COBB
Powder Springs may raise fee to offer recycling
A monthly sanitation fee hike of 75 cents for senior citizens and $1.50 for everyone else may be included in the 2014-15 budget for Powder Springs that goes into effect July 1 to pay for a new recycling service. Senior citizens, 65 and above, must apply for the city discount, which would make their new monthly sanitation fee $10 instead of $20 for all other residents. The final vote on the proposed $15,657,189 budget will be 6 p.m. Wednesday.
Information: cityofpowdersprings.org, 770-943-1666.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Powder Springs to spend $120k on signs
The Powder Springs City Council agrreed Monday to spend around $120,000 on new and upgraded signs around the city. Among the new signs will be two electronic signs at City Hall and on Richard Sailors Parkway and to identify the Senior Center and the Patricia Vaughn Cultural Arts Center, both on Atlanta Street Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Marietta names new principals
Shandra Lamback will start July 1 as principal at West Side Elementary School and Nikea Hurt as principal at Dunleith Elementary in Marietta. Both are Marietta City Schools.
Lamback has 13 years experience at elementary schools, seven as a teacher and six years as assistant principal. Hurt has 11 years elementary school experience, nine years as a teacher and two years as an assistant principal.
Information: www.marietta-city.org.
Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Austell community center costs approved
The Austell City Council voted Monday to spend around $55,000 on the Collar Community Center next door to City Hall.
Sport Surfaces International of Marietta will be paid $50,650 to resurface the parking lot.
Security cameras also will be purchased for $4,667.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Powder Springs seeks bidders for streets
Powder Springs officials will hold a pre-proposal meeting at 10 a.m. June 11 at City Hall, 4484 Marietta St. for contractors interested in bidding on the completion Marietta Street from Brownsville Road to Sharon Drive, Florence Road from Dallas Powder Springs Road to the city limit and Austell Powder Springs Road from Marietta Street to Old Austell Road.
Questions: due 5 p.m. June 19 and proposals 10 a.m. June 25. Information: Larry Terry, Croy Engineering LLC, 770-971-5407 or lterry@croyengineering.com Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Austell association seeks nominees
The Austell Business Association is seeking nominations for its annual M. L. Lamar Lifetime Achievement Award in memory of Lamar, owner of the former Lamar’s Clothing in downtown Austell and founder of this association.
Nominations may be emailed to Marla Miller at suiteassetsllc@gmail.com.
The award will be presented during the association’s noon luncheon on July 22 at the Collar Community Center, 2625 Joe Jerkins Blvd., Austell.
Information: austellbusinessassociation.org.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
GWINNETT
Gwinnett now home to four Fortune 500 HQs
Gwinnett-based Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. has been ranked a Fortune 500 company on the 2014 list. The addition represents the fourth Fortune 500 headquarters located in Gwinnett, which also includes: AGCO Corporation, Rock-Tenn Company, and NCR Corporation. Asbury Automotive Group, Inc., an automotive retail and service company, relocated its corporate headquarters to Gwinnett in July 2008. Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development and Partnership Gwinnett worked to bring Asbury to its current location at 2905 Premier Parkway. Information: www.gwinnetteconomicdevelopment.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Southwest Chamber adds 100th member
The Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce recently added its 100th member when Comcast Business Services joined the organization.The Chamber represents businesses, non-profit organizations and individuals in Berkeley Lake, Norcross and Peachtree Corners. Information: Kim Dorough at 770-239-7442 or www.southwestgwinnettchamber.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Sugar Hill selects parade grand marshal
Sugar Hill residents may help select a Grand Marshal for the 75th Anniversary celebration parade Aug. 2. Submit nominations by emailing Scott Andrews at sandrews@cityofsugarhill.com, subject: Grand Marshal. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Students leading Sugar Hill cleanup
Fourth graders from White Oak Elementary will lead Sugar Hill residents in partnership with Target, Kona Ice, Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful and other schools to implement Student Clean up Day 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday June 15 at Gary Pirkle Park. Teachers Matt Smith and Nick Boyers are leading the efforts of the 4th graders.
Information: 770-945-6716 or sandrews@cityofsugarhill.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Exercise mind and body at library bike ride
The West Chapter Gwinnett Friends of the Library will sponsor a family bike ride at 7:45 a.m. Saturday leaving from the Peachtree Corners Library, 5570 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners. Includes a fire truck escort around a six-mile loop beginning and ending at the Peachtree Corners branch followed by raffle prizes and brunch. Cost: $15/child, $20/adult (over 18 years) $40/family. Proceeds benefit the library’s children’s and teen’s departments. Information: www.friendsgcpl.org/category/events. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Woodall to report on Washington
The Southwest Gwinnett Chamber will host U.S. Rep. Rob Woodall for an update on what is going on in Washington at the Chamber’s First Friday Breakfast 7:30 to 9 a.m. today at Hilton Atlanta Northeast, 5993 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. in Peachtree Corners.
