Cobb County Government offices and facilities are closed Wednesday, Jan. 1, for New Year's Day. Outdoor park areas will be open for your enjoyment. We encourage everyone to celebrate responsibly and look out for each other throughout the coming year. Many county services are available online, regardless of the holiday, at cobbcounty.org.
Early "Noon Year's Eve" parties will be available for children at several of our county libraries on Tuesday, Dec. 31. There will be crafts, dancing, and balloon drops at noon. The library links below provide more details.
Around the New Year's holiday, we receive a lot of questions on fireworks usage in Cobb. 911 takes many calls complaining of illegal use of fireworks.
Cobb County Code bans the use of fireworks from 9 p.m. to 10 a.m. with some exceptions — including these for the New Year's holiday:
• Dec. 31 (New Year’s Eve) - Fireworks may be discharged until 1 a.m.
• Jan. 1 (New Year’s Day) - Fireworks may be discharged until midnight.
Fireworks and other pyrotechnics are prohibited at ALL county parks. This includes historic sites, recreational areas or state property. It is illegal to use them within 100 yards of an electric plant, water or wastewater treatment plant, gas station, refinery, electric substation, jail, helipad, hospital, nursing home or other health care facility. Visit the Cobb website here for further details.
Recycling the holiday spirit
Give your live Christmas tree a useful farewell. Recycle it for free through Jan. 4 at Bring one for the Chipper locations around Cobb County. Trees will be chipped into mulch and used for beautification projects, soil erosion prevention, lakes, ponds and water retention efforts.
Follow the first rule of recycling trees — remove all ornaments, lights and bases. Do not bring wreaths or garlands. No other items will be accepted.
Free saplings are available at all Home Depot locations except Roberts Court in Kennesaw, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, while supplies last.
Take the stage for MLK celebration
Audition to perform in the Cobb NAACP 2025 MLK Day Celebration. The event is open to all musicians, singers, dancers, rappers, spoken word performers and more. Showcase your individual talents and honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Auditions will be held at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre at these days and times:
10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 4
6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9
10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11
The MLK Day Celebration event will be held 10 a.m. - noon, Monday, Jan. 20, at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre. For more information, call 770-425-5757.
One day left to get a free companion
December ends this Tuesday and so does the free pet adoptions month at Cobb County Animal Services. Make an appointment to bring home a companion at 1060 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta. View the available animals here.
The Animal Shelter will be closed Wednesday, Jan. 1, for the New Year's Day holiday.
Senior classes registration starts next week
Registration for Cobb Senior Services' winter 2025 classes begins 9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 6. Don't miss out on an exciting lineup. Whether you're looking to stay fit, explore a new hobby, or connect with friends and meet new ones, there’s something for everyone.
For class schedules and registration details, visit cobbseniors.org or stop by your local senior center.
Invitation to inauguration ceremony
The community is invited to the inauguration of Cobb County Commission Chairwoman Lisa Cupid, 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 6, at the Cobb County Civic Center, Marietta.
This event is also an an opportunity for you to share ideas for how Cobb can move forward for all of its citizens and stakeholders over for the next four years. To confirm your attendance, please contact her office at 770-528-3306 or email allin@cobbcounty.org.
Discover how to join upcoming festival
Artisans, crafters, and food vendors are invited to show off their creativity at Cobb PARKS' vibrant Spring Arts Festival. This exciting event will be a fantastic opportunity for vendors to showcase their wow factor to a diverse audience.
Vendors may engage with visitors, share stories, and sell handmade goods in a lively and supportive environment. Whether you specialize in fine art, handmade crafts, delicious culinary creations, or innovative designs, apply and showcase your signature products.
Congratulations to Reid Bond, a 6th grade student from Durham Middle School in Acworth. He is the Cobb County winner and district-wide runner-up in the annual Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District’s Middle School Essay Contest.
More than 800 students entered the contest where they were asked to use the Georgia Water Virtual Learning Journey as a tool to explore Georgia’s water supply, hydraulic cycle, the impact of climate events in the community and the effect of water on the state’s economy.
Are you a veteran age 55 or older? Join other vets each month for an informal get-together with coffee, doughnuts, camaraderie, and special guest presentations. Join us at 10 a.m. each month at one of the senior centers below:
Second Tuesdays at the Freeman Poole Senior Center, 4025 South Hurt Road, Smyrna
Second Wednesdays at Senior Wellness Center, 1150 Powder Springs Street, Marietta
Third Wednesdays at Tim Lee Senior Center, 3332 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta
Fourth Thursdays at North Cobb Senior Center, 4100 S. Main Street, Acworth
Public Hearing Dates:
• Planning Commission: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7
• Board of Commissioners: 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21
Assistance just a click away
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.
Officials to coordinate behavioral health efforts
The Cobb Collaborative and Chairwoman Lisa Cupid will host a Behavioral Health Coordination meeting 10 a.m. - noon, Thursday, Jan. 9, at Cobb Senior Services in Marietta. The meeting will focus on the growing issue of substance use among youth. Experts will discuss the latest trends and risk factors contributing to substance misuse in young people. Networking and registration will take place 9:30 a.m. - 10 a.m. Cobb Senior Services is located at 1150 Powder Springs Street, Marietta.
This week on CobbTV
Subscribe to CobbTV's YouTube channel for the latest county meetings, informational videos, and live events.
This holiday season, Cobb County Police officers took to the streets with SWAT Santa as he delivered gifts to deserving families throughout the community using the Bearcat. Their efforts exemplify the spirit of giving and support during this special time of year. Watch the video to see the joy and impact of this wonderful program!
Plenty of hugs and holiday cheer were shared as volunteer elves with Cobb Senior Services delivered packages to seniors. With a lot of help from our community, special gifts were brought to seniors who could use a little extra holiday magic this season. Watch as they welcome their visitors from the North Pole.
Board of Commissioners regular meeting, 9 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 14
Board of Commissioners Comprehensive Plan Hearing, 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21
Board of Commissioners regular meeting, 7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 28
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.
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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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