🌱 Publix Opens In Cumming + Forsyth Co. Split Vote Over Funds

Hi there, Cumming. I'm here in your inbox per usual to get you caught up on everything you need to know about what's going on around town, including news about:

• Publix opens new location in Cumming
• Forsyth County split vote over funds for health facility
• Cumming City Council gearing up for municipal elections

But first, today's weather:

Sunshine and nice. High: 81 Low: 63.

Here are the top five stories in Cumming today:

1. Florida-based grocery store, Publix, has opened a new store in Cumming, as part of its expansion strategy in the state where it already operates 208 stores. The 48,387-square-foot supermarket is located at 3620 Era Drive. Publix's media relations manager, Nicole Krauss, expressed excitement about the new store and emphasized the company's commitment to providing quality products and services to both existing and new customers in the Cumming community. With over 240,000 associates, Publix is among the largest employee-owned grocery chains in the United States. (winsightgrocerybusiness.com)
2. Forsyth County commissioners were divided in a split vote over allocating further funds for a future county health facility. A motion to secure an extra $20,325 in design services for the Whole Health Building failed in a 2-2 vote during a Board of Commissioners work session. The proposed funds would have covered medical office space and examination rooms, with a portion reserved for a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) unit. Some commissioners expressed concerns about the expanding scope of the building and its potential use for SANE services, leading to a broader discussion about the overall costs and taxpayer responsibility. (Appen Media)
3. The Cumming City Council will have three incumbents and one new candidate on the ballot in the upcoming November municipal elections. Joey Cochran, the incumbent for Post 3, is seeking reelection unopposed. Christopher Light, the incumbent for Post 4, is also running for reelection without opposition. Linda Ledbetter, the incumbent for Post 5, is seeking reelection, and Susie Charles-Carr, a special education teacher, is running for the same post. The election is scheduled for Nov. 7, with the registration deadline set for Oct. 10. (Appen Media)
4. Forsyth County Schools will have an early release/professional development day today, Sep. 1. Click here to see early release times. In addition, Monday, Sep. 4, will be a student and staff holiday in observance of Labor Day. (Forsyth County Schools via Facebook)
5. The recent Lanierland Park ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrated the inauguration of new facilities including the Miracle League field, an all-inclusive playground, and pickleball courts. Forsyth County Parks and Recreation's efforts, along with those who contributed, made Phase 2 of the project a reality. Click here to watch the full ceremony. (Forsyth County Georgia Government via Facebook)

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Today in Cumming:

Friday, September 1

• Summer In The City At Lou Sobh Amphitheater (7:00 PM)
• Live Music At Cherry Street Taproom At Vickery (8:00 PM)
• IPRA World Championship Rodeo At Cumming Fairgrounds (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Forsyth County teachers have their artwork on display at the Cumming Arts Center until Oct. 7. The gallery, situated at 111 Pilgrim Mill Road, is open from Wednesday to Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Cumming Patch)
• The Forsyth County Public Library is hosting a free series of programs and reading groups called "Stories of Exile." The series focuses on displacement, migration, and diaspora experiences. Click the link to learn more. (Appen Media)
• Forsyth County Parks and Recreation is offering a Teams of Tomorrow basketball program at Old Atlanta Park on Mondays from September to December. The program is designed for ages 3-7 and interested participants can register here. (Forsyth County Parks and Recreation via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Call to Photographers for Art Show-Entries Being Accepted Sept 1 through Oct 15, 2023 (September 1)
• Outdoor International Arts & Crafts Festival-Sept 9, Sat, 10am-4pm (September 1)
• Forsyth County Art Teachers are Showcased at the Cumming Arts Center (September 1)
• 3hr Salsa Boot Camp Atlanta @ Ballroom Impact - Beginner / Beyond Basic (September 2)
• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Delighted Every Week (September 5)
• Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll catch up with you bright and early 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.