Cherokee Tribune-Ledger PodcastCellphone Ban in Georgia Public Schools Closer to Becoming law
CTL Script/ Top Stories of March 21st
Publish Date: March 21st
Pre-Roll:
From the Ingles Studio Welcome to the Award-Winning Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast
Today is Friday, March 21st and Happy Birthday to Matthew Broderick
***03.21.25 - BIRTHDAY – MATTHEW BRODERICK***
I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are the stories Cherokee is talking about, presented by Times Journal
- Cellphone Ban in Georgia Public Schools Closer to Becoming law
- Cherokee County Students Place at State Tech Competition
- Trader Joe's Could be Coming to Adair Park in Woodstock
Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on fast food
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: Cellphone Ban in Georgia Public Schools Closer to Becoming law
Georgia's House Bill 340, which bans cellphones in public elementary and middle schools, advanced through a Senate committee and awaits a full Senate vote. Proponents argue that smartphones harm student behavior, mental health, and academic performance, while critics question emergency communication and the exclusion of high schools. The bill mandates schools to establish post-emergency communication policies. Rep. Scott Hilton suggested high school bans could follow in the future. Advocates, including ExcelinEd, highlight improved mental health and academics in states with similar bans. The bill passed the committee 4-1 and moves to the Senate Rules Committee.
STORY 2: Cherokee County Students Place at State Tech Competition
Six Cherokee County School District students earned statewide recognition at the Georgia Student Technology Competition. The contest, open to grades 3-12, showcases projects in categories like mobile apps, robotics, and video production. Thirty-eight CCSD students advanced to state after winning regionals. State winners include Micah Currie (Productivity Design), Jackson Davis and Bella Higgins (Animation), and James Moody (Digital Photo Production), all earning second place. Zephyr Johnson (Device Modification) and Jack Mizelle (Project Programming) secured third place.
STORY 3: Trader Joe's Could be Coming to Adair Park in Woodstock
Adair Park developer Eric Richards is seeking to expand the Woodstock development with a mixed-use project that could include a Trader Joe's. Richards has applied for permits to build single-family homes, townhomes, and a multi-family building with retail space, including a grocery store. Plans also propose extending Short Street and creating a pedestrian-friendly road connecting Main Street and Rope Mill Road. The project, which may require $9 million in city funding for infrastructure, is under review by Woodstock's Planning Commission and City Council in April. Richards aims to complete the development by 2030.
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Break:
STORY 4: Site Work Set to Begin on Property for New CATS Building
Cherokee County is set to begin site work for a new Cherokee Area Transit Service (CATS) Administration Building at Univeter and Pinecrest Roads near Canton. The Board of Commissioners approved an $849,000 construction services agreement with Place Services, Inc., plus an $85,000 contingency. This phase includes clearing, earthwork, and stormwater system installation, with clearing expected to start by month's end. The building is still in design, with construction contracts anticipated by summer and completion expected within a year. Funded 80% by a federal grant and 20% by local sales tax, the facility will address current space shortages and support CATS' growth for 20+ years.
STORY 5: Tort Reform Passes Another Hurdle in Georgia General Assembly
Gov. Brian Kemp's priority tort reform bill, Senate Bill 68, advanced through a Georgia House committee after extensive hearings. The bill aims to curb high jury awards impacting businesses by introducing measures like premises liability guidelines, seat belt evidence in auto cases, and limiting medical damage claims to actual costs. Concerns about its impact on sex trafficking victims led to amendments allowing exceptions for these cases, avoiding retraumatization in court. While some lawmakers pushed for broader protections for other sexual crime victims, the focus remained on trafficking. The bill, already passed by the Senate, may reach the House floor soon.
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And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on fast food
***INGLES ASK LEAH (FAST FOOD) ***
We’ll have closing comments after this.
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SIGN OFF –
Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.tribuneledgernews.com
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