County by county news for Friday

The proposed route will provide stops between Cumberland and Austell. Residents can learn more and offer feedback 6-8 p.m., June 18 at South Cobb Public Library, 805 Clay Road, Mableton; 6:30-8:30 p.m., June 27 at Ron Anderson Recreation Center, 3820 Macedonia Road, Powder Springs and 10 a.m.-noon, July 20 at Mable House Arts Center, 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton. Information: cobbcct.org or 770-427-4444. Jaime Sarrio

Child hurt in fall from 3rd floor window

A four-year-old boy was badly hurt around 10:40 a.m. Thursday when he fell from a third-story window at a home in Mableton.

The boy landed on a concrete driveway.

He was transported to a landing zone at nearby Pebblebrook High School, then airlifted to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta in critical condition.

Channel 2 Action News reported that the boy got up on a chair and pushed, and fell out of the window. Mike Morris

Residents to vote on redevelopment

The Marietta City Council on Wednesday agreed to to let residents decide if a $35 million redevelopment project will move forward.

The council approved in a 7-0 vote to put the proposed general obligation bond on the Nov. 5 ballot.

The city plans to spend $31 million to redevelop the Franklin Road corridor that parallels I-75 and $4 million for streetscape improvements on Whitlock Avenue west of the Marietta Square. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Cobb commissioner seeking volunteers

Cobb Commissioner Lisa Cupid, who represents District 4, is looking for volunteers to help in the office and on special projects.

Interested residents should download and fill out a volunteer packet available at cobbcounty.org/cupid.

Cupid’s district covers the southern portion of the county.

Jaime Sarrio

Cobb EMC to hold town hall meeting

Cobb EMC will hold a town hall meeting from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m June 24, in the community room at 1000 EMC Parkway, Marietta.

The event will provide customers an opportunity to interact with leadership and to get an update on board activity.

Information: 678-355-3090 or www.cobbemc.com/townhall. Jaime Sarrio

Juneteenth celebration Saturday in Marietta

The Cobb NAACP and the city of Marietta will host a Juneteenth celebration from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday on the Marietta square.

The event will include food, family activities, music and history.

There will also be a free jazz concert in the square from 7 to 11 p.m. today.

Juneteenth, or June 19, 1865, is celebrated as the date thelast slaves in America were freed.

Questions: Cobb NAACP, 770-425-5757. Hannah Morgan

GWINNETT

Suwanee man gets 4 years for fake $1.7M tax return

A Suwanee man convicted on charges of trying to claim a $1.7 million tax return was sentenced to four years and three months in prison by a federal jury on Wednesday.

After his prison time, Donus R. Sroufe, 55, will spend three years under “supervised release” and must pay a $75,000 fine.

Sroufe filed a fake claim in 2009 that he had received $2.5 million from a U.S. treasury bond and that he had paid more than $2.6 million in federal taxes. The bond didn’t exist and Soufre hadn’t paid any income taxes in 2008, authorities said.

Cailin O’Brien

Apartment building fire ruins 10 units

An accidental fire at the Sienna Heights apartment complex 8:15 p.m. Tuesday displaced people living in 10 units, according to a Gwinnett County Fire.

Officials said the fire started in an apartment on the ground floor by clothing left too close to an “ignition source.” The woman living there got out of with her two children. Other tenants also escaped without injury. Cailin O’Brien

Gwinnett Police offering job fair

The Gwinnett County Police Department will host a Job Fair 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 22 at the Gwinnett Police Training Center, 854 Winder Highway in Lawrenceville. Police Officer and E-911 Communications Officer positions. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply before attending the fair. Info: www.gwinnettcounty.com Choose Police, then employment. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Child development course offered

Gwinnett in conjunction with Quality Care for Children will offer a child development credential course for child care teachers and family child care providers 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. June 22 or 29 at the Norcross Human Services Center, 5030 Georgia Belle Court in Norcross.

Cost: $90 registration fee and an additional $130 monthly fee; full scholarships are available. Information: 404-479-4230.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Tech forum to focus on cyber security

The Gwinnett Chamber invites businesses to a Gwinnett Technology Forum: The World of Information Security: Securing Your Business Inside and Out 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Tuesday at Gwinnett Technical College, 5150 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville.

A panel of security experts will discuss trends and challenges of securing your business data and networks.

Information: web.gwinnettchamber.org or 770-232-3000. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Citizen’s Police Academy offered

Applications are now being accepted for the next Gwinnett County Police Department Citizen’s Police Academy, Aug. 27 through Oct. 24.

