MDJ Script/ Top Stories for August 6th
Publish Date: August 6th
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From the BG Ad Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.
Today is Wednesday, August 6th and Happy Birthday to David Robinson
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: INGLES 9
STORY 1: Gem City Porch Jam on Maple Avenue is Aug. 10
The Gem City Porch Jam is back, and it’s pure Marietta magic. On Aug. 10, from 4 to 7 p.m., Maple Avenue transforms into a block party with a purpose—celebrating the first responders and city workers who keep this town running.
Picture it: live music spilling from five porches, kids bouncing in a jumpy house, and neighbors chatting over drinks from Meltyard. There’s even a “Touch a Truck” setup (yes, Barney the Police Dog will be there) and a mobile skate rink courtesy of Sparkles.
Admission’s free, but donations? Strongly encouraged. Every dollar helps fill Community Appreciation Bags for Marietta’s everyday heroes.
STORY 2: Cobb Youth Leadership announces 2025-2026 Class
The Cobb Youth Leadership program just announced its 2025-2026 class, and wow—this group is stacked with talent. Sponsored by the Leadership Cobb Alumni Association and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, CYL is all about building leadership skills and connecting students across the county.
Here’s the lineup: Karmen Smith (Allatoona), Chimamanda Akano and Andrew Vincent (Campbell), Austin Richardson (Harrison), and a whole crew from Hillgrove—Gabby Oden, Ashley Bass, Reagan Bass, Jocelyn Jones, and Jordana Valdez.
Marietta High? They’re bringing the squad: Chloe Herrero, Jack Ison III, Caleb Johnson, Rhodes Patrick, and more.
This program, running since 1989, gives juniors a chance to dive into their community and grow as leaders. Got questions? Hit up Katie Guice at 770-859-2334.
STORY 3: Suspect charged with breaking into Delk Road Marriott rooms
Bradley Dekover Traylor, 44, of Atlanta, found himself in hot water after allegedly breaking into multiple rooms at the Courtyard by Marriott on Delk Road. It all went down early—around 8 a.m. on July 26, according to Marietta police.
From Room 318, he reportedly swiped a Michael Kors watch, a black-and-silver cross necklace, and a gold necklace. The guest gave police a detailed description of the stolen items, and hotel staff pointed them toward Traylor.
By 1:33 p.m., officers tracked him down at the Shell Station on Delk Road—with the jewelry still on him. He’s now sitting in Cobb County Jail, no bond.
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We’ll be right back.
Break: COBB INT. FESTIVAL
STORY 4: End of an era: Roswell Street congregation to join Woodstock church
Roswell Street Baptist Church, once a powerhouse in Marietta and a cornerstone of the Southern Baptist community, is starting a new chapter—one that’s bittersweet for many. After years of decline, the church will merge with First Baptist Woodstock, becoming its second location.
The numbers tell the story: membership dropped from 9,200 in 2014 to just 3,600 last year. Weekly attendance? Down to 433. The church even had to demolish its historic chapel.
Starting Sunday, Christian Norman, an associate pastor from Woodstock, will step in as Roswell Street’s new pastor.
The merger will take six months to finalize, with a full relaunch planned for 2026—complete with a new name that nods to Roswell Street’s history while embracing its future.
STORY 5: Cobb super kicks off school year with visit to Vaughan Elementary
First day of school vibes were in full swing at Vaughan Elementary on Monday, and Cobb Schools Superintendent Chris Ragsdale made the rounds to wish students a great year ahead.
Over 105,000 students and 17,000 staff returned across 113 schools, but at Vaughan, the Rockets were already soaring—literally reciting their motto: “Rockets of Vaughan soar on!”
In Kelli Connor’s second-grade class, kids prepped for Ragsdale’s visit by comparing his traits to the mischievous “No David!” from David Shannon’s book. (Spoiler: Ragsdale’s character won out.)
During a press conference—fielding questions from students, not reporters—Ragsdale praised Cobb’s teachers as “superstars” and touched on AI, new safety measures (hello, Vapor Wake K-9s), and the upcoming cell phone restrictions.
Break:
STORY 6: Mayor Tumlin to run again, serve through grandchildren’s eyes
Mayor Steve “Thunder” Tumlin is running again—though, if you ask him, it wasn’t exactly his idea at first.
But with three longtime council members—Andy Morris, Grif Chalfant, and Johnny Walker—stepping down, Tumlin, 78, felt a sense of duty.
Born and raised in Marietta, Tumlin’s roots run deep. His six grandkids are either in Marietta schools or just graduated, and he says that perspective—seeing the city through their eyes—shapes his leadership.
As for his challengers, 23-year-old Sam Foster and 26-year-old Sully Diaz, Tumlin’s ready to defend his record. On affordable housing, he’s all about balance. “If it’s not livable, it’s not affordable,” he said.
The election’s set for November 4, with early voting starting October 14.
STORY 7: 'No teeth': Mableton’s code enforcement waits on court
Mableton took over its own code enforcement back in March, but there’s a snag—no municipal court yet to back it up. Without one, fines for violations? Not happening.
The city’s first-ever municipal court is expected to open in “three to six months,” says spokesperson Gregory Woods. Until then, code enforcement is doing what it can, issuing about 160 violation notices a month. Compliance? Just 30% so far, though Woods says that’ll improve once the court’s running.
The city’s working fast to get the court operational. They’ve already hired a court administrator, Mallory Minor, and are recruiting for key roles like judge and prosecutor. Once open, the court will focus on the worst violations first.
For now, Mableton’s educating residents on compliance and resources. The court, when ready, will be at 1245 Veterans Memorial Highway.
We’ll have closing comments after this.
Break: INGLES 9
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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