County by county news for Friday

Bids are due by 3 p.m. today by fax at 770-943-8014, deliver to: City of Powder Springs, ATTN: Gregory Ramsey, P.E., Director, Department of Public Works, 3006 Springs Industrial Drive, Powder Springs, GA 30127 or email to gramsey@cityofpowdersprings.org. Information: cityofpowdersprings.org/index.aspx?nid=507. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Donations needed for Back-2-School Bash

The Powder Springs Community Taskforce will hold a Back-2-School Bash 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Ron Anderson Recreation Center, 3820 Macedonia Road. Donations of book bags, school supplies, beverages and snacks as well as volunteers are needed.

A community resource expo and educational workshops also will be offered.

Information: pstaskforce.org/events.html, jtrentconsultant@aol.com or 678-439-8212. Carolyn Cunningham

Kennesaw schedules fireworks for Saturday

Kennesaw has rescheduled a fireworks show, cancelled by rain July 3, to be Saturday at the Depot, 2828 Depot St. downtown. The event will start with concerts at 6:15 p.m. and Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Tribute Band at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m. Information: www.kennesaw-ga.gov. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Superintendent speaks to business group

The South Cobb Business Association will hear from Cobb County School Superintendent, Michael Hinojosa, 11:30 a.m. Aug. 7 at Presbyterian Village, 2000 East-West Connector, Austell.Cost is $12 for members with online pre-payment, $15 for members at the door or $20 for nonmembers.

Information: sc-ba.org. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

New private school to open in Mableton

Smyrna Academy of Excellence, will open on Aug. 13 at 6688 Mableton Parkway, Mableton.

The school is designed for students in pre-k through eighth grade with plans to expand to12th grade.

Free drop-in tours are available 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays.

Information: saeschool.org, Info@SAEschool.org, 678-310-9136 (main) or 678-861-1275 (admissions). Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Austell seeks to hire two firefighters

Applications are being accepted for two Austell firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)-1 positions.

Salary is $34,000 plus, and applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and an EMT-Intermediate certification.

They may apply at Austell City Hall, 2716 Broad St. SW from 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. weekdays.

Applications also may be downloaded from the city’s website and mailed to: Pat Maxwell, Assistant Fire Chief, City of Austell Fire and Emergency Services, 2716 Broad St. SW, Austell, GA 30106.

Information: austellga.gov, click "Employment," then "Job Vacancies." Carolyn Cunningham

GWINNETT

Lilburn planning National Night Out on Tuesday

Lilburn and the Lilburn Police invite the public to one of the state’s largest National Night Out celebrations 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at Lilburn City Park to celebrate the community’s partnership with local law enforcement. Residents will be able to check out police vehicles and equipment, explore a fire truck, watch a Police K-9 demonstration, decorate cookies, watch a puppet show, sample local foods, enjoy local music and win prizes.

Information: www.cityoflilburn.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Gwinnett Chamber kicks off campaign

The Gwinnett Chamber’s eighth all volunteer-led Membership and Sponsorship Campaign kicks off at 5 p.m. Thursday8 at the Chamber, 6500 Sugarloaf Parkway,n Duluth to achieve the organization’s goal of $1.075 million and 100 new members. The Gwinnett Chamber offers programs for business development, community improvement and member services, and provides volunteers an opportunity to grow professionally, and expand business and community contacts.

Information: 770-232-8810 or donna@gwinnettchamber.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Hudgens looking for members-only artwork

The Hudgens Center for the Arts announces their second annual Juried Members Exhibition, a competitive juried show, offering a “Best in Show” award of $100 and three “Honorable Mention” awards of $50 each.

The competition is open to all current members of The Hudgens.

Artwork may be submitted in drawing, painting, printmaking, mixed media, ceramics, glass, photography, fiber art, or textile & sculpture.

Information on details and entry form: www.thehudgens.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Gwinnett schools seek curriculum feedback

Gwinnett County Public Schools is accepting applications to become members of the GEMS Oversight Committee and provide curriculum feedback. Deadline is Sept. 16.

Information: www.gwin-nett.k12.ga.us. Nancy Badertscher

Art show exhibit runs through August

Some people have an eye for creating art from trash. Bree Sauers, from Tannery Row Artist Colony, has created a dress collection from paper and plaster, and landscapes and still lifes from discarded items. The exhibit will be on display from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Aug. 16 at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, 185 W. Crogan St., Lawrenceville. Information: 770-822-5450. Hannah Morgan

Chamber collecting school supplies

The Southwest Gwinnett Chamber is partnering with the community to collect school supplies for needy children in the Berkeley Lake, Norcross and Peachtree Corners areas.

Drop-off bins are at the YMCA and each City Hall.