The academy develops responsible, well-informed citizens who can influence public opinion about police practices and services.

Applications due by June 25, are available at www.gwinnettcpa.com. Andria Simmons

NORTHSIDE

Free summer program for rising Kindergartners

KinderCare Learning Center, 9550 Nesbit Ferry Rd., Alpharetta, is offering a free, six-week Bright from the Start summer transition program for children going into Kindergarten in the fall who were unable to attend a GA Pre-K program during the 2012-2013 school year.

Activities will focus on building skills in math, reading, physical health and social development. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Information: Cassandra Miles at 770-587-1436.

Veronica Fields Johnson

Forsyth flood-damage road remains closed

Forsyth County officials say a flood-damaged road used by Lake Lanier-area motorists remains closed while transportation officials decide on repairs. The closure affects Sanders Road between Mary Alice Park Road and Buford Dam Road. County officials say there’s no word on when it will re-open.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Forsyth lawmakers to review session

The Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce and Lanier-Forsyth Rotary Club will hold a post-legislative breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Forsyth County Conference Center, 3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Cumming. Seven state lawmakers representing Forsyth County are scheduled to discuss local and state issues. Info: www.cummingforsythchamber.org Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Cherokee schools feed children this summer

The Cherokee County School District is providing meals at no cost to kids during the summer break through the USDA Seamless Summer Feeding Program.

Any child younger than 18 can get breakfast and/or lunch at any of eight school-district-operated locations; there is no income or registration requirement.

Information: 770-721-8421. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Woodstock sets fees, dates for qualifying

The Woodstock City Council Monday night approved qualifying fees for the Nov. 5 municipal election.

Residents wishing to run for Ward 1,3, or 5 council seats will need to pay $270, with mayoral candidates paying $360.

Qualifying for those wishing to run for mayor or one of the three council seats is set for Aug. 26-28 at the city clerk’s office at the Woodstock Annex, 12453 Ga. 92. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Alpharetta collecting hazardous waste

Alpharetta is collecting hazardous household waste for free 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Engineering-Public Works Department, 1790 Hembree Road.

Accepted items include pesticides, poisons, mineral spirits, paint and mercury-containing items. Excluded are motor oil, antifreeze, auto batteries and electronics, which are collected daily at the Roswell Recycle Center.

Preregistration is required at alpharetta.ga.us, and residents must bring their electronic confirmation.

Information: Terry Porter, 678-297-6213, tporter@alpharetta.ga.us. Michael Alpert for the AJC

ATLANTA

Clark Atlanta inducts 75 into Phi Kappa Phi

Seventy-five Clark Atlanta University administrators, faculty and students were recently inducted into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest, largest and most selective all-discipline honor society. The chartering of Phi Kappa Phi at Clark Atlanta University is the ultimate recognition of the high standard of academic excellence we implore for our students, faculty and staff. To become the first private historically black college or university to be granted a chapter is a milestone in our university’s history and the history of the HBCU,” said CAU President Carlton E. Brown, one of the new Phi Kappa Phi inductees. Nancy Badertscher

Group honored for preserving history

The Georgia Battlefields Association has been recognized for its statewide efforts to protect and preserve the state’s Civil War stories. The association received the Roger W. Warlick Local History Achievement Award on Tuesday from the Georgia Historical Society at a meeting of the Civil War Roundtable of Atlanta. Nancy Badertscher

Hot dog eating contest qualifier this weekend

A qualifier for Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4 in Coney Island, N.Y., is 1 p.m. Saturday at Cypress Street Pint and Plate, 817 W. Peachtree, Suite E-125. Competitors must be at least 18 and must register in advance. Information: www.ifoce.com. Jennifer Brett

Community resource training today

The Fulton County Health & Wellness, Division of Health Promotion, Health Promotion Action Coalition hosts a free Community Resource Champion training session 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today at the Villages at Carver Family YMCA, 1600 Pryor Road. The event is designed to connect citizens to health and economic resources. Registration is required. Information: 404-613-1243 or survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e7iawyp7hgs8ucrt/a017qhhtfkdmy/questions.

Veronica Fields Johnson

DEKALB

Public input needed on Panola Road widening

The state Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting 5 to 7 p.m. today at the Lou Walker Senior Center, 2538 Panola Road to gather public input on a proposed widening of Panola Road between Snapfinger Road and Covington Highway.

Plans are also available for viewing at the DOT office at 805 George Luther Dr. and the transportation office, 1960 W. Exchange Place, Tucker. April Hunt

Attorney, planning director named

Overtis “O.V.” Brantley, who served as chief legal counsel for Fulton County for eight years, is DeKalb’s new county attorney. She will oversee 14 attorneys and earn $190,000 a year.

