Acworth marker celebrates 250 years of American independence

  =====  MDJ Script/ Top Stories for September 19th 

Publish Date: September 19th 

 

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

  

Today is Friday, September 19th and Happy Birthday to Duke Snider 

 

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

1. Acworth marker celebrates 250 years of American independence
2. East Cobb man sentenced to life for neglect that led to wife’s death
3. 'I don’t want to wait': Kennesaw mayor pushes for immediate additional security

 

Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on sweet tooth 

 

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 Markets 2 

 

STORY 1: Acworth marker celebrates 250 years of American independence 

 At Patriots Point in Cauble Park, history came alive Wednesday as the Sons of the American Revolution unveiled a granite marker honoring the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. 

The marker reads simply: “Celebrating 250 years of American freedom: 1776-2026.” 

Dressed in Revolutionary War attire, the Color Guard marched proudly, and Acworth Mayor Tommy Allegood reflected on the park’s purpose.  

Wayne Brown, treasurer of the Capt. John Collins chapter, led the project.  

For chapter president Jason Shepherd, it’s personal.  

Students from Brookwood Christian School joined local leaders to witness the moment. “It’s their history to carry forward,” Shepherd said. 

 

STORY 2: East Cobb man sentenced to life for neglect that led to wife’s death 

 An east Cobb man will spend the rest of his life in prison after a jury convicted him of neglecting his bedridden wife, leading to her death, Cobb District Attorney Sonya Allen announced. 

Gary Williams, 67, was found guilty of felony murder and neglect in under an hour. Judge Kellie Hill sentenced him to life. 

Addreinne Gordon, 66, was paralyzed and completely dependent on Williams, her sole caretaker. But when she was admitted to Kennestone Hospital in November 2021, her condition was horrifying—severe bedsores, matted hair, untrimmed nails, and a deep wound on her hip. 

“She was left lying in filth,” Allen said. “This case wasn’t about how she died—it was about how she was forced to live.” 

 

STORY 3: 'I don’t want to wait': Kennesaw mayor pushes for immediate additional security 

The Kennesaw City Council is adding metal detectors at meetings—effective immediately. The decision came after a tense back-and-forth at this week’s meeting, sparked by Mayor Derek Easterling’s last-minute push for tighter security. 

The motion passed 4-1, with Councilman Antonio Jones opposing. Jones argued it could discourage attendance and infringe on Second Amendment rights. 

The debate followed emotional comments about the recent killing