Cinco de Mayo and National Day of Prayer

1. Today is Cinco de Mayo, which commemorates the day in 1862 when the Mexican army defeated the French in the Battle of Puebla. In the United States, the day is a source of pride and celebration. Despite Canton's growing Hispanic population, there aren't any official city events. But on Hickory Flat Highway will offer an evening of live music, face painting and more.

2. Today also marks the 60th Annual National Day of Prayer observance. From noon to 1 p.m., the Cherokee Christian Ministerial Association and city leaders will meet at the gazebo in Cannon Park to pray for the military, the media, education, families, business and government.

3. In addition to water and sewer rates, members will discuss a  Sunday alcohol sales referendum at 6 p.m. tonight. Click on the PDF on this page for the full agenda. Canton-Sixes Patch will provide minute-by-minute updates of the meeting on this site and Twitter (@CantonSxesPatch).

4. Canton-Sixes Patch launched its Local Voices initiative on Wednesday. From Mayor Gene Hobgood to a Canton newlywed, an amazing cross-section of people well-versed in local issues have agreed to use Patch as a platform to start a community conversation. They will talk about local government, local schools, local religious institutions, local sports, local history, local restaurants, local deals, local youths – anything that matters to you. All of the writers are your neighbors. They either live or work in Canton. If you're interested in joining this effort, read this , then email rodney.thrash@patch.com.

5. Charter Schools USA announced Wednesday that Cherokee Charter Academy has hired assistant principal Vanessa Suarez as its founding principal. Cherokee Charter will begin its inaugural school year . Read the news release .