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.

The Cherokee County School District has shown substantial progress in student achievement, highlighted by improved scores on the latest Georgia Milestones Assessments.

For the 2024–2025 school year, CCSD saw gains in 19 of 27 categories, marking ten consecutive years of outpacing state averages across all subjects.

Impressive growth was seen in high school Algebra I, fourth grade English Language Arts, and fifth grade Mathematics, demonstrating the powerful impact of dedicated teachers.

Mathematics scores rose in six out of seven areas, with notable jumps in fifth, seventh, and eighth grades, plus Algebra I.

English Language Arts improved especially in fourth and seventh grade, while Reading increased in five out of seven categories.

Science boosted performance at every level, and Social Studies saw significant gains in eighth grade.

Fifteen schools were honored for literacy and math excellence—with four excelling in both—solidifying CCSD’s reputation for academic excellence and well-rounded student success.

Stephen Grant begins each morning with a unique commute, traveling from the secluded Isle of Ewe across Loch Ewe to Aultbea.

In his small dinghy, he braves unpredictable Scottish weather to reach his role as shop manager at the Arctic Convoy Museum.

Storms like Floris haven't deterred Stephen, who boasts a near-perfect attendance record.

The Grant family, island residents since the 1800s, rely on boats for access to the mainland, where they keep their cars at Aultbea Harbour.

With only five houses on the island, life here is unusual to outsiders but entirely natural to Stephen.

The wider Wester Ross community is actively addressing local needs, highlighted by a Highland Council plan focusing on housing, connectivity, and transport.

Stephen’s daily commitment reflects the resilience found in Scotland’s remote communities.

Cherokee County authorities are warning residents about a sharp increase in “Phantom Hacker” scams targeting seniors, especially in Woodstock and Canton.

Victims have lost their life savings, with one 80-year-old woman being swindled out of $200,000 in gold by an international ring.

Scammers often pose as tech support, financial institutions, or even government officials — convincing victims their accounts are compromised and urging them to move money to a so-called “safe” account.

These criminals are using increasingly advanced tactics that prey on trust and spark panic.

Officials urge residents to avoid unsolicited computer help, never share financial details, and refuse remote access requests from unknown sources.

If suspicious activity occurs, report immediately to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office or FBI.

Community awareness and vigilance remain the best defense against these local threats.

The Cherokee Warriors surged into their high school football season with a dominant 40-23 win over the Pope Greyhounds on Friday night.

Senior running back Brandon Hamilton powered the Warriors’ offense, racking up 204 rushing yards and two touchdowns while averaging a remarkable 12 yards per carry.

Hamilton’s versatility shined as he also tallied 67 receiving yards and another touchdown, highlighted by a dazzling 64-yard run that showcased his speed.

This impressive victory gives Cherokee its first win of the season, now standing at 1-2.

The Greyhounds, however, slipped to 0-3 with their third consecutive loss.

Next week, Cherokee hosts Lambert High School at 7:30 p.m., while Pope looks to rebound against undefeated Sprayberry High School.

Relief is on the horizon for Woodstock drivers.

The Woodstock City Council has unanimously approved an ambitious new transportation plan aimed at tackling the city's notorious traffic gridlock.

This is a major step forward for anyone who commutes in Cherokee County, Georgia.

Mayor Michael Caldwell praised the forward-thinking strategy.

Key initiatives include smart traffic lights that adapt to real-time flow, new roundabouts, and targeted turn lanes to ease congestion.

The plan also addresses downtown traffic with smart parking solutions to help drivers find spaces more easily.

Responding to public demand, a citywide sidewalk master plan will enhance walkability and trail connections throughout the area.

This significant investment in local infrastructure signals a commitment to finding modern solutions for Woodstock's growing pains, promising long-term relief for residents.

State officials have issued a serious warning to homeowners across Cherokee County about a recent increase in unlicensed individuals performing structural pest control work.

From Canton to Woodstock, residents are urged to be cautious, as these illegal operators often lack the training for safe pesticide application.

This poses a significant risk to the health of your family, pets, and the local environment.

Hiring an unlicensed person could also lead to financial scams and property damage.

Under Georgia law, anyone performing pest control must be employed by a licensed company and carry a state-issued identification card.

Residents have the right to ask for this proof of licensing before any work begins.

To protect your home and community, always verify a company’s credentials with the Georgia Department of Agriculture before scheduling a service.

A domestic dispute in Daventry Crossing near Woodstock, Georgia, turned deadly Sunday night when 48-year-old Tenisha Williams was fatally shot.

Cherokee County deputies arrived at the scene to find her husband, Kelvin Williams, 47, in custody.

Authorities say the altercation began as a family argument.

Kelvin Williams allegedly fired at his son, missed, then tragically killed his wife in front of their 16-year-old son and a 4-year-old child.

Both children escaped harm and are now under the care of state services.

Neighbors described the Williams family as cordial, noting Kelvin’s recent health struggles.

There were no previous police calls to the residence.

Kelvin Williams faces murder and assault charges, and is being held without bond.

Local officials urge residents to seek help for domestic issues and contact law enforcement at the first sign of danger.

State is swiftly becoming a center for artificial intelligence (AI) through bold investments and progressive policy initiatives.

In 2024, officials rolled out the Next State Program, dedicating $500 million in tax credits to lure AI companies and data centers.

This forward-looking plan, crafted in collaboration with State University, seeks to fuel innovation and drive local economic expansion.

Governor John Doe has championed ethical AI, forming an AI Task Force committed to exploring technology's broader impacts on society.

The state is also taking groundbreaking steps in education by introducing AI coursework in three public school districts, ensuring students are ready for tomorrow’s tech-driven workforce.

Major corporations such as TechCorp and InnovateAI have established operations locally, further solidifying the area’s reputation as a tech hotbed.

State’s strategy is expected to produce significant economic and societal gains as AI advancement accelerates.