ATLANTA
Superior Court judge retiring Feb. 28
Superior Court Judge Michael C. Clark will retire as presiding judge of the 9th Judicial District Feb. 28.
As a judge, he presided over 100 jury trials and disposed of more than 20,000 cases, including the case against Bart Corbin, a dentist who was charged with two murders that took place a decade apart.
After his retirement, Clark will go into private practice with the law firm Oxendine & Sauls LLC, which will be renamed Clark, Oxendine and Sauls LP.
MOLLY BLOOM
Georgia Southern hosts family days
Georgia Southern University will host five spring family days for students and their parents on campus in Statesboro and in Atlanta.
Planned events for the Statesboro days on Saturday and March 8 and April 19 will include men’s and women’s basketball games and a baseball game.
Planned events for the Atlanta days March 29 and April 12 will include a Gwinnett Gladiators hockey game at the Gwinnett Arena and an Atlanta Braves baseball game at Turner Field. Reservations and tickets: http://parents.georgiasouthern.edu; 912-478-7627 Janel Davis
Buckhead library hosts poetry contest
The Buckhead Library, 269 Buckhead Avenue NE, is hosting the Ida Williams Memorial poetry contest for children and teens where winners receive gift cards. Entries due April 19.
Information: 404-814-3500
ARLINDA SMITH BROADY
City closes MLK Natatorium
As part of maintenance, the Department of Parks and Recreation and Atlanta Public Schools have closed the M.L. King Middle School Natatorium, 582 Connally St. SE, through April 13.
Visitors are encouraged everyone to go to facilities at Adamsville, Rosel Fann and Washington Park.
Info: 404-546-6774 or eericson@atlantaga.gov.
ARLINDA SMITH BROADY
COBB
Saturday is deadline for comments on River Line
Comments are due by Saturday on the draft Preservation Plan for the Chattahoochee River Line Battlefield, which runs from Mableton through Smyrna north to Vinings.
The subject line “Comments on CRL Draft Plan” should be used and comments sent to info@mableton.org.
The 170-page document includes recommendations on additional property acquisition and how county-owned property can be used for passive recreation. Information: mableton.org/committees/chattahoochee-river-line/preservation-plan or surveymonkey.com/s/LT6QVCT. CAROLYN CUNNINGHAM
Group opposes redrawing districts
The Mableton Improvement Coalition is opposing a proposal by the Cobb Legislative Delegation to redraw the four county commission districts.
One result would be the splitting of the Mableton community, according to Joel Cope, the coalition’s president, in a Feb. 17 newsletter to the MIC membership. Noting a similar attempt was made in 2012 by state lawmakers to split Mableton, Cope thanked the Cobb County Board of Commissioners for opposing the change.
That 4-1 vote occurred Feb. 11 with opposition from Commissioner Bob Ott. Information: mableton.org. CAROLYN CUNNINGHAM FOR THE AJC
School choice deadline Feb. 28 for next year
Cobb County schools students can apply to transfer to a school of their choice through Feb. 28 for the 2014-2015 school year.
A list of school/class space is posted on the district website. Charter schools and new schools are exempt from the choice program. Information: www.cobb12k.org.
TUCKER MCQUEEN FOR THE AJC
Powder Springs mayor delivers city address
Powder Springs Mayor Patricia Vaughn will deliver her annual State of the City address at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Patricia C. Vaughn Cultural Arts Center, Ford Center Complex, 4181 Atlanta St., behind the Powder Springs library.
Information: cityofpowdersprings.org.
CAROLYN CUNNINGHAM FOR THE AJC
Austell increases size of disc golf course
Austell will spend about $12,000 to add nine more holes to the city’s nine-hole Frog Rock Disc Golf Course.
The course opened in May at 6205 Spring St., Louise Suggs Memorial Park behind Wallace Barbecue off Veterans Memorial Highway. It’s free to play.
Disc golf is based on the rules of golf, using discs thrown toward elevated target baskets.
Information: 770-944-4325.
CAROLYN CUNNINGHAM
Scholarships available to local students
The Marietta Kiwanis Club is accepting applications through March 31 for nine college and technical school scholarships for Marietta and Cobb students.
Scholarships average $2,000 each, based on academic achievement, financial need and character.
Grants are administered by the Kiwanis Club, Kennesaw State University or Southern Polytechnic State University.
Information: www.mariettakiwanis.org.
TUCKER MCQUEEN
DEKALB
2 wounded in strip club robbery early Tuesday
DeKalb County police are investigating a robbery and shooting outside a strip club early Tuesday that left two men wounded.
The incident happened about 3:30 a.m. outside Strokers, an adult entertainment club on Brockett Road, according to DeKalb police Capt. Stephen Fore.
Fore said a man was robbed and when he attempted to flee, “at least one of the suspects fired several rounds at the victim, striking him in the arm.”
