County by county news for Friday

Information: www.Kennesaw-ga.gov. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Acworth to move court services

Acworth will move city court services Oct. 13 to the new police department building next door at 4440 Acworth Industrial Drive. Court administration, payments and proceedings will take place in the new facility temporarily during renovation of the former space. The $3.8 million project will provide more space for court services, the jail and jail administration. Information: www.cityofacworth.org.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Powder Springs public hearings on Monday

The Powder Springs City Council will hold hearings 7 p.m. Monday in Council Chambers, Community Development building, 4488 Pineview Drive on a new city recycling service, an alcohol pouring license and budget transfers.

If the recycling ordinance is approved, each resident will pay $20 per month for both sanitation and recycling by Waste Industries, but opt-out will be offered for owners of unoccupied properties by city application.

The alcohol pouring license would be for the newly opened Event Station, 4425 Marietta St.

The budget transfers include an additional $362,000 to finish Phase 1 of the Historic Bodiford House renovation; $350,000 for road resurfacing and $50,000 for a new administrative SUV. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Blessing of animals Saturday

The Doc Arnold Memorial Blessing of the Animals will be 12 to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Powder Springs First United Methodist Church, 4239 Marietta St., Powder Springs at the rear of the church near the pavilion.

Also, the annual Chicken-Que will be 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with all proceeds benefiting the church’s preschool ministry.

Costs: $7, adults; $6, ages 55 plus; $4, children, 12 and under. Information: powderspringsfumc.org/events. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Out of Darkness training Oct. 24-25

Training for volunteers with Out of Darkness, the anti-trafficking ministry of the Atlanta Dream Center, will be 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Oct. 24 and 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 25 at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, 955 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta.

This ministry is designed to reach, rescue and restore victims of commercial sexual exploitation.

Cost: $30.

Registration: eventbrite.com/e/out-of-darkness-training-oct-24-25th-2014-tickets-12799604963. Information: outofdarkness.org,

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

GWINNETT

Manufacturer brings jobs to Peachtree Corners

Japanese-based, Haso Ltd.will open a U.S. manufacturing operations in Gwinnett with 170 new jobs and $7 million in capital investments. Haso Ltd, a market leader in the development and manufacturing of high-quality hygiene and household cleaning products, will lease a 100,000 square-foot facility at 2850 Colonnades Court in the Northwoods office park in Peachtree Corners. Founded in Hong Kong in 2000, Haso is headquartered in Tokyo with manufacturing facilities in Taicang, China and sales offices in Tokyo and Shanghai. The Peachtree Corners location is the first U.S. location for the company. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Shipping company bringing 160 jobs

United Arab Shipping Company, a global shipping company that offers containerized and conventional cargo transportation, will open its North American headquarters at 1 p.m. today at 5515 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners. The 50,000 square foot facility will house shipping logistics, accounting, finance and customer service and executive management. UASC is expected to create 160 new positions, representing more than a $10 million investment to the community. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Construction delays near Jimmy Carter

Construction continues on the Jimmy Carter diverging diamond interchange at I-85. Expect lane closures 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Jimmy Carter westbound, with one right lane between Oakbrook Parkway and Goshen Springs Road, and between 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. eastbound on Jimmy Carter, with one right lane between Crescent Drive and McDonough Road. Information: info@gwinnettvillage.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Caregivers meeting for support

The Health and Wellness Ministry at Duluth First United Methodist will host a Caregivers Support Group 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday in the Family Life Center, 3208 Highway 120 in Duluth. This support group provides an environment for caregivers to discuss how Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia can affect the whole family. Information: Randi Williams, RN, Faith Community Nurse/Parish Nurse at rwilliams@duluthumc.org, or 770-476-3776, ext. 115.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Suwanee graduates leadership class

After meeting with community leaders and logging more than 700 community volunteer hours, more than 50 local high school students have completed Suwanee’s inaugural Suwanee Youth Leaders program. The program will be offered next year. Applications: www.suwanee.com beginning in November. Karen Huppertz

Tech City exhibit opening at EHC

The Environmental and Heritage Center will host the Tech City exhibit through Jan. 5 at 2020 Clean Water Drive, Buford. The exhibit explores how the challenges of urban life are met and solved by engineers and the engineering process and features multiple interactive stations.

