The Children’s Haven Raises Funds at 70s Prom Event The Children’s Haven recently held their 3rd Annual Adult Prom fundraising event, and this year’s theme was a throwback to the 70s. Nearly 200 guests attended, dressed in groovy costumes from hippie to glam prom wear. The event raises much-needed funds for the nonprofit’s support and prevention programs for children in foster care and families facing challenges in our community. The evening included dancing, a silent auction, a live auction, and a wine pull. Chris and Amber Harden were crowned this year’s Prom King and Queen for helping to raise funds and awareness for the needs and the work of The Children’s Haven. Chad and Rachel Davis and Gregg and Heather Shelton were also on the prom court for providing much-appreciated support. Funds from this year’s event will support these specific Children’s Haven programs: Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), the WellStar Family Visitation Center, Prevent Child Abuse Cherokee, and the Chin Up mentorship program. To learn more about The Children’s Haven or to get involved, please visit CherokeeChildrensHaven.org.
Commissioners Approve Concept Plan for Future Hickory Flat Park In April 2022, Cherokee County purchased about 40 acres for a future park in Hickory Flat and engaged Lose Design to prepare a concept plan. County officials and Lose Design held three public input meetings and online public engagement during the process, yielding feedback from area residents.The concept for the park, located on East Cherokee Drive in the heart of Hickory Flat, shows plans for an open lawn area, recreation center, concessions and restroom building, a multi-purpose field complex, paved trail network, dog park, playground, interactive fountain, community garden, and 12 pickleball courts with spectator seating. Plans for the recreation center show a gymnasium, indoor walking track, fitness center, classrooms, meeting rooms, and administrative offices. The dog park is expected to feature shaded structures, bench seating, and a water fountain with a dog water bowl. The open lawn is a place for families and friends to gather for picnics and enjoy each other’s company. It will also feature a playground, pavilions, splash pad, ADA loop trail, and a restroom building. The multi-purpose field complex is expected to feature two 300-foot baseball diamonds, four 215-foot baseball diamonds, two rectangular sports fields, pavilions, and restrooms.The project will be phased in in three segments with a total expected cost of $43.3 million. The first phase is estimated at $15.9 million, the second phase at $9.7 million, and the third phase at $17.8 million. The next steps for the project include identifying funding and establishing a development timeline.
Cherokee County School District Announcements The STAR, or Student Teacher Achievement Recognition, student honor is awarded to the high school senior from each Georgia public and private high school with the highest score on any single test date of the SAT and who also ranks in the top 10% or top 10 students of his or her class based on grade point average. Each honored student is invited to select his or her favorite teacher to be named that school’s STAR Teacher. An overall CCSD winner additionally is recognized for earning the highest eligible SAT score of all the STAR Students, and this year’s honoree is Kinley Sikes of Creekview HS, who also is among only 5,000 students selected as a candidate for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program from the more than three million graduating seniors in the nation’s Class of 2024. Only 207 students from Georgia were named candidates in the prestigious recognition program.This year’s STAR honorees are Finnegan Sheldon (student) and Wesley Queen (teacher), Cherokee HS; Kinley Sikes (student) and Jason Hardin (teacher), Creekview HS; Anvita Rautray (student) and Eric Burton (teacher), Etowah HS; Olivia Emling (student) and Heather Craighead (teacher), i-Grad Virtual Academy; Adrianna Musser (student) and Beckie Lee (teacher), River Ridge HS; Will Murphy (student) and Tabitha Evans (teacher), Sequoyah HS; Xavier Olsen (student) and Kellie Baglio (teacher), Woodstock HS.Three Seniors Earn Top JROTC ScholarshipsDavis Clanton of Etowah HS (top), Savannah Mouritsen of Sequoyah HS (middle), and Sydney Watson of Cherokee HS (bottom) are among only 100 students worldwide to earn the Air Force JROTC J-100 Character-in-Leadership Scholarship. This elite four-year scholarship pays full college tuition and fees at any public or private institution with an Air Force ROTC program and provides a $10,000 annual university housing allowance. Recipients are selected based on overall excellence as students and as JROTC, school, and community leaders along