Ethan Johnson, Cherokee Tribune Ledger-News Journalist Profile

Articles

Cherokee County Advertising an Increased Millage Rate

1 week ago | tribuneledgernews.com | Ethan Johnson

Cherokee County is advertising a millage rate of 5.307 for fiscal year 2026, which would result in an increase in property taxes. On June 17, the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to advertise a tentative maintenance and operations millage rate of 5.307 mills, up from the current rate of 5.153 mills.
Developer Looks to Build 20 Homes in Ball Ground

1 week ago | tribuneledgernews.com | Ethan Johnson

A developer is proposing to build 20 homes along Ball Ground Highway. BG Partners, LLC is requesting to annex about 4.58 acres at 9923 Ball Ground Highway near Subway, less than a mile from downtown Ball Ground. The applicant is also requesting to rezone the property from general agriculture (county) to zero-lot line residential (city) to build 20 detached single-family homes.
Cherokee OKs New Requirements for Gas Stations and Car Washes

1 week ago | tribuneledgernews.com | Ethan Johnson

A person looking to build a gas station or car wash in certain areas in unincorporated Cherokee County will now need a special use permit. On June 17, the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to approve new requirements for gas stations and car washes in the county's zoning ordinance.
Cherokee County Commits $2M to Help Preserve Pine Log WMA

1 week ago | tribuneledgernews.com | Ethan Johnson

Cherokee County leaders have committed $2 million to help aid the Georgia Department of Natural Resources' purchase of Pine Log Wildlife Management Area property. The property, mostly in Bartow County, includes land in west Cherokee County. On June 17, the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved this financial commitment.
Cherokee Commissioners Increase Hotel and Motel Tax Rate

1 week ago | tribuneledgernews.com | Ethan Johnson

Cherokee County commissioners have officially increased the county's hotel and motel tax rate by 2 percentage points, which is projected to bring over $200,000 more in revenue for the county. The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted June 17 to increase the county’s hotel-motel tax rate from 6% to 8%. Gov. Brian Kemp signed legislation in May to raise Cherokee County’s hotel-motel taxes to 8%. But county commissioners had to approve a resolution for it to take effect.
'An Excellent Investment in Woodstock's Future': City OKs $85.8M Budget

1 week ago | tribuneledgernews.com | Ethan Johnson

Woodstock leaders have approved an $85.8 million budget for the 2026 fiscal year, which includes continued work on Little River Park. On June 16, the Woodstock City Council unanimously approved a third and final reading of the city's $85.8 million budget for the 2026 fiscal year. The city council approved the second reading June 9, but also amended the budget, which required it to have a third reading for final approval.
What's Next for Woodstock's Little River Park

1 week ago | tribuneledgernews.com | Ethan Johnson

Construction on Woodstock's Little River Park is expected to start in July, the city reports. On June 9, the Woodstock City Council unanimously voted to award an $8 million construction contract to Integrated Construction & Nobility, Inc. for Little River Park. This contract includes the construction of Little River Park, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, according to the city.
Restaurants and Commercial Buildings Coming to Hickory Flat

2 weeks ago | tribuneledgernews.com | Ethan Johnson

A mix of sit-down restaurants, fast-food restaurants and additional commercial and office space are coming to the Hickory Flat community. The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted June 3 to approve a request from D&G Acquisitions, LLC to rezone 14.108 acres from general agriculture to general commercial and neighborhood commercial to build a mix of commercial buildings.
Canton Police Looking to Renovate Public Safety Building

2 weeks ago | tribuneledgernews.com | Ethan Johnson

Canton officials are considering awarding a bid for renovations to the city's public safety building, including a gym where officers can exercise. The Canton Police Department reports that the proposed renovations will help it better serve citizens. On June 5, the Canton City Council discussed bids that the city recently received for proposed renovations to the Canton Police Department's public safety building.
Canton Officials Want GDOT to Create Emergency Median on I-575

2 weeks ago | tribuneledgernews.com | Ethan Johnson

Canton leaders are asking the Georgia Department of Transportation to consider creating an emergency median just south of exit 16 on Interstate 575.