Mercedes-Benz moving jobs to metro Atlanta headquarters

CTL Script/ Top Stories of May 23rd 

Publish Date: May 23rd 

  

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

 

Today is Friday, May 23rd and Happy Birthday to Drew Carey 

 

I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are the stories Cherokee is talking about, presented by Times Journal 

1. Mercedes-Benz moving jobs to metro Atlanta headquarters
2. Creekland Academic Bowl Team Competes Nationally
3. Cherokee County Author Honors Late Father in New Biography

Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on sodas 

 

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:   Mercedes-Benz moving jobs to metro Atlanta headquarters 

Mercedes-Benz is expanding its North American headquarters in Sandy Springs, Georgia, adding up to 500 jobs and a new research and development facility near its 1MB headquarters. The move, set for completion by April 2026, will consolidate sales, financial services, and corporate teams, enhancing agility and customer experience. Mercedes-Benz currently employs 800 people in Georgia. State officials, including Gov. Brian Kemp, praised the expansion as a testament to Georgia's strength in innovation and business, contributing to the state's economic growth and global presence. 

STORY 2:  Creekland Academic Bowl Team Competes Nationally 

Creekland Middle School's academic bowl team recently competed in the National Academic Quiz Tournaments National Championship in Chicago, earning a 4-4 record against top teams nationwide. After winning the Cherokee County championship for the fourth time and placing in the state competition, the team, led by Captain Emmaline McKinney and coached by STEM teacher Eric Norris, showcased their skills on the national stage. 

STORY 3:   Cherokee County Author Honors Late Father in New Biography 

Cherokee County resident Amy Fussell has written *"Across the Land: One Man, One Mission, One Step at a Time"*, honoring her late father Jack Fussell’s 2013 cross-country walk to raise Alzheimer’s awareness. Jack walked over 2,600 miles from Georgia to California, raising $27,000 and connecting with families affected by the disease. The book, releasing June 1 for Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, shares his inspiring journey and legacy. A companion volume, *"Across the Land 2013 Unfiltered"*, includes his original blog entries and reflections. Both books, published by Twin Howl Press, will be available on Amazon. 

 

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STORY 4:        Cherokee County and GDOT Celebrate Start of Bells Ferry Road Widening 

Cherokee County and the Chamber of Commerce celebrated the groundbreaking of the Georgia Department of Transportation’s Bells Ferry Road Widening Project. The $36.5 million project will expand a 2.4-mile stretch from two to four lanes, add a multi-use sidepath, and improve intersections with Reduced Conflict U-Turns. Originally proposed in 1991, the project faced decades of delays due to funding and environmental concerns. Construction, led by Astra Group LLC, began in March 2025 and is expected to take three years, with a bridge replacement set for completion in 2027. Local leaders praised GDOT’s support for this vital improvement. 

 

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