Andrew Baker, the associate director of the county’s planning and sustainability office, will be planning director. Baker served as interim director for more than a year previously. He will earn $136,000 annually in the job. April Hunt

DeKalb senior group raises $200,000

Senior Connections, a nonprofit that serves senior citizens in metro Atlanta, recently raised $200,000 at its recent “Senior Prom.”

The funding will offset cuts in federal funds due to sequestration. The money raised translates into 40,000 additional meals the group can prepare or the ability to provide home-delivered meals to more than 130 new seniors for a year.

Information: www.seniorconnectionsatl.org. April Hunt

Doraville holds tax rate steady

Doraville will hold two public meetings later this month on its tax rate.

The city has proposed holding its rate steady at 9 mills, though the city must advertise the rate as an increase because it annexed land into its borders last year.

The first public hearing will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday with a final hearing at 6:30 p.m. June 20. Both meetings will be held at Doraville City Hall, 3725 Park Ave.

Information: www.doravillega.us. April Hunt

Schools nearly reached 2013-14 projection

With seven weeks before opening day, Decatur schools appear certain to surpass the 11 percent growth the system anticipated earlier this year.

As of this week 4047 students have enrolled for 2013-14, or 96 percent of a projected 4229 students.

Decatur closed the 2012-13 year with 3830 students. So far the most growth has occurred in the second (71 more students) and 11th (48 more) grades.

This marks the third consecutive year the school system’s grown by 11 percent or more, and it has swollen by more than 35 percent since 2008. Bill Banks for the AJC

Dermatologist offers free cancer screenings

Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery will host a free skin cancer screening event 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at its office, 2171 Northlake Parkway, Bldg. 3, Suite 1000, Tucker.

Metro-area residents will receive a complimentary skin scan and learn about skin cancer prevention.

Reservations: www.atlantadermatologyexperts.com or 404-296-8000. Sandra Marshall Murray

SOUTHSIDE

McDonough intersection project underway

Ground was broken Monday on an intersection improvement project to include a traffic signal and turn lanes at Hwy. 20/81 and Phillips Drive, which will be realigned to intersect across from Autumn Lake Drive. More than 20,000 vehicles enter the intersection each day, and it has been the site of several accidents over the past three years, according to county officials. The $1.5 million cost is being split between Henry County and the city of McDonough. The project is expected to be complete by early spring 2014. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Cops: Forest Park mom points gun at students

A Forest Park woman was arrested Monday after pointing a gun at her son’s high school classmates, police said.

Surveillance cameras showed Melika Duggan, 31, pull a Glock 9 mm from her car as she picked up her son from summer school at Forest Park High, authorities said.

Duggan faces five counts each of aggravated assault and reckless conduct and three counts of making terroristic threats, among other offenses.

Christian Boone

Two arrested for May shooting in East Point

Quantavious Guffie, 26, and Freedell Benton, 22, were arrested on murder warrants Wednesday for the shooting death of a man last month in southwest Atlanta.

Drexel L. Berry, 24, was shot in the leg, arm and back behind a house on Cooper Street on May 29, according to police.

The East Point man then ran a couple of blocks before seeking aid from someone on the porch of a home on Pryor Street. He died at Grady Memorial Hospital Mike Morris

Clayton hosts fishing derby for kids, adults

A fishing derby hosted by Clayton County Parks & Recreation is 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 13 and Aug. 3 at Clayton County International Park, 2300 Highway 138, Jonesboro. Bring bait and equipment. Prizes will be awarded. Cost: $5. Nancy Badertscher

Peachtree City against feeding of ducks

Peachtree City is asking residents not to feed geese and ducks. Bread and popcorn are not natural or balanced foods for the birds, and both overcrowding and overfeeding can spread avian diseases. Hand-fed geese can also become aggressive. Also, the birds and their eggs should not be harmed or removed. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Labor chief headlines business summit

Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler will speak at The Region 3 Atlanta South Business and Employer Summit 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 19 at Clayton State University, Morrow. The event features consultants, attorneys and experts on employment law. Supervisors, managers, human resource professionals and business owners are encouraged to attend. Butler will update local, state and federal legislative issues impacting employers and businesses. Cost: $60/person; $50/additonal attendees per company; $75 at the door, includes a light breakfast and lunch. Information: lee.hunter@gdol.ga.gov or call 404-859-6451. Tammy Joyner