County by county news for Friday

A link to the panel’s website will be on the county’s website, http://www.cobbcounty.org.

The full committee meets each Wednesday, while subgroups of panel members are interviewing department directors and reviewing staffing and budgets. This week members questioned how nonprofit groups receive county funds, and whether county resources are used on SPLOST or federal projects. A report from the committee is due June 28. Janel Davis

Students named presidential scholars

Two Cobb County students were named U.S. Presidential Scholars for 2011. Joan K. Bedinger of Campbell High and Michelle Lee of Wheeler High are among four students statewide and 141 nationally to earn the honor. The program recognizes students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, artistic excellence, leadership, citizenship and service to their community. Bedinger, a senior, scored a perfect 2400 on the SAT and plans to attend Princeton University. Lee, also a senior, plans to study Biology at Harvard University. Jaime Sarrio

Thieves hit Kennesaw skateboard store

Thieves made off with $10,000 in skateboards, video cameras, sunglasses and clothing after breaking into a store near Kennesaw. The burglary happened around 2 a.m. Monday at the Ambush Boarding Company on Cobb Place Lane.

Cobb County police Sgt. Dana Pierce said security cameras caught images of three males in the store. Anyone with information call investigators at 770-590-5772. Mike Morris

Southern Museum plans world history event

Kennesaw’s Southern Museum will host a 2-day look back at some landmarks of world history in a program called “Through the Ages: A Living History Timeline.”

Living history interpreters and military personnel will bring history to life. The event takes place on the Depot lawn across from the Museum on May 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and May 15 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. The ticket price is $5 for adults, children $3 and free for children 3 and under. Information: www.southernmuseum.org. Rich McKay

Police investigate string of car break-ins

Cobb County Police are investigating multiple car break-ins that have occurred recently in the Chestnut Hills subdivision off Bells Ferry Road near Acworth. Police have recovered numerous GPS, cameras and other valuables. They are asking anyone who believes they were a victim of one of the thefts on that date to contact Sgt. L.C. Garrett at 770-499-4172. Andria Simmons

Spring business expo to be Tuesday

The Austell and Powder Springs Business Associations will host a Spring Business Expo at 11:30 Tuesday at the Coach George E. Ford Center behind the Powder Springs Library, 4181 Atlanta St. Cost is $15 for lunch if a guest and $10 if an association member. Information: www.powderspringsassoc.com or www.austellbusinessassociation.org. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

GWINNETT

Morning fire damages church sanctuary

The sanctuary of a Gwinnett County church was heavily damaged by a two-alarm fire Thursday morning.

Gwinnett fire Capt. Tommy Rutledge said a passerby reported the 8:30 a.m. fire at St. Mary Romanian Orthodox Church in the 2800 block of Winder Highway near Dacula.

Fire crews found the fire burning in the floors and walls of the sanctuary and pulpit area, Rutledge said. The church was empty and no one was hurt. An investigator with the federal Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms was assisting Gwinnett firefighters in determining the cause of the fire. Mike Morris

14 arrests made during sex offender sweep

The Gwinnett County authorities made 14 arrests during a sex offender sweep conducted last week. The sweep April 28 included 69 officers from the county Sheriff’s and police departments, as well as the cities of Lawrenceville, Lilburn, Snellville, Suwanee and Duluth. The 14 arrests were for nine misdemeanor and five felonies. Half of the individuals who were arrested were wanted on warrants from other counties. The other half were wanted for various crimes that were not sex crimes. Andria Simmons

GMC offers oral cancer screenings

Gwinnett Medical Center (GMC) is acknowledging Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week by offering free oral cancer screenings.

The hospital system is partnering with the Oral Head and Neck Cancer Advocacy Foundation of Georgia and Ear, Nose and Throat Associates to provide screenings. They are available from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. todayduring the Gwinnett Relay for Life at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds at 2405 Sugarloaf Parkway in Lawrenceville. Andria Simmons

Suwanee approves bike, pedestrian plan

The Suwanee City Council has approved a proposal to identify 50 improvement projects as part of its new Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan.

The projects would be implemented from this year to at least 2030 at about $11 million. Some of the projects include pavement markings and signage along the right side of travel lanes on certain roads and installation of small pieces of sidewalk along several major roads in town. Joel Anderson

Suwanee resident can see G-Braves at discount

The Gwinnett Braves are inviting Suwanee residents and their guests to a game on May 19 at discounted prices.

The game against the Rochester Red Wings will start at 7:05 p.m. at Coolray Field.

Advance tickets are available at www.gwinnettbraves.com/suwanee and the promo code is SUWANEE. Discounted tickets can be purchased at the gate with proof of residency.

Joel Anderson

County offers summer camps

Gwinnett County will offer summer camps for children from preschool through age 14 this summer.

