🌱 News On Our Roadways And Safety + A Joint Plan To Develop 100 Acres

Hello all. It's me, Nina, your host of the Patch newsletter. Let's get this day started off right with a quick dive into everything you need to know about what's happening around town, including updates on:

• Cherokee County received a grant to increase road safety.
• Woodstock, Holly Springs and the county will join forces for a plan.
• The Old Highway 5 corridor will be getting some sprucing up.

But first, today's weather:

A shower and thunderstorm. High: 64 Low: 46.

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

1. Cherokee County and the cities of Canton, Woodstock, Holly Springs and Ball Ground were awarded a $450,000 Action Plan Grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to create a transportation safety action plan. The safety plan will cover road design, sidewalk and crosswalk improvements with the goal of preventing deaths and serious injuries on the roadways. The USDOT, through their Safe Streets and Roads for All program, awards grants to communities for the creation of a safety plan and the implementation of a plan separately, with the Action Plan Grants meant for communities that don't have a roadway safety plan in place. The first round of funding for the USDOT program consisted of 473 Action Plan Grants and 37 Implementation Grants around the country, totaling $800 million. (Cherokee County Communications Division)
2. A parcel of land measuring close to 100 acres has become a joint project for Woodstock, Holly Springs and Cherokee County. The plot of land is located near the Sixes Road Interchange at I-575, and both cities hold portions within their borders. Instead of the area being developed separately by the cities, it has been decided that everyone will be working together to create a plan for the development of the land - seeing it as a prime location, perfect for creating income and employment for the county and cities alike. Holly Springs and Cherokee County have moratoriums on development applications in place for the next 40 and 45 days respectively, but those can be extended. Woodstock will likely approve a 30-day emergency moratorium next Monday, followed by another for six months. The pause is meant to allow time for the county and cities to plan the area together in the best interest of all. (Cherokee County Communications Division)
3. Cherokee County is looking for federal funding for the designing of improvements along Old Highway 5. The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners voted to authorize the application for $3.7 million in federal funds through a Department of Transportation Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity grant, this after a study was completed last year on the Old Highway 5 corridor, recommending several project options to improve traffic flow and pedestrian accessibility. Projects proposed include adding sidewalks in the Ball Ground portion, adding left and right turn lanes in the Canton and Holly Springs portion, adding sidewalks and a roundabout at the Univeter and Butterworth intersection and turn lanes in the Woodstock portion. (Subscription: Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News)
4. Safe Kids Cherokee County, with Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services (CCFES) at the helm, received a grant from the Georgia Department of Public Health to further its mission of keeping our kids safe on the road. The Safe Kids Cherokee County program provides car seats to financially eligible families in the county and education on safe car seat installation and use. According to the Safe Kids Cherokee County Coordinator, the 2023 Car Seat Mini-Grant that was received will help "protect our children from serious injuries or death in motor vehicle crashes." (CCFES News)

Today in Woodstock-Towne Lake:

• YPOW AM: open to non-members, 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.)
• Galentine's Sip + Shop: head over to Made Mercantile for the sale and stay for some drinks, snacks and a photo booth at 8636 Main Street. (5 - 9 p.m.)
• emPOWer @ Dentistry of Olde Towne: join IN WDSTK for a fun, Young Professionals networking event. An RSVP is required, but the event is open to non-members and will be held at Dentistry of Olde Towne Lake, 113 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 110. (6 - 8 p.m.)
• Marty Manous, Thursday Blues Session: take in some great food and live music tonight in The Listening Room at Rootstock, 8558 Main Street. (6 - 9 p.m.)
• Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournament: 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 - 10 p.m.)
• DJ Trivia: every Thursday, the top three teams win cash at Guston's Grille, 12195 Highway 92, Suite 156. (8 - 11 p.m.)
• Senior Center Programs - most events are held at the William G. Long Senior Center (WGLSC), 223 Arnold Mill Road
  • Line Dancing - every Monday and Thursday at the WGLSC Activity Center Expansion. (9:30 - 11:30 a.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.)
  • Adult Coloring Club - every Monday and Thursday at the WGLSC Activity Center Expansion. (11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.)
• MadLife Grill Patio Stage - free shows, no ticket needed
  • Canon Tyler (5:30 - 9 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• If you're registered for the Guns & Hoses 5K, your packets and t-shirts are ready for pick up! The pick-up location is Cherokee Recreation & Parks, located at 7545 Main Street, Building 200. You can head over today from 9 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. or tomorrow from 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Cherokee Recreation & Parks)
• Looking for a place to watch the Super Bowl? The Daily Draft is holding a Super Bowl Watch Party on Sunday from 6 - 10 p.m., it’s over at 8594 Main Street. The Blue Ghost Arcade is holding its own get together on Sunday from 6:30 - 10 p.m., and it’s located at 164 Towne Lake Parkway. Admission also includes unlimited gaming on all pinball, arcade, board and console games until closing. (Visit Woodstock)

