MDJ Script/ Top Stories for May 18th Thursday
Publish Date: May 17, Wednesday
Henssler :15, Bed Music fires
From the Henssler Financial Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast
Today is Thursday May the 18th, and happy 75th birthday to “Mr. October” Reggie Jackson
***Jackson Highlight***
I’m Dan Radcliffe and here are the top stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia
Plus we’ll hear from Leah McGrath of Ingles Markets about high grocery prices, then later in the show
Gary Crawford of the USDA will have thoughts on that same topic.
All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.
Commercial : CU of GA
STORY 1 Tax
According to Marietta spokesperson Lindsey Wiles, many homeowners in Cobb County may notice an incorrect increase in their estimated city tax amount on the 2023 notice of assessments. This discrepancy is due to the omission of the floating homestead exemption, which is a tax relief measure for qualified homeowners exempting them from taxation on reassessed residential property value increases. Wiles clarified that the floating homestead exemption is still applicable for City of Marietta taxpayers, and it reduces the taxable amount owed. The city's upcoming property tax bills in August will reflect the correct reduction, as the city's millage rate has decreased for the past four years. Taxpayers are encouraged to contact the city of Marietta Tax Division for any inquiries or concerns.
STORY 2: Church
** Christian Jamar Harris, a 32-year-old man from Acworth, Georgia, was arrested on April 27 for possessing over 100 videos of
In a lawsuit between 185 Georgia churches and the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church (UMC), a Cobb County judge ruled on Tuesday that the churches have the right to vote on leaving the denomination. The dispute stemmed from the conference's pause on the disaffiliation process, which allows UMC churches to separate and retain assets if they disagree with the denomination's stance on LGBTQ participation. Cobb Superior Court Senior Judge Stephen Schuster's decision grants the plaintiffs' request to lift the pause and proceed with disaffiliation voting. This ruling reflects the ongoing schism within the UMC regarding social issues such as same-sex marriage and LGBTQ ordination.
Story 3: Lawsuit
Five residents of Mableton have filed a lawsuit in Cobb Superior Court, claiming that the legislation enabling the creation of the city is unconstitutional. The suit challenges the constitutionality of House Bill 839, which authorized the creation of Mableton as a city and community improvement districts (CIDs). The plaintiffs argue that the bill violates the state constitution's single subject rule by creating separate units of local government in one act. They also contend that including the creation of the city and the CIDs in the same ballot question violates legal precedent. The lawsuit seeks a declaratory judgment ruling that HB 839 and the city itself are void. The residents are represented by attorney Allen Lightcap, who previously challenged the constitutionality of proposed cities in Cobb County. The opposition to Mableton's incorporation has been ongoing, with a group campaigning against it and requesting de-annexation of certain areas.......…..we’ll be right back
Break: ESOG– Dayco
Story 4: Sentence
A man from East Cobb, Donald Terry Welborn Jr., has pleaded guilty to shooting at police officers and his neighbors while intoxicated and has been sentenced to 18 years in prison. The incident occurred on September 22, 2020, when Welborn fired shots at his home while his wife and daughter were present. He then threatened to shoot officers who attempted to convince him to leave. During a standoff, Welborn continued to shoot at police officers, with bullets hitting nearby houses and treetops. The incident lasted for hours, causing fear and distress for the neighboring families. Welborn pled guilty to multiple counts of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. He will serve the first 18 years of a 35-year sentence in prison.
STORY 5: Armed Robbery
A 24-year-old named Angel Saenz has been sentenced to eight years in prison for an armed robbery that took place at a hotel in January 2022. Saenz pleaded guilty to several charges, including armed robbery, aggravated assault, obstruction, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The incident occurred at the Extended Stay America Hotel in Cobb, where Saenz held Danielle Roberts at gunpoint and stole her cellphone. Police identified Saenz through a photo of his driver's license found on the scene. He was later arrested, and authorities discovered a handgun, suspected narcotics, and confirmed heroin possession. Saenz also pleaded guilty to additional drug and firearm-related charges. The sentence was handed down by Superior Court Judge Sonja Brown.
STORY 6: Historic
And Now, Leah McGrath of Ingles Markets joins our Bruce Jenkins to talk about high grocery prices:
***Leah***
More community News after this
Break Drake– Elon
Story 7: Developer
At a Board of Commissioners zoning hearing in east Cobb, Kenneth Clary withdrew his application for developing 18 homes on 13 acres of land that included the historic Power-Jackson Cabin. Clary's attorney cited the need to address concerns raised during the application process. Initially requesting 20 homes, opposition persisted even as the number of lots was reduced. Historic preservation group Cobb Landmarks requested Clary's assistance in relocating and reconstructing the cabin for public display. The preservation of the cabin, a cemetery on the site, and the condition of two dams were contentious issues throughout the rezoning process. Concerns were raised about the preservation of the cemetery and the maintenance of the dams by nearby residents and organizations.
Top of Form
Story 8: Baseball Final
In the Class AA state semifinals, Mount Paran Christian dominated Fellowship Christian with 7-1 and 6-0 victories, securing a spot in the state championship series. Their pitching staff was instrumental, with Tate McKee pitching a complete game in Game 1, allowing four hits and striking out 13, and Luke Dotson following suit in Game 2 with 11 strikeouts and just one hit allowed. Offensively, Dotson contributed with two RBIs and two walks in Game 1, while catcher Kyle Crisp had a strong performance, going 2-for-3 with three RBIs in Game 2. This sets up an all Cobb finals as Mount Paran will face their regional rival, North Cobb Christian, in the championship series. The Eagles enter the series on a 10-game winning streak and have displayed both strong pitching and hitting throughout the playoffs….back in just a moment
Break: Ingles 7
Now here is Gary Crawford from the US Dept. of Agriculture talking about food prices:
***USDA***
We’re back with some closing comments after this:
Commercial: Henssler 60
Signoff – ****Cobb Life bed****
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