Lassiter HS graduate earns prestigious Stamps Scholarship

by

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.

Send Us Your News!

Let East Cobb News know what’s going on with your organization, or about any recognitions, to share with the community. We love to get photos and stories like the above, as well as calendar event listings and more.

We want to be the go-to source for all the many ways people in East Cobb are involved in the community.

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

Pass along your details/photos/videos/information to: [email protected], and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.

Send the body of your announcement, calendar item or news release IN TEXT FORM ONLY in the text field of your e-mail template. Reformatting text from PDF, JPG and doc files takes us longer to prepare your message for publication.

We accept PDFs as an accompaniment to your item. Images are fine too, but we prefer those to be JPG files (more than jpeg and png). PLEASE DO NOT send photos inside a PDF or text or any other kind of file, but d0 send them as attachments to your email.

Of course, send us links that are relevant to your message so we can direct people to your website.

Thanks for your cooperation and we look forward to hearing from you!

Related:

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

Popefest celebration to start school’s 40th anniversary year

by

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.

Related:

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

 

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

by

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

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

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

Related:

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

Woman injured in Brumby ES carpool lane crash facing charges

by

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.”

Related:

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

Cobb Sheriff’s Office graduates 1st training academy class

by

 

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. 

Related:

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

 

East Cobb Democrats to hold ‘No Gerrymandering’ protest

by

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.

If you would like to leave a comment on this story, please abide by our comments policy.

Related:

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go

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

by

'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

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

John Wieland entity buys East Cobb land once eyed by church

by

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.

Related:

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up and you’re good to go!

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

by

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.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

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

Related:

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up and you’re good to go!

Citizens to protest forthcoming Bells Ferry Road data center

by
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.

Related:

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

Cobb sends out 2026 tax assessments with notice changes

by

Cobb sends out 2026 tax assessments with notice changes

The Cobb Tax Assessor’s Office on Friday sent out 2026 property tax assessments with a number of changes in the notices, due to a new state law.

The changes include a place for homeowners to notify their county tax commissioner if they’re no longer eligible for a homestead exemption, a new box including current and previous year’s fair market value and a new box listing the “estimated tax savings associated with the exemptions, credits, or preferential assessment programs” indicated in another part of the notice.

The changes were prompted by the passage this year in the Georgia legislature of SB 566, which was to make property tax assessment notices easier to understand (more details here and you can watch the video below).

Legislators have been responding in recent years to concerns from property owners over rising assessments.

Friday’s mailings by Cobb are notices of assessment only and not property tax bills—those will go out in August and will be due in October.

Cobb Tax Assessor Christine Stinchcomb is estimating that the Cobb tax digest for 2026 will grow by around four percent.

The Cobb Board of Education in May adopted a fiscal year 2026 budget of nearly $1.9 billion that reflects that projection, although the formal digest total will be determined in July.

The Cobb Board of Commissioners will be holding budget sessions in July, after the fiscal year 2027 proposal is presented. They heard budget requests from department heads in April and a formal budget proposal is to be made on June 23.

Related:

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

Cobb Police shoot and kill armed suspect after traffic stop

by

Cobb Police said Saturday that a man pulled over for a traffic stop near Osborne High School was shot and killed by police after pulling out a weapon against officers as he tried escape the scene.Northeast Cobb car crash, Cops on Donut Shops

It’s the second fatal officer-involved shooting involving Cobb Police in the last two weeks.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation identified the suspect as Gregory Hill Jr., 43, of Austell, and said that an autopsy will be performed by the Cobb Medical Examiner’s Office.

Sgt. Eric Smith of Cobb Police said that after 10:20 p.m. Friday, police attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a Cadillac SUV that was “being driven recklessly” on Windy Hill Road at Osborne Court.

The driver tried to flee, and the vehicle overturned and crashed near a residence, with the suspect refusing to exit, according to police.

Smith said that the driver began firing a weapon and officers responded by firing their service weapons.

The GBI said in a release that police backed away from the Cadillac and the Cobb Police SWAT team was called as the suspect was barricaded in the vehicle.

According to the GBI, police tried to negotiate with the driver for an hour and a half to come out, and then Hill “displayed a gun.”

The driver tried to flee the SUV and was showing his weapon, and “an officer involved shooting occurred. The driver was struck by gunfire and was beyond lifesaving measures,” Smith said, adding that no officers were injured.

The GBI said that Hill was shot at least once, and he was pronounced dead on the scene.

The GBI is investigating the incident and will turn over its review to the Cobb District Attorney’s Office.

Last week, police shot and killed a shoplifting suspect at Town Center Mall they said brandished a weapon at officers.

