County by county news for Saturday

Marietta to hold improvements meeting

City staff will be at a public meeting 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at Marietta City Hall, 205 Lawrence St. to talk about a $4 million streetscape and pedestrian improvements project on Whitlock Avenue. The project, from North Marietta Parkway to Polk Street Extension, will be funded by a $68 million redevelopment bond Marietta voters passed in November. Upgrades include sidewalks, pedestrian crossing lights and landscaping. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Saturday youth events in Austell postponed

His Hands Youth Connections will hold its third annual Walk 2 Save Our Youth at 7 a.m. Aug. 9 instead of Saturday due to the weather.The walk will begin at the J.R. Crickets parking lot, 2667 Powder Springs Road, Marietta and end at Tramore Park, 2150 East-West Connector, Austell, where a Youth Explosion will begin at 1 p.m. with school supplies and free food. His Hands Youth Connections helps young people by providing a life skills program, workshops and service-learning projects. Cost: $10.

Information: hhyc.biz, hhyc@ymail.com.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Kennesaw police host crime prevention event

Members of the Kennesaw Police Department will be at Swift-Cantrell Park, 3140 Old Highway 41 from 7-9 p.m. Tuesday as part of the national Night Out crime prevention program. The officers will have handouts for kids and adults, and public safety vehicles will be on display. Information: www.kennesawga-gov.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

West Cobb Business Association meets

The West Cobb Business Association will hold its First Tuesday Networking at Night from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Huey Luey’s, 5460 Wendy Bagwell Parkway, Hiram.

Costs: free, association members and their guests; $5, nonmembers.

Information: hueylueys.com, westcobbbusiness.com.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Chamber hosts ‘Dress for Success’ event

Registration ends at noon Tuesday for the Cobb Chamber’s Dress for Success program from 8 to 10 a.m. Thursday at the Cobb Chamber, 240 Interstate North Parkway, Atlanta.

Heather Pennington, president and CEO of Day Three Media, will be the presenter.

Costs: General Admission, $50; Cobb Chamber members, $25 online; $30 at the door.

Information: daythreemedia.com, cobbchamber.org/events/Business-University-Dress-for-Success-4457/details.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

GWINNETT

Snellville mayor announces pregnancy

Snellville Mayor Kelly Kautz and her husband, Robb, announce they are expecting their first child, a baby boy, at the end of this year. Mayor Kautz plans to deliver at

Snellville’s Eastside Hospital. As the first female mayor of Snellville, Mayor Kautz will be the first mayor in Snellville, and it is believed Gwinnett County,

to give birth while holding office. Kautz does not anticipate pregnancy will prevent her from performing any of the responsibilities of her office.

Information: kkautz@snellville.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Free septic tank maintenance workshop

The Gwinnett Cooperative Extension Service will conduct a septic tank maintenance workshop 7 to 8 p.m. Thursdayat the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center Auditorium, 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville. Learn how your septic system works, how to keep it running, and what permitting requirements are needed for new septic systems. Information or to register: dwrsreg@gwinnettcounty.com or 678-376-7193, press 5. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Light Up the Corners at twilight trot

The Forum will host the Light Up the Corners evening 4M run and 1K walk beginning at 8:30 p.m. Aug. 16 in Peachtree Corners. Proceeds allow less fortunate children and families to participate in YMCA activities. Information: www.runthecorners.com.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Georgia Gwinnett hosts emergency drill

Georgia Gwinnett College and Gwinnett County conducted a multi-agency training exercise Thursday simulating a hazardous material spill within one of the college’s laboratories. The drill scenario involved a 10-gallon spill of hydrochloric acid, a chemical routinely used in college laboratory experiments. Representatives of the college, Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services and Gwinnett County Emergency Management were involved in the drill exercise. . Karen Huppertz for the AJC

New class times for some Gwinnett schools

Several Gwinnett County schools will begin and end classes at new times for the upcoming semester, which starts on Tuesday.

Here are the new times when classes will start and conclude at those schools:

Berkmar High School will start at 7:05 a.m.

Duluth High School will start at 7:15 a.m.

Meadowcreek High School will start at 7:10 a.m.

GIVE Center East will end at 1 p.m.

