MDJ Script/ Top Stories for July 4th Publish Date: July 4th Commercial: From the Ingles Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. Today is Thursday, July 4th and Happy heavenly Birthday to musician Bill Withers. ***07.04.24 – BIRTHDAY – BILL WITHERS*** I’m Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia. Essential Information You Need to Know for Fireworks in CobbKSU-San Jose State set for TruTV/MaxFate of Student Housing Development Near KSU Remains Uncertain Plus, Bruce Jenkins sits down with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets to discuss buy one get one free. 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: Fireworks in Cobb: What to Know Stores like Sky King Fireworks and Super Show Fireworks are gearing up for high traffic and significant revenue spikes, with daily sales potentially jumping from $15,000 to $50,000-$70,000 during peak days. Customers are particularly interested in traditional consumer fireworks that shoot into the air, with options catering to various budgets. Both stores emphasize safety, offering QR codes linking to YouTube videos showcasing firework effects to ensure informed purchases. Cobb County residents are reminded of permitted firework hours and safety precautions, including proper disposal and precautions for pets during fireworks displays. STORY 2: KSU-San Jose set for TruTV/Max Kennesaw State University's football team is set to play San Jose State in a nationally televised game on September 14 at 7 pm. The broadcast will be on TruTV/Max as part of the Mountain West Conference’s new media rights deal with TNT Sports. This game marks KSU's fifth national network appearance, following three games on CBS Sports Network against Jacksonville State, Middle Tennessee, and Liberty in October, and a final game on ESPN2 against Western Kentucky on October 30. This season is significant as it marks KSU's debut in Conference USA and their first year as a Football Bowl Subdivision program. The season kicks off on August 31 at the University of Texas at San Antonio. STORY 3: Fate of Student Housing Development Near KSU Remains Uncertain The Cobb Planning Commission forwarded a proposal for a five-story student housing development near Kennesaw State University to the Board of Commissioners without making a recommendation. Initially deadlocked on a motion to deny the request, they later voted 5-0 to advance it for further consideration. The development by Landmark Properties includes 191 units and 762 bedrooms, a parking deck with 665 spaces, and amenities like a rooftop pool. Debate centered on traffic impacts, with concerns about increased vehicle trips and potential disruptions to the neighborhood. Opponents also raised issues of affordability, crime, and noise. Proponents argued the development supports campus life and addresses housing needs for KSU’s large student population. 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: Cobb Man Gets Life for Rape and Child Molestation James Westly, 41, from Austell, has been sentenced to life in prison following his conviction on charges including rape and three counts of child molestation. The sentence was handed down by Superior Court Judge Ann Harris. Westly was arrested after a Cobb Police investigation prompted by the victim's mother, who reported repeated molestation of her child by Westly between 2021 and 2022 when the victim was under 16. Despite Westly's denial and past convictions, cell phone records corroborated the victim's account. Previous victims testified during the trial, detailing similar abuse dating back to 2003. Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Lindsay Raynor prosecuted the case, with defense attorney Sylvia Goldman representing Westly. District Attorney Flynn Broady Jr. commended the victim's bravery in seeking justice. STORY 5: Volunteers Improve Boating Access at Lake Allatoona The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance and 31 union volunteers, mainly tradeswomen, collaborated to install a new floating dock at Lake Allatoona's Blockhouse Boat Ramp on June 29. Led by Dyana “Dee” Lee of Sheet Metal Workers Local 85, the project aimed to enhance boater access year-round. The new 55-foot dock, built by AccuDock through a USA partnership, offers double anchor points and extends further into the lake. Volunteers contributed 392 hours, valued at $20,000, with funding from the USA’s Atlanta Area Conservation Dinner totaling $43,000. The initiative improves access for the lake’s 6.5 million yearly visitors and fosters community support through union collaboration and local conservation efforts. We’ll be back in a moment Break: INGLES 2 And now ...