Related:

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

Early voting for Georgia primary election runoffs to begin

by
Cobb tag offices reopening
The East Cobb Government Service Center on Lower Roswell Road.

Early voting in the Georgia primary election runoffs begins Saturday and continues through next Sunday, June 14.

Voters will be choosing party candidates in a number of key races, including governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state and the U.S. Senate (see previous ECN story for the details).

There are no runoffs for state legislative and county elections for East Cobb-area voters, but they will help decide the Republican nominee for the 11th Congressional District.

Early voting will take place at select locations in Cobb, including the East Cobb Government Service Center (4400 Lower Roswell Road) and Tim D. Lee Senior Center (3332 Sandy Plains Road).

Those polling stations will be open next week, Monday June 8-Friday, June 12 from 7 a.m. to p.m.

In addition, the East Cobb Government Service Center will have weekend early voting, this Saturday and Sunday, as well as next Saturday and Sunday.

The Saturday early voting hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday from 12-5 p.m.

The East Cobb Government Service Center also will have a dropbox for absentee ballots that is open only during early voting hours.

Voters who voted in the primaries will be able to vote only in the party primary they have previously chosen, Democratic or Republican.

All voters must bring a valid photo ID with them to their early voting location.

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

East Cobb News has published a story on our approach to covering politics and elections; we don’t endorse candidates and focus instead on providing information to help citizens cast their votes.

On runoff election day, Tuesday, June 16, voters will go to their assigned precincts.

For more information about early voting, visit the Cobb Elections website.

Related:

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go

 

Travel Cobb details World Cup watch parties and events

by

Travel Cobb details World Cup watch parties and events

The world’s largest sporting event is coming to the U.S. and to Atlanta. The men’s soccer World Cup starts June 11 and continues through July 19, and several venues in Cobb County will be holding public events, according to Cobb Travel.

The tourism agency is promoting soccer-watching and related activities as part of its Kick It In Cobb campaign.

Eight World Cup matches will take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta, including two knockout-stage games plus a semifinal contest.

The watch party venues in Cobb include Round Trip Brewing Co. at Avenue East Cobb (4475 Roswell Road, Suite 1600), which will be holding several events.

A major event to kick off the festivities takes place next Friday-Sunday, June 12-14. The Marietta Soccer Fest is sponsored by the City of Marietta and will be held at the Marietta Square.

These officially licensed public viewing events also include family-friendly activities and will culminate with the Marietta SoccerFest ’26 on Sunday at the Franklin Gateway Sports Complex.

The event features a variety of soccer activities, food trucks and special soccer-related programming for kids.

There also will be watch parties at The Battery Atlanta, with selected games on tap.

For more about Kick It In Cobb events and World Cup match ticket information, click here.

Related:

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

 

Race car driver from Walton HS honored as ‘positive athlete’

by
Race car driver from Walton HS honored as 'positive athlete'
Photos courtesy of Cobb County School District.

Javier Soto, a student at Walton High School who competes in the Legends Auto Racing tour, is a recipient of a 2026 Georgia Positive Athlete Award.

Soto was among the 31 honorees recently at the Georgia state capitol, and was named the winner of the boys alternative category.

The awards are given to high school student-athletes for their “leadership, resilience, and community impact.”

Recipients are nominated by coaches and school administrators who demonstrate positive values, including optimism, encouragement, respect and who are committed to service.

More than 5,000 students were nominated from more than 400 high schools in Georgia. Allatoona High School received the Most Positive High School award. Allatoona’s Avery Shoplock was honored in the girls’ soccer category.

Soto, who is a rising junior at Walton, has been successful on the track, earning several wins and podium appearances,” according to a release from the Cobb County School District, “but it may have been his willingness to mentor younger drivers that put him in the spotlight for Positive Athlete.

“Javi always has such a positive and optimistic approach and outlook toward each event,” said his coach, mentor, and crew chief, Andy James, who nominated Javier.

“He doesn’t have the best equipment, but he doesn’t let that change his mindset on the outcome of the race. Many times, he has outperformed his competitors that have bigger budgets and better equipment, but even when he doesn’t, he maintains a positive attitude.”

The Legends Auto Racing tour features vehicles modeled on the vintage American styles of the 1930s and 1940s. Soto also competes in the INEX Racing Series.

Soto also races for Podium Motorsports, which James owns.

He has competed in over 150 races and currently has 10 wins and more in the Top 5 and Top 10 of races he’s entered.

“This recognition speaks volumes about the culture that exists throughout Cobb County School District athletics,” Don Baker, the district’s athletics director, said in the release.

