County by County

The goal of the event is to empower young people to reach out to their peers through music and drama with a message of hope, inspiration and positive challenge.

The family-focused event featuring performers, music, food and information booths is free and open noon-5 p.m..

Info: donationlovefestve.wix.com/sclc or 404-839-6511.

KENT A. MILES FOR THE AJC

Code enforcement summit in Atlanta

The city of Atlanta is hosting a code enforcement summit for residents Aug. 16 at 9 a.m. at the Atlanta Civic Center, 395 Piedmont Ave.

The goal of the summit is to explain procedures involved in restoring distressed properties to a municipal code standard. Residents will also be informed on the importance of reporting code concerns.

Registration for this workshop is requested. Participants who register will be able to report any code or zoning concern or inquire about any existing code violation.

Info: 404-330-6044.

KENT A. MILES

New students register for APS coming year

Parents or guardians of students new to the Atlanta Public Schools can register for the coming school year July 23, 24 and 25 from 9 a.m.-noon and July 28 from 2-5 p.m. at your local school. Info: www.atlantapublicschools.us/Page/41495.

LEA HOLLAND

Choral Guild holding auditions

Auditions for the Choral Guild of Atlanta will take place at St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church, 1978 Mount Vernon Road in Dunwoody. Auditions will be ongoing on an individual basis as arranged between the singer and director.

Rehearsals begin Aug. 18.

Information: auditions@cgatl.org

KENT A. MILES

COBB

Smyrna terminates city’s first woman fire chief

Smyrna has fired Paige Day, the city’s first woman fire chief hired by the City Council in December. Day is appealing her termination.

Day, a firefighter since 1999, was fire chief over training and operations in Missouri City, Texas, before heading the Smyrna Fire Department.

City Manager Eric Taylor would not disclose the reason for the firing, saying it was a personnel issue.

Roy Acree was named acting chief of the Smyrna Fire Department. TUCKER MCQUEEN

School board expected to OK renovation

The Marietta Board of Education expects to approve a $10 million project in September to renovate the 70-year-old Marietta High School stadium on Polk Street.

Architect David Tench gave the board an update this week about plans that include widening the field, replacing visitor stands, electrical and plumbing and building a two-story press box. Construction should begin in November with completion for the 2015 season. Money will come from SPLOST and a school district building fund.

TUCKER MCQUEEN

Powder Springs to hold public tax hearings

Powder Springs property owners may pay increased property taxes by 5.56 percent.

The proposed tax increase for a house with a fair market value of $100,000 is about $17 and nearly $27 for a $150,000 house.

A public hearing will be at 7 p.m. July 21 in the Council Chambers, 4488 Pineview Drive.

Information: cityofpowder springs.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=273. CAROLYN CUNNINGHAM FOR THE AJC

Mentoring seminar planned Saturday

A “No Books, No Ball” seminar for seventh through 12th grade students will be 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday at Marietta Middle School, 121 Winn St.

The program, sponsored by the Marietta Mentoring for Leadership program and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, will detail career possibilities off the playing fields and courts. Students will hear speakers from Fox Sports South, ESPN and the Atlanta Dream.

Information: www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0a48a62fabfb6-nobooks.

TUCKER MCQUEEN

Marietta campground to start 177th season

The Marietta Campground in east Cobb will start its 177th season of summer revival services 7:30 p.m. Friday at 2301 Roswell Road, Marietta. Daily non-denominational services will continue at 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., ending with a morning communion service July 27. The first meeting on the 40-acre site was held in 1837. Information: www.mariettacampmeeting.org. TUCKER MCQUEEN

Fishing Rodeo set for Lost Mountain Park

Cobb Parks’ Natural Resource Management Unit will host the annual free Fishing Rodeo from 9 to 11 a.m. July 26 at Lost Mountain Park, 4845 Dallas Highway, Powder Springs.

Four age divisions will be offered: 3-6, 7-9, 10-12 and 13-16. Trophies will be awarded.

Info: John Purcell, 770-528-8825 or john.purcell@cobbcounty.org.

CAROLYN CUNNINGHAM

DEKALB

Stone Mountain DDA receives accreditation

The city of Stone Mountain Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is an accredited National Main Street Program.

The designation by National Main Street Center, a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation in Washington, D.C., means the DDA has established sustainable revitalization efforts while preserving historic buildings and fostered public/private partnerships.

More than 2,200 downtown and urban areas participate in the National Main Street Center program, which has leveraged more than $59.6 billion in new public and private investment.

ADRIANNE MURCHISON

Junior League to host open house in Decatur

An open house for women interested in joining the Junior League of DeKalb County will take place at 3 p.m. July 27 at league headquarters in the historic Mary Gay House, 716 W. Trinity Place, Decatur.

