CTL Script/ Top Stories of June 20th
Publish Date: June 20th
Pre-Roll:
From the Ingles Studio Welcome to the Award-Winning Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast
Today is Friday, June 20th and Happy Birthday to
I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cherokee is talking about, presented by Times Journal
- 'An Excellent Investment in Woodstock's Future': City OKs $85.8M Budget
- Woodstock Couple Killed in Crash
- What's Next for Woodstock's Little River Park
Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on
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!
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STORY 1: 'An Excellent Investment in Woodstock's Future': City OKs $85.8M Budget
Woodstock City Council approved an $85.8 million budget for fiscal year 2026, reflecting a $5 million increase from 2025. Key investments include public safety, infrastructure, and employee benefits, such as a 2% cost-of-living raise. Public safety accounts for 48% of the general fund, with funding for a fire captain training officer, a parks program manager, and a court bailiff. The budget allocates $18.3 million for Little River Park and funds other parks and public works projects, including road improvements and trail extensions. A 4% water rate increase and SPLOST funds for public works and a new fire engine are included.
STORY 2: Woodstock Couple Killed in Crash
The Cherokee Sheriff’s Office is investigating a crash on Towne Lake Parkway near Woodstock that killed two people and seriously injured another. Deputies responded around 2 p.m. Monday to the scene, where a Tesla, reportedly driving “erratically,” left the road and struck a Toyota SUV exiting a Dunkin’ Donuts parking lot. Audrey Reardon, 77, a Tesla passenger, died at the scene, while her husband, Richard Reardon, 78, the driver, died later at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital. The Toyota driver was hospitalized in critical but stable condition. The Traffic Enforcement Unit is investigating the crash, with the cause still undetermined.
STORY 3: What's Next for Woodstock's Little River Park
Woodstock’s Little River Park construction is set to begin in July, with completion expected by late 2026. The City Council awarded an $8 million contract to Integrated Construction & Nobility, Inc. for the project, which will feature three zones: Trickum Road, Linear Corridor, and Woodlands Park. Plans include multi-use trails, boardwalks, pavilions, restrooms, a dog park, playgrounds, a fishing platform, a kayak launch, and renovated facilities. The park will span Little River, offering fishing, kayaking, and scenic trails. Woodstock has invested $1.5 million in land and $809,397 in design. Once finished, it will be the city’s largest park.
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STORY 4: Cherokee County Is Hiring Firefighters
Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services is hiring Recruit and Lateral Firefighters. The Recruit Firefighter role requires no prior experience and offers structured training, while the Lateral Firefighter position is for certified professionals with Firefighter II and EMT credentials. Battalion Chief Michael Sims emphasized the department’s core values of courage, commitment, and integrity, seeking candidates who embody these principles. The department’s mission is to protect life and property, promote safety, and support economic growth. This rewarding career offers the chance to make a meaningful impact. Interested applicants can apply at www.JoinCherokeeFire.com, with limited positions expected to fill quickly.
STORY 5: Cherokee County Commission Chair Attends White House Conference
Cherokee County Board of Commissioners Chairman Harry Johnston attended the White House State Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., on June 3, alongside 60 local leaders. Organized by the Association County Commissioners of Georgia, the event featured discussions with senior federal officials on topics like affordable housing, VA restructuring, mental health, Medicaid reform, and small business initiatives. Johnston praised the opportunity to address local concerns, including FEMA funding, investor-owned housing, and energy production. Leaders also discussed federal road funding and tariffs affecting Georgia’s ports. Johnston called the event informative and valuable, highlighting the administration’s interest in state and local issues.
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And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on
We’ll have closing comments after this.
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