Javier Soto and former UGA football star Champ Bailey at the Georgia Positive Athlete awards.

Related:

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

 

East Cobb Food Scores: My Friend’s Place; Salata; more

by

My Friend's Place, 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:

Clubhouse ATL
2852 Delk Road, Suite 205
June 4, 2026, Score: 84, Grade: B

French Toast ATL (re-inspection)
2468 Windy Hill Road, Suite 600
June 2, 2026, Score: 100, Grade: A
Previous Inspection: May 27, 2026, Score: 62, Grade: U

Goianao Restaurant and Catering
1475 Terrell Mill Road, Suite 103
June 1, 2026, Score: 100, Grade: A

Heirloom Market BBQ
2243 Akers Mill Road, Suite 110
June 4, 2026, Score: 96, Grade: A

Lomi Restaurant
2555 Delk Road, Suites A 5-7
June 2, 2026 Score: 83, Grade: B

Marco’s Pizza
2424 Roswell Road, Suite 150
June 1, 2026, Score: 85, Grade: B

My Friend’s Place
1205 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 125
June 3, 2026, Score: 83, Grade: B

Rusty Barrel
138 Powers Ferry Road
June 4, 2026, Score: 95, Grade: A

Salata
4101 Roswell Road, Suite 1100
June 4, 2026, Score: 89, Grade: B

Studio Movie Grill
40 Powers Ferry Road, Suite 400
June 4, 2026, Score: 87, Grade: B

VFW Post 2681
140 Powers Ferry Road
June 4, 2026, Score: 87, Grade: B

Wendy’s
2238 Roswell Road
June 4, 2026, Score: 96, Grade: A

Related:

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

Sewell Mill Library to celebrate 6 years of MiniCon June 20

by
4th annual MiniCon returns to Sewell Mill Library in late June
A rendition of Beowulf at a previous MiniCon at the Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center.

Submitted information:

Sewell Mill Library & Cultural Center welcomes back MiniCon, a free fan convention, on June 20th, 2026, from 10am-5pm. Fans of all ages are invited to celebrate everything fantasy, Sci-Fi, and anime with their community.

“Now in its sixth year,” says Cobb PARKS Cultural Affairs Manager, Marie Jernigan, “MiniCon has truly become a cornerstone of our community programming. It’s an incredible, high-energy day where families and fans of all ages can come together, showcase their incredible cosplay, and discover amazing local talent in our artist vendor market. Seeing the community connect over shared passions, from anime and superheroes to Dungeons & Dragons, is what makes this event an absolute highlight of our year.”

Young fans can start their day with a themed story time and craft before walking in the Children’s Costume Parade. Guests can get their face painted, play a game of Dungeons and Dragons, and have a mini photoshoot in their costume. Throughout the day, fans of all ages can attend a variety of panel discussions, watch live entertainment, and shop the Artist Alley that features 25 local artists. Cosplay enthusiasts are invited to enter the cosplay contest in one of three categories: Youth, Teen, or Adult. Guests can wrap up the day singing along in Cosplay Karaoke.

Readers of all ages can head to the Black Box Theater to hear from local authors Jo Schulte, Xan Kaur, Preeti Chhibber, and Vanya Stoyanova while they discuss their Young Adult books and about book fandom. Copies of their books will be for sale in the lobby through the Brave + Kind Bookstore.

Local food trucks, the Cheesy Truck and Sweet Zensations will be next to the flagpole with delicious food and treats. Stop by Mr. Tombstone’s Coffee Emporium in the café for an extra boost of energy and spooky snack.

With nearly 1,500 guests every year, and growing, MiniCon is the place to be for celebrating the movies, tv shows, books (and more) that have defined pop culture!

Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center are under Cobb County Libraries and Cobb PARKS, and they offer creative programming through their gallery, arts classes, and Creative Studios in addition to other library resources. For more information regarding MiniCon 2026, email [email protected] or call 770-509-4989.

Related:

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

Cobb State Court judge to resign; successor to be appointed

by

Submitted information:Cobb State Court judge to resign; successor to be appointed

State Court of Cobb County Judge Jane P. Manning notified Governor Brian Kemp that she will be resigning January 1, 2027.

Manning was elected to the Cobb State Court in May 2016 and took office in January 2017. This year marks the 40th anniversary of her admission into the State Bar of Georgia, a milestone that reflects her distinguished career in law.

Before her role as judge, she served as an assistant solicitor general with the Cobb County Solicitor General’s Office for 15 years, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to the county. Manning earned both her undergraduate and law degrees from Emory University. In May 2023, she furthered her legal education by earning a Master of Judicial Studies.

