MDJ Script/ Top Stories for April 2nd Publish Date: April 2nd Commercial: From the BG Ad Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. Today is Wednesday, April 2nd and Happy Birthday to Marvin Gaye ***BIRTHDAY – MARVIN GAYE*** I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal Cobb Tables Proposed 24-Townhome Development Federal judge sides with Georgia in 'water wars' with Alabama Cobb PARKS Spring Arts Festival is April 26 All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe! BREAK: MONSTER JAM 2025_FINAL STORY 1: Cobb Tables Proposed 24-Townhome Development The Cobb County Planning Commission delayed a decision on a proposed 24-townhome development at 2318 Powder Springs Road until May 6, citing concerns over stormwater management, parking, and road design. The applicant, Fort & Cole Street, plans two-story, craftsman-style homes with garages and a homeowners association. Cobb DOT raised issues with driveway spacing and private alley design, while the fire department questioned emergency vehicle access. A Cobb Schools representative opposed the project due to potential enrollment impacts at Osborne High. The commission seeks further input from the stormwater division before proceeding. STORY 2: Federal judge sides with Georgia in 'water wars' with Alabama Georgia secured another victory in its "water wars" as a federal judge upheld the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' 2021 decision to allocate more water from Lake Allatoona to meet metro Atlanta and Bartow County's needs. Alabama had challenged the decision, claiming it over-allocated water to Georgia, but the court found negligible impacts on Alabama's water needs. This ruling brings clarity after decades of litigation. Georgia also won a similar case against Florida in 2021 regarding water use from the Chattahoochee and Flint rivers. STORY 3: Cobb PARKS Spring Arts Festival is April 26 The Cobb PARKS Spring Arts Festival will take place on April 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Jim R. Miller Park in Marietta. Featuring over 100 artisans, the event offers handmade goods, live music, aerial acts, and art demonstrations like glass-blowing and ceramics. Kids can enjoy the Kidz Korner, interactive crafts, and street entertainment. Attendees can also create art at the Splatter Paint Studio and other interactive booths. Admission and parking are free. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info. Break: INGLES 3 STORY 4: Georgia Bird Fest Returns for 2025 The 10th annual Georgia Bird Fest runs from April 11 to May 16, featuring over 40 events statewide, including canoe trips, birding weekends, and workshops. Highlights include the Georgia Bird Fest Summit on April 25-26 at Jekyll Island, with field trips and a keynote by acclaimed naturalist Janisse Ray. Proceeds support Birds Georgia's conservation and education efforts. Registration is open at birdsgeorgia.org. STORY 5: Three Cobb Students Named STAR Student Region Winners Cobb Water celebrated Fat Tuesday with a community parade through the Northwest Water Reclamation Facility, offering hour-long tours to educate participants on wastewater treatment and the impact of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) on sewer systems. Interactive games at various stations highlighted treatment processes, including a poop emoji toss to demonstrate FOG blockages. The event concluded with a fun photo op in a giant paper mâché toilet. Break: MONSTER JAM 2025_FINAL STORY 6: Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities at Cobb County Water System The Cobb County Water System in Marietta announced several volunteer opportunities. Activities include Rain Garden Work Days (various dates in April and May), water quality monitoring workshops (April 23 and May 15), waterway cleanups (April 24 and May 3), and community outreach events like storm drain marking (April 12 and May 8). Volunteers can help with gardening, stream monitoring, litter cleanup, and public education. Training and tools are provided for most events. For details, contact water_rsvp@cobbcounty.org or visit www.cobbstreams.org. STORY 7: State Super Names 44 Cobb Schools 'Math Leaders' Georgia State Superintendent Richard Woods honored 44 Cobb County schools as “Math Leaders” for their significant gains or success in standardized math tests. Schools received banners with ribbons for growth, proficiency, or distinction, with Cobb earning one of the highest percentages of top honors statewide. Ford Elementary also received recognition as a Military Flagship School for supporting military families. Woods emphasized the importance of math alongside literacy, with plans to expand awards to science and social studies next year. Cobb ...