WOODSTOCK, Ga. -- Lots of Karen White fans are excited about her follow up to FALLING HOME, a story set in the fictional Southern town of Walton. AFTER THE RAIN builds on the same rich characters, with some great new plot twists. The wait is over and Karen White is coming to FoxTale Book Shoppe on Tuesday, Jan. 8 at 6:30 p.m. for her book launch party. Never been to a book launch party?  This is a perfect time to celebrate and get up close and personal with the author.

WOODSTOCK, Ga. -- A special education teacher at Woodstock High School has received the South Cherokee Optimist Club's Excellence in Education Award.

Paula Dixon received the honor at the club's awards breakfast on Nov. 30.

The awards breakfast is held every year to recognize exemplary special needs students in Cherokee County.

WOODSTOCK, Ga. -- Donnie Henriques, mayor of Woodstock, recently taught the third graders at Arnold Mill Elementary School all about his life at the top of the city.

During his trip to the school, the mayor took questions and lectured on his duties and responsibilities.

Mayor Henriques' visit tied in perfectly to the students' lessons about civics and government.

"The AME administration sends out special thanks to the third grade team for organizing this valuable first-hand learning experience with a local official," Arnold Mill Elementary principal Kerry Martin said in a statement.