MDJ Script/ Top Stories for June 20th Publish Date: June 20th Commercial: From the Ingles Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. Today is Thursday, June 20th and Happy 81st Birthday to Beach Boys member Brian Wilson. ***06.20.24 – BIRTHDAY – BRIAN WILSON*** I’m Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia. Will Richardson’s Votes Hold if Cobb’s Commission Map is Overturned?Marietta School Board Passes Budget with Teacher Raises'Wild Wild West in Color' Celebrates Juneteenth with Rodeo Plus, Bruce Jenkins sits down with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets to discuss brown eggs. 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: If Cobb’s Commission Map is Thrown Out, Do Richardson’s Votes Stand? Jerica Richardson's pivotal votes on Cobb County's Board of Commissioners have been contentious due to questions surrounding her eligibility. Richardson's district was redrawn by the Democratic majority using Georgia's home rule powers, a move challenged as unconstitutional by Republicans. This legal uncertainty casts doubt on the validity of her votes and decisions, including approving a transit tax referendum and a housing development. While some legal experts suggest her actions might be protected under the de facto doctrine, which upholds acts performed by officials later found to be improperly elected, the issue remains unresolved. Future court decisions could impact the legality of past votes, potentially leading to significant repercussions for Cobb County's governance. STORY 2: Marietta School Board Passes Budget with Teacher Raises The Marietta Board of Education unanimously approved a $159 million budget for the 2024-25 school year, featuring significant teacher raises while maintaining a flat millage rate of 17.97. The budget allocates $9 million towards salary increases and benefits for staff, reflecting an average 5.3% raise for all teaching personnel. Additional funding includes $150,000 for Science of Reading learning programs, $722,000 for academic support staff, and $225,000 for insurance, maintenance, and transportation expenses. Board members expressed satisfaction with prioritizing employee compensation amidst rising living costs, emphasizing their commitment to supporting staff and maintaining fiscal responsibility. STORY 3: ‘Wild Wild West in Color’ Celebrates Juneteenth with Rodeo In Marietta, Juneteenth celebrations highlighted both the historical emancipation of African-American slaves and the resilience of Black culture. At Jim Miller Park, the Wild Wild West in Color Rodeo and Agriculture Expo drew thousands, featuring Black cowboys, ranchers, and farmers. Attendees enjoyed Western attire, festive food, and locally grown produce while engaging with vendors and learning about modern farming technologies. The event showcased a rodeo with line dancing, horse riding, and reenactments of famous Black cowboys like Nat Love and Stage Coach Mary, emphasizing their contributions despite historical challenges. Organizers aimed to educate attendees, particularly youth, about agriculture and Black history, ensuring Juneteenth’s legacy endures through cultural celebration and education. 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: Smyrna Kroger Celebrates $1 Million Facelift In Smyrna, the Kroger store on South Cobb Drive celebrated a $1 million renovation aimed at enhancing customer experience. The upgrades included new sections like the Kitchen Place kitchenware department and improvements to the bakery, seafood, meat departments, and Murray’s Cheese Shop. The store also expanded its Starbucks area to accommodate more customers efficiently. Store leader Kexian Jones noted a significant increase in customer traffic and positive feedback since the renovations began last August. Local residents, like Akshay Mohan and Angia Chen, praised the updated store for its improved selection and amenities. Smyrna Councilwoman Susan Wilkinson highlighted Kroger’s investment in the community, emphasizing the store’s role as a meeting place and its partnerships with local schools. The event featured speeches, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and opportunities for attendees to explore the renovated store and enjoy free samples from various brands. STORY 5: Marietta School Board Curbs Students’ Cell phone Use The Marietta Board of Education unanimously approved a new policy to restrict cellphone, smartwatch, and social media use among middle-grade students at Marietta Sixth Grade Academy and Marietta Middle School. Starting this fall, students will use special pouches to store their devices throughout the school day, with only ...
