🌱 Free Concert At Noon Today + Missing Woman Last Seen In Woodstock

Hello, neighbors. It's Thursday in Woodstock-Towne Lake and I'm back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening in town. Today's briefing includes...

• Free downtown concert at noon today.
• Missing woman last seen in Woodstock.
• Cherokee County's proposed 2024 budget.

But first, today's weather: Partly sunny and pleasant. High: 82 Low: 59.

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

1. We're just two performances away from the end of this year's Brown Bag Concert Series, take a moment out of your day to catch the show today before it's gone. Bring along something to sit on and a lunch, there are plenty of incredible options in the downtown area and relax to the sound of Ezra Jacob playing from the Gazebo in the Park at City Center. The hour-long show starts at noon, and next week we'll see WILKES on stage for an acoustic set — same time, same place. (Woodstock Parks and Recreation)
2. Information is requested by the Cherokee Sheriff's Office regarding a Gwinnett woman missing since August. Maury-Ange Martinez was last heard to be in the Woodstock area on Aug. 21, near Wiley Bridge Road. The missing woman has not been heard from since and is normally in regular contact with family members. Martinez, 20, is described as being 5 feet, 4 inches tall and 100 pounds. If you have any information, please reach out to the sheriff at 770-928-0239 or 911. (Cherokee Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
3. The sheriff is also looking for help in locating an individual possibly involved in a theft on Aug. 19. A credit card was taken from a vehicle during the incident, and a black Nissan Maxima was captured on camera, along with the accused. The theft occurred around 5:40 a.m. at a gas station on Highway 92 in Woodstock, and the suspect vehicle is missing a hubcap on the left rear tire. If you have information on this case, please contact Criminal Investigations at 678-493-4334. (Cherokee Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
4. The proposed 2024 fiscal year budget for Cherokee County was discussed by the board of commissioners on Tuesday, amounting to $396 million, based on the millage rates passed in August. The budget proposes funds of around $153 million to be earmarked for the general fund, $50.8 million for fire, $18.8 million for emergency medical services, $7.2 million would be set aside for E-911, $8.7 million for parks and rec, $2.6 million for senior services, $30.5 million for insurance and benefits and $12 million for other funds. You can read a full summary of the meeting points at the link, and you can find the budget overview here. (Subscription: Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News)

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Today in Woodstock-Towne Lake:

Thursday, September 21

• YPOW AM: Join the Young Professionals of Woodstock for coffee, networking and an informal chat with a local leader at The Circuit, 1 Innovation Way. (7 - 8:30 a.m.)
• Baby Storytime: For babies up to 23 months and their caregivers, the little ones will love the songs, rhymes, books and playtime at the Woodstock Library, 7735 Main St. (10:30 - 11:30 a.m.)
• emPOWer: Join the Young Professionals IN WDSTK networking event at The Manual, 9058 Main St., Unit 112. Please register at the link. (6 - 8 p.m.)
• Ben-Jammin: Enjoy some live music with your delicious food and drinks up on The Rooftop at Rootstock, 8558 Main St. (6 - 9 p.m.)
• Super Smash Bros. Tournament: A double-elimination tournament with prizes for the top three winners. The entry fee includes access to all arcade, pinball and board games at The Blue Ghost Arcade, 164 Towne Lake Parkway. Registration starts at 7 p.m. (8 - 10:30 p.m.)
• MadLife Grill Patio Stage - free shows, no ticket needed
  • Mother Legacy (5:30 - 9 p.m.)
• MadLife Stage & Studios
  • Banks & Shane - Atlanta's Entertainment Tradition (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• There are lots of great opportunities to participate in the events around town, and Woodstock Parks and Recreation has openings for both vendors, sponsors and participants in upcoming celebrations. Spots are available for merchandise and food vendors at the Halloween Trail of Tricks & Treats this year, and there are openings in the Christmas Jubilee for parade participants and merch and food vendors. (Woodstock Parks and Recreation)
• Downtown Woodstock: "Less then 40 spots remain in the 2023 Woodstock Scarecrow Invasion. Don't miss out on this event! Not too late to sign up a business or nonprofit for the event. Registration is $100 for a business, $50 for a nonprofit. Stop by the Woodstock Visitors Center (8588 Main St., open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) to sign up for a spot in this year's event!" (Downtown Woodstock via Instagram)

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Featured events:

• Free food (September 21)
• Sunset Symphony (September 24)
• Microchip & Vaccination Clinic for Dogs & Cats - Low Cost (October 8)
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Featured gigs & services:

• Now Hiring EXPERIENCED Bartenders (Canton) (Details)
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Featured housing:

• Home forsale (Details)
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That's it 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