The unemployment rate in Cherokee County dropped to near six percent in April, a fall of four tenths of a percent. Almost 1,000 more county residents were working than in the previous month.

The 6.2 percent unemployment rate is one of the lowest in the state, especially when comparing counties with at least 25,000 people in the labor force.

Of the 114,994 people in the Cherokee County labor force, 7,122 were unemployed in April. A year ago the unemployment rate was up to 7.1 percent.

Just to the south, Cobb County's jobless rate dipped below seven percent, falling three tenths of a percent in a month. 

Cobb County's labor force lost approximately 200 workers while almost another 1,000 found jobs to lower the rate.

In April 2012, Cobb's labor force was having a tougher time, with eight percent unemployment.

Forsyth County had an even lower unemployment rate last month, falling below 6 percent, down to 5.8 percent. That was a drop of three tenths of a percent since March. A year ago the rate was higher at 6.6 percent.

Other area counties didn't fare so well, though they too had lower unemployment rates.

Bartow was at 7.7 percent, a drop of a half percent. There were 3,778 people unemployed out of a total work force of 48,839.

Douglas County had a similar decrease, falling below 8 percent to 7.9 percent in April. There were approximately 380 fewer people unemployed, with 63,236 residents working

Paulding County's jobless rate also dropped by half a percent to 7.2 percent. Out of the 73,122 people in the work force, 5,262 were unemployed in April.

Fulton County stayed above 8 percent, falling only two tenths of a percent to 8.3 percent.

County                Rate
Bartow                 7.7%
Cherokee              6.2
Cobb                    6.9
Douglas                7.9
Forsyth                 5.8
Fulton                   8.3
Paulding                7.2
Metro Atlanta         7.6

The Georgia Department of Labor also announced today in a news release that metro Atlanta’s unemployment rate declined to 7.6 percent in April, down three-tenths of a percentage point from March. The rate was 8.5 percent in April 2012.

The number of jobs in metro Atlanta increased by 12,900 to 2,394,100 in one month. Most of the growth came in:

• Professional and business services, 5,900;
• Trade and transportation, 3,700
• Leisure and hospitality, 2,700;
• Education and health services, 2,400; and
• Construction, 1,400.

Woodstock Man Accused of Taking $4K From Kennesaw Company - Woodstock-Towne Lake Patch

About $4,500 was stolen from a Kennesaw company, and a warrant has been issued for the arrest of a man who Kennesaw police believe was responsible for the theft. For more on this story, visit Woodstock Patch.

IRS Wants Back Taxes from Job Woman Never Held - Alpharetta-Milton Patch

A Milton woman is being asked by the IRS to pay back taxes, but she never worked for the Norcross company where the agency said she worked in 2011.For more on this story, visit Alpharetta-Milton Patch.

Bank Teller Swindles $10K from 90-Year-Old Buckhead Woman - Buckhead Patch

Atlanta Police arrested a bank teller after a 90-year-old Buckhead woman suspected he was stealing money from her account. For more on this story, visit Buckhead Patch.

City to Provide Free Wi-Fi Network for Piedmont Park - Midtown Patch

Sometime in 2014, anyone visiting Piedmont or Grant parks in Atlanta will be able to enjoy free Internet access along with the parks' other amenities. For more on this story, visit Midtown Patch.

Another Norcross Storage Facility Burglarized - Norcross Patch

After multiple storage units at CubeSmart in Norcross were reportedly broken into in late April, the city saw another slew of similar burglaries this month. For more on this story, visit Norcross Patch.

The Cherokee County Adult Detention Center supplied Patch with the mug shots and booking reports of the inmates who appear here. At the time of reporting, none of them has been convicted of the listed charges, and all should be presumed innocent.

A fire that damaged part of a home west of Canton was allegedly started by a five-year-old child, according to Cherokee County fire officials.

A portion of a home on 304 Blake Drive near Canton, located in the Copper Hills subdivision, received smoke, water and fire damage in an incident that started in the child's bedroom. 

According to a press release from the Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services, the agency and the Canton Fire Department responded to the fire at te home, which is located off Highway 20/Knox Bridge Highway, shortly after 2 p.m. Thursday. 

When first responders arrived on the scene, they found heavy smoke coming from a two-story wooden and stone structure. 

Preliminary reports show the fire started in a bedroom on the first story on the home.

According to Cherokee County Fire Investigator Shane Daniel, the five-year-old grandson of the homeowners allegedly started the fire with a cigarette lighter in his bedroom closet.

The child then alerted his grandparents that the house was on fire. The grandmother told investigators she threw a bucket of water on the fire, but "the fire was too large for the water to do any good," according to the press release.

She then called 911 and fire fighters soon after responded to the blaze. No one was injured in the incident. 

A boy’s sexual orientation may soon be moot when he goes to join one national organization.

According to reports Thursday evening, the Boy Scouts of America voted to drop sexual orientation as one component of membership into the youth group. While the organization’s decision paved the way for openly gay boys to become Scouts, the group’s leadership stopped short of allowing gay Scout leaders.

Want to blog about this topic? E-mail Community Editor Liz Kennedy to find out how you can become a Local Voices blogger on your hometown Patch.

Not all Scout troops may be receptive to the change.

In previous discussions over the issue, BSA spokesman Deron Smith said that under the then-proposed change, the BSA would not dictate a position to the various units, members or parents—it would be entirely up to the relevant sponsor organization to make the call.

Do you think the Boy Scouts made the right decision to allow openly gay boys? Should the organization go one step further and allow Scout leaders of any sexual orientation?

Share what’s on your mind with us, and then return here to see what your neighbors in North Fulton, Forsyth and Cherokee counties have said.

1. Weather: The National Weather Service predicts nothing but sunny skies for Canton today, with a high temperature of 76 degrees. Tonight, look for a low temperature of 45 degrees under clear skies.

