County by county news for Friday

The draft permit may be viewed 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. weekdays at Austell City Hall, 2716 Broad St. SW, and Powder Springs City Hall, 4484 Marietta St. By 4:30 p.m. Feb. 28, public comments may be emailed to EPDComments@dnr.state.ga.us with “Draft Permit GAS000XXX” in the subject line. Information: Glen.Behrend@dnr.state.ga.us to request a copy of the permit or 404-675-6240. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Musuem to offer free day Saturday

The Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History will not charge admission 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m Saturday at the museum, 2829 Cherokee St. in downtown Kennesaw. The museum’s permanent exhibits and the replica of the Glover Works locomotive factory will be open. Information: www.southern museum.org. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Marietta appoints board members

The Marietta City Council has reappointed Terry Lee for four years to the Marietta Board of Lights and Water. Ray Buday, Ron Francis, George Bentley and Lee were also reappointed for two years to the board of directors for the Marietta Redevelopment Corporation. Information: www.mariettaga.gov. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

La Societa Italiana to hold fundraiser

La Societa Italiana will host its annual Carnevale fundraiser at 6:30 p.m. March 1 at the Marietta Country Club, 1400 Marietta Country Club Drive, Kennesaw. The charity event benefits the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Home in Atlanta.

Information: 770-889-4625. Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Bids for leisure activity pool due Thursday

Bids are due by noon Thursday for the family leisure pool at Wild Horse Creek, 3820 Macedonia Road, Powder Springs with the pool’s opening scheduled next year.

Meanwhile, the pool in Powder Springs Park, 3899 Brownsville Road, will remain open this year but be closed and filled in next year.

Bids must be submitted to the Cobb County Purchasing Department, 100 Cherokee St., Suite 260, Marietta.

The work will involve more parking, a building demolition and the construction of a new bath house building and the pool with a lazy river, two slides and more water features.

Information: Michael Higdon, Lyman Davidson Dooley, Inc., 770-850-8494 or higdonm@lddi-atl.com. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Authority to hold monthly meeting

The South Cobb Redevelopment Authority will hold its monthly meeting at 9 a.m. today at the South Cobb Government Center, 4700 Austell Road, Austell.

The authority can issue low-interest bonds to assist private land development in South Cobb by lowering the cost of redevelopment projects and also can buy, sell, consolidate or leverage land resources to promote redevelopment activity.

Information: Cobb Economic Development Coordinator Sabrina Young, 770-528-1009. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

GWINNETT

Duluth’s Gateway sculpture given name

The artwork selected for placement in the middle of Duluth’s roundabout on McClure Bridge Road has been named: Ascension. The Duluth Public Art Commission and artist Michael Dillon feel the name captures the sculpture’s spirit reflecting Duluth’s rich history and vision for the future.

This initial site-specific project is one of many public art pieces Duluth hopes to commission to enhance the city. An unveiling ceremony is planned for 11 a.m. April 9. Information:www.duluthga.net. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Free prenatal care for uninsured women

The Good Samaritan Center of Gwinnett is offering ree prenatal care visits to uninsured pregnant women on Tuesday afternoons during the mother’s first 14 weeks of pregnancy. The agency will help moms-to-be locate other obstetric and delivery services after 14 weeks. Appointments: 678-280-6630. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Lilburn to dedicate greenway trail

Residents are invited at 10 a.m. Saturday to the dedication of the Camp Creek Greenway Trail as a National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat. After the dedication, the Ladybugs Garden Club will invite volunteers, or those interested in learning more, to join them for trail maintenance. Information: www.cityoflilburn.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Buford invites public input on city plan

Buford hosts a workshop to discuss its five year update to the city’s comprehensive plan 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall, 2300 Buford Highway. Discussion topics will include overall city goals, needs, and opportunities as well as the future development vision. A second public meeting will be held on March 18 to present the draft plan at an open house, prior to its finalization.

Questions: Amanda.Hatton@jacobs.com or www.cityofbuford.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Volunteers sought to stencil storm drains

Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful has launched a storm drain stenciling program to educate the public about nonpoint source pollution, which includes runoff, seepage, or drainage of harmful pollutants such as fertilizers, insecticides, oil, toxic chemicals, pet waste, and more into our streams and rivers.

Through the program, volunteers stencil “No Dumping… Leads to Streams” on catch basins and distribute informational door hangers shaped like fish to all homes in their subdivision.

