County by county news for Friday
COBB
Cops: Man tries to abduct boy getting off bus
A 9-year-old Cobb County boy says he was able to get away from the man who grabbed him after he got off the school bus last week, police said Wednesday.
Investigators hope a GBI sketch of the suspect will help identify the man, Officer David Baldwin with Marietta police said.
The child had gotten off the school bus at the Ridge Point Apartments on Franklin Road around 4 p.m. Nov. 6 when he was approached by a man who grabbed him and pulled him in another direction, Baldwin said. Anyone with information should call 770-794-5363 or 770-794-6990. Alexis Stevens
3 charged in July shooting death
Jovian Lanus, 26, Tyler Estrada, 18, and Diara Hood, 22, have been charged with murder and armed robbery in the July 29 shooting that killed Steven Carden, 28, of Marietta, and injured Thomas Smith, 28, of Powder Springs at a Norcross apartment. Lanus has also been charged with aggravated assault. Alexis Stevens
Austell has new nature trail
Austell Public Works staff have completed a new addition to the I. T. Terrell Community Garden and Educational Center, 2836 Windy Lane, with a two-tenths-mile nature trail.
Visitors now may walk along the banks of Sweetwater Creek and through natural wetland areas.
An observation deck will be installed soon to overlook the creek along with educational signage along the trail.
Information: austellga.gov/garden, garden@austellga.gov or 770-944-4325.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Parsons to head Smith-Gilbert Gardens
Kennesaw has named Ann Parsons executive director of the city’s 16-acre Smith-Gilbert Gardens on Pine Mountain Road. She replaces Doug Davis who retired. Parson has held positions at botanical gardens in Virginia and Florida, most recently as director of Kampong National Tropical Botanical Gardens in Miami. Kennesaw’s public garden has three full-time and three part-time employees and a 2013 budget of $379,274. Tucker McQueen for the AJC
AT&T seeks comments on new cellphone tower
AT&T is seeking public comments on its plan to build a 154-foot-tall “monopole telecommunications structure” off of Bullard Road in unincorporated Powder Springs. Comments must be received at Environmental Corporation of America, 1375 Union Hill Industrial Court, Suite A, Alpharetta, GA 30004, by Nov. 30. Information: georgiapublicnotice.com/view/full_story/23961862/article-M-8873 or Bazzill, 770-667-2040, ext. 111.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Austell mechanic deadline today
Austell Public Works is accepting applications through 5 p.m. today for a certified automotive and small-equipment city mechanic.
Applications may be obtained and submitted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays at the Public Works administrative office, Threadmill Complex, 5000 Austell-Powder Springs Road, Suite 105.
Information:
or austellga.gov.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
GWINNETT
Police to ask citizens to rate encounters
In the upcoming weeks, the Gwinnett County Police Department will be offering many of the individuals with whom they come into contact an opportunity to participate in a survey designed to collect information to improve police procedues and approaches. The goal is to help establish new benchmarks for excellence in policing and help to improve the quality of police services. Encounters involving traffic accidents and stops, as well as most non-violent crimes, will be part of survey. Information: 312-996-0764 or uicnprp@gmail.com.
Haley Castillo
Police seek two men in sexual assault
Two men are wanted in connection with a home invasion and sexual assault of a 79-year-old woman around 6:45 p.m. Nov. 6.
The victim told police two men forced their way into her home on Madison Chase Drive in unincorporated Lawrenceville. They sexually assaulted her and stole her purse. Anyone with information should call 770-513-5300.
Michelle E. Shaw
Citizen committee to review SPLOST
The Citizens Project Selection Committee will meet at 6 p.m. Monday in the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville to review Capital Project Rehabilitation and Resurfacing, Residential Speed Control, Transportation Planning, and Unpaved Roads. Members are responsible for sharing information and facilitating open communication. All meetings are open to the public. Information:www.gwinnettcounty.com
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Canned food drive planned for animals
The Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement Services is joining the Gwinnett CAN Challenge, a food drive initiated by the Holtkamp Family Foundation to collect at least 10 tons of food through Dec. 1. Drop off canned food at the Animal Welfare and Enforcement Center, 884 Winder Highway in Lawrenceville. Bring five items and receive a $10 voucher good for a discount on shelter fees for adoptions, claims, and rescues.
Information:www.gwinnettcounty.com or 770-339-3200. Karen Huppertz
Berkeley Lake dam passes inspections
Berkeley Lake will celebrate completion of the dam 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Berkeley Lake Chapel and lake grounds. Events include a bouncy house, arts, crafts, music, food and games. Norcross Cooperative Ministries will collect food, nonperishable items and toys for needy families.
