County by county news for Friday

Information: mableton.org or Ron Raven, ronraven1@yahoo.com. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Turkey Chase Saturday in Acworth

The fifth Acworth Turkey Chase, starting with a 5K race at 9 a.m. Saturday on Main Street and along Lake Acworth shores, will benefit the Tackle Hunger program.

Runners are required to bring staple food items.

The city parks and recreation department race will also include a 2K walk at 9:15 a.m. and a little pilgrim trot at 10 a.m.

Information: www.acworthturkeychase.com. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Marietta employee wins state award

The Georgia Recreation and Park Association has recognized Rich Deckman as the state planning, design and development distinguished professional of the year.

Deckman, Marietta's landscape architect and manager of the city's $25 million parks bond, has worked for Marietta for three years. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

YWCA gets $400K for elder abuse program

A $400,000 grant to be spread out three years will be awarded to YWCA of Northwest Georgia an its partners will create a program to combat elder abuse.

The Office on Violence Against Women is making the grant award so those groups can implement the Abuse in Later Life Program.

The target population is older victims of abuse, exploitation and neglect, including sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking.

Nancy Badertscher

Skate park to open in Kennesaw

A $1.8 million skateboard park will open 10 a.m. Saturday at Swift-Cantrell Park off Old US Highway 41, Kennesaw.

The 40,000 square-foot facility has a traditional flow course and bowl and street league design for skaters on all levels.

Information: www.kennesaw-ga.gov. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Powder Springs to hold online auction today

A one-day online auction will be held today by the Powder Springs Police Department on PropertyRoom.com.

Start time is 9 a.m. for cameras, electronics, jewelry, sporting goods, tools and automobile parts.

Items will be sold individually and in lots. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

GWINNETT

Mayor Emeritus Webb named Citizen of the Year

The Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce has named Norcross Mayor Emeritus Lillian Webb the 2013 Citizen of the Year award. Decades of notable public service at both county and city levels earned her the prestigious recognition, which considers accomplishments over an individual's entire lifetime as well as in the past few years. A secret committee appointed by the Chamber met in early November to vote between seven eligible nominees. Miss Lillian will be formally recognized during the Chamber's annual awards dinner Feb. 7. Information: Gwinnett Chamber at 770-232-3000. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Competition accepting business plans

Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development and Partnership Gwinnett, in collaboration with The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center, is accepting submissions for the Amazing Entrepreneur Contest which recognizes the best business plan summary. It will award cash and prizes to a startup. Applications accepted through Feb. 14. Winners will be announced April 25.

Information: www.amazingentrepreneurcontest.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Suwanee police recognized

The Suwanee Police Department has earned national re-accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies receiving recognition for "demonstrating a commitment to professional excellence in policy and practice." Information: www.suwanee.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Old sneakers needed on recycle day

Gwinnett residents are invited to bring batteries, electronics and tires for recycling to America Recycles Day with the Gwinnett County Solid Waste and Recovered Materials Division 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at Coolray Field. Bring your old sneakers to be donated to those in need or recycled into reusable surfaces for playgrounds and running tracks. 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 for the AJC

Duluth’s Citizen Police Academy starts Jan. 23

The Duluth Police Department is beginning a Citizen Police Academy. Citizens may attend this free academy to introduce functions of police work beginning Jan. 23 and ending May 24. Each class will be approximately three hours, meeting every other Thursday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at 3276 Buford Highway in Duluth. Information: woodruff@duluthpd.com, 678-512-3705, or www.duluthga.net/departments/police. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Qualifying ends for House special election

Four candidates qualified this week at the Secretary of State’s office for the Georgia House District 22 special election set for Jan. 7, 2014. All are Cherokee County Republicans: Megan Biello, 31, of Canton; Nate Cochran, 37, of Canton; Jeff Duncan, 52, of Ball Ground and Sam Moore, 37, of Ball Ground.

