• Woodstock elected officials sworn in to serve new terms | Kemp to build roads, bridges during final year as Georgia governor | Canton man charged in Christmas shopping center fire
    Jan 16 2026
    CTL Script/ Top Stories of January 16th Publish Date: January 16th   Pre-Roll: From the Ingles Studio Welcome to the Award-Winning Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast  Today is Friday, January 16th and Happy Birthday to Albert Pujols I’m Chris Culwell and here are the stories Cherokee is talking about, presented by Times Journal Woodstock elected officials sworn in to serve new termsKemp to build roads, bridges during final year as Georgia governorCanton man charged in Christmas shopping center fire Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on raw milk 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 1 STORY 1: Woodstock elected officials sworn in to serve new terms Woodstock kicked off the week with a swearing-in ceremony on Monday, welcoming back familiar faces and appointing new ones to key boards. Municipal Court Judge Robert Tidwell swore in Mayor Michael Caldwell and Council Members Warren Johnson (Ward 1), Colin Ake (Ward 3), and Brian Wolfe (Ward 5)—all re-elected in November. Caldwell also administered oaths to Lisa Morton, Spencer Nix, and Melissa Madigan for the Downtown Development Authority, and Rob Hogan, Ali Najafi, and Chase Roth for the Planning Commission. “Public trust is no small thing,” Caldwell said. “Congratulations to everyone stepping up to serve.” The council also made appointments to the Ethics Board and Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. STORY 2: Kemp to build roads, bridges during final year as Georgia governor Gov. Brian Kemp isn’t coasting through his final year in office. Nope, he’s dropping over $2 billion into highway upgrades south and east of Atlanta—part of a $6 billion infrastructure push during his tenure. Speaking at the Georgia Chamber’s Eggs and Issues event Wednesday, Kemp credited “conservative budgeting” for making it all possible. “While some politicians just talk about affordability,” he said, “we’re actually doing something.” Big-ticket items? $1.8 billion for express lanes on I-75 in Henry County, $200 million to overhaul Georgia 316, and $250 million for local road grants. Oh, and $50 million to tackle homelessness ahead of the World Cup. Meanwhile, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and House Speaker Jon Burns are laser-focused on taxes—property, income, you name it. Burns even floated eliminating homestead property taxes statewide. It’s a busy year for Georgia politics, to say the least. STORY 3: Canton man charged in Christmas shopping center fire  A Canton teenager is facing serious charges after allegedly setting fire to a vacant shopping center on Christmas Day. Firefighters were called to the Canton Village shopping center on Marietta Road around 3:15 p.m., finding smoke pouring from the roof and flames inside. Crews worked quickly—hoses out, building searched—but thankfully, no one was inside, and no injuries were reported. After an investigation involving fire officials, Canton Police, and the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office, 19-year-old Blake Louis Bishop was arrested Tuesday. He’s charged with first-degree arson, second-degree criminal damage, and loitering. The city-owned shopping center, set for demolition, required 30 firefighters and hours to fully extinguish the blaze. 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 2 STORY 4: Morales breaks record, Gold returns for New Years Kickoff meet At the New Year’s Kickoff swim meet, held Jan. 9-11 at UGA’s Ramsey Center, Mila Morales of Chattahoochee Gold shattered a 19-year-old club record in the girls’ 8U 50-yard freestyle. Her time? A blazing 30.95 seconds, dethroning Lauren Case’s long-standing mark. The meet wasn’t scored—more of a post-holiday tune-up—but Chattahoochee Gold swimmers still made waves. Ava Gana stole the show with five wins, including the 12U 400 IM (4:56.31) and 200 backstroke (2:20.22). Meanwhile, Ella Malave snagged gold in the 13+ 100 breaststroke (1:05.96), and Bryston Burks dropped six seconds to win the 12U 200 breaststroke (2:48.08). Plenty of top-10 finishes, too—this team’s on fire. FALCONS: The Atlanta Falcons officially introduced Matt Ryan as their new president of football on Tuesday, and honestly, it feels like a full-circle moment. At the press conference in Flowery Branch, Ryan—who spent 14 seasons as the face of the franchise—spoke about his “unfinished business” with the team. “Since I was drafted, my mission’s been the same: help this organization win championships. We came close, had some success, but I believe we’ll get there,” he said. After retiring and working as a CBS Sports analyst, Ryan ...