Information: 678-221-7591. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Animal shelter to sponsor food drive
Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement Services will host a food drive for the Gwinnett CAN Challenge to increase donations to local food banks through Dec. 31 at 884 Winder Highway, Lawrenceville.
Participants may bring a donation of five items and receive a $10 voucher Information: or 770-339-3200. Veronica Fields Johnson
NORTHSIDE
Forsyth sheriff takes home linked to drug trade
The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office war on drugs has won them- a home. Forsyth County Superior Court recently awarded the sheriff’s office the home in southwest Forsyth after law officers filed forfeiture paperwork.
Sheriff’s officials say the occupants had been arrested for drug violations numerous times since 1999, including this past August. Once it’s sold to a buyer, the county will pay off the mortgages and plow the profit back into the sheriff’s budget.Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Forsyth senior officials seek holiday angels
Forsyth County Senior Services is asking local residents to take part in the 2013 Holiday Gift Angels Program.
Participants can check gift tags with local seniors’ names and gift ideas at any of the county’s senior centers.
Gifts purchased can be brought to the centers any weekday until Dec.6. More info: 770-781-2178.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Reinhardt website gets high ranking
Reinhardt University’s website is one of the top 100 admissions sites in the country. It was rated in the 15th annual My College Options Enrollment Power Index.
The college options planning program rated the sites of nearly 3,000 college and universities, grading them on such factors as functionality, design and technology.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Annual storytelling event scheduled
The annual Roswell “Tellabration” will be held at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 22 at the Roswell Adult Recreation Center, 830 Grimes Bridge Rd.
Roswell’s Tellabration brings together celebrated regional tellers to delight, captivate and mesmerize audiences.
Tickets are $5 per person and may be purchased at the door. The event is presented by the Roswell Ramblers,
The Magnolia Tellers and The Roswell Folk and Heritage Bureau.
Information: 770-640-3253 or 770-641-3950. Mea Watkins
Cherokee ethics group seeks new member
The Cherokee County Board of Ethics is looking to fill a vacancy immediately. Prospective candidates should be Cherokee County residents and Democratic Party members.
The position opened up when the incumbent moved outside the county, and the term expires in January of 2016.
Information: lbahrens@cherokeega.com
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Creek cleanup planned in Canton
Rivers Alive is seeking volunteers to clean up a stretch of Canton Creek from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. today.
Volunteers should meet at Harmon Field, 226 Harmon Circle, Canton.
Participants will be asked to sign a waiver and parents must accompany kids under 18.
Information: 770-883-7996 Mark Woolsey for the AJC
ATLANTA
Church to honor Johnston memory
The Lindsay Street Baptist Church is honoring the memory of Kathryn Johnston this Sunday. Johnston, 92 at the time of her death, was murdered in a botched drug raid in 2006. Three Atlanta Police officers were sent to prison as a result of the cover-up. Louis Reprecht, a Georgia State University religion professor who authored a book about her death, is scheduled to speak. Service will be held 10 a.m. Sunday, 550 Lindsay Street N.W. in Atlanta. For more information, call 404-688-8959 or email info@lindsaystreetbaptistchurch.org. Katie Leslie
Schools listed for achievement, struggles
The Georgia Department of Education has singled out seven city of Atlanta schools for performance or progress while noting three schools where students struggled in a specific academic subject.
The schools on the DOE’s “reward” schools list include Carver Early College, Charles Drew Charter School, Inman Middle School, West Manor Elementary School, Booker T. Washington Early College, KIPP Strive Academy Charter School and South Atlanta School of Law and Social Justice.
Three elementary schools were on the DOE’s “alert” list for below-average subject area performance: Usher/Collier Heights Elementary for reading, and Scott Elementary and Thomasville Elementary for math. Mark Niesse
Accreditation team seeks comment on APD
The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. will examine Atlanta Police Department policy and procedures, management, operations and support services Nov. 17-20. Agency personnel and community members are invited to offer comments at a public information session at 7 p.m. Tuesday in City Council Chambers, 55 Trinity Avenue, S.W. Or call 404-444-1225 between 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 18.
All comments are limited to 10 minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with CALEA Standards.
Information: 404-546-2623 or www.atlantapd.org.
Veronica Fields Johnson
DEKALB
Police investigate possible sexual assault
A possible kidnapping in DeKalb Wednesday afternoon turned into a suspected sexual assault.
Just after noon, DeKalb police responded to a 911 call that suggested someone had been kidnapped from 2726 Shallowford Rd. DeKalb police spokeswoman Mekka Parish said an investigation at the scene uncovered something else: a possible sexual assault.
