County by county news for Friday

The $881,417 cost is being paid by the city’s 2011 special purpose local option sales tax.

Through part of October, Silver Comet Trail users will have to continue to use the five-foot sidewalk detour while an 85-foot-long lighted box culvert is being built by North Georgia Concrete.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Principal accused of child molestation

Jack Duane Hibbs, 57, of Marietta, has been charged with four counts of aggravated child molestation.

According to detectives, a male victime who was 15 years old at the time of the alleged crimes, recently reported to authorities that he had been molested at the family residence.

At the time of the alleged molestation, Hibbs was the principal of Faith Lutheran School. Alexis Stevens

Austell residents asked to avoid street

Austell city officials are advising residents of the Bishops Run Subdivision to avoid Sweetwater Lane while it is being resurfaced.

Crews began resurfacing the road from Austell Road to Cambrian Terrace on Thursday.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

NAACP to sponsor trip to National Mall

The Cobb County Branch NAACP is sponsoring a turn-around bus trip to the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Aug. 23-25 in honor of the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington. Cost: $90. Deadline:Monday. Information: 770-425-5757, www.cobbnaacp.org or cobbnaacp@bellsouth.net.

Veronica Fields Johnson

Austell sets Aug. 27-29 qualifying dates

Qualifying times are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 27-29 in Room 107, Austell Threadmill Complex, 5000 Austell Powder Springs Road for at-large Post 1 and Wards 1 and 3 on the Austell City Council.

The qualifying fee is $360, which is 3 percent of the $12,000 base salary.

City Council members also are eligible for health, dental and pension benefits with health and dental paid from their city salaries.

Terms for the three City Council members will last four years from Jan. 1, 2014 to Dec. 31, 2017. Carolyn Cunningham

Marietta walking tour explores black history

A new walking tour in the Marietta area features 13 sites of historical significance to the city and the black community, dating to the Civil War.

The tour brochure is available at several locations, including the Marietta Visitors Bureau, the Marietta Museum of History and online at .

Information: www.mariettasquare.com or 770-429-1115.Jaime Sarrio

Mall to host Red Cross blood drive

Town Center at Cobb will host a Red Cross blood drive to celebrate the Labor Day holiday weekend from noon to 5 p.m. Aug. 31 through Sept. 2 at the mall, 400 Barrett Pkwy., Kennesaw, in the Sears Court.

Veronica Fields Johnson

GWINNETT

Gwinnett to open new state patrol post

The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners will host a ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of a new Georgia State Patrol Post at 9 a.m. today at Georgia State Patrol Post 51, 1645 Pleasant Hill, Duluth.

The Georgia Department of Transportation, in partnership with the Georgia State Patrol, will add 37 state troopers to this post, which will help alleviate traffic backups along the I-85 corridor. Veronica Fields Johnson

Citizen police academy taking applications

The Snellville Citizen’s Police Academy will begin a new 10-week program Sept. 12 designed to educate the community about how the Police Department functions.

The prgroma will cover domestic violence, drug awareness, traffic stops, firearms training and crime scene processing. Free. Applicants go through a background investigation prior to acceptance into the academy. Information: Sgt. Pendleton at 770-985-3555 or rpendleton@snellville.org.

Applications available at www.snellville.org.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

County wants input on transportation projects

Gwinnett is seeking public input on transportation projects that could be paid with SPLOST funds at a meeting 6:30 to 9 p.m. Aug. 26 at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, 75 Langley Dr., Lawrenceville.

Four members will represent homeowners (one from each commission district) and one representative each will represent the business community, environmental stakeholders, schools, civic organizations, and Gwinnett County’s seniors.

Information: www.gwinnettcounty.com or call the Gwinnett Department of Transportation at 770-822-7400. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Church, career center to host career expo

The Georgia Department of Labor’s Gwinnett Career Center and the Crossroads Career Network will co-sponsor a Career Expo 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday at Snellville United Methodist Church, Building C, 2428 Main St. East, Snellville.

Applicants should bring resumes and be prepared to fill out company applications and interview for available job openings.

Workshops and job-related seminars on interviewing, networking and career transition will be offered.

Information: 770-840-2200. Veronica Fields Johnson

Congressman will host town hall

The United Peachtree Corners Civic Association is sponsoring a town hall meeting.

Seventh District U.S. Congressman Rob Woodall will be the featured speaker.

