County by county for Saturday

Adriel Noel Mann, 34, was found guilty by a Cobb County jury of one count of aggravated child molestation and innocent of a second and similar charge.Mann is scheduled to appear before Cobb Superior Court Judge James Bodiford on Aug. 22 for sentencing. He is expected to be sentenced to life without the possibility of parole based on his record — five prior felony convictions for burglary and grand larceny, Assistant District Attorney Susan Treadaway said. Nancy Badertscher

Chickens okayed in Powder Springs

The Powder Springs City Council voted 4-1 Tuesday to allow Lorena Linares to keep her backyard chicken - after she said she had to pay around $460 in city application fees for this two-year special use permit.

City Council also approved 4-1 a new law to allow backyard chickens with numerous restrictions.

No roosters or crowing hens, no slaughtering “on site,” no odors, no nuisance and no pollution or other negative effects would be allowed. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Recruiters wanted for Sept. 11 job fair

Marietta is looking for employers to recruit at an annual job fair scheduled 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 11 at the Cobb County Civic Center, 548 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta. The Marietta/Cobb Career Expo is sponsored by Marietta, Cobb County, the Cobb Chamber of Commerce and Georgia Department of Labor. Information: www.mariettaga.gov. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Austell to set tax rate Monday

The Austell City Council will hold a public hearing and a vote to set this year’s millage rate at 6 p.m. Monday in the Council Chambers, Austell City Hall, 2716 Broad St. during a special called meeting.

The proposed rate is 4 mills - the same as it was last year.

The rate was 3.123 mills from 2008 through 2011. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Marietta to adopt millage rate Thursday

Marietta's City Council plans to adopt a millage rate of 2.788 at a meeting 5:15 p.m. Thursday at City Hall, 205 Lawrence St., Marietta. Although the $48.8 million general budget adopted last month reflects an increase of 1.4 percent, the millage rate will remain the same as last year's. The 2014 fiscal year started July 1. Information: www.mariettaga.gov. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Marietta offers citizens police academy

The Marietta Police Department is announcing the upcoming session of its annual Citizens Police Academy. This program provides an opportunity for citizens of Marietta to see what it is like to be a police officer. There is no charge for the 10-week program, which begins Sept. 3. Classes will be held every Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., with graduation on Nov. 13. The academy is open to Marietta residents and businesspeople, pending a background check. Applications are available at the Marietta Police Department, 240 Lemon St. Info: 770-794-5353 orgingram@mariettaga.gov . Nancy Badertscher

GWINNETT

Peachtree Corners talks comprehensive plan

Peachtree Corners invites residents to attend a Comprehensive Plan Community Meeting 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Peachtree Corners City Hall, 147 Technology Parkway.

The committee is working toward finalizing the City’s first comprehensive plan.

Regular updates: www.peachtreecornersplan.blogspot.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Duluth election packets available

Qualifying Packages for the upcoming election are now available on the Duluth Elections page at www.duluthga.net. Qualifying begins Aug. 26 at 8:30 a.m. and concludes Wednesday, Aug. 28 at 4:30 p.m. in the office of the City Clerk at Duluth City Hall, 3167 Main Street. Current info online, or call Election Superintendent, Teresa Lynn or Assistant Superintendent, Kristin McGregor at 770-476-3434. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Restaurant Week participants revealed

Explore Gwinnett has announced the final list of participants in the 2013 Gwinnett Restaurant Week Monday through Thursday. In its seventh year, Gwinnett Restaurant Week features 15 restaurants, each offering a three-course meal for just $21.21 (plus tax and gratuity). Lisa Anders, Executive Director of Explore Gwinnett, said, "the large majority of our restaurants are independently owned, and we worked very hard this year to incorporate some new establishments that many people haven't tried yet." Info: www.gcvb.org/restaurantweek/. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Lizards are leaping at GEHC

The Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center invites the public to learn more about lizards that inhabit our part of Georgia each Saturday and Sunday through July at 2020 Clean Water Drive in Buford. Discover how lizards use camouflage to avoid predators, make a fun craft, and go on a hike to try and spot natives lizards. Info: www.gwinnettEHC.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Volunteers wanted for focus group

Duluth seeks residents interested in serving as a focus group noon to 1 p.m. July 30 in the City Hall Main Street Conference Room to discuss the topic, "It's 5 o'clock Somewhere." Participants will discuss ideas for "After 5" attractions in downtown Duluth. www.duluthga.net. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Monstrous fun to be at Suwanee Town Center

Suwanee Performing Arts presents Shrek The Musical and Shooby Doo, an original music mystery, at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The Suwanee performances mark the first amateur production of Shrek The Musical in Georgia. Performances are free, but donations will be requested. “Swamp” tickets are $10 and available at Town Center Park beginning at 4 p.m. on performance dates. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Forsyth Board adopts millage rates for 2014

The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners has adopted the millage rates that will be used to fund the 2014 budget.