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    12 min
  • Fincher wins runoff for Cherokee County’s state House seat | Farm Bureau seeks entries for High School Art Contest | Georgia Republicans move to scrap state income tax by 2032 despite concerns
    Jan 9 2026
    CTL Script/ Top Stories of January 9th Publish Date: January 9th   Pre-Roll: From the Ingles Studio Welcome to the Award-Winning Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast  Today is Friday, January 9th and Happy Birthday to Jimmy Page I’m Chris Culwell and here are the stories Cherokee is talking about, presented by Times Journal Fincher wins runoff for Cherokee County’s state House seatFarm Bureau seeks entries for High School Art ContestGeorgia Republicans move to scrap state income tax by 2032 despite concerns Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on saturated fats 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 10 STORY 1: Fincher wins runoff for Cherokee County’s state House seat Republican Bill Fincher is poised to take the Georgia House District 23 seat, according to unofficial results. With all precincts reporting by 8:57 p.m. Tuesday, Fincher secured 71.38% of the vote—4,345 ballots—against Democrat Scott Sanders, who pulled in 1,742 votes. Fincher, a retired assistant DA and RV park owner, thanked supporters on Facebook: “To everyone who voted, knocked doors, prayed, or just believed—thank you. I’m humbled and ready to get to work.” Sanders, meanwhile, called his campaign a success, saying, “We hit every goal and laid the groundwork for 2026. No more uncontested elections.” The seat, left vacant after Rep. Mandi Ballinger’s passing, saw six candidates in the Dec. 9 special election. Fincher and Sanders advanced to the runoff. Turnout was low—just 13.75%—with most votes cast on Election Day. Results will be certified Friday after the elections board reviews one provisional ballot. STORY 2: Farm Bureau seeks entries for High School Art Contest Hey, high school artists—this one’s for you! The 2026 Georgia Farm Bureau High School Art Contest is here, and there’s cash on the line. The state winner gets $250, and 10 district winners snag $100 each. Not bad, right? It’s open to all 9th–12th graders (public, private, or homeschool). The rules? Create your masterpiece on 8.5 x 11-inch white paper using black, white, and gray. Use whatever works—charcoal, graphite, pen, chalk, mixed media, you name it. Just one entry per person, though. Deadline? Feb. 6. Drop your entry at the Cherokee County Farm Bureau office. Questions? Call 770-479-1481. Let’s see what you’ve got! STORY 3: Georgia Republicans move to scrap state income tax by 2032 despite concerns  Cutting state income taxes sounds great, right? But here’s the catch: how do you replace billions in lost revenue without gutting schools, health care, or public safety—or jacking up other taxes? That’s the question Georgia Republicans are wrestling with as they push to eliminate the state’s personal income tax by 2032. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, eyeing the governor’s mansion in 2026, is leading the charge, with State Sen. Blake Tillery backing him up. Their plan? Start by exempting the first $50,000 of income for singles ($100,000 for couples) in 2027. Sounds nice, but it’d cost the state $3.8 billion in year one alone. Tillery says they’ll cover it with surplus funds and borrowing for infrastructure, but critics—Democrats and even some Republicans—aren’t sold. For now, the debate rages on. 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 1 STORY 4: Prep Roundup: Hamby, Bass have record-setting nights Creekview’s Kailyn Hamby had a night to remember, shattering both the single-game and all-time scoring records as the Grizzlies rolled past Sprayberry, 62-35. Hamby dropped 33 points, grabbed six boards, and helped Creekview climb to 13-1 overall and 4-0 in Region 6AAAAA. They’re now neck-and-neck with River Ridge for the top spot. Next up? A Friday showdown at Pope. Meanwhile, River Ridge stayed unbeaten in region play, edging Pope 70-60 behind Finley Parker’s 28 points and Makayla Roberson’s 25. Elsewhere, North Paulding handled Etowah 56-46, and Sequoyah crushed Woodstock 78-50 with a dominant third-quarter run. Cherokee also outlasted Wheeler, 41-34. PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Will Rajecki. If you’ve followed Cherokee County football these past few years, you know the name. It’s only fitting he caps off his high school career as the 2025 Cherokee County Offensive Player of the Year. Records? He smashed them. Flashy stats? Oh, plenty. Rajecki was the heart of Sequoyah’s offense, leading the Chiefs to their first region title since 2003 and back-to-back state quarterfinals for the first time ever. The numbers are wild: 4,049 career rushing yards (a school record), 66 all-purpose touchdowns, and ...
