🌱Commercial Vehicle Fire On I-75 + Plan For I-575 At Ridgewalk Pkwy.

Good morning, neighbors! It's Monday in Woodstock-Towne Lake and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in town, including news about:

• Fire & Emergency Services responded to a fire on I-75.
• The Whataburger opening went pretty smoothly, all said.
• Future plans were outlined for I-575 at Ridgewalk Parkway.

But first, today's weather:

A little morning rain; cloudy. High: 61 Low: 47.

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 three stories today in Woodstock-Towne Lake:

1. Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services responded to a commercial vehicle fire Thursday on I-75 South, south of Highway 92. The truck and refrigerated trailer were engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived, the fire so intense that Cherokee ended up calling in Cobb for an assist. The incident shut down I-75 South for more than three hours because of issues reaching the center of the fire due to the insulated walls of the trailer. Firefighters needed to cut into the vehicle to gain entry and extinguish the flames. Diesel fuel spilled onto the shoulder, but it was contained. The driver of the vehicle was able to escape before crews arrived, and there were no injuries reported. (11 Alive)
2. The opening of Whataburger went smoothly Thursday, according to both the Woodstock Police Department and the Whataburger district manager. With safety and the flow of traffic in mind, the police department had cones set up near the entrance and there were officers and hired security on site for opening day. The restaurant kept the lines moving nicely, and there were no major traffic issues reported. Whataburger will continue with the drive-thru-only model for the time being, with in-restaurant dining, in-app and website ordering, curbside delivery and standard delivery to be up and running within a few weeks. The Woodstock and Kennesaw locations will have some company in the coming year, there are restaurants planned for 2023 in Cumming, Buford, Athens, Dawsonville and Snellville. (Subscription: Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News)
3. The Woodstock City Council approved a cost proposal to the tune of $934,407.90 for future improvements to the intersection of I-575 and Ridgewalk Parkway. The work should help with alleviating traffic at the intersection and consists of creating a diverging diamond interchange - "to allow non-highway traffic to cross over to the other side of the highway at each interchange." This way, "two-way left-turn traffic is allowed on the highway without the need for traffic signals." The council is aiming for project completion in 2025. (Subscription: Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News)

From our sponsor:

Would you benefit from convenient, affordable and flexible access to a therapist? Talkspace lets you connect with a licensed therapist — from anywhere, at any time. With live chat, video, and audio sessions, starting at $69/week, therapy can be affordable, with or without insurance. Join over 1 million Talkspace users, and start feeling better today.

Today in Woodstock-Towne Lake:

• Adult Yarn Painting: for ages 16 and up, create a piece of art using yarn at the Rose Creek Library, 4476 Towne Lake Parkway. You can register here. (10:45 - 11:45 a.m.)
• Hot Vinyasa: all levels are welcome, though some prior experience is helpful to the class held at Ember Hot Yoga, 330 Chambers Street. (6:30 - 7:45 p.m.)
• DJ Trivia: the top three teams win cash prizes, every Monday at Guston's Grille, 12195 Highway 92, Suite 156. (7:30 - 10:30 p.m.)
• "Shrek" Trivia: have fun with trivia questions about the classic movie "Shrek" tonight. Bring your friends and compete for prizes at The Blue Ghost Arcade, 164 Towne Lake Parkway. (8 p.m.)
• Senior Center Programs:
  • Walking Club - every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the Dupree Park walking/running track, 513 Neese Road. (8 - 9 a.m.)
  • Beginner Bridge Instruction - every Monday in the WGLSC Multi-Purpose & Meeting Room. (9 - 10 a.m.)
  • Line Dancing - every Monday and Thursday at the WGLSC Activity Center Expansion. (9:30 - 11:30 a.m.)
  • Adult Coloring Club - every Monday and Thursday at the WGLSC Activity Center Expansion. (11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.)
  • Nimble Fingers Sewing Club - for all skill levels, learn to knit, crochet or cross-stitch every Monday and Thursday at the WGLSC Activity Center Expansion. (11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• There's a new salon in town! There is a ribbon cutting ceremony for Theory Salon on Thursday at 10 a.m. You can find them at 12926 Highway 92, Suite 400. Welcome! (IN WDSTK)
• Skating is great for the adults, great for the kids and the most fun! There are two events this Friday at Hot Wheels Skate Center for families with children. Stroll and Roll starts at 10 a.m. and is for kids ages 5 and under. Admission includes a dance party, time on the playground and a craft. Ride-along toys are allowed, but pedal bikes and motorized vehicles are not. Homeschool Skate starts at noon, and admission includes either the playground or skating. Hot Wheels Skate Center is located at 228 Farm Ridge Drive NE. (Hotwheels Skate Center via Facebook)
• Reminder: collections for the Bargain Hunter Coat Drive, benefitting The Children's Haven, will close out at the end of this month. The donations requested are coats, new boys' and girls' cl0thes, new shoes and pajamas, new back packs and school supplies, diapers, baby wipes and toiletries. Nearby drop-off locations include the Cherokee Sheriff's Office at 150 Chattin Drive in Canton, Harmony Pediatric Therapy at 9880 Hickory Flat Highway in Woodstock or Hollingsworth & Company Real Estate KW Partners at 722 Stonecroft Lane in Woodstock. Click the link to see the full list of area donation sites. (Cherokee Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• Take a gander at these fine homes! Here are five new properties on the market in the Woodstock-Towne Lake area. (Woodstock-Towne Lake Patch)
• Cherokee County Animal Shelter: "Did you know that only 15% of the pets entering the shelter have previously been microchipped?? #GetTHEMChipped !!! #noexcuses WeChipCherokee4FREE Free pet microchips for Cherokee Residents Tuesday through Saturday 10am-4pm" (Cherokee County Animal Shelter via Instagram)