2. In Case You Missed It: A little boy playing with a cigarette lighter got a little more than he bargained for when he started a fire that damaged his grandparents' home in Canton Thursday. Nobody was injured in the blaze. Hopefully, our young friend learned a very important lesson about playing with fire!

3. Happening Now: Seeing as Canton's high school seniors will be getting their diplomas in a matter of days, it should only encourage them to learn that their starting salary may be a bit higher once they graduate from college in four years, and that the job market in Cherokee County is steadily improving. Congrats, grads! Enjoy your summer!

4. Looking Ahead: Come back later today to get a rundown of Memorial Day happenings in and around Canton. If you're doing something you want the rest of the world to know about, tell us in the comments!

5. On This Date in History: On May 24, 1941, the German battleship Bismarck and the heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen, attempting to sneak out into the Atlantic Ocean between Greenland and the Iceland, are intercepted by a British task force comprised of the battleships HMS Hood, HMS Prince of Wales, and the heavy cruisers HMS Suffolk and HMS Norfolk.

HMS Hood is the pride of the Royal Navy and is a symbol of British naval power in general while the Prince of Wales is a state-of-the-art battleship, which was still being worked on by dockyard personnel while at sea.

Just before daybreak (5:52 a.m.), Hood opens fire on the German ships at a range of 26,500 yards (just over 15 miles), but the Germans soon get the better of the old warship. At 6 a.m., a salvo from Bismarck strikes Hood's ammunition magazine. Hood was blown apart, with only three men of her crew of 1,418 surviving.

(Attached to this article is footage shot from the Prinz Eugen of the Bismarck fighting the British fleet in the Denmark Strait.)

Outnumbered and suffering mechanical failures, the Prince of Wales was forced to retreat, but not before dealing some damage to the Bismarck. After the loss of Hood and the damaging of British naval pride, Prime Minister Winston Churchill issued the famous order to, "Sink the Bismarck." 

Read Monday's Morning Briefing to learn what happens next!

American Atheists, an atheist organization based out of Cranford, NJ, say they plan to send books on atheism to Georgia state parks.

In a recent press release the organization stated the following:

American Atheists announced Friday that it will send the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR) enough popular atheist books to place one in every state park cabin in the state. The atheist books will be placed alongside Gideon Bibles already in every state park cabin as directed by Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal on Wednesday.

The Bibles were initially removed following a complaint from former American Atheist President Ed Buckner who found nine Bibles in a cabin he had rented last month. But on May 15 Gov. Deal ordered Bibles to be returned to all cabin and lodge rooms at Georgia state parks.

Related News: Gov. Deal Orders Return of Bibles to Rooms at State Parks

In a statement by the governor he said, “These Bibles are donated by outside groups, not paid for by the state, and I do not believe that a Bible in a bedside table drawer constitutes a state establishment of religion."

"In fact, any group is free to donate literature.”

In response to Gov. Deal's statement, Amanda Knief, the managing director of American Atheists said, "We appreciate the governor’s invitation to place atheist books in the cabins and look forward to providing visitors with the opportunity to learn more about atheism when they visit Georgia’s beautiful state parks.”

Read the full press release by American Atheists here.

“American Atheists does not believe the State of Georgia should be placing Bibles or atheist books in state park cabins; however, if the state is going to allow such distribution, we will happily provide our materials,” said President David Silverman.

Do you think atheistic books should be in Georgia lodging rooms and cabins at state parks alongside the Bible? Tell us in the comments below.

Share what’s on your mind with us, and then return here to see what your neighbors have said.

Canton

Canton Farmers Market

Varsity Night at The Lodge

Holly Springs

8th Annual Memorial Day 5K Run/Walk and 1K Fun Run

Woodstock

Latimer Hall Arts and Craft Show

Main Street Woodstock Farmers Market

Garland Kelley @Woodstock Idol

Storytime at FoxTale Book Shoppe

Wine Tasting

Marietta

Herman Cain Live in Marietta Square

Strand Summer Movie Series: 'National Lampoon's Vacation'

'Dolls in the City' Exhibit at 2 Rules Fine Art

Marietta Square Famers Market

Kennesaw

Bunz N Gunz 5k Challenge

Alpharetta

The Breeze Kings Perform at Matilda's

Gallery 35 Presents 'Alpharetta Art In The Park'

The New Jubilations: A Community Choir for Seniors

Roswell

The Second City

Night Hike

Guided River Canoe Trips

Football Player to Speak

Don’t miss any of the local news you care about. Subscribe to Canton-Sixes Patch’s free newsletter, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Concerned citizens and city and county officials were at City Hall last night to have an open discussion about fire services in the City of Canton.

Many citizens wanted to know the proposed benefits of either improving the Canton Fire Department under the city's guidance or merging the city's fire services with Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services.

County Commission Chairman Buzz Ahrens and Commissioner Woody Johnston were in attendance to try to answer questions brought forth regarding county plans.

Canton City Councilmen Bill Bryan, Glen Cummis, Hooky Huffman, John Beresford, and Jack Goodwin all shared their feelings on the contentious issue.

Patch would like to continue the conversations that began last night in a respectful but informative manner. If you have something to say about the town hall meeting in particular or the broader issues of fire services in Canton, we encourage you to submit either a letter to the editor at justin.ove@patch.com or by writing a blog post.

For further information on this issue, including past council meetings and citizen input, please see Canton-Sixes Patch's "Fire Services in Canton" topic page.

If you have any further questions or comments, please feel free to leave them in the comments section of this article.

We look forward to hearing from you!

East Cobb CVS Pharmacy Tech Arrested- East Cobb Patch

An East Cobb CVS Pharmacy technician has been arrested in connection with the alleged theft of 500 Hydrocodone pills from her job. For more on this story, visit East Cobb Patch.

