🌱 City Council Approves Budget + Car Fire On I-575 + Pet Safety Tips

Hey, Woodstock-Towne Lake! It's me, Nina, your host of the Woodstock-Towne Lake Patch newsletter. Here's all the local news you need to know right now, including:

• Woodstock's 2024 budget is set.
• CCFES welcomed back one of their own.
• Cherokee officials seeking info on I-575 car fire.

But first, today's weather: A couple of heavy thunderstorms. High: 80 Low: 64.

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

1. The budget for the 2024 fiscal year, which runs from July 1 to June 30, has been set by the Woodstock City Council. The $93 million budget was voted through unanimously on the first reading by the city council in May and again at the public hearing held Monday of this week. The budget includes a starting pay for police and firefighters that is on scale with the experience held, paying more per years of past service and certifications obtained by the candidate, and a 3 percent cost-of-living raise for permanent part- and full-time city employees. (Subscription: Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News)
2. Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services welcomed Lt. Dave Burnaugh back to work this week. Burnaugh, who has been with the department for 16 years, has been battling cancer for the past 10 months. He fell ill suddenly while on duty, diagnosed with a stage 3 astrocytoma brain tumor and a stage 1 kidney tumor, but after going through upwards of thirty rounds of radiation, surgeries for tumors in his brain and kidney and chemotherapy, Burnaugh is now cleared for duty and back with his CCFES family. (Atlanta News First and CCFES)
3. A black 2018 Mercedes GLE35 was stolen in Marietta on June 12 and ended up on fire in Cherokee County later that night. Firefighters were called out to a vehicle fire on I-575 northbound just after midnight, a sheriff's deputy saw it while driving on the highway. There were no occupants found at the scene and no injuries reported. The incident is under investigation, if you have any information, please contact the Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services investigators at 678-493-4197. (Subscription: Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News and CCFES via Facebook)
4. If you're looking for an outdoor cat, the Cherokee County Animal Shelter has a few that would love to live with you on your property. Farms of all kinds often use barn cats to rid the area of vermin, and in return, the cats are kept well fed, sheltered and brought to the vet when needed. Check into the shelter's Barn Cat program, the cats come with their spay/neuter, initial vaccines, rabies shots, flea preventative and microchip done. You can meet your future yard kitty Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1015 Univeter Road in Canton. (Cherokee County Animal Shelter via Facebook)
5. With swimming weather upon us, it's important to employ a few safety measures to ensure your pets' safety. The Cherokee County Animal Shelter wants us to know that undiluted pool chemicals are corrosive and can cause severe injuries to the mouth, throat and esophagus or death. Salt water pools and oceans can cause life-threatening hypernatremia if pets drink an excessive amount, and pool water contains chlorine and algaecides, these are dangerous to pets as well. Please check out the full list of safety tips at the link and contact your local veterinarian or Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 if you suspect your pet has been exposed to dangerous chemicals. (Cherokee County Animal Shelter via Facebook)

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Today in Woodstock-Towne Lake:

Wednesday, June 14

• IN WDSTK LunchIN', Is There a Place for Artificial Intelligence in Your Business? – A learning discussion with a subject matter expert on topics for business leaders in the Chattahoochee Tech Board Room, 1 Innovation Way. (11:30 - 12:30 p.m.)
• Backyard Biodiversity: For adults, learn about the ecosystem in your yard and embark on the library's BioBlitz Summer Challenge at the Rose Creek Library, 4476 Towne Lake Parkway. (3 - 4 p.m.)
• Trivia Night with Lights Up! Entertainment: Prizes for first, second and third place teams every Wednesday at Reformation Brewery, 105 Elm St. (7 - 9 p.m.)
• Music Bingo: Hosted by Lights Up! Entertainment every Wednesday at Truck & Tap, 8640 Main St. (7:30 - 10 p.m.)
• Darkridge Reunion Murder Mystery Night: For ages 18 and up. You'll be back in high school with an assigned persona. Figure out who in the group has each persona and who the murderer is. The fun is limited to the first 12 people that sign up at the front desk, so arrive early. The Blue Ghost Arcade is at 164 Towne Lake Parkway. (8 p.m.)
• MadLife Grill Patio Stage - free shows, no ticket needed
  • Top Artists Extended Sets (6 - 9 p.m.)
• MadLife Stage & Studios
  • Billy Bob Thornton and The Boxmasters (7:30 p.m.)

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From my notebook:

• The roundabout at Hickory Road and Betty Barrett Way will be closed today from 10-10:15 a.m. for the Holly Springs PD flag-raising ceremony. It is requested that travelers use alternate routes, as the roundabout will be closed. (Holly Springs PD via Facebook)
• The library system is hosting a couple different story times around the area today, it's a great way to spend some time with the little ones inside and away from the heat. The Rose Creek Library has a Family Storytime at 10:30 a.m., that branch is located at 4476 Towne Lake Parkway. Summer Storytime is happening at the Woodstock Library at 10:30 a.m. as well, and that branch is located at 7735 Main St. (10:30 - 11:30 a.m.)
• Don't forget about the Regal Summer Movie Express on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. Bring the family over for the first screening of the day for $2 tickets at Regal Cherokee. This week, you can watch "Sing" or "The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water," the theater address is 355 Cinema View, and the first screening is at 10 a.m. (Regal)
• Be sure to check out the Downtown Woodstock Facebook page for updates and information about the Family Fun Night this Thursday. The "Downtown Campout" themed evening will feature characters from the movie "Up," themed activities and much more along Main and Chambers streets. The evening starts at 5 p.m. (Downtown Woodstock via Facebook)
• Woodstock Arts is holding a crafting event for teens and adults this Saturday. For the "Creative Corner: Off the Canvas" event, you'll explore the "Off the Wall" exhibit at the Reeves House and then make your own piece. All materials will be provided, but you can bring any items you'd like to include — like buttons, soda tabs or other small items. The art session starts at 10:30 a.m., and you can sign up at the link. (Woodstock Arts)
• If you are looking for a new place to call home, take a look at these homes for sale in the Woodstock-Towne Lake area. (Woodstock-Towne Lake Patch)

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Featured events:

• Free food (June 15)
• The Daily Draft Presents "Birthday Bash Weekend: Stienholding Challenge w/ Jesse Tuggle (June 16)
• The Daily Draft Presents" Birthday Bash Weekend: SEC Spicy Wing Challenge, Tanteo Tastings and More" (June 17)
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Featured gigs & services:

• Pickleball Instruction (Details)
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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you soon.

— Nina Lightcap

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