🌱 City Vehicles OK'd + Fund Revenues Up + Alleged Murderer In Court

Welcome back, Cartersville. I'm here in your inbox today to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town. Today we'll cover these stories and more...

• Fire trucks, armored vehicle purchase and solar agreement were approved.
• General fund revenues are up by roughly $6 million.
• Man accused of murder is arraigned.

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But first, today's weather:

Milder with clouds and sun. High: 54 Low: 44.

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Here are the top three stories in Cartersville today:

1. The Cartersville City Council voted to approve a fire department request to purchase three new fire trucks. A police department request to purchase a Lenco BearCat armored vehicle was approved as well, with the amount not to exceed $320,000. The council also approved an amendment to a solar power purchase contract with the Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia. (Subscription: The Daily Tribune News)
2. At a Jan. 19 public meeting, the City of Cartersville Finance Director Tom Rhinehart presented the city's financial data as of Nov. 30. That data indicates the city's year-to-date general fund revenues surpassed $20 million, up almost $6 million compared to 2021's figures. Financial data from just one year earlier, showed that the city's general fund collections stood at just $14.1 million. (Subscription: The Daily Tribune News)
3. Accused of murdering 27-year-old, Heather McDonald in 2016, a 64-year-old man appeared in Judge Suzanne Smith's courtroom via Zoom Monday morning. Charged with malice murder, felony murder, aggravated sodomy, rape, aggravated assault, false imprisonment and aggravated battery, the defendant was read the 12-count indictment by District Attorney Samir Patel. Currently imprisoned at the Coastal State Prison in Savannah, the defendant entered a not-guilty plea on all counts. Three other victims are named in the indictment and were reportedly assaulted between 2015 and 2016. A jury could hear the case as early as March. (wbhfradio.org)

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Today in Cartersville:

• Dungeons & Dragons for Adults - Cartersville Library (6:00 PM)
• Couples Bunco - Olive Tree & Vine (6:30 PM)
• Red Goes Blues - The Local Bar and Grill (8:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• The former Cloverleaf Elementary School is in the process of being torn down. The Daily Tribune reported last year that condos are planned for the site. (Subscription: The Daily Tribune News)
• "BCSO needs your assistance identifying the male in these pictures. He is wanted in connection with the theft of a large sum of money he took from a misplaced wallet. The theft occurred on January 14 at the A1 Food Mart (2836 Joe Frank Harris Pkwy). He drove away in a silver Nissan Altima. Anyone with information is asked to call the Bartow County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division at 770-382-5050 ext 6018." (Bartow County Sheriff's Office (Official) via Facebook)
• "Our favorite time of year is just around the corner— Market Season! To join in on the fun of this incredibly popular destination, make sure to follow the application steps below!" (Downtown Cartersville via Facebook)
• Cartersville Service League members Lizzie Galland, Mackenzie Edwards, Macie Hackney, and Heather Smith provided a chili dinner with strawberry shortcake for dessert and also donated needed supplies to residents at Hickory Log Personal Care Home. Thank you for supporting our friends at Hickory Log! (Cartersville Service League via Facebook)
• "Thank you to CSL Members Sydney Lutjens, Amy Lewis and daughter Katie, and Hannah McClain (not pictured) for providing dinner to the Flowering Branch Children's Shelter on Sunday." (Cartersville Service League via Facebook)
• Latest Job Listings In And Around Cartersville (Cartersville Patch)
• 5 New Cartersville Area Homes For Sale (Cartersville Patch)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Tuesday. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Josee Noble

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