COBB
Marietta schools win fresh fruit and vegetables grant
Five Marietta City schools are the recipients of one-year grants awarded by the U.S. Department of Atriculture Fresh Fruit and Vegetable program. Dunleith Elementary will receive $33,005, Hickory Hills Elementary will receive $24, 441, Lockheed will receive $41,670, Park Street will receive 29,650, and Sawyer Road Elementary will receive $37,463 . Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program grants allow school systems to provide low income students with fresh domestic fruits and vegetables each day other than at a meal (breakfast or lunch), and teaches children there are alternate snack choices to high fat, sugar or salt snacks. Staff
New associate dean for Kennesaw State
Kennesaw State’s College of Science and Mathematics has named Jonathan McMurry its first associate dean of research. McMurry, who has a master’s and bachelor’s in biology from the University of North Carolina, and a Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Connecticut, will be instrumental in securing research grants for the school. He came to Kennesaw State in 2006, and was an associate professor of chemistry. “We need to produce good scientists who go on to do great things,” McMurry said. For questions, contact Yolanda Rodriguez at Yolanda@kennesaw.edu, or 770-499-3057. Hannah Morgan
Trash route driver wanted in Marietta
The city of Marietta is hiring a route driver for an assigned residential trash route, who will be responsible for a number of trash-related responsibilities around the area. For more information about the job, www.mariettaga.gov, or 770-794-5571. Applications due by today. Hannah Morgan
County to host Family Fun Safety Day
Cobb County is hosting a “Family Fun Safety Day” 9 a.m. to noon today at the Cobb Safety Village, 1220 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta. Activities include water safety games, finger painting kits and tours of emergency vehicles. Cost is $5 per person, up to $20 per family. Information: 770-852-3270.
Jaime Sarrio
Powder Springs ward lines ready for comment
Powder Springs residents may review, copy and submit comments about the city’s submission to the U.S. Justice Department of proposed changes for three City Council wards.
The plan seeks to equalize population numbers among the city’s wards based upon the 2010 U.S. Census in advance of the Nov. 5 elections.
The plan is available in the office of city clerk Dawn Davis, Powder Springs City Hall, 4484 Marietta St.
Information: City Hall, 770-943-1666. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Bridge tournament to benefit Alzheimer’s
The Ruff ‘N Sluff bridge club is hosting The Longest Day, its annual fundraiser to raise awareness and funds for the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. today at 1809 Roswell Road, Marietta. The event includes Breakfast and Bridge, fun activities including lessons and free food.
Information: rufnsluf@mindspring.com or www.mindspring.com/~ruffnsluff/. Sandra Marshall Murray
GWINNETT
Gwinnett applies for congestion relief funding
The county has applied for $600,000 in state funding to relieve congestion along state routes. The projects, funded under a Georgia Department of Transportation Quick Response contract, will extend left turn lanes at the following locations: on Buford Highway southbound at South Lee Street; on Scenic Highway northbound at Jackson Street; on Grayson Highway northbound at Webb Gin House Road; on Lawrenceville Suwanee Road northbound at Satellite Blvd.; on Beaver Ruin Road eastbound on the west side of the I-85 interchange; and Buford Highway southbound at South Scales Road. Dan Klepal
Lawrenceville authority meets
The Lawrenceville Downtown Development Authority will meet for its monthly meeting 7 to 9 p.m. Monday.
The meeting will be held on the third floor of City Hall, 70 South Clayton Street, Lawrenceville.
Questions: 770-693-2414 or ldda@lawrencevillega.org. Hannah Morgan
Duluth forming arts commission
Duluth is seeking residents interested in forming a nine-member Public Arts Commission to develop the city’s performing arts, maintain its public art collection and commission new works.
Applications are available at duluthga.net and must be submitted by July 15 to the City Manager’s office, 3167 Main St.
Information: 770-476-3434.
Michael Alpert for the AJC
Child development course offered
Gwinnett, in conjunction with Quality Care for Children, will offer a child development credential course for child care teachers and family child care providers from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday and June 29 at the Norcross Human Services Center, 5030 Georgia Belle Court, Norcross.
Cost: $90 registration fee and an additional $130 monthly fee; full scholarships are available.
Information: 404-479-4230. Karen Huppertz
Drug disposal in Lilburn police department
Lilburn has installed a white drug disposal box at its police headquarters lobby, 76 Main St., for disposal of prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
Existence of the always-accessible box is intended to keep unwanted drugs off the street and from contaminating the environment if disposed of in toilets, sinks or trash.
Welcome items include pills, ointments, lotions, epipens, inhalers and veterinary medications. Prohibited items include needles, biohazardous materials and illegal drugs.
Information: 770-921-2210. Michael Alpert for the AJC
Norcross seniors losing utility discount
Norcross residents receiving senior citizen discounts on their city water and sewer bill no longer will receive one, now that billing for the utility has transferred to Gwinnett County to utilize its economy of scale.
Per an agreement last month, the county replaced meters and last week took over billing and customer service for Norcross residents.
Information: 678-421-2027. Michael Alpert for the AJC
NORTHSIDE
County overbills Roswell for taxes
Roswell residents can relax. The Fulton County Assessor’s Office has made an error in its annual assessment notices to Roswell homeowners, overestimating property taxes 10 times higher than the correct amount.
The error would make the property taxes $5,455 on the average home in Roswell assessed at $250,000 instead of the correct amount of $545.50.
The county will be sending Roswell property owners a new notice of assessment. Patrick Fox
ATLANTA
Free testing for national HIV day
Someone Cares Inc. and their community partners will offer free health screenings as part of the annual National HIV Testing Day campaign.
