County by county news for Friday

Marietta police report rash of car break-ins

Marietta Police are warning residents about a rash of car break-ins that occurred Tuesday and Wednesday in the Powder Springs Road and Oregon Trail area. Thieves broke into a dozen vehicles and two garages to steal valuables overnight.

Citizens can protect themselves by being aware of surroundings, closing windows, locking vehicle doors, securing garage doors and keeping valuables out of sight. Outdoor lighting may also serve as a deterrent. Anyone with any information regarding the crimes is asked to contact Marietta Police Detective Radar at 770-794-5388. Andria Simmons

Hearing Tuesday on new Smyrna school

A public forum will be held 6:30 p.m. Tuesday to discuss the construction of a Smyrna replacement elementary school in Cobb County. The forum will be held at Campbell Middle in the auditorium, 3295 South Atlanta Road, Smyrna. The school is slated to open August 2013. For more information: www.cobbk12.org Jaime Sarrio

Stream restoration complete at Shaw Park

Cobb County Soil and Water Conservation District, in partnership with Cobb Board of Commissioners, has completed a stream restoration and stabilization project at Shaw Park in northeast Cobb.

The project provided a demonstration of stream restoration and stabilization techniques in an urban setting. It featured “daylighting” the stream from a concrete culvert and creating a stable channel slope.

Soil bioengineering methods were used to address streambank erosion. And, a mixture of native plants were installed to restore the natural stream buffer. Andria Simmons

Kids can sign up for Junior Golf Camp

Future golf stars and little ones who just need time outdoors can sign up now for Cobblestone Golf Course’s Summer Junior Golf Camp in Acworth.

The camp costs $175 per child and includes six hours of golf instruction, Wednesday golf course play day, prizes, snacks, and other things. Registration is in progress.

Info: Joyce Wilcox at 770-624-7711 or joyce.wilcox@affinitigolfacademy.com. Andria Simmons

Virtual Academy deadline June 7

The final chance to register for summer term at the Cobb Virtual Academy is 9 a.m. to noon June 7 at the Oakwood Digital Academy, 1560 Joyner Ave., Marietta. Walk-ins are accepted and the cost is $275 for a half credit and $550 for one credit. No cash or checks will be accepted. Check www.cobbvirtualacademy.org for information. Jaime Sarrio

GWINNETT

Ex-Serbian soldier guilty of lying to immigration

A Lawrenceville man who was once a member of the Serbian paramilitary force during the Bosnian War has pleaded guilty to federal charges.

Zeljko Kekic, 48, who now has a green card, lied to U.S. immigration officials in 2002 about his employment in the early 1990s during the Bosnian War, U.S. Attorney Sally Yates said. He misled the officials into believing he was a refugee when he was in fact a master sergeant in a key Serbian-controlled town in Bosnia during a time when more than 8,000 Bosnian men and boys were massacred, she said. Bill Rankin

Charter school looks for ways to stay open

Gwinnett Schools officials met with representatives of Ivy Preparatory Academy in Norcross this week to discuss how the charter school could continue operations next fall.

Administrators said they will work with Ivy Prep as they modify their petition to meet standards for district charter schools. Ivy Prep, which was approved by a state board that was recently overturned by the Georgia Supreme Court, needs a legal charter to continue as a public school. Gwinnett Superintendent J. Alvin Wilbanks said he is “optimistic” about the progress. D. Aileen Dodd

Gwinnett police offer teen driver program

The Gwinnett Police Department is offering the P.R.I.D.E. Program (Parents Reducing Injuries and Driver Error) safe driving classes to assist new drivers and their parents.

The free, two-hour course is designed for teen drivers ages 14 to 16. Classes are at 6:30 p.m. June 20 at the West Precinct in Norcross; June 23 at South Precinct in Lilburn; and June 26 at East Precinct in Dacula. Andria Simmons

Short Bus Heroes Comedy Tour at Aurora

The Short Bus Heroes Comedy Tour will perform at the Aurora Theatre on June 24 for the season finale of Funny Fridays.

The show is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. at Aurora Theatre on the square in downtown Lawrenceville.

The Short Bus Heroes are comprised of four local comedians: James Blackwell, Jamie Bendall, Kevin Mason and Jarrod Harris. Tickets cost $15.

Information: 678-226-6222 or www.auroratheatre.com. Joel Anderson

County to sponsor bridal show June 12

Gwinnett County will sponsor a bridal show from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. June 12 at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, 185 E. Crogan St., Lawrenceville.

The event will feature wedding vendors, give-aways, a fashion show and entertainment. The cost is $5 per person for those who pre-registration by June 11 or $7 at the door. For more information call 770-822-5450. David Wickert

Sustainable practices event Saturday

Norcross, Sustainable Norcross and The Deconstructed House will host a party Saturday to promote the support of sustainable practices.

