County by county news for Friday

MUST, a non-profit that helps low-income families in Cobb and Cherokee, is looking for another group to run the clinic on Cobb Parkway.

School officials said the university could no longer support $200,000 a year to run the clinic that provided clinical training for health and human services students. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Man faces child porn charges

A Marietta music teacher has been arrested and charged with possessing and distributing child pornography.

Todd Skrabanek, 46, was arrested Wednesday after Cobb County investigators said they found evidence at his home that he had child pornography and was distributing it via the Internet.

He is being held without bond at the Cobb County detention center, Cobb police spokesman Dana Pierce.

Pierce said Skrabanek had given music lessons to children at numerous locations throughout metro Atlanta.

Investigators are asking for the public’s help in locating any children who may have had contact with Skrabanek. Anyone with information should call 770-801-3470. Fran Jeffries

Glock’s ex-CEO released from jail

The former CEO of Glock was released from jail Wednesday afternoon after a Cobb County judge ordered his immediate release.

The Georgia Court of Appeals recently overturned Paul Jannuzzo’s conviction on theft and racketeering charges, citing that prosecutors were beyond the statute of limitations when the ex-CEO he was charged. But Jannuzzo was being held in the Cobb County jail on a contempt order from a 2012 divorce action. Alexis Stevens

Austell seeks to hire two firefighters

Applications are being accepted for two Austell firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)-1 positions.

Salary is $34,000 plus, and applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and an EMT-Intermediate certification.

They may apply at Austell City Hall, 2716 Broad St. SW from 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. weekdays.

Applications also may be downloaded from the city’s website and mailed to: Pat Maxwell, Assistant Fire Chief, City of Austell Fire and Emergency Services, 2716 Broad St. SW, Austell, GA 30106.

Information: austellga.gov, click “Employment,” then “Job Vacancies.” Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Smyrna to buy land for recycling center

The Smyrna City Council on Monday approved spending $435,000 to buy close to an acre off Lake Drive and South Cobb Drive for a new recycling center. That will allow the city to double its space and expand recycling efforts. Funding will come from the 2011 SPLOST. The city plans to improve the property including an existing 7,000 square-foot building. Some 2,000 residents use the current center on Smyrna Hill Drive each month. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

GWINNETT

Eight students awarded scholarships

Eight recent Gwinnett County school graduates learned over the summer that they will be receiving National Merit scholarships as they head off to collect this fall. The scholarships, between $500 and $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study are going to: Melanie R. Chandler, Brookwood High; Heather K. Huynh, Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology; Rebecca E. Wilson, Mountain View High; Geoffrey M. Sangston, Norcross High; Lisa Y. Liu and Natalie R. Neuman, Parkview High; Manisha Banga and Alice Y. Herchek, Peachtree Ridge High. Nancy Badertscher

Deadline Sept. 16 to apply for school panel

The deadline is Sept. 16 for parents, community members and employees to apply to serve on a committee that provides input on the curriculum for Gwinnett County Public Schools. The committee annually reviews the school system's Academic Knowledge and Skills (AKS) curriculum. After the curriculum review, the committee recommends revisions and additions to CEO and Superintendent J. Alvin Wilbanks for adoption by the school board. Applications should be returned to Gale Hey, associate superintendent for Teaching and Learning at the Instructional Support Center, 437 Old Peachtree Rd., NW, Suwanee, 30024. Applications at www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us. Nancy Badertscher

Snellville controller wins national award

Snellville's Controller, Jan Burke, has received an Award of Financial Reporting Achievement by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for the city's comprehensive annual financial report. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting. Snellville's annual financial report has been judged to meet high standards, demonstrating a constructive "spirit of full disclosure" to clearly communicate the city's financial story and motivate users to read the report. www.snellville.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Suspect sought in attempted burglary

Lilburn Police need the public’s help identifying a suspect in an attempted burglary July 12 at Cole’s Automotive, 4955 Lawrenceville Highway in Lilburn. Video surveillance shows a 50-ish white man, approximately, who attempted to force the door open, causing the alarm to sound. He fled the scene. The suspect was wearing faded blue jeans, a grayish colored polo-type shirt and white tennis shoes driving an older model smaller SUV. Anyone with information should contact Investigator Kim Banks at kbanks@cityoflilburn.com or at 770-638-2220. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Lenora Park to hold celebration

It’s Dog Day at the Park 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 20 at Lenora Park, 4515 Lenora Church Road in Snellville to celebrate National Park and Recreation Month and National Hot Dog Day. Free event includes music, concessions, inflatables, crafts and hot dogs. Info: 770-822-8833. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Groundbreaking for Memorial Walk delayed

Days of heavy rain have postponed groundbreaking for the Johns Creek Veterans Memorial Walk originally set for today. The city and Johns Creek Veterans Association, which is spearheading the project, hope to include the Alpha Aces, the city’s adopted Army unit, for the ceremony.

