County by county news for Saturday

Wagner has served as Sprayberry's principal since 2009. Kell principal Trudie Donovan resigned earlier this summer after she failed to report an allegation of sexual abuse to child welfare officials.

Daarel Burnette II

Ribbon cutting for new airport facility

Cobb officials, joined by Atlanta Executive Jet Center representatives held a ribbon cutting on Friday for the new Corporate Row at the county's McCollum Airport. The new corporate hangars are estimated to have a economic impact of $9 million annually. The 20-month, $7 million development was funded by Atlanta Executive Jet Center, which leased the space. Information: 770-528-1615; www.cobbdot.org Janel Davis

McDonald's arches may be downsized

McDonald's may have to downsize its golden arches in Powder Springs. McDonald's officials are challenging Community Development Director Pam Conner's decision that "the trademarked architectural roof element" is a sign, making it subject to the city's size and location restrictions. Public hearings will be 7:30 p.m. July 30 by the Planning and Zoning Commission and 7 p.m. Aug. 20 by the City Council. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Ott to hold town hall on T-SPLOST

Cobb County Commissioner Bob Ott will hold a town hall meeting on Monday about the regional transportation referendum. Presentations are expected from representatives of tax plan proponent groups including Untie Atlanta. Activist Ron Sifen and state Rep. Ed Setzler, R-Acworth, will also discuss their reasons for opposing the plan. The town hall begins at 7 p.m. at Mt. Bethel UMC, 4385 Lower Roswell Road in Marietta. Information: 770-528-3316 Janel Davis

Recycle unwanted appliances free today

Cobb County residents can recycle their broken or unwanted appliances free of charge on Saturday in Marietta.

The Appliance Amnesty Day is sponsored by Keep Cobb Beautiful and Advanced Disposal Services. Appliances with Freon/refrigerant will have a $5 disposal processing fee.

The event runs from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cobb Waste Disposal/Transfer Station, 1897 County Services Pkwy. Information: 770-485-8940 Janel Davis

Candidates' meet-and-greet today

Life Changers Church is hosting a "Meet & Greet the Candidates of Cobb County" event from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. today at 1839 Powder Springs Road S.W., Marietta. Candidates will elaborate on why they are running, what changes they plan to implement in Cobb County, how they plan to serve the community and their insights on foreclosure, education and immigration issues in Georgia. Information: www.thelifechangers.org. Kenneth Musisi

GWINNETT

FAA removes Briscoe from privatization plan

The Federal Aviation Administration has formally removed Gwinnett County's Briscoe Field from its airport privatization program.

After nearly three years of debate over whether to privatize and allow commercial flights at the Lawrenceville airport, the Board of Commissioners recently rejected a proposal to allow commercial flights. It also voted to withdraw its FAA application for the privatization program.

The agency formally accepted Gwinnett's withdrawal earlier this month. David Wickert

Five rescued from Yellow River

An adult and four children were rescued from the Yellow River on Thursday after their rafts got caught on rocks.

The Gwinnett County Fire Department's swiftwater rescue crew was dispatched to the Annistown Road bridge over the Yellow River. Three people were clinging to a bridge support column and two others were in distress further down the river. Those who were beside the bridge were assisted to the river bank, and rescuers then threw ropes attached to tow bags out to the other two victims to pull them in safely. Andria Simmons

Chamber publishes candidate survey

The Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce has published survey results from candidates seeking elected offices in Gwinnett County. The chamber asked candidates seeking local, state and federal offices about economic development, education, transportation and other issues. To view and download the candidates' responses, visit www.gwinnettchamberpublicpolicy.com. David Wickert

Teen driving education course today

Tire Rack Street Survival, a national non-profit teen driving education program is hosting the 'Arrive Alive' During this Summer's '100 Deadliest Days' event from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds. Licensed and permitted drivers ages 15 -- 21 are taught in their own cars how to manage everyday driving hazards, obstacles and challenges. Cost is $75 per student. Information: www.streetsurvival.org. Kenneth Musisi

Youth mission group to visit Sugar Hill

World Changers, a faith-based student mission group akin to Habitat for Humanity, is scheduled to help restore homes in Sugar Hill for five days beginning Monday. In coordination with the city and its housing authority, an estimated 130 young adults are expected to help needy residents repair their homes. Michael Alpert for the AJC

Lawrenceville concert series continues

Lawrenceville's popular concert series Moonlight & Music continues at 8 p.m. July 27 on the lawn of the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse with Grammy-nominated songwriter Shawn Mullins. Lawn seating is free. Tables are available for reservation, and 10 additional tables have been added for this event. Reservations: 678-226-2639, www.visitlawrenceville.com.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Culvert work to close street for 8 weeks

The Roswell Public Works Department is scheduled to begin a culvert replacement project along Junction Track beginning Monday. The project is expected to be completed by Sept. 30.

