County by county news for Friday

A prebid conference date will be 10 a.m. Sept. 29 at the Cobb County Department of Transportation, 1890 County Services Parkway, Marietta.

Information: cobbdot.org. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

State of African Americans meeting

A public meeting to discuss the state of African Americans in Cobb County will be 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday at Marietta City Hall, 205 Lawrence St. Cobb Commissioner Lisa Cupid, Marietta Council member Michelle Cooper-Kelly and former state representative Alisha Thomas Morgan will lead a panel. The meeting is sponsored by the Cobb chapter of the National Pan-Hellenic Council and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Powder Springs Ward 2 plans meeting

Powder Springs Councilman Al Thurman will hold his annual Ward 2 meeting from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at the Ron Anderson Recreation Center, 3820 Macedonia Road, Powder Springs.

Officials will discuss public safety, recycling, property value increases, new projects and economic development.

Information: cityofpowdersprings.org, prca.cobbcountyga.gov/RonAndersonRecreationCenter.htm.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Marietta High picked for national project

Marietta High School is one of five schools nationwide and the only school in Georgia taking part in a International Baccalaureate Organization project. The Marietta City Schools IB progam will receive $10,000 to increase the number and success rate of low-income students in the advanced studies classes. The Bridging the Gap grant will be used for online support, coaching and research. Information: Marietta-city.org.Tucker McQueen for the AJC

StreetFest to benefit Marietta museum

The Marietta Museum of History’s StreetFest is the city museum’s largest fundraiser of the year. The arts, crafts, antiques and music festival will be 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday on the Marietta Square. The event will also include children’s activities, a classic car show from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and rock, pop and jazz musicians performing from 3-9 p.m. Information; www.mariettahistory.org.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Marietta High to receive $10,000 grant

Marietta High School is one of five schools nationwide and the only school in Georgia selected to take part in a International Baccalaureate Organization project. The Marietta City Schools IB progam will receive a$10,000 grant to find ways to increase the number and success rate of low-income students in the advanced studies classes. The Bridging the Gap grant will be used for online support, coaching and research. Information: Marietta-city.org. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

GWINNETT

GDOT to discuss I-85 express lane extension

The Georgia DOT will host two public information meetings to discuss the extension of I-85 toll lanes from Old Peachtree Road to Hamilton Mill Road. The first meeting is 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 25 at the Gwinnett Center Atrium Gallery, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth. The second will be 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 2 at the Braselton Police and Municipal Court Building, 5040 Highway 53 in Braselton. Residents unable to attend may submit comments to Hiral Patel, Georgia DOT, 600 W. Peachtree St., 16th Floor, Atlanta, GA 30308 or at www.dot.ga.gov/expresslanes. Comments must be received by Oct. 13. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Plan ahead for recycling, cleanup day

Norcross is hosting recycling and cleanup days 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 27. Non-hazardous material may be dropped off at 345 Lively Ave. Document shredding will be available 9 a.m. to noon at City Hall, 65 Lawrenceville St. and electronics may be recycled 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Norcross Community Center, 10 College St. Information: www.norcrossga.net.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Braselton farmers market ready

Zipper cream peas, red okra, cheesecakes, breads, assorted baked goods and homemade hot chocolate mix are featured fall fares at the Braselton Farmers Market 4 to 7 p.m. each Friday on Harrison Street in the town’s historic downtown. Information: www.downtownbraselton.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Pirates invading Duluth tonight

In honor of International Talk Like A Pirate Day, Duluth’s Friday events will include “live” pirates 6 to 9 p.m. on the Town Green. Event also features Food Trucks and live music by The Regulars Band. At Dusk, families may enjoy Flicks on the Bricks presenting “Hook.” Information: www.duluthga.net. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Tech forum to feature CIO panel

The Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce and Partnership Gwinnett will host a Gwinnett Technology Forum presented by IntelligIS 7:30 to 9 a.m. Sept. 30 at Gwinnett Technical College Busbee Center, 5150 Sugarloaf Parkway in Lawrenceville. Learn how CIOs are positioning their companies to meet current and future challenges. A panel of CIOs will provide the “insider” scoop on how to stay current with technological advances and security threats and share best practices, challenges, and perspectives on innovation. Information: www.gwinnettchamber.org.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

‘Bosom Buddies’ to speak at book reading

The Snellville Arts Commission will host authors Gail Mosby and Kathie Van Landingham, pals since they were 2 years old, 7 to 9 p.m. Fridayin the Community Room at City Hall, 2432 Oak Road. The buddies, authors of ‘Thanks for the Lift Bosom Buddy’, will be sharing their tales from childhood, awkward teenage years, husband selection years, children raising years, grandmother years, saying farewell to parent years, to today’s reminiscing years. Information: www.snellvillearts.com.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Officer revives apparent overdose victim

Just four days after Woodstock police finished training on utilizing the opiate overdose-reversing drug Naloxone/Narcan, an officer used it to help save a life.

