COBB
Bicyclist, 42, killed in collision with SUV
A bicyclist was struck and killed Wednesday afternoon while traveling southbound on the sidewalk alongside the northbound lanes of Bells Ferry Road in Acworth. He lost control of his bike, entered the road and was hit by a silver 2006 Nissan Xterra, driven by 29-year-old Amanda Neill of Lilburn, police said. Timothy Austin, 42, of Woodstock was pronounced dead at the scene. Neill was not injured. Police are investigating the collision, but Neill is not expected to be charged, police said.
Anyone with information should call Cobb police at 770-499-3987. Angel K. Brooks
Bridge rehab contract awarded
The Powder Springs City Council voted 5-0 Monday to award a $92,453 contract to Ace Contractors for rehabilitation of the Sweetwater Landing bridge on Sweetwater Avenue.
Funds collected from the 2011 special purpose local option sales tax will pay for the project.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Powder Springs seeks bridge contractor
Contractor proposals are being sought by Powder Springs for replacement of the Powder Springs Road bridge over the Silver Comet Trail.
A pre-proposal meeting will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at City Hall, 4484 Marietta St.
Proposals must be submitted before 10 a.m. Feb. 27 when they will be publicly opened and read aloud.
Information: Larry Terry, Croy Engineering LLC, the city’s program manager, at 770-971-5407 or lterry@croyengineering.com.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Marietta Visitors Bureau releases app
The Marietta Visitors Bureau released the new Visit Marietta Square App for iPhone, iPad, and Android users on Wednesday.
The app is free to download and includes easy-to-search comprehensive listings for events, dining, attractions, lodging, and more.
The bureau plans to add a heritage tourism component, a “Hip Deals” section and individual special event apps in the future.
Information: www.mariettasquare.com.
Kenneth Musisi
Cobb library to honor Hattie Gaines Wilson
A ceremony will be held 1 p.m. Saturday to dedicate the Hattie Gaines Wilson Youth Services Department at the Central Library.
Wilson was an advocate for expanding library services to black residents in Marietta and Cobb County. She served for 33 years as branch manager of the library in the Fort Hill community, which was closed in January.
Information: cobbcounty.org/library or 770-528-2324.
Jaime Sarrio
Diabetics can get help
fighting heart disease
“Diabetes and Your Heart,” will be held at 7 p.m. Feb. 12 at Emory-Adventist Hospital at Smyrna, 3949 South Cobb Drive.
Dr. Jacob Levy, assistant professor of medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, will discuss how diabetics may lower the risk of heart disease. Free.
Register: 770-319-2025. Mea Watkins
GWINNETT
Credit card ‘skimmers’ headed to federal prison
Norman Uriah Simmonds, 33, of Lilburn, and Steven Michael Jackson, 28, of Atlanta, pleaded guilty to thefts involving the use of “skimming” devices, which copy and store debit and credit card information. After retrieving the card account numbers from the skimmers and processing the data, the defendants transferred the stolen account numbers to the magnetic stripes of blank white plastic cards or gift cards using device-making equipment. Simmonds was sentenced 8 years, 6 months and ordered to pay $107,324 in restitution. Jackson was sentenced to 5 years, 1 month and ordered to pay $33,254 in restitution. Alexis Stevens
Buford company has job openings
VoiceNation, a live answering service provider, is looking for virtual receptionists and customer service representatives at its Buford call center.
To be considered for the job openings, those interested can fill out an application online.
Information: tinyurl.com/byygysh. Kenneth Musisi
City opens preschool gymnastics center
The Sandy Springs Recreation and Parks Department has opened its new preschool gymnastics center at Hammond Park.
Designed for children ages 5 and under, the facility provides more intimate space for closer supervision, as well as smaller scaled bars, rings beam, trampoline and mats. With the extra space, student capacity can now reach 600 students. The renovations cost the city $60,000 to complete.
Information: www.sandyspringsga.gov; 770-730-5600. Patrick Fox
Popular school plans admission lottery
Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology is holding a lottery for 350 available seats for next fall’s freshman class 7:30 a.m. Monday at the school district’s Instructional Support Center, 437 Old Peachtree Road, NW in Suwanee. Nancy Badertscher
Farmers market vendors wanted
The Suwanee Farmers Market is gearing up for its ninth year and is looking for farmers who can provide fresh produce as well as vendors with other items. Applications are due by March 18. Vendors may attend the Suwanee Farmers Market Annual Meeting at 7 p.m. March 18 at Suwanee City Hall, 330 Town Center Ave. Information: www.suwanee.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Volunteers needed at animal shelter
Volunteers are needed at the Gwinnett County Animal Shelter to help facilitate more adoptions and reduce euthanasia.
Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement Services is undertaking several new initiatives and hosting several events, in addition to daily needs. They need volunteers to help walk dogs, handle cats and kittens, clean and sanitize kennels, assist citizens, provide landscaping, help with clerical duties and pitch in at fundraisers and special events.
Volunteers must be 18 years old and pass a background check.
Information: Lt. Christina Schiralli, 770-513-5506 or email policevolunteers@gwinnettcounty.com. Andria Simmons
NORTHSIDE
Cherokee County deputy sheriffs promoted
The Cherokee County Comission ackowledged the promotions of twelve deputy sheriffs who have recently been promoted on Tuesday’s nights meeting.
Sheriff Roger Garrison pinned the employees’ new collar brass in front of onlookers including the commissioners, citizens and families of the employees.
Those who were recently promoted were Captain Tommy Pinyan, Captain Bill Smith, Lieutenant John New, Lieutenant Mark Anderson, Sgt. Joseph Pelletier, Sergeant David Barone, Sergeant Casey McLeod, Sergeant Kim Brown, Corporal Lee Stewart, Corporal Derrick Voss, Corporal Steven Prescott and Corporal Garrett Carter.
Meghan de St. Aubin
Cherokee supports ‘fractional SPLOST’
The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution in support of a proposal to ask voters to approve imposing less than a 1 percent tax for SPLOST programs. A bill pending at the Gold Dome seeks to do just that. Chairman Buzz Ahrens said the plan, if signed into law, would provide flexibility for local governments.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Register for Johns Creek fire academy
Applications for the new Johns Creek Citizens Fire Academy must be turned in by Feb. 15.
During the eight-week course beginning March 12, participants learn about fire operations, fire tactics and strategies and fire prevention. They will also participate in practical drills and exercises.
The Citizens Fire Academy is open to people who live or work in Johns Creek ages 18 and older who pass a criminal history check. There is a $25 program fee.
Information: Meloni Scurry, 678-474-1641 or meloni.scurry@johnscreekga.gov.Andria Simmons
Annual Forsyth senior event set
Forsyth County Senior Services will host the 11th annual Forsyth Senior Expo 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 16 at the Forsyth Conference Center at Lanier Technical College, 3410 Ronald Reagan Boulevard, Cumming. The free event will feature vendors for senior-related products, health screenings, door prizes and a free lunch. Information: www.forsythco.com
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Johns Creek to host CPR class Saturday
Johns Creek’s “Super CPR Saturday” returns with the free, basic lifesaving class for residents and business owners on how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation and use an automated external defibrillator.
The Heart Ready Program class will be taught by firefighters and paramedics, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday at Adult Center – Park Place at Newtown School, 3125 Old Alabama Road.
The class is appropriate for ages 12 and older. Make reservation with Thomas.Johnson@johnscreekga.gov or call 678-512-3221. Kenneth Musisi
Forsyth traffic camera project on schedule
Georgia Department of Transportation officials say a project extending the Georgia 511/Navigator traffic camera system nearly eight miles further north on Ga. 400 to Ga. 20 remains on schedule for July 31 completion.
The system providing real-time traffic information currently ends at McFarland Parkway.Mark Woolsey for the AJC
ATLANTA
Heart Association hosts annual event
The Metro Atlanta American Heart Association will host its annual Go Red Connect event 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday at Macy’s Perimeter Mall. Highlights include free risk factor screenings by St. Joseph’s hospital and stories from local heart disease and stroke survivors.
The Go Red for Women Movement event will cater to both men and women. Information: GoRedForWomen.org or heart.org/Atlanta. Kenneth Musisi
Professional engineers to meet Monday
The Atlanta Metro Chapter of the Georgia Society of Professional Engineers host its monthly dinner 6 p.m. Monday at Piccadilly Cafeteria, 2000 Crescent Centre Blvd., Tucker.
Michael Allen, sales manager with Global Engineering Alliance in Bochum, Germany, will present.
Open to engineering professionals, students and the public. Reservations: 404-919-3640, ronscinta@hotmail.com.
Kenneth Musisi
Organization honored for fighting AIDS
The Black AIDS Institute honored Someone Cares Inc. of Atlanta for its contribution to ending AIDS in the black communtiy at the National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day event Thursday.
Someone Cares Inc. empowers individuals at risk for or living with HIV/AIDS through support services, research, education and advocacy.
The Early Detection Intervention Clinics are located in Marietta and Atlanta. Information: someonecaresatl.org.
Kenneth Musisi
Money management workshop to be offered
The Center for Financial Independence and Innovation will host a free money management workshop 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. today at the Atlanta Abilities Expo at the Georgia World Congress Center. The expo, which has resources aimed to enhance the lives of people with disabilities, their families, seniors and veterans will run 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Information: www.abilitiesexpo.com. Mea Watkins
DEKALB
DeKalb woman burned in fire dies
A 64-year-old Tucker woman who was badly burned in a house fire has died.
