COBB
Councilman ordered to pay legal fees
Marietta hopes a three-year legal battle with long-time city councilman Philip Goldstein will end after a Cobb Superior Court decided this week for the city. Judge George Kreeger ruled Goldstein’s company, Marietta Properties, LLC, will have to pay the city $50,000 in legal fees. Goldstein, who has lost in three state courts, had sued the city arguing he should be allowed to build a five-story building on the Marietta Square. City attorney Doug Haynie said Goldstein can pay the judgement or ask the Georgia Court of Appeals to hear the case.
Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Powder Springs roads closed for parade
Part of New Macland and Macedonia Roads will be closed from 6 to 7 p.m. today for the McEachern Youth Football Homecoming Parade which starts at West Cobb Plaza at the corner of New Macland and Macedonia Roads and ends at the parking lot of Wild Horse Creek Park on Macedonia.
City Council members approved the road-closing request but expressed concerns about the $360 fee being charged by the city to the youth organization for four off-duty city police officers to guide traffic.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Deadline approaching for chamber luncheon
Noon Monday is the registration deadline for the South Cobb Area Council luncheon of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at the George E. Ford Center, 4181 Atlanta St., Powder Springs behind the library.
Public safety personnel will be presented with awards for their service and Six Flags Over Georgia President Dale Kaetzel will discuss the new Hurricane Harbor, the largest expansion in the park’s history.
Costs: $10 online or $20 at the door for members, $30 for guests online or at the door. Reservations: cobbchamber.org or 770-980-2000. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Zombie Walk proceeds to benefit food pantry
Marietta Zombie Walk participants will walk about a mile for charity in downtown Marietta starting 5 p.m. Saturday at Glover Park. Walkers are asked to bring canned goods for the MUST Ministries food pantry. Makeup artists will be available before the walk. The Harvest Festival will also be on the Marietta Square from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Information: www.mariettazombiewalk.com. Tucker McQueen for the AJC
TV host to speak in Powder Springs
Perry Stone, an international evangelist and TV host of “Mana-fest,” will speak at 7 p.m. today, and 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Trinity Chapel, 4665 Macland Road, Powder Springs.
Admission is free. Information: trinitychapel.org/contact-us, perrystone.org, info@trinitychapel.org or 770-222-7023. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Marietta to hold citizens academy
Marietta will give a behind-the-scenes look at local government at a five-week citizens’ government academy from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 4 at City Hall, 205 Lawrence St. Must be 18 or older. Registration deadline: Oct. 25. Information: 770-794-5507 or www.mariettaga.gov. Tucker McQueen for the AJC
GWINNETT
Plans move ahead for park on Five Forks Trickum
Commissioners awarded a contract on Tuesday to develop construction documents for the future J.B. Williams Park on Five Forks Trickum Road in Lilburn. The 26-acre park will feature a lighted baseball field and allow for development of a multi-purpose field at nearby Mountain Park park as well as a concession/restroom building, pavilion/playground complex, youth activity area, dog park, asphalt trail, picnic structures, paved connecting walkways, new entrance with deceleration lane, signage, parking lot and site lighting. Funding for the $171,000 contract comes from the 2009 SPLOST program. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Violent gang leader gets life sentence
The leader of a Norcross clique of a violent international street gang was given three life sentences Tuesday for racketeering crimes, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
Miguel Alvarado-Linares, known as “Joker,” headed the MS-13 gang faction during the height of its most violent period and was involved in at least four murders, prosecutors said. The Justice Department had deemed Alvarado-Linares eligible for the death penalty but, after a review, declined to pursue it. Alvarado-Linares was convicted at trial in July.
Bill Rankin
College has military-friendly designations
Georgia Gwinnett College has been named a 2014 Military Friendly School, one of the top 20 schools for military personnel transitioning into civilian life, by Victory Media. GGC was also selected as a top military-friendly school by “Military Advanced Education,” the journal of higher learning for today’s service member, and KMI Media Group, a publisher of defense-related publications and websites. Earlier this year, GGC established the Office of Veterans Success, which certifies enrollment with the VA for all students using GI Bill education benefits, provides scholarship and job opportunity information, and refers students to additional services either with the VA or on campus. About 230 veterans currently attend GGC. www.ggc.edu.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Congressman to host information session
Congressman Hank Johnson will hold an informational meeting on the Affordable Care Act 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday at Georgia Piedmont Technical College, 495 North Indian Creek Drive in Clarkston.
Small business owners and individuals can receive help applying for health insurance through the marketplace exchanges created under the ACA.
Certified community health centers and navigators will assist qualified applicants. Info: www.hankjohnson.house.gov.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Community expo Saturday in Buford
A free Community Resources Expo will be hosted from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Buford Human Services Center, 2755 Sawnee Avenue in Buford. Families can learn about the many services in the Buford area. The event will feature family-friendly activities including a moonwalk, popcorn, and video games.
