Cumberland, the festival is expected to welcome between 15,000 and 25,000 visitors for a weekend featuring more than 125 artists, live entertainment, family activities, local food vendors, and interactive experiences.

Headquartered in Cumberland, GPC is partnering with One Cumberland to help launch what organizers envision as the district’s signature annual arts festival. The partnership reflects the company’s longstanding investment in the community while expanding opportunities for residents and visitors to experience arts and culture in one of Metro Atlanta’s fastest-growing business districts.

“Cumberland has been home to GPC for more than a decade, and we’re proud to support this inaugural event that will bring people together while celebrating creativity and community,” said Renay Blumenthal, Senior Director, Corporate Giving & Community Relations for Genuine Parts Company. “We’re excited to help launch what we believe will become a signature event for the region and look forward to welcoming thousands of residents and visitors this October.”

“We are thrilled to have GPC as our presenting sponsor for the Cumberland Art Festival,” said Kim Menefee, Executive Director of One Cumberland. “Their support and commitment are helping bring the inaugural event to life, creating a new tradition that celebrates local creativity, strengthens community connections, and showcases everything that makes Cumberland a vibrant place to live, work, and visit.”

The Cumberland Art Festival will feature a curated artist market showcasing work across a variety of mediums, alongside live music, a Kid Zone, local food and beverage vendors, and so much more. Designed to become an annual destination event, the festival will celebrate the creativity and energy that continue to shape Cumberland’s growing identity.

The Cumberland Art Festival presented by GPC will take place Saturday, October 17, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Galleria on the Park. Admission is free and open to the public.

For more information about the festival, sponsorship opportunities, or media inquiries, contact [email protected]. 

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Peachtree Art Center to hold first anniversary celebration

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Submitted information:

Peachtree Art Center is celebrating one amazing year! Come share in this special milestone on Sunday, August 23, 12-5pm. If you’ve driven by, saw us on social media, or heard about the center and wondered what we offer, now’s your chance to check it out. Come and enjoy:

  • Original artwork available for purchase from talented local artists
  • A chance to explore the center, meet our instructors and exhibitors, and discover the many classes and workshops we offer
  • Free mini-classes*
  • Food & prizes

Thank you for making our first year so special, and we look forward to another year of providing creative opportunities to the greater Atlanta area and beyond. See you on August 23!

2601 Sandy Plains Rd, Marietta, Ga 30066

PeachtreeArtCenter.com – 678-457-3872

*Pre-registration required for mini-classes, see website.

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East Cobb schools earn top marks in Georgia Niche rankings

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Walton HS sports complex pedestrian bridge
Walton HS is among the top public high schools in Georgia, according to 2026 Niche rankings.

Several schools at all grade levels in East Cobb have been listed as some of the best in Georgia, according to a prominent education ranking service.

The Niche.com 2026 Best Schools in Georgia update came out on July 31, and Walton and Lassiter are among the Top 25 in the high school rankings.

Walton is at No. 9 and Lassiter is at No. 24, according to the Niche Georgia public high school rankings, which are compiled with a variety of data from the U.S. Department of Education, students reviews and other indicators.

Wheeler came in No. 26, followed by Pope at No. 35. Niche also has ranked high schools within the Cobb County School District.

Among charter high schools in Georgia, Walton comes in at No. 1,

According to the Niche website, its rankings also include factors relating to culture and diversity, teacher quality, clubs and activities, resources and facilities and sports.

Among private high schools in Georgia, Niche ranked The Walker School at No. 6, while Mt. Bethel Christian Academy was ranked sixth among best private schools in Cobb County.

The Georgia public middle school rankings by Niche have Dickerson at No. 15, Simpson at No. 18 and Dodgen at No. 25. Here are the Cobb middle school rankings.

Among public elementary schools in the state, Timber Ridge is ranked No. 24 and Sope Creek is at No. 30, and other East Cobb schools are among the leaders in the Cobb County rankings.