“Serving the people of Cobb County has been one of the greatest honors of my career,” said Manning. “I have cherished every moment on the bench and hope I have made a difference in our profession and our community.”

The governor has been asked to formally accept the resignation and will appoint a replacement to fill the remainder of Manning’s unexpired term. Following her resignation, she intends to enter the private practice of law.

Related:

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

‘Road rage’ victim hospitalized after shooting in NE Cobb

by

'Road rage' victim hospitalized after shooting in NE Cobb

Updated, Wednesday, 5:50 p.m.:

Cobb Police said the suspect was taken into custody in Cherokee County and the victim remains hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries.

Officer Joseph Wilson said Bashir Beal, 47, of Acworth, is facing charges of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm in the commission of a crime.

Beal has been booked into the Cobb County Adult Detention Center, according to Cobb Sheriff’s Office records.

An arrest warrant for Beal alleges that he “shot the victim several times using a firearm,” specifically a pistol.

Wilson said Kenneth Taylor, 57, suffered multiple gunshot wounds and is being treated at North Fulton Hospital.

Wilson said Cobb Police reviewed real-time camera footage to identify Beal’s vehicle, a gold SUV, as it headed toward Cherokee County.

The warrant and police statements have not indicated what may have led to the shooting.

Wilson said the investigation continues and anyone with information is asked to call the Cobb Police Major Crimes Unit.

Original post, Wednesday, 1:33 p.m.:

Cobb Police said Wednesday someone in a vehicle who was shot by a driver in another vehicle at a major intersection in Northeast Cobb has been taken to a hospital.

Cobb Police said on its Facebook page shortly after 1 p.m. Wednesday that the condition of the unidentified victim is unknown.

The social media message said that the incident took place on Woodstock Road near the intersection of Mabry Road, in the vicinity of the Sandy Plains Village shopping center.

It’s also near the boundary between Cobb County and the city of Roswell.

Cobb Police said officers were called to the area at around 11:13 a.m., after receiving reports of a driver firing shots at another vehicle “during an apparent road rage incident.”

Police said both vehicles continued through the intersection, and the vehicle with the person who had been shot stopped inside Roswell city limits.

According to Roswell Police, the victim was found at Highway 92 (Woodstock Road) and Laurel Lake Drive in Roswell and was conscious and alert.

The victim was rendered medical aid there and then taken to an unnamed hospital, according to police.

“Preliminary information indicates that the individual was shot in Cobb County before driving into Roswell. Their police department has assumed the investigation,” Roswell Police said.

Cobb Police had no further information, including the whereabouts of the suspected shooter, but said it is continuing to investigate.

“Significant traffic delays are expected in the area as investigators continue processing the scene,” Cobb Police said.

“Motorists are encouraged to avoid the area and utilize alternate routes whenever possible. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.”

This story will be updated.

Related:

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

Walton student wins award at pre-college STEM competition

by

Walton student wins award at pre-college STEM competition

Walton High School student Rachel Lee recently earned the Third Grand Award at the the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).

That’s the world’s largest international pre-college STEM competition, and Lee qualified from the Cobb/Paulding County Regional Science and Engineering Fair.

Lee titled her project “Glucotoxicity in Regeneration: Modeling Hyperglycemia-Induced Repair Failure in Schmidtea mediterranea,” and it “investigated how elevated glucose levels affect tissue regeneration using planaria as a model organism to better understand impaired wound healing. The project was conducted through research at Kennesaw State University under the mentorship of Dr. Varholick.”

Lee’s project also received the Regeneron Biomedical Science Award and was recognized as a runner-up in the Georgia BioGENEius Challenge.

“I was honored to represent our community and compete alongside students from around the world,” Lee tells us, and if you’re interested to learn more about the project, here’s a link with all that information.

Send Us Your News!

Let East Cobb News know what’s going on with your organization, or about any recognitions, to share with the community. We love to get photos and stories like the above, as well as calendar event listings and more.

We want to be the go-to source for all the many ways people in East Cobb are involved in the community.

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

Pass along your details/photos/videos/information to: [email protected], and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.

Send the body of your announcement, calendar item or news release IN TEXT FORM ONLY in the text field of your e-mail template. Reformatting text from PDF, JPG and doc files takes us longer to prepare your message for publication.

We accept PDFs as an accompaniment to your item. Images are fine too, but we prefer those to be JPG files (more than jpeg and png). PLEASE DO NOT send photos inside a PDF or text or any other kind of file, but d0 send them as attachments to your email.

Of course, send us links that are relevant to your message so we can direct people to your website.

Thanks for your cooperation and we look forward to hearing from you!

Related:

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!