Cherokee County community mourns Officer Bryan Zapp
The Cherokee County community is mourning the loss of Officer Bryan Zapp, a school police officer and Army combat veteran remembered for his steady presence on campus and years of service in Woodstock. District officials and community members describe him as “more than a badge,” highlighting his impact on students, staff, and families across the county.
* School district police confirmed Officer Zapp’s passing in early December, prompting tributes from colleagues and friends.
* He served as a school police officer and was known for his friendly, approachable manner with students and staff.
* Zapp previously worked for the Woodstock Police Department for nearly two decades, tying his legacy directly to the city.
* Community messages focus on supporting his family and honoring his contributions to public safety and student life.
Sources:
* Cherokee County School District Police via Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ccspdga/posts/1154273280229334/
News Date: December 2, 2025.
Woodstock welcomes new police chief Roland Castro on December 8
The City of Woodstock is preparing to welcome Roland Castro as its new chief of police after a nationwide search to replace retiring Chief Robert Jones. Castro brings more than twenty-eight years of experience in Johns Creek and Alpharetta, and city leaders say his community-focused style aligns with Woodstock’s priorities.
* City announcements name Castro as the sole finalist and new chief following an external recruitment process.
* He has held leadership roles in operations, investigations, special operations, and professional standards during his career.
* Castro’s first day with the Woodstock Police Department is scheduled for December 8, with a public reception set for December 15 at City Center.
* Officials emphasize his commitment to engagement, open communication, and responsive service.
Sources:
* City of Woodstock – “City of Woodstock Announces Finalist for Police Chief” – https://www.woodstockga.gov/news_detail_T15_R311.php
* Woodstock Community News – “Woodstock names Roland Castro police chief” – https://woodstockcommunity.news/woodstock-names-roland-castro-police-chief/
* WSB Radio – “City of Woodstock names sole finalist in running for police chief position” – https://www.wsbradio.com/news/local/city-woodstock-names-sole-finalist-running-police-chief-position/DIPLSPDW7VDULFWDURE5RPLDCI/
News Date: November 14, 2025.
Cherokee County names new chief financial officer
Cherokee County has appointed Chuck Dinkins, formerly finance director for the city of Valdosta, as its new chief financial officer. The move comes as the county continues to manage rapid growth, infrastructure demands, and future budgets that touch every part of Woodstock and surrounding communities.
* County communications describe Dinkins as joining in early November and working alongside retiring CFO Jimmy Marquis to ensure a smooth transition.
* He brings extensive experience in municipal finance and budgeting from his prior role in Valdosta.
* The announcement notes that he will help guide financial planning and capital investment decisions going into the next fiscal cycle.
* The appointment is part of a broader effort to keep pace with growth while maintaining stable finances.
Sources:
* Cherokee County Government – “Dinkins named Cherokee County CFO” – https://www.cherokeecountyga.gov/Communications/media-all.php
* Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce – “Dinkins named Cherokee County CFO” – https://cherokeechamber.com/dinkins-named-cherokee-county-cfo/
News Date: November 26, 2025.
Cherokee County School Board reviews record CCRPI performance
The Cherokee County School Board has reviewed state accountability results showing the district’s highest College and Career Ready Performance Index scores to date. The gains are especially strong in learning-growth measures, signaling that students across grade levels are making solid progress.
* A Board Business Briefs update highlights CCRPI results and notes district-wide performance at an all-time high.
* High schools posted a Progress score in the mid-nineties, significantly above the statewide average and well ahead of last year’s results.
* Elementary and middle school Progress scores also climbed, pointing to broad gains across grade levels.
* District leaders credit teachers, staff, students, and families and are using the data to shape next-semester plans.
Sources:
* Cherokee County School District – “Board Business Briefs: School Board Reviews CCRPI Success” – https://www.cherokeek12.net/post-detail/~board/all-locations/post/board-business-briefs-school-board-reviews-ccrpi-success
* Cherokee County School District – “CCSD Hits All-Time High on State Accountability Measure” – https://www.cherokeek12.net/post-detail/~board/all-locations/post/ccsd-hits-all-time-high-on-state-accountability-measure
* Woodstock Community News – “Cherokee County Schools Post Highest Ever Scores” – https://woodstockcommunity.news/ccsd-posts-highest-ccrpi-scores-ever/
News Date: November 21, 2025.
