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Cobb County Schools Passes New Cell Phone Ban

he Cobb County Board of Education has approved a new policy that will clear phones, smartwatches, and similar gadgets out of elementary and middle school classrooms beginning July 1, 2026. The decision came in response to Georgia’s Distraction-Free Education Act, a statewide law that requires districts to remove personal electronic devices from the school day. In short, the state wants students looking at their teachers instead of their screens, a concept many parents have been trying to accomplish at the dinner table for years.

During Thursday’s 11/11/25 board meeting, Superintendent Chris Ragsdale noted that Cobb already had rules on the books for student devices, and those accounted for less than 0.02 percent of discipline cases. Still, state law now sets the bar, so the district is required to formalized the ban and follow the new mandate.

Post 2 board member Becky Sayler pointed out that headphones will no longer be allowed for students, which is a change from previous CCSD guidelines. Students who rely on a device as part of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), Section 504 Plan, or documented medical need will continue using approved electronics as directed by their plans.

The Cobb County Board of Education vote was 7-0 unanimous in favor of the new cell phone ban policy.

At its core, the new rule limits access to personal devices anywhere on school grounds during school hours (termed bell to bell). That includes phones, smartwatches, tablets, e-readers, earbuds, and gadgets with messaging, browsing, gaming, or recording features. Any student found tapping, swiping, or scrolling at the wrong time will face progressive discipline based on the existing Student Code of Conduct. Parents wishing to reach their child during the day will now need to call the front office.

The official policy also clarifies that families are responsible for any personal device brought to campus, with the district taking no liability for damage or loss. School-issued equipment remains unaffected, so laptops and tablets supplied by the district still function as part of instruction.

Georgia’s Distraction-Free Education Act shapes similar rules statewide, directing districts to secure student devices in lockers, pouches, or other storage solutions and outlining steps for emergencies and parent communication. Supporters believe the change will help students stay focused and feel less pressure to monitor constant alerts. Kids, meanwhile, may discover that life away from constant notifications can be surprisingly peaceful.

The new county policy goes into effect beginning on July 1, 2026.

cobb county personal electric device policy

Cobb County School District Board of Education Policy:
Use of Personal Electronic Devices by Students

The Cobb County Board of Education (Board) seeks to promote a positive learning environment free from electronic distractions. In accordance with the “Distraction Free Education Act” (O.C.G.A. § 20-2-324.8), students in grades K-8 are not permitted to access personal electronic devices while on school grounds during school hours, including but not limited to cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, e-readers, headphones, earbuds, and other devices with functionalities such as wireless communication, internet access, messaging, video recording, gaming, social media access, or data transmission during school hours. Any student found in violation of this policy and/or district rules/procedures during the school day shall be subject to progressive discipline consequences as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct (Administrative Rule JCDA-R).

A student whose Individualized Education Plan (IEP), Section 504 Plan, or medical plan explicitly mandates the use of a personal electronic device shall be permitted access to the device as necessary to fulfill the requirements of the respective plan. Parents wishing to reach their child during school hours should contact their child’s school directly.

Neither the Cobb County School District (District), individual schools, nor District employees shall assume any responsibility or liability for the theft, loss, or damage to a personal communication device.

Nothing in this policy is intended to interfere with student access to school equipment provided to students for instructional purposes.

Sleighbells on the Square

Sleighbells on the Square returns to Glover Park and Historic Marietta Square in December, bringing festive race energy to the heart of downtown. The annual event features a chip-timed, USATF certified 5K that qualifies for the AJC Peachtree Road Race, along with a 1K and a Tot Trot for younger runners. Holiday attire is encouraged, so expect everything from reindeer ears to sweaters that jingle with every stride. Strollers and dogs are welcome, so the family can roll and trot along together.

The race benefits the Cobb County Bar Association’s Children’s Emergency Fund, a 501(c)(3) that provides emergency grants to Cobb County households facing financial crises. The fund steps in to help with essentials such as utility bills, clothing, medicine, and housing costs, giving local families a lifeline during tough times. Every registration helps keep that support going.

