Editor’s Note: Help us keep marching on with your support!

March 14, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Editor's Note: Help us keep marching on with your support!

All around East Cobb the feel of spring is in the air, although it still looks a bit like winter in some places.

One of my favorite ways to appreciate the seasons is when I visit East Cobb Park and take in this panoramic view, as I did as February turned to March.

It was a warm, sunny weekend day after some chilly days and weeks, and it was a teaser that soon we’ll be able to enjoy more days like this.

I think this is everyone’s favorite time of year, because our springs don’t last long and sweltering heat comes around really fast.

That’s why I try to take in not only the joys of spring, but also take stock of the hopefulness of this time of year.

As March continues, East Cobb News continues to provide you with local news that no one is providing, and this week has been no exception.

We broke news about a carjacking incident, told you about a student publishing his own novel, updated you about ongoing renovations at Parkaire Landing and let you know about a long-standing business that will soon close its doors.

This is nothing unusual—we do this every week, and have for years—because that’s what East Cobb News is all about.

There was only one place to find out about any or all of these stories. At East Cobb News, we give you the local news that you can’t find anywhere else. That’s not bragging; that’s the truth.

Sometimes we find out via a social media message or a press release, write stories based off public meetings and events, or just stumble upon a story driving around or looking for something else.

Click here to donate to ECN today!

Being in the community every day makes all the difference. And at East Cobb News, which is truly reader-driven, we get plenty of reader tips and submissions that makes this news outlet stand out.

We do this for our readers without a paywall. We make it easy for you to find out what’s going on, so you can get on with other things.

As we march on during the month of March and further into the spring, we’d like to renew our request for readers to financially support the work that we do.

We don’t have the corporate resources or decades-long name recognition of other outlets that bombard you with cluttery prompts just to read a story that you still have to pay for.

Many of you have responded so well to what we have done over the years at East Cobb News; now we need you to respond in an even more significant way.

I have come to you numerous times before, asking for continued reader support to help us keep giving you the local news that you love.

Whether it’s stories featuring our original reporting, or others in our community passing along news about local events and activities, East Cobb News is devoted to what’s valued the most by readers here.

It’s our stock-in-trade, and for eight-plus years we’ve been building that community trust, one story at a time.

We do this without charging readers, because we believe reliable local news should be accessible to all.

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It’s our passion and our pride to give you the local news that makes a difference in this community.

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Thank you East Cobb! And long live local news!

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!

‘Dodgen Through the Decades’ event marks school’s 50th year

March 14, 2026March 14, 2026 by Wendy Parker

'Dodgen Through the Decades' event marks school's 50th year

On Thursday all current, former and future Dodgen Middle School students, parents and teachers are invited to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the school’s opening.

“Dodgen Through the Decades” takes place from 6-8 p.m. at the school (1725 Bill Murdock Road).

The festivities include a student-led STEM Night to “highlight innovations through the years. Our fine arts programs will be featured with an art exhibit and musical vignettes,” according to social media messages posted by the school.

Dodgen opened in the fall of 1975, just as Walton High School did down the street, as residential growth in East Cobb was skyrocketing.

It’s one of two middle schools that feed into Walton, and has been honored various times for its combination of academic and extracurricular achievements.

Dodgen was named a Georgia School of Excellence in 2013 by the Georgia Department of Education and in 2017 was named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.

Dodgen students won state Science Olympiad competitions between 2015-18 and the Dodgen Orchestra won the National Orchestra Festival’s middle school competition in 2017.

The school also has had several Cobb County School District teachers of the year, most recently the late Fred Veeder in 2018.

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LGE Community Credit Union announces scholarship program

March 14, 2026March 14, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Submitted information:

LGE Community Credit Union is accepting applications for its 2026 scholarship program through March 31, 2026.

The annual scholarship program helps exceptional high school seniors from our communities attend the college, university, or technical school of their dreams by providing them with a $1,000 scholarship. Scholarships will be awarded in each of the following counties: Bartow, Cherokee, Cobb, Floyd, Fulton, Gordon, and Paulding County.

Eligibility requirements:

Be an LGE Community Credit Union member in good standing at time of entry; OR have a parent, grandparent, or legal guardian who is an LGE Community Credit Union member in good standing at time of entry. Membership will be verified upon receipt of entry.

Be a legal resident of the United States residing in the state of Georgia.

Be a high school senior graduating in the 2025–2026 school year from a public high school, private school, or accredited home school in Bartow, Cherokee, Cobb, Floyd, Fulton, Gordon, or Paulding County.

Be enrolling to attend as a full-time student in an accredited college, university, or technical school in the United States during the fall of the 2026-2027 academic year.

Application process:

Register for an LGE Community Credit Union KOFE account and navigate to the 2026 LGE Scholarship Program page.

Watch the “Money Moves: Mastering Budgeting Before Graduation” video and pass the 10-question quiz.

Fully complete all fields of the 2026 LGE Scholarship Program Questionnaire, including answering the following questions:

What was the most impactful lesson you learned from this course? (in fewer than 300 words)

What would winning the LGE Scholarship mean to you? (in fewer than 400 words)

The 2026 LGE scholarship program is subject to Official Rules. Please visit LGEccu.org/Scholarship for complete details.