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    13 min
  • Cherokee County’s Development Service Center going cashless | Cherokee County musician Kurt Lee Wheeler performs in movie | MLK Day Unity Breakfast returning to Canton after hiatus
    Jan 2 2026
    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 Cherokee County’s Development Service Center going cashless Cherokee County musician Kurt Lee Wheeler performs in movie 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 ...
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    14 min
  • Cherokee High School student places in statewide art contest | Salleigh Grubbs appointed to State Election Board | Georgia DOT suspends lane closures for the holidays
    Dec 26 2025
    CTL Script/ Top Stories of December 26th Publish Date: December 26th   Pre-Roll: From the Ingles Studio Welcome to the Award-Winning Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast  Today is Friday, December 26th and Happy Birthday to Lars Ulrich I’m Chris Culwell and here are the stories Cherokee is talking about, presented by Times Journal Cherokee High School student places in statewide art contestSalleigh Grubbs appointed to State Election BoardGeorgia DOT suspends lane closures for the holidays Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on holiday foods 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 8 STORY 1: Cherokee High School student places in statewide art contest Cherokee High senior Grace Dai just snagged second place in the Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites Art Contest, and her piece, “The Fall of the House of Chief Vann,” is heading to the Georgia State Capitol for the 2026 legislative session. Pretty cool, right? Dai’s no stranger to recognition—she’s been in the Governor’s Honors Program for Visual Arts, featured in the Atlanta High School Art Exhibit, and, oh yeah, she’s also a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist. Her art teacher, Morgan Clifton, must be beaming. Grace? She’s clearly on a roll, and it doesn’t look like she’s slowing down anytime soon. STORY 2: Salleigh Grubbs appointed to State Election Board Salleigh Grubbs, former Cobb GOP Chair, is stepping into a new role on the State Election Board. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones appointed her to fill the seat left by Rick Jeffares, who stepped down last week. It’s a “recess appointment,” Grubbs explained, and she’s diving in right away. “I’m honored, humbled—really, all of it,” she said. “Fair elections have been my focus for years, and I’m ready to get to work.” A Marietta native, Grubbs led the Cobb GOP until earlier this year and now serves as the Georgia GOP’s first vice chair. “This is about transparency,” she added. STORY 3: Georgia DOT suspends lane closures for the holidays  With the holidays here, the Georgia DOT is giving drivers a little gift: no lane closures on interstates, major routes, or roads near shopping hotspots. From Dec. 23 at 6 a.m. to Dec. 28 at 10 p.m., and again from Dec. 31 at 5 a.m. to Jan. 2 at 5 a.m., you’ll get a break from the cones. But don’t get too comfy—crews might still be working nearby, and emergencies? Yeah, those closures can still happen. Stay sharp, watch for signs, and check the 511GA app for updates. Safe travels, y’all. 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 9 STORY 4: High-Scoring Georgia Men's Basketball Continues Non-Conference Roll With SEC play looming, Georgia’s men’s basketball team has plenty to feel good about. Monday night, they steamrolled West Georgia 103-74, improving to 11-1 and keeping their spotless 35-0 home non-conference record under coach Mike White intact. Blue Cain and Jeremiah Wilkinson were on fire, combining for 39 points. Cain dropped 20 on 9-of-13 shooting, adding four assists and three steals. “They told me about the 100-point record after the game,” Cain said. “It’s cool, but we’re just focused on playing the right way.” Somto Cyril? A beast. Fifteen points, 15 boards, four blocks. SEC, here they come. FALCONS: Bijan Robinson was electric, C.J. Henderson clutch, and the Falcons? They held on—barely. Atlanta edged Arizona 26-19 on Sunday, thanks to Henderson’s diving interception with 90 seconds left, slamming the door on the Cardinals’ final drive. Robinson? Unreal. 