Woodstock city leaders allow new crematory

The Woodstock City Council voted 4-2 Monday night to allow Lakeside Funeral Home to operate a crematory at its location on Claremore Drive. More than a dozen signed up to speak against the plan, with several citing concerns about pollution and proximity to neighborhoods. Co-owner Kyle Standridge contended there would be no harmful emissions. He said state officials would have to approve the plan before any cremations are done. Park rec centers now will open at 7 a.m. Monday through Friday instead of at 8:30 a.m. Park officials say public feedback indicated a preference for the earlier start.

Cherokee County school officials welcomed its newest elementary school for the 2012-13 school year.

Clark Creek Elementary School is a $15.4 million project on Hunt Road in Acworth. It is on 43 acres with the capacity to serve 1,250 students. The first day of school is Aug. 1.

The family-centered picnic will celebrate and share the joy that families have been through in bringing their children home from China, Russia and Ethiopia.

AWAA has placed orphans in Christian families across the country since 1994. Information: www.awaa.org.

The Cherokee County fire department and sheriff ’s office presented a check for $3,300 to Stephanie Miller of the Hope and Light Foundation.

The donation was from winnings at this year’s Guns and Hoses Run. Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services and Cherokee County Sheriff ’s Office solicited registrations from runners to raise money for the foundation.

The Hope and Light Foundation assists children with spinal muscular atrophy.