Race day unfolds on and around the Marietta Square with a full morning of activity. The 5K starts at 8 am and is electronically timed on a USATF certified course, making it suitable for runners chasing a Peachtree qualifying time and for walkers who prefer a more relaxed pace. The 1K follows at approximately 9:10 am, and the Tot Trot steps off at around 9:20 am. The awards ceremony begins at 9:30 am.

Awards for the 5K include custom medals for the top three male and female finishers overall, the top three masters finishers, and the top three finishers in each age group from 10 and under through 75 and older. For those who prefer to log miles on their own schedule, a virtual 5K option allows participants to run or walk their distance any time and any place, from neighborhood streets to a favorite trail or treadmill.

All in-person and virtual 5K participants, along with 1K and Tot Trot runners, receive a long sleeve event T-shirt, with size availability guaranteed for those who register early.

For runners with a need for speed, the Beat the Bell Contest adds a fun twist. Registered participants can opt into the contest during registration for no extra charge. One name will be drawn from all entrants, and the winner will be notified and invited to race the Sleighbells Running Bell in a short sprint on race morning between 7:30 and 7:45 am at the Marietta Square race site. If that runner beats the Sleighbells Running Bell, the prize is $250 along with serious bragging rights.

Pre-race packet pickup takes place a day prior to the event at Big Peach Running Co. Kennesaw, located at 1625 Ridenour Blvd., Suite 304, Kennesaw, GA 30152. Race day packet pickup begins at 7:15 am on race day, at Glover Park on the Marietta Square. T-shirts will not be mailed, so picking up in person is essential.

The race is held rain or shine, and refunds are not available, so participants may want to keep an eye on the forecast and plan layers accordingly.

Date:
Saturday, December 13, 2025

Time:
8 am to 9:30 am

Admission:
5K and 1K: $30–$45
Tot Trot: $10–$15
Virtual 5K: $35–$40
Sign up online

Address:
Glover Park and Historic Marietta Square
10 East Park Square
Marietta GA 30060

Parking:
Marietta Square Parking

For more information, please contact the Cobb County Bar Association via the Sleighbells on the Square Facebook page.

 

Why Marietta’s Tap Water Tastes Different Right Now

For many Marietta and Cobb County residents, turning on the tap lately has come with a surprise: water that smells or tastes a bit like damp earth. While this can be alarming, the good news is straightforward. The water remains safe to drink. The unusual flavor is linked to a naturally occurring compound called MIB, and the regional water provider is actively working on it.


What Is MIB & Why It Matters to the Nose, Not the Doctor

The current issue centers on 2-Methylisoborneol, better known as MIB. It is a naturally occurring substance produced by certain algae and bacteria that live in lakes and reservoirs. MIB often appears alongside another compound called geosmin.

Both MIB and geosmin:

  • Affect taste and odor, not safety
  • Are typically described as earthy or “lake-like”
  • Can be noticed by some people at extremely low levels

For context, taste and odor concerns usually begin around 10 nanograms per liter, or 10 parts per trillion. Some people with very sharp senses can pick it up at levels above about 5 parts per trillion. That is roughly equal to about half a cent in a billion dollars, which explains why it is hard for treatment plants to remove and very easy for human noses to detect.

Health agencies and drinking water professionals do not consider MIB and geosmin a public health risk at the levels found in drinking water. The issue is aesthetic, not medical, although it can certainly make a glass of tap water less appealing than normal.


Why It Is Happening Now

Seasonal changes are a big part of the story. As warmer weather shifts to cooler conditions and reservoir levels change, algae and bacteria in lakes can produce more MIB and geosmin. In this case, the Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority (CCMWA) has recorded record MIB levels in the Chattahoochee River, which supplies the Quarles Drinking Water Treatment Plant in east Cobb.

