COBB
Austell approves $46,000 in street improvements
Austell City Council members voted 6-0 Monday in favor of $46,000 in street improvements funded by the special purpose local option sales tax. C & S Paving, Inc. was paid $21,432 for improvements near City Hall on Broad and Mulberry Streets, including repaving the City Hall parking lot. However, the work already is completed due to a City Council telephone poll in mid-June, giving the go-ahead. Sidewalk improvements of $25,000 to John and Betty Streets will keep children from having to walk in the streets as they approach their bus stop.
CAROLYN CUNNINGHAM FOR THE AJC
Free child photo ID kits offered
Free child photo identification kits will be available to parents during a ChildProtect Photo ID event 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday at Jim Miller Park, 2245 Callaway Rd. S.W., Marietta hosted by Mutual of Omaha. The program raises child safety awareness and assists in locating missing children. Information: Aaron Amos, 404-604-0159. Mea Watkins
Austell restaurant given back license
The Austell City Council voted 6-0 Monday to return a privilege business license to Acapulquito Restaurant and Bar. The license was seized early Saturday morning when a police officer reported the music level was restored to its previous level after a police warning at the establishment at 1936 Veterans Memorial Highway. Police have responded to 12 noise complaints at Acapulquito in June filed by guests of the adjacent Efficiency Lodge.CAROLYN CUNNINGHAM
Beautification Society approved
Austell Councilwomen Trudie Causey and Suzanne Thomason received unanimous approval Monday by the Austell City Council to form the Austell Women's Beautification Society. Work days begin at 8 a.m. on the third Saturdays at the Old City Jail on Broad Street.
Participants should bring gloves and garden tools, but extras are available.
Information: satadt1979@hotmail.com, 770-948-7298 or 678-414-9017 or Causey at 770-944-3790 or 678-458-4186. CAROLYN CUNNINGHAM
Marietta park honors city leaders
A Marietta park has been renamed the Steve and Virginia Tumlin Park at Hickory Hills to honor Mayor Steve Tumlin's late parents for their community leadership. The park reopened in May on Chestnut Hill Road after a $1.7 million renovation. The city has changed a policy to allow naming parks for citizens who have contributed to the city or the park system. Former Mayor Bill Dunaway suggested the name change five years ago.
Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Powder Springs opens community garden
The Cobb County Extension office is managing a community garden at the Green Meadows Preserve, 3780 Dallas Highway, Powder Springs. Master gardeners are available to assist with questions and provide gardening recommendations and educational programs. Cost for a 4-foot by 8-foot raised-bed garden plot is $48 a year, including garden soil. Seniors may qualify for a discount. Information and reservations: Cobb County Extension, 770-528-4070 or email greenmeadowscg@gmail.com. CAROLYN CUNNINGHAM FOR THE AJC
GWINNETT
Diesel fuel spills after crash
Traffic was diverted Thursday morning on Bermuda Road and West Park Place after a wreck caused diesel fuel to spill, Gwinnett County authorities said. Fire spokesman Lt. Colin Rhoden said 80 to 100 gallons of fuel spilled from a truck after it collided with a car. Some of the truck's fuel made its way into nearby storm drains before the arrival of hazmat cleanup crews, Rhoden said. The Environmental Protection Agency was alerted. The driver of the car was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries. The truck driver was not injured.
Christopher Seward and John Spink
Holiday cookout ends with house fire
It took firefighters nearly two hours to get a house fire under control Wednesday evening. Investigators believe it began during a holiday cookout. Crews were dispatched shortly after 5:30 p.m. to a Snellville home on Waverly Downs Drive, where they found heavy smoke and flames through the roof. Everyone was out of the home when firefighters arrived and no injuries were reported. The fire was under control around 7:15 p.m..The Red Cross was assisting three people displaced by the blaze. Alexis Stevens
Liberal watering restrictions continue
Georgia allows landscape and lawn irrigation 4 p.m. to 10 a.m. daily, but irrigation is most effective between 4 and 8 a.m. Other outdoor water usage is to follow the odd/even watering schedule with Monday, Wednesday and Saturday for addresses ending in even numbers and Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday for addresses ending in odd numbers. Gwinnett residents can learn more about efficient outdoor watering practices by attending a free Smart Irrigation Workshop on 7 to 8:30 p.m. July 31 at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center Auditorium, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville. Registration: 678-376-6722 or e-mail dwrconserve@gwinnettcounty.com. Karen Huppertz
Learn to eat healthy, Mediterranean diet
The Health & Wellness Ministry of Duluth First United Methodist Church offers a healthy eating class "Eat, Pray, Love Mediterranean Style" 10 - 11:30 a.m. Thursday at the Diabetes & Nutrition Education Center at the Glancy Campus, East Entrance, 3215 McClure Bridge Road, Duluth. The event is free, but registration is required. Registration: 678-312-5000. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Duluth helps sister city through flood damage
Flood damage to parts of Duluth, Minn. has prompted a drive for local Duluth residents to donate work gloves for volunteers helping with the Minnesota clean up. Donations may be dropped off at City Hall no later than July 20. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Tail-wagging good time on schedule at libraries
Gwinnett Public Libraries is offering children ages 5-10 the chance to read to a dog. Doggie Tales, offered through Atlanta TheraPaws, allows children to read to dogs trained and registered members of Therapy Dogs International Inc. For the Gwinnett branch hosting Doggie Tales nearest you, visit www.gwinnettpl.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
NORTHSIDE
No charges to be filed in fatal crash
Cherokee County authorities have decided not to file charges against a driver who struck and killed a 52-year-old man last Friday night on Ga. 92. Sheriff's Lt. Jay Baker says Herrera Mendez of Acworth was crossing the highway in a dimly lit area with no crosswalk, and the driver was not speeding or impaired. The accident occurred near Wade Green Road in the southern part of the county.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Rogers, Beach to square off in Tea Party debate
State Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers, R-Woodstock, will square off against challenger Brandon Beach in a debate 7 p.m. Tuesday sponsored by the North Fulton and Friends Tea Party at the Crooked Creek Homeowners Association Club House, 14250 Creek Club Drive, Milton.
