Top Spots to Celebrate Independence Day in Cobb County

Marietta Daily Journal Podcast

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for July 2nd

Publish Date: July 2nd

Commercial:

From the Ingles Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.

Today is Tuesday, July 2nd and Happy 60th Birthday to MLB player Jose Canesco.

***07.02.24 – BIRTHDAY – JOSE CANSECO***

I’m Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia.

1. Top Spots to Celebrate Independence Day in Cobb County
2. 2 Cobb Students Selected for Boys Nation in Washington
3. Family of Hit-and-Run Kennesaw Victim Calls for Justice

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: CU of GA

STORY 1: Where to Celebrate Independence Day in Cobb County

July 3, Six Flags Over Georgia in Austell will feature nightly fireworks, while Kennesaw hosts "Salute to America" downtown with live music, food vendors, and a fireworks finale. Don't miss "Southern Spirits" at the Southern Museum, offering drinks, food, and fireworks viewing. On July 4, enjoy live music and fireworks at Acworth's Cauble Park starting at 5:30 p.m. Marietta's "4th in the Park" kicks off at 10 a.m. with a parade, concerts, and more. Finally, Powder Springs celebrates at Thurman Springs Park with live bands, activities, and a 9:30 p.m. fireworks show. For more details, visit the respective city websites

STORY 2: 2 Cobb Students Selected for Boys Nation in Washington

Two Cobb County students, Grant Pool and Benjamin Blackwood, have been chosen to represent Georgia at the 2024 American Legion Boys Nation in Washington D.C. This prestigious event educates rising seniors about federal government operations. Both boys participated in Georgia Boys State, learning local and state governance. Pool, aspiring to be a lawyer like his grandfather, focused on youth advocacy. Blackwood, inspired by family and TV, won roles including district attorney at Boys State. Their selections for Boys Nation were emotional for their families. The event includes mock campaigns, lectures, and meetings with senators and potentially the president.

STORY 3: Family of Hit-and-Run Kennesaw Victim Calls for Justice

The family of Ryan Ellis, a Kennesaw man struck in a hit-and-run while riding his bicycle, is seeking justice. Ellis, 57, was hit on Cobb Parkway and suffered serious injuries, requiring emergency brain surgery. He was just minutes from home and relied on biking or public transport. The family faces criticism on social media blaming Ellis for biking late. They're now gathered at his bedside as his condition worsens, planning to remove life support. The family plans to launch a GoFundMe for funeral costs. Ellis, a loving father and grandfather known for his musical passion and humor, is remembered fondly. Cobb Police are investigating, urging anyone with information to come forward. The family seeks accountability from the driver who fled the scene.

We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.

We’ll be right back

Break: DRAKE

STORY 4: Marietta Man Sentenced for COVID-19 Relief Scam

John Gaines, a Marietta man, has been sentenced to five years and three months in prison for his role in a scheme to steal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gaines pleaded guilty to money laundering, admitting involvement in obtaining an $806,710 fraudulent PPP loan for a fictitious business, Gaines Reservation and Travel. The business had no employees or payroll expenses. Alongside two others, including Teldrin Foster and Carla Jackson, Gaines participated in a larger scheme that fraudulently obtained millions in PPP loans. In total, 23 individuals have been convicted and sentenced for their roles in the scheme, which exploited relief funds meant for struggling businesses. The case was investigated by the FBI and IRS.

STORY 5: Man Injured in Stolen Vehicle Crash on Riverside Parkway

An Atlanta man, Jamal Muhammad, sustained life-threatening injuries in a single-vehicle crash on I-20 near Riverside Parkway in Austell. Muhammad was evading police after driving a stolen car, initially spotted by a Fulton County officer on Fulton Industrial Boulevard. He fled onto I-20 westbound in the wrong direction and lost control near the Riverside Parkway northbound offramp in Cobb County. The vehicle struck a tree after spinning out on the grass shoulder. Muhammad was transported to Grady Hospital for treatment. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact Cobb County Police at 770-499-3987.

We’ll be back in a moment

Break: INGLES 1

STORY 6: Zoo Atlanta and Georgia Public Library Service Announce Updated Experience Pass

The Georgia Public Library Service has updated the Zoo Atlanta Library Pass program, expanding it to all 410 public libraries statewide. Now, patrons can check out a physical pass, replacing the previous DVD-based system. Each pass includes a one-time use voucher for free admission to Zoo Atlanta, aligned with other Experience Pass programs. Due to its popularity, patrons may borrow the pass once per year, presenting both the pass and their library card at the zoo for entry. This initiative aims to provide educational wildlife experiences to all Georgians and has been highly utilized, circulating over 20,000 times in 2023. Zoo Atlanta's CEO highlighted the program's role in enhancing understanding of nature and making these experiences accessible statewide.

STORY 7: Explore: A Special Exhibit of Wanderlust

The Smyrna Arts Council and City of Smyrna have unveiled "Explore: A Special Exhibit of Wanderlust," running until September. Located at the Smyrna Community Center and City Hall, the exhibit features works by local artists Leigh Pursley and Becca McCoy. Pursley's abstract paintings in "Lean Into the Magic" reflect her outdoor adventures and connection with nature, aiding her in managing fibromyalgia. McCoy's photography spans two collections: "Extraordinary Lives | Sites | Times" showcases global travels, while "Urban Intersections" explores city influences from diverse locations. Curated by Leah Barnes, the exhibit highlights local artistry and offers residents a cultural experience. Visitors can view the exhibit during regular facility hours.

Break: MARIETTA THEATRE SEVEN GUITARS

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/

Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Produced by the BG Podcast Network

Show Sponsors:

• ingles-markets.com
• cuofga.org
• drakerealty.com
• mariettatheatresquare.com

#NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.