During its regular meeting last week, the Board of Commissioners appointed Alicia Giddens as the new Cobb Water System director. Today, Feb. 2, was her official first day in the role.

Giddens, who has been with the agency for more than 30 years, previously served as the deputy director. She joined in 1995 as an environmental compliance technician. Since then, she has held numerous positions, including laboratory technician, biologist (quality assurance/quality control manager), laboratory superintendent, environmental compliance division manager and water protection division manager.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in biology and minor in chemistry from Kennesaw State University. She is certified as a wastewater laboratory analyst and wastewater operator class III by the Georgia Board of Water and Wastewater. Giddens was also chairperson of the Georgia Water and Wastewater Institute Board of Directors and a member of the Board of Directors of the Georgia Association of Water Professionals. She is also an alumnus of the Cobb County EXCEL Leadership program. 

February is Black History Month. The Cobb County Library has compiled a booklist for all ages to help celebrate the importance of black history and of the contributions of African Americans to our past and culture.

Go here to learn more.

Time to network with other business owners and Cobb County Economic Development. The next Coffee and Conversations event will be a taxes eye-opener 7:30 - 9 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, at the Cobb Civic Center. The guest speaker will be Lewis G. Cox, owner of Lewis G. Cox & Associates LLC, who will discuss business taxes and what they mean for you. The Civic Center is located at 548 S. Marietta Parkway, Marietta.

Go here to register.
Learn more about Cobb Economic Development here.

Community leaders have started the process of renewing Cobb County’s Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax. This one-percent sales tax has been in place for decades, helping to fund major capital projects such as courthouses, community centers, parks, libraries, and large-scale transportation improvements.

As part of the process, officials are hosting open house engagement meetings with residents to answer questions and gather feedback on the proposed SPLOST program list. Drop in anytime between 6 - 8 p.m. on the following dates:

Find more information here.
Share your thoughts on the 2028 SPLOST renewal here.

Did you know nearly 500 children in Cobb County are in foster care? You can make a difference in a child's life by joining the Cobb Juvenile Court's Court Appointed Special Advocate program.

CASA volunteers advocate for the children by meeting with their families, teachers, therapists, and doctors. The ultimate goal is to help reunite the children with their families when possible or place them in a permanent, loving home.

Learn more and apply for the upcoming training session here. Deadline to apply is Friday, Feb. 6. Training sessions begin on Feb. 17.

A special election will be held March 10, in Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, Murray, Paulding, Polk, Walker, Whitfield, and portions of Cobb Counties for U.S. House of Representatives, District 14, to fill a vacancy due to the resignation of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. A special runoff election, if needed, will be held April 7.

Monday, Feb. 9, is the last day to register to vote for all persons who are not registered to vote and who want to vote in the Special Election. Advance in-person absentee voting will begin on Monday, Feb. 16.

This election is only for voters in U.S. House District 14 check the My Voter Page to confirm your House district.

Cobb District Attorney Sonya F. Allen invites the community to her annual Avant Garde Awards 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb 10, at the Jim R. Miller Park Event Center. The event will highlight the work of nominated local luminaries in recognition of Black History Month. There will be displays by local artists.

Please RSVP to CobbDistrictAttorney@cobbcounty.gov by Thursday, Feb. 5. The center is located at 2245 Callaway Road SW, Marietta.

Last week, the Cobb County Board of Commissioners proclaimed Friday, Feb. 6, as Go Red for Women Day to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death among women.

Residents are encouraged to wear red on that day and speak up, show support and stand together to change the future of heart disease for women.

In recognition of American Heart Month, Cobb County Senior Services is also hosting a series of educational seminars designed to empower you with the tools needed to maintain a healthy heart.

You’ll learn what blood pressure is, why it matters, and how to identify the risks that can lead to heart attack or stroke. Also learn how to check your blood pressure at home and discover the daily habits and medical care necessary to keep your levels in a safe range.

Go here to register or call the centers.

Give your old prom dress or suit a second chance to shine at the Cobb Prom Swap. Please donate gently used dresses, suits, or accessories you no longer need. Cobb County Library locations are also accepting shoes, jewelry, accessories, and new, unused cosmetics.

Bring donations by Saturday, Feb. 7, to any of these locations:

Teen Prom Swap Events will be held 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. on two Saturdays in February. Teens are invited to shop during the free Prom Swap and find the perfect outfit for prom night. Everything is first-come, first-served.

Ensure your lost pets get back home by getting them tagged at a free Microchip Clinic. Chip your cats, dogs, and birds, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9, at Cobb County Animal Services, 1060 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta.

Non-Cobb residents can also take advantage of this convenient service for a $10 fee. If you have a bird to be chipped, you must make a reservation by emailing Jessica.Darrough@cobbcounty.gov.

An online reservation system is open at a half-dozen Cobb County libraries for people needing help with their income taxes. AARP Tax-Aide volunteers will provide free tax preparation assistance by appointment only. Appointments can be made in-person (but not same day) or online.

Appointments begin today, Feb. 2, and run through Wednesday, April 15. For more information, including an accessible list of the libraries and what to bring to a Tax-Aide appointment, visit here.

Cobb libraries will also provide free federal 2025 1040 tax forms and instruction booklets while supplies last and will also offer free printing of federal and state forms (not instructions), up to 10 pages. Contact your library to ensure they have forms available before making a trip.

Cobb County Senior Services’ Annual Expo is returning this year to a new location. Make plans to attend 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. April 21 at Jim R. Miller Park and Event Center. This larger venue will provide more space for seniors, their caregivers and their families to connect with valuable resources, receive health screenings, and enjoy fitness demonstrations.

Currently, Senior Services is seeking local businesses and community organizations that cater to older adults to participate as vendors. Last year’s event attracted more than 1,800 attendees, making it a high visibility, impactful community event. For more information or to reserve a spot as a vendor, visit here.