Cherokee County Girl Dies in ATV Accident

Cherokee Tribune-Ledger Podcast

CTL Script/ Top Stories of June 15th

Publish Date: June 15th

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

Today is Saturday, June 15th and Happy 65th Birthday to MLB HOF Wade Boggs.

***06.145.24 – BIRTHDAY – WADE BOGGS***

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

1. Cherokee County Girl Dies in ATV Accident
2. Woodstock Man Accused of Abusing Infant
3. Canton OKs Contract for Intersection Improvement Project

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: Cherokee County Girl Dies in ATV Accident

A fundraiser has been established to aid a Cherokee County family in the wake of their tragic loss of 7-year-old Daniela "Dani" Grace Darnell, who passed away in an ATV accident on June 8 in Chattooga County. The fundraiser, organized by family friend Selika Hulbert, aims to support the grieving family during this difficult time. Daniela is remembered fondly for her vibrant personality and loving nature. The GoFundMe page has already raised over $11,000 as of Thursday morning. Contributions are encouraged to assist the family and show solidarity. Daniela's funeral is scheduled for June 16. To donate, visit tinyurl.com/5famf7nk.

STORY 2: Woodstock Man Accused of Abusing Infant

A Woodstock man, John Azzolino, 35, has been arrested and charged with child cruelty after his 10-week-old daughter was found with severe injuries and multiple broken bones. Detectives from the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation after the infant was admitted to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta — Scottish Rite Hospital on June 10. The infant suffered severe injuries to her mouth and throat, along with broken bones in her legs, ribs, and ankles. Azzolino faces two counts of aggravated battery and one count of first-degree cruelty to children, with additional charges expected. He is currently in custody without bond. The child’s mother is cooperating with authorities and faces no charges. The couple’s other child has been placed in the custody of the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services.

STORY 3: Canton Oks Contract for Intersection Improvement Project

The Canton City Council approved a $78,391.47 task order to Michael Baker International for project design services at the intersection of Reinhardt College Parkway and Highway 140. The plan involves converting the intersection into a multi-lane roundabout. This task order, primarily funded federally, marks the sixth step in the project. It includes completing an environmental site assessment at various locations. The city has applied for $6.1 million in federal funds through the Atlanta Regional Commission, with $3.1 million already approved. The project is set to be 80% federally funded, with a 20% city match. Construction is scheduled for 2026, aiming to enhance corridor capacity, alleviate congestion, and ensure safer routes.

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STORY 4: Woodstock Studying Main Street and Rope Mill Road Intersection

Woodstock City Council approved a $22,449.40 work authorization with Arcadis to conduct a traffic engineering study at the intersection of Main Street and Rope Mill Road. The aim is to explore potential improvements, including assessing traffic volume, crash history, and roadway characteristics. Services will entail examining the intersection's functionality and considering options like restriping, restricting movements, and exploring signalization or roundabout possibilities. The study will also evaluate incorporating Kyle Street into future transportation plans. Arcadis will deliver recommendations for intermediate and long-term enhancements. The study is set to commence soon, with results expected by year-end.

STORY 5: Former Cherokee County Deputy Arrested on Child Exploitation Charges

Former Cherokee Sheriff’s Office deputy Steven Bunte was arrested at his Gordon County residence by federal authorities on child exploitation charges. Cherokee County officials were present to notify him of his termination from the agency. Bunte, employed with CSO for approximately five years, worked at the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center. He faces five felony counts of computer/electronic pornography and child exploitation, according to the Gordon County Sheriff’s Office’s jail booking website.

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STORY 6: Two Cherokee County Schools Renew Digital Citizenship Certification

Clayton Elementary School and Woodstock Elementary School in Cherokee County have been awarded national certification for their excellence in teaching digital citizenship by Common Sense, a nonprofit organization. The schools were recognized for their efforts in educating students on responsible technology use and critical thinking skills, engaging the entire school community in the initiative. Media specialists Sandy McPherson and Amy VanFossen played key roles in achieving re-certification, utilizing Common Sense resources for lessons on internet safety, privacy protection, cyberbullying prevention, and media literacy. Common Sense Education praised the schools for preparing students for success in the 21st-century workplace and ethical participation in society.

STORY 7: Kennesaw Man Charged with Crashing Into Cyclist in Woodstock

Authorities have arrested 43-year-old Christopher Lee Koonce after a hit-and-run involving a cyclist. On Thursday afternoon, deputies responded to a collision on Main Street in Woodstock. A cyclist was struck by a Lexus sedan that veered onto the sidewalk. The victim suffered severe injuries and was taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital. Fortunately, he is expected to survive.

The driver fled the scene but was later apprehended after authorities found his abandoned vehicle. Koonce faces multiple charges, including serious injury by vehicle, hit and run, DUI – drugs, and driving on a suspended license. He also has active warrants in Gwinnett County.

Koonce remains in custody without bond at the Cherokee County jail. This case highlights the severe legal consequences of reckless driving and fleeing an accident scene. Stay tuned for more updates.

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