MDJ Script/ Top Stories for August 13th
Publish Date: August 13th
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From the BG Ad Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.
Today is Wednesday, August 13th and Happy Birthday to Mark Lemke
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 1
STORY 1: Kennesaw man suspected in CDC shooting reportedly fixated on COVID vaccine
Mourners gathered outside the CDC’s Atlanta headquarters Monday, leaving flowers, balloons, and handwritten notes at a makeshift memorial for Officer David Rose, who was killed in Friday’s shooting.
A large cardboard sign with Rose’s photo was covered in messages—“Thank you for your service,” “You’re a hero.” DeKalb officers R.E. Ramsey and J. Nelson, who worked with Rose, stopped by to pay their respects. “He was just a great person,” Nelson said quietly.
The shooting unfolded Friday afternoon when Patrick Joseph White, 30, of Kennesaw, opened fire near the CDC campus. White, reportedly distraught over his dog’s death and blaming the COVID vaccine for his depression, tried to enter the CDC but was stopped by security. He then drove to a nearby CVS and began shooting.
Officer Rose, a Marine veteran and father of two with another child on the way, responded to the call. He was critically injured and later died at Grady Memorial Hospital.
The CDC, Emory University, and local law enforcement have increased security measures in the wake of the attack. Meanwhile, a GoFundMe for Rose’s family has raised over $235,000.
The investigation continues, with the GBI calling the scene “complex” and evidence collection ongoing.
STORY 2: Cyclists celebrate Cobb Silver Comet extension
The Silver Comet Trail was alive with energy Saturday as hundreds of cyclists hit the pavement to celebrate the long-awaited trail extension and raise awareness for multiple sclerosis.
The new 2.1-mile Silver Comet Connector, funded by the PATH Foundation, links Cobb County to Atlanta, weaving through East-West Connector, Plant Atkinson Road, and along Atlanta Road to the Chattahoochee River. It’s a big step toward a dream: a continuous path connecting Atlanta to Alabama.
Riders gathered at the Floyd Road Trailhead, led by Mableton Councilwoman Patricia Auch, while Team Noodle—a group raising funds for MS research—started their 17.5-mile trek from Atlanta.
Volunteers greeted riders with water, bananas, and goodie bags at the finish, while Cobb County leaders celebrated the milestone. “It’s the future,” Auch said. “When it’s fully connected, it’s going to be incredible.”
For Roberta Cook, who’s spent 20 years advocating for this extension, the day was emotional. “I’m just so glad I lived to see it,” she said.
Cyclist Cecelia Saxon summed it up: “The camaraderie, the exercise, the trees—it’s all just beautiful.”
STORY 3: Cobb Young Professionals names Next Generation Award winners
Cobb Young Professionals announced Adam Ross and Natalie DeLancey as the 2025 Next Generation Award winners on Monday—and honestly, it’s not hard to see why.
Ross, who’s been with the Cumberland CID for six years, has done everything from securing millions in state funding for a pedestrian bridge to launching One Cumberland, a nonprofit expanding the district’s mission. “He’s shaping Cobb’s future,” said Chamber spokeswoman Amy Selby.
DeLancey, meanwhile, runs the City Springs Theatre Company, pulling off a $3 million budget and reaching 50,000 patrons annually. Oh, and her students? They’ve snagged $10.5 million in scholarships this year alone.
For more, check out cobbchamber.org.
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We’ll be right back.
Break: COBB INT. FESTIVAL
STORY 4: Man charged with burglary after entering school with knife, drug paraphernalia
Dusty Gene Beals, from Eatonton, is facing some serious charges after allegedly breaking into Pebblebrook High School in the middle of the night—1:04 a.m. on Aug. 5, to be exact.
According to a Cobb County Police warrant, Beals was caught with a folding knife (blade over two inches) and a glass pipe typically used for smoking meth.
He’s now charged with second-degree burglary, having a weapon on school property, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Oddly enough, his name doesn’t show up in jail records, leaving a few unanswered questions about his whereabouts.
STORY 5: Loudermilk, McBath talk Trump at chamber luncheon
Monday’s Cobb Chamber luncheon brought U.S. Reps. Lucy McBath and Barry Loudermilk to the stage—separately, of course—to share their starkly different takes on the Trump administration.
McBath, speaking first, didn’t hold back. She slammed federal funding cuts to gun violence prevention programs, calling them part of a “wider rollback” that’s hurting communities. As a mother who lost her son to gun violence, her words carried weight.
She also criticized Trump’s tariffs and healthcare policies, calling his second term chaotic.
Loudermilk, on the other hand, praised Trump’s vision of a “golden era” for America, rooted in what he called “American exceptionalism.” He compared it to the Wright brothers’ era—bold, innovative, and unafraid to challenge the status quo.
Loudermilk emphasized smaller government and individual rights as the key to a thriving economy.
Two lawmakers, two visions—one room full of opinions.
Break:
STORY 6: Atlanta Ballet to have Balanchine & Peck
The Atlanta Ballet is kicking off its 2025-26 season with Balanchine & Peck, a stunning mixed-rep performance that blends the timeless genius of George Balanchine with the fresh, modern creativity of Justin Peck.
Running Sept. 12-14 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, the program features three works: the romantic Emeralds, the bold and abstract In Creases, and the iconic Prodigal Son.
Artistic Director Gennadi Nedvigin, celebrating his 10th season, calls it the perfect opener. “Prodigal Son is deeply personal to me—it’s the role that changed my career,” he shared.
Tickets are available at atlantaballet.com or the venue box office.
STORY 7: Man accused of attacking officer with steel pipe at Marietta Hilton
Joseph Wilhoit, 33, of Marietta, is facing some serious charges after a chaotic encounter with police on Aug. 6 at the Hilton Atlanta Marietta Hotel.
According to the arrest warrant, things escalated fast. When an officer informed Wilhoit he had warrants and was under arrest, he didn’t go quietly—he pulled away, grabbed a six-foot steel pipe, and swung it at the officer. He missed, thankfully, but the two wrestled for several minutes before Wilhoit finally let go of the pipe.
After his arrest, officers found 10 grams of meth in his pocket. Wilhoit remains in custody, charged with aggravated assault, obstruction, and drug possession. No bond.
We’ll have closing comments after this.
Break: INGLES 1
Signoff-
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