Christmas Jubilee and Parade of Lights returns to downtown Woodstock
Downtown Woodstock is gearing up for the twenty ninth Annual Christmas Jubilee and Parade of Lights on Sunday, December 7, with an evening of lights, music, and family activities. The parade will travel from Woodstock Elementary down Main Street before finishing near Highway 92, followed by a tree lighting and holiday festivities at The Park at City Center.
* Parade organizers plan to close roads along the route shortly before start time and encourage drivers to plan for detours and extra congestion.
* Families can line the route near Woodstock Elementary, along Main Street, or near the end of the parade to watch the floats and performances.
* Post-parade events at The Park at City Center include a Christmas tree lighting, Santa visits, music, crafts, and free kid-friendly activities.
* The city is promoting the event as a way to kick off the holiday season while supporting downtown shops and restaurants.
Sources:
* City of Woodstock – “City of Woodstock to host 29th Annual Christmas Jubilee & Parade of Lights” – https://www.woodstockga.gov/news_detail_T15_R313.php
* City of Woodstock via Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/WOODSTOCKGAGOVT/posts/1339792121510913/
* Visit Woodstock GA – event listing – https://visitwoodstockga.com/events/?imgoing-event=woodstocks-29th-annual-christmas-jubilee-parade-of-lights-690999752c737650dd2e2325
News Date: December 7, 2025.
Holiday Tour of Homes offers a festive walk through historic Woodstock
History Cherokee’s 2025 Holiday Tour of Homes returns to downtown Woodstock on Friday, December 5, and Saturday, December 6, showcasing historic homes and businesses decorated for the holidays. Tickets include admission to the Cherokee County History Center, turning the evening into a blend of local history and seasonal celebration.
* The tour highlights historic properties and downtown businesses, with decorations tailored to the season.
* Attendees receive complimentary access to the Cherokee County History Center as part of their ticket.
* History Cherokee frames the event as a signature holiday experience and a way to support preservation work.
* The tour serves as a lead-in to the Christmas Jubilee and Parade of Lights later in the weekend.
Sources:
* History Cherokee – “Holiday Tour of Homes” – https://historycherokee.org/holiday-homes-tour/
* Explore Georgia – “Holiday Tour of Homes” – https://exploregeorgia.org/woodstock/events/holidays/holiday-tour-of-homes
* Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce – “Step Inside Woodstock’s History at the 2025 Holiday Tour of Homes” – https://cherokeechamber.com/step-inside-woodstocks-history-at-the-2025-holiday-tour-of-homes/
News Date: December 5, 2025.
Woodstock Arts plans December comedy and improv nights
Woodstock Arts is rolling out a December lineup that includes comedy and improv shows in downtown Woodstock, giving residents a chance to support local performers while enjoying a night out close to home. The schedule features The Lasting Laugh comedy series and the WIT improv troupe, alongside other arts events.
* The Woodstock Arts events calendar lists The Lasting Laugh on December 17 as part of its comedy offerings.
* The WIT improv troupe is set to perform on December 18, billed as a high-energy, audience-engaged show.
* Additional listings highlight a broader mix of theatre, music, and visual arts programs extending beyond December.
* These performances add to downtown Woodstock’s reputation as a walkable hub for arts and entertainment.
Sources:
* Woodstock Arts – Events page – https://woodstockarts.org/events/
* Woodstock Arts – Comedy and improv listings – https://woodstockarts.org/events/category/comedy/
* Creative Loafing – WIT improv troupe event listing – https://creativeloafing.com/event-601443-wit---woodstock-arts-improv-troupe-december-12-18-2025-7-30
News Date: December 3, 2025.
Where to listen and follow
The Woodstock Daily Update brings a quick scan of what is happening in Woodstock and Cherokee County, from city hall to school hallways to Main Street events. You can listen and follow along on major podcast platforms and learn more about the broader local-news project behind the show.
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Notes, methods, and rights
This update was assembled using a mix of human editorial judgment, public records, and reputable local and regional news sources, with help from artificial intelligence tools to summarize and organize information. All information is drawn from publicly available sources listed above. Every effort is made to keep details accurate as of publication time, but listeners and readers should confirm time-sensitive items such as event times, closures, and restrictions with official channels.
All original content, formatting, and presentation for the Woodstock Daily Update are copyright 2025 River Run Digital, all rights reserved. To learn more about River Run Digital and its local news projects, visit
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