CTL Script/ Top Stories of March 28th
Publish Date: March 28th
Pre-Roll:
From the Ingles Studio Welcome to the Award-Winning Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast
Today is Friday, March 28th and Happy Birthday to Reba McEntire
***03.28.25 - BIRTHDAY – REBA MCENTIRE***
I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are the stories Cherokee is talking about, presented by Times Journal
Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on picky eaters
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!
Commercial: MILL ON ETOWAH REV GENERIC_FINAL
STORY 1: Cherokee County School Board Takes Steps to Pursue Forensic Audit
The Cherokee County school board approved a forensic audit of the district’s finances on March 20, following concerns from citizens about budget transparency after opting out of the House Bill 581 homestead exemption. Board Member Chance Beam proposed the audit to restore public trust and address potential inefficiencies. The motion passed 5-2, though dissenting members Kelly Poole and Susan Padgett-Harrison raised concerns about unknown costs. The board will meet on March 27 to clarify the audit’s scope and discuss costs, with suggestions to phase the audit to manage expenses. The meeting will be live-streamed for public access.
STORY 2: Woodstock High School Graduate Competing on 'American Idol'
Ethan Senger, a Woodstock High School graduate, will appear on the March 30 episode of *American Idol*, performing his original song "Something to Write About" during the final audition stage. Senger, who grew up in a musical family, began playing guitar at age 7 and singing at 8. Encouraged by his girlfriend, he auditioned via Zoom and advanced to perform for judges Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie. Senger described the experience as a valuable test of his poise and confidence. Now a full-time musician, he blends rock, pop, and indie in his music and has an upcoming performance on April 5 in Atlanta.
STORY 3: Free Home Elementary Open House Set for April
The Cherokee County School District will host an open house for the new Free Home Elementary School on April 29 from 5-6:30 p.m. at 8828 Ball Ground Road near Cumming. The new building, opening for classes in August, will replace the current 1950s structure impacted by a highway widening project. While currently serving 274 students, the new facility is designed to accommodate up to 850, supporting future growth. Free Home Elementary has a history spanning nearly 120 years, making this a significant milestone for the community.
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Break:
STORY 4: Cherokee High School Celebrates Food Pantry Expansion
Cherokee High School has expanded its food pantry through a partnership with Kroger and MUST Ministries, celebrated with a ribbon-cutting on March 26. Originally established in 2020 by the Student Athlete Leadership Team, the pantry provides nonperishable food, toiletries, and paper products to students, staff, and families in need. The expansion is part of Kroger’s $207,000 donation to support school pantries across metro Atlanta. Serving 50-100 families monthly, the pantry also offers discreet backpack programs and monthly distributions. Principal Andy Hall and MUST Ministries leaders praised the partnership for addressing food insecurity and supporting the community.
STORY 5: Lawmakers decide to ban cellphones in public elementary and middle schools
Georgia's General Assembly passed House Bill 340, banning personal cellphone use in elementary and middle schools starting next fall, with Gov. Brian Kemp expected to decide on the measure soon. The "Distraction-Free Education Act" aims to reduce classroom distractions and improve student well-being, requiring devices to be locked away during school hours, with exceptions for medical needs. Inspired by global efforts to limit technology's impact on children, the bill follows similar bans in other states and countries. While some Democrats raised concerns about broader school safety issues, the bill received bipartisan support, with discussions of extending the ban to high schools in the future.
Commercial:
And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on picky eaters
*** INGLES ASK LEAH (PICKY EATERS)***
We’ll have closing comments after this.
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