County by county news for Friday

The Saturn driver, John S. Bryan, 51, of Powder Springs, died. The Suzuki’s driver, Keven T. Inman, 29, and a passenger Kelven Inman, 28, both of Wellington, were taken to WellStar Kennestone for treatment.

Keven T. Inman was then transported to the Cobb County jail, charged with DUI, following too closely, reckless driving, serious injury by vehicle and first-degree vehicular homicide. Mike Morris

Superintendent to host community dialogue

Marietta City School’s superintendent Emily Lembeck will host a community dialogue at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Marietta Sixth Grade Academy located at 340 Aviation Rd. SE in Marietta.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 770-422-3500 ext. 231. Spanish-language translation services will be available.

Daarel Burnette II

Church to hold health run and expo

Lakeview Seventh-day Adventist Church, 4001 Macedonia Rd., Powder Springs, will hold its second annual “Back to Health Fun Run and Health Expo” from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 23. Registration is $30 for the 5K race and $20 for the one-mile family fun run. Age 10 and under is free, but registration is required. Pre-register at www.active.com by Friday, Sept. 21. Information: www.backtohealthrun.wordpress.com or www.lakeviewadventist.org. Mea Watkins

Parkinson’s Disease Support Group to meet

The Parkinson’s Disease Support Group will meet 2 to 4 p.m. Sept. 26 in the cafeteria of Emory-Adventist Hospital at Smyrna. The free meetings are the same time on the last Wednesday of the month.

Dr. Jawaid Ahsan, a neurologist and specialist in movement disorders, will present on medications for Parkinson’s disease. Registration and information: 770-438-5220. Kenneth Musisi

Gun club cleared to serve alcohol

Kristina Brown and her husband own Lakeside Guns Shop in Acworth, but they are in the process of building a $3.5 million gun range called The Governor’s Club in Powder Springs. A new sub division is being built about 100 yards from the club and some home owners in the area off C.H. James Parkway and Elliot Road think having a gun range and alcohol in the same location is a bad idea. “Customers will have to order a drink with their identification card and once the card is accepted, and flagged, they cannot be checked back into the range that day,” Brown told Channel 2 News.

The Powder Springs City Council approved the alcohol permit Monday. Staff reports

Marietta students outperform state

Marietta’s high school students averaged a 21.0 on the ACT last year, outperforming the state’s average score of 20.7, slightly below the national average score of 21.1.

The test measures students’ college readiness and preparation in English, reading, math and science.

Almost a quarter of high school seniors showed college-readiness in all benchmark scores. Daarel Burnette II

GWINNETT

Commission renews stabilization contracts

The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners this week renewed contracts with three firms to carry out a program that tries to stabilize neighborhoods hit hard by foreclosures.

Commissioners approved contracts with the Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership, Gwinnett Window and Door and The Macallan Group. They will continue to buy and rehabilitate foreclosures homes and sell them to working families.

The program is paid for with a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Information: www.nspgwinnett.com. David Wickert

Lilburn looking for movie input

Lilburn residents are invited to help choose the movie to be shown at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Endless Summer Surf Music and Family Fun Festival. Cast your vote by visiting www.surveymonkey.com/s/JVYQK25. Residents can also enter to win two $5 discount food tickets for the event.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Property tax dates change

Gwinnett homeowners will have to budget differently once for property tax bills. Bills have a single due date of Oct. 15, instead of the previous years’ two. Owners may pay on-line, by mail, at tax commissioner office drop boxes or in person at 75 Langley Dr., Lawrenceville.

Information: www.GwinnettTaxCommissioner.com, 770-822-8800. Michael Alpert

Citizens Police Academy offered

The Suwanee Police Department offering a Citizens Police Academy as a hands-on, eight-week program, where participants can learn about crime scene processing, traffic stops, building searches, crime prevention, and narcotics identification. Classes are at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays beginning Oct. 2 at the police facility, 2966 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road. Applications are due by 5 p.m. today. Information: www.suwanee.com. Andria Simmons

Library holding creative chair contest

Gwinnett Public Libraries is inviting individuals and groups to re-imagine a chair or bench and enter their “Chair-ish the Arts” contest. Those participating are encouraged to use their imaginations to paint, alter, stamp, or in some other way creatively decorate chairs and benches. Deadline for submissions is Sept. 30. For prize information and guidelines visit www.gwinnettpl.org.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

The Loving’ Spoonful headlines benefit

Amigos for Christ’s 9th annual outdoor benefit is Oct. 6 at Suwanee Town Center Park. Procceds go to address the need for clean water in Nicaragua. Events: Run for Clean Water 5K at 9 a.m.; Open 3v3 Soccer Tournament at 10 a.m.; Bike and Learn Family Ride at noon; 2-Man Cornhole Tournament at 2 p.m.; Cupcake Challenge at 3 p.m.; and Open 5v5 Ultimate Frisbee Tournament at 4 p.m., Open 5v5 Ultimate Frisbee Tournament at 4 p.m. and “The Lovin’ Spoonful” at 7:30 pm. Information: www.amigosforchrist.org/festivaleventinfo.html.

