MDJ Script/ Top Stories for June 23rd Friday
Publish Date: June 22nd Thursday
Commercial: Henssler :15
From the Henssler Financial Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast
Today is Thursday June the 22nd and happy 66th birthday to musician/American Idol star Randy Jackson
***Jackson***
I’m Dan Radcliffe and here are the top stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Engineered Solutions of Georgia
1. Cobb sheriff reports second jail suicide in 3 days
2. Marietta council awards $1.1M in arts and tourism grants
3. And a Powder Springs resident to compete at National Senior Games
Plus, Leah McGrath joins to talk about picky eaters, then we have our weekly visit with a “not so” picky eater,
The Marietta Food Guy…Matt DeBusschere
Plus All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.
Commercial : ESOG
STORY 1 suicide
A 17-year-old detainee at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center in Georgia died from an apparent suicide. This incident occurred just three days after another detainee's apparent suicide. The deceased, William Ramses Lopez, was found by jail staff and despite immediate medical assistance, he passed away shortly after. Lopez was facing charges related to an armed robbery and aggravated assault. It is believed that Lopez was from Mexico. This marks the eighth death in custody since Sheriff Craig Owens took office in 2021 and the third this year. Sheriff Owens expressed condolences and mentioned the implementation of 24/7 mental health support and medical monitoring wristbands for inmates. However, Lopez and the other detainee were not wearing wristbands as they were not in close observation quarters. The sheriff's office is seeking assistance from the state and community partners to address the mental health challenges and prevent future tragedies...……... Read more about this at mdjonline.com
Story 2: grants
The Marietta City Council has approved grants totaling $1.1 million for local arts, culture, and tourism organizations. These grants are funded by the city's hotel/motel tax and car rental tax. Approximately $750,000 from the auto rental tax was allocated to 18 organizations involved in events, shows, and art displays. Around $445,000 from the hotel/motel tax was distributed among the visitors bureau, Marietta Welcome Center lease, and city staff marketing allocation. The grant allocation process was more complex this year, with council members and the mayor providing their opinions, and an additional $5,000 each was allocated to them for discretionary awards. Some funds were left untouched for potential future use. The largest grants went to city staff services and the Marietta History Center, while other organizations received varying amounts based on their requests. Additional funding was allocated to Brumby Hall for capital improvements to enhance its event space.
Story 3: turner
Loretta Turner, a 68-year-old resident of Powder Springs, has already won a medal ahead of her participation in the 2023 National Senior Games. The Games will be held in Pittsburgh from July 7 to 18, and Turner will compete in the 50- and 100-meter sprints. She has also been recognized as a Humana Game Changer, which acknowledges her as an athlete who exemplifies healthy aging and inspires others to lead active lifestyles. Turner's lifelong dream of competing in the Olympics was put on hold when she became pregnant in 1972. Now, as a matriarch to a large family, she balances her athletic pursuits with managing Crohn's disease, using her experiences to motivate and inspire others, especially seniors, to stay active....….we’ll be right back
Break: Dayco –CU of GA - Glover Park
STORY 4: wheeler
Luke Lee, a student at Wheeler High School, has been chosen for the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange program, allowing him to spend his tenth-grade year studying abroad in Germany. This prestigious scholarship is granted to only 50 students from the southeastern United States. The program aims to strengthen German-American ties through citizen diplomacy and is jointly funded by the U.S. Congress and the German Bundestag. Luke will live with a host family, attend a German high school, and immerse himself in German culture. The program is designed to broaden students' perspectives, foster global citizenship, and promote understanding between the two countries. Luke and his family are thrilled about this opportunity for personal and cultural growth.
STORY 5: Sandwiches
More than 90 mothers and daughters gathered at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church to prepare 500 sandwiches for those in need. The event was organized by The National Charity League of East Cobb, a group dedicated to community service. The sandwiches were donated to The Sandwich Project, a nonprofit organization that provides fresh, homemade sandwiches to address food scarcity in the Atlanta area. The National Charity League of East Cobb aims to strengthen the bond between mothers and daughters through shared volunteer work, promoting both community service and nurturing relationships.……... Read more about this at mdjonline.com
Story 6: smyrna
The Smyrna City Council has allocated an additional $1.2 million for a planned splash pad project, raising the total budget to $2.58 million. The splash pad will be constructed at River Line Park near the Riverview Landing development. The project had to be redesigned, resulting in a change of location within the park and an expanded design. The council unanimously approved the additional funding from the city's general fund reserves. The original location was unsuitable due to geological issues, and the new location will require parking adjustments. The project will now proceed to the bidding process, and completion is expected sometime in 2024.
…………we’re back, in a moment
Break Drake – Ingle’s 4 - Elon
Story 7: eagle
Bald eagle surveys conducted in Georgia this year have shown healthy nesting and successful fledging rates, including in coastal areas that were affected by avian influenza last year. The surveys, led by Dr. Bob Sargent of the state Department of Natural Resources, revealed average to above-average nesting success in the surveyed areas. This is particularly significant considering the impact of avian influenza on bald eagles and other bird species nationwide. The recovery of bald eagles in Georgia is considered a conservation success story, but the species is still listed as threatened in the state. The survey recorded 198 nest territories, with 150 being successful and 232 eagles fledged. These findings indicate that Georgia has maintained over 200 nest territories annually since 2015, with an increasing number of eagles nesting. The surveys are conducted by helicopter twice a year in different sections of the state, with the coast being surveyed annually. The positive results provide reassurance, especially regarding the coast, which experienced a significant decline in nest success rates due to avian influenza.
Story 8: Hodges
Grayson Hodges, a linebacker from North Cobb High School, has committed to playing college football at the Air Force Academy. The 6-foot, 220-pound linebacker chose the Falcons, impressed by their 10-3 record from last season. Hodges expressed his excitement about the opportunity to play for a Division I university and described it as a dream come true. His decision was influenced by the family-oriented and authentic conversations he had with the Air Force coaches, particularly inside linebackers coach Ken Lamendola. Hodges believes he will fit well in the Falcons' defensive scheme, which allows linebackers to roam and make tackles in open space. He aims to continue improving and hopes to achieve postseason success with his high school team.
Story 9: golf
The Mount Paran Christian boys golf team dominated the 2023 season and secured the Class AA state championship. They shot a team total of 290, finishing 34 strokes ahead of the runner-up. Coach Scott Varner praised the team's preparation and mental understanding of the game. He emphasized the importance of managing the golf course, capitalizing on opportunities, and maintaining a team mindset. The victory marked the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance. Varner was recognized as the Cobb County Boys Golf Coach of the Year, but he humbly credited the success to his players and their dedication.
We’ll have some final thoughts coming up after this
JRM Events - Henssler 60
Signoff-
Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Marietta Daily Journal podcast. Read more about all our stories, and get other great content at MDJonline.com. Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
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