County by county news for Friday

Wilkie, who has led the department since December 2002, will become director of the school’s criminal justice program.

Next week City Manager Brian Bulthuis will recommend to city officials that Major Wayne Dennard be appointed to the chief’s position. Dennard has been with the Acworth department for nine years, including more than three years as major. Janel Davis

Marietta OKs drive-up windows at liquor stores

Marietta’s City Council on Wednesday changed an alcohol beverage sales ordinance to allow package stores to have drive-through windows. The change was prompted by an east Marietta package store owner who asked to have his property de-annexed in order to use his drive-through window. C.W. Edwards’ store on Delk Road was previously in Cobb County which allows drive-up sales. After his property was annexed into the city, he contributed a drop in sales to not being able to use the window. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Conference on homelessness today

The 10th annual suburban conference on homelessness is set for today at Kennesaw State University. The daylong conference includes research and discussions on crime, health care, drug courts, HIV/AIDS and social services, particularly in the suburban communities. Sam

The conference begins at 8:30 a.m. in the Social Sciences building, 1000, Chastain Road in Kennesaw. Registration required: https://epay.kennesaw.edu/C20923_ustores/web/store_main.jsp?STOREID=18 Janel Davis

Church to hold drive for MUST Ministries

Marietta’s Christ Presbyterian Church will host a food drive to benefit MUST Ministries 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 21.

The following items are sought: cereal; peanut butter; jelly; soup; spaghetti and spaghetti sauce; canned meat; canned fruit; canned pasta; canned vegetables; canned, and dry beans; macaroni and cheese; baby food; rice, and boxed meals. Christ Presbyterian Church is at 495 Terrell Mill Road, Marietta. Information: 770-956-7572. Laurie Hoffman

Two Brawner buildings on historic register

Two buildings on the former campus of Brawner Sanitorium on Atlanta Road in Smyrna have been listed on the National Historic Register. Smyrna bought the almost 12-acre hospital property in 2001 for a passive park. The city renovated the 1910 hospital building for offices and public meeting space, and group of private citizens organized to restore the 1890 Taylor-Brawner house.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Catholics mark Vocation Awareness Week

Vocation Awareness Week begins April 29. It is a time when Catholics are asked to increase their prayers for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. The celebration in the Archdiocese of Atlanta concludes with a Mass at 10 a.m. May 5 in the St. Dominic Chapel at the Chancery, 2401 Lake Park Drive, Smyrna. Nancy Badertscher

GWINNETT

Property owners renew Gwinnett Village CID

The Gwinnett Village Community Improvement District won another six years of life Thursday as property owners voted to renew its charter. The Norcross-based district, founded in 2006, is composed of about 550 commercial property owners who agree to pay additional taxes to pay for community improvements. District projects have included landscaping of three I-85 interchanges, other road improvements and security patrols.

Gwinnett Village, the state’s largest CID, encompasses 14 square miles along the I-85 corridor from the DeKalb County line to Beaver Ruin Road. David Wickert

Police identify man killed in wreck

Gwinnett County police on Wednesday identified the man killed in a wreck in unincorporated Lawrenceville on Tuesday. Kenneth Hayden, 22, of Sugar Hill, died at the scene, police said. Hayden’s vehicle was hit as it turned into the path of a vehicle, driven by Jonathan Bagwell, 28, investigators said. Bagwell, of Loganville, was transported to Gwinnett Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries, police said.

Angel K. Brooks

Cluster group to host Vegas night

The Central Gwinnett Cluster’s non-profit foundation will host its Spring Gala, “A Knight in Vegas,” on April 21.

The event will run from 7 to 11 p.m. at Northwood Country Club, 3157 Club Drive. Tickets are $50 per person and includes $250 in casino cash to spend at gaming tables. Money from the event will be used to benefit the K-12 academic initiatives of Gwinnett’s Central Cluster schools. Information: www.centralgwinnettclusterfoundation.org. Joel Anderson

Learn to grow apples blueberries and more

Gwinnett County’s Cooperative Extension Service is offering a class covering the growing methods for blueberries, blackberries, apples and other fruit-bearing plants 7-8:30 p.m. April 18 at Gwinnett County Annex Building, 750 South Perry St. in Lawrenceville. Registration is required by Monday by contacting Tim Daly at 678-377-4010. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Food bank officer to speak to Sierra Club

Fred Conrad, community garden coordinator for the Atlanta Community Food Bank, will speak at the Greater Gwinnett Group of the Sierra Club meeting at 7:30 p.m. April 19 at Berkmar High School, 405 Pleasant Hill Road, Lilburn.

