🌱 City Honors 'Chigger' Webb + Floating Homestead Exemption Passes

Hello again, neighbors. It's Friday in Cumming and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on all the most important things happening locally, including news on:

• A local resident received a special Key to the City of Cumming.
• The Forsyth County School District passed the Floating Homestead Exemption and approved a new public participation policy.
• Forsyth County is supporting a Gwinnett County appeal to the Supreme Court of Georgia over lower court decisions.

But first, today's weather:

Cloudy with a few showers. High: 69 Low: 49.

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Here are the top five stories today in Cumming:

1. The City of Cumming recognized Mr. Joel "Chigger" Webb with the Key to the City, acknowledging his long-standing contribution to the community. Mr. Webb was an active member of the Forsyth County Jaycees and participated in many community service projects. He was also involved in various youth sports organizations and operated a construction company in downtown Cumming for the last 68 years. (City of Cumming, GA - City Hall via Facebook)
2. The Forsyth County School Board in Georgia passed a floating homestead exemption that could offer tax relief to residents by capping a percentage of reassessed tax values at 5 percent or less. The issue is pending approval from the county's legislative delegation and could be voted on by residents in November. The Board also passed a revised policy for public participation at BOE meetings in response to last year's controversial handling of speakers from the group Mama Bears of Forsyth County. (Newsbreak Original)
3. The Cities of Milton and Alpharetta, along with Forsyth County, have supported a Gwinnett County appeal to the Supreme Court of Georgia by submitting an amicus curiae brief. The appeal seeks to clarify whether the role of local zoning boards is legislative or adjudicatory and could impact the decisions of each government to regulate land and the appeals process for denied zoning applicants. The recent Court of Appeals decision opens the door for inverse condemnation claims, which could hold local governments liable for monetary damages. (Appen Media)
4. The Forsyth County Georgia Democrats have formed a new chapter of their group called the Young Democrats of Forsyth County, which aims to get involved in local community outreach activities. The group has grown rapidly from nine members to over 30 in just two months, and its activities include monthly meetings, community outreaches, and social events. The group plans to participate in municipal elections and other initiatives. (Newsbreak Original)
5. In case you missed it, the first-ever Cumming Wine Festival is coming up next Saturday, Mar. 4, at the Lou Sobh Amphitheater. From 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., enjoy wine samplings from over 50 nationwide vendors and live music. Get more details and ticketing information at the link. (City of Cumming)

Coming up in Cumming:

• Echo: The Word Co-Ed Bible Study At Cumming Parks And Rec Banquet Room (Feb. 24, 6:45 PM)
• Lenten Fish Fry Friday (Feb. 24, 5:00 PM)
• Club G.O.D Late Night At Good 'Ol Days Bar And Grill (Feb. 24 into 25, 12:00 AM)
• Live Music With James Patrick Morgan At Freedom Brew And Shine (Feb. 25, 6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Looking for a new furry friend to call your own? Check out our latest adoptable pet roundup to meet Tally the domestic short hair cat, Monte the mini poodle, Journey the black Lab-Spaniel mix, and more animals who are currently available to take home from local shelters. (Cumming Patch)
• Congratulations to the Cumming North Forsyth girls’ basketball team, who claimed a 67-57 victory over Marietta Pope in this week’s game. (Atlanta Journal- Constitution)
• A spring break Horseback Riding Camp has been announced for children ages 5 and up at Blue Springs Farm in nearby Ball Ground. The camp will run Apr. 3 through 7 and costs $400 per participant. Registration can be completed online at crpdonline.com or in person at the Cumming Recreation and Parks main office. (City of Cumming Recreation & Parks Department via Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with your next 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.