County by county news for Tuesday

Around 10:40 a.m., DeKalb County sheriff’s detention officers found Sylvia Ann Brown hanging by a pair of socks from a sprinkler head in the women’s restroom of the jail’s medical floor, officials said.

The officers removed Brown from the sprinkler head and attempted CPR , sheriff’s spokesman Lt. Kyle Jones said.

DeKalb County Fire and Rescue paramedics detected vital signs and took her DeKalb Medical Center, where she was later pronounced dead.

Brown had been booked into the jail early Saturday on misdemeanor family violence and battery charges.

The DeKalb County Medical Examiner is investigating the cause of Brown’s death.

Marcus K. Garner

Street repairs around the corner

Four Decatur streets are slated for major repairs, which include milling, patching, fixing significant flaws beneath the surface and new paving.

The streets are Parkside Circle, Drexel Avenue, East Ponce de Leon Avenue from Commerce Drive to Sycamore Drive, and Chevelle Lane from the city limits to end of the street. Total length of repairs is 1.43 miles and the project cost is $335,000. Work should begin the first of September and take six weeks. Bill Banks for the AJC

Brookhaven sets qualifying period

The qualifying period for Brookhaven City Council candidates began yesterday and runs through Wednesday.

Voters will elect for districts 2 and 4 in the November election.

Would-be candidates must file notice and pay a $360 fee to the Brookhaven City Clerk from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m. during the qualifying period. Information: www.brookhavenga.gov. April Hunt for the AJC

MARTA Mobility discussion scheduled

Andy McBurney of MARTA Mobility will talk about the transportation options provided by MARTA from 10:30 a.m. to noon Thursday at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta at Zaban Park, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody.

Participants can discuss the advantages and challenges of traveling by transit in Atlanta.

McBurney will also describe MARTA’s new travel training initiative, which includes solutions for individuals with disabilities to achieve greater independence and confidence in riding MARTA.

Free for members; $5 Silver Sneakers and community.

Information: Lilly Mahana, lilly.mahana@atlantajcc.org,678-812-4064.

Mea Watkins for the AJC

DeKalb taking ‘pitches’ on tech ideas

DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson is sponsoring a pitch contest Wednesday to hear residents’ technology ideas.

Ideas for games, apps, or other concepts will be taken and showcased for awards. The event also includes information about related courses and program at Georgia Piedmont Technical College.

The contest runs from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Porter Sanford arts center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, near Decatur.

Information: 404-371-2425.April Hunt for the AJC

SAT test prep offered at MJCCA

SAT test prep with Applerouth Tutoring Services will be offered from Sept. 10 through Oct. 13 at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta at Zaban Park, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody.

Cost: $499 for members; $515 for the community.

Information: Stacie Graff, stacie.graff@atlantajcc.org.

Mea Watkins for the AJC

ATLANTA

Smash-and-grab thieves hit hair salon

Atlanta police Monday were investigating a predawn smash-and-grab burglary at a hair salon near Greenbriar Mall.

Police spokeswoman Kim Jones told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that officers were on the scene of a burglary at the Beauty Bar hair salon in the 2400 block of Greenbriar Parkway.

According to Jones, the burglars drove a vehicle through the front door of the salon just before 5:30 a.m.

The salon is just around the corner from a beauty supply store on Headland Drive that has been targeted in the past by thieves stealing high-dollar hair weaves.

Mike Morris

Falcons, GWCC host stadium meeting

The Council for Quality Growth, in partnership with the Atlanta Falcons and Georgia World Congress Center, will host a public event discussing the new $1 billion stadium 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Georgia World Congress Center.

Falcons owner Arthur Blank will be among the speakers at the event discussing design, construction and community revitalization plans. Cost: $30. Register: www.councilforqualitygrowth.org

Katie Leslie

Free event for Mozley Park residents

Evangelist Linda Simmons from Emmanuel Temple Apostolic Church invites residents of the Mozley Park neighborhood to a free event from noon to 3 p.m. Monday at the park, 1565 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, N.W.

Activities include games, singing and Bible study. Free food will be served. Attendance is limited to 50 people. To RSVP, contact Simmons at 626-905-1614.

Veronica Fields Johnson

Smoke School of Art to exhibit at library

The Auburn Avenue Research Library, 101 Auburn Ave. N.E., will host a collective exhibition of Smoke School of Art members through Saturday. Information: 404-730-4001, ext. 100.

Veronica Fields Johnson

NORTHSIDE

Canton downtown work to cause parking issues

Canton officials say downtown construction will cause parking problems starting the first week of September.

Cherokee County officials will be stripping the exterior facade off the Jones Mercantile Building (former county offices) as it is sold.

Access to nearby parking spots on both Main and North Streets will be blocked for at least 30 days.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Qualifying open for Cumming election

Qualifying for the municipal election in Cumming is open through Aug. 30 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Cumming city clerk’s Office, 100 Main St.