171 total yards, a touchdown grab, and a spot in Falcons history—just the third player to hit 2,000 scrimmage yards in a season. Not bad company: Jamal Anderson, William Andrews. Arizona? Another heartbreak. Seven straight losses, 12 of their last 13. Brissett’s 203 yards weren’t enough, and a wild Michael Wilson TD catch wasn’t either. Atlanta’s still alive. Barely. I’m Keith Ippolito and this is your tribune ledger sports minute. STORY 5: Incoming Mayor Dennis Nelson shares goals for Ball Ground  Dennis Nelson has big plans for Ball Ground. The incoming mayor, set to be sworn in Jan. 15, wants to turn Ball Ground Highway into a bustling commercial corridor and add a new park—maybe even the city’s first dog park. “Right now, it’s just an empty stretch,” he said. “People want to stay local, not drive miles for dinner or shopping.” Nelson’s also focused on the truck bypass project, aiming to keep heavy traffic out of downtown. “Everyone’s tired of the trucks,” he said. A ...
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    11 min
  • Sawnee EMC announces a balanced rate approach for 2026 | Northside Hospital Cherokee named one of the best in U.S. for maternity care | School board honors retiring Chief of Staff Mike McGowan
    Dec 19 2025
    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 Sawnee EMC announces a balanced rate approach for 2026Northside Hospital Cherokee named one of the best in U.S. for maternity careSchool 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 ...
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    23 min
  • Canton Lions Club donates $6K to 'Shop with a Cop' program | New taco fusion restaurant opens in Woodstock’s Towne Lake | Road closure planned for Cherokee Avenue in Nelson
    Dec 12 2025
    CTL Script/ Top Stories of December 12th Publish Date: December 12th   Pre-Roll: From the Ingles Studio Welcome to the Award-Winning Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast  Today is Friday, December 12th and Happy Birthday to Frank Sinatra I’m Chris Culwell and here are the stories Cherokee is talking about, presented by Times Journal Canton Lions Club donates $6K to 'Shop with a Cop' programNew taco fusion restaurant opens in Woodstock’s Towne LakeRoad closure planned for Cherokee Avenue in Nelson Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on milk 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: Canton Lions Club donates $6K to 'Shop with a Cop' program The Canton Lions Club stepped up in a big way Tuesday, donating $6,000 to the Canton Police Department’s “Shop with a Cop” program—a holiday tradition that brings smiles to kids and families in need across Cherokee County. Lions Club members Shawn Tolan and Marty Taylor handed over the check, and they weren’t alone in their generosity. The Laurel Canyon Optimist Club chipped in another $1,500 to help make this year’s event even bigger. “This program is everything,” said Canton Police Chief Marty Ferrell. “It’s about connection, joy, and showing kids we’re here for them. We couldn’t do it without these amazing partners.” STORY 2: New taco fusion restaurant opens in Woodstock’s Towne Lake There’s a new taco spot in Towne Lake, and it’s not your typical taco joint. Towne Lake Taco Co., owned by Rick and Julie VanBuren, is throwing a grand opening party this Thursday through Saturday, complete