COBB
Marietta school bus driver cited for wreck
No students were injured when a Marietta city school bus collided with a passenger vehicle Thursday morning, police said.
The driver of the passenger vehicle was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The accident occurred shortly after 7 a.m., and motorists were temporarily urged to take alternative routes. The school bus was headed to Marietta High School with 46 students on board when it struck a passenger vehicle while attempting to turn from South Marietta Parkway onto Whitlock Avenue. The bus driver was cited for failing to yield while turning. Nancy Badertscher
Police athletic league seeks funding
The Marietta Police Athletic League has set a goal to raise $5,000 by November 30 to buy equipment for its youth sports program. The city police department started a PAL program six years ago to promote positive experiences between police and youth through recreational activities. Information: 404-747-4095. Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Marietta mayor proposes term limits
Marietta Mayor Steve Tumlin has asked the city council to limit individual term limits for mayor and council members to three consecutive terms starting January 2018. The city’s judicial/legislative committee will discuss the request at a meeting starting 5:15 p.m. Wednesday at City Hall, 205 Lawrence St. The local Cobb legislative delegation would have to amend the city charter to change the limits.
Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Lawmakers to mark city’s 175th birthday
Georgia U.S. Reps. Phil Gingrey, R-11, and David Scott, D-13, were guests of Powder Springs city officials during “a private gala” Saturday evening to celebrate the city’s 175th birthday at the new Patricia C. Vaughn Cultural Arts Center. Scott presented Mayor Patricia Vaughn with a congressional resolution to mark the city’s birthday. Former Mayor Richard D. Sailors, who served 1987 to 1999, and former Councilman Aubrey Brady, serving 1965 to 1966, also were guest speakers. Carolyn Cunningham
Interfaith food drive, fundraiser planned
Faith Alliance of Metro Atlanta will hold a fundraiser to benefit its interfaith initiatives and the Atlanta Community Food Bank from 2 to 6 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta, 2401 Lake Park Dr. S.E., Smyrna.
Holy Smoke: An Interfaith Community of Faith and Food Fundraiser traditional dishes served on Rosh Hashana and Sikh services, along with other holiday delicacies.
Tickets, $15 in advance and $20 at the door, can be purchased at www.faithallianceofmetroatlanta.com. Parking is free. Mea Watkins
Powder Springs clerk announces retirement
Powder Springs City Clerk Dawn Davis announced during the City Council pre-meeting on Monday she will resign at the end of this year.
Serving for the last nearly eight years, Davis told the AJC, “It’s the right time” with “all of my friends retiring.”
Previously for 33 years, Davis said she worked in the Human Resources payroll department for Georgia State University until her retirement.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
GWINNETT
L.E.A.D. Academy graduates sixth class
Duluth’s sixth class of L.E.A.D. (Learn, Engage, Advance Duluth) graduated Tuesday. Participants Charronda Rhodan, Chad Reese, Carol Welch, Manfred Graeder, Keiota Jones, Billy Smith and Pam Tuggle gained knowledge about city operations, services and functions of city government. Sessions included how to get involved with boards, commissions, authorities and other volunteer opportunities, ways to engage the entire community and a mock council meeting. The program will be held each fall. Information: Alisa Williams at 678-475-3506 or email awilliams@duluthga.net. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Animal shelter to sponsor food drive
Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement Services will host a food drive for the Gwinnett CAN Challenge to increase donations to local food banks. The shelter will accept donations through Dec. 31 at 884 Winder Highway, Lawrenceville. Participants may bring a donation of five items and receive a $10 voucher good for shelter fees for adoptions, reclaims or rescues. Needed items include: canned goods, peanut butter, dry beans, pasta, rice, cereal, toilet paper, diapers, soap, shampoo, deodorant and detergent. Information: http://www.gwinnettcounty.com/portal/gwinnett/Departments/Police/AnimalWelfareandEnforcementNew or 770-339-3200.
Veronica Fields Johnson
Dyslexia documentary viewed in Alpharetta
The International Dyslexia Association Georgia Branch and Decoding Dyslexia Georgia will host a preview of the documentary DISLECKSIA: The Movie 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11 at Studio Movie Grill, 2880 Holcombe Bridge Road, Alpharetta. This documentary featuring Billy Bob Thornton, Stephen J. Cannell and Joe Pantoliano mixes humor with insight and analysis to educate viewers on the many misconceptions about dyslexia, the need for raised awareness, early identification and social change.
Filmmaker, Harvey Hubble will lead a Q&A panel following the film.
Information: idaga.org/events.htm.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Nominations open for 2014 Movers & Makers
Partnership Gwinnett, in collaboration with Gwinnett Tech, is accepting submissions for the third annual Movers & Makers Awards. Nominations are being accepted in six categories: Three “Makers” Awards honoring Manufacturers of the Year, two “Movers” Awards honoring Supply Chain companies, and one Most Valuable Provider. Applications due by Jan. 17.