Norcross Man Wanted in Forgery Scheme, Two Falcons Players Victims -Norcross Patch

Gwinnett County police are looking for Norcross man they say is responsible for forging checks in the names of a current and former Falcons player. For more on this story, visit Norcross Patch.

Career Fair Coming to Duluth for UGA Alumni - Duluth Patch

The UGA Career Center is sponsoring the career fair, which takes place 11 a.m.-3 p.m., June 12 at the Gwinnett Center in Duluth. For more on this story, visit Duluth Patch.

Area Funeral Director Dies in I-75 Crash in Emerson - Cartersville Patch

An Interstate 75 crash in Emerson on Thursday claimed the life of a Paulding County funeral director. For more on this story, visit Cartersville Patch.

Thief Smashes Car Window at Park After Spotting Coach Purse - Gwinnett Patch

A purse left in a visible location inside a car resulted in a smashed window for a Dacula woman during a May 15 visit to Little Mulberry Park. For more on this story, visit Gwinnett Patch.

The Cherokee County Adult Detention Center supplied Patch with the mug shots and booking reports of the inmates who appear here. At the time of reporting, none of them has been convicted of the listed charges, and all should be presumed innocent.

This year Memorial Day 2013 falls on Monday, May 27, and there are plenty of events in and near Canton and the Atlanta area where you can celebrate our fallen heroes during the long holiday weekend.

Gov. Deal at National Cemetery

The Cherokee Tribune reports that Gov. Nathan Deal will attend the Saturday, May 25, service at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton. The ceremony begins at 10 a.m.

City of Woodstock's Memorial Day Ceremony

The city of Woodstock hosts its Memorial Day Ceremony Monday, May 27, at10 a.m. at the Park at City Center. Guests include Sen. Brandon Beach; State Rep. Michael Caldwell; keynote speaker John A. Forrest, Major, Marine Corps (RET); Woodstock’s Mayor Donnie Henriques; East Cobb New Horizons Concert Band; Etowah High School & Kings Academy JROTC Units and more. See accompanying PDF for more information.

Holly Springs Volunteer Fire Department's 5K

The Holly Springs Volunteer Fire Department hosts its 8th annual Memorial Day 5K Run on Saturday, May 25, at 7 a.m. at Holly Springs Elementary School. The event is the non-profit organization's largest fundraiser, with 10 percent of the proceeds also benefitting U.S. veterans.

Georgia's Largest Memorial Day Ceremony

Georgia’s largest Memorial Day ceremony will march onto the grounds of Roswell City Hall, Monday, May 27, in celebration and remembrance of those lost defending our country. Festivities include live music, exhibits and a special keynote speaker, and begin at 10 a.m. Read more here.

'Freedom Isn't Free': Milton Celebrates Memorial Day

The city of Milton hosts its annual Memorial Day celebration on Monday, May 27, at Milton City Hall. The ceremony starts at 10 a.m. and features local veterans, color guards and more. According to the city's website, "retired U. S. Army Colonel and Georgia native Michael D. Steele, known to military and film buffs as a real-life character from the 1999 book and 2001 film 'Black Hawk Down,' will be the ceremony’s featured speaker.

Memorial Day Picnic in Johns Creek

The Johns Creek Veterans Association will host a Memorial Day Picnic on Saturday, May 25, at Newtown Park, according to a recent announcement. Visitors will be able to walk the pathway at Newtown Park where a future Memorial Walk will be laid out, and the JCVA will also be displaying recorded histories of some of its members. The picnic runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Food and drinks will be available on the Park Place patio while supplies last.

Two Observances in Cartersville

Two observances are set mark this year's Memorial Day holiday in Cartersville, according to the The Daily Tribune News. The American Legion will host a program on Monday, May 27, at 11 a.m. that includes a visit by State Rep. Christian Coomer. Later at 7:30 p.m., the Vietnam Veterans of Bartow County’s will host a candlelight service at the Frank Moore Administration and Judicial Center.

Acworth Observance at Patriots Point

The city of Acworth will honor our fallen heroes with a ceremony on Saturday, May 25, at 10 a.m. at Patriots Point at Cauble Park. "The 45 minute ceremony will feature the Laying of the Wreath by American Legion Post 304 Senior Vice Commander Richard Ray, comments by Lieutenant Colonel Alan Price, USAF (Retired) and gun salute and taps by members of VFW Post 5408," says a newsletter from the city.

Memorial Day Events at Kennesaw Mountain

In commemoration of Memorial Day, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is presenting various events to honor our nation’s fallen veterans. Highlights on Monday, May 27, include artillery demonstrations, Kennesaw Mountain High School's color guard and a moment of silence. Click here for more information.

Ceremony at Marietta National Cemetery

For more than a half century now, a Memorial Day celebration at Marietta National Cemetery has those who served and gave their life for our country's freedom. On Saturday, May 25, at 8 a.m., Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts and Brownies will place flags on each grave. On Monday, May 27, from noon to 1 p.m., a ceremony will feature patriotic music, posting of the colors, prayers, a gun salute and speakers. 

Smyrna Memorial Day Ceremony and Cookout

Smyrna's Memorial Day activities include a memorial service, and a barbecue cookout open to the public on Monday, May 27, from 9 a.m. to noon. The ceremony takes place at the 20th Century Veterans Memorial, 2800 King St., with the cookout following at the Post 160 office. Read more here.

Stone Mountain Memorial Weekend Events

Stone Mountain Park marks the Memorial Weekend with events featuring free concerts, the Lasershow Spectacular special fireworks finale, and other patriotic activities all weekend. Active and retired military personnel received discounts. More details here.

