County by county news for Friday

The 5-2 vote allows the ratio to rise at all grade levels. It was necessary because of budget projections that suggest a need to eliminate 350 teacher positions. The loss of that many teachers would increase class sizes by two students at every grade level.

Board members David Banks and Kathleen Angelucci opposed the resolution. Ty Tagami

Cobb gets Fulton’s unused housing funds

Cobb County will get almost $900,000 in unused federal housing funds that were originally intended for use by Fulton County. The funds are part of the Georgia Urban County Consortium’s home investment program. Fulton pulled out of the Consortium in 1999 and left the money behind.

Cobb’s Community Development Block Grant office will use about $775,000 to develop vacant lots acquired under the home investment program. The remaining $120,000 will be allocated to the Marietta Housing Authority for down payment and closing cost assistance to eligible homebuyers. Janel Davis

Cobb EMC plaintiff loses board endorsement

Tripper Sharp, one of the plaintiffs in a 2007 lawsuit against Cobb EMC, was not endorsed for a seat on the co-op’s board by the Cobb EMC Owners Association that he helped found. After a CEOA candidate vetting session on Tuesday, some EMC members and board candidates insisted that the vote was swayed by EMC employees who were directed to vote for or against certain candidates. The same accusation has been made during last week’s previous two rounds of the CEOA’s vetting sessions. Cobb EMC and the CEOA leadership have refuted the claims.

EMC members will vote on March 31 for six seats on the co-op’s board. Janel Davis

Medication disposal event on Saturday

Residents can safely dispose of medication on Saturday at a free disposal event in Kennesaw. County staff and law enforcement personnel will be available to collect the medicines and dispose of them according to federal laws.

The Disposal Day runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Precinct One, Superstation Eight, 2380 Cobb Parkway N.W. in Kennesaw

Information: 770-528-1135; www.cobbcounty.org/kcb Janel Davis

Powder Springs to vote on higher fees

Powder Springs City Council members are expected to vote Monday on whether or not to increase a half dozen fees.

Mayor Patricia Vaughn said the city is losing $30,000 a month from absorbing annual increases from the Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority.

All of the fee increases concern water, sewer and sanitation.

A resident using 4,000 gallons a month at $41.76 now could pay more per month of around $18 to $25.

The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Monday in the Council Chambers, 4488 Pineview Drive.

Information: City Hall, 770-943-1666. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

GWINNETT

School system report $100 million in reserve

This will show you just how big the state’s biggest school system really is.

Rick Cost, chief financial officer for Gwinnett County Schools, told the school board on Thursday that the school system has just under $100 million in uncommitted reserves or savings.

“That barely keeps us afloat cash-flow wise through the summer while we’re not collecting property taxes,” Cost said.

This past year, the system came within $7 million in terms of cash flow, he said. “I wouldn’t want to cut it any closer.” Nancy Badertscher

Injured member returns to school board

Gwinnett County school board member Dan Seckinger made the board’s monthly meeting Thursday his first stop on the way home from rehabilitation. Seckinger’s motorcycle crashed head-on into a car on Dec. 17. “I didn’t win,” he quipped. Since the accident, Seckinger has been either in the hospital or rehab. “Tonight will be my first night being home,” he said. Seckinger came to the school board meeting in a wheelchair and with his left hand in a cast. “My back is kind of sore,” he said. “I’m so blessed and thankful to be here.” Nancy Badertscher

U.S.P.S. to hold hearing on consolidation

The U.S. Postal Service will discuss its plans to consolidate some mail processing operations in Duluth at a public meeting at 6 p.m. March 28 at Hapeville Elementary School, 3440 N. Fulton Ave., Hapeville. The Postal Service is considering moving some operations from the Atlanta Processing and Distribution Center to the North Metro Processing and Distribution Center in Duluth. Information: http://about.usps.com/streamlining-operations/area-mail-processing.htm. David Wickert

Great Village Trade and Auction on March 29

The Gwinnett Village Community Alliance will hold its “Great Village Trade and Auction” from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. March 29 at Sugarloaf Country Club Drive, 2295 Sugarloaf Club Drive, Duluth. Tickets costs $25 and are available at http://gwinnettvillage.com/alliance. Information: Wesley Wilson at 770-449-6515 or Wesley@gwinnettvillage.com. David Wickert

Border Collies to perform at Aurora

St. Patrick’s Day will be busy for the popular Duluth-based Irish band, the Border Collies, who are scheduled to play a children’s concert at Lawrenceville’s Aurora Theater at 10 a.m., then that night at Wild Wing Cafe in Marietta. Tickets cost $7. Michael Alpert for the AJC

