COBB
Public review of city budget begins Tuesday
The proposed 2013-14 budget of Powder Springs will be available for public review from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays at Powder Springs City Hall, 4484 Marietta St., beginning Tuesday. Up by nearly $400,00 over last year’s $6.8 million general fund budget, the $7.2 million budget includes no tax increases and no service cutbacks, City Manager Brad Hulsey said. The first public hearing on the budget will be 7 p.m. June 17 followed by a final public hearing and vote at 7 p.m. June 24 during a special called meeting in the Council Chambers, 4488 Pineview Drive before July 1. Information: 770-943-1666. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Kennesaw approves funds for museum
Kennesaw’s City Council has approved an agreement that will allow the city’s Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History to receive $500,000 in federal funds for a 15,000 square-foot expansion. Construction on the $1.1 million project is expected to start before the end of the year. The city will give $125,000 towards the project and the museum has raised the rest. The expansion will provide more room for collections and railroad researchers and historians to study. Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Kennesaw looking to fill vacant council seat
Kennesaw is taking steps to fill the vacant seat of Councilman Bill Thrash, who died May 22 of cancer. Anyone who wants to be considered should submit their name, and a sworn affidavit regarding qualifications. Obtain an affidavit at www.kennesaw-ga.gov/government/city-clerk/elections or by visiting the city clerk's office. Deadline is 5 p.m. on today. Information: 770-424-8274 ext. 3102 or dctaylor@kennesaw-ga.gov.
Jaime Sarrio
Complete summer reading to win prizes
Children who want to participate in Cobb County Public Library’s summer reading program can now pick up a reading folder at any branch.
They need to record what they read, bring the completed folder back on or before July 31 and claim a certificate.
The library has partnered with Stevi B’s to offer free pizza to the first 5,000 children who bring their folder back to the library.
Each child who completes the program will be entered to win an iPad.
Information: www.cobbcat.org/srp/ Jaime Sarrio
Marietta museum will join Dixie Highway sale
The Marietta Museum of History will sell antiques, vintage items and home decor 5 to 9 p.m. today during the First Friday Art Walk and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
The sale to benefit the museum at 1 Depot St. will be part of this weekend’s annual Dixie Highway yard sale on Old U.S. Highway 41 from Ringgold to Marietta.
Information: www.mariettahistory.org. Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Farmers market open Sundays
More than 60 vendors sell fruits, vegetables, baked and organic goods at the Marietta Square Farmers Market noon to 3 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 24 on Mill Street.
Information: Johnny Fulmer at 770-499-9393 or Mariettasquarefarmersmarket.net.
Tucker McQueen for the AJC
GWINNETT
Briscoe Field to resurface taxiway, upgrade lights
Gwinnett has approved a contract to resurface the only full parallel taxiway at Briscoe Field, one of the major needs recommended by the Airport Privatization Citizens Review Committee.
The project will also replace 329 incandescent lights with energy efficient LED fixtures to reduce utility costs and relocate the lighting equipment vault.
The Federal Aviation Administration will provide 90 percent of the $1.6 million project, Gwinnett will contribute 5.4 percent and the remaining 4.6 percent will come from a state airport improvement grant. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Peachtree Corners two-day festival
The Third Annual Peachtree Corners Festival promises to be bigger and better this year with arts and crafts, music, food, a performance car show, kid's activities, a 5K run/walk and a pancake breakfast with all in full swing 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday at The Corners Parkway and Woodhill Drive in Peachtree Corners. Details: www.peachtreecornersfestival.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Project to raise money for officer’s family
Project LEO, a nonprofit fundraising organization, is asking for donations to help the family of Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Deputy Oscar Batista, who died May 9.
Donations are tax-deductible and can be submitted through PayPal at www.projectleo.org.
Information: Michelle Couch at 770-676-8924 or email michelle.couch@americanangelworks.org or email Ken Stepp at info@americanangelworks.org. Dan Klepal
Food trucks head to Suwanee on Friday
Food Truck Friday returns to Suwanee Town Center Park at 7 p.m. today along with a free performance by Funk Sandwich and Nathan Angelo, a Gwinnett Church based band based.
Beginning shortly after dusk on Saturday, Movies Under the Stars will present a free screening of The Amazing Spider-Man.
Bring snacks, blankets, and lawn chairs, but no alcohol may be brought into the park. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Lilburn’s new budget available for review
Lilburn's proposed $9.8 million budget for fiscal year 2013-14 is available to the public at City Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday as well as online at www.cityoflilburn.com.
