Leaders, KSU, Almost Autumn

1. Rain is going to pay us a visit today--remember what that is? The National Weather Service is calling for scattered showers and thunderstorms with a high near 80. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Tonight there's a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a low around 64.

2. continues to make headlines around the country. KSU's first-year program was recognized by U.S.News & World Report as one of the best in the country in its 2012 “Best Colleges” issue out this week. This marks the ninth consecutive year that KSU’s first-year program has been recognized in the prestigious annual college rankings. KSU President Daniel S. Papp also announced the university’s designation as a “Military Friendly School” by G.I. Jobs magazine. The honor recognizes the top 20 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools that are doing the most to embrace America’s military service members and veterans as students.

3. Congratulations to those Kennesaw residents named to the Leadership Cobb class of 2012. Members who live and/or work in Kennesaw are: Shauna Carmichael of Kennesaw State University, Andy Crowe of Velociteach, Kizzy Bailey of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, Ronnie Barrett of City of Marietta, Chris Bethel of Edwards, Friedewald & Grayson, Tim Jarrell of Cobb EMC, Becky Shipley of McCleskey/East Cobb YMCA, and Elaine Wilder of Marietta United Methodist Church. The program develops leadership skills and knowledge through its programs and retreats. Participants are introduced to a variety of viewpoints that illustrate the array of economic, political, educational and social factors at work in Cobb County.

4. Check back to Kennesaw Patch later today for a report on last night's meeting.

5. Enjoy these last days of summer. Autumn officially begins Friday at 5:05 a.m.