County by county news for Friday

Ex-Smyrna jailer gets two years behind bars

Dustin Blake Otwell, 31, a recently hired jailer at the Smyrna City Jail, was arrested on Feb. 7 for taking $600 from a man who was booked into the jail, according to Cobb County District Attorney’s Office.

On Wednesday, Otwell pleaded guilty to one count of theft by taking and one count of making false statements and writings.

A judge sentenced him to 10 years in prison, with two years to serve. Daarel Burnette II

Ask Austell questions via social media

Austell is hosting “Q & A Sessions” on Facebook and Twitter for anyone wanting information about the city.

Contacts:

#CityofAustell or

Information: Duane R. Demeritt, duane@austell.org. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Austell approves park improvements

The Austell City Council approved improvements to two parks Monday.

Behind the pavilion on the back side of Legion Park, more parking will be added along with beach volleyball, covered horseshoe pits and playground equipment.

The $45,000 cost will be paid with $18,000 of Community Development Block Grant funds for the playground and $27,000 of special purpose local option sales tax funds.

Also, the city will buy a half-acre lot at 3045 Veterans Memorial Highway for $20,000 to provide access into Louise Suggs Memorial Park, including the city’s new disc golf course. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

KSU to host casino night fundraiser

The Kennesaw State University College of Continuing and Professional Education will host a Casino Night Scholarship Fundraiser 6 to 10 p.m. Sept. 28 at the KSU Center, 3333 Busbee Dr., Kennesaw. Tickets are $100. Information: www.ksufundraiser.com or 770-499-3340. Veronica Fields Johnson

Car show to benefit Smyrna hospital

The Foundation of Emory-Adventist Hospital at Smyrna will host the annual Wheels for Wellness Car Show from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at the hospital, 3949 South Cobb Drive, Smyrna.

Admission is free for spectators, who will enjoy classic cars, music, food and festivities. Car entry fee is $20 in advance. Day of show registration is $25 from 10 a.m. to noon.

Proceeds will go toward the purchase of new hospital beds.

Information: www.smyrnacares.org or 770-438-5233. Veronica Fields Johnson

GWINNETT

Chamber, Korean consulate strengthen ties

The Gwinnett Chamber joined the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea on Tuesday to celebrate strengthening economic ties by signing the Reciprocal Driver’s License Agreement. H.B. 475 allows driver services to establish agreements with other countries that waive written and driving tests, but not visual tests, for foreign executives and other legal foreign residents. The driver’s license reciprocity agreement impact on the Korean community was immediate. Students, expats, and their families are among the major benefactors,” said Consul General He Beom Kim. Information: www.gwinnettchamber.org. Karen Huppertz

Police seek kidnapping suspects

A man told police he was kidnapped by two men from the Bridgewater Apartments near Duluth around 6:15 a.m. Wednesday.

He said about five hours earlier they forced him to give banking information and used his debit and credit cards. After getting money, the suspects released the victim and abandoned his vehicle at an Atlanta apartment complex and fled.

Anyone with information should call 770-513-5326 or Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477. Angel K. Brooks

Norcross to host clean up and recycling day

Norcross will sponsor Neighborhood Clean-Up and Recycling Day Sept. 28 outside of Norcross City Hall, 65 Lawrenceville St. American Security Shredding will collect up to 5 medium-size boxes per vehicle from 9 a.m. to noon.

Electronics Recycling will provide disposal of old cell phones, computers and keyboards from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Norcross Community Center.

Participants are also encouraged to bring canned or non-perishable goods to support the “CAN” Do for Hunger food drive. Information: www.norcrossga.net. Veronica Fields Johnson

Duluth announces Top Dog candidates

Members of Duluth’s Parks and Recreation Staff and Parks Advisory Board have announced the candidates for Chattapooche Dog Park’s upcoming mayoral election: Honey, a 4-year old Great Dane, Marley, a 3-year old Golden Lab, Moon Pie, a 1-year old Chocolate Lab and Penny, a 3-year old Lab/Golden Retriever. Voting ends Sept. 30. The Chattapoochee Mayor will be announced 2 p.m. Oct. 6 at the Chattapoochee Pet Fest at Rogers Bridge Park. Information: parksandrecreation@duluthga.net. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Workshop on teen societal issues set

The Lilburn Woman’s Club will host a free workshop on societal issues affecting teens for educators, parents and others who work with children 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 21 at Mountain Park United Methodist Church, 1405 Rockbridge Road, Stone Mountain.