The area between 400 and 390 Junction Track will be closed to traffic during construction. There will be a detour route in place around the project.

Information: 770-641-3707. Patrick Fox

One person dead in head-on collision

One person was killed Friday in a wreck and truck fire in Forsyth County near the Hall County line.

According to the state Department of Transportation, the crash happened before 10:30 a.m. on Ga. 53 near Dogwood Path, on the bridge over Lake Lanier.

The crash involved a head-on collision between an SUV and a box truck, and the truck was on fire, said Capt. Jason Shivers with the Forsyth County Fire Department. Mike Morris

Home irrigation workshop on Tuesday

Fulton residents can get tips on using home irrigation systems at a workshop Tuesday at the Johns Creek Environmental Campus in Roswell. The class, held by the county's Water Resources Department, runs from 6 to 7 p.m. at 8100 Holcomb Bridge Road. Topics include programming controllers; inspecting for leaks; adjusting sprinkler head height, spray patterns and positions; and rain sensor installation. Information: 404-612-8745 or jennifer.mclaurin@fultoncountyga.gov. Johnny Edwards

Woodstock newsletter shifts to online

The city of Woodstock's monthly newsletter, Towne Hall News, will be moving mainly to electronic publication. The city says with broad online access and social media tools in place, it can reach the same number of people in a more timely manner. For a paper copy, e-mail City Clerk Rhonda Pezzello at rpezzello@woodstockga.gov or call 770-592-6002. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Forsyth plans fair for seniors

Forsyth County Senior Services will stage the Healthy Aging and Fitness Fair 10 a.m. - noon on Tuesday at the Sexton Hall Enrichment Center. The fair designed for adults 50-plus will offer health screenings, wellness information and exercise demonstrations. The enrichment center is located at 2115 Chloe Road. More info: www.forsythco.com

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Historical Society to hold July sale

The Roswell Historical Society will be hosting a holiday sale featuring vintage, new and gently used holiday decorations from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 28 and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. July 29 at the Historic 1903 Hembree Family Home at 780 Hembree Road, Roswell. All proceeds from the sale will go toward the restoration of the Hembree Farm Historic Site. Information: www.roswellhistoricalsociety.org or e-mail hembreefarm@bellsouth.net. Sandra Marshall Murray

ATLANTA

Voter education event today at Grady

The Urban League of Greater Atlanta Young Professionals, in conjunction with Kennesaw State University's American Democracy Project, is holding its fifth annual "Super Saturday" Georgia voter education event on today at Grady High School, 929 Charles Allen Dr. The event is scheduled to run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

It will feature a T-SPLOST panel discussion moderated by 11Alive's DeMarco Morgan. Jeremiah McWilliams

Mayor picks prosecutor for judgeship

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed on Friday appointed a Fulton County prosecutor to serve on the Municipal Court bench.

Christopher Evan Ward, a chief senior assistant district attorney, is a former senior staff attorney for Georgia Power. An Atlanta native, Ward thanked Reed "for this honor and privilege of serving as the next judge in the Municipal Court in Atlanta." Bill Rankin

Some APS students will take MARTA

In 2012-13, Atlanta Public Schools will requiring some students take MARTA rather than receiving school bus transportation. The list includes students who live out-of-zone and are enrolled in magnet programs at Douglass High, North Atlanta High, Grady High, Washington High and Mays High, and students enrolled at non-traditional schools Crim High and West End Academy. Students will receive MARTA passes. Info: www.atlanta.k12.ga.us Jaime Sarrio

Group talk about trade with Botswana

Atlanta City Council President Ceasar C. Mitchell joined a group of international business representatives on Friday, at the Lowes Hotel to discuss business partnership opportunities between the Georgia businesses and Botswana, a landlocked country located southern Africa. Mitchell was joined by the Ambassador from the Republic of Botswana to the United States, Dr. Tebelelo M. Seretse and officials from Atlanta as well as Fulton and DeKalb counties. Jeremiah McWilliams

DEKALB

Decatur school enrollment continues to spike

Decatur schools have nearly reached their projected eight percent enrollment increase, with 378 of a projected 384 new students already enrolling in the city's eight schools. Superintendent Phyllis Edwards said Wednesday the end may not be in sight, adding that "we may not see [enrollment] cap until well into August. [The growth] is exciting and motivating, but it's also challenging because we don't have enough land to build another school, or to even build many additions to current schools." Decatur schools have had a 30 percent enrollment increase since 2005. Bill Banks for the AJC

The Way Christian Ministries relocates

The Way Christian Ministries in Decatur announced that it is moving from 2131 Snapfinger Road to 1760 Snapfinger Road. The church will host a Family, Friends and Community Day event with free food and entertainment from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today. On Sunday, a motorcade will head to the new location at 9:30 a.m. and the ribbon cutting ceremony is at 10:15 a.m. Kenneth Musisi

DeKalb expanding animal adoption hours

DeKalb County will soon add Sunday hours at its animal shelter as part of an ongoing effort find homes for the 5,000 animals it euthanizes each year.

