County by county news for Saturday

The program is designed to help participants prepare to survive a disaster and live successfully through the aftermath.

Information: ema.cobbcountyga.gov, sweetwab@cobbcat.org or 770-819-3290. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Austell has 3 job openings

Austell is seeking to hire three full-time employees - a seasonal laborer and a landscaper, both for the Parks department, and a firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician-1.

Information: austellga.gov, see “Employment Opportunities” on the right panel, click “Position Details.”

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Mableton Day celebration today

The 9th annual Mableton Day Community Celebration is 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday at the Mable House Complex, 5239 Floyd Road, with free admission and free parking.

The 5K begins at 8 a.m., Mableton Jr. Fun Run at 9 a.m., then non-stop performances, food vendors, historic Mable House tours, vintage cars, arts and crafts demonstrations and the Kids’ Corner with inflatables, a rock wall, pedal cars, storytelling and puppet shows.

Proceeds are returned to the community as grants to winners of the Community Spirit Program challenge and through the work of the nonprofit Mableton Day partner organizations - Amateur Athletic Association, Mableton Improvement Coalition and South Cobb Arts Alliance.

Information: mabletonday.com.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Marietta art walkruns through fall

The First Friday Art Walk runs through Oct. 3 at 30 shops, arts galleries and museums around the Marietta Square. Maps for the free, self-guided tours are available at locations displaying an art walk banner. Painter Tommy Hunt will be featured at Avery Gallery, 390 Roswell St., Marietta. Information:www.artwalkmarietta.com.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Chamber hosts symposium Monday

The free Existing Industry Symposium will be 7:30 to 11 a.m. Monday at InfoMart, 1582 Terrell Mill Road, Marietta with breakfast and parking also free.

State and county personnel will lead panel discussions and lectures on various topics.

City representatives from Cobb County also will be available to answer questions.

Information: Amanda Blanton, 770-859-2336 or ablanton@cobbchamber.org.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Drivers ed teacher on state commission

Gov. Nathan Deal has appointed Beth Graham to the Georgia Driver’s Education Commission. She has taught drivers education classes for Marietta/Cobb Driver’s Education for 10 years.

She was sworn into office May 7. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

GWINNETT

Surplus revenue means bonus for school staff

The Gwinnett County Public Schools board voted Thursday to give employees a bonus equal to two days’ pay. The “salary adjustment” is only for full-time employees with benefits, including teachers. It will appear in June paychecks and will be based on each employee’s daily pay rate. Amounts will range from $200 to $913, the district said, adding that a beginning teacher will get $396. The $9 million in bonuses was possible because of rising property tax collections and savings elsewhere in the budget. Gwinnett will not have to tap its savings to pay for them, the district said. Ty Tagami

Non-profit president arrested on sex charges

Darrell Ellison, president of Jails to Nails, a non-profit that works with released inmates, was arrested Thursday for soliciting sexual favors from probationers in exchange for community service credit. He was charged with two counts each of criminal attempt to commit a felony and false statements.

The Sheriff’s Office began investigating after a female probationer complained about Ellison, who was arrested in a covert operation involving an undercover deputy posing as a probationer. Anyone with additional information should call: 770-619-6655. Dan Klepal

Duluth streets to receive sweeping

Duluth begins street sweeping the week of May 26 for three weeks. Residents are asked to avoid parking along streets after 7 p.m. beginning May 26. Duluth will post temporary ‘No Parking’ signs at least 24 hours before sweeping each street. Sweepers will start in zone 1 and proceed in numerical order to complete all zones. Zones: www.duluthga.net; Planning and Development Department/Stormwater Zones. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Ceremony will honor heroes

Gwinnett will host its annual Memorial Day Ceremony at 1 p.m. May 26 at the Fallen Heroes Memorial located on the grounds of the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville. Event celebrates and honors military heroes and public service personnel. Members of the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners and honor guard units from the Gwinnett County Corrections, Fire and Emergency Services, Police Department, Sheriff’s Office, and the Lawrenceville Police Department will participate. Information: www.gwinnettfallenheroes.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Berkeley Lake ‘Blessing the Fleet’

To celebrate the newly refilled lake Berkeley Lake Homeowners’ Association is sponsoring a “Blessing of the Fleet” and boat parade at 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday at the picnic grounds behind the Chapel. The blessing, an old, revered Sicilian tradition passed down from generation to generation to safeguard ships and crews from the dangers of the seas, is Berkeley Lake’s way to celebrate and bless the full lake and the boats returning to the lake. Information: www.berkeleylake.org.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Race honoring fathers needs volunteers