“The Pre-Demolition, Salvage Pickin’ and Porch Party” will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 155 N. Cemetery St.

Information: sustainablenorcross@gmail.com or 770-246-0083. Joel Anderson

NORTHSIDE

Commission balks at waiving fees for PGA

Fulton Commissioner Liz Hausmann was unable to muster four votes to waive about $14,000 in health inspection fees for the PGA Championship being held in August at Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek. Noting an expected $50 million economic impact, Hausmann wanted the county to agree to the same deal as when the tournament was held in 2001. The proposal failed 3-2, commissioners Bill Edwards and Emma Darnell dissenting. Edwards cited the county’s budget challenges, and said if he suggested giving up $14,000, “ya’ll would kick me out the door.” Johnny Edwards

‘Heritage Day’ Saturday at Autrey Mill

The Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center in Johns Creek is hosting “Heritage Day” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

The event will feature live Americana music, early farming and Native American demonstrations and Victorian crafts. Admission is $5 per person for members, $7 non-members, $20/$25 per family. The center is at 9770 Autrey Mill Road. Information: 678-366-3511; www.autreymill.org Patrick Fox

Fulton schools set up summer food program

The Fulton County School System, starting next week, will be participating in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s “Seamless Summer Food Service Program,” providing breakfast and lunch at no charge to school-age children under 18. Participating summer schools are: Heritage Elementary, Bear Creek Middle, Camp Creek Middle, Sandy Springs Middle, Paul D. West Middle, Centennial High and Tri-Cities High. Three summer camps at Campbell Elementary School, Oakley Elementary School and Woodland Middle School also are participating. Info: 404-669-8960 or www.summerfood.usda.gov.

Nancy Badertscher

Community yard sale in Alpharetta Saturday

The Alpharetta Recreation and Parks Department is sponsoring a community yard sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday in the parking lot near the Adult Activity Center at North Park.

Items for sale include clothing, books, children’s items, paintings, ceramics, stained glass and more.

Information: 678-297-6140; activeadults@alpharetta.ga.us. Patrick Fox

Cumming presents SPLOST VI wish list

The City of Cumming delivered its wish list to the Forsyth County Commission of projects it would like to see funded if Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax VII makes it onto the ballot and is approved by voters next fall. The 13-item list includes ten road projects. The biggest ticket item is $7 million to re-develop City Park and expand recreation facilities. The total tab is $33, 575,000. Jeffry Scott

Forsyth to get first look at 2012 budget

Forsyth County staff and the Finance Committee plan to present the county’s preliminary budget for 2012 to the county commission at next Tuesday’s work session. The county plans to hold public hearings regarding the millage rate. The Tuesday meeting is 2 p.m., in suite 220 of the county administration building, 110 E. Main Street, Cumming. Jeffry Scott

ATLANTA

Court grants extension in gay bar raid probe

The city of Atlanta has been granted three weeks more to complete two investigations into a 2009 raid at a Midtown gay bar -- an internal police probe and an investigation by a former federal prosecutor.

In exchange, the findings of those investigations and all supporting documents will be public documents.

A federal judge ordered the extension Wednesday after the city said it needed more time “to achieve a more meaningful and comprehensive report” on the Atlanta Police Department’s and the City Law Department’s handling of the Atlanta Eagle bar raid matter.

The new deadline is June 27.

Rhonda Cook

‘Legal Lives’ students head for Washington

Two dozen Atlanta and Fulton County students left for Washington Thursday as a result of their exceptional performances in the Fulton County District Attorney’s “Legal Lives” program.

The program introduces students from 10 schools to the criminal justice system, culminating in a mock-trial competition of an armed robbery case. Students are then picked for the trip to the nation’s capital, where they will tour the White House, meet with U.S. Rep. John Lewis and visit the National Museum of Crime and Punishment, the DA’s office said. Bill Rankin

Firm exec guilty of defrauding government

Federal prosecutors in Atlanta on Wednesday obtained a guilty plea from the president of a company that received $322,000 from the U.S. government for foam cups but never delivered them.

Gregory Jackson, 44, of Glendale, Ariz., “lied and took federal money for goods he had no intention of delivering,” Inspector General Brian Miller of the General Services Administration said.

