🌱 Local Competes On TV Show + Burn Ban Partially Lifted In Cherokee

Morning, everybody! It's me, Nina, your host of the Patch newsletter. Here are all the things you need to know about what's happening in town. Today we have these stories and more:

• Woodstock local on "American Ninja Warrior."
• Burn ban lifted for parts of the county.
• Communications division awarded.

But first, today's weather: Partly sunny with a shower. High: 90 Low: 74.

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

1. River Ridge High School class of 2020 graduate and co-owner of Nyx Training Center in Woodstock, local Dara DePaolo, will be competing in the semifinals of "American Ninja Warrior" on Aug. 14. DePaolo earned her spot in the semifinals on the show's qualifier course on July 24, finishing the first of six obstacles in 3.61 seconds, faster than the other competitors and pushing her into the next round. The winner of the show will get a cool $1 million, which DePaolo has said will go towards her business if she grabs the top spot. (Subscription: Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News)
2. The burn ban has been partially lifted in the unincorporated areas of Cherokee County to aid in storm debris removal after the area was swathed in storms over the past few weeks. The ban will be lifted through Oct. 1, and includes the burning of trees, brush and stumps only after other methods of disposal have been attempted, such as mulching or chipping. All other parts of the burn ban and citywide and countywide regulations on material burning will remain in place. Please note, Ball Ground, Holly Springs, Canton and Woodstock proper will follow the ordinances set up in their jurisdictions. (Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services)
3. The National Association of County Information Officers (NACIO) awarded the Cherokee County Communications Division with three awards at their annual conference in July. The department received Best in Category in the Featured Article/Editorial category, the Superior Designation in the Short One-Page/Trifold category and the Meritorious Designation in the Printed Publications - Annual Report category. The communications division has been around for three years, and the two-person team assists county departments and elected officials with many things, including news releases, media coordination, graphic design and branding. (Cherokee County Communications Division)
4. Cherokee Recreation & Parks is looking to bring some amazing locals into the fold, the department is hiring for several positions. If you think you'd be a shoo-in as an aquatics coordinator or a part-time athletic supervisor, the department would love to see you. They are also looking for front desk attendants, a water aerobics instructor and a part-time lifeguard. The benefits package is excellent and includes paid vacation, pay raises, additional income opportunities and much more. You can find all the open positions and links to applications here. (Cherokee Recreation & Parks via Facebook)

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Today in Woodstock-Towne Lake:

Wednesday, August 2

• Fresh Start Mornings, presented by the Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED): Give and receive feedback, learn and make connections with other local entrepreneurs. The meeting is free and open to the public at The Circuit, 1 Innovation Way. (9 - 10 a.m.)
• Senior Social Hour: Head over to the library for games, crafts and more with your favorite senior neighbors and friends. Snacks and refreshments will be available, the meet up is taking place at the Woodstock Library, 7735 Main St. (2:30 - 3:30 p.m.)
• "Harry Potter" Trivia: Join your friends and neighbors at Reformation Brewery tonight for trivia with Lights Up! Entertainment. There are prizes for the top-three winners, the brewery address is 105 Elm St. (7 - 10 p.m.)
• Music Bingo: Grab a bite from the Chef Al Catering food truck and play some music bingo tonight at Truck & Tap, 8640 Main St. (7:30 - 10 p.m.)
• MadLife Grill Patio Stage - free shows, no ticket needed
  • Top Artists Extended Sets (6 - 9 p.m.)
• MadLife Stage & Studios
  • Greg Shaddix & The Back Row Baptists - with Special Guest Tyler Lee Frush (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• It's time for Regal Cherokee $2 movies! Bring the family over to the cinema on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for the first screening of the day at 10 a.m. The movies this week are "Boss Baby: Family Business" and "Dolittle," the theater address is 355 Cinema View. (Regal Cherokee)
• This Saturday, the Woodstock Beer Market is celebrating its two-year anniversary with live music, vendors, food samples and beer. Expected at the shindig are Raising Hale Designs with glassware, D&D Creations with jerky, hot sauce and more, Mad Hatter with teacup candles and more. The party starts at 10 a.m. and runs all day, the address is 240 Chambers St. (Woodstock Beer Market via Facebook)
• Be sure to check out the August calendar for Hot Wheels Skate Center, there are events just perfect for families, those taking lessons, homeschool students, adults and even the tiny kids five and under. This Saturday, there's an Adult Night from 9 p.m. to midnight, it's always a great time. The skate center is located at 228 Farm Ridge Drive NE, you can find the calendar at the link. (Hot Wheels Skate Center via Facebook)
• The Reeves House is celebrating the exhibit "All the Fixins" as it closes this Sunday with a tasty treat. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., you can get a waffle with "all the fixins" and see the exhibit before it's gone. For a small extra fee, you can even get ice cream on it. The Reeves House can be found at 734 Reeves St. (Reeves House at Woodstock Arts via Facebook)
• Downtown Woodstock: "FoxTale Book Shoppe is excited to host author Madeline Martin in conversation with Gabriella Saab on Saturday, Aug. 5, 1 p.m. Can't make the event? You can order hand-signed copies of their books at foxtalebookshoppe.com." (Downtown Woodstock via Instagram)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday. 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