The Woodstock City Council has approved a historic drop in property taxes, setting the new millage rate at 5.065 mills—the lowest in over 30 years.

This decision follows a robust 5.03% increase in the 2025 tax digest, fueled by substantial new construction and exemptions.

Homeowners will see property tax bills of about $764 for a $368,000 non-homesteaded home, or $1,018 for a $493,000 homesteaded property.

The parks bond debt service rate will also rise to 0.50 mills, meaning an extra $75 on a $375,000 non-homesteaded home and $100 on a $500,000 homesteaded residence.

Mayor Michael Caldwell underscored that this is not just a rollback, but a true tax decrease.

The strong local economy has enabled Woodstock to cut taxes while continuing improvements to infrastructure, parks, and public safety.

This move highlights Woodstock’s dedication to fiscal responsibility and community quality of life.

🌟 Never Alone is Here to Help! 🌟

Never Alone is on a mission to fight hunger in Cherokee, Cobb, Bartow, and Pickens County, Georgia. We offer free food to families and individuals dealing with financial hardships. Our approach respects your dignity by allowing you to select items that fit your dietary needs, personal tastes, and pantry essentials. Let us help ease your burdens—visit our client choice food pantry and fill your cupboards with nourishment and care. 😊🥫🍏

The Georgia Bulldogs, led by coach Kirby Smart, displayed their typical clutch performance in a 44-41 overtime victory against Tennessee.

With a 3-0 record and 1-0 in the SEC, the Bulldogs sealed the win with three powerful runs in overtime, including a game-winning touchdown by Josh McCray.

Quarterback Gunner Stockton shined in his first away game, throwing a crucial 28-yard touchdown pass to London Humphreys and a 2-point conversion to Zachariah Branch to tie the game.

For more updates, sign up for the newsletter on the WSB website or download their mobile app for additional content.

Georgia Tech triumphed over Clemson with a down to the wire, nail-biting, record-tying 55-yard field goal, sparking an optimistic mood among fans.

The game-winning drive, led by quarterback Haynes King, was described as a heart-stopping victory.

The Yellow Jackets' victory was celebrated as a triumph over adversity.

Georgia Tech's exceptional performance was symbolized by a historical field goal. Quarterback Haynes King's return from injury was a standout moment in the game.

The team's success was highlighted by multiple players' impressive performances. The victory over Clemson marked a significant milestone for Georgia Tech.

Post-game celebrations reflected the team's unity and determination.

Cherokee County Scam Alert

🚨 Stay Alert, Cherokee County! 🚨

Crucial alert to our vibrant community of residents, businesses, and developers about a creative scam that has recently surfaced. This deceitful operation targets City and County public hearing applicants by sending emails that cunningly mimic official city communications. These emails often incorporate misleading invoices asking for payments associated with permits or services, masquerading as legitimate requests.

The City of Alpharetta first alerted of this scam after receiving numerous resident complaints. However, the same fraud is being used across multiple counties, including right here in Cherokee County, Georgia.

Let's explore how this scam operates and how these fraudulent tactics can be identified and avoided.

Here’s what you need to watch out for:

• Fake City Emails: Always verify the email domain. It should be an official city or county email address. Any deviation is a red flag! 👀 If in doubt contact the local government directly through another method such as a form on its official website or telephone call.

• Fraudulent Payment Requests: Be wary of invoices or payment requests, especially those demanding wire transfers. The City NEVER uses wire transfers for fees.

• Unexpected Links or Attachments: If you find unsolicited attachments or suspicious links in your inbox, proceed with caution. Do not click or download without thorough verification! 🚫

These scammers are unscrupulous, exploiting publicly accessible meeting agendas to specifically target individuals and organizations involved in public hearings. But don't worry! The 575 Insider is one step ahead, collaborating with you to unravel this scam and defend our community.

Your vigilance is crucial! Help us beat these scammers by staying informed and reporting any suspicious emails directly to the City. Together, let's protect ourselves and keep Alpharetta a safe haven for development and growth! 🤝🔍

Weird Story of the Week

Famous, former wrestler, Ted DiBiase (aka "The Million Dollar Man") may have body-slammed legends in the ring, but this week he met his match: a rogue child at the Atlanta airport.

