MDJ Script/ Top Stories for October 15th
Publish Date: October 15th
Commercial:
From the BG Ad Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.
Today is Wednesday, October 15th and Happy Birthday to Mario Puzzo
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 9
STORY 1: Commissioners to appoint Ferrell police chief Oct 28
The Cobb Board of Commissioners is set to make interim Police Chief James Ferrell’s role permanent on Oct. 28, with a vote followed by his swearing-in. Afterward, Ferrell will meet with community members, the county announced Monday.
Ferrell, who stepped in as interim chief after Stuart VanHoozer’s April retirement, has been recommended by County Manager Jackie McMorris. While Chair Lisa Cupid initially considered Erika Shields, former Atlanta and Louisville police chief, as a candidate, the focus has shifted to Ferrell.
Support for Ferrell is strong, with Commissioner Keli Gambrill and the Georgia Fraternal Order of Police backing his appointment.
STORY 2: Popular cotton candy food truck opens first location in downtown Acworth
After years of spinning sugar on the go, Gimme That Sugar has finally found a home. Lynn and Phil Lafferty, the couple behind the beloved cotton candy business, just opened their first storefront in Acworth on South Main Street.
What started as a pandemic project—a tiny cart, a dream, and a lot of trial and error—has grown into a local favorite. “We had no idea people would love fresh cotton candy this much,” Lynn said.
The shop serves their signature spun-to-order cotton candy (on glow sticks, if you’re feeling fancy), plus shaved ice, milkshakes, and more. “It’s surreal,” Lynn added. “A childhood dream come true.”
STORY 3: Cobb Elections Board seeks pay raise, citing increased workload
The Cobb County Board of Elections is asking for a big pay bump—over 200%—citing the growing workload and expectations placed on its members.
Right now, the board chair gets $200 a month, and members get $150. That’s it. Those rates haven’t changed since the early ’90s, back when meetings were short and infrequent. Now? They’re meeting two or three times a month, often for hours, plus prep work, state meetings, and more.
The board wants $600 monthly for the chair and $500 for members. Some commissioners agree a raise is overdue but think the jump might be too steep.
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We’ll be right back.
Break: COBB FALL FESTIVAL
STORY 4: Sheriff’s office donates sneakers to middle schoolers
The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office teamed up with No Bull Apparel on Oct. 8 to deliver nearly 100 pairs of sneakers to students at three Cobb middle schools—Garrett, Lindley, and Pearson.
Chief Deputy Rhonda Anderson and other CCSO leaders personally handed over the shoes, a gesture aimed at supporting kids who need it most.
“It’s about more than sneakers,” one official said. “It’s about showing these students we care.”
The sheriff’s office thanked No Bull Apparel for stepping up and investing in Cobb’s youth, calling the partnership a meaningful way to build community and promote wellness.
STORY 5: Marjorie Taylor Greene sounds alarm over expiring health care subsidies as shutdown continues
As the government shutdown drags on, Georgia’s congressional delegation is locked in a messy blame game. Then there’s Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene—doing her own thing. She’s breaking with her party, slamming both sides over skyrocketing health care costs. “I’m carving my own lane,” she posted online, saying premium hikes will hit her kids and her Northwest Georgia constituents hard.
Meanwhile, Democrats and Republicans are at each other’s throats. Democrats blame GOP leadership for the shutdown, while Republicans insist it’s not about health care—it’s about funding the government.
And the health care crisis? Still looming, unresolved, and deeply personal for Georgians.
Break:
STORY 6: Square Threads owner Boozer McClure leads fundraising in Ward 3 bid
Local business owner Boozer McClure has taken the lead in fundraising for the three-way race to replace retiring Ward 3 Councilman Johnny Walker. McClure, who owns Square Threads on Marietta Square, has raised $30,000, outpacing city planner Daniel Gaddis ($26,000) and retired educator Nora Gaudet ($12,500, including loans).
Despite raising the most, McClure has spent less than his opponents, leaving him with over $21,000 in the bank. His donors include attorneys, developers, and local restaurateurs, with notable contributions from The Barnes Law Group ($2,500) and Mac’s Chophouse owner Randy McCray ($1,000).
Election Day is Nov. 4.
STORY 7: Chalktoberfest’s 13th year draws thousands of guests, 100 artists
Chalktoberfest took over Marietta Square last weekend, and honestly? It was pure magic. Streets became canvases, with 100 artists from all over—Italy, Mexico, Ukraine—turning pavement into masterpieces.
“It’s like the Super Bowl of chalk art,” said Erika Thurkins, who’s been coming for seven years. This time, she drew Jane Goodall, calling her a “huge inspiration.”
Meanwhile, Heather Cap brought the ’80s back with a portrait of John Candy as Barf from Spaceballs. “It’s silly, it’s nostalgic—it’s perfect,” she said.
The art? Temporary. But that’s the beauty—it’s here, then gone.
We’ll have closing comments after this.
Break: INGLES 9
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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