Cherokee County Man Convicted of Wife's Murder Sentenced to Life in Prison

Cherokee Tribune-Ledger Podcast

CTL Script/ Top Stories of February 6th

Publish Date: February 5th

From the Ingles Studio Welcome to the Award-Winning Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast

Today is Tuesday, February 6th, and Happy heavenly Birthday to President Ronald Reagan.

***BIRTHDAY – 02.06.24 – RONALD REGAN***

I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cherokee is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia.

1. Cherokee County Man Convicted of Wife's Murder Sentenced to Life in Prison
2. Woodstock Voters Could Decide on Residency Requirement for Senior Homestead Exemption
3. Sequoyah Band Director Named Regional Music Teacher of the Year

Plus, Bruce Jenkins sits down with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets to discuss portable snack ideas.

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: CU of GA

STORY 1: Cherokee County Man Convicted of Wife's Murder Sentenced to Life in Prison

Charles Terry Collins, 71, has been sentenced to life in prison plus an additional five years for the murder of his wife, Deborah Sherry Collins, 63. Collins was convicted of felony murder, family violence aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during a felony. The incident occurred in July at their home near Canton, with Collins claiming self-defense. However, investigators found inconsistencies, including the absence of blood on a knife near the victim and no fingerprints on it. Collins did not call 911 after the shooting but informed his son. The jury, after a six-day trial, found Collins guilty on all charges. Prosecutors hope the sentence brings healing and closure to the torn family.

STORY 2: Woodstock Voters Could Decide on Residency Requirement for Senior Homestead Exemption

Woodstock City Council is considering amending the senior homestead property tax exemption, introducing a bill that proposes a five-year residency requirement for future beneficiaries. The bill, HB 1013, sponsored by Rep. Brad Thomas, is set for a voter referendum on the May primary ballot. Current recipients of the exemption would be grandfathered in. Mayor Michael Caldwell believes the amendment ensures individuals contribute their fair share in property taxes. Woodstock seniors aged 62 and above can qualify for the exemption without income or home value limits. Additionally, other bills, SB 388 and HB 1025, aim to eliminate the cap on Cherokee County seniors' school property tax exemptions, with a local referendum election scheduled for May.

STORY 3: Sequoyah Band Director Named Regional Music Teacher of the Year

Casey Eubanks, the Director of Bands at Sequoyah High School, has been honored as the Georgia Music Educators Association’s District 9 Music Educator of the Year. Eubanks, who announced his retirement, received the award at the association's annual conference in Athens. During his tenure, Eubanks led the marching band to numerous accolades, including All Superior ratings and 14 grand championships. He also earned invitations for the concert band, making Sequoyah the first CCSD band program to perform at the Georgia Music Educators Association’s conference. Superintendent Brian Hightower praised Eubanks for his continuous excellence in representing Sequoyah and CCSD.

We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info.

Back in a moment

Break: DRAKE

STORY 4: Hickory Flat Public Library Renovations to be Completed Later This Year

The Sequoyah Regional Library System announced that renovations to the Hickory Flat Public Library are anticipated to be completed in late summer to early fall. The project, which began in January 2023, faced delays due to weather concerns and steel material delays impacting the metal roof installation. The library's executive director, Angela Cortellino, acknowledged the delays but expressed excitement about the facility's eventual opening. The renovated library, designed by CAS Architecture and constructed by Hollandsworth Construction, will add 7,800 square feet, providing more space for books, technology, programs, meetings, collaboration, and seating. During construction, community members can access services at nearby libraries in Cherokee, Pickens, and Gilmer counties. For updates, visit sequoyahregionallibrary.org/hflproject.

STORY 5: Fani Willis Discloses 'Personal Relationship' With Special Prosecutor in Trump Case

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis revealed her "personal relationship" with special prosecutor Nathan Wade, whom she hired in the election interference case against Donald Trump. However, Willis argued that this relationship does not warrant dismissing the racketeering indictment against Trump and 18 co-defendants. A motion by one defendant, Michael Roman, alleged an improper relationship and questioned Wade's qualifications. Willis stated there are no legal grounds for disqualification, emphasizing her lack of financial or personal conflicts. Republicans argue the case is politically motivated, prompting a Georgia Senate committee investigation. State Rep. Charlice Byrd introduced a resolution for the Georgia House to consider impeachment proceedings against Willis. A hearing on Roman's motion is scheduled for Feb 15.

***GCPS READ***

Hey, Cherokee County! Don't forget to mark your calendar for the GCPS Teacher Job Fair in just 4 days! Join us on February 10th at 8am at the Gas South Convention Center. This is a golden opportunity to be a part of Gwinnett County Public Schools - Georgia's largest school district and a top employer recognized by Forbes. Whether you're kick-starting your career or seeking a change, your passion for education could find its perfect home with us. Say 'yes' to GCPS, where passion meets opportunity!

Commercial:

STORY 6: INGLES - LEAH

And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets to portable snack ideas.

We’ll have closing comments after this.

COMMERCIAL: INGLES 7

SIGN OFF –

Thanks again for listening to today’s Cherokee Tribune Ledger podcast. . If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, the Gwinnett Daily Post, the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties, or the Paulding County News Podcast. Get more on these stories and other great content at tribune ledger news.com. Giving you important information about our community and telling great stories are what we do.

Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Produced by the BG Podcast Network

Show Sponsors:

• ingles-markets.com
• drakerealty.com
• gcpsk12.org/jobs

#NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.