Conrad will talk about the advantages of fresh food and the resources available to plan and build community gardens. For more information, contact Dan Friedman at dan3688@aol.com. David Wickert

Suwanee’s first concert to feature golden oldies

The first concert of the year at Suwanee’s Town Center Park begins at noon this Saturday with the headline band, Yacht Rock Revue playing a variety of hits by artists from Boz Scaggs to the Bee Gees. The event, sponsored by 106.7 FM will feature food, vendor booths, giveaways, games and prizes. Lawn chairs, blankets and picnics are welcome, but alcohol is only allowed from Town Center restaurants. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Cumming man dies in Ga. 400 wreck

Alpharetta police have released the name of a Cumming man who died in a car crash near Haynes Bridge Road Wednesday.

Edward Kivlin, 67, died at the scene of the accident that happened on northbound Ga. 400, north of Haynes Bridge Road, according to police.

The accident involved two other vehicle. One of the drivers was taken to North Fulton Hospital and the other was not hurt. Fran Jeffries

Fulton honors teacher of the year

Pamela Haight of Alpharetta Elementary School has been named as Fulton County Schools’ Teacher of the Year for 2012-13.

Haight is a fifth grade teacher who uses popular music to relate to her kids. She taught them the parts of speech using “The Lazy Adjective Song,” a tribute to a Bruno Mars hit and “Adjectives Modify Verbs,” a parody of a Willow Smith song.

Other finalists for the title Barbara Bell of Ridgeview Charter School was named Middle School Teacher of the Year. Kimberly Cooney of Chattahoochee High School won High School Teacher of the Year. D. Aileen Dodd

Author Haley Kilpatrick to speak at school

Author and activist Haley Kilpatrick, who launched a movement to promote healthy images for young girls, will speak at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School in Atlanta on April 20.

Haley will talk about her new middle school book “ The Drama Years.”

The event will be held from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Fine Arts building at HIES, 805 Mount Vernon Highway.

Admission is free.

Kilpatrick is the founder of the nonprofit Girl Talk, which provides peer mentoring for girls and helps to build self-esteem. The 25-year-old has won “Self” and “Glamour” magazine awards. D. Aileen Dodd

Opening day Saturday at Cumming ball park

Central Park Baseball and Softball at 2300 Keith Bridge Road, Cumming will have its opening day on Saturday. The parade starts at 9 a.m. The first pitches at 9:45 a.m. will be made by Congressman Rob Woodall and State Rep. Mark Hamilton. The free event will have plenty of fun for families, teams and friends. Information: Greg Blitz at greg_blitz@yahoo.com or visit www.centralparkathleticassociation.com. Kenneth Musisi

Thurmond to speak at Reinhardt

Former state Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond will serve as keynote speaker for Reinhardt University’s 2012 commencement. Thurmond, an attorney for Butler, Wooten and Fryhofer, was elected to the state labor post in 1998 and re-elected in 2002 and 2006. He also was the Democratic Party nominee for U.S. Senate in 2010. Thurmond has been a distinguished lecturer at the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government and has authored a number of books on Georgia history. The graduation ceremony is set for April 28 at 9:30 a.m. in the gym at the James and Sis Brown Athletic Center. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

Researcher to discuss oral history project

Moriba Kelsey will talk about his oral history project documenting experiences from Atlanta’s historic Pittsburgh community on Saturday at the Auburn Avenue Research Library. One of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, Pittsburgh was established by black residents in 1883 on 554 acres.

The event is part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System’s “Preserving Heritage and Memories: Pass It On,” a series of programs on preserving community memories. Kelsey’s talk is from 3 to 5 p.m. on the 3rd floor of the library at 101 Auburn Ave., downtown Atlanta. Johnny Edwards

Peachtree Road farmers market opens

Fresh, locally-grown produce is back for another season at the Peachtree Road Farmers Market at the Cathedral of St. Philip, 2744 Peachtree Road. Beginning Saturday, the church parking lot will be crammed with more than 50 vendors of Georgia produce, meat, cheese, bread and more. The opening day features chef demos and live music from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Information: www.peachtreeroadfarmersmarket.com H.M. Cauley for the AJC

CAU hosts Sankofa history exhibit

Clark Atlanta University will host the Sankofa African-American History Museum on Wheels exhibit from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. April 19-20 at the exhibition hall of the Thomas W. Cole Jr. Research Center for Science and Technology. The free exhibit spans the period of 1860 to the present time, with a historic journey through slavery, the era of King Cotton, and the uplifting days of Emancipation. Information: 404-880-6194. Kenneth Musisi

Benjamin Mays to hold ‘evening of elegance’

The Benjamin E. Mays High School Band Booster Association with host an “evening of elegance” at 7 p.m. May 4 in the school theater. Proceeds from the event will go toward scholarships for graduating seniors, said Dana Price, event chairperson. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Gracie Bonds Staples

