County by county news for Friday

The 2.2-mile, four-lane highway, known as the Windy-Mac connector, cost $27.9 million. Drivers can now bypass some of the traffic-clogged roads that have become common in recent years. The connector begins at intersection of Macland and Powder Springs roads, goes under Callaway Road near Jim Miller Park and brings drivers to the intersection of Austell and Windy Hill roads. Angela Tuck

Marietta to put Sunday alcohol sales on ballot

Sunday alcohol sales will be put to a public vote in Marietta, the city council decided unanimously Wednesday, but it won’t be until next year because there is no citywide election in 2011. The referendum would allow retailers to sell beer, wine, and liquor by the package between 12:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. on Sunday. Jeffry Scott

Hagemann appointment to panel withdrawn

The Marietta City Council on Wednesday withdrew its proposed appointment of real estate broker Bill Hagemann to the Marietta Planning Commission. Hagemann has been tied up in litigation with the city since 2005 when, while a member of the Marietta Housing Authority board, he sued the city over the rezoning of an 18-acre redevelopment at the Wynhaven apartment complex next to property he owned. The city countersued in 2006. The suit is still active. Jeffry Scott

Free dance classes in Powder Springs

Free dance classes will be offered at Lost Mountain Park in Powder Springs on Saturday.

Georgia Dance Coalition is offering this free preview of fall classes on a first-come, first-served basis at the park, 4845 Dallas Highway in the Boots Ward Recreation Center.

The four one-hour classes will last from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for ages 8 to adult.

Information: gadancecoalition.com, 678-919-2344 or email gadancecoalition@gmail.com. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

4 held without bond in home invasion

A magistrate ordered held without bond Thursday an Austell day care worker and three unemployed men who are charged in a home invasion of a trailer where four children were sleeping.

Brittany Nichole Johnson, 24; Brandon Potts, 26, of Powder Springs; Bryan Sims, 19, of Atlanta; and Darnell Kelly, 41, of Lithia Springs are charged with forcing their way into a mobile home in a trailer park on Bankhead Highway in Douglas County, armed with a rifle and a pistol. The four adults in the trailer were allegedly tied up while Johnson and the men looked for cash. Rhonda Cook

Party for end of summer reading program

As summer vacation ends and school begins, Cobb Library System hosts a celebration event on Saturday for the end of its Summer Reading Program. The “Library Island” party will feature games, crafts, and live entertainment for the entire family. The celebration begins at 10 a.m. at the Central Library, 266 Roswell Street in Marietta. Information: 770-528-2330 Janel Davis

GWINNETT

SUV collides with special needs school bus

A special needs school bus collided with an SUV on Wednesday afternoon in Lilburn.

The accident involved a bus from Gwin Oaks Elementary and happened around 2:48 p.m on Oak Road, said Jorge Quintana, spokesman for Gwinnett County Schools.

Seven passengers were on the bus, including five students, he said. No one aboard the bus was hurt.

The person in the SUV was injured, Gwinnett County fire Capt. Tommy Rutledge said. There is no word yet on whether any charges will be filed. Angel K. Brooks

‘Kidsignments’ at fairgrounds next week

Kidsignments, a consignment sale of gently used kids and teen clothing, toys, books, furniture, bedding and bikes will take place from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 16-18 and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 19-20 at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds, 2405 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Lawrenceville.

Info: www.kidsignments.com. or 770-381-5938.   Kimmie Morgan

Temple Beth David celebrates 30th year

Snellville’s Temple Beth David will host a 30th anniversary gathering at 3:30 p.m. Sunday.

The celebration will feature guest speaker Rep. Brett Harrell, and a commemorative video highlighting the congregation’s growth and development. Temple Beth David is at 1885 McGee Road, Snellville. For information: 770-978-3916. Laurie Hoffman

Comedians to perform at Aurora Theatre

Aurora Theatre will continue its Funny Friday series with performances Aug. 19 by local comedians Jerry Farber and Johnny Porrazzo. Farber and Porrazzo will do two shows that night, one at 7:15 p.m. and another at 9:15 p.m. Information: 678-226-6222 or www.auroratheatre.com. Joel Anderson

‘Iron Man 2’ at Town Cent Park Aug. 20

Suwanee will have a free viewing of “Iron Man 2” on its extra large screen in Town Center Park on Aug. 20. The festivities start at 7 p.m. Guests can also bring chairs, blankets and snacks. Joel Anderson

Better Than Ezra headlines rock fest

Alternative rock trio Better Than Ezra will headline Suwanee’s Rock and Jock festival on Saturday.

