COBB
Marietta police get traffic safety grant
The Marietta Police Department has been awarded a major, public safety partnership H.E.A.T. grant totaling $115,100 from the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety in Atlanta.
H.E.A.T, which stands for Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic, is aimed at reducing speeding and impaired driving crashes while increasing safety belt usage. Marietta’s H.E.A.T. Unit will use the money develop and implement strategies to achieve those goals within its jurisdiction.
The grant went into effect on Oct. and will continue until Sept. 30. Information: www.gahighwaysafety.org. Andria Simmons
Band booster accused of pocketing $40K
A Cobb County woman remained in jail Monday morning, three days after her arrest for allegedly stealing $40,000 from a high a school band.
Dawn Brown Martin, 50, of Marietta, turned herself in Friday morning and was booked into the Cobb County jail, records show. She faces a felony theft-by-taking charge and is being held on $50,000 bond. Martin is accused of stealing $40,117.25 from the Wheeler High School band from January through Oct. 2012, according to an arrest warrant. Martin was serving as a vice president for one of the band’s fundraisers during the time of the alleged thefts. Alexis Stevens
Town Hall Meeting to Address Car Tag Tax
District Three Commissioner JoAnn Birrell will host a town hall meeting for her constituents regarding upcoming car tag tax changes at 7-8:30 p.m. Feb. 19 at 100 Cherokee St., Marietta.
Information: 770-528-3317 or cobbcounty.org/birrell. Meghan de St. Aubin
Mayor gives state of city address
Marietta Mayor Steve Tumlin said he will decide within a month if he will seek a second term in November. At his annual state of the city address at a Metro Marietta Kiwanis club meeting Monday, Tumlin said he did not push for railroad quiet zones downtown when the city council determined 2011 SPLOST projects. He said a change of heart to now backing the quiet zones might lead to a run for reelection.
Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Ergonomic correctness class to be at hospital
A class called “Learn How to be Ergonomically Correct at Work and Home,” will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Emory-Adventist Hospital at Smyrna, 3949 South Cobb Drive.
A physical therapy professional will discuss appropriate posture and body mechanics needed to prevent injuries. The session is free. To register: 770-319-2025. Mea Watkins
Luncheon, auctionto aid disabled vets
A Spaghetti Luncheon and Silent Auction for disabled American veterans will be held 12:30 to 2 p.m. Feb. 9 at Fellowship Hall, Trinity Chapel, 4665 Macland Road, Powder Springs.
Tickets: $15, available at Trinity Chapel. Proceeds benefit the local Disabled American Veterans Chapter.
Information: trinitychapel.org/488475.ihtml, info@trinitychapel.org or 770-222-7023.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
GWINNETT
Weather delays completion of ball fields
Inclement weather has delayed construction of Georgia Gwinnett College’s sports complex along Collins Hill Road, forcing baseball and softball teams to play elsewhere. The $13.5 million complex that includes an 800-seat baseball field and 600-seat softball field, won’t be finished in time for season openers, but is expected to be by early March.
Baseball opens its season at South Carolina’s Voorhees College, and softball at Collins Hill High. Irrigation, drainage and lighting is nearly complete for baseball, and dugouts have been built for softball. MICHAEL ALPERT FOR THE AJC
Man struck, killed by train
A man was struck and killed by a train Monday afternoon near Norcross in Gwinnett County, according to police.
The man, whose name was not released, was struck by a Norfolk Southern train in the 6900 block of Buford Highway, according to Cpl. Jake Smith with Gwinnett County police. The victim was walking at the time he was struck, police said.
Alexis Stevens
Chamber of Commerce creates scholarship
The Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce has created the Jim Maran Scholarship for STEM Studies, named for its former CEO. The academic scholarship will be awarded annually to a Gwinnett public high school senior or graduate whose grade-point average was at least 3.5 and who maintains at least a 3.0 average in college. Scholarship donations can be made through Feb. 22 at safesite.4agoodcause.com/gwinnett-schools-foundation/donation1.aspx. MICHAEL ALPERT
Peachtree Corners has new phone number
Peachtree Corners City Hall and all new city departments may be reached at a new number: 678-691-1200, or by visiting www.cityofpeachtreecornersga.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Community invited to curriculum review
Gwinnett County Public Schools invite the community to review possible text books for the classroom to ensure that they follow the school system’s Academic Knowledge and Skills curriculum.
Mathematics materials for grades 6-12 and non-fiction books for grades K-5 will be reviewed Feb. 11-23 at the instructional support center, 437 Old Peachtree Road, Suwanee.