To volunteer: www.gwinnettcb.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Lilburn park accepting pavilion reservations

Lilburn is now accepting reservations for the Gartrell Nash Pavilion located near the playground in Lilburn City Park. The 4,200-square-foot open air, covered pavilion includes four built-end grills and picnic table seating for approximately 160 people. Reservations: City Hall, 76 Main St. or www.cityoflilburn.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Scrabble fundraiser for literacy this Saturday

Literacy Forsyth will hold its third annual Scrabble competition, Words with Forsyth, to benefit the group’s GED scholarship program from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday at the Forsyth Conference Center, 3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd, Cumming. Both recreational team and individual competition will be featured. Registration: $10 individual, $20 team. Information: literacyforsyth@gmail.com or 7770-876-2011 Mark Woolsey for the AJC

New middle school on the way in Cherokee

The Cherokee County Board of Education has cleared the way for a new/replacement Dean Rusk Middle School in the Hickory Flat area. Board members voted unanimously to accept a $38.6 million low bid from Womack, Lewis and Smith Construction. The new campus, set to open in August 2016, is being funded by SPLOST revenue. The school will be able to house 1,600 students and is designed to relieve growth-related overcrowding. Mark Woolsey

60 companies in Forsyth career expo

More than 60 companies will look to fill jobs at an upcoming career expo 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 25 at Lanier Tech’s Forsyth campus, 3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Cumming. Manufacturing, computer, health care and retail employers will be on hand. Job seekers can join a live chat with experts on resumes, interviews and other job-hunting topics.

Information: swat@gdol.ga.gov  Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Woodstock council names Kindness Day

The Woodstock City Council wants to continue a tradition of good deeds by passing a resolution establishing Wednesday as “Random Acts of Kindness Day” in memory of Gabriel Sierra, the 1-year-old grandson of Woodstock Fire Chief David Soumas, who died of a rare form of brain cancer in 2012. Soumas’ family said that the “help Gabriel” movement inspired many kind gestures, and that this is a way of paying it forward. Mark Woolsey FOR ajc

Registration open for Warthog fun run

Registration is under way for the fourth annual Wiphan Warthog Waddle and 1K Fun Run, at 8 a.m.Saturday at the Fellowship Bible Church, 480 W. Crossville Road, Roswell.

Proceeds from the event will provide educational services, school lunches and medical care to more than 500 orphans.

Information: www.active.com or www.wiphan.org Kent A. Miles

Historical society seeks award nominees

The Cherokee County Historical Society is seeking nominees for its 2014 Historic Preservation Awards. To be nominated, sites or structures have to be at least 50 years old and exhibit outstanding historic preservation success.

The awards will be given out at the group’s annual banquet March 21 at the Northside Hospital Cherokee Conference Center, 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton. Nomination forms: rockbarn.org.

Information: 770-345-3288. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

Police impersonator targeted Hispanics

Police are looking for victims of a law enforcement impersonator who targeted the Hispanic community, authorities said .

An arrest has been made in the case. A man told authorities that he was approached Jan. 31 in the Underground Atlantaarea by someone he believed was an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent. The suspect was wearing a badge and had a gun.

The fake officer demanded that the victim give him $400 or he would be arrested for being in the country illegally

Anyone who has been a victim of the scheme should call 404-658-7055. Angel K. Brooks

Students hold day of service at King’s school

Students, volunteers and educators learned about community service, conservation, food access, health and homelessness on Martin Luther King Day at Washington High, where King attended high school.

The group of more than 60 people also picked up trash in the area, and they created hygiene kits for the homeless and the elderly. Mark Niesse

Dental Dash at Dawn 5K race on March 8

The DDD Foundation, an organization that makes dental care available to people with developmental disabilities, is sponsoring the Dental Dash at Dawn 5K 8 a.m. March 8 at Historic Fourth Ward Park, 680 Dallas St.

The race is an AJC-Peachtree Road Race qualifier. Early registration is $25, $30 on race day.

Information: www.dddfoundation.org/2014-dental-dash-at-dawn. Kent A. Miles for the AJC

New date for library ground breaking

Ground breaking for the Palmetto branch of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System has been rescheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday at 9111 Cascade Palmetto Highway. The Jan. 30 date was canceled due to snow.

