Cobb Superior Courthouse Goes Gold

1. Cobb's new recently earned the LEED gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, becoming the largest building in the Southeast to earn that designation. LEED stands for "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design" and sets the criteria to define "green" buildings.

In securing LEED gold, project organizers for the courthouse documented an almost 27 percent energy cost savings and installed water-use reduction methods that would yield a total water savings of more than 47 percent. More than 20 percent of the project's materials contained recycled content, and 90 percent of construction debris was diverted from Cobb landfills.

2. recently earned "Triple AAA" ratings for its general obligation bonds from the nation's three major rating agencies, Standard & Poor's, Fitch Ratings and Moody's Investment Service, making this the 15th consecutive year the county has earned such ratings. The ratings place Cobb among the top 1 percent of counties nationwide, and only about 20 counties can match the longevity claim.

In 2001, the Cobb County Water System also became the first in the nation to earn "Triple AAA" ratings for an unenhanced water and sewer system from the bond rating agencies. These ratings assure that when the county goes to the bond market, it will get the lowest rate possible, which translates to saving taxpayers millions of dollars in interest costs.

3. A certain popular ogre visits Marietta Square this morning when the presents Shrek as part of its "Midweek Munchkin Movie Madness." Tickets for the 10 a.m. showing are free for kids under 12 and $5 for kids 12 and older. Live organ pops variety show and sing-along featuring The Strand’s Mighty Allen Theatre Organ at 9:30 AM. For information, call the box office at 770-293-0080 or visit earlsmithstrand.org.

4. For your civic duty enjoyment, attend the Cobb County Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the commissioners boardroom on the second floor of or attend the Marietta Special Privileged Licensing Hearing at 10 a.m. in the fourth floor conference room at .

5. Today is Take Your Webmaster to Lunch Day. Has anyone ever celebrated this day? Really? If you do, please let us know here on Marietta Patch.