MDJ Script/ Top Stories for Dec 23rd        


Publish Date:  Dec 22nd      


Commercial: Henssler :15  


From the Henssler Financial Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. 


Today is Saturday, December 23rd and Happy 58th Birthday to Pearl Jam’s Eddie Veder.


***12.23.23 – BIRTHDAY – EDDIE VEDER***


I’m Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia. 

Double Murder in South Cobb Results in Life Sentence for Convict
Kennesaw Skies Glow with Annual Lights of Joy Show by Local Couple
Driver Miraculously Unharmed as Train Collides with Car Near Marietta Square

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: CU of GA 


STORY 1: Man Gets Life for Double Murder in South Cobb


Lester Piercefield, a 29-year-old man, has been sentenced to consecutive life sentences and an additional 25 years in prison for a double murder in a south Cobb apartment complex in July 2022. The jury found Piercefield guilty of fatally shooting Jeremy Davis and Lena Wolfe, and critically injuring Yolanda Speller. The incident occurred at 400 Westwood Place in Mableton. Piercefield used two guns, firing at least eight rounds, and now faces murder charges for another double homicide in South Carolina. The victims, Davis and Wolfe, left behind five young boys, emphasizing the tragedy of the heartless act, according to Cobb Senior Assistant District Attorney Stephanie Green.


STORY 2: Couple Brightens Kennesaw Skies With Yearly Lights of Joy Show


The Lights of Joy display in Kennesaw, Georgia, began in 1988 with a few string lights and has since grown into one of the largest residential light displays in metro Atlanta. Named in honor of Richard Taylor's mother, Joy, the display features over 1.2 million LED lights on 246 natural trees. The Taylors transformed their driveway into a walk-through winter wonderland in 2018. While the show was initially free, recent safety concerns following a tragic accident have led to the implementation of a mandatory $5 entrance fee. The display runs every night through December 28 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.


STORY 3: Train Hits Car Near Marietta Square, Driver OK


A motorist in a 2020 Audi A4 escaped injury after their car got stuck on train tracks near Kennesaw Avenue in Marietta. The collision with a train occurred around 10:30 p.m., prompting a 911 call. The driver managed to exit the vehicle before the train arrived. Railroad crossings near Marietta Square were blocked until approximately 1:30 a.m. Marietta Police noted that this incident is not the first time a driver has mistakenly turned onto the train tracks, with some blaming GPS instructions for the confusion.


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We’ll be right back 


Break: ESOG – TEDS


STORY 4: No. 8: Chaos in Cobb Superior Court Clerk's Office


Cobb Superior Court Clerk Connie Taylor faces criticism for a three-month filing backlog in her office, affecting both civil and criminal cases. Attorneys express concern over the inefficiency, noting it slows down the criminal justice process and creates chaos in the court. Cobb Superior Court Judge Rob Leonard addresses the issue, emphasizing the challenges faced, such as delayed notices and difficulties in addressing important matters. Some legal professionals, including Marietta Councilwoman Cheryl Richardson, call for Taylor's resignation. Taylor, who previously faced controversy for collecting over $425,000 in passport fees, is set to face Democratic primary challengers in the 2024 election.


STORY 5: Cobb County Sheriff's Office Celebrates Annual Employee Awards Gala


The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office celebrated its achievements at the annual Employee Awards Gala, with over 600 attendees. Sheriff Craig Owens highlighted the department's recognition as a Triple Crown Sheriff's Office, earning accreditation from key law enforcement bodies. Owens emphasized the success of the recruiting team, reducing vacancies from 102 to eight. Sergeant Detrica Zimmerman, dubbed "Doctor Z," leads retention efforts to engage and encourage officers to stay. The event featured 30 award recipients, including the Sheriff’s Citizen of the Year/Lifetime Achievement award presented to Jay Cunningham, owner of Superior Plumbing, for his multifaceted support and contributions.


We’ll be back in a moment 


Break: DRAKE – INGLES 1


STORY 6: Horses on patrol at Cumberland Mall


The Cobb County Sheriff's Office has utilized its Mounted Unit and Fugitive Apprehension and Support Team (FAST) deputies to patrol the parking lots of Cumberland Mall. The mounted unit enhances visibility and maneuverability in busy parking areas, providing an effective presence. Deputies on horseback distribute special trading cards featuring each horse to engage with the community. The initiative aims to foster positive interactions between law enforcement and the public while enhancing security and accessibility in the mall's parking lots.


STORY 7: Cobb County Sheriff’s Office, Cobb Sheriff’s Foundation host annual Santa On Wheels


On December 9, the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office brought holiday cheer to underserved communities in Cobb County through its annual program, Santa on Wheels (Santa Sobre Ruedas). This collaborative initiative with the Cobb Sheriff’s Foundation distributed free toys to households facing financial challenges during the holidays. The program, supported by the contributions of Cobb County residents, collected and distributed thousands of toys, spreading joy and festive spirit in the community.


Break: Henssler :60 


Signoff-  


Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Marietta Daily Journal podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Gwinnett Daily Post, the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties, or the Paulding County News Podcast. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at MDJonline.com.  


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