Information: www.gwinnettEHC.org.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Conservation development meeting in Milton

The city of Milton will hold an open house and workshop from 5 to 9 p.m. Oct. 13 at City Hall, 13000 Deerfield Parkway, to talk about the concept of conservation subdivisions. City officials and land use planners say such developments set aside a defined amount of land for conservation purposes, sometimes by clustering homes together more densely. Residents will learn about and give input on the direction of such subdivisions, and how they might play into Milton’s green space initiatives.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Forsyth seeks new school name

A name’s being sought for a new Forsyth County middle school campus. The currently-dubbed Middle School No. 10 is set to open in 2016 at 625 James Road, Alpharetta. A school naming committee has three recommendations; Creekside, DeSana and Union Hill. Deadline: Oct. 10.Information/to vote: forsyth.k12.ga.us

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Woodall gets manufacturing award

U.S. Rep. Rob Woodall, R-Ga., has been named a recipient of the Manufacturing Excellence Award for the 113th U.S. Congress. The National Association of Manufacturers says Woodall got a 100 percent rating on key votes on policies enabling U.S. manufacturers to create jobs, improve employee living standards and compete in a global economy. He represents a large part of Forsyth County.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Cherokee GOP ramping up to election

The Cherokee County Republican Party is gearing up for the Nov. 4 election on two fronts. The GOP’s opened a temporary “victory headquarters” at 1428 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 99, Woodstock, equipped with a phone bank and campaign paraphernalia. Officials are also seeking volunteer poll watchers for the advance voting period from Oct. 13 through Oct. 31. The application deadline is Saturday. More information: 770-510-9302 or 404-797-1117.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Johns Creek sets up arts group

The Johns Creek City Council has appointed seven residents to its new Arts and Culture Board. The Inaugural members are Kirk Wilson, Deanna Maust, Kamini Anand, Brigid Yeager, Jacquie Tracy, Rae Prall and Ron Cioffi. The group will make quarterly recommendations about policies and proposed programs or artwork.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Softball game supports youth programs

The mature and the youthful will square off in softball for a good cause. The All-Timers softball team, composed of older adults around age 60 who grew up in Sandy Springs, have challenged the Storm, a Sandy Springs Youth Sports team of 12-year-olds, to a game at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Johns Methodist Church, 550 Mt. Paran Road, Atlanta.

Organizer Al Whitton said former Falcons player Buddy Curry will join the All-Timers.

The game is free, but donations will be accepted to support church youth programs. Concessions will be available around noon, but attendees may bring their own refreshments. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

Man wanted in Virginia arrested here

A man wanted out of Norfolk for charges related to an armed robbery was arrested in Atlanta Tuesday.

According to the US Marshals Service, Norfolk detectives determined Lavan Platt was living in Atlanta. They sent the information to deputies in Georgia, who took him into custody.

Platt was charged with armed robbery and possession of a firearm by a felon. Staff

Arts and aging focus of ARC forum

The Atlanta Regional Commission will host a program on how arts and creativity affect aging 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Oct 9 at Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. Tickets are $35.

“Creative Age: The Intersection of Arts & Aging” will look at how regional and national programs engage senior citizens in creative ways to support arts communities.

Information: www.atlantaregional.com/agingforum Adrianne Murchison for the AJC

Church to hold annual pet blessing service

Dogs, cats, birds and rabbits are among those that can attend the Pet Blessing Service at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1410 Ponce de Leon Ave.

The full service with hymns will be focused on animals. Nonmembers are welcome. A hospitality table will have food, water and treats for the furry loved ones.

Information: www.stjohnsatlanta.org.

Adrianne Murchison for the AJC

Singer’s daughter to discuss memoir

Yamma Brown will discuss her memoir “Cold Sweat” and childhood lessons as daughter of legendary singer James Brown at 7 p.m. Friday at Jimmy Carter Presidential Library, 441 Freedom Pkwy NE. Free.

Brown, who resides in Atlanta, is vice president of the James Brown Family Children Foundation and honorary chairman of Purple Purse Challenge, which brings awareness to domestic violence and financial abuse. Information: diane@larchecommunications.com.

Adrianne Murchison for the AJC

DEKALB

Rio Circle to present petition to commission

Representatives of the Rio Circle commercial district will take their petition for annexation into Decatur before the city’s commission Monday. The petition’s acceptance ultimately lies with commissioners, several of whom have encouraged the Rio Circle group.

Rio Circle consists of about 60 acres slightly northeast of the city’s current limits, with 75.9 percent of the property owners representing 83 percent of the land signing the document. Bill Banks for the AJC

Development Authority elects member

Luke Anderson, a licensed patent attorney, was elected vice chairman to the Brookhaven Development Authority, Tuesday.

