CTL Script/ Top Stories of December 7th 

Publish Date: December 7th 

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

Today is Saturday, December 7th and Happy Birthday to Johnny Bench. 

***12.07.24 - BIRTHDAY – JOHNNY BENCH*** 

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

1.  New Bakery Brings 'Mountain Biscuit' And More To Holly Springs 
2. North Point Ministries’ Be Rich Campaign Surpasses $100M Milestone 
3. Woman Sentenced for Cherokee County Stabbing 

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: 06.26.24 CU OF GA FREE CHECKING_REV_FINAL 

STORY 1:  New Bakery Brings 'Mountain Biscuit' And More To Holly Springs 

Honeysuckle Biscuits and Bakery, opened by Lori and Mitch Phillips in Holly Springs, offers fresh doughnuts, pastries, cakes, and specialty biscuits like the “mountain biscuit.” This fast casual spot, combining a bakery, coffee shop, and hot food menu, also serves lunch items like chicken salad croissants and BLT sandwiches. The Phillips, former CPAs who started their first bakery in Kennesaw in 2018, aim to create a welcoming, community-focused space. Inspired by family recipes and named after Lori’s childhood street, their mission is to share kindness through great food and hospitality. 

STORY 2: North Point Ministries’ Be Rich Campaign Surpasses $100M Milestone 

North Point Ministries’ Be Rich campaign has raised over $100 million since its start in 2007, including $9.7 million in donations this year alone. Partnering with both local and global nonprofits, the campaign focuses on issues like homelessness, job training, food insecurity, and foster care. Directed by Senior Pastor Andy Stanley, Be Rich ensures 100% of donations go to carefully vetted organizations, with 80% staying in local communities. With over 234,000 participants serving since its launch, the initiative continues to inspire generosity and create lasting change worldwide. 

STORY 3:  Woman Sentenced for Cherokee County Stabbing 

Antawana Nitara Brantley, 48, was sentenced to 20 years, with 10 years to serve without parole, for stabbing a female relative during an argument at a Cherokee County apartment complex on Nov. 20, 2023. Convicted of family violence aggravated assault, Brantley is a repeat offender with a history of violent crimes, including a prior stabbing in Michigan. Superior Court Judge Jennifer Davis deemed her a danger to society, mandating the prison time without parole and forbidding contact with the victims. The District Attorney's Office emphasized the severity of her actions and the need for public safety. 

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Back in a moment  

Break: Drake Realty (Cherokee County) 

STORY 4:  Lane Closures Coming to I-575 in Cherokee This Weekend. What We Know 

Drivers on Interstate 575 should prepare for delays this weekend due to lane closures for road striping. Georgia DOT crews will work during daylight hours on Dec. 7 and 8, weather permitting, as striping requires specific temperatures. Various locations along I-575 will experience periodic closures between 10 a.m. and evening. Motorists are urged to reduce speed, stay cautious in work zones, and check traffic updates via 511 or the Georgia 511 app. 

STORY 5: Cherokee EMA Director Appointed EMAG 1st VP 

Two members of the Cherokee County Emergency Management Agency recently achieved notable milestones. Director Daniel Westbrook was elected as first vice president of the Emergency Management of Georgia Board of Directors, a role he will begin in 2025, while Deputy Director Rebecah Logan earned her Advanced Certified Emergency Manager certification. These advancements highlight the agency’s commitment to training and preparedness, enabling them to better serve the community and lead during emergencies, such as Logan’s deployment to assist hurricane recovery efforts in South Georgia. 

Commercial: 11.14.24 FALANY DEC REV_FINAL 

STORY 6: Trump Chooses Loeffler to Head Small Business Administration 

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated former U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler to lead the Small Business Administration. A wealthy Atlanta businesswoman, Loeffler previously served in the Senate after being appointed by Gov. Brian Kemp in 2020 to fill a vacancy. She lost her re-election bid in 2021 to Sen. Raphael Warnock. Known for her loyalty to Trump, Loeffler backed his election fraud claims and later founded Greater Georgia to bolster GOP voter efforts. Her business background includes roles as CEO of Bakkt, a cryptocurrency subsidiary, and co-ownership of the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream. Her nomination now awaits Senate confirmation. 

STORY 7: One Year After Teen's Death, Traffic Plan set for Light Show 

New traffic safety measures have been implemented in Kennesaw following the tragic death of 17-year-old Olivia Pugh, who was struck by a vehicle near the Lights of Joy display in 2023. To improve pedestrian safety, visitors to the display are now directed to park at Futures Church, where 120 spots are available, and use a marked, illuminated pedestrian path to cross Ben King Road. Cones, white lines, and illuminated signs warn drivers to slow down, and off-duty police officers are stationed to manage traffic. The show organizers, Sherrie and Richard Taylor, enhanced safety with a $50,000 budget increase and the introduction of mandatory entry donations to offset rising security costs. The Lights of Joy display will run nightly through Dec. 29 at 1510 Ben King Road, continuing its mission to bring joy while prioritizing visitor safety. 

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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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