===== MDJ Script/ Top Stories for August 1st
Publish Date: August 1st
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From the BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.
Today is Friday, August 1st and Happy Birthday to Coolio
I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal
Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on GLP-1 Foods
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: Ingles Markets 8
STORY 1: Marietta weighs ethics complaint ban during elections
Marietta’s City Council is mulling over a proposal that would block ethics complaints during election season. The idea? To keep things from getting messy—well, messier—when candidates are running for mayor or council. If passed, no complaints could be filed between the time candidates qualify and when election results are certified.
Mayor Steve Tumlin and all seven council members are up for reelection on Nov. 4, with qualifying starting Aug. 18. But here’s the kicker: Tumlin wasn’t even at the meeting where this was discussed. Without him, the council’s Judicial Legislative Committee (led by Cheryl Richardson) pushed the proposal forward for Tuesday’s meeting.
Richardson, though, had mixed feelings. “It’s like voting yourself a pay raise,” she said, tweaking the proposal to start Jan. 1—after this election. Fair? Maybe. But it’s complicated. No final decisions yet, just more meetings ahead.
STORY 2:New police HQ, brewery, hotel highlight growth in Kennesaw and Acworth
It was a lively morning at the Northwest Cobb Area Council meeting, where Acworth Mayor Tommy Allegood and Kennesaw Mayor Derek Easterling shared updates on their cities’ growth. Sitting alongside them was Jim Croft, CEO of Croft and Associates, who kicked things off with a warm nod to the mayors. “I’ve known these guys forever,” he said. “Their leadership? Top-notch. Their integrity? Unquestionable.”
Easterling dove into Kennesaw’s big-ticket projects, like the $13.9 million public safety building on Moon Station Road. “It’s going to be a game-changer,” he said, describing the two-story facility with everything from a crime lab to a K-9 space. Meanwhile, Allegood spotlighted Acworth’s bustling downtown, where parking expansions and a new Springhill Suites are in the works. “Our Main Street is on fire,” he said, grinning.
Both mayors circled back to one theme: quality of life. “It’s what makes us a destination,” Allegood said.
STORY 3: Marietta school system's weapons detectors: What you need to know
At Marietta High, Marietta Middle, the Sixth Grade Academy, and Woods-Wilkins, students will now pass through weapons detectors at the entrances.
The district approved the $554,645 purchase of Evolv detection systems back in May, following a tragic school shooting in Winder last September. That incident, along with two weapons-related scares in Marietta schools, pushed safety to the forefront.
Here’s how it works: students hand over large electronics—laptops, Chromebooks—before walking through the detectors. No need to empty pockets or backpacks. “It’s quick,” said Brian Wallace, the district’s safety specialist. “Grab your stuff, and you’re on your way.”
The detectors, equipped with cameras, can scan up to 1,500 people an hour. Superintendent Grant Rivera called it “one more layer” of safety for grades six through 12.
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Break: Ingles Markets 8
STORY 4: Smyrna man charged in death of elderly woman after alleged medical neglect
A Smyrna man, Kenneth Bogart, 57, is in custody after police say his neglect led to the death of Geralyn Gossett, an elderly woman in his care.
The incident unfolded at Bogart’s condo on Doranne Court. According to the arrest warrant, Bogart picked Gossett up from the hospital on July 17, noticing she was “becoming incoherent.” Later that night, she experienced a medical emergency.
At some point between midnight and 1 a.m. on July 18, Bogart helped her into the bathroom for a shower. What happened next is hard to fathom—Gossett reportedly flailed on the floor for hours, even damaging the wall. Instead of calling for help, Bogart filmed her and sent the video to a friend for advice. Then, unbelievably, he left her there and slept in his car.
By the time he called 911 the next afternoon, it was too late.
STORY 5: OUT AND ABOUT: 5 things to do this weekend in Cobb County — Aug. 1 - 3
Looking for plans this weekend? Here’s what’s happening around town:
Get ready to laugh until your cheeks hurt at the Alley Stage’s “Comedy on the Square” this Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Expect a mix of seasoned pros and fresh faces delivering sharp one-liners and hilarious stories. Tickets start at $27—grab them online before showtime or snag one at the door.
Friday night, head to the Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre for an outdoor screening of The Greatest Showman. Gates open at 6 p.m., the movie starts at 7, and yes, it’s free. Bring snacks, a blanket, and maybe some bug spray.
Saturday night, the Atlanta Water Lantern Festival lights up Jim R. Miller Park. Lanterns, live music, food trucks—it’s magical. Tickets start at $38 online, but they’ll cost more at the gate.
And for the lovebirds, the Georgia Bridal Show takes over the Cobb Galleria on Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. Wedding planning pros, dreamy dresses, and everything in between. Tickets are $10 online or $15 at the door.
And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on GLP-1 Foods
We’ll have closing comments after this.
Break: Ingles Markets 8
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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