===== MDJ Script/ Top Stories for August 15th
Publish Date: August 15th
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From the BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.
Today is Friday, August 15th and Happy Birthday to Joe Jonas
I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal
Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on Food Apps
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 2
STORY 1: 39th Annual Marietta Art in the Park is Aug. 30 to Sept. 1
For three days over Labor Day weekend, Marietta Square transforms into a vibrant hub of creativity for the 39th annual Art in the Park festival. With over 200 fine artists, live music, kids’ activities, and even chalk art, it’s a can’t-miss event for art lovers and families alike.
The Artist Market will feature works in every medium imaginable: oil, acrylic, pottery, jewelry, photography, and more. Artists will be on-site to chat about their process, and the beloved Painted Pots display returns with its stunning ceramic creations.
For kids (and the young at heart), the Chalk Spot street art experience is back, hosted by Marietta High School’s Visual Arts Program and GPB. On Aug. 30, kids can claim a three-foot square of pavement for $10 and create their own masterpiece. Supplies and fair tickets are included while they last.
Families can also explore Children’s Art Alley, packed with free crafts and games, plus face painting and sand art for a small fee.
Hungry? Marietta Square’s restaurants will be open, and Glover Park Brewing will serve cold brews. Live music at the gazebo, sponsored by the North Georgia State Fair, will keep the energy high—bring a blanket or chair to relax and enjoy.
The festival runs Aug. 30–Sept. 1, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with free admission. Parking is available at Marietta City Hall and nearby lots. For details, visit artparkmarietta.com.
STORY 2: Marietta school board eyes AI guidelines in new technology plan
The Marietta Board of Education is mulling over a new tech plan for 2025-2028, and it’s got some big ideas—AI guidelines, faster internet, and better tools for teachers.
Jennifer Hernandez, the district’s academic achievement director, summed it up: “It’s about using tech to support teachers, not replace them.” The plan, shaped by feedback from teachers, parents, and community members, focuses on three areas: infrastructure, access, and support.
Infrastructure? Think faster internet, updated equipment, and federal E-rate funding to keep it all running. “We don’t want to fall behind,” said tech director Torey Bradley.
Access includes making learning platforms like Schoology easier to use and figuring out how to teach students and staff to use AI responsibly.
Support will include a new professional learning hub with bite-sized training videos and resources for teachers and parents.
The board plans to vote on the plan at its next meeting.
STORY 3: Cobb officers recognized after saving children from 117-degree car
Cobb Police officers were recognized at the Georgia Capitol this week for saving two kids trapped in a sweltering car.
On June 4, in the Cumberland Mall parking lot, bystanders spotted a boy and girl locked inside a vehicle and called 911. Officers arrived fast, smashed a window, and pulled the kids out. The car’s internal temperature? A staggering 117 degrees—on an 87-degree day.
Gov. Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp commended the officers for their heroic actions. “This is what happens when citizens and officers work together,” the department shared on Facebook.
The children’s guardian, J’quawn Dixon, was arrested and charged with leaving them in the car for 41 minutes without air conditioning.
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We’ll be right back.
Break: COBB INT. FESITVAL
STORY 4: Oregon Park to get new restroom, pickleball courts
Oregon Park’s getting a serious glow-up, with $850,000 in upgrades greenlit by the Cobb Board of Commissioners.
The unanimous vote tapped into Commissioner Keli Gambrill’s capital contingency fund—each commissioner gets $1 million for district projects. Gambrill called the improvements a “huge, huge impact.”
What’s coming? Better ADA access, a much-needed extra restroom (parents, rejoice), and four new pickleball courts to add to the existing six. “Pickleball’s booming,” Gambrill said.
The park, already a hotspot with baseball fields, tennis courts, and disc golf, sees over 13,000 kids for baseball alone. No timeline yet—officials are still ironing out details with the contractor.
STORY 5: OUT AND ABOUT: 5 things to do this weekend in Cobb County — Aug. 15 - 17
Get ready for a packed weekend, folks—there’s something for everyone.
First up, the Pigs and Peaches BBQ Festival is back in downtown Kennesaw this Friday and Saturday. Think smoky barbecue, live music, and all the good vibes at Depot Park. Admission? Free. But if you want to taste-test the BBQ, snag a ticket—$21 in advance, $25 day-of. Friday runs 6–10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
Prefer disco over ribs? The Cobb Energy Centre hosts “The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA” Friday at 8 p.m. Expect all the hits—“Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia”—and maybe some seat-dancing. Tickets start at $57.
For indie fans, D4VD hits the Coca-Cola Roxy Friday night on his “Withered World Tour.” Doors open at 7 p.m., show at 8. Tickets? $54.
Want something low-key? Cobb County PARKS wraps up its summer series Friday at The Art Place in Marietta with End of the Line, a bluegrass band. Gates open at 6 p.m., and it’s free—just bring a blanket and a picnic.
And don’t miss the Smyrna Handmade Market on Sunday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., with 60+ vendors selling everything from local honey to handmade soaps.
And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on Food Apps
We’ll have closing comments after this.
Break: Ingles Markets 2
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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