County by county news for Friday

Goreham and county staff will provide updates on projects underway in the district, as well as countywide developments.

The town hall meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the North Cobb Senior Center, 4100 Highway 293 in Acworth.

Information: 770-528-3313; hgoreham@cobbcounty.org Janel Davis

Powder Springs reviews Christmas tree cost

A proposal to pay more for the Powder Springs Christmas tree is meeting with opposition from some City Council members. Councilwomen Rosalyn Neal, Cheryl Sarvis and Nancy Hudson expressed their concerns at the City Council’s Wednesday work session. Public Works Director Greg Ramsey said the 26-foot tree costs around $2400 a year -- $1400 to an electrician and $1000 for replacement bows. His suggestion is to spend about $1000 more to Universal Concepts to install, maintain with minor repairs, take down and store a new tree for $3500 annually. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Powder Springs to hold swearing in

Three Powder Springs elected officials -- Mayor Patricia Vaughn, Councilwoman Rosalyn Neal and newcomer Dr. Chris Wizner will be sworn in during the City Council meeting at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 4488 Pineview Drive.

Information: City Hall, 770-943-1666. Carolyn Cunningham

Powder Springs police want 10 new cars

Powder Springs Police Chief Charlie Sewell appealed to city officials at their Wednesday work session to replace all of the city’s 14 police cars, mostly bought in 2005 through 2008. No commitments were made by any city officials to replace the cars with an average mileage of 92,000 -- 32,000 above the recommended limit.

Sewell said a three-year lease purchase would cost $5,000 a month for five Chevrolet Caprice cars in January and five more in July.

He said $63,000 is needed this budget year for repairs -- the same annual cost to lease purchase five cars.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Auditions for MLK celebration Jan. 5

Residents wishing to participate in Cobb County’s 26th annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration can audition at 6 p.m. Jan. 5, and 10 a.m. Jan. 7. at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre in the Cobb Civic Center, 548 S. Marietta Parkway in Marietta.

Reservations are required to 770-528-8490. The MLK celebration is scheduled for Jan. 16.

Information: Cobb NAACP, 770-425-5757. Janel Davis

Trail club to spruce up Kennesaw Mountain

Kennesaw Mountain Trail Club will have a trail work day to spruce up the trails at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. The event is from noon to 4 p.m. Jan. 14. Volunteers should plan to meet at the maintenance buildings up the hill from the visitor center. Information: Visit www.kennesawmountaintrailclub.org or call 770-427-4686. Staff reports

GWINNETT

Suspect, child in hospital after car chase, crash

Two people including a 4-year-old child were taken to the hospital Wednesday after a man being chased by police across multiple counties crashed his car in

Hall County. James Thomas Faulkner was wanted on several warrants, including stealing the vehicle involved in the pursuit, according to police. The Hall County Sheriff’s Office said the chase started in Hall County, just north of the Gwinnett County line, passed through Gwinnett and ended in Johns Creek in north Fulton County. There, at Abbotts Bridge and Medlock Bridge roads, he ran a red light and was struck by two vehicles, deputies said. Deputies said one car that hit him was driving north, and the other was driving south. Faulkner, 41, of Flowery Branch, was taken to the hospital along with the 4-year-old, who was riding in one of the other cars. Police said the injuries were not life-threatening. Faulkner will be transported to the Hall County Jail after being treated. He faces numerous charges, including: theft by taking motor vehicle, battery, false imprisonment, terroristic threats, and failure to register as sex offender, authorities said.

Fran Jeffries

Hospital board plans quarterly meeting

The Hospital Authority of Gwinnett County governing board will hold its quarterly meeting at 5 p.m. Jan. 9 in the board room at Gwinnett Medical Center, 1000 Medical Center Boulevard, Lawrenceville. The nine-member board is charged with providing for the maintenance and operation of health care facilities. Members are selected by the board from a list of names submitted by the County Commission. Patrick Fox

Aurora Theater names host for “Funny Fridays”

Local comedienne Debra Cole will be the permanent host of Aurora Theatre’s Funny Fridays shows. Cole’s first show as host will come at 7:15 p.m. Jan. 20. There will be another show at 9:15 p.m. Cole has performed around the area for years, doing a solo standup act and as part of the Mixed Nuts comedy troupe. Joel Anderson

Suwanee photo contest deadline is Dec. 31

The deadline for submitting photos to Suwanee’s annual Snap Suwanee photography competition is Dec. 31.

Photographs should have been taken within the city limits of Suwanee. Winners will be displayed at City Hall for about a year starting in March. The competition is open to amateur and professional photographers. Joel Anderson

County to expand toilet rebate program

Gwinnett County will expand its toilet rebate program to multi-family units in 2012.

The county offers rebates of up to $100 to homeowners to replace up to two original toilets in homes built before 1993 because the older toilets use more water. Gwinnett residents have replaced nearly 9,500 toilets through the program.

