County by county news for Friday

Hinojosa, who took over in July, named the five members of his cabinet Wednesday. They are Cheryl Hungerford, chief of staff; Alice Stouder, deputy superintendent of leadership and learning; Chris Ragsdale, deputy superintendent of operational support; Mike Addison, chief financial officer, and Judith Jones, chief academic officer. Ty Tagami

Medicare open house in Austell today

GeorgiaCares and the Atlanta Regional Commission will host a Medicare open house today in preparation for the open enrollment period which begins next month.

Experts will explain changes and options in Medicare benefits for older adults and people with disabilities. Medicare open enrollment this year runs Oct. 15-Dec. 7.

The pre-enrollment open house begins at 1 p.m. on Friday at Gold’s Gym-West Cobb, 2840 East West Connector in Austell.

Information: 1-866-552-4464; GeorgiaCares@atlantaregional.com Janel Davis

Morgan to hold school forum Saturday

Cobb County residents can learn more about their school system at a town hall meeting with school board member David Morgan. Morgan will answer questions at an open forum at Cooper Middle School on Saturday . The event is scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. Location: 4605 Ewing Road, Austell. Reach Morgan at 404-702-1857. Ty Tagami

Quilters gather in Marietta this weekend

The East Cobb Quilters’ Guild announces that the Georgia Celebrates Quilts event is scheduled to run Friday through Sunday , at 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m Sunday. The event is an exhibit of 400 juried quilts at the Cobb County Civic Center in Marietta. Admission is $8. Proceeds will support programs to perpetuate the art of quilting. Information: www.ecqg.com.

Kenneth Musisi

Volunteers needed for Lake Allatoona cleanup

Volunteers are invited to help clean up the shorelines of Lake Allatoona and Lake Acworth from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday,. Meet at the Riverside Day Use Area, at 513 Allatoona Dam Road in Acworth for the Allatoona clean up. There’s a cook-out afterward, with free food and entertainment and prizes for participants. Jeffry Scott

Firm chosen to design new soccer park

Marietta has chosen Freedman Engineering Group to design a $1.8 million soccer park that will reconfigure and update Custer Park. Renovations at the 8.5-acre park off Fairground Street is part of a $25 million parks bond voters passed in 2009. Construction is expected to start in January. The park will have two lighted soccer fields, a concession stand, restrooms, playground and plaza and parking lot. Parks and Recreation Director Rich Buss said the city will accept bids for construction in November and December. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

GWINNETT

Motorcyclist killed after being hit by tire tread

Gwinnett County Police have identified the motorcyclist who died Wednesday after colliding with a tractor-trailer on Interstate 85 as 35-year-old Lonnie Cross. Cross was riding his motorcycle northbound at the Interstate 985 split at 5:33 p.m. when he struck a tire tread that went airborne after being struck by another vehicle. Cross lost control, laid the motorcycle down on the roadway and was struck by a tractor-trailer. Cross was transported to Gwinnett Medical Center, where he later died.

The accident shut down I-85 North for a time. The driver of the tractor-trailer has not been charged. Andria Simmons

Sugar Hill installs warning sirens

Sugar Hill started installing six emergency warning sirens Thursday, hoping to provide maximum coverage to alert citizens of severe weather conditions. The first test of the sirens will take place between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Oct. 7. Residents will have a chance to ask questions about the system at a City Council meeting Oct. 10. Information: www.cityofsugarhill.com. Joel Anderson

Agency elevates Suwanee’s bond rating

Suwanee had its general obligation and revenue bond rating raised to AA+ from AA this week by ratings agency Fitch Ratings.

Fitch said the upgrade was based on “the city’s very strong financial profile, marked by the consistency of operating results and maintenance of robust reserves and liquidity over a prolonged period of time,” according to a press release from the city. Joel Anderson

Golf tourney to help fight hemophilia

The nonprofit Hemophilia of Georgia will host the 29th Annual Hit ‘Em for Hemophilia Golf Tournament on Nov. 1 at Chateau Elan Winery and Resort in Braselton.

The tournament has raised more than $12 million for research to cure inherited bleeding disorders since 1982. Visit www.hog.org/golf for details. Misty Williams

Chase a Cop 5K run to be Sept. 24

Register by Saturday to take advantage of a $5 discount on the entry fee for the first annual Chase a Cop 5K and 1 mile fun run Sept. 24 at Tribble Mill Park. All proceeds from the race will benefit the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Department charities Beat the Heat, Gwinnett Masters Special Olympics and the Sheriff’s Explorer Program. Pre-registration is $20 Registration after Sunday is $25. Info: www.active.com/running/lawrenceville-ga/gwinnett-sheriffs-department-chase-a-cop-5k-and-1-mile-fun-run-2011 Andria Simmons