Information: Kim Dorough at kdorough@southwestgwinnettchamber.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Public arts commission spots open in Duluth

The City of Duluth is forming a Public Arts Commission to promote training, development and performance of performing arts, maintain the city's existing public art collection and to commission, acquire and exhibit new public works of art. Citizens interested in serving on the nine-member commission must return completed applications to the City Manager's office, City Hall, 2nd Floor, 3167 Main St., by Aug. 15. Information: www.duluthga.net/community/get_7involved/boards_and_commissions.php. Veronica Fields Johnson

NORTHSIDE

Woodstock man dies in car crash on I-75

A Woodstock man died Wednesday morning after crashing his car on I-75 near the Canton Road Connector in Marietta.

Tony Holman, 50, was driving southbound on I-75 when he drove off the interstate and hit the retaining wall at 8:20 a.m., according to police. Holman then drove back onto the road and hit an SUV and a tractor trailer. The other two drivers involved were not hurt in the crash. Holman was pronounced dead at Well Star Kennestone Hospital. Anyone with information on the crash to contact Officer Mike Gardner at 770-794-5266. Cailin O’Brien

Daycare theft suspect sought in Cherokee

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is seeking a suspect in vehicles thefts at two daycare centers on Parkbrooke Circle in Towne Lake Wednesday. Authorities say a window was smashed on a car at the Kinder Care center, and an unlocked vehicle was targeted at the Goddard School next door. Purses were stolen in both cases. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

River and history groups plan fundraiser

The Coosa River Basin Initiative, Upper Etowah River Alliance and Cherokee County Historical Society team up for the Paddling Through Cherokee County History Event,1:30 p.m. Saturday. It includes a six-mile paddle and educational program and is a fundraiser for the three non-profits. Info: www.coosa.org. Woolsey for the AJC

Group brings mobile food bank to Cumming

The Georgia Mountain Food Bank is partnering with the First Christian Church and the MSG Foundation to bring a mobile food bank to Cumming. The drive is part of the MSG Foundation’s Summer Bags of Love Program as area children prepare to return to school.

The 9 to 11 a.m Saturday event will be at the church, 1270 Sawnee Drive, Cumming. Information: 770-889-2859 or www.msgfound.org. Patrick Fox

Alpharetta holds hearings on parks

The Alpharetta Recreation and Parks Department has scheduled two public meetings 6 to 7:15 p.m. Aug. 8 and Sept. 12 at Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 S. Main St., to gather input for development of a 10-year master plan.

Information: 678-297-6162 or email recreation@alpharetta.ga.us Patrick Fox

Canton cop honored for lifesaving efforts

Canton Police office Stephen Delman was recognized for saving a man’s life July 15. Delman did CPR, reviving a 21-year-old man who’d stopped breathing after a possible medication overdose. Chief Robert Merchant presented Delman with a Life Saving Medal, his second. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Roswell Police to host National Night Out

The Roswell Police department along with Roswell Target stores will host a National Night Out 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 6 at the Roswell City Hall, 39 Hill St. The event is free and will include local vendors, face painting, rock climbing wall, prizes and more. Police vehicles, Fire equipment, SWAT and K-9 demonstrations will be highlighted. Information: www.NationalNightOut.org or 770-640-4422. Sandra Marshall Murray

ATLANTA

Mason gets leadership bar position

Atlanta lawyer Erica V. Mason has been elected regional president of the Hispanic National Bar Association.

Mason, a shareholder of the Baker Donelson law firm, specializes in defending companies in complex employment litigation. She also serves on the firm’s Diversity, Women’s Initiative and Recruiting Committees. Bill Rankin

Carnes becomes chief judge of appeals court

Ed Carnes on Thursday became chief judge of the federal appeals court in Atlanta, succeeding Joel Dubina who led the court as chief since June 2009.

Carnes, appointed to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in 1992 by President George H.W. Bush, is regarded for well-written, often pointed opinions sprinkled with humor and irony. The busy court, which is allotted 12 judges, oversees appeals out of Georgia, Alabama and Florida. Bill Rankin

Male empowerment expo to be held

An empowerment expo aimed to foster academic, vocational, economic and personal improvement in males age 18 to 28 will take place 12:30 p.m. Aug. 10 at the Auburn Avenue Research Library, 101 Auburn Ave., S.W.

“Overcoming the Odds: Success Strategies for Young Black Men,” will include self-assessments, an interactive workshop, film, open forum, keynote message, a resource panel, health screenings and more.

Free, but registration is suggested. Free transportation from nearby counties will be provided.

Information and registration: www.communitycouncilma.org, 404-221-1222, or 404-935-5859. Mea Watkins

Smoke School of Art to exhibit at library

In collaboration with the Smoke School of Art, an Atlanta-based nonprofit art collective, the Auburn Avenue Research Library, 101 Auburn Ave. N.E., will host a collective exhibition of Smoke School of Art members through Aug. 31. Information: 404-730-4001, ext. 100. Veronica Fields Johnson

DEKALB

Family Fun Day set for next weekend

The 6th annual DeKalb family fun day will take place 2 to 7 p.m. Aug. 11 at Bransby Outdoor YMCA at Rock Chapel, 1185 Rock Chapel Road, Lithonia.