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Walton HS student advances to regional STAR competition

March 13, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Sean Dalton of Walton High School has advanced to regional competition for the Student Teacher Achievement Recognition Program (STAR).

He and other Cobb students and teachers were honored recently by Metro Marietta Kiwanis Club. STAR is sponsored by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators.

According to the Cobb County School District, “the STAR program recognizes high school seniors with the highest SAT scores and grade point averages at their school. Each student selects a teacher who made a significant impact on their academic journey to be honored alongside them.”

East Cobb schools have done well in recent STAR competition. In 2025, Wheeler student Fiona Peterson and Latin teacher Cameron Ward were named the Georgia STAR runners-up. In 2024, Walton’s Omer Mustafa Inan and Tamara Hollingsworth earned top STAR honors.

The Cobb County School District announced on Friday all of the 2026 STAR students and teachers, respectively, and here they are for high schools in East Cobb:

Kell High School — Juan Diego Jimenez “JD” Ramirez and Danielle LeBrun
Lassiter High School — Carter Kopp and Catherine Mardis
Pope High School — Ishaan Marwaha and Briana Ransom; Lucy Nichols and Angela Chapin
Sprayberry High School — Eli Suddeth and Chris Shields
Walton High School — Sean Joseph Dalton and Allen Hubbard
Wheeler High School — Arpit Rajkumar Ramani and Andrew Avizbakiyev

Walton High School — Sean Joseph Dalton and Allen Hubbard Wheeler High School — Arpit Rajkumar Ramani and Andrew Avizbakiyev — *Sean Dalton at the Walton table at the STAR banquet.*

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Dodgen MS teacher honored by music educators association

March 13, 2026March 13, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Ashley Culley, the director of orchestras at Dodgen Middle School, has been named the 2026 Educator of the Year by the Georgia Chapter of the American String Teachers Association (ASTA). Dodgen MS teacher honored by music educators association

According to a release from the Cobb County School District, the award “recognizes her commitment to music education and the lasting impact she has made on students across Cobb Schools.”

Culley is in her 21st season at Dodgen, and before that taught three years at Kell High School. In addition to her classroom and Dodgen orchestra duties, she is a co-director of the Upbeat! String Camp summer program for middle- and high school students and that is based at Dodgen and Awtrey Middle School.

“I love seeing when students have their ‘a-ha’ moment, and things start to click,” Culley said in the Cobb school district release. “When something that might have seemed overwhelmingly difficult at first becomes second nature to them, it is always exciting to see.”

For more about Culley’s honor, click here.

At the start of the current 2025-26 school year, she was interviewed by The Orchestra Teacher podcast about her work and her career.

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!

Kell girls fall in state finals; Wheeler aims for 11th title

March 13, 2026March 13, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Two high school basketball teams from East Cobb reached the finals of the Georgia High School Association basketball tournament in Macon.

The Kell girls were aiming for their second state championship on Thursday, but fell short in the Class 4A championships in a 58-50 win by Marist.

On Saturday, the Wheeler boys will be seeking their 11th state title and second in a row in the Class 6A finals against Cobb rival Pebblebrook.

The Kell Lady L0nghorns were the underdog on Thursday against Marist, which had been No. 1 in Class 4A and features high school All-American Kate Harpring, the national high school player of the year.

Kell fell behind in the first quarter but stayed close, trailing 26-21 at halftime, then took the lead in the third quarter.

But that was the only lead they would have, as Harpring helped close out Marist’s third title in five years with 12 points in the fourth quarter. She finished with 40 points and 16 rebounds, becoming the all-time girls basketball scoring leader in Georgia high school basketball history, with 3,399 points.

“It’s been a great season, but I’m super proud that we even got here,” Kell coach Kandra Bailey said in a Cobb County School District release after the game. “I’m proud of the effort we put on the floor tonight.”

Bailey, who gave birth to a baby boy less than two weeks ago, said that “obviously, I’m going to finish this season with my girls, because they’re my first kids! But now I’m going to get back home with my baby tonight.”

On Saturday night, the Wheeler boys will try to continue dominating Georgia high school basketball. They will face Pebblebrook at 7:30 p.m. in a game that can be seen live on Georgia Public Broadcasting.

The Wildcats are ranked No.1 and feature All-American guard Colben Landrew, who will be playing college basketball next season at the University of Connecticut.

They will be defending their state title against Pebblebrook in the sixth all-Cobb state finals in state history. Wheeler has won three of those games, and has 10 state titles in all.

*Kell coach Kandra Bailey accepts the state runner-up trophy.*

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!

Update: Parkaire Landing Kroger expansion getting underway

March 12, 2026 by Wendy Parker

The year-long Kroger renovations at Parkaire Landing Shopping Center are just getting started, and motorists will notice part of the parking lot has already been closed off.

It’s a section of the lot behind the Providence Dental Center outparcel on Johnson Ferry Road (formerly Engineered Smiles), and access is limited around that fenced-off area.

