County by county news for Friday

The chancery, the administrative office of Atlanta Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory, recently expanded because of the continued growth of the Catholic population in the archdiocese.

The opening will include a exhibit by award-winning photographer Michael Alexander, who works for The Georgia Bulletin. Alexander’s work documents the history and cultural heritage of the archdiocese. The grand opening will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 2401 Lake Park Drive S.E. Shelia Poole

Marietta schools want bond for auditorium

Marietta City Schools will ask residents to vote for a five-year general obligation bond to build an $8.6 million auditorium at Marietta High School. The Board of Education agreed Tuesday to ask voters to decide on a $7 million bond at the presidential primary in 2012. Schools Spokesman Thomas Algarin said the district has $2 million in building funds reserves to use for the 800 to 900-seat auditorium. Another special purpose local option sales tax or SPLOST would pay off bond debt if voters pass a referendum in 2013.

Tucker McQueen

Qualifying dates set for north Cobb cities

Kennesaw Mayor Mark Matthews said he will run in November for a second term. Elections will be held this year for mayor and council seats held by Cris Eaton-Welsh and Tim Killingsworth in Kennesaw, and aldermen posts held by Albert Price, Gene Pugliese and Bob Weatherford in Acworth. Candidates can qualify to run, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Aug. 29-Aug. 31 at Acworth City Hall, 4415 Senator Russell Ave.or at Kennesaw City Hall, 2529 J.O. Stephenson Ave. Fees are $576 to run for mayor and $360 for council in Kennesaw and $396 for alderman posts in Acworth. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Powder Spring delays vote on raised fee

Powder Springs City Council members voted unanimously Monday to delay deciding again upon a new monthly fee -- this time until election eve.

The stormwater utility fee vote was tabled until Nov. 7, the night before the election when voters will decide on the mayor and two council posts. While the timing may look odd, Mayor Patricia Vaughn said a town hall meeting needs to be scheduled to help residents understand the reasons for this new monthly fee of $2 to $4. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Kennesaw Legion post to hold 5k run

An American Legion post in Kennesaw will host a five kilometer run on Saturday .

The race starts at 7:30 a.m. at Legion Post 304, 1940 Lodge Road, off Barrett Parkway. It ends at the same place. Register for $25 on race day or save $5 by registering online by Friday at www.active.com, any Big Peach Running Co. store or by mail by downloading a form on www.post304.org. Ty Tagami

Cumberland CID board to meet Aug. 25

The Cumberland Community Improvement District board of directors will meet at 7:30 a.m. Aug. 25 at the Cobb Chamber of Commerce, 240 Interstate North Parkway, Atlanta. For information: 770-859-2357. Laurie Hoffman

GWINNETT

Wanted: A million hours of volunteer service

Gwinnett County will recruit volunteers to provide one million hours of service by 2015 under a plan approved by the Board of Commissioners Tuesday. Commissioners unanimously embraced a goal set by the Engage Gwinnett citizens group, which recommended it as a means of providing services in a time of tight budgets. Commissioners also agreed to hire a part-time coordinator to oversee volunteer recruitment.

Engage Gwinnett estimated the county eventually could save $25 million annually. Last year volunteers provided about 320,000 hours of service to Gwinnett. David Wickert

Work approved for New Hope Road

The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Tuesday approved $1.9 million worth of work to New Hope Road near Lawrenceville.

The money will pay for three projects. One will improve site distance and add turn lanes on New Hope at Still Road and Hiram Davis Road and upgrade water mains. Another will make similar improvements at the Bowman Road intersection. A third will involve new curb, gutter and sidewalk on the south side of New Hope from Tribble Mill Parkway to Callie Still Road. The work should be finished next summer. David Wickert

Duluth to hold music festival Saturday

The City of Duluth will hold its second annual music festival from 2 p.m. to midnight downtown on Saturday. The free event will feature a variety of music. Among those performing: country singer Trent Tomlinson. For a complete schedule visit www.duluthga.net or call 770-476-3434. David Wickert

County host camping trip for horse lovers

Gwinnett County will host a camping excursion for horse lovers beginning at 6 p.m. Friday at Yellow River Park, 3232 Juhan Road, Stone Mountain.

Participants should bring their horse and camping gear for an evening ride on the park’s horse trails. The cost is $5 per person for the ride only or $15 for the ride, campout and breakfast. Information: 770-418-2331. David Wickert

Citizens Fire Academy Class offered

The Gwinnett County Department of Fire and Emergency Services is seeking participants for its 16th Citizen Fire Academy Class.

The 12-week program is conducted by the fire department and hosted by the Citizen Fire Academy Alumni Association. Sessions are from 6 to 9 p.m. starting Sept. 1 and continuing every Thursday through Nov. 17. The application deadline is Aug. 26. To apply, go to www.gwinnettfire.org.

