County by county news for Saturday

Byrne, a former Cobb chairman, is in a runoff with incumbent Tim Lee on Aug. 21. Savage, a retired engineering professional, came in fourth in the July 31 primary. He also ran unsuccessfully against Lee two years ago to fill the position left vacant when former chairman Sam Olens became state Attorney General.

In a message to his supporters this week, Savage labeled Byrne as a candidate "committed to return the Cobb County government to its Conservative roots." Janel Davis

Meals on Wheels needs volunteers

Meals on Wheels needs volunteers to deliver hot meals to homebound seniors in Marietta, Smyrna, Austell, Mableton and Powder Springs. Cobb Senior Services is also looking for groups to adopt a delivery route. Meals are delivered from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Information: Volunteer Services at 770-528-5381.Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Cancer Society Ball set for Aug. 11

The American Cancer Society's 39th annual Swordsman's Ball is scheduled for Aug. 11 at the Cobb Galleria Center. The black-tie optional gala, themed "Warriors of the Fight" this year, will focus on people who surround cancer patients during their cancer battles. The event will feature a silent auction, musical performance by Atlanta variety band, Prime, and a video with cancer survivors and their "warriors" with them in the fight.

Gala proceeds benefit The American Cancer Society and its fight against cancer.

Information: Jessica Sweeney, 770-429-0089; Jessica.sweeney@cancer.org

Janel Davis

Six Flags discounts for school donations

Donate six or more new school supplies Monday through Friday and receive half-off, one-day adult admissions at Six Flags Over Georgia, 275 Riverside Parkway at I-20, Austell. Admission coupons may be used only on the day of donations.

Supplies will be donated to Kids In Need Foundation, a national nonprofit providing free school supplies to children.

Information: kinf.org or sixflags.com/overGeorgia/events/BacktoSchoolSupplyDrive.aspx

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Business event begins Wednesday

The South Cobb Business Association will launch its monthly networking event 8-9:30 a.m. Wednesday at Presbyterian Village, 2000 East-West Connector, Austell.

Free breakfast will be served.

These meetings will be on the second Wednesdays.

Information: southcobbba.org or the meeting's facilitator, Dr. Richard Block at rgblock48@gmail.com.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Marietta students invited on 'kruise'

Marietta City Schools are inviting its elementary students to ride their bus for a trial run before school starts Thursday.

Buses in the district will run during regularly scheduled route times on Tuesday.

Marietta elementary students are invited to ride their routes with their parents.

Daarel Burnette II

GWINNETT

Slain teen's father arrested on drug charges

The father of a Norcross teenager killed during a February home invasion was arrested Wednesday by federal agents. Drug Enforcement Administration agents arrested Nicholas Jackson, 38, at the Norcross police headquarters Norcross officers assisted with the arrest, which was the result of a federal investigation. Charges against Jackson were not disclosed, but he is one of nine people charged with possession of drugs with the intent to distribute, according to the indictment filed July 25 in U.S. District Court and obtained by the AJC. The nine were allegedly part of a conspirac to distribute cocaine and marijuana Alexis Stevens

Gwinnett hosts back-to-school celebration

Gwinnett County will host a "totally '80s" back to school celebration from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 10 at the Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center, 4650 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Norcross.

Those who attend are encouraged to dress in '80s clothing. The event will feature music, refreshments and prizes and is open to all ages. The cost is $7 at the door. Information: 770-417-2200. David Wickert

Lilburn holding downtown event

Police and fire vehicles on display, K-9 demonstrations, food and music highlight Lilburn Police and SafetySmart Lilburn's public safety event from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdayin downtown City Park, 76 Main St. That same night, residents are asked to leave on their porch lights, showing support for law enforcement and solidarity against crime. Michael Alpert for the AJC

Norcross hosts event against crime

Norcross invites residents to join in a Night Out against crimem 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Thrasher Park. This national event promotes neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships. Enjoy free food, entertainment, inflatables, crafts for kids, a police K-9 unit demonstration, plus info on how to be pro-active in fighting crime. Raffle for great prizes like a 32-inch flat screen TV.

Karen Huppert for the AJC

Rain barrel class could save be money saver

Gwinnett County Cooperative Extension is conducting a free workshop noon to 1 p.m. Thursday to learn about rain barrels, an easy to construct device for collecting rainwater for watering your landscape. 750 South Perry St., Suite 400 in Lawrenceville.

Pre-registration required by Tuesday by contacting Timothy Daly at 678-377-4010 or timothy.daly@gwinnettcounty.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Hudgens announces art competition

Hudgens Center for the Arts has announced their first Juried Member's Exhibit. Open to all Members of The Hudgens, 18 years and older, entries will be accepted between Aug. 25 and Sept. 1.