Searching for the most photogenic baby

The 20th annual Kids Helping Kids National Baby Search is going through Sunday at the Mall of Georgia, 3333 Buford Drive, Buford. Proceeds from the contest will benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Entry fee is $35 per category for children up to age 5. To enter, bring children to the Mall through Saturday between 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, between noon and 5 p.m. Information: www.photogenicbaby.com. Veronica Fields Johnson

NORTHSIDE

Roswell to show plans for new roundabout

Roswell will hold an informal public open house on proposed improvements at Houze and Hembree roads from 5 to 7 p.m. March 29 at Hembree Park. Plans call for replacing the signalized intersection with a roundabout. Online comments will be accepted until April 12 at www.dot.ga.gov. Mail written statements to: Sean Pharr, P.E., URS Corp., 400 Northpark Town Center, 1000 Abernathy Road N.E., Suite 900, Atlanta, GA 30328. Plans will be available for review at Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill Street, Suite 235. Patrick Fox

Pace Academy students win first place

A team of Pace Academy fifth graders recently won first place in a national competition.

The students participated in the WordMasters Challenge, a national language arts competition entered by approximately 220,000 students annually.

Students compete in three separate meets throughout the school year. Pace fifth graders, who competed against more than 170 teams, were ranked first in the nation after the year’s first meet. The team is coached by fifth grade teacher Greg Lefever. D. Aileen Dodd

$5 million recycling facility opens

Advanced Disposal Services has opened a $5 million recycling center at 5680 Shirlee Industrial Way, Alpharetta, in Forsyth County.

“This single-stream facility will process between seven and 12 tons of material per hour, which makes it one of the largest facilities in the region,” said Charlie Gray, regional vice president. The center brings 44 direct jobs to the county and is currently processing about 100 tons of recyclables per day. The facility is open from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Information: 678-710-2075. Patrick Fox

Alpharettans get peek at Crabapple project

Residents can see how Milton is implementing last year’s Crabapple Visioning Study at a March 21 meeting at Alpharetta’s Crabapple Government Center, 12625 Broadwell Road. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. and will feature discussions of the city’s recent efforts to establish form-based coding and transfer of development rights in Crabapple.

The two zoning tools are designed to allow Milton to create a uniform, community-approved aesthetic in the area while protecting the surrounding open spaces.

Information: 678-242-2538 or michele.mcintosh-ross@cityofmiltonga.us. Patrick Fox

Roswell official earns certification

Roswell Community Development Program Manager Stefanie Dye recently earned the designation of certified economic developer, a national recognition that denotes a mastery of principal skills in economic development, professional attainment and commitment to personal and professional growth.

To obtain the title, candidates must pass a three-part, two-day exam which tests knowledge, proficiency and judgment in areas of economic development, marketing, finance, workforce development, community development, real estate, strategic planning and management. Patrick Fox

ATLANTA

Judge dismisses suit against CDC

A judge on Wednesday dismissed a lawsuit filed against the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by an Atlanta lawyer whose misdiagnosed tuberculosis case caused a health scare. In 2009, Andrew Speaker sued the CDC, accusing the agency of exposing his case to create a major story to get more funding. But U.S. District Judge William Duffey found that the record in the case did not support a finding that the CDC intentionally or willfully disseminated inaccurate, irrelevant or unnecessary information about Speaker. Bill Rankin

Women’s conference at CAU this weekend

Clark Atlanta University will explore issues of personal and professional development in women this weekend at the 2012 Women’s Empowerment Conference, “Succeeding Against the Odds.” The Rev. Debra Terry, a comedian, actor and singer will deliver a keynote speech. The event is sponsored by CAU’s offices of Student Health Services, Religious Life, and the Counseling and Disability Services Center. Saturday registration for the conference will begin at 9 a.m. in the Bishop Cornelius Henderson Student Center on campus. Ernie Suggs

Spelman program focuses on health

Eleanor Hinton Hoytt, president and CEO of the Black Women’s Health Imperative, will be the featured speaker at a discussion on healthy lifestyles from 6:30 to 8 p.m. today at Spelman College, 350 Spelman Lane. The event is free. Information: www.blackwomenshealth.org. Sandra Marshall Murray

Turkish Olympiad on Saturday at Tech

The fifth annual southeastern regional Turkish Olympiad will be 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Ferst Center for the Arts at Georgia Tech. More than 140 American students and adults will compete for a chance to participate in the International Turkish Olympiad in Istanbul this summer. Participants will sing, recite poetry, and showcase their language skills in Turkish. Admission is free. Kenneth Musisi

DEKALB

Emory hosts White House summit today

Emory University will host a White House summit today on issues impacting Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Discussion topics include the economy, housing, immigration and health care.

