Woodstock Daily Update – November 19, 2025

Woodstock names sole finalist for new police chiefThe City of Woodstock has named Roland Castro as the sole finalist to become the next Chief of Police, following a nationwide search launched after current Chief Robert Jones announced his retirement. Castro is expected to begin work with the department on December 8, pending final approval.* Castro named sole finalist for Woodstock police chief.* Nationwide search conducted with outside consulting support.* Start date set for December 8, 2025.Sources:* City of Woodstock – “CITY OF WOODSTOCK ANNOUNCES FINALIST FOR POLICE CHIEF”Serious crash shuts down Bells Ferry Road near WoodstockA serious crash on Tuesday temporarily shut down Bells Ferry Road at Alex Street in Cherokee County, backing up traffic in the Woodstock–Canton area. Deputies urged drivers to avoid the area until the investigation wrapped up and lanes were reopened.* Crash closed Bells Ferry at Alex Street on Nov. 18.* Drivers were advised to use alternate routes during investigation.* Later updates confirmed the road reopened.Sources:* Country Herald – “Cherokee County, GA – Traffic Alert: Bells Ferry Rd Shut Down After Accident”* Instagram repost referencing Cherokee Sheriff’s Office updateTwo Alabama men sentenced for Ball Ground SWAT standoffTwo Alabama men have been sentenced to long prison terms for their roles in a 2021 SWAT standoff in Ball Ground, during which they fired on law enforcement officers. Regional outlets report that the defendants received decades-long sentences under plea agreements that include aggravated assault on a peace officer and related charges.* 2021 Ball Ground SWAT standoff ends with lengthy sentences.* Defendants pleaded guilty to multiple counts including aggravated assault on officers.* Several officers were injured; no fatalities.Sources:* Atlanta News First – “2 Alabama men sentenced for shooting at officers during Cherokee County SWAT standoff”* WSB Radio – “Two men from Alabama sentenced to 50 years for 2021 Ball Ground standoff and shooting at officers”Trial continues for man accused of killing Cherokee firefighter and wifeThe Cobb County trial of Matthew Scott Lanz, accused of killing Cherokee County firefighter Justin Hicks and his wife Amber in their Acworth home in 2021, is continuing this week. Lanz faces multiple counts, including malice murder, in a case that has drawn widespread attention throughout the region.* Lanz accused of killing Justin and Amber Hicks in November 2021.* Prosecutors say Lanz shot the couple and left their young son alone in the home.* Trial is underway with live coverage from several media outlets.Sources:* Courthouse News – “Trial begins for neighbor accused of killing Georgia firefighter and wife”* Court TV – GA v. Matthew Lanz case summary* Atlanta News First – “Trial of man accused of killing his neighbors in Cobb County continues”Carmel Elementary honored as a 2025 National Distinguished SchoolCarmel Elementary School has been named a 2025 National ESEA Distinguished School, one of just two schools in Georgia to receive the designation. The Cherokee County School District says the honor reflects both high achievement and strong academic growth in English Language Arts and Math among its Title I students.* Carmel Elementary recognized as a National ESEA Distinguished School.* Only two schools per state earn the award each year.* Recognition tied to performance and growth in core subjects.Sources:* CCSD – “CCSD Elementary School Named a National Distinguished School”* Carmel Elementary homepage bannerCCSD celebrates students achieving Eagle ScoutThe Cherokee County School District is highlighting two students who recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout: Sequoyah High School senior Johnathan Miller and Woodstock High School senior Myles Trudeau. Their projects and leadership accomplishments are being recognized as part of the district’s ongoing partnership with Scouts BSA.* Two CCSD students earn Eagle Scout rank.* Honorees include Woodstock High senior Myles Trudeau (Troop 241).* District emphasizes community service and leadership.Sources:* CCSD – “CCSD Celebrates Students Achieving Eagle Scout”Woodstock first in Atlanta metro to secure Walmart drone delivery permitsWoodstock has approved permits that clear the way for Wing, an Alphabet company, to partner with Walmart on a drone delivery program serving the Highway 92 store. The program, already tested in other states, will deliver groceries and small household items to homes within a designated radius.* Woodstock becomes first Atlanta-metro city with Walmart–Wing drone delivery permits.* Service will operate from the Highway 92 Walmart.* FAA-regulated program focuses on groceries and small items.Sources:* Cherokee Chamber – “CITY OF WOODSTOCK TO BE FIRST IN ATLANTA METRO TO SECURE PERMITS FOR WALMART DRONE DELIVERY SERVICE”* City of Woodstock newsroom indexHigh school football playoffs: Sequoyah advances; Woodstock falls to Thomas County CentralIn GHSA playoff action on November 14, the Sequoyah Chiefs defeated Coffee 31–14 in Canton to advance to the next round, while the Woodstock Wolverines fell 73–14 to Thomas County Central on the road. The results keep Sequoyah’s season alive and end Woodstock’s 2025 campaign.* Sequoyah beats Coffee 31–14 in the first round.* Woodstock loses 73–14 to Thomas County Central.* Sequoyah advances; Woodstock’s season ends.Sources:* DouglasNow – “Sequoyah Chiefs end Coffee Trojans’ season in the first round of the state playoffs”* MaxPreps – Coffee vs. Sequoyah game page* MaxPreps – Woodstock vs. Thomas County Central game page* SI/High School – Georgia High School Football final scoresThis week in Woodstock: Wine Down Wednesday, Holiday Sip + Shop, and moreVisit Woodstock’s event calendar is packed this week. Wine Down Wednesday returns to Adair Park on November 19 from 6:30–8:30 pm. On Thursday, November 20, the Holiday Sip + Shop invites residents downtown from 5–9 pm for special deals and festive beverages, alongside other activities like gaming at The Blue Ghost Arcade, dueling pianos at Deep Roots, and a seasonal cooking class at Leaning Ladder.* Wine Down Wednesday in Adair Park – Nov. 19, 6:30–8:30 pm.* Holiday Sip + Shop downtown – Nov. 20, 5–9 pm.* Additional activities include arcade league play, live music, and a cooking class.Sources:* Visit Woodstock GA – Events* Downtown Woodstock – Holiday Sip + Shop postsWarm, mostly dry stretch continues for WoodstockThe National Weather Service forecast for Cherokee County calls for continued above-normal temperatures for mid-November, with highs in the mid-70s to upper-70s and lows in the mid-50s over the next several days. Most of the period looks dry, with just a slight chance of showers and storms by late Friday into Saturday.* Highs mid-70s to upper-70s; lows mid-50s.* Partly sunny to mostly cloudy skies.* Low rain chances until late in the week.Sources:* NWS – Point forecast for Woodstock, GA* NWS – MapClick forecast for Cherokee County, GADisclaimer: The author used AI in collaboration to create this newscast.Source Attribution: All sources are from publicly available sources.All rights reserved: Woodstock Daily UpdateSponsor: The Woodstock Daily is a production of RiverRun.Digital. Visit us today at https://riverrun.digital This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit woodstockdaily.substack.com