CTL Script/ Top Stories of October 31st
Publish Date: October 31st
Pre-Roll:
From the Ingles Studio Welcome to the Award-Winning Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast
Today is Friday, October 31st and Happy Birthday to John Candy
I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are the stories Cherokee is talking about, presented by Times Journal
- Cherokee County food pantries preparing for SNAP freeze
- Walmart drone delivery service coming to Woodstock
- Pigtails & Crewcuts announces new Woodstock salon owner
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 10
STORY 1: Cherokee County food pantries preparing for SNAP freeze
With the federal government shutdown, SNAP benefits—food stamps—are set to stop this Saturday, leaving over 1.4 million Georgians scrambling. Food pantries in Cherokee County are bracing for the surge.
MUST Ministries is already feeling the strain. They’re ramping up efforts with mobile pantries, fresh food distributions, and toy shop registrations already spiking. Donations? Desperately needed.
Encompass Ministries is rolling out weekly food boxes and bread tables, while Never Alone Food Pantry is building emergency kits and asking for canned meats, diapers, and financial help.
Veterans? American Legion Post 45 is opening a pantry for active-duty families, offering free non-perishables.
The need is overwhelming, but these organizations are stepping up. Want to help? Visit their websites or donate directly. Every bit counts.
STORY 2: Walmart drone delivery service coming to Woodstock
Big news for Woodstock: the Walmart on Highway 92 is gearing up to launch drone deliveries—yes, drones. The city announced it’s approved permits for Wing, in partnership with Walmart, to start flying orders straight to customers’ homes. When? No exact date yet, but first, the store needs a “nest” built—a hub for 18 drones to charge, launch, and land.
Mayor Michael Caldwell called it a step into the future, saying Woodstock is all about innovation (with safety in mind, of course).
So, how does it work? Through the Wing app, you’ll pick your delivery spot—driveway, backyard, wherever—and confirm it’s clear. The drones, fully electric and FAA-regulated, can carry up to 2.5 pounds and fly six miles one way. Groceries, household goods, even over-the-counter meds? All fair game. Alcohol and prescriptions? Not so much.
Wing’s already had success in other states like Texas, and now Woodstock’s joining the club. Stay tuned—your next Walmart order might just land in your yard.
STORY 3: Pigtails & Crewcuts announces new Woodstock salon owner
Pigtails & Crewcuts, the beloved kids’ hair salon, is changing hands in Woodstock and Roswell. Kelly Talal, a local mom and owner of the Marietta West Cobb location, is taking over.
For Kelly and her husband, this isn’t just business—it’s personal. “As a parent, I know how stressful haircuts can be,” she said. “But Pigtails & Crewcuts? It turns chaos into fun. The themed chairs, the kind stylists—it’s magic for kids.”
With a background in advertising and a knack for building community, Kelly’s ready to lead. Her husband handles the numbers; she handles the heart.
The salons, with their bright colors, vehicle chairs, and even birthday party rooms, will keep running as usual—maybe even expand hours down the road.
For updates, check out their Facebook page or website.
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We’ll be right back.
Break: Ingles Markets 10
STORY 4: Cherokee County Football Power Rankings - Week 12
The Cherokee County football power rankings are in, and as Week 12 approaches, there’s plenty to talk about—big wins, tough losses, and everything in between.
No. 1 — Sequoyah (8-1, 5-1)
The Chiefs? Absolute beasts. Last Friday, they obliterated Pope 70-13, breaking their own scoring record again. QB Kolby Martin was nearly perfect—seven passes, five touchdowns, 169 yards. Oh, and Will Rajecki? Just casually racking up 100+ yards on seven carries. They’re tied for first in Region 6AAAAA and face Creekview next. Buckle up.
No. 2 — Creekview (5-4, 5-1)
The Grizzlies are rolling. They edged out River Ridge 21-14 last week, locking in a playoff spot. Their only region loss? A nail-biter against Sprayberry. With a bruising run game and a stingy defense, they’re ready for their showdown with Sequoyah.
No. 3 — Woodstock (6-3, 4-2)
The Wolverines bounced back strong, shutting out Riverwood 23-0 after a tough loss to Sequoyah. Trace Washington was unstoppable—136 yards on 17 carries. Coach Dan Devine has this team playoff-bound for the second year in a row.
No. 4 — River Ridge (6-3, 3-3)
The Knights are struggling. Two straight losses, and QB Hunter Lockerman’s absence is glaring. The defense, led by Wyatt McCarty and Matthew Burdette, is solid, but the offense needs a spark. They’ll try to end on a high note against Lassiter.
No. 5 — Etowah (3-7, 1-5)
The Eagles’ season is over, but there’s hope. QB Zeke Douglass and WR Walker Hughes were a dynamic duo, and most of their key players will return in 2026.
No. 6 — Cherokee (1-9, 0-6)
A rough year for the Warriors, but there’s promise. Freshman QB Zack Parker and lineman Nation Farmer are bright spots. With new facilities coming in 2026, they’re looking to rebuild.
STORY 5: Turn lane coming to Lakeside Drive at Holly Springs Parkway
Changes are on the way for the intersection of Lakeside Drive and Holly Springs Parkway, right where new apartments and townhomes are going up.
On Oct. 21, Cherokee County commissioners gave the green light for Calco Engineering to start designing improvements for the intersection. The project, tied to a 2021 rezoning deal with Quintus Development, includes a right-turn lane from Lakeside onto Holly Springs Parkway.
As part of that deal, the developer chipped in $200,000 toward the lane’s construction. Now, with $42,000 approved for design work, plans are moving forward. A conceptual design will be reviewed before detailed plans are finalized.
And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on carrots
Commercial:
We’ll have closing comments after this.
COMMERCIAL: Ingles Markets 10
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