🌱 Etowah HS Is All Clear + Parent University + Last Brown Bag Concert

Good morning, Woodstock-Towne Lake! I'm here in your inbox today to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on around town, including updates on:

• Etowah High School bomb threat.
• Preparing for Hurricane Ian.
• SWAT training today.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 75 Low: 52.

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

1. The evacuation on Wednesday of Etowah High School due to a bomb threat was handled quickly thanks to the support of local law enforcement and the cooperation of parents. The school was evacuated at 11:15 a.m. and students were brought to E.T. Booth Middle School for family reunification. Parents were asked to keep the roads clear and not head to Etowah HS and to keep the phone lines open by not calling the school. After a search of the school by multiple K-9 units and officers, there was no danger found. All evening activities proceeded as planned Wednesday. School was scheduled to resume today as usual. The county will likely seek prosecution and disciplinary actions against the person or persons that made this threat. Anyone with knowledge that would be helpful to the investigation is asked to reach out to the CCSD Police at 770-704-4354 or to make a report via the Vector Alert System. Tips can be reported anonymously. (Cherokee County School District)
2. The Cherokee County Animal Shelter and the ASPCA have suggested creating a pet emergency kit in cases of evacuation or other emergencies. There are eight items suggested, including a first aid kit, food and food dishes for seven days, garbage bags, dish soap, disinfectant, bottled water for seven days and an extra collar or harness, leash and ID tag. You can see the entire posting online here. (Cherokee County Animal Shelter via Facebook)
3. The Cherokee Sheriff's Office is conducting SWAT training around Woodstock today. Don't be alarmed, there will be a large police presence during the training. Please expect activity in the areas of Palm Street and Toonigh Road from 8 a.m. to noon and Fincher Road and Deer Track Drive from 1 - 5 p.m. (Cherokee Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
4. Officer J. Haile of the Woodstock Police Department was recognized Tuesday at the 6th Annual Public Safety Luncheon hosted by the Rotary Club of Canton. At the luncheon, Officer J. Haile was awarded the Colonel George Bailey Distinguished Leader Award. Officer Haile was recognized for his 10 years of service in the US Marine Corps and his service to Woodstock. (Woodstock PD via Facebook)
5. The first class in the upcoming Parent University series is being held tonight at Woodstock City Church, 150 Ridgewalk Parkway. The class, Student Mental Health, Wellness and Suicide Prevention, is for parents and family members of county students aimed at helping to support local students. Presented by the CCSD, Cherokee County Council PTA and Northside Hospital Cherokee, the evening will include a presentation by the National Alliance on Mental Illness and breakout sessions on topics like crisis response, conflict resolution and the impact of social media. (Cherokee County Council PTA)

Today in Woodstock-Towne Lake:

Patch readers are strongly encouraged to use caution and follow safety protocol when choosing to attend an event as Hurricane Ian approaches. These events are accurate as of the newsletter's writing, please check with the event organizer for the most recent status update.