In November 2025, the Chattahoochee reached a record MIB concentration of 137 parts per trillion. By comparison, the highest level recorded in 2024 was 19 parts per trillion. All drinking water utilities that pull from Lake Lanier or the Chattahoochee River are facing similar taste and odor challenges this season.

MIB is notoriously difficult to treat. Standard water treatment processes do not remove it very well, which is why utilities turn to advanced options such as powdered activated carbon. Even then, MIB can linger at levels that sensitive customers still notice.


Where Cobb’s Drinking Water Comes From

The Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority is a wholesale water provider that supplies drinking water to more than 900,000 residents. It is separate from Cobb County Government and the City of Marietta, even though those local governments are among its customers.

A few key facts about CCMWA:

  • It is unique because it draws water from two separate river basins.
  • It operates two large treatment plants:
    • Quarles Treatment Division in East Cobb, supplied by the Chattahoochee River.
    • Wyckoff Treatment Division in northwest Cobb, supplied by Lake Allatoona.
  • Each plant has a treatment capacity of 86 million gallons per day, for a total system capacity of 172 million gallons per day, making CCMWA the second largest wholesale water provider in Georgia.

Wholesale customers include:

  • Cobb County Water System
  • City of Marietta
  • City of Smyrna
  • Paulding County Water System
  • City of Austell
  • City of Woodstock
  • City of Mountain Park
  • Lockheed Martin Corporation
  • Douglasville/Douglas County Water & Sewerage Authority

So if the water tastes or smells odd in one part of Cobb County, and perfectly normal in another, that usually reflects which plant is supplying that area at the moment.


What CCMWA Is Doing To Address Taste and Odor

CCMWA’s Simmons Laboratory routinely monitors MIB and geosmin at both treatment plants and at seven sampling sites on Lake Allatoona. Testing frequency increases from late spring through late fall, when these compounds are more likely to rise.

In the current situation, CCMWA has taken several steps:

  • Shifting production toward Wyckoff
    The Wyckoff plant, which uses Lake Allatoona as its source, is not seeing elevated MIB levels. CCMWA has shifted more production to Wyckoff to reduce the number of customers receiving water from the Quarles plant.
  • Maximizing powdered activated carbon (PAC)
    At the Quarles plant, operators are applying powdered activated carbon at the maximum design capacity to help reduce the taste and odor issues. Reducing the plant’s flow rate helps improve PAC contact time and performance.
  • Using granular activated carbon (GAC) at Wyckoff
    At the Wyckoff facility, part of the treated water receives additional polishing through a granular activated carbon facility before entering the distribution system. This step helps remove taste and odor compounds when they are present.
  • Planning for future upgrades
    CCMWA has committed funding and staffing to evaluate advanced treatment processes in 2026 to improve taste and odor control over the long term.

Meanwhile, MIB levels are monitored daily, and operations are adjusted as conditions change. Through all of this, CCMWA reports no health concern associated with the current MIB levels. The water remains safe to drink.


What Residents Can Do At Home

Although the water is safe, no one dreams of ordering “earth-flavored” water with dinner. Residents who notice an unpleasant taste or smell have several practical options that can help the situation in the glass, even while work continues at the plant.

Helpful at-home steps include:

  • Use an activated carbon filter
    Pitcher filters such as Brita or Pur, faucet-mounted filters, and many refrigerator filters use activated carbon, which can reduce MIB levels and improve taste.
  • Chill the water
    Cold water tends to mute taste and odor. Filling a pitcher and keeping it in the refrigerator can make the flavor far more acceptable.
  • Try the fridge dispenser
    For homes with a refrigerator water dispenser, pulling water from that line can help, since it typically passes through a carbon filter first.
  • Add a bit of lemon
    Adding lemon juice before chilling can further improve flavor. A small splash can go a long way toward masking earthy notes.

For residents who have ever said, “Water does not have a flavor,” this season is making quite a counterargument. Fortunately, most people find that filters plus cold temperatures bring things back into familiar territory.