As for the Cobb County School District overall, the Niche rankings have assigned an “A” score, with A or A- scores in most categories.

That comes to No. 15 among public school districts in the state, and tops among the larger districts. Gwinnett is No. 18, Fulton County No. 19 and Marietta City Schools are No. 24.

To look at a map of Cobb County schools and to view individual school profiles, click here.

You can also go to the Niche.com main page and search for any school or school district for customized information.

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East Cobb Food Scores: Round Trip; Sam’s BBQ; Marietta Donuts; more

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Round Trip Brewing Co. holds grand opening at Avenue East Cobb

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

Baladi Coffee
3460 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 600
July 30, 2026, Score: 99, Grade: A

Belen de la Cruz Empanadas and Pastries
1050 East Piedmont Road, Suite 146
Aug. 6, 2026, Score: 100, Grade: A

Brazilian Bakery and Cafe
1260 Powers Ferry Road, Suite A
Aug. 5, 2026, Score: 87, Grade: B

Great American Cookie/Marble Slab Creamery
4101 Roswell Road, Suite 308
Aug. 5, 2026, Score: 100, Grade: A

GTC Merchants Walk Cinema
1301 Johnson Ferry Road
Aug. 5, 2026, Score: 99, Grade: A

Hong Kong Star
4719 Lower Roswell Road, Suite 110
Aug. 5, 2026, Score: 96, Grade: A

J’mz Bowls
4400 Roswell Road, Suite 136
Aug. 6, 2026, Score: 100, Grade: A

Kumo Hibachi Sushi
2595 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 103
Aug. 6, 2026, Score: 80, Grade: B

Marietta Crawfish and Seafood
1420 Roswell Road
July 31, 2026, Score: 94, Grade: A

Marietta Donuts
1282 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 109
July 30, 2026, Score: 86, Grade: B

New China House
1050 East Piedmont Road, Suite 142
Aug. 5, 2026, Score: 93, Grade: A

Pizza Hut
2520 East Piedmont Road, Suite 124
Aug. 5, 2026, Score: 96, Grade: A

Planet Smoothie
1050 East Piedmont Road, Suite 200
Aug. 6, 2026, Score: 87, Grade: B

Spice Wing
4101 Roswell Road, Suite 904
Aug. 6, 2026, Score: 100, Grade: A

Starbucks and Pizza Hut at Target
1401 Johnson Ferry Road
Aug. 5, 2026, Score: 100, Grade: A

Round Trip Brewing Co.
4475 Roswell Road, Suite 1600
Aug. 4, 2026, Score: 89, Grade: B

Sam’s BBQ 1
4958 Lower Roswell Road, Suite 116
July 31, 2026, Score: 86, Grade: B

Xengo
3162 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 420
Aug. 3, 2026, Score: 85, Grade: B

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Together with Families holds back-to-school bash in NE Cobb

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Together with Families holds back-to-school bash in NE Cobb
Photos courtesy Together With Families.

The East Cobb-based non-profit Together With Families held a back-to-school celebration Saturday to kick off a new school year.

As we noted previously, the organization recently opened what it calls its KinRise community youth leadership and wellness hub on Sandy Plains Road, servicing teens experiencing poverty and other issues.

“More than backpacks were handed. Families found encouragement. Children found joy. Neighbors became community,” Together with Families’ Sarah Donegan said.

“With backpacks, school supplies, free health screenings, driver’s education, bike giveaways, food, games and dozens of volunteers, the event helped families start the school year feeling supported and connected.

“Thank you to every sponsor, volunteer, partner and donor who made the day possible. When a community shows up for families, everyone is stronger.”

The backpacks included school supplies and families enjoyed food and refreshments, music, games and a community celebration.

Click the middle button below to view more photos.

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Mediation stalls between Cobb, schools over tax collections

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Cobb school district
The Cobb County School District accused Cobb County Government of a “money grab” over tax collection fees.

