County by county news for Friday

According to Cobb County police, the man entered the store at 5863 Mableton Parkway around 8:18 p.m., approached the front counter and demanded money from the cash register. He then fled on foot in an unknown direction.

The suspect is described as a skinny black male, about 6 feet 2 inches tall, wearing a gray pullover hooded sweatshirt and a red knit cap with a ball on the top. He was armed with what appeared to be a single-barreled, single-shot shotgun. Andria Simmons

Pedestrian dies of injuries from collision

An 18-year-old Marietta woman who was struck by a car seven months ago while crossing a street in Marietta has died as a result of her injuries, Cobb County police announced Thursday.

Darion Elizabeth Hugh-Sam died on Dec. 21 from injuries sustained in the collision. No charges are expected to be filed against the driver, Evelyn Tauchert, 82, of Marietta, Cobb police said.

Hugh-Sam and Austin Leake, 17, of Decatur, were allegedly attempting to cross Shallowford Road against a pedestrian crosswalk signal when a white 2000 Honda Accord traveling west on a green light struck the two teens.

Leake sustained non life-threatening injuries. Andria Simmons

Robbery at Dollar General store

An armed man wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, dark pants and red-and-black sneakers on Wednesday robbed the Dollar General store at 1391 Veterans Memorial Highway in Mableton.

He made a small purchase and when an employee opened the register, he flashed a handgun and ordered the employee to the ground, grabbed cash from the register and fled toward Old Powder Springs Road.

He is described as a black male with a medium build in his mid-to-late 20s, about 6 feet tall, with a low haircut and facial stubble. The man also had a tattoo of a cross on his face between his eyebrows and other unidentifiable tattoos on his upper cheeks near his eyes, Cobb County police said. Andria Simmons

Marietta to recycle Christmas trees

Marietta will pick up Christmas trees the first and second weeks of January and on Wednesday, Jan. 11 starting at 7 a.m. Residents can also drop off trees at the Marietta Power and Water Complex, 675 North Marietta Parkway.

Trees will be turned into mulch which will also be available at the power complex. Information: 770-794-5595. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Freethought Society holds blood drive

The Atlanta Freethought Society will co-sponsor a blood drive with the American Red Cross from noon to 4 p.m. on Jan. 1 in Smyrna.

President-elect Rick Pace said in a release that members hope to also raise money for the Sandy Hook School Support Fund in Connecticut. The fund was established to help families of the victims of the school massacre and the Newtown community.

The blood drive will be held at the AFS Hall, 4775 N. Church Lane. Shelia M. Poole

GWINNETT

Commissioners swearing-in ceremony Sunday

The public is invited to the group swearing-in ceremony for three members of the Board of Commissioners taking place at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center in Lawrenceville.

Chief Magistrate George F. Hutchinson III will preside over the ceremony and administer the oath of office to Commission Chairman Charlotte Nash, District 1 Commissioner Jace Brooks and District 3 Commissioner-elect Tommy Hunter.

Kenneth Musisi

Lilburn to transform building with mural

During a meeting last month, the Lilburn City Council approved the painting of a life-like bridge scene mural on the Cofer Electric Building at the corner of Railroad Avenue and Main Street in Old Town.

The Council commissioned Sonny Franks for the project. Franks is a local artist who travels the country painting murals. Work could begin early January.

The $10,000 maximum cost of the mural is funded through the city’s Public Art Fund; businesses constructing a building valued at more than $750,000 contribute to the fund in lieu of placing a work of art in their commercial development.

Information: Sonny Franks, signcreations@comcast.net, 770-923-9933. Kenneth Musisi

Gwinnett ReStore offers tax deductions

Gwinnett Habitat ReStore, 2100 Riverside Parkway, Suite 123-A, Lawrenceville, is encouraging the community to donate items in order to receive last minute tax deductions before the end of the year.

Gwinnett ReStore sells new and gently used furniture, appliances, home furnishings, building supplies, and much more at bargain prices. Proceeds generated through the sale of donated items support the mission to build homes.

Information: www.gwinnettrestore.org, 770-962-4200 or info@gwinnettrestore.org. Kenneth Musisi

Holocaust exhibit coming to Norcross

Ravensbrück, an exhibit focusing on the notorious World War II women’s concentration camp, will open Jan. 7 at the Norcross Welcome Center & Museum. Information: 678-421-2049. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Contest supports new business ventures

Amazing Entrepreneur Business Plan Competition is accepting applications. The initiative by Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development and the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center fosters new business development in Gwinnett.

