MDJ Script/ Top Stories for January 17th
Publish Date: January 17th
Commercial:
From the BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.
Today is Friday, January 17th and Happy Birthday to James Earl Jones
***01.17.25 - BIRTHDAY – JAMES EARL JONES***
I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia.
Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on budgeting
All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!
BREAK: CU of GA (06.26.24 CU OF GA FREE CHECKING_REV_FINAL)
STORY 1: Cobb Student in Critical Condition from Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound
A student at Lindley Middle School in Mableton remains in critical condition after a self-inflicted gunshot, marking the third shooting incident in Cobb County schools within a year. The incident prompted a Code Red lockdown, with students later reunited with families at a nearby church. Cobb Board of Education members emphasized the need for mental health focus and parental engagement. Board member Leroy Tre Hutchins advocated for weapons detection in schools, a proposal not yet supported by the board. The district spends about $35 million annually on safety, with additional state funding anticipated. The district's safety measures include partnerships with security firms and a crisis communications center.
STORY 2: Stacey Abrams-founded group fined for 2018 campaign violations
The New Georgia Project, a nonprofit founded by Stacey Abrams, agreed to pay a record $300,000 fine to the Georgia Ethics Commission for not disclosing $4.2 million in contributions and $3.2 million in spending during the 2018 election cycle. These activities supported Abrams' gubernatorial campaign and included voter canvassing and campaign literature. The fine, the largest ever by the commission, underscores the violation of Georgia's campaign finance laws. Additionally, the organization admitted to not reporting nearly $650,000 in donations and $175,000 in expenditures for a 2019 Gwinnett County transit referendum.
STORY 3: 'What We're Doing is Better': Cobb Wants Out of Property Tax Cap
Cobb County plans to opt out of a new statewide floating homestead exemption, arguing its current exemption offers greater benefits. Commissioners believe the county's existing exemption, which freezes home values, is more advantageous than the state's cap on taxable value increases. Public hearings will be held before a final decision on February 25. Opting out won't affect the county's general fund, but if they opt in, it could impact the fire fund, potentially leading to a millage rate increase. Cobb joins Marietta in considering opting out, with public input sought before the decision.
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We’ll be right back
Break: DRAKE (Drake Realty (Cobb County)
STORY 4: Marietta School Board Unanimously Names Chair, Vice Chair
The Marietta Board of Education unanimously reelected Jeff DeJarnett as chair and elected Jaillene Hunter as vice chair. DeJarnett, serving since 2021, emphasized initiatives like a no-phone policy and literacy focus. Hunter, a mother of MCS students and literacy advocate, aims to enhance academic excellence and safety. She also holds roles in the Georgia Press Association and local boards. Jason Waters, former vice chair, is now the board's legislative liaison, while Angela Orange will liaise with the Marietta Schools Foundation to enhance resources for students and staff.
STORY 5: Representing America: Diamond D Cowgirls to take part in Presidential Inaugural Parade
On January 20, the Diamond D Cowgirls, a precision drill team led by Elizabeth Dabney, will participate in the Presidential Inaugural Parade in Washington, D.C. Known for their synchronized horseback routines, the team will ride in patriotic costumes with American flags. The group, consisting of riders aged 18 to 45 from around Georgia, practices weekly and provides their own horses. The opportunity arose after Dabney applied for the parade, and the team was accepted just before Christmas. They will travel with 18 horses and have received community support for expenses. The Cowgirls will represent the Merchant Marines in the parade.
Break:
And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on budgeting
*** INGLES ASK LEAH 3 BUDGETING***
We’ll have closing comments after this.
Break: Ingles Markets 2
Signoff-
Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at mdjonline.com
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