===== MDJ Script/ Top Stories for December 5th
Publish Date: December 5th
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From the BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.
Today is Friday, December 5th and Happy Birthday to Walt Disney
I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal
Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on carrots
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: Daniel Gaddis elected to Marietta City Council
City planner Daniel Gaddis clinched the Ward 3 Marietta City Council seat Tuesday night, defeating life coach Nora Gaudet in the runoff election.
With all precincts reporting, Gaddis secured 698 votes (64.15%) to Gaudet’s 390 (35.85%). The results will be certified Dec. 8.
“It’s been a long road, but we worked hard and had incredible support,” Gaddis said, reflecting on a campaign that reached over 3,500 voters. Still, he admitted the race wasn’t without challenges, particularly the push to label him politically. “Parks, sidewalks, public safety—these aren’t partisan issues,” he said.
Gaudet, who moved to Georgia five years ago, acknowledged the uphill battle of being a “wild card” candidate. “I didn’t have deep connections here,” she said, adding that campaigning through the holidays was exhausting. “People are tired by a runoff—they just want it over.”
Both candidates highlighted inequities in Marietta, from neglected neighborhoods to housing affordability. Gaddis spoke of the need to preserve Marietta’s charm while addressing real issues like homelessness and unsafe streets. Gaudet, meanwhile, emphasized the voices of overlooked residents.
“We’ve done great work,” Gaudet said. “And I hope those quiet voices finally get heard.”
STORY 2: Proposed Atlanta Road apartments delayed amid safety, school capacity concerns
After hearing concerns about traffic and overcrowding, the Cobb County Planning Commission hit pause Tuesday on a proposed 249-unit apartment complex at Atlanta Road and I-285. The decision? Delayed until February.
Flournoy Development Group wants to rezone 3.79 acres to build the rental apartments—mostly one-bedrooms—but the project’s sparked pushback. Locals worry about traffic, U-turn safety, and overcrowding at Nickajack Elementary, which is already 269 students over capacity.
Attorney Kevin Moore, representing Flournoy, said the plan has been revised: fewer units (down from 274), shorter building height along Atlanta Road, and a parking deck tucked into the five-story section near the interstate.
But traffic remains a sticking point. Residents like Nat Milburn, from Olde Ivy at Vinings, raised alarms about U-turns, claiming the project could add 500 daily U-turns and spike accidents by 800%. Moore dismissed the data as “opinion,” but Planning Chair Nadia Faucette wasn’t sold. “I’m for the project, but safety’s a big concern,” she said.
The commission will revisit the case Feb. 3, giving Flournoy time to address traffic, signage, and other community concerns.
STORY 3: Honorees announced for 41st annual Tribute to Women of Achievement
LiveSafe Resources, a Marietta-based shelter for domestic violence survivors, has revealed the honorees for its 41st annual Tribute to Women of Achievement.
Every year, the organization celebrates 15 women who’ve made waves—personally, professionally, and through volunteer work. One will be crowned 2026 Woman of the Year at the awards gala on March 20 at the Atlanta Marriott Northwest.
This year’s honorees include leaders like Cobb Solicitor General Makia Metzger, Braves exec DeRetta Rhodes, and Judge Jaret Usher.
The gala will feature dinner, auctions, and awards like the Pat Head Dignity Award for public safety and the Kim Gresh Survivor’s Award, honoring a survivor whose story inspires.
Tickets are available now.
We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.
We’ll be right back.
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STORY 4: Carlyle Kent reelected to Marietta City Council
Councilman Carlyle Kent is staying put in Ward 5, clinching reelection with a commanding 80.49% of the vote over challenger and former Councilman Reggie Copeland, who pulled in just 19.51%.
Unofficial results show Kent received 495 votes to Copeland’s 120, with all precincts reporting. The results will be certified Dec. 8.
This race felt like déjà vu—Kent unseated Copeland back in 2021. “My neighbors pushed me to run four years ago because they felt the ward wasn’t being represented well,” Kent said Tuesday, surrounded by family, friends, and supporters who cheered as the final numbers came in.
Kent credited his team’s hard work—canvassing, phone banking, and connecting with newly redistricted voters—for the win. “I’m always optimistic, but it’s humbling to see that support,” he said, adding, “I give thanks to the Lord for putting the right people in my life.”
Looking ahead, Kent said his focus remains on improving Ward 5. “I want to leave it better than I found it.”
STORY 5: Wheeler to host big-name programs in Tournament of Champions SPORTS UPDATE
Wheeler’s boys basketball team will host the Tournament of Champions Holiday Classic on Saturday, featuring 16 top teams from Georgia and beyond. Games start at 10 a.m. and run every 90 minutes, with $22 tickets covering all eight matchups.
Highlights include Kell, led by BJ Love and Kamari Kilgore, facing Meadowcreek at 11:30 a.m., and Wheeler, ranked No. 1 in Georgia and No. 4 nationally, taking on Nevada’s Coronado at 8:30 p.m. Wheeler boasts five Division I recruits, including Colben Landrew (UConn) and Amare James (Clemson). Coronado’s Munir Greig, Nevada’s top player, will also take the court.
SOCCER: The U.S. Men’s National Team will face top-tier competition in its final pre-World Cup tune-ups, with Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium hosting two marquee matchups.
On March 28, the U.S. takes on No. 8 Belgium at 3:30 p.m., followed by a clash with No. 6 Portugal on March 31 at 7 p.m. Both games will air on TNT, HBO Max, and more.
As the new home of U.S. Soccer, Atlanta gets the spotlight, offering fans a front-row seat to world-class soccer as the team preps for the 2026 World Cup on home soil.
And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on carrots
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 mdjonline.com
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