Information:ingrid.patrick@gwinnettcounty.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
NORTHSIDE
Ball Ground man charged with animal cruelty
The Cherokee County Marshal’s office investigated a complaint of animal cruelty Wednesday at 585 Creighton Road in Ball Ground due to terrible smells and barking coming from the property. Officers confiscated 19 dogs (five Great Pyrenees and 14 Shelties) and a cat from the property. The dogs were emaciated and showed signs of serious neglect. The officers found dog carcasses, bones, rancid meat, and feces on the property.
The owner of the dogs, Rud Tietjen, 55, was charged with 20 counts of animal cruelty. Staff
Cherokee history group wins school award
The Cherokee County Historical Society has received the Local History Achievement Award from the Georgia Historical Society for a partnership with the Cherokee County School District. “Investing in Community Legacy” included visiting historians teaching students Cherokee history, field trips and tours of the county history museum.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Precinct changes
on hold in Cherokee
A proposal to reduce the number of voting precincts from 42 to 28 in Cherokee County is on hold. The Board of Elections and Voter Registration tabled it Monday. Chairman Randy Gravely says the board wants to digest residents’ input presented at a public hearing that preceded Monday’s scheduled vote. The board will next meet at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 28 at the Stone Elections Building, 400 E. Main St., Canton. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Cherokee arts group plans fundraising gala
The Cherokee Arts Center presents its Harvesting The Arts Ball 7 p.m. Saturday at the center, 94 North St., Canton. Proceeds will be used to bolster the center’s operating funds and for special facilities projects.
Information: info@cherokeearts. org or 770-704-6244. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Garden club to host monthly meeting
The Roswell Garden Club will meet at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Bill Johnson Community Activities Building, 10495 Woodstock Road, Roswell. Herb Society of America member Rita Bissell will discuss strawberry jars. The event is free to the public. For information: 404-372-9556.
Laurie Hoffman
Registration open for kids golf tournament
Registration is open for the All Kids Count Classic golf tournament, scheduled for Oct. 22 at Ansley Golf Club, 5500 Settingdown Drive, Roswell.
The tournament benefits the Foster Care Support Foundation, whose mission is to enrich the lives of Georgia’s foster care children. Information: www.fostercares.org, 770-641-9591. Mea Watkins
Golf tourney to benefit displaced children
The All Kids Count Golf Classic is 10 a.m. Tuesday at Roswell’s Ansley Golf Club at Settindown Creek. The $250 registration fee includes the greens fee for 18 holes of golf; a cart, and a box lunch, awards and a silent auction.
Proceeds to assist foster, and displaced children. Information: 770-280-7831, or events@fostercares.org. Laurie Hoffman
ATLANTA
Students win rare JROTC honor
Three Atlanta Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps cadets have been honored with the Legion of Valor Bronze Cross for Achievement, a rare award granted for academic excellence, leadership potential and service.
The recipients of the award were Elonte Porter of Carver High School, Lam Dang of Maynard Jackson High School and Odyssey Wilson of Mays High School.Mark Niesse
City salutes civil rights leader
Mayor Kasim Reed and the City of Atlanta, in partnership with the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, host a public“Congratulatory Send-Off Salute” honoring the Rev. C.T. Vivian noon Saturdayi n the Atlanta City Hall Atrium, 55 Trinity Avenue, S.W.
The Reverend Dr. Vivian is one of six honorees selected this year to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama. Staff
Library to screen art television program
The Friends of Peachtree Library, in partnership with Art21 as part of its Access 100 Artists initiative, will present an exclusive screening of episodes from the Art in the Twenty-First Century television series from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. on select Wednesdays at the library, 1315 Peachtree St. N.E.
The event features a screening of an entire Art21 themed episode and a short discussion.
The “Protest” episode will screen on Oct. 30.
Information: 404-885-7830.
Veronica Fields Johnson
Morningside-Lenox Park to hold ball
The Morningside-Lenox Park Association will hold its sixth annual Monumental Ball from 7 to 11 p.m. todayat Magnolia Hall in Piedmont Park, 600 Evelyn St., N.E.
Proceeds from ticket sales go to the security patrol, and a cash bar will benefit the Piedmont Park Conservancy.
Tickets: $50 at Fourteen West Realtors, 1411 N. Highland Ave. www.monumentalball.org/tickets.html, or at the door. Mea Watkins
DEKALB
Schools step up residency audit
City Schools Decatur has recently intensified efforts of auditing residencies to detect out-of-district students illegally enrolled. Superintendent Phyllis Edwards said with the system’s increasing growth, she is “putting a focus on checking residency and [making] home visits,” beginning with first-year students and those in the transitional grades (fourth, sixth, ninth).
