County by county news for Friday

Police Chief Charlie Sewell said six devices will be purchased for $21,350, including training and maintenance, from DataWorks Plus with full reimbursement expected from the state.

After the first year, new units and $700 for annual maintenance would be paid possibly from city funds, he added.

Information: dataworksplus.com/safid.htm#garapidid. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Marietta changes speed hump policy

Marietta City Council on Wednesday changed a speed hump policy to allow all homes with property owners associations to have a say about proposed humps and speed tables, and 60 percent would have to vote to add them.

In neighborhoods without property groups, homeowners affected by the proposed humps would get to vote and 70 percent would have to agree. The city has had 65 requests for speed calming measures.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Police Precinct 5 holds Tuesday meeting

West Cobb residents are invited to attend the first quarterly meeting of Cobb Police Precinct 5 at 7 p.m. Tuesday at 4640 Dallas Highway, Powder Springs.

Lt. Tim Brooks, commander of VIPER (Violent Incident Prevention Early Response), will discuss his team’s mission to assist county residents.

Information: police.cobbcountyga.gov/precincts/zone5.htm or Sgt. Craig Dong, 770-499-3900.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

$220,000 tree project underway in Marietta

The first phase of a $220,000 SPLOST and Marietta tree fund project to add trees to shade downtown visitors should be finished in late April. Elm trees will be planted on both sides of Church street from Polk Street to Mill Street, and the west sidewalk will be widened.

The street’s two-lanes will narrow from 15 feet to 11 feet, but the number of parking spaces on the road will not change. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Rally planned to oppose education tax

The Cobb Taxpayers Association will sponsor a rally noon - 1 p.m. Sunday at Glover Square in downtown Marietta to protest the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax.

A vote to extend the penny tax is scheduled for March 19. Information: www.cobbtaxpayer.com

Jaime Sarrio

Registration opens for Asian Art camp

Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. March 12 for the Asian Art Adventures summer camp for ages 4-15 at the Mable House Arts Center, 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton.

Seven sessions will be offered in June and July for the 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday-Friday classes.

Weekly costs are $90 for Cobb residents and $115 for out-of-county residents.

Registration: MableHouse.org or 770-819-3285.Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

GWINNETT

Gwinnett approves road safety improvements

The county has approved contracts for three projects funded by SPLOST: Hurricane Shoals Road between Highway 120 and Collins Hill Road in Lawrenceville, will get a new center turn lane, sidewalks, curbs and gutters; Sweetwater Middle School will receive an improved drive from Cruse Road; Hopkins Elementary School will get right turn lanes at two entrances. The school projects should be completed before the new school year begins. The Hurricane Shoals project should be complete by early 2014. A fourth project will improve safety at Old Peachtree Road and Cedar Drive. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Special needs students to get transition help

The Gwinnett County Public School System’s annual Transition Fair will be 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 16 at Peachtree Ridge High, 1555 Old Peachtree Rd., Suwanee. This event is open to students from all clusters to help with the transition from school to adulthood. Information: 678-301-7121. Nancy Badertscher

Lilburn police to offer gun safety seminar

The Lilburn Police Department will host a Firearm Safety Seminar at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 21, with location to be announced. Topics will include gun safety, gun laws, home defense weapons and alternative weapons information.

Citizens need not bring anything to the class. Gun locks will be provided free of charge to attendees. Register by emailing Training Coordinator Sgt. Tim Allen at tallen@cityoflilburn.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

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

Extension service plant sale taking orders

The Gwinnett Cooperative Extension Service has announced March 21 as the date for its 2013 plant sale, featuring blueberries, raspberries, figs, apples, camellias, azaleas and other locally grown plants. Pre-paid orders are being accepted through March 12 at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds.

Information:www.gwinnettcounty.com and look for the Extension Service under Community Services.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

It’s always Black Friday at the animal shelter

Every Friday is Black Friday at the Gwinnett Animal Welfare and Enforcement Center. All mostly black dogs and cats are available at the center for only a $30 cash veterinarian fee.

The fee includes spaying or neutering, the first round of vaccinations, and a microchip. Information: www.gwinnettanimalcontrol.com or call 770-339-3200.

The center located at 884 Winder Highway in Lawrenceville is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Alpharetta man dies in fall from overpass in SC

An Alpharetta man has died after a fall from a railroad overpass in South Carolina, according to a news report.

