COBB

Public works director to stay until Sept. 24

Powder Springs Public Works Director Greg Ramsey said in his resignation letter of Aug. 27 that he will stay until Sept. 24.

Ramsey also said he was offered “a new opportunity in the Atlanta area.” He also offered to be available past this month to help with a smooth transition for the next public works director who the city is seeking by Sept. 12 with a pay range from $59,204 to $91,766. Ramsey has been the director since August 2011 - hired at a salary of $85,000 - to replace the city’s longtime public works director Rodger Swaim, who had retired.Information: cityofpowdersprings.org/index.aspx?NID=119. Carolyn Cunningham

Judge to hold validation hearing

Cobb Superior Court Judge Conley Ingram will hold a validation hearing at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Cobb County Courthouse, first floor, 70 Haynes St., Marietta, regarding the refunding of $3,055,000 in revenue bonds for Powder Springs and its Downtown Development Authority.

The Powder Springs City Council approved last month the refinancing of these 2006 redevelopment bonds at 2.4 percent instead of 4.6 percent interest that will yield $204,000 in savings through 2026. Information: cobbsuperiorcourtclerk.org/index.htm.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Floyd Road ceremonies in Mableton

Cobb County Department of Transportation host ribbon-cutting and ground-breaking ceremonies at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Historic Mable House, 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton for for the completion of the $5.5 million Floyd Road Widening Thoroughfare Improvements project, including 1.1 miles from Clay Road to Hicks Road and adding sidewalks.

The ground breaking kicks off the Floyd Road Safety and Operational Improvements project from Clay Road to Veteran Memorial Highway. Information: CobbDOT.org.Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Synagogue to honor Civil War service

Congregation Ner Tamid, a reform synagogue in Kennesaw, will hold a memorial service for the 10,000 to 15,000 Jews who served on both sides during the Civil War. After a memorial service 4 p.m. Sunday at the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park Visitor Center, members will carry Torahs to the synagogue’s new location at 1349 Old Highway 41, Kennesaw. Tucker McQueen

Two Cobb schools make national PTA list

Two Cobb schools made the National PTA Schools of Excellence list for building effective family-school partnerships.

King Springs Elementary in Smyrna and Brumby Elementary in Marietta were among five schools in the state and 170 nationwide chosen for the honor. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Cobb schools to spend $11 million on buses

Cobb County Schools Board of Education Thursday approved buying 125 new school buses for about $11 million. SPLOST 4 funds will cover $10 million of the cost with the rest coming from a Georgia Department of Education bond.

Of the district’s 1,115 fleet, 527 buses are between 10 and 15 years old and 180 buses are more than 16 years old.

The purchase will include 25 exceptional child buses and 100 conventional buses.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

GWINNETT

Peachtree Corners looks at central business district

Peachtree Corners leaders host an open house to add input into a plan to create a central business district 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at City Hall, 147 Technology Parkway, Suite 200. Participants may weigh in on redeveloping aging strip malls, ways to integrate pedestrian and bike paths within the business district, and ideas for creating safe, efficient ways for foot traffic to cross Peachtree Parkway. The Open House is part of the Livable Center Initiative study made possible through a grant awarded by the Atlanta Regional Commission. Information: www.peachtreecornersga.gov.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Schools partner with manufacturers

Gwinnett Tech and Georgia Tech present “Developing New Business Through Technology,” a luncheon in the Manufacturing Growth Education Series 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 2 at The Busbee Center at Gwinnett Tech. Cost: $15 Ed Murphy, strategic business manager at the Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership at Georgia Tech, will speak on new technology and leveraging existing technology to increase business and serve new markets. Information: bill.ritsch@innovate.gatech.edu or 678-294-1579. Registration: http://tinyurl.com/ll2e2ug. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Festival focused on public safety

The Gwinnett County Police Department and the Gwinnett County Department of Fire and Emergency Services host a Public Safety Fall Festival 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 27 at Coolray Field, Lawrenceville. Information: 770-513-5119 or 678-518-4845. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Final in series on human trafficking

The Gwinnett Human Relations Commission presents the final forum in a series to raise awareness of human trafficking in the community 7 to 9 p.m. Sept. 23 at the Buford Community Center, 2200 Buford Highway. Attendees will learn what human trafficking is, how to identify it, its underlying causes, how to report it and how other agencies intervene and rescue victims. Information: hrc@gwinnettcounty.com .Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Learn about bees, sample honey

Celebrate Honey Month at the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center’s Honeybee Festival 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 13 at 2020 Clean Water Drive, Buford. Information: www.gwinnettehc.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Chamber breakfast set for Friday

The Southwest Gwinnett Chamber’s First Friday breakfast will feature Demetrius Jordan, regional director for the United Way of Metro Atlanta to discuss the Gwinnett County Opportunity Zone. Join the meeting 7:30 to 9 a.m. today at Hilton Atlanta Northeast, 5993 Peachtree Industrial Blvd.