Police say officer Shane Bonebrake administered it to an unresponsive female suffering from an apparent overdose on Tuesday. She quickly regained consciousness and her dangerously low respiratory rate improved.

She was transported to a local hospital after being stabilized by fire and ambulance crews. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

New trail debuting in Roswell

Roswell’s trail system is expanding. City officials will hold a ribbon cutting at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at 2700 Holcomb Bridge Road to celebrate completion of the Holcomb Bridge Road multi-use trail.

The $643,000 project connects surrounding subdivisions to Holcomb Bridge Middle School and existing city trails.

It was funded through a 2012 bond referendum. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Home agency to get volunteer help

Members of the Atlanta Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management will partner with Atlanta-based non-profit Homestretch for a volunteer workday 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 26 at the Homestretch community on Millbrook Circle in Roswell.

Volunteers will repair and improve the homes and garden area.

Homestretch offers long-term housing, training and mentoring help to North Fulton’s homeless. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Church sets art exhibit

An opening reception 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 25 at the Ventulett Gallery at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church, 805 Mt. Vernon Highway NW, Atlanta will debut “Along the Way,” a painting and metalworks exhibit by Georgia artist Richard Jacobus.

It’s set to run until Oct. 23.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Addiction webinar series planned

Roswell-based Grace Walk Ministries is offering a free webinar series on Helping Others Overcome Addictions.

It begins at 8 p.m. Tuesday and runs through Nov. 11 and is based on the book of the same name. Book co-author Mike Quarles will teach the series along with Vernon Terrell.

Information/registration: www2.gotomeeting.com/register/695949578 Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Canton warns of parking enforcement

Canton Police Chief Robert Merchant is warning that, following a grace period, timed downtown parking restrictions will be enforced/ticketed again Oct. 1.

They had been suspended for roughly the past year. Downtown businesses had pressed for the re-emphasis, upset about long-term parkers in front of their establishments.

The restrictions along Main and North streets mostly limit parking to two hours.

Merchant says during August, 300 warning tickets were issued. After Oct. 1, fines will start at $10. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

Law enforcement group holds panel

A panel discussion on the rate of incarceration of African Americans, the legalization of marijuana and a possible ban on menthol cigarettes will be held 9 a.m., Oct. 2 at the Hyatt Regency, 265 Peachtree St., NE, in downtown Atlanta.

The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executive, known as NOBLE, and 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Inc. will present the event. Former Congressman Kendrick Meek is moderator.

Information: 201-898-4407.

Adrianne Murchison for the AJC

Mayor particaptes in ‘Backpack Day’

Mayor Kasim Reed joined Humphries Elementary School principal Melanie Mitchell, Thursday, for National Blessings in a Backpack Day. The two filled backpacks for children who receive free and reduced-price meals at school.

Mayors across the United States did the same in their communities.

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

Archbishop to bless community garden

Archbishop Wilton Gregory will bless the community garden at Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church on Saturday at 10 a.m. The church is located at 2971 Butner Road SW in Atlanta. The south Fulton County church will donate a third of the crop to 7 Bridges To Recovery Women’s Homeless Shelter in Smyrna. Tammy Joyner

Holocaust exhibit open at The King Center

A traveling exhibit from the Museum of Tolerance opened Thursday at The King Center, 449 Auburn Ave. NE.

“Courage to Remember: The Holocaust 1933-1945” is open free 9 to 5 daily through Oct. 2.

More than 2 million visitors in 73 locations have viewed this exhibit.

Sponsors are the Foundation for California, SNCF / French National Railway and The Simon Wiesenthal Center’s Museum of Tolerance.

Information: couragetoremember.com, thekingcenter.org.Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

DEKALB

Woman shot during fight over gun

DeKalb County police were investigating a shooting late Thursday morning at a Glenwood Road hotel that left a woman in the hospital.

The shooting happened around 10 a.m. at the Glen Royal Hotel in the 4400 block of Glenwood Road.

The victim, whose name has not been released, was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital in “moderate to critical condition.” police said.