Andria Simmons

K-9 officer laid to rest in Lawrenceville

The Lawrenceville Police Department buried one of its K-9 officers, “Hercules,” in a solemn ceremony Tuesday.

Hercules, who was assigned to Officer David Russell, is credited with 323 arrests. The dog was trained in narcotics detection and patrol, and began its service with Lawrenceville police in July 2001. A full Honor Guard service was held at Oak Rest Pet Gardens Funeral Home Cemetery in Dacula. Andria Simmons

NORTHSIDE

Habitat to build homes for four families

North Central Georgia Habitat for Humanity held a First Nail Ceremony for four families Saturday at the Villages of Park Creek neighborhood in Woodstock on the Cherokee/Fulton County line. More than 125 volunteers, sponsors, staff, board members, and family members attended the ceremony. The group is revitalizing an abandoned subdivision that fell victim to the real estate recession. The effort features the annual Ecumenical Build in which more than a dozen North Fulton churches join forces to raise funds and provide volunteer labor and prayer support. Patrick Fox

Chamber reaches out to future leaders

Emerging Leaders Program is seeking qualified high school juniors in North Fulton. The program is part of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce- Leadership North Fulton Program. Students are exposed to local government leaders, financial responsibility and college admissions advice. Applications are due Sept. 6. The classes take place during the years on teacher work days and students are required to commit to 15 hours of community service. Information: wwww.leadershipnorthfulton.com. Sandra Marshall Murray

Book on Cherokee history on the way

The Cherokee County Historical Society said the book Cherokee County, Georgia: A History will debut in November. Authored by Cherokee County Native Rebecca Johnston, the book is the first comprehensive history of the county published since 1932. The 224-page hardcover book will contain over 200 rare photographs, maps and documents from the society’s archives.

The price is $38 and a discount is available for Historical Society members.

Information: Preorder at www.rockbarn.org or 770-345-3288. Kenneth Musisi

Miss Mary’s holds benefit for Drake House

The public is invited to the seventh annual Miss Mary’s Ice Cream Crankin’ fundraiser benefiting “The Drake House,” a crisis residential assessment center for homeless women and children in the North Fulton area. The event is Aug. 28, 2- 4 p.m. at the Historic Roswell Town Square, 616 Atlanta St., Roswell (Corner of Mimosa Boulevard and Marietta Highway 120).

Tickets are $5 for individuals and $15 for family at the event. Information: www.thedrakehouse.org or 770-587-4712. Kenneth Musisi

Forsyth beautification group to hold banquet

Keep Forsyth County Beautiful will hold its annual Recognition Banquet Aug. 30 at Cumming Elementary School, 540 Dahlonega Street, Cumming.

The event begins with social time at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and recognition from 6-8 p.m. Reservations are required by Aug. 26.

Information: kfcb@forsythco.com or 770-205-4573

KFCB sponsors America Recycles Day, Christmas tree and phone book recycling, the Great American Cleanup, Earth Day and compiles the litter index.

It also heads Adopt-A-Road, Adopt-A-Stream, Liberty Garden’s, tree planting and beautification efforts. Patrick Fox

ATLANTA

Certification lapses ding police officers

At least 50 Atlanta police officers lost their arrest powers because of lapses in their state certifications as peace officers and that number could increase many times over, APD has confirmed. The agency is reviewing the records of about 1,800 sworn employees and that process should be completed in a few weeks. Some of the certification problems a city audit found with about 200 officers date to 1990. APD is reviewing the finds of that report, according to the agency. Rhonda Cook

Music event to benefit bipolar research

A music event to raise money for bipolar disorder research and its impact on performers is planned for Friday and Saturday at Smith’s Olde Bar in Midtown in memory of blues prodigy Sean Costello, who died of a drug overdose on the day before he would have turned 29.

The doors open at 8 p.m. both days for performances by the Last Waltz Ensemble and more than a dozen blues artists. It was only after Costello’s death in 2008 that it became public knowledge that he was bipolar. Rhonda Cook

Girls Scouts host pet adoption event

In an effort to bring awareness to the issue of pet abandonment, Girl Scouts from Troop 1368 will host a pet rescue and adoption event at the Atlanta Humane Society, located at 981 Howell Mill Road NW in Atlanta, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Information: Jherusha Lambert at 678-522-3021. Veronica Fields Johnson

King Center prepares for memorial dedication

The King Center on Tuesday announced events and services tied to the dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial on Aug. 28 in Washington.

