MDJ Script/ Top Stories for Feb 6th
Publish Date: Feb 5th
Commercial:
From the Drake Realty Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.
Today is Tuesday, February 6th, and Happy heavenly Birthday to President Ronald Reagan.
***BIRTHDAY – 02.06.24 – RONALD REGAN***
I’m Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia.
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: CUofGA
STORY 1: Police Arrest 17-Year-Old Suspect in McEachern Shooting
A 17-year-old, Scott Foor, has been arrested and charged with aggravated assault and possessing a gun on school property after a shooting at McEachern High School in Cobb County. The incident occurred in the school's parking lot, leaving two individuals with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. Foor, a witness to a physical altercation, produced a pistol and shot both victims. Another unidentified suspect also brandished a firearm, leading to gunfire without causing further injuries. The motive is under investigation, and the police emphasize it was a specific, targeted incident, not posing a broader threat to students. The second shooter remains unidentified. Increased police presence and counseling support are provided at McEachern High School.
STORY 2: Man Pleads Guilty to Triple Homicide at Kennesaw Country Club
Bryan Rhoden, charged with killing three individuals at a Kennesaw country club in July 2021, has pleaded guilty to murder. Initially facing the death penalty, Rhoden's plea deal ensures life imprisonment without parole. Rhoden murdered golf pro Gene Siller, Henry Valdez, and Paul Pierson. He bound Valdez and Pierson, transporting them to the golf course where he killed them. Rhoden pleaded guilty to 17 charges, including malice murder, felony murder, kidnapping, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during a felony, and tampering with evidence. He received consecutive life imprisonment sentences without parole, ensuring he spends the rest of his life behind bars.
STORY 3: Kennesaw Man Indicted in August Shooting Death of 15-Year-Old
Lorenz McNeill, 22, from Kennesaw, was indicted by a Cobb grand jury for the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Tayshawn Omari Dean in August 2023. McNeill faces charges of involuntary manslaughter, possession of a firearm during a felony, and reckless conduct. The indictment states that McNeill aimed a semiautomatic handgun at Dean without checking if it was unloaded, resulting in a fatal shot to the back. Acworth Police found Dean unresponsive at Cobblestone Landing Apartments, and despite immediate first aid, he was pronounced dead at Kennestone Hospital. McNeill is held at Cobb County Adult Detention Center on a $27,720 bond.
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Break: DRAKE
STORY 4: A 'Moral and Educational Responsibility': Cobb's Focus on Literacy
The Literacy and Justice for All initiative in Cobb, which involves Marietta City Schools, Wellstar Health System, and Kennesaw State University, discussed the importance of prioritizing literacy. The panel emphasized that literacy begins well before elementary school, and Dr. Douglas Bell from KSU highlighted the responsibility to set the groundwork before kindergarten. Wellstar Health System's Dana Rohulich discussed literacy practices for new parents, including the Small Talk program. Superintendent Grant Rivera shared Marietta City Schools' success in raising literacy rates, attributed to strategies like increased reading specialists and a focus on phonics education. The discussion emphasized the need for community support in literacy-rich interactions and addressing disparities tied to zip codes.
STORY 5: Power-Jackson Cabin Gets Funding for Relocation
Cobb Landmarks has successfully raised the funds required to relocate the Power-Jackson Cabin, believed to be Cobb County's oldest structure. With an initial goal of $65,000, the funds reached an estimated $73,000. The plan is to relocate the cabin to Hyde Farm Park, a county-owned park in east Cobb. The cabin, potentially predating the Cherokee Land Lotteries of 1832 and 1833, is a "rived" log house, unique in construction. Cobb Landmarks aims to preserve this historical structure, and discussions with the county's parks department are ongoing to determine the best location within Hyde Farm Park for the cabin.
***GCPS READ***
Hey, Cobb County! Don't forget to mark your calendar for the GCPS Teacher Job Fair in just 4 days! Join us on February 10th at 8am at the Gas South Convention Center. This is a golden opportunity to be a part of Gwinnett County Public Schools - Georgia's largest school district and a top employer recognized by Forbes. Whether you're kick-starting your career or seeking a change, your passion for education could find its perfect home with us. Say 'yes' to GCPS, where passion meets opportunity!
Break: INGLES 3
STORY 6: Osborne High Students Learn How to do Taxes
Osborne High School in Marietta, Georgia, is offering students the opportunity to learn tax preparation skills through the IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. Osborne accounting teacher Michael Devault guides students in preparing taxes for community members with incomes of $64,000 or less. This initiative aims to provide free tax preparation services while educating students about the tax filing process. Osborne is reportedly the only high school in Georgia and one of 50-60 high schools in the country offering a tax preparation class. The students' involvement helps them gain valuable skills while contributing to their community.
STORY 7: Cobb School Board Chair Slams County’s Transit Tax Proposal
Randy Scamihorn, the Republican Chair of Cobb County School District, criticized the proposed 30-year transit tax (Mobility Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax - M-SPLOST) in a blog post, stating that it is "bad for Cobb County and our future." The M-SPLOST aims to implement a 1% sales tax to fund transportation projects, including 108 miles of rapid bus routes and new transit centers. Scamihorn expressed concerns about increased transiency, potential negative effects on educational outcomes, and characterized the proposal as disruptive to traffic. County officials, including Democrat Lisa Cupid, support the M-SPLOST as a transformative investment in transportation infrastructure.
Break: TEDS
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 Gwinnett Daily Post, the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties, or the Paulding County News Podcast. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at MDJonline.com.
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