COBB
Officials: Arson at inn may be linked to others
The Marietta Fire Department is currently investigating an arson Tuesday at the Sun Inn, 871 Cobb Parkway North. Fire crews found flames leaping from the roof of the two-story motel when they arrived at 2:45 a.m. The blaze caused about $50,000 in damage.
Investigators charged Carlous Deushawn Banks, 37, of Atlanta with first-degree arson for allegedly starting the fire, and they are looking into whether Banks could be linked to other fires in the metro Atlanta area. Anyone with information is asked to contact Assistant Chief Scott Tucker at
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Andria Simmons
South Cobb Drive re-opened after crash
A large portion of South Cobb Drive is re-opened Tuesday morning following a crash late Monday night that knocked down wires, a Cobb police spokesman said.
The south Cobb thoroughfare was closed Monday night from Cobb Parkway to Fairground Street through the morning commute after a truck hit a telephone pole, which required extensive repair. Angel K. Brooks
Marietta middle school honored for academics
Marietta City Schools' Sixth Grade Academy was recognized Tuesday as one of three middle schools in the state named this year as a Georgia Lighthouse School to Watch. State program director Linda Hopping said a total 19 middle schools in Georgia are active in the program that recognizes high-performing middle schools. The national program, sponsored in the state by the Georgia Middle School Association, promotes middle- grades reform. Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Smyrna to hold hearing on road median project
Smyrna will hold a hearing 7 to 9 p.m. today at Taylor-Brawner Park’s Brawner Hall, 3180 Atlanta Road, on the Atlanta Road median project.
The meeting will cover the Ridge Road to Concord Road phase of the $6 million SPLOST project that will add a raised landscaped median and fewer left-turns on Atlanta Road to improve safety. Construction should start in late April.
Information: www.smyrnacity.com. Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Commissioner seeks applicants for boards
Commissioner Lisa Cupid, who serves south Cobb, is accepting applications until Friday from residents in District 4 to serve on a county board or authority.
Applications are available at www.cobbcounty.org/cupid or county facilities in south Cobb.
Information:
,
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Jaime Sarrio
Learning center to help struggling students
Marietta High School has started a program for repeating freshman to help them get back on track academically and increase the school’s graduation rate.
The city high school partnered with the Communities in Schools program to open the QUEST Performance Learning Center that combines an online curriculum and service projects to help 30 ninth-graders currently enrolled to prepare for college and careers.
Marietta High has a graduation rate of 59.1 percent. Tucker McQueen for the AJC
GWINNETT
Moore to manage Gwinnett animal shelter
Sgt. Charles "Chip" Moore has been promoted to the position of manager of the Animal Welfare and Enforcement Section. Moore had been interim manager since early 2012. His leadership over the county animal shelter brought many improvements, including a more robust volunteer program, a new partnership with Homeless Pet Clubs, an improved rescue group outreach program, an increased number of special adoption events, classes for pets and owners, and expanded public education. Moore's efforts led to an increase in pet adoptions and a decrease in euthanasia rates, saving a record breaking 4,543 animals in 2012. Andria Simmons
Duluth officer graduates FBI program
Duluth Police Lt. Jackie Hood joined 267 other law enforcement officers in graduation from the FBI National Academy Program at Quantico, Va. on March 22. Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy Program, held at the FBI Academy, offers 10 weeks of advanced investigative, management, and fitness training for selected officers with proven records as professionals within their agencies. Andria Simmons
Tribute to wounded warriors set for Friday
Peachtree Ridge High School and NFL star Cameron Heyward host the first ever Final Four Wounded Warrior Amputees vs. Atlanta's All Stars Celebrity Challenge 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the high school, 1555 Old Peachtree Road, Suwanee. The event is a chance to honor these men for their service and sacrifice. Admission is $20 for adults, $10 for students in grades 7-12 and free for children, 6th grade and under. Andria Simmons
Blue Trees artist to discuss project
Australian artist, Konstantin Dimopoulos, will discuss his installation of The Blue Trees Project 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Thrasher Park, Norcross.
Those attending will have the opportunity to help make a Wish Tree as well as become a part of the film being produced by students from the Savannah College of Art & Design and Greater Atlanta Christian School.
The exhibit runs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday Visitors are encouraged to grab a paintbrush and participate in the project at no cost.