Cobb County Government said Monday that a mediation meeting last week with the Cobb County School District to resolve a lawsuit over tax collection fees came to an impasse.

In an unsigned statement, the county said that after the July 31 meeting, and noting that it “mediated in good faith, a resolution was not reached.”

The statement didn’t detail the reasons, and the case continues in Cobb Superior Court. The county statement added added only that “our responsibility is to protect the taxpayers of Cobb County and maintain the level of services that they have come to expect.”

On June 30, Cobb Superior Court Judge Julie Jacobs ordered the parties to appear before Judge Stephen Schuster in a mediation hearing, according to court filings.

The county was sued in Cobb Superior Court on June 15 by the Cobb school district, which alleged that the county has improperly billed the district more than $130 million in administrative fees over the last 15 years to collect school taxes that are then turned over to the school district.

The lawsuit (you can read it here) claims that the county unlawfully raised the collection fee amount from 1.6 percent to 2.5 percent of what it collects for the school district, both in property taxes and the Special-Purpose Local-Option Sales Taxes (SPLOST) for education.

The school district claims a state law, Local Act 240, should prevail. That states that all education funds since 2011 should be directed to the school district without any fees.

The total the county is charging the Cobb school district for tax collections for fiscal year 2027—which began on July 1—is $20 million.

John Floresta, Chief Strategy and Accountability Officer for the Cobb school district, issued the following statement when asked for a response about the mediation meeting by East Cobb News.
“Whether it’s $13 million or $20 million, and whether it’s called a tax on top of taxes or a “fee,” taking even one dollar that taxpayers intended for students doesn’t work for our Board or our Superintendent. This week, our teachers and staff welcomed students back to school, and our focus remains where it belongs—on educating children. That same focus drives this lawsuit. Our teachers already serve students at one of the lowest per-pupil costs in the metro area, and we’re committed to protecting the taxpayer dollars intended for their classrooms. This lawsuit says enough is enough.”

Cobb government has contended that current Georgia law allows for the 2.5 percent collection fee, and “that, due to no current local legislation setting the commission rate lower, the commission rate should be 2.5 percent.”

The county’s actions, the district said in its initial release, constitute “a money-grab, from classrooms, for absolutely no reason, other than the presumed hope of ending the senior school tax exemption or forcing a tax increase on Cobb homeowners.”

On July 17, the Cobb school district filed a motion for a partial summary judgment; a mediation notice was filed on July 20 setting the July 31 date.

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Cobb Elections seeks new location for Bells Ferry 2 precinct

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The Cobb Board of Elections and Registration will be asked next week to consider a new location for the Bells Ferry 2 precinct in Northeast Cobb.Cobb Elections Office seeks public input on polling locations

The board will meet next Tuesday to consider a request to permanently move the polling location from the Kulture Event Center (2932 Canton Road) to Legacy Church (1030 Blackwell Road).

According to a public notice, Cobb Elections said the move is necessary because “this precinct would no longer operate as a co-located precinct with Addison 01.”

The move would be effective on Aug. 11, and in time for the November general elections.

The Kulture Event Center served as the temporary precinct location for Bells Ferry 2 in the May primaries, after being moved from Christ Worship Center on Canton Road.

It was one of several relocations for this year’s elections, as Cobb Elections used some venues for dual precinct operations.

They included several in East Cobb, including the Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center, where long delays ensued due to technical problems with computer check-in devices.

In the November elections, the Sewell Mill Library will continue to be the polling locations for the Eastside 2 and Powers Ferry 1 precincts; Sope Creek Elementary School is the voting location for the Sope Creek 2 and Terrell Mill 1 precincts; Chestnut Ridge Christian Church is the venue for the Chestnut Ridge 1 and Hightower 1 precincts; Crossview Baptist Church is the polling station for the Gritters 1 and Elizabeth 2 precincts; the Catholic Church of St. Ann is the joint location for the Roswell 1 and Timber Ridge 1 precincts; and Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church is the polling station for the Post Oak 1 and Willeo 1 precincts.

