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MDJ Script/ Top Stories for October 8th
Publish Date: October 8th
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From the BG Ad Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.
Today is Wednesday, October 8th and Happy Birthday to R.L. Stine
I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal
1. Man falsely accused of Walmart kidnapping reportedly seeking $25 million in damages
2. Atlanta tenor Timothy Miller launches St. Catherine’s community concert series on Oct. 19
3. Roger Hines publishes debut book
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: Man falsely accused of Walmart kidnapping reportedly seeking $25 million in damages
Mahendra Patel just wanted to help. That’s what he thought he was doing back in March at a Walmart in Acworth—helping a woman he assumed was disabled, struggling to manage two kids in a motorized cart. Instead, he was accused of trying to kidnap her child.
What followed was a nightmare: Patel was arrested, denied bond, and spent 46 days in jail. He lost 17 pounds, endured threats from inmates, and was denied his medication. All for what? A misunderstanding.
Surveillance footage later cleared his name, showing Patel calmly shopping, finding Tylenol, and leaving the store. Now, he’s suing Acworth for $25 million.
STORY 2: Atlanta tenor Timothy Miller launches St. Catherine’s community concert series on Oct. 19
Mark your calendars: local tenor Timothy Miller will take the stage at St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church in Marietta on Oct. 19 at 3 p.m. as part of The Friends of Music concert series.
You’ve probably heard Miller’s powerful voice before—maybe during the seventh-inning stretch at a Braves game, belting out “God Bless America.” But his talent goes far beyond that. From Verdi’s Aida to Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, and even Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, Miller’s resume is as impressive as it is diverse.
The concert is free (yes, free!), with donations welcome. No tickets needed—just show up early for a good seat.
STORY 3: Roger Hines publishes debut book
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Roger Hines has released his first book, The Hard and the Beautiful: Life in a Family of Seventeen Children, and it’s as heartfelt as the title suggests.
In this memoir, Hines—child number 16 of 17—paints a vivid picture of growing up in rural Mississippi. Life was tough: tenant farms, cotton fields, and the weight of poverty. But it was also rich, thanks to faith, laughter, and the unshakable love of his parents, Walter and Levie Hines.
“Poverty doesn’t have to be a dead end,” Hines says. “We were poor, but we were rich in all the ways that matter.”
The book is available now on Amazon and at local retailers.
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We’ll be right back.
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STORY 4: Police: Intoxicated man made false bomb threat at Johnnie MacCracken’s
James E. Lusk, 29, of Marietta, allegedly called in a fake bomb threat to Johnnie MacCracken’s Celtic Firehouse Pub late on Sept. 26—because, according to police, he was drunk and angry. Not exactly a great combo.
The arrest warrant also claims Lusk grabbed a woman by the arm during the incident, leaving her in pain.
He was arrested three days later and charged with simple battery, false public alarm, and filing a false crime report. Lusk spent a few hours in the Cobb County jail before being released on Sept. 30 on a $10,000 bond.
STORY 5: Home Depot hosts Kidde’s Cause for Alarm Home Safety Event
On Oct. 4, Kidde teamed up with The Home Depot and iHeartMedia to host a lively fire safety event at The Home Depot on Roswell Road in Marietta. Part of Kidde’s Cause For Alarm campaign, the day was all about raising awareness for fire and carbon monoxide safety—and making homes safer, one alarm at a time.
The event kicked off with a Donation Drive-Thru “parade,” complete with fire trucks, gear, and local firefighters from Sandy Springs. Families enjoyed music, food, giveaways, and even met Homer, The Home Depot mascot. The goal? Donate up to $1 million in alarms.
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STORY 6: Liberty joins the lineup: Cobb County’s newest K-9 embarks on duty
Meet Liberty, the newest (and furriest) member of the Cobb County Sheriff’s K-9 Unit. She’s an 11-month-old bloodhound with a nose for tracking—whether it’s missing people or suspects. But don’t let her serious skills fool you; she’s still a puppy at heart, with a love for stuffed animals (or, honestly, anything she can shred).
Liberty is partnered with Deputy Barry Bales, a 17-year veteran who previously worked with K-9 Shax, now retired.
“Liberty’s tracking abilities will be a huge asset,” said Sheriff Craig Owens. Expect to see her out and about soon—sniffing, serving, and stealing hearts.
STORY 7: Marietta Square gets a seasonal makeover
The Marietta Square’s looking a little creepier (and a lot more creative) this October, thanks to the 22nd annual Scarecrows on the Square competition.
Local businesses, schools, nonprofits, and just plain crafty Marietta folks have all joined in, decking out scarecrows with everything from humor to heart. Judging happens this week, with winners—Best in Show and category champs—announced at HarvestFest on Oct. 18.
HarvestFest kicks off at 9 a.m. in Glover Park, featuring arts and crafts, a pie-eating contest, costumes, and kid-friendly fun.
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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