The Opportunity Zone and United Way are working collectively to help families by building quality education that leads to good jobs and enough income to support a family through retirement.

Information: www.southwestgwinnettchamber.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Traffic delays possible in Roswell next week

The Fulton County Department of Water Resources will install a new water line along northbound Crabapple Road in Roswell just south of Crossville Road, which could spell traffic delays starting Monday. The work will be done nightly from 9 p.m.-5 a.m. involving three northbound lanes. At least one lane will be open at all times. The roadway portion of the project should be done within five days, after which traffic should not be impacted. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Sandy Springs okays development plan

The Sandy Springs City Council this week approved a site development plan for its City Center project, which will stretch along and either side of the Roswell Road corridor. The plan includes office space to house government service, residential and retail development, green space and a performing arts center that would seat up to 1,000 people. Total project cost is estimated at $196 million. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Student places high in arts competition

Woodstock High School Senior Ryan Swiger placed third in the 2014 International Kepler Art of Discovery contest for student graphic artists. Contestants submitted artwork based on designing and creating graphic images displaying undiscovered planets.

Winners were picked by a panel of judges from thousands of entries submitted from around the world. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Forsyth finalizes road bond projects list

The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners has finalized a list of projects that would be done under a transportation bond issue that goes to the voters Nov. 4.

Two of the biggest involve Ga. 400; one would widen the freeway from McFarland Parkway to at least Bald Ridge Marina Road, while the other would add an interchange at McGinnis Ferry Road. Other projects would extend Ronald Reagan Boulevard from Majors Road to McFarland Parkway and widen two stretches of Old Atlanta Road. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Glavine to throw out pitch for Horizon

National Baseball Hall of Famer Tom Glavine will throw out the first pitch 10 a.m. Saturday to raise funds for a special needs ball field at the Acworth Sports Complex, 4000 S. Main St. The Acworth Police Department’s seventh “Covering the Bases,” Sept. 5-6, will raise money for the city’s Horizon League for children and young adults with developmental and physical disabilities. Info: www.coveringthebases.org. Tucker McQueen

Alpharetta hosts free class on lawn care

The city of Alpharetta and the Alpharetta Natural Resources Commission will host a free class on lawn care for homeowners 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday at the city public works office, 1790 Hembree Road. North Fulton Master Gardeners and cooperative extension officials will cover such topics as: warm vs. cool-season grasses, soil testing and watering best practices. Info: 678-297-6200.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

Men in Porsche carjack a Jeep in Buckhead

A group of thieves driving a high-end luxury car robbed a man of his Jeep and other belongings Thursday in a predawn carjacking at a Buckhead fitness center.

The victim told officers he was walking into L.A. Fitness when a man got out of a Porsche Panamera that was occupied by three other men, pointed a handgun at him and demanded his wallet.

The suspect took the keys, entered his Jeep and drove away with the Porsche following. The victim was not injured.

Mike Morris

Officer indicted for assault, battery

Former Atlanta police officer, Nicholas J. Dimauro, 32, was indicted on two counts of aggravated battery, two counts of violation of oath by a public officer and one count of aggravated assault Wednesday.

The indictment alleges that in 2010, Robert Wormley was returning to his home at 3 a.m. on Woods Drive. Officer Dimaur claimed Wormley was illegally walking on a public street and ran when he tried to question him.

Dimauro caught Wormley behind a house on Hood Street, where the officer allegedly hit and kicked him for 15 minutes, according to a witness.

Wormley suffered abrasions, cuts, three broken ribs, a broken wrist and a collapsed lung. Following another incident involving an alleged assault in 2011, Dimauro was fired in December 2011.

Two years later, he was he was reinstated, with back pay by the Atlanta Civil Service Board. Dimauro retired from APD. Alexis Stevens

Mini-grant to beautify southside intersection

Atlanta Southside UP! will use a $1,000 mini-grant for streetscape and beautification plans at the University Avenue and Pryor Road intersection.

The non-profit community development corporation received the funds from Love Your Block Initiative, a program of the city of Atlanta, The Neighborhood Fund and Hands on Atlanta.