Northrbook Middle School, a new school in the Gwinnett district, will have classes from 9:20 a.m. to 4 p.m. A new charter school, North Metro Academy of the Performing Arts, will have classes from 8 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Classes there will take place between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The Monarch School will have classes from 7:45 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. STRIVE program students at Oakland Meadow School will be in class from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.Eric Stirgus

NORTHSIDE

Forsyth net probation violation in operation

A probation sweep Monday and Wednesdayby the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Department of Corrections and Cumming Felony Probation Office netted 16 arrests. Authorities checking for possible probation term violations say they zeroed in on six registered sex offenders and 25 others on felony probation. Those arrested were charged with violation of their terms. Several were also charged with drug possession. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Elections Board OKs Cosby ballot petition

The Cherokee County Board of Elections Thursday unanimously approved activist Carolyn Cosby’s petition to get on the November general election ballot as an independent candidate for Cherokee County Commission chair. Election officials say Cosby submitted 6,012 valid petition signatures, 30 more than the minimum needed. Cosby, a former Cherokee County Tea Party leader, will square off against chairman L.B. “Buzz” Ahrens Nov 4.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Cherokee law officer is FBI grad

A top official with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office recently graduated from the prestigious FBI National Academy in Virginia. Major Dana Martin studied topics including communications, ethics, leadership psychology and fitness during the 10-week program, which agencies typically send only their “cream of the crop” to. Martin is the commander of headquarters operations for Cherokee.Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Cherokee teacher wins state award

A Cherokee County instructor is one of eight winners in round four of the Innovations in Teaching competition, a state program geared to those teaching English/language arts and math. Jennifer McIntosh, who teaches fifth-grade math at Clark Creek elementary, will get a $2,000 stipend and her school will get a $5,000 grant for implementation of Georgia instructional standards.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Sandy Springs Council to talk preservation

The Sandy Springs City Council has set a special called meeting for 6 p.m. Wednesday at City Hall, 7840 Roswell Road, Building 500, to talk about natural resource protection. Mayor Rusty Paul says it’s part of moves to strike a balance between development and resource preservation. The meeting will update Council on erosion, sediment and stormwater control efforts, including the possibility of more specific requirements for single-family, single-lot development. The public will have a chance to comment.Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Bridge replacement planned in Cherokee

Plans are in the works to replace the Ga. 372 bridge over the Etowah River in Cherokee County, about two miles southeast of Ball Ground. Georgia DOT awarded a nearly $6 million contract to Baldwin Paving Company of Marietta for the 0.6 mile project , which is set to be finished by the end of November, 2016. The exact date for the start of construction hasn’t been fixed. Mark Woolsey

ATLANTA

Smash-and-grab burglars hit store

Atlanta police Friday were looking for several men who used a brick to smash their way into a Howell Mill Road store.

A witness told police that six men broke into The Shade Store on Howell Mill near Huff Road about 2 a.m. Friday.

Channel 2 Action News reported that the thieves took laptops and other electronic equipment from the store, which sells window treatments.

The burglars fled in a black Honda Accord and a white Jeep Cherokee. Mike Morris

‘Cool Dads’ host soap box derby today

The Cool Dads Rock second annual soap box derby event takes place 11 a.m. Saturday at Historic Old Fourth Ward Park, 680 Dallas St., N.E.

The non-motorized race where amateur drivers will ride their high-powered soap box cars starts at noon. The race is open to all ages.

Registration is $30-$50

Cool Dads Rock is a non-profit organization that encourages positive relationships between fathers and their children.

Information: www.cooldadsrock.com.

Adrianne Murchison for the AJC

Choral Guild of Atlantaholding auditions

The Choral Guild of Atlanta is holding auditions for its upcoming 75th anniversary season.

Auditions will take place at St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church, 1978 Mount Vernon Road, Dunwoody. Auditions will be on an individual basis as arranged between the singer and director.

Proficiency will be determined by the director, but an average skill level or better is desired. Performers of all voice parts are encouraged to audition.

Rehearsals begin on Aug. 18.

Information: auditions@cgatl.org Kent A. Miles for the AJC

DEKALB

Man shot to death int Brookhaven, 4 arrested

Brookhaven police are investigating the fatal shooting of a 23-year-old man at an apartment complex off North Cliff Valley Way.

Justin Acevedo was shot around noon Thursday at the Parktown Apartments, according to a news release from the Brookhaven Police Department.

When police arrived at the scene, Acevedo was found shot in the chest. He was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Four people have been arrested in connection with the case, but no one has been charged with murder, police said Thursday night. Their names and charges have not been released due to the ongoing investigation. Michelle E. Shaw and Mike Morris

School zone speed limits in effect Monday

With City Schools Decatur beginning Monday, the standard school zone speed limit of 25 mph takes effect during designated morning and afternoon hours. The most significant change is on the city’s busiest thoroughfare, Scott Boulevard, where Westchester Elementary reopens after 10 years.