He said one suspect was quickly taken into custody, while a second suspect was located inside the Carriage Oak Apartments and taken into custody. Police are still looking for two suspects, Fore said.
MIKE MORRIS
DeKalb congressman opens campaign office
U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Lithonia, will open his re-election campaign office Saturday in southeast DeKalb County.
Offices will be at 2853 Panola Road, near Lithonia.
DeKalb Sheriff Tom Brown has announced his intent to run against Johnson in the primary.
Qualifying for state and federal races will be between March 3 and 7, and other candidates are expected to come forward in the congressional race.
APRIL HUNT
Registration open for adult softball
DeKalb parks is accepting registration through Friday at its athletic offices, 4898 LaVista Road, Tucker, for a spring adult softball league at all county recreation centers.
Cost is $420 per team, plus a $20 fee for non-county residents. A 10-game season begins in March. Participants must be 35 or older.
Information: 770-414-2113. APRIL HUNT
Little League registration underway
Belvedere Little League is holding registration noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at Shoal Creek Park, 3642 Glenwood Road for boys and girls, ages 4-12, to play spring baseball.
Information: 404 289-3073. ARLINDA SMITH BROADY
Information fair for special needs students
The DeKalb County School District and Council of PTAs will host an information fair for special needs students and their parents and teachers 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. March 1 at Tucker High School, 5036 LaVista Road, Tucker.
The event includes breakout sessions and booths and will cover topics such as transitioning from high school, executive function, coping with homework, navigating federal aid and estate planning.
Information: 678-676-0381 or www.dekalbcouncilptas.org, dekalbcouncilptas@gmail.com.
TY TAGAMI
Clarkston updating town plans
Clarkston is making plans to update a decade-old blueprint for its downtown.
The $80,000 Livable Centers Initiative Grant will help revitalize its town center area to include mixed-income housing and other development, walkability and transportation.
Residents and business owners will be invited to give input at public meetings that have not yet been set.
Updates at www.clarkstonga.gov.
APRIL HUNT
GWINNETT
Snellville chooses official chamber of commerce
Snellville has named the Greater Eastside Chamber of Commerce as the city’s official municipal chamber of commerce.
Created in 2005 as the Greater Grayson Chamber of Commerce, the club has been working with the city’s Economic Development office and other economic engines to improve the business climate locally by attracting new businesses through ventures like the quarterly Snellville Entrepreneur Summit.
The GECC represents businesses in Snellville, Grayson and Loganville. Information: www.eaststidechamber.com.
KAREN HUPPERTZ FOR THE AJC
Duluth honors public works and police
The city of Duluth is declaring the week of Feb. 24 Public Works and Police Appreciation Week. Each day the community is invited to provide a different type of appreciation item.
Monday is cookie day; Tuesday, chip and dip day; Feb. 26, cake day, Feb. 27, snack day and Feb. 28, thank you card day and Public Works Appreciation Luncheon.
To participate, drop off items between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to the Public Works facility, 2450 Chattahoochee Drive, 3276 Buford Highway, or Duluth City Hall.
Join the appreciation luncheon 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Public Works facility. To donate to the luncheon, email mwaddell@duluthga.net no later than Feb. 26.
KAREN HUPPERTZ
Free expo promotes local businesses
The United Peachtree Corners Civic Association Yard & Garden Expo will feature horticulturist, author, radio and TV host Walter Reeves 7:30-9 p.m. Monday at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 5575 Peachtree Parkway in Peachtree Corners.
Yard & garden vendors open at 7 p.m. providing guests an opportunity to visit local Peachtree Corners businesses. Information and to participate: www.upcca.org or email programs@upcca.org.
KAREN HUPPERTZ
Fundraiser to help send kids to summer camp
The Rotary Club of Duluth will hold its fifth annual Players Party featuring Texas Hold’em, Bingo and a silent auction 6 to 10 p.m. Feb. 27 at the Hilton Atlanta Northeast, 5993 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Norcross. Proceeds support the club’s charity efforts, including sending children affiliated with Rainbow Village to summer day camp. $40 per person. Reservations required: email mballenger@gwinnettcommunitybank.com. KAREN HUPPERTZ
Duluth records manager gets award
June Hawkins, Duluth’s administrative records manager, has been awarded the MCCi Anderson Award for local government records managers for her work utilizing Laserfiche software for scanning and records retention. Information: www.duluthga.net.
KAREN HUPPERTZ
Sugar Hill to host Medicare seminars
Residents approaching age 65 or retirement and in need of Medicare are invited to educational seminars 7-9 p.m. March 4 and March 11 at the Sugar Hill Community Center, 1166 Church St. Information: 770-831-7413. KAREN HUPPERTZ
NORTHSIDE
Johns Creek open house rescheduled for Thursday
Johns Creek’s open house on proposed improvements to Abbotts Bridge Road, scuttled by last week’s storm, has been rescheduled for 4:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday at City Hall, 12000 Findley Road.
