County by county for Thursday

2-year-old hit, killed by van identified

The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s office Wednesday identified the toddler struck and killed by a daycare van in southwest Atlanta Tuesday

afternoon as 2-year-old Brandy Buffington. Investigators believe the van had dropped off children in the 700 block of University Avenue and was backing up when the driver struck the girl, according police. Buffington had not been a passenger on the van, police said. Alexis Stevens

WWII photos to show at the Lovett School

A rare collection of photographs from the Jewish ghetto in Warsaw during World War II will be displayed at the Lovett School in Buckhead from March 17 to April 30. "In the Ghetto of Warsaw: Heinrich Jöst's Photographs," will show images taken by Jöst, a sergeant in the German army who became curious about corpses he saw lying along the ghetto walls. The exhibit will be open to the public, and Holocaust survivor Norbert Friedman will share his stories on April 24. Mark Niesse

Donors invited to buy bricks for garden

Inscribed bricks are being sold through March 31 to raise money for the Edgewood Community Learning Garden, 1503 Hardee St. The Zeist Foundation and the Wylde Center are partnering in this campaign. The bricks will be used for a main walkway . Info : wyldecenter.org. Kent A. Miles

COBB

Public transit concepts to be presented next week

Public transit ideas for South Cobb will be presented at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday during the Cobb County Board of Commissioners work session, 100 Cherokee St., Marietta. Connetics Transportation Group, a consultant hired by Cobb Community Transit, will define three to four conceptual alternatives, develop recommendations and prepare an implementation plan for consideration by the commissioners in the spring. This effort builds on the 2013 Flex Bus analysis and the 2011 CCT Service and Marketing Study. Info: District 4 Commissioner Lisa Cupid, lisa.cupid@cobbcounty.org or 770-528-3312. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Free talk Saturday on Atlanta Campaign

Michael Shaffer, assistant director of the Civil War Center at Kennesaw State University, will talk about the Atlanta Campaign at a free lecture 2 p.m. Saturday at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park Visitor Center off Old Highway 41. The lecture is part of a series of talks leading to the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain in June. Information; 770-427-4686. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Questions will follow mayor’s speech tonight

Powder Springs Mayor Patricia C. Vaughn will deliver her annual “State of the City” address at 7 tonight at the Patricia C. Vaughn Cultural Arts Center, Ford Center Complex, 4181 Atlanta St. behind the Powder Springs library.

A time for questions will follow her speech, but the event will end at 9 p.m. Information: cityofpowdersprings.org. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Marietta to use funds for park improvement

The Marietta City Council has approved moving $237,380 in unused federal money for slum and blight projects to rehabilitation service delivery and park projects in lower-income areas. The city plans to use the majority of funds to improve handicapped access at Birney Street Park, Grambling Street Park and Blackwell Park. Information: www.marietta.gov. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Business association luncheon Tuesday

Novelist Gerald Gillis will discuss “Seeing the Big Picture” during the West Cobb Business Association’s monthly luncheon meeting from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at Lost Mountain Baptist Church, 5400 Old Dallas Road, Powder Springs.

The sponsor will be American Legion Post 304 with A Slice of Life as the caterer and Lost Mountain Golden Kiwanis Club as the Nonprofit of the Month.

Pre-event: $15, members; $20, nonmembers. Day-of: $20, members; $25, nonmembers.

Info: www.geraldgillis.com, westcobbbusiness.com/events.html#luncheon. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Marietta buys 100 guns for police officers

The Marietta Police Department has purchased 100 Glock Model 42 handguns for officers to use for backup and while off-duty. The department traded in earlier model guns to pay for the latest model.

Seized property through the federal forfeiture asset law paid for gun accessories. Police spokesman David Baldwin said officers are encouraged to carry guns off-duty and have been issued back-up guns since 1998. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

DEKALB

Senate OKs bill to make CEO post nonpartisan

The state Senate has approved a bill that would turn election of the chief executive officer in DeKalb County into a nonpartisan vote.

State Sen. Fran Millar, R-Dunwoody, sponsored Senate Bill 95 so that only counties that have a CEO would elect candidates outside the party primary system. But the bill is specific to DeKalb, which has the state's only elected CEO job. County commissioners in DeKalb would continue to be elected by party, as they are in all Georgia counties. Tuesday's vote on the measure was 29-23, a close margin that prompted a vote to reconsider the bill Wednesday. That vote failed, 17-35, which means the proposal now heads to the state House for consideration. April Hunt

3 men indicted on murder, gang charges

Three DeKalb County men were indicted last week on murder and gang charges for the 2012 shooting death of another teen.

