We’ve all had growing awareness of homeless people in Cherokee County, including children and veterans. A statue dedicated in January at Veteran’s Park depicts two homeless veterans. It’s a beautiful yet cold and constant reminder of this problem. At that dedication, I pledged to help in some way. I don’t think we can stand by with vulnerable and better-deserving folks … [Read more...]

What should I expect if we were to foster? What will the children be like?What type of circumstances will the children be coming from? Do you think we would be good at it?These are the types of good, and important, questions I am asked by those considering the role of foster parenting. Before I can begin answering, we have to understand foster care from the right … [Read more...]

Sequoyah Regional Library System (SRLS), which serves Cherokee, Pickens and Gilmer counties, has unveiled a new strategic plan that will be implemented through 2021. The plan emphasizes the vision and values of SRLS while defining four goals as part of continued efforts to serve the community. Sequoyah Regional Library System has also rearticulated its mission: “Connect people … [Read more...]

One of the new Board of Commissioners’ priorities is to enact an improved noise ordinance.The current ordinance applies only after 11 p.m., and it’s too vague to enforce consistently. So, the Marshal’s Office gets lots of complaints they can’t do much about.Separately, the Special Events Facility regulations completely prohibit outdoor loudspeakers. That’s probably too … [Read more...]

As we begin a new term on the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners, it’s a great time to take stock of our county’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.Cherokee has a long list of strengths. Some are pure gifts from God, including our fabulous geography and climate, and our location where metro Atlanta meets the Appalachian Mountains. Our community has had a … [Read more...]