MDJ Script/ Top Stories for June 25th
Publish Date: June 25th
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From the BG Ad Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.
Today is Wednesday, June 25th and Happy Birthday to Mick Fleetwood.
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!
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STORY 1: Marietta Schools Foundation appoints new executive director
The Marietta Schools Foundation has appointed Laura Kraus, a Marietta City Schools alumna, as its first female executive director, succeeding Joe Kinstle. Established in 1983, the nonprofit supports students, teachers, and district initiatives through scholarships, teacher awards, and funding for classroom needs. Kraus, a former teacher and administrator, aims to expand the foundation’s impact across the district. With over $2 million awarded in scholarships and endowments, the foundation continues to grow, supporting the community with a focus on educational excellence and service to Marietta City Schools.
STORY 2: Cobb, cities to meet over new sales tax referendum
The Cobb Board of Commissioners will meet with mayors of the county’s seven cities this week to discuss the 2028 SPLOST referendum, a 1% sales tax funding infrastructure projects. Each city will present its project priorities, with a focus on roads, transportation, and community needs. The current SPLOST, collecting $750 million, ends in 2027. A draft project list is due by October, with public feedback sessions in early 2026. Voters will decide on the package in November 2026. Officials aim to address rising costs and ensure impactful projects to gain voter support.
STORY 3: Cobb to consider in-house paramedic program
The Cobb Board of Commissioners will vote on an agreement with MetroAtlanta Ambulance Service to establish an in-house paramedic program at Cobb Fire & Emergency Services. The program aims to double the number of paramedics trained annually, expanding care and serving as a recruitment tool. Limited to employees of Cobb Fire or MetroAtlanta, the program will cost $650 per student, significantly less than typical tuition. Cobb Fire will provide classroom space and instructors, while MetroAtlanta oversees accreditation and enrollment. Officials see this as a cost-effective way to increase paramedics and improve community emergency services.
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STORY 4: Cobb faces shortfall in '26 general fund budget
Cobb County staff will brief commissioners on a $7 million shortfall in the $644.5 million general fund budget for next year. Proposed solutions include raising the millage rate, eliminating commissioners’ $200,000 contingency funds, maintaining a 5% water revenue transfer, cutting $1 million in public safety overtime, and shifting 0.05 mills from the fire fund to the general fund. The budget doesn’t account for 290 new staff requests, costing $27.8 million, while the county still has 468 vacant positions, primarily in police, fire, and water departments.
STORY 5: Events: Celebrate July Fourth in Cobb County
Cobb County offers several Independence Day celebrations:
- **July 3**: Kennesaw’s Salute to America (6-10 p.m.) features live music, kids' activities, and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Six Flags Over Georgia (July 3-6) offers rides and fireworks nightly.
- **July 4**: Marietta’s Fourth in the Park includes a parade (10 a.m.), concerts, and fireworks at dark. Acworth hosts live music (5:30 p.m.) and fireworks at Lake Acworth (9:30 p.m.). Powder Springs features a car show, live bands, and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Truist Park combines a Braves game (7:15 p.m.) with post-game fireworks.
Enjoy food, music, and patriotic fun across the county!
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STORY 6: CDPH offering free HIV testing in honor of National HIV Testing Day
June 27 is National HIV Testing Day, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and linking individuals to care. Cobb & Douglas Public Health (CDPH) will offer free HIV testing at Walgreens in Austell from 2-6 p.m. and continues to provide free testing at its health centers. Testing helps prevent HIV through tools like PrEP and condoms or enables rapid treatment for those who test positive. Cobb County, identified as a high-incidence area, is part of a federal initiative to end HIV by 2030. Free OraQuick self-test kits are also available for pick-up or delivery.
STORY 7: 'Out on the water': Professional wakeboarding tour returns to Allatoona
The Pro Wakeboard Tour made a splash at Allatoona Lake in Acworth, where professional and amateur wakeboarders, wakesurfers, and jet skiers showcased thrilling tricks and flips. The event, part of a national competition, aims to crown a champion while promoting the sport’s growth and family-friendly appeal. Acworth’s strong support, with hundreds of spectators and boats, makes it a favorite stop for athletes like 10-time jet ski champion Lee Stone and pro wakeboarder Noah Wildman. This marks nearly 20 years of the tour visiting Allatoona Lake, with the next stop set for July in Florida.
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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