The review hours are: Monday–Friday, Feb., 11-22, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.; Thursday, Feb. 21, 5–8 p.m.; and Saturday, Feb. 23, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Nancy Badertscher
Suwanee sweethearts can run for fun Saturday
The Rotary Club of Buford/North Gwinnett is encouraging you to run with a sweetheart, friend or family member during the Suwanee Sweetheart 5K Sprint at 9 a.m. Saturday at Town Center. Runners who sign up together receive a discount, but individual runners are welcome.
Registration is $25 for individual runners; pairs can sign up for $40 at www.active.com and www.northgwinnettrotary.org.
Information: Duane Champlin at 404-583-1595 or dchamplin@jacksonemc.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
NORTHSIDE
Forsyth to consider gem and metals ordinance
The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners holds a public hearing this week on a proposed ordinance regulating precious metals and gem dealers.
The plan first presented in December would set permitting/recordkeeping requirements, mandate daily transaction reporting and require fingerprinting and photographing of sellers. Hearing: 5 p.m. Thursday, 110 E. Main Street, Suite 220, Cumming. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Johns Creek renovating playgrounds
Johns Creek is replacing old playgrounds at Newtown Park with modern, plastic-coated steel equipment. One playground, for kids to age 8, will be designed with a castle theme and include swings, rockers, a see-saw horse and a structure with interconnected platforms, ladders, steps, and a slide. The other, for kids to age 14, will feature a climbing wall, several ladders, sliding elements and linked platforms. The second also will include a popular spider-web-like apparatus with ropes strung around a supporting pole. MICHAEL ALPERT FOR THE AJC
Lanier Tech-Forsyth student wins award
Laura James, a horticulture technology student at Lanier Tech-Forsyth, won the Cumming school’s Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership. Chosen over three other semifinalists, James advanced to regional judging next month against Georgia’s 25 other technical colleges’ GOAL winners. From nine regional finalists in April, one will be chosen as the state winner and receive a new car. MICHAEL ALPERT FOR THE AJC
Cherokee math team wins state competition
The varsity math team at Cherokee County’s Creekview High School recently won top honors in statewide competition, placing first in the Georgia High School Association AAAAA division of the Georgia Southwestern State University High School Mathematics Tournament. Team member Victoria Cochran won first place individual honors. More than 40 schools competed. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Student exchange seeks Forsyth families
Ayusa, a nonprofit international youth exchange group, is seeking and screening prospective volunteer host families in Forsyth County for the 2013-2014 school year. Interested families can visit the organization’s website, www.ayusa.org or e-mail sararichards12@yahoo.com
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
American Girl fashion show comes to Roswell
The Roswell Dance Theatre will host fashion shows to benefit the Roswell Dance Theatre Children’s Charities Mar. 1-3 in the ballroom of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Atlanta – Roswell, 1075 Holcomb Bridge Rd.
Local models will showcase historical and contemporary fashions from the American Girl company. The event will feature music, refreshments, favors, auction baskets and door prizes.
Tickets are $35-$45.
Tickets and information: www.tysod.com. Mea Watkins
ATLANTA
Atlanta firefighters battle warehouse fire
A two-alarm blaze broke out before 5 p.m. Sunday in the 1300 block of Mayson Turner Road, in a large warehouse used to store recyclable products, fire officials said.
The blaze burned through Monday morning as thick, black smoke filled the area while paper and plastics inside the warehouse burned.
The same building was heavily damaged by a three-alarm fire two years ago.
Mike Morris and John Spink
AARP Tax-Aide volunteers needed
AARP Tax-Aide is seeking Atlanta volunteers to provide free tax preparation and filing assistance to area taxpayers.
AARP Tax-Aide volunteers receive free IRS-certified tax training and learn new skills while giving back to their local communities.
Volunteers should have some computer experience, such as e-mail and internet browsing. Information: www.aarp.org/tavolunteer8.
Kenneth Musisi
Columnist to speak at Atlanta Press Club
Dave Barry, Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist and author of “Insane City,” will speak at the Atlanta Press Club on Thursday, Feb. 14 at The Commerce Club, 191 Peachtree Street N.E., Suite 4900. Registration, breakfast buffet and book signing take place at 7:30 a.m., with remarks at 8:15 a.m. Cost is $25 for members; $35 for non-members. Register: 404-577-7377.
Mea Watkins
Immigrants get work authorization help
The Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials and others will help people apply for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program Saturday at 2750 Buford Highway.
The DACA program allows illegal immigrants who came to this country as children to obtain a federal work authorization for two years as long as they are under age 31 as of June 15, 2012, and came to the U.S. before age 16.
Pre-registration is required. Informtion: www.georgialatinovote.com/daca. David Wickert
DEKALB
Sex trafficking victims rescued, 2 arrested
DeKalb County police rescued two teens being held as sex slaves when they broke up a human trafficking ring.