Information: aplacetoimagine.com/blue-trees. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
SafetySmart Lilburn offering rabies clinic
SafetySmart Lilburn is hosting a rabies clinic from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday in the Lilburn City Hall overflow parking lot, 76 Main St. Cost: $10, cash only. Supplies are limited. Information: www.cityoflilburn.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Juvenile justice jobs focus of career fair
The Georgia Department of Labor will sponsor a free Department of Juvenile Justice veterans job fair from 9 a.m. to noon today at the Aviation Institute of Maintenance, 2025 Satellite Pointe, Duluth. While the primary focus will be on juvenile correctional officers, teachers and registered nurses, a wide range of positions are available. Information: www.djjnewsandviews.org/djjcareers/.Veronica Fields Johnson
NORTHSIDE
Ambulance totalled; no serious injuries
Three people were hurt when an AmeriMed ambulance crashed on northbound Interstate 575 near the Ga. 140 exit ramp early Sunday.
A patient ejected from the rear of the ambulance, and two female medics were hurt.
None of the injuries appeared to be life-threatening. The ambulance was a total loss.
The Georgia State Patrol says the driver lost control negotiating a curve. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Roswell police chief completes training
The Roswell Police Chief, Rusty Grant recently attended the Chief Executive Training Class for newly appointed chiefs of police.
The 60-hour course was administered and provided by the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police, the course is required by state law for all newly appointed heads of law enforcement agencies. Grant, who was appointed March 12, will also be required to attend 20 hours of management/executive level training a year. Andria Simmons
Benefit concert set for meals program
Forsyth County Senior Services is hosting a benefit concert for “high needs” clients in its Meals on Wheels program. It’s set for 7 p.m. Friday at the Sexton Hall Enrichment Center, 2115 Chloe Road. The Air National Guard Band of the South will perform. Money raised will provide household and personal items for clients. Admission is free, donations will be accepted.Info:
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Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Deadline approaches for award nominations
The deadline for nominations for the "Top 10 in 10 Young Professonals to watch" award from the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce is Friday. The chamber seeks to honor 10 professionals age 25-40 considered potential future leaders based on community involvement, professional achievements and longterm goals. Info: cherokeechamber.com. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Forsyth public hearing scheduled for Thursday
The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on proposed changes to the Unified Development Code at 5 p.m. Thursday at the county’s administration building, 110 E. Main St., Cumming. The hearing will address the rezoning application process and vesting rights and seek public comment. Information:
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Michael Alpert for the AJC
Race to help prevent child abuse
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for Children will host a Race Against Child Abuse fundraiser April 13 in honor of Child Abuse Prevention & Awareness Month.
The CASA SuperHero 5K and 1 mile race is at Woodstock First Baptist Church. Registration is $30 for the 5K and $15 for the 1 Mile Fun Run. Info: www.active.com/running/woodstock-ga/casa-superhero-5k-2013.
Court Appointed Special Advocates are adults who advocate for children in the foster care system. Andria Simmons
ATLANTA
Sister Souljah gives book talk at library
Rapper, activist and author Sister Souljah will talk about her latest novel, “A Deeper Love Inside: The Porsche Santiaga Story,” 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the Atlanta-Fulton Central Library, One Margaret Mitchell Square.
The book is a sequel to “The Coldest Winter Ever,” which helped kick off the “Urban Lit” phenomenon, and the fourth novel published by the former Public Enemy member.
Information:
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Johnny Edwards
SPARC health clinic scheduled
The Sadie G. Mays Health and Rehabilitation Center will host a Sickness Prevention Achieved through Regional Collaboration health clinic 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 17 at 1821 Anderson Ave., N.W.
The event, presented by the Fulton County Office of Aging and the Atlanta Regional Commission, will offer health screenings, immunizations, clinical breast exams, colorectal prescreens, etc. Attendees should bring medications to have them examined for drug interactions.
Medicare, nutrition and dental education will be available, as well as healthy snacks, prizes and giveaways.
The first 100 attendees will receive a bag of fresh, Georgia-grown produce. Open to the public; admission is free.
Information: Fulton County Starline,
or visit
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Mea Watkins
Center of Hope hosts court dedication
A court dedication in honor of Tyler Ugolyn, a former NCAA student-athlete who died in the 9-11 terrorist attacks, will take place at 10 a.m. Sunday at The Dunbar Center of Hope, 477 Windsor St.
The Dunbar Center of Hope has received a complete court rehabilitation, including a new court floor, fresh paint, new backboards and additional seating as part of the 4 Courts in 4 Days Program, an annual initiative that takes place in the NCAA Men's Final Four host city by the NCAA and the Tyler Ugolyn Foundation. To learn more about the center, go to www.dunbarchildcare.org/. Mea Watkins
DEKALB
Accreditation agency to visit school board
The leader of the accrediting agency for DeKalb County will meet with the school board Wednesday evening.
