Flags are flying at half-staff at Cobb County government buildings as the Cobb family remembers long-time County Manager David Hankerson. Former County Manager David Hankerson, who shepherded Cobb through decades of changes, died Thursday after a long illness. He was 77 years old. Funeral services for Mr. Hankerson will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7 at Turner Chapel Church at 492 N. Marietta Parkway, Marietta.
Hankerson came to work for Cobb in 1984 and served as manager of the Community Development Department. He was appointed Cobb County manager in 1993.
Georgia Public Library Service has selected the Cobb library system as the 2023 Library of the Year for serving its community as well as for efforts to expand access to materials and essential services.
“This library has always been a safe haven and refuge from some of the confusing things about growing up,” said Jesse Quinton, Cobb County Public Library patron of over 15 years. “The library, staff, and other patrons have always been very respectful and helpful of my desire to learn, and I’ve grown here in ways that I might not have been able to if I wasn’t provided this resource.”
The Board of Commissioners has rescheduled its public hearing for proposed 2024 Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map amendments to 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 30, in Marietta.
The plan identifies the county's needs over the next 20 years and establishes goals and policies for officials. The land use map helps guide future development. The hearing will be in the second-floor meeting room, Cobb County Building A, 100 Cherokee Street, Marietta.
Black History Month takes off Thursday, Feb. 1 with rocket scientist Wanda J. Harding, who will speak from 10:30 a.m. - noon at the North Cobb Senior Center. Harding, a former senior mission manager for NASA, will highlight her journey through life and the universe. The event is free and registration is required. The center is located at 3900 South Main Street (inside Kennworth Park). For Seniors 55 and up.
The PATH Foundation will hold a drop-in open house 5 - 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8, in Smyrna to discuss the planned connection of the Silver Comet Trail to the BeltLine in Atlanta.
The event will take place at the Smyrna Police Training Facility, 1100 Wilson Way, Suite 400. Project layouts will be available to view and staff will be on hand to answer questions.
The PATH Foundation, along with the Cobb County Department of Transportation, is working to connect the Silver Comet Trail to the BeltLine in Atlanta. Construction of the trail along Atlanta Road from Plant Atkinson to the Chattahoochee River has been underway for about a year. The rail-to-trail extension from the East-West Connector to Plant Atkinson is the next section to be built.
Assistance available to seniors
Financial assistance for dental, hearing, and assistive devices is available to Cobb residents age 60 and older with household income less than 200% of the federal poverty level.
The second public information meeting for the Cumberland Transit Center Site Feasibility Study will take place 5 - 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 31, at the Boy Scouts of America Atlanta Area Council in Atlanta. Officials have narrowed down the possible locations for the future Cumberland Transit Center. Residents are invited to come out and provide their input on the site options.
The Boy Scouts of America Atlanta Area Council is located at 1800 Circle 75 Parkway SE in Atlanta.
Join in discussion of community initiatives
Cobb County District Attorney Flynn Broady will meet with Cobb residents to share insights about initiatives supporting victims. Broady will hold a town hall to discuss the Cobb Family Advocacy Center which opened last month. The center serves as a collaborative space for partner agencies addressing family-related issues and providing support. Broady will highlight the Victim Witness Program, emphasizing the office's commitment to guiding victims through the criminal justice process and assisting them in securing restitution. Broady will also discuss the Opioid Fatality Project, an initiative aimed at addressing the opioid crisis in Cobb.
The town hall will be held 7 - 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6 at Destiny World Church, 7400 Factory Shoals Road, Austell. Come and ask questions and engage in meaningful dialogue.
Spring Arts Festival signing up artists, vendors
Be a part of the Cobb PARKS first Spring Arts Festival, April 6 at Jim R. Miller Park and Events Center. Sign up today to showcase your hand-made items, food and other festival booths or activities. The family event will run from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and will include arts, crafts, performances and activities. Sponsorships are also available.
It's all fun and games at Cobb's winter camps Feb. 19 - 23. Keep your children engaged in these programs while Cobb Schools are out for the week:
► Art Camp for ages 6 - 17 will be held 1 - 4 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday only at The Art Station - Big Shanty, 2050 Kennesaw Due West Road, Kennesaw. Register with code #36126.
► Theatre Camp for ages 7 - 17 will be held 9 a.m. - noon, Monday- Friday at The Art Station - Big Shanty, 2050 Kennesaw Due West Road, Kennesaw. Register with code #36342.
► Musical Theatre Camp: Inspired by Matilda for ages 5 - 12 will be held 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday - Friday at Mable House Arts Center, 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton. Register with code #35212.
► Color Theory Camp for ages 7 - 11 will be held 1 - 4 p.m. Monday - Friday at The Art Place, 3330 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta. Register with code #35201.
► Kidokinetics Sportsplay for ages 6 - 12 will be held 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Monday - Friday at Fullers Recreation Center, 3499 Robinson Road, Marietta. Register with code #35542. Click here to register.
This week on CobbTV
CobbTV's YouTube channel highlights the latest county meetings, informational videos and live events. Subscribe to the channel so you don't miss an update.
We take a look back at some of the images of former County Manager David Hankerson during his tenure with the county. As the images show, Hankerson was hands-on with many departments and initiatives that helped move this county forward.
Cobb County participated in a nationwide homeless survey that happens once every two years. The results help U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development officials get a "snapshot in time" of the homeless population, which is used to report to Congress about potential assistance programs.
Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map Amendment Hearing, 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 30
Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting, 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13
Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27
Meetings take place at 100 Cherokee Street, 2nd floor unless otherwise noted. Many public meetings and hearings are broadcast live on CobbTV and YouTube and are available on demand on YouTube.
Events are subject to change.
Stay connected to Cobb
A lot happens during the seven days between newsletters. Keep up with the most up-to-date Cobb County news on social media. You'll be informed of new events and programs, cancellations/delays, emergencies, disruptions to services and more.