Nancy Badertscher

NORTHSIDE

State agencies host job fair for military vets in Forsyth County

The State Board of Pardons and Paroles is joining other state law enforcement agencies by participating in a military personnel job fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday at State Offices South at Tift College in Forsyth.

The participating agencies have approximately 800 jobs available for military personnel returning from duty. The Department of Corrections is hosting the job fair. The event is free and open to U.S. Veterans who register online at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/R92TTMJ. Andria Simmons

Roswell police sponsor Drug Take Back Day

The Roswell Police Department, in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration and Keep Roswell Beautiful, will collect potentially dangerous, expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs for destruction during Drug Take Back Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 29 at the Roswell Recycling Center, 11570 Maxwell Rd., Alpharetta. The service is free and anonymous. Information: Officer Lisa Holland at 770-640-4422 or www.dea.gov. Veronica Fields Johnson

Roswell Garden Club offers free class

The “Basic Do’s and Don’ts of Planting and Gardening”, a free program presented by the Roswell Garden Club, will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Community Activity Building, Roswell Area Park, 10495 Woodstock Road, Roswell. Information: www.roswellgardenclub.com.

Kenneth Musisi

Students celebrate “Whirled Peace” event

Students at King’s Ridge Christian School, at 2765 Bethany Rd., in Alpharetta will take part in a world-wide art and literacy initiative called “Whirled Peace,” today.

The students will place pinwheels with messages of peace during an 8:05 a.m. ceremony in front of the Barbara Adler Academic Center.

Last year during the annual “Whirled Peace” event, about 4 million pinwheels were placed in 3,500 locations around the world. Jeffry Scott

Woodstock hosts exhibit ribbon cutting

A ribbon cutting for Down by the Station Art Exhibit, a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Woodstock Train Depot, will be 4 p.m. Tuesday at the Woodstock Public Library, 7735 Main Street. Admission is open to all.

The art work from local artists depicting the depot is on display in the meeting room of the library during operating hours until Oct. 22.

Information: William Peppers at 770-592-6056.

Kenneth Musisi

School seeking vendors for fall festival

Sandy Springs Charter Middle School is planning its fall festival and is looking for vendors to be part of an outdoor market.

Vendors can rent space for $10 but will be expected to provide their own tables, chairs, tents and wares. The festival will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 6.

To reserve a vendor spot, email wraye@fultonschools.org. The school is located at 8750 Pride Place, Sandy Springs.

Nancy Badertscher

ATLANTA

Neighborhood Nexus to host summit Saturday

Neighborhood Nexus, a community information system, will host a Neighborhood Summit 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Loudermilk Center, 40 Courtland St. NE. Tickets: $25; $15 students and seniors. Register online or at the event.

The summit’s discussion Millennials in Metro Atlanta, shows that the millennial generation (ages 18-29) like living in densely-populated, urban areas. Participants will learn about the impact of this generation on the workforce, in leadership roles and their settlement patterns.

Neighborhood Nexus fosters informed community problem solving and data-driven community decision-making. Information: www.neighborhoodnexus.org. Kenneth Musisi

Fall Atlanta Home Show set for weekend

The Fall Atlanta Home Show will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today - Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday at Cobb Galleria Centre, 2 Galleria Parkway SE.

Local home improvement companies will showcase the latest in products and services. HGTV’s John Gidding and Vern Yip are among the speakers.

Tickets: $10, children and seniors are free. Information: www.AtlantaHomeShow.com or 770-798-1997. Kenneth Musisi

Steal Away Home exhibit ongoing

The Steal Away Home Gallery, honoring President Barack Obama for the 2012 re-election campaign, is ongoing 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Sept. 30 at 1226 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd., Atlanta.

The gallery showcases The Obama Room and 11 rooms with black memorabilia. Information: 404-753-1013. Kenneth Musisi

West Manor school opens in-school bank

Atlanta’s West Manor Elementary Friday held a grand opening for its in-school banking center. The Bank of West Manor is a partnership with Capitol City Bank to establish a financial literacy program. The purpose is to teach students financial skills they can carry into adulthood. Information: www.westmanorelementary.com Jaime Sarrio

DEKALB

DeKalb hires new animal services chief

DeKalb County has named a longtime government administrator and animal advocate to become its new director of animal services.

Betty Xan Rawls has served in the same role in two counties in Florida and also been a shelter operations director at a private animal center in Tennessee.

