MDJ Script/ Top Stories for December 17th
Publish Date: December 17th
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From the BG Ad Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.
Today is Wednesday, December 17th and Happy Birthday to Eugene Levy
I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal
Plus, Shane Delancey the Director of the Christmas Tradition at the Strand Theatre
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 7
STORY 1: ‘History Rocks!’: Sonny Perdue celebrates America’s 250th at Allatoona High
Allatoona High kicked off the buzz for America’s 250th birthday this week with a visit from the U.S. Department of Education’s “History Rocks! Trail to Independence” tour. And yes, former Gov. Sonny Perdue was there, rallying students to think big about the next 250 years.
“America doesn’t stay great by accident,” Perdue told the crowd. “It takes work—your work. Education is what keeps democracy alive.”
The event wasn’t just speeches. Students played history-themed games like “E Pluribus Unum” and a patriotic spin on “Family Feud.”
Cobb Superintendent Chris Ragsdale called it “tremendous,” reminiscing about celebrating the bicentennial as a kid in 1976. Full circle, indeed.
STORY 2: Sheriff’s annual Santa On Wheels donates thousands of toys
Cobb Sheriff Craig Owens and his team brought some serious holiday magic to Mableton schools on Saturday with their fourth annual Santa On Wheels toy drive.
Over 1,600 toys were handed out at Lindley and Floyd middle schools, turning the day into a Christmas wonderland for families in need. “Seeing those kids’ smiles—it’s everything,” Owens said. “Times are tough, but this? This is why we do it.”
Owens, dressed as Santa (with Mrs. Claus by his side), posed for photos and handed out gifts, while Christmas music played and kids lined up for presents—and even a chance to win a bike.
STORY 3: 100+ wreaths placed at veteran tombstones at Kennesaw cemetery
On a chilly Saturday afternoon, Kennesaw City Cemetery became a quiet, reverent place of remembrance. Volunteers—city officials, Scouts, families—gathered to lay wreaths on the graves of 139 veterans as part of the Wreaths Across America campaign.
Each headstone, marked with an American flag, received a wreath. Volunteers paused, saluted, and reflected. “This is Christmas,” said Mayor Derek Easterling, a Navy veteran. “We honor them because they gave everything for our freedom.”
For 8-year-old Scout Archer Linscott, it was about tradition. “We’ll be back,” his dad said. “It’s about remembering the past as we move forward.”
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Break: Villa Rica Wonderland Train
STORY 4: Second suspect in Kell High School vandalism case charged, released from custody
The second suspect in the Thanksgiving break vandalism at Kell High School has been charged, according to jail records.
Hunter Bridges, 18, of Marietta, was arrested last Thursday and released on a $16,720 bond. He and Micah Zefo, 22, of Acworth, allegedly broke into the school on Nov. 24, causing over $12,000 in damage.
Police say the pair climbed onto the roof, entered through a hatch, and spent hours inside. They reportedly drove floor scrubbers across the gym’s newly refinished hardwood, leaving deep scratches, and even tampered with school buses.
Both face multiple felonies. The district called the behavior “unacceptable.”
STORY 5: Cobb 911 earns triple accreditation as center of excellence
Cobb County’s Emergency Communications team just hit a major milestone: triple accreditation from the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED). That’s right—Tri-ACE status. Only 27 agencies in the world have it, and Cobb’s the first county agency in Georgia to pull it off.
This recognition means Cobb’s 911 center excels in fire, police, and medical dispatch. It wasn’t easy—earning this required meeting 20 tough accreditation standards and passing expert reviews.
“This is the gold standard,” said E911 Director Melissa Alterio. “It’s proof of the incredible work our team does every single day.”
Break:
STORY 6: Cobb Collaborative, Cobb Community Foundation honor community leaders
The Cobb Collaborative and Cobb Community Foundation came together for the 32nd annual Human Services Awards Luncheon, a heartfelt celebration of the people and organizations transforming lives in Cobb County.
“This is about selflessness, innovation, and teamwork,” said Irene Barton, Cobb Collaborative’s executive director. “These honorees remind us what’s possible when we work together to tackle issues like homelessness and food insecurity.”
Among the winners: Mark Riggans of Cobb Christmas and Janet Porter of Four Corners Group, honored for their service; Kelsey Thompson-White Battersby, recognized for her housing initiatives; and Kidz2Leaders, awarded $10,000 for breaking cycles of generational incarceration.
STORY 7: Navigating Food Allergies During the Holiday Season: What Families Need to Know
The holidays are all about food, right? But for families dealing with food allergies, festive treats can feel more like a minefield than a celebration. One wrong bite, and it’s not just a ruined party—it’s a trip to the ER.
Over 33 million Americans have food allergies, and anaphylaxis-related emergencies have skyrocketed in recent years. Dr. Joanna Dolgoff says about 1 in 20 kids now has a diagnosed food allergy. Why? Better diagnoses, sure, but also changes in diet, environment, and how kids’ immune systems develop.
Feeling overwhelmed? Totally normal. Start small: communicate, read labels, pack safe snacks, and always—always—carry epinephrine.
Now, here is Shane Delancey the Director of the Christmas Tradition at the Strand Theatre
Break: THE STRAND HOLIDAY
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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