County by county news for Friday

The school is located on Powers Ferry Road. In a 6-1 vote with David Morgan against, the board also approved rebuilding Mountain View Elementary on Sandy Plains Road, Marietta. Morgan’s choice was Harmony Leland Elementary in Mableton. TUCKER MCQUEEN FOR THE AJC

Tree group to offer free seedlings

Marietta Tree Keepers will hand out free tree seedlings 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Marietta Farmers Market on the Marietta Square. The group will also offer planting instruction at the Arbor Day event.

The non-profit Tree Keepers plants trees in public spaces around Marietta.

Information: www.mariettaga.gov/committees/treekeepers.

TUCKER MCQUEEN FOR THE AJC

Students start graduation web site

Marietta High School students with the help of teacher Sean Lewis have launched a website to prepare their peers for graduation and life after high school.

The Graduate Marietta web site offers advice on a high school action plan, getting a job, college information and career pathways.

Information: www.marietta-city.org or www.graduatemarietta.com. TUCKER MCQUEEN

Marietta Power head resigns

Bob Lewis, manager of Marietta Board of Lights and Water, has resigned. Lewis, 64, has worked more than 40 years in the energy business including 10 years running Marietta’s city owned utility company. The Marietta Power budget this year is $167.5 million and the company has more than 46,000 customers.

Information: www.mariettaga.gov.

TUCKER MCQUEEN FOR THE AJC

Marietta’s council to meet today

The Marietta City Council has rescheduled its Wednesday meeting,that was cancelled, to start 11:30 a.m. today at Marietta City Hall, 205 Lawrence St. An agenda review session will be followed by the monthly council meeting at noon.

Information: www.mariettaga.gov. TUCKER MCQUEEN FOR THE AJC

Nickajack Creek cleanup set for Saturday

Volunteers are welcome to help the Mableton Improvement Coalition clean part of Nickajack Creek 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, meeting at the MSC Industrial Supply parking lot, 6700 Discovery Blvd., Mableton.

This project of Cobb County’s Adopt-A-Stream Program keeps trash and debris from washing downstream into the Chattahoochee River.

Participants will be required to sign a volunteer agreement form and a parental consent form for volunteers younger than 18.

Information: mableton.org/community-projects/adopt-a-stream or Ron Raven, ronraven1@yahoo.com.

CAROLYN CUNNINGHAM FOR THE AJC

GWINNETT

Georgia Gwinnett College partners with Peace Corps

Georgia Gwinnett College was one of six colleges and universities accepted into the Peace Corps Prep Program this year.

Schools are selected for the program based on their demonstrated interest in promoting international learning and service opportunities to their students. Each school independently designs its program based on specified criteria that reflects the Peace Corps’ tenets.

Students can apply to GGC’s Peace Corps Prep Program beginning in the fall 2014 semester. JANEL DAVIS

Snellville artists to celebrate Black History

The Snellville Arts Commission will host an artist talk with Tracie L. Hawkins and Bill E. Leavell 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19 at City Hall, 2342 Oak Rd. Both artists’ work will remain on exhibit until Feb. 28 in celebration of Black History Month. Information: www.snellvillearts.com.

KAREN HUPPERTZ FOR THE AJC

Dacula looking to annex 34 properties

Property owners in Dacula affected by a proposal to annex 34 properties into the city are invited to a meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19 at City Hall, 442 Harbins Rd. The properties, totaling 75 acres, are located along Highway 316, down Winder Highway and into Dacula. Information: www.daculaga.gov or 770-963-7451.

KAREN HUPPERTZ FOR THE AJC

Leaders needed for neighborhood program

The Gwinnett Coalition for Health and Human Services seeks nominations for the Gwinnett Neighborhood Leadership Institute.

The eight-month program gets citizens involved in improving communities through topics such as growth and development, youth success, preventing violence and crime, environmental concerns, transportation barriers for seniors, needs of low-income families, cross-cultural understanding and bridging the gap between citizens and their government. Applications due April 1. Information: www.gnli.org or 678-377-4137. KAREN HUPPERTZ FOR THE AJC

Norcross appoints councilman Chamber

Charlie Riehm has been appointed by the Norcross City Council to represent the city with the Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce. The newly formed chamber partners with businesses and professionals to improve the overall quality of life in Berkeley Lake, Norcross and Peachtree Corners.

Information: www.southwestgwinnettchamber.com.

KAREN HUPPERTZ FOR THE AJC

Farmers market accepting applications

The Suwanee Farmers Market is accepting applications for vendors interested in selling their produce or other products. Deadline for applications is March 24, and new vendors must attend the annual market meeting at 7 p.m. that evening at City Hall.

The 2014 Suwanee Farmers Market will meet each Saturday, May 3 through Oct. 4. Tuesday markets will run May 6 through August 5. Applications: www.suwanee.com.