Residents may comment 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Calvin Fitchett Municipal Complex, 76 Main St., Lilburn. Information: www.cityoflilburn.com.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Lilburn Farmers Market opens today
The Lilburn Farmers Market will open for the 2013 season 4 to 8 p.m. today. The market is located in the Greenway Trail parking lot across from City Hall. Applications are currently being accepted for vendors and not-for-profit organizations interested in participating in the market. All items must be made and grown by the applicant. No reselling permitted. For more information please visit www.lilburnfarmersmarket.org or call 678-667-2592. Sandra Marshall Murray
NORTHSIDE
Woman pulled from Lake Allatoona dies
A 46-year-old Acworth woman who was pulled from Lake Allatoona earlier this week has died.
Debra Hansard passed away Wednesday at WellStar Kennestone Hospital.
She had gone swimming with a group near McCurley Road and was spotted floating in the lake by family members.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Road closings in Sandy Springs
As part of the Sandy Springs 2013 spring-summer resurfacing program, Adair Lane will be under construction from Spring Creek Lane to Grogans Ferry 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today.
To check updates for construction in your neighborhood, check the Sandy Springs website at www.sandyspringsga.gov/resurfacing. Hannah Morgan
Older adult health, fitness fair in Forsyth
Forsyth County will hold its second annual Healthy Aging and Fitness Fair from 10 a.m.-noon June 18 at the Sexton Hall Enrichment Center, 2115 Chloe Road. The free event for adults 50 and up will include health screenings, exercise demonstrations and chair massage, among other activities. More info: www.forsythco.com
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Johns Creek seeks Public Art Board
The city of Johns Creek is seeking citizens interested in serving on the Public Art Board, a recommending body to the City Council for proposed art and landscaping projects.
Applications for appointment are online at johnscreekga.gov. The Board is expected to be appointing new members in August. Information: 678-512-3200.
Hannah Morgan
Downtown Woodstock offers an app
The Woodstock Downtown Development Authority has announced a new Visit Woodstock app for iPhone, iPad and Android users.
The free-to-download application is designed to provide information about downtown businesses, restaurants and attractions, maps, upcoming events and hotel accommodations for visitors.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Alpharetta collecting hazardous waste
Alpharetta is collecting hazardous household waste for free from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 15 at the Engineering-Public Works Department, 1790 Hembree Road.
Welcome items include pesticides, poisons, mineral spirits, paint and mercury-containing items. Excluded are motor oil, antifreeze, auto batteries and electronics, which can be collected daily at the Roswell Recycle Center.
Pre-registration 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
Georgia colleges to offer veterans program
Three Georgia colleges are working together to create physician assistant education programs that will target veterans interested in the field, school officials announced Thursday.
The partnership involves Albany State University, Georgia Regents University and Morehouse School of Medicine.
College leaders said there is no national model on how to add spots for veterans in physician assistant programs.
Only 200 veterans receive this training annually at the 170 physician assistant schools across the country. Laura Diamond
Charter receives state health grant
The Georgia Department of Public Health and the Governor’s SHAPE Initiative have awarded a $5,000 grant to The Intown Academy. The money will be used to develop a school garden, plan wellness events on campus and provide Farm to School field trips next school year. Mark Niesse
Golf outing raises money for scholarships
More than 100 golfers, donors and guests from Atlanta’s business, philanthropic and educational communities are expected to participate in the Posse Atlanta fundraiser at East Lake Golf Club on Monday to raise money so high school students will be able to attend college. Mark Niesse
Locals host international police
Atlanta, Dunwoody and Sandy Springs police departments have partnered to host the International Conference for Police and Law Enforcement Executives, Sunday through Tuesday at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta.
The Conference brings together officials from around the U.S. and more than seven different countries.
Speakers will discuss topics including shifts in economic and social factors and the emergence of home grown terrorism, integrating city government initiatives alongside crime prevention, managing the message with social media and doing more with shrinking budgets. Arlinda Smith Broady
DEKALB
Dunwoody pain doctor arrested by DEA
A Dunwoody pain doctor, Dr. Nisar Piracha, a nurse, and two patients were arrested by the Drug Enforcement Administration at his medical practice Wednesday.
The DEA believes his medical office at 11 Dunwoody Park was operating as a pill mill, Channel 2 Action News reported. The agency would not talk about the specifics of the investigation.
Piracha was charged with violating the Georgia’s Controlled Substance Act, a felony. Bryan Cronan
Murderer accused of raping teen niece
Randy Leon Young was arrested on Wednesday, accused of raping his 16-year-old niece early Tuesday morning at the Valley Ridge Apartments near Decatur, authorities said.