In addition, to her 25-year professional career, Rawls also has been an officer with a Florida dog rescue group.

The job comes just months after citizen task force report criticized the facility as outdated and unsanitary, calling for new investment and possible private contracts to improve the shelter and animal services operation.

Rawls, who will earn $70,000 a year, takes over Oct. 1, two months after the former director retired. April Hunt

Inaugural chili cook off takes place Saturday

The inaugural Brookhaven Chili Cook Off will take place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday at 2740 Apple Valley Rd.

The free festival will feature over 50 restaurant and amateur teams, live entertainment, a kidzone area, food trucks and college football on the big screen.

A limited amount of tasting spoons will be available at the gate for $5 and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Brookhaven Arts Alliance.

Tasting starts at noon and winners announced at 2 p.m.

Information: www.BrookhavenChiliCookOff.com. Veronica Fields Johnson

Doraville showcases new photo history book

A book signing for “Images of America: Doraville” by Bob Kelley, local author and travel journalist, will be 7 p.m. Saturday at the Doraville Library, 3748 Central Ave.

Kelley’s book with over 200 vintage images and memories of early day Doraville families and the city’s historic milestones, also gives a glimpse into present Doraville.

To purchase: www.arcadiapublishing or 888-313-2665. Kenneth Musisi

Stone Mountain man gets life for sex ring

A Stone Mountain man who operated a brutal sex enslavement ring was sentenced Wednesday to life in federal prison.

Soloman Manasseh Mustafa, 38, was convicted at trial in July of various sex trafficking-related charges.

In a statement, U.S. Attorney Sally Yates said Mustafa lured young women through ads on Internet sites and then forced them into acts of prostitution in three states after assaulting and kidnapping them.

Some of Mustafa’s victims were handcuffed, raped and forced to snort cocaine, Yates said. Bill Rankin

Workforce office holding job fair today

DeKalb County’s Workforce Development office will host its annual job fair Friday at county offices in downtown Decatur.

In addition to recruiting companies that will interview job-seekers, the fair also offers resume critiques, networking tips and other skills.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday 9/21 at the Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Dr., Decatur.

Information: 404-687-2771 or bwsharperson@dekalbcountyga.gov. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Ex-con gets life for murder of roommates

Christopher “Calico” Varner, 26, was given two life sentences for fatally shooting Lanaetria Butler, 28, and Karida Winkler, 34, in their heads on July 19, 2009. The women’s nude bodies were found in their Godby Road apartment. Varner had gained entry to the women’s apartment under the pretense of trying to buy marijuana; instead, once inside, he pulled a gun on the women, took their money and drugs and then killed them, prosecutors said. Varner initially faced the death penalty. Bill Rankin

Registration open for Fulton fall arts classes

Registration has started for fall classes at Fulton County arts centers for dance, theatre, painting, drawing, printmaking, etc. for children and adults.

The eight-week session runs through Nov. 10, except at the Abernathy Arts Center where it’s through Nov. 17.

Dates and prices vary by center. To register, go to FultonArts.org or call the Abernathy Arts Center in Sandy Springs (404-613-6172), the South Fulton Arts Center in College Park (404-612-3087), the Southwest Arts Center in Atlanta (404-613-3220) or the West End Arts Center in Atlanta (404-613-6465).

Johnny Edwards

Health walk today at Reynolds Preserve

In observance of Georgia SHAPE Month, the Clayton County Board of Health and the Clayton County Parks and Recreation Department are sponsoring a free Autumn Health Walk 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. today at the Reynolds Nature Preserve.

Participants will take a free guided walk through a portion of the 146-acre Reynolds Nature Preserve.

Information will be shared about Georgia SHAPE, the USDA’s “Choose MyPlate” campaign and the FitnessGram program.

Georgia Student Health and Physical Education encourages exercise and eating better. Registration and information: Katrina Brantley at 678-610-7428 or katrinabrantley@dhr.state.ga.us.

Kenneth Musisi

Henry Parks & Rec. hosts photo contest

The Henry County Parks and Recreation Department is conducting its annual photography contest, giving amateur photographers a chance to win prizes and the possibility of having their photos published in the department’s annual calendar and other county publications.

Photos must be taken at a county park or facility of a HCPRD event.

More than $400 in prizes are available for winners in three categories.

The deadline to enter is Sept. 28. Photographers must be at least 18 years or older to participate.

Information: www.hcprd.org or call 770-288-7312.

Monroe Roark for the AJC

Free bulk waste pickup offered in East Point

East Point is conducting another free bulk waste pickup in residential areas through today. The bulk waste will be picked up on the customer’s regular trash days. Items eligible for the pickup include sofas, chairs, tables, cabinets and stoves.

John Thompson for the AJC