KAREN HUPPERTZ FOR THE AJC

NORTHSIDE

UNG hosts Make-A-Wish reveal, celebration

The University of North Georgia will host a Make-A-Wish luau-themed reveal celebration on Feb. 26 at the university’s Dahlonega campus. The celebration for Joseph, an 11-year-old Georgia cancer patient will include participation in UNG’s Spirit Night events for the men’s and women’s basketball team. During the events, the details of Joseph’s Make-A-Wish trip to Hawaii will be revealed. From 2012-2013, UNG raised more than $11,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the second most among schools in its division. JANEL DAVIS

Commission chair candidate forum set

The Cherokee County Republican Women group plans a forum 5:30- 8 p.m. Feb. 27 at the Old Cherokee County Courthouse, 150 Main. St., Canton to showcase the candidates for Cherokee County Commission chair.. Republicans incumbent L.B. “Buzz” Ahrens and challenger Jackie Archer will address the moderated event. More information: cherokeecountygop.com

MARK WOOLSEY FOR THE AJC

Race to benefit Forsyth charity

The Cupcake Road Race is 7 a.m. March 1 at Totally Running, 405 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming. Runners will compete in both 15 and five-kilometer races, with an under-10 Baby Cake race also set. Each runner who finishes getS a cupcake. Proceeds benefit The Place of Forsyth, which helps families with emergency basic needs. Last year’s event raised more than $14,000.

Information: totallyrunning.com

MARK WOOLSEY FOR THE AJC

Forsyth to get road-widening help

Forsyth County will get $1 million from Georgia Department of Transportation to expand Castleberry Road to five lanes from Bethelview Road to Hutchinson Road.

The money from the DOT Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant program will be handed over to the county when the project is awarded to a contractor for construction. MARK WOOLSEY FOR THE AJC

Chamber, schools honor businesses

Forsyth County Schools and the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce will host their annual Celebration of Success luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Friday at the Forsyth Conference Center, 3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Cumming. The event will recognize community businesses that aid county schools and students, and will also present the Forsyth County Teacher of the Year. To reserve tickets: 770-887-6461. More information: cummingforsyth

chamber.org

MARK WOOLSEY FOR THE AJC

Artifacts expert to attend society meeting

The Cherokee County Historical Society will meet at 7 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Rock Barn, 658 Marietta Highway, Canton.

Local artifact expert Carl Etheridge, retired chief ranger at the Allatoona Reservoir, will be at the meeting. Guests who own native American artifacts may bring them for Etheridge to identify. Free.

Information: www.rockbarn.org KENT A. MILES

ATLANTA

School board may become easier to see

The Atlanta Board of Education is considering ways to make its work more accessible to the public, such as moving meetings to times when more people can attend and streaming meetings over the Internet.

Monthly board meetings begin at 2 p.m. and can last until 10 p.m. or later, and one idea discussed would move the beginning part of the meeting — the board’s work session — to an evening in the prior week.

The proposals by board members Cynthia Briscoe Brown and Jason Esteves were referred to committees for further consideration. MARK NIESSE

School board budget prioritizes teachers

The Atlanta school board this week set budget goals of eliminating furlough days, giving employees a pay raise, handing schools more autonomy and spending more money on direct instruction.

The board began work Monday on the estimated $600 million general fund budget for the 2014-2015 school year.

The budget would prioritize teacher and staff quality, and finalizing it before summer would give the school system time to hire teachers when they’re looking for jobs. MARK NIESSE

Weather causes ball postponment

The 7th Annual Heritage Ball, sponsored by Good Deeds International, has been postponed because many participants had trouble traveling to the city.

A spokeswoman said the event will be rescheduled.

The Heritage Ball is one of the largest steppin’ events in the nation. SHELIA M. POOLE

Atlanta Tech College hosts health expo

Atlanta Technical College hosts a free community health and wellness expo 10 a.m. Feb. 27 at the Brenda Watts Jones Allied Health Complex, 1560 Metropolitan Parkway with over 30 information booths, seminars and workshops conducted by physicians, nutritionists and health specialists. There will be health screenings and conduct healthy habit demonstrations. Information: 404-225-4487.

KENT A. MILES FOR THE AJC

DEKALB

DeKalb wastewater plant wins award

DeKalb County’s Snapfinger Creek wastewater facility recently earned top honors from the Georgia Association of Water Professionals for its safety program and record.

The county is expanding Snapfinger as part of its sewer overhaul. APRIL HUNT

Registration started for arts 5K

Registration has begun for a 5K walk for arts and culture programming.

The Race for the Arts 5K run/walk begin at 8 a.m. March 29 at the Porter Sanford arts center, 3181 Rainbow Dr.

Registration: $25; $20.

Information: www.portersanfordarts.org. APRIL HUNT

DeKalb on pace with water/sewer projects

DeKalb County has spent about six percent of the $1.34 billion it will cost to upgrade its water/sewer system.

The county had to stop work on the first phase of expanding the Snapfinger wastewater plant last fall because of contract troubles.

But the county has begun planning the $250 million expansion, the largest single project in the overhaul, as that dispute lingers.

Other ongoing work includes the demolition of a water intake structure next to the Chattahoochee River and construction of new pump stations for the sewer system.APRIL HUNT

Sheriff stepping down for Congressional run

DeKalb County Sheriff Tom Brown, who has served sine 2001, will step down in early March to pursue a Congressional bid.

Brown recently opened headquarters in Tucker for run against U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson, a Lithonia Democrat now in his fourth term in office.

Qualifying for state and federal races will be held in DeKalb between March 3 and 7, and other candidates are expected to come forward in the Congressional race. APRIL HUNT

City chooses annexation consultant

City Manager Peggy Merriss and schools Superintendent Phyllis Edwards have chosen Tom Sayre as lead consultant for studying Decatur’s possible large-scale annexation.

Sayre, who’s done extensive demographics work for the school system, said his team will examine, among other things, which areas could produce the most tax revenue and how many school-age children come from the proposed annexed areas.

Merriss says she hopes to present a first-draft annexation map to the school board, the commission and the public by late summer or early fall.

BILL BANKS FOR THE AJC

Demolition set for campus building

With the city schools’ maintenance department moving into the new Public Works building next month, the old maintenance building on the Decatur High campus is scheduled for demolition within two years.

The three-level building, likely erected in the late 1930s, is the oldest remaining structure on the campus where Decatur High settled in 1921.

After demolition, the property will become part of a mixed-use development between the city and Cousins Properties, scheduled to begin in 2016 or 2017. BILL BANKS FOR THE AJC

SOUTHSIDE

Fayette establishes non-emergency HELP number

Fayette County has set up a phone number for citizens needing non-emergency assistance.

The new number, 770-461-HELP (770-461-4357) is meant to provide information or help with non-life-threatening situations.

Emergency calls should still go to 911, and power outages should be reported directly to utility companies.

JILL HOWARD CHURCH FOR THE AJC

Mental health advocacy holds event

Mental Health in the African American Community Inc. is hosting an open office ceremony, 2 p.m. March 1 at 125 Eagle Landing Parkway, Suite 121-B, Stockbridge.

The organization advocates mental and behavioral health education, awareness, support and referral services for African-American families and the professionals serving them.

Information: www.mhiaac.org or 770-873-4496. KENT A. MILES FOR THE AJC

Town hall with Henry legislators

The Henry County Young Republicans are hosting a town hall meeting with members of the county’s legislative delegation at 7:30 p.m. Monday at the Geranium Hall, 103 Jonesboro Rd. in McDonough. Speakers include state Sen. Rick Jeffares and state reps. Dale Rutledge, Brian Strickland and Andy Welch.

MONROE ROARK FOR THE AJC

Peachtree City postpones signal vote

The City Council of Peachtree City wants additional time to study a new traffic report before deciding whether to approve a traffic light.

A proposal to add a signal on Ga. Hwy. 54 West at Line Creek Drive, and a cut-through from a pending shopping center into Planterra Ridge, drew opposition from residents last week.

The next meeting is Feb. 20. JILL HOWARD CHURCH FOR THE AJC

Sandy Creek FBLA heads to state event

Eleven of 19 members of Sandy Creek High School’s Future Business Leaders of America chapter are heading to the State Leadership Conference after placing high in the regional competition.

This was the first year the chapter competed, scoring placements in such areas as Hospitality Management and Digital Design and Promotion.

The state event will be held March 14-15 in Atlanta.

JILL HOWARD CHURCH FOR THE AJC

AAU tryouts

coming Feb. 22-23

The Commissioner Bruce Holmes Youth Foundation Chargers AAU basketball tryouts for middle through high school boys is 9 am to 2 p.m. Feb. 22-23 at the Fairview Recreation Center, 35 Austin Road, Stockbridge.

Volunteer coaches are also needed; no experience necessary, just a willingness to empower young men through athletics.

Those interested in coaching should contact Coach Robinson at 678-480-9362 or Coach

McMullen at 678-462-3921 by Feb. 14. MONROE ROARK FOR THE AJC

‘The Miracle Worker’ auditions in Jonesboro

Auditions for “The Miracle Worker” by the Front Porch Players will take place at the Old Bethel School on the grounds of Stately Oaks, 100 Carriage Drive, Jonesboro.

Auditions for the Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan roles will be at 5:30 Feb. 24. Auditions for other parts will be at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 25 and 27.

Performances open May 30 at First Presbyterian Church of Jonesboro.

Information: www.thefrontporchplayers.com

KENT A. MILES FOR THE AJC