🌱 Cherokee Assists With Pickens Tar Spill + New Police Dept. Chaplain

Good morning! It's Friday in Woodstock-Towne Lake, and I'm back in your inbox this morning with all the great things going on around town. Here's the lowdown...

First, today's weather:

A stray morning thundershower. High: 88 Low: 66.

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

1. A hot tar and fuel spill in Pickens County was so large that it required Cherokee County hazardous materials teams to assist in the cleanup. A tanker carrying the hot tar flipped and began spilling the tar onto Highway 53 along with diesel from the truck. The spill in front of the Tate House included around 3,000 to 5,000 gallons of tar. One person was transported to the hospital. The road was cleared by Wednesday afternoon. (WSB-TV)
2. The Woodstock Police Department took to Facebook to welcome a new chaplain, Doug Whitney, to the department. Chaplain Whitney is the Community Pastor at First Baptist Church of Woodstock and graduated on Wednesday from the Georgia Association of Law Enforcement Chaplains program. (Woodstock Police via Facebook)
3. The Cherokee County School District Superintendent Dr. Brian V. Hightower included a message to caregivers in the August CCSD Connections Newsletter. In his message, the superintendent discusses two great ways for families to support and engage with our educational community: The Volunteer Instructional Leadership Learning Academy (VILLA) and CCSD's Parent University. The VILLA program helps caregivers learn more about the district and how to be involved at the district level. The Parent University is a set of classes for families to help better support our children. Check out the newsletter to see more details on the programs. (CCSD via Facebook)
4. The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for the Leadership Cherokee Class of 2023 until October 1. The community engagement program has had more than 670 graduates since 1987 and holds educational opportunities to help create leading roles in the county. The class will be chosen after the interview process in November. (Cherokee County Chamber Press Release)

Today in Woodstock-Towne Lake:

• "Leisure Roamers" is an evening kayak with Murphs Surf in Woodstock. The event will be at the Cherokee County Rec Center on Main Street and requires pre-registration. The rental includes a double kayak, so if you can't bring a plus-one, please let them know beforehand so they can pair you with someone. (5 p.m.)
• Woodstock Elementary is holding a "Bounce Back2School" event at the school. There will be inflatables, food, music and tons of fun to be had. (5 p.m.)
• It's free movie night on the Green downtown! Head over to see and take pictures with Harry Potter characters at 5 p.m. and then relax and watch "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" afterwards. (5 p.m.)
• "Bracelets, Beads & Bourbon with bamabelle" is taking place at Made Mercantile on Main Street. Karan of bamabelle will guide you in making your own bracelets, no experience necessary. Food, drinks and all supplies will be provided. Ages 12 and up. (7 p.m.)
• Satellite Boulevard DJ will be at Pure Taqueria on the rooftop. (7 p.m.)
• "Magic the Gathering Draft Tournament" at Blue Ghost Arcade. Paid admission includes entry into the tournament, and new players are welcome. (7 p.m.)
• Surrender Hill will be playing live in the Listening Room at Rootstock. (7:30 p.m.)
• "Karaoke Night" at Reformation Brewery Woodstock. (8 p.m.)
• MadLife Grill patio stage:
  • Ben Bostick (noon)
  • Caleb Wilkie (5 p.m.)
  • Stratton James Trio (8 p.m.)
• MadLife Stage & Studios:
  • "Hall & Oates Tribute - Big Bam Boom" - tickets are available online. (7 p.m.)
  • "Sabbath - The Complete Black Sabbath Experience Presents: The 50 Years of Black Sabbath" - tickets are available online. (10 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Thank you, readers, for your suggestions and questions! Please keep it coming. If you'd like to see something new in the newsletter, let me know. If you have a picture of our city that you'd like to share, and you own the rights to it, send it on over to Woodstock@Patch.com with your name and description of the picture.
• The Cherokee County Animal Shelter has a handful of bunnies up for adoption. The all-female group of bunnies can be seen online, head over to the shelter on Univeter Road to check them out. (Cherokee County Animal Shelter via Facebook)
• Shopping for a new home? Check out the 5 latest homes on the market in our area (Woodstock-Towne Lake Patch)
• Take a peek at the pets available for adoption in the Woodstock-Towne Lake area. (Woodstock-Towne Lake Patch)
• Looking for COVID-19 testing and vaccination information? Take a look at the Cherokee County website to see general information and case numbers in our county. (Cherokee County)
• Downtown Woodstock: "IN WDSTK held a ribbon cutting yesterday to celebrate the opening of Beyond the Spotlight Dance Studio in Downtown Woodstock! Located at 119 Mill Street, Beyond The Spotlight Dance Studio brings a connection beyond dance to each student." (Downtown Woodstock via Instagram)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Towne Lake Hills: "Still missing- Lost Cat: Missing since July 7, from Fairways subdivision in Towne Lake. May have gone back to Towne Lake Hills East, where we just moved from. Please help bring her home. She is chipped. 404-449-4876" (Nextdoor)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning for your weekend update.

— Nina Lightcap

About me: Nina Lightcap is a writer and editor with a passion for crafting and polishing business and creative content. When not weaving word, she can probably be found cooling off in a pool somewhere or enjoying downtown Woodstock with her family.

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