Beach, president of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, is challenging Rogers for the Senate District 21 seat, which includes a portion of north Fulton. Moderators are former Secretary of State Karen Handel and Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jim Galloway. Johnny Edwards
Alpharetta's movie series continues
"The Three Stooges" on Saturday is next in Alpharetta City Pool's Dive In Movie Series, where viewers watch movies from the water at 1815 Old Milton Pkwy. Sponsored by the city's parks and recreation department, the remade classic, which begins at dark, features Sean Hays, Chris Diamantopoulos and Will Sasso as Larry, Moe and Curly. Admission is $3, $1 for seniors and children age 3 and under. For information, call 678-297-6100 or visit accprograms@alpharetta.ga.us.
Michael Alpert for the AJC
2 injured by fireworks in Woodstock
Two people were injured Wednesday night during Fourth of July fireworks in Woodstock, according to police. But the injuries were not serious.
The licensed company contracted to set off fireworks had a close-to-ground detonation that injured two employees, Brittany Duncan, spokeswoman for Woodstock police, told the AJC. One of those injured was transported to the hospital for treatment, but his injuries were not life-threatening, Duncan said. He was later reported to be in stable condition. The fireworks were halted temporarily, sending some of the crowd home early. The fireworks resumed around 10:30 p.m.
Alexis Stevens
Man shot in buttocks in Roswell
A man told police he was shot in the buttocks Wednesday outside a Roswell apartment complex.The shooting happened at the Seven Pines complex, off Holcomb Bridge Road, according to police. A maintenance worker at the complex found the victim, whose name was not released, Wednesday afternoon. The victim told police he was shot several hours earlier. After being treated at the scene, the man was transported to North Fulton Hospital for treatment.Investigators were searching the complex for witnesses or a suspect. Alexis Stevens
ATLANTA
Gunmen kidnap man from porch
Gunmen robbed five people and kidnapped a man Tuesday night in Cabbagetown, Atlanta police said. The robbery occurred at a house on Estoria Street around 11 p.m. The group was sitting on the porch when three men armed with handguns approached and forced them in the house, police said. The gunmen robbed them and forced four people into a room then drove the fifth victim to several ATM's, where they ordered him to withdraw an undisclosed amount of money. He was released and found a ride home. No one was injured. Christopher Hong
BGCA names senior vice president
Julie Teer has been named the senior vice president of resource development for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America effective Aug. 1. Teer will direct all of the Atlanta-based organization's corporate, foundation and individual fundraising and lead the team responsible for providing resource development services to local clubs.
Previously, Teer served as vice president of development for Susan G. Komen For The Cure. Johnny Edwards
Law firm recognized for military support
David R. Montlick, CEO and Founder of Montlick & Associates, a personal injury law firm, was awarded the 2012 Southeast Patriotism Award from the Association of the United States Army at its award ceremony in May. Montlick was recognized for support of the military, including his firm's production of over 300 Tribute to the Troop television messages. Information: www.montlick.com/supportingourtroops. Kenneth Musisi
Beers and bike fest raises funds for cycling
A beer and bike festival raised more than $6,500 for the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition, Sopo Bicycle Cooperative and Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association, according to event sponsor New Belgium Brewing. Tour de Fat, a traveling celebration, stopped at 4th Ward Park on June 30. One woman, Amanda Smith, won a contest to swap her automobile for a new bike.