Who To Call With Questions

Customers with lingering concerns about taste and odor, or questions about testing and treatment, can reach CCMWA directly at (770) 514-5300 or contact their local water service provider, such as Cobb County Water System at (770) 419-6200 or Marietta Power & Water at (770) 794-5150.

While the current MIB spike is unusual, it fits a known pattern tied to algae activity, weather, and reservoir conditions. Utilities across the region are seeing the same seasonal spike and are responding with a mix of treatment strategies and longer term planning.

Until natural conditions improve and treatment adjustments catch up, the best approach at the household level is to filter, chill, add a little lemon, and remember that the odd flavor is a nuisance, not a health threat.

Merry Market

The Marietta Square Merry Market returns to Atherton Square, bringing holiday flair to the heart of downtown Marietta. Tucked beside the Marietta History Center and the Welcome Center, this open-air market turns the brick courtyard into a festive shopping district for one very merry Saturday. Shoppers can tackle gift lists, wander with a hot drink in hand, and casually pretend the “one for me, one for them” approach is a valid holiday strategy.

Throughout the event, vendors will offer Christmas gifts ranging from handmade goods and decor to locally inspired items. It is an easy spot to find something that feels special without resorting to a last-minute online order. Holiday treats and snacks will be available on site, giving visitors a reason to stroll slowly and sample their way through Atherton Square.

Live music will play throughout the day, adding a soundtrack of holiday tunes to the market. The combination of lights, decorations, and performances turns the square into a cozy seasonal scene that pairs nicely with a warm drink and a little people-watching. For those already in town for the Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour or other downtown events, the market offers an easy stop that fits neatly into a full holiday weekend.

Date:
Saturday, December 6, 2025

Time:
9 am to 2 pm

Admission:
Free

Address:
Atherton Square
4 Depot Street
Marietta GA 30060

For more information, please contact the Marietta Square Branding Project at downtownmarietta@gmail.com.

Production Assembler at Lockheed Martin

Company: Lockheed Martin
Position: Production Assembler – Chattahoochee Tech Training Program
Location: 86 South Cobb Drive, Marietta, GA 30060
Posted: 11/02/25
End Date: Until Filled
Job Description: You will be the Production Assembler – Chattahoochee Tech Training Program for the team which is responsible for assembling fabricated and purchased parts into detail structural and mechanical assemblies.

What You Will Be Doing

As the Production Assembler – Chattahoochee Tech Training Program, you will be responsible for assembling parts into detail assemblies where all locating information is established by tooling.

Your responsibilities will include:

  • Pressing in bushings or bearings, jig drilling and riveting splines or clevises to shafts, torque tubes, or push-pull rods
  • Trimming, fitting, and burring detail parts such as stringers, minor spars, ribs, stiffeners, brackets, and clips prior to assembly
  • Installing parts such as plate nuts, gang nuts, brackets, fittings, and gussets
  • Assembling and temporarily fastening detail parts together in predetermined sequence for subsequent joining operations such as spot welding, riveting, or bolting
  • Cleaning, lubricating, color coding, and identifying parts as required

What’s In It For You
We are committed to supporting your work-life balance and overall well-being, offering flexible scheduling options. Learn more about Lockheed Martin’s comprehensive benefits package here.
Do you want to be part of a company culture that empowers employees to think big, lead with a growth mindset, and make the impossible a reality? We provide the resources and give you the flexibility to enable inspiration and focus – if you have the passion and courage to dream big, work hard, and have fun doing what you love then we want to build a better tomorrow with you.

Who You Are
The ideal candidate will be a highly skilled and detail-oriented assembler with experience working with fabricated and purchased parts. You will have excellent problem-solving skills, the ability to read and interpret production blueprints and documents, and the ability to work with established tooling and follow detailed production information.

Further Information About This Opportunity
MUST BE A U.S. CITIZEN – This position is located at a facility that requires special access.

Basic Qualifications: Four (4) months of previous experience in production assembly-type work OR Four (4) months of previous mechanical experience such as automotive/HVAC repair, construction, and bench assembly work. Must be able to read assembly blueprints. Must be familiar with basic hand tools. Must pass all testing while in training and the hands on Proficiency Demonstrations.

