MDJ Script/ Top Stories for August 27th
Publish Date: August 27th
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From the BG Ad Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.
Today is Wednesday, August 27th and Happy Birthday to Paul Reuben
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 5
STORY 1: Root House hosts annual Harvest Dinner to support historic home
The William Root House is gearing up for its annual Harvest Dinner on Sept. 13, and honestly, it’s like stepping back in time—fried chicken, garden veggies, and all.
Built in 1845, the Root House is Marietta’s oldest home, though there’s a twist: researchers think parts of it might predate that. Trevor Beemon, Cobb Landmarks’ executive director, said they’re working with University of West Georgia students to analyze timber samples. Tree rings don’t lie, apparently.
The Roots, Marietta’s first druggist family, lived there until 1866. Now, it’s a museum—and a perfect spot for Southern-style dinners under the stars. Proceeds? They keep the lights on.
STORY 2: Cobb County customers react to Cracker Barrel makeover
Cracker Barrel’s new minimalist logo has stirred up a storm, with some customers calling it progress and others calling it a betrayal.
Gone is the man leaning on a barrel—“Uncle Herschel,” a nod to the founder’s family. The redesign, paired with brighter, sleeker interiors, has left longtime fans divided.
Meanwhile, Cracker Barrel’s stock has dropped 10%, and the debate rages on.
STORY 3: Suspect in Strand Theatre vandalism identified
The Marietta Police say they’ve identified the person who broke the Strand Theatre’s box office window early Saturday morning.
No charges, though—not yet. “We’ve spoken to the suspect,” said police spokesman Aaron Wright. “The Strand isn’t pressing charges at this time. He was interviewed and released.”
The theater, meanwhile, is staying positive. In a statement, they said they’re still open and committed to being a safe, welcoming space for the community.
And that’s that, for now. No drama, no arrests—just a broken window and, hopefully, a lesson learned.
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We’ll be right back.
Break: Ingles 5
STORY 4: 'A slap in the face': Cobb to weigh funding request for veterans memorial
After nearly 10 years of planning, the Cobb Veterans Memorial is still stuck in limbo, and Tuesday’s vote by the Cobb County Board of Commissioners might be its last shot at breaking ground.
Commissioner JoAnn Birrell is pushing for $1 million from excess SPLOST funds to help close the gap on the now $5 million project. But support? It’s thin. Birrell says her fellow commissioners aren’t on board, and she’s frustrated.
The memorial, promised in 2015, has ballooned in cost from $2.5 million to nearly $8 million. Veterans are waiting. Time’s running out.
STORY 5: MetroAtlanta Ambulance CEO to Lead Cobb Chamber
Pete Quinones, the founder and CEO of MetroAtlanta Ambulance Service, has been named the Cobb Chamber of Commerce’s chairman for 2027. The announcement came Monday, with Quinones set to follow Melissa Cantrell, CEO of CDH Partners, who will serve as chair in 2026.
Quinones started his ambulance service in Marietta with one vehicle and four employees. Now? Over 800 employees, 200 vehicles, and a million residents served.
Sharon Mason, Cobb Chamber CEO, called him a “steadfast leader” with a vision for growth.
Break:
STORY 6: A world of flavor and culture comes to Cobb County
Music, laughter, and the mouthwatering aroma of global cuisine filled the air at Cobb County’s International Festival on Saturday.
Since 2019, the festival has celebrated the county’s rich diversity, said Adriana Helenek, Cobb’s Hispanic and Latin American liaison. “This year, we’ve got over 10 consulates, food, performances, kids’ activities—it’s all about showing how beautifully diverse Cobb is,” she said.
Outside, food trucks served everything from Jamaican jerk to Filipino lumpia. Inside, vendors sold African Ankara fabrics, handmade jewelry, and even crystals (courtesy of Cobb DA Sonya Allen, a self-proclaimed “rock nerd”).
STORY 7: New park to honor Vinings folk artist
A new pocket park in Vinings will soon honor the vibrant legacy of folk artist Nellie Mae Rowe.
Set to open in November, the 1,600-square-foot park will sit at 2857 Paces Ferry Road, where Rowe’s “playhouse” once stood—a home she transformed into a living, breathing work of art. Scrap steel benches, crushed glass walkways, and sculptures by local artist Alan Peterson will reflect her upcycling spirit.
Born in 1900 to a blacksmith and seamstress, Rowe’s journey from Fayette County farm fields to celebrated artist is nothing short of inspiring.
We’ll have closing comments after this.
Break: INGLES 5
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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