County by county news for Friday

Motorcyclist killed in collision with SUV

A Marietta man died Wednesday after the motorcycle he was driving collided head-on with an SUV in Cherokee County, authorities said.

Derrick Ferree, 24, was on his motorcycle on Bascomb Carmel Road near Bascomb Springs in Woodstock about 5 p.m. when he crashed into a Lincoln Navigator driven by Giovanni Aragon-Mercado, 19, of Acworth, said Lt. Jay Baker of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. Charges are forthcoming police said. David Ibata

Taste of East Cobb set for Saturday

The 7th annual Taste of East Cobb festival is set from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at The Avenue East Cobb. The festival will feature menu items from 30 of the area’s top restaurants, live jazz, local vendors, silent auction and raffle, and more. Tastes are $1 to $5. Admission is free. Information: www.tasteofeastcobb.com and www.mustministries.org. Kenneth Musisi

Smyrna to close road lanes to install bridge

Smyrna’s City Council recently approved closing three lanes on a section of Spring Road Saturday and Sunday for the installation of a $1.35 million pedestrian bridge. The 10-foot wide and 227-foot long bridge will give pedestrians a safer route over CXS railroad track south of downtown Smyrna. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Firefighters out with boots for benefit drive

Firefighters from Cobb County Fire and Emergency Services will be out in the community the first three Fridays’ in May with boots in hand. The “Give Burns the Boot” fund-raising drive to benefit the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation and Camp Oo-U-La will be today, May 11 and May 18.

The Burn Foundation works to educate the public in burn awareness and prevention, and it supports the Burn Center at Grady Memorial Hospital. Camp Oo-U-La is the state’s only camp held exclusively for burn-injured children. Information: www.gfbf.org. Kenneth Musisi

Commissioners hold town meetings

Cobb County District Three Commissioner JoAnn Birrell will host a town hall meeting for her constituents at 6 p.m., next May 9 at Mountain View Library, 3320 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta. For information call 770-528-3317.

On May 14, Chairman Tim Lee will host a town hall meeting in District Four at 7 p.m. at the Lyons Club Drive Community Center, 620 Lyons Club Drive, Mableton. Information: cobbcounty.org/lee or call 770-528-3300. Ernie Suggs

GWINNETT

Gwinnett agrees to settle with online travel firms

The Gwinnett County Commission Tuesday agreed to a partial settlement in a class action lawsuit brought by a group of local governments against several online travel companies.

The federal lawsuit seeks to recover hotel/motel excise taxes the governments say they’re due. Under the settlement terms, the travel companies agreed to pay taxes on the incremental difference between how much they pay for a room and what they charge customers for the same room, beginning May 16, 2011. In the past, some companies have not paid taxes on the difference.

A federal judge must still approve the settlement. David Wickert

Man comes to hearing, arrested in rape

A Gwinnett County man wanted on charges that he kidnapped a woman and raped her was arrested when he showed up for a hearing at the Gwinnett County Detention Center, Channel 2 Action News reported.

Deivi Mauris Polanco, 31, is being held without bond on charges of kidnapping, rape, false imprisonment, aggravated stalking, burglary, hijacking of a motor vehicle, theft by taking, interfering with a call for emergency assistance and probation violation, according to Gwinnett jail records. David Ibata

Library asks for input on plans

The Gwinnett County Public Library is seeking public input as it plans for the future. Library customers and Gwinnett residents can take a survey through May 15 at www.gwinnettpl.org and at library branches. Library officials will use the survey results to plan for future services. David Wickert

Kids finish up marathon on Saturday

The inaugural Five Points of Life Kids Marathon is Saturday at 9 a.m. at Coolray Field. Kindergarteners through eighth graders, who over three months have run 25 miles one at a time for per-mile sponsorship, will run a combined marathon’s final 1.2 miles at Coolray. A parent may run with each child. For information, contact Brite Whitaker at 352-224-1728 or bbwhitaker@lifesouth.org. Michael Alpert for the AJC

Purple Glove dance raises funds for cancer

Mothers And Daughters Against Cancer will host their 3rd annual Purple Glove Dance at the Relay For Life event today at the Gwinnett Fairgrounds. Participants will dance to “Everybody Dance Now” while waving purple gloves.

To make a donation, visit www.mothersanddaughtersagainstcancer.com. Information: www.Gwinnettrelayforlife.org. Kenneth Musisi

Duluth closing streets for festival

Duluth is closing West Lawrenceville Street, parts of Main Street and a downtown parking lot in preparation for this weekend’s Barefoot in the Park festival and other events.

West Lawrenceville Street will be closed at 6 a.m. Friday and parts of Main Street will close at 6 p.m. Friday.

The Paver Lot was closed Wednesday.

