Marietta School Board to consider vape detection, substitute teacher funding

 MDJ Script/ Top Stories for July 16th 

Publish Date:  July 16th 

   

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From the BG Ad Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.  

  

Today is Wednesday, July 16th and Happy Birthday to Will Ferrell 

 

I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal 

1. Marietta School Board to consider vape detection, substitute teacher funding
2. Acworth Book & Storytelling Festival is Aug. 23
3. Letter shows Cobb's threat to halt police services in Mableton

 

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: INGLES 3 

STORY 1:   Marietta School Board to consider vape detection, substitute teacher funding 

The Marietta Board of Education is set to discuss installing Halo vape detection systems in Marietta High, Middle, and Woods-Wilkins Campus. These devices, costing up to $60,000 funded by grants, discreetly monitor air quality, alerting staff to harmful chemicals like nicotine. Superintendent Grant Rivera and his team aim to tackle vaping issues proactively. Additionally, the board will consider a $2.4M contract with Kelly Services for substitute staffing and appointing R.K. Redding Construction for Marietta High renovations, scheduled for summers 2026-2027, funded by SPLOST. 

 

STORY 2: Acworth Book & Storytelling Festival is Aug. 23 

The Acworth Book & Storytelling Festival is set for Aug. 23, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at The Roberts School in Acworth. Hosted by Acworth Cultural Arts, this free event features local and regional authors, professional storytellers, vendors, and a panel discussion themed “Ink & Echo: Writing the stories. Speaking the truth.” Keynote speaker Bren McClain, author of *One Good Mama Bone*, will join T.M. Brown in conversation. 

 

STORY 3: Letter shows Cobb's threat to halt police services in Mableton 

Mableton officials agreed to pay Cobb County $9.5 million for police and transportation services after the county threatened to halt them by June 1. Mayor Michael Owens said the city was forced into the deal to ensure public safety, despite concerns of "double taxation" for residents already paying county taxes. The agreement funds services until May 2026, with Mableton exploring a special service district to cover costs. While Cobb County claimed it wouldn’t abandon residents, a May 30 letter revealed threats to cease services if no deal was reached. The city council initially rejected the plan but later approved it after mediation. 

 

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We’ll be right back. 

 

Break: INGLES 3 

 

STORY 4: Austell approves 158% property tax increase