The camps will run from June 6 through July 29. Weekly rates and tuition assistance are available.

To register, visit www.gwinnettparks.com or call 770-822-8840. David Wickert

NORTHSIDE

Forsyth watchdog group prevails in dispute

The Forsyth County development watchdog group Smart Growth Forsyth County prevailed in a dispute over the building of an Academy Sports & Outdoors retail store in the Peachtree Parkway Overlay District. When the county said the developer could build a store that did not comply with the building requirements in the district, Smart Growth said that set a bad precedent because the community, planners and the group worked hard to draw them up. The group said the retailer has agreed to meet and “exceed” the requirements. Jeffry Scott

Alpharetta soon to allow patrons to BYOB

Restaurant patrons in Alpharetta may soon enjoy a special house wine with their meals -- their own house. The City Council Monday passed a resolution allowing patrons to carry their own wine into participating restaurants. The measure allows for specific instructions on resealing the bottle for transport home.

The resolution passed 7-0 and will go into effect if and when the City Council approves it on second reading later this month.

Patrick Fox

Sandy Springs OKs senior housing plan

Sandy Springs has given its approval to a Fulton County plan that would add new housing for senior citizens.

The county’s Housing Authority and the Benoit Group is applying for low-income housing tax credits to rehab a public housing complex on Allen Road.

The plan calls to fix up the center to create 100 apartments for people 62 years old and older, with various income levels. The federal Housing and Urban Development office must still approve the plan. April Hunt

Milton wants input on road improvements

The City of Milton is accepting comments from residents on proposed intersection improvements to Hopewell, Francis and Cogburn roads.

A public information open house was held April 28 and displays from the meeting and comment cards will be available until May 16.

Opinions can be submitted online at www.miltonintersectionprojects.com or by visiting or writing Milton Public Works, 13000 Deerfield Parkway, Suite 107G, Milton, GA 30004 Patrick Fox

Cecil Wood water plant recognized for quality

Roswell’s Cecil Wood Water Processing Plant has been awarded the Georgia Association of Water Professional’s Platinum Award for 2010. The award recognizes drinking water and wastewater treatment facilities that have met strict national standards for five or more consecutive years.

Only 15 community water systems received the award. Patrick Fox

Act 3 Playhouse offers summer camp

Act 3 Playhouse is hosting three summer camp sessions starting this June for young actors to learn the craft and some Broadway tunes.

Each session ends with a performance for family and friends at the theater, 6285 Roswell Road.

To register: http://www.act3productions.org/summercamps.htm. April Hunt

ATLANTA

Judge Michael D. Johnson stepping down

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Michael D. Johnson has notified Gov. Nathan Deal that he will step down from the bench on June 3.

Johnson told Deal in a May 2 letter that he became a judge on Jan. 1, 2005, “as a result of a calling that I felt, and I have certainly endeavored to serve with honor and distinction.” Johnson did not disclose what he would do next, except to say he planned to “continue serving the public” and that his next step requires him to resign as a Superior Court judge. Bill Rankin

Commissioner Garner to hold ‘listening sessions’

Fulton County Commissioner Joan Garner invites District 6 residents to two “listening sessions” to discuss county government next week. Meetings are Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Helene S. Mills Senior Multipurpose Facility, 515 John Wesley Dobbs Ave., Atlanta and Thursday, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Stewart Lakewood Library, 2893 Lakewood Ave., Atlanta. Topics include libraries, substance abuse, arts, public health and aging or youth services. Information: 404-612-8226 or email district6@fultoncountyga.gov. Steve Visser

Merit Scholarship winners from Atlanta

Several more National Merit Scholarship winners were announced Wednesday, including students from some of the Atlanta area’s top private schools. Chosen from among more than 15,000 finalists nationwide, these students are considered to have the strongest potential for success in rigorous college studies. Each winner earned $2,500 toward their studies. They include: Kathryn Claire Crewdson, of Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School; Paul Joseph Koenig of St. Pius X Catholic High School; Michael G. Hopkins, Gillian K. Hornor and Samuel R. Kallman of Pace Academy; Kevin J. Kahn, David Fridovich-Keil, Caroline S. Reid, Spencer K. Nash, Trevor Nash and John L. Whelchel of The Westminster Schools; Mary Claire C. Martin of Marist School; and Christopher William Peterson of Mount Vernon Presbyterian School. Kristina Torres

DEKALB

Decatur OK with 3 goats, 30 chickens and a turkey

Assistant City Manager David Junger said Thursday that Decatur resident Stacy Reno appears lawful in owning a turkey, 30 chickens and three pygmy goats. The animals, particularly the goats, have received considerable local attention since Reno’s neighbor Tanya Floyd complained last week that they were a nuisance. Junger is currently drafting a letter to Reno and said, “I won’t say specifically what I’m writing, but from my interpretation, she isn’t doing anything unlawful. The law says you have to have four square feet of land per any animal over one month, and she complies with that.” Bill Banks for the AJC