Topics include understanding legal consequences, preventing youth sexual abuse, effective response to bullying, learning the truth about dating violence and identifying suicidal tendencies.

Reservations are required.

Information: www.mountainparkumc.org or 770-921-8512. Veronica Fields Johnson

NORTHSIDE

Sandy Springs man named Hampton, Va., police chief

Sandy Springs’ director of public safety has a new job — police chief in Hampton, Va.

Terry Sult, 56, was named to the post Wednesday night after a national search. The appointment is effective Oct. 7.

Sult has previously been police chief in Gastonia, N.C., and Sandy Springs. Sult has worked in Sandy Springs for five years. Angel K. Brooks

Forsyth High teacher honored by state

Debra Moore, an advanced marketing and entrepreneurship teacher at South Forsyth High in Cummings, was honored by the state Department of Education for making a positive impact in the lives of her students. Georgia Superintendent John Barge recently presented Moore with the Fountain Award, named after Monty Fountain, a teacher Barge has credited with helping him and other students. In addition to teaching marketing and entrepreneurship, Moore has served as the school’s DECA advisor for 19 years. One of Moore’s former students, Jordan Cushman, nominated her for the Fountain Award. Wayne Washington

Cherokee victim notification offered

The Cherokee County Victim & Notification Everyday registration is a comprehensive community awareness program that uses computer technology and the telephone to provide victims of crime with offender custody information 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Callers to the VINE hotline can determine the custody status of an offender in the Cherokee County Jail. Registered victims will also receive automated telephone notification upon the arrest, release, transfer, or escape of that offender. .Information: 770-928-0239. Staff

Data says Cherokee gaining population

Population estimates released by the Atlanta Regional Commission show Cherokee County gaining 2,5000 new residents in the year ending April 1. The ARC now pegs Cherokee County’s census at 223,300. Overall, the 10-county Atlanta region added 40,100 residents in those 12 months to jump to more than 4.2 million. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Alpharetta hosts youth triathlon

IronKids Alpharetta, the largest youth triathlon in the U.S., will take place Sept. 15 at Wills Park, 1825 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta. Athletes ages 6 to 15 can register at www.awesomealpharetta.com.

Participants receive a medal upon crossing the finish line, and the top three athletes within each age category will be awarded a placement trophy. Registration is $50 online and $65 onsite. Race morning registration will not be available.

Information: hy-veeironkids.com/alpharetta/. Veronica Fields Johnson

Cherokee schools closed next week

Cherokee County School District campuses will be closed Monday through Friday as part of fall break. In addition, district offices will be closed Monday and Tuesday for furlough days.Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

Fried foods cut from public schools

Atlanta schools no longer serve fried food in cafeterias as part of an effort to serve healthy meals. The Atlanta Public Schools system began disconnecting fryers in cafeterias in 2009, and alternative food choices have been added each year since.

Schools now serve Southern baked chicken, baked chicken wraps, strawberries, peaches, sweet potatoes, carrots and kale. Mark Niesse

Groups work on southeast playground

The southeast Atlanta community has teamed up to build a new playground at Dobbs Elementary School, which hasn’t had a playground for its students in more than 10 years.

The playground will be primarily funded by the Humana Foundation, and it will be created from drawings and recommendations by students and adults.

The project is one of more than 50 playgrounds built nationwide by Humana, the Humana Foundation and KaBOOM!, according to Atlanta Public Schools. Mark Niesse

Library to offer adult literacy classes

Adult literacy classes will be offered 10 a.m. to noon Friday at the Martin Luther King Library Branch, 409 John Wesley Dobbs Dr. Help will be available for those who would like to improve their reading skills or those who want to learn how to read. Reservations are required. Information: 404-730-1185. Veronica Fields Johnson

Applications accepted for advisory council

The Georgia Department of Education encourages Atlanta Public Schools high school students to apply for the Student Advisory Council.

Applications will be accepted through today. Members will meet with state school Superintendent John Barge three times during the school year.

Student Advisory Council members will discuss with the superintendent how state-level decisions affect students, and act as liaisons between the DOE and their schools. Information: rculver@doe.k12.ga.us. Mark Niesse

DEKALB

Weather delays storm drain improvements

Since February, Decatur has been replacing storm drainage pipes, about 2,000 linear feet, but the work’s taken longer than expected due to summer rains. The main line, and most difficult construction, runs under East Maple Street (in front of Decatur High) to Church Street, and this should finish by the end of September. But two other tributaries, from Church/Maple to Fire Station No.1, and from East Howard Street up Church to the Decatur Presbyterian Church, probably won’t finish until early next year. Total cost is $1.29 million. Bill Banks for the AJC

Braves to host DeKalb students, staff

The Atlanta Braves will host students, parents and staff from the Ronald E. McNair Discover Learning Academy at their Sunday game with the San Diego Padres.