The exhibit will be featured Sept. 11 through Dec. 22 in the Georgia Gallery. Cost for entries is $10. Prizes will include a "Best in Show" award of $100 and three "Honorable Mention" awards of $50 each. Information: www.thehudgens.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Preschool teacher wins $1 million in lottery

The Georgia Lottery awarded a $1 million top prize in an instant game to a preschool teacher from Forsyth county.

Judy Pelham of Cumming, a mother of three adult children and grandmother of six, claimed her prize Wednesday at the Georgia Lottery District Office in Duluth.

The 56-year-old Pelham purchased her winning ticket in the Georgia Lottery Black game at the Save Money Food Mart on Hutchinson Road in Cumming, lottery officials said.

David Ibata

Cherokee Schools updating meal program

Cherokee County Schools is updating its meals program in accordance with new guidelines from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

School meals will include whole grain-rich foods, more fruits and vegetables, low-fat and fat-free milk, age-appropriate portions, meals with low sodium and no trans-fats.

Wayne Washington

Five men jailed after drug investigation

Five men were arrested Thursday in conjunction with a drug operation at the Peaks Apartments in Acworth.

The Cherokee County Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad arrested Charles Edward Elliott, 37, Richard Darrin Hudson, 46, and Germaine Sharif Fludd, 37, on charges related to the possession and sale of cocaine and marijuana.

Afterward, deputies noticed a car pull into the complex, the occupants of which were not residents. Alexander Anthony Verucci, 30, and Keith Adam Vance Jr., 30, were arrested when a search of their vehicle turned up drugs and a firearm.

All the men were in custody Friday at Cherokee Adult Detention Center. Andria Simmons

Canton overrides fire district veto

The Canton City Council Thursday night overrode Mayor Gene Hobgood's veto of an ordinance creating a citywide, separate fire protection district on a 5-1 vote.

In vetoing the measure last week, Hobgood said he favored consolidation with the county instead and said the fire plan would take away the city's senior property tax exemption. Proponents have said the plan to create a tax-levying district is an alternative to consolidation. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Social media seminar planned in Canton

A Canton IT firm presents a free seminar 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Thursday on how businesses can better use social media. Technical Resource Solutions, LLC is located at the Cherokee Arts Center, 94 North St., Canton. Info: 678-928-9491.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Free pet adoptions Saturday in Canton

Cherokee County Animal Shelter will host a FREE adult dog and cat adoptions on 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday at 1015 Univeter Road, Canton.

Adoptions include spay/neuter, initial vaccinations, deworming, microchip, initial flea/tick treatment, sample bag of food and a free office visit with a participating veterinarian. For more information please visit www.cherokeega.com or call 678-493-4393. Sandra Marshall Murray

ATLANTA

Church provides cheap school supplies

A church is helping students at Atlanta's Whitefoord Elementary purchase affordable school supplies. For the last three years, Edgewood Church has collected donated school supplies and sold them to parents at a discounted price during student registration.

"This store gives parents the opportunity to provide for their own children, teachers a classroom of students ready to start the year and the school a small 'ministry' fund," Carrie Dean, co-pastor of Edgewood Church.

Jaime Sarrio

Vivian named president of SCLC

The Southern Christian Leadership Conference has elected the Rev. C.T. Vivian president of the Atlanta-based civil rights organization.

A civil rights veteran, Vivian, 88, has been interim president for several months, following the ouster of Isaac Newton Farris.

The change was made during the organization's national conference in Florida in July.

Vivian said he was committed to serve for a year in that position as the SCLC focuses on expanding the number of chapters and on voter education and registration initiatives. The organization plans to still conduct a national search for a new president. Sheila M. Poole

Non-profit sponsors college fair

Prospective college students and their families are invited to the Colleges That Changes Lives program at 7 p.m. Aug. 13 at the JW Marriott Atlanta Buckhead, 3300 Lenox Rd., NE.

The free event will feature a panel discussion on the college search process and a college fair.

Information: www.CTCL.org. Veronica Fields Johnson

Joiner named a director at Aflac cancer center

Dr. Clinton H. Joiner has been named director of hematology for the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

Joiner, a native of Atlanta, will also be a professor in the Emory University Department of Pediatrics. Kenneth Musisi

DEKALB

Capital defendant to get new judge

When DeKalb County prosecutors obtained an indictment against Michael Rothenberg before he lost his bid to unseat Superior Court Judge Gail Flake, lawyers for a death-penalty defendant moved to have Flake recused from the case on grounds her impartiality could be questioned.