Anderson has served as board member since 2013.

The Development Authority operates under the city manager’s officer. Adrianne Murchison for the AJC

Dispose of household hazardous wastes

Dispose of household hazardous wastes, free of charge, 8 a.m.-noon Oct. 18 at the DeKalb Transfer Station, 3720 Leroy Scott Drive. Identification is required.

Hazardous wastes are products that contain potentially dangerous chemicals and no longer used. Items that will not be accepted include bio-hazardous or bio-medical waste, ammunition, explosives, pharmaceuticals and agricultural waste.

Keep DeKalb Beautiful and the DeKalb County Sanitation Division and Clean Harbors Environmental Services are sponsoring the event.

Information: www.co.dekalb.ga.us.

Adrianne Murchison for the AJC

Art contest for elementary students

Entries for DeKalb’s 2014 art calendar contest are due Oct. 24.

The annual contest by Watershed Management invites elementary school students to submit artwork horizontally on white letter size paper. Water related artwork is encouraged. The theme is “Conserve and Protect.” The artist’s name, artwork title, grade, age and teacher’s contact information must be included.

Twelve winners will be awarded during a ceremony at the board of commissioners meeting on Dec. 9.

Information: www.dekalbwatershed.com/education.

Adrianne Murchison for the AJC

Senior Connections sponsors screening

Want to know your health profile?

Senior Connections has organized Sickness Prevention Achieved through Regional Collaboration events, which provide screenings and preventive health services to older DeKalb County residents.

A free screening will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday at the North DeKalb Senior Center, 5238 Peachtree Road. Services include blood pressure screenings, colorectal cancer risk assessments, flu shots, “healthy minds” assessments, Medicare information and mobile mammography.

Limited slots are available and registration is recommended.

To register, contact Liza Benton at 770- 455-7602 ext. 119 or via email at ebenton@seniorconnectionsatl.org.

Shelia M. Poole

SOUTHSIDE

Union City to begin roadwork projects

Resurfacing of Dodson Road in Union City will start Monday, weather permitting, and continue through Oct. 27. Motorists will be allowed on the road during the project, however traffic will be controlled.

Separately, Buffington Road is closed to through traffic. Construction of the Buffington Road Bridge is ongoing and scheduled to be complete by July 2015. A detour map is available at www.unioncityga.org.

Adrianne Murchison for the AJC

Fulton seeking input on school zones

Fulton County Schools will hold a meeting Nov. 19 from 7-9 p.m. to review — and possibly change — attendance boundaries in south Fulton. The meeting will be at Banneker High School, 6015 Feldwood Rd., in College Park.

Schools included in the review were part of a 2013 redistricting. They are Conley Hills, Hapeville, Hamilton E. Holmes, Harriet Tubman, Mount Olive, Oak Knoll and Parklane elementary schools; Bear Creek, Camp Creek, McNair, Renaissance, Sandtown, Paul D. West and Woodland middle schools; and Banneker, Creekside, Langston Hughes and Westlake high schools.

Proposed changes will be presented to the school board in January with a vote expected in February. If approved, the changes would take effect next August. Jaime Sarrio

Social studies teacher earns award

Chris Cannon, a social studies teacher at McIntosh High School in Peachtree City, has been given the Gwen Hutcheson Outstanding Educator Award by the Georgia Council for the Social Studies. The honor recognizes teachers who demonstrate “significant service and foster the development of democratic values and citizenship.” Cannon will receive the honor, which includes a $250 award, at the council’s Oct. 16 fall luncheon.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Pumpkin sales support firefighters

The Peachtree City Volunteer Firefighters’ Association will begin its annual pumpkin sale Saturday. Pumpkins of all sizes will be available at Fire Station 81, Ga. Hwy. 74 and Paschall Road. An antique firetruck will also be on display. Proceeds fund training and equipment for the firefighters.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Fayette Commission meeting changes

The Fayette County Board of Commissioners will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday instead of its regular meeting date of Oct. 9. The location will remain at 140 Stonewall Ave. West in Fayetteville. The agenda is posted at www.fayettecountyga.gov.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Hearings planned

on school closing

The Henry County Board of Education hosts hearings Oct. 21 and Nov. 3 on a proposal to close McDonough Elementary for the relocation of Patrick Henry Academy.

Students would be dispersed to three other area elementary schools. The vote is expected in December. Information: www.henry.k12.ga.us.

Monroe Roark for the AJC