Woodall sits on three influential committees: House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, House Committee on Rules and House Budget Committee.
Information: 770-239-7442 or www.southwestgwinnettchamber.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
NORTHSIDE
Sandy Springs unveils 2015 fiscal budget
The Sandy Springs City Council this week held its first public hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2015 budget, to go into effect July 1. The general fund budget is around $90.2 million, a less than 1 percent increase. The total figure falls just short of $200 million. The general fund budget includes $13.75 million for phase 1 of the City Center project, as well as $8,700,000 for transportation infrastructure and $940,000 for park projects. The budget provides for no change in the current millage rate of 4.731 and is set for final adoption June 17. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Cherokee sheriff warning of crimes
The Cherokee County Sheriffs Office is reminding residents to keep their cars secure after a series of thefts and break-ins in the county’s southwestern quadrant. Spokesman Jay Baker says four vehicles have been stolen t in the past three weeks, with a dozen additional cars hit by thefts.
The Sheriffs Office says the all of the cars and most of the stolen property has been recovered, with two arrests made and more expected.
Baker says every car stolen or thieved was unlocked, and keys were left in all four stolen vehicles.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Homeowners to hear project details
MARTA representatives will discuss the proposed Connect 400 project with residents of two Sandy Springs neighborhood associations at a meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Dunwoody Community Church, 2250 Dunwoody Club Drive.
The Connect 400 Project would extend passenger rail or bus service north from the North Springs station to the Ga. 400 interchange with Windward Parkway.
MARTA representatives will provide the overview of the project to residents of the Northridge and Roberts Drive neighborhood associations. Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Cherokee farmers market set to open
The Cherokee County Farm Bureau’s Cherokee Fresh Market will debut for the season 8:30a.m.-11:30 a.m. Saturday at Cagle’s Family Farm, 362 Stringer Road, Canton. The market will offer vegetables and other local produce, home-baked goods and hand-crafted products. and this year will be held under a new pavilion offering full shade for both vendors and customers. The market will be open Saturdays through Aug. 30. Morfe information: 770-479-1481.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Cherokee volunteer firefighters host event
Cherokee County volunteer firefighters will host a meet and greet event 9 a.m.-1 p.m. June 14 at several of the county’s fire stations; Fire Station 2,388 Groover Street in Ball Ground, Fire station 8, 260 Hickory Road, Holly Springs and Fire Station 23, 7625 Vaughan Road in Hickory Flat. Cherokee County Fire Department spokesman Tim Cavemder says it’s both a recruiting event and an opportunity for residents to get to know their volunteer firefighters.
Cavender says folks interested in volunteer work as a result can go to cherokeecountyfire.com for more information and to apply.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
ATLANTA
MARTA chief to speak at business breakfast
MARTA general manager and chief executive officer Keith Parker will be the keynote speaker at the 10th annual Atlanta Technical College Business Breakfast, 7:30 a.m. June 19 at the Dennard Conference Center, 1560 Metropolitan Parkway SW.
The breakfast is free for local business owners but registration is required.
Information: edd@atlantatech.edu or 404-225-4481
Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Poverty’s on learning to be discussed
The Professional Association of Georgia Educators is holding a conference 7:30 a.m. today at the Crowne Plaza Ravinia on the impact of poverty on learning.
Claire Suggs, senior policy analyst for the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, and Steve Suitts, vice president of the Southern Education Foundation, will speak to businessmen and educators during the luncheon .Wayne Washington
Atlanta man found dead at home
An Atlanta man was found dead Tuesday, according to the Atlanta Police Department.
Police responded to a 911 call Tuesday on the 1300 block of Oakcrest Drive and found Hubert Lytle, 67, deceased in the residence, apparently of a gunshot wound to the head.
The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office, homicide and APD Crime Scene were all present. Taylor West
International Soccer Fest to benefit orphans
The Atlanta Silverbacks will host the Atlanta International Soccer Fest, a one-day tournament and festival. Proceeds will benefit SOS Children’s Villages, a group dedicated to creating families for orphaned or abandoned children. Teams will play three round-robin games. Registration fees begin at $600 for youth and $750 for adult teams. The event is open to the public 8 a.m. June 7 at Atlanta Silverbacks Park, 3200 Atlanta Silverbacks Way.
Information: www.atlsoccerfest.com and www.sos-usa.org. Katie Leslie
DEKALB
County targets ugly vacant properties
A program launched Wednesday aims to crack down on unsightly DeKalb County properties in hopes of sprucing up neighborhoods.
The initiative requires owners of vacant properties to register with the county and designate a local property agent or else pay fines up to $1,000 per violation.
