County by county news for Saturday

The U.S. attorney’s office in Atlanta says Kara Singleton Adams and three others defrauded consumers by using a variety of company names to promote a false credit card interest rate reduction program.

Adams was found guilty in November on charges of wire fraud, structuring financial transactions and conspiracy.Angel K. Brooks

SPSU official appointed to ethics panel

Marietta Mayor Steve Tumlin appointed Arthur D. Vaughn, controller for Southern Polytechnic State University, to a two-year term on the city’s Ethics Committee. Vaughn will fill in for the expiring term of Warren Herron. The term begins March 10. The three-member Ethics Committee receives and evaluates all written complaints against an elected officials. Jeffry Scott

Austell approves new recycling center

Austell City Council members voted unanimously Monday to approve a new recycling center.

East Meets West, Inc. received a special land use permit for 5010 Flint Hill Road to recycle clean commercial products from factories for distribution to clients.

The 62,000-square-foot facility will be an expansion for the company from its current 16,000-square-foot space in Mableton. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Strand offers romantic weekend

The historic Earl Smith Strand Theatre in Marietta presents a Valentine’s Day Weekend date night with “An Affair to Remember”, the classic romance film, on Saturday at 8 p.m. Organ pops pre-show and sing-a-long will be at 7:30 p.m. on the Mighty Allen theatre organ. Tickets are $8 for adults and $7 for seniors, students and military. Information or tickets: www.earlsmithstrand.org or call 770-293-0080. Kenneth Musisi

Donations needed to preserve cemeteries

The Cobb-Douglas County Cemetery Preservation Society is seeking corporate sponsors and private donations to help fund cleaning and upkeep of abandoned cemeteries. Many of these cemeteries are in bad repair or have had recent storm damage.

Donations can be made at www.cobbdouglascemeterysociety.org or mail to Cobb-Douglas Cemetery Society, P.O. Box 809, Austell, GA 30168. To volunteer e-mail, c-dcemeterysociety@bellsouth.net. Kenneth Musisi

Kid’s consignment to benefit needy

The Cobb Civic Center and Born Again Blessings will be hosting a children’s consignment sale on Feb. 24 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Feb. 25 from 9 a.m. to noon at 528 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta. The sale will feature children’s clothes, toys, furniture, strollers, cribs, and more.

All proceeds go to support the needy in the community. For information about selling or volunteering please visit bornagainblessings.com. Sandra Marshall Murray

GWINNETT

County schools honor five counselors

Gwinnett County Schools recently honored five counselors for their service to kids. The recognitions were presented during National School Counselors Week.

The honorees are Robin Zorn of Mason Elementary, elementary counselor of the year; Brandee Appling of Bay Creek Middle; middle school title winner; Tinisha Parker of Gwinnett County Online Campus, secondary school title winner; and assistant principal Paul Johnson of Peachtree Ridge High, counseling advocate of the year; and Michelle Stagline of Sycamore Elementary, counselor writer of the year. D. Aileen Dodd

Beaudreau to run for third term

Gwinnett County Commissioner Mike Beaudreau announced today he will seek a third term.

Beaudreau, first elected to represent commission District 3 in 2004, vowed to emphasize economic development, fiscal discipline and government transparency if he’s re-elected.

Two other candidates – Dacula businessman Mike Korom and former Snellville Mayor Jerry Oberholtzer – also have said they will run for the District 3 commission seat. David Wickert

Beaudreau to meet with constituents today

Gwinnett County Commissioner Mike Beaudreau will meet with constituents from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. today at Fire Station 30, 1052 Ozora Road, Loganville. David Wickert

New traffic signal goes online next week

A new traffic signal at the intersection of Ga. 124 and Gum Springs Church Road will begin operating Wednesday, weather permitting.

The signal will begin flashing in test mode today. The Georgia Department of Transportation asks that motorists slow down near the intersection while crews finish their work. David Wickert

Girl Scouts want to send cookies to troops

Through its “A Taste from Home” program, Girl Scout Troup No. 1888 will collect and send donated cookies to troops overseas.

Individuals or business that would like to donate cookies may choose from commitment levels ranging from bronze level of 10-24 boxes, to platinum level of 100-plus boxes. Cookies are $3.50 per box and payments are due prior to March 1.

Information: Roxanne Lau at 678-886-1503, email atastefromhome.yolasite@gmail.com or visit www.atastefromhome.yolasite.com. Mea Watkins

Group offers humane traps for feral cats

A grant from The Binky Foundation has made it possible for Duluth non-profit Planned PEThood to purchase a large number of humane traps.

Traps are available to the public for the Trap/Neuter/Return (TNR) of stray cats. There is no charge to borrow a trap, only a refundable deposit.