The fire broke out about 10 p.m. Wednesday at Ruby Eskew’s home in the 3600 block of Sheffield Place in DeKalb County.
DeKalb fire Deputy Chief Norman Augustin told Channel 2 Action News that the house was engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived.
Eskew, who was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital with severe burns and in cardiac arrest, later died, according to Augustin.
Two other occupants of the home were not there when the fire broke out.
The cause of the blaze has not been determined, Augustin said Thursday. Mike Morris
Pet registration fees going up
The DeKalb County Commission recently agreed to raise several fees associated with registering and adopting pets in the county.
A new ordinance requires veterinarians to notify the county when they vaccinate pets for rabies, to allow the county to collect registration fees. Vets also may collect the registration and charge a $1.50 convenience fee.
The change should encourage more owners to register their animals in DeKalb and help offset the cost of the program.
In addition, the county is increasing registration fees from $5 to $10 yearly for altered dogs, cats and ferrets and from $15 to $25 for unaltered animals. A new three year fee will be $25 for altered and $60 for unaltered animals. April Hunt
Charity golf tournament scheduled
The students of Emory University School of Medicine’s anesthesiologist assistant program will hold a golf tournament to benefit Lifebox, a nonprofit organization that strives to make surgery safer by donating pulse oximeters to medical facilities that cannot afford them. The Emory AA Lifebox Classic kicks off with an 11:30 a.m. barbecue lunch Saturday, Feb. 23 at the Canongate 1 Golf Club, 924 Shaw Rd., Sharpsburg.
The cost of $100 per player ($60 for students) includes green fees, lunch and prizes. Information: www.emoryaalifeboxclassic.org. Mea Watkins
Little League signups through February
The Belvedere Little League will hold registration for baseball for boys and girls (ages 4-12) from noon to 4 p.m. each Saturday through Feb. 23 at Shoal Creek Park, 3640 Glenwood Road, Decatur. Register online at www.eteamz.com/belvederelittleleague2. Volunteer coaches are needed. Information: 404-289-3073. Kenneth Musisi
Chamblee holding Daddy-Daughter dance
Chamblee’s parks and recreation department is holding its annual Daddy-Daughter dance 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the Chamblee Civic Center on Broad Street.
The dance is for girls in the eighth grade or younger and their fathers, grandfathers, uncles or other male role models. City residents and nonresidents are welcome.
Cost is $30 per couple and $5 for each additional daughter.
Reservations, which are required, can be made at 770-986-5016 or recreation.chambleega.com. April Hunt
SOUTHSIDE
Fayetteville police nab carjacking suspect
Fayetteville police officers have arrested Charlie Frank Collier, Jr., 26, of Fairburn fin connection with a Dec. 21 carjacking and assault of two women outside the Kindred Transitional Care and Rehabilitation Center on Brandywine Boulevard.
The stolen vehicle was recovered in Alabama, where evidence linked the incident to Collier.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Traffic stop leads police to personal info
While arresting a suspect on traffic charges last week, Fairburn police found hundreds of documents containing personal information.
The suspect, whose name police did not release, had documents containing individuals’ names, birth dates and Social Security numbers, authorities said. Some copies of birth certificates and Social Security cards were among the paperwork.
Anyone who lived in the Beechgrove Apartments or submitted an application to do so between 2002 and 2009 is urged to check their credit reports. Information: Fairburn police, 770-683-4096. Angel K. Brooks
Homestead exemption deadline in Fairburn
The city of Fairburn announces an April 1 deadline for its property tax homestead exemption. To qualify, residents must be 65 or older by April 1 in the year that the exemption would apply, must live in the home (primary residence), meet the income requirements (no more than $15,800 over Social Security if single and $31,600 if married) and present federal income tax returns as proof of income.
For those who qualify, the taxable value of their property could be reduced by $10,000. Information: contact Melody Barnes, 770-964-2244 Ext. 115. Lisa Gibson for the AJC
State parks offer exercise for pets
Panola Mountain State Park in Stockbridge is offering Pets RXercise, aimed at preventing obesity for pets and their owners through walks in the woods.
Through the Pets RXercise program, veterinarians can give their canine patients a “prescription” to visit a Georgia state park. The prescription is redeemable for free parking. Park admission and hiking on trails are free.
The Georgia Veterinary Medical Association and Georgia’s state parks have partnered for the Pets RXercise program, initiated by a state veterinary medical association. Information: GeorgiaStateParks.org/petsrxercise. Kenneth Musisi
Fayette County Library offers free e-books
Members of the Fayette County Public Library can download free e-books and audiobooks from the library’s website. The books are compatible with Apple, Android, Blackberry, Kindle, Nook and other devices.
Titles are available any time and have no late fees because they expire automatically. See gadd.lib.overdrive.com or contact Jessica Kuhr at 770-461-8841 for details.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