Two men, Kamau Benajamin, 28, and Anthony Means, 22, were arrested Thursday and charged with trafficking persons for sexual servitude, rape, false imprisonment and marijuana possession with intent to distribute when police S.W.A.T. raided a Tucker apartment at 3214 Valley Bluff Drive, authorities said.
Investigators said both of the teens, ages 18 and 16, had been physically abused, raped, starved and forced to engage in prostitution while being regularly drugged. The 18-year-old, police said, had been in the men’s custody for nearly two years. Means and Benjamin remain in the DeKalb County Jail without bond. Marcus K. Garner
Ex-teacher guilty of child sex charges
Almarcus Thomas, a former Tucker Middle School teacher, pleaded guilty Monday to six counts of child molestation, three counts of statutory rape, one count of sexual battery and one count of invasion of privacy. The invasion of privacy count involved Thomas, 42, taking a photo under the skirt of a female coworker during school.
Prosecutors said Thomas carried on a sexual relationship with the 14-year-old teen over the course of seven months ending with his arrest in March 2012, after the girl’s father reported him to school officials.
As part of the plea agreement, the aggravated part of each count of child molestation was dropped.
Following his 20-year prison stay, Thomas will serve 10 years on probation and must register as a sex offender. Marcus K. Garner
Bluegrass event to benefit DeKalb libraries
The DeKalb Library Foundation will host an evening of bluegrass music and books 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. March 9 at the Decatur library as a fundraiser for the county’s 22 branches.
The event features mystery authors Joshilyn Jackson and Karen White in a reception, book signing and silent auction. The bluegrass band Dappled Grays will headline. Tickets are $65 in advance and $75 at the door. Information: 404-370-8450 x. 2238 or www.dekalblibrary.org/foundation. April Hunt
Art Walk, gallery set to open in February
The Dunwoody Fine Art Association has teamed up with 30 local Dunwoody businesses to celebrate the arts and highlight the work of local artists with an Art Walk through the community.
The grand opening for the Dunwoody Fine Art Association Pop Up Gallery in the courtyard of Dunwoody Village Shopping Center will be Feb. 23.
Information: www.dunwoodyfineart.org. Kenneth Musisi
DeKalb youth soccer registration under way
Registration is open for youth soccer leagues in DeKalb County.
Registration is open until Feb. 15 at all county recreation centers for the league, which is open to children between ages 5 and 14.
Fees range from $45 to $85 per child. Birth certificates must be presented at registration. Information: 770-414-2111 or 770-414-2113. April Hunt
SOUTHSIDE
Mathis named to Stockbridge post
Stockbridge officials have named former Henry County Board of Commissioners Chairman Elizabeth “BJ” Mathis the city’s community and economic development officer.
She served eight years as a district commissioner and as chairman before leaving office at the end of 2012.
She also currently serves on the board of the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority.
Monroe Roark for the AJC
Fayette delays pre-K registration
Registration for Fayette County’s state-funded pre-kindergarten program for 2013-14 has been suspended due to pending redistricting issues.
Registration was originally set to end on Feb. 28, but will restart after the Board of Education makes a final decision on school closures and related district boundary changes.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Locust Grove accepts workforce challenge
Locust Grove High School has been recognized by the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development for being a goal-setting public high school in the Go Build Georgia High School Team project. The workforce program met its goal of having half of Georgia’ public schools committed to the workforce development project by the end of the 2012-2013 school year. The program reached the goal at the end of last year.
Locust Grove became the 168th high school to accept the Go Build challenge of promoting careers in skilled trades, hosting skilled trade career days, industry site visits and providing access to skilled trade workforce development materials. Tammy Joyner
Bus shelters refurbished
Hapeville used funds from MARTA for the replacement and installation of bus shelters and sidewalks. The $164,000 paid for replacing 10 new bus shelters, as well as completing sidewalk improvements at all bus shelter locations. John Thompson for the AJC
Fayette revises school menus
Fayette County public schools now have streamlined menus featuring the same items at the same school levels each day. The “cycle menus” standardize production and purchasing, and include vegetarian options for breakfast and lunch. Information: www.fcboe.org. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Fayette democrats host breakfast meeting
The Fayette County Democratic Committee is holding its monthly Pancakes and Politics meeting at 9 a.m. Saturday at the International House of Pancakes, 705 North Jeff Davis Dr., Fayetteville. Tammy Joyner
East Point’s bill drive through is closed
The Customer Care drive in window that residents use to pay city bills is currently closed for scheduled maintenance.
The city is still accepting payments at the Customer Care Building, by phone at 404-270-7010, and online at www.eastpointcity.org.
John Thompson for the AJC