Don’t miss any of the local news you care about. Subscribe to Canton-Sixes Patch’s free newsletter, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Creekview High School Class of 2013

Valedictorian Victoria Leigh Cochran

Salutatorian Kasey Elizabeth Perrin

Jessica Auburn Abernathy

Ryan Andrew Aderhold

Thomas Richard Aiken

Grace Marie Alabiso

James William Allen III

Kyle Ethan Allen

Abbas M Al-Saeedi

Anthony Joseph Alvarez

Vincent Michael Alvarez

Sloan Marie Anderson

Jason Andrew Arellano

Yosselyn Arreaga

Hannah Faith Atkins

Matthew Joseph August

Michael Lee August

Sierra Cheyenne Averette

Anil Aydin

Hannah Alexis Baine

Cameron Reece Baird

Chelsey Marie Balcom

Nathan Hunter Ballew

Robert David Ballew

Emily Anne Barnes

Quimara Devaun Barnett

Andrew Townsend Barrett

Evan Thomas Barrett

Josh Traven Bartley

Victoria Grace Bavington

Joshua Whitfield Black

Dalton Cody Blackmon

Beau Steven Blackwell

Joseph Hunter Blackwell

Mary Catherine Blackwell

Sidney Ann Bosley

Glen Joseph Bowker

Samantha Dolores Bowker

Casie Leanne Bowman

Victoria Catherine Bowman

Joseph Michael Bradley

Justin Andrew Bradshaw

Casey Ann Bragg

Casey Nicole Brannon

Nicholas Joseph Brindle

Megan Faith Brinkerhoff

Hannah Elisabeth Brockwell

Garrett Packard Bryant

Jonathan Edward Buelow

Kailey Mary Elizabeth Bunting

Naomi Burgos

Brooke Helen Bushuiakovish

Bobby Allen Cadenhead

Chase Madison Callahan

Taylor Lindsey Callaway

Gregory Elliott Camp

John Allen Campbell

Clare Tansey Carmody

Mary Kellan Carr

Benjamin Elwin Carraway

Stephen Patrick Carse

Hunter Douglas Carter

Stewart Craig Carver

Jake Gregory Cashin

Cullen Robert Castle

Grayson Herschel Caudill

Ashton Savannah Chadwick

Alyssa Ann Chandler

Taylor Randi Charles

Despina Grigorios Chryssopoulos

Jared Thomas Church

Christian Kade Clark

Charm Christina Cochran

Victoria Leigh Cochran

James Kelsey Cogswell V

Ricky Tyler Collett

Timothy Austin Collett

Maximilliam Jefferson Conrad

Emma Jo Cook

Joshua Allen Cooley

Nicholas Andrew Cordts

Alexandra Marie Cornelius

Stephanie Mary Coutts

Kenneth Cole Covington

John Michael Cowart

Jessica Claire Cox

Michael Joseph Crafton

Julia Anna Criqui

Matthew Charles Crisci

Jessica Presley Daniels

Hannah Nicole Davis

Nathanial John Davis

Julia Pauline Dayoub

Ellena DeFrank

Megan Sierra Denney

Reynolds Edward Densmore IV

Parth N. Desai

Manoucheca Lovena Desruisseaux

Daniel Adam Evangelos Kat Dimos

Charles Alexander Doss

Bobby Austin Drain

Cristiana Maria Dudash

Austin Fitch Duke

Anna Loridans Dunn

John Joseph Echols

Andrew Louis Eddington

John Michael Edwards

Andrew Embry

Lane Randall Emert

Sarah Rae Emert

Hailey Jordan Escher

Austin Micah Espinoza

Manuel Espinoza

Katelyn Alayne Ezell

Margaret Rose Fairbanks

Logan Emily Fetters

Berkley Fields

Oleg Eduardovich Filatov

John Benjamin Fisher

Jake Dillan Flynn

Whitney Leigh Folsom

Corey William Forman

Annabelle Clara Forrester

Joseph Neal Fouts

Kyle Corwin Fox

Collin Wayne Frankford

Adam Ross Franklin

Connor James Fraser

Jacob Russell Gaddis

Mason James Gaddis

Leonardo Miguel Galindo

Michael Patric Galloway

Emerson Kane Gantz

Rachel Ann Garabedian

Janet Martin Garner

Nicholas Darril Garner

Chandler Danielle Gates

Jordan Alyssa Gates

Sydney Victoria Gates

Taylor Lindsay Gates

Adam Christopher Geller

Sara Catton Gerlach

Lindsey Christine Gibson

Trenton Douglas Gilleland

Meghan Rose Gilmartin

Lauren Nicole Gilreath

Heather Nicole Goodfallow

Daria N Gore

Alexandra Whorton Gotfredson

Aaron Carl Grabowski

Brooke Elizabeth Gramith

Lauren Marie Margaret Greer

John Hilton Gregory

Grayson Paige Griffin

Tyler Glen Griffin

Christopher Brad Griner

Ngiyan Gwet

Hayden Thad Hall

Tracy Renae Hall

Chandler Ervin Hamby

Samuel Kirby Hardin

Brian Jeffrey Harris

Dylan James Harrison

Kylie Beth Hartman

Jordan Ashleigh Hausburg

Lenos Culley Hawthorne

Allyson Jean Hayenga

Kaitlyn Ann Hayes

Kayla Nicole Haynes

Zachary Michael Henson

Lauren Ann Herbert

Emma Leigh Hester

Logan Edward Hester

Tyler Jackson Hester

Angela Amelia Hicks

Conner Lathan Hicks

Tyler James Hilton

Kaitlin Marie Hinson

Brittany Beth Hodges

Emma Louise Hofmeister

Julia Blair Holbert

