🌱 Burn Ban Starts Monday + Adoptions Today + Gang Member Sentenced

Hi all. I'm back in your inbox this spring morning with your fresh copy of the Canton-Sixes Patch newsletter. Let's get this Saturday started off right, with a quick dive into everything you need to know about what's happening in town. Today's issue includes updates on...

• The burn ban goes into effect next week!
• Find your next best friend at the shelter today.
• Two sentenced for gang-related crime in Cherokee.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Nice with plenty of sunshine. High: 79 Low: 59.
• Sunday: A morning shower; not as warm. High: 70 Low: 43.

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Here are the top three stories today in Canton-Sixes:

1. The Georgia burn ban will be in effect starting Monday. The ban is observed in 54 counties around the state, including Cherokee County. The ban runs until September 30. It was put in place to reduce the pollutants we release into the air around the metro area during the summer. Generally speaking, we aren't allowed to burn sticks, branches or leaves during the ban from May 1 - September 30. If you plan on burning debris this weekend, be sure to check the conditions on the day you will be burning, you can do so here or by calling the Georgia Forestry Commission at 877-652-2876. (GA Environmental Protection Division and Atlanta News First)
2. The Cherokee County Animal Shelter is holding its regular adoption event today. The available animals can be seen online here. Head over to the shelter when you can. A QR code posted on the front door will become active at a randomly selected time between 5:30 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. on Saturday. Please scan the QR code to enter the "virtual line." The shelter adopts on a first come, first served basis, and animals can't be put on hold. The adoption fee includes the spay or neuter, heartworm and leukemia testing, initial vaccinations, deworming, flea preventative, microchipping and more. The shelter is located at 1015 Univeter Road in Canton. (Cherokee County Animal Shelter via Facebook)
3. Two men involved in armed robberies in Woodstock and Cobb County have now been sentenced. The crimes took place in 2019. One in the parking lot of the Woodstock Chattahoochee Technical Technical College. Dante Woods and Jahlen Merrit, both 22, were handed jail sentences of 25 years and 20 years respectively, Merrit was sentenced back in July 2022. The two men are said to be members of the Bloods street gang. Woods' sentence will be served without parole due to his charge of violating the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act. (Fox 5 News)

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Today and tomorrow in Canton-Sixes:

Today

• Street Dog Dash 5K: benefitting the Soi Dog Foundation to further the education about and fight against the dog meat trade in Asia. The race will be held at Etowah River Park at 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, and it's an official Peachtree Roadrace qualifying event. There will be an awards ceremony and adoption event, a live DJ and a raffle held after the race. (8 a.m.)
• Open Pickleball Play: open to county residents at The Buzz, 7345 Cumming Highway. (8 a.m. - 1 p.m.)
• CCSD Student Art Show: the show features art by local elementary, middle and high schoolers and will be on display both in a tent behind the Reeves House and on The Green in Downtown Woodstock. The art show is free to attend. (8 a.m. - 9 p.m.)
• Garden in the Park: it's a great day to browse the handmade art, flowers, plants, treats and other goodies at Cannon Park, 130 East Main Street. (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
• Rock Wall Climbing Zone: open to county residents ages 4 and up and 40-pounds and over at The Buzz, 7345 Cumming Highway. (10 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
• Open Gym: open to county residents at The Buzz. (10 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
• Peaberry Film Festival: take in local and international films, and those in the filmmaking field will have the opportunity to network with government resources. You can find the entire schedule of events and purchase your tickets at the link. The films will be shown at the Canton Theatre, 171 E. Main Street. (10:30 a.m.)
• Themed Book Club: for adult readers, read a book with this month's theme, books about books, and meet up to share your thoughts. You can also find the group on Beanstack, and the meeting will be held at the Woodstock Library, 7735 Main Street. (10:30 a.m. - noon)
• Breathwork Experience with Alexa: you'll use conscious circular breath, reiki, music and vibrational sound during the session at Horizon Healing Center, 182 North Street. (11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.)
• Healthy Kids Day: free fun for the whole family! Check out the healthy activities, services and programs offered at the Y. There will be a live DJ, family yoga demos, kids obstacle courses and inflatables, healthy snacks and drinks, water and swimming safety demos, YMCA program demos and activities at the G. Cecil Pruett Family YMCA, located at 151 Waleska Street. A registration is required to attend the event, you can do so here. (11 a.m. - 2 p.m.)
• ATL United on the Big Screen: the game will be on the big screen on The Green at The Mill, 225 Reformation Parkway. (1:30 - 4 p.m.)
• Family Animal Happy Hour: for families, enjoy a guided farm tour and the company of adorable animals at Hidden Acres Animal Sanctuary, 208 Deer Run. (2:30 - 4 p.m.)
• Braves Game on the Big Screen: head to The Green at The Mill for a watch party, 225 Reformation Parkway. (4:05 - 7:30 p.m.)
• Dance & Music Academy of Woodstock: the student band will be playing at The Mill on Etowah today, 225 Reformation Parkway. (5 - 6 p.m.)
• Rickey Cole: the artist is playing live tonight at The Salty Mule, 169 S. Church Street. (6 - 9 p.m.)
• Stephanie Berlanga: catch the live music tonight at Riverstone Corner Bistro, 151 Reinhardt College Parkway. (7 - 9 p.m.)
• Marty Manous: the artist will be appearing at J. Michael's Prime, 110 Mountain Vista Boulevard. (7 - 9 p.m.)
• Foster Greene Duo: enjoy the live music tonight at C'est la Vie, 361 E. Main Street. (7:30 p.m.)