As we reported earlier this month, Kroger is investing $23 million to expand at Parkaire, and this has been the only East Cobb Kroger that doesn’t have a fuel station.

The store will grow from 59,000 square feet to 85,000 square feet—almost as large as the Kroger Superstore at Terrell Mill MarketPlace—and it will remain open during the renovations.

The key features of the expansion include an expanded produce department and an enlarged deli counter, a full-service Murray’s cheese counter and the addition of a sushi culinary kiosk.

Workers have torn down a section of parcels next to Kroger that will be added to the grocery store’s footprint. Those spaces included the former Tuesday Morning consignment shop.

The expansion will continue to CycleBar, a fitness center, which announced it was closing in early February. But in a social media message earlier this week, management said it was reopening, and it was offering free rides as part of its grand reopening March 27-29.

East Cobb News has left a message with CycleBar seeking more information.

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!

Northeast Cobb Business Association honors volunteer of the year

March 12, 2026March 12, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Submitted information and photo:

Credit Union of Georgia is proud to announce that Business Development Officer Kathy Winiarczyk has been named the 2025 Volunteer of the Year by the Northeast Cobb Business Association. The recognition celebrates Kathy’s exceptional leadership, dedication to volunteerism, and her lasting impact on the local business community.

Winiarczyk was honored during the organization’s annual recognition event, where community leaders gathered to celebrate individuals who demonstrate outstanding service and commitment to strengthening businesses and community partnerships across Northeast Cobb.

As Business Development Officer for Credit Union of Georgia, Winiarczyk plays a vital role in building relationships with local businesses, supporting community initiatives, and helping individuals and organizations achieve their financial goals. Her passion for community involvement extends far beyond her professional role, as she actively volunteers her time to support numerous local events and programs.

“Kathy embodies the spirit of service that Credit Union of Georgia stands for,” said Amanda Arnold, Director of Community Outreach “Her dedication to uplifting our local business community and her genuine passion for helping others make her incredibly deserving of this honor. We are proud to have her representing Credit Union of Georgia.”

The Businessperson of the Year award recognizes members of the Northeast Cobb Business Association who demonstrate outstanding leadership, community involvement, and a commitment to supporting the growth and success of fellow businesses.

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!

Police: Suspect in East Cobb carjacking ‘not identified’

March 12, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Cobb Police said Thursday they have not been able to identify any suspects in a carjacking case at an East Cobb shopping center last weekend.

Sgt. Eric Smith, a spokesman for Cobb Police, said police are continuing to investigate an incident that took place Sunday night at 3162 Johnson Ferry Road.

That’s the Shallowford Falls Shopping Center anchored by a Kroger store. In response to a request for information from East Cobb News, Smith said that police were called to that address at 11:26 p.m. Sunday after getting reports of an armed robbery.

When officers arrived, Smith said they found a man who told them that an unknown man with a handgun “had forcibly taken his vehicle.”

Police took the victim’s statement and offered medical assistance that Smith did not describe but said that the victim “requested no further medical attention.”

Smith did not provide information about the vehicle or the suspect or any other details about the incident. He said the investigation is “active and ongoing” by the Cobb Police Major Crimes Unit.

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Chicago’s Restaurant gets ‘B’ after failed health inspection

March 12, 2026March 12, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Chicago's Restaurant

A week after getting a failing health inspection, the Chicago’s Steak and Seafood Restaurant in East Cobb got a score of 89 on a re-inspection Wednesday.

Cobb and Douglas Health reports indicate that Chicago’s got a “B” grade on the follow-up visit, after receiving a 69, or “unsatisfactory” score on March 4.

On the first visit, inspectors cited Chicago’s for several violations, including improper food storage issues, including holding some ready-to-eat foods for longer than seven days and not having proper procedures for discarding certain foods.

An inspector recommended that reach-in coolers showing temperatures higher than 40 degrees Fahrenheit “be taken out of service until they are repaired.”

The report (you can read the report here) also called for Chicago’s to provide services receipt for those repairs.

A few days later, Chicago’s management acknowledged the issues on its Facebook page, saying that “the report reflected minor items noticed during the first assessment, and we were given time to address them.”

The message said that all the matters had been corrected and that regular restaurant hours were continuing.

“At Chicago’s Restaurant, we take cleanliness, food safety and your dining experience very seriously, and we remain committed to the very highest standards in every meal we serve.”

On Wednesday, inspectors observed some cooked foods being stored from the previous day at above 41 degrees. Those foods included grits, sweet and mashed potatoes, stroganoff and black beans.

The follow-up report (you can read it here) noted that the food was discarded and the violation was corrected on-site.

Chicago’s has been serving upscale steak, seafood and other entrees in the East Cobb area as an independent restaurant since 1991, and also provides live entertainment in a “speakeasy lounge” atmosphere.

In 2017, Chicago’s was sold to new owners who have maintained much of the same menu and dining environment.

The restaurant has had traditionally strong health inspection scores, but got an 86 score in 2025.