“(Police) were led to a room with a female victim inside,” Parish said. “In that room, (police) detained a male and a female and they are speaking with investigators at police headquarters.”
No formal charges have been filed at this time.
Michelle E. Shaw
Brookhaven ends annexation appeal
The Brookhaven City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to discontinue support of the appeal of the DeKalb County Superior Courts’s recent ruling on the annexation of Century Center.
The council approved a resolution to stop any further funding of the appeal of the city of Chamblee’s litigation, and also asked Chamblee to withdraw its suit. Haley Castillo
Brookhaven unveils city signs
Brookhaven Mayor J. Max Davis unveiled the city’s new “Brookhaven city limit” and “Welcome to Brookhaven” signs at Tuesday nights city council meeting.
The signs feature the city’s logo, which was unveiled in August. The installation of city limit signs marks a first in Brookhaven’s history. Haley Castillo
Intersections overhaul a year away
Decatur unveiled nearly finished plans for restructuring the city’s two most troublesome intersections, McDonough Street/College Avenue, and Candler Road/ College, both with railroad crossings.
Key features: grading will be smoothed considerably, with streets raised to tracks level (McDonough 2½ feet, Candler two feet), street-crossing lanes, wheelchair accessible sidewalks and a more sophisticated traffic-signal system.
Work could begin next fall, cost is $600,000 per intersection, with the DOT paying 75 percent and the city 25 percent.
Bill Banks for the AJC
Neighborhood Summit planned for DeKalb
Registration is open for a neighborhood summit next month designed to help DeKalb County residents partner with government to better their community.
The free event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Courtyard Marriott Decatur, 130 Clairemont Ave.
Registration/information: 404-371-2881 or onedekalb@dekalbcountyga.gov. April Hunt
Registration open for basketball leagues
DeKalb County parks is accepting registration through November for a winter adult basketball league at all county recreation centers.
Cost is $320 per team an eight-game season that begins in December. Participants must be 35 or older and provide their own uniforms for the league.
Information: 770-414-2113. April Hunt
SOUTHSIDE
Teenager's body found in Clayton County
Clayton County police believe a 15-year-old found dead near an old golf course had been shot to death. The teenage boy, whose name was not released, was found Tuesday night in the woods in the area of Tee Trace and Iverness Trace, near Riverdale, Officer Phong Nguyen said Wednesday. Investigators believe the teen had been shot, but had not determined Wednesday night how he died.
Anyone who saw suspicious activity or heard gunfire Tuesday should contact Clayton County police at 770-477-3648 or the tip line at 770-477-3513. Alexis Stevens
Fayette student chosen for Army band
Nikolas Smith, a clarinet player with the Fayette County High School Marching Tigers, is one of 125 students chosen for the 2014 U.S. Army All-American Marching Band.
Smith is the only student from Fayette and only one of seven from Georgia who was selected. Band members will receive an all-expense-paid trip to bowl week in Texas in January, where they will also get musical instruction from top band programs across the country.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Peachtree City to increase belt checks
The Peachtree City Police Department is promising “zero tolerance” for motorists not wearing a seat belt over the long Thanksgiving weekend. As part of a national “Click It or Ticket” effort, more local patrols will be watching for violators in an attempt to reduce highway fatalities. Police Chief Skip Clark said, “If you’re not wearing your seat belt, you will be ticketed.”
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Fayette wants school calendar input
The Fayette County Board of Education wants parents to comment on two proposed school calendars for the next two academic years. One calendar starts in early August and includes a fall break, while the other starts a week later and has different breaks.
Other options will also be considered. Information: www.fcboe.org. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Adopt-A-Senior needs volunteers for holidays
The Henry County Council on Aging and Henry County Senior Services are looking for someone to adopt a senior citizen for the holidays. Through the Adopt-a-Senior program, a participant can buy gifts for a designated senior or make a cash donation to the program. Currently, there are 275 seniors who receive in-home services from Henry County Senior Services.
Information: 770-288-7010, 770-288-7000 or www.henrycounty-ga.org/seniorservices. Monroe Roark for the AJC
Academy celebrates 40 years today
Ben Hill UMC Christian Academy celebrates 40 years with a gala 7 p.m. today at the Renaissance Concourse Hotel, One Hartsfield Centre Parkway. Tickets are $65. Information:Ben Hill Christian Academy Director Menyuan Smith at 404 344-8912 or msmith@benhill-umc.org. www.benhill-umc.org.
Arlinda Smith Broady