All roads and lots will re-open by 9 p.m. Sunday.

Information: www.barefootinthepark.org. Joel Anderson

NORTHSIDE

Commissioners questions spending for chaplains

Fulton Commissioner Robb Pitts wants to know why the county is spending half a million dollars this year on a chaplain’s office. County Manager Zachary Williams explained that about $250,000 of that is for indigent burials. Pitts balked at so much money being spent on salaries, including pay for two chaplains.

Commissioner Liz Hausmann suggested using volunteer pastors, which Williams said he would explore. Commissioner Bill Edwards suggested the chaplains’ counseling duties be turned over to mental health services. Johnny Edwards

Students can apply to junior deputies

Students ages 12 to 16 can apply to be junior deputies with the Fulton County Marshal’s Department in a program that shows teens what it takes to wear the uniform. Applicants must be Fulton students, have no arrests for serious offenses, write a 200-300-word essay and get a parent or guardian to sign waiver and policy paperwork.

There will be two week-long Junior Deputy Program sessions in June and July, each with room for 12 students. The application deadline is May 18. Information: 404-612-3972 or aprille.blair@fultoncountyga.gov. Johnny Edwards

Milton chief back from training seminar

Milton Police Chief Deborah Harrell recently attended the Chief Executive Officer Training Seminar at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in Alexandria, Va.

The seminar focused on the issues surrounding missing and sexually exploited children and how to deal with the situation of a child who’s been reported missing.

“This has been one of the most valuable trainings I have attended in my 18 years as a law enforcement officer,” Harrell said. Patrick Fox

Cherokee forecasts 150 new jobs this year

The Cherokee Office of Economic Development says by the end of 2012, some 150 new jobs will have been created by businesses expanding within the county’s newest opportunity zone. The zone, running from northeast Canton to Ball Ground, was officially designated in late March by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.

The designation allows companies within the zone to benefit from added state job tax credits. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Saturday is Derby Day in Canton

The Cherokee County Historical Society will host its 9th annual Kentucky Derby Day Saturday at the Rock Barn, 658 Marietta Highway, Canton. The 3:30-7 p.m. party will feature mint juleps, a hat parade, silent auction and other events. Proceeds will benefit society educational programs. Info: www.rockbarn. org Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Deal to speak at chamber breakfast

Gov. Nathan Deal will be the keynote speaker at the May 22 Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce breakfast.

Titled “Eggs & Enterprise”, the event starts at 7:30 a.m. at the Atlanta Athletic Club, 1930 Bobby Jones Drive, Johns Creek. For information: www.gnfcc.com. Laurie Hoffman

ATLANTA

CAU to unveil new art catalogue

Johnnetta B. Cole, director of the National Museum of African Art at the Smithsonian Institution, will be on hand Sunday for the unveiling of Clark Atlanta University Art Galleries’ new catalogue, “In the Eye of the Muses: Selections from the Clark Atlanta University Art Collection,” at 2 p.m. in Davage Auditorium in Haven-Warren Hall, 223 James P. Brawley Dr. Ernie Suggs

Man struck by train, dead

Authorities were trying to determine Thursday whether a man struck by a train in northwest Atlanta was already dead before being hit.

Homicide detectives were called to the CSX tracks off Marietta Boulevard near the Fulton County Jail around midnight Wednesday “just in case there was any foul play,” Atlanta police Capt. Adam Lee III told Channel 2 Action News. Mike Morris

APS to hold summer academies

Atlanta Public Schools will hold summer academies for students entering grades 3-12. At the high school level, the program will help students who scored below 500 on the Georgia High School Graduation Test. It will take place June 4-29 at all Title 1 schools and is free of charge. Contact: Raynise Smith 404-802-2650 or Joi Thrash 404-802-7572. Jaime Sarrio

Metro areas honored for preservation

Five metro places or buildings and three Atlantans were among the 24 statewide honorees at the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation’s recent 35th annual Preservation Awards ceremony in Roswell.

Among the winners: Olmsted Linear Park received the Marguerite Williams Award. The Ponce de Leon Avenue park also received an Excellence in Rehabilitation award, as did the Hinman Research Building at Georgia Tech, Wrecking Bar Brewpub and the Marianna event space and the John C. Godbold Federal Building. The Bitsy Grant Tennis Center was the Excellence in Restoration winner. Howard Pousner

DEKALB

Woman shot in leg at motel

A woman was recovering after being shot in the leg at a motel near Lithonia.

The incident happened about 5:15 a.m. Thursday at the Budgetel Inn & Suites on Panola Road near I-20.

Channel 2 Action News reported that the woman told police a man was trying to rob her when the shooting took place.