Cabinet Secretary Christopher Lu, who co-chairs the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, will deliver the keynote address.

Georgia’s Asian American and Pacific Islander population increased by 82 percent over the past decade, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Laura Diamond

Dunwoody accesses warrant system

Dunwoody has become the first city in DeKalb County to get direct access into the county’s electronic warrant information system.

The city recently signed a deal with the county for the access, which allows Dunwoody police officers to input warrant and search warrant requests remotely.

Dunwoody will use $5,000 to $7,000 of its asset forfeiture funds to buy the equipment needed for the project. The cost has kept other cities from applying to log into the system, which has been in effect since 2003. There is no cost to the county. April Hunt

DeKalb county TV wins awards

DeKalb County Television, the government access programs played on cable that has recently been a source of internal complaint, recently won several awards for video production. The program, known as DCTV, won seven Pegasus awards for shows ranging from the pledge against celebratory gunfire to a tour of the water-sewer system. April Hunt

History center focuses on Arabia Mountain

The Arabia Mountain Heritage Area will be the focus of a lunch-and-learn event this month at the DeKalb History Center. Mera Cardenas, executive director of the area’s alliance group, will discuss how the National Park Service is helping to protect the natural, historic and cultural resources in the south DeKalb area.

The free lecture begins at noon on March 20 at the Historic Courthouse on Decatur Square. Information: 404-373-1088 or www.dekalbhistory.org. April Hunt

Glenn Chancel Choir concert on Sunday

The Glenn Chancel Choir will perform its spring concert Sunday at the Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church at Emory University. The concert will feature works for chorus, soloists, strings, harp, organ and piano. The concert begins at 4 p.m. in the church, 1660 North Decatur Road. Information: 404-272-2051 or www.glennumc.org. April Hunt

Group waives pet adoption fees for Scouts

LifeLine Animal Project in Avondale Estates and College Park, is waiving the standard $80- $120 pet adoption fees for Girl Scouts, their families and alumnae during March. The non-profit is expressing its appreciation for the Girl Scouts creed of community service on their 100th anniversary. For information and a database of adoptable animals: E-mail adoptions@lifelineanimal.org or visit www.lifelineanimal.org. Kenneth Musisi

SOUTHSIDE

College Park school among lowest performers

One Fulton County Schools campus is listed among the state’s 78 lowest performing public schools.

McClarin Alternative School in College Park was listed as a “priority” school in need of improvement due to its struggling graduation rates. Under the state’s revised accountability system, schools will carry the priority label for three years and will be offered state assistance to help improve. The label may be removed early. The state Department of Education is still working on finalizing the criteria for getting off the list early. D. Aileen Dodd

Senior services offers grant to feed pets

Fayette Senior Services has begun its third year of providing free food for the pets of homebound residents.

A $2,500 grant from Banfield Charitable Trust helps fund the Ani-Meals program, an extension of the Meals on Wheels service. FSS coordinator Ginnie Plunkett says the program helps “maintain that important bond between the pet owner and the pet.”

Food is delivered by volunteers and includes in-kind donations collected locally. To volunteer or donate, call 770-461-0813. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Movie scene to be shot in East Point

East Point officials announced the Gospel Channel’s television movie “Raising Izzie” will film next week in the city. The scene will involve two young girls playing on playground equipment and sharing laughter and good times at a city park. The filming runs from 2-7 p.m. March 20 at Sykes Park. John Thompson for the AJC

McDonough FFA chapter honored

Twelve Georgia chapters of the Future Farmers of America are being honored for their efforts to connect with local farmers, including the Union Grove chapter from McDonough in Henry County. That chapter will receive a $2,500 certificate of credit for FFA-related costs, including chapter supplies and registration fees for national leadership conferences. Nancy Badertscher

Stockbridge bike ride set for Sunday

Henry County Board of Education Vice-Chairman Erik Charles and Stockbridge Mayor Lee Stuart are hosting a Mayor’s Bike Ride on Sunday beginning at 3 p.m. at City Hall. These rides are open to all ages. Visit www.cityofstockbridge.com for more information. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Awards ceremony to honor art students

Congressman David Scott will host an awards ceremony to honor students participating in his 10th annual Congressional High School Art Competition. The reception is Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Arts Clayton Gallery, 136 South Main Street, Jonesboro.

More than $300,000 in scholarships have been given to students in the last decade. This year’s top winner gets a $10,000 Art Institute of Atlanta scholarship; $3,000 from Savannah College of Art and Design; 1-Year Young Patron membership to the High Museum of Art .

The artwork will hang in the U.S. Capitol for a year. Tammy Joyner