Cherokee County School District Announcements Students Selected for Governor's HonorsThe statewide summer honors program for Georgia’s top rising high school juniors and seniors offers four weeks of college-level instruction at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro. Students are selected based on overall excellence in academics, extracurricular activities, and leadership as well as exceptional skills and talents in a specific area of study. Those tapped for the competitive program receive academic instruction in a specific area of study as well as cultural and social enrichment focused on helping them become the “next generation of global critical thinkers, innovators, and leaders.” Etowah HS- Alexis Cua, Engineering DesignWoodstock HS - Katie Bean, Visual Arts; Caroline Toole, Communicative Arts__________________Five Students Advance to State Writing Competition The annual Young Georgia Authors Writing Competition is open to students in grades kindergarten through 12 and provides an opportunity for schools to encourage writing in a variety of genres. Each CCSD school submits a top entry for each grade level to compete at the district level. District first-place winners then advance to the regional North Georgia Regional Education Service Agency contest for the opportunity to compete statewide.These CCSD students won first place in the regional competition and are advancing to the state competition: Grade 1 - Eve Alsobrook of Clayton ES for “The Lost Dog”Grade 2 - Wren Argo of Boston ES for “My Sport in Time”Grade 5 - Elli White of Clark Creek ES STEM Academy for “Reflection Collection”Grade 8 - Ellie Cosgrove of Woodstock MS for “Excerpt from ‘To the Stars’”Grade 9 - Monica Ramirez of River Ridge HS for “I Admire the Leaves”__________________Whitney Morberg Named 2024 Counselor of the Year An 18-year school counselor and three-time Innovation Zone Counselor of the Year award winner, Morberg has served at Etowah HS for the past decade. She’s known for her expertise in guiding students to college acceptance and scholarship wins, but she’s equally known for her efforts to provide students access to career success (even coordinating students’ transportation to advanced training programs and assisting with applications), and her ability to support students experiencing emotional or mental health crises. She also serves on CCSD’s crisis team made up of the district’s most experienced counselors and uses her extensive training to respond to schoolwide crises, such as the death of a student or teacher, as well as to crises in individual students’ and colleagues’ lives.
Burn Ban Now In Effect Each summer, an outdoor burn ban takes effect in 54 Georgia counties including Cherokee County. The burn ban is in effect from May 1-September 30, 2024. The ban prohibits citizens and businesses from burning yard- and land-clearing debris during this period. This is in addition to the rule that prohibits the burning of household garbage, which is never allowed in Georgia.More information can be found on the Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services website at CherokeeCountyFire.com.
Marshal's Office Reorganizes With New Chief Marshal and Deputy Chief Marshal After celebrating 30 years with Cherokee County, Chief Marshal Jamie Gianfala has retired, and former Public Services Agency Director Dana Martin has become the new chief marshal, overseeing the Public Services Agency. Former Marshal’s Office Capt. Dwayne Casteel was promoted to deputy chief marshal of the Marshal’s Office.“Having served Cherokee County for 30 years, I have been fortunate to witness its growth and contribute to its success. I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have shaped my professional journey,” Gianfala said. Following Chief Gianfala’s retirement, the Marshal’s Office structure has undergone a reorganization to enhance enforcement efforts countywide. The Public Services Agency director position was eliminated with the role and its duties being assumed by the chief marshal, and two new deputy marshal positions were added with no increase to the department’s budget. One deputy marshal will be assigned to the Code Enforcement Unit, and one will be assigned to the Truck Compliance Unit. Truck Compliance is the newest unit, which focuses on truck traffic across the county to ensure loads are covered and trucks stay on marked truck routes. The mission of the unit is to decrease traffic crashes and incidents related to debris coming from trucks not properly covered and to help minimize litter on Cherokee County’s roadways.Chief Marshal Martin will oversee the Marshal’s Office, E 9-1-1, Emergency Management, Animal Shelter, Probation Services, and Radio Technology. Martin has nearly 30 years of experience in law enforcement. Deputy Chief Marshal Casteel will manage the Marshal’s Office's daily operations. Casteel has 23 years of experience working in both the Animal Control and Code Enforcement units.
Over $50,000 Awarded to Local Entrepreneurs The Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED) awarded more than $50,000 to their first LaunchPad Bootcamp Series graduates, with more opportunities to come.The first LaunchPad Bootcamp Series kicked off in January with 14 participants. The free four-week series comes as a partnership between COED and Kennesaw State University’s HatchBridge Incubator. It is designed to guide emerging Cherokee County entrepreneurs in launching their business ideas or new products to help them grow in Cherokee’s entrepreneurial space.Each participant had the opportunity to earn up to $5,000 to advance their venture. Out of 13 graduates, 11 were eligible to apply for the mini grant. COED awarded $51,935 among those 11 for its inaugural session, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) distributed by the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners.Each week, participants researched, refined, and prepared their ventures for launch. Participants walked away from the series with an idea deck, business model canvas, and go-to market. To be eligible for funding, applicants had to complete the full four-week series and all assignments, be a resident of or have a business located in Cherokee County, and submit a completed mini-grant application. COED is collaborating with HatchBridge Incubator, a service born from Kennesaw State University that helps grow startups in the Atlanta suburbs. HatchBridge also offers a coworking space to help entrepreneurs kickstart their ventures. Learn more at HatchBridge.com.This program is offered as part of COED’s Fresh Start Cherokee initiative, which aims to create a culture of entrepreneurship in Cherokee County. Visit FreshStartCherokee.com to learn more.
