🌱 Sheriff's Office Lawsuit Dismissed + Election Results Finalized

Hey, friends. It's me, Nina, your host of the Woodstock-Towne Lake Daily — back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening locally. Including...

• ⚖️ Lawsuit against the Sheriff's Office is dismissed.
• ✔️ County election results have been finalized.
• 🌼 Keep Cherokee Beautiful is back!

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and cold. High: 46 Low: 27.

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

1. A lawsuit filed in July against the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office has been dismissed by request of the same former Cherokee County inmate that originated the suit. The woman that filed suit in July claimed that in October 2020, she was sexually assaulted while in custody at the Adult Detention Center. The woman further claimed that the deputy accused in the assault had threatened her life to keep her quiet and that it was "well-known" among female inmates that assaults had happened after women accepted positions in the work programs offered at the jail. The alleged incident in 2020 was not reported to officials in law enforcement or the DA at the time, and after the independent investigation by the GBI was complete, the woman's attorneys filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit. (WSB-TV)
2. The Cherokee County Board of Elections and Registration has finalized the results from the November 8 election. Results of note show Harry Johnston returning as the Cherokee County commission chair, District 4 Commissioner Corey Ragsdale, District 1 Commissioner Steve West and Solicitor General Todd Hayes all ran unopposed. Cherokee County residents also voted to allow the county to issue licenses to businesses for package sales of distilled spirits and to renew SPLOST for another six years. (Subscription: Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News)
3. Cherokee County has been brought back into the Keep Georgia Beautiful and Keep America Beautiful fold as a Network Affiliate. The county received its Keep Cherokee Beautiful certification after two years of efforts to re-instate the program here. The affiliation will allow the county growth, program expansion, training, grant and education opportunities. You can read more about the Keep Cherokee Beautiful program here, current initiatives to reduce litter include the Adopt-a-Mile program, community cleanups and electronics recycling events. (Cherokee County Press Release)
4. Woodstock Arts has some upcoming events for the sports fans out there - they're bringing watch parties to the Event Green downtown! World Cup Watch Parties will be happening on November 21 for USA vs Wales, November 25 for USA vs. England and November 29 for USA vs. Iran. College football is also showing up on the Green via the "Rivalry Weekend on the Green" watch party series. Several SEC, ACC and Big 10 games will be shown throughout the day on November 26 and December 3, and since there's a playground next to the Event Green, you can bring the whole family down to enjoy Downtown Woodstock while you watch the games. Make sure to bring chairs, blankets, some food and some non-alcoholic beverages to keep you comfortable and hydrated while you're there, but a bar will be available for beverage purchase during these free events. (Woodstock Arts)

Today in Woodstock-Towne Lake:

• The Price is Right Grocery Challenge: for ages 16 and up, please register here for the event at the Rose Creek Library, 4476 Towne Lake Parkway. (11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)
• CCSD Fall Job Fair: the district is hiring for mid-year teaching positions and has immediate need for bus drivers, paraprofessionals and school nutrition assistant managers and subs. In some cases, interviews will be held during the job fair at 1020 Keeter Road in Canton. (2:30 - 5 p.m.)
• Woodstock's Holiday Sip + Shop: shop around the downtown area, and participating shops will have specials and beverages for you as you go. Stop by the Visitors Center at 8588 Main Street when you get downtown to pick up your tote bag and a list of participating shops. You can grab tickets here. (5 - 9 p.m.)
• NERF Night: for ages 5 and up, but children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Bring your own NERF blaster, but all foam darts will be provided. Battle against others at the Woodstock Library, 7735 Main Street. (6 - 7:30 p.m.)
• Themed Adult Book Club: for adults, November's theme is "N." You can read any book with a title starting with the letter "N" and share your thoughts during the meeting at the Woodstock Library, 7735 Main Street. (6 - 7:30 p.m.)
• Layne Denton: playing live in The Listening Room at Rootstock, 8558 Main Street. (6 - 9 p.m.)
• Music Bingo Night - Country Music: with Lights Up! Entertainment at The Daily Draft, 8594 Main Street. (6 - 9 p.m.)
• Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournament: double-elimination tournament, 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:
  • Line Dancing - every Monday and Thursday at the WGLSC Activity Center Expansion. (10 - 11:30 a.m.)
  • Nimble Fingers Sewing Group - every Thursday at the WGLSC Activity Center Expansion. (11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.)
• IN WDSTK (open to non-members):
  • YPOW AM - 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.)
• MadLife Grill Patio Stage (free shows):
  • Adrian Stover Duo (5:30 - 9 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Woodstock resident Bryce Leatherwood has advanced through The Voice competition once again. Leatherwood, a current Georgia Southern student, is now one of the top 16 artists on the NBC hit show. You can catch his performances when the show airs, Mondays and Tuesdays at 8 p.m. (11 Alive)
• With cold weather sinking its teeth in this week, the ASPCA would like us to remember to "Check Before You Rev." Cats sometimes sleep inside car engine compartments to keep warm in cold weather, but moving engine parts, including fan belts, can severely injure or kill an animal. Make sure to make noise and thump the hood of your car before getting in to give hiding animals time to get out. (Cherokee County Animal Shelter via Facebook)
• Cherokee County E 9-1-1 is hiring! The department is looking to add Communication Officers to the team. Aside from helping the community and saving lives like a superhero, the hefty benefits package includes comprehensive insurance, a retirement program, vacation and sick leave, paid holidays and much more. You can read more about the position and apply here. (Cherokee County E 9-1-1 via Facebook)
• Looking for something the kids can do during the holiday break? The Cherokee County Aquatic Center is holding a "Splish Splash Camp," December 28 - 30. The three-day camp will include swimming, crafts and a field trip to the zoo. You can learn more about the project and register here. (Cherokee Recreation & Parks via Facebook)
• The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta announced "Santa Sundays" at the shops. Every Sunday until December 18, Santa will be in center court from 1 - 5 p.m. for pictures. There will also be carolers spreading holiday cheer around The Outlet Shoppes, located at 915 Ridgewalk Parkway. (Visit Woodstock)

