Wellstar Kennestone Achieves Elite National Recognition in Cardiothoracic Surgery

Marietta Daily Journal Podcast

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for June 13th

Publish Date:  June 13th

  

Commercial:

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

 

Today is Friday, June 13th and Happy Birthday to Tim Allen

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

1. Wellstar Kennestone Achieves Elite National Recognition in Cardiothoracic Surgery
2. Trio Accused of Trafficking Over 4 Pounds of Meth in Smyrna
3. Marietta Adopts $428M Budget with Staff Raises, Flat Millage

Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on sodas

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: TOP TECH MECHANICAL

STORY 1: Wellstar Kennestone Achieves Elite National Recognition in Cardiothoracic Surgery

Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center has earned the highest three-star rating in four cardiac care categories from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, placing it among the top cardiac surgery programs in the U.S. and Canada. The ratings, based on patient outcomes from 2022-2024, recognize excellence in procedures like CABG (open-heart surgery), Aortic Valve Replacement, and combined surgeries. This achievement highlights Wellstar’s clinical excellence, multidisciplinary teamwork, and patient-centered care. With over 110 cardiologists and surgeons, Wellstar Kennestone is a leader in cardiovascular care and the first in Georgia to earn Comprehensive Cardiac Care Certification.

STORY 2: Trio Accused of Trafficking Over 4 Pounds of Meth in Smyrna

Haley Noelle Mitchell, John David Moses, and Craig Myers were arrested on June 3 in Smyrna for allegedly trafficking 4.44 pounds of methamphetamine found in a black Infiniti FX35 during a search. Mitchell also faces charges for failing to stop at a stop sign and having an obstructed license plate. All three are charged with drug trafficking and remain in custody without bond at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center. Moses also has a detainer hold.

STORY 3: Marietta Adopts $428M Budget with Staff Raises, Flat Millage

The Marietta City Council approved a $428 million budget for fiscal year 2026, maintaining a flat millage rate of 4.692 mills for the 24th consecutive year. The budget, up 1.78% from last year, includes a 4% employee raise (pending economic conditions) and funds 812 employees, adding two positions to save costs on downtown sanitation. Public safety remains a priority, with 52% of the general fund allocated to police and fire services. Despite rising costs and flat revenue, the city avoided service cuts. A 3.5% wastewater rate increase will take effect July 1 due to higher treatment costs.

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Break: Ingles Markets 4

STORY 4: Marietta Water Bills to Increase Starting July 1

Starting July 1, Marietta residents will see a 3.5% wastewater rate increase on their water bills, adding about $1.25 per month for the average household. The city attributes the hike to rising costs from the Cobb County Water System for wastewater treatment, infrastructure maintenance, and regulatory compliance. Officials emphasized their commitment to keeping rates low while maintaining reliable, high-quality service. For more details, residents can contact Marietta Power and Water’s customer service.

STORY 5: OUT AND ABOUT: 5 Things to Do This Weekend in Cobb County — June 13 - 15

This weekend offers a variety of events in Cobb County! Sparkles Family Fun Center in Kennesaw hosts a skating night with the Peach State Roller Derby team on Friday, including free skate rentals, laser tag, and playground access with $15 admission. Cobb County PARKS kicks off its free "Scene on the Green" series Friday night in Marietta with live music and a performance of *Beetlejuice Jr.*. Acworth Arts Alliance’s "Dreaming" exhibit reception is Saturday, showcasing storytelling art. The Strand Theatre continues its run of *Grease* through June 22, and Mableton’s Riverside EpiCenter Farmers Market on Sunday features 40+ vendors, music, and entertainment.

Break:

And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on sodas

We’ll have closing comments after this.

Break: TIDWELL TREES

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 Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at mdjonline.com

Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Produced by the BG Podcast Network

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