🌱 Meth Lab Shut Down + Wrong-Way Driver Charged + Help ID Suspect

Morning, everybody. I'm back in your inbox this morning to walk you through everything you need to know about what's happening in town these days. Today we'll cover these stories and more:

• Seventeen pounds of laced meth is now off the streets.
• The driver in a wrong-way collision has been charged.
• The Sheriff is looking for a suspected thief and his vehicle.

But first, today's weather:

Periods of sun. High: 70 Low: 54.

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Here are the top four stories today in Woodstock-Towne Lake:

1. A huge drug bust near Holly Springs took 17 pounds of fentanyl-laced methamphetamine off the market in Cherokee County. The investigation started back in February and culminated last week when a warranted home search uncovered a meth lab and drugs. James Alred and Lynnette De Becker of Canton are currently being held without bond, both charged with two counts of trafficking meth and trafficking fentanyl and one count each of manufacturing meth, manufacturing fentanyl, sales of meth, sale of Schedule I narcotics and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. (WSB-TV)
2. One of the drivers involved in a March 18 head-on collision was arrested last week on charges related to the fatal accident. Kevin Phyfe of Marietta was arrested on April 21 but bonded out the next day, he is suspected of driving his truck in the wrong direction on an I-575 off-ramp, hitting a Honda occupied by two people. The crash caused the death of the Honda's passenger and seriously injured the driver. Phyfe is charged with reckless driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, driving on the wrong side of the roadway, serious injury by vehicle and 1st degree homicide by vehicle. The crash is still under investigation, and the Canton Police Department has asked that anyone with information please contact the department at 770-720-4883. The accident took place around 5:30 p.m. on I-575 northbound, right before the Riverstone Parkway off-ramp. (WSB-TV)
3. The Cherokee Sheriff's Office is asking for help in identifying a male possibly involved in a theft on April 15. The incident took place near the intersection of Bells Ferry Road and Towne Lake Parkway in Woodstock. The vehicle captured on surveillance camera is thought to be a blue 2013-14 Ford F-150 with grey trim on the bottom. The male pictured appears to be white and of average build, wearing a white and red baseball cap, a yellow shirt and dark shorts. You can see the picture at the link. If you have any information, please reach out to the Sheriff at 770-928-0239 or 9-1-1. (Cherokee Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
4. The Chick-fil-A Moo've It 5K is coming at the end of the summer, benefitting the Cherokee County Educational Foundation and the Cherokee County Special Olympics. Registration for the August 12 race is open, and everyone that registers by May 31 will get a free Chick-fil-A meal. The family-friendly race will also feature music, face painting and races for the young ones, with a "calf run" that's only one mile and a "nugget roll" for toddlers. If you'd like to sign up for the 5K, you can do so here, it is an official Peachtree Road Race Qualifying Event. (Subscription: Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News)

Today in Woodstock-Towne Lake:

• +55 Trail Walkers: for those 55 and up that can walk a minimum of one-mile on a paved trail. Head out to socialize and get some exercise every Tuesday and Thursday, the walking will alternate between the Noonday Creek, Rubes Creek, Towne Lake Pass and Trestle Rock trails. Today, the group will meet at the Towne Lake Pass Trail by way of Woofstock Park, 150 Dupree Road. (9 - 10 a.m.)
• Open Pickleball Play: open to county residents at The Buzz, 7345 Cumming Highway in Canton. (9 a.m. - 1 p.m.)
• Storytime at the Gallery: head to the Reeves House Visual Arts Center for the special storytime featuring stories, art lessons and crafts. Children must be accompanied by an adult, you can register here. The Visual Arts Center is located at 734 Reeves Street. (1 - 2:30 p.m.)
• Open Gym: open to county residents at The Buzz, 7345 Cumming Highway in Canton. (1 - 5:30 p.m.)
• Rock Wall Climbing Zone: open to county residents ages 4 and up and 40-pounds and over at The Buzz, 7345 Cumming Highway in Canton. (5 - 8 p.m.)
• Community Yoga: the free class is open to all fitness levels and takes place every Monday morning and Tuesday evening. Please bring your own mat. The class is held at The WREC, 7545 Main Street, Building 200. (5:30 - 6:30 p.m.)
• Woodstock Ukulele Players: for all ages and skill levels, from basic to expert. If you like to play the ukulele, this group's for you. Have fun while practicing with other players tonight at the Woodstock Library, 7735 Main Street. (5:45 - 7:45 p.m.)
• DJ Bingo: fun, family-friendly music bingo that pays out cash every Tuesday at Guston's Grille, 12195 Highway 92. (7 - 9 p.m.)
• Braves vs Miami Watch Party: grab a bite and a drink while you watch the game with your favorite neighbors, friends and family at The Daily Draft, 8594 Main Street. (7:20 - 10:20 p.m.)
• Music Bingo: hosted by DJ CaseyD every Tuesday at Truck & Tap, 8640 Main Street. (7:30 - 10 p.m.)
• Mario Kart Tournament: all ages welcome, prizes for first, second and third place every Tuesday at The Blue Ghost Arcade, 164 Towne Lake Parkway. (8 - 10:30 p.m.)
• RPG Night: new players are welcome. Please make a reservation on the arcade's Meetup page to ensure your spot. Mason and Noah will lead the evening, and the admission fee includes unlimited gaming until midnight at The Blue Ghost Arcade. (8 - 11 p.m.)
• Senior Center Programs - most classes and events are held at the William G. Long Senior Center (WGLSC), 223 Arnold Mill Road
  • Woodcarving Club - every Tuesday in the WGLSC Multi-Purpose & Meeting Room. (9 - 10 a.m.)
• MadLife Grill Patio Stage - free shows, no ticket needed
  • Open Mic Night - you can sign up for a spot here. (6 - 9 p.m.)
• MadLife Stage & Studios
  
  • Breaking Bands - A Monthly Local & Regional Band Showcase (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• There are a handful of tickets left for the Weird Woodstock Walking Tour on Thursday. If you'd like to learn about "Weird Woodstock" and explore the unusual history, stories and facts of our amazing city, you can grab your tickets here. The next in the series will be "The History of Woodstock" on May 25. (Downtown Woodstock via Facebook)
• Fire Chief Dave Soumas has retired after over 30 years of service. Colleagues, friends and family spent the day yesterday celebrating his retirement, but there was a twist to the retirement - Soumas has agreed to join the Woodstock Public Safety Foundation's board of directors. Congratulations times two! (Woodstock Fire & Rescue via Facebook)
• If you're looking for a new job, a career shift or a step up, take a look at the companies hiring in the Woodstock-Towne lake area. There are a lot of jobs out there, go after the one you've always wanted! (Woodstock-Towne Lake Patch)
• Cherokee County Animal Shelter: "Yesterday was #LostDogAwareness Day but we think EVERY DAY should be! So please #GetTHEMChipped this is an ongoing, everyday promotion, it is quick and easy (only takes about 10 minutes!) so just come on in during our open hours." (Cherokee County Animal Shelter via Instagram)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Hardman Lane Farm: "Our Black Lab escaped this afternoon and has not been found. His name is Oliver and has a Seresto flea collar on and a microchip. Please call if found. 404-625-2340. We live on Hardman Lane." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Hickory Flat: "Dogs got out. 4237 Earney Rd. Last seen at 7 P.M. on Old Country Place or near Rucker Circle. I'm driving around in the white s10 blazer screaming out the window. 9:24 P.M. 470-759-0363." (Nextdoor)

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Featured events:

• #YGKidpreneur Expo & Business Competition - Spring 2023 (April 29)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you soon!

— Nina Lightcap

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Woodstock-Towne Lake Patch newsletter? Contact me at Woodstock@Patch.com