The winner will replace the late Rep. Calvin Hill. The district covers portions of Cherokee, Forsyth and Fulton Counties. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Forsyth sheriff wins highway safety awards

The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office won big at the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety’s 13th annual Governor’s Challenge awards in Macon. Forsyth took home three awards including the Governor’s Cup, presented to the agency with the top overall score in the program.

The Governor's Challenge recognizes outstanding achievements in highway safety, enforcement and education. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Forsyth fire holiday toy drive underway

The Forsyth County Fire Department’s 11th annual Aerial’s House holiday toy collection drive is underway. New, unwrapped toys for any age and new, tagged clothing for kids ages 6 to 14 can be dropped off at any Forsyth County fire station, fire headquarters at 3520 Settingdown Road, or any county library branch.

Information: forsythco.com

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Cherokee schools 2012 audit report online

The Cherokee County School District has posted its fiscal year 2012 Final Audit Report online. The final report gives the county a clean bill of financial health, as did a draft audit report presented in October. Christian Hatch of the Williamson & Company accounting firm gave the district an “unqualified” opinion, the best possible.

Information: cherokee.k12.ga.us

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Annual storytelling event scheduled

The annual Roswell “Tellabration” will be 7:30 p.m. today at the Roswell Adult Recreation Center, 830 Grimes Bridge Road.

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

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. Information: 770-781-2178.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

AJC publisher to deliver UGA address

Atlanta Journal-Constitution publisher Amy Glennon will deliver the fall undergraduate commencement at the University of Georgia on Dec. 13.

Glennon is the first female publisher of the paper and a UGA alumna. She was named top executive at the AJC in March 2012. Glennon spent three years on staff at the Red & Black student newspaper and is currently an emeritus member of the publication’s board of directors.

E. Culpepper “Cully” Clark, former dean of UGA’s journalism college, will deliver the graduate commencement.

Information:commencement.uga.edu

Janel Davis

Hanukah Hippo Hopp this Sunday

The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta will host a Hanukah Hippo Hopp for kids and families from 12:45 to 2:45 p.m. Sunday at Hippo Hop, 1936 Briarwood Court, N.E. The program will include songs, stories and fun Hanukah crafts. Admission is $6.75 for children 3 and over, $3.75 for children under 3 and free for infants and adults. Information: Rabbi Glusman at rabbi.glusman@atlantajcc.org or 678-812-4161. Veronica Fields Johnson

Community band to perform free concert

The Metropolitan Atlanta Community Band will perform a free concert 3 p.m. Saturdayat the Sadie G. Mays Health & Rehabilitation Center, 1821 Anderson Avenue, N.W. The 50-piece band, featuring vocalist Henry Porter, will perform pop, jazz and classical tunes. Donations will be appreciated. Information: www.sgmays.org.

Veronica Fields Johnson

Learn how to purchase a telescope

The Atlanta Astronomy Club will give advice on how to purchase a telescope 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday at the Fernbank Science Center, 156 Heaton Park Dr. Telescopes will be on display and club members will aid the public in deciding which kind of instrument would be best for their sky observing. Information: Ken Poshedly at 678-516-1366. Veronica Fields Johnson

DEKALB

Cityhood financially sound for Lakeside

A University of Georgia study released Thursday has determined the proposed city of Lakeside could provide services without a tax hike for residents there.

The study found the would-be city of 63,000 would generate about $35.8 million in revenue and need about $29.9 million to pay for parks, police and public works services.

Those projections include revenue from the Northlake Mall area, which is hotly disputed by two other proposed cities, Tucker and Briarcliff.

Those borders will need to be defined before state lawmakers move on proposals to allow votes on incorporation. April Hunt

One injured in school bus wreck

A DeKalb County school bus has wrecked on Hammermill Road and Mountain Industrial Boulevard, police said.

One person was injured, but it is unclear whether that injury was a student. Marcus K. Garner

Stone Mountain Christmas parade set

Stone Mountain’s annual Christmas parade and fireworks show has been set for the evening after Thanksgiving.

Festivities run from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 29, with the parade beginning at 6 p.m. along the town’s Main Street.

Fireworks begin just after Santa’s arrival and a tree lighting ceremony, at 7 p.m.