Information: www.partnershipgwinnett.com. Questions: Troels Adrian at Troels@gwinnettchamber.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Lilburn ceremony to celebrate veterans
Lilburn will celebrate veterans with a recognition ceremony and ice cream social 2 p.m. Nov. 10 in Lilburn City Park. Bring worn, tattered, and damaged American flags for proper retirement. Lilburn VFW Post 12096 will provide this service free.
Information: www.cityoflilburn.com. Arlinda Smith Broady
NORTHSIDE
Parolee accused in Roswell home invasion
Robert Earl Foster Jr. was arrested Monday and charged with burglary, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, false imprisonment and theft by taking from a home invasion on Oct. 18, police said. Investigators believe Foster entered the back door of a home on Hembree Grove Overlook wearing a mask and holding a knife. A struggle took place between a resident of the home and the suspect, who used duct tape to bind the victim before leaving the home. Foster is on parole for a burglary conviction in Cobb County, records show. Alexis Stevens
Marshal’s office issues scam warning
The Cherokee County Marshal’s Office wants residents to be careful about door-to-door salespeople.
Chief Marshall Chris Collett says he’s getting reports of solicitors without permits trying to talk their way into homes.
He says those lacking permits haven’t had a criminal background check and shouldn’t be allowed inside.
To make a report call 678-493-6200. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Cherokee ethics group seeks new member
The Cherokee County Board of Ethics is looking to fill a vacancy immediately. Prospective candidates should be Cherokee County residents and Democratic Party members.
The position opened up when the incumbent moved outside the county, and the term expires in January of 2016.
Information: lbahrens@cherokeega.com
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Creek cleanup planned in Canton
Rivers Alive is seeking volunteers to clean up a stretch of Canton Creek from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Nov.15. V
olunteers should meet at Harmon Field, 226 Harmon Circle, just south of downtown Canton.
Participants will be asked to sign a waiver and parents must accompany kids under 18.
Information: 770-883-7996
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Forsyth officials set government auction
Forsyth County government will hold a surplus auction at 10 a.m. Saturday at 843 Canton Highway, Cumming.
A wide variety of gear will be up for sale, from office equipment and electronics to cars and trucks. Preview: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Friday and 8-10 a.m. Saturday.
Potential buyers must get a bidder’s number to take part.
Information: forsythco.com. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Canton changes council meeting policy
The Canton City Council voted 5-1 to eliminate its system of one work session, or non-voting meeting a month, and one voting meeting.
From now both council meetings, which are held the first and third Thursdays of the month, will be voting sessions.
The present policy, adopted in May of 2012, had limited voting during work sessions to emergencies, however the council has voted on items seen as more routine at times.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
ATLANTA
Suspect arrested after shots fired at officers
Derrick Lamar Byron, 27, was charged with aggravated assault, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, use of a firearm by a felon during a crime and reckless conduc after shots were fired at police officers Wednesday afternoon in northeast Atlanta, authorities said. The officers were not injured in the incident at Irwin and Sampson streets.
Two officers were parked in a patrol car when they heard a gunshot and saw the man.
The officers ran after the man and arrested him without incident. Michelle E. Shaw
Arrest made in shooting of boy, 11
Atlanta police have made an arrest in Wednesday night’s shooting of an 11-year-old boy in southwest Atlanta.
A police spokesman said the name of the male suspect was being withheld because the investigation is still active.
The boy was shot around 8:30 p.m. while outside in the 900 block of Coleman Street. Investigators believe the child was an innocent bystander and was struck as two groups of people exchanged gunfire in the street. Michelle E. Shaw
Several metro schools to get learning gardens
Vegetable gardens that will help students learn about healthy foods and fresh produce are going up in 40 Atlanta public schools, with one of the first opened at Centennial Place Elementary on Friday.
Foods grown in the gardens are incorporated into daily meals. The Captain Planet Foundation plans to install a total of nearly 100 gardens in metro Atlanta elementary and middle schools. Mark Niesse
Parent center receives grant to expand reach
Parent to Parent of Georgia has been awarded the Regional Parent Technical Assistance Center grant, allowing it to expand its services to families of children impacted by disabilities in seven other states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Information: www.p2pga.org or 770-451-5484. Gracie Bonds Staples
DEKALB
Commissioner honored for volunteerism
The YMCA of Metro Atlanta has named DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson as its 2013 Volunteer of the Year.