DEKALB

Deal signs law allowing annexation

Annexation of commercial property between Decatur and Avondale Estates on College Avenue – allowing the two cities to share a border for the first time – was signed into law by Gov. Nathan Deal Wednesday. The is effective July 1. The property includes 23 businesses, 13 on the Avondale Estates side. Avondale Estates Mayor Ed Rieker said, “We will begin to add value to this area by immediately delivering city services, most notably police presence.” Decatur Mayor Bill Floyd favors further annexation in two areas north and northeast of the city. Bill Banks for the AJC

Decatur board adjusts school start times

Decatur’s school board voted Tuesday to change most start times for 2012-13, including Decatur High which will start a half hour later, going from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Additionally, the 4/5 Academy will start an hour earlier, going from 7:45 to 2:30. Other times: Renfroe Middle, 8:40 a.m. to 3:40 p.m., Glenwood and Clairemont elementary schools 8:10 a.m. to 2:40 p.m., while the Pre-K and Oakhurst and Winnona Park elementary schools remain 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Bill Banks for the AJC

County to offer summer meals for kids

DeKalb County’s parks department will again host a summer food service program for county youth. The federally funded program runs from June 4 to Aug. 3 and ensures children up to the age of 18 have access to nutritious meals during the summer. Agencies with summer camps that are interested in becoming a site for the program should call 678-698-1114. The deadline to apply for the program is May 25. Applications at www.Dekalbcountyga.gov/parks. April Hunt

Registration open for Senior Olympics

Registration is now open for the 26th Annual DeKalb County Senior Olympic Games.

Competitive events will be held across the county May 9-20. Registration ends April 20 and the games are open to the public. Applications are available online at www.co.dekalb.ga.us/parks/, or at all DeKalb County recreation centers, libraries and some senior centers. Information: 404-371-2990. April Hunt

DeKalb Medical hosts preemie reunion

DeKalb Medical’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is hosting a Preemie Reunion Party, a kid-centric reunion for children who were once premature babies requiring long-term care at the hospital, 2-4 p.m. on Sunday. The event is at the Women’s & Surgery Center Auditorium at 2701 N. Decatur Road. in Decatur. Kenneth Musisi

Robotics team shows appreciation

The Tucker High School Robotics Team will host a World Champions Send Off event from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. today in the engineering lab. The Robotigers are acknowledging support from the community. Oglethorpe Power Corporation in Tucker donated $2000. Tucker PTSA is providing the pizza lunch and $300 to ship the robot. The Robotigers participated at the Stephenson High School Qualifying Tournament in February and became eligible for the World Championships in Anaheim, Calif. Kenneth Musisi

SOUTHSIDE

Henry middle school student struck, killed

An 11-year-old middle school student struck by a vehicle Thursday morning while crossing a Henry County road to board his school bus has died. The boy stepped into the roadway at Tanger Boulevard and Locust Grove Griffin Road and was hit by a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction from the approaching bus, police said. The child was a student at Locust Grove Middle School, an assistant school superintendent told the AJC.

According to police, the motorist who struck the child stopped and called 911. Mike Morris

18 arrested in Clayton gambling bust

Eighteen people were arrested and more than $60,000 was seized during an illegal gambling bust in Clayton County on Wednesday, Channel 2 Action News reported.

Nine stores were raided during the sweep by members of the FBI, IRS and Clayton County Sheriff’s Office.

More than 50 machines were confiscated. Store clerks and customers were arrested Wednesday, including employees in Jonesboro, Morrow and Lovejoy. Angel K. Brooks

Man struck by car in East Point

A man was badly hurt when he was struck by a vehicle in East Point overnight.

The incident happened just before midnight Wednesday on Washington Road near Lakemont Drive. Channel 2 Action News reported that the man had apparently just gotten off a MARTA bus when he walked out into traffic. The driver who struck the man stopped.

The man was hospitalized with serious injuries, according to Channel 2. Mike Morris

Input needed on transportation needs

Fulton residents can sound off about transportation needs in the unincorporated area during four public input sessions the county will hold this month. In July, metro Atlanta voters will decide whether to add one penny to their sales taxes, which is expected to raise $6.14 billion over 10 years for a list of projects already drawn up, as well as another $1 billion for local governments to spend on projects.

Fulton’s first session will be Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Cliftondale Community Center, 4645 Butner Road, College Park. Information: 404-612-0520. Johnny Edwards

Firefighters hold annual health fair

Join the East Point Fire Department Saturday for its annual Health Fair at Fire Station #1, 2757 East Point Street. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., a variety of health screenings will be conducted, along with workshops on fitness, dental health, nutrition and more. Kids activities, prizes, games and refreshments are part of the free fun. Info: www.eastpointcity.org . H.M. Cauley for the AJC

Lovejoy library to hold yard sale

A Spring Yard Sale will be held at the Lovejoy Branch Library on, April 21 from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.. Used clothes, books, food and other items will be featured. Space rental fee: $15 and must be paid by today. Details: Amelia McBride at 770-472-8129 to reserve a space. Proceeds go to support library events. Tammy Joyner