The cost is $360 for the mayor’s race and $180 for council.

The seats of Mayor H. Ford Gravitt, Post 1 councilman Rupert Sexton and Post 2 councilman Quincy Holton will be up for grabs.

The election is Nov. 5.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Forsyth announces temporary park closure

Forsyth County Parks and Recreation officials say Chattahoochee PointePark, 5790 Chattahoochee Point Drive, will be closed through Wednesday for paving work on the drive. The park will re-open Thursday

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Benefit run/walk scheduled for Sept. 7

The second annual Tumor Trooper Run/Walk will be held Sept. 7 at the Mansell Crossing Shopping Center, 7730 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta. The walk begins at 7:30 a.m. and the 5K Run begins at 8 a.m. Registration is $25 through Aug. 31 and $30 from Sept. 1 until race day.

Proceeds benefit the Brain Tumor Foundation for Children, a Sandy Springs-based organization that provides emergency financial assistance and support for families and funds research projects to find a cure. Information: www.braintumorkids.org.

Veronica Fields Johnson

School board OKs redistricting schedule

The Forsyth County Board of Education has approved a timeline for changing school attendance lines for 2014-2015. Ten elementary and three middle schools will be impacted. The plan calls for the presentation of draft plans to the board Sept. 12 and Oct. 10, accompanied by feedback solicitation online and in the schools. Final draft presentation comes Nov. 14, with board adoption scheduled Nov. 21. More info: www.forsyth.k12.ga.us

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Alpharetta hosts youth triathlon this fall

IronKids Alpharetta, the largest youth triathlon in the U.S., will take place Sept. 15 at Wills Park, 1825 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta.

Participants receive a medal upon crossing the finish line and the top three athletes within each age category will be awarded a placement trophy. Registration is $50 online and $65 onsite. Race morning registration will not be available.

Information: hy-veeironkids.com/alpharetta.

Veronica Fields Johnson

SOUTHSIDE

Union City shooting victims identified

Union City police have released the identities of two shooting victims, one of whom was dead at the scene, recently discovered near Highway 92.

The dead woman is Christina Wellington, 30, who was found shot and lying in the middle of McClure Road off Highway 92 . The male victim was identified as Marshall Wellington, 54, who was discovered in the woods near the side of the road.

Marshall Wellington was taken to a local hospital for treatment. A police statement said the investigation is ongoing. Shelia Poole

Two shot along Old National Highway

Fulton County police are investigating the fatal shooting of a man and wounding of another man late Sunday night near College Park.

The shooting happened in a parking lot in the 5300 block of Old National Highway.

Channel 2 Action News reported that a group of gunmen jumped out of a vehicle and riddled a sedan with bullets before speeding off.

The identity of the dead man and the name and condition of the wounded man were not immediately available.

Police have not divulged a motive for the shooting.

Mike Morris

Volunteers needed for four schools

Fayette County’s public school system and chamber of commerce are launching a pilot program called the Volunteer Initiative to Assist Learning (VITAL). The goal is to provide more classroom and office assistance at the North Fayette, Fayetteville and Robert J. Burch elementary schools and the Alternative School. An information session will be held at 4 p.m. Sept. 9 at Fayette Senior Services, 4 Center Drive in Fayetteville.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

National Night Out scheduled for Sept. 3

Henry County’s law enforcement and emergency service agencies are hosting the annual National Night Out from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Sept. 3 in front of the Target at Henry Town Center in McDonough. It is a free event for the whole family to meet various law enforcement officers and see their equipment and vehicles. There will also be free food and giveaways from area merchants. Info: 770-288-8200 or the HCPD’s Facebook page. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Fish Fry festival set for Saturday in Clayton

Clayton County International Park will host the “Life’s a Fish and Then You Fry” festival and concert Saturday from 4 p.m. to midnight. The event features food, crafts, vendors, games, a concert and comedy show. Fireworks will start at dusk. Cost: $10. Tickets are available at www.theatlantafishfry.com. The park is at 2300 Highway 138 S.E. in Jonesboro.

Tammy Joyner for the AJC

Grant funds available in Stockbridge

The Stockbridge City Council is taking applications from local nonprofits competing for a portion of $100,000 available in the city’s Community Partnership Grant Program. The goal of the program is to foster and fund activities and programs that promote eligible tourism and cultural activities. Deadline is Wednesday. Info: www.cityofstockbridge.com. Monroe Roark for the AJC

COBB

Road repaving continues on six streets this weeks

South Cobb road resurfacing will continue this week on six roads with one lane remaining open at all times.