Tucker student wins Planet Connect grant

Tucker High School junior Courtney Scott won a Planet Connect grant from the National Environmental Education Foundation to plant 1,000 new trees in Stone Mountain. Ten high school students from across the country were awarded $1,000 for projects aimed at protecting local wildlife and educating other students and communities about conservation issues. Planet Connect is an social networking site for students to learn about environmental issues, internships, green colleges and environmental careers. Jaime Sarrio

Dunwoody Art fest needs volunteers

The Dunwoody Art Festival is still searching for volunteers to help with the upcoming weekend’s event. The festival – featuring paintings, jewelry, music and more – will be held at Chamblee Dunwoody Road and Mount Vernon Road on Saturday and Sunday May 7 and 8.

For information visit www.dunwoodyartfestival.com. April Hunt

Nature center to hold annual fundraiser

The Dunwoody Nature Center will host its annual fundraiser, Monarchs and Margaritas, 6:30-10:30 p.m. May 13 at Glenridge Hall in Sandy Springs. The evening will include a live and silent auction featuring items such as a Sandestin vacation home, a chef-prepared dinner for 12, wine tasting and PGA tickets. The Dunwoody Nature Center was established in 1992 to preserve and manage the 22 acres of Dunwoody Park’s woodland and creekside trails, wetlands boardwalk, treehouse learning pavilion and outdoor classrooms. Information: www.dunwoodynature.org. Staff reports

Library host knitting circle each Saturday

Every first Saturday of the month through August, the Doraville Library, 3748 Central Ave., hosts a knitting circle. Bring your yarn and needles between 10 a.m. and noon on May 7 and enjoy working on your current project with fellow knitting aficionados. Knitting teacher Karen Romas will be on hand to help beginners and knitters of all skill levels. Crocheters are welcome too.

For information call (770) 936-3852 or go to library@doravillega.us. Staff reports

Glen Haven hosts crime prevention seminar

The Glen Haven Community Association will host a crime prevention seminar at 7:30 p.m. May 12 at the Straight of Life Church, 4228 Glen Haven Dr., Decatur. The meeting is free and open to the public. Michelle Shaw

SOUTHISIDE

Chairman Eaves meets with President Obama

Fulton Commission Chairman John Eaves met with President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and several cabinet members Tuesday to talk about job creation, criminal justice reform and infrastructure investment. Eaves was invited to the White House, along with about a dozen other commission chairs from around the country, while in town for National Association of Counties meetings. Eaves said the killing of Osama bin Laden came up briefly, when the president referenced it as an example of how working together yields positive results. Johnny Edwards

Clayton students make gains on writing test

Clayton County public school fifth graders showed dramatic gains on this year’s state writing assessment test. As a group, 75 percent of the fifth graders met or exceeded the standard. That’s up 9 percentage points from last year. The district’s special-needs fifth-graders posted great gains: 30 percent met standards vs. 22 percent in 2010. Eleven elementary schools equaled or exceed Georgia results: Arnold, River’s Edge, Kilpatrick, Mount Zion, McGarrah, Oliver, Jackson, Unidos Dual Language, Lake City, Smith and Marshal.

Tammy Joyner

Man guilty of fraudulent emissions certificates

A former inspector pleaded guilty Wednesday to federal charges he fraudulently issued emissions certificates.

James Hinton, 41, of Riverdale, once worked for the Stop N Shop in College Park where he and two others illegally passed 1,400 cars in emissions tests. They charged $100 to $125 for the illegal certificates, instead of the usual $20 for legitimate inspections. The other inspectors -- Michael Kelly and Jackie Baker, both of Atlanta -- previously entered guilty pleas, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. Bill Rankin

Six authors to meet readers at library

Six Atlanta authors, from genres including romance, suspense and Christian fiction, will be at the Southwest branch library, 3665 Cascade Road, on Saturday at noon to meet their readers. Scheduled to attend: Kendra Norman-Bellamy, Dwan Abrams, Electa Rome Parks, Jean Holloway, Adrianne Byrd, Marissa Monteilh (a.k.a. Pynk) and Gail McFarland. Information: 404-699-6363. Johnny Edwards

Henry to get license plate recognition system

Henry County police will spend $21,505 to purchase and install an automated license plate recognition system to be used with the existing laptop computers used by officers in their patrol cars.

The system will include all hardware and software needed to search for license plates, alert officers if a vehicle is suspect and indicate the nature of the offense. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Teen driving academy on Saturday

The Safe America Foundation will hold its sixth annual Teen Driving Academy May 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton. The event includes many activities designed for teens to promote safe driving. Go to http://drivers.safeamerica.org/ams for more information or to register. Monroe Roark for the AJC