The county Board of Commissioners agreed to continue the rebate program in conjunction with the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District. David Wickert

Duluth police get $16,600 for project

The Duluth Police Department has received a $16,600 public safety partnership Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic grant from the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. The department’s H.E.A.T. Unit will develop strategies to reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities from drugs and alcohol, speed, aggressive driving and lack of safety belt usage. The grant became effective in October and will continue through September 2012.

Information:wsw.gahighwaysafety.org. Kenneth Musisi

NORTHSIDE

Fire department celebrates anniversary

The Sandy Springs Fire Rescue Department celebrated its fifth anniversary Thursday noting its recent Class 3 rating from the Insurance Services Office. The rating will result in cost savings in insurance premiums for the nearly $4.7 billion in insurable property in the city.

“In just five short years, the Sandy Springs Fire Rescue Department has become one of the premier fire departments in the country,” City Manager John McDonough said. The department operates out of four stations and provides fire, medical emergency and other services to more than 93,000 residents. Patrick Fox

North Fulton chamber appoints new chairman

William Edward Russell II of Atlanta has been named chairman of the board of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce. Russell becomes the Chamber’s 40th chairman, and succeeds Andy Macke of Comcast Cable Communications.

Russell is a member of the Chairman’s Circle and has served as chairman of both the Government Relations Committee and the Water/Drought Committee. In 2008, he was named a finalist for the Chamber’s Small Business Person of the Year award. Patrick Fox

Gov. Perdue to speak at Sandy Springs luncheon

Former Governor Sonny Perdue will be the keynote speaker at the annual luncheon of the Sandy Springs/Perimeter Chamber of Commerce 11:30 a.m. Jan. 11 at the Cox Enterprise Headquarters Building, 6204 Peachtree-Dunwoody Road. Reservations are $23 for members, $27 for guests. 678.443.2990; www.sandyspringsperimeterchamber.com. H.M. Cauley for the AJC

Forsyth commission to host town hall meeting

Forsyth County District 4 Commissioner Patrick B. Bell has scheduled a town hall meeting for 7 p.m. Jan. 17, at the Coal Mountain Park Community Building, 3560 Settingdown Road in Cumming. The meeting is designed to provide constituents an opportunity to discuss with the commissioner topics of interest to them.

All Forsyth County residents are invited to attend. Patrick Fox

English classes start Thursday in Johns Creek

The Northeast/Spruill Oaks Library in Johns Creek will hold weekly English classes starting Thursday. On Thursdays, beginners’ classes will be held from 11 a.m. to noon and intermediary classes will be held from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. The sessions will last into the spring. Textbooks aren’t needed. The library is at 9560 Spruill Road. Information: 770-360-8820. Johnny Edwards

Johns Creek to fill charter panel post

Johns Creek is expected to finalize its Charter Commission Jan. 9. A scheduling conflict for one nominee has left one of the nine positions vacant.

The current members already been approved are: Robert Horne, David Kornbluh, Susan Grissom, Emmett Shaffer, David Meskell, Bob Frame, Tim Jennette and Cleve Gaddis. The commission is charged with reviewing the city’s charter, then making recommendations for any changes to the local legislative delegation.

The panel’s first meeting has not been scheduled. Patrick Fox

ATLANTA

NAACP to hold jubilee celebration

Judge Penny Brown Reynolds, former syndicated television court show host and associate pastor of Midway Missionary Baptist Church, will be the featured speaker at the Atlanta NAACP branch’s Jubilee Day on Monday. The event observes the Emancipation Proclamation and will pay tribute to local foot soldiers in the Civil Rights movement, with recognition for media members who helped tell the movement’s story.

Jubilee Day starts at 11 a.m. at Friendship Baptist Church, 437 Mitchell Street, S.W., downtown Atlanta. A mass choir will perform. Information: 404-756-5447. Johnny Edwards

Parking tickets to take a holiday Jan. 1

Parking meters will not be monitored Jan. 1. ParkAtlanta spokeswoman Valerie Bell-Smith said no parking meter enforcement will occur Sunday, a day when many will be taking taxis or walking to the cars they left behind the night before. The parking ticket moratorium is not that unusual, the agency also did not write parking tickets during the Christmas holiday, Dec. 24-26.

Enforcement will return somewhat Jan. 2, said Bell-Smith, when tickets will be written for gross violations, such as illegally parking near a fire hydrant or in a handicapped space. Normal enforcement will return Tuesday, Jan. 3. George Mathis

Famers Market has winter offerings

It may be winter, but the Peachtree Road Farmers Market is still bringing fresh seasonal items to your table through a partnership with the McMullan/cq/ Family Farm. From January 5 through 29, $30 boxes of winter garden goodies will be delivered to the Cathedral of St. Philip, 2744 Peachtree Road, and program participants can pick them up from 4 to 6 p.m. each Thursday. Enrollment is required; send an email to mcmullanfamilyfarm@gmail.com. H.M. Cauley for the AJC

DEKALB

Cultural exhibit comes to Tucker library

The opening reception and lecture of The Hazara of Afghanistan: Cultural Exhibit & Lecture will be held 6 -- 8 p.m. Jan. 17 at the Tucker-Reid H. Cofer Library, 5234 LaVista Rd., Tucker. Mohammad Rezaee, who fled the Taliban regime in 1995, will be the presenter. The free exhibit, on display through March 17, aims to increase awareness of the history and cultural heritage of the Hazara people and features a photography exhibit, food tasting and display of traditional clothing. Information: 770-270-8234 or the_hazara@yahoo.com. Veronica Fields Johnson

CEO to deliver state of county speech

DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis will deliver his his “State of the County” address Jan. 10.

