🌱 New Scam Uses AI-Created Voices + Planning And Zoning Portal News

Hello, everybody! It's me, Nina, your host of the Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about what's happening in town these days. In today's issue, you'll find updates on:

• A futuristic, new scam has hit the area.
• Cherokee CityView Portal upgrades.
• Family Fun Night season ending.

But first, today's weather:

An afternoon thunderstorm; humid. High: 88 Low: 73.

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

1. A local family thought a caller had kidnapped their daughter, but they were actually the target of a frightening new scam using artificial intelligence. The scam involves a created voice, made to sound like a distressed family member using AI software. Debbie Moore distinctly heard her daughter's voice at the other end of the call, but when she pushed, a male on the phone then said that he had Moore's daughter and was going to hold her until she sent money. Moore's husband called the daughter's phone and she answered, she had never been kidnapped at all. According to the intended victim, the voice on the phone sounded just like her daughter. (Atlanta News First)
2. The Cherokee County CityView Portal, which provides online access to planning and zoning documents, is undergoing updates and enhancements. Through the updates, the portal will be outfitted with tighter security measures and an updated, customer-focused user interface and will allow for building permit applications, payments and status checks, planning permit applications, payments and submittals and business license status checks and fee payments. The system is available 24/7, but you can direct any questions to the Community Development Agency at 678-493-6077. (Cherokee County Communications Division)
3. There's a lot of information coming out about tomorrow's Family Fun Night, "Return to Hogwarts," and it's looking to be an amazing series finale. The downtown area will be full of themed activities, food and drink specials, treats and more on the Event Green downtown and along Main and Chambers streets from 5 to 7 p.m. There will also be face painters and temporary tattoo stations, and at 7 p.m., there will be a showing of the movie "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" on the Green. (Visit Woodstock)
4. If you've ever wondered where the names of Woodstock's streets, parks and landmarks came from, there's a walking tour coming up next week that will help answer some of those questions. The Downtown WDSTK Walking Tour Series has brought residents through the history of our city, around town to see public art and has even shed light on some of the more unique facts and tidbits that make up the history of our beautiful city. This time around, you'll hear about "The Names of Woodstock Past," and you can grab your tickets for the July 27 tour here, tour departures start at 6 p.m. (Visit Woodstock)
5. Local gardeners and pollinator fans, if you created your garden with butterflies, bees, moths and other pollinators in mind, you can have your garden certified. Woodstock Parks and Recreation has two options for certifying your garden: The first option includes a listing on the website, a social media announcement and a certificate, and the second option adds a sign for your garden. You can learn more about the program and fill out an application here, and if you'd like more information, you can reach out to Jamey Snyder at jsnyder@woodstockga.gov. (Woodstock Parks and Recreation via Facebook)

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Today in Woodstock-Towne Lake:

Wednesday, July 19

• Doughnuts with a Dispatcher: Meet Cherokee County E 9-1-1 dispatchers at the YMCA in Canton for an informal chat or quick hello and delicious treats from Giggle Monsters Craft Donuts. The YMCA is located at 151 Waleska St. (9 - 11 a.m.)
• "Matilda": Bring a gently used book to the concessions counter for a 50 percent discount on your concessions purchase during today's performance at the Woodstock Arts Theatre, 8534 Main St. (10 a.m.)
• Summer Discovery Finale with Wildlife Wonders: Head to the library today for a zoo-rific surprise today. The event is for all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult. The Woodstock Library address is 7735 Main St. (10:30 - 11:30 a.m.)
• Trivia Night: Join your friends and neighbors at Reformation Brewery tonight for trivia. There are prizes for the top-three winners, the brewery address is 105 Elm St. (7 - 9 p.m.)
• Music Bingo: Grab a bite from the Bow Thai food truck and play some music bingo tonight at Truck & Tap, 8640 Main St. (7:30 - 10 p.m.)
• Street Fighter 6 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. (8 p.m.)
• MadLife Grill Patio Stage - free shows, no ticket needed
  • Top Artists Extended Sets (6 - 9 p.m.)
• MadLife Stage & Studios
  • Gypsy Outfit - Americana (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• This morning is a Fresh Start Morning, presented by the Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED). The meetings are a space to give and receive feedback, make connections with other local entrepreneurs and hear from local businesses. Acutely Aware Firearms Instruction will be presenting today at Reformation Brewery, at 225 Reformation Parkway in Canton. Fresh Start Mornings are free and open to the public. (COED)
• Bring the family over to Regal Cherokee today for $2 movie tickets through the Regal Summer Movie Express program. The deal is good for the first screening of the day on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and the movies this week are "The Bad Guys" and "Playing with Fire." The theater address is 355 Cinema View. (10 a.m.)
• If you're following along with the Cherokee Recreation & Parks July calendar, the item for today is a swim at the Cherokee County Aquatic Center. Admission ranges from $6 to $9, depending on age, with no charge for children under 2. The aquatic center is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. today, the address is 1200 Wellstar Way, and you can find admission information here.(Cherokee County Communications Division)
• This Friday is the last Brew Night at Reformation Brewery. Head downtown to spend quality time with your neighbors, friends and family and take a peek at what goes on behind the scenes at the brewery. The community gathering will take place from 2 to 8 p.m. at 105 Elm St. (Reformation Brewery)
  
• Watch the FIFA Women's World Cup on the big screen on the Green this Friday with other local soccer fans! The USA vs. Vietnam watch party will start at 9 p.m., so be sure to bring your blankets, chairs and something to eat. There will be beer, wine and soda for sale at the event. (Downtown Woodstock via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Cherokee Sheriff's Office Hiring Event (July 22)
• Rugs, Pillows, ottomans direct from wholesaler up to 80% off - 3 Days only (July 22)
• Family Summer Social: Back-to-School Bash (July 22)
• Add your event

That's it for today. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with a new update!

— Nina Lightcap

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