Jacob Gray Holcombe

Hannah Marcella Homiller

Jesse Garrison Hood

Emily Diane Horn

Aubrey Elena Horta

Brandon Alexander Hughes

Taylor Lynne Hughes

Hannah Marie Hunter

David Tristan Irvin

Autumn Tylor Johnson

Hannah Melissa Johnston

Shauna Alysse Jones

Chase Randall Jordan

Kyle Wilhelm Kampovsky

Madlyn Anne Kaufman

Kamela Leigh Kettles

Eimaz Ahmad Khan

Abigail Marie King

Bradley Austin King

William Keith Kirby

Makayla Brooke Kittelson

Charles Kirwan Klaesius

Angelina L. Koetter

Harrison Burke Kohanowich

Ignacio Giovanni Lara

Matthew Christopher Leahy

Van Lucas Leffingwell

Brock Edward Lehman

Zachary Cord Lemcke

Kelsey Brooke Lowe

Madison Conner Luck

Ki'shon De'von Lumpkin

Zachary Ray Lumpkin

Spencer Lybbert

Robert Joseph Lyon

Ashton Louis Manous

Jonathan Cole Maran

Christina Diane Martin

Kallie Elizabeth Martin

Ashley Victoria Mason

Emily Nicole Mason

Leon Donald Jacob Massey

Samuel Allen Mastriforte

Carlos Christopher Mata

Amelia Anna Maze

Emily Madison McCall

Austin Taylor McDonald

Benjamin Christopher McFarlin

Casey Elizabeth McGinty

Tyler James McPherson

Catalina Mejia Amaya

Mikaela Denyau Melnychuk

Breland Michael Mettler

Ronald David Miller II

Alexa Molinari

Tyra Ashley Moon

Rebecca Jeanne Mooney

Stephanie Leanne Moorehead

Miriam Mayte Mora

Bestany Suzett Moran

Shane Paul Mroczko

Zachary Layne Murdock

Andrew Mason Murphy

Hannah Faith Murphy

Lauren Ann Murphy

Marcos Jesus Navarro

Lucas Austin Nelson

Stephen Patrick Newberry

Zachary Emerson Newbold

Teresa Chen Ng

Cassandra Lynn Nicolacopulos

Nicholle Kelby Nixon

Joseph Bernard Noll

Tyler James Nordeste

Nickalaus Walker Northcutt

Barbara Elaine Norton

Kristen Marie Nunez

Claire Elizabeth O'Connor

Jared Thomas O'Kelley

Kayleigh Moriniere Osborne

Ashley Nicole Pacilio

Justin Alexander Palmisiano

Katavious Lamont Payne

Kasey Elizabeth Perrin

Rockwell Stone Peterson

Justin Cordell Pettyjohn

Janessa Nicole Phillips

Alexander Ross Ping

Cameron Grace Ping

Meagan Nicole Popwell

Jessica Renee Poulsen

Austin Michels Power

Damon Edward Powers

Adam James Prather

Brandon Clark Pressley

Amanda Price

Sidney Lee Priest

Deeandre Janea Pritchett

Andrew David Proctor

Hannah Michelle Pruitt

Joseph Chase Puckett

Bailey Hunter Quinn

Audrey Ruth Rabine

Taylor Leigh Ramey

Carey McCutchen Ray

Natalie Anna Razov

Krystal AnnMarie Reddy

Katie Ann Reed

Emily Alexandra Reeves

Amber Rena Reynolds

Madeline Victoria Rhodes

Eric Lee Rhonehouse

Darby Carolina Rich

Amanda Michelle Richards

Chelsey Jewel Richards

Alexander Daniel Richardson

Brian Francis Roche

Tanner Ray Rodman

Thomas Alberto Rodriguez

Courtney Haven Rogers

David Alexander Rolader

Mallory Lynn Rosiek

Hannah LeighAnne Rowland

Jonathan Tyler Russell

Austin Joseph Ryan

Madeline Rose Ryan

Kendall Ansley Rylant

Caylee Jade Salabarria

Mitchell Alexander Sallee

Ryan James Sander

Kathryn Grace Sanders

Jose Alfredo Santillan

Edmund Joseph Schoewe

Amanda Elizabeth Schwab

Maya Gabrielle Scott

Kayla Nicole Setser

Ryan Evan Shearouse

Mary Elizabeth Shelley

Abigail Leigh Sherrod

Neal Dakota Short

Christopher Jackson Sims

Levi Thomas Skaggs

Emily Ann Smith

Sydney Marie Solano

Emily Hope-Ann Solon

Ashley Danielle Somerville

Kayla Delaine Spenard

Kenneth Clay Stamey

Amanda Bryce Stanley

Ryan Keith Stevens

Whitney Elizabeth Stevenson

Joy Genevieve Tadsen

Anna Katherine Tankersley

Chase Anthony Tetpon

Alexandria Joy Thomas

Jordan Taylor Thompson

Maria Taylor Thompson

Allyson Rachel Thomson

Madison Alexzandria Thrift

Josemaria Miguel De Leon Torralba

Joseph Kristopher Totherow

Tyler Nicholas Trahan

Tessa Karina Trumbauer

Derek Garland Turner

Hunter Kirt Udall

David Brisbane Ulmer IV

Christopher Dain Vance

Casey Quinton Vaughn

Nancy Fabiola Vazquez

Scott James Walpole

Joseph Gregory Warkoski

Trevor John Waters

Victoria Ann Watkins

Erin Lindsay Waver

Austin Dakota Weaver

Anthony Beau Welch

Steven Walker Whitaker

Steven Allen White

Weston Brock Wilburn

Tammie Kansas Wilkie

Brittany Janaei Williams

Jordan Nicole Williams

Hannah Caroline Wilson

Miles Alexander Wilson

Jenna Morgan Wohlford

Ryan Reagh Woods

Brandon Thomas Wright

Grace Noel Wright

