🌱 Man Sentenced For Child Molestation + Employee Steals Over $300K

Good morning, Canton-Sixes! I'm here in your inbox per usual to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on around town, including news on:

• Local man sentenced for child molestation
• Canton resident guilty of embezzling over $300,000
• Wing and Rock Festival is back in town

But first, today's weather:

Plenty of sunshine. High: 54 Low: 34.

Shoutout to the awesome local business that keeps this newsletter running:

Northwest Atlanta Properties wishes you a luminous and healthy Holiday Season. There is so much to be grateful for, including the wonderful people of Cherokee County entrusting the Northwest Atlanta Properties family to support them. They are proud to bring over 100 years of combined residential real estate experience (since 1980) to serve you. Reach out anytime, Mike, Jon, or Donna: 770-726-1454 or help@nwatlp.com.

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

1. A Cherokee County jury recently convicted a local man of child molestation and cruelty. David M. Blackburn, 63, was sentenced to 20 years with 10 served in confinement and the remainder on probation for sexually abusing a girl younger than 16 years old. Blackburn was a relative of the victim and molested her from 2014-2019. (FOX 5 Atlanta)
2. A Canton restaurant manager has been sentenced to prison for embezzlement. Scott Spilberg, 56, of Canton, has been found guilty of stealing over $300,000 from his employer, Houck's Grille. Spilberg used his company credit card to charge personal visits to adult entertainment clubs. He will serve two years and six months in prison. (Department of Justice)
3. Adopt a dog, cat, or another kind of pet from a Canton-Sixes shelter. Shelters have animals ready and waiting for someone to take them home. If you're a dog person, meet Bruno, a Norwich Terrier mix up for adoption. If cats are more your thing, there are several great cats available, too. (Canton-Sixes Patch)
4. Having fun isn't hard when you've got a library card! The R.T. Jones Memorial and Hickory Flats libraries have plenty of events for the whole family to enjoy. Head over to the R.T. Jones Memorial for Reading Dogs with Teddy Puppies on Jan. 18, or enjoy The Crafter's Club on Jan. 27. The link includes everything happening at your local library. (Sequoyah Regional Library System)
5. A popular food and music festival is returning to Canton. The Wing and Rock Festival will be held in Etowah River Park in Canton Mar. 25-26. The two-day event will feature tons of delicious wings with succulent sauces, live music, and a playground for the kids. The event is free and family-friendly. (Subscription: Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News)

Today in and around Canton-Sixes:

• The Ultimate Spa Happy Hour At The Jasmine Spa, Roswell (2:00 PM)
• Open Anvil: Blacksmithing And Blades At The Forge At Art Center West, Roswell (5:00 PM)
• Fettuccine Alfredo With Chef Kathy At Leaning Ladder, Woodstock (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• A Cherokee County bulldog has won "Best In Show" at a national championship. Congratulations! (Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News via Facebook)
• The YMCA of Metro Atlanta is waiving joining fees for new members! Sign up before Jan. 23 to get in on the deal. (Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News via Facebook)
• The Cherokee Chamber of Commerce is holding its 52nd Annual Meeting on Jan. 19. You can register online now! (Cherokee Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)

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• Queen Custom Couture — (Visit website)
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Events:

• Girl Scout Camp - Playing the Past (January 21)
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Announcements:

• SMART townhome in Woodstock for sale! (Details)
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That's it for today! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with another update.

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.