“It’s a possibility that she knew him,” DeKalb police Sgt. V. Gamble told Channel 2. “She advised that they met earlier in the day and he came back tonight.” Mike Morris

County teaches about court system

DeKalb County’s police department and solicitor-general’s office are teaming up to teach residents about the county’s court system.

The Court Watch program also helps judges and prosecutors learn from residents and crime victims, creating a better relationship between the community and law enforcement.

The next training will be 9 a.m. Saturday at the courthouse, 556 North McDonough St., Decatur. Free registration begins at 8 a.m.

Information: 404-371- 2881.

April Hunt

PDK airshow set for May 12

The annual Good Neighbor Day air show returns this May to the skies over DeKalb-Peachtree Airport.

The air show features aerobatic pilots Gary Ward and Skip Stewart as well as the Flash Fire Jet Truck. On the ground, the airport will showcase restored and antique planes as well as DeKalb emergency vehicles and helicopters.

The event runs from noon to 5 p.m. May 12 at PDK Airport on Clairmont Road. Entry is free but on-site parking is $5.

More information: www.pdkairshow.com. April Hunt

Benefit to aid animal shelter

Facing resident pressure to make improvements at the county-run animal shelter, several DeKalb County commissioners are hosting a fundraiser for the animals.

The event at Stars and Strikes in Tucker features light refreshments, games and one hour of bowling. Animals from the county shelter also will be on site for adoption at the event, which runs from 5 to 7 p.m. May 20 at Stars and Strikes on Mountain Industrial Boulevard.

Tickets are $30 for adults, $20 for children 12 and under and $80 for a four-pack of tickets, regardless of age.

All money raised will go toward a county spay/neuter program to help reduce pet overpopulation. Donations of leashes, collars and laundry detergent also will be accepted.

Tickets: www.helpdekalbanimals.com. Information: 404-371-2844.

April Hunt

Brookhaven Farmer’s Market set to open

The Brookhaven Farmer’s Market will open for its second season on Saturday.

Located in the 1400 block of Brookhaven’s Dresden Drive, the market will be open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays through late fall.

The market will offer locally-grown products from more than 20 farmers, food producers and artisans.

Food demonstrations will also be offered.

For information: www.brookhavenfarmersmarket.com. Laurie Hoffman

SOUTHSIDE

Commissioners exchange barbs over transit tax

During a discussion of south Fulton’s share of the proposed 1-cent transportation sales tax, Commission Vice Chair Emma Darnell told a colleague to keep quiet because she represents the north side. The county expects to get about $2.9 million per year from the portion for local governments. When Commissioner Liz Hausmann called that a significant sum, Darnell said, “It’s not for you to say.”

Hausmann retorted that she’s a commissioner, “so, yes, I do have a role here.” Johnny Edwards

Woodward student wins Shuler Award

Woodward Academy junior Olivia Washington recently won the 2012 Shuler Hensley Award for Featured Performer.

She was recognized for her role as “Motormouth Maybelle” in the spring production of “Hairspray.”

Washington also was nominated for awards in the orchestra and music direction categories.

The Shuler Hensley Awards honor musical theatre excellence at the high school level. The program is an initiative of the ArtsBridge education program of the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Foundation. D. Aileen Dodd

Peachtree City water board cancels meeting

The Peachtree City Water and Sewerage Authority regular meeting for Monday has been cancelled due to a lack of agenda items. The next regular meeting will be held June 4 at 6:30 p.m. in the conference room at the John W. Gronner Administrative Center in Peachtree City. Tammy Joyner

Taste of Fayette looks for vendors

Organizers of the 11th annual “Taste of Fayette” are accepting vendor applications for this year’s event being held May 20 from noon to 5 p.m. at the Lane Brown Gazebo in Heritage Park.

Vendors in four categories – food, informational, retail and charitable – are subject to certain fees and rules regarding sales and setup. Applications are on the City Announcements page at www.fayetteville-ga.gov. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Tyrone library to hold book signing

The Friends of the Tyrone Public Library will host a talk and book signing by Col. Doug Pearson on Tuesday from 6 to 6:45 p.m. Pearson will discuss his book, “The 10-20-30 Life Wellness Plan: A Manageable Plan to Instill Healthy Living in Your Life,” which focuses on motivations for proper diet and exercise habits. The library is at 143 Commerce Drive. Information: 770-487-1565. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Morrow groups host merchants’ meeting

The Morrow Planning and Economic Development department, Morrow City Hall, and Morrow Business and Tourism Association will host a merchants’ meeting on May 17 at the Morrow Center at Southlake Mall.

The event will include a meet, greet and eat session at 7:32 a.m. , followed by a business meeting at 8:03 a.m. The Morrow Center is at 1180 Southlake Circle, Suite 100, Morrow. For information: 770-968-1623. Laurie Hoffman