MDJ Script/ Top Stories for October 29th
Publish Date: October 29th
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From the BG Ad Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.
Today is Wednesday, October 29th and Happy Birthday to Richard Dryfuess
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!
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STORY 1: 2025 Smyrna Veterans Day Ceremony
The 2025 Smyrna Veterans Day Ceremony kicks off at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11 at the Veterans Memorial on King Street. It’s free—parking too—and open to everyone. If it rains? No problem, they’ll move it to the Smyrna Community Center.
This year’s keynote speaker is retired U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. David “Shark” Waldrop, a man with stories that sound straight out of a movie. Back in 1967, flying an F-105 Thunderchief over North Vietnam, Waldrop chased down MiG-17s at MACH 1.3, dodged missiles, and took out enemy fighters with nerves of steel and a 20mm Gatling gun.
Waldrop flew 105 combat missions, survived being shot down, and earned three Silver Stars, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, and 12 Air Medals. After the Air Force, he spent 32 years flying for Delta and even flew F-8 Crusaders as a Marine reservist.
He’s a Nashville native, now living in Cobb County with his wife, Sue, and their two grown sons. Don’t miss the chance to hear his incredible story.
STORY 2: MUST Ministries opens clinic, offering affordable medical care
MUST Ministries just took a big step forward: on-site health care.
On Oct. 1, the nonprofit opened the MUST Care Clinic, offering affordable—or even free—primary and behavioral health care. “Our ‘why’ is simple,” said MUST CEO Ike Reighard at the ribbon cutting. “We’re here to serve our neighbors in need.”
The clinic, staffed by Eastchester Family Services, replaces their mobile medical unit with a permanent space, open three days a week. In just 10 days, they’ve already treated 65 people.
MUST raised $1.4 million to open the clinic but needs $600,000 annually to keep it running.
The clinic, located at 1260 Cobb Parkway North, is open Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
STORY 3: Metro Atlanta transit payment system refresh coming soon
Heading downtown for a game or concert? If you’re taking MARTA, get ready for some changes—fare gates are getting a 21st-century upgrade.
MARTA announced Monday it’s rolling out new contactless fare equipment. The new gates will be easier to use (no more fumbling with cards), and a smartphone app is on the way, letting riders pay with a mobile wallet. Finally.
The “Better Breeze” system will also expand to CobbLinc and Ride Gwinnett soon. But don’t toss your old Breeze card just yet—MARTA says the full switch won’t happen until spring.
Fares? Still $2.50. “We’re keeping prices steady, but the system? Long overdue for an upgrade,” said MARTA Interim CEO Jonathan Hunt.
Oh, and in a few years, you might not even need a wallet at all. Thanks to a new Georgia law, digital driver’s licenses are coming, though police have until 2027 to get the tech to scan them.
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We’ll be right back.
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STORY 4: KSU associate professor leads effort to strengthen juvenile justice programs through data analysis
Every year, hundreds of kids leave Georgia’s juvenile justice system, hoping for a fresh start. But staying on that path? That’s the hard part. Kennesaw State’s Austin Brown is tackling it head-on with the Annual Recidivism Report, funded by a $62,000 grant from the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice.
Brown’s team digs into the data—messy, complicated, real-world data—to figure out what’s working and what’s not. “These aren’t just numbers,” Brown said. “They’re kids. Real kids with real stories.”
One big takeaway? The gap between male and female recidivism rates is shrinking, a sign that programs targeting young men are making a difference.
For Brown, it’s not just about stats—it’s about second chances.
STORY 5: All Saints’ Sunday at First Presbyterian Church of Marietta
First Presbyterian Church of Marietta, over on Church Street, is inviting the community to join them for All Saints’ Sunday on Nov. 2 in the Great Hall.
All Saints’ Day started as a way to honor early Christian martyrs, but over the centuries, it’s become a time to remember anyone whose faith has shaped our lives.
Worship services are at 8:30 and 11 a.m., with gratitude and reflection at the heart of it all. Then, from 5 to 6 p.m., there’s a special concert and remembrance service led by Rev. Joe Evans and the Chancel Choir. Expect music selections from Dolly Parton, John Rutter, and Craig Courtney, plus a chance to add loved ones’ names to a prayer weave—a beautiful symbol of love’s lasting connection.
Questions? Reach out to Kelly Dewar at kellydewar@fpcmarietta.org or 770-427-0293.
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STORY 6: Police: Marietta man killed in shooting involving Smyrna police died of self-inflicted wound
A Marietta man who died after a confrontation with Smyrna police last Friday morning was killed by a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to Smyrna Police.
Darrick Desawn Rooks, 46, was found dead in a stolen U-Haul truck after a traffic stop near Concord Road and McClinden Avenue. Initially, the GBI reported that a gunshot was fired from the U-Haul, prompting officers to return fire. However, Smyrna police later clarified that Rooks’ fatal injury was self-inflicted, a conclusion confirmed by the Cobb County Medical Examiner.
No officers were hurt. The GBI is still investigating, with findings to be reviewed by the Cobb County District Attorney.
STORY 7: SNAP benefits to halt Nov. 1 due to government shutdown
Starting Nov. 1, SNAP benefits won’t be available if the federal government shutdown drags on, the Georgia Department of Human Services announced Friday.
SNAP, which is fully funded by Congress, relies on federal dollars—money that’s now tied up. The USDA told state officials there’s not enough funding to cover November benefits.
For now, recipients can still use whatever’s left on their EBT cards, but after Nov. 1? Those cards won’t work.
“Plan ahead,” Human Services urged. “Shop for what you need now.”
Check balances at connectebt.com or the mobile app. And don’t submit duplicate applications—it won’t speed things up.
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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