🌱 Water Damage Restoration + Humane Society Rescues Dogs In New Van

Hello, friends! It's Thursday in Cumming and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in town, including updates on...

• Expanded water damage restoration services in Cumming
• The recent rescue of 20 shelter dogs and puppies
• New Forsyth County department heads announced

Today's newsletter is sponsored by Heart & Hammer Realty

Can you guess what real estate market the National Association of Realtors named as its hottest for 2023? (Hint: You’re living in it.)

A lot of ink has been spilled over the slowing of the national real estate market: Interest rates are up, prices are down. Buyers are on the sidelines....

But we all know the Atlanta area is different — ok, let’s just admit it: better — than everywhere else. And when it comes to real estate, it's no different. People are moving here. Young families want larger homes and yards. Investors are still buying. And demand is outstripping supply.

That's why the National Association of Realtors just named Atlanta no. 1 on its list of U.S. markets with the most potential for growth this year.

So how do you take advantage?

Amanda Shelton and her husband Andy Shelton of Heart & Hammer Realty have you covered. She’s a highly-experienced, top 20% Keller Williams agent. He’s a top-notch builder who knows houses from the inside out — and can help buyers avoid disaster, and sellers from making costly mistakes.

Want to explore how you might take advantage of the resilient Atlanta market? Call or text Amanda today at 770.572.0722 or email her at amandashelton@kw.com.

Now, today's weather:

Clouds breaking and very warm. High: 79 Low: 62.

📢 I'm looking for business owners and marketers in Cumming who want to build awareness, connect with customers and increase sales.

I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Here are the top 5 stories in Cumming today:

1. A local provider of water damage restoration services is expanding its operations in Cumming and the surrounding communities. Atlanta Restoration provides emergency response services to both homes and businesses affected by water damage caused by natural disasters, plumbing leaks, and faulty appliances. The group's technicians also assist with mold removal in Cumming, Johns Creek, and other cities in the Atlanta metro. (Digital Journal)
2. On Monday, the Humane Society of Forsyth County conducted an inaugural rescue run using its new transport van. The shelter's staff and volunteers saved 20 dogs and puppies from Walker County Animal Shelter and Chattooga County Animal Control. To learn more about the rescued pets available for adoption, visit the Humane Society's website. (Humane Society of Forsyth County, GA via Facebook)
3. A local man has been arrested after allegedly assaulting a woman in the Sawnee View Memorial Gardens cemetery. Forsyth County resident Matthew Scott Whelchel, 39, faces charges of rape and aggravated sexual battery for the incident that occurred on Feb. 6. Forsyth County Sheriff officials are investigating. (WSB-TV)
4. Forsyth County officials have announced new directors for three key departments. Tom Cisco will take over as the new director of the Emergency Management Agency, and Jerry Ramos has been named the director of the Code Compliance Department. The new director of the county's Board of Assessors and the chief appraiser will be Joel Benton, a former Fayette County appraiser. (Newsbreak)
5. Forsyth County Schools is currently hiring school nurses for the 2023-2024 academic year. Candidates must hold current, valid professional licensing from the State of Georgia in the profession of Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN) Click here to review all current openings and apply. (Forsyth County Schools via Facebook)

Today in Cumming:

• Food Truck At NoFo Brew Co. (4:00 PM)
• Twilight Tales At Cumming Library (6:30 PM)
• Post Road Writers' Group At Post Road Library (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Heads up, house hunters! Here are the latest homes to hit the market in and around Cumming. (Cumming Patch)
• The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office warns residents about tech support scammers who may try to trick users with a pop-up window that appears on their computer screen. If you think there may be a problem with your computer, officials advise taking it to someone you know and trust. (Forsyth County Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• Looking for a furry friend to add to the family? Visit the link to meet Cocoa, the Cat of the Day at the Humane Society of Forsyth County. (Humane Society of Forsyth County, GA via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• BJ's Wholesale Club Pre-opening Limited-time Offer (February 23)
• Watch TED talks live! (in-person) (February 25)
• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Free Stuff And Great Perks Every Week (February 28)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday. I'll see you soon!

— 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.