Ty Tagami
DEKALB
DeKalb Fire Rescue receives fan donation
The Public Education Unit of DeKalb County Fire Rescue has received box fans and will give them away to county citizens. Fans can be picked up at Fire Rescue Headquarters at 1950 West Exchange Place, Tucker as well as these fire stations: 2107 Flightway Dr., Chamblee; 900 Evans Mill Rd. and 2919 Warren Rd, Lithonia; 1859 Montreal Rd, Tucker; and 1265 Brockett Rd, Clarkston. Information: 678-406-7735. Kenneth Musisi
Sewer project closing main road
Crews have begun digging to replace the sewer main that runs under South Stone Mountain-Lithonia Road in DeKalb County, prompting a segment to be closed for about a month. The road will be shut down between Marbut and Chapman roads until Aug. 5. Detour signs will be posted. Information: 770-780-2013. April Hunt
Police seek suspect in double shooting
Police were called to the Highlands of East Atlanta on Flatshoals Road after a dispute led to gunfire, Channel 2 Action News reports. The men pulled out guns and began shooting, killing one man and hitting a woman who was caught in the crossfire. An arrest warrant has reportedly been filed, but police were not available early Thursday morning to identify the man they are seeking.
Marcus K. Garner
Late budget approval affects teacher jobs
Delays in approving the budget for the 2012-13 school year will mean last-minute decisions on teacher retention in DeKalb County. School starts Aug. 13, but some teachers haven't yet locked in a job. Many, including those at the Fernbank Science Center where the budget was cut about 40 percent, were told to apply for positions elsewhere as last year's contracts expired. System spokesman Walter Woods said attrition usually exceeds the roughly 500 spots to be cut this year. Many teachers will face uncertainty until two weeks before school. "We hope to have all positions filled by July 31," Woods said.
Ty Tagami
Group to hold school board candidate forum
Candidates for four DeKalb County school board posts will take part in a public forum Tuesday.
The event is sponsored by the group eduKALB, which has ties to the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce and says it vets candidates for local office with a panel of business, civic, government and community members.
The forum is from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Westwood College, 2309 Parklake Drive, NE, Atlanta. The election is July 31.
Ty Tagami
DCTV debuts new program
DeKalb County Television (DCTV Channel 23) debuted a new program called "Welcome Home DeKalb" at 6 p.m. Monday. The television show will feature tours and overviews of homes currently offered through the county's homebuyer programs, stories highlighting the county's newest homeowners, and most sought-after properties. New episodes will air on the first Monday of each month. Information: www.dekalbcountyga.gov/dctv.
Kenneth Musisi
SOUTHSIDE
Candidate for House seat dies at 36
Gary "Pee Wee" Davis, a legally-blind community activist who was challenging state Rep. Keisha Waites for the redrawn House District 60 seat, has died at age 36. Waites, who attended the funeral, said he died late last month.
"He was someone that was very well-loved and respected," Waites, D-Atlanta, said. "We really did lose somebody amazing."
Atlanta Progressive News reported that he died of kidney failure. There are still three challengers in the race: William Fisher, Antonio Lewis and LaTrenka Riley. District 60 includes parts of Fulton, DeKalb and Clayton counties.
Johnny Edwards
Deal appoints new Henry solicitor-general
Gov. Nathan Deal announced Tuesday the appointment of Flint Judicial Circuit Assistant District Attorney John A. (Trea) Pipkin III to fill the solicitor-general vacancy in Henry County. The vacancy was created by the resignation of the Honorable Charles A. Spahos who now serves as executive director of the Prosecuting Attorney's Counsel of Georgia. Pipkin qualified in May to run as a Republican for the 111th District seat in the Georgia House of Representatives, but will have to withdraw from that race upon acceptance of this appointment. Monroe Roark for the AJC
Woman killed in south Fulton traffic
A woman was killed crossing a southwest Fulton County road Thursday morning, according to reports. Police were called after the woman was hit by a car on Campbellton Road west of Fulton Industrial Boulevard around 5:30 a.m. The woman hasn't been identified. Marcus K. Garner
Fayetteville to start enforcing alarm rules
The City of Fayetteville will begin enforcing its new false alarm ordinance on July 16. Anyone with a residential or commercial security alarm system must register with the city, and will be held responsible for false alarm activations. Failure to register will result in a $100 fine, and fines for false alarms range from $50 for a second offense to as much as $300 for repeat offenses. Registration: www.crywolf.us/fayettevillega/ under "New Alarm Users." Information: 855-694-8279 Jill Howard Church
Fulton gets grant to help teen dads
Fulton County is getting $25,000 in federal funds for its Teen DADS program, which provides career counseling, parenting classes and other services to help fathers bond with their babies and co-parent. Teen DADS, which stands for Determined Active Dedicated Supportive, was started by Commissioner Bill Edwards in 2009. The federal grant will come via the state's Personal Responsibility Education Program, which is to teach youth about abstinence and contraception. Johnny Edwards
Cancer Society needs volunteer drivers
The American Cancer Society needs volunteer drivers to help cancer patients get to and from treatment in Clayton and Henry counties.The organization provides free training for "Road to Recovery" volunteers, who must be over 18 with a valid driver's license, auto insurance and a good driving record. To apply, call 770-632-6936. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