HIV testing, STD screenings and condom distribution will be held midnight to 3 a.m. June 28 at Club Xccess Night Club, 708 Spring St. HIV testing and condom distribution will be held 3 - 7 p.m. at Walgreens, 2320 N. Druid Hills Road on Thursday and June 28 and 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. June 29.
Information: Edwin Blount at 678-921-2706. Veronica Fields Johnson
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
Volunteer effort aiming to clean creek
United by Blue, Half Moon Outfitters and Horny Toad will host a cleanup of Peachtree Creek from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Zonolite Park, 1147 Zonolite Place N.E.
Volunteers will be provided with free breakfast, water, gloves, sunscreen and bug spray.
Volunteers are asked to wear closed-toed shoes. There will be competitions and prizes throughout the day and a chance to meet fellow volunteers.
For sign-up information: 215-642-0693, cleanup@unitedbyblue.com or www.unitedbyblue.com/cleanup/atlanta. Sandra Marshall Murray
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
DEKALB
Man struck, killed trying to cross street
DeKalb County police are investigating a fatal pedestrian accident that occurred during Thursday’s morning commute.
The accident happened about 8:30 a.m. on North Decatur Road at Landover Drive.
Police said the man was attempting to cross North Decatur with a female when he was hit.
One car had stopped to allow them to cross, and another came from the opposite direction and that driver didn’t see the pair.
The driver of the Dodge that struck the man remained on the scene, and is not expected to be charged. Mike Morris
Federal drug agents raid Avondale house
The Drug Enforcement Administration raided a house in Avondale Estates on Wednesday afternoon and found materials used to produce synthetic drugs.
The house, at Rockbridge Road and First Avenue did not appear any different from others nearby. But as children played next door, DEA officials in gas masks carried jugs of chemicals and laboratory glassware into the street.
Rachel Jan Tharp and Patrick Taylor Cossette, who, according to DeKalb County Jail records, live at the house, were booked into the jail Wednesday night.
Tharp, 39, and Cossette, 22, were both charged with violating the Georgia Controlled Substance Act. Bryan Cronan
Community health fair to offer free HIV testing
Someone Cares Inc. and their community partners will offer free health screenings as part of the annual National HIV Testing Day campaign.
The organization will host a community health fair noon to 4 p.m. Monday at LaVista Crossing Apartments, 3797 LaVista Road, Tucker and midnight to 3 a.m. June 27 at Phase One night club, 4933 Memorial Dr.
Services will include HIV testing, STD screenings, blood pressure screenings and condom distribution.
Information: Edwin Blount at 678-921-2706. Veronica Fields Johnson
New Walmart opens next week in Tucker
A Walmart Neighborhood Market, a 24-hour store about the quarter of the size of the company’s supercenters, opens next week in Tucker.
The store will focus on groceries, including fresh produce, and pharmacy services.
The market opens June 26 on Norcross Tucker Road, between Pleasantdale and Chamblee Tucker roads.
It creates about 95 full- and part-time jobs. April Hunt
Piedmont celebrates Cancer Survivor’s Day
Piedmont Cancer Center patients are invited to come out for a day celebrating their survivorship noon to 10:30 p.m. Saturday at Stone Mountain Park.
Patients plus one guest receive complimentary admission to the event.
Additional guests are $40. Event includes a laser show, picnic and entertainment at the Sports Pavilion.
Registration is required.
Information: 404-605-2430, piedmont.org or stonemountainpark.com. Arlinda Smith Broady
SOUTHSIDE
No injuries in College Park apartment fire
No injuries were reported Thursday in a predawn blaze at an apartment complex near Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
The fire at the Harrington Park complex on Camp Creek Parkway between Washington and Herschel roads was reported about 4:30 a.m.
The cause of the blaze has not been determined.
Mike Morris and John Spink
Fayette teachers nominated for Grammy
Three Fayette County music teachers are in the running for the first-ever Grammy Music Educator Award being chosen in early 2014.
Barbara Baker of McIntosh High, Christy Todd of Rising Starr Middle and Dana Lamb of Cleveland Elementary are among the 217 national quarterfinalists.
They will submit material to be further evaluated for consideration to be among the 10 finalists.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Benefit run/walk set for July 4
The annual Firecracker 5K/10K to benefit Henry County Special Olympics is July 4 at Nash Farm Park in Hampton.
The event features a 5K and 10K race, as well as 1 Mile Walk and Tot Trot.
Prizes will be awarded after the race. Participants may register online or in person at the Henry County Parks and Recreation Department at Heritage Park in McDonough.
Information: www.henrycounty-ga.org. Monroe Roark for the AJC
Dinner to aid Southern Conservation Trust
The Southern Conservation Trust will hold its annual “Farm to Table” fundraiser dinner at 6 p.m. today at Minter’s Farm, Fayetteville.
The event will feature locally grown foods, celebrity gardener Walter Reeves, and live music.
Tickets are $60; details at www.sctlandtrust.org.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Peachtree City OKsincrease in hotel tax
Following recent approval by the state legislature and Gov. Nathan Deal, Peachtree City’s higher hotel/motel tax will take effect Aug. 1.
The City Council ratified the measure last week, raising the tax from 6 to 8 percent, which is in keeping with surrounding areas.
The extra revenue will go toward recreation facility improvements that will attract more sports tournaments. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
New maps availablein Peachtree City
Peachtree City, in partnership with The Guide and the Peachtree City Convention & Visitors Bureau, has issued the 2013 Map-a-zine, which illustrates city streets and the multi-use path system.
The updated publication is available for $2 at City Hall and at the Visitors Center on McIntosh Trail.
Free maps will be given to those who register a golf cart at City Hall. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
