County by county news for Saturday

On April 16, 2008, Rodger Jackson Jr. and fellow gang members drove up to a group of teenagers in a front yard and, looking to start a fight, Jackson pulled out a gun, shot twice in the air and then lowered the weapon and shot into the crowd. Joshua “Caleb” Burroughs, 18, who was unarmed, was fatally shot in the abdomen, the court said. Bill Rankin

Qualifying set for Marietta council post

The Marietta City Council has set May 23-May 25 as qualifying dates to run for the Ward 4 council seat in the July 31 special election. Candidates can apply 9 a.m.-5 p.m. May 23-24 and 9 a.m. –noon May 25 at the Board of Elections Office at West Park Government Center, 736 Whitlock Ave., Marietta. The qualifying fee is $390. Van Pearlberg resigned the post last week to run for Cobb Superior Court judge.

Tucker McQueen

Morgan scholarship offered

State Representative Alisha Thomas Morgan (D-Austell) has created the $500 Morgan Family Scholarship for students who attend Pebblebrook and South Cobb high schools. One student from each school will be selected.

To qualify for the scholarship, graduating seniors must show financial need, have at least a 2.5 GPA, have a history of civic engagement and community service, and must be interested in majoring in either education, English, history, international relations, political science, or women/gender studies.

The deadline to apply is May 18. To get an application, log on to www.alishamorgan.com/community/morganfamilyscholarship/.

Ernie Suggs

Labor commissioner to speak in Mableton

Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler will speak at the South Cobb Business Association meeting on Wednesday.

A state representative for eight years, Butler was chairman of the House Appropriations Human Resources Subcommittee until his 2010 election as the state’s ninth commissioner.

The luncheon, from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., will be at the Lions Club Community Center, 620 Lions Club Drive SW, Mableton.

Information: association president Wayne Dodd at 770-944-7433.

Carolyn Cunningham

Taste of Marietta on Square

Whatever you are hungry for, you are likely to find it Sunday when more than 85 restaurants dish it up at the 19th Annual Taste of Marietta from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., in Marietta Square.

The day will also include culinary demonstrations, a children’s area, a car show and live outdoor entertainment featuring “Banks & Shane.”

A highlight to this year’s event, will be a stroll through “Food Truck Alley” showcasing the ever-popular gourmet food trucks.

Information: www.tasteofmarietta.com.

Ernie Suggs

GWINNETT

Opening of Ga. 324 postponed

The opening of four lanes on Ga. 324 over I-85 in Buford has been postponed.

The lanes were supposed to open Monday, but earthwork in the median and along the shoulder of the road must still be completed, according to the state Department of Transportation. A new date for opening the lanes has not been scheduled.

The department is widening a one-mile section of Ga. 324 to four lanes and building a wider bridge over the interstate.

David Wickert

Five bids opened for Snellville park

Reeves Contracting’s bid of nearly $1.4 million was lowest among five being considered for completion of the second phase of Snellville’s Briscoe Park. Improvements for the park on Lenora Church Road include two soccer fields, expanded parking and sidewalks, drainage and a pavilion.

The second-highest bid was nearly $52,000 higher than Reeves’, and the highest was more than $271,000 more. Michael Alpert for the AJC

Duluth festival upcoming

Duluth’s Barefoot in the Park, voted Best Local Festival and Best Arts and Cultural Scene by Gwinnett Magazine two years ago, is May 5-6 on the city’s downtown green. The event from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 to 5 Sunday includes live performances, artists’ sales, food, a beer garden and wine tasting. Michael Alpert for the AJC

Prescription drug disposal event

The Drug Enforcement Administration has scheduled a National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday throughout Gwinnett giving residents an opportunity to safely dispose of prescription drugs.

Information: www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback to find a collection site near you. Call 800-882-9539 with questions. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Group hosts aviation camp for youths

The Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 690 will host a summer aviation camp for young people from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 11-15 at Briscoe Field in Lawrenceville.

The event is open to students in grades seven through 12. Students will learn about aircraft construction methods, crash scene investigation techniques, principles of aeronautics and piloting. The cost is $275 for the week. The registration deadline is May 11. Information: www.eaa690.org. David Wickert

Grayson Day celebration is Saturday

“Mission Accomplished,” an acknowledgement of the Grayson High football team’s first ever championship last fall, is the theme of the parade kicking off Saturday’s 33rd annual Grayson Day. The event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. includes a bake sale at the city’s Arts and History Center and is preceded by a 5K road race at Grayson Elementary at 8 a.m. For information, contact Allison Wilkerson, 678-776-6021. Michael Alpert for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Cherokee hosts drug drop-off today

The Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad will stage a prescription drug drop-off event today (Saturday) 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. at K-Mart, 1750 Marietta Highway, Canton. Part of a nationwide Drug Enforcement Agency push today, the drop-off is designed to give those with unused and unneeded drugs a safe, legal and environmentally-friendly way to dispose of them. Squad commander Phil Price says as much as 60 pounds of medication could be brought in.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Reading event hosts outdoor movie

Sandy Springs Reads “One Book, One City” event, engaging citizens in discussions and activities around a common book will be Saturday. The 2012 book selection is Rocket Boys, an autobiography by Homer Hickam. “October Sky”, a movie based on the book, will be at Sandy Springs UMC Hitson Activity Center, 85 Mount Vernon Highway. Admission is free. Guests can bring lawn chairs and blankets. Performances by local entertainment begin at 6:30 p.m.

Author Homer Hickam will be at Heritage Sandy Springs at 10:30 a.m. May 4. Kenneth Musisi

Fulton schools wins music recognition

Fulton County Schools has been lauded nationally for the 13th consecutive year as a top destination for parents looking for districts with quality music programs.

The district’s commitment to performing arts and music appreciation earned Fulton County a “Best Communities for Music Education” national recognition. Fulton Schools is one of two districts nationwide to win the honor for their region.

Fulton Schools was recognized on a national list presented by NAMM Foundation and partner organizations in the fields of music and education. D. Aileen Dodd

Johns Creek students to get heart scans

Johns Creek High School students will have the opportunity to participate in Smart Heart Scans for athletes beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday. Smart Heart Scans will bring a mobile ultrasound unit to the school for the day to conduct a simple 8-minute echocardiogram.

The test is voluntary on the part of the students and their parents. This opportunity is open to all students but is primarily for student-athletes who are the most at risk of sudden cardiac death. Appointments can be made in the athletic secretary’s office. Information: www.smartheartscans.com. Kenneth Musisi

‘Golden Games’ begin Monday

Opening ceremonies for the North Fulton Golden Games will be Monday at Newtown Park in Johns Creek.

Festivities start at 9:30 a.m. at Park Place, the city’s Active Adult Center at the park. A friendly competition featuring the north Fulton mayors will kick things off.

Field events include: Frisbee throw, one-mile run, beach tennis, shot put, discus throw, football throw, horseshoe toss, clock golf, half-mile walk, one-mile walk, softball skill challenge and corn hole. Indoor events include checkers.

Information: johnscreekga.gov/parkplace or 678-512-3200. Patrick Fox

ATLANTA

Panel seeks to preserve jazz culture

Jazz aficionados can watch a panel discussion Saturday on preserving jazz music and culture. Presented in partnership with the James Hardy Patterson Foundation, it’s part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System’s “Preserving Heritage and Memories: Pass It On,” a series on the importance of recording community memories.

“Preservation of the Culture of African Classical Jazz Music” runs from 1 to 3 p.m. in the fourth floor of the Auburn Avenue Research Library, 101 Auburn Ave. Johnny Edwards

Charity run and picnic Sunday

The 18th annual Lauren’s Run and CURE Childhood Cancer Annual Picnic will be Saturday at the Concourse Office Park in Atlanta. The 5K Run, 2K Run/Walk and Tot Trot are at 8 a.m. followed by a free picnic at 10:30 a.m. The 5K Run is a Peachtree Road Race qualifier. Adults: $25 on race day. Children: 12 and under $15.

Proceeds will go to Cure Childhood Cancer. Information and registration: www.curechildhoodcancer.org/events/laurens-run/. Kenneth Musisi

Public input wanted transit alternatives

Residents can ask questions and provide feedback on transit alternatives to connect the Cumberland area of Cobb County with the Midtown Arts Center MARTA Station at a meeting 6-8 p.m. Monday at the Woodruff Arts Center, Alliance House Theatre, 1280 Peachtree Street N.E.

The meeting is to discuss proposed transit alternatives along the Northwest Corridor.

Information: dot.cobbcountyga.gov/connectcobb.htm. Jeremiah McWilliams

APS panel to get tentative budget

The Atlanta school board’s budget commission will meet 2 p.m. Monday at the district’s headquarters, 130 Trinity Ave., Atlanta, to receive the tentative budget for the 2012-13 school year. At one time, the district was estimating a $65 million shortfall next year. Info: www.atlanta.k12.ga.us. Jaime Sarrio

DEKALB

History of Ponce de Leon Avenue discussed

The history and significance of a main thoroughfare from Atlanta to Decatur will be the focus of a book signing and lecture Tuesday at the DeKalb History Center.

Sharon Foster Jones, author of “Atlanta’s Ponce de Leon Avenue,” will discuss highlights of the main street, including how it got its name and a special look at the DeKalb section.