DeKalb County interim CEO Lee May will partner with Bransby Outdoor YMCA and non-profit organizations, Project A.R.M., Beverly Cunningham Outreach Program and Saving Our Children and Families, to put on the free event, which will include food, live entertainment, activities and vendors for the whole family to enjoy.

Along with school supply donations, guests are encouraged to bring chairs and coolers. No alcoholic beverages are allowed.

Information: www.projectarm.org. Mea Watkins

Olympian to address DeKalb youth

Gold Medalist Gabrielle “Gabby” Douglas will serve as featured speaker at an upcoming breakfast honoring DeKalb County’s youth.

Douglas, who won the gold in gymnastics in the 2012 Olympics, is the keynote at the 2013 Youth Empowerment Breakfast. The program focuses on children and families and development programs in the county.

The event will be held at 9 a.m. Aug. 10 at the Marriott Evergreen in Stone Mountain. Tickets are $25 and available at www.youthempowermentbreakfast.eventbrite.com. April Hunt

“Walk of Heroes” 5K returns in DeKalb

Registration is underway for a 5K run/walk to benefit DeKalb County residents with developmental disabilities, substance addiction and mental illness.

The Walk of Heroes will be held Saturday, Sept. 21 in Kirkwood. All proceeds benefit the DeKalb Community Service Board.

An informational meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 6 at the CBS offices, 445 Winn Way, Room 421, Decatur.

Information/race registration: www.walkofheroes5k.com. April Hunt

Schools, commission to meet Monday

A joint meeting between City Schools Decatur and city commissioners has been set for 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 5 at City Hall. CSD is trying to get a $59.5 million bond referendum (to pay for renovations to Decatur high and Renfroe middle schools) on the Nov. 5 ballot, but it may get resistance from commissioners.

Superintendent Phyllis Edwards said recently, “There are a number of people who doubt our projections (that school enrollment will nearly double by 2018), but I’m telling you, these projections are just the minimum.” Bill Banks for the AJC

Brook Run Park celebration Saturday

Initial construction of the Brook Run Park multi-use trail is almost done. Celebrate with a free parade 10 a.m. Saturday at the entrance of the trail, Brook Run Park, 4770 North Peachtree Road, Dunwoody.

Children aged 12 and younger can decorate their bikes, wagons, scooters or wheelchairs and compete for Most Colorful, Most Creative and Best Theme. Children can register at parks@dunwoodyga.gov.

Information: www.dunwoodyga.gov. Hannah Morgan

SOUTHSIDE

Riverdale hospital settles false claims case

Dubuis Health System and Southern Crescent Hospital for Specialty Care Inc. must pay $8 million to settle allegations they submitted false claims to Medicare, the Justice Department said. Dubuis manages long-term, acute care hospitals in several states, including the Southern Crescent facility in Riverdale. From 2003 to 2009, they kept patients hospitalized beyond the time considered to be medically necessary.The whistle-blower in the case, former Southern Crescent administrator Darlene Tucker, will receive $2.16 million of the U.S. government’s recovery. Bill Rankin

McDonough starts mosquito spraying

McDonough Public Works will begin its mosquito-spraying program Thursday. The city will be split into two zones. Zone A, east of the railroad tracks, will be sprayed Mondays and Thursdays. Zone B, west of the railroad tracks, will be sprayed Tuesdays and Fridays. Spraying will start at 8:30 p.m. and will continue through mosquito season. Information: Joe Chappell, McDonough Streets Department Supervisor, 678-618-7472. Tammy Joyner

Clayton to host back-to-school fair

Clayton County Public Schools' Homeless Education Department will hold a Back-to-School Resource Fair 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 10 at the Homeless Education Center, 2260 Old Rex Morrow Road, Morrow. Students will be given free book bags, school supplies and uniforms. Last year more the 400 participants attended. The department is looking for volunteers and donations. Information: 770-473-3250 or email Sonia Davis at sonia.davis@clayton.k12.ga.us. Tammy Joyner

Fayette schools seek substitute bus drivers

The Fayette County School System Transportation Department needs more substitute bus drivers for the 2013-14 school year. No previous bus experience is required; the system will provide training to candidates with acceptable Motor Vehicle Reports and criminal background checks. Pay is $25 per route, with two routes per day. Applications are at www.fcboe.org or call Dawn Wiley at 770-460-3535, ext. 166. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Fayette begins golf cart rules review

Fayette County has begun reviewing the ordinances within its municipalities regarding the public use of golf carts, with the goal of standardizing them. County interns Kyra Parks of Whitewater High School and Jason Girolami of Starr’s Mill High School have compiled the information for presentation to the Fayette County Board of Commissioners. Among the issues are age and permit requirements that vary widely within the county. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Theatre solicits scripts and directors

The Academy Theatre will be presenting “Tapas: A Short Play Festival of Rebirth & Renewal” the first weekend in October at the Stockbridge Community Arts Complex. The Theatre is soliciting scripts and directors. All plays ought to be 7 to 12 minutes in length and deal with rebirth and renewal.

Information: academytheatre30002@yahoo.com. Monroe Roark for the AJC