with their plans to pursue a service career with the U.S. Air Force or Space Force.Student Selected for All-State Art CompetitionWoodstock HS junior Kate Bean was one of only 50 Georgia high school student artists selected for the All-State Art Symposium, recently held at Columbus State University. More than 2,000 entries from students statewide were entered into the competition. She currently is studying painting as a student of Woodstock HS visual arts teacher Lori Thompson. The title of her award-winning painting is Still Life.Superintendent Presents Game Changer AwardsThe 2024 Cherokee County Superintendent of Schools’ Game Changer Award for Instructional Excellence honored Etowah HS’s media specialist Hal Funderburk in recognition of his work to support more effective use of instructional technology. The 2024 Game Changer Award for Instructional Advocacy was presented to Gwen Freeman, CCSD’s family and community services facilitator who currently leads family and community engagement for the district’s recently opened International Welcome Center after many successful years as a school-based parent engagement facilitator.Teacher Inducted Into State Coaching Hall of FameSequoyah HS teacher Matt Bartula recently was named to the new class of members of the Georgia Forensics Coaches Association’s Hall of Fame. The honor is bestowed upon educators for “excellence in speech and debate and their support of high school speech and debate activities in the state,” according to the organization. Bartula, who joined CCSD in 1999, teaches advanced placement history and social studies classes and coaches the school’s nationally recognized speech and debate team.Director of Bands Earns Regional Music Teacher of the Year AwardSequoyah HS Director of Bands Casey Eubanks is the Georgia Music Educators Association’s District 9 Music Educator of the Year, which was announced at the organization’s annual conference recently held in Athens, Georgia. Eubanks was nominated by his fellow District 9 music educators.
Mayor Bill Grant’s 2024 State of the City Address Highlights In his 2024 State of the City Address, Mayor Bill Grant highlighted the many accomplishments from the past year and previewed the upcoming projects and initiatives for this year.2023 Accomplishments:• Completed the Citywide Transportation Master Plan and prioritized projects for implementation• Completed the Public Art Master Plan• Began Downtown Parking Deck solar canopy to power EV charging stations and offset energy needs for City Hall• Continued construction on the Water Pollution Control Plant, and the new 3,000 sq. ft. administration building was completed and opened• Issued over 175 new business licenses last year• Launched Explore Canton, the City’s tourism initiative• Collected $1 million annually in Hotel Motel taxes for the first time last year• Renovated and reopened the historic Jones Mercantile Building • Received $4.4 million in grant awards for the South Canton Park and Marietta Road Pedestrian Improvement Projects• Retained Horwath HTL to market sites for both a potential high quality boutique hotel in downtown and a luxury resort and small conference center on Lake Canton on the property the City purchased at The Bluffs• Hosted the Georgia Downtown Conference • Opened a new inclusive playground at Heritage Park• Completed a $4.3 million renovation and expansion of Harmon Park and added a mini-pitch soccer field with the assistance of the first state grant from the Atlanta United Foundation• Became home to the Georgia Impact Women's Professional Soccer League team• Initiated a comprehensive update to the City Charter and Municipal Code, which was adopted by City Council in late 2023New Projects and Initiatives for 2024:• Complete the Parks and Recreation Master Plan to further connect citizens to Canton’s parks and trails• Conduct a ribbon cutting and grand opening for the newly expanded and renovated Harmon Park• Install a mural across from Harmon Park in the Sunnyside Community• Complete the design plans for the new South Canton Park, and issue an RFP for construction• Complete the design and issue of an RFP for construction for the new Etowah River Pedestrian Bridge• Begin phases 2-5 of the expansion of the Water Pollution Control Plant• Issue an RFP for the new traffic signal at Reinhardt College Parkway and Reservoir Drive• Complete a Master Plan for the Hickory Flat/Marietta Road Gateway into downtown Canton• Continue sustainability projects in City Hall and the Public Safety Building• Complete and adopt a new Downtown Master Plan • Issue an RFP for construction of the West Main pedestrian improvements to connect The Mill on Etowah and downtown Canton• Welcome a new Police Chief in spring 2024• Implement the new K9 program for Canton Police Department • Continue spring, summer, and fall events in and around Canton