The lecture begins at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday 5/1 at the Courthouse on the Square in downtown Decatur. April Hunt

Dunwoody meeting to focus on sidewalks

Dunwoody will host a public information meeting 6 -- 8 p.m. Tuesday at Council Chambers at City Hall, 41 Perimeter Center East to discuss installation of several new sidewalks. The event will include isplays and information about the projects.

Projects under consideration are on Barclay Road, Dunwoody Club Drive, Happy Hollow Road, Meadowlake Drive, Mount Vernon Road, Old Spring House Lane, Renfroe Lake Drive, Roberts Drive, Vermack Road, Valley View Road and Womack Road. Patrick Fox

Ware new head of 100 Black Men

Matthew Ware, president and CEO of Padgett Business Services, has taken over as president of the civic group 100 Black Men of DeKalb County. He said his goals include expanding the Leadership Academy in mentoring African-American boys in school and the community.

Information: www.dekalb100blackmen.org. April Hunt

Sunday bike ride this weekend

Avondale Estates’ Sunday Ride is 11 a.m. -- 3 p.m. Sunday with city streets closed except for residents’ access to homes. Decatur’s Bicycle South shop will provide maintenance, helmet fitting, etc. A bicycle rodeo is planned for younger riders. The event’s modeled on Portland, Oregon’s Sunday Parkways, or “open streets initiative.” For more information, go to www.avondaleestatessundayride.org. Bill Banks

Heroes honored on Sunday

DeKalb County’s CEO will honor individuals and organizations that have been “heroes” to the community in the past year at an awards ceremony on Sunday.

The 2012 Community Hero Awards recognize efforts in community service, environmental change, youth volunteering and neighborhood empowerment. Six individuals and four organizations are to be recognized at the ceremony at 4 p.m. at the Callanwolde Fine Arts Center at 980 Briarcliff Road in Atlanta.

The public is invited to this free event.

Rhonda Cook

DeKalb Commission website to continue

As the DeKalb County Commission moves forward on creating its own public information office, the website set up to broadcast commission committee meetings will continue.

Commissioner Elaine Boyer’s chief of staff set up the site, www.dekalbboc.com, when the commission unsuccessfully argued for the CEO to air budget committee meetings on the county’s cable access channel.

The website offers live and archived videos of meetings and also includes weekly agendas of upcoming sessions.

April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Fayette to vote on Sunday alcohol sales

Fayette County’s Board of Commissioners signed off on a resolution Thursday to put Sunday alcohol sales to a special vote on July 31.

The referendum for the unincorporated parts of the county would mirror provisions already approved by voters in Fayetteville, Peachtree City and Tyrone last year to allow package sales of beer and wine.

If the referendum is approved, county sales would begin on August 26, 2012. Jill Howard Church

Henry High expands technology

With an eye toward improving student performance and achievement, the media center at Henry County High School on Wednesday received 128 of the Barnes and Noble e-reader Nooks. Funded through a school improvement grant, some Nooks will be used in the classroom for reading novels. Others will be available for student check-out. Grant funds already have covered the cost of other technology, including Interactive Whiteboards and Active Slates. Nancy Badertscher

Leadership Henry takes applications

Leadership Henry is now accepting applications for next year’s class. Leadership Henry is a program of the Henry County Chamber of Commerce. It builds leadership qualities, provides education and insights about Henry County. Each year’s program culminates with a “Hands On Henry” day of community service. This year’s class took part in an event saw 1,124 volunteers tackle 32 projects. Tammy Joyner

Yard sale to benefit animal shelter

Clayton County Humane Society hosts Spring Treasures for PAWS Yard Sale 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 5 at Jonesboro High School, 7728 Mt. Zion Blvd.

Sale items will include books, videos, appliances, and golf clubs. Proceeds will help support the Clayton County Humane Society, a no-kill shelter.

Information: 770-471-9436. Laurie Hoffman

Smoking cessation course offered

Piedmont Henry Hospital’s four-week Fresh Start smoking cessation course begins May 8. Classes are held from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the hospital’s Foundation Education Center. The Fresh Start course is an American Cancer Society program. Individuals participating in the course receive helpful hints to aid in the stop smoking process. A Fresh Start instructor teaches techniques to overcome the physical and psychological need to smoke. Information: piedmonthenry.org or call 678-604-1040. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Fulton schools announces registration

The Fulton County School System has announced dates for kindergarten and preschool registration.

Parents of kindergarten age children can register their kids for classes on May 2 between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on May 3 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at all Fulton County elementary schools. A list of documents needed for registration is listed on the district’s website www.fultonschools.org. D. Aileen Dodd