Tomorrow

• Walking On Sunshine 5K: benefitting the Sunshine Kids Foundation, an organization that works to provide free programs and events for children receiving cancer treatment in hospitals around the country. The race is an official Peachtree Roadrace qualifier and will be held at Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway. (8 a.m.)
• CCSD Student Art Show: the show features art by local elementary, middle and high schoolers and will be on display both in a tent behind the Reeves House and on The Green in Downtown Woodstock. The art show is free to attend. (9 a.m. - 6 p.m.)
• Peaberry Film Festival: take in local and international films, and those in the filmmaking field will have the opportunity to network with government resources. You can find the entire schedule of events and purchase your tickets at the link. The films will be shown at the Canton Theatre, 171 E. Main Street. (noon)
• Rock Wall Climbing Zone: open to county residents ages 4 and up and 40-pounds and over at The Buzz, 7345 Cumming Highway. (noon - 3 p.m.)
• Open Gym: open to county residents at The Buzz. (12:30 - 3:30 p.m.)
• Open Pickleball Play: open to county residents at The Buzz. (12:30 - 3:30 p.m.)
• Healthy Kids Running Series: for children in Pre-K through 8th grade to help promote an active and healthy lifestyle. You can register your child or make a donation to help support the cause here. The races all have a Sunday, 2 p.m. start time and are run at Cherokee Veterans Park, 7345 Cumming Highway. (2 p.m.)
• Bike Night: join your friends, neighbors and family every Sunday for a family-friendly Bike Night at Canton Icehouse. Children eat free, and there will be live music with One For The Road. Head over with your bike, Canton Icehouse is located at 150 Keith Drive. (4 - 7 p.m.)
• Set Comedy Free: enjoy adult-themed comedy, hosted by Connor Bentley. Comedians include Jason Hulsey, Yoshee So, Brian King and Andy Sandford. The event will be held at Reformation Brewery, 225 Reformation Parkway. (6:30 - 8:30 p.m.)

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From my notebook:

• Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services: "Lieutenant Benjamin Pearson began his career 21 years ago today. In 21 years, Lt. Pearson has shared a wealth of experience with other members and made CCFES a better department. Lt. Pearson, we are grateful for your dedication to this department and the citizens it serves." (Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services via Facebook)
• Cherokee Chamber of Commerce: "Congratulations to Providence Insurance- Bagby Agency for their ribbon cutting ceremony on their new location located at 278 Waleska Road in Canton! For more information or to request a quote, give them a call at 770-824-8000! www.providenceprotects.com..." (Cherokee Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)
• Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services: "Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services sponsored a Rope 1 class for the first time this past week at the Cherokee County Fire Training Center. This class builds on the foundations of the Intro to Technical Rescue course and is taught and tested to NPQ standards." (Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services via Facebook)
• History Cherokee: "Our 20th Annual Kentucky Derby Day is just over a week away! As we make the final preparations for May 6, we still need your support. How can you support us? 1. Purchase a ticket to attend Derby Day and join us for the party https://historycherokee.org/de..." (History Cherokee via Facebook)
• Cherokee County, Georgia: "Closing out Georgia Cities Week, we shine the spotlight on Woodstock. This vibrant city is renowned for its bustling downtown area, featuring an array of locally owned shops and wonderful restaurants. Over the past 15 years, Woodstock has transformed into a must-visit destination." (Cherokee County, Georgia via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Estate Planning Seminar on May 1st and 5th at R.T. Jones Library (May 1)
• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Free Stuff And Great Perks Every Week (May 2)
• Veteran Block Party! Veterans eat free! (May 20)
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• Free Art Classes (Details)
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You're officially in the loop for today! See you soon for your next update.

— Nina Lightcap

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Canton-Sixes Patch newsletter? Contact me at Canton-GA@Patch.com