The Aircraft Manufacturing Training Program will train to perform structural work on the C-130 aircraft in accordance with technical data. The applicant will receive related instruction (RI) and on the job learning (OJL) to include assembly and installation, repair, and inspection of structural, electrical, and mechanical elements of an aircraft while performing direct tasks for the program. The applicant will be expected to perform repetitive and non-repetitive operations after completing training with some assistance and supervision. Works from blueprints, diagrams, makes initial layouts, and uses hand and/or power tools to perform work according to technical data. Must be able to read and speak English, comprehend documents such as safety rules, operating maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. Must perform and pass required proficiency assessments/demonstrations.

For consideration in the program, candidates must enroll in the AMTP program offered through Chattahoochee Technical College. Tuition costs may apply, but in-state financial aid and grants may be available to qualifying candidates. Candidates are responsible for submitting the aid application through the Chattahoochee Technical College process for eligibility verification. The program is a 10 week training program and requires the successful completion of all training classes delivered, a hands-on proficiency demonstration in week four in order to be considered for hire. Upon hire candidates must successfully complete all training classes and pass a hands-on proficiency demonstration during week eight in order to retain employment. All training will be conducted at the Chattahoochee Tech Aviation Academy located at the Paulding Northwest Atlanta Airport during first shift hours. Upon hire, the employment location will be 86 South Cobb Drive, Marietta, GA 30060.

Must be flexible and available to work first or second shift schedules. Work schedules are Monday through Thursday, 10 hours per day. Start times may vary depending on the assigned work area, but the standard first and second shifts begin 5:30 am – 4:00 pm and 4:00 pm – 2:30 am. AMTP training times may vary.

Lockheed Martin partners with our local workforce development partners to identify and support candidates for our roles. Local workforce development boards are federally funded and you may qualify for additional support during your job search and job preparation process. Your contact information may be shared with a local partner who may reach out to you to determine if you are eligible for support. Lockheed Martin encourages you to participate in this process with our local partners, however participation is not required in order to be considered for this position at Lockheed Martin Corporation.

Candidate must be a US Citizen

Desired Skills: Sheet metal experience; Drilling experience; or technical experience in automotive, HVAC, construction, fabrication, welding, etc. Bench Assembly experience

Clearance Level: None
Other Important Information You Should Know

Expression of Interest: By applying to this job, you are expressing interest in this position and could be considered for other career opportunities where similar skills and requirements have been identified as a match. Should this match be identified you may be contacted for this and future openings.

Ability to Work Remotely: Onsite Full-time: The work associated with this position will be performed onsite at a designated Lockheed Martin facility.

Work Schedules: Lockheed Martin supports a variety of alternate work schedules that provide additional flexibility to our employees. Schedules range from standard 40 hours over a five day work week while others may be condensed. These condensed schedules provide employees with additional time away from the office and are in addition to our Paid Time off benefits.

Schedule for this Position: 4×10 hour day, 3 days off per week
Lockheed Martin is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to legally protected characteristics.

The application window will close in 90 days; applicants are encouraged to apply within 5 – 30 days of the requisition posting date in order to receive optimal consideration.

Join us at Lockheed Martin, where your mission is ours. Our customers tackle the hardest missions. Those that demand extraordinary amounts of courage, resilience and precision. They’re dangerous. Critical. Sometimes they even provide an opportunity to change the world and save lives. Those are the missions we care about.

As a leading technology innovation company, Lockheed Martin’s vast team works with partners around the world to bring proven performance to our customers’ toughest challenges. Lockheed Martin has employees based in many states throughout the U.S., and Internationally, with business locations in many nations and territories.

