MDJ Script/ Top Stories for April 30th
Publish Date: April 30th
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From the BG Ad Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.
Today is Wednesday, April 30th and Happy Birthday to Isiah Thomas
***04.30.25 - BIRTHDAY – ISIAH THOMAS***
I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal
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: TIDWELL TREES_FINAL
STORY 1: UPDATE: Sheffield Sails to Victory in South Cobb Commission Race
Incumbent Commissioner Monique Sheffield secured a decisive victory over Republican challenger Matthew Hardwick, winning 64.46% of the vote to Hardwick's 35.54%, ensuring south Cobb's District 4 remains under Democratic representation. Sheffield, first elected in 2020, celebrated the win at her Mableton home and emphasized her commitment to serving all constituents, regardless of party affiliation. Her victory, alongside Democrat Erick Allen's in District 2, restores the Cobb County Commission's Democratic majority. Hardwick, the first Republican to run for the seat in years, narrowed Sheffield's early voting lead but fell short. Sheffield's next term will focus on health and wellness in her district.
STORY 2: Murph's Restaurant to Close for Galleria Remodel, Future Uncertain
The future of Murph’s, a restaurant and bar opened by Braves legend Dale Murphy in 2017, is uncertain as the Cobb Galleria Centre undergoes a major remodel. The Galleria’s renovation, set to begin this fall, includes demolishing the space where Murph’s is located. Initially assured they’d be part of the remodel, the Murphys were recently informed their restaurant is no longer in the plans. Despite strong community support and success, Murph’s is set to close in August. The Murphys hope to negotiate a solution in an upcoming meeting with Galleria management but are also exploring other location options near Truist Park.
STORY 3: Cobb EMC Directors Look Back on Scandal, Discuss Looming Term Limits
Cobb EMC has rebounded from a decade of scandal under former CEO Dwight Brown, who was accused of self-dealing and mismanagement, leaving the co-op in financial turmoil. Since then, a new board elected in 2011-2012 has transformed the organization, achieving some of the lowest electric rates in Georgia and top national reliability. However, term limits approved in 2012 mean the entire board will be replaced between 2026 and 2028, raising concerns about the loss of institutional knowledge. While directors support term limits, some suggest staggering turnover to ease transitions. The co-op remains in strong standing, with members set to elect new leadership in the coming years.
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Break: INGLES 1
STORY 4: UPDATE: Erick Allen Wins Cobb District 2 Seat, Restores Democratic Majority on Commission
Democrat Erick Allen has won the vacant District 2 seat on the Cobb County Board of Commissioners, securing 58.6% of the vote against Republican Alicia Adams' 41.4%. Allen's victory, alongside Monique Sheffield's projected win, restores the board's Democratic majority. The District 2 seat was vacated in February after Jerica Richardson's removal due to a redistricting battle. Allen emphasized unity in his victory speech, pledging to bring the fractured district together. Adams, despite her loss, highlighted her campaign's focus on giving a voice to underrepresented constituents. Allen's leadership is expected to strengthen collaboration across the county and state levels.
STORY 5: 'Apples and Dump Trucks': Cobb Schools Approves Band Loan, New Scoreboard
Cobb Superintendent Chris Ragsdale defended the district’s processes after approving a $50,000 loan for Pebblebrook High School’s band uniforms and a $439,497 privately funded scoreboard for Walton High. The Pebblebrook loan, to be repaid over five years, is one of the few exceptions the district makes for extracurricular funding. Walton’s scoreboard, funded by private donations, required board approval due to its cost exceeding $200,000. Ragsdale emphasized that all projects, regardless of funding source, must follow district procedures. Board members highlighted the importance of supporting programs like Pebblebrook’s large, nationally recognized band while maintaining clear policies for funding and approvals.
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STORY 6: Head of North Cobb Christian Renews 4-Year Contract
Todd Clingman, head of North Cobb Christian School in Kennesaw, has renewed his contract for another four years, extending his tenure to 22 years. Clingman, who joined the 55-acre private Christian school in 2007, has been praised by Board President Todd Rainwater for his mission-driven leadership and transformative impact on the school’s community and campus. The board expressed gratitude for Clingman’s dedication to the school’s vision and values, celebrating his continued leadership as he prepares for his 18th year in the role.
STORY 7: Marietta Resident Receives Outstanding Master’s Student Award
Claire Warner of Marietta was honored with the Outstanding Master's Student Award from Georgia State University's College of Education & Human Development during the spring 2025 Honors Day Ceremony. The award recognizes her exceptional scholarship and clinical service in the communication sciences and disorders master's program.
We’ll have closing comments after this.
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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 www.mdjonline.com
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