MDJ Script/ Top Stories for June 4th
Publish Date: June 4th
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From the BG Ad Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.
Today is Wednesday, June 4th and Happy Birthday to Angelina Jolie
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: Cobb Students Receive College-Sponsored National Merit Scholarships
Fourteen Cobb County students have earned college-sponsored scholarships through the National Merit Scholarship Program, part of over 2,900 winners nationwide this year. These scholarships, ranging from $500 to $2,000 annually, are funded by 146 colleges and universities. Recipients were selected from 2025 National Merit Finalists based on academic excellence, recommendations, and test scores. The winners, representing schools like Lassiter, Walton, and Wheeler High, plan to pursue diverse fields such as engineering, law, genetics, and marine biology. By the program’s end, over 6,930 students will have received scholarships totaling nearly $26 million.
STORY 2: Judge Pauses State Sanctions put on Cobb, Cities
Sanctions cutting off state funding for Cobb County and its seven cities have been paused by a Cobb Superior Court ruling. The sanctions stemmed from Mableton and Cobb County missing a May 31 deadline to finalize a Service Delivery Strategy agreement. Mableton initially rejected the $9.5 million deal but later approved a revised version, allowing more time for payment. The court ruled the sanctions would harm Cobb’s 800,000 residents, halting state support for infrastructure, public safety, and more. If the agreement is finalized soon, sanctions could lift by July 1. Mableton plans to create a special service district to fund its payment.
STORY 3: Cobb Advances 300-Apartment Development Amid School District Concerns
The Cobb County Planning Commission approved a 300-unit apartment development on South Cobb Parkway near Cumberland Mall, replacing an aging hotel. Developer Alliance Residential plans a five-story building with amenities like a pool, gym, and co-working space, targeting young professionals, downsizers, and seniors. Despite concerns from the Cobb School District about overcrowding at Teasley Elementary, the commission voted unanimously to advance the project. Alliance argued the development would generate $1.19 million in annual tax revenue and suggested rezoning the area to Brumby Elementary, which has capacity. The proposal now heads to the Board of Commissioners for final approval on June 17.
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We’ll be right back.
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STORY 4: Cobb EMC’s Nurdan Cornelius Honored as 2025 Woman of Distinction
Nurdan Cornelius, recently retired director of consumer marketing at Cobb EMC, has been named the 2025 Woman of Distinction by Cobb Executive Women. Honored after Cobb Chair Lisa Cupid’s State of the County address, Cornelius was recognized for her leadership, community involvement, and social responsibility. Over her 20-year career, she led transformative initiatives at Cobb EMC and dedicated decades to civic causes, including providing over 1 million diapers and 10,000 winter coats to families in need. Known for her global perspective and commitment to underserved communities, Cornelius remains a driving force in Cobb County.
STORY 5: Pedestrian Hit by Two Cars in Marietta, Sustains Life-Threatening Injuries
A pedestrian suffered life-threatening injuries after being struck by two vehicles Monday night on Powder Springs St. in Marietta. The incident occurred around 11:26 p.m. near a QuikTrip gas station when the man, crossing in a crosswalk but against the traffic signal, was hit by a 2020 Mercedes Benz and then a 2015 Nissan. Both drivers remained on the scene and are cooperating with police. Video evidence from Cobb County Police supports the investigation, and no charges are expected. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact Marietta Police Investigator D. Lester.
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STORY 6: Austell Appoints First Woman Police Chief in Cobb County
Shameta Jones-Harrell has been appointed as Austell’s new police chief, becoming the first woman to hold the position in Cobb County history. The City Council unanimously approved her promotion, praising her leadership. A 25-year law enforcement veteran, Jones-Harrell holds a criminal justice degree and has served in various roles, including deputy chief in Austell and major in Brookhaven. She has managed multiple divisions, from community engagement to training. Jones-Harrell has been interim chief since March and officially steps into the role following former Chief Scott Hamilton’s resignation. Capt. Cecil Lloyd Garett will now serve as deputy chief.
STORY 7: Georgia Department of Driver Services Implements Federal Commercial Medical Certificate Mandate
Starting June 18, 2025, Georgia CDL holders requiring medical certifications must have their Medical Certificates submitted directly to the FMCSA by their Medical Examiner, as per the Medical Certification Integration Final Rule. The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) will no longer accept hard copies via mail, fax, email, online, or in-person. Medical providers will input the information into the National Registry, which FMCSA will transmit to DDS. Existing certificates remain valid until expiration. DDS advises customers to create an Online Services Account for easy monitoring and to handle transactions like license replacements or address changes online.
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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