Information: 770-413-0607 or www.stonemountainvillage.com. April Hunt

Register for Doraville 5K and Tot Trot

The annual Doraville 5K and Tot Trot will be held Nov. 30 in the city.

Race registration is $20 until Nov. 23 and $25 on event day. Registration for the tot trot is free. Proceeds will benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Registration: www.active.com and information at www.doravillega.us or 770-936-3850. April Hunt

DeKalb approves vacant home registry

DeKalb County Commissioners recently agreed to set up a vacant home registry to keep track of empty properties in the county.

Owners must pay $100 or face a $1,000 fine for homes that are empty for more than six months. DeKalb plans to use the list to ensure properties are being maintained.

Details are still being worked out, and the list is expected to launch early next year.

April Hunt

DeKalb group raising money for Philippines

A DeKalb County nonprofit with ties to the Philippines is raising money to rebuild a hospital destroyed in the recent typhoon.

One of the leaders of Makabayan Georgia grew up in Tacloban City, one of the hardest hit cities from the disaster. All money raised will go to rebuilding Bethany Hospital, the main clinic in town.

To donate: www.makabayangeorgia.com. April Hunt

DeKalb County gets slightly bigger

DeKalb County recently grew by 3,400 square feet – the result of a de-annexation from the city of Stone Mountain.

The small parcel on Zachary Drive is part of a larger residential property that was divided years ago as part of railroad land. The County Commission's vote to de-annex at the owner's request puts the entire property in unincorporated DeKalb. April Hunt

Animal shelter offering ‘classics’ for adoption

The new “shelter classics” program at DeKalb County’s animal shelter is offering discounts on adoptable pets that have been overlooked for homes.

Animals that have been at the facility for at least one month can be adopted for $20, while pets at the center for two months can be adopted for free.

The animals come fully vaccinated and fixed. Regular adoption screening rules apply.

Information: www.dekalbanimalservices.com. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Fayette endorses road accident policy

Two Fayette County departments have endorsed a state initiative that aims to reduce traffic delays related to minor accidents.

The Sheriff's Office and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services support the Open Roads Policy, which asks law enforcement, transportation and public safety agencies to provide training and work together "in an urgent manner" to reopen blocked roadways as quickly as possible. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Tussahaw teacher ‘Hero in the Classroom’

Brentius Watts, a physical education teacher at Tussahaw Elementary School, was honored Nov. 8 as a Hero in the Classroom. He is the fifth teacher from Henry County in three years to be so honored, and one of 16 chosen by Symetra Financial and the Atlanta Falcons, in partnership with SunTrust Bank, for the 2013 football season. In addition to the $1,000 for supplies given to the school in his name, Watts received a signed Julio Jones jersey, and tickets and a VIP experience for the Falcons’ Thursday night game against the New Orleans Saints. Information: www.henry.k12.ga.us.

Monroe Roark for the AJC

Community Appreciation Breakfast set

Henry County Commissioner Bruce Holmes will host his third annual Community Appreciation Breakfast and Christmas program at 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Hidden Valley Senior Center, 600 Spraggins Memorial Parkway in Stockbridge. The event will be “a morning of fellowship and celebration in appreciation of the community for its support,” according to a county spokesperson, and will feature Christmas carols and a breakfast prepared by Mema’s Kitchen in Fairview. Information: www.henrycounty-ga.org.

Monroe Roark for the AJC

CWA opens new customer service lobby

The Clayton County Water Authority’s new customer service lobby and parking lot at the Morrow headquarters opened for business this week.

The new facility at 1600 Battle Creek Road is expected to provide better customer service and improve traffic flow for the nearly 18,000 customers who visit the building each month. Tammy Joyner

Peachtree City dog park free for holidays

The Peachtree City Dog Park is offering free admission from Thanksgiving until New Year’s Day. The park is located in the McIntosh Recreation Area off McIntosh Trail and Kelly Drive. Dogs must be vaccinated, and visitors should not bring in food or personal dog toys. Details at www.ptcdogpark.com.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Peachtree City to increase seat 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