Mark Elgart, president and CEO of AdvancED, the parent company of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, will discuss the school district's accreditation issues 6 p.m. today at school district headquarters, 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd., Stone Mountain. SACS placed the district on probation and has threatened to strip accreditation if the board is unable to address management concerns. The agency plans a status report in May. Ty Tagami
Decatur schools, city to hold joint meetings
Decatur officials agreed to joint meetings between the school board and city commission twice a year. Both meetings will be open to the public. These stem from lack of communication regarding the recent revival of at least three apartment projects and their impact on Decatur's already-crowded schools. Even without the apartments, enrollment's projected to nearly double by 2018. Bill Banks for the AJC
Learning for Life Family Series continues
The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension’s Learning for Life Family Series will continues with events aimed toward healthy living, safety and more at the DeKalb Cooperative Extension, 4380 Memorial Dr.
The series is free and open to DeKalb County residents.
Upcoming workshops include: Survival in the City, 10 a.m. to noon, April 20; and An Ounce of Prevention, 10 a.m. to noon, May 18.
Information:
or
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Mea Watkins
Do you look like Sid the Science Kid?
The Fernbank Science Center will host a "Sid the Science Kid" look-a-like contest at 10 a.m. Saturday. The winning "Sid" will receive a Sid the Science Kid stand up cut-out, free family pass to the Discovery Dome Theater Planetarium show, Earth's Wild Ride, and a copy of Sid the Science Kid: The Movie. Tickets $5; $7. Information: fsc.fernbank.edu. Mea Watkins
Recycle household hazardous waste
Keep DeKalb Beautiful’s recycling drive for household hazardous waste is 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at the central transfer station, 3720 Leroy Scott Dr. The event is designed to divert potentially hazardous materials away from Seminole Road Landfill. Equipment accepted: aerosols, batteries, cleaners, flammables, fluorescent lights, lawn-care products, mercury, paints and photo and swimming pool chemicals. Items not accepted include bio-hazards, medical and agricultural waste, pharmaceuticals and non-hazardous waste.
Information: 404-371–2654 or kdb@dekalbcountyga.gov. April Hunt
Expo has conservation workshops
The annual Green Expo is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 20 at Georgia Piedmont Technical College’s conference center, 495 North Indian Creek Road. The expo will feature workshops on conservation and rain barrels and include local green businesses demonstrating eco-friendly products and services.
Information:
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April Hunt
SOUTHSIDE
Fayette meeting will address bridge project
The Fayette County Department of Public Works will conduct a public information open house 5-7 p.m. April 8 at North Fayette Baptist Church, 409 Kenwood Road in Fayetteville, to discuss the upcoming replacement of the Kenwood Road bridge.
County staff will explain the project’s scope and the detour of traffic around Morning Creek.
Information:
or
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Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Police seek Henry County robber
Henry County Police are looking for an armed robber who held up a McDonough grocery store around 4 p.m. Sunday. The masked bandit entered R & K. Grocery at 3200 Jodeco Road, and brandished a knife at the store clerk and demanded money, police said. The man fled with an undisclosed amount of money, police said.
Anyone with information should contact Detective Tom Stott at
or at
, or call Crime Stoppers Atlanta at
to give an anonymous tip.
Marcus K. Garner
Applications open for Taste of Fayette
Vendor applications are now being accepted for the 12th annual Taste of Fayette taking place May 19 in downtown Fayetteville. The event showcases food from local restaurants as well as information about other area businesses and charitable organizations. Booths range from $50 to $100; deadline is May 15. Information:
or
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Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Electronics recycling in McDonough
The city of McDonough is kicking off its Commmunity Recycling Series for 2013 with an electronics recycling event from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, April 6, at 560 Macon Street adjacent to the Food Depot shopping center.
Information: www.mcdonoughga.org. Monroe Roark for the AJC
Henry commission keeps sign moratorium
The Henry County Board of Commissioners has extended its moratorium on the acceptance, review or hearing of applications for sign permits until May 21. The purpose of the moratorium, originally passed in February, was to give staff time to review and update the Unified Land Development Code and address possible safety and nuisance issues created by lighted digital signage.
Information: www.henrycounty-ga.org. Monroe Roark for the AJC
Free CPR/AED training in College Park
College Park’s Fire & Emergency Medical Services is offering two free CPR/AED courses 9 a.m. - noon and 1 - 4 p.m. Saturdays and Wednesdays through April 27 in the College Park Public Safety Building, 3737 College St. The course will focus on situations for work and home, covering the standards of the American Heart Association.
Information:
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Lisa Gibson for the AJC