Here are some events coming up that require registration or tickets in advance:

• MadLife Stage & Studios, 8722 Main Street
  • Friday: Queen Nation - A Tribute to the Music of Queen (7 p.m.)
  • Friday: Lazy Bonez - The Ultimate 80's Rock Experience (10 p.m.)
  • Saturday: Queen Nation - A Tribute to the Music of Queen (7 p.m.)
  • Saturday: Nirvani - A Nirvana Tribute Experience (10 p.m.)
• Rootstock, 8558 Main Street
  • Friday: Cotter Hill Listening Room Experience (7:30 - 10 p.m.)
  • Saturday: The Trouble Tones Blues Band in The Listening Room (7:30 - 10 p.m.)
• Leaning Ladder, 105 East Main Street
  • Friday: Beef Pho with Chef Sunisa - hands-on and demonstration class (7 - 9:30 p.m.)
• Made Mercantile, 8636 Main Street
  • Friday: Wine and Design with Uptown, Thanksgiving Centerpiece - create your own centerpiece while enjoying an adult beverage and a snack. (7 - 9 p.m.)
  • Saturday: Ink and Drink, Letterpress Cards with Beau Paper Co. - make a set of 6 cards using ink, paint and a 1970's tabletop letterpress. November's design is a "So Thankful for You" folded card. (7 - 9 p.m.)
• The Gifted Ferret, 1910 Eagle Drive, Suite 400
  • Saturday: Artisan Wine Tasting, Highlighting Thanksgiving Food Pairings (5 - 7 p.m.)
• Woodstock Arts
  • Friday and Saturday: Charlotte's Web at the Woodstock Arts Theatre, 8534 Main Street. (7:30 p.m.)
  • Saturday: Woodstock Arts Video Game Tournament, Madden 23 on the Green - the tournament will be played on the PS5 on the Event Green, and game play will run all day until finishing up with a Saturday Night College Football viewing on the Green. You can sign up for a tournament spot here. (noon)
  • Sunday: Charlotte's Web at the Woodstock Arts Theatre - this is the last performance. (2:30 p.m.)
• Cherokee Recreation & Parks
  • Friday: Parent's Night Out - you can drop the kids off at the Aquatic Center from 5:15 - 10 p.m., and while you are out and about, the kids will be enjoying a swim, dinner, crafts, games and a movie. You can read more about the event here, registration ends today. (Cherokee Recreation & Parks)
• Senior Center Programs
  • Friday: Walking Club - Mondays and Fridays at the Dupree Park walking/running track, 513 Neese Road. (8 - 9 a.m.)
  • Friday: Fit Over 50 - Wednesdays and Fridays at the WGLSC Activity Center Expansion. Have fun with chair yoga, balance, bands, weights and core strength exercises. (9:30 - 10:30 a.m.)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday off right. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Nina Lightcap

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