Those fines are in addition to any other penalties assessed for improperly maintained properties that violate county codes.There are about 10,000 vacant properties in unincorporated DeKalb County.
Mark Niesse
Decatur neighbors seek annexation
Residents of 29 properties – 21 on Derrydown Way, eight on South Columbia Drive—have petitioned for annexation into Decatur. Eight are already partially in the city. After a likely June 16 approval by commissioners it means most, though not all of Derrydown, is now within city limits. It also means the city has annexed – through residential petition – 148 properties since 2011, 122 or 82 percent coming in 2014, with one more active petition (for six properties) remaining for later this year. Bill Banks for the AJC
Garden club to hear from fern expert
Fern expert Eleanor Craig will be the featured speaker at Monday’s meeting of the Mountain Shadow Garden Club, 7:30 p.m. at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 580l Hugh Howell Road, Stone Mountain.
Craig is the owner of Fern Ridge Farms, a small specialty nursery in Cedar Bluff, Ala. She will share insights and information on the care of new and old ferns. The meeting is free and open to the public.
Information: 404-641-8633.
Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Stone Mountain opens farmers market
The Stone Mountain Farmers Market opens at 4 p.m. Tuesday in the municipal parking lot on Main Street in Stone Mountain Village.
The market will carry locally grown produce, dairy products and meats. It will be open on Tuesdaysthrough Sept. 9.
Information: mmckinley@stonemountaincity.org or 770-498-8984, Ext. 137.
Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Ministry to sponsor youth anti-violence
The first Teens Against Violence seminar hosted by Jared Sawyer Jr. Ministries will take place at 2 p.m. June 13 at the Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Performing Arts, 5616 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain.
The one-day event will bring together guest speakers, workshop presenters and artists who will present messages of nonviolence to people in the community.
Information: www.tavseminar.weebly.com or 678.909.4401.
Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Stone Mountain library to sell used books
The Stone Mountain-Sue Kellogg Library is holding a used book sale at 10 a.m. June 13 and 14 at 952 Leon St., Stone Mountain.
Proceeds from the book sale will pay for library activities and supplies and fund a scholarship for an advanced degree in library science.
Information: www.dekalblibrary.org/branches/stone-mountain.html
Kent A. Miles for the AJC
SOUTHSIDE
Health care facility recognized with award
Arrowhead Health and Rehab in Jonesboro has been awarded a Bronze Commitment to Quality Award as part of the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living’s Quality Award Program. The Bronze Commitment to Quality Award is given to health care facilities that demonstrate a dedication to developing sustainable, person-centered care, and the ability to improve care processes. Arrowhead Health and Rehab will receive the award at a reception Oct. 7 at the AHCA/NCAL convention and expo in Washington, D.C. Kent A. Miles for the AJC
‘Operation Cool Down’ back for summer
Henry County Animal Care & Control has brought back “Operation Cool Down” for the summer, patrolling for pets in locked cars. Any animal found unattended in a vehicle and in distress will be removed from that vehicle. Violators of the ordinance may face fines of up to $1,000 or 60 days in jail. Information: www.hcacc.org.
Monroe Roark for the AJC
Community Gardens fundraiser June 21
Community Gardens of Henry will host Love and Homegrown Tomatoes Party 6-9 p.m. June 21 at Heritage Village Garden, 101 Lake Dow Road, McDonough as a fundraiser for charitable donation gardens at Wesley Way Helping Harvests in McDonough, the Helping Harvests at the Cubihatcha Outdoor Center in Locust Grove, and the community gardening program in Henry County. Tickets: $10, adults; $5, children under 16; children under 3 are free. Information: www.henrytomatoparty.org. Monroe Roark
Fulton marshals offer teen program
The Fulton County Marshal’s Department is taking applications for its junior deputy program open to teens 12 to 16 who are Fulton County residents, attend school in the county or have a family member who is a county employee. During the session July 7-18, participants will learn about careers in law enforcement and criminal justice as well as life skills. Deadline: today. Information: fcmd.juniordeputy@fultoncountyga.gov or 404-612-3972. Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Three positions open on hospital board
The Fayette County Hospital Authority has three openings for volunteer members on the five-person board to serve four-year terms and facilitate funding for hospital projects. Prior experience in health care or business is preferred. Applicants must file by today; contact Floyd Jones at 770-305-5102 or fjones@fayettecountyga.gov. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Clayton State students seek young patients
Clayton State University’s Dental Hygiene Clinic is looking for children patients. “To meet their graduation requirements, senior dental hygiene students are required to provide oral care for a certain number of children,” said Dr. Gail Barnes, chair of the Department of Dental Hygiene which runs the clinic. Clinic appointments are available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. For a fee, students provide dental cleanings, sealants, fluoride treatments and x-rays under the direction of dental health clinical faculty. Information: 678-466-4920. Tammy Joyner
