With the start of public school classes this week, drivers must watch their surroundings more carefully. School buses will be picking up and dropping off young pedestrians that might be crossing the road in unexpected spots. State laws are strict about driver requirements:
In most cases, drivers must stop when approaching or meeting a stopped school bus that has its lights flashing and is loading or unloading passengers. The exception to this rule is when highways are separated in the center by median strips. In this situation, only vehicles following or traveling alongside a school bus in the same direction must stop.
A warning will be given in advance by the flashing red or amber lights on the front and rear of the bus. After stopping, you must remain stopped until the bus resumes motion or deactivates its warning signals and all loading or unloading passengers have cleared the roadway.
Fines and penalties for violating these rules include a mandatory court appearance, up to $1000 fine, and up to six points on one's driving record. A conviction for someone under 21 years old constitutes license suspension.
Firefighters, police, and emergency staff will host Cobb residents and visitors for National Night Out, 6 - 9 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5, at Jim R. Miller Park.
There will be fun, food and festivities available as public safety personnel meet with the public to help make the community safer. The park is located at 2245 Callaway Road, Marietta.
Fall into fun with new online guide
The Fall PARKS Activity Guide is available and features plenty to do during the upcoming season. Don’t miss the International Festival, the Mable House Harvest Fest, and the return of the spooky haunted house at the Fall Festival of Fun. Read about the artists behind the Milford Recreation Center’s community vibe. There are plenty of unforgettable programs and classes for swinging a racket, scoring big in adult sports leagues, or letting your inner actor take the stage.
Apply for the Cobb County Sheriff's Office Citizen’s Academy to learn about its duties, structure, and daily operations. Those interested must apply by Friday, Aug. 8. To be eligible, applicants must at least 18 years of age and out of high school, possess a valid government ID, and be able to attend at least five out of six of the classes. They will meet 6:30 - 9 p.m. Thursdays, Aug. 14 - Sept. 18.
Space is limited — don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and to take a deeper look behind the scenes of your Cobb County Sheriff’s Office. The registration forms are here.
A show for those who fancy wearing fur
Save Saturday, Aug. 9, for Woofs and Whiskers: The Ultimate Pet Fashion Show at Mable House Arts Center. This event, held 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., will celebrate creativity and the bond between pets and their owners. Show off your style by designing matching or unique outfits for you and your pet and strut your stuff down the runway to cheers from the crowd. Enjoy pet adoptions, shop for pet accessories, and experience a fun-filled day for all ages. Go here for more information.
Free adoption event this weekend
It's time to help clear out the shelters. Cobb is joining a collective effort to find homes for all the pets at animal shelters nationwide. The county is offering free adoptions 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Aug. 8 - 10 at 1060 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta.
For the rest of the month, the shelter will renew its popular $25 "Adopt a Friend" special from July. It will continue through August and September. Customers can adopt a dog or cat for just $25 or donate cat or dog food and the shelter will waive the $25 fee.
Learn more about 4-H programming and specialty clubs at its open house 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, at the UGA Extension Office in Marietta. Subjects include archery, Cooking Club, Cultured Ag Club, Cloverbuds, County Council, Horse and Pony Club, Shotgun Club, Project Achievement, summer camps, conferences, and more.
While at the open house, kids can enroll in 4-H and learn how to register for 4-H clubs/activities for the year, ask questions, and meet 4-H staff and volunteers. For more information visit extension.uga.edu/cobb or call 770-528-4070.
Learn how you can participate in the Great Southeast Pollinator Census this month. The Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County is hosting a virtual webinar, “Great Southeast Pollinator Census – Citizen Science at Work!” This event is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12. It will be led by UGA Extension’s Pollinator Census National Coordinator Becky Griffin. Registration is free and available here.
She will talk about pollinator ecology and share how every individual — young or old — can make a real impact by participating in the 2025 Great Southeast Pollinator Census, taking place on Friday, Aug. 22, and Saturday, Aug. 23.
The world is coming to Cobb
Cobb County will host the return of the International Festival 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, at the Jim R. Miller Park and Event Center in Marietta. This event will showcase and highlight the vibrant cultural diversity that shapes and enriches the community. The free festival is a celebration of global cuisine, music, and visual and performing arts. There will be performances, vendors, and activities for all ages. The Jim R. Miller Park and Event Center is located at 2245 Callaway Road, Marietta. Go here for more information.
Get access to county government
We’re excited to announce the launch of the updated Cobb County Government mobile app, redesigned to make staying connected with your local government easier and more convenient.
The new CobbGov app puts key county services and information right at your fingertips. With an improved design and user-friendly interface, the app provides quick access to:
County news and emergency alerts
Upcoming events and public meetings
Commissioner contacts and district information
Road closures, traffic updates, and construction alerts
Parks, facility locations, and public safety resources
Contact information and service requests
You can also enable push notifications to receive real-time alerts about major events, weather updates, or service changes impacting your area — ensuring you're always informed when it matters most. Whether you need to look up your commissioner, report a pothole, or check the latest traffic advisory, the CobbGov app is your go-to tool for staying informed and engaged with your community.
The Community Emergency Response Team program helps residents learn disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their areas and trains them in basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.
To join Cobb County CERT, you must be over the age of 16, live, work or worship in Cobb, and pass a criminal history background check. The remaining training classes scheduled for 2025:
Sept. 6, 13 and 20
Oct. 4, 11 and 18
Nov. 1, 8 and 15
The classes are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. on three consecutive Saturdays at Cobb County Emergency Management Agency, 140 North Marietta Parkway, Marietta. Go here for more information.
Chairwoman Lisa Cupid led the Cobb delegation that recently signed a 30-year extension to an agreement with the Cobb-Marietta Coliseum and Exhibit Hall Authority. The agreement renews the funding for the Authority, allowing it to sell bonds for a $190 million renovation and expansion of the Cobb Galleria Centre.
The Great Southeast Pollinator Census is a fun, hands-on way for people of all ages to contribute to scientific research by identifying and counting pollinators in their own backyards, schools, neighborhoods, and community spaces. Learn more about this year's Pollinator Census and where you can participate.
A lot happens around the county that just doesn't fit into one weekly newsletter. Get more news and information from the Cobb departments you want to hear from.