with deals, giveaways, and a special-edition taco. “We’re not a Mexican restaurant,” Rick said. “We’re a fusion spot—tacos are just our canvas to play with flavors.” And play they do. This weekend’s exclusive? A steak au poivre taco with sirloin, greens, and a peppercorn sauce spiked with Grandaddy Mimm’s sorghum rum. Deals include free tacos, $45 taco flights, and $8 sangrias. Oh, and brownie chimichangas for dessert. STORY 3: Road closure planned for Cherokee Avenue in Nelson  Heads up, Nelson residents—storm drainpipe work is coming to Cherokee Avenue, and it’s going to mean a road closure. From Dec. 15 to Dec. 19, the stretch between 61 and 98 Cherokee Avenue will be shut down. Here’s the deal: if you’re at 61, you’ll need to head west to get in or out. If you’re at 98, it’s east for you. Signs will go up at Dogwood Pass and Hillside Lane to mark the closure. Be careful around the crews and equipment, and please follow the work zone signs—it’s for everyone’s safety. Questions? Call 678-493-6077. Thanks for your patience! 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 7 STORY 4: Chattahoochee Gold grabs top three finish at senior state championships  The Chattahoochee Gold Swim Club made waves at the Georgia Senior State Championships in Athens last weekend, with both the boys and girls teams landing top-three finishes. The boys snagged second place with 587.5 points, just behind Swim Atlanta (622) and ahead of Dynamo (505). Asher Cooper was the standout, racking up 90 points with wins in the 200 backstroke (1:47.77) and 200 butterfly (1:51.11). Parker Hebert and Jack Lynch also delivered big, with Hebert taking second in the 500 freestyle (4:33.09). On the girls’ side, they finished third overall, led by Ashlyn Loftin’s 55 points and Ariana Lutz’s two first-place swims, including the 500 freestyle (4:58.75). BRAVES: The Atlanta Braves just inked a deal with free-agent outfielder Mike Yastrzemski—yep, Carl Yastrzemski’s grandson—for two years and $23 million, with an option for a third. Yaz (the younger) has had an up-and-down career. He burst onto the scene in 2019, hitting .272 with 21 homers as a rookie, and even snagged some MVP votes in 2020 when he batted .297 during the shortened season. But since 2021? He hasn’t quite found that same spark, hitting .233 with 17 homers last year between the Giants and Royals. At 35, he’s likely looking at left field or a fourth-outfielder role—Acuña’s got right field locked down. I’m Keith Ippolito and this is your tribune ledger sports minute. STORY 5: Cherokee Chick-fil-As donate $155K for local charities  The Operators and Marketing Directors of Cherokee County’s six Chick-fil-A and Truett’s Grill locations handed over a jaw-dropping $155,000 check to the Cherokee County Educational ...
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    21 min
  • New Jersey Mike’s Subs location opening in Hickory Flat | FBI warns about rise in charity and disaster-relief fraud as holiday season ramps up | Walmart launches drone delivery service in Woodstock
    Dec 5 2025
    CTL Script/ Top Stories of December 5th Publish Date: December 5th   Pre-Roll: From the Ingles Studio Welcome to the Award-Winning Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast  Today is Friday, December 5th and Happy Birthday to Walt Disney I’m Chris Culwell and here are the stories Cherokee is talking about, presented by Times Journal New Jersey Mike’s Subs location opening in Hickory FlatFBI warns about rise in charity and disaster-relief fraud as holiday season ramps upWalmart launches drone delivery service in Woodstock Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on carrots 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 Markets 5 STORY 1: New Jersey Mike’s Subs location opening in Hickory Flat Jersey Mike’s Subs opened its doors at 6764 Hickory