Starting today, the shelter on Memorial Drive and Camp Circle will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays.

The facility also is open from 10 .m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays and on Fridays. The shelter has extended evening hours, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., on Thursdays, and is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. Information: www.dekalbcountyanimalservices.com. April Hunt

Talent sought for Tucker summer festival

The Old Town Tucker Merchants Association is looking for street artists such as jugglers, stilt walkers and clowns to participate in the upcoming Tucker Summer Festival, taking place from noon to 6 p.m. July 28 on Main Street. Those interested in participating must immediately contact Jamey Wilson at 404-556-7666.

The summer celebration will feature hula hoop, watermelon eating, hot dog eating and hamburger topping contests, music, a sand sculpture demonstration, bicycle show, local celebrity dunk tank and much more.

Information: www.ottma.com/tucker-summer-festival.html

Kenneth Musisi

Mall launches trial of community garden

The North DeKalb Mall Community Garden was started this summer as a trial run for an urban community garden. Keep DeKalb Beautiful participated in providing compost and mulch. The Atlanta Community Food Bank provided many of the seeds, and Global Grower's Network helped plan and coordinate this effort. The initial plot is 100 feet long and 60 feet wide and is farmed by a Bhutanese refugee family living less than a mile from the mall. But other interested parties — neighborhoods, churches, etc. — can have their own plots, volunteer to help new gardeners and to be a part of the community garden and its programs. More info: Taylor Dozier, general manager at 404-320-7960 or taylor@northdekalbmall.com.

Nancy Badertscher

SOUTHSIDE

Fulton receives $1 million to help people with HIV

Fulton County Health Services will receive up to $1 million over three years to help connect more people living with HIV to the care they need to stay healthy. The initiative also includes Houston and Philadelphia and is funded by the Merck Company Foundation. Some 1.2 million Americans are living with HIV, with 50,000 new infections each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The HIV epidemic in metro Atlanta is primarily concentrated in the downtown area, a study from the Emory University Center for AIDS Research shows. Misty Williams

Deadline near for absentee ballots

The deadline is July 27 to request Fulton County absentee ballots for the July 31 primary election.

Applications are at www.fultoncountyga.gov/registration-elections and can be faxed to Registration and Elections at 404-730-8839, or mailed to 130 Peachtree St., S.W., Suite 2186, Atlanta, 30303. Completed ballots are due to the department by 7 p.m. on election day.

The election includes the 1-cent transportation sales tax referendum as well as the races for Sheriff, Tax Commissioner, Solicitor General, Superior Court Clerk, two Fulton school board seats and several Southside Legislative seats.

Information: 404-612-7020. Johnny Edwards

Jobs oversight board to elect officers

The oversight board for Fulton County's use of federal job training funds will elect its 2012-13 officers at its quarterly meeting Thursday in College Park. The meeting starts at 9:30 a.m. at the Office of Workforce Development's Youth Employment Services Center, 4842 Old National Highway.

The board, officially titled the Workforce Preparation and Employment System-Workforce Investment Act Board, oversees the creation of programs that help put the unemployed back to work, giving job seekers career training, skill upgrades and training in new fields. Services are offered through a statewide network of One-Stop centers. Johnny Edwards

Brian Jordan to sign autographs today

Academy Sports + Outdoors in McDonough will host a free autograph session with former Atlanta Braves outfielder Brian Jordan. Jordan also had a brief NFL career playing for the Atlanta Falcons. Jordan will sign free autographs (one per person) from 4 to 4:30 p.m. today at 198 South Point Blvd. For details and to register for Brian Jordan's MVP Baseball camp, visit www.everettsm.com. Kenneth Musisi

Back to school event in Henry today

Communities in Schools of Henry County is hosting a free back-to-school event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Representatives from all 50 Henry County schools will provide information for the upcoming school year. Families will enjoy free food, activities and a variety of giveaways, including 5,000 free backpacks. Complimentary transportation is available at Henry County high schools beginning at 9:30 a.m. Information: www.cis-henry.org or 770-288-6230. Kenneth Musisi