Man Sentenced to Life for Armed Robbery of Canton Jewelry Store

Cherokee Tribune-Ledger Podcast

CTL Script/ Top Stories of September 21st

Publish Date: September 21st

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

Today is Saturday, September 21st and Happy 74th Birthday to actor Bill Murray.

***09.21.24 – BIRTHDAY – BILL MURRAY***

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

1. Man Sentenced to Life for Armed Robbery of Canton Jewelry Store
2. Canton Woman Convicted of Leaving Puppies to Die Sentenced
3. Cherokee County to Vote on $415M Budget Oct. 1

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: Man Sentenced to Life for Armed Robbery of Canton Jewelry Store

Erin Stephon Arms, 40, has been sentenced to life without parole for the 2013 armed robbery of a Canton jewelry store. The crime occurred on November 22, 2013, when Arms, wearing a mask and gloves, robbed the Cartersville Jewelry Exchange with a silver handgun, stealing over $50,000 in jewelry. He fled in a stolen Ford F-150, later linked to the crime through advanced DNA technology. The trial, held in December 2023, included testimony from 12 witnesses and 80 exhibits. The prosecution highlighted Arms' recidivist history, leading to the maximum sentence. Victims expressed ongoing trauma, and Arms is prohibited from contacting them.

STORY 2: Canton Woman Convicted of Leaving Puppies to Die Sentenced

Amber Higdon, 31, of Canton, has been sentenced to 10 years, with two years in confinement, after pleading guilty to seven counts of aggravated cruelty to animals. The charges arose from a July 27, 2023 incident where Higdon abandoned seven puppies in a pink tote on the side of the road, leading to their deaths from heat exposure. The puppies, left without food, water, or shelter, died of pulmonary edema, hemorrhage, and cardiac arrest. Higdon admitted to the act, expecting someone else to find the puppies. The court imposed various conditions, including prohibiting her from owning or contacting animals during probation. Co-defendant Ashley Vernon received five years of probation for her role.

STORY 3: Cherokee County to Vote on $415M Budget Oct. 1

****09.21.24 HARRY JOHNSON***

Cherokee County's proposed $415.7 million budget for FY2025, starting October 1, reflects an increase of over $15 million from the amended FY2024 budget. Major allocations include $167 million for the general fund, $56.6 million for fire services, and $22.1 million for emergency medical services. Public safety accounts for 54.1% of the operational budget, with judicial expenses at 20.5% and general administration at 15.3%. The budget anticipates 32 new positions, including 21 fire and EMS roles. Capital funds are set at $100.9 million, with significant investments in public works, courthouse expansion, and fire department projects. The proposed budget maintains a millage rate of 5.153 mills for operations and 2.888 mills for fire services, supporting full staffing for fire stations. The board will vote on the budget on October 1.

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Break: DRAKE

STORY 4: Here’s What’s Next for Construction on Neese Road in Woodstock

The Neese Road Infrastructure Improvement Project in Woodstock is progressing with three phases. The first phase, focused on the intersection with Highway 92, is complete. The current phase, from Highway 92 to Washington Avenue, includes road straightening, utility realignments, and water and sewer upgrades, and is set to finish by the second quarter of 2025. The third phase, beginning in the first quarter of 2025, will extend from Washington Avenue to Arnold Mill Road, incorporating a roundabout at Washington Avenue. The entire project aims for completion by fall 2026, featuring a new multi-use trail along Neese Road from Highway 92 to Arnold Mill Road.

STORY 5: Woodstock Author Publishes Children's Book

Woodstock resident Deann Benedict has published a children's book titled "Escape from the Mutt Motel," illustrated by Walter Policelli and released by Mascot Books. The story follows three dogs, Weezy, Lucy, and Boomer, as they try to escape the rundown Mutt Motel. The book encourages children to advocate for animals, promoting responsibility and kindness toward them. Proceeds from the book benefit local animal charities, with Orphan Annie Rescue currently selected. Benedict, inspired by her rescue schnauzer Weezy, hopes to instill a love for animals in young readers. "Escape from the Mutt Motel" is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble and distributed by APG, Ingram, and others.

Commercial: INGLES 1

STORY 6: Gas Station and Retail Store Coming to Southeast Cherokee

The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners approved the zoning change for a gas station and retail store on Arnold Mill Road. The decision rezones approximately 4.085 acres from office and institutional to general commercial, with a variance for grading within the undisturbed buffer. The approval passed 4-1, with Chair Harry Johnston opposing, citing concerns about the alignment with the county’s land use plan and preference for neighborhood commercial zoning. Commissioner Weatherby supported the change, citing historical zoning issues. Conditions include operating hours from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., restricted trash pickup, and replanting the buffer with dense vegetation. The development will include a 6,400 square-foot convenience store with gas pumps and a 2,000 square-foot retail building.

STORY 7: Vincent Named Week 5 Player of the Week

Sam Vincent of River Ridge has been named Cherokee County Player of the Week after an impressive performance in a 45-3 victory over Pope. Vincent excelled both offensively and defensively, scoring on a two-yard touchdown pass and securing two interceptions, one of which he returned for a 20-yard touchdown. His contributions helped the Knights hold Pope to just three points and extend their winning streak to four games, during which they have consistently scored over 40 points. With River Ridge averaging 35.4 points per game, they are enjoying one of the best offensive stretches in program history as they prepare to face Sequoyah after the fall break.

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