Local News
Holly Springs Honors Former Fire Chief Former Holly Springs Fire Chief Henry (Pat) Patrick was honored recently when the city of Holly Springs named the road to Fire Station #8 the Henry Patrick Drive. Officials from the city, along with chiefs and firefighters with Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services, attended a ceremony to mark the occasion. Patrick, 89, set up the Holly Springs Fire Department in 1977 and remained as the chief until 1996. He was the volunteer chief of Holly Springs for several years and served as the chairman of the County Fire Chief ’s Association. “He was a highly respected Chief among our fire services and did a great job in Former Chief Henry Patrick leading the volunteer organizations,” Cherokee County Fire Chief Tim Prather said. “He was part of the group that basically paved the way to today’s fire service. I greatly appreciate Chief Patrick’s service to Cherokee County. It is befitting to name a street in Holly Springs in honor of his service to the City of Holly Springs and Cherokee County. Thank you, Chief Patrick, for a job well done!” “Chief Patrick served the citizens for over 49 years, not only as a firefighter, but also a proud Vietnam veteran. The world needs more heroes like him,” Assistant Fire Chief Eddie Robinson added. 10
AROUND CANTON | May 2021
New Program Makes School Zones Safer After a 30-day adjustment and warning period, the Canton Police Department officially has begun a program designed to promote traffic safety near the city’s schools. Automated Enforcement of School Zones uses cameras to detect unsafe practices; signage has been installed to alert drivers. “We are hopeful that automated enforcement will encourage drivers to slow down and obey the law,” Chief Stephen Merrifield said. “Traffic fatalities are the number one cause of death for children aged 5-14 and for young adults (aged 15-29). Very minimal reductions in speed make the roads a lot safer, especially for children.” Hasty Elementary is being monitored; Teasley Middle and Cherokee High schools are in the process of GADOT approval for the program. Penalties are mailed to the registrant owner of the vehicle. The program is funded by RedSpeed, the company who developed the camera system. The city posted a list of frequently asked questions to its website (www.cantonga.gov), and will provide updates and answer questions on social media. Residents with questions may call the Canton Police Department at 770-720-4883.
Passes Available for the Reservoir Annual passes are available for the Hickory Log Creek Reservoir, which covers approximately 411 acres at full pool with approximately 15 miles of shoreline, surrounded by 150-foot buffer. The reservoir is located in Canton; the public access area is near the intersection of Bluffs Parkway and Fate Conn Road. Activities allowed are: canoeing, kayaking, electric boating only, and fishing Swimming is prohibited. Hours are 7 a.m.-7 p.m., and extended to 8 p.m. between Memorial and Labor days. Parking costs $5 per day per vehicle. Annual passes may be purchased for $50 at the engineering office in Canton City Hall, 110 Academy St. 770-704-1500. www.cantonga.gov.
The reservoir has approximately 15 miles of shoreline.