Jackson is to be sentenced Aug. 9. In 2005, his company, Karson Distribution Co., was awarded the cup contract, failed to honor it and never returned the money, prosecutors said. Bill Rankin

DEKALB

Commissioner Watson to hold breakfast

Stan Watson, an at-large county commissioner in DeKalb, will host his monthly legislative breakfast this weekend. The event, which is free, features updates on DeKalb law enforcement and MARTA, as well as a chance for residents to ask questions about other issues. The breakfast is from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday morning at Chapel Hill Middle School on Dogwood Farms Road. April Hunt

Decatur mayor optimistic on projects

Only two Decatur projects have a shot of making the November 2012, regional transportation referendum, but Decatur Mayor Bill Floyd is optimistic. The Decatur to Clifton Corridor (which includes traffic calming and bicycle and pedestrian features) and the Decatur Circulator Shuttle are still alive and Floyd said, “I’m happy with what was kept. There [were originally] 400 something projects, all of them worthy. It’s going to be tough deciding which ones actually get built.” Floyd is part of the 21-person roundtable creating a final project list for the 2012 referendum. Bill Banks for the AJC

Decatur renews recycling contract

Decatur recently renewed its residential recycling contract with Latham Home Recycling of Loganville, with the city paying Latham $74.50 per ton of recyclables. Decatur began offering curbside residential recycling for newspapers in 1988, but expanded services in 1991 to aluminum cans, plastic containers, glass bottles and yard trimmings among others. In 1991, the city’s total municipal waste was 13,769 tons.

Last year, the total municipal waste was reduced to 12,645 tons, of which 2,077 tons went towards recycling. Bill Banks for the AJC

Spruill Gallery exhibition begins today

Architecture and the Garden at the Spruill Gallery, 4681 Ashford Dunwoody Road, begins todayand runs through July 16. The exhibition is a celebration of architecture and landscape architecture. For information, contact the gallery at 770-394-4091.

Michelle E. Shaw

County wins grant to treat substance abuse

DeKalb County recently won a national grant to help pay for substance abuse treatment programs in the county jail.

The $145,000 Criminal Justice Coordinating Council grant requires a $48,158 county match from the Sheriff’s Office. The grant runs from July through June 2012. April Hunt

Doraville library to hold book swap

A book swap will be held Saturday from 2:30 p.m. until 4 p.m. at the Doraville Library. There will also be bookmark crafts and the event is free and open to the public. Bring a book to trade! Michelle E. Shaw

Firms sign leases for hangars at airport

DeKalb has signed five two-year leases with different firms to use hangars at the DeKalb-Peachtree Airport.

Each lease is for $4,200 a year to county coffers. The leases include a chance for up to four automatic two-year extensions with an increase of 7 percent or the consumer price index, whichever is greater. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Targets of Clayton test cheating probe quit

The top two administrators at a Clayton County elementary school under investigation for alleged test-cheating will be leaving at the end of the month, a spokesman for Clayton County Schools said Thursday. Edwin S. Kemp Elementary School Principal Janice Sills and assistant vice principal Patricia Simpson have “voluntarily separated” from the district, White said. Their departure is effective June 30. White would not say whether the departures are linked to the recent probe of alleged misconduct during recent Criterion-Referenced Competency Test sessions. Tammy Joyner

Morgan County agrees to take Fulton inmates

Fulton has agreed to another deal with another county to house its inmates, an effort to keep the daily jail population below the federally-mandated 2,500 cap. On Wednesday the commission approved letting Morgan County take up to 60 Fulton inmates at a cost of $35 per inmate per day.

Last month, the commission approved similar arrangements with DeKalb, Coffee and Gilmer counties. Other alternate lockups are the South Fulton Regional Jail and jails in Alpharetta and Hall and Oconee counties. Johnny Edwards

Scott hosts conference for homeowners

U.S. Congressman David Scott is hosting a two-day conference for struggling homeowners. Dozens of lenders will be at the June 17-18 event at the Georgia International Convention Center, 2000 Convention Center Concourse in College Park. Homeowners should bring vital data such as monthly mortgage statements and two recent pay stubs for all household members contributing to the mortgage. Details: 770-432-5405 or MakingHomeAffordable.gov or HopeNow.com. Tammy Joyner

Peachtree City bowling alley plans dropped

Peachtree City officials received word last week that representatives from Oasis Bowling Centers have dropped plans to build a bowling alley on Ga. Highway 74 South. The company had submitted a rezoning request this year, hoping for City Council approval of a waiver that would permit construction in the new development opposite Wilshire Pavilion. Company spokesman Mike Stephens cited economic concerns; some residents had opposed the rezoning. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Fayette schools debate budget tightening

The Fayette County Board of Education is again debating whether and how to cut staff pay and/or benefits to reach fiscal year 2012 budget goals.

At a May 31 workshop, the board discussed eliminating up to two student and five teacher work days next year, which would save $3.4 million.

Board members are at odds over how much fund balance to build into next year’s budget as a hedge against possible revenue shortfalls. Jill Howard Church

East Point mayor’s court case continued

East Point Mayor Earnestine Pittman’s hearing on charges she violated the city’s handbill ordinance received a two week continuance Tuesday.

Pittman was charged with the violation after she distributed her newsletter to the city’s residents in April. John Thompson for the AJC