County by county news for Friday

A girl told Cobb police that she was in a sexual relationship with her Tae Kwon Do instructor, according to police spokesman Officer Mike Bowman.

The girl reportedly said the encounters occurred at Shim’s Martial Arts Academy of Tae Kwon Do and at the instructor’s Roswell home. Detectives arrested Young Jin Shim, 32, Wednesday and charged him with aggravated child molestation.

Shim is being held without bond in the Cobb jail. Andria Simmons

Marietta drops wine tasting request

A request to change Marietta’s adult beverage ordinance to allow Kroger’s request to charge for wine tastings didn’t make it out of committee meetings Wednesday. The grocery chain can still hold wine tastings in the city as long as there is no charge. Some council members said they were concerned a change would open the door to tastings at other stores, like gas stations, that have package and not pouring permits. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Kennesaw book swap this weekend

Recycle those unwanted books, CDs and DVDs and pick up some news ones during a free swap event at Kennesaw’s Ben Robertson Community Center. Today, those who drop off an item between noon and 8 p.m. can come back on Saturday from 8 to 11 a.m. and select new items from the assortment. Info: www.kennesaw-ga.gov/pkrec or 770-422-9714. H.M. Cauley for the AJC

Cumberland CID board meets today

A meeting for the Cumberland Community Improvement District Board of Directors will be today at 1 p.m. The location is American Maglev Technology, Inc., 4801 Burrow Trail, in Powder Springs. Information: Melissa Crook at 770-859-2357. Kenneth Musisi

Cobb schools starts mentoring program

The Cobb County school system has launched its first district-wide youth mentoring program. Cobb Mentoring Matters was created by the system’s social work department and a project called Success for All Students. Volunteer are needed. Information: www.cobbmentoringmatters.org. Ty Tagami

Career Center to help recruit jobs for Alorica

Georgia Department of Labor’s Cobb-Cherokee Career Center will help Alorica recruit employees to fill about 100 job openings for customer service representatives at a call center in Kennesaw. The recruitments will be each Monday through Feb. 20, from 10 a.m. to noon at 465 Big Shanty Rd., Marietta. Applications are online at http://www.alorica.com/newjobs on job order number 1100008990. Kenneth Musisi

Hospital’s fracture program wins award

The Partnership for Health and Accountability presented its prestigious Quality and Patient Safety Award to Emory-Adventist Hospital at Smyrna for its geriatric fracture program. The project “Improving Management of Fragility Fractures Improves Outcomes and Post-Discharge Quality of Life,” won first place in its category. Kenneth Musisi

GWINNETT

Mitsubishi breaks ground on headquarters today

Mitsubishi Electric and Electronics USA will break ground on a new headquarters in Gwinnett County today.

The company will consolidate its local office and warehouse operations at a new facility on Satellite Boulevard in Suwanee. It will serve as headquarters for Mitsubishi’s heating and cooling division and will house a training facility, research and development operations and a distribution center.

The company expects to add some 200 new jobs in the next decade. David Wickert

GTC names instructor

of the year

Gwinnett Technical College has named Holly Sanders, an instructor in the surgical technology program, the school’s 2012 instructor of the year.

Sanders has been an instructor at Gwinnett Tech since 2008. She has a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Kennesaw State University and a surgical technology diploma from Gwinnett Tech. Previously she worked for Cryolife and as a member of the transplant team at Piedmont Hospital. David Wickert

Aurora Theatre to hold awards ceremony

The Aurora Theatre in Lawrenceville will host an awards ceremony on Feb. 12 to celebrate performers and members of the local arts community. The 2012 Barbara Awards will start with a reception at 7 p.m. and the awards ceremony at 8 p.m. Tickets are $40 per person or $75 per couple. Information: 678-226-6222 and www.auroratheatre.com. Joel Anderson

Suwanee Sweatheart 5K on Feb. 11

Runners can now sign up for the Suwanee Sweetheart 5K Sprint on Feb. 11.

The race will start at 9 a.m. on the other side of the city’s pedestrian tunnel on Main Street and wind through historic Old Town. Race-day registration and packet pick-up will began at 7:30 a.m. at Town Center. The registration fee is $25 for individual runners but couples can sign up for $40. Runners can register at www.active.com and www.northgwinnettrotary.org.