The festivities are scheduled to start at 5 p.m. at Suwanee’s Town Center Park. Musical performances will begin at 6 p.m. with the Gasoline Bros. Ingram Hill will take the stage at 7 p.m. Better Than Ezra is scheduled to start their performance at 8 p.m. Joel Anderson

Author Stuart Woods to speak in Norcross

Author Stuart Woods will speak at 7 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Norcross Cultural Arts and Community Center, 10 College St., Norcross.

Woods, the author of dozens of thrillers, including “New York Dead” and “Orchid Beach,” will discuss and sign his books. For information visit www.gwinnettpl.org or call 770-978-5154. David Wickert

NORTHSIDE

Wrestling coach charged in sex assault on student

A Cherokee County wrestling coach has been charged with sexual assault and a teacher that failed to report it was also arrested, police said Thursday.

Robert “Leslie” Morrow, 28, of Canton, is accused of assaulting a 16-year-old girl in his vehicle in December, according to Woodstock police.

The victim, who no longer attends the school, reported the incident to English teacher Kristin May, 32, in January, but May did report it, police said. Alexis Stevens

Fulton asks for citizen input on survey

Fulton County’s “Citizen Sense” budget input sessions have ended, but residents can still tell the county about their priorities through an online survey at www.FultonCountyGa.gov/citizensense.

Input from employees and the community has already been used to draft a 2012-2014 Strategic Plan, which the commission approved last week. Johnny Edwards

Dental care for needy today and Saturday

Low-income to no-income families will be able to receive free dental care on today and Saturday at the First Baptist Church of Woodstock.

It will be from 5 a.m.- 5p.m. on Friday and 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Patients will receive care on a first-come-first-served basis. Information: gadental.org Elise Hitchcock

Cherokee looks for firefighters, paramedics

Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services is currently accepting applications for entry level firefighters EMT/Paramedics. Applicants must be a certified Georgia Emergency Medical Technician (EMT, Paramedic) or a Nationally Registered EMT-1 or Paramedic.

Applications may be obtained online at www.cherokeega.com. Information: Lt. Robbie Kennedy at rkennedy@cherokeega.com or 678-493-4017. Kenneth Musisi

Families invited to River and a Movie today

Families are invited for River and a Movie to rediscover the closest unit of the National Park System. The evening begins with a guided walk followed by a one-hour excerpt of the Ken Burns documentary, The National Parks: America’s Best Idea.

The free event starts from 8 to 10 p.m. today at the Chattahoochee River Environmental Education Center, 8615 Barnwell Road, Alpharetta. Reservations are required.

Information: 678-538-1200 Kenneth Musisi

Albers represents Georgia at meeting

State Sen. John Albers, R-Roswell, recently represented Georgia at the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) meeting in New Orleans.

State legislators, policy experts, and private-sector leaders gathered Aug. 3-6 to discuss state and national issues.

Speakers included Gov. Bobby Jindal; Arthur Brooks, president of the American Enterprise Institute; Dr. Art Laffer, founder of Laffer Associates; and former Florida Gov. Bob Wise, president of the Alliance for Excellent Education. Andria Simmons

ATLANTA

School Board approves larger classes

The Atlanta school board Monday approved a resolution to allow class sizes to be increased this school year.

Citing a need to reduce the budget deficit, the district will add up to five more students per class at every grade level.

Other districts have passed similar resolutions in response to budget issues.

Information: www.atlanta.k12.ga.us Jaime Sarrio

Grady High names stadium after principal

The field at Atlanta’s Grady High School Stadium was named Monday the Eddie S. Henderson, Sr. Athletic Field at Grady Stadium. The school board voted to honor Henderson, who was a principal born in Atlanta.

He graduated from Morris Brown College in 1972 with a bachelor’s in physical education and was the first African American in Georgia to complete the requirements of a certified athletic director.

Henderson dedicated more than three decades to public education and public service. Jaime Sarrio

Zoo offers residents free admission

Zoo Atlanta is offering free admission to residents and government employees of Fulton County and the City of Atlanta Aug. 20-21.

The offer is valid for two adults and up to four children per family. Guests must provide a form of identification such as a Georgia driver’s license, voter registration, utility bill or employee I.D. The zoo opens at 9:30 a.m. both days. Information: 404-624-9453, www.zooatlanta.org. Melissa Ruggieri

Students to give healthy cooking lessons

Student interns from Atlanta’s Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts will give a healthy cooking demonstration today at the Helene S. Mills Senior Multipurpose Facility, 515 John Wesley Dobbs Ave., Atlanta. The demonstration, sponsored by Fulton County Human Services, starts at 11 a.m. Information: 404-523-3353. Johnny Edwards

DEKALB

School board members undecided about race

The two Decatur school board members up for election this November, Julie Rhame and John Ahmann, are both undecided on whether they’ll run again.