• The Young Professionals of Woodstock (YPOW) meets today for YPOW AM networking at The Circuit, 1 Innovation Way. (7:30 - 8:30 a.m.)
• The Brown Bag Concert Series: Mitchell Phillips - at The Gazebo at Park at City Center. (noon)
• Ribbon Cutting - Cherokee Floor Covering, 50th Anniversary: at 5155 Old Highway 5. (3 - 4 p.m.)
• American Sign Language for Beginners with Susan Flores: please register online for the all-ages class at the Hickory Flat Library, 2740 East Cherokee Drive, Canton. (4 - 5:30 p.m.)
• LEGO Lab: build a LEGO rocket at the Woodstock Library, 7735 Main Street. (4 - 5 p.m.)
• Flash Back to the 90's with special guests Dynamite Dance Factory: at Hot Wheels Skate Center, 228 Farm Ridge Drive NE. (5 - 9 p.m.)
• Senior Services' September Caregiver Support Meeting: hear and share experiences, the event will be catered. Please RSVP to stjones@cherokeega.com or snbrown@cherokeega.com for the event being held at the Cherokee County Recreation Center, 7545 Main Street, Suite 200. (5:30 p.m.)
• Downtown WDSTK Walking Tour Series: explore the history of our city, tours will leave from the visitors center on Main Street every half hour during the event. You can purchase tickets online. (6 - 7:30 p.m.)
• Lynda Loigman in conversation with Kimberly Brock: at FoxTale Book Shoppe, 105 E. Main Street, Suite 138. (6:30 - 8 p.m.)
• Chocolate Truffle Wine Pairing: at The Gifted Ferret, 1910 Eagle Street, Suite 400. (7 - 8:30 p.m.)
• Mitchell Phillips Live in The Listening Room: at Rootstock, 8558 Main Street. (7 - 9 p.m.)
• Super Smash Bros Tournament with Orpheus Brewing! Raffles will be held through the evening and enjoy $2 off all Orpheus beer at The Blue Ghost Arcade, 164 Towne Lake Parkway. (8 p.m.)
• Senior Center Programs:
  • Nimble Fingers sewing group - Learn to knit, crochet or cross-stitch every Thursday. All skill levels are welcome to the group at the WGLSC Activity Center Expansion, 223 Arnold Mill Road. (11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.)
• MadLife Grill Patio Stage (free shows):
  • Dallas McGee (12 - 3 p.m.)
  • Hughes Taylor (5:30 - 9 p.m.)
• MadLife Stage & Studios:
  • Phoenix Mendoza Band (previously of High South) (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Downtown Woodstock: "Lots of great new styles at Wanderess Collections in Downtown Woodstock! @shop.wanderess #woodstockga #woodstockgeorgia #downtownwoodstock" (Downtown Woodstock via Instagram)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Townelake: "Make sure you are prepared for the weather this week. - Also you have time to get your surge protection installed before any power outages. You can have a local licensed master electrician install before any damage happens to your homes, appliances and electronics." (Nextdoor)

Some events coming up this weekend that require registration or tickets in advance:

• Morning INfluence with Woodstock Fire Department: learn about the department and its impact on our community this Friday, September 30. Breakfast will be served at the networking event at the Woodstock Fire Department, 225 Arnold Mill Road. (8 - 9 a.m.)
• Senior Center Programs
  • Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: Walking Club at the Dupree Park walking/running track, 513 Neese Road. (8 - 9 a.m.)
  • Wednesdays and Fridays: Fit Over 50 - at the WGLSC Activity Center Expansion, 223 Arnold Mill Road. (9:30 - 10:30 a.m.)
• Woodstock Arts
  • Friday, Saturday and Sunday: Sunday in the Park with George, a concert production. The family-friendly show is at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday at the Woodstock Arts Theatre, 111 Elm Street. (Showtime Varies)
  • Saturday: Kids Corner - Its CORN! I can't imagine a more beautiful thing! Create fall decorations, for all ages at the Reeves House Studio, 734 Reeves Street. (10:30 - 11:30 a.m.)
• Woodstock Parks and Recreation
  • Saturday: Essential Gardening - Fall Bulbs at the WGLSC Activity Center Expansion, 223 Arnold Mill Road. (10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.)
• Rootstock, 8558 Main Street
  • Saturday: Paul Childers in The Listening Room, Cheers to 5 Years! (8 - 11 p.m.)
  • Sunday: HUSU Comedy Night (7 - 9 p.m.)
• Leaning Ladder, 105 East Main Street
  • Saturday: Lasagna with Chef Kathy - demonstration class (6:30 - 9:30 p.m.)
• The Gifted Ferret, 1910 Eagle Drive, Suite 400
  • Saturday: Artisan Wine Tasting (5 - 7 p.m.)
• MadLife Stage & Studios, 8722 Main Street
  • Friday: Legends of Rock Tribute - Whitesnake, AC/DC, Tesla, Metallica, Van Halen (7 p.m.)
  • Friday: After School Special - 90's & Early 2000's Alt-Pop-Rock Cover Band (10 p.m.)
  • Saturday: Retro Rock Revival - A Tribute to 80's Arena Rock (7 p.m.)
  • Saturday: Letterbomb - A Tribute to Green Day (10 p.m.)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! See you all tomorrow for your next update.

— Nina Lightcap

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