Cobb and Douglas Public Health inspects most restaurants at least once, and sometimes twice a year.

Restaurants that score below 70 are re-inspected within a couple of weeks.

Several other East Cobb restaurants also have received failing scores in recent weeks, including Tasty China, Dumpling Garden and the Moxie Burger on Shallowford Road (see stories below).

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 Senior Services participating in ‘March for Meals’

March 11, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Submitted information and photo:

Cobb County Senior Services, a local provider for Meals on Wheels, is participating in March for Meals, a national month-long awareness campaign led by Meals on Wheels America. This year’s campaign focuses on ending the wait for the thousands of seniors waiting for meals and connection nationwide.

“Receiving Meals on Wheels services can be life-changing for a senior who can no longer cook or shop for themselves,” says Ioana Bovo-Nicolescu, Director, Cobb County Senior Services. “However, with the number of older adults in our community growing, we have more seniors turning to us for meals than we have funding to serve. When we receive support from individuals, businesses or other groups, that gift goes directly to provide meals for those who would otherwise remain on the waitlist.”

The evidence-based program goes beyond providing nutrition. Cobb County Senior Services’ dedicated volunteers also deliver much-needed social interaction during the weekly visits.

“It’s not just about the meals. Many seniors in the program don’t have a lot of visitors or contact with others. A visit from a friendly volunteer provides human connection and allows for a wellness check. If a senior is experiencing other challenges, the volunteer can alert our case managers or call for emergency assistance for more urgent matters,” says Bovo-Nicolescu.

Cobb County Senior Services is asking the community to step up and ensure that their older neighbors receive this vital service. Those interested in donating to provide meals for Cobb seniors, can visit cobbcounty.gov/senior-services/donate or contact cobbseniors@cobbcounty.gov to explore other ways of supporting the program.

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East Cobb Food Scores: Ege Sushi; Cava; Great Wall; more

March 12, 2026March 11, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Ege Sushi, East Cobb food scores

The following food scores have been compiled by the Georgia Department of Public Health. Click the link under each listing for inspection details:

Cava
4400 Roswell Road, Suite 157
March 11, 2026, Score: 91, Grade: A

Chicago’s Restaurant (re-inspection)
4401 Shallowford Road
March 11, 2026, Score: 89, Grade: B
Previous Inspection: March 4, 2026, Score: 69, Grade: U

Ege Sushi and Japanese Cuisine
2100 Roswell Road, Suite 2112
March 10, 2026, Score: 100, Grade: A

Flames Indian Grill
3000 Windy Hill Road, Suite 128
March 10, 2026, Score: 80, Grade: B

Great Wall Chinese and Sushi Bar
1275 Powers Ferry Road, Suite 180
March 9, 2026, Score: 95, Grade: A

Hightower Trail Middle School
3905 Post Oak Tritt Road
March 10, 2026, Score: 100, Grade: A

Jimmy John’s
1337 Powers Ferry Road
March 9, 2026, Score: 86, Grade: B

Martin’s Restaurant
3101 Canton Road
March 9, 2026, Score: 90, Grade: A

McDonald’s
3010 Canton Road
March 9, 2026, Score: 95, Grade: A

Mt. Bethel Christian Academy
2905 Post Oak Tritt Road
March 11, 2026, Score: 91, Grade: A

The Orient
3050 Windy Hill Road
March 11, 2026, Score: 91, Grade: A

Simpson Middle School
3340 Trickum Road
March 6, 2026, Score: 100, Grade: A

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 freshman writes and self-publishes epic fantasy novel

March 12, 2026March 11, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Walton freshman writes and self-publishes epic fantasy novel

Anna Griffin, mother of Walton High School freshman E.N. Griffin, writes in to say that her son is a published author, and has more volumes in mind of a fantasy novel series.

“A Bond Through Time,” volume 1 of what he’s calling the Wyrmborm Saga, is available in hardcover, paperback and electronically via Amazon.

E.N. is 14 and is already studying advanced classes at Walton, and which informed his book, which is aimed at readers between the ages of 13-18.

It’s a tale of The Wymborm Prophecy, which vows to “bring an era back to the world that has been lost. . . . And all it will take is events that shape what one person has to do. Time shall pass, but eventually, peace will rule over the lands anew.”

The novel tells about a massive war “so catastrophic that all of the species vowed never to go to war again. Those vows, however, were easily forgotten over millennia,” and “darkness is beginning to brew once more all around the world of Amphiria.”

E.N. has populated his novel with a rich collection of “praesens characteres” in both military and civilian roles.

“He created an original world full of rich lore, maps, and unique characters. We are beyond proud of the discipline and creativity it took for him to achieve this literacy milestone,” Anna writes.

“It took him over two years to accomplish this. He has been an avid reader since age eight, and we never imagined he would be motivated to take on the goal of writing and publishing his own book!”

She said E.N. is already working on the second book while maintaining A’s and a rigorous class schedule at Walton.

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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: editor@eastcobbnews.com, and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.