The WWE Hall of Famer took a surprise tumble that left him with a black eye, bruised ribs, and a story that’s already more dramatic than half of WrestleMania. A flurry of online rumors popped up like a folding chair faster than a Facebook post about free boiled peanuts on Riverstone Parkway!

Fans feared the worst, but fear not Cherokee County:  DiBiase quickly tag-teamed with social media to shut down the rumors. “I’m alive and well,” he posted, proving once again that not even gravity can bankrupt the Million Dollar Man.

Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported—except maybe the pride of airport flooring. DiBiase and the kid are both fine, and the internet can now stop trying to book his --yikes-- permanent retirement match.

That kid is now a legend at his school and we suspect they now have bragging rights at recess for life. As for DiBiase? He’s still standing, still tweeting, and still worth every penny.

Is Chief Jay Strongbow a professional wrestler or a local historian from Waleska? No Googling—we’re watching you like a referee in a steel cage match.

Major Festivals & Music

• Shaky Knees Festival
  📅 Sep 19-21, 2025
  📍 Piedmont Park
  🎟️ Tickets required, prices vary.
  📄 A big rock festival featuring many national and international acts. Great if you enjoy live music, outdoor festival vibes, food vendors, etc.

• Gwinnet County Fair
  📅 Sep 19-21, 2025:  Weekdays 5pm - 9pm, Sat 11AM - 10pm, Sun 1pm - 9pm 
  📍 Piedmont Park
  🎟️ General Admission: $10 (12 +), $5 (ages 6-11), Free (ages 5 and under), ride tickets extra. Parking is Free!
  📄 Family Friendly!  Carnival rides, themed shows, thrilling performances, and live concerts. 

• North Georgia State Fair
  📅 Sep 18-28, 2025:  Gate times vary, check website. 
  📍 Jim R. Miller Park (Marietta)
  🎟️ General Admission: $15 (11+), Free (ages 10 and under), ride tickets, extra. Parking is Free!
  📄 Family Friendly! This is one of, if not the, largest annual fair in the area, featuring unlimited rides, attractions and mouthwatering fair food, there’s something for everyone at Cobb County’s biggest event of the year.

Arts, Culture & Community

• JapanFest
  📅 Sep 20-21, 2025
  📍 Gas South Convention Center (Duluth)
  🎟️ Admission: $16 (pre-purchase), $20 (at door), Children under 6 are free; 4 and 5 pack ticket packages at discount as well as senior and military discounts.
  📄 Celebrates Japanese culture with food vendors, music, dance, martial arts workshops, performances, etc.

Buckhead Fine Arts Festival
📅 Sep 20-21, 2025; 11am - 6pm (Sat); 11am - 5pm (Sun)
📍 Buckhead Village
🎟️ Admission is Free!
📄 Outdoor art festival with painters, photographers, glass artists, live music. Nice for strolling and enjoying arts + community.

• Roswell Arts Festival
  📅 Sep 20-21, 2025, 10am - 5pm
  📍 Roswell City Hall
  🎟️ Free
  📄 Artists, live entertainment, food trucks, kids’ entertainment—family-friendly option.

Joke Of The Day

Why did the chicken cross the road in Cherokee County, Georgia?

To avoid getting caught up in the traffic on 575!

The Cherokee County School District launched its annual student intern program with a breakfast event, welcoming 80 college students to intern in schools as teachers, counselors, and more.

Superintendent Mary Elizabeth Davis and other educators discussed expectations and strategies for success in public education.

The Human Resources division coordinates the program to attract top educators.

The interns received breakfast and t-shirts from event sponsors and door prizes from local businesses.

The event aims to elevate excellence in education within the district.

Highlighting Sensational Student Athletes 

Congratulations to two student athletes that were honored by the Cherokee County School District as "Athletes of the Month".  

Closing Thoughts

That’s all for this week, friends! We’re so glad you joined us to celebrate the people, places, and happenings that make Cherokee County such a wonderful place to call home. 

We’re growing 🎉and we’d love to hear from you—drop a comment on our Facebook page if there’s a type of content you’d like to see. If you'd like to contribute an article of your own then send us private message.

And, as always, if you enjoyed today’s issue, help us spread the word by sharing it with your friends, family, and neighbors so they can be part of the fun too. Until next time, take care, stay connected, and keep shining that Cherokee County spirit!

A Professional Wrestler