Interested candidates may apply online

Warehouse Clerk at Georgia Lottery Corporation

Company: Georgia Lottery Corporation
Position: Warehouse Clerk
Location: 250 Williams St NW Ste 3000, Atlanta, GA 30303
Salary: $40,000 – $45,000 a year – Full-time
Posted: 11/02/25
End Date: Until Filled
Job Description: The purpose of this job is to plan and coordinate the shipping, receiving and distributing of promotional and Point-of-Sale items and returned instant tickets for the Georgia Lottery Corporation, ensuring all items are warehoused, tracked and distributed properly.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Ensures established security procedures are adhered to at all times.
  • Coordinates shipping, handling, distribution and control of promotional and Point-of-Sale items and returned instant tickets.
  • Assists in tracking lost packages.
  • Reviews and verifies terminal receipts to ensure the accuracy of the ticket returns.
  • Maintains accurate information regarding shipments of promotional and POS items to district offices, labeling, inventory of shipments received.
  • Operates forklift.
  • Uses Enterprise System for data entry and file maintenance.
  • Able to routinely lift and carry moderately heavy (up to 50 lbs.) materials and supplies.
  • Communicates with vendors of the Georgia Lottery Corporation.
  • Prepares, maintains and updates files and logs following prescribed methods.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS
High School Diploma (or GED) required, with one to two or more years of warehouse experience. Strong Data entry skills, with experience in Microsoft Office suite preferred. Ability to routinely lift and carry moderately heavy (up to 50 lbs.) materials and supplies. Forklift Operator certification desired or must be obtained within the first ninety (90) days. Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Benefits

  • Family friendly atmosphere
  • Fun environment
  • Competitive pay
  • Excellent benefits package
  • Business casual workplace
  • 401k with company contribution

Interested candidates may apply online.

General Warehouse Associate at Home Depot Supply

Company: HD Supply (Part of the Home Depot)
Position: General Warehouse Associate
Location: Sandy Springs, GA
Salary: $18.50 – $19.00 an hour – Full-time
Posted: 11/02/25
End Date: Until Filled
Job Description: USABlueBook (a division of HD SUPPLY) is the recognized source of products and technical support for professional water and wastewater operators. As the company founded by utility operators, it is our goal to remain the industry’s top technical and customer service leader.

  • Full-Time Schedule: MONDAY-FRIDAY 8AM-5pm OR 9am-6pm
  • Pay: $18.50-19hr DOE
  • Prior experience working in multiple departments in a distribution center.
  • Previous experience operating material handling equipment.
  • Ability to understand written material.
  • Must be able to pass a background check and drug test

Job Summary: Works in multiple departments within a distribution center, including case pick, shipping, receiving, returns, loading, order processing, and replenishment. Operates material handling equipment to move inventory within the facility.

Major Tasks, Responsibilities, and Key Accountabilities

  • Uses material handling equipment to locate and deliver products, supplies, and equipment to designated areas.
  • Assists with staging and loading orders into trucks for customer delivery.
  • Verifies quantity and quality of incoming products from vendors and distribution centers.
  • Uses packing list information to collect items for customer orders, including building and wrapping pallets of products.
  • Examines and inspects stock items for wear and defects and notifies management of inventory issues.
  • Returns misplaced products to proper storage areas.
  • Maintains a clean working environment in accordance with company safety policies.
  • Performs inventory control functions as needed.

Nature and Scope

  • Refers complex, unusual problems to supervisor.
  • Under general supervision, exercises some judgment in accordance with well-defined policies, procedures, and techniques. Work typically involves regular review of output by a senior coworker or supervisor.

Work Environment

  • Typically located in a comfortable environment but with regular exposure to factors that may cause noticeable discomfort or a moderate risk of accident or illness, such as temperature extremes, moving machinery, loud noises, and fumes.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds in a physical environment. Ability to stand for periods of time up to and exceeding 60 minutes. Ability to make repetitive movements, such as using a 10-key or calculator, bending, or squatting.
  • No travel required.

Education and Experience

  • HS Diploma or GED strongly preferred. Specialized skills training/certification may be required. Generally 2-5 years of experience in area of responsibility.

Our Goals for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We are committed to creating a culture that promotes equity, respect, and advocacy for every HD Supply associate. We value the diversity of our people.