Information: Duane Champlin at 404-583-1595 or dchamplin@jacksonemc.com. Joel Anderson

SBDC offers QuickBooks seminar

The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center at Gwinnett will present a three part series of business seminars covering a general overview of QuickBooks. The three sessions will be from 6-9 p.m. on Feb. 13, Feb. 15 and Feb. 20. The cost is $199. Special pricing is available for multiple registrants. To register visit www.gwinnettsbdc.org. Information: 678-985-6820. Kenneth Musisi

Christmas tree recycling rescheduled

Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful has rescheduled its annual Christmas tree recycling event for Saturday after heavy rains forced organizers to cancel it Monday.From 9 a.m. to noon at Bethesda Park in Lawrenceville volunteers will help chip trees into mulch. Information: Connie Wiggins at 770-822-5187. Joel Anderson

NORTHSIDE

Cherokee to launch six new academies

Cherokee County Public Schools will launch six academies in the 2012-13 school year. Four academies will emphasize science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Two will be fine arts academies. The elementary schools with the STEM program are: Ball Ground, Canton, Holly Springs and a new school on Hunt Road in southeast Cherokee. The fine arts program will be at Oak Grove and Hasty. Students outside these school districts can request transfers to attend the academies. Jeffry Scott

Public hearing on plant demolition Tuesday

The area near the old Johns Creek Waste Water Treatment Facility, off Riverbirch Drive in Roswell, is about to get noisy. Demolition starts Feb. 6, and residents can voice concerns or ask questions at a meeting being held by Fulton Public Works on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in the Johns Creek Environmental Campus’ auditorium, 8100 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell.

Fulton County has a $977,000 contract with Tristar of America, Inc., for the work, which includes asbestos removal. Unused buildings and equipment will also be removed. Information: 404-612-7525. Johnny Edwards

Open house on Roswell Road bridge project

Officials from Sandy Springs and the Georgia DOT will host a public open house from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday regarding improvements to the Roswell Road Bridge at I-285. Plans call for widening north and southbound lanes and entrance ramps to I-285. Project representatives will be on hand to discuss the project and answer questions. The forum will be held at the City Hall Council Chambers, 7840 Roswell Road, Building 500. Information: 770-730-5600. Patrick Fox

Former postal contractor sentenced

A former contractor for the U.S. Postal Service was sentenced to federal prison Wednesday for stealing more than $30,000 in government funds and using the proceeds on a golf cart, boat supplies and luxury gifts for himself and his family, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced. Kenneth Welch, 44, of Cumming, was sentenced to six months in prison, six months of home confinement and three years of supervised release. He also must perform 80 hours of community service and pay almost $33,000 in restitution.

“This money belongs to the government and to the people, and those who do not safeguard it will no longer work for the government or walk in freedom with the people,” U.S. Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said. Angel K. Brooks

Woodstock science teacher honored

Jennifer Forsyth, biology teacher at Woodstock High School, is the 2012 High School Science Teacher of the Year for Georgia, it was announced Thursday. Forsyth, who teachers Honors and AP Biology and Scientific Research II, will be recognized by the Georgia Science Teachers Association in February. In 2011, she was selected as a national Siemens STEM Academy Fellow. Her biology class won a $30,000 grant for its water quality education project in 2010. Nancy Badertscher

ATLANTA

City helps families claim tax credit

Atlanta is kicking off a program to help local families claim the Earned Income Tax Credit.

The city says millions of dollars go unclaimed by local families every year.

Now, eligible citizens can obtain the credit with free tax preparation services at local Volunteer Income Tax Centers. Those centers are located at the Atlanta Workforce Development Agency, Atlanta Community Food Bank, Center for Working Families, Rosel Fann Recreation Center, Thomasville Recreation Center, Central Fulton Public Library, Elizabeth Baptist Church, Fort McPherson, Mt. Ephraim Baptist Church, Saint Paul AME Church, Saint Philip AME Church and the Sullivan Center. Jeremiah McWilliams

Housing Authority spent $283 million

The Atlanta Housing Authority, one of Georgia’s largest public agencies, released its audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011.

Through its various programs, AHA works with more than 20,000 low-income families in metropolitan Atlanta. The agency said it has approximately $100 million in cash balances.

It spent $283.1 million in the 2011 fiscal year, including $21.2 million for renovations and improvements at the 13 AHA-owned communities and $5.1 million for “human development and resident services.” Jeremiah McWilliams

Georgia Equality to update on legislation

Residents can learn the most effective ways to communicate with their elected officials and receive an update on legislative issues facing the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender and HIV communities.

The training, sponsored by Georgia Equality, will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Phillip Rush Center, 1530 DeKalb Ave.

The training is free, but advance registration is required.

To register go to www.georgiaequality.org. Shelia Poole

DEKALB

County CEO Ellis to run for re-election

DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis announced Wednesday that he will run for re-election.

Ellis, who was a county commissioner before being elected to the chief executive spot in 2008, kicked off his campaign in an event in downtown Decatur.

Events and updates for his re-election will be available online at www.burrellellis.com. April Hunt

Police officer charged with stealing fired

A DeKalb County police “Officer of the Month” who was charged with stealing from people he had arrested has been fired, the department said Thursday.