Johnson is being recognized for work with the East Lake and South DeKalb branches, as well as volunteering with neighborhoods in his district, which stretches between central and south DeKalb County. April Hunt
Volunteers needed at Fernbank museum
The Fernbank Museum of Natural History needs volunteers to serve as guides, facilitators and even gardeners at its DeKalb County center.
Members of the volunteer Polaris Guild will receive museum admission and theater passes to share, based on hours of service.
Information: 404-929-6360 or volunteer@fernbankmuseum.org. April Hunt
Doraville projecting growth in fund balance
Doraville City Manager recently reported that the north DeKalb City is on pace to end the year with nearly $2.8 million in its fund balance.
That is more than double the $1.2 million left over in 2011, when the city reorganized its structure to better handle the $1 million yearly loss in revenue from the closing of the General Motors plant. April Hunt
Neighborhood Summit returns to DeKalb
Registration is open for a neighborhood summit next month designed to help DeKalb County residents partner with government to better their community.
The free event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 16 at Courtyard Marriott Decatur, 130 Clairemont Ave.
Registration/information: 404-371-2881 or onedekalb@dekalbcountyga.gov. April Hunt
Cityhood discussion to be held Monday
The Lakeside Community Alliance will hold a panel discussion on public safety 7 p.m. Monday at Rehoboth Presbyterian Church on Lawrenceville Highway near Decatur.
The group is waiting on a feasibility study for a city and expects public safety to be a key reason cited for cityhood.
Information: www.lakesidealliance.org. April Hunt
DeKalb animal welfare fundraiser Saturday
PAWS Atlanta, a DeKalb County animal welfare group, will host its annual Walk for the Paws fundraiser on 9:30 a.m. Saturday in Avondale Estates.
Proceeds will benefit homeless animals and help provide veterinary service at its no-kill shelter in central DeKalb.
Register/information: www.pawsatlanta.org.
April Hunt
Brookhaven accident reports available online
Brookhaven has partnered with the Georgia Electronic Accident Reporting System to make traffic incident reports available online at www.buycrash.com.
The city will be reimbursed $5 for every report purchased through the site. The city is not paying for the service.
Reports may also be purchased 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday at Brookhaven City Hall, 200 Ashford Center North, Suite 150 or Brookhaven Municipal Court, 2 Corporate Blvd., Suite 125 Arlinda Smith Broady
SOUTHSIDE
No ID released for body found in boarded-up home
The identity of a man found dead inside a vacant home in south Fulton County is no longer a mystery, police said.
But the name of that man is being withheld pending notification of next of his next of kin. The man appeared to have been either shot or stabbed in the abdomen and the death is being investigated as a homicide. The man was found inside a home in the 2200 block of Flat Shoals Road by a person checking on the home, which is vacant and has boarded-up windows, police said.
Michelle E. Shaw
Adopt-A-Senior needs volunteers
The Henry County Council on Aging and Henry County Senior Services are looking for someone to adopt a senior citizen for the holidays. Through the Adopt-a-Senior program, a participant can buy gifts for a designated senior or make a cash donation to the program. Currently, there are 275 seniors who receive in-home services from Henry County Senior Services. Information: 770-288-7010, 770-288-7000 or www.henrycounty-ga.org/seniorservices. Monroe Roark for the AJC
Business boot camp Saturday
The McDonough Small Business Boot Camp is scheduled for 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at Jazzy Brown Jazz Cafe, 1101 McDonough Place. The event’s hosts will be Henry County Commissioner Bruce Holmes and McDonough City Councilwoman Sandra Vincent.
Topics will include business planning, web development/digital marketing, human resources, finance, and full circle strategy. Register online at mcdonoughsmallbiz.eventbrite.com. Monroe Roark for the AJC
Wheelchair handball champs in Stockbridge
The 17th Annual American Association of Adapted Sports Programs’ Wheelchair Handball State Championship is set for Nov. 9 at the J.P. Moseley Recreation Center in Stockbridge. Henry County Schools and the Henry County Parks and Recreation Department are hosting the event. Admission is free. Games begin at 9:30 a.m. and run until after 5 p.m. The champion is the fall sports event for AAASP. Information: www.adaptedsports.org.
Tammy Joyner
Fayette commissioners criticize Facebook
The Fayette County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution last week asking Facebook to “withdraw any plans to expose our teenagers to serious threats on the Internet in an attempt to increase profits.” Facebook now allows users ages 13-17 to make photos and other updates viewable by the public, including advertisers.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Public workshops set for Fairview district
Two workshops are scheduled for Thursday to gain community input regarding the Fairview Road overlay district. A business-oriented design workshop is set for 8:30 a.m. and a resident-oriented meeting is set for 6 p.m. Both will take place at the Fairview Recreation Center, 35 Austin Road, Stockbridge. Info: www.henrycounty-ga.org.
Monroe Roark for the AJC
