County by county news for Friday

The production on Friday at Constitution Hall will incorporate music, theater and dance.

Green, a dance instructor who also is on the faculty at Spelman College, will direct. Adams helped write the text and will assist with direction. Ty Tagami

CCT hopes to sell ads on buses, terminals

Cobb is hoping to make money by selling advertising on its CCT buses and outdoor terminals.

On Tuesday the commission authorized transportation officials to issue a request for proposals advertisers.

Potential advertising revenue is estimated between $50,000 and $100,000 for fiscal 2012, and between $225,000 and $330,000 for fiscal 2013. Janel Davis

Fire safety training costs county $1.7 million

An update report on Tuesday showed Cobb County fire personnel taught about 20,000 students fire safety over the past fiscal year, making for a well-trained group of youngsters but a $1.7 million financial expense for the county.

An oversight committee recommended the county consider shifting the costs to the school system.

Commission Chairman Tim Lee told the AJC, the conversation with school leaders needs to take place. Janel Davis

Group restores Confederate monument

The Georgia Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans has been restoring Confederate monuments around the state, including the Lt. General Leonidas Polk Monument at Pine Mountain near Kennesaw.

The Polk Monument consists of a marble shaft marking the spot Leonidas was killed in 1864 by forces under Union Gen. William Sherman’s command. The monument was erected in 1902.

Over time, the monument had suffered from pollution and vandalism. Funds from the sales of Sons of Confederate Veterans specialty auto tag licenses paid for the restoration projects. Janel Davis

Group focuses on boys’ reading program

The North Cobb Chapter of Mocha Moms in partnership with the National Institute for Literacy is launching the Boys Booked on Barbershops (BBOB) literacy program on Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to noon at Tapers II Barbershop, 1094 Powers Ferry Road in Marietta.

Information: ariannesherman@yahoo.com or 678-637-1549.

Kenneth Musisi

Animal control to host an adopt-a-thon

Cobb Animal Control will host and adopt-a-thon from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 10 at the shelter at 1060 Al Bishop Drive in Marietta. Participants will enjoy vendors, food, animal rescue groups, police K-9 demonstrations, raffles, special adoption rates and meet the new staff veterinarian. A third and final adopt-a-thon will be Oct. 8. Info: cobbcounty.org/animalcontrol. Andria Simmons

GWINNETT

McGinnis Ferry extension to open on Tuesday

Four new lanes of McGinnis Ferry Road across I-85 will open for traffic Tuesday, according to the Georgia Department of Transportation.

The extension of McGinnis Ferry from Satellite Boulevard to Lawrenceville Suwanee Road will open by mid-morning Tuesday, weather permitting. The 2.7-mile extension cost $20.4 million.

GDOT officials say the project, paid for with federal stimulus dollars, should provide congestion relief on I-85. In addition to the new lanes, the project includes new traffic signals at Old Peachtree Road and Lawrenceville Suwanee Road. David Wickert

Lawrenceville’s Hart won’t run again

Lawrenceville City Council member Katie Hart Smith announced Thursday that she will not seek re-election in November. “I promise to remain engaged in making our great city even better,” Smith said in a press release.

Smith, an employee of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta for more than 20 years, won the Post 3 council seat after defeating two other candidates in 2009 election. Joel Anderson

Aurora Theater’s next series begins Sept. 15

Aurora Theatre in Lawrenceville will host the 2011-12 Harvel Lab Series from Sept. 15 through Oct. 2.

The series will begin with “Underneath the Lintel,” which features actor Steve Coulter as a Dutch librarian who turns into a globe-trotting detective when he becomes obsessed with a book that’s overdue by 113 years. Information: 678-226-6222 or www.auroratheatre.com.

Joel Anderson

County offers herb garden tour

Gwinnett County will host a “more herbs, less salt day”’ event from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at McDaniel Farm Park, 3251 McDaniel Road, Duluth.

The event will feature an herb garden tour and information about common herbs and their uses. The event is open to those age 12 and up. The cost is $5 per person. For more information call 770-814-4920. David Wickert

SPCA offers low-cost vaccinations

The Georgia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is offering low-cost vaccinations for cats and dogs from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at its adoption center at 1175 Buford Hwy. in Suwanee.