Equal Employment Opportunity
HD Supply is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Interested candidates may apply online

City Carrier Assistant at USPS

Company: United States Postal Service
Position: City Carrier Assistant 1
Location: 257 Lawrence Street NE, Marietta, GA 30060
Salary: $20.73 an hour
Posted: 11/01/25
End Date: Until Filled
Job Description: In this role you deliver and collect mail on foot or by vehicle in a city area. You also maintain good relations with customers and have a general familiarity with postal laws, regulations, and products for your area. As a CCA you provide a critical service to your community by ensuring mail delivery during weekdays, weekends and holidays with opportunities for career promotion. CCAs may be eligible for certain benefits including paid leave and health insurance. This position is ideal for candidates that enjoy staying active outdoors with occasional customer service interactions.

Job duties include:

  • Sort, lift and push moderate to heavy loads of mail and packages to prepare for delivery
  • Deliver mail along your assigned route
  • Pick up or collect mail from customers
  • Collect postage due for charge on delivery or other services
  • Work indoors and outdoors in all weather: rain, snow, cold and heat

The Inspection Service criminal background check is conducted using United States information resources only (e.g., FBI fingerprint check, state and county checks). A criminal background check involves a 10-year inquiry for any location where the individual has resided, worked or gone to school within the United States or its territories. As a result of this limitation, the criminal background checks of individuals who have not resided in the United States or its territories for the preceding 10-years may not be considered complete. The Inspection Service may be able to process inquiries for U.S. Citizens only, but only if their time spent out of the country was spent as: a trailing spouse or dependent of someone working for the U.S. government (military or civilian), a missionary, a student attending school in a foreign country, a Peace corps participant, or as an employee of a U.S.-based employer/company. If the Inspection Service is unable to perform a complete background check because of residency outside the United States, such individuals will be ineligible for Postal employment.

Postal Service employment is conditional upon your meeting medical suitability, general eligibility and suitability, and background check requirements. Therefore, if you receive a job offer, note that it will be conditional upon you meeting these requirements, even if you are allowed to begin working first.

Non-career 360-day term with possibility of reappointment. May lead to career position. Benefits include paid leave at the rate of 1hr for every 20hrs in pay status, holiday pay for 6 holidays, and pay raises per NALC National Agreement. Immediately eligible for USPSHB Plan with a $125 Postal premium contribution towards Self Only. Employer contribution towards greater than Self Only is 65% (75% for subsequent appointments). Upon reappointment to a second 360-day term after a 5-day break in service eligible for: health insurance under FEHB; dental and vision insurance through FEDVIP; flexible spending accounts through FSAFEDS and long-term care insurance through FLTCIP. Wounded Warrior leave available if eligibility criteria are met. Effective Plan Year 2022, the Postal Service will make a bi-weekly contribution equal to 75% of the total premium for any CCA employee who wishes to participate in the USPS Plan for self, self plus one, or family coverage, regardless of year of employment.

Interested candidates may apply online

Warehouse Associate at LKQ Corporation

Company: LKQ Corporation
Position: Warehouse Associate
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posted: 10/30/25
End Date: Until Filled
Job Description: Responsibilities can include duties aligned with shipping and/or receiving, processing incoming stock and materials, picking and filling orders from stock, packing and shipping orders, or managing, organizing and retrieving stock in the warehouse. May also be responsible for operating manual/powered equipment such as forklifts, order pickers, pallet jacks, hand trucks, etc.
Essential Job Duties

  • Receive and put away inbound product to designated location.
  • Pick/pull correct product from the appropriate locations and delivering to staging area/delivery truck.
  • Operate a manual/powered equipment to transport product in and about warehouse.
  • Sort and place parts and supplies on racks, shelves, or in bins according to predetermined sequence.
  • Maintain orderliness and housekeeping of assigned work areas.
  • Comply with established company policies and procedures.
  • Assumes other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

  • Not responsible for supervising employees.