Joshua Allen Wright

Stephen Brian Young

Brianna Marie Youngblood

Itzel Edith Zapata Sigala

Ryan Lee Zentko

Morgan Michele Zoufal 

Cherokee High School Class of 2013

Valedictorian Jebb Westley Ricketts

Salutatorian Taylor Victoria Wilson

Abbey Shae Adams

Aaron Christopher Adas

Kaleigh Victoria Adcox

MaryAllyn Thompson Alden

Cassidy Susannah Alderfer

Hannah Faith Aldrich

Katie Marie Alexander

Shams Hussein Ali

Fadilah Alli

Maria Elizabeth Allison

Mariana Alonso

Emily Maegan Anderson

Lauren Leanna Anderson

Estefania Sarahi Arellano Horta

Arturo Daniel Arevalo

William Matthew Armstrong, Jr

Jacob Franklin Austin

Kayla Nicole Ayers

Sulaiman Olatunde Ayinla

Tyler Thomas Balius

Trey Edward Barnes

Hannah Jo Barr

Austin Bailey Bearden

Ezekiel Rashawn Beasley

Mary Rebecca Beauchamp

Robert Louis Beauvais

Mitchell Thomas Lee Bell

Derrin Walter Bellamy

Drew Ashton Bellamy

Sebastian Lee Bentley

Jacob Daniel Biebricher

Clay Daniel Black

Tiffany Bell Blackmon

Madison Shea Blankenship

Olivia Nicole Blankenship

Timothy Austin Blankenship

Thomas Chase Blanton

Shelby Lee Bobo

Kaylee Justine Bolen

Joshua Hunter Bowling

Christian David Boughton

Caleb Matthew Bowlick

Jeffrey Brady Bradshaw

Jenna Claire Brannen

Laynie Kristina Branscum

Matthew Aaron Bravo

Owen Phillip Daniel Brewer

Xamayca Yvonne Brown

Zachary Ryan Brown

Morgan Taylor Browne

Cameron Bleu Bryant

Kelsi Marie Burford

Carly Nicole Burger

Brittney Jo Burgett

Austin Tanner Burrows

Amanda Lee Burton

Hunter James Burton

Daniel McConnell Butler

Courtney Sara Byers

Jacob Daniel Byess

Jesse H. Byess

Miontaye Tierra Bynum

Jamie Dwayne Campbell

Ross McDurmont Campbell

Denisse Castillo

Naomi Victoria Catt

Allexa Jade Ceballos

Nicholas Austin Chastain

Brooke Ann Christensen

Taariq Da'aim Christie

Alexus Ashauntae Clark

Joshua Aaron Clark

Lindsey Glynn Cline

Kyle Patrick Cochran

Jacob Alexander Coen

Sean Walker Coles

Jason Zachary Collier

Justin Evan Conklin

Corey David Cook

Virginia Nicole Cook

Eric Joseph Cooke

Kelsey Ann Costa

Carly Ann Cox

Justin Louis Craig

Alexzander Joseph Crawford

Dustin Lee Crider

Caleb Wade Croft

Jacob Robert Crowley

Valeria Del Rocio Cruz

Yesica Ester Cruz

Kiersten Renee Crye

Haley Nicole Cunningham

Willie Thomas Cyrus, III

Dylan Dalton

Ashley Nicole Dampier

Ashley Morgan Darby

Matthew William Davidson

Stephen Anthony De Los Rios

Elizabeth Ashley Deaton

Alexander Ivan DeBate

Alondra Delgado

Trevor Colin Denmon

Lance Wendell DiBenardo

Eli Powers Dickens

David Edilberto Dionicio

Leslie Elizabeth Dobbs

Adam Shane Dobson

Georthon Correia Do Carmo

Mason Bennett Dozier

Brooke Dalana Drillot

Courtney Ann Duc

Meredith Wray Dunnington

Alexander Terrance Dushane

Katelyn Eaton

Tyler Alan Ebinger

Tyler James Eidson

Tad Daniel Ellsworth

Cody Alan Erickson

Katie Maria Escobar Morales

Alicia Beatris Escobar-Lopez

Dominga Esteban Paiz

Germain Estrada

Jenna Lee Fair

Rachel Hunter Fleming

Lindsey Michelle Fortner

Miranda Dorothy-Lynn Foster

Destiny Lea Fryar

Maria Guadalupe Fuentes Barrera

Dylan K Fuller

Javier Raul Garcia

Paula Andrea Garcia

Cassondra Rebekah Gaudious

Callie Elizabeth Gazaway

William Darren Ghorley

Lukas Daniel Gilbert

Brittany Sue Gillis

Jessica Gabriela Gomez

Alejandro Gonzalez, Jr

Fernando Castro Gonzalez

Richard Dakota Gottschau

Megan Elizabeth Graves

David James Gravley

Madeline Carol Gray

Daylan Ashleigh Green

Shawn Austin Gressly

Issac Grundy

Cody James Hackney

Meyanna Nikko Hale

Shamorriah India Tashawn-Hampton

Mary Chandler Hamrick

David Clay Harper

Gregory J. Harris

Dakota Stephen Harrison

Sydney Jane Harrison

Caroline Ann Hatcher

Michael Blake Hawthorne

Andrew Michael Hay

Amber Nicole Hayes

Thomas Robert Healan

Tyler Heier

Stephen Matthew Heimbigner

Chelci Laryn Helms

Toni Leighann Henderson

David Adriel Hernandez

Alexander Lee Herod

Nicole Teresa Hew

Ruby Catherine Hingle

Lam Ngoc Ho

Abigail Jane Hoeflinger

Amanda Helen Holcomb

Corey Nicole Holcombe

Kassidy Erin Holliday

Samantha Lee Holloway

Melissa Ann Hooks

Stephen Thomas Hopper

Lindsay Michelle Howard

Kiana Celeste Howell

Alison Elizabeth Hultquist

Ryan Michael Hutchins

