County by county news for Saturday

Candidates can file at the City Hall training room, 2529 J.O. Stephenson Ave., from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fees are $360. Information: www.kennesaw-ga.gov.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Learning center to help struggling students

Marietta High School has started a program for repeating freshman to help them get back on track academically and increase the school’s graduation rate.

The city high school partnered with the Communities in Schools program to open the QUEST Performance Learning Center that combines an online curriculum and service projects to help 30 ninth-graders currently enrolled to prepare for college and careers.

Marietta High has a graduation rate of 59.1 percent.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Libraries offer free puppet museum passes

Cobb residents with valid library cards can get a pass worth four free admissions to the Center for Puppetry Arts museum in Atlanta. Passes are available at Cobb library branches.

The museum, which features more than 350 puppets from around the world, is open Tuesdays through Sundays. Valid dates, show times, hours of operation, and reservation information available at www.puppet.org. Jaime Sarrio

Acworth to offer citizen police academy

Acworth is enrolling residents for a free citizen police academy starting March 5 and running for 12 weeks at Acworth Police Department, 4400 Acworth Industrial Drive.

The classes, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, will cover police operations and include a ride-along with an officer. Applicants must be 21. Information: www.acworth.org. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Development authority topic of luncheon

The Cobb County Development Authority will be the South Cobb Business Association topic at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at Presbyterian Village, 2000 East West Connector, Austell.

Luncheon cost is $12 for members, who pay online, $15 for members at the door or $20 for guests.

Information: sc-ba.org.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Registration open for chamber expo

Registration is open for the 2013 Cobb Chamber Business to Business Expo, which takes place from 3 to 7 p.m. May 16 at the Cobb Galleria Exhibition Hall D.

The event is expected to draw 1,600 attendees and will feature more than 150 companies showcasing products and services.

Information: jdudley@cobbchamber.org or 770-859-2359 or visit www.cobbchamber.org/businessexpo. Jaime Sarrio

GWINNETT

Norcross Police launch Spanish Facebook page

The Norcross Police Department has launched a version of its Facebook page in Spanish. Residents can find the page by searching for “Norcross policía” (Norcross Police) on Facebook. By “liking” the page, they will receive updates about everything from city-sponsored events, community services provided by the police department, street closings, lookouts for missing and wanted persons, crime statistics, and important safety messages. U.S. Census Bureau figures for 2010 show 39.4 percent of Norcross’s population is Hispanic or Latino. Andria Simmons

Local charity recieves $25k grant

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation has given $134,000 in grants to nine Metro Atlanta nonprofit organizations to address hunger and homelessness along with long-term issues such as financial wellness through access to benefits and resources.

In Gwinnett and Fulton counties, the Partnership Against Domestic Violence received a $25,000 grant to help provide emergency shelter and related services to women and children who are victims of domestic violence. Since 2009, the organization has seen a 50-percent increase in the number of Hispanic woman and children served in Gwinnett County. Dan Klepal

Salad bar being given to Craig Elementary

The Association for Dressings & Sauces is donating a salad bar to Gwinnett County’s Craig Elementary School. The salad bar will be debut at the school on Monday.

The international trade association is working with Gwinnett County Public Schools’ School Nutrition Program in its efforts to enhance the healthy meal options to students. Nancy Badertscher

Gwinnett STAR students named

Brookwood High School’s Eric Yao and Parkview High School’s Julian Menzel have been named Gwinnett 2013 STAR students. Both were recognized Thursday at the county’s STAR Student and Teacher luncheon at the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce in Duluth. Each STAR student is a senior in the top 10 percent of his or her class with the highest SAT score.

As part of the recognition, each STAR student selects a teacher who has had a strong influence on his or her academic career.

Eric Yao selected Dana Kling, Brookwood High language arts teacher, and Julian Menzel chose Caroline Miklosovic, a Parkview Latin teacher.

Nancy Badertscher

School system names new COO

The Gwinnett County Board of Education has named Daniel “Danny” Jardine as the school system’s chief operations officer. Jardine replaces longtime COO Jim Steele who retired last fall. Jardine will lead the district’s Division of Facilities and Operations, with oversight of facility planning and construction, fleet and grounds maintenance, building maintenance, environmental and supply services, risk management and transportation.