Students get free

eye exams

Students in the Atlanta area will receive complimentary comprehensive eye exams and new eye wear, courtesy of Transitions Optical and VSP Vision Care. The eye exams will be conducted onboard a mobile eyecare clinic, nicknamed “Eyestein”. The event is today at 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Rockbridge Elementary, 6066 Rockbridge School Road in Norcross. Information: Gina Villani at 412-535-2434 or Elida Rodriguez at 863-206-5842. Kenneth Musisi

NORTHSIDE

Pulte Homes order to repair erosion damage

A Forsyth County Superior Court Thursday ordered Pulte Homes to install a series of fixes on property damaged by runoff from its development. The company has 90 days to complete the work. Three Cumming families won a $2.5 million judgment against Pulte for property damages they incurred as a result of a the company’s 733-home development upstream. A Forsyth County jury found the builder guilty last week of common law nuisance, trespass and negligence and of repeated violations of Georgia environmental laws. Patrick Fox

Ga. 9 paving work to go through Saturday

Georgia Department of Transportation crews are paving at the intersection of Ga. 9 and Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell through Saturday, weather permitting. Paving will extend from Commerce Parkway to Clara Drive south of Holcomb Bridge Road. Work will be performed at night between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. to reduce traffic congestion. Patrick Fox

Milton honors officer of the year

In a ceremony during last week’s City Council meeting, the Milton Police Department named Detective Kevin Barry Officer of the Year.

As one of the city’s four detectives, Barry was honored not for his work on a single case, but for his overall work ethic and his diligence in bringing cases to a close.

Police Chief Deborah Harrell said Barry is known for being patient, positive and pleasant, even when he’s working long hours or coming in to work in the middle of the night to arrest suspects tied to his cases. Andria Simmons

Fulton officials laud SAT scores

Fulton County Schools officials applauded its campuses for having the largest number of schools with high scores on the SAT.

Six Fulton schools had among the top 20 highest scores on the SAT, and 11 schools reported increases over the previous year.

Fulton students surpassed their Georgia peers by 30 points in reading, 42 points in math and 43 points in writing. Fulton’s average SAT score of 1560 exceeded the national average by 60 points.

Northview High was Fulton’s highest scoring school. It had an SAT average of 1751, the third highest in the state. D. Aileen Dodd

Roswell looks at energy interruption plans

Roswell residents interested in the city’s Local Energy Assurance Plan now under development can attend an informational meeting at 2 p.m. Sept. 22 in room 220 of Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill Street.

The plan will map out a strategy to respond quickly and effectively to energy emergencies, reduce the risk of critical energy infrastructure and invest in renewable energy.

Information: 770-641-3743 Patrick Fox

Dog Day in the Park Saturday in Woodstock

The Woodstock Police Department is hosting Dog Day in the Park noon -- 3 p.m., Saturday at the Park at City Center in downtown Woodstock. Woodstock K9 officers will put on a demonstration.

Veterinarians will be on site to answer questions. Jeffry Scott

ATLANTA

Buckhead Coalition wants to tackle noise

Buckhead Coalition president Sam Massell worries that “noise of the night” is threatening to lower the quality of life in Buckhead. The coalition is promoting an educational forum to bring club owners and managers together with neighborhood representatives. The meeting is scheduled for 1 p.m. Sept. 22 at the Buckhead Theatre, 3110 Roswell Road.

“We are getting more and more complaints, primarily about late night noise, that has to be controlled,” Massell said. “If the clubs don’t police themselves, we’re satisfied the city government will police them.” Jeremiah McWilliams

Health fair Saturday at senior center

Fulton Commissioner Joan Garner, working with the Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority and Grady Health System, will host a Health and Wellness Fair for her district 6 constituents on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Helene S. Mills Senior Center, 515 John Wesley Dobbs Ave., N.E., Atlanta.

Information: 404-612-8226. Johnny Edwards

Firm to donate meals to women’s shelter

Gardein, an award-winning line of meat-free foods, is donating more than 1,000 healthy meat-free meals to the Atlanta Day Shelter for Women & Children on Monday,. The donation comes after the Gardein Meat-Free Summer Challenge tour, where 6,500 Americans pledged to go meat free one day per week, raising 6,500 healthy meatless entrees for charities in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago and D.C. Kenneth Musisi

Be Someone host chess training for kids

Be Someone, a non-profit organization that teaches children life lessons through chess, is hosting two-hour chess training sessions for children at For Sisters Only, an annual family event hosted by V103. The event is Saturdayand Sunday, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Georgia World Congress Center, The Kid Zone, Building C, Exhibit Hall C1-C3 in Atlanta. Information: 770-465-6445 or www.besomeone.org. Kenneth Musisi

DEKALB

DeKalb offers free work fair today

DeKalb County’s Workforce Development Department will host a job fair today in Decatur.

