🌱 Property Tax Rollback Proposed + Fire Destroys Cherokee County Home

Hello and good morning, Woodstock-Towne Lake! I'm here with the weekend edition of the Woodstock-Towne Lake Daily to help catch you up on local news and upcoming events. There are a lot of great happenings around town this weekend, let's dive in...

First, your weekend weather:

• Saturday: A heavy thunderstorm in the evening. High: 86 Low: 73.
• Sunday: An afternoon thunderstorm. High: 87 Low: 73.

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

1. Woodstock has announced the consideration of a partial property tax rollback. There will be three public hearings regarding the rollback in August, and citizens are encouraged to attend. The first meeting will be at 7 p.m. on August 8 at the Chambers at City Center on Main Street. Due to the recent increases to police, public works and parks and recreation compensation, the proposed rollback will be from the 2021 rate of 5.981 mills to 5.693 mills. For ten straight years, the millage rate in Woodstock has either stayed the same or been reduced. (Woodstock Press Release)
2. A home in Cherokee County was heavily damaged in a fire on Thursday. When firefighters searched the home, they found nobody inside. A passerby noticed the house engulfed in flames and called 911. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. (WSB-TV)
3. A Woodstock native, Bre Roper, has been chosen as a graduate manager for the Ole Miss softball team. After having a stellar career at Woodstock High School and Georgia Tech, Bre transferred to Ole Miss, where she continued her legacy by leading the Ole Miss Rebels to one of the most successful seasons they have had. (Ole Miss Athletics)
4. Sonoma Pharmaceuticals stock has risen 19.41% this week. The company based in Woodstock develops and produces hypochlorous acid, which is used for wound care, animal health care, eye care, nasal care, oral care and dermatology. Hypochlorous acid is an antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory agent and assists the body in the natural healing process. (Equities News)
5. About 150 people attended Newt Gingrich's event at FoxTale Book Shoppe on Friday. Touting his book, "Defeating Big Government Socialism,” he also answered questions and spoke about his stance on the Senate and Governor's races in Georgia. Attendees received a signed hardcover copy of his book. (Subscription: Cherokee Tribune & Ledger News)

This weekend in Woodstock-Towne Lake:

Saturday, July 30

• Farm Fresh Market will be downtown on Market Street until noon (8:30 a.m.)
• The Woodstock Police Department is holding its "Coffee & Recruiting" event at the Black Rifle Coffee Company on Highway 92. (9 a.m.)
• "Summer Cakes with Chef Michelle" is a hands-on class making summer-themed cakes. The class will be held at Leaning Ladder on Main Street. (11 a.m.)
• Woodstock Beer Market on Chambers Street is holding a first anniversary celebration. The event will run until 5 p.m., and will include pint specials, raffles and free hot dogs for kids 10-and-under. (noon)
• "Back To School Wine Tasting" at The Gifted Ferret on Eagle Drive. (5 p.m.)
• "Ink and Drink: Make Letterpress Cards with Beau Paper Co." is happening at Made Mercantile on Main Street. Create a set of six cards using ink, paint and a tabletop letterpress. This month's design is a "Happy Birthday folded card.” Light snacks and beer will be provided, but participants may bring their own beer. (7 p.m.)
• DJ Mason will be on the rooftop at Pure Taqueria (7 p.m.)
• Enjoy some classic new wave music like Bauhaus, Skinny Puppy and Sisters of Mercy with Goth Night at Blue Ghost Arcade. (10 p.m.)
• MadLife Grill patio stage:
  • Jake Hughes (11 a.m.)
  • Ben Kimbrell (2 p.m.)
  • Know Nothing Steve (5 p.m.)
  • Steven Brooks Band (8 p.m.)
• MadLife Stage & Studios:
  • Tyler Reese Tritt and Tristan Tritt - Sibling Rivalry Tour (7 p.m.)
  • Wildstreet - Arena Rock Party! (10 p.m.)

Sunday, July 31

• Join Horizon Healing Center and Hanalei for SUP Yoga at Little River Marina in Canton. The class is for all levels, board rentals are included in the price, but you may bring your own board for a discount. Please register online. (12:30 p.m.)
• "Paint on the Patio" will be at the Reeves House today. Canvas, paint and brushes will be provided for the guided painting session. The option to add "bottomless Mimosas" will be offered. (2 p.m.)
• MadLife Grill patio stage:
  • CJ and Tad (11 a.m.)
  • Jeannie Caryn (3 p.m.)
  • Mother Legacy (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• The Cherokee County Animal Shelter is holding an adoption event today. Starting at 10 a.m., you can join the "virtual line" by scanning the QR code found on the front door of the shelter. Adoption fees will be waived for the back-to-school event and available animals can be found online. Adoptions include spay and neuter, heartworm and leukemia testing, vaccinations, deworming, flea preventative, a microchip and more. (Cherokee County Animal Shelter via Facebook)
• The Woodstock Police Department has promoted officer Matt O'Keefe to Captain. He joined the Woodstock PD in 1999 and has risen through the ranks steadily since. Congratulations! (Woodstock Police Department via Facebook)
• School starts on Monday in Cherokee County! Make sure to sign into the Gateway to fill out first-day forms. (Cherokee County School District)
• With school starting and free time almost in the rear view, check out these quick and simple meal ideas to get the family fed and to bed early this school year. (Around Woodstock)
• Looking for a new family pet? There are lots of great animals up for adoption in our area shelters. From dogs to cats to exotic animals, our shelters have what you're looking for in a new best friend. (Patch)

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That's it for now, you're all caught up for this weekend. I'll see you around!

— Nina Lightcap

About me: Nina Lightcap is a writer and editor with a passion for crafting and polishing business and creative content. When not weaving word and thought, she can often be found cooling off in a pool somewhere or enjoying downtown Woodstock with her family.

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