The 10,000-square-foot library is part of the first phase of the library building program approved by Fulton voters in 2008. Information: www.afpls.org Kent A. Miles for the AJC

DEKALB

Art exhibit through March 31 in Dunwoody

The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta is hosting the Dunwoody Fine Art Association member show through March 31 in the Katz Family Main Street Gallery, 5324 Tilly Mill Road. Admission is free to the public.

This year’s show, titled “Key to Dunwoody,” features the historic Spruill Farmhouse. Twenty-seven artists created their interpretations of the farmhouse and Dunwoody itself for the exhibit.

Information: www.atlantajcc.org or 678-812-4071. Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Westchester hires principal

City Schools Decatur announced that Rochelle Lofstrand, currently assistant principal at Decatur High, will run Westchester Elementary when it opens in August. A 16-year veteran in education, counting two years teaching science in Namibia in the Peace Corps, this is Lofstrand’s first assignment as principal. She worked 11 years at North Springs Charter High in Fulton County before coming to Decatur High in December 2010. Westchester, which dates to the 1950s, has been closed for 10 years. Bill Banks for the AJC

Federal park fees meeting next week

The U.S. Forest Service’s Recreation Advisory Committee for the southern region will meet later this month in Decatur.

Those interested in the proposal to levy recreation fees on federal park land are invited to the public session at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Courtyard Marriott in downtown Decatur.

Written comments are also accepted via the Committee Coordinator, P.O. Box 1270, Hot Springs, AR 71902.

Information: 501-321-5318. Bill Banks for the AJC

Residents urged to sign up for CodeRED

With severe weather often coming on quickly, DeKalb County residents are urged to sign up for the county’s high-speed notification system, CodeRED.

This emergency notification system has the ability to quickly deliver time-sensitive messages via voice, email, and text to targeted areas or the county during emergency situations or disasters.

To sign up, go to www.dekalbcountyga.gov and follow the link to the CodeRED Community Notification Enrollment page or call 770-270-0413 8 a.m.to 5 p.m. weekdays. Arlinda Smith Broady

Grant to fund study of potential bike lanes

Avondale Estates was recently awarded a $50,000 grant by the Atlanta Regional Commission to fund a feasibility study of a road diet along US 278 from Sams Crossings to just past North Clarendon Avenue.

The long-term goal is to make that stretch more bicycle and pedestrian friendly, including one scenario of reducing 278 to two automobile traffic lanes.

Total cost is $62,500 counting the city’s 20 percent match. Bill Banks for the AJC

DeKalb wastewater plant gets honors

DeKalb County’s Snapfinger Creek wastewater facility recently earned top honors from the Georgia Association of Water Professionals for its safety program and record.

The county is expanding Snapfinger as part of its sewer overhaul. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

McDonough earns 2013 Tree City USA designation

McDonough has received a 2013 Tree City USA award as well as a Growth Award from the Arbor Day Foundation by meeting four requirements: a tree board or department; a tree care ordinance; an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita; and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. The Tree City USA Growth Award was awarded for demonstrating environmental improvement and a higher level of tree care.

Information: www.arborday.org/TreeCityUSA. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Henry school board approves calendar

The Henry County Board of Education approved a 177-day student calendar for the 2014-15 school year.

The first day of classes is scheduled for Aug. 4. There will be one-week breaks in October, February and April, as well as the week of Thanksgiving.

Information: www.henry.k12.ga.us. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Commissioner hosts town hall Saturday

Henry County Commissioner Bruce Holmes will host his monthly town hall meeting at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Fairview Recreation Center, 35 Austin Road in Stockbridge.

This month’s meeting will feature a varied slate of topics with elected officials including state Sen. Emanuel Jones and state Reps. Demetrius Douglas, Sandra Scott, Pam Stephenson and Brian Strickland. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Dam projects prompt road and path closings

Repair work on two Peachtree City dams will cause road and cart path closures for several months.

Portions of Kedron Drive will be shut down through October, and the path near Rockspray Pond will be detoured until mid-September.

Signs will be posted in both areas, and golf carts may not use Peachtree Parkway.Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Tutoring help available in McDonough

Operation Education, a program to assist local students in need of tutoring, is holding free tutoring services at 10 a.m. Saturday mornings at 1900 Pennsylvania Ave., McDonough.

One-on-one tutoring, education services and organizational and test-taking skills help will be available.

Information: www.ebotutoring.com or 770-288-8595. Kent A. Miles 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.

Information: 770-487-7657 or info@peachtree-city.org. Jill Howard Church for the AJC