They are: Flint Hill Road from Ewing to Powder Springs Roads; Sanders Road from Powder Springs to Chestnut Grove Roads; McDuffie Road from Anderson Mill to Austell Roads; Clay Road from Austell Powder Springs to Austell Roads; Pair Road from Powder Springs to Shadyside Roads; Shadyside Road from Pair to Hurt Roads. Information: Cobb District 4 Commissioner Lisa Cupid, 770-528-3312 or lisa.cupid@cobbcounty.org.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

New head chosen for visitors bureau

The Marietta Visitors Bureau board of directors Monday chose Katie Peterson, the center’s marketing and public relations manger, to head the city tourism center on Depot Street.

Peterson, 28, replaces Theresa Jenkins who retired June 28 as executive director. Peterson’s salary will be $45,000. Marietta funds $197,500 or about 75 percent of the bureau’s budget through hotel/motel and auto rental tax collections. The center averages 3,000 visitors each month.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Powder Springs qualifying opens

Qualifying times are 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 4:30 p.m. today through Thursday in the second floor conference room, Powder Springs City Hall, 4484 Marietta St. for Wards 1, 2 and 3 on the Powder Springs City Council.

The qualifying fee is $360, which is 3 percent of the $12,000 base salary.

City Council members also receive health, dental and pension benefits.

Terms for the three City Council members will last four years from Jan. 1, 2014 to Dec. 31, 2017. Carolyn Cunningham

Austell City Council qualifying opens

Qualifying times are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. today through Aug. 29 in Room 107, Austell Threadmill Complex, 5000 Austell Powder Springs Road, for at-large Post 1 and wards 1 and 3 on the Austell City Council. The qualifying fee is $360, which is 3 percent of the $12,000 base salary.

City Council members also are eligible for health, dental and pension benefits, with health and dental paid from their city salaries.

Terms for the three City Council members will last from Jan. 1, 2014, to Dec. 31, 2017.

Carolyn Cunningham

Marietta seeks civil service board member

Marietta residents 25 and older can apply 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 9-20 for a position on the city’s Civil Service Board. Marietta Fire and Police civil service workers will select a member in October to fill the Post 4 vacancy. The appeals board hears civil service workers issues. Applications are online or at the clerk’s office, 205 Lawrence St. Information: www.mariettaga.gov.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Powder Springs Road bridge opening Friday

Opening of the Powder Springs Road bridge replacement over the Silver Comet Trail has been delayed several times but should open Friday.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

GWINNETT

Longer left turn lanes come to busy intersections

Six congestion relief projects on state highways will be managed by the county’s DOT under three contracts using state DOT Quick Response funds. Approximately $221,000 will extend left turn lanes on Lawrenceville Suwanee Road at Satellite Boulevard and on Beaver Ruin Road on the west side of the I-85 interchange. Left turn lanes will be installed on Buford Highway at South Scales Road and an existing one extended at South Lee Street under a $215,170 contract. A $180,000 contract will extend left turn lanes on Scenic Highway at Jackson Street and on Grayson Highway at Webb Gin House Road. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Qualifying dates for Norcross elections

Two Norcross incumbent council members, Charlie Riehm and Craig Newton, are up for re-election, along with Norcross Mayor, Bucky Johnson. Qualifying for interested candidates is 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Aug. 30, at City Hall, 65 Lawrenceville Street in Norcross.

Contact the Norcross City Clerk’s office for details by calling 678-421-2027. www.norcrossga.net.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Gwinnett Tech instructor given award

Dr. Penny Joyner Waddell, speech program director at Gwinnett Tech, is the recipient of the Michael and Suzanne Osborn Community College Outstanding Educator Award, conferred by the National Communication Association. The award recognizes an instructor who has made an outstanding contribution to education at a two-year or community college and exemplifies excellence in teaching, scholarship and service to the speech communication profession. Waddell is also the 2013 Rick Perkins Award of Excellence in Technical Education winner, presented to the college’s Instructor of the Year. www.gwinnetttech.edu or 770-962-7580. Karen Huppertz

Organization sponsors free SAT Prep class

College Nannies & Tutors of Duluth offers a free SAT Prep class 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 17 at Gwinnett Fire Station 7, 3343 Bunten Road, Duluth.

Participants must register at least a week in advance by calling 678-259-0232.

Information: www.collegetutors.com.

Veronica Fields Johnson

Duluth concert series continues Friday

The Ballybeg Band will perform as part of Duluth’s free SummerStage Concert series at 7 p.m. Friday at the Duluth Amphitheater. The music ranges from haunting melodies of the Scottish highlands to burn the house down Irish jigs and reels. Chairs, blankets and coolers welcome. Premium tables available at www.duluthga.net or email events@duluthga.net.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Free dance class for special needs children

Southern Ballet Theatre, located at 3315 Sugarloaf Parkway, suite 16, Lawrenceville, is offering a free special needs dance class 5-5:45 p.m. every Thursday. The ballet and tap class is for children with mental, medical or physical limitations, taught in a positive atmosphere. Info: 770-940-9223 or www.southernballettheatre.com. Veronica Fields Johnson