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Rocky Mount ES teacher and coach arrested on incest charges

March 10, 2026March 10, 2026 by Wendy Parker

A fourth-grade teacher at Rocky Mount Elementary School in East Cobb is being held without bond after being arrested Sunday for a sex act with a child.

According to Cobb Sheriff’s Office records, Mareno Danielle Smith, 37, of Acworth was charged by Cobb Police with a single felony count of incest and is in custody at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center.

Smith’s arrest warrant states that a witness reported walking in on an incident involving him and a female minor between 2:45 a.m. and 3:45 a.m. Sunday.

Smith also is an assistant football coach at Allatoona High School. Principal Dr. Lexie Bostick sent a message to the Allatoona school community saying that “while disturbing, the allegations are strictly personal and are not connected to any activities, programs, or facilities.”

She said that in addition to a police investigation, the Cobb County School District’s human resources office will be conducting an investigation.

“The employee will not be on any Cobb County school campus during the investigation,” Bostick said.

She did not identify Smith by name, and he is not listed on the Allatoona and Rocky Mount school websites.

The Cobb school district on Tuesday afternoon told East Cobb News it “cannot comment on Smith’s employment status. A message was sent to Rocky Mount families addressing the matter.”

A district spokesperson issued the following statement:

“Over the weekend, the District became aware of the arrest of an employee and these disturbing allegations. We are aware of the alleged personal, off-campus activity and have confirmed it is not connected to any school activities or programs. As the police investigation and legal process unfolds, all applicable law and District policy will be applied.”

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East Cobb preschool rallies around teacher battling cancer

March 10, 2026March 10, 2026 by Wendy Parker

East Cobb preschool rallies around teacher battling cancer

Submitted information and photos:

Teachers, children and their families at Primrose School of East Cobb at Sprayberry came together to support one of their own, raising $750 and an outpouring of encouragement for a beloved teacher during her breast cancer treatment.

Now, the school is celebrating a meaningful milestone: Ms. Megan, an older infant classroom teacher who has taught at the school for two years, has officially completed her radiation treatment

How the school community stepped up:

Organized a fundraiser among teachers, children and families to support Megan

Sent daily messages and encouragement while she recovered

Welcomed her back with hugs and celebrations after she completed radiation

“My Primrose family rallied around me and immediately asked how they could help,” said Megan. “I received daily hugs, prayers, messages and calls checking on me and my family. When I rang the bell to mark the end of radiation, I could hear the cheers from my leadership team, coworkers and our children all the way at the hospital.”

East Cobb preschool rallies around teacher battling cancer

Send Us Your News!

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: editor@eastcobbnews.com, and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.

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!

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!

First Cobb Library Book Festival announces detailed schedule

March 10, 2026March 10, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Submitted information: First Cobb Library Book Festival announces detailed schedule

Cobb County Public Library, in collaboration with The Book Worm Bookstore, is thrilled to announce a final wave of additions to the Together We Read: Cobb Library Book Festival. Taking place on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at North Cobb Regional Library, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the festival has grown to include additional award-winning authors, a diverse “Afternoon Highlight,” bilingual family programming, and a unique early-morning nature excursion.

New Headliners & Morning Kick-Off

Joining the festival as the Afternoon Highlight is award-winning writer, Cebo Campbell, adding a second pillar of literary excellence to the day alongside opening headliner, Nic Stone.

The festivities will now begin earlier than the main doors with “Before the Books: A Guided Morning of Birdwatching.” Starting at 9:15 a.m. at the neighboring church. This 30–45-minute session invites guests to learn the basics of binoculars and spot local birds in Georgia. No experience is necessary; attendees are encouraged to dress for the weather and enjoy a quiet moment in nature before the literary excitement begins.

Bilingual & Community Focused Panels

The 2026 festival will feature two new landmark panel discussions designed to bridge the gap between books and community action:

Open Spaces, Open Minds: How Libraries Reach the Community: An inside look at how Cobb County Public Library is expanding its impact through innovative technology and community engagement.

Local Voices, Big Impact: The Power of Independent Bookstores: A roundtable featuring the five independent bookstores selling books at the festival, including The Book Worm. This panel explores how local shops foster community and keep the love of books alive.

For families, the festival has added Spanish/English Storytimes featuring authors Mayra Cuevas and Lisa Brown, ensuring the power of story reaches every member of the Cobb community.

Expanded Author Roster

In addition to the previously announced lineup, the festival is proud to welcome:

Cebo Campbell (Afternoon Highlight)

Paris Blatecky

Alex Troutman

Channelle Desamours

Shelly Anand

Torrey Maldonado

Lynn Street

Mayra Cuevas (Bilingual Storytime)

Lisa Brown (Bilingual Storytime)

Activities Throughout the Day

Beyond the panels, attendees can participate in nature journaling, explore reading challenges hosted by The Book Worm and North Cobb Regional Library, and enjoy a variety of crafts, games, and the Dog Man mascot appearance.

“We aren’t just hosting an event; we are creating a home for every reader,” said Julia Davis, owner of The Book Worm Bookstore. “From birdwatching to bilingual stories, there is truly a place for everyone here.”