Here are some events coming up this week that require a ticket purchase or registration in advance:

• MadLife Stage & Studios, 8722 Main Street
  • Tuesday: Breaking Bands, A Monthly Local & Regional Band Showcase - featuring Adrian Stover Project, Kings Peak and Cure My Enemy (7 p.m.)
  • Wednesday: Songwriters in the Round - featuring Jake Hughes, Greg Henderson, Kelly Williams and Layne Denton (7:30 p.m.)
  • Thursday: Dueling Pianos with The Andrews Brothers (8 p.m.)
  • Friday: On the Border - The Ultimate Eagles Tribute (7:30 p.m. and 9:55 p.m.)
  • Saturday: On the Border - The Ultimate Eagles Tribute (7 p.m. and 9:55 p.m.)
  • Sunday: Matthew Kahler - James Taylor Tribute (4 p.m.)
• Rootstock, 8558 Main Street
  • Wednesday: For the Love of Wine Tasting - this month's tasting will feature five SLO Down Wines. (6:30 - 8 p.m.)
• Leaning Ladder, 105 East Main Street
  • Saturday: Paella with Begona Stone - demonstration class (6:30 - 9 p.m.)
• The Gifted Ferret, 1910 Eagle Drive, Suite 400
  • Saturday: Artisan Wine Tasting (5 - 7 p.m.)
• Cherokee Recreation & Parks
  • Friday: Leisure Roamers, Galentine's Night Out 2023 - join the girls for a dinner at Applebee's and a manicure, everyone will meet at The WREC at 4 p.m. Leisure Roamers offers day trips for those aged 16 and up with disabilities. The group meets once a month for a fun activity. Please reach out to Skyler Cox at srcox@cherokeega.com with any questions. (4 - 7:30 p.m.)
• Woodstock Arts
  • Friday: Woodstock Arts Improv Troupe, WIT! - at the Woodstock Arts Theatre, 8534 Main Street. (7:30 p.m.)
  • Saturday: The Lasting Laugh - for ages 12 and up, clean comedy hosted by Jessica It's All Good at the Woodstock Arts Theatre. (7:30 p.m.)
• Sequoyah Regional Library System
  • Tuesday: Storytime at the Gallery - the Reeves House Visual Arts Center, located at 734 Reeves Street, is the place for Tuesday's special storytime, featuring stories, art lessons and crafts. You can register here. (1 - 2 p.m.)
  • Tuesday: Tween Book Club - held on the last Tuesday of each month, the book club is for ages 10 and up or those at a 5th grade reading level. Those under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. The group will go over the reading "A Wrinkle In Time" by Madeleine L'Engle using discussion, games and more. The group will meet at the R.T. Jones Memorial Library, 116 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. You can register here. (4:45 - 5:45 p.m.)
• IN WDSTK (open to non-members)
  • Thursday: YPOW AM - join the Young Professionals of Woodstock every Thursday morning for coffee, networking and an informal chat with a local leader at The Circuit, 1 Innovation Way. (7:30 - 8:30 a.m.)
• Senior Center Programs:
  • Tuesday: Woodcarving Club - every Tuesday in the WGLSC Multi-Purpose & Meeting Room. (9 - 10 a.m.)
  • Wednesday: Nutrition 2023 - every Wednesday at the William G. Long Senior Center. (10:30 - 11:30 a.m.)
  • Wednesday and Friday: Fit Over 50 - stretch and exercise with chair yoga, balance, bands, weights and core strength work every Wednesday and Friday at the WGLSC Activity Center Expansion. (9:30 - 10:30 a.m.)
• Other
  • Tuesday: CCSD Parent University - at Woodstock City Church. The discussion will focus on cyber bullying and social media and their impact on individuals and families. The panel will feature CCSD administrators, law enforcement officers and behavioral health therapists. Also, the film "Screenagers" will be shown to both highlight the impact of screen time on the younger mind and to offer solutions. The session is for students ages 11 and up and their parents or guardians. You can register here. (6:30 - 7:30 p.m.)
• Here are the next few classes at Leaning Ladder with tickets still available:
  • February 7: Daytime Lunch with Joanna Scott - demonstration class, hands-on at times (11 a.m. - 1 p.m.)
  • Februrary 8: Plant Power with Chef Megan - demonstration class (7 - 9 p.m.)
  • February 10: Olive Oil and Vinegar 101 Class with Joanna Scott - demonstration class (6:30 - 8:30 p.m.)
• Here are the next few classes at Made Mercantile with tickets still available:
  • February 11: Wicks and Sips with Woodstock Candle Co. - create a custom candle and enjoy snacks, adult beverages and music (7 - 8 p.m.)
  • February 12: Dirty Date Night Design with Dirty Unicorn - create a custom candle and a soap scrub. Chef Stoney will hold a demonstration on preparing a romantic dinner and making a date night out of it. (6 - 7 p.m.)
  • February 15: Jewelry 101 with bamabelle - learn the basics of wire wrapping. You'll go home with a six-piece jeweler's tool kit, a jeweler's mat, tray and a take home project. (9:30 - 11:30 a.m.)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Mantra HHC-Metaphysical Shop and Holistic Hea — (Visit website)
• Queen Custom Couture — (Visit Website)
• Add your business here

Events:

• “Love Is in the Air” Exhibit & Chocolate Truffle Tastings - February at the Cumming Arts Center (February 2)
• Christian Singer Jeremy Rosado Live In Concert (February 2)
• 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

For sale:

• AKC registered Rottweiler puppies (Details)
• Add your item

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

— Nina Lightcap

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