So far 15 illegal students have been removed. CSD currently has a total enrollment of 3986, the fifth consecutive year with a growth of 10 percent or more.
Bill Banks for the AJC
County launches illegal sign sweep
DeKalb County Interim CEO Lee May and the Board of Commissioners are launching the Sick of Signs campaign, a national effort against the proliferation of illegal signs that blight communities. A Sick of Signs sweep will take place 9 a.m. to noon Saturday beginning at Wal-Mart, 5935 Memorial Dr., Stone Mountain. Staff
Cancer walk comes to Stone Mountain
The Susan B. Komen 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk will come through Stone Mountain Village. The walk starts in Stone Mountain Park and Stone Mountain Village will be the first cheering station after leaving the park, about 3-4 miles in on the walk.
The cheering area will start at the Stone Mountain Visitor’s Center (the little red caboose at 891 Main St.). Walkers should be coming through from approximately 8 - 10am. Staff
DeKalb to host event for waste disposal
Household hazardous waste can be disposed safely 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at the central transfer station, 3720 Leroy Scott Dr.
Examples of the waste to be accepted are aerosols, cleaners, paint, flammables, fluorescent lights, batteries, mercury and photo and swimming pool chemicals. Items not accepted include biohazards, medical and agricultural waste, pharmaceuticals and nonhazardous waste. April Hunt
Tucker to fund cityhood study
Tucker Together has become the latest cityhood group to raise enough money to fund a study to determine whether it should become a new city in DeKalb County.
Group director Michelle Penkava said the group reached its $30,000 goal in just one month and will soon hire the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University to create a financial and service study for the area.
At least three other cities, some with overlapping borders, are under review in DeKalb. Organizers for a city of Briarcliff, Lakeside and Stonecrest are also funding studies. April Hunt
Clean-up for South River planned
Representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and state Environmental Protection Division will join forces to conduct a cleanup along the South River today.
Additional volunteers are needed for the event, which begins at 9 a.m. and will focus on the two miles between Panola Shoals to Panola Mountain State Park.
Information/to volunteer: southriverwatershedalliance@gmail.com. April Hunt
SOUTHSIDE
Rabies quarantine issued in McDonough
The Henry County Animal Care and Control Department has issued a 31-day rabies quarantine for a one-mile area surrounding 75 Chafin Drive in McDonough an Oct. 11 report of a dog thatd fought and killed a raccoon. The raccoon tested positive for the rabies virus at the Georgia Public Health Laboratory. Residents should make sure companion animals have a current rabies vaccine and should be aware of any pets or wildlife acting in an unusual manner.
Information: www.hcacc.org or 770.288-7387. Tammy Joyner
Man pleads guilty to killing cousin
Hagie Cham, 47, was charged with murder, felony murder and aggravated assault for killing his cousin, 42-year-old Mohamadou Touray with a hammer. He was scheduled to stand trial last week for the Aug. 7, 2010 incident that took place in College Park, but instead pleaded guilty after jury selection and was sentenced to life in prison.
Cham told police that he was upset about Touray’s alleged affair with his wife.
Angel K. Brooks
Henry school earns ‘Partner in Prevention’
Mainstay Academy in the Henry County School System has achieved “Partner in Prevention” status, a nationally-recognized public standard to end child sexual abuse.
The designation was awarded for Mainstay Academy’s commitment to protecting children by training over 90 percent of its staff and volunteers on how to prevent and recognize the signs and react responsibly to child sexual abuse.
Information: www.henry.k12.ga.us.
Monroe Roark for the AJC
Yard sale to benefit humane society
The Fayette Humane Society will hold a benefit yard sale 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Tack Trolley Horse & Pet Supply, 920 S. Hwy. 85, Fayetteville. Proceeds will help fund spay/neuter and other pet rescue programs.
Information: www.fayettehumane.org or 770-487-1073.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
McDonough Job Fair set for Friday
The city of McDonough sponsors a job fair 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday at McDonough Presbyterian Church, 427 McGarity Road.
Registration is not required and there is no cost to attend. The Atlanta Regional Commission’s Mobile Career Resource Center will also be on site, with 13 stations that will allow visitors to perform various activities such as online job searches, resume and cover letter development, and individual assessments and exploration of training eligibility and options.
Information: www.mcdonoughga.org.
Monroe Roark for the AJC
Representative to talk about health care act
State Rep. Demetrius Douglas is hosting an informational town hall meeting on the Affordable Care Act, also known as “Obamacare,” 10 a.m. - noon today at the Lovejoy Community Center, 11622 Hastings Bridge Road in Lovejoy. Tammy Joyner
