Community leaders celebrated the opening of the new Cobb Treatment Courts Facility in Smyrna last week, uniting recovery-based services under one roof.
“Therapeutic services are the linchpin of our program’s success and participants' growth and recovery,” said Cobb Superior Court Chief Judge Ann B. Harris. “We are confident this facility will serve us well into the future, paying dividends to our communities for years to come through restored lives.”
The more than 7,000-square-foot county building offers individual counseling, group therapy and other services to participants in Veterans, Mental Health, DUI, Drug Treatment, and Family Treatment Courts. It includes six group rooms, six counseling offices, a common gathering area and on-site drug and alcohol testing.
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.
You've got an opportunity to make a difference in Cobb. Applications to join the county's Fire and Emergency Services Department will be open Feb. 11 - 20. Be part of a team committed to service and excellence. Enjoy a 24/48 schedule, 10 shifts a month. Paid training provided.
Do you have too much stuff to find what you're looking for? The Senior Citizens Council of Cobb County will hold a decluttering seminar 10 a.m. - noon Friday, Feb. 13, at Wellstar Vinings Health Park Community Room in Smyrna. Experts will provide guidance that can help you with a move or to make your space more accessible for aging in place. The location is at 4441 Atlanta Road SE, Suite 301, Smyrna.
Couples who want to get hitched on Valentine's Day have the perfect place to go in Marietta. The Cobb County Magistrate Court is offering group ceremonies at noon and 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14. The ceremonies will include a photo backdrop for participants as well as props and candy favors.
The parties must present a valid marriage license, which can be obtained from the Cobb County Probate Court. Parties wishing to be married should report 30 minutes prior to the scheduled ceremony time. Cobb County Magistrate Court is located at Building D, 3rd Floor at 32 Waddell Street, Marietta.
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 continue to host 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:
Feb. 12 – Acworth Community Center, 4361 Cherokee Street, Acworth
Feb. 25 – Smyrna Community Center, 1250 Powder Springs Street, Smyrna
March 5 – Cobb Civic Center, 548 South Marietta Parkway SE, Marietta
March 10 – Ben Robertson Community Center, 2753 Watts Drive, Kennesaw
Get to know the Cobb Tax Commissioner's Office 11 a.m. - noon Monday, Feb. 16, at the Powder Springs Library. Understand your property taxes, motor vehicle services, and exemptions that can benefit you at these information sessions with the Cobb County Tax Commissioner.
Future spring dates:
10:30 - 11:30 a.m. March 3, South Cobb Regional Library, Mableton
10 - 11:30 a.m. March 11, Tim Lee Senior Center, Marietta
10 - 11:30 a.m. March 16, Austell Senior Center
10:30 - 11:30 a.m. March 17, North Cobb Regional Library, Kennesaw
2 - 3 p.m. March 18, East Cobb Library, Marietta
10:30 - 11:30 a.m. March 27, North Cobb Senior Center, Acworth
The public is invited to a virtual Hazard Mitigation Plan update 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 16. This Cobb Emergency Management Agency meeting will review the final draft of the plan, identify hazard and mitigation strategies and offer a chance to voice community concerns. Cobb is required to update its Hazard Mitigation Plan every five years.
The plan encompasses all of the city jurisdictions within the county. It forms the foundation for a community's long-term strategy to address disaster losses by identifying actions and projects to reduce or eliminate the impacts that hazards have on the community.
Prevent plumbing problems, Fat Tuesday tour next week
February is all about love and care. The Cobb County Water System encourages you to love your water pipes as well. Find a few helpful guidelines here to keep your water pipes flowing free and avoid plumbing heartbreaks.
In addition, the Water System will hold a free family-friendly tour of the Northwest Water Reclamation Facility 4:30 - 6 p.m. Fat Tuesday, Feb. 17. Bring your Mardi Gras excitement for games and other activities. Space is limited, so please register here.
Cultural dance performance next week
Celebrate Black History Month with an afternoon of cultural enrichment and African heritage 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18, at Switzer Library in Marietta. Experience captivating teen performances, including African drama, masquerade, and a dynamic African fashion show. Treat your taste buds to flavorful African jollof rice, and enjoy a fun, family-friendly celebration.
The submission deadline of Friday, Feb. 27, is coming up for this year's waterSmart High School Photography Contest. Students from Cobb County and Marietta School Districts, including homeschooled students, are eligible to participate in the competition.
Winners receive a cash prize, and their photos are created into notecards to be distributed throughout the county. Students interested in participating must submit a photograph in one of six categories: water at play, water at work, water in nature, water and people, protecting water, and conserving water.
The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications for its next Citizens Academy — a free, seven-week, behind-the-scenes experience. The hands-on course includes interactive workshops, a look at specialized units and equipment, and direct conversations with Sheriff’s Office leadership. It will be held 6:30 – 9 p.m. Thursdays, March 5 - April 23, at various locations.
Apply here by Friday, Feb. 27. Those signing up must be 18 or older, complete an application, and pass a background check.
Bring your business to the Senior Expo
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 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.
Buy your plants before the deadline
Purchase plants from the Cobb 4-H plant sale to support our pollinators and Cobb 4-H youth. Your plant sale purchase will make a difference in numerous ways! “Bee the Change” while getting your yard ready for spring by adding color and vibrancy to brighten your days.
Pre-orders only taken until 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 4.
Pick up date is 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday, March 21, at Jim Miller Park covered pavilion, 2245 Callaway Road, Marietta. Go here for details on how to order.
Love, adopt, repeat
Cobb County Animal Services is making it easier than ever to find your forever friend — as well as a companion for them. For February, you can get one pet for $40 or two pets for $50. Visit the animal shelter at 1060 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta, 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday,
WorkSource Cobb/CobbWorks offers a variety of training programs, workshops, and on-site recruitments for numerous companies. Discover what is being offered in your area and take advantage of what your local Career Center has to offer to help you prepare for your next career. Find the latest job listings here.
There will be a Fast Track 2 Success event held 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18, at the Cobb WorkSource Center in Mableton. It will offer a sign-up to fast-track applications and explore career trainings, "earn while you learn" apprenticeships, and on-the-job trainings. Go here for more details.
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.