Sean Michael Inches

Joel Ryan Jackson

Christian Fernando Jaimes

Shawn Cody James

Omar B. Jarquin-Juarez

Lyndjie Jean Baptiste

Brandon Keith Johnson

Kennadie Johnson

Rebecca Danielle Johnson

James Hunter Jones

Lauren Nicole Jones

Sarah Elizabeth Jones

Juan Alejandro Juarez

Tyler Maria Kealey

Xavier Scott Keith

Jacob Charles Kendall

Larry Mason Keyt

Jacqueline Kyung-Me Kim

Jesse Mark King

Katelynn Haley King

Sydney Danielle King

Connor McCall Kinkaid

Cydnee Kirk

Olivia Joy Kissinger

Samantha Nicole Kite

Benjamin Kopf

Zakary Montana Kuykendall

Katie Elizabeth Langham

Kristan Rashaad Langston

Arturo Languren Gomez, Jr.

Michael Petrecca Lanier

Ryan Coleman Lanier

Funmilayo Latona

Brandon Michael Laws

Marybeth Candace Lay

Andrew Jon Leach

Tyler Seth Leamer

Kaitlyn Rose Leftwich

Courtney Taylor Lehman

Jesse E. Levi

Ian Sky Lewis

Taylor Alexander Lilley

Rosa Lopez R.

Kalyn Elizabeth Lorch

Cassius Daray Ludy

Katherine Elizabeth Lyle

Jessica Danielle Mabrey

Ashley Nicole Maracara

Haley Caroline Marankie

Brooke Leigh Marcom

Kimberly Catherine Marshall

Abigail E. Martin

Seth Ashton Martin

Brandon Ricardo Martinez

Vany Sarahi Martinez

Lauren A. May

Mason Anthony Mayes

Jared Lewis McClain

Joshua Aaron McClain

Marissa Lynne McCloud

Jana Marcie McFry

Vanessa Deltres McGhee

Kasey C. McKibben

Jeremy Dalton McLoud

Jordan Ray McPherson

Joshua Walker McWhirter

Stefanne Cunha Medeiros

Elizabeth Joy Meeder

Elizabeth Rhianna Meehan

Irving Ivan Mendoza

John Letner Metcalf

Jordan Tyler Meyer

Whitney Denean Mial

Cesar Armando Mijangos Ramirez

Taylor Nicole Miller

Christina Marjorie Mixon

Courtney Ann Mixon

Mayra Viviana Montanez Ramirez

Lloyd Patrick Moore, Jr.

Luisa Belen Morales Hernandez

Jason Todd Morgan, Jr.

Dylan Alexander Morris

Jordan Russell Morris

Sam RJ Morrison

Hunter Keith Moss

Whitney Nicole Mosteller

Maribel Mucino Salgado

Nathan Daniel Mullet

Alexandria Nicole Mullinax

Alexander Michael Murfin

Matthew Steven Murphy

Rebecca Jean Murphy

Adsila Murray

Courtney Carol Nations

Matthew Aaron Nations

Parker Alan Neal

Courtney Patricia Nelson

Ricky S. Cole Nelson

Tristin Brook Nunn

Alexander Alberto Orozco

Isaac Allen Osmer

Moises Efrain Pablo

Kyla Nicole Painter

Yessele Denise Palacios

Cody Hunter Pampel

Armony Tremaine Parker

Cody Wayne Parker

Allyson Cierra Parks

Ashlyn Elizabeth Parks

Alexander Paterson

Aaron Zachary Payne

Jonathan Alexander Pennyman

Ashley Marie Peterman

Amanda Catlyn Pettis

Dustin James Phyfe

Daniela Macareno Pinon

Tyler Austin Porch

Kendra Alanna Pozerycki

Andrew Proctor

Candace Rae Pugh

Cinthia Pulido

Lawrence Truett Pumphrey

Hannah M. Quackenbush

Briana Quibano

Ariel Alexandria Quinn

Estefania Quintino

Suzanna Vasiliy Radchuk

Caley Elizabeth Rafferty

Nicholas Edwin Ragsdale

Edwin E. Ramirez

Dustin Brian Rampley

Lauren Marie Rase

Dixie Leigh Ray

Justin Ray

Qasim Raza

Talley Lorenzo Redmond

Katherine Lynn Reed

Tiffany Ann Reed

Taylor Marie Reid

Madison Margaret Reneau

Lorena Reveles

Jacob Anthony Rhodes

Madison Elaine Rhodes

Bradley Marcus Riccio

Austin Bleu Rickett

Jebb Westley Ricketts

Alora Elaine Riddle

Troy James Ridings

Tyler A. Ringhoffer

Taylor Noel Robbins

Chad Alan Roberts

Jose Antonio Rodriguez, Jr.

Caleb Daniel Rogers

Casey Montana Rogers

Kaleb Brady Rogers

Anna Marie Rowe

Megan Elyse Ruff

Servando Adrian Salazar

Yesica Lizbeth San Juan Ramirez

Brady Edward Sandercock

Hannah Eliese Sapp

Hayley Christine Sarra

Austin Reed Satterfield

Levi Todd Satterfield

Morgen Kayleigh Schmidt

Chelsea Dawn Schofield

Steven Vincent Schuck

Kenneth Dale Schuckers

Amy Katrina Schutt

MacKenzie Lynn Seay

Garrett Jacob Seckler

Callie Cailin Secunda

Dylan Senczyzyn

Sara Jean Sharples

Jessica Lee Simmons

Melissa Dian Simmons

Allison Ann Simpkins

Tyler Austin Slate

Hannah Elizabeth Smith

Lindsey Brooke Smith

Nathan Patrick Smith

Nathaniel Paul Smith

Kathryn Mason Snow

Michael Dakota Sonntag

Preston Brady Spencer

Caitlin Elisabeth Spradley

Roderick John Stanton

Sara Yong Stephens

Taylor Shanise Stephens

Dallin James Stevens

Sarah Elizabeth Stevens

Roy Connor Stogner

Kyle Brandon Struck

Jimmy William Swancey, Jr.

