With her parents and daughter standing beside her, Sonya Allen took the oath of office to become Cobb County’s next district attorney last week. Georgia Supreme Court Justice Verda M. Colvin administered the oaths before a large crowd in Marietta.
Allen will be the first African-American woman elected to the county’s top prosecutorial position. As a long-time Cobb County resident, she has built a 30-year career with the Sheriff’s Office, rising to the rank of chief deputy, earning her law degree along the way, and most recently serving as a chief senior assistant district attorney in Fulton County.
Qualifying this week for special district elections
Candidates must qualify Dec. 18 - 20 in the upcoming Special Elections for Cobb County Commission Districts 2 and 4.
The Primary Election will take place on Feb. 11.
The Runoff Election (if necessary) will take place March 11.
The General Special Election will be April 29.
Advance voting will be available for these contests at select locations. Only Cobb Commission Districts 2 and 4 voters will be eligible to vote in this special election.
A Cobb County Superior Court Judge ordered this special election after ruling the county's use of home rule powers to draw its commission maps was unconstitutional. More election information is available here.
Water rate increase next year
During its regular meeting last week, Cobb's Board of Commissioners approved a recommended change to Cobb County Water System’s rates over the next five years, including a 2.5% increase in water and a 3.5% increase in stormwater rates. The new rate structure will take effect on April 1, 2025, and includes annual 3.5% increases through 2029.
Cobb’s Water System Director Judy Jones told the board the rate increases are necessary because the county's operating costs have risen significantly.
“This includes the wholesale price of water and the increase in construction costs with several large wastewater treatment projects planned over the next six years,” she said.
The county’s water system receives its water from the Cobb County Marietta Water Authority, which raised its rates earlier this year. Despite the increase, Cobb’s water rates remain among the lowest in the metro area and substantially lower than most other major counties.
With cold temperatures varying day to day this month, the public should continue watching for announcements regarding the Hope House winter warming shelter. MUST Ministries typically opens the shelter when overnight low temperatures are expected to fall below 35 degrees.
Log onto Cobb County social media sites or cobbcounty.org to stay informed.
Bring your giving to the next level
Save a life by participating in a Red Cross community blood drive at Cobb libraries. Every two seconds, someone in the nation needs blood. It is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. Appointments can be scheduled online at redcrossblood.org. Walk-ins are also welcome.
North Cobb Library - 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27, at 3535 Old 41 Hwy NW, Kennesaw.
Gritters Library - 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31, at 880 Shaw Park Road, Marietta.
Tips for a successful donation: Eat a meal before donating blood, drink plenty of water, and get a good night’s rest. Eat foods that are rich in iron (red meat, fish, poultry, prunes, raisins, green leafy veggies, beans, etc.). Don't forget your identification.
Provide where you can to help others
Cobb County Government departments are involved in numerous events to help you give where it's needed.
The Cobb Police SWAT Santa Toy Drive will help families facing financial hardships. Donate new, unwrapped toys through Dec. 16 at the Cobb Police Headquarters, Cobb County Public Safety Training Center or any Cobb Police precinct.
Toys for Tots has collection boxes for new, unwrapped toys at all Cobb Tax offices through Dec. 19. Find office locations here.
Cobb Solicitor General’s Office is collaborating with non-profit The Haven of Help, Inc. for a winter coat drive. Please bring new and/or gently used coats to the fifth floor, 10 E. Park Square, Marietta before Dec. 23.
Switzer Library in Marietta continues to serve as a drop-off location of non-perishable food donations for MUST Ministries.
Add joy to your home
The loving gifts continue this month at Cobb County Animal Services. All pet adoptions are free in December. Make an appointment to bring home a companion at 1060 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta. View the available animals here.
This weekend come to a fun-filled Santa Paws event noon - 4 p.m. Dec. 21 and 22 at the shelter. Santa Claus will be there to have photos taken with your pet.
Celebrate the season with festive local events
The yuletide is in full force. If you lack for fun things to do, Cobb County may hold the answer.
Underwater Tree Lighting - Everyone gets a glow stick to hang on the underwater tree before we turn the lights out, 6:30 - 7:45 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20. Decorate cookies and enjoy hot cocoa. Admission is $5. Register for Underwater Tree Lighting here. (Code #43418)
Winter Solstice History and Smores - Celebrate winter's arrival, experience pioneer life, enjoy a history walk, make candles and hear fireside stories, 3 - 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, at Hyde Farm Park, 726 Hyde Road, Marietta. Admission is $3. Register for the solstice event here. (Code #43139)
Winter Festival - 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, at Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center, 2051 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta. Holiday vendor market, workshops, music, crafts, family photos with PARKS mascot Parker dressed as Santa and storytime. Free parking and admission. View more information here.
The Jennie T. Anderson Theatre is hosting festive performances from the community with Home for the Holidays at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22. Get tickets for Dec. 21. Get tickets for Dec. 22.
MVAA Holiday Cabaret, 6:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 23, at The Art Place Mountain View, 3330 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta. Cost is $18. Purchase tickets here.
Cobb County Government facilities and public libraries will be closed Tuesday, Dec. 24, and Wednesday, Dec. 25, for the Christmas holidays.
Mega Chanukah Menorah Lighting event at The Battery Atlanta, 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 26. Join the Atlanta community for the Mega Chanukah event. Enjoy Chanukah treats, fun crafts for kids, face painting, the lighting of a giant menorah, and a special guest performance for all ages to enjoy.
Learn more about lifestyles changes that can help improve overall health and prevent type 2 diabetes. Cobb County Extension Service will host a free informational session on "Prevent T2: You Can Make A Change For Life" held virtually via Zoom 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19. This program includes CDC-approved curriculum and a trained lifestyle coach.
Participants will be supported and guided on how to eat healthy, make physical activity routine, manage stress and stay motivated.
Cobb County has partnered with FindHelp to create a new online resource that connects residents with local, vetted assistance programs. On the site, you can search for free or reduced-cost services like medical care, food, job training, and more. Residents can access this new portal by visiting findhelp.cobbcounty.gov. The initiative is funded through an allocation of the American Rescue Plan Act.
Keep active this winter
Find a new hobby or dive into a favorite activity with Cobb PARKS winter season activity guide. The issue features an article showcasing participants in Therapeutic Recreation taking part in the Special Olympics, a holiday lineup that promises fun for the whole family, exciting events like a Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt, a Galentines party, and more. Cobb recreation centers are introducing new programs, with additional offerings added throughout the season, so bookmark the page and check back often.
A Georgia Supreme Court Justice administered the oath of office to Cobb County's incoming District Attorney. Sonya Allen will become the county's top prosecutor next month. Hear her message to the people of Cobb County.
Cobb's Board of Commissioners met with the county's legislative delegation to discuss issues in the upcoming session of the General Assembly that could impact the county. Watch to learn why both groups think these meetings are crucial.
Board of Commissioners zoning hearing, 9 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 17
Board of Commissioners regular meeting, 9 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 14
Meetings take place at 100 Cherokee Street, 2nd floor unless otherwise noted. Many public meetings and hearings are broadcast live on CobbTV and YouTubeand are available on demand on YouTube.
There's a lot going on in Cobb County that doesn't fit in one newsletter. Keep up with what's going on by subscribing to department enewsletters and following us on social media. You'll be informed of new events and programs, cancellations/delays, emergencies, disruptions to services and more.
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