The festival is a free community event. Registration and a full schedule of the 20+ authors (below) and three panel rooms can be found at cobbcounty.gov/library/events.

The Full 2026 Author & Guest Lineup includes:

Nic Stone (Opening Highlight)

Cebo Campbell (Afternoon Highlight)

Breanna J. McDaniel (Moderator & Award-Winning Author)

Andy Runton (Owly Drawing Lesson)

Mayra Cuevas (Spanish/English Storytime)

Lisa Brown (Spanish/English Storytime)

Wanda Morris

Tanisia Moore

Karen Good-Marable

HD Hunter (Special Guest)

Kelly Young-Silverman

Kimberly Brock

Julian Winters

Valerie Burns

Delali Adjoa

Paris Blatecky

Alex Troutman

Channelle Desamours

Shelly Anand

Lynn Street

Cobb Library System’s spring book sale returns in March

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!

Dance Stop Studios to close in East Cobb after 52 years

March 9, 2026March 9, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Dance Stop Studios starts 50th year — *Dance Stop Studios celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023. ECN photos.*

A couple of years after marking its 50th year milestone, Dance Stop Studios in East Cobb announced over the weekend that it will be permanently closing soon.

The business posted a message on its Facebook page over the weekend saying that that final recitals and classes will be winding down in May.

“While our decision is bittersweet, the time has come for us to retire and move to the next chapter of our lives,” according to the message from co-owners Lynette Strickland and Richard Grubb.

“We had hoped to find someone to move the studio forward, but unfortunately, this has not yet happened. We hope everyone will continue to pursue their love for dance.”

Strickland founded the school in a small former house in East Marietta near the Big Chicken in 1974 and moved more than a dozen years ago to space at Merchants Exchange Shopping Center on Roswell Road.

“We’ve outgrown every place we had,” she told East Cobb News at Dance Stop’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2023. “As East Cobb came out this way, we did too.”

Dance Stop adapted to the times and adjusted through COVID-19 closures, and added former students to her teaching and operations staff in more recent years.

Dance Stop set up a non-profit foundation to conduct auditions and hold performances for the public at larger venues, as well as at assisted living centers and for special community events.

“We have had the privilege of serving the East Cobb community in dance education for past 52 years,” Strickland and Grubb wrote. “We treasure the friendships and memories we have made.

“We will truly miss our Dance Stop family! We love all our students, present and past, and our fantastic staff.”

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East Cobb Real Estate: Creekshire home sells for $871K

March 9, 2026March 9, 2026 by Wendy Parker

East Cobb real estate sales, Creekshire

This week’s featured home sale is a two-story brick home in the Creekshire subdivision, located in the Pope High School, Dodgen Middle School and Murdock Elementary School attendance zones.

It features seven bedrooms and four baths, covering 4,705 square feet on 0.33 acres. The home sold for $871,000 on Feb. 27, 2026.

The home features a soaring greatroom on the main floor, leading to the kitchen and dining areas, the centerpiece of an open concept.

In addition to the main bed/bath level, there’s a lower level that includes a large entertainment area with a wet bar and family room and a workshop and home office space.

The uncovered deck and grill overlooks a tributary of Sewell Mill Creek and a wooded back yard.

Click the middle button below to see more photos.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The following East Cobb residential real estate sales from Feb. 23-27, 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