The rates will not change, with the total amount set at 7.656 for the fourth consecutive year.

The 2014 budget is under preparation now, with adoption set for October.

Commissioners got a preliminary budget document June 11. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Seniors get voucher program for a ride

Senior Services North Fulton has launched a new transportation voucher program for older adults who are unable to drive. Get Around Town Easily provides adults over the age of 60 with transportation service in Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell or Sandy Springs.

The service will offer affordable options for accomplishing personal errands, shopping, visiting and medical trips.

Information: 770-993-1906, Ext. 242. Patrick Fox

Graduates named Merit Scholars

The National Merit Scholarship Corp. has announced that 23 recent Fulton County high school graduates were named college-sponsored National Merit Scholars.

They are: Elizabeth A. Carter, Naveena Karusala and Lauretta Y. Zhao, Alpharetta High School; Catherine Stephens and Jenny J. Wang, Centennial High; Caroline Guan, Thomas E. Pitzel, Jay A. Reynolds, Daniel S. Yoon, Chattahoochee High; Philip N. Barker, Jenny Di and Eunice H. Shin, Johns Creek High; Hayden B. Arnold, James P. Nugent and Diana Xu, Milton High; Ilene M. Baker and Michael A. Hochman, North Springs Charter High; Abhay Aluri, Harris L. Gu, Hanna Han, Aino V. Rainio, Roland Wen and Peggy Xu, Northview High.

Fulton now has a total to 69 National Merit Scholars for 2013. Nancy Badertscher

Group brings mobile food bank to Cumming

The Georgia Mountain Food Bank is partnering with the First Christian Church and the MSG Foundation to bring a mobile food bank to Cumming. The drive is part of the MSG Foundation’s Summer Bags of Love Program as area children prepare to return to school.

The event will run from 9 to 11 a.m. Aug. 3 at the church, 1270 Sawnee Drive, Cumming.

Information: 770-889-2859 or www.msgfound.org. Patrick Fox

Barbershop to host autism fundraiser

V’s Barbershop Sandy Springs will host an autism fundraiser from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. today at the shop, located in the Hammond Springs Shopping Center, 5975 Roswell Rd., Ste. E-357, Sandy Springs. Local restaurants will provide food, and free golf lessons and giveaways will be available.

Donations will be accepted and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Marcus Autism Center, a non-profit dedicated to the treatment of children with autism and related disorders.

Information: www.vbarbershop.com or 678-819-7826. Veronica Fields Johnson

ATLANTA

Airport completes Concourse D expansion

Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport this month completed a two-year, $47 million expansion on Concourse D, adding 91,000 square feet along with more elevators and escalators.

Concourse D, built decades ago for smaller planes, is narrower than other concourses at the Atlanta airport and had less space for concessions. The expansion of the concourse’s midpoint is aimed at fixing problems of congestion, cramped quarters and lines for escalators and elevators to and from the people-mover train.

The concessions for the space are not yet complete, but will eventually include new restaurants and shops, including a 40/40 Bar and Lounge. Hartsfield-Jackson general manager Louis Miller said that will also add 200 or 300 more jobs.

Another project is planned to expand the Concourse C midpoint, expanded to be complete by the end of 2014. Kelly Yamanouchi

Service improved for child care searches

The non-profit Quality Care for Children has relaunched its toll-free number, 877-ALL-GA-KIDS (877-255-4254). QCC helped about 25,000 families search and choose child care last year. Information: www.QualityCareforChildren.org or 404-479-4200. Nancy Badertscher

Smoke School of Art to exhibit at library

In collaboration with the Smoke School of Art, an Atlanta-based nonprofit art collective, the Auburn Avenue Research Library, 101 Auburn Ave. N.E., will host a collective exhibition of Smoke School of Art members through Aug. 31. Information: 404-730-4001, ext. 100. Veronica Fields Johnson

Illustrator featured in library exhibit

In collaboration with Gregarious Art Statements, the Auburn Avenue Research Library, 101 Auburn Ave. N.E., will exhibit works by illustrator R. Gregory Christie, the 2013 Ashley Bryan Illustrated Africana Children’s Literature Award winner, through Aug. 25. Information: 404-730-4001, ext. 100. Mea Watkins