Antarious Angelo Johnson, 19, Malcolm Jamal Wilson, 21, and Marcus Labron Estes, 20, were charged with malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, gun possession and multiple charges of illegal gang activity in connection with the shooting death of Derrick Jamal Linkhorn.

Linkhorn, 19, was reported missing by his family on March 8, 2012, authorities said. His body was found a week later inside a storage shed . Prosecutors say Johnson and Linkhorn knew each other from Elizabeth Andrews High School in Stone Mountain, and believe the shooting stemmed from a dispute. Marcus K. Garner

Extension offering plant sale, 2 seminars

The DeKalb County Cooperative Extension is offering a plant sale this winter and two seminars to encourage citizens to garden. The extension office will accept offers on plants ranging from azaleas to blueberries until March 10. Pickup will be March 22 at the extension office on Memorial Drive near Decatur. The office also will host a free seminar Feb. 25 on ornamental plants and fruit trees, respectively. Information: 404-298-4080 or www.ugaextension.com/DeKalb. April Hunt

Spruill Center to host 6th jewelry show

The Spruill Center for the Arts is hosting the sixth annual Student and Instructor Jewelry Market, 11 a.m. Feb. 23 at the Spruill Education Center, 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody. The public will have the opportunity to purchase hand-crafted items by student and professional jewelry artists.

Admission to the event is free. Info: www.spruillarts.org or 770-394-3447. Kent A. Miles

Superintendent considers longer days

To make up snow days, Decatur schools will add 30 minutes to the end of each school day beginning March 1 through the end of the year. But Superintendent Phyllis Edwards is considering going longer permanently. Edwards said her elementary principals in particular are asking for longer days, especially for physical education, reading and Spanish. Edwards said if parent feedback is favorable, she'll propose the idea to school leadership later in the year. If approved, Decatur schools would remain open for the same number of days. Bill Banks for the AJC

GWINNETT

Tech schools sponsor series for manufacturers

Gwinnett Tech and Georgia Tech are partnering to present: Understanding Your Environmental Footprint, a luncheon event in the Manufacturing Growth Education Series 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, March 13 at The Busbee Center on the campus of Gwinnett Tech. Cost is $15 and includes lunch, networking, presentation and a case study. Manufacturing Supply Chain Council Members receive a $5 discount. Sandra Enciso, project manager for the Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership at Georgia Tech, will speak . Information: 678-294-1579. Registration: www.tinyurl.com/n3xq5mt. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Lions Club Park to hold grand opening

Gwinnett in partnership with the Greater Lilburn Athletic Association will celebrate the grand opening of Lions Club Park, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 8 at 5500 Rockbridge Circle in Lilburn. Event includes inflatables, crazy hair, face painting and food trucks. Information: 678-277-0179. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Amazing business plan contest deadline Friday

The Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development and UGA Small Business Development Center deadline for 4th Annual Amazing Entrepreneur Business Plan is Friday, Feb. 21.

Contestants enter their small business plan summaries for an opportunity to win prizes to support their start up. Details: www.amazingentrepreneurcontest.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Foundation to sponsor teachers for STEM

As a part of the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center's STEM partnership with local schools, the GEHC Foundation has agreed to fund a team of teachers from partner schools to participate in a summer 2014 STEM teacher immersion program focusing on beach ecology June 16–20 through the University of Texas Marine Science Institute at Port Aransas, Texas. All teachers at participating STEM partnership schools are eligible to apply. Applications due by 5 p.m. March 1. Information: www.gwinnettehc.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Seniors can learn computer skills

The Gwinnett SenioR Learning Center is offering computer classes for adults ages 50 and up covering basic and advanced skills 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, March 25 at Bethesda Park Senior Center, 225 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville and March 26 at George Pierce Park Community Center, 55 Buford Highway, Suwanee. Classes will include Internet, email and photo editing instruction. Information: www.gsrlc.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Sculptures from recycling sought

The Norcross ArtsXchange is looking for sculptures made of recycled materials to participate in ReImagine, a public art contest.

Selected work will be exhibited throughout Norcross parks and green spaces, to be unveiled in conjunction with Earth Day 2014.