Vaccinations will help prevent common infectious diseases including distemper, respiratory diseases and rabies. Heartworm and feline combo tests, deworming, microchipping and nail trimming will also be offered. Vaccinations are $10 each. Info: www.GeorgiaSPCA.org. Andria Simmon

Author Stuart Woods to speak in Norcross

Author Stuart Woods will speak at 7 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Norcross Cultural Arts and Community Center, 10 College St., Norcross. Woods, the author of dozens of thrillers, including “New York Dead” and “Orchid Beach,” will discuss and sign his books. Books will be available for purchase. For information visit www.gwinnettpl.org or call 770-978-5154. David Wickert

NORTHSIDE

School board discusses push for SPLOST

Fulton County Schools officials met this week for a business retreat to discuss plans to rebuild and renovate campuses and update technology with the help of the penny sales tax. Fulton Schools is hoping to raise $912 million over five years if voters extend the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax. School board members and district officials shared ideas about how to communicate the need for SPLOST IV to community members. The money also would be used to bank land for future use, enhance transportation and campus safety, officials said. D. Aileen Dodd

Woodstock raises millage rate

The Woodstock city council approved by a 5-1 vote (councilman Chris Casdia opposed) hiking the city millage rate from 7.016 mills to 7.292 million to make up for a projected estimated $500,000 shortfall in revenues because of decreased property values. Under the new millage rate the owner of a $200,000 home will pay $539 in property taxes this year, down from $561 last year. Jeffry Scott

Dogs invited to compete in dock diving contest

Dogs of all sizes and levels of experience are invited to participate in a Dock Diving Contest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 4 and 5 at The Canine Ranch, 165 Doug Smith Lane in Canton. The top three finalists of the Dive, the Speed Doggie Game and the Catch Game, will be rewarded medals and prizes.

The events are separated into categories of experience and distance jumped to increase your dog’s chance of winning. Fees are $15 per dog for dives and $10 per dog for games.

Register at www.thecanineranch.com or call 678-493-8040 for more information. Jemea Watkins

Forsyth beautification group to hold banquet

Keep Forsyth County Beautiful will hold its annual Recognition Banquet Aug. 30 at Cumming Elementary School, 540 Dahlonega Street, Cumming.

The event begins with social time at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and recognition from 6-8 p.m.

Reservations are required by today.

Information: kfcb@forsythco.com or 770-205-4573

KFCB sponsors America Recycles Day, Christmas tree and phone book recycling, the Great American Cleanup, Earth Day and compiles the litter index.

It also heads Adopt-A-Road, Adopt-A-Stream, Liberty Garden’s, tree planting and beautification efforts. Patrick Fox

Milton Roundup looks for sponsors

The City of Milton is seeking sponsorships and vendors for this year’s Milton Roundup scheduled for Oct. 15 at Birmingham United Methodist Church.

There are three levels of sponsorship ranging from $500-$1,500.

For vendors, non-food related booth space is $100 for businesses and $25 for non-profits. Food vendors pay $150 for a tent and $250 for space to park a food trailer.

Deadline for sponsorship and vendor applications is Sept. 9.

Information: www.cityofmiltonga.us. Patrick Fox

ATLANTA

Zoo welcomes baby waterbuck

A baby waterbuck is the newest arrival at Zoo Atlanta. Earlier this week, Kokopelli, a 10-year-old waterbuck gave birth to her seventh calf, which appears to be healthy and nursing normally. The animals are native to southeastern sub-Saharan Africa and are among the world’s largest antelope species. Melissa Ruggieri

Group marks Women’s Equality Day

Community leaders will mark Women’s Equality Day today at the Georgia State Capitol. The event will pay tribute to past, present and future achievements of women. Speakers will include Gail Buckner, president, Georgia Federation of Democratic Women; Riverdale Mayor Evelyn Wynn-Dixon; Elizabeth Poythress, president, The League of Women Voters of Georgia and Nellie D. Duke, chair, Georgia Commission on Women.

The event begins at 11:45 a.m. For info: 770-473-9039. Laurie Hoffman

Beecher Hills school wins honors

Atlanta’s Beecher Hills Elementary School has officially gained “International Baccalaureate” status. I.B. is considered a rigorous program that emphasizes a global context to educating students. To earn the designation, schools must undergo an intensive, and sometimes expensive, review of curriculum and staff by the Switzerland-based organization. Atlanta Public Schools offers IB schools at every grade level. Jaime Sarrio

Theatre conference to hold auditions

The Southeastern Theatre Conference will hold Fall Professional Auditions Sept. 11-12 at the Hilton Atlanta Airport. Actors, singers and dancers ages 19 through seniors can audition for roles with 29 professional companies simultaneously. Preregistration fee is $45 by Saturday . Walk-in application fee of $60 accepted onsite after the deadline. More details available at http://www.setc.org/theatre/professional/fall-proauditions. Information: 336-272-3645 or april@setc.org. Veroncia Fields Johnson

DEKALB

Vote on superintendent expected Monday

The DeKalb Board of Education is poised to vote on the finalist to become the new superintendent of Georgia’s third largest school district. The vote is expected to be held sometime on Monday, but a time wasn’t set as of Thursday afternoon.

