🌱 Bond Set + Urban Camping Ban Postponed + Grant Application Approved

Hello, everybody! It's me, Josee Noble, your host of the Patch newsletter. Here's what you need to know about what's happening in the community today, including...

• A $100,000 bond is set for an accused kidnapper.
• Council considers an "urban camping" ban.
• The city applies for a $3 million FEMA grant.

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But first, today's weather:

Warm with clouds and sun. High: 74 Low: 43.

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Here are the top three stories in Cartersville today:

1. An accused kidnapper of a 10-month-old child has had his bond set at $100,000. The defendant is also wanted in the state of Florida on charges of "tampering, an obstruction of justice ... lewd and lascivious behavior with a child between the age of 12 and 16, as well as an aggravated battery." Georgia law states that since the defendant has been in pretrial detention for more than 90 days "without his case being indicted by a grand jury, the court is statutorily required to set bond." (Subscription: The Daily Tribune News)
2. Just a little over two months since Mayor Matt Santini's controversial remarks on the homelessness problem here in Cartersville, the City Council is considering a ban on homeless and panhandling activity within the city limits. At the March 2 Council meeting, Santini announced the the resolutions "had been removed from that evening's agenda." Santini and City Manager Dan Porta have plans to discuss the resolutions with the "homeless shelter and other people that are homeless advocates in the community" before bringing it back to the Council's agenda. (Subscription: The Daily Tribune News)
3. City Council's March 2 meeting saw a resolution approved to apply for a FEMA grant to supply salaries for twelve new firefighters. The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response or SAFER grant would be in excess of $3 million. (Subscription: The Daily Tribune News)

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Today in Cartersville:

• Ribbon Cutting for Travelmation LLC - Cartersville-Bartow Chamber of Commerce Board Room (11:30 AM)
• Dungeons & Dragons for Adults - Cartersville Library (6:00 PM)
• The Donny Hammonds Band (Acoustic Show) - El Nopal (6:30 PM)

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From my notebook:

• "Absolutely thrilled to welcome back BBQ and Brews for another fantastic festival downtown! For those of you wanting to know about our vendor events - here you go! Everyone else, stay tuned for details about the bands, the BBQ, and the brews!!" (Downtown Cartersville via Facebook)
• "Sheriff Clark Millsap is pleased to announce that the Bartow County Sheriff's Office is now taking applications for our April Citizens' Law Enforcement Academy. You must be a Bartow County resident and at least 18 years of age to participate in the program." (Bartow County Sheriff's Office (Official) via Facebook)
• "Enjoy a warm and cozy winter getaway at this North Georgia luxury resort! This special offer includes a $100 activity credit and a signature Barnsley Resort logo blanket. Reserve your moment today, valid now through March 30." (Cartersville-Bartow County Convention & Visitors Bureau via Facebook)
• "LAST chance to order ferns! Contact any Service League member or order at Cartersvilleserviceleague.org" (Cartersville Service League via Facebook)
• "It's never too early to start making your plans for Earth Day (Sat. Apr 22)! We are excited to celebrate with you, everything from exploring the night sky at the various park events to planting in the pollinator gardens. We hope you join us outdoors!" (Friends of Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites via Facebook)
• "Looking for the perfect wedding venue? The search is over. Barnsley Resort is the ideal location to host an elegant wedding." (Cartersville-Bartow County Convention & Visitors Bureau via Facebook)
• Cartersville Area Job Openings: Check Out The Latest (Cartersville Patch)
• 5 Freshest Cartersville Area Homes To Hit The Market (Cartersville Patch)

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You're all caught up for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Josee Noble

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Cartersville Patch newsletter? Contact me at Cartersville@Patch.com