A Smyrna elementary school will be the first in Cobb County to meet environmental standards established by the U.S. Green Building Council.

The cost of applying for a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification has discouraged Cobb from seeking one for any new school.

But, in a new collaboration, students at Southern Polytechnic State University will learn by doing the documentation, said Doug Shepard, a Cobb schools finance official. So a school to be built at Windy Hill and Atlanta roads can open as a LEED certified school in a couple years, he said.

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The Salvation Army Georgia Division has sent an emergency disaster service team to Wilkes-Barre, Penn. to provide assistance to the city due to the flooding caused by Tropical Storm Lee. Through Sept. 30, the team will focus on providing food, hydration and emotional and spiritual care to impacted families and individuals. Those wishing to contribute to the relief effort can make monetary donations by visiting www.salvationarmyusa.org or calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769).

Veronica Fields Johnson

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Lt. Gov. Burt Jones — pictured at an August rally in Peachtree City that also featured Vice President JD Vance — appears to have scored another legal victory over gubernatorial rival Attorney General Chris Carr in their battle over campaign finance issues. (Arvin Temkar/AJC 2025)

Credit: Arvin Temkar / AJC