CCFES Recognizes Members for Outstanding Service Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services (CCFES) recently recognized eight members of the department. Fire Chief Eddie Robinson presented the following 2023 awards:Volunteer Member of the YearStan IceSupport Services Member of the YearSgt. Rick ScalesSpecial Operations Member of the YearSgt. RC VaughnEMT of the Year FAO Jonathan LaurichParamedic of the YearFAO Beau Witcher Firefighter of the YearFAO Alissa WhetstoneFire Officer of the YearCapt. Nathan BaumChief Fire Officer of the YearBattalion Chief Shannon Gibbs
New Driving Tour Explores Cherokee County’s Black History History Cherokee invites residents and visitors on a new driving tour to 19 sites in Canton and Woodstock that shed light on the contributions of the Black community in shaping the cultural and historical landscape of Cherokee County. The selected sites span decades and showcase the resilience, creativity, and perseverance of communities and individuals who have left an indelible mark on Cherokee County. The tour was developed by History Cherokee’s Black History Committee, and it aims to raise awareness about the importance of preserving and celebrating Black history by uncovering the stories of the past, which can foster a deeper understanding of our shared heritage and promote inclusivity. While some sites may be on private property, no longer standing, or not conducive to walking tours, the driving aspect of this experience allows for a safe and accessible exploration of the Black history of Cherokee County. Participants are encouraged to respect private property and exercise caution at sites that may pose safety concerns.The driving tour is currently available at Georgia-Humanities.OpenTour.site/cherokee-county-black-history. A print version is available at the Cherokee County History Center.
District Attorney Treadaway Appointed to Georgia Board of Public Safety Gov. Brian P. Kemp has appointed District Attorney Susan K. Treadaway to the Georgia Board of Public Safety. Last month, Gov. Kemp swore in Treadaway during a ceremony at the Capitol. Those in attendance included state senators, other state officials, and representatives from law enforcement agencies and the District Attorney’s Office.The Board of Public Safety plays a crucial role in maintaining the safety and security of all Georgians through comprehensive oversight of public safety, including law enforcement and transportation safety. The Board is also tasked with direct oversight of the Georgia State Patrol, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the Department of Public Safety to ensure that these state agencies operate efficiently and effectively by adhering to the highest standards of law enforcement and public safety, which includes overseeing training standards for officers, the enforcement of laws and regulations, and the implementation of initiatives designed to enhance the safety and security of the public as well as outreach programs.
Chamber of Commerce Announces Accolades Reyes Morales was recently named the 49th recipient of the First Citizen of Cherokee County Award by the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce. The award is bestowed upon a Cherokee County resident who has lived in the county for a minimum of five years and has shown significant meritorious service to the community through family, civic, and/or religious involvement. Over the past 23 years, Morales has donated much of his time, his business, and his resources to individuals, families, local nonprofit organizations, and public safety officials out of the goodness of his heart.In addition, the Chamber also selected the 35th Anniversary Leadership Cherokee Class of 2024. The class was chosen following participation in an application and interview process of local business professionals who were nominated by their peers. Over the next several months, the class will participate in a range of sessions that will focus on topics such as economic development, infrastructure, government, justice, education, recreation, tourism, public safety, healthcare, and social/human services.The Chamber also selected its 23rd Annual Teen Leadership Cherokee Class. Applicants, all high school sophomores who live in Cherokee County, were asked to submit an in-depth application detailing their school and community involvement as well as a video answering the question, “Why should I be selected for Teen Leadership Cherokee?” The applications and videos were reviewed by local business leaders who selected the class. The mission of Teen Leadership Cherokee is for participants to lead, engage, aspire, and drive so that they may confidently become the community’s next generation of pioneers.