Road in the Hickory Flat community this Wednesday. From Dec. 3 to 7, the new location will support Every Link Matters, a nonprofit helping kids with KBG Syndrome. Got one of their special fundraising coupons? Donate at least $3, and you’ll snag a regular sub in return. No coupon, no deal—so keep an eye out for those flyers. “We’re so excited to join the Woodstock community,” said franchise owner Diego Rangel. “Giving back is who we are. Partnering with Every Link Matters lets us make a real difference—one sub at a time.” Hungry? You can order in-store, online, or through the Jersey Mike’s app. Delivery and curbside pickup are also options. The shop will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more info, visit jerseymikes.com or call 470-523-8055. Looking for a job? Email nico@rangelcompanies.com. STORY 2: FBI warns about rise in charity and disaster-relief fraud as holiday season ramps up The holidays are here, and so are the scammers—because, of course, they are. The FBI is warning folks to watch out for charity and disaster-relief fraud, which always seems to spike after major disasters or crises. These scammers? They’re sneaky. They’ll pose as legit charities, relief workers, or even government agencies, using emails, fake websites, crowdfunding pages, or social media to tug at your heartstrings—and your wallet. Sometimes they’ll even offer cleanup services, demand payment upfront, and then vanish. The FBI’s advice? Double-check charities before donating, skip sketchy links, and stick to secure payments (no gift cards or wire transfers). Stay sharp out there. STORY 3: Walmart launches drone delivery service in Woodstock  Residents near the Woodstock Walmart on Highway 92 can now have small packages delivered by drone—yes, drones. Walmart and Wing, the drone company behind the service, kicked things off Wednesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the first official delivery. Woodstock is one of six metro Atlanta cities chosen for the launch, alongside Conyers, Dallas, Hiram, Loganville, and McDonough. The drones, fully electric and weighing about 11 pounds, can carry up to two pounds of goods and fly six miles one way. They operate quietly at low altitudes, dropping packages to designated spots like driveways or backyards. Here is what Senator John Albers had to say about these new delivery drones. JOHN ALBERS CUT To see if you’re eligible, visit wing.com/atlanta. 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 6 STORY 4: Wolverines perfect through five games Woodstock basketball is on fire. Under third-year coach Eric Blair, the Wolverines are off to a perfect 5-0 start—already their best in nearly a decade. They crushed Roswell 58-34 before Thanksgiving, thanks to sophomore phenom Jahmar Maurice dropping 21 points. The team’s averaging 70.4 points per game, a huge leap from last year’s 57.7. They’ve blown out opponents like Blessed Trinity (by 30!) and edged out a nail-biter against Chapel Hill. With region play kicking off today against Creekview, the Wolverines are eyeing a championship. They swept the Grizzlies last year, and a win this week would be a big step toward that goal. For now, though, this team is rolling—and it’s hard not to get excited about what’s ahead. GA BULLDOGS: Georgia lost five-star quarterback Jared Curtis to Vanderbilt just before National Signing Day, dropping their recruiting class to No. 6. Despite the hit, the Bulldogs signed 30 players, including one five-star, defensive lineman Valdin Sone, and 22 four-stars. Key signees include local standout Craig Dandridge Jr., three top tight ends like Kaiden Prothro, and Colquitt County running back Jae Lamar. Defense was a focus, with edge rushers Pierre Dean and Khamari Brooks, plus safeties Jordan Smith and Zech Fort. Gwinnett County contributed five players, including Carter ...