He has more than 30 years of experience in design and construction. His annual salary will be $178,214. Nancy Badertscher

NORTHSIDE

Town hall meeting set on fire bond referendum

A town hall meeting has been set for 5 p.m. Monday at the Laurel Canyon golf club on the city of Canton’s March 19 fire bond referendum.

City Council members Hooky Huffman and Bob Rush will speak briefly, then field questions on the proposal to issue up to $6 million in bonds to build up to three new fire stations, renovate the downtown station and purchase fire equipment.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Cherokee chamber seeks future leaders

The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominees for its Top 10 in 10 Young Professionals recognition program. It showcases rising professionals ages 25 to 40 considered potential future leaders. Submission deadline is April 5. Those recognized will be featured at a chamber breakfast in June. Information: 770-345-0400 or www.CherokeeChamber.com

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Road repairs could tie up Woodstock traffic

The city of Woodstock says that major road repairs that have been underway at North Main Street and Haney Road will continue into today (Saturday). Repair crews are expected to be on-site into Saturday evening. Expect lane closures and delays. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Milton, Roswell sponsor disposal day

The Milton Public Works Department and Milton Grows Green are sponsoring a bulky trash amnesty day from 8 a.m. to noon, March 16. Milton and Roswell residents can bring items to the Roswell Public Works Division, 1810 Hembree Road, Roswell. Proof of residency will be required, and utility bills are preferred.

Sponsors are asking for donations of gently-worn shoes to help fund Milton’s Community Wildlife Habitat Project.

Other items accepted include: sofas, rimless car tires, tables, refrigerators, chairs, washers, dryers, electronics and TVs.

Information: Cindy Eade, 678-242-2509 or cindy.eade@cityofmiltonga.us. Patrick Fox

Historical society to hold general meeting

The general meeting of the Roswell Historical Society will be 7 p.m. Thursday at the Gardens of Great Oaks, 786 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell. Jerry Hightower, a ranger with the National Park Service, will present a program on the History of the Chattahoochee River Corridor. The event is free and open to the public. Information: www.roswellhs.org. Veronica Fields Johnson

Basketball academy signup underway

Registration is underway for the Forsyth County Parks and Recreation Department’s Spring Basketball Academy for athletes ages 5-12. Signup deadline for the $125 program is Friday and classes will be held March 10-May 5 at the County’s Central Park and Old Atlanta Park recreation centers.

Registrations can be taken at the county’s rec centers Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m-5 p.m., via fax and mail and at www.Forsythco.com

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

Student throws table at principal after fight

A Therrell High School student called to the principal’s office for fighting Friday morning threw a table at the principal and was arrested. The 16-year-old was charged with two crimes, aggravated assault and disrupting school, police said.

The incident began when seven students were taken to the principal’s office following a fight. While the students were in the principal’s office, one of them threw the table.

The principal didn’t require medical attention, but one other student was treated for injuries. Mark Niesse

APS launches superintendent search

The Atlanta Board of Education has begun the search for its next superintendent to succeed Interim Superintendent Erroll Davis.

The board appointed a 13-member advisory team to identify candidates, establish a timeline, gather community input and introduce candidates. The committee includes representatives from the mayor’s office, parent organizations, teacher groups and a student. Mark Niesse

Atlanta Birth Center to host fundraiser

The Atlanta Birth Center will hold a gala benefit auction at 7:30 p.m. today at The Solarium at Scottish Rite, Oakhurst Village, 321 West Hill Street, Decatur. Advance tickets are $50 per person, and $75 for couples in advance; $60 per person at the door. Information: www.atlantabirthcenter.org or 404-622-9810. Mea Watkins

Lecture series at GSU’s School of Hospitality

The Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality Administration of Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business will mark its 40th anniversary with a free, year-long distinguished lecture series aimed to inform students and expose them to experts within the hospitality industry. Kat Cole, president of Cinnabon Inc., will be the guest speaker at 2 p.m. Thursday at The Rialto Center for the Arts, 80 Forsyth St. N.W.

Information: robinson.gsu.edu/hospitality/.

Mea Watkins

DEKALB

Group plans fundraiser for Nature Center

The Dunwoody Nature Center will host its annual “Monarchs & Margaritas” fundraiser from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., April 27 at South Terraces Atrium, 115 Perimeter Center Place. The event will feature a birds of prey show, food and drink.

An auction will feature artwork and a private dinner for 12. Proceeds support conservation efforts and educational programs throughout the year.

Tickets are $100 per person, and sponsorships are available.