The third annual Peachtree Corners Festival 5K/1K Road Race & Fun Run for Kids honoring Father’s Day needs volunteers for the race at 9 a.m. June 15. Several shifts and positions available. Information and to volunteer: www.peachtreecornersfestival.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Duluth explains development code

Duluth will have presentations on, and open discussion about, the city’s new Unified Development Code 7 p.m. Monday in Council Chambers at City Hall, 3167 Main Street. Questions: 770-476-1790, Rich Atkinson at ratkinson@duluthga.net or William Aiken at waiken@duluthga.net.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Cherokee approves Marlow replacement plan

The Cherokee County Board of Education unanimously approved a process for replacing former District 1 member Kelly Marlow Thursday night. The board approved advertising for an interim replacement, with submissions due by 5 p.m. June 5. Board members will review applications and make an appointment June 19. The board also voted to call a special Nov. 4 election to fill the seat longer-term. Marlow resigned last month after found guilty on felony charges of lying to police. She claimed school superintendent Frank Petruzielo tried to hit her with his car. Mark Woolsey

Johns Creek recycling event moved

Today’s Bulky Items Recycling Day in Johns Creek has been relocated to Alcon Laboratories, 11460 Johns Creek Parkway, from the nearby State Farm Atlanta Operations Center offices. The event runs 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. and will take furniture, appliances and electronics, so that others may be able to make use of them. Residents can also donate used home medical equipment and clothing. Information: 77-551-7766.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Alpharetta veterans to be honored

The city of Alpharetta’s Memorial Day observanses are 10 a.m. May 24 with flags placed at gravesites of war veterans at Resthaven Cemetery, 90 Milton Ave. A city-presented proclamation will be accepted by American Legion Post 201 on behalf of those who served and their families 7:30 p.m. Monday at Alpharetta City Hall, 2 S. Main St. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Canton making plans for farmers market

The Canton Farmer’s Market in Cannon Park will kick off May 24 and operate Saturdays through October. The market will accept only merchant-grown and made agricultural products and handmade crafts. A $5 weekly fee will be charged to vendors to offset advertising. Information: canton-georgia.com Mark Woolsey

Johns Creek offers geocaching

Johns Creek kicks off its geocaching game.

Geocaching allows participants to use their GPS units to navigate to a specific set of coordinates, and then attempt to find the container hidden at that location. Inside the container are small prizes. Participants sign a logbook, and return the container where it was hidden. Often people leave trinkets for others to find.

Geocaches: Autrey Mill Nature Preserve, 9770 Autrey Mill Road; Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Road; Ocee Park, 10900 Buice Road; and Shakerag Park, 10945 Rogers Circle.

Information: www.geocaching.com Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Rowell schedules public works events

Roswell will celebrate National Public Works week through May 25 showcasing public works, community development and transportation workers. Touch-a-Truck is 9 a.m.-noon today at Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill St. Street sweepers, sanitation trucks and other city-owned gear will be on hand for residents to explore. Also planned for Tuesday are a sanitation truck rodeo, a forklift and trackhoe competition. Information: roswellgov.com Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

Therrell High shooting victims leave hospital

Only one of the five people shot earlier this week near Therrell High School remains hospitalized.

Five people age15 to 20 were wounded in Tuesday’s shooting near Panther Trail and Childress Drive.

One of the victims was treated and released later Tuesday and another was released from the Grady Hospital Wednesday.

The alleged shooter, 17-year-old Marcellus Brooks, is being held without bond in the Fulton County Jail. Mike Morris

Seniors, caregivers expo Monday

The Georgia Seniors and Caregivers Expo is 10 a.m. Monday at the Atlanta History Center, 130 W. Paces Ferry Road.

There will be information at the expo about senior housing, care for Alzheimer’s patients, home and hospice care, veterans’ benefits, mobility solutions and more. Free. Information: www.georgiaseniorsexpo.com Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Movie screening at Auburn Avenue library

A screening of the documentary “Motherland” will take place at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Auburn Avenue Research Library, 101 Auburn Ave., Atlanta.

“Motherland,” directed by Owen Alik Shahadah, looks at the history, culture and politics throughout Africa’s complex past and present. The film is not rated. A discussion will follow. Information: 404-730-4001. Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Comment on grant proposal by May 30

Fulton County is accepting comments from on a grant proposal to help pay for local crime prevention activities.

The county is applying for the 2014 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant from the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs funds local initiatives to help governments thwart crime.

Copies of the application are at the county Department of Finance, 141 Pryor St. SW, Suite 7001. The deadline for comments is 5 p.m. May 30.

Information. www.fultoncountyga.gov or christopher.boyd@fultoncountyga.gov Kent A. Miles for the AJC

DEKALB

Interim CEO welcomes new baby

Interim DeKalb County CEO Lee May and wife Robin announced the birth of their third daughter Friday.

