🌱 Woodstock Approves Moratorium + Local Restaurant Fails Inspection

Hey, friends. It's Saturday in Woodstock-Towne Lake and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on all the most important things happening in town. In today's issue, you'll find news about these stories and more...

• Woodstock, Holly Springs and the county join forces for growth.
• Local restaurant inspection scores are in, and it's a mixed bag.
• A five-car crash on I-75 North yesterday caused delays.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Mostly sunny. High: 56 Low: 36.
• Sunday: Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 61 Low: 44.

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

1. The Woodstock City Council unanimously approved a 30-day moratorium on accepting new zoning, development or construction applications regarding the 100-acre piece of land that sits at the I-575 and Sixes Road interchange. The joint venture of Woodstock, Cherokee County and Holly Springs is aimed at developing the land in a way that creates income and employment for the county and both cities. Each entity has moratoriums in place to allow time for a plan to be assembled between the three, taking into account each one's comprehensive plans, land use and zoning districts of the area. In addition, Woodstock has already held the first of two required readings of a six-month moratorium, the second will take place on February 27. The county is currently in a 45-day moratorium initiated last week, and Holly Springs approved their 40-day moratorium last week as well. (Subscription: Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News)
2. There's some good news and some bad news in the most recent restaurant health inspections around the county. Cactus Cantina, at 402 Argonne Terrace in Canton, received a failing score on its February 12 inspection. The recent score of 46-U (unsatisfactory) was preceded by a 75-C in December and a 70-C in October, with proper holding temperatures one of the repeat offenses in all three inspections. The latest inspection notes several violations that are risk factors for foodborne illness, including hands being unclean and improperly washed and the lack of adequate, supplied and accessible handwashing facilities. And now for the good news - Freight Kitchen & Tap had another inspection after their low score in January and redeemed themselves nicely. Their recent February 8 inspection shows that all previously noted concerns have been corrected and they now hold a 94-A. Just in time for the pub crawl this weekend! (Atlanta News First and North Georgia Health District)
3. A five-car accident sent a vehicle over the guardrail in Cherokee County yesterday. The accident on I-75 at Woodstock Road caused delays into the afternoon and drivers were cautioned to avoid the area while clean-up efforts were underway. Thankfully, there were no serious injuries and the highway never had to shut down completely. The cause is still under investigation. (11-Alive)
4. Coming up on February 23, Woodstock Parks and Recreation is hosting a discussion on desegregation and integration in Cherokee County during the 1960s. Harvee White, education manager at History Cherokee and committee chair of History Cherokee's Black History Committee, will be leading the discussion at the William G. Long Senior Center Activity Center Expansion, located at 223 Arnold Mill Road. The event is limited to 35 people, so if you'd like to attend, be sure to register soon! Attendees must be at least 10 years old, and there will be coffee and dessert served. (Subscription: Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News and Free: Woodstock Parks and Recreation)

Today and tomorrow in Woodstock-Towne Lake:

Today

• Arbor Day Tree Seedling Giveaway: there are some leftover seedlings from yesterday's event, head down to grab yours before they're gone! You can get your free seedling from the Visitors Center, the City Hall Annex or the William G. Long Senior Center. Seedling varieties include Eastern Redbud, Bald Cypress, Crepe Myrtle and more. (10 a.m.)
• Creative Corner, It's Crystal Clear: for teens and adults, explore the use of crystals in the current exhibit by Corrina Sephora and create a watercolor painting of crystals afterwards at the Reeves House Visual Arts Center, 734 Reeves Street. (10:30 a.m.)
• Woodstock Arts Film Festival, Filming Period: registration is still open as of this writing, but please make sure to check as soon as possible via the link provided. The prompts that must be used in your film will be sent out at noon today, and you'll have 48 hours to complete your film. (noon)
• Paint and Chat Professional Art Classes: for all skill levels, all supplies will be provided for the painting class at Tranquility Fine Arts, 9194 Main Street. (2 - 4 p.m.)
• Dungeons & Dragons: for ages 12 and up, no experience required. Please register here for the new campaign at the R.T. Jones Memorial Library, 116 Brown Industrial Parkway in Canton. (2 - 5 p.m.)
• Mardi Gras Pub Crawl: the Woodstock Pub Crawl Series is back! Head downtown for food and drink specials at participating restaurants and bars - you can see the full list here. Grab your entry form at the first place you stop, and be sure to get stamps from each place thereafter. Once you get five stamps, hand in your entry form at any participating restaurant for a chance to win prizes. (2 - 6 p.m.)
• LEGO Lab: for all ages and skill levels, create and build with LEGOs. Children must be accompanied by an adult for the fun today at the Rose Creek Library, 4476 Towne Lake Parkway. (3 - 4 p.m.)
• Annual Mardi Gras Ball & Cajun Cook Off: sample classic dishes and King Cake, and whoever finds the baby in their cake wins a bottle of wine. There'll be door prizes, treats, food, a special mocktail option and much more at The Gifted Ferret, 1910 Eagle Drive, Suite 400. (5 - 8 p.m.)
• Adult First Aid CPR/AED Class: please register as soon as possible. This is a blended class, with an online portion that must be completed before the in-person meeting this evening at Black Rifle Coffee Company, 10971 Highway 92. (6 p.m.)
• Murder on the Orient Express: performed at the Woodstock Arts Theatre, 8534 Main Street. (7:30 p.m.)
• Reed Waddle: the artist will be on stage tonight at Donovan's Irish Cobbler, 1025 Rose Creek Drive. (9 p.m. - 1 a.m.)
• Tragic Souls: the band is playing live tonight at Guston's Grille, 12195 Highway 92, Suite 156. (9:30 p.m.)
• MadLife Grill Patio Stage - free shows, no ticket needed
  • Jake Hughes (11 a.m. - 2 p.m.)
  • Holland Roots (2 - 5 p.m.)
  • Rae And The Ragdolls (5 - 8 p.m.)
  • Eric & Lisa (8 - 11 p.m.)
• MadLife Stage & Studios
  