The free event is scheduled for 6 p.m. in the Maloof Auditorium at 1300 Commerce Dr., Decatur.

A $25 breakfast is also scheduled for 8 a.m. Jan. 5 at the Thalia N. Carlos Hellenic Community Center on Clairmont Rd in Atlanta. To register: http://dekalbchamberof commerce.org. April Hunt

Leadership DeKalb marks 25th year

A group that provides training to create community leaders recently celebrated its 25th anniversary in DeKalb County.

Leadership DeKalb has graduated more than 1,000 people from its program since starting in 1986. The nonprofit works to boost residents’ abilities to address quality of life issues in the community. It also has launched a Youth Leadership program to mentor high school students in leadership and civic engagement.

More information: www.leadershipdekalb.org. April Hunt

Chamber elects six to board of directors

The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce has elected six new business members to its board of directors. The six will serve three-year terms in January and help set policy for the 73-year-old group. Elected were Patrick Desamours, Al Edwards, Leonard Grimes, Diane McClearen, Ross Maple and Laurie Sossa.

Information: www.dekalbchamber.org. April Hunt

Shelter for runaways needs volunteers

Young People Matter, which runs the first emergency shelter for runaways and homeless youth in DeKalb and surrounding counties, is asking for volunteers to help with services.

The shelter recently won a three-year federal grant of $540,000 for its operations. Volunteers are needed to help with office work, outreach and social media. The facility also provides food, health screenings, education assistance and counseling for children in DeKalb, Rockdale and Newton counties. Information: www.ypmatlanta.org. April Hunt

UGA DeKalb to hold business workshop

The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center-DeKalb office will present a workshop on starting a business.The session will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 10 at 2296 Henderson Mill Road, Suite 404B.

Tickets are $69. For groups, the first person pays full price and additional colleagues pay half price. Pre-registration is required at www.dekalbsbdc.org. Information: Barbara Johnson at 770-414-3110. Kenneth Musisi

SOUTHSIDE

Fayette middle school gets Title 1 nod

Fayette Middle School has been named a National Title I Distinguished School.

Title I is the largest federally funded program for pre-college education, providing more than $15 billion annually to schools and districts for supplemental programs to aid economically disadvantaged students. The National Distinguished School Program is a project of the National Title I Association and provides an opportunity for Title I Schools from every state to be recognized for their positive achievements. Fayette Middle School serves 710 students in grades 6-8. Ernie Suggs

Henry County offices closed Monday

Administrative offices in Henry County and the cities of Hampton, Locust Grove, McDonough and Stockbridge will be closed Monday, Jan. 2, for the New Year’s Day holiday. County offices will also be closed Friday, Dec. 30. Offices of the Henry County School System will be open Monday, and students return to class Tuesday. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Henry County state of the county address set

Henry County Board of Commissioners Chairman Elizabeth “B.J.” Mathis is scheduled to give her 2012 “State of the County” address Jan. 11 at the monthly luncheon of the Henry Council for Quality Growth at Eagle’s Landing Country Club. Information: www.hcfqg.com. The address will aired later on the county’s community access cable channel and available for on-demand viewing on the county’s web site. Monroe Roark

Henry program helps outdoor dogs

Henry County Animal Care & Control is giving away free bales of wheat straw through its new “Warm Straw for Cold Paws” program to help owners of outdoor dogs keep their doghouses more comfortable during the winter months. Straw can be picked up at the county’s animal shelter, 527 Hampton Street in McDonough, during normal business hours beginning Jan. 4. Visit www.hcacc.org for more information. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Fayette County senior programs to grow

Recreation programs for older adults in Peachtree City will be expanding under a new partnership with Fayette Senior Services. The nonprofit organization, which already operates the Life Enrichment Center in Fayetteville, will work with the city under an annual contract to transform the former Recreation Administration building into additional space for leisure activities. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Seniors Services asks help for Project Love

Fayette Senior Services needs support for its annual Project Love campaign, which provides Meals on Wheels deliveries to the elderly during holidays.

The general funding FSS receives for serving more than 250 homebound adults does not cover special occasions, said President Debbie Britt. Donations will help bridge the gap, as well as provide nonperishable “shelf meals” that can be kept on hand in case inclement weather hampers regular deliveries.

Donations can be made at www.LifeEnrichment.org or at 4 Center Drive in Fayetteville. Jill Howard Church for the AJC