4680 Jamerson Forest Parkway, 30066 (Jamerson Forest): $342,500

2004 Eula Drive, 30066: $800,000

4181 Keheley Drive, 30066 (Keheley Bend): $480,000

4758 Jamerson Forest Circle, 30066 (Jamerson Forest): $329,000

Lassiter

3765 Cochran Lake Road, 30066: $900,000

4581 Trickum Road, 30066 (North Landing): $429,000

3645 Lassiter Road, 30062 (Rock Mill): $380,000

4753 North McCoy Court, 30066 (Forest Chase): $301,680

3450 Old Suttons Way, 30062 (Suttons Orchard): $635,000

4012 Upland Trace, 30066 (Highland Park): $725,000

2771 Hawk Trace Court, 30066 (Falcon Crest): $385,000

Marietta

185 Herbert Drive, 30067 (Powers Ferry Hills): $344,000

1722 Crestridge Drive, 30067 (Powers Ferry Hills): $395,000

1391 Cameron Glen Drive, 30062 (Cameron Glen): $665,000

Pope

2892 Wynfair Drive, 30062 (Gates Point): $827,000

3941 Smokeridge Court, 30062 (Johnsons Crossing): $510,000

2684 Tritt Springs Trace, 30062 (Post Oak Springs): $640,000

2988 Nestle Creek Drive, 30062 (Creekshire): $871,000

4358 Revere Circle, 30062 (Chimney Springs): $655,000

Sprayberry

2388 Black Oak Drive, 30066 (Bristol Mill): $399,000

3885 Hadley Farm Drive, 30066 (Hadley Farm): $399,000

2822 Cobb Place Manor Court 30066 (Cobb Place Manor): $435,000

1548 Sprayberry Drive, 30066 (Sprayberry Heights): $320,000

2910 Dara Drive, 30066 (Northeast Colony): $390,000

2591 Sandy Drive, 30066 (The Plains): $493,000

Walton

31 Gateside Place, 30067 (Column Gate): $1.53 million

2066 Old Forge Way, 30068 (Old Forge): $815,000

580 Glen Eagles Circle, 30067 (Atlanta Country Club): $1.2 million

1002 Saddle Hill, 30067 (Mulberry Farms): $400,000

1217 Fairfield Drive, 30068 (Indian Hills): $730,000

209 Riverview Drive, 30067 (Overlook at Riverview): $310,000

362 Cove Island Way, 30067 (Kings Cove): $680,000

1519 Brookcliff Circle, 30068 (Brookcliff): $485,000

696 Willow Mill Court, 30068 (River Springs): $585,000

Wheeler

187 Kenley Court, 30068 (Magnolia South): $569,000

502 Spring Creek Way, 30068 (Spring Creek): $550,000

5836 Riverstone Circle, Building 12 (Riverstone at Wildwood): $560,000

3031 Haverford Lane, 30067 (Stratford): $419,674

654 Grove Parkway, 30067 (Grove Meade): $461,500

2182 Freydale Road, 30067 (Freywood Estates): $410,000

601 Timberlea Lake Court, 30067 (Timberlea Lake): $623,000

1777 Twin Brooks Drive, 30067 (Twin Brooks): $269,999

308 Yancy Drive, 30067 (Hamby Acres): $265,000

2851 Dale Drive, 30068 (East Valley Estates): $525,000

11 Cecil Dale Drive, 30068 (East Valley Estates): $535,000

3270 Brookview Drive, 30068 (Indian Hills): $730,000

400 Wall Street, 30068 (Country Place East): $500,000

1602 Rivergreen Court, Unit 19, 30339 (Riverwalk at Wildwood): $614,000

2632 Briarwood Drive, 30067 (Sandpiper): $265,000

1055 Della Street, 30067 (Brighton Park): $531,000

946 Bobcat Court, 30067 (The Village): $328,000

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Primaries loom in East Cobb commission, school board races

March 7, 2026March 7, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Commissioner Birrell recognized — *Cobb commissioner JoAnn Birrell*

Incumbent Cobb commissioner JoAnn Birrell will have a Republican opponent in the May 19 primaries.

Candidate qualifying ended on Friday for the 2028 elections, and East Cobb voters will have several contested local and state races on their ballots.

Birrell, who represents District 3, is seeking a fifth term, and she will be opposed by Chris Wasserman, a first-time candidate (previous story here).

The only Democrat who qualified for District 3 is Kevin Redmon, a candidate in the 2024 District 2 election, and he will await the primary winner in November.

On the Cobb Board of Education, Republican Post 4 incumbent David Chastain qualified in his quest for a fourth term, and he has no primary opposition.

But there will be a contested primary in the Democratic race for that seat, which includes the Kell, Lassiter and Sprayberry high school attendance zones. Micheal Garza, a former Georgia House candidate and frequent critic of the Cobb County School District, has qualified for Post 4, as has retired educator Susan McCartney.

The general election in Post 4 will determine party control of the school board, which has a 4-3 Republican majority.

Post 6 on the Cobb school board includes some of the Wheeler attendance zone, and Democratic first-term incumbent Nichelle Davis has qualified. But she will have a primary opponent in Jennifer Susko, a former Cobb school counselor who also has been a vocal opponent of school district leadership.

Editor's Note: Whither public comments in an age of rage? — *Jennifer Susko*

No Republicans qualified in Post 6, which primarily includes the Campbell High School attendance zone.

The Post 2 seat also is up for re-election, and Democratic first-term member Becky Sayler qualified without either primary or general election opposition.

All Georgia legislative seats are up for re-election in 2026, and incumbents with East Cobb constituencies have qualified.

Only of those races include a contested primary. Democratic Sen. Michael “Doc” Rhett of District 33 is being challenged by Lisa Anderson; no Republicans qualified.

Democratic State Rep. Mary Frances Williams of District 37 has a primary foe in Graham Bowers; no Republican qualified.

Republican Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick and Democrat Michael Hettig will meet in the general election in District 32.

State Sen. John Albers, a Republican from District 56, has qualified, and in November will face Democrat Patrick Thompson.

State Rep. Solomon Adesanya, a Democrat, is the only candidate in either party to qualify in District 43. In District 44, longtime Republican State Rep. Don Parsons qualified, along with Democrat Danielle Bell.

State Rep. Sharon Cooper, a Republican who represents District 45, has qualified, as has Democrat Michelle Schreiner. Republican State Rep. John Carson has qualified in District 46, as has Democrat Dumont Walker.

At the federal level, Republican U.S. Rep. Barry Loudermilk is retiring in District 11, which includes most of East Cobb.

The GOP primary will have seven candidates, including Robert Adkerson of Bartow County, who is Loudermilk’s chief of staff. Current Georgia Public Service Commission member Tricia Pridemore also has announced her candidacy for District 11, along with John Cowan of of Woodstock, Lisa Anne Carlquist of Cobb, Uloma Stacy Kama of Cobb and William Brown of Woodstock.

