CTL Script/ Top Stories of January 2nd 

Publish Date: January 2nd 

Pre-Roll:  

From the Ingles Studio Welcome to the Award-Winning Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast  

Today is Friday, January 2nd and Happy Birthday to Cuba Gooding Jr. 

I’m Chris Culwell and here are the stories Cherokee is talking about, presented by Times Journal 

1. Cherokee County’s Development Service Center going cashless 
2. Cherokee County musician Kurt Lee Wheeler performs in movie 
3. MLK Day Unity Breakfast returning to Canton after hiatus 

Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on breads 

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: INGLES 9 

STORY 1: Cherokee County’s Development Service Center going cashless 

The Cherokee County Development Service Center is now cashless—no more bills or coins at the counter. 

If you’re handling business licenses, building permits, alcohol licenses, or even motorized cart registrations, you’ll need to pay with a card, check, money order, or online. The office, located on the ground floor of the county’s admin building in Canton, says this change will speed things up and make transactions more secure. 

So, plan ahead—no cash, no exceptions. Got questions? Call 770-721-7810 or email dsc@cherokeecountyga.gov. 

And hey, for more details, check out their website. 

STORY 2: Cherokee County musician Kurt Lee Wheeler performs in movie 

 Kurt Lee Wheeler’s had plenty to smile about this holiday season. By day, he’s teaching at Creekland Middle School in Canton—a job he loves. But outside the classroom? He’s been busy releasing a new album and making his movie debut. 

After hearing his music, producer and actress Roberta Sparta invited Wheeler to perform in The Secret Life of a Good Wife, a Lifetime movie that premiered Thanksgiving Day. In a scene shot in Acworth, Wheeler and his band played during an outdoor gathering.  

Wheeler’s new album, Lathemtown, features some of the best bluegrass talent around, including Aaron Ramsey and Jake Stargel. A Cherokee County favorite, Wheeler’s also known for writing the county’s official song and performing at countless local events. 

With retirement from teaching on the horizon this May, Wheeler’s looking forward to traveling, spending time with his new grandchild, and, of course, making more music. 

STORY 3: MLK Day Unity Breakfast returning to Canton after hiatus 

 The MLK Day Unity Breakfast is making its long-awaited return to Canton on Jan. 19 after a six-year break. 

This free event kicks off at 8 a.m. with breakfast at the Cherokee County Conference Center (1130 Bluffs Parkway), followed by a program at 9 a.m. honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of equality, justice, and service.  

The keynote speaker? Canton native and weather-climate expert Dr. James Marshall Shepherd, a Cherokee High valedictorian who’s advised NASA, Congress, and even the White House. The program will also feature local leaders, a community choir, creative dance, and the CFCC Unity Award Presentation. 

For more info or to donate, visit cfergusoncc.org. 

We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info.  

We’ll be right back. 

Break: INGLES 10 

STORY 4: Johns Creek holds off Cherokee 

Cherokee had its shot—literally—but couldn’t quite close the deal, falling 69-63 to Johns Creek in Monday’s Lemon Street Classic at Marietta High. 

Down two with 33 seconds left, Polk Corben’s steal and layup gave Cherokee life. Then Johns Creek missed two free throws, leaving the door wide open. But Braylon Luster’s potential game-tying shot? Off the mark. Forced to foul, Cherokee watched the Gladiators ice it with four free throws. 

Tatum Holmes led the Gladiators with 25 points, while Kaysan Brock added 13. For Cherokee, Sean Williams and Braylon Luster each dropped 21, with Luster sparking a furious fourth-quarter rally. 

Trailing 58-46 after three, Cherokee clawed back with a 10-2 run, cutting the lead to one. But Brock’s clutch three-pointer with 1:33 left sealed the Gladiators’ win. 

It was a back-and-forth battle early. Cherokee’s hot start from deep gave them a 9-2 lead, but Johns Creek answered with a 12-4 run, fueled by three triples. By halftime, the Gladiators clung to a 30-28 edge. 

In the end, Cherokee’s fight wasn’t enough. 

FALCONS: The Falcons’ season, a rollercoaster of confusion and chaos, somehow got even weirder Monday night. Already eliminated from playoff contention weeks ago, Atlanta (7-9) pulled off a dramatic 27-24 win over the Rams, their third straight victory in a season that’s been equal parts frustrating and baffling. 

Zane Gonzalez nailed a 51-yard field goal with 21 seconds left, capping a game where Atlanta blew a 21-point lead but still managed to hang on. It’s been that kind of year—beating Super Bowl contenders like Buffalo and L.A., but losing to teams like the Jets and Panthers. Go figure. 

Bijan Robinson was unstoppable, racking up 195 rushing yards, two touchdowns, and a highlight-reel 93-yard run that left jaws on the floor.  

But let’s not sugarcoat it—this season’s been a mess. Special teams? A disaster, with yet another blocked field goal returned for a touchdown. The Cousins signing? A head-scratcher. And yet, somehow, the Falcons are ending the year on a high note, showing flashes of the potential fans expected back in August. 

For now, though, they’ll be watching the playoffs from the couch—again. 

I’m Keith Ippolito and this is your tribune ledger sports minute. 

STORY 5: New laws will address professional services, homeowner protections, car owners and politicians 

 While most laws from this year’s legislative session kicked in back in July, a few big ones kicked off on New Year’s Day. They tackle everything from dentist shortages to car tags, with a little campaign finance reform thrown in for good measure. 

Take House Bill 148, for example. Rep. John Carson, a CPA from Cobb, is trying to fix Georgia’s accountant shortage. His bill updates a 30-year-old licensing system, making it easier to become a CPA and letting out-of-state firms work here without opening an office. 

Then there’s House Bill 567, aimed at solving the dentist drought. Rep. Katie Dempsey’s bill allows licensed dentists to practice online—yes, teledentistry is now a thing—and ensures dental plans cover it.  

Homeowners get a win, too. Senate Bill 35 doubles the notice period for nonrenewal of certain insurance policies to 60 days. And Senate Bill 112 makes HVAC warranties transferable to new buyers and bans those annoying “register your product or lose your warranty” rules. 

Campaign finance? Senate Bill 199 tightens the rules, requiring PACs to keep detailed bank records and file disclosures with the State Ethics Commission. Oh, and candidates can’t be investigated within 60 days of an election. 

And for the patriotic crowd, there’s Senate Bill 291. It introduces a new license plate with the American flag and “America First” slogan. Proceeds go to the state’s general fund. 

And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on breads 

Commercial:  

We’ll have closing comments after this.  

 COMMERCIAL: INGLES 1 

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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