Detectives are working to identify the men involved.

The incident was the second shooting this week at a south DeKalb hotel.Mike Morris

School bookkeeper accused of theft

A DeKalb County bookkeeper has been fired on charges of stealing about $15,000 of deposits from Lithonia High School, Channel 2 Action News reported.

Stephine Barkley is now out on bond from the DeKalb County Jail after being arrested for theft by taking. She has promised to repay the money. She signed an affidavit admitting stealing about $15,000 - she wasn’t sure of the exact amount, the news station reported.

“I began to take deposits to pay my rent and to pay day care bills for my children,” Barkley wrote in the affidavit. “It was almost like an addiction to take money from the deposits.”

Some parents say there should be more checks and balances over the money.

“I think that there maybe should be more than one person overseeing it, maybe multiple people,” Donice Edwards said. Steve Visser

County reforms meeting set

A group of longtime residents will present their proposed reforms for DeKalb County government during a community meeting 6:30 p.m. Sept. 30, at Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, in Decatur.

The business and community leaders launched the citizen effort “Blueprint to Redefine DeKalb” last January. They have addressed ethics, procurement policies and inefficient operations in their proposed changes for DeKalb.

A public feedback option is available on the group’s website.

Information: www.blueprintdekalb.org.

Adrianne Murchison for the AJC

Euramex to close on Avondale property

Although the 13 Avondale Estates acres once owned by Fenner Dunlop has been under contract since June, city manager Clai Brown recently confirmed the buyer, which is “close to closing,” is Euramex Management, which also purchased the 2.77-acres “erector set” property last month.

So far Euramex hasn’t released project details for either site, but Brown said the city’s expecting “quality mixed use” for both, though he admitted it might be “five years” before something gets built. Bill Banks for the AJC

Federal employees organization meets

The National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees DeKalb Chapter 380 will meet 1:30 p.m. Tuesday in Piccadilly Restaurant, at South DeKalb Mall, 2801 Candler Road, Decatur.

Information: www.ganarfe.com.

Adrianne Murchison for the AJC

SOUTHSIDE

Clayton County approves Sunday voting

Clayton County residents may participate in Sunday voting for the Nov. 4 General and Special elections. Commissioners approved a measure this week to allow residents to vote on noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26 at the following locations: Clayton County Elections & Registration Office, 121 S, McDonough St., Jonesboro; the Carl Rhodenizer Recreation Center, 3499 Rex Rd. in Rex; the South Clayton Recreation Center, 1837 McDonough Rd, Hampton and the Virginia Burton Gray Recreation Center, 1475 E Fayetteville Road in Riverdale. Tammy Joyner

Clayton to hold special-called meeting

The Clayton County Board of Commissioners will hold a special-called meeting on Monday at 3 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Boardroom, 112 Smith Street in Jonesboro.

Commissioners will consider and vote on resolutions pertaining to the Clayton County Hospital Authority and General Obligation bonds. The meeting is opened to the public. Tammy Joyner

McDonough names Main Street manager

Lauren Singleton is McDonough’s new Main Street manager. Singleton has been in municipal government since graduating from Clayton State University in 2005 with a degree in entertainment management.

She has worked with other southside communities, including Riverdale and Morrow.

In her new job, Singleton will work with Main Street merchants. She started Monday. Her office is in the McDonough Welcome Center, 5 Griffin Street in McDonough. Tammy Joyner

Man found shot to death outside home

Officers responding to an 11:56 p.m. Thursday call of shots fired on Hilltop Way in south Fulton found a man dead in the driveway of a home in a neighborhood off Cascade Palmetto Highway.

Police have not released the man’s name or said if he lived at the home. Mike Morris

Heritage Days come to Fayette farm

Minter’s Farm will host the 18th annual Inman Farm Heritage Days today through Sunday at 283 Hill’s Bridge Road in Fayetteville.

The event includes traditional farming demonstrations, antique vehicles and equipment, and food and crafts.

Gates are open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. today and tomorrow and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Hearings planned

on school closing

The Henry County Board of Education will host two public hearing on a proposal that would close McDonough Elementary School and convert its campus for the relocation of Patrick Henry Academy.

Elementary students would be dispersed to three other area elementary schools.

The proposed new district map has been released for a three-month public review and comment period. Public hearings are set for Oct. 21 and Nov. 3, with the final vote expected to come in December.

Information: www.henry.k12.ga.us.

Monroe Roark for the AJC