Minimum Requirements
Education & Experience

  • Up to 1 year of work related experience.

Preferred Requirements

  • High School Diploma/GED.
  • Warehouse, or similar, work environment, prior PIT (forklift, order picker, etc.) experience.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
  • Basic computer skills.
  • Basic messages communicated orally. May write brief messages and keep simple records.
  • Problems encountered are simple, repetitive, and generally solved by clear directions and procedures.
  • Follows standard procedures with no decision making involved.
  • Uses guidance/guidelines provide by supervisor/manager.
  • Assignments/priorities provided by supervisor/manager.

Essential Physical Demands/Work Environment

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, push, pull, squat, bend, reach, climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or sit for extended periods of time.
  • The employee may be exposed to hazardous situations, conditions, and equipment. Must be able to work in cramped spaces or underneath vehicles that may require getting into awkward positions. May regularly wear personal protective equipment (PPE). May be exposed to extreme temperatures and high noise levels.
  • Travel may be required periodically, including overnight stays (contingent on position requirements).
  • Must be able to lift up to 75 pounds.

Benefits:

  • Health/Dental/Vision Insurance
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Fertility Coverage
  • 401k with Generous Company Match
  • Company Paid Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability
  • Short-Term Disability
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Employee Discounts

Join us for an exciting career journey with positive, driven individuals.
Interested candidates may apply online 

Holiday Artisan Market

Handmade Holiday Shopping At The Civic Center

The Cobb PARKS Holiday Artisan Market returns to the Cobb County Civic Center, filling Hudgins Hall with handmade goods, seasonal energy, and plenty of reasons to start (or finally finish) that gift list. More than 90 artisan vendors will offer decor, artwork, ceramics, jewelry, candles, and other handcrafted gifts from local and regional artists. Early birds get a perk too, as the first 100 shoppers each day receive a complimentary tote bag that should come in handy once the browsing turns into buying.

Between shopping laps, guests can take a break with live performances throughout the weekend. Prime Time Jazz, Atlanta Steel Pan, and the Jennie T. Anderson Theater’s Home for the Holidays Choir will rotate through the lineup, adding a soundtrack that ranges from smooth and cool to merry and bright. Cobb PARKS mascot Parker Barker will put on the red suit as “Parker Claus” each day, ready for festive photo ops that might end up on this year’s holiday card.

Families will find plenty to do beyond browsing the vendor booths. On Saturday and Sunday, the Girl Scouts will host free holiday craft activities, giving kids a chance to make something of their own while adults compare gift options and mentally reorganize storage space at home.

Saturday, December 6 features the Merry Marketplace, a one day event highlighting artists and makers ages 10 to 17. These young entrepreneurs will showcase and sell their own handmade creations, giving shoppers another way to support local talent and maybe spot the next big name in the art fair circuit early.

Concessions will be available for purchase throughout the weekend, so shoppers can refuel between aisles instead of testing how long holiday cheer can last on an empty stomach.

Raffles, Partners, And Event Info

Attendees can enter a raffle for a chance to win tickets to “Home for the Holidays: A Holiday Musical Revue” at the Jennie T. Anderson Theater on December 13 and 14, a nice bonus for anyone who likes their December calendar to lean heavily toward music and lights.

The Holiday Artisan Market is produced in collaboration with Cobb PARKS Cultural Affairs facilities, including The Art Place – Mountain View, The Art Station – Big Shanty, the Mable House Arts Center, the Sewell Mill Cultural Center, and the Jennie T. Anderson Theater. These venues provide year round programming in theater, visual arts, classes, and special events across Cobb County.

Dates:
Friday, December 5, 2025
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Sunday, December 7, 2025

Times:
Friday: 4 pm to 8 pm
Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm
Sunday: 12 pm to 5 pm

Admission:
Free

Address:
Cobb County Civic Center
548 South Marietta Parkway SE
Marietta GA 30060

For more information, please contact Cobb PARKS Holiday Artisan Market team at holidaymarket@cobbcounty.gov or (770) 509-2714.