Young, 40, was recently released from a Minnesota State Prison after serving 14 years for a murder conviction, authorities said. He is currently being held at the DeKalb County Jail without bond. Marcus K. Garner
Senior ball set for Saturday
DeKalb County District Attorney Robert James and Commissioner Lee May will host the 2013 Senior Ball 5 p.m. Saturday at the Hyatt Atlanta, 265 Peachtree Street, NE. The black tie event will feature an interactive session led by James and May to educate attendees about precautions those 60 and older can take to minimize theft, crime, abuse and exploitation.
Free. Reservations required. Information: 404-687-7179 or seniorball@dekalbcountyga.gov. Arlinda Smith Broady
Piedmont celebrates Cancer Survivor’s Day
Piedmont Cancer Center patients are invited to come out for a day celebrating their survivorship noon to 10:30 p.m. June 22 at Stone Mountain Park. Patients plus one guest receive complimentary admission to the event. Additional guests are $40. Event includes a laser show, picnic and entertainment at the Sports Pavilion. Registration is required.
Information: 404-605-2430, piedmont.org or stonemountainpark.com. Arlinda Smith Broady
Decatur approves sidewalk projects
Decatur’s commission approved a $281,647 budget for sidewalks and traffic-calming improvements, with work scheduled to last through the fall.
Sidewalk repair and new construction includes Clairemont Avenue, Maxwell Street, the north side of Westchester Drive from Scott Boulevard to Dogwood Way, the north side of Kirk Road from Candler Street to Avery Street and a new pedestrian bridge from the dead end of Derrydown Road to Popular Circle. Bill Banks for the AJC
Dive into Shabbat at MJCCA outdoor pool
Celebrate Shabbat at the MJCCA’s Outdoor Pool and Splash Park 5–7 p.m. today, June 28, July 12, July 26 and Aug. 9 at Zaban Park, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody.
Bring a picnic or purchase kosher food at Goodfriend’s Outdoor Grill. Open swim begins at 5 p.m. followed by Shabbat songs and blessings with Rabbi Glusman at 6 p.m.
The event is free.
Information: Rabbi Brian Glusman, brian.glusman@atlantajcc.org or 678-812-4161. Mea Watkins
SOUTHSIDE
Forest Park police seek murder suspect
Forest Park police are looking for Victorino Javier Perez, 41, suspected of shooting 21-year-old Michael Chaz Smith in the head Tuesday night at the Majestic Montega apartment complex on Old Dixie Road.
Smith was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Anyone with information should call 911 or the Forest Park Police Department at 404-366-4141. Bryan Cronan
1 shot at Clayton gas station
One person was shot Wednesday afternoon at a gas station on Upper Riverdale Road, police said.
The victim, whose name was not released, was transported to a local hospital and was in surgery shortly after 3 p.m. Investigators said they were talking to a person of interest.
There were traffic delays in the area, near the intersection with Arrowhead Boulevard, due to the investigation, according to police. Alexis Stevens
Fayette posts 2013-14 school calendar
The Fayette County school calendar for 2013-14 has been posted at www.fcboe.org. The schedule, approved by the Board of Education May 20, begins classes on Aug. 12 and ends on May 23. It includes week-long holidays at Thanksgiving and in April, a two-week semester break in December and a five-day weekend in February. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
New maps available in Peachtree City
Peachtree City, in partnership with The Guide and the Peachtree City Convention & Visitors Bureau, has issued the 2013 Map-a-zine, which illustrates city streets and the multi-use path system. The updated publication is available for $2 at City Hall and at the Visitors Center on McIntosh Trail. Free maps will be given to those who register a golf cart at City Hall.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Henry water system has new name
Henry County’s governing water board has a new name: Henry County Water Authority. The name change is a result of the passage of House Bill 522 by the Georgia General Assembly and the subsequent signing by Gov. Nathan Deal. The new name gives the authority more clarity and conciseness. State Rep. Dale Rutledge spearheaded the efforts to change the name from Henry County Water & Sewerage Authority. In addition to the new name, state law now offers the authority flexibility to enter into defined contracts when needed to set up or enhance water and sewer service. Tammy Joyner
‘Operation Cool Down’ back in Henry
Henry County Animal Care & Control is bringing back its "Operation Cool Down" program to assist pets left in hot cars. Officers will be patrolling parking lots for animals that are left in vehicles. Any animal that is found unattended in a vehicle, that is in distress, will be removed from that vehicle by Animal Care and Control officers by whatever means necessary, as permitted under county ordinance. Information: www.hcacc.org. Monroe Roark
