CTL Script/ Top Stories of December 19th 

Publish Date: December 19th 

Pre-Roll:  

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

Today is Friday, December 19th and Happy Birthday to Al Kaline 

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

1. Sawnee EMC announces a balanced rate approach for 2026
2. Northside Hospital Cherokee named one of the best in U.S. for maternity care
3. School board honors retiring Chief of Staff Mike McGowan

Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on saturated fats 

As well as Shane Delancey the Director of the Christmas Tradition at the Strand Theatre 

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!  

Here is Shane Delancey the Director of the Christmas Tradition at the Strand Theatre 

Commercial: THE STRAND 

STORY 1: Sawnee EMC announces a balanced rate approach for 2026 

Sawnee EMC has some good news for its members heading into 2026—most will see their monthly bills drop slightly in January compared to December. It’s not a huge change, but hey, every little bit helps, right? 

Here’s the deal: the Board of Directors voted to lower the Wholesale Power Cost Adjustment (WPCA) by $4.72 per month for accounts using 1,500 kWh. At the same time, they approved small increases to base charges—about $2 to $3 per month. The net result? A $2 monthly savings for most members using 1,500 kWh. 

For those using less energy, the savings will be smaller, but still there. 

Sawnee says it’s committed to keeping rates affordable and only making changes when absolutely necessary. Serving over 203,000 accounts across seven counties in north Georgia, they also offer energy-saving tips, rebates, and incentives to help members cut costs. 

Questions? Call 770-887-2363 or visit www.sawnee.coop. 

STORY 2: Northside Hospital Cherokee named one of the best in U.S. for maternity care 

 Northside Hospital Cherokee just snagged a big honor—it’s been named one of the nation’s top hospitals for maternity care by U.S. News & World Report. The “High Performing” rating puts it in the top 10% for uncomplicated pregnancies, making it one of only seven hospitals in Georgia to earn the distinction. 

Last year, nearly 3,000 babies were born at the Canton hospital, which also holds a Level III maternal care verification. Christina Roberts, director of women’s services, called the recognition a testament to their “high-quality, compassionate care.” 

Oh, and it’s not just maternity—Northside Cherokee also excels in 15 other areas, from cancer surgeries to heart failure care. 

STORY 3: School board honors retiring Chief of Staff Mike McGowan 

 After nearly 30 years with the Cherokee County School District, Mike McGowan is hanging up his hat—and the farewell was as heartfelt as you’d expect for someone who’s been a cornerstone of the district. 

At his final school board meeting last week, McGowan, CCSD’s first-ever chief of staff, was showered with gratitude, stories, and a few tears.  

Here is Superintendent Mary Elizabeth Davis and several school board members thanking McGowan for his service to CCSD. 

VO CLIPS  

From “hall monitor” to “everybody’s best friend,” McGowan’s legacy is clear: he made things better—for students, staff, and the entire community. 

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 Markets 8 

STORY 4: Names approved for new Cherokee High School athletic facilities 

Tommy Baker Field isn’t going anywhere—at least in name. 

Cherokee County’s school board made it official on Dec. 11: the new Cherokee High School’s football field will still be called Tommy Baker Field, while the stadium itself gets a fresh name, Warrior Stadium. For Cherokee’s athletic director Jeremy Adams, keeping the name alive wasn’t up for debate. 

The original Tommy Baker Field, home to the Warriors for 70 seasons, was named in 1958 after Tommy Baker, a student who passed away tragically in 1957. His legacy? Still strong. 

BRAVES:  Ha-Seong Kim is staying put in Atlanta—at least for another year. The 30-year-old shortstop signed a one-year, $20 million deal with the Braves on Monday, locking him in as the team’s starter for 2026. Not bad, considering he turned down a $16 million option just last month and walked away with an extra $4 million. 

Kim joined the Braves late last season, claimed off waivers from Tampa Bay on Sept. 1. He made an immediate impact, hitting .309 with a .372 OBP, three homers, and 12 RBIs in his first 19 games. Sure, he cooled off at the end—1-for-19 in the last five games—but the Braves clearly see his potential. 

Kim’s journey hasn’t been without bumps. Injuries sidelined him for much of 2025 with the Rays, where he hit just .214 in 24 games. But let’s not forget—this guy won a Gold Glove with the Padres in 2023 and has 84 career stolen bases. 

The Braves are betting on a bounce-back. And if Kim can channel his San Diego form, he could be a 3-4 WAR player. High hopes, but hey, the talent’s there. 

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

STORY 5: Tanner Place in Canton will soon welcome its first residents 

 Come January 1, the first families will finally move into Tanner Place, a long-awaited affordable housing community in Canton. The ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday wasn’t just about opening doors—it was about honoring a legacy. 

Pat Tanner, the neighborhood’s namesake and a former Canton City Council member, stood alongside her 98-year-old mother, Ozella Tanner, as she cut the ribbon. “This is humbling,” Tanner said, her voice full of emotion. “We knew this city needed safe, decent housing, and today, we’ve made that happen.” 

Tanner Place replaces 39 old units with 70 new ones, funded through state tax credits, HUD vouchers, and local contributions. Mayor Bill Grant called it “money well spent,” noting it’s the first new public housing in Canton in over 50 years. 

CHA Director Jacquelyn Loberg said 18 units are ready now, with more to follow in January.  

This project is just the beginning—next up, the redevelopment of Oakside Drive.  

And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on saturated fats 

Commercial:  

We’ll have closing comments after this.  

 COMMERCIAL: VILLA RICA WONDERLAND TRAIN 

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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