The event will be from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 26 at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 5575 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners.

Information: www.upcca.org. Questions: president@upcca.org or 404-825-8788.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Man critically injured by falling tree branch

A 29-year-old man was critically injured Wednesday afternoon when he was hit by a falling tree branch in Cherokee County.

The man, whose name was not released, was flown to Atlanta Medical Center in critical condition. The man was working with a tree service in the 800 block of Freehome Road when he was hit in the head by the branch around 3 p.m., Cavender told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The man was unresponsive when firefighters arrived. The 3-foot-long branch was approximately 8 to 10 inches in diameter, Cavender said Alexis Stevens

Phone scam alert in Cherokee

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s office is warning residents of a phone scam involving a man impersonating a deputy.

Officials say two residents got a call saying the county was collecting outstanding traffic fines from 2011 by phone, and that residents could get a discount if they paid immediately.

The Sheriff’s office says anyone getting such a call should refuse, and report it to 9-1-1.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Cherokee program seeks nominees

The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominees for the 2014 Leadership Cherokee class through Oct. 1.

Nominees will fill out a written application and be interviewed for possible placement in the nine-month leadership training program which begins in January.

Those selected must live and/or work in Cherokee. Info: 770-345-0400.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Alpharetta run, block party in August

The Alpharetta Rotary Mayor’s Challenge is 6-11 p.m. Saturday in the heart of Historic Downtown Alpharetta.

Bring lawn chairs for the block party that runs until 11 p.m.The event includes food trucks, concert, expo, etc.

Registration: $25 until Aug. 3; $30 after at Big Peach Running Co. or www.mayorschallenge.com. Arlinda Smith Broady

Cherokee exhibit traces history of cotton mills

The Cherokee County History Museum and Visitors Center presents the temporary exhibit “Life with the Mills: The Canton Cotton Mills” through Sept. 14.

The free exhibit traces the mills from 1900 to 1981 and features documents, artifacts and photographs.

The museum is at 100 North St., Suite 140, Canton.

Information: rockbarn.org

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Qualifying period nears for Cumming election

Qualifying for the municipal election in Cumming has been set for 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Aug.26-30 at the Cumming city clerk’s Office, 100 Main St.

Those wishing to run will have to fork over $360 for the mayor’s race and $180 for council.

The seats of Mayor H. Ford Gravitt, Post 1 councilman Rupert Sexton and Post 2 councilman Quincy Holton will be up for grabs.

The election is Nov. 5.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

Falcons, GWCC host stadium meeting

The Council for Quality Growth, in partnership with the Atlanta Falcons and Georgia World Congress Center, will host a public event discussing the new $1 billion stadium 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Aug. 28 at the Georgia World Congress Center. Falcons owner Arthur Blank will be among the speakers at the event discussing design, construction and community revitalization plans. Cost: $30. Register: www.councilforqualitygrowth.org Katie Leslie

Website provides cloud storage and apps

Students in Atlanta Public Schools this year can access Microsoft Office programs, cloud storage, email, e-books and digital learning tools from any Internet-connected device.

The password-protected student portal, called myBackpack, provides students with digital products to help them with their studies.

The website will provide students with the tools they need to master requirements of Common Core standards. Mark Niesse

Family resource fair set for Saturday

A free resource fair for students and parents is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Metro Lanes and Games, 1959 Metropolitan Pkwy. and will feature school supplies and activities for students, including skating, games, a talent showcase, food and more.

Information on after school care, extracurricular programs, and organizations specializing in life skills, parenting and personal development will be available for parents.

Information: Reginald Crossley, 404-612-7386 or 404-409-7761. Mea Watkins

African Children’s Choir to perform

The African Children’s Choir will perform at 7 p.m. Aug. 23 at Peachtree Presbyterian Church, 3434 Roswell Road. The choir is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping Africa’s children. The choir also will perform at 11 a.m. Sept. 1 at Wieuca Road Baptist Church, 3626 Peachtree Road. Information: www.africanchildrenchoir.com, or call 404-842-5800. Sandra Marshall Murray

DEKALB

Meeting may determine referendum

The fate of a $59.6 million bond referendum that would finance extensive renovations to Renfroe Middle and Decatur High schools, may be determined Monday during a Decatur City Commission work session scheduled for 6:45 p.m. at City Hall.