Information: www.aplacetoimagine.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Cherokee commissioners extend demolition delay

The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners this week voted to extend a temporary moratorium on demolition of some historic structures for an additional 90 days. That came in response to the filing for a demolition permit for the historic Bell's Store in Buffington. Had commissioners not acted, county development officials would have been required to issue one. A local group is working on moving and saving the store, as commissioners continue considering a historic preservation ordinance. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Cherokee communities make safest cities list

Three Cherokee County communities have made the Safewise list of the 50 safest cities in Georgia of more than 5,000 population. Holly Springs scored fourth on the list, Canton came in at 11th and Woodstock landed at 25th. Safewise, a company that provides resources and reviews on safety and security products, ranked cities based on 2012 FBI crime statistics, plus research into safety initiatives. Mark Woolsey

Woodstock plans Arbor Day tree giveaway

In observance of Arbor Day, Woodstock city officials will be giving away 800 tree seedlings. It's set for 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday at the Woodstock Visitors Center, 8588 Main St.; Magnolia Hall, 108 Arnold Mill Road; the City Hall Annex, 12453 Ga. 92 and the Woodstock Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road. Giveaway varieties will include Dogwoods, Crape Myrtles and Red Maples. Info: 770-924-0406. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Qualifying set for Johns Creek election

Qualifying for the special election to fill City Council Posts 4 and 6 in Johns Creek is scheduled for early next month. It's set for 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. March 3 through 5 in the city clerk's office at City Hall, 12000 Findley Road. Each candidate must meet Johns Creek charter and code regulations, and pay a qualifying fee of $450. The special election is set for May 20. Info: 678-512-3212. Mark Woolsey

Water quality workshops in Forsyth

Keep Forsyth County Beautiful will host a series of workshops to educate residents on how to protect local waterways through the Adopt-A-Stream program. Two free workshop courses will be offered, covering biological, chemical and bacterial certification that will allow attendees to report water quality data . The first workshop is set for 9 a.m.-1 p.m. March 1 at the Central Park Recreation Center, 2300 Keith Bridge Road, Cumming. More information/to register: kdsmith@forsythco.com. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Free heart screening set in Forsyth

Northside Hospital's Heart and Vascular Institute is offering a free screening to determine the risk of cardiovascular disease. The screening will include an overall risk assessment, blood pressure reading, cholesterol testing and a body mass index analysis. It's set for 9 a.m.-noon March 8 in the Northside Hospital-Forsyth Education Center, 1200 Northside Forsyth Drive, Cumming. Call for required registration: 404-845-5555. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

SOUTHSIDE

Peachtree City ranked among safest in country

Two national websites have designated Peachtree City as among the safest communities in the country. Safewise.com named the city the fifth safest in Georgia among populations of more than 5,000.

Neighborhoodscout.com ranked Peachtree City the 86th safest U.S. city with 25,000 residents or more.

Calculations were based on FBI statistics for property and violent crimes per 1,000 people. Jill Howard Church

County declares state of emergency

The Fayette County Board of Commissioners voted Monday to declare a state of emergency in the county following the Feb. 11 ice storm. The commission says the snow and ice "caused widespread damage" and put "considerable strain" on county departments and resources. The declaration makes Fayette eligible for state and federal assistance. Jill Howard Church

Parent meeting for new sports league Saturday

Officials with the Commissioner Bruce Holmes Athletic Association will be hosting a special parent information meeting at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Fairview Recreation Center, 35 Austin Road in Stockbridge, regarding the T.R.U.E. Warriors NFL Flag Football League. Registration is open to players ages 5-12 and the registration fee is $75, which includes an official NFL flag jersey. Information: 678-353-8925 or www.truewarriorsonline.com. Monroe Roark

Henry fire department servicing hydrants in March

Henry County firefighters will begin annual servicing of fire hydrants March 1. A typical maintenance cycle lasts two to three months. If you see firefighters working with hydrants in your area, you could experience a change in your water clarity. If you notice that your water is not as clear as normal, simply run your water until it runs clear . If your water does not clear up, call 770-288-6600. Hydrants are serviced 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays. Monroe Roark

Araghi joins Piedmont Henry program

Ali Araghi, M.D. recently joined the Intensivist program at Piedmont Henry Hospital. He earned his medical degree from Tehran University, completing residencies in internal medicine there and at Wayne State University in Detroit. The Intensivist program at Piedmont Henry is overseen by physicians who specialize in treating patients in the hospital's critical care units. Information:www.piedmonthenry.org. Monroe Roark

Taste of Southern Crescent on Saturday

A variety of restaurants from College Park, East Point, Fayetteville, Forest Park, the Camp Creek and Southlake Mall areas and other parts of the southside will be featured at a Taste of Southern Crescent, beginning at 2 p.m. Saturday. The event will be held at North Clayton High School, 1525 Norman Dr. in College Park. Tickets are $10, which covers the food tasting and a silent auction. Proceeds will go to North Clayton High School Athletics Department and the 100 Black Men of South Metro Rites of Passage Academy. Tammy Joyner