Election Day for the Senate District 35 Special Runoff is tomorrow, Dec. 16. Please note this election is for voters in Senate District 35 only.
Voters must cast their ballots at their assigned polling place, which will be open 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. For personalized precinct information, please visit your GA My Voter Page.
Cobb Christmas is on the road this week for its annual Stuff-A-Bus food and toy drive. Collection days are scheduled Dec. 16 - 18. Sites include business offices, medical offices, eateries, and government offices. Find the date and location for a drop-off near you.
New, unopened toys may also be dropped off at the Cobb Christmas distribution site IAM Lodge 709, 1032 South Marietta Parkway, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on those dates.
County E-911 center earns top accreditations
The Cobb County Department of Emergency Communications team continues to build its reputation as a premier 911 center with its latest achievement. The department recently earned Triple Accredited Center of Excellence status -- the highest honor awarded by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch.
The Tri-ACE designation recognizes excellence in all three disciplines: police, fire, and medical dispatch. With this recognition, Cobb County joins an elite group of centers dedicated to providing precise and professional service. The Cobb County Department of Emergency Communications is one of only three emergency communications centers and the first county agency in the state of Georgia to achieve Tri-ACE status.
Due to cold weather, the MUST Ministries Hope House is providing shelter services and meals throughDec. 16 for men, women, and children. Bookmark this page to check the shelter's status and opening announcements throughout the coming weeks.
When it is open, those who need to use the shelter are asked to arrive by 8 p.m. The Hope House shelter is located at 1297 Bells Ferry Road, Marietta.
Transportation options are available to the shelter through transit vouchers provided by the county, available from Reflections of Trinity at 4037 Austell-Powder Springs Road, Powder Springs. Call 770-222-6511 to request the vouchers.
Cobb wants to become your client
Boost your business before the year is out. Cobb County Procurement Services Department and the E-911 Department will present a "How to Do Business with Cobb County Government" virtual webinar, noon - 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16.
During its regular meeting Dec. 9, the Board of Commissioners presented a check to Make-A-Wish Georgia with funds it raised from this year's Cobb County Make-A-Wish 5K. A total of 1,053 participants ran or walked the course throughout Marietta in support of this cause. The event raised a total of $53,000, which includes proceeds from the 5K, as well as donations received from the local business community. The funds will be used by Make-A-Wish Georgia to grant wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions.
Judge to retire after more than two decades of service
Cobb County Superior Court Judge A. Gregory Poole is stepping down from the bench as of January. A lifelong Marietta resident, Poole retires after a distinguished legacy spanning nearly 23 years of service to the community where he was born and raised.
“It has been an honor to serve the citizens of the Cobb Judicial Circuit as a Superior Court Judge for the past thirteen years and as a Cobb County Juvenile Court Judge for the previous ten years,” Poole said in his letter to the Governor.
Poole was elected to the Superior Court in 2012 and took office in 2013. His tenure on the bench is highlighted by his service as chief judge from 2023 to 2025, during which his leadership was instrumental in maintaining the court’s integrity and efficiency amid the complex demands of a growing county.
Give the gift of life 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec.17, during an American Red Cross blood drive at Mountain View Regional Library in Marietta. Appointments can be scheduled online at redcrossblood.org. Walk-ins are also welcome.
Eligible donors will need to be at least 17 years old (16 with written parental consent). There is no upper age limit to donate blood. Please bring any form of photo ID with you. The Mountain View Regional Library is located at 3320 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta.
Honoring traditions, sparking joy for the community
Fun, faith, and family continue to mix as the holiday season lights up Cobb County. Upcoming community celebrations include:
Monday, Dec. 15 - East Cobb Park at 5:30 p.m. for Congregation Etz Chaim’s menorah lighting. Bring your friends and family. All are welcome.
Monday, Dec. 15 - Kennesaw kindles the candles on the menorah 6 - 7 p.m. at the Main Street Plaza. Free.
Tuesday, Dec. 16 - The Battery Atlanta Hanukkah event at 5:30 p.m. Giant LEGO menorah lighting, inflatable sports games, treats, special entertainment, and more. RSVP here.
Tuesday, Dec. 16 - Acworth invites the community to Doyal Hill Park for the annual menorah lighting with the Chabad Jewish Center, 6 - 8 p.m., 4410 Cherokee Street.
Thursday, Dec. 18 - Jingle Jangle Jubilee 10 a.m. - noon at the Cobb Safety Village, 1220 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta. Books, balls, and blocks activities. Santa visits, games, raffle, stories, music, and crafts. For ages 0-5. The event is autism-friendly and promotes “Learn the Signs. Act Early.”
Thursday, Dec. 18 - Enjoy songs and community at the Temple Kol Emeth Menorah Lighting at Marietta Square, 5:45 - 6:15 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.
Saturday, Dec. 20 - Join Congregation Ner Tamid for the menorah lighting on the Glover Park stage in Marietta Square featuring Hanukkah music, raffles and prizes, and free hot chocolate, donuts, latkes, and chocolate gelt. Free.
Show the Cobb County Public Library System you care while checking off your holiday gift list. 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.
Keeping a chipper attitude for the holidays
Don't just toss out your Christmas tree after opening presents. Keep Cobb Beautiful will host its 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 starting on Christmas Day and ending on Jan. 3.
Flocked trees will not be accepted. Trees must have all decorations, mesh, lights, stands, and strings removed prior to being dropped off.
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.
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.
We speak with Brittany Jones, executive director of the Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy about the vital role the Chattahoochee River and its national recreation areas play in the lives of Cobb County residents and how the Conservancy protects the river, preserves natural habitats, and expands access to outdoor recreation.
The Atlanta Braves, in collaboration with the Cobb County Safety Village, unveiled a scaled-down baseball field at the educational campus. This new addition will provide kids from Cobb County and Marietta City Schools with the opportunity to learn about the importance of sports, health, and wellness.
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.