DEKALB

New Decatur trails are in design stage

Decatur commissioners approved a conservation easement that opens the door for two trails off Olympic Place which could be finished by late fall. Months ago the commission authorized funding for up to three Olympic Place trails, but so far two are in the preliminary design stage. One will run from the bottom of Olympic (a dead end road) to Ansley Street, the other from the top of Olympic to Meade Road. Both will probably feature a concrete surface. When finished they should take much of the pedestrian traffic off busy College Avenue. Bill Banks for the AJC

Clarkston police to hold Night Out

The Clarkston Police Department is hosting a celebration of the 30th annual “national night out” on Aug. 6. The event will include free food, kids’ activities, public safety vehicle displays and a school supply giveaway. It takes place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Milam Park, 3867 Norman Road. Nancy Badertscher

Free health and wellness fair Saturday

New Life Church, in partnership with several health organizations, will host a free health and wellness expo 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at the church community center, 3592 Flat Shoals Road.

In addition to health screenings, there will be sessions on Obamacare, healthy-cooking demonstrations and a produce market.

Information: 770-322-6262 or www.newlife-atl.org. April Hunt

Donations needed for college-bound kids

A “trunk drive” that seeks to collect gifts for college-bound students in DeKalb County ends July 25.

Donations can include gift cards, household items and toiletries. Gifts will be distributed to 100 needy students who begin their freshman year of college this fall.

Government drop-off spots are the Maloof government building, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur; the DeKalb Superior Court Clerk’s office in the county courthouse on McDonough Street in downtown Decatur; and the Porter Sanford performing arts center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, south of Decatur.

Donations also will be accepted at the 1st Class Barber Shop inside Stonecrest Mall and Nick’s Barber Shop, 4830 Redan Road, near Stone Mountain. Information: 404-964-4936. April Hunt

County to vote on budget, tax rate

The DeKalb County Commission will vote on the midyear budget in later this month. The board also said it will hold the 2013 millage rate steady at 21.21 mills for the unincorporated area.

A public hearing on the budget and millage rate will be 10 a.m. today with a vote expected this evening. April Hunt

Brookhaven to launch police force July 31

Brookhaven will launch a 54-member police force on July 31 — the anniversary of the vote to create Georgia’s newest city.

Officers must complete a two-week training session, starting today, to begin patrols.

Meanwhile, city officials are still negotiating with DeKalb County, which has provided police service in the city since its incorporation in December. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Stockbridge pens deal with theatre group

Stockbridge is betting on Georgia’s longest-running theatre group to help revive its downtown. The city announced Thursday the Academy Theatre would move to the area as part of a three-year public-private partnership. Under the agreement, Academy will provide cultural and leisure services for the city including a variety of theatrical work for children and adults. The Theatre will be in the former First State Bank Operations Center that the city purchased last December. The theatre expects to produce its first theatre series in October. Tammy Joyner

Henry to buy early warning storm sirens

The Henry County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday night to approve the purchase of early warning storm sirens as well as an emergency notification system. The county's current weather sirens were installed in 1995 for a population that is less than half what it is today. The 19 new sirens are expected to be installed within 120 days. Information: www.henrycounty-ga.org. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Lowe’s helps hydrate Fayette police

The Lowe’s store in Fayetteville has donated 25 cases of water to help hydrate recruits at the city’s Junior Police Academy, which will run Monday through Thursday. The 11th annual program teaches middle and high school students about such police procedures as crime scene processing, vehicle stops and defensive tactics. The department said the donation “is very much appreciated.” Jill Howard Church

Clayton police celebrate Night Out

The Clayton County Police Department will join The National Association of Town Watch (NATW) in celebrating its 30th Annual National Night Out event on Aug. 6. This event will take place in the parking lot of the Super Target 1940 Mt. Zion Road in Morrow. National Night Out, is a yearlong community crime prevention campaign. Clayton Police will display literature and police equipment during the event. Tammy Joyner

Peachtree City reschedules fireworks

For reasons both festive and fiduciary, Peachtree City has rescheduled its rained-out July 4 fireworks display for Aug. 30. The City Council of Peachtree City voted to kick off the Labor Day weekend with the event because it would incur financial penalties for canceling altogether and so that firefighters and other city workers will have the remainder of the holiday weekend off. Jill Howard Church

Henry board to discuss SPLOST changes

The Henry County Board of Commissioners has set two upcoming meetings to discuss possible changes to the SPLOST project list being prepared for a fall referendum. The next meetings are set for July 25 and 29 at 6 p.m. The latter meeting will include the mayors and council members from Hampton, Locust Grove, McDonough and Stockbridge so that an intergovernmental agreement can be finalized. All meetings will be held in the Community Room of the Henry County Administration Building, 140 Henry Parkway in McDonough. Monroe Roark for the AJC