🌱 Board Of Commissioners Meets Tonight + The Chamber Honors Leaders

Good morning, everybody! It's me, Nina, your host of the Woodstock-Towne Lake Daily. Here's all the community news you need to know right now, including...

• Board of Commissioners meet tonight.
• The Cherokee Chamber recognized local leaders.
• The Holly Springs PD needs help with two recent cases.

Today's newsletter is sponsored by Leslie Spennato of Berkshire Hathaway

What’s really happening in the local real estate market?

If you listen to some, you might think the current real estate market is in free fall.

The picture is more complex. Compared to last year, in December:

• New listings are down nearly 50%
• Closings are down 21%
• Prices vs. last September are basically flat

These changes present opportunities for both buyers and sellers. Sellers can offer their homes with less competition. Buyers have more flexibility and leverage to negotiate prices. And with the right guidance, buyers have options to lower their interest rates as well. But to take advantage of these opportunities you need a trusted advisor with deep experience in our market and at getting deals done.

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To get a trusted advisor on your side, visit or call Leslie today: 770-330-0291.

Now, today's weather:

Milder with clouds and sun. High: 53 Low: 44.

Business owners and marketers in Woodstock-Towne Lake: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top five stories in Woodstock-Towne Lake today:

1. The Board of Commissioners has a lot to discuss at its meeting tonight, with topics to include the funding for six victim-witness advocate positions, an amendment to the CATS contract to increase federal funding received and several zoning, construction and budgeting items. Of note, the board is considering a budget amendment that will accept a State Road and Tollway Authority grant of $1 million into the 2023 SPLOST budget to be used for Phase One of the Technology Ridge Parkway Project. The $1 million was part of a grant agreement reached back in May. The five-phase project has been funded to date using $2.9 million in loan money received in April and $1 million in grant money. The project will eventually connect Bluffs Parkway to the Cherokee County Regional Airport and will involve road extensions, a new roundabout and the creation of an intersection at Park Village Drive and Fate Conn Road off of Technology Ridge Parkway. (Subscription: Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News)
2. At the meeting last week, the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce recognized and welcomed in some county leaders that have shown great allegiance to the community. To name a few, Kendall Jones was named the First Citizen of Cherokee County for his service to the community and work with MUST Ministries. Duane Jones received the Chairman's Council Joan McFather Volunteer of the Year Award for his volunteerism and contributions to the Chamber. Woodstock West by Walton received the Excellence in Customer Service Award for its service in the community and Northside Hospital Cherokee Auxiliary was named the Non-Profit of the year. Eight board members were recognized for their service, and the board welcomed seven new members in and recognized others for their length of service. Congratulations, all, and thank you for all you do here in Cherokee County! (Subscription: Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News)
3. The Holly Springs Police Department is asking for the public's help in locating four people that may have been involved in recent criminal incidents. The HSPD is first looking for two individuals involved in an investigation at the Holly Springs Walmart, there are no other details given about the suspected activity, date or time of the incident. You can see their pictures here. Next up, the HSPD is looking for two separate individuals suspected of shoplifting at the Kroger in Toonigh Village on December 15. The incident took place around 7 p.m. You can see their pictures here. If you have any information about the four individuals mentioned, please contact the Holly Springs PD at 770-345-5537 or 9-1-1. (Holly Springs Police Department via Facebook)
4. For anyone thinking about surrendering their pet because of cost, convenience, the need for training or any other reason, the Cherokee County Animal Shelter has a few options for you. Almost half of all animals that go into the shelter are surrenders, but Adopt A Pet and the Petco Foundation have a new option called Rehome to help you make a sound decision. The service allows you to post your pet's profile online, take in applications to review, meet with potential adopters and complete the process. This is a safer and healthier way for your pet, and you'll have peace of mind that they go to a good home. The animal shelter also has other options for you, because sometimes there are ways to keep the pet in your home and not have to give them up. The shelter offers resources like a pet food pantry, training, information and affordable vet services and that may help you keep your furry with you. (Cherokee County Animal Shelter via Facebook)
5. Thursday is the last day to have your scrap metal considered for the sculpture by Corrina Sephora. The artist currently has an exhibit at the Reeves House, Echoes of Ecology, that includes mixed media boat sculptures and the sounds and smells associated with the elements of earth, air, water and fire. As part of her exhibit time here, Sephora will be creating a collaborative community sculpture using scrap metal donated by Woodstock residents. If you're interested in participating, you can put your piece of solid steel, copper, brass or bronze into the wheelbarrow in front of the Reeves House until Thursday. Cast iron and contributions that are plated, painted, grease covered, zinc inclusive or galvanized cannot be accepted. The completed sculpture will be unveiled on February 26, during the closing reception for the exhibit. (Reeves House at Woodstock Arts via Facebook)

Today in Woodstock-Towne Lake:

• Family Storytime: for children of all ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult. The little ones will have fun with stories, games and crafts at the R.T. Jones Memorial Library at 116 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. (10:30 - 11:30 a.m.)
• Medicare 101: head over to the Rose Creek Library today for an educational session to help answer seniors' questions about Medicare. The library is located at 4476 Towne Lake Parkway. (11 a.m. - noon)
• Sequoyah Regional Library Board Meeting: the meeting is open to the public, and there may be a chance to address the board. The meeting will be at the R.T. Jones Memorial Library, located at 116 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. (4 - 5 p.m.)
• Family Bingo Tuesday: each game wins cash every Tuesday at Guston's Grille, 12195 Highway 92. (6:30 - 8 p.m.)
• Senior Center Programs:
  • Woodcarving Club - every Tuesday in the WGLSC Multi-Purpose & Meeting Room. (9 - 10 a.m.)
• MadLife Grill Patio Stage (free shows, no ticket needed):
  • Open Mic Night - you can sign up for a spot here. (6 - 9 p.m.)
• MadLife Stage & Studios:
  • Live Band Karaoke, Featuring The Checkers and You - you can register to perform here. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• The Blue Ghost Arcade is closing early today for a private event. Their RPG Night and Mario Kart tournament are not being held tonight, and the arcade will close at 6 p.m. (The Blue Ghost Arcade via Facebook)
• Check out these jobs around town! If you're looking, here they are - the latest job openings in the Woodstock-Towne Lake area. (Woodstock-Towne Lake Patch)
• Downtown Woodstock: "New beach/pool accessories are available at Fashion Cupcake. Never to early to start getting ready for spring and summer fun! Matching towel, tote bags, and hair wraps all quick dry and soft to the touch! Quick to dry your skin, and quick to dry out to work over and over again!" (Downtown Woodstock via Instagram)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Mantra HHC-Metaphysical Shop and Holistic Hea — (Visit website)
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Events:

• OOH-RAH HA HA Comedy Night with Derrick Tennant! (January 28)
• Intuitive Painting Classes - Ignite the Healing Power of Your Creative Process (January 30)
• Home Buyer Workshop - This is for ANY Buyer - Your First Home or Your Forever Home! (February 11)
• Crossing Over With Psychic Medium John Edward (Live)! (February 23)
• Add your event

You're officially in the loop for today! See you tomorrow for another update.

— Nina Lightcap

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Woodstock-Towne Lake Daily? Contact me at Woodstock@Patch.com