The area will be full of more pedestrians and cyclists, plus Decatur school buses now have side cameras to detect cars illegally passing when the stop arm’s extended. CSD has 13 school-related speed zone locations.

Bill Banks for the AJC

Decatur elementary music teacher dies

Kathy Whorton, music teacher at Clairemont Elementary and band teacher at the 4/5 Academy at Fifth Avenue, died early Thursday.

Clairemont Principal Erin Wheeler made the announcement, telling parents, “If you have any concerns about your child’s reaction … please contact [their] teacher, school counselor or the administrative staff.”

Whorton retired in May after teaching nine years in Decatur. Her memorial service is 9 a.m. today at A.S. Turner and Sons Funeral Home, 2773 North Decatur Road, Decatur. Bill Banks for the AJC

Animal Shelter lowers adoption fees

The DeKalb County Animal Shelter is at full capacity, according to director Susan Feingold. Up to 30 animals are brought in daily. To encourage adoption, the shelter has lowered fees to $20 for dogs and $10 for cats.

The shelter is located at Camp Road, Decatur.

Pets will be spayed or neutered, microchipped, and receive vaccines before leaving for their new homes.

Information: www.dekalbanimalservices.com/adopt.

Adrianne Murchison for the AJC

MJCCA hosts meeting on girls group program

An informational meeting on an upcoming program for adolescent girls will be held 4 p.m. Sunday at Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody

Parents and daughters are invited.

“Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing!” is based on Jewish teachings that help sixth graders navigate life. The girls group program will meet one Sunday per month starting in September. Topics on body image, friendship, Jewish values and more will be explored.

Information: 678-812-3971.

Adrianne Murchison for the AJC

SOUTHSIDE

Police seek armed robber wearing ‘Scream’ mask

Clayton County police are for a man who has held up more than a dozen businesses in the Tara Boulevard corridor while wearing a mask made popular in Wes Craven’s “Scream” movies.

In addition to the distinctive white mask, the armed suspect usually wears either a blue and purple with “BROWN TRACK” on ot or a burgundy one with the letters “BAMA” across the front, but is worn inside-out, so that it reads “AMAB.” The suspect was wearing dark pants and gray and white shoes with white laces. Mike Morris

Union City screens movie in the park

Union City will screen “Man of Steel” 7:30 p.m. today at Ronald Bridges Park, 5285 Lakeside Drive for its fourth annual “Movies by Moonlight” event.

Admission and refreshments are free. Moviegoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets.

Grills and glass containers are not allowed. Parks and Recreation staff prefers attendees not bring pets.

Information call 770-964-1236.Adrianne Murchison for the AJC

Volunteers needed for marathon

The Divas Half Marathon and 5K race taking place Sept. 6 in Peachtree City is looking for volunteers to assist runners. The pink-themed, women-oriented event needs help setting up water stations, handing out tiaras and feather boas, and cheering on participants. Contact Ana Aguilera at 305-254-8606.Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Golf cart users get safety reminder

The Peachtree City Police Department is reminding golf cart drivers to obey traffic rules related to other vehicle use. Following the extrication of a cart that ended up in Lake Kedron after a collision, the city notes that accidents involving property damage over $500 or any type of injury must be promptly reported to authorities.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Lincoln, Obama Together in Stage Play

President Abraham Lincoln and Barack Obama match wits in the play “Lincoln’s Last Debate: A Staged Reading,” this month, at Hapeville Village Church.

In the play, the two presidents draw parallels on their presidencies, discuss the Civil War, the Civil Rights Movement, leadership, national pride and American character.

“Lincoln’s Last Debate: A Staged Reading” starts at 7:30 p.m., July 26 and 27. Hapeville Village Church is located at 3418 Dogwood Drive, Hapeville. Tickets are $10-$20. Visit www.presidentlincoln.com.

Adrianne Murchison

Peachtree City reviews traffic study

The City Council of Peachtree City is reviewing a traffic study of Ga. Highway 54 that suggests ways to alleviate heavy congestion. A summary presented at Monday’s workshop includes short- and long-term recommendations involving signal changes, modified lanes and intersection rerouting between Willowbend Road and MacDuff Parkway. The 498-page report is at www.peachtree-city.org under the Government tab for the July 14 meeting. Jill Howard Church