A new date for the groundbreaking has not been set.

The Veterans Memorial Walk will be a meditative memorial to veterans in a quiet, unused portion of Newtown Park. Donation information: www.JohnsCreekGA.gov. Patrick Fox

Businesses busted for underage sales

The Forsyth County Sheriff’s office conducted an alcohol compliance check of 100 convenience/gas stores, restaurants and groceries recently. Officials say 22 of the businesses sold alcohol to minors operating undercover. Employees were cited and the business owners face a hearing in front of Forsyth County Commissioners. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Ocee Library group to host book sale

The Friends of the Ocee Library will host a used book sale from 1 to 6 p.m. Friday, July 26 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 27 at the library, 5090 Abbotts Bridge Road., Johns Creek. Sale items include children’s books, chapter books, hardback and paperback fiction and non-fiction, audio books and movies. Local author Gail Heller will appear at the event at 3 p.m. Friday and sign her latest book. Shoe donations for Soles4Souls will also be accepted during the sale.

Information: 770-360-8897. Veronica Fields Johnson

Ribbon-cutting hails new outlet mall

A ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday marked the opening of the Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta in Woodstock. The joint venture between CBL and Asssociates and Horizon Group Properties features more than 80 stores including Nike, Saks, American Eagle, Brooks Brothers and Crabtree and Evelyn. It’s located at I-575 and Ridgewalk Parkway. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Holly Springs to vote on gun proposal

The mayor of Holly Springs says he plans a City Council vote on guns in August. Mayor Tim Downing says the proposal would show support for the Sercond Amendment and encourage residents to own guns. It would not, however, put a law on the books requiring gun ownership, as councils in nearby Kennesaw and Nelson have done. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Man arrested, another sought in copper theft

Authorities arrested one man and are searching for another in connection with a copper theft Thursday morning at a Cobb EMC power station in Acworth. Cherokee County deputies arrested Daniel Richard Demore, 38, of Gainesville, on charges of commercial burglary, second-degree criminal damage to property and obstruction.

They continue to search for a second suspect. Demore was jailed on $33,400 bond. Prior to the deputies arrival, the suspects had cut and loaded a large amount of copper into their vehicle, the sheriff’s office said in a prepared statement. Nancy Badertscher

ATLANTA

Clark Atlanta begins green initiatives

Clark Atlanta University is taking charge of an effort to bring an array of “green initiatives” including solar power, econ-friendly building and recycling to the nation’s historically black colleges and universities. Wells Fargo has given $250,000 to CAU to support the effort, which was previously undertaken by the United Negro College Fund. CAU President Carlton E. Brown said this is a good fit for the university, given its own interest in and commitment to conservation. Nancy Badertscher

Meadows to head school safety unit

Atlanta Public Schools’ reconfigured public safety unit, which will use more full-time police officers to patrol schools, will be led by Atlanta Police Department Maj. Keith Meadows.

Meadows, a former commander of the Major Crimes Section, will head the School Detectives Section after spending the last year and half in charge of east Atlanta’s Zone 6 precinct.

Atlanta Police Chief George Turner said that having sustained, full-time officers in every middle and high school will provide a safe learning environment. Mark Niesse

FBI seeks Atlanta man in robberies

FBI officials are asking for the public’s help in tracking down an Atlanta man who they believe is responsible for 24 robberies of Atlanta-area Family Dollar stores and have charged in a recent Tucker bank robbery.

Artavius Marcellus Brown, 23, of Atlanta is suspected of robbing a PNC Bank on Main Street in Tucker on June 21, FBI special agent Stephen Emmett said.

Brown is also a suspect in a string of robberies at 24 Family Dollar stores in the metro Atlanta area, Emmett said.