Principal Brian Bolden, bookkeeper Antoinette Tuff, media specialist Harold Grant, cafeteria manager Malcolm Quillen and Secretary Stephanie Rudolph will be recognized for their courage when an armed gunman entered the school last month. No one was injured in the incident. Staff

Metal detectors coming to Decatur High

Metal detectors are forthcoming for the Decatur High football stadium following three robberies within an hour after the Aug. 30 game. An LED light will be added on the southeast corner, along with brighter lights to drench the southern (or upper) parking lot. All changes should be completed in three weeks. Bill Banks for the AJC

DA to host pet ownership event

DeKalb County District Attorney Robert James is joining with several community groups to host an event focused on responsible pet ownership 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 14 at Glenlake Park, Decatur.

The Paws for the Cause event will feature live low-cost veterinary services and animals for adoption, live entertainment and food vendors. April Hunt

Walking event to raise awareness of lupus

A run/walk fundraiser for a foundation that supports residents with lupus will be held 8:30 a.m. Sept. 14 at the Exchange recreation center, 2771 Columbia Dr. County Commissioner Larry Johnson is sponsoring the Let’s Move DeKalb walk as part of his overall effort to promote walking for health. Representatives from Lupus Foundation’s Georgia Chapter will also be on hand to educate residents about the autoimmune disorder.

Pre-registration/information: 404-964-4936. April Hunt

Annexation once again a “hot topic”

With Briarcliff, Tucker and Lakeside likely pushing for incorporation during the 2014 legislative session, Decatur city manager Peggy Merriss anticipates annexation as “the hot topic this fall.” Merriss said Decatur’s city commission must have a specific annexation plan determined by the year’s end. She added that a proposed map of Briarcliff, population roughly 90,000, shows its southwest boundaries surrounding the northern boundaries of Decatur and Avondale Estates, and includes the two mostly commercial areas the city discussed annexing last year. Bill Banks for the AJC

SOUTHSIDE

Fulton high school receives federal grant

McClarin High School will use a federal School Improvement Grant, adminstered by the Georgia Department of Education, to give students more course credit flexibility and to emphasize literacy and numeracy.

The school will focus on student success, principal and teacher effectiveness and school environment.

The grant will be renewed for the second and third year if Georgia Department of Education officials witness improvement during on-site visits. Karishma Mehrotra

Fayette Expo highlights businesses

More than 100 Fayette County businesses will be showcased at the Fayette Chamber’s 23rd Annual Community Expo from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday (Sept. 17) at New Hope Baptist Church’s south campus, 1563 Joel Cowan Parkway. Healthcare providers, legal and business services, education resources and home and pet products will be among the exhibits. Admission is free; see www.FayetteChamber.org or call 770-461-9983. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Airshow will close Fayette park

Fayette County will close the new Lake McIntosh Park on Oct. 11-14 as part of the “safety zone” being established during the Great Georgia Airshow. The expanded event, taking place at Peachtree City’s Falcon Field Airport, will have both day and evening activities involving aircraft. The Planterra Ridge Golf Course and nearby businesses will also be affected. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Henry offers fall break camp Oct. 7-11

Henry Parks and Recreation is offering a Fall Break Camp 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m Oct. 7-11 at the Fairview Recreation Center, Heritage Park in McDonough, the J. P. Moseley Recreation Center in Stockbridge, the Locust Grove Recreation Center and Nash Farm Park in Hampton for ages 6-12.

The cost is $100. Registration begins Monday and will 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays or register online at www.hcprd.org. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Baby-sitting course offered in Fayette

A one-day baby-sitting training course for youths age 11 and older will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday at Piedmont Fayette hospital, 1279 Hwy. 54 West in Fayetteville. The Safe Sitter training includes first aid, CPR, child development, behavior issues and business practices.

Registration is $45; call 770-719-5815 or contact maria.lepage@piedmont.org. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Poster contest focuses on school bus safety

Entries are being accepted until Friday for the Henry County School Bus Safety Poster Contest.

It is open to all students in kindergarten through eighth grade enrolled in Henry County public schools. There are four categories: K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and special education.

Every poster and slogan must harmonize with the 2013 poster contest theme: “At my Stop – You Stop!”

Information: www.henry.k12.ga.us. Monroe Roark for the AJC