Calhoun Man Gets 10 Years for Crash Killing Emerson Mayor and Wife

Cherokee Tribune-Ledger Podcast

CTL Script/ Top Stories of May 25th

Publish Date: May 24th

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

Today is Saturday, May 25th and Happy 60th Birthday to actor Mike Meyers.

***05.25.24 – BIRTHDAY – MIKE MEYERS***

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

1. Calhoun Man Gets 10 Years for Crash Killing Emerson Mayor and Wife
2. Holly Springs Rallies to Help Child Whose Family Died in Crash
3. Georgia National Cemetery in Canton Hosting Memorial Day Ceremony

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: Calhoun Man Gets 10 Years for Crash Killing Emerson Mayor and Wife

William Bryan Abernathy, 52, from Calhoun, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison and 20 years probation after pleading guilty to charges related to a 2022 car crash that killed Emerson Mayor Albert Vito Pallone and his wife, Camilla. The crash, caused by Abernathy's intoxicated driving, involved four vehicles and seriously injured two others. Abernathy was driving at 76 mph in a 55 mph zone when he lost control, leading to the fatal collision. His blood alcohol level was significantly over the legal limit. In addition to prison time, Abernathy faces fines, community service, and mandatory substance abuse treatment.

STORY 2: Holly Springs Rallies to Help Child Whose Family Died in Crash

A car accident in Bartow County on May 19 claimed the lives of Holly Springs Police Department employee Erin Mason, her husband Dakarai, and their sons Brandon and Titus. The family was returning home from church when their van veered into oncoming traffic on Interstate 75, leading to a multi-vehicle collision. Their surviving son, Noah, is expected to recover fully. A GoFundMe page has been set up by Brittany Sanders to support Noah's future and cover medical expenses. The fundraiser has raised over $35,000 as of May 21. The Holly Springs Police Department and the community are mourning the loss and asking for prayers.

STORY 3: Georgia National Cemetery in Canton Hosting Memorial Day Ceremony

The Georgia National Cemetery in Canton will host a flag placement and Memorial Day ceremony on May 25. Flag placement begins at 9 a.m., followed by the ceremony at 10 a.m. Due to limited parking, additional parking is available at Sutallee Church, with shuttle buses running from 8 a.m. Volunteers will place flags on gravesites before the ceremony. Attendees should arrive before 9:30 a.m. The ceremony will feature wreath laying, speeches, a moment of silence, and the playing of "Taps," with Major General Richard D. Wilson as the keynote speaker. Traffic within the cemetery will be one way upon entry.

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STORY 4: Woodstock Receives $80,000 Grant for Housing Analysis

The city of Woodstock has secured $80,000 in grant funding from the Atlanta Regional Commission to conduct a study on housing needs. The Woodstock Housing Capacity and Gap Analysis Project aims to identify gaps between current housing density regulations and future population growth. The study will pinpoint potential sites for infill housing and promote income diversity to reduce long commutes for workers. Woodstock was selected as one of six recipients of funding through a competitive process facilitated by the Atlanta Regional Commission.

STORY 5: 89% Vote Yes on Woodstock Senior Tax Exemption Change

Woodstock voters have approved a five-year residency requirement for the city’s senior property tax exemption, with 89.28% voting in favor. The requirement will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2025, but qualifying seniors who receive the exemption in 2024 will be grandfathered in. The exemption is available to seniors aged 62 and older without income or home value limits. This change aligns Woodstock with the Cherokee County School District's residency requirement, which voters also approved. Mayor Michael Caldwell emphasized the importance of preserving the senior tax exemption and noted the strong support from voters. Official results will be certified by the Cherokee County elections board on May 28.

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STORY 6: Woodstock Gives Initial Approval of $80.6M Budget for FY2025

Woodstock City Council has preliminarily approved an $80.6 million budget for the 2025 fiscal year, representing a 10% decrease from 2024. The budget includes a 3% cost of living raise and merit increases for employees, starting in January and April respectively. Public safety receives over 48% of the general fund, with allocations for police and fire departments. New positions are proposed, including police officers and a fire department specialist. Water and sewer budget is $14 million, with a 4% water rate increase. The SPLOST VII budget covers various projects, including road resurfacing and construction. The budget allocates funds for a parking deck bond project and other special revenue projects. The final vote is scheduled for June 10.

STORY 7: Woodstock to Honor Fallen Service Members at Memorial Day Ceremony

Woodstock's Memorial Day Ceremony will take place on May 27 at 10 a.m. at the Park at City Center. Various local veterans groups will participate in honoring fallen soldiers, including a POW/MIA remembrance, reading of Woodstock's Honor Roll, and a memorial wreath placement. The ceremony will also feature a dove release, rifle honors, and "Taps." The event will be held at 101 Arnold Mill Road in Woodstock. For more details and updates, visit www.woodstockparksandrec.com.

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