CTL Script/ Top Stories of April 20th            

Publish Date: April 19th            

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

Today is Saturday, April 20th, and Happy 62nd Birthday to baseball player Don Mattingly.

***04.20.24 – BIRTHDAY – DON MATTINGLY***

I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cherokee is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia. 

1. Kemp Inks Tax-Cut Package
2. Woodstock Municipal Court Offering Amnesty for Certain Warrants
3. COED Launches Black Business Roundtable

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: CU of GA

STORY 1: Kemp Inks Tax-Cut Package

Governor Brian Kemp signed a package of tax cut bills passed by the General Assembly. The bills aim to keep money in the pockets of hardworking families. The highlight is House Bill 1015, which accelerates a reduction in state income taxes from 5.49% to 5.39%. Kemp also signed House Bill 1023, aligning Georgia’s corporate income tax rate with individual income taxpayers at 5.39%. House Bill 581 aims to limit local property tax increases, contingent on voter approval of a constitutional amendment. House Bill 1021 raises the state’s child tax credit from $3,000 to $4,000 per dependent child. Senate Bill 496 extends expiration dates for tax credits encouraging historic home rehabilitation. These bills received bipartisan support despite being an election year.

STORY 2: Woodstock Municipal Court Offering Amnesty For Certain Warrants. What We Know

Woodstock Municipal Court is offering amnesty on failure to appear bench warrants from April 22 to April 26. Chief Judge Robert Tidwell emphasized that this opportunity allows individuals to address missed court dates without additional penalties, focusing solely on the failure to appear bench warrant. The initiative coincides with Georgia Cities Week. Payments can be made in person at Woodstock Municipal Court during regular business hours. For further details, individuals can visit woodstockga.gov/court.

STORY 3: COED Launches Black Business Roundtable

The Cherokee Office of Economic Development, with Georgia Power's support, has established a Black Business Roundtable to foster connections and support among Cherokee's Black community. The initiative seeks to understand the unique perspectives and needs of Black business owners. Eleven entrepreneurs participated in the inaugural meeting, discussing mentorship, resource sharing, and empowerment. William Thomas of Golf2Grow emphasized the importance of diversifying industries and reflecting Cherokee's demographics in business practices. This effort aligns with COED's Cherokee By Choice 2.0 strategic plan, which includes support for minority-owned businesses. The roundtable complements the existing Latino Business Roundtable, addressing issues like transportation and education. CBC 2.0 aims to enhance Cherokee's economic growth and resilience. To learn more or invest, visit cherokeega.org/CherokeeByChoice.

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Back in a moment 

Break:  CURIOSITY LAB BIKE RACE – DRAKE

STORY 4: Cherokee County OKs Beer Sales and Food Trucks at Winery

The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners has approved zoning condition modifications for Big Door Vineyards, allowing craft beer sales and food trucks on-site. The amendments include permitting craft beer sales with restrictions, serving alcohol in the event lawn space, and allowing outdoor speakers and food trucks under certain conditions. Concerns were raised about potential noise, prompting discussions about noise studies and landscaping to mitigate sound. However, residents living near the winery expressed support for the amendments, citing positive relationships and minimal current noise issues. The county has implemented a noise ordinance to ensure control over noise levels and other operational aspects. Commissioner Benny Carter emphasized the ordinance's fairness and enforceability, highlighting specific regulations for beer service and food truck operations.

STORY 5: What's Next for the Ball Ground Bypass

Cherokee County has taken a significant step forward in the development of a bypass around downtown Ball Ground by hiring Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. to design the project. The proposed bypass aims to redirect large trucks away from the downtown area, offering a new roadway from Howell Bridge Road to Flatbottom Road. The project, spanning 1.5 miles, includes features like rural and urban shoulders, bike lanes, and shared-use paths. Funding commitments from the Atlanta Regional Commission and the Georgia Department of Transportation have been secured, with federal funding covering a significant portion of the design and engineering costs. The bypass project, approved by GDOT, is expected to alleviate traffic congestion and improve safety in downtown Ball Ground.

Commercial: INGLES 7 – RHEINEHARDT BLUEGRASS

STORY 6: Chick-fil-A Canton Awards Employees $150,000 in Scholarships

Chick-fil-A Canton recently celebrated by awarding $150,000 in scholarships to its employees. The ceremony, held at The Mill on Etowah, honored team members who demonstrate a commitment to both work and community service. Since 2017, over $1 million in scholarships has been awarded to Canton team members. Franchisee Kevin Williams, marking 30 years with Chick-fil-A, announced the winners, with scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $2,500. Recipients like Taylor Cooper expressed gratitude for the support, citing the scholarship's impact on their educational pursuits. Eligible team members can also benefit from the Alex Gomez Scholarship, offering free college education opportunities. To join Chick-fil-A Canton or learn more, visit cfacanton.com.

STORY 7: Roundabout Coming to East Cherokee Drive

The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners approved a $2.2 million construction agreement with Bartow Paving Company, Inc. to build a roundabout at the intersection of East Cherokee Drive and Mill Creek Drive in The Falls at Mill Creek neighborhood. The three-way intersection currently has stop-control on Mill Creek Drive, serving as one of two entrances to the subdivision. A residential subdivision with 59 single-family homes is planned for the fourth leg of the roundabout, with the developer contributing $150,000 towards construction costs. The project is expected to take a year to complete once construction begins.

We’ll have closing comments after this. 

COMMERCIAL: JM HELLER

SIGN OFF –  

Thanks again for listening to today’s Cherokee Tribune Ledger podcast. . If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, the Gwinnett Daily Post, the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties, or the Paulding County News Podcast. Get more on these stories and other great content at tribune ledger news.com. Giving you important information about our community and telling great stories are what we do.  

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