Trapped, feral cats can be brought to Planned PEThood’s clinic to be spayed or neutered, get a rabies vaccination and identifying ear tip for $25. This helps prevent the litters of homeless kittens.

Info: 678-561-3491 or info@PlannedPEThoodGA.com. Andria Simmons

NORTHSIDE

Construction worker dies after loader hits tree

A man operating heavy machinery in a Forsyth County development died Thursday morning after hitting a tree.

The man, identified by the deputy coroner as Jeffery Lee McGhee, was working on a home under construction off James Burgess Road , Capt. Jason Shivers with the Forsyth County Fire Department said. McGhee, 45, of Cumming, had been operating a skid-steer loader on a steep incline when he ran into a tree, Shivers said. The machinery didn’t roll over, but McGhee apparently died from the impact, Shivers said. Alexis Stevens

Hardship applications due Wednesday

Fulton County Schools parents seeking hardship transfers for their kids for 2012-13 have until Wednesday to apply.

Hardship transfers are for those seeking new campuses for medical reasons, curriculum differences, child care situations or for employees’ children. Forms are available online through the “Parents” section of school system’s web site.

Copies can also be picked up at all schools. The deadline is Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. D. Aileen Dodd

HOPE Center honors 2 volunteers

The HOPE Center in Woodstock recently recognized two volunteers for their work with the nonprofit. The Mary-Martha Award was awarded to Kay Bagley who serves in the center’s Baby & More Thrift Store, which provides clothing and other items for clients and their children. Judy Creamer received the Mother of Israel Award for mentoring clients and for her work with English classes for Hispanic clients. Shelia Poole

Fulton schools recognized for AP

Fulton County high schools were recognized for encouraging students to take classes that could earn them college credits. More than half of the district’s high schools were recognized as “AP Honor Schools” by the College Board. Eleven Fulton high schools were named to its annual list of high-performers. Nine Fulton schools were named AP Merit Schools, the most of any Georgia district. D. Aileen Dodd

Forsyth to dedicate new rec centers

Forsyth County will dedicate two new recreation centers at area parks in the coming weeks. The Old Atlanta Park center, 810 Nichols Road, Suwanee, will have an opening ceremony at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday. The new center at Fowler Park, 4110 Carolene Way, Cumming, will be dedicated at 2 p.m. Feb. 20.

Construction for both centers came through a special $100 million parks and greenspace bond approved by voters in 2008.

Information: 770-781-2215. Jeffry Scott

Cherokee historical society unveils exhibit

The Cherokee County Historical Society has unveiled an exhibit focusing on the county’s African-American past. Containing original documents, objects and photographs, the exhibit at the Cherokee County Museum and Visitors Center, 100 North St., Canton, will run until May 15. Information: www.rockbarn.org Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

Sheperd, Turner discuss vacant property

Atlanta City Councilwoman Joyce M. Sheperd plans to join Police Chief George Turner to discuss Atlanta’s new vacant property registry at a kick-off event on Monday.

The event is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. at 2482 Perkerson Road, S.W. Owners of vacant properties are now required to register with the city in what Sheperd’s office described as an effort to improve enforcement of the city’s housing code and crack down on structures that are vacant and unsafe.

Residents can call her office at 404-330-6053 for more information. Jeremiah McWilliams

Council approves $19,600 in claims

Atlanta’s City Council voted on Feb. 6 to approve $19,600 in claims against the city for automobile accidents and injuries from broken sidewalks and uncovered water meter boxes. The eight claims with so-called favorable recommendations ranged from $9,500 for an automobile accident in late 2010 to $550 for another accident in 2011. Jeremiah McWilliams

5 APS schools get AP honor

Five Atlanta Public Schools were named Advanced Placement (AP) Honor schools by Superintendent John Barge for performance and participation in the college-level courses.

Booker T. Washington High School, Carver School of Health Sciences, Henry W. Grady High School, Benjamin E. Mays High School and South Atlanta School of Health and Medical Science were all recognized based on the results of 2011 AP classes and exams. Jaime Sarrio

School board ethics panel to meet

The reformed Atlanta Board of Education Ethics Commission will meet from 10 a.m. to noon Monday at the district’s headquarters, 130 Trinity Ave. S.W., Atlanta, 30311.

The committee, which was formed to investigate ethics complaints against board members, will elect a chairman, discuss ethics training and define policies and procedures. Information: 404-802-2200. Jaime Sarrio

DEKALB

Commissioners to address chamber lunch

Three DeKalb County commissioners will speak about economic development and land use plans for the county at a DeKalb Chamber luncheon on Monday.

Commissioners Larry Johnson, Jeff Rader and Stan Watson will speak at the event, which costs $45 and includes lunch.

The lunch runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday at the Doubletree Hotel Atlanta, 4156 LaVista Road.