Cherokee E 9-1-1 Named Call Center of the Year During the recent Georgia Emergency Communications Conference, the Cherokee County E 9-1-1 team was bestowed the 2024 Call Center of the Year in Georgia. The conference is a joint effort of the Association of Public Safety Communications Professionals (APCO) and the National Emergency Number Association (NENA). The Call Center of the Year Award recognizes a 9-1-1 Center in Georgia that exhibits professionalism, leadership, innovation, and service to not only the community it serves but also the region and state.
Lt. David Miller Recognized at GEMSA Awards Reception The 2024 Georgia Emergency Medical Services Association (GEMSA) Awards Reception honors the remarkable dedication of EMS professionals committed to serving their communities selflessly. Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services' Lt. David Miller received the esteemed Tim Peebles Champion of Children Excellence & Advocacy Award. This accolade pays tribute to the legacy of Capt. Tim Peebles, a longtime advocate for delivering top-tier prehospital care, particularly focusing on the prevention of injuries and illnesses in children. Peebles dedicated his efforts to safeguarding the future generation of Georgia, exemplifying excellence in training, patient care, public education, and advocacy. This award acknowledges individuals or groups who embody Peebles' commitment through their innovative ideas, actions, and goals to pursue and reinforce the exceptional benchmarks he established.
Woodstock Adopts New Public Art Plan Woodstock's elected officials approved a Public Art Plan that was created in collaboration with the City of Woodstock, the Woodstock Public Art Plan Steering Committee, and Designing Local, who engaged residents and visitors in conversations about public art and the role it will play Woodstock’s future. The plan outlines projects according to the types of art to be incorporated in various areas. Scan the QR code to see the full plan, which begins on page 174 of the agenda packet.
Woodstock Arts Announces 2024-2025 Season of Wonder Wonder stems from the feeling of surprise, from the unexpected, the unfamiliar, and the beautiful. This 2024-2025 season at Woodstock Arts will explore all the possibilities of magic, mystery, admiration, and heartbreak that we experience in our lives. You’re invited to explore the desire to know and learn more about yourself and the world around you through these music, theatre, and visual arts offerings.Lantern Music Series• August 3, 2024, Sounds of Georgia• August 17, 2024, Royal Wood• September 28, 2024, The Arcadian Wild• October 19, 2024, Alexander Star• March 22, 2025, Carolina Sound• April 12, 2025, Las Guaracheras• May 17, 2025, Jumaan Smith• June 7, 2025, Luciane Dom• July 19, 2025, Collision of Rhythm Theatre • August 16-September 1, 2024, Dial M for Murder• September 20-21, 2024, Woodstock Arts Cabaret Series• October 4-20, 2024, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street• November 8-17, 2024, Youth Spotlight: The Many Disguises of Robin Hood• December 6-24, 2024, A Christmas Carol• January 17-26, 2025, Teen Spotlight: Twelfth Night the Musical• February 7-23, 2025, Pride and Prejudice• March 7-23, 2025, Constellations• May 2-18, 2025, Once on This Island• June 4-18, 2025, How I Became a Pirate• July 9-23, 2025, Digging Up Dessa• July 11-27, 2025, Rock of AgesVisual Arts• August 15-October 19, 2024, Cabinet of Curiosities • October 24-December 21, 2024, small town: small works 24• March 13-May 10, 2025, Mended• May 15-July 12, 2025, All the Fixins 2025• July 17-September 14, 2025, Critical Mass: Comics/Toys/Pop Culture
Cherokee County School District Announcements New Class of Educators Inducted Into Hall of FameThe CCSD Educators Hall of Fame recognizes retired educators who made significant contributions during their careers in CCSD and left lasting positive impacts on the lives of students, colleagues, and the community. The Class of 2024 inductees are Letitia Cline, Marguerite Cline, Jackie Hopkins, Pete Jones, and the late Lee R. Tippens. Superintendent Davis Begins Her New RoleDr. Mary Elizabeth Davis, CCSD’s freshly hired superintendent of schools started her new role last month by visiting schools and meeting students, teachers and staff, families, and community partners.“My commitment to education extends beyond a career choice — it is a profound dedication to creating environments where students thrive, educators are empowered, leaders excel, support staff make significant impacts, and families confidently invest their trust,” said Davis in her statement to the community upon accepting the position. New Class of Educators Inducted Into Hall of FameThe CCSD Educators Hall of Fame recognizes retired educators who made significant contributions during their careers in CCSD and left lasting positive impacts on the lives of students, colleagues, and the community. The Class of 2024 inductees are Letitia Cline, Marguerite Cline, Jackie Hopkins, Pete Jones, and the late Lee R. Tippens.
Cherokee County Purchases Former Buffington School Site The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved purchasing the former Buffington ES site from the Cherokee County School District for $1.2 million. The 9.8-acre site paired with the adjacent nearly 3.2-acre site the county already owns is slated to house a replacement for Fire Station 29 and possibly a future site for the Fire Safety and Education Village and Fire & Emergency Services Headquarters.During a work session discussion, Chairman Harry Johnston confirmed with fire officials that the county’s intention is to preserve the original building and its historic look.