Riley May was born at 8:31 a.m., weighing eight pounds, five ounces. The couple have two older daughters, Ryann and Reagan.

May said he will take several days off to be with his family.

April Hunt

Police: Man found dead in car was shot

A man found dead inside a wrecked car in south DeKalb County Thursday night had been shot, police said.

A 28-year-old man located outside the car had also been shot, and is hospitalized in critical condition.

A third man connected to the scene was found outside a home on nearby Foxhall Lane, also suffering from a gunshot wound. That man, an 18-year-old, is also in critical condition.

No suspects have been arrested or identified.

The names of those involved, and the age of the dead man, have not been released.

Mike Morris

Grant to fund street reconstruction

Decatur recently applied for a Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery grant to fund a reconstruction of West Howard Avenue from North McDonough Street west to the city limits at the East Lake Marta Station.

Work will likely begin summer, 2015, with the 1.2-mile stretch getting narrowed to two automobile lanes with a center turning lane, wider sidewalks and a revamping of the College Avenue/Howard Avenue intersection into a straight T.

Decatur’s cost: $5 million. Bill Banks for the AJC

Police encourage bike registration at rodeo

In case of loss or theft Decatur’s police encourage children and adults to register their bicycle with the department during today’s Bike Rodeo, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Callaway parking lot on West Trinity Place and Commerce Drive, downtown Decatur. Police will record your bike’s identifying information, apply a decal and place its photograph on file.

The event also includes learning the basics of bike safety, traffic skills, games and more. Helmets are required. Bill Banks for the AJC

Watermain break forces school closure

A water main break on Dunwoody Village Parkway Friday left several area businesses without water, including Dunwoody Prep.

The private day care and pre-school decided to close early since there was no water coming into the building.

Michelle E. Shaw

Housing focus of meeting today

The South DeKalb Improvement Association will host a housing expert at a meeting Saturday to discuss property values.

Lyonel LaGrone Jr., director of enforcement at Metro Fair Housing Services, argues that banks artificially keep appraisals low in the southern part of DeKalb, compared to other parts of the county.

The meeting runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at the Acts of Faith Baptist Church, inside Glenhaven United Methodist Church, 4826 Glenwood Road. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Serenbe to sponsor artist in residence

The Serenbe community in Chattahoochee Hills kicks off its artist in residence program for 2014 at 2 p.m. May 24 at the Bosch Experience Center, 10640 Serenbe Lane. Visual artist Ying Zhu will participate in the dialogue with local artist, curator and graphic novelist Kevin Sipp. Zhu is the first of eight nationally recognized artists selected to live and work at Serenbe this year. The artists in residence program, established in 2005, provides space, a stipend and a welcoming community within which to create. Free. Information: www.airserenbe.com Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Fayette students chosen for honors

Twenty-three students representing all five of Fayette County’s high schools have been chosen to attend the 2014 Governor’s Honors program this summer. The residential program for gifted and talented juniors and seniors will be held at Valdosta State University June 22-July 19. Participants will study two of 20 available subjects, including one in their major area of concentration.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

TWalk in College Park for diabetes awareness

A community walk to raise awareness of diabetes will take place at 8 a.m. May 31 at Creel Park, 2775 Creel Road, College Park.

Nabbar Temple No. 128 in Atlanta is sponsoring the National Diabetes Initiative Walk. Participants will have the opportunity to walk a kilometer, 3 kilometers or 5 kilometers.

Registration: $15.

Information: rjones1976@me.com or 678-231-5294.

Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Applications open for junior police academy

The Fayetteville Police Department’s Junior Police Academy is accepting applications for its summer program, which runs July 28-Aug. 1.

Recruits must be in upcoming grades 7-10, and will learn first-hand about vehicle stops, crime scene processing and defensive tactics.

Applications are due June 2 and are available at the police headquarters or Bennett’s Mill Middle School.

Information: 770-461-4441.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Three positions open on hospital board

The Fayette County Hospital Authority has three openings for volunteer members. Individuals on the five-person board serve four-year terms and facilitate funding for hospital projects. Prior experience in healthcare or business is preferred. Applicants must file by June 6; contact Floyd Jones at 770-305-5102 or fjones@fayettecountyga.gov.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

East Point library hosts

foreclosure prevention

The Atlanta Legal Aid Society hosts talk on how to avoid foreclosure 1 p.m. Monday at the Atlanta-Fulton County Public Library’s East Point Branch, 2757 Main St.

Learn the basics of Georgia foreclosure law, loan modification options, mortgage payment assistance and other ways to protect their homes when a health emergency or unemployment makes it hard to keep up with mortgage payments.

Information: www.afpls.org/news Kent A. Miles for the AJC