With the consent of prosecutors, William Woodard, accused of killing DeKalb police Officers Eric Barker and Ricky Bryant, will now get a new judge, a recent court order said. Woodard was scheduled to go to trial Aug. 29. Bill Rankin

Repaving may cause weekend traffic delays

A major repaving project that began on the top-end Perimeter could cause backups on I-285.

According to state Department of Transportation, two left lanes of I-285 eastbound from Paces Ferry Road to Ashford Dunwoody Road will be closed until 5 a.m. Monday.

Motorists should also expect delays on surface streets in the area as well as on I-75 and Ga. 400 approaching I-285.

And the left lane of I-285 eastbound from I-85 to I-675 will be closed for roadwork through 5 a.m. Monday. Mike Morris

Free back-to-school head lice checks

Elimilice, a professional head lice company, will provide free back-to-school head-lice checks 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday at 1549 Clairmont Rd., Suite 107, Decatur.

Services available on a first-come, first-served basis for individuals with clean, dry hair free of products and knots and who have become a fan of the company on Facebook. Information: 404-704-2200 or contact@elimilice.com.

Veronica Fields Johnson

Greenspace initiatives to be discussed

The DeKalb Parks Bond Advisory Committee and Initiative for a Green DeKalb Advisory Council will meet at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the ONE DeKalb Neighborhood Resource Center at Northlake Mall, 4800 Briarcliff Rd. Attendees will receive updates on greenspace acquisitions and current Parks and Recreation Projects. Information: Mamie Ellis - 404-371-2082. Veronica Fields Johnson

DeKalb chief of staff to lead college

Jabari Simama, the chief of staff for DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis, will be next president of Georgia Piedmont Technical College starting Sept. 1.

The previous college president, Robin Hoffman, retired more than a year ago.

The college, based in Clarkston, enrolls more than 8,000 students and serves DeKalb, Morgan, Newton and Rockdale counties.

Simama previously taught at Georgia Tech, Clark Atlanta University and Atlanta Metropolitan College. Laura Diamond

Global Village cultural event Saturday

The public is invited to learn about the cultural aspects and diversity of the students at the Global Village School 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday at the Decatur Public Library, 215 Sycamore St.

The event, sponsored by the school and Girl Scout Troop 22342, will feature a performance by the Burundi Drummers and information on traditional dress, food and facts on several countries, including Burundi, Afghanistan, Sudan and Burma. Veronica Fields Johnson

SOUTHSIDE

Recount set for Monday in Henry commission race

A recount in the Republican primary race between Warren Holder and Bo Moss for the District I seat on the Henry County Board of Commissioners is scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday at the county's election office at 345 Phillips Drive, McDonough.

Moss defeated Holder by 15 votes, 1,898 to 1,883, according to the original count.

The winner will face Democrat James Mays in November. Holder has been on the board since 1997 and is seeking a fifth term. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Peachtree City might raise millage rate

Peachtree City's proposed budget for FY 2012-13 includes a .0372 roll-up of the millage rate to offset declining property and sales tax revenues. Financial Services Director Paul Salvatore presented a draft to City Council Aug. 2 as part of public discussion to raise the millage rate or cut services. A meeting will be held 8 p.m. Thursday at City Hall.Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Immunizations offered in Clayton County

With the school year scheduled to begin on Aug. 13, the Clayton County Board of Health is carrying out a back-to-school immunization campaign that will last through Aug. 17.

County and school officials are urging parents to make sure their children are immunized. For children enrolling in Clayton County schools for the first time, a hearing, vision and dental screening is required.

There is a $25 fee for the screening, with assistance available based on income.

More information about immunization requirements is available at www.claytoncountypublichealth.org,

and

Wayne Washington

Fayette elementaries get new principals

Five Fayette County schools will have new principals. Kim Herron, principal of Fayetteville Intermediate, will also serve as the principal of Hood Avenue Primary. She replaces Julie Turner, who is the new principal at Kedron Elementary. Sharon Walters, former principal of Robert J. Burch, is now at Brooks Elementary. Felecia Spicer, former assistant principal at North Fayette, is the new principal at Burch. Former Oak Grove assistant principal Erinn Angelo is now principal of Sara Harp Minter. Jill Howard Church

Fulton to participate in anti-crime night

The Fulton County Police Department, in partnership with Fulton County agencies and local neighborhoods, is sponsoring National Night Out 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at 5495 Old National Hwy., College Park.

The event promotes crime awareness and support for crime and drug prevention efforts. Live entertainment, food and kids' activities will be available.

Information: 404-612-5321 or 404-358-6413. Veronica Fields Johnson

Henry commission meeting cancelled

The Henry County Board of Commissioners' regular workshop meeting for Monday has been cancelled. The board will convene at 9 a.m. Tuesday for its regular meeting.

The agenda can be seen at www.henrycounty-ga.org. Monroe Roark for the AJC