CTL Script/ Top Stories of March 16th
Publish Date: March 15th
From the Ingles Studio Welcome to the Award-Winning Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast
Today is Saturday, March 16th, and Happy 64th Birthday to rapper Flavor Flav.
***03.16.24 – BIRTHDAY – FLAVA FLAV
I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cherokee is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia.
We’ll have all this and more coming up on the Cherokee Tribune-Ledger Podcast, and if you’re looking for Community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!
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STORY 1: Cherokee County Magistrate Court Upgrades Electronic Warrant Interchange System
The Cherokee County Magistrate Court upgraded its Electronic Warrant Interchange system to the new enterprise version, called Anywhere Warrant, on March 12. This system has saved taxpayers over $13 million in labor and transportation costs since 2010, with more than $1.3 million saved in 2023 alone. Chief Associate Magistrate Greg Douds negotiated the upgrade, which had a one-time fee of $25,000, paid from a budget surplus. The annual maintenance fee is now $32,500, slightly lower than the previous version's fee of $33,054. Anywhere Warrant allows law enforcement officers to use the system from any computer or laptop in squad cars, eliminating the need for dedicated workstations. According to the magistrate court, the upgrade fee will pay for itself in less than one week, and the annual maintenance fee will pay for itself in the first 9 days of use each year.
STORY 2: Woodstock Baseball Star Earns Appointment to U.S. Naval Academy
Woodstock High School senior and baseball standout Kevin Maurer received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy. With a family legacy of military service, Maurer sees this opportunity as contributing to a greater cause. His successful baseball career and academic achievements led to interest from various universities, including the Naval Academy. After committing to the Naval Academy as a pitcher, he completed the extensive application process. Maurer's dedication to service extends beyond baseball, as he aims to support mental health initiatives within the military. His coaches and community commend his leadership and commitment, highlighting Maurer's readiness to represent Woodstock High School and serve his country.
STORY 3: Private-School Vouchers Narrowly Clear Georgia House
The Georgia House of Representatives narrowly passed a private-school vouchers bill aimed at helping students in low-performing public schools transfer to private schools, with a 91-82 vote. The bill, which returns to the state Senate due to changes made in the House, limits the financial impact by capping voucher spending at 1% of the Quality Basic Education fund. Eligibility is restricted to students from families earning up to 400% of the federal poverty limit. Democrats argue against vouchers, advocating for increased public school funding. The bill also includes provisions for teacher pay raises and pre-kindergarten enrollment. It would be effective from the 2025-26 school year until June 2035.
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STORY 4: Fulton Judge Dismisses Six Counts in Trump Election Interference Case
A Fulton County Superior Court judge dismissed six counts of a 41-count indictment against former President Donald Trump and co-defendants related to alleged interference in Georgia's 2020 presidential election. Judge Scott McAfee found these charges legally defective, including Trump's involvement in a controversial January 2021 phone call with Georgia's Secretary of State. The ruling didn't address a motion to disqualify Fulton District Attorney Fani Willis due to a potential conflict of interest. McAfee also quashed charges against Trump, Rudy Giuliani, and others for allegedly soliciting fake electors. The judge cited a lack of detail in the counts. Despite the dismissal, Trump still faces 88 charges across multiple jurisdictions. McAfee expects to rule on the disqualification motion soon.
STORY 5: Cherokee County Clerk of Courts Opening Second Location
The Cherokee County Clerk of Courts is expanding with a new location set to open on March 18 at the Cherokee County Tax Commissioner building on Towne Lake Parkway. Clerk of Courts Patty Baker announced that the new venue will offer passport application support, notary public services, and kiosks for civil filings and copies. The convenient location aims to provide easy access and ample parking for visitors. The new location will operate from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, while the original location at the Cherokee County Justice Center in Canton will remain open in Suite G-170.
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STORY 6: APPROVED: Woodstock Takes Next Steps Toward More Public Art
Woodstock City Council unanimously approved the City of Woodstock Public Art Program, aiming to enhance the city's cultural landscape. Developed in collaboration with the Woodstock Public Art Plan Steering Committee and Designing Local, the plan incorporates community input to determine art goals and potential projects. Over 400 residents participated in a survey, indicating preferences for art in various locations like gateways, downtown, parks, and more. Mural, sculpture, and functional art were among the most popular suggestions. The plan designates specific types of art for different areas, such as suburban living, neighborhood living, and urban core. Funding sources and examples of public art installations are also provided, with estimates ranging from $10,000 for murals to $1-2 million for large sculptures.
STORY 7: Cherokee County Dog Found After Being Lost 17 Days
Winston, a local dog missing for 17 days, was found in the Macedonia area and reunited with his family. The Hickory Flat Chick-fil-A hosted a "heroes party" to honor those involved in the search. Winston went missing while his owners were away, prompting a community-wide search effort led by friends and residents using drones and social media. After numerous sightings and a nighttime rescue in the Macedonia community, Winston was found thanks to a feeding station. The community gathered to thank the rescuers, with Winston receiving a new collar and cake from Chick-fil-A. The event celebrated the community's resolve and unity in supporting one another.
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