To register: www.dekalbchamber.org. April Hunt

Rail Arts District Cruise today

The fifth annual Rail Arts District Studio Cruise is today 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. within the various galleries, boutiques and other shops along a one-mile stretch of CSX rail line passing through downtown Avondale Estates into Decatur’s Laredo Drive and along East Ponce de Leon Avenue into Scottdale.

Each of the participating 20 venues is offering art sales, artist demonstrations, performances and food. Admission is free.

For information check the RAD website at http://www.railartsdistrict.com/rad-studio-cruise/schedule. Bill Banks for the AJC

‘Job bus’ makes rounds next week

An RV outfitted with computers, private interview area and office gear for job seekers will hit the streets of DeKalb County this month.

The Mobile Career center, also known as a “jobs bus,” will support the county’s efforts to help put residents back to work by bringing together job seekers and businesses for recruiting, screening and training.

This week, the bus will be stationed from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday at the state Department of Family and Children Services, 178 Sams St., Decatur and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday at Wesley Chapel Library, 2861 Wesley Chapel Road, near Decatur. It also will be parked from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday at the Tucker-Cofer Library, 5234 LaVista Road, Tucker.

For a full February schedule of bus locations: 404-687-3400 or www.dekalbworkforce.org. April Hunt

Leadership DeKalb takes applications

Active citizens and community leaders in DeKalb County are encouraged to apply for the upcoming class of Leadership DeKalb.

Open houses will be held March 1 and 6 for the 10-month community awareness and leadership development program. About 50 people are accepted into the program each year.

The first open house is at 5:30 p.m. March 1 at DeKalb Medical Women’s Center, 2701 N. Decatur Road near Decatur. The second is at 5:30 p.m. at DeKalb Medical Hillandale, 5900 Hillandale Drive, near Lithonia.

Reservations/more information: 404-373-2491 or info@leadershipdekalb.org. April Hunt

Happy Club Valentine’s dance tonight

Cowart Family/Ashford Dunwoody YMCA and The Happy Club will host its annual Valentine’s dance for young adults with developmental disabilities on today from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at 3692 Ashford Dunwoody Road. Information: visit www.ymcaatlanta.org or call 404-588-9622. Sandra Marshall Murray

SOUTHSIDE

Fairburn businesses reopen after fire

Fairburn will celebrate a milestone today with the reopening of two major downtown businesses destroyed in a fire two years ago. The fire, which ravaged the city’s downtown, destroyed three buildings and damaged two others. Mayor Mario Avery, the City Council and appointed officials will be on hand for the ceremony to mark the reopening of Oz Pizza and Fairburn Antique Mall at 10:30 a.m. at 5 S.W. Broad Street. City officials say they hope this will be the first steps in creating a vibrant downtown environment which will become the centerpiece for future growth. Patrick Fox

Valentine’s Day treat for women with cancer

The American Cancer Society is offering Clayton County women with cancer a Valentine’s Day treat . The society’s free Look Good … Feel Better workshop, which offers women cancer patients makeup and appearance tips, will be held at Southern Regional Medical Center on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon. The program is a partnership of the American Cancer Society, the Personal Care Products Council Foundation and the National Cosmetology Association. Details: call the American Cancer Society, 770-631-0625 or email nichole.adams@cancer.org. Tammy Joyner

Libraries offer help with taxes

Certified IRS program volunteers offering seniors and those earning $49,000 per year or less free help with 2011 tax returns will be at 12 Atlanta-Fulton libraries during the tax season, four of them in south Fulton. Assistance with e-filing of both federal and state returns is available.

On various dates and times leading up to the April 17 filing deadline, VITA, or Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, will be at the College Park, East Point, South Fulton and Southwest library branches. For a schedule, go to www.afpls.org or call 404-730-1700. Johnny Edwards

Clayton school to take winter break

Clayton County Public Schools will observe its winter break and President’s Day Feb. 16-17 and Feb. 20. All schools will be closed on those days. Tammy Joyner

Henry set to herald two projects

The public is invited to two ribbon-cutting ceremonies on Feb. 23. The ceremonies will mark the completion of two Henry County projects. The first ceremony is for the Firing Range at the Henry County Public Safety Complex. It will be at 10 a.m. at 2650 Stroud Road in Jackson in south Henry County. The second ceremony begins at 3 p.m. and will officially open the largest playground in Henry County at J.P. Moseley Park, 1041 Miller’s Mill Road in Stockbridge. Both ceremonies will be outdoors. Tammy Joyner

Hapeville offers movie ‘Barbershop Punk’

The Southern Circuit Tour of 2012 Series Film Screenings continues today with the Hapeville screening of “Barbershop Punk.”

The screening and includes a “meet the filmmaker” reception at 6 p.m. at the Christ Church and Carriage House in Jess Lucas Park followed the film screening at 7 p.m. Admission is free. John Thompson for the AJC