Each commissioner will likely declare where they stand on the referendum, and it’s possible they may take a vote during the 7:30 p.m. regularly-scheduled meeting, though it’s not currently on the agenda.

Commissioners must vote before Aug. 30 for the referendum to appear on the Nov. 5 ballot.

Bill Banks for the AJC

Board seeks fund-raising volunteers

A non-profit group that supports behavioral health and developmental disability services provided by DeKalb’s Community Service Board needs board members.

The Brighter Tomorrow Foundation works to raise funds for the CSB, meaning board members should have fund-raising experience or a background in providing healthcare.

Information: 404-508-7875 or www.btfdekalb.org.

April Hunt

Free health and wellness fair Saturday

Stan Watson, an at-large DeKalb County Commissioner, is hosting a free health and wellness for all residents 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church, 4650 Flat Shoals Parkway near Decatur.

April Hunt

Family Fun Day rescheduled

DeKalb Family Fun Day – a free event featuring activities, entertainment and back-to-school supplies – has been moved to 2 to 7 p.m. Aug. 25 at Bransby Outdoor YMCA on Rock Chapel Road because of rainy weather earlier in the month.

The even is expected to draw thousands of people from across the county.

Information: www.projectarm.org or visit the DeKalb Family Fun Day page on Facebook.

April Hunt

County holding small business summit

DeKalb County will host a summit for small business owners 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday at Georgia Piedmont Technical College’s conference center, 495 North Indian Creek Road, Clarkston.

The event is part of its efforts to promote business growth and economic development in the county. Cost is $25.

Register online at dekalbsummit2013.eventbrite.com. Information: 404-687-2730.

April Hunt

Brookhaven sets qualifying period

The qualifying period for Brookhaven City Council candidates will be Aug. 26 through Aug. 28.

Voters will elect for districts 2 and 4 in the November election.

Would-be candidates must file notice and pay a $360 fee to the Brookhaven City Clerk between 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the qualifying period.

Information: www.brookhavenga.gov.

April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Peachtree City starts DUI crackdown

Starting this weekend, Peachtree City will increase patrols to identify and arrest drunk drivers. As part of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” program Friday through Sept. 2, more patrols and checkpoints will be present on streets and cart paths.

Unsafe drivers should be reported to 911 or 770-461-HELP.

Direct questions to traffic@peachtree-city.org.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Fayetteville’s Market Day returns Saturday

Downtown Fayetteville’s monthly Market Day for August will be held 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday in the parking lot of the Administrative Complex. Approximately 60 area vendors will have homemade and homegrown crafts, food and other items for sale. Information on future events is at www.fayetteville-ga.gov; vendors interested in display space for September should call 770-719-4173.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Alzheimer’s Walk to be held in October

The Southern Crescent Walk to End Alzheimer’s annual walk will be 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 at the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater, 201 McIntosh Trail, Peachtree City. Register at alz.org/walk. Donations to the walk benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association can be mailed to Southern Crescent Walk to End Alzheimer’s, PO Box 2144, Peachtree City, GA 30269. Information: Sue Shaffer at alzwalkshaffer@aol.com.

Veronica Fields Johnson

Mayor’s Walking Tour set Saturday morning

McDonough Mayor Billy Copeland is hosting an hour long Walking Tour starting at 9:30 a.m. Saturday.

The tour will guide citizens through McDonough Historic Downtown and will leave from the McDonough Welcome Center at 5 Griffin Street.

Participant should wear cool clothing and comfortable shoes. The tour is free. Information: 770-957-3915. Sandra Marshall Murray

Health department to hold event for teens

The Clayton County Board of Health and other community groups are inviting teens between the ages of 12 and 19 to participate in an Aug. 17 interactive event called The Clayton County Teen Maze. The 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. event will be at the Riverdale Centre, 7210 Church St., Riverdale. The even will show consequences of positive and negative life choices. Counselors will lead discussions with participants at the end of the activities. The event is free. Registration is required and available at claytoncountypublichealth.org/ccst. Details: Akisha Joseph at 678-479-2205. Tammy Joyner

Festival, fireworks reset for Labor Day

The Henry County Fireworks Extravaganza - originally scheduled for July 4 but rained out - will take place Labor Day, Sept. 2, at Nash Farm Park near Hampton. The Henry County Board of Commissioners approved the new date at its Aug. 6 meeting. Information: www.hcfireworks.com.

Monroe Roark for the AJC