Northwest Georgia NewsGrand Jury Indicts Four in Gang-Related Murder of 3-Year-Old
COMMERCIAL:
From the Ingles Studio this is The Northwest Georgia News Podcast from the Rome News Tribune, Calhoun Times, Catoosa Walker News, and Polk County Standard.
Today is Saturday, June 8th and happy heavenly birthday to actor Jerry Stiller.
***06.08.24 – BIRTHDAY – JERRY STILLER***
I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Northwest Georgia is talking about presented by Drake Realty.
- Grand Jury Indicts Four in Gang-Related Murder of 3-Year-Old
- Georgia Appellate Court Pauses Trump Election Interference Case
- Father Charged with Kidnapping 11-Year-Old Boy
These stories and more are coming up in today’s edition of the Northwest Georgia News podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!
Commercial: DRAKE
STORY 1: Grand Jury Indicts Four in Gang-Related Murder of 3-Year-Old
An Athens-Clarke County grand jury indicted four members of the "Everybody Eats" street gang for the fatal shooting of 3-year-old Kyron Santino Zarco Smith. The boy was killed in March when a bullet entered his home, also injuring his 9-year-old brother. The indictment includes charges of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, and violating the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act. The gang members allegedly targeted a rival gang to bolster their status within "Everybody Eats." Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr highlighted the disproportionate impact of gang violence on lower-income minorities and emphasized the importance of safety for all Georgians. The Gang Prosecution Unit, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, pursued the indictment, part of ongoing efforts to address gang-related crime.
STORY 2: Georgia Appellate Court Pauses Trump Election Interference Case
The Georgia Court of Appeals has scheduled former President Donald Trump's appeal of a lower court ruling in the Georgia election interference case for October. This appeal concerns Trump's attempt to remove Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis from prosecuting the case due to her prior relationship with an attorney involved. The trial is unlikely to take place before the Nov. 5 election. Trump faces charges related to the 2020 presidential election, the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, and federal charges for retaining classified documents. He was also convicted in New York City on 34 felonies related to falsifying business records.
STORY 3: Father Charged with Kidnapping 11-Year-Old Boy
Floyd County Police officers rescued an 11-year-old boy kidnapped by his father, Ronnie Antonio Martin, following a domestic altercation. Martin, 40, who lacks custodial rights, fled with the child after a physical dispute with the mother. Charges against Martin include felony kidnapping, aggravated assault, and cruelty to children, among others. The boy was safely recovered, and Martin is detained without bond.
We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.
Back in a moment.
Commercial: INGLES 7
STORY 4: Gordon County Holds First Budget Hearing, Recent Certifications Recognized
Gordon County Government held its first public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget, projecting a General Fund of $46.9 million, up from $44 million. The budget includes a 3% COLA raise for employees, hiring additional staff, and investing in various departments. Revenue projections cover categories like taxes, charges for services, and intergovernmental income. A finalized budget will be discussed at the next County Commission meeting on June 18. In other news, employee achievements were recognized, including Keith King's completion of the Certified Public Manager Program. Commissioners also addressed re-appointments, property agreements, service renewals, and equipment purchases, emphasizing fiscal responsibility. The next board meeting is scheduled for June 18, open to the public.
STORY 5: Grants to Help Match Education with Industry Needs
Georgia is allocating over $200,000 in grants to 15 school districts to enhance alignment between their technical education programs and local industry demands. The grants, awarded through a competitive process, aim to bridge workforce needs and Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) offerings. The districts will partner with the University of Georgia's Carl Vinson Institute of Government to analyze community workforce needs and adjust CTAE programs accordingly. Governor Brian Kemp emphasized the importance of preparing students for diverse career opportunities, while State School Superintendent Richard Woods highlighted the goal of ensuring graduates are job-ready. The initiative targets districts across Georgia, aiming to equip students with skills for thriving careers within their communities.
Back in just a moment
Commercial: DRAKE
STORY 6: 40th Anniversary of "Remember the Removal" Bike Ride
The "Remember the Removal" annual bike ride commemorates the Trail of Tears journey taken by Cherokee ancestors. This year marks its 40th anniversary, with original riders from 1984 attending. The route spans several states, ending in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, the Cherokee Nation's capital. Riders visit significant historical sites along the way, fostering emotional connections and personal growth. The ride aims to honor those forcibly removed from their lands and educate future generations. It's a transformative experience, fostering lasting bonds and instilling confidence in participants. The event's growth reflects its enduring significance, with original riders' children now taking part. Follow the journey on the event's Facebook page or Cherokee Phoenix's website.
STORY 7: Five Georgia School Districts Land Grants for Electric Buses
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $29.4 million in grant funding to five Georgia school districts to purchase electric school buses. The districts in Brooks, Clayton, DeKalb, Douglas, and Jeff Davis counties will benefit from this initiative. Electric buses produce zero tailpipe emissions, offering significant environmental and health benefits. Additionally, five other Georgia counties will receive grants to buy propane buses, which, while still fossil fuel-dependent, are cleaner than diesel buses. The switch to electric buses will not only improve air quality but also result in long-term cost savings for the school districts.
We’ll have closing comments after this.
COMMERCIAL: INGLES 8
Sign off--
Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Northwest Georgia News 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 https://www.northwestgeorgianews.com/
Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
Produced by the BG Podcast Network
Show Sponsors:
#NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash
