🌱 New QuickTrip Approved + School Guest Speaker Controversy

Hey, everybody! I'm back in your inbox this warm morning with your new edition of the Cumming Patch newsletter, fresh off the presses. Here are all the things you need to know about what's happening these days in town. Today's briefing includes updates on:

• Forsyth County approves new QuickTrip gas station
• Sharon Elementary School guest speaker controversy
• Forsyth County Parks and Rec offers tree climbing programs for kids

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny and humid. High: 94 Low: 71.

Here are the top five stories in Cumming today:

1. The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners has given the green light to construct a new QuikTrip gas station at the location of a former Rite Aid store in the nearby Midway community. The approval comes for the corner of Atlanta Highway and Post Road. The decision will see the transformation of the old Rite Aid site into the new QuikTrip gas station. (Subscription: Forsyth County News)
2. The principal of Sharon Elementary School in Forsyth County issued an apology to parents after guest author Marc Tyler Nobleman discussed sensitive subject matter during his speech to fifth-grade students. Nobleman's talk focused on Bill Finger's contribution to the creation of Batman, including Finger's sexual orientation. The principal expressed regret for not being aware of this content in advance and assured parents that steps are being taken to prevent such situations in the future. (WSBTV)
3. Forsyth County Parks and Recreation offers a range of tree climbing programs designed to ensure safety while building climbing skills and confidence. These programs include "Quest for the Canopy," outdoor break camps at Sawnee Mountain Preserve, $5 Tree Climbs on Super Saturdays, Homeschool Adventures, and Recreational Tree Climbing. Professional instructors lead these experiences, click here for more information. (Forsyth County Parks and Recreation via Facebook)
4. Elections are coming soon, and the Forsyth County Georgia Government is encouraging residents to take 30 seconds to verify their voter registration information for accuracy and currency. They suggest visiting the Secretary of State's My Voter Page to complete this verification process. (Forsyth County Georgia Government via Facebook)
5. Joseph T. Satterfield, a 34-year-old Forsyth County man, has been arrested and charged in Hall County for the alleged assault of a girl under 16 years old. He is facing charges of child molestation and sexual battery. Satterfield was taken into custody on Aug. 21 and is currently being held without bond in the Hall County Jail. (Subscription: Forsyth County News)

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Today in Cumming:

Thursday, August 24

• Baby Play Day At Sharon Forks Library (10:00 AM)
• Birds And Brew At Hall & Hound Brewing Co. (6:30 PM)
• Music Bingo Soundcheck At Freedom Brew & Shine (7:00 PM)

From our partner:

Do you know a teacher making a difference in Cumming? Nominate them here for a Teacher Spotlight on Patch.

From my notebook:

• Join the celebration of Tam’s Backstage's 18th Anniversary and the School Street Playhouse's 100th Year on Monday, Aug. 28. Tickets are available for the 5:00 pm seating at Tam’s Backstage in Cumming. The event costs $35 per person and includes food, with proceeds benefiting Forsyth Community Clinic and North Georgia Community Foundation. (Tams Backstage via Facebook)
• Forsyth County Schools shared a Canvas Tip of the Week, highlighting that parents or guardians can connect as Observers to their student's account to stay informed about assignments and class activities. A detailed instruction list can be found here. (Forsyth County Schools via Facebook)
• The Forsyth County Public Safety Complex features its own WeatherSTEM weather station, providing severe weather updates and daily time-lapse videos of sunrises and sunsets. Learn more on their Facebook page. (Forsyth County Emergency Management Agency & 911 via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• No Cost Boot Camp 4 Divorcing Women Workshop (August 26)
• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Fresh Perks Every Week (August 29)
• Purple Pansies Annual Pillars of Hope Gala (September 10)
• Add your event

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with a new 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.