William Thomas Yarborough, 43, fractured his skull in the fall and died Tuesday afternoon, Orangeburg County Coroner Samuetta Marshall told the Times and Democrat of Orangeburg newspaper.

An autopsy is being conducted, according to the report.

The sheriff’s office responded to the incident, but a police report was not immediately available. Fran Jeffries

Cherokee Republicans host Saturday meeting

The Cherokee County Republican Party will hold its 2013 county convention from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m Saturday at the New Life Church, 154 Lakeside Drive, Canton. County convention delegates will pick a new executive board and will choose members to attend the district and state conventions. More info:www.cherokeecountygop.com

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Nelson may requirie guns in homes

The city of Nelson this week gave first-reading approval to an ordinance requiring heads of households in the city to keep a firearm and ammunition. Councilman Duane Cronic says he offered the ordinance in opposition of any attempt by the federal government to take away personal firearms. The ordinance contains several exceptions, including for those who oppose guns on religious or other grounds. Final approval is set April 1. Mark Wolsey for the AJC

Fundraiser aids women with breast cancer

TurningPoint, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for women with breast cancer, will host a dinner and benefit auction at 7 p.m. Saturday at Country Club of the South, 4100 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. Tickets for “The Pink Affair” are $100.

Information: www.thepinkaffair.org or https://myturningpoint.org Patrick Fox

Milton police to hold golf tournament

The Milton Police Department will hold a “K-9 Support” golf tournament May 1 to raise funds for a new K-9 officer to replace a retired police dog.

The tournament will be at Echelon Golf Club at 501 Founders Drive in Alpharetta. It includes registration and breakfast at 8 a.m., a shotgun start at 10 a.m. and a reception and awards ceremony at 3 p.m.

Cost to play is $125 per golfer or $500 for a team of four. Sponsorship levels include $7,500 (platinum), $3,000 (gold) and $1,500 (silver). To register, sponsor or make a donation call 678-242-2570 or email ara.baronian@cityofmiltonga.us. Andria Simmons

Kindergarten registration set

Forsyth County Schools has announced dates for kindergarten registration for the 2013-2014 school year. Registration is March 27 from 1 to 7 p.m. and March 28 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration will take place at elementary schools in individual attendance zones.

Information: www.forsyth.k12.ga.us

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

Fulton holds off on spending

Fulton County Commissioners, wary that Republican lawmakers might gut their revenues during the current Legislative session, are holding off on spending $11.1 million on new library books or committing any more funds to Grady Memorial Hospital. Fulton is in the midst of a $275 million library building program. The county is giving Grady $50 million this year and the hospital wants its contract with the county extended. The commission voted unanimously to postpone decisions on both. Johnny Edwards

Gun violence prevention Saturday

The Think Twice National Campaign is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the APEX Museum, 135 Auburn Ave., N.E. Organized by Mary-Pat Hector, founder of Youth In Action, the event will teach youth legal, safe and positive ways to deal with anger and conflict. A $10 donation is requested. Information: tinyurl.com/b24tlkg. Veronica Fields Johnson

Tai Chi classes offered through March

Covenant Presbyterian Church will offer adult Tai Ji (Chi) classes from 1 to 2 p.m. Mondays through March 25. Attendees will learn how to reduce stress and improve balance, coordination and flexibility, as well as how to practice “meditation in motion,” at the class which will be held at the church, 2461 Peachtree Rd. N.E. Information and registration: 770-242-2232, innerbalancetaiji@me.com. Mea Watkins

GJP to host annual awards event

The Georgia Justice Project announced that its annual Grass Roots Awards and 25th anniversary campaign celebration will take place April 11 at Greystone Hall in Piedmont Park. Teri McClure, the General Counsel of UPS will be honored with a Grass Roots Justice Award.

GJP serves economically disadvantaged members in the community who are also at the highest risk for criminal involvement. Information and sponsorships: Shannon DeMyers at shannon@GJP.org.

Kenneth Musisi

DEKALB

Avondale hires national walkability expert

Dan Burden, executive director of the Walkable and Livable Communities Institute, will conduct a walkability study in Avondale Estates 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday Funded through the $64,000 Livable Cities Initiative grant, the study will offer suggestions for making Avondale’s central downtown business district more attractive and walkable.

