Noteworthy

Tons of Trash Removed From Local Rivers

The 2021 Rivers Alive cleanups were a huge success, as Cherokee County Water and Sewerage Authority (CCWSA) held three events, focused on Little River, Ball Ground Creek and Etowah River. In total, 137 volunteers spent more than 400 hours of volunteer time cleaning up approximately 300 bags of trash, plus tires, car parts, mattresses and more. The grand total of trash removed was 2 tons.

The folks at CCWSA want to thank the following partners: city of Woodstock, city of Holly Springs, city of Canton, city of Ball Ground, Cherokee County Stormwater, Cherokee County School District, Kristin May of Fathom Realty and Upper Etowah River Alliance.

Volunteers involved in the cleanup include, from left: Rafael Prince, Macy Prince, Susan Prince, Darrell McNeal, Eric Wilmarth and Will England.

Firefighters Present Checks to Cancer Survivors

Earlier this year, Capt. Matt Richter of Fire Station 24, put together a team to do a fundraiser for breast cancer victims by selling T-shirts and hoodies to firefighters, their families and friends.

Approximately $30,000 was raised; after deducting the cost of the shirts, hoodies and printing, more than $15,000 was given to three breast cancer survivors, spouses of Cherokee County firefighters.

Charlotte Orr, wife of Division Chief Mark Orr; Jackie Croft, wife of Lt. Nathan Croft; and Alicia Lanier, Division Chief Kevin Lanier’s wife, each received a check for $5,300.

As spokesperson for the trio, Charlotte Orr expressed her appreciation.

“I want to say thank you all for caring enough for our families,” she said. “I also want to thank God for what it means to be Christ-like, and I have learned what it truly means to fully trust in God. I had moments during this time that I had to dig deep within my soul to find peace. During such turmoil, I heard God say to me that it wasn’t my job to worry about my family, but it was my job to worry about my relationship with him, and that he would take care of my family.”

From left: Alicia and Kevin Lanier, Charlotte and Mark Orr, and Jackie and Nathan Croft.