Information: www.monarchsandmargaritas.org. Patrick Fox

Community bike ride is Sunday

The Dunwoody Sustainability Commission is holding its monthly community bike ride at 3 p.m. Sunday in front of Bruster’s in the Dunwoody Village parking lot. The route covers 4.5 miles and runs in a loop of mostly right turns.

Cyclists all start together, but younger riders and those not able to stay with the main group will take a shorter route. Riders 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Participating cyclists must wear a helmet. Information: Bike Walk Dunwoody on Facebook. Patrick Fox

Forum for commission candidates

A forum and meet & greet for Decatur’s District 1 commission candidates, Scott Drake and Greg Coleson, is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. March 9 at The Church at Decatur Heights, 735 Sycamore Drive, Decatur.

Drake and Coleson are running in a March 19 special election for the seat vacated in December by Bill Floyd.

Drake, 37, son of former Decatur mayor Walt Drake, is director of client services for SolDesign, an interactive marketing agency.

Coleson, 48, an independent software consultant, started the Decatur Farmers Market. Bill Banks for the AJC

Jewish center to host Pickleball tournament

The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta Mature Adults will host their second Pickleball tournament from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at the center, 5342 Tilly Mill Rd., Dunwoody.

MJCCA’s 99-year-old Mature Adult Sid Cojac, dubbed the MJCCA’s “Mayor of Main Street,” will also participate.

Tournament registration fee is $15 for MJCCA members and $20 for non-members and Silver Sneaker members.

Registration is available at the door. Information: Shanna Levy at 678-812-4079. Veronica Fields Johnson

DeKalb senior group names new directors

Senior Connections, a nonprofit that serves senior citizens in DeKalb and Fulton counties, recently added two new members to its board of directors.

Alijah Brown, a senior living and customer service executive formerly with Atlanta’s City Housing Authority, and John Duran, the founder and owner of the planning firm Strategic Execution Associates.

The group also named Kevin Isakson, the marketing director at Isakson Living, and Trish McFadin, the government affairs director at SouthStar Energy, to a new advisory council designed to encourage more community leaders to volunteer.

Information: www.seniorconnectionsatl.org. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Fulton Schools receive $3.2 million literacy grant

The Georgia Department of Education has given Fulton County Schools almost $3.2 million in grants to promote literacy and professional development.

Nine elementary, middle and high schools will receive funds from the Striving Reader Comprehensive Literacy Grant.

Fourteen Fulton high schools have received nearly $18,000 in grants for the training of teachers at 2013 Advanced Placement Summer Institutes. Jeffry Scott

Fulton school registration set

Fulton County Schools has set spring kindergarten registration dates for the 2013-2014 school year: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday, May 1, and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday May 2. During these two days, parents of incoming kindergarten students, as well as other new elementary students entering school in August, can register their children. Parents should visit the school their child will attend in the fall. A list of documents needed for registration, including immunization requirements for kindergartners and pre-kindergarten students is posted here: http://portal.fultonschools.org/About_Fulton/Pages/Registration.aspx. Jeffry Scott

Noted educator to speak at expo

Fulton County Schools host a Title I Parent/Student Expo 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at Tri-Cities High School, 2575 Harris St. in East Point featuring educator Steve Perry as the guest speaker.

Perry is the founder and principal of Capital Preparatory Magnet School in Hartford, Conn. Capital Prep has sent all of its predominantly low-income, minority, first generation high school graduates to four-year colleges every year since its first class graduated in 2006. Jeffry Scott

Runoff election Tuesday

Thomas G. Crymes and David J. Stover, both Republicans, will face off in a special election for the vacant House District 71 seat Tuesday . Voters in the district, which spans portions of Coweta and Fayette counties, can cast ballots from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at either Precinct 18 (Kedron) or Precinct 31 (Fielding Ridge). Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Stormwater meetings continue in Fayette

The Fayette County Board of Commissioners will hold another town hall meeting to discuss new stormwater fees at 7 p.m. Monday at the meeting room of the Administrative Complex in downtown Fayetteville.

This is the second of three such meetings related to funding infrastructure repairs throughout the county.

The final meeting will be held March 25 at the same time and place. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Day camp offered during spring break

The Henry County Parks and Recreation Department is offering a Spring Break Camp for ages 6-12 the week of April 1-5. Cost is $100 per child and camp hours are from 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Information: www.hcprd.org.Monroe Roark for the AJC