🌱 Forsyth County Storm Damage + New Police Chief + Sunset Concert

Hey, everybody. It's Monday in Cumming and I'm back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening locally. Today you'll read about:

• Significant storm damage in Forsyth County
• New police chief sworn in
• West Milford Farm's July concert

But first, today's weather:

Sunny. High: 89 Low: 63.

Here are the top five stories today in Cumming:

1. Strong storms caused significant damage in Forsyth County on Thursday, including cutting power temporarily to the county's water treatment plant. A boat storage facility in Cumming suffered damage to almost all of its 40 stalls, with tin from the roofs blowing into a nearby field. The community rallied together to support the owners of the storage facility and others affected by the storms, with crews still assessing the extent of the damage, and power issues persisted in some areas of the county but have since been restored. (WSB Atlanta)
2. Cumming Police Chief P.J. Girvan was officially sworn into office during a Cumming City Council meeting on Jul. 18. He had previously been appointed to replace former Police Chief David Marsh on Jun. 28, which was a controversial decision. Girvan expressed his excitement about leading the Cumming Police Department and announced the promotions of Sergeants Nicole Esquilin and Anthony Hodgkins to the rank of lieutenant during the ceremony. (Newsbreak)
3. West Milford Farm in Cumming is hosting an open-air concert featuring Cherokee County native Kurt Lee Wheeler and the Lathemtown Poets Society, showcasing Wheeler's musical portrayals of life in the American Southeast. Wheeler's song "Cherokee County" has been designated as the Official Song of Cherokee County by the Board of Commissioners. The concert starts at 8:45 p.m., and guests can choose between lawn tickets for $30 with a camp chair or party barn tickets for tables of eight starting at $250. Catering will be provided by Oakley's Provisions, but guests can also bring their own food and drinks, including beer and wine. All attendees must be at least 21 years old to attend. (Cumming Patch)
4. The Cumming City Council has made changes to the voting locations for the upcoming 2023 and 2024 election seasons. Early voting for the 2023 Municipal General Election will take place at the Forsyth County Office of Voter Registrations & Elections instead of Cumming City Hall, while election day voting will still be at City Hall. In 2024, the Cumming precinct voting location will move from City Hall to the Cumming Recreation and Parks Department building on Pilgrim Mill Road to provide more space, parking, and accessibility for voters. (Newsbreak)
5. The nearby Alpharetta Department of Public Safety announced the passing of Master Police Officer Bradley Rocks, who died in the early hours of Jul. 20 after being transported to the hospital for an off-duty medical issue. Rocks served in the U.S. Army before joining law enforcement at the Broward County Sheriff's Office and later joined the Alpharetta Police Department in 2006 as a patrol officer, where he was known for his passion as a motor officer and his love for his family. He is survived by his wife, son, daughter, mother, and siblings. (FOX 5 Atlanta)

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Today in and around Cumming:

Monday, July 24

• Live Music: The Woodys At Pelican Pete's Tiki Bar and Grill (6:00 PM)
• Trivia Night At Five Boroughs Pizza Tavern (7:30 PM)
• Kings Of Karaoke At Pepperoni's Tavern, Alpharetta (10:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Are you looking for ways to support the Forsyth County Schools? Consider joining the Forsyth Central Academic Booster, which supports Forsyth County High School teachers, staff, and administration. See more details at the link! (Forsyth Central High School via Facebook)
• The Forsyth County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is urging residents who experienced property damage from the severe thunderstorm on Jul. 20 to report it online using the Debris Assessment Form. The survey is quick and straightforward, aiming to help assess damages, identify resource needs, and determine eligibility for disaster assistance. Businesses and nonprofits can also report damage by emailing details and photos to ema@forsythco.com, and all reports should be submitted by Friday, Aug. 4. (Forsyth County)
• At the Cumming City Council meeting on Jul. 18, Mayor Troy Brumbalow and City Council of Cumming presented Gene Hansard, a long-time resident and pillar of the community, with a Key to the City recognition. Hansard, a lifelong resident of Cumming, had a successful insurance career and was actively involved in various community organizations and volunteer work, including serving as a volunteer fireman, president of the Forsyth County Jaycees, and leader for Boy Scout Troop 39. (City of Cumming, GA - City Hall via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday! See you tomorrow morning for 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.