The Democratic primary candidates are Chris Harden of Woodstock and Cobb realtor Barry Woolfert.

The other Cobb commission election is in District 1 in North Cobb, where Republican two-term incumbent Keli Gambrill has a primary opponent in Clark Hungerford, chairman of the Development Authority of Cobb County. No Democrats qualified for Post 1; Democrats hold a 3-2 commission majority.

The only countywide office on the ballot is Cobb Solicitor, and Democratic incumbent Makia Metzer has a primary opponent in attorney Christopher Futch. No Republicans qualified.

In non-partisan judicial races, Cobb Superior Court incumbents have qualified without opposition. They include Sonja Brown, Ann Harris and Robert Leonard.

In Cobb State Court, incumbent judges Eric Brewton, Jason Fincher, Bridgette Campbell Glover and Ashley Palmer also qualified without opposition.

In a future post, East Cobb News will summarize the primaries for statewide and federal elections, including governor and U.S. senator.

For more primary and 2026 candidate election information; click here.

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!

Lassiter–Pope–Kell NJROTC takes trip to Parris Island

March 6, 2026March 6, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Lassiter–Pope–Kell NJROTC makes visit to Parris Island — *Photos courtesy Lassiter–Pope– Kell NJROTC.*

Students from the Lassiter–Pope–Kell Naval Junior ROTC made a visit to Parris Island, S.C., to the U.S. Marine Corps training center during a busy winter break period that included other activities.

According to Liam Carrilho, the organization’s public affairs officer, the LPK cadets “were taught how to make their racks (beds) in a proper military manner, how to request permission to use the head (bathroom), how to secure their bags and the proper procedure for firewatch.”

And that’s just for starters; here’s more from his dispatch provided to East Cobb News, which has been edited for style and clarity:

“Cadets performed Firewatch each night, where two cadets would take two-hour long shifts and patrol the barracks with a flashlight, keeping on the alert for fire. When their shift was done cadets would go wake someone else up to take their shift. In the morning cadets woke up to a session of physical training being instructed by the Drill instructor in a variety of exercises.

“The day went on with cadets eating chow, making sure to eat silent and at attention. Cadets went to where Marine recruits are first dropped off at Parris Island; they stepped on the same yellow footprints and heard the same speech that recruits do. Cadets trained on one of the obstacle courses, specifically ones that emphasized teamwork between them to succeed, they even went inside the gas chamber, while the cadets were not tear-gassed like a recruit would be. The remaining particles were still in the chamber which did cause mild discomfort.

“Cadets also visited a virtual gun range where they got to shoot gas operated training pistols in a simulated gun range. Cadets also met with former LPK NJROTC cadet Sgt. McLaughlin, a former commanding officer of the unit who had become an air mechanic in the Marine Corps and Staff Sgt. Murphy, who had become a drill instructor, martial arts instructor and swim instructor. They talked about what they did in the Marines and JROTC.

“During the stay at Parris Island, several cadets also received Special First sergeant coins from the naval science instructor of the LPK NJROTC, First Sgt. Lorenzo Cox USMC (Ret.). Cadets Meranda, Belawske, Scott and Rorberg all received coins for outstanding performance and leadership during the basic leadership training.

“I was very appreciative to be recognized for my many efforts within just one year of JROTC,” said Cadet Rorberg. Their next stop was Tybee Island, Ga., and to a light station museum where Cadets received a tour of the lighthouse facilities. Following this cadets visited a 19th century fort known as Fort Screven, where they also visited the museum within it. Cadets also took part in a beach clean up on Tybee Island, and they visited the national museum of the 8th U.S. Air Force.

“The cadets received a tour of the museum and even got a demonstration of how to pack a parachute. After that the cadets made their way home on Friday the 20th. Overall the cadets enjoyed the trip very much.

“It was all very fun and if possible I would go again” said Cadet Chandrasekar.

“Leadership Academy Training began on Feb. 25, with a select group of cadets from Lassiter, Pope and Kell who are handpicked for their prowess and leadership potential. The training is designed to prepare the cadets for Leadership Academy over the summer, a week-long program where select cadets who graduate LAT are sent, and experience an environment with military discipline where cadets take classes, drill, PT and practice the skills necessary to become leaders in JROTC.

“On top of that, cadets also physically train to build their endurance and prepare them for the physical fitness test they will have to take at leadership academy itself.

“It isn’t all lessons and grinding though, we still have a lot of fun” said Cadet Sofia Jones, the head Cadre at LAT. “Every lesson is taught with humor by our amazing instructor.

“It’s nice to be apart of something bigger than yourself,” said Cadet Seguin ,a cadet at LAT. “I would like to add as a cadre myself I am very pleased with the cadets this year they have shown amazing prowess and potential and I cannot wait to see where they go from here.”

Lassiter–Pope–Kell NJROTC

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Kell

Lassiter

Marietta

Pope

Sprayberry

Walton

Wheeler

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