Information: www.atlantasouthsideup.org. Adrianne Murchison for the AJC

DEKALB

Decatur to hire facilities security

In complying with the new bill which allows licensed weapons owners to bring, among others, certain knives and guns into some government buildings that don’t have security measures, Decatur will hire a facilities security coordinator later this month.

The city decided against providing each of its four city facilities with metal detectors, x-ray machines and a police officer, saying they were too expensive and too much security.

The coordinator’s job description includes conducting a physical security survey of each building, developing a security plan and training employees.

Bill Banks for the AJC

Animal shelters offer free adoption

September adoptions are free at both DeKalb and Fulton animal shelters. Fulton County Animal Services director Lara Hudson said the public has responded to overcrowding concerns.

In August, the Fulton shelter saw a 50 percent increase in adoptions for the same type of promotion.

Adopted pets are microchipped and receive all vaccine shots.

More than 720 pets were taken in at DeKalb Animal Services, last month; and more than 650 at the Fulton shelter.

Information: www.fultonanimalservices.com/adoptable-animals or www.dekalbanimalservices.com/adopt-a-pet.

Adrianne Murchison for the AJC

Longtime Avondale eyesore finally sold

The so-called “erector set” property on College Avenue and Maple Street in Avondale Estates, long a city eyesore, was recently bought by Euramex Management.

The sale was confirmed by real estate broker Pierce Owens of Cushman & Wakefield, which previously owned the property.

A two-story unfinished building whose construction was stopped in 2008, the erector set will be replaced, according to city manager Clai Brown, by a first-level retail and upper-level residential development. Bill Banks for the AJC

Brookhaven police receives federal grant

The Brookhaven Police Department received a federal grant that will be used as reimbursement for bulletproof vests.

The award of $11,117.63 was provided through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bulletproof Vest Partnership, and covers nearly half of the Brookhaven Police Department’s cost on vests.

The department became eligible for the award by requiring all officers to wear vests. Adrianne Murchison for the aJC

Chamblee police train with heroin antidote

Ten Chamblee police officers have been trained to administer naloxone, a drug used to reverse the effects of heroin and other opiates.

Police departments increasingly use naloxone. It’s administered as a nasal spray. Georgia officers have only been able to apply the drug since House Bill 965, known as the “911 Medical Amnesty Law.”

The Chamblee police department is using confiscated drug money for a program to train all officers on the drug.

Adrianne Murchison for the AJC

SOUTHSIDE

Fayette revamps education partnerships

Fayette County’s Partners in Education program has been restructured and is now managed by the county’s nonprofit Education Foundation. The program encourages local businesses to make tax-deductible donations either to individual schools, specific programs or to the entire school system to enhance educational opportunities for students and staff. Call 770-460-3535, ext. 122, for details. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Positions open on planning commission

The Peachtree City Planning Commission is accepting applications for one regular volunteer position and one alternate. Commission members are appointed by the mayor and city council to three-year terms, and meet monthly. Applications are due Sept. 26; see www.peachtree-city.org/jobs for details. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Fayette commissioners roll back millage rate

The Fayette County Board of Commissioners voted recently to roll back the 2015 General Fund millage rate to 5.602, down from this year’s 5.714 mills.

The nearly 2 percent reduction effectively keeps property tax payments the same. The loss of car title tax revenue was offset by increases in residential property values and more taxable property within the county. The millage rates for fire, EMS and E-911 services will remain the same. ill Howard Church for the AJC

New video features school updates

A new online video feature offers updates about the Fayette County Public School System. The first installment of the five-minute News Break has been posted at www.fcboe.org, with Superintendent Joseph Barrow Jr. talking about program and testing changes occurring this fall.

Future episodes are expected to be posted quarterly on the website, on Comcast channel 24 and on the school system’s YouTube channel.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Henry to lower insurance premium

Henry County has received a dividend in the amount of $103,021 from the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia—Interlocal Risk Management Association. The dividend will be used as a credit toward Henry County’s property and liability insurance premium. Information: www.henrycounty-ga.org.

Monroe Roark for the AJC

Homework program seeks volunteer tutors

Volunteer tutors are needed for Fulton County’s Kinship Care program 3:30-6 p.m. Wednesdays at East Point Library, 2757 Main St. Qualified tutors help elementary through high school students with homework.

The program runs Sept. 10 through Dec. 10. The Homework Assistance program serves nearly 20 students who attend school within Atlanta Public School or Fulton County School Districts.

Volunteers undergo a background check. Information: 404-612-9034 or 404-612-0765 Adrianne Murchison for the AJC