City staffers will be on hand to answer questions about the proposed upgrade between Jones Bridge and Parsons roads, including a center turn lane, bikeable shoulders and enhanced sidewalks.
Construction is set to start in 2015. MARK WOOLSEY FOR THE AJC
Roswell Green Expo held Saturday
The Roswell Green Expo takes place at 10 a.m. Saturday at Hembree Park, 850 Hembree Road. The event is free and open to the public.
The expo, in its third year, is an opportunity for residents to learn about environmentally friendly practices for their lives and homes. Info: www.roswellgreenexpo.org
KENT A. MILES FOR THE AJC
Utility seeking students for tour
Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is looking for two students to send on the annual Washington Youth Tour organized by EMCs across the state. Students must meet residency or attendance at specific high school requirements and be 16 by June 1 for the June 12-19 event. Selected students will tour landmarks, observe government workings and meet their representatives in Congress, with all expenses paid by Sawnee EMC. Application deadline is Feb. 28. More information: sawnee.com
MARK WOOLSEY
College hosts financial aid info session
The Dahlonega and Gainesville campuses of the University of North Georgia will host College Goal Georgia events Friday 4-7 p.m.
Financial aid experts will be on hand to answer questions. UNG students are eligible to wine several prizes that will be raffled off during the event.
Information: www.collegegoalga.com
JANEL DAVIS
Cherokee County address set Thursday
The Cherokee Council for Quality Growth’s second annual State of the County event has been rescheduled for 11:30 a.m. Thursday at the Cherokee County Conference Center, 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton. Board of Commissioners Chairman L.B. “Buzz” Ahrens will give his State of the County address and Cherokee Office of Economic Development head Misti Martin will present an economic forecast. To register: 770-813-3370 or CouncilForQualityGrowth.org. MARK WOOLSEY FOR THE AJC
KSU fraternity hosts Founder’s Day run
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity’s Mu Beta chapter at Kennesaw State University is hosting the first Founder’s Day 5K run, 8 a.m. March 1 at The Perch, 390 Big Shanty Road, Kennesaw.
Registration is $25. Proceeds from the run will be donated to the Brain Tumor Foundation for Children Inc.
Information: www.active.com/kennesaw-ga/running/distance-running-races/founder-s-day-5k-2014
KENT A. MILES
SOUTHSIDE
Lovejoy gets second jail facility to house 2,000
Lovejoy has annexed 77 acres into the city for the Geo Group Inc., a private prison industry contractor which plans to build a new correctional facility that will create between 400 and 450 jobs, Mayor Bobby Cartwright said Tuesday. The Geo Group will continue to run the Robert A. Deyton Dention Center in Lovejoy and build the new facility which will house another 2,000 inmates once it is done within the next two years. The new facility will be about a block from the Deyton dention center, Cartwright said. TAMMY JOYNER FOR THE AJC
Peachtree City CERT deadline is today
Applications for Peachtree City’s next Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class are due today.
Classes will be held from 6:30-9 p.m. on Thursdays, Feb. 27-April 20 at the Police Department building.
Basic training in disaster preparation and response skills is open to Georgia residents 18 and older. Forms are at www.cert-ptc.com, the library and City Hall.
JILL HOWARD CHURCH FOR THE AJC
Family history seminar set for Saturday
A free seminar on researching family histories will be held 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2021 Redwine Road in Fayetteville. The director of the Newnan Family History Center will lead a discussion of research methods and resources. Info: 770-254-9857.
JILL HOWARD CHURCH
Habitat buys small Lovejoy subdivision
Habitat For Humanity announced at the Lovejoy City Council meeting Monday night that it has purchased a small subdivision in Lovejoy where it plans to build 15 homes.
TAMMY JOYNER
Host families needed for exchange students
Fayette County families interested in hosting foreign high school exchange students this fall are being sought by the group Student American International.
The state-approved program places students in local schools and ensures that they have their own medical insurance and spending money.
Information: Jinx Ratcliffe at 770-477-1376.
JILL HOWARD CHURCH
Cooking demo for cancer patients
Cancer Wellness at Piedmont Henry Hospital will host a Hunger Games cooking demonstration noon to 2 p.m. Feb. 26, in the hospital’s Foundation Education Center.
It will be led by Cancer Wellness dietitian Ellen Steinberg and chef Beci Falkenberg.
To register: 678-604-1040. Info: piedmontcancer.org.
MONROE ROARK FOR THE AJC
Registration open for homestead exemptions
Senior citizens in Peachtree City can begin applying for their annual homestead exemption.
Qualifying homeowners must be age 65 or older by Jan. 1, 2014, and have a household income under $30,000. Forms are at City Hall and must be filed with documentation by Feb. 28. Info: 770-487-7657 or info@peachtree-city.org.
JILL HOWARD CHURCH