The Junior League of DeKalb County is committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through action and leadership of volunteers.

Potential new members will have the opportunity to meet current members and learn about the organization, which marks its 80th anniversary this year.

Information: www.jldekalb.org, kelli_gress@yahoo.com or 812-630-0307.

KENT A. MILES FOR THE AJC

Tucker to mark Civil War anniversary

The Tucker Historical Society and Tucker Civic Association will mark the 150th anniversary of the city’s role in the Civil War with events Saturday.

A commemoration of the anniversary will take place at 10 a.m. at the Browning Courthouse in front of the Tucker Recreation Center, 4989 Lavista Road. The historical society will host an open house featuring a series of speakers who will discuss the Civil War period.

The civic association and other community groups will have booths on the front lawn with information about their organizations.

Info: www.tuckercivic.org or www.tuckergahistorical.org KENT A. MILES FOR THE AJC

Debate over DeKalb YMCA continues

A decision on whether DeKalb County should buy

the South DeKalb YMCA for

$5 million has been deferred until at least Aug. 12.

The DeKalb Commission lacked four votes needed to take action during its June 24 meeting.

Under the proposal, the

$5 million in county green space money would pay for YMCA renovations and expansions, and the YMCA would continue operating the facility and charging membership fees.

MARK NIESSE

Input sessions set for renovating schools

City Schools Decatur has set two dates for residential input sessions on the renovation and new construction of Renfroe Middle and Decatur High schools.

Architects and design personnel, selected by CSD, will field questions and suggestions Aug. 14 at the high school and Aug. 19 at Renfroe.

Design plans for both schools should finish by late fall/early winter, with Phase I construction on the high school beginning in January. BILL BANKS

GWINNETT

Lilburn OKS rezoning for multi-use development

Following a public hearing at this week’s city council meeting, Lilburn’s City Council voted unanimously to approve a request by the Yellow Fever Group to rezone property at the corner of Killian Hill and Arcado roads to build a mix of commercial and residential units.

The rezoning was approved with conditions including provisions for 8-foot wide sidewalks along the Arcado and Killian Hill frontages. www.cityoflilburn.com.

KAREN HUPPERTZ FOR THE AJC

Duluth millage rate to remain unchanged

The Duluth City Council voted Monday to keep the 2015 millage rate at 5.991 mills.

With anticipated increased revenue from higher property values, Duluth expects to bring in over $5 million next year. The City Council voted to keep the millage rate unchanged following three public hearings held this month. www.duluthga.net.

KAREN HUPPERTZ

Duluth to repave Longlake Drive

The Duluth City Council has approved the milling, patching and resurfacing of Longlake Drive in the Riverbrook subdivision.

The repairs are the result of improper paving originally. The repairs will be funded with $360,000 in SPLOST funds.

KAREN HUPPERTZ

Dog Daze of Summer celebration in Dacula

Gwinnett Parks and Recreation will celebrate National Park and Recreation Month and the Dog Daze of Summer 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Rabbit Hill Park, 400 Rabbit Hill Road in Dacula. Event is free for the entire family and canine companions. Includes inflatables, kids’ activities, concessions, duck races, and more. Info: 770-822-8840. KAREN HUPPERTZ

Duluth selects awards stormwater contracts

The Duluth City Council has awarded contracts to four providers for on-call stormwater services. Georgia Development Partners, Gary’s Grading, Layne Inliner, and Southern Premier Contractors Inc. will supply the city on-call stormwater services for the next two years. KAREN HUPPERTZ

Kevin Bacon to perform at Sugar Hill fest

Sugar Hill’s 75th Anniversary Celebration Aug. 2 in the city’s downtown area will include food, amusement rides, carnival, music, classic cars and motorcycles, a parade and a 5K race. The evening concludes with a ticketed community dinner and main stage concert featuring Kevin Bacon and the Bacon Brothers. Information: www.sugarhill75th.org or 770-945-6716. KAREN HUPPERTZ

Last day to nominate for Golden Hammer

The Lawrenceville Tourism and Trade Association will accept nominations for the 2014 Lawrenceville Golden Hammer Awards through today. The awards are an annual recognition program for individuals and businesses engaged in renovations remodels and build projects within Lawrenceville. Applications: www.visitlawrenceville.com. KAREN HUPPERTZ

NORTHSIDE

Four hurt in multiple car accident in Cherokee

Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services officials say multiple injuries were reported in a Wednesday accident on Ga. 20 in the Macedonia community.

Spokesman Tim Cavender says a tractor-trailer, two pickup trucks and a car were involved in the wreck, which closed the road for several hours.

Most seriously injured was the 15-year-old driver of one of the pickups, who was life-flighted to Grady Hospital in Atlanta.