The finalist, Cheryl Atkinson, 52, is the superintendent of Lorain City Schools near Cleveland, Ohio, a system that has about 7,600 students, compared to DeKalb’s 96,000 students. Two members of DeKalb’s 9-member board oppose her, but she appears to have majority support. Rich McKay

Johnson appointed to economic panel

Larry Johnson, the presiding officer of the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners, has been appointed to the economic development committee of the National Association of Counties.

The committee is tasked with helping counties participate in international trade and investment activities that will help local communities nationwide.

Johnson also will move from vice chair to chairman of the association’s Healthy Counties Advisory Board and continue as vice-chair of the Health Steering Committee.

Both help counties create and maintain healthy communities and also work on policy recommendations for health care delivery and indigent care. April Hunt

Former Decatur commissioner may run

Former Commissioner John Ridley (1998-2002) is “strongly considering” another run for office because, he said, “All residents of Decatur, not just five [city commissioners] should have an opportunity to vote for mayor. Decatur is one of only 17 cities out of over 500 municipalities in Georgia where the mayor isn’t elected by popular vote. The system definitely won’t change with the current commission.”

If he runs, Ridley said he’d seek an at-large berth. Current at-large commissioner Jim Baskett has already announced he’ll seek reelection, along with Kecia Cunningham and current mayor Bill Floyd. Bill Banks for the AJC

Meeting to discuss recycling firm’s request

The Proactive Planning, Land Use and Zoning (PPLUZ) committee of Tucker will conduct a public information meeting for the application of Newell Recycling for a special land use permit to operate a recycling business at Steel Drive.

The meeting will be held on Mondayat 6:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church Ministry Center, Main Street Fellowship Hall, 2367 Main Street in Tucker. Information: Bruce Penn at ppluz@tuckercivic.org. Kenneth Musisi

Redan High band needs money to make trip

DeKalb County’s Redan High School’s “Blue Thunder Marching Band” in Stone Mountain has been selected to compete in a “Battle of the Bands” in Orlando, Fla., Nov. 18 through Nov. 20, but the 200-member band needs to raise about $30,000 to make the trip, said parent coordinator Kimberly Jacobs. She said that so far the youths have raised about $1,500 but need more money to cover travel, hotel and other expenses. For information about upcoming fund raisers or to make a donation: www.redanbluethunder.com. Rich McKay

SOUTHSIDE

Sound off Tuesday in county’s ‘Tele-Townhall’

Through Twitter, telephone and e-mail, Fulton residents can tell the county government what they think about services during the “¢itizen $ense Tele-Townhall,” which will be broadcast on Fulton Government Television from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Feedback and questions can be submitted by calling 404-730-8757 or 404-730-8794 or e-mailing citizensense@fultoncountyga.gov.

A live Twitter chat will take place simultaneously. Send tweets to @fultoninfo, using the hashtag #citizensense. Johnny Edwards

HMC, Piedmont come to and agreement

The Boards of Directors of Henry Medical Center and Piedmont Healthcare and the Hospital Authority of Henry County announced Wednesday that they have approved the terms for the addition of Henry Medical Center to Piedmont Healthcare. After regulatory approvals, the new configuration is expected to take effect in January. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Amphiteater wins grant from arts council

The Georgia Council for the Arts has given the Frederick Brown, Jr. Amphitheater its 2011 Grassroots Invitational Grant.

The $1,000 award recognizes the annual “Not-So-Frightful” Storytelling and Halloween Party held at the Peachtree City venue in October.

The free performance features local storytellers, puppets and music aimed at children from pre-K age to middle school.

Sarah Davenport, event services coordinator for the facility, said the show is “an excellent opportunity for children to experience new avenues of artistic expression.” Jill Howard Church for the AJC

New public works director for Morrow

Anou Sothsavath is the new public works director for Morrow.

Sothsavath started his job with the Clayton County town of 6,500 immediately. Tammy Joyner

Holmes to hold town hall meeting

Henry County Commissioner Bruce Holmes will host a town hall meeting Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Fairview Recreation Center.

The focus will be on education with an update on the Henry County School System. Guest speakers will include school system superintendent Dr. Ethan Hildreth and some Board of Education representatives. Monroe Roark for the AJC

College Park designates preparedness month

College Park officials and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have designated September 2011 “National Preparedness Month”.

The theme for this year’s campaign is “A Time to Remember. A Time to Prepare.” Citizens are encouraged to assess their homes; businesses and communities, to determine their preparedness for a natural disaster; terrorism event or other emergencies.

Training is also available from sources including the FEMA, and Georgia Emergency Management Agency websites.

For info: www.citizencorps.gov/news/npm.shtm. Laurie Hoffman