Louise Scoggins' Blog: Cherokee County

The latest reports show that nearly 800 students in Cherokee County have confirmed cases of Type A Flu, with the CDC citing that 90% of all Type A flu cases are in fact H1N1. Twelve schools county wide have sent letters home to parents, informing them of the possibly presence of H1N1, and 4-5 staff members have come down with flu like symptoms as well. Schools will send home a letter when a certain number of students confirm that they have the flu: 3 cases in one homeroom, 10% of an entire grade level, or 5% of total school enrollment must show signs of viral infection before the letter will be sent out to parents.

Cherokee County is taking preventative measures against the spread of the flu, by providing students with easy access to tissues, soap and…

Is it true? Could it be?? Experts are saying that the Cherokee County Real Estate market may have bottomed out and is starting to show signs of improvement. In the months of June and July, the number of homes sold increased over the number of homes sold in the same months last year. Additionally, the average sales price between the 2 years stayed essentially the same -- $185,000 in July of 2008 and $184,000 in July of 2009. That’s something to be excited about!

Inventory seems to be evening out as well…while there is still over a 10 month supply of homes in Cherokee County, the new home inventory has dropped dramatically as it becomes absorbed by new buyers. Industry expert Eugene James of the research company Metrostudy states, “(Cherokee County) no…

Overtaxed, underpaid, overworked…here we go again! The City of Canton is currently considering an increase in City property taxes – the first increase in 20 years! The proposed 2010 fiscal year budget calls for an increase slightly less than 1 mill – from 5.95 mills to 6.8 mills. The increase is proposed to try and offset a decline in city revenue and help keep the City of Canton above water with their finances.

What does this mean to you? Well, on a $200,000 home, your taxes would increase by approximately $65. Not too bad, you say, but don’t forget taxes will increase on top of that because of the demise of Homestead Exemption. Since we will not get the Homestead Exemption anymore, for the same price home your taxes will increase another $55 (based off…

Preliminary plans are underway for a new, expanded City Park in Woodstock, GA. The newly designed park would feature an amphitheatre, interactive pool and water fountain, and a large, grassy area for sports. The old Woodstock City Hall on Arnold Mill Road will be torn down to allow room for the park, which will double in size to approximately 2.5 acres.

The park will be built in 2 phases…first by tearing down city hall and grassing that area in; second phase being the construction of the amphitheatre and other features. The natural 30-foot slope of the property allows for easy construction of the amphitheatre. Woodstock officials are hoping to have phase 1 completed by the end of the year.

The new city park proposal sounds amazing! It will be a fantastic…

Earlier this week, Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue voted for teachers and other state employees to take 3 unpaid furlough days before the end of the year in an attempt to cope with the state’s growing budget shortfall. The cries of “No Fair!” could be heard state wide as the news spread of teacher’s already small salaries being docked by another 3 days. I have been following this story through news articles and seeing the response of not only teachers but the community as well. Seemingly, the general consensus is that teacher’s salaries should be the last one’s touched. Teachers are overworked, underpaid enough already, and in charge of educating the future of our country. Can’t the cuts come from somewhere else? Why does the education department have to…

River Green subdivision in Canton, GA is a gorgeous community nestled along the Etowah River. This Master-planned development features townhomes, cottages, ranch villas, single family homes, amenities galore, as well as an onsite elementary school and Discovery Point Learning Center. It’s a widely popular choice for buyers looking for homes in the Canton area. Like many other communities nationwide, River Green has seen its share of market woes during the economic turndown. Let’s take a look at what’s been going on in River Green in 2009:

Currently in River Green there are 39 active listings, ranging in price from $150,000 to $549,000. There are quite a few new homes for sale in this group, both John Wieland new homes and Jeremy Rutenberg new homes, as…

Amazing updated ranch now available in Towne Lake! This gorgeous home features 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. All of the updating has been done – all you have to do is move right in! Open and flowing floorplan features new wood flooring, fresh paint throughout (both inside and outside), new fixtures, new carpet, and new Hardi-plank exterior siding. Large family room features a vaulted ceiling and fireplace, and opens up to the dining area and kitchen. Light and bright kitchen has a center island and loads of cabinet and counter space. There is also a breakfast bar and computer nook!

The Master Suite is quite large and features a walk-in closet, dual vanities, garden tub and separate shower. The secondary bedrooms are also ample size with good closet space.…

River Green subdivision is located along the banks of the Etowah River in Canton, GA. A beautiful, master-planned development by John Wieland, River Green is a place any family would love to call home. River Green features resort-style amenities with two pool areas and two clubhouses – The Summer Club and The Heritage Club. The Summer Club is the smaller pool area, featuring a pool, toddler pool with mushroom waterfall, small clubhouse area, and a playground. The Heritage Club is the larger of the pool areas, with multiple pool areas, slides, large toddler area, and huge clubhouse. The Heritage Club also features an onsite gym. River Green has lifeguards at each pool area to ensure the safety of your family. There is also a full time, onsite Activities…