Any information is asked to call 404-577-8477, go to www.crimestoppersatlanta.org or text CSA and the tip to CRIMES (274637). Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta is offering a reward of up to $7,000. Bryan Cronan

DEKALB

Decatur to moves toward streetscape

Earlier this week Decatur commissioners approved an agreement with the Georgia Department of Transportation to begin right-of-way acquisitions, the first step toward dramatic streetscape improvements on North McDonough Street, from Trinity Place to Howard Avenue. Eventually North McDonough will be cut from four to two lanes traffic, with street parking on both sides, sidewalks on either side and a two-way bicycle track on the west side. But acquisitions could take 8 to 12 months and actual construction may still be three years away. Bill Banks for the AJC

Sewer project to reroute traffic

Beginning today at 9 p.m., the Georgia Department of Transportation will be working on a storm sewer improvement project on West College Avenue in Decatur, between Olympic Place and Mead Road. The construction is designed to alleviate flooding on the road and sidewalk by adding three new inlets. The work should be complete by early Monday, weather permitting. Eastbound traffic will be rerouted via Park Place, East Lake Road, Paden Circle, West Howard Ave. and back onto College Avenue at the Atlanta Avenue railroad crossing. Nancy Badertscher

Clarkston police to hold Night Out

The Clarkston Police Department is hosting a celebration of the 30th annual “national night out” on Aug. 6. The event will include free food, kids’ activities, public safety vehicle displays and a school supply giveaway. It takes place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Milam Park, 3867 Norman Road. Nancy Badertscher

Concert to benefit mental health services

A community concert planned for August will benefit clients receiving mental health and substance abuse services in DeKalb County.

The Brighter Tomorrows Inspirational Choir will perform at the concert, at 6 p.m. Aug. 2 at the Richardson Health Center, 445 Winn Way, Decatur.

Cost is $1. Attendees can also bring donations of men’s and women’s socks, undergarments and plain T-shirts.

All proceeds benefit DeKalb Regional Crisis Center.

More information: www.dekcsb.org. April Hunt

Gathering for longtime teacher is Saturday

An informal gathering celebrating longtime Decatur High teacher Jim Streeter is Saturday, 4 p.m. at the Decatur Presbyterian Church, 205 Sycamore Street in downtown Decatur. Streeter, a 22-year veteran at the high school, died this week. Organizers are asking volunteers to make a banner for all guests to sign, and also for a donation of light refreshments. Bill Banks for the AJC

South DeKalb Festival coming in September

A free outdoor festival, featuring food and entertainment from the multi-cultural area, is coming to south DeKalb County in September.

The Heart of South DeKalb has already secured several local restaurants to serve as corporate sponsors. Additional community groups are invited to join the event, slated for the Gallery at South DeKalb Mall on Sept. 28.

Information: 404-683-3599 or heartofsouthdekalbfestival2013@gmail.com. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Fayette bridge replacement begins soon

The Fayette County Public Works Department plans to close the Kenwood Road Bridge near West Fayetteville Road starting July 24.

A 1.8-mile detour will be in effect for approximately seven months while the bridge is being replaced as part of the county's Transportation SPLOST program. A detour map is here. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

NerdWallet praises two cities in Fayette

The consumer advocacy website NerdWallet has ranked two Fayette cities among its Top 10 Best Towns for Young Families in Georgia.

Peachtree City placed second and Fayetteville ranked tenth based on school quality as well as home values, average income and economic growth.

The list and details are at www.nerdwallet.com/blog/2013/best-towns-georgia-young-families. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Orchestra needs string musicians

The Southern Crescent Symphony Orchestra needs string musicians. Auditions for the 2013-14 season is Tuesday, Aug. 13, between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., in the Clayton State University Music Building.

Auditions will include a solo of your choice, sight reading and an interview about playing background. To schedule an audition contact conductor Richard Bell, Clayton State University Assistant Professor of Music at conductor@scsymphony.net.

The orchestra is a community orchestra devoted to the cultural needs of audiences and performers in the Southern Crescent area of Metro Atlanta. For details, go to www.scsymphony.org. Tammy Joyner

Health department to hold event for teens

The Clayton County Board of Health and other community groups are inviting teens between the ages of 12 and 19 to participate in an Aug. 17 interactive event called The Clayton County Teen Maze.

The 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. event will be at the Riverdale Centre, 7210 Church St., Riverdale. The even will show consequences of positive and negative life choices. Counselors will lead discussions with participants at the end of the activities. The event is free.

Registration is required and available at claytoncountypublichealth.org/ccst.

Details: Akisha Joseph at 678-479-2205. Tammy Joyner

Women’s health group to hike Stone Mountain

The Center for Black Women's Wellness invites the public to join them for Commit to Be Fit—Mission Stone Mountain. The group will hike Stone Mountain at 8:30 a.m. July 20. Team CBWW will meet in front of the restrooms near the walk-up trail toward the mountain. Participants are asked to bring a signed copy of the CBWW Waiver. Visit http://cbwwstonemountain.eventbrite.com to RSVP. Information: www.facebook.com/CBWWAtlanta or info@cbww.org or 404-688-9202 x110. Veronica Fields Johnson