Officer Ghayth Abdul-Mughnee, on the force for four years, was arrested Wednesday on a warrant charging him with theft by taking, possession of marijuana and violation of his oath of office. He was taken to DeKalb police headquarters in handcuffs.

Abdul-Mughnee, 30, denied the charges. David Ibata

Rep. Jacobs to hold town hall meeting

State Rep. Mike Jacobs, a DeKalb County Republican, will hold a town hall meeting Feb. 16 to discuss education, transportation, the idea of a city of Brookhaven and other topics.

The meeting will be at 7 p.m. in the Talmage Room of the Student Center of Oglethorpe University. Ty Tagami

School registration deadline nears

The deadline to file applications for DeKalb County theme schools next school year is Feb. 10. Applications can be delivered to the Gifted, Magnet and Theme Schools Office at school system headquarters at 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd., Stone Mountain, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Applicants must produce proof of residence and in some cases a child’s birth certificate and report card. Applications can also be filed online. Information: www.dekalb.k12.ga.us. Ty Tagami

Community garden to hold mushroom class

Decatur High’s Community Garden will sponsor a demonstration on growing shitake mushrooms, in conjunction with the garden’s workday Saturday from 9 a.m. until noon. Master Gardener Riduan Joesoef will teach how to inoculate logs to growing shitake mushrooms. Afterward garden members will set up a community mushroom garden. The demonstration is free in exchange for working in the garden. Information: Diane Loupe at dloupe@mindspring.com or 404-374-3990 Bill Banks for the AJC

Residents discuss rash of burglaries

Roughly 120 showed up to Avondale Estates City Hall Wednesday night to discuss strategies for countering recent city burglaries. From Jan. 13 to Jan. 23 four homes were broken into, including three homes on Majestic Circle, with stolen items including laptops, iPads and flat-screen televisions. Police Chief Gary Broden said he’s putting more officers on the street for longer hours. But he encouraged residents to become active in a Neighborhood Watch program, adding that people shouldn’t hesitate to call 911 when spotting a suspicious person. Bill Banks for the AJC

SOUTHSIDE

Body found behind apartment complex

A resident found a woman’s body behind a Jonesboro apartment complex Wednesday, Channel 2 Action News reported.

The unidentified body had obvious life-ending injuries, and authorities are working the case as a homicide, Jonesboro police Chief Franklin Allen told Channel 2.

The body was behind the Harmony Crossroads Apartments in the 8000 block of Tara Boulevard. It was covered by a sheet or blanket that got the resident’s attention, the report said. The investigation is continuing. Angel K. Brooks

Clayton water authority finishes 10-year plan

The Clayton County Water Authority has completed its 10-year master plan that includes 28 improvement projects totaling more than $226 million. Ten-year plans have been a part of the authority’s planning since 1960. The latest plan was the most ambitious and involved major enhancements to the water and wastewater system. The authority was able to recoup more than $4 million in state tax refunds from many of the projects. Tammy Joyner

Family escapes College Park hotel fire

No one was injured in an overnight fire at a College Park motel. The blaze destroyed one guest room at the Econo Lodge on Old National Highway, while several other rooms sustained smoke and water damage. Channel 2 Action News reported that the family staying in the destroyed ground-floor room was able to escape unharmed.

Mike Morris

Symposium to feature Gullah Geechee culture

Gullah Geechee culture and African-American cuisine is slated for Feb. 18 at the National Archives at Atlanta. The Morrow facility is hosting the African-American Heritage program with the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society (AAHGS) and Clayton County. AAHGS’ morning symposium explores Gullah Geechee, a tradition preserved from slavery by blacks living on the Georgia and South Carolina coast. The 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. event is at the archives, 5780 Jonesboro Rd., Morrow. Details: 404 372-2937. Tammy Joyner

Scholarship entry deadline Jan. 31

Jan. 31 is the deadline for high school seniors to submit entries to the Better Business Bureau’s 2012 Student of Integrity Scholarship program. The BBB will award $1,000 scholarships to six high school seniors. Graduating seniors in school in metro Atlanta, Athens and Northeast Georgia are eligible.

Details: http://atlanta.bbb.org/2012-requirements-for-student-of-integrity-scholarship/ Tammy Joyner

Nash Farm museum marks first birthday

The Friends of Nash Farm Battlefield and the Georgia Civil War Commission have collaborated to organize a day-long event to celebrate the first anniversary of the opening of the Nash Farm Battlefield Museum.

It will be Feb. 11, and it is free and open to the public. Attractions include artillery and weapons demonstrations such as firing of the weapons, an art exhibit, an authentic Confederate currency display and more. Monroe Roark for the AJC