Winners and finalists receive prizes for their new ventures. Deadline is March 31. Visit www.amazingentrepreneurcontest.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Pleasant Hill Road open during holidays

Gwinnett County will suspend lane closures on the Pleasant Hill Road bridge over Interstate 85 through Jan. 2 because of heavy traffiic near Gwinnett Place Mall.

Information: www.gwinnettddi.com. David Wickert

NORTHSIDE

Forsyth to hold hearing on code changes

The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on possible changes to the Unified Development Code at 5 p.m. Jan. 3 at the Forsyth County Administration Building, 110 E. Main St., Cumming.

The changs involve elimination of undisturbed buffers in cases where a religious institution abuts a residential use or residentially zoned property.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Fatal pedestrian accident closes road

A busy Cherokee County road was shut down during Thursday’s morning commute while authorities investigated and cleared a fatal accident involving a pedestrian.

The pedestrian was struck before 7 a.m. on East Cherokee Drive near Berry Patch Road.

Details of the incident were not immediately available, but Georgia State Patrol spokesman Gordy Wright said East Cherokee Drive remained closed at 8:15 a.m. Mike Morris

Cherokee deputies finish training

Four deputies with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office graduated last Friday from the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth. Deputies Jesse Price, Jason Magnus, Jose Guzman and Sanford West Jr. completed more than 400 hours of training over the last 11 weeks. All work at the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Forsyth Cristmas tree recycling underway

Keep Forsyth County Beautiful’s “Bring One for the Chipper” Christmas tree recycling event is underway and will last through Jan. 26.

Three county recycling convenience centers will accept trees 7:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Several other drop-off locations will also be open at various times. Information: www.forsythco.com Mark Woolsey for the AJC.

Benchmark Physical Therapy relocates

Benchmark Physical Therapy has moved to a new space at 2295 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock.

The move provides a better space for outpatient orthopedic treatment, the manager said.

Information: benchmarkpt.com. Kenneth Musisi

Luncheon to feature book discussion

Carolyn Wall’s novel “Sweeping Up Glass,” has been chosen for the 8th annual Roswell Reads community reading program. The author will host a book discussion during the Roswell Reads Literacy Luncheon 11:30 a.m. March 16 at the Roswell Adult Recreation Center, 830 Grimes Bridge Road.

Information: Morgan Timmis at 770-641-3705 or mtimiss@roswellgov.com.

Mea Watkins

Canton making compost of leaves

Canton’s Public Works Department will pick up leaves residents rake to the right of way and create free compost.

Information: 770-720-7674.

MICHAEL ALPERT FOR THE AJC

ATLANTA

Suspect arrested in Atlanta home invasion

Atlanta police made a quick arrest Thursday following a home invasion robbery around 3:30 a.m. in the 300 block of Piedmont Avenue.

The victims told officers a man pulled a handgun and forced his way into their apartment and took a laptop computer and an iPhone, A short time later, officers charged Antwan Creighton, 41, with obstruction of officers, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, burglary and armed robbery. Mike Morris

Man found dead near northwest park

A man was found shot to death in a wooded area along James Jackson Parkway near A.D. Williams Park Wednesday afternoon.

The man, thought to be around 20 years old, had a gunshot wound in his shoulder and a gun was found nearby.

Anyone with information on the case should call Atlanta Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477. Staff

ASO youth alumni recital is Sunday

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s Talent Development Program will host a recital at 7 p.m. Sunday at First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, 1325 Peachtree St. NE. The recital is dedicated to Azira Hill, a founding member of the TDP, and her late husband civil rights activist Jessie Hill.

Students and graduates of Juilliard, Peabody Conservatory of Music, Royal Conservatory of Music (Toronto), and others will perform.

Admission is free but donations to the Azira G. Hill Scholarship Fund are appreciated. Make reservations online at tinyurl.com/chue9hx. Kenneth Musisi

Commitment Day set for New Year’s Day

Life Time Fitness Inc. will host Commitment Day 11 a.m. New Year’s Day at Atlantic Station. Participants in 28 cities across the nation will join the movement by committing to a healthy lifestyle in 2013.

Registration for the Commitment Day 5K is online at www.commitmentday.com. Use code CORP1047. Kenneth Musisi

DEKALB

Storm drainage repair to open 2013

Decatur will open 2013 with an ambitious storm drainage improvements project that involves replacing undersized and deteriorating storm drains in downtown dating to the early 20th century. Decatur mayor Bill Floyd admitted he couldn’t remember the last time the city’s done something this “disruptive” to city streets and traffic. The main line starts in front of Decatur High, runs under East Maple Street and eventually terminates in front of Fire Station No. 1. Work’s expected to take eight months starting in February, with a total cost of $1,665,500. Bill Banks for the AJC

Kindred Spirit’s fundraiser Jan. 26

The second annual Frosty Fun 5K is set for 9 a.m. Jan. 26 at the Capital City Club – Brookhaven, 53 West Brookhaven Drive N.E. Registration is 8 a.m. The event will raise money to fund program expenses for Kindred Spirit, a Christian residential home for pregnant teenagers.

