🌱 Forsyth Co. Deadly Barn Fire + Upcoming Public Hearings On Liquor

Hey, neighbors! It's Tuesday in Cumming and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in the community. Today you'll find news about these stories and more:

• A tragic barn fire in Forsyth County killed over two dozen horses
• Forsyth County to hold public hearings over liquor sales
• Inaugural Hard Seltzer Festival this weekend

But first, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 87 Low: 68.

Here are the top five stories today in Cumming:

1. A fire at Blue Springs Farm in Georgia led to the tragic death of over two dozen horses as the barn caught fire. The Forsyth County Fire Department responded to the incident, finding the fire well-advanced and indicating it had been burning for a while before being reported. The cause of the fire remains unknown, prompting an investigation by the Forsyth County Fire investigators at the family-owned facility, which has been providing horseback riding lessons and training since 2002. (USA Today)
2. The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners plans to conduct a public hearing to discuss stricter regulations for liquor stores. The focus is on determining if heightened scrutiny should be imposed on the opening of liquor stores within the county. This deliberation aims to assess the necessity of more rigorous guidelines for liquor store establishments in Forsyth County. (Subscription: Forsyth County News)
3. The Cumming City Center has added two additional Wednesday night concerts this month: Across the Wide on Aug. 16 and Right Turn Clyde on Aug. 30, both from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Remember, no outside food, alcohol, coolers, glass bottles, cans, smoking, or tents are allowed. Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets and feel free to bring leashed dogs along. (Cumming City Center via Facebook)
4. The Cumming Police Department collaborates with Creative Enterprises to raise funds for expanding facilities and services benefiting adults with disabilities. The new Cumming Police Chief, P.J. Girvan, has teamed up with Creative Enterprises to drive fundraising efforts. Girvan is seen in a photo (at the link) with Creative Enterprises clients, demonstrating the partnership's commitment to the cause. (Subscription: Forsyth County News)
5. On Aug. 12, the inaugural Hard Seltzer Festival is set to take place at the Cumming City Center Lou Sobh Amphitheater, featuring about 50 different seltzers, as well as Ready-To-Go drinks from brands like Crown Royal and Captain Morgan, along with local beers for variety. Live country music and a full-service bar will add to the entertainment, with general admission tickets priced at $50 for unlimited seltzer sampling and VIP tickets at $80 for additional perks like early access, a private sampling section, and a special selection of seltzers. (Explore Georgia)

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Today in and around Cumming:

Tuesday, August 8

• Breakdown Burger Food Truck At Truck And Tap, Alpharetta (4:00 PM)
• Food Truck: Chew On Chuan At NoFo Brewing Co. (4:00 PM)
• Live Music Bingo At The Black Diamond Grill (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The August Work Session for the Forsyth County Board of Education is scheduled for today (Aug. 8) at 4:00 p.m. You can view the agenda here. (Forsyth County Schools via Facebook)
• Forsyth County Schools would like to remind parents to promptly fill out the 2023-2024 Free and Reduced Meal Application to ensure their child receives nourishing and balanced meals. (Forsyth County Schools via Facebook)
• Learn how taxes can impact your retirement income, potentially helping you reduce your tax burden on your savings. The Retirement Tax Seminar will be held on Aug. 7 and Aug. 9 at the Forsyth Conference Center. Learn more at the link. (Cumming Patch)

You're officially in the loop for today! See you all tomorrow morning for 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.