MARK WOOLSEY

Cumming lane shift schedule moved up

Georgia DOT officials say a traffic lane shift on a major intersection improvement project in Cumming will happen more quickly than planned. All lanes of Ga. 9 at Ga. 141/Bethelview Road, plus turning lanes onto Ga. 141, will now open Saturday overnight. The shift had been planned for overnight Sunday. Crews will then finish paving on Ga. 141. All work on the $5 million project is scheduled to finish by July 29. MARK WOOLSEY FOR THE AJC

Canton dismisses ethics complaint

Canton resident Anthony Potts says he’s “very disappointed” that a city ethics committee dismissed his complaint against City Manager Glen Cummins. Potts claimed that since Cummin had been simultaneously a City Council member and acting city manager, he should not have been allowed to take part in the city manager selection process earlier this year. The committee consisting of the city attorney and two Council members concluded the complaint was moot, in that Cummins is no longer a Council member, and thus not subject to the ethics ordinance.

MARK WOOLSEY FOR THE AJC

Forsyth schools seeking input

Forsyth school officials have scheduled three meetings to garner public input on the district’s Comprehensive LEA Improvement Plan. The yearly plan is required for the district to get funding, and includes programs for migratory and neglected children and a teacher quality initiative. Meetings are set 6 p.m. Monday at Midway Elementary, 12:30 pm. Tuesday at Cumming Elementary and 8:30 a.m. July 28 at Little Mill Middle School. Information: forsyth.k12.ga.us MARK WOOLSEY

Reinhardt student wins national kudos

A local student at Reinhardt University in Waleska recently earned top national honors at the Phi Beta Lambda competition for future business leaders in Nashville.

Alexander Bryant, a senior marketing major from Canton, placed first in the presentation for nonprofit management, second in business presentation and eighth in sales presentation. TUCKER MCQUEEN

21 students win merit scholarships in Fulton

Nearly two dozen students at North Fulton high schools have been named National Merit Scholars in the competition’s 2014 final round, also earning merit scholarships from participating colleges. The 2014 graduates are from Alpharetta, Chattahoochee, Centennial, Johns Creek, North Springs, Northview and Roswell high schools. MARK WOOLSEY

SOUTHSIDE

Niagara Bottling hiring 70 workers for new facility

The Georgia Department of Labor will help Niagara Bottling fill 70 jobs for a new facility under construction in Shenandoah Park in Newnan. The facility will package and distribute bottled water. Recruitment is 4-7 p.m. July 31 at the West Georgia Technical College’s Coweta Campus, 200 Campus Drive in Newnan. The company will be recruiting a human resources manager, experienced production supervisors, production operators, injection operators, maintenance mechanics, preventive maintenance mechanics and others. Info: 770-254-7220. KAREN HUPPERTZ FOR THE AJC

Special meeting to set Clayton millage rate

A special called meeting of the Clayton County Board of Commissioners will be held at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, to set and adopt the 2015 fiscal year end millage tax rate. Public comments are welcome at the open meeting.

When the new rate is approved, the tax commisioner is responsible for billing and collection of the tax.

The meeting will be held at the administration building in the Commissoners’ Boardroom, 112 Smith St., Jonesboro. For more information visit www.claytoncountyga.gov.

ADRIANNE MURCHISON

Volunteers needed For half-marathon

The Divas Half Marathon and 5K race taking place Sept. 6 in Peachtree City is looking for volunteers to assist runners. The pink-themed, women-oriented event needs help setting up water stations, handing out tiaras and feather boas, and cheering on participants.

Contact Ana Aguilera at 305-254-8606.

JILL HOWARD CHURCH

Golf cart users get safety reminder

The Peachtree City Police Department is reminding golf cart drivers to obey traffic rules related to other vehicle use.

Following the extrication of a cart that ended up in Lake Kedron after a collision, the city notes that accidents involving property damage over $500 or any type of injury must be promptly reported to authorities. JILL HOWARD CHURCH

Applications taken for housing rehab funds

Fulton County is accepting pre-applications from homeowners seeking housing rehabilitation assistance.

Low- and moderate-income homeowners can apply for deferred payment loans to bring substandard, single-family, owner-occupied properties into compliance with federal regulations and county codes. The Housing Rehabilitation Program funds are made available annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Deadline: July 31. Information. www.fultoncountyga.gov or 404-613-7944. KENT A. MILES

Fayette seeks recreation advisers

Fayette County’s Recreation Commission has two volunteer openings. The five-member board meets monthly to review and evaluate programs, facilities and policies in order to make recommendations about ongoing needs. One term expires in March 2016 and another in May 2018; contact fjones@fayettecountyga.gov or call 770-305-5102 to apply by Thursday.

JILL HOWARD CHURCH FOR THE AJC