Budget, Football Trophy, Taste of Kennesaw

1. Wow! What a day we had yesterday in the weather department. Kennesaw fared pretty well, with no damage or injuries. Today should be calmer, acccording to the National Weather Service. Showers are likely, with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 71.  Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. Tonight has a 30 percent chance of showers and a low of 59.

2. It's a busy day for the The city council meets at 6:30 p.m. today for its regular meeting (changed from yesterday because of the holiday) and its first 2012 budget hearing.  The budget doesn't include furloughs or an increase in the city's property tax rate. It does include cuts in capital purchases, freezing salaries and hiring and leaving vacant positions unfilled. City officials say the cuts are necessary because projected revenue is down.  The meeting is at City Hall at 2529 J.O. Stephenson Ave.

3. Tonight is the California Dreaming Bowl kickoff party at on Chastain Road for two area football teams. Sprayberry High School and play each year for the California Dreaming Cup. This year the game is Friday at KMHS. California Dreaming donates money to the athletic funds for both schools as part of the pre-game ceremony, and those donations are matched by the Kennesaw Business Association and the Northeast Cobb Business Association. Additional funds for the schools are generated through the kickoff party and t-shirt sales. The winner gets the coveted California Dreaming Cup. Attend the game on Friday night and support these two schools!

4. Mark your calendars now for Saturday's "Taste of Kennesaw" festival in downtown Kennesaw. Sample fare from over 40 Kennesaw area restaurants, as well as enjoy continuous stage entertainment, live music and a variety of children's activities including a rock wall, inflatable slides, bounces, and a trackless train. Banks & Shane will perform a free concert near the Depot at 6:00 p.m. -- the final performance of the Admission is free and tastes range from $1 to $4. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and is co-sponsored by the Kennesaw Business Association and the City of Kennesaw. For more information, visit www.kennesawbusiness.com.

5. Northwest Georgia isn't the only area of the country feeling the wrath of former Authorities said high winds caused by Lee are partly responsible for keeping wildfires ablaze across parts of east and central Texas.