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    11 min
  • Holiday lights on display in metro Atlanta | ‘Elf The Musical’ coming to Fox Theatre for the Christmas season |Thanksgiving travel rush kicks off, more expected to drive than fly
    Nov 28 2025
    CTL Script/ Top Stories of November 28th Publish Date: November 28th   Pre-Roll: From the Ingles Studio Welcome to the Award-Winning Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast  Today is Friday, November 28th and Happy Birthday to Dave Righetti I’m Chris Culwell and here are the stories Cherokee is talking about, presented by Times Journal Holiday lights on display in metro Atlanta‘Elf The Musical’ coming to Fox Theatre for the Christmas seasonThanksgiving travel rush kicks off, more expected to drive than fly Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on soy and oat milk 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: STRAND THEATRE STORY 1: Holiday lights on display in metro Atlanta The holidays are here, and metro Atlanta is lighting up—literally. Whether you’re cruising through a drive-thru wonderland or strolling under glowing canopies, there’s magic everywhere. Candy Rush at Six Flags (Marietta): A mile of lights, candy canes, and a gingerbread village. Sweet tooth? Satisfied. Nov. 14–Jan. 4. $39.99 per car. Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens: Seven miles, 10 million lights, and Santa. Forbes loves it, and so will you. Nov. 14–Jan. 4. Tickets start at $24.99. Lanier Islands’ Magical Nights of Lights: Six miles of twinkling displays. Pure nostalgia. Nov. 15–Jan. 4. From $25. WildWoods: AGLOW at Fernbank: Glowing gardens, luminous dandelions, and interactive magic. Nov. 14–Feb. 28. From $16.95. Go make some memories! STORY 2: ‘Elf The Musical’ coming to Fox Theatre for the Christmas season Buddy the Elf is in town, and he’s bringing the holiday cheer! “Elf The Musical” is hitting the Fox Theatre stage Dec. 16-21, but Buddy’s not waiting till then to spread some Christmas magic. Catch him around Atlanta this weekend: Friday night at The Blind Elf Parlour Bar (5:30-7:30 p.m.), or Saturday at the Children’s Museum (10 a.m.-noon), the Georgia Festival of Trees (2-4 p.m.), and Atlantic Station’s Light the Station event (4-7:30 p.m.). So, grab your syrup and get ready—it’s gonna be festive! STORY 3: Thanksgiving travel rush kicks off, more expected to drive than fly  Thanksgiving travel chaos? AAA predicts 2.3 million Georgians will hit the road this holiday, joining 73 million Americans nationwide who’d rather drive than fly. GDOT’s trying to help, pausing roadwork through Sunday, but drivers? Slow down. Early sunsets are causing more accidents. 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 4 STORY 4: Chiefs host Roswell, eye historic playoff win In a season where breaking records feels almost routine, Sequoyah is gearing up for its second straight trip to the quarterfinals—fourth in program history—chasing a first-ever spot in the Class AAAAA semis. Thirty-six years of history, and this senior-heavy squad is rewriting it all. Last week’s 48-28 win over Newnan? Another milestone. The Chiefs (11-1) smashed their single-season scoring record, with running back Will Rajecki breaking the career rushing mark and longtime coach James Teter becoming Cherokee County’s all-time wins leader. But now, it’s Roswell (11-1). “They’re explosive,” Teter said. “We’ve got to slow them down—long drives, limit possessions. Make them uncomfortable.” Roswell’s offense is terrifying: 44.5 points per game, led by dual-threat QB Trey Smith (2,451 passing yards, 1,026 rushing) and running back Nick Peal (1,256 yards, 19 TDs). They’ve hit 50-plus points six times this season. But Sequoyah’s offense isn’t backing down. With 505 points this year, it’s the best in program history. Rajecki (1,792 yards, 19 TDs), QB Kolby Martin, and receiver Brooks Darling have been unstoppable, backed by a veteran line. “This senior group is special,” Teter said. “They’ve grown together, and it shows. They’re comfortable, confident, and ready.” Friday night, it’s all on the line. STORY 5: More than 4 million expected to pass through Atlanta airport during Thanksgiving season Thanksgiving travel is in full swing, and Hartsfield-Jackson is bracing for over 4 million passengers. “It’s like our Super Bowl,” said General Manager Ricky Smith, half-joking but clearly ready for the chaos. The busiest day? Dec. 1, with 375,000 travelers expected—though that’s slightly down from last year, thanks to folks opting for road trips during the recent government shutdown. Still, the airport’s pulling out all the stops: new info totems, real-time TSA wait times, and extra security (some visible, some not). Smith’s advice? Arrive early, stay patient, and if something feels off, speak up. And now here is Leah ...
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    11 min