Happy holidays to you and yours! Cobb County Government offices will be closed Dec. 24, 25 and Jan. 1. We hope everyone has fun, relaxing and safe wintertime celebrations.
The official county website, cobbcounty.gov, will continue to have information and services to those who need them during the holidays. To keep up to date on other county happenings, follow us on social media at Facebook, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, X, LinkedIn or YouTube.
Voters choose new state senator
Former Cobb Board of Education Member Jaha Howard won the Senate District 35 Democratic runoff election held last week. He took more than 51 percent of the vote against the more than 48 percent earned by state Rep. Roger Bruce. Howard will replace former state Sen. Jason Esteves, who resigned to run for governor.
Don't just toss out your Christmas tree after opening presents. Bring it to the Keep Cobb Beautiful annual Bring One for the Chipper tree recycling event 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, at various locations throughout Cobb County. Live trees will be accepted at the locations Dec. 25 -Jan. 3.
Flocked trees will not be accepted. Remove all decorations, mesh, lights, stands, and strings prior to dropping off trees.
Since its inception in Georgia, the program has recycled an estimated 5.9 million Christmas trees statewide. The mulch from these trees has been used for playgrounds, local government beautification projects, and individual yards.
When your kids are facing boredom this winter break, Cobb PARKS has a couple of options for you.
Dec. 29 - 31: Gymnastics Camp for youths at the Cobb Gymnastics Center, 542 Fairground Street, Marietta. Go here for details.
Dec. 29 - 31: Winter Camp for ages 6 - 12 at the Ward Recreation Center in Powder Springs. Hands-on activities, winter themed crafts, and games. Go here for more information.
Deadline extension for county business licenses
Cobb County is holding a limited-time amnesty period to help businesses operating in unincorporated Cobb come into compliance with county licensing requirements. Through Jan. 30, individuals and businesses engaged in commerce within unincorporated Cobb County can obtain a 2026 Occupation Tax Certificate — commonly known as a business license — without incurring back taxes, penalties, or interest.
The Board of Commissioners approved the amnesty period to support local businesses and ensure that all entities doing business in the county are properly registered. This requirement applies to independent businesses and county vendors providing goods or services under county contracts.
Protect your pets and give yourself peace of mind — a microchip is the easiest way to ensure they can always find their way home. Bring your cats, dogs, and even birds to our microchip clinic 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday, Dec. 29, at Cobb County Animal Services in Marietta.
Microchips are free for Cobb residents. There is a charge of $10 per pet for nonresidents. Bring identification. Please note:
• Birds require preregistration through Jessica.Darrough@cobbcounty.gov.
• Dogs and cats do not require preregistration.
Discover the history of the University of Georgia and how the Bulldogs became one of college football's most powerful programs 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 5, at the Switzer Library community room in Marietta.
From unforgettable victories to the larger-than-life coaches and players who built the team's reputation, this talk celebrates Georgia's enduring gridiron and education legacy. The library is located at 266 Roswell Street, Marietta.
Honoring MLK through your talents
There is an open call to all musicians, singers, dancers, rappers, spoken word performers, and more. This is an opportunity to showcase your individual talents, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the annual tribute event in Marietta.
Live audition dates will be held at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre:
5 - 9 p.m., Jan. 8
9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Jan. 10
5 - 9 p.m., Jan. 12
Video auditions may also be emailed to cobbnaacp@gmail.com. Call 770-425-5757 for further information.
The 2026 celebration will take place 10 a.m. - noon Monday, Jan. 19, at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre, 548 South Marietta Parkway SE, Marietta.
Amendments available for review
The 2026 proposed amendments to the Cobb County Comprehensive Plan are available for your review. The amendment package includes six zoning decisions and three commission proposals. The scheduled work session and public hearings are as follows:
Planning Commission Work Session, Jan. 6, 5:30 p.m.
Planning Commission Comp Plan Amendments Public Hearing: Jan. 6, 7 p.m.
Board of Commissioners Comp Plan Amendments Public Hearing, Jan. 20, 9 a.m.
When you're looking to spend your holiday windfall, consider getting yourself a gift from the Cobb County Public Library System. Buy cool library-themed clothing, fun gift wrap, and comfort items for your reading time in the new Cobb County Library merch shop. All revenues from the official online shop go to the Cobb Library Foundation and support the library system. Find it here.
Hark, ye lords and ladies
The Art Place is seeking a variety of vendors and artists for its Renaissance Faire March 28. There are spots available in its artisan market, food court area and demonstration section. Applications, which are due by Feb. 1, will be juried and, because space is limited, organizers will not be able to accept everyone.
There is a $10 application fee, but no booth fee. No tents, chairs or tables will be provided. Those accepted are limited to a 10-foot-by-10-foot area. This event will be held rain or shine. The Art Place is located at 3330 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta.
Check out the new Winter 2025-2026 PARKS Activity Guide. It features holiday festivities, leagues, art programs, and classes to amuse and energize children and adults alike. See who won the PARKS photo contest and read about the Special Olympics events coming to Cobb.
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.