  • Bad Moon Riders - Creedence Clearwater Revival Tribute (7 p.m.)
  • Mad Margritt - The Ultimate 80's Arena Rock Show (10 p.m.)

Tomorrow

• Community Metalsmithing Workshop with Corrina Sephora: for all ages, join in creating a community sculpture in the Reeves House Backyard at 734 Reeves Street. The workshop is free, and you'll want to head back on February 26 for Corrina Sephora's exhibit closing reception and sculpture unveiling. (11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)
• 10-Ball Tournament: in-person registration starts at noon at Big Shot Billiards, 101 Emma Lane. Email atlanta@napaleagues.com for more information. (1 p.m.)
• Murder on the Orient Express: the play will be performed at the Woodstock Arts Theatre, 8534 Main Street. (2:30 p.m.)
• DJ Trivia: double the prize, every Sunday at Guston's Grille, 12195 Highway 92, Suite 156. (6 p.m.)
• Bingo Night: head over to The Blue Ghost Arcade for their first Bingo Night, admission includes unlimited gaming until they close. The arcade is at 164 Towne Lake Parkway. (6 p.m.)
• Ben Kimbrell: the artist is playing live in The Listening Room at Rootstock, 8558 Main Street. (6 - 8:30 p.m.)
• The Legend of Georgia McBride In-person Auditions: please click the link for important preparation requirements and information. Video submissions will be accepted until Monday at 8:30 p.m. (6 - 9 p.m.)
• MadLife Grill Patio Stage - free shows, no ticket needed
  • Greg Shaddix & Friends (11 a.m. - 2 p.m.)
  • Clay Duke (2 - 5 p.m.)
• MadLife Stage & Studios
  • Bad Moon Riders - Creedence Clearwater Revival Tribute (4 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• The Cherokee County Animal Shelter is waiving adoption fees today! The available animals can be seen online here. A QR code at the front door of the shelter will become active at a random time around 10 a.m., please scan the QR code to enter the "virtual line." The shelter adopts on a first come, first served basis, and animals can't be put on hold. All animals will go home with their spay or neuter, heartworm and leukemia testing, initial vaccinations, deworming, flea preventative and microchipping complete. (Cherokee County Animal Shelter via Facebook)
• The Cherokee County Aquatic Center is ramping up their seasonal offerings, and next up is the Dive In Movie night on February 24. Registration for this one closes today at 5 p.m. The movie will be "Moana", and from 6 - 8 p.m., you can watch the movie on the inflatable screen while you relax in the water. You can bring your own float, but it must have a diameter of 40 inches or less. Everyone must be able to swim, and children in life jackets must be with arm's reach of a parent. For more information, call 678-880-4760. You can register here. (Cherokee Recreation & Parks)
• The next Red Cross Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED class at the Aquatic Center is on February 26. The class is for ages 15 and up, and there is an online portion of the class you must complete prior to the in-person meeting. The class will be held from 1 - 3 p.m., and registration for the class ends this Sunday at 5 p.m. You can register here. (Cherokee Recreation & Parks)
• Here are the next few classes with tickets still available at Leaning Ladder
  • February 28: Bavarian Winter Feast with Chef Kyle - demonstration class (7 - 9:30 p.m.)
  • March 3: Southern Comforts with Executive Chef Daniel - demonstration class (7 - 9:30 p.m.)
  • March 7: March Wine Dinner with Chef Kyle & Lapis Luna Wines - a 5-course, interactive chef tasting menu (7 - 9:30 p.m.)
• Here are the next few events with tickets still available at Made Mercantile
  • February 23: Bubbles & Bubbly with the Dirty Unicorns - create custom personal care products, hors d'oeuvres and sparkling wine will be provided. (7 - 9 p.m.)
  • February 24: Fondue & Flames with Cherokee Rose Candle Co. - learn the basics of candle making and create your own 15-ounce, three wick dough bowl candle. Chocolate fondue and wine will be served. (7 -8:30 p.m.)
  • February 26: Wicks and Sips with Woodstock Candle Co. - create a custom candle, decorate your own fire starter and enjoy some snacks, drinks and music. (2 - 4 p.m.)
• Do you have family or friends in the Canton area? I will also be writing for the Patch newsletter in Canton-Sixes starting this weekend. Please pass along our information if you hear of anyone that needs a good dose of news and events! You can subscribe to Canton as well, of course, especially helpful if you're near the Woodstock/Canton line like I am. Thank you always for your readership, and have a great weekend!

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Alrighty, you're all good for today. 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