The Frosty Fun 5K will loop around the Brookhaven neighborhood, and will include children’s activities and music, along with sponsor tables for food, drink and sports gear.

Businesses can contribute through financial and in-kind sponsorships. For volunteering, registration and sponsorship, visit www.kindredspiritfamily.org/frostyfun5k. Kenneth Musisi

Nature center to offer winter kid camps

The Dunwoody Nature Center will offer camps for kindergarten through fifth-grade students Wednesdays through Fridays after New Year’s Day.

The camps offer an education on the effects of the cold climate on animals, plants and the habitat, through games, crafts, hikes and a wildlife expert.

Information: www.dunwoodynature.org/Camps. Ty Tagami

Decatur police moveto temp headquarters

Decatur’s police department will move into temporary headquarters at the “Wells Fargo Building,” 7500 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., in mid-January.

The move is necessitated by renovation of the old Beacon Hill site, which will begin in January and should be finished by April, 2014. Bill Banks for the AJC

NAACP to celebrate Jubilee Day

The DeKalb County branch of the NAACP will celebrate the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation with its annual Jubilee Day 10:30 a.m. Jan. 1 at Rainbow Park Baptist Church, 2941 Columbia Dr. Attorney Derrick Alexander Pope is the featured speaker. Information: www.dekalbganaacp.org. April Hunt

Animal welfare group needs donations

LifeLine Animal Project seeks donations for a matching grant. Anisa International, an Atlanta cosmetic brush design firm, will match donations up to $25,000.

The deadline is Monday to add $50,000 to spend on low-cost spay/neuter surgeries, veterinary care and adoption of homeless pets.

LifeLine is based in Avondale Estates and has a second clinic in College Park.

Donations can be made at www.LifeLineAnimal.org, or by mail at P.O. Box 15466, Atlanta, GA 30333. Information: 404-292-8800. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Body found in Union City pond

Police are investigating after a man’s body was found in a Union City pond on Wednesday.

Two women spotted the fully-clothed body face down in the water on Royal Parkway as they were walking to work, Channel 2 Action News reported.

Authorities are not disclosing any information on the investigation until the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s office releases a cause of death.

Staff

Fulton police graduate 5 cadets

Five new Fulton County Police Department cadets recently graduated from the Public Safety Training Center.

The officers are now assigned with seasoned training officers for on the job training and evaluation during the 12-week field-training program.

The cadets graduated alongside 22 other candidates from various law enforcement agencies, including the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, MARTA, East Point, Emory and Georgia Tech Police Departments. Kenneth Musisi

Businessweek lauds Peachtree City

Bloomberg’s Businessweek.com named Peachtree City “Best Place to Raise Kids in Georgia” for 2013.

The website gives the city a GreatSchools score of 10, and notes the use of golf carts for transportation and an emphasis on outdoor recreation. The writeup is at http://images.businessweek.com/slideshows/2012-12-17/the-best-places-to-raise-kids-2013#slide11. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Fayette Middle scores with robotics

Fayette Middle School’s Robotics Club is heading to the Super-Regional competition of the FIRST LEGO League in January. The team placed in the top 30 percent at the qualifying tournament in Griffin, where the Bennett’s Mill team also won accolades with a trophy for “Best Strategy and Innovation.”

Jill Howard Church for AJC

Day camp to be New Year’s week

The Henry County Parks and Recreation Department is offering a Snowing New Year’s Day Camp for the second week of the schools’ holiday break from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday and Wednesday through Jan. 4 for children 6-12. Cost is $100.

Camps will be at Heritage Park in McDonough, J.P. Moseley Recreation Center in Stockbridge and Fairview Recreation Center in Stockbridge.

Information: www.hcprd.org. Monroe Roark

Fayette employees help support FACTOR

Fayette County Public School System employees have donated $1,300 to benefit the Fayette Alliance Coordinating Teamwork, Outreach and Resources. FACTOR’s mission is to bring all areas of the community together to support the safety and health of county residents.

Programs sponsored by FACTOR include Grandparents and Kin Raising Children, Prevent Child Abuse Fayette, ENCORE (senior leadership), SAVE (alcohol prevention), and the Fayette Meth Task Force. Jill Howard Church for the AJC