Local News

Free Fitness Center Giveaway Underway

Kennesaw-based Innovative Fitness will be accepting applications for its third annual Chris Conti Memorial Grant through June 1. This unique grant provides a free fitness center in an existing space for an organization in need and includes consultation, design, fitness equipment, delivery and installation.

The grant was created in 2020 in memory of Innovative Fitness co-founder Chris Conti, who was known for his generosity and service to others and his community. The intention of the grant, which is awarded to a qualified applicant each year on July 30, is to carry on his legacy of giving.

This year, nonprofits, public safety organizations and all city and county Georgia Parks and Recreation Association member agencies are invited to apply. For more information, visit www.theCCMG.org or email CCMG@innovativefit.com.

Make Plans Now for Summer Camps

Registration is underway for Cobb PARKS’ summer camps in arts and performance, recreation programs, tennis, golf, nature and therapeutics for special needs individuals.

Recreation center day camps are offered as a seven-week program from June 6-July 29 at Ward Recreation Center. The registration fee is $125 per week.

Camp Horizon is a highly mobile indoor and outdoor camp for children and young adults ages 7-21 who have developmental delays, mental and/or physical disabilities. Activities include arts and crafts, nature, music, drama, sports and games, swimming, pet therapy and dance. To schedule an appointment, contact Ann Bonds at 770-528-2570.

Art camp registration also is in progress at The Art Station-Big Shanty in Kennesaw.

Tennis camps are offered at Kennworth Tennis Center in Acworth, and registration is underway at www.cobbcounty.org/parks/ recreation/tennis/kennworth-tennis-center.

For information on other camps and to register for any camp, visit www.cobbcounty.org/parks/programs/ summer-camps.

From left, Greg Dozier, Jay Cunningham, Chattahoochee Tech President Dr. Ron Newcomb and Col. Patricia Ross. Chatt Tech Initiative to Help Veterans

Metro Atlanta area veterans and their families soon will have access to educational, employment and support services offered through the Superior Plumbing Veterans Education Career Transition Resource (VECTR) Center, which is being established at Chattahoochee Technical College.

Chattahoochee Tech celebrated this initiative at a ceremony for state and local leaders at its Marietta campus last month. Featured speakers included Col. Patricia Ross, commissioner for the Georgia Department of Veterans Service, and Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) Commissioner Greg Dozier, who noted TCSG is the only Purple Heart education system in the nation.

After the ceremony, college officials hosted a tour of the building that is undergoing an extensive $2.25 million renovation to house the new center, which will serve as a gateway for veterans and their families who are transitioning into post-secondary educational institutions and into the civilian workforce.

The TCSG State Board approved naming the facility for Superior Plumbing in honor of a $500,000 donation company President and TCSG state board member Jay Cunningham presented to the Chattahoochee Tech Foundation last year.

Cobb Fire Department Renews Accreditation

Congratulations to Cobb Fire on receiving its continued accreditation for the fourth time from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International. The accreditation is good through 2027. The achievement shows the agency continually self-assesses, looks for opportunities for improvement and is transparent and accountable through third-party verification and validation. Of the 295 accredited agencies in the country, Cobb County is one of 15 county departments accredited and one of nine accredited county fire departments, with an Insurance Services Office rating of 1, the highest rating.

The department serves more than 750,000 residents and covers 345 square miles of unincorporated areas of Cobb, as well as three of the six incorporated cities within the county: Kennesaw, Acworth and Powder Springs.

Cobb Agencies Receive New K-9 Officers

Two Cobb County public safety agencies have added a new furry officer to their ranks. Ace, a 19-month-old Belgian malinois, and his handler, officer Alex Johnson, have been certified and assigned to the police department’s K-9 unit. Ace had his first meet-and-greet event at the North Cobb Senior Center, where he performed a search demonstration.

Drako, a 17-month-old Belgian malinois, and his handler, Deputy Scott Berger, became the sheriff office’s first patrol K-9 team last month. Drako is trained in apprehension, article searches, narcotics detection and tracking.

K-9 officer Ace and his handler, officer Alex Johnson, work in the Cobb County Police Department’s K-9 unit.

Commissioners Recognize Accomplishments

At its April meeting, the Cobb County Board of Commissioners recognized two employees who were promoted to department directors.

Dr. Jatunn Gibson is the new public services agency director after a long career with the county. She has led senior services since March 2019 and has acted as interim public services agency director since December. The agency includes libraries, PARKS and senior services.

Travis Stalcup was named the new property management director after 27 years with Cobb. He has advanced through the ranks from maintenance tech to deputy director and has served as the interim property management director since December.

The board also presented a proclamation to Cobb Senior Services for 50 years of serving the county’s 55-plus community. Since its creation in 1972, the agency has enhanced the quality of life for millions of Cobb County’s older adults. Board members honored its staff and volunteers for five decades of excellence.

McMorris Named Woman of the Year

Cobb County Manager Dr. Jackie McMorris was named the 2022 LiveSafe Resources Woman of the Year during the 37th annual Tribute to Women of Achievement event.

McMorris was selected from 15 women named to the Academy of Leaders. This award honors women who exemplify the qualities of leadership, achievement, dedication and generosity and who demonstrate expertise in balancing business, community and family.

McMorris, who became Cobb’s county manager in spring 2020, ushered the county through its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, both internally and externally, and through some turbulent times while ensuring residents continued to receive the outstanding services they desire.

Superintendent Proposes Historic Raise

Cobb School Superintendent Chris Ragsdale’s tentative fiscal year 2023 budget includes a historic 8.5% to 13.1% proposed raise for every permanent staff member in the Cobb County School District.

If the board approves the proposed budget, Cobb teachers, social workers, bus drivers, custodians — every nontemporary staff member — will receive the highest raises in metro Atlanta, according to the district.

This is not the first time Ragsdale has asked for historic raises for employees. In 2019, the board approved his proposed increases of 8% to 12.6% for every permanent staff member, and last year, amid a pandemic, he secured a 4% to 8.6% raise.