Both have been on the board since 2003. Rhame is currently unopposed, but Ahmann is challenged by Peg Bumgardner and Garrett Goebel, who announced their candidacies this week. The Decatur School Board has five members serving staggered four-year terms, with elections held every other year. Both Rhame and Ahmann have until the end of this month to file for reelection.

Decatur schools see increased enrollment

Two weeks into the new year, Decatur’s seven schools have a total 3,233 students, up 11 percent from last May, and more than doubling the anticipated five percent increase. The largest growth has come in the kindergarten class, which has 352 students, a 24 percent increase over last year. Superintendent Phyllis Edwards said the increase isn’t coming from people leaving Atlanta public schools. “A portion is coming from surrounding areas,” she said. “But a lot are coming from out of state, and out of the country, and also folks who were previously in private schools.” Bill Banks for the AJC

Leadership academy graduates first class

The first class of students recently graduated from DeKalb County’s Youth Leadership Academy.

County Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton launched the program to focus on children and families on community development programs.

Students from all over the county participated and were honored at a breakfast in July featuring U.S. Rep. John Lewis, D-Atlanta, as the keynote speaker.

April Hunt

Volunteers needed for Memorial Drive cleanup

Elected leaders from DeKalb County and local businesses are teaming up to encourage people to help clean-up Memorial Drive.

The corridor has been plagued by litter and illegal signs, and volunteers are needed to help spiff up the road. A clean-up day will begin at 8 a.m. Aug. 27, starting at Georgia Perimeter College at Memorial and North Indian Creek drives.

The effort is organized by county commissioners Sharon Barnes Sutton and Stan Watson, state representatives Karla Drenner and Michele Henson, both Democrats, and the Memorial Drive Merchant Association.

To register: http://www.cfarestaurant.com/memorialdrive/events/20110827.

April Hunt

County to host small business summit

DeKalb County will host a summit for small business owners later this month as part of its efforts to promote business growth and economic development in the county.

Small business owners will be given courses in accessing capital, building businesses in DeKalb and how to train and stabilize their workforce.

The summit runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 18 at DeKalb Tech’s conference center, 495 North Indian Creek Road, Clarkston. Register online at http://dekalbsummit2011.eventbrite.com. More information: 404-687-2730. April Hunt

SOUTSIDE

County loses bid to toss whistleblower suit

A superior court judge has shot down Fulton’s assertion that it can’t be sued under the state whistleblower law because it has sovereign immunity. Judge Jerry Baxter signed an order Tuesday denying Fulton’s motion to dismiss lawsuits filed by fired Deputy County Manager Gwen Warren and demoted internal investigator Maria Colon. The women claim they were retaliated against because they planned to hand the district attorney evidence of embezzlement by a group of employees, even after County Manager Zachary Williams ordered them to hold off. Johnny Edwards

Schools to test new progress report card

Some Fulton County Schools elementary and middle grades will provide parents with a new progress report card being tested at select schools this academic year.

Students in second, third, sixth and seventh grades in some schools will receive a progress report card detailing how well they are mastering curriculum standards. The students also will still receive traditional letter and numerical grades in their subjects. The pilot project is part of a truth in grading effort that could eventually be expanded district wide, officials said. D. Aileen Dodd

WWII commemoration in Henry on Sunday

Bugles Across America will present a ceremonial observance of “Keep the Spirit of ‘45 Alive!”, a special day honoring the memory of men and women of the World War II generation on the 66th anniversary of Aug. 14, 1945, the day World War II ended.

B. J. Mathis, Chairman of the Henry County Board of Commissioners will read a resolution from the county honoring the World War II generation.

The service will start 3 p.m. on Sunday at the Veterans Wall of Honor, Heritage Park, 130 Lake Dow Road, McDonough. Kenneth Musisi

Tournament to benefit tumor foundation

The Children’s Tumor Foundation will hold its annual Moustache Open Golf Tournament to raise funds to support neurofibromatosis research from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today at Flat Creek Golf Course, 100 Flat Creek Road, Peachtree City.

Registration is $100 per person.

Information: stephen.watts@kiewit.com, www.ctf.org or 212-344-6633. Jemea Watkins

Morrow coach wins ‘Crying Towel Award’

Morrow High School’s first-year head football Coach Jay Livingston won this year’s annual Crying Towel Award presented at a Rotary Club of Clayton County program this week. The award is an annual fun event that features all of the county’s high school football coaches who vie for the chance to whine and lament about how bad their teams are going to be this season. Tammy Joyner

Clayton schools honored by business group

The Business Services Department of the Clayton County Public Schools has won the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Association of School Business Officials International.

It is the fourth consecutive year the school district has earned the award. Tammy Joyner