County Commission Highlights

Cherokee County Board of Commissioners Here are a few highlights from recent meetings. For the full minutes, visit www.cherokeega.com/BOC.

July 21 meeting • Commissioners heard from Sheriff Frank Reynolds, who bestowed the Legion of Merit to Capt. John New for his service to Cherokee County as he steps down as the commander of the Cherokee SWAT team. New passed the torch to Capt. Mark Anderson. • Unanimously approved under the consent agenda, including: acceptance of a subgrant agreement on behalf of Juvenile Court in the amount of $172,282 and adopted a budget resolution in the amount of $45,000; acceptance of a subgrant agreement for the DUI/Drug Court in the amount of $100,777; acceptance of a subgrant agreement for the Treatment Accountability Court in the amount of $185,668; acceptance of a subgrant agreement for the

Drug Accountability Court in the amount of $356,113; acceptance of a subgrant agreement in the amount of $134,410 for the Veterans Treatment Court; a budget amendment with the use of CARES Act funds and

Trauma Grant to the EMS fund in the amount of $150,128 for COVID-19 expenses and trauma equipment; acceptance a CARES Act Subgrant Contract passed through the Atlanta Regional Commission and a budget amendment of $173,369 for Senior Services. • Approved a resolution allowing county employees who are POST-certified with 20 years or more of service and retiring in good standing to keep their service weapon. Aug. 4 meeting • Approved the 2020 Official Zoning Map, after a public hearing was held but no one spoke. • Approved Northside Hospital’s request to annex 3.5 acres into the city of Woodstock for signage and possible expansion of its existing medical office building on Towne Lake Parkway. Annexation would eliminate an existing unincorporated island. • Approved a request to annex 1.75 acres into the city of

Woodstock for a Culver’s restaurant on Neese Road at Highway 92. Commissioner Ray Gunnin made the motion to approve with encouragement that the city ensure the driveways of the Culver’s and First Baptist Church Woodstock align properly and that the building meet the minimum fire code. • Approved a request from the Cherokee Sheriff ’s Office to purchase 20 tasers with holsters, cartridges and battery packs for $31,929. • Approved purchase of equipment, labor and installation services for an Emergency Responder Radio Communications System through a contract with Diversified Electronics for the public safety complex in the amount of $270,270, and approved an amendment to increase the 800 MHz radio system project budget with the use of excess sales tax revenue. Chairman Harry Johnston said he was not a proponent of the unexpected expense to the project but understood the need. • Approved a request from the Development Authority of Cherokee

County to use SPLOST funds to purchase 50.8 acres on Ga. 20 west for the future Canton Corporate Park. • Approved the ratification of the chairman’s approval to accept

CARES Act funding for COVID-19 response. The county accepted $9.2 million, with the Treasury requiring more than $2 million be spent by Sept. 1. The county plans to reimburse itself with hazard pay of more than $1.2 million expended, as well as equipment to strengthen county employees’ ability to telework. County Manager

Jerry Cooper said the county is looking to provide the Office of

Economic Development with $4.5 million to strengthen the small business grant program.

Honoring Our History

Representatives of the Cherokee County Historical Society (CCHS) recently visited each of the winners of the 2020 Historic Preservation Awards, delivering bronze plaques that they would have received if the annual banquet had not been canceled.

“With two religious institutions, two residences and a commercial race track, the 2020 winners truly represent the wide range of unique historic resources we have here in Cherokee County,” Director Stefanie Joyner said.

Visit www.rockbarn.org for more information on the historical society.

Dixie Speedway, Woodstock

Dixie Speedway has been a favorite family sporting venue for more than 50 years. Built in 1968, the track was purchased by Mickey and Martha Swims in 1976, and they converted the asphalt track to Georgia red clay. Other than adding seats and a VIP suite to the tower, the Speedway retains its original features. Still operated by the Swims family, Dixie Speedway has been inducted into the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame, and draws 150,000 attendees yearly.

Holbrook Campground, Alpharetta

Since 1838, people have made an annual pilgrimage to Holbrook Campground for 10 days of prayer and fellowship. The present gable-type arbor was built in 1890, and is encircled by 53 cabins, with another 19 cabins on an outer half-circle. The cabins still are referred to as “tents,” and have been passed down through generations of Cherokee County families.

Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church, Woodstock

In 1866, Mount Olive Church was established on Mill Street in Woodstock, on land donated to a group of freed slaves who had been meeting at a nearby brush arbor. The current brick structure was built in 1954 and is the third church building on the site. Mount Olive has served the spiritual needs of its congregation for more than 150 years, and its present members are leaders in the African American community.

Wheeler-Roberts Home, Ball Ground

The Wheeler-Roberts Home was built in 1902 by local businessman, John Wheeler. In 2018, the house was damaged by fire and Wheeler’s granddaughter, Sylvia Roberts, and her son, Mayor Rick Roberts, renovated the structure. The family worked diligently to restore the wood floors and original features of the historic home. Working with David Bray of Landford Thompson Interiors, the renovation included installing or restoring antique hardware and period lighting fixtures.

Edwards-Wood-Irizarry Home, Ball Ground

This home was built in 1935 by C.M. Edwards and purchased by Dewey and Florence Wood in 1938. The Woods owned the property for more than 45 years, and operated a cattle farm on 160 acres surrounding the house. The property retains some of the original outbuildings, including a washhouse with its brick fireplace. The house recently was renovated to preserve the historic character.