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

• MadLife Stage & Studios, 8722 Main Street
  • Friday: Big Bam Boom - Hall & Oates Tribute (7 p.m.)
  • Friday: Back N Black - AC/DC Tribute (10 p.m.)
  • Saturday: Rod the Tribute - Rod Stewart Tribute (7 p.m. and 9:55 p.m.)
  • Sunday: Sun and the Stars - Presley, Orbison, Cash, Lewis & Perkins Tribute (1 p.m. and 4 p.m.)
• Rootstock, 8558 Main Street
  • Saturday: Kurt Wheeler Listening Room Session (7 - 9:30 p.m.)
• Leaning Ladder, 105 East Main Street
  
  • February 10: Olive Oil and Vinegar 101 Class with Joanna Scott - demonstration class (6:30 - 8:30 p.m.)
• Made Mercantile, 8636 Main Street
  • February 11: Maker Bar, Valentine's Edition - drop by every second Saturday of the month to create a project in 30 minutes or less at Made Mercantile. This month, you'll paint your own Sweet Talk Valentine Heart stud earrings. You can either drop by anytime or register in advance. The shop is at 8636 Main Street. (2 - 5 p.m.)
  • February 11: Wicks and Sips with Woodstock Candle Co. - create a custom candle, decorate your own fire starter and enjoy some snacks, drinks and music. (7 - 8 p.m.)
  • February 12: Dirty Date Night Design with Dirty Unicorn - for ages 18 and up, create a custom candle and soap scrub, then enjoy a live demonstration by Chef Stoney on how to prepare a romantic dinner together with your loved one. (6 - 7 p.m.)
• The Gifted Ferret, 105 East Main Street
  • Saturday: Annual Red Party, Artisan Wine Tasting - come dressed in your best red outfit and enjoy red wine and music with other locals. (5 - 7 p.m.)
  • Sunday: Valentine's Wine Therapy's Sip & Paint - enjoy some nice wine while you paint either an oversized wine glass or a recycled frosted wine bottle lamp. A bottle of wine is also included with your ticket. (3 - 5 p.m.)
• Woodstock Parks and Recreation
  • Friday: Garden Club - work with the city community garden to develop and implement plans for planting and maintenance around the Senior Center, the club meets at the William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road. (10 - 11 a.m.)
  • Saturday: Essential Gardening, Edible Landscaping - learn what plants you can use in your yard to create an edible and beautiful landscape. Cherokee County UGA Extension Agent Josh Fuder and the Cherokee County Master Gardeners will host the class, and participants will go home with a plant or seeds of their own. The class will be held at the William G. Long Senior Center (WGLSC) Activity Center Expansion, 223 Arnold Mill Road. (10 - 11:30 a.m.)
  • Saturday: Love Rocks! - paint river rocks with hearts, encouraging words, Valentine's Day images or whatever you'd like and hide them around town for others to find. It's a great way to bring a smile to a neighbor's face this Valentine's Day! The event will be held in the William G. Long Senior Center (WGLSC) Multi-Purpose & Meeting Room, 223 Arnold Mill Road. This is a free event. (11 a.m. - noon)
• Woodstock Arts
  • Friday, Saturday and Sunday: Murder on the Orient Express - the play will be performed at the Woodstock Arts Theatre, 8534 Main Street. (Various Times)
• Sequoyah Regional Library System
  • Friday: Valentine's Crafts with Ms. Lara - for all ages, though children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Create paper baskets and heart sun catchers at the R.T. Jones Memorial Library, 116 Brown Industrial Parkway in Canton. You can register here. (10:30 a.m. - noon)
• Senior Center Programs
  • Friday: Walking Club - every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the Dupree Park walking/running track, 513 Neese Road. (8 - 9 a.m.)
  • 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
  • Saturday: Guns & Hoses 5K Run/Walk at Hobgood Park - you can register on the day of the run from 7 - 8 a.m., but day-of registrants aren't guaranteed their chosen t-shirts. Don't worry if your chosen t-shirt isn't available, a shirt order will be made after the event - those will arrive about 2 weeks after the race. The charities that will benefit from the 5K were chosen by the Cherokee Sheriff's Office (Guns) and Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services (Hoses) and include Sheriff Frank Reynolds Charities and The Goshen Valley Boys Ranch. You'll pick the team you want to represent when you register. (8 a.m.)
  • Saturday: Georgia Defensive Carry Course, Women Only - learn about the state laws on use of force and self defense, state laws on where and when you can and can't carry, handgun fundamentals like stance, grip and how to perform under stress and how to get your permit. The event is for those 14 and up and is presented by Focused Fire Training at Comfort Inn and Suites, 713 Transit Avenue in Canton. (9 a.m. - noon)
  • Saturday: Reformation Brewery is going back in time to the prohibition era. Don your smartest 20s glad rags and head over to the brewery for some giggle water at the speakeasy. The new Orange Liqueur will debut, and there will be live music with Funk Cake and a subdued speakeasy-esque atmosphere. Tickets include a craft cocktail and take-home spirit glass. (10 p.m. - 1 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:

• Cherokee County Republican Precinct Caucus (February 11)
• Warehouse Sale! (February 11)
• Home Buyer Workshop - This is for ANY Buyer - Your First Home or Your Forever Home! (February 11)
• Add your event

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

— Nina Lightcap

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