Micheal Steven Swerdon

Cristin Nicole Teague

Stephanie Anai Terriquez

Madison Thomas

Cole McKinley Thompson

Haley Charlene Thompson

Abril Rivera Tiamani

Ashley Lynn Tofil

Brynn Emily Toland

Robert Lance Tompkins

Andrew Gregory Torrence

Cydney Daniell Towe

Mary Yvonne Traveis

Alfred Rafael Tudela

Justin Daniel Turner

Diana Jessica Tyler

Anna Rebecca Vaccaro

Shea Racine Valdez

Afsha M. Valji

Sydney Rose Van Alstyne

Darian Brooke Van Bloom

Samuel James Vance

Nelida Vasquez

Corey Taylor Vaughan

Heather Nicole Vaughn

Cesar Ivan Vazquez

Wade Aaron Vine

Robert Lynn Vose

Byron Christopher Wade

Dustin Randol Walker

Hannah Elizabeth Wallace

Quinton Savior Walton

Mason Todd Ward

Joshua Isaac Ware

Justin L. Warren

Brooke Erin Warres

Wesley Charles Watkins

Aaron Devon Watts

Nathan Perry Weaver

Andrew Robert Welch

Travis Odis Welchel

Jeremy Gerhard Wenzl

Macy Hannah Werner

Kayla Ann Wesley

Brianna Jene West

Amelia Eva Lane White

Esterlina Alejandra Le Whitney

Elisa N Wilcurt

Kyle John Wille

Ashley Brianne Williams

Joseph Nichols Williams

Michael Anthony Williams, Jr

Stevie Anthony Willis, Jr

Taylor Victoria Wilson

Ian Nathaniel Witherspoon

Timothy Ryan Wolf

Madison Paige Woodall

Ryan Samuel Worcester

Channing Lee Worley

Isabella Dawn Wright

Skyler Aric Wyatt

Robert Wade Yaklin

Eloise Flora Yount

Emil S. Yox

Anna Sahovy Zapata

Elizabeth Ann Zhang

With Memorial Day weekend and the summer season upon us in Canton, safety is a concern as grill fires number about 8,000 in the United States each year.

Just in time, the folks at Amica Insurance have shared the following grilling safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association: 

• Propane and charcoal grills should only be used outside, and they should be placed away from your house, deck railings, eaves and branches.
• Make sure children and pets are kept away from the grill at all times, and never leave the grill unattended.
• Remove grease and fat from the grill itself and from trays below the grill.
• If using a propane grill, check for gas leaks by applying soapy water to the hose. If there is a leak, bubbles will appear. Turn off the tank and grill immediately.
• If using a charcoal grill, only use charcoal starter fluid. Keep all other flammable liquids away from the grill.

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Vin Diesel and Paul Walker are back for another wild ride in "Fast & Furious 6."

"Fast & Furious 6" is rated PG-13 and runs two hours and 10 minutes. It is now playing at Carmike Riverstone 15 Cinemas in Canton. For more theater information, show times and pricing, click the link above.

Here's what the critics are saying:

Somehow [Director Justin] Lin just keeps topping himself, with bigger fights, badder villains, bolder chases. And while [Vin] Diesel was born to make these movies, his pit crew has grown into a satisfyingly connected team. — Elizabeth Weitzman, New York Daily News

Big dumb action movies are a dime a dozen each summer. But really good big dumb action movies — think Predator, Speed, andIndependence Day — are rare indeed. So when one of them comes off the Hollywood assembly line and zaps your brain's less discerning pleasure centers, attention must be paid. Which brings us to "Fast & Furious 6."— Chris Nashawaty, Entertainment Weekly

But what really sets "F&F6" apart is the blinding speed with which it shifts between over-the-top action, that speedometer inching toward 800 mph at times, and soap opera emotions that bring everything to a screeching halt. It's enough to give you whiplash … in a good way. — Betsy Sharkey, Los Angeles Times

Do you plan on seeing this movie? Leave a review of the film with a comment below after you do.

We at Canton-Sixes Patch invite anyone in the community to blog on our site, but today, we wanted to extend that invitation to all the graduates out there.

It’s graduation season, and we know that there are plenty of high school and college graduates out there in Canton-Sixes and Cherokee County.

Are you:

• A high school graduate who wants to share your experiences as you enter college or the workforce?
• A valedictorian or salutatorian who wants to share your commencement speech with the entire community?
• A college graduate ready to begin your career—or perhaps preparing to start on your next level of college? (Grad school or doctoral programs, anyone?)

If you answered “yes” to any one of these questions, we’d love to see you blog on Patch. Of course, no matter what kind of graduate you are, you don’t have to blog about being a graduate, your past or future education, or what’s next in your life. You’re welcome to blog about any topic of your choice.

And if you’re reading this and you’re not a graduate, don’t fret, as we welcome your contribution as well. Again, anyone is welcome to blog on Patch.

Click here to start blogging onCanton-Sixes Patch.

We will point out that this isn't a reporting job—you write what you want to say when you want to say it. Do it on your schedule, whether that's posting multiple entries per day or a couple times a month.

Do you have any questions about blogging on Canton-Sixes Patch? You can e-mail Community Editor Liz Kennedy at liz.kennedy@patch.com for more information.