The free event features representative from local firms, schools and community agencies that are seeking or will soon be seeking workers.

The fair runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Dr.

To preregister: www.dekalbworkforce.org. April Hunt

Hawthorne Elementary raises $50,000

Hawthorne Elementary School in DeKalb County celebrated its 50th anniversary with a special fundraiser, the Hornet Hustle, on Sept. 9. The Hornet Hustle successfully raised $50,000. Students participated in four weeks of fundraising and finished it off with a half-mile run/walk/roll around the neighborhood. Parents, staff, neighbors and alumni also participated. Hawthorne is DeKalb County’s only inclusion elementary school, where students of all abilities learn side by side in the same classroom – from special needs through gifted students. Kenneth Musisi

Workshop for contractors on today

Contractors who want to bid on an upcoming neighborhood stabilization project in DeKalb County can attend a workshop today to find out how to get involved.

The meeting will focus on work in the Hidden Hills community for both Prime and local contractors. The session runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts center, 3181 Rainbow Dr., near Decatur.

To RSVP: 404-329-4504. April Hunt

French honor Decatur WWII veteran

A Decatur man who served in the Army Air Force in World War II was recently honored by the French government for his wartime service.

Thomas Parsons was among 15 American veterans to receive the National Order of the Legion of Honor, the highest French military honor. A local ceremony was held at the American Legion Post 160 in Smyrna, featuring French general consul Pascal Le Deunff. April Hunt

Decatur wins four awards for marketing

Decatur won four Savvy awards at the September competition held in Austin, Texas, by 3CMA, the City-County Communications & Marketing Association. The city won a first-place Savvy for its new tourism website and for the redesign of its Decatur Focus newsletter. Decatur also won a Silver Circle Award (second place) for its redeveloped (earlier this year) city website and a third place Award of Excellence for its new Welcome to Decatur video. Bill Banks for the AJC

Group collect shoes for needy in West Africa

The Soul Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to collecting 50,000 pairs of shoes as a relief effort for orphaned children and adults in West Africa, is sponsoring a shoe drive on Sept. 24 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church at 4650 Flat Shoals Road in Decatur. Shoes must be new or lightly worn, clean and in good condition. Volunteers are also needed. Information: http://artdell.com/sole/index.html or 678-518-0777. Veronica Fields Johnson

SOUTHSIDE

Fayette schools place high in SAT rankings

All five of Fayette County’s high schools placed in the top 30 percent in the state SAT rankings for 2011.

Students at McIntosh and Starr’s Mill earned the highest scores in the county with averages of 1630 and 1611, respectively. Whitewater’s average was 1506, and Sandy Creek’s was 1428. Fayette County High School’s average score increased 8 points over last year to 1491 this year.

The number of students taking the SAT was up 5.6 percent from a year ago. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Peachtree City honors POWs and MIAs

Today at 9 a.m., Peachtree City will observe National POW/MIA Recognition Day with a special ceremony.

Local officials and members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars will be on hand for a moment of silence and prayer observance at the Veterans Memorial Brick Flagpole at City Hall.

The VFW reports that 83,580 service members remain missing or unaccounted for in military conflicts since World War II. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Tyrone celebrates Founders Day

Tyrone’s 35th annual Founders Day celebration will run today at 6 p.m. through 6 p.m. Sunday at Handley Park, rain or shine.

The event includes a parade at 11 a.m. Saturday, plus a carnival, vendor booths and musical performances throughout the weekend. Fireworks will begin at 9 p.m. Saturday.

The schedule is at www.tyrone.org/node/285. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Henry moratorium on adult entertainment

The Henry County Board of Commission voted to extend until Oct. 18 a moratorium on adult entertainment operations in the county, as county officials continue to fine-tune an ordinance that would govern such activities in the long term. There is no pending application for an adult entertainment facility, commission chairman B.J. Mathis said before the vote was taken at a Sept. 6 meeting. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Great Clips to hold charity day for children

The Great Clips Salon located at 112 Peachtree East in Peachtree City will host a charity day from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturdayto benefit The Children’s Village at Christian City. Haircuts are $9.99 and all proceeds will go to the abandoned and abused children who live at Christian City. Information: Heidi Becker at 770-703-2636 or visit www.christiancity.org. Mea Watkins

Peace Week kicks off with rally Saturday

Young people touched by violence and deaths will help kick off a campaign to stop the violence on Saturday with the start of Fulton County’s “Peace Week,” which seeks to address gang activity and issues surrounding victims and offenders. It starts with a Peace Rally at the Fulton County Government Center, 141 Pryor St., on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A week of education events in churches and schools will culminate on Sept. 24 with a Seeking Options for Active Resolutions for Peace, or SOAR, convention at the government center. Johnny Edwards