Anyone interested in attending the dedication may grab one of a dwindling number of seats on a bus that will leave the Auburn Avenue center at 7 a.m. Aug. 26 and return Aug. 29. The ride is free. Call 404-526-8900. In Atlanta, people can view the event on a giant screen set up in Freedom Plaza at the King Center. Shelia Poole

DEKALB

SBA administrator to visit DeKalb

The regional administrator of the Small Business Association will visit DeKalb County next week.

Cassius Butts will meet with small business owners and would-be entrepreneurs to discuss how the SBA can help launch or support enterprises.

The event, sponsored by County Commissioner Larry Johnson and the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, is free an open to the public.

The meeting runs from 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 25 at the Porter Sanford center, 3181 Rainbow Dr., near Decatur.

More information: 404-371-2425. April Hunt

Youth soccer signup deadline is Sept. 6

Youth soccer sign up for the Atlanta Spurs FC, has begun and will continue through Sept. 6. There are three divisions, for children ages 4- to 12-years-old. The cost is $100 for the season, which begins with practice the week of Aug. 22 and games on Sept. 10. For more information, visit www.atlantaspurs.com or call Paul Smith, 404-432-2722. Michelle E. Shaw

Headstones restored for Confederate soldiers

The Confederate Memorial Camp of Stone Mountain has restored additional headstones of unknown Confederate soldiers in the Stone Mountain Cemetery on Silver Hill Road.

The group will dedicate the latest headstones and a flagpole erected there last spring at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20.

More information: www.scv1432.org. April Hunt

County hosts business summit Thursday

DeKalb County will host a summit for small business owners this week 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. Thursday, 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

Residents press Rep. Johnson on jobs

DeKalb County residents recently rallied at the local office of U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Lithonia, to call on him to focus on job creation.

The rally last week was designed also to encourage more focus on jobs instead of the current Congressional discussions that include cuts to programs such as Medicare, Social Security and Medicaid. April Hunt

Decatur takes inventory of stop signs

For those keeping score, Decatur officially has 500 stop signs within its four square miles, according to a recently-prepared map detailing the location of each sign.

“We didn’t have an easily accessible record of our stop signs,” said City Manager Peggy Merriss. “Since we own them (DeKalb County owns the city’s traffic lights), we figured it was about time we took an accurate account.” The city typically adds two new ones a year, she added, although the most recent, at East Lake Road and 2nd Avenue, was erected 18 months ago.

Bill Banks for the AJC

SOUTHSIDE

Peachtree City activist to run for council

Peachtree City activist George Dienhart Wednesday declared his candidacy for city council. He cited recent council decisions and public disagreements for running. “The city council’s recent behavior has left local residents concerned over the damage that is being done to the city’s reputation,” Dienhart said, citing the recent censure of Mayor Don Haddix. “I would also like to help get the city back on track in regards to job creation.” He is a member of Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church in Peachtree City. Tammy Joyner

HMC offers CPR first aid course

Henry Medical Center will conduct a HeartSaver CPR First Aid course Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Course length may vary depending upon the skill level of participants. It is taught by a certified American Heart Association instructor and includes CPR and first aid for adult and pediatric victims. Registration is required for this class. To register, visit www.henrymedical.com or call 678-604-1040. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Downtown Live in Hapeville to be Friday

Hapeville’s Downtown Live concert is set for Friday and features the city’s own Tim Purcell. The concert runs from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the city’s Jess Lucas Park. Live music and food vendors are featured. John Thompson for the AJC

College Park Cityfest to be Saturday

Join the city of College Park Saturday at the Georgia International Convention Center for the fifth annual Cityfest. Doors open at 3 p.m. and Bobby Blue Bland headlines the entertainment. There will be plenty of games and activities for children, music for adults and great food samplings for all. John Thompson for the AJC

Sean Shuffler band at McDonough concert

The Main Street McDonough Program’s Free Summer Concert Series will feature a performance by the Sean Shuffler Band from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday on the McDonough Square. Concertgoers can bring their own chairs, blankets or picnic baskets, or enjoy food from local restaurants. Information: 770-898-9868 or mainstreet@mcdonough-ga.gov. Veronica Fields Johnson

Free child safety seat inspections Saturday

Safe Kids Clayton County will conduct free child safety seat inspections and demonstrations on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Don Jackson Mitsubishi in Union City. Certified child passenger safety technicians will inspect the selection and installation of child safety and booster seats. Demonstrations of proper seat use will also be available. Information: Contact Ashley at 770-969-8003 for appointments. Veronica Fields Johnson

Hampton hosts model train event

The Mid-Georgia Model Railroad Club will display a wide array of model trains at the Hampton Train Depot Saturday, Aug. 20 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 21 from noon to 5 p.m. There will be craft and food vendors in the Depot park. Monroe Roark for the AJC