Cobb Elections also has been asking the public for feedback on polling locations.

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What East Cobb homeowners should look for after heavy storms

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What East Cobb homeowners should look for after heavy storms

Please Note: This is a paid advertisement.

Another thunderstorm is in the forecast. With it, comes another potential for trapped moisture that can lead to black mold and structural rot. When that happens homeowners end up with repair bills for damage that could have been prevented with early detection.

David Cardenas owns Relief Remediation—Water Damage Restoration and regularly helps East Cobb and Marietta residents navigate these challenges. He notes that our dense Georgia clay traps water against exterior walls. This moisture quickly seeps into crawlspaces and basements.

“Newer builds use engineered lumber that is highly susceptible to hidden moisture, while older homes struggle with aging foundations,” Cardenas said.

“By the time you smell a musty odor, the damage behind the drywall is already extensive.”

To help the East Cobb community protect their properties, Cardenas shares four warning signs of hidden water intrusion:

  • 1. Spongy Floors: Walk barefoot near exterior doors or ground-floor windows. A slight spongy feeling indicates water pooling beneath the subfloor.
  • 2. Musty Odors: A damp smell in a specific room points to hidden mold growth in the ductwork or behind drywall.
  • 3. Bubbling Paint: Paint that looks blistered means water is trapped inside the wall and trying to evaporate outward.
  • 4. Indoor Allergies: Persistent sneezing or respiratory issues indoors can signal mold spores circulating in the home’s air supply.

What East Cobb homeowners should look for after heavy storms

Cardenas advises against trying to assess the full scope of moisture damage alone. Certified professionals, like Cardenas, use infrared thermal imaging cameras to locate trapped water without tearing down drywall. This technology detects minute temperature differences to map out the exact problem areas.

When facing sudden plumbing failures or post-storm damage, you want to look for certified restoration professionals who offer rapid emergency response times. It is also highly recommended to choose a local company that coordinates directly with insurance carriers, as this can streamline the recovery process and reduce the administrative burden on families.

About Relief Remediation: Based in Marietta, Relief Remediation is a family-owned disaster recovery company specializing in water extraction, water damage cleanup and restoration and mold remediation. Serving all of Cobb County, the company prides itself on rapid response times and working directly with insurance.

Business Location: Relief Remediation—Water Damage Restoration, 25 Powder Springs St, Suite 215 Marietta, GA 30064. Phone: 770-741-0183.

 

 

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Charlie Duncan, oldest living Ga. WWII veteran, dies at 107

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Cobb honors 107-year-old as oldest living Ga. WWII veteran

Back in May we wrote about Charlie Duncan being honored by the Cobb Board of Commissioners when he turned 107 years old.

That made him the oldest living World War II veteran in Georgia.

Over the weekend, Duncan’s family announced that he passed away on Friday.

According to his obituary, Duncan’s funeral will take place Wednesday at 1 p.m. at Sandy Plains Baptist Church (2825 Sandy Plains Road), with a visitation taking place at noon.

On his 107th birthday, commissioners passed a resolution on “Charlie Duncan Day” as he was joined by family members and friends.

Duncan was born on May 27, 1919, grew up in Cobb and Cherokee counties. He served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, building prefabricated bridges for use in the Allied campaign in Europe.

He was sworn in on his 25th birthday and served for 18 months, until shortly after the German surrender in May 1945.

He came home and lived in Cobb County the rest of his life, retiring as a master craftsman at an Atlanta millworks company.

Duncan survived two wives, to whom he was married for 39 years and 44 years, and heads a family with 10 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

He later built a home on Ebenezer Road in Northeast Cobb and took water aerobics classes at the Mountain View Aquatics Center.

And Duncan. has kept strong ties with other veterans, dining them often at a Woodstock restaurant, close his home at a senior-living facility, and that’s popular with military retirees.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Sandy Plains Baptist Church Building and Grounds or to Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child.

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