Cherokee County School District Announcements Woodstock HS Classroom Addition A new classroom addition is being constructed for Woodstock HS. The $17.45 million project was funded by the Education SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax). The three-story addition, which includes 22 classrooms, will allow for the removal of portables on the campus and open up the expansion of the Career Pathways program. Woodstock HS is the only CCSD high school not offering the popular Pathway for healthcare science, and the new addition will contain the needed healthcare science lab classroom to do so. The addition is scheduled to open for use in August 2026.——————————————————————Superintendent Presents Two Game Changer AwardsSuperintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower presented his Game Changer Awards for Instructional Support to CCSD Police Chief Buster Cushing and for Instructional Leadership to Dr. Lyn Turnell, CCSD’s director of student assessment.Chief Cushing, who joined CCSD four and a half years ago after a successful career with the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office, was praised for his work to ensure a safe environment for students and teachers. He has made numerous improvements to the department’s operations including adding elementary school police officers and expanding crisis alert and other security systems.Dr. Hightower praised Dr. Turnell for her leadership in CCSD’s Office of Curriculum & Instruction and her expertise in analyzing student assessment data to improve teaching and learning. She began her career as a teacher before advancing to administrator roles including Etowah HS assistant principal.Four Game Changer awards are presented by Dr. Hightower each year, with awards for Instructional Excellence and Instructional Advocacy to be presented later this winter. ——————————————————————Football National Signing DayCongratulations to three CCSD student-athletes who signed Letters of Intent to play football at the college level. The students were honored with ceremonies at their high schools to celebrate their commitments on National Signing Day, which is the earliest day that high school seniors can sign a binding commitment to play competitive college football. National Signing Day for other college sports, during which 54 CCSD student-athletes signed Letters of Intent, occurred last fall.——————————————————————Freedom MS Welcomes New PrincipalDr. Chad Flatt, who formerly served as an assistant principal at Woodstock MS, began leading Freedom MS after the holiday break. His appointment followed the decision by Principal Whitney Nolan to step down from the role at the semester break, as she approaches her planned retirement. Dr. Flatt was celebrated last year in Washington, D.C. as a National Distinguished Principal by the National Association of Elementary School Principals. A 23-year educator who joined CCSD this school year, Dr. Flatt was named the Georgia winner for the national honor in recognition of his success as principal of Pickens Junior HS.——————————————————————Cherokee HS Gets New Football CoachAdam Holley is the new head football coach for Cherokee HS. Coach Holley, who will also teach PE classes, is a graduate of the University of West Georgia with a master's degree in education. He comes to Cherokee after spending the past two seasons as offensive coordinator at Calhoun HS, with previous stops at Whitewater, Lee County, and Cartersville High Schools. In his time at Calhoun, Coach Holley led one of the most prolific offenses in the state, averaging 38 points per game in 2022. Numerous players received regional and state honors under his leadership.
County Seeks Public Input on Zoning Overlay District Along Highway 20 The Cherokee County Planning and Zoning Department has launched a visual preference survey for the Highway 20 corridor. The survey comes in response to the Georgia Department of Transportation’s State Route 20 Corridor Widening Project.“The visual preference survey is a key element for residents and stakeholders to influenwce the design vision for the corridor,” said Director of Planning & Zoning Margaret Stallings. “The survey will include comparative images, allowing participants to contribute to the area’s potential development. It’s also important to note that the overlay will not modify existing zoning districts but will establish a unique design standard for the corridor.”An online visual preference survey for the east side of Highway 20 from Canton Marketplace to the Forsyth County line will run through February 16. The county will also hold an in-person public input meeting on February 7, from 6:00-7:30pm in Victory Hall of the L.B. “Buzz” Ahrens Recreation Center (7345 Cumming Highway, Canton). Citizens may drop in, take the survey, and ask questions regarding the survey or the overlay.To participate in shaping the future of the State Route 20 Corridor, visit CherokeeGa.com/planning-and-zoning.
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