One of the worst bottlenecks in metro Atlanta, the I-575 and I-75 interchange, will be getting a makeover to address congestion issues.

The Georgia Department of Transportation plans to widen ramps, add lanes, and improve intersections to reduce traffic congestion in the area.

The project is estimated to cost $13 million and is expected to begin in spring 2028.

The upgrades aim to improve safety and traffic flow for the thousands of commuters who pass through the interchange daily. You can submit your thoughts and comments on the plans.

Cherokee County Republican Jason Dickerson emerged victorious in a special election in North Metro Atlanta.

The election was held to replace former state Sen. Brandon Beach, who was appointed as the U.S. treasurer.

Dickerson secured 61.5 percent of the vote, defeating Democrat Debra Shigley.

Dickerson, a political outsider and co-founder of a transportation company, ran on a conservative platform advocating for the elimination of state income taxes, election security, Second Amendment rights, and increased immigration enforcement.

He expressed gratitude for the support received and emphasized a focus on conservative values in the state Senate.

Despite a strong campaign by Shigley, Dickerson's win was seen as a signal that voters are ready for a change in political representation.

What famous golf course in Georgia hosted the 1963 Ryder Cup, where the United States team defeated the European team?

Hillshire Brands Company has issued a recall for their corn dog and sausage-on-a-stick products due to possible contamination with pieces of wood embedded in the batter.

The recall was initiated after receiving consumer complaints.

The affected products were distributed nationwide and have a best-by date of August 4, 2022.

Consumers are advised not to consume these products and to return them to the place of purchase for a refund.

No illnesses or injuries have been reported in connection with these products.

Hillshire Brands Company is working closely with the USDA to ensure the safety of their products.

Teacher’s Stinky Prank Leaves School in a $50K Funk!

“Poop Spray” Shenanigans Cause Chaos and Costly Repairs

FLORENCE, S.C. — Hold your nose and brace yourself for the smelliest school scandal of the year! Alexander Lewis, a 32-year-old teaching assistant with a nose for mischief, was nabbed by authorities after allegedly turning his high school into a whiff-tastrophe with a gag-inducing “poop spray” bought online. This wasn’t just a bad smell—it was a full-blown olfactory assault that left students and staff gagging, sneezing, and reaching for air fresheners!

From Aug. 25 to Sept. 19, Lewis reportedly unleashed his stinky secret weapon multiple times, transforming the hallways into a no-go zone. The foul fumes triggered headaches, nausea, and dizziness among students and teachers, with one parent lamenting, “My son’s asthma was set off so bad, I had to drag him to the doctor three times!” The stench was so potent that the school shelled out nearly $55,000 to inspect and fix their air conditioning system, hoping to clear the air—literally.

At first, the school district played detective, checking gas lines, propane systems, and air quality, only to come up empty-handed. They sent reassuring emails to parents, promising everything was fine. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t. Turns out, Lewis was allegedly the mastermind behind the malodorous mayhem, allegedly spritzing the school with a faux-feces fragrance for weeks.

Lewis faced the music in court, where a judge slapped him with a $9,000 bond—$8,000 for maliciously injuring property (because apparently, noses are property now) and $1,090 for disturbing schools. He’s set to face the gavel again two more times this year.

So, next time you’re tempted to pull a prank, maybe stick to whoopee cushions. They’re cheaper—and way less likely to cost your school a fortune or land you in the slammer!

Major Festivals & Music

Tuesday in the Park

📅 Dates: Tuesday, October 30
🕒 Time: 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm

💰  Cost: Free!!
📍 Location: JJ Biello Park, Woodstock, GA
📄 Details: Dinner in the park with food trucks, vendors, music, and more. 

Peaberry Film Festival
📅 Dates: October 2 – October 5
🕒 Time: Evenings (varies)

💰 Cost: One day pass: $20; Weekend pass: $60
📍 Location: Historic Canton Theatre & associated venues in Canton, GA
📄 Details: Film screenings as part of this local theater festival.

First Friday Featuring Chris Cagle
📅 Date: October 3
🕒 Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

💰 Cost:  Free!!
📍 Location: Downtown Canton
📄 Details: Live music event as part of the “First Friday” series. 

Canton Multicultural Festival
📅 Date: October 11

🕒 Time: 4:30-8:00 PM

💰 Cost:  Free Admission; food / refreshments have separate cost
📍 Location: Harmon Park, Canton, GA
📄 Details: Evening community festival featuring food, music, culture, and family activities. (Slightly beyond “next week,” but often listed in upcoming events)

Ball Ground Rocks
📅 Date: October 4

🕒 Time: 12:00-8:00 PM

💰 Cost:  Free Admission
📍 Location: Downtown Ball Ground, GA
📄 Details: Live music all day from some of the best rock bands in North Georgia! - Retail Vendors - Food Trucks - Kids Zone - Beer Trailers

Dad Joke Of The Week

What do you call a deer with no eyes in Cherokee County?

No idea!

Practical Tip of the Week

Removing Coffee Stains

For a quick, cheap, and effective way to remove coffee stains from a carpet, rug, or even clothing try one of these next time:

1.  Beat an egg yolk in a small cup and then dip a white cloth into it. Rub the yolk into the stain. Then rinse with water.

2.  Dab denatured alcohol into the stain, then rinse with water.

3.  Mix 1/2 teaspoon of mild detergent with a pint of water. Blot the stain with white cloth like a towel. If the stain is still visible apply a half-half solution of white vinegar and water and blot the stain with it.

Closing Thoughts

That's a wrap for this week's edition, folks! We're thrilled you joined us to celebrate the amazing people, places, and events that make Cherokee County such a special place to live—even if the Georgia Bulldogs couldn't quite hold onto a win against those relentless Alabama Crimson Tide yesterday. Ouch, but hey, that's the SEC spirit: tough losses build unbreakable character, and we've got plenty of that right here at home.

We're growing fast 🎉 and want to hear from you! Drop a comment on our Facebook page to share what kind of content you'd love to see. Interested in contributing an article? Send us a private message.

If you enjoyed this issue, please spread the word by sharing it with friends, family, and neighbors so they can join in on the fun. Just copy this  link and paste it onto your Facebook page. It would mean the world to us. Until next time, stay connected, take care, and keep shining that Cherokee County pride!