Time magazine named Burden one of the world’s six most important civic innovators in 2001. Bill Banks for the AJC

DeKalb Court Clerk to host ‘Passport Day’

DeKalb County’s Superior Court Clerk will host a “Passport Day” 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday in the clerk’s office of the DeKalb courthouse, 556 N. McDonough St. to help residents get information about or apply for their passports. Information: 404-371-2251. April Hunt

Doraville neighborhood designated historic

The Northwoods neighborhood in Doraville – a planned community of 1,000 homes that took shape after World War II – was recently listed with the Georgia Register of Historic Places.

Walter L. Tally developed the community in the early 1950s, on what had been farmland, into a mix of homes and adjoining commercial areas. It is one of just three surviving such communities in Georgia. April Hunt

South River group best in state

The South River Watershed Alliance has been named Watershed Group of the Year for its work to protect the DeKalb County waterway. The Georgia River Network will present the group with the award during the River Celebration Award Ceremony in April. Information: www.garivers.org April Hunt

DeKalb hosting first arts 5K

DeKalb County will host its first 5K, Race for the Arts 5K run/walk, for arts and culture programming 8 a.m. March 30 at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center, 3181 Rainbow Dr. Registration is $25 per person or $20 per person in groups of five or more. Registration can be done online until March 28 at www.active.com. Race-day registration also will be accepted. Information: 404-687-2737. April Hunt

Stone Mountain to host spring music show

Stone Mountain will host a two-day music festival next month in its historic downtown. The Blue Grassroots Music and Arts Festival will feature local bands, street jams, dancing and local food trucks, as well as more than 150 artists from around the region.

The free event runs March 23 and March 24 on Main Street.

Information: www.stonemountainvillage.com. April Hunt

Puppetry Arts passes available at library

The DeKalb County library now has free passes to the Center for Puppetry Arts Museum in Atlanta.

The “passport to puppetry” is available for checkout at the libraries and is good for up to four free museum passes. The passport also qualifies holders for a 25 percent discount to center performances.

Information: www.dekalblibrary.org or www.puppet.org. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Peachtree City allows anonymous crime tips

The Peachtree City Police Department is now letting residents submit anonymous crime tips by text message or online.

The TipSubmit app can be used to send photographs, videos and other information about crimes, missing children and other situations. Text “PTCTIPS” plus the information to 274367 (CRIMES) or use the Crime Tips link at www.peachtree-city.org/police.

The department also has a Facebook page with a tips link. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

After School Program offered in East Point

Jefferson Park Recreation Center, 1431 Norman Berry Dr., offers and afterschool program until 6 p.m. that includes homework assistance, afternoon snack, reading, writing, arts and crafts, movies, and age appropriate organized sports and games. Cost: $25/week.

Information: 404-270-7054.

John Thompson for the AJC

Voting to end for Hapeville movie series

Residents have until March 11 to vote for this spring’s summer movie series under the stars. Hapeville’s movie nights are held at 7:30 p.m. the third Friday of each month from April through June at the Hapeville Football Stadium at 3444 N. Fulton Ave. Information: www.hapeville.org/index.aspx?NID=365

John Thompson for the AJC

City honors police officer

College Park Police Officer Bernice Papius was honored Monday by the College Park City Council, On Jan.12, Papius was transporting a detainee from College Park to the Fulton County jail. When she approached Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway, Papius was flagged down by bystanders who reported a person being stabbed. Papius observed a suspect holding an individual against a wall, and apprehended the suspect. She called for backup, and turned the suspect over to the Atlanta Police Department.

John Thompson for the AJC

East Point art contest seeks student entries

East Point invites city middle school student to participate in a visual arts contest called “How I See My City.” This year’s competition theme focuses on viewing the city through the eyes of a child. Contestants are asked to submit art that depicts something notable about the city, along with a written explanation about their entry to assist judges.

The deadline for submissions is March 25. The winner will receive a $50 gift card at a city council meeting in April. All entries will be displayed in the East Point Customer Care Center in April. Information:jhammond@eastpointcity.org

John Thompson for the AJC

Town hall meeting will focus on Stockbridge

Henry County Commissioner Bruce Holmes will host a town hall meeting with the Stockbridge City Council and Mayor Mark Alarcon 9 a.m. March 23, at the Multiplex in Stockbridge. According to county officials, the meeting will focus on the future of Stockbridge, including such topics as opportunity zones, tax incentives and plans for the future extension of Rock Quarry Road. Monroe Roark for the AJC