County by county news for Saturday

Cobb’s portion, $528,850, will be used to develop a voucher program for disabled residents between the ages of 18 and 59 who live outside the county’s bus service areas, including people who lost their paratransit service last year due to budget cuts.

The funding is part of the Federal Transit Administration’s grant programs and is distributed annually. Janel Davis

Water bills to go up in Powder Springs

Powder Springs residents and businesses will see an increase soon in their water and sewer bills. The Powder Springs City Council will decide how much of an increase at 7 p.m. Monday in the Council Chambers, 4488 Pineview Drive.

With a Jan. 1 increase from the Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority -- 6 percent for water and 2 percent for sewer, Powder Springs is losing $30,000 a month, Mayor Patricia Vaughn said.

Information: City Hall, 770-943-1666. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Business association looks for nominees

The Austell Business Association is seeking nominations for its annual M. L. Lamar Lifetime Achievement Award.

Nominees should be Austell residents or business owners who have greatly impacted the Austell community -- as was the case with Lamar who passed away before receiving his award from the association.

Nominations should be received before March 1.

A nomination form may be printed at austellbusinessassociation.org and mailed to P.O. Box 975, Austell, GA 30168.

Information: felicia@servproswcobb.com. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Volunteers needed to plant 1,550 trees

Keep Cobb Beautiful, Marietta Tree Keepers and the Rotary Club of Marietta need volunteers from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday Feb. 25 to plant 1,550 seedling trees at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. Parking will be at the Cheatham Hill Road parking lot. A field off the road will be restored to its mid-19th century look when it was a hardwood forest.Tools will be provided. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Kennesaw mayor to hold town hall meeting

Kennesaw Mayor Mark Matthews will hold the first town hall meeting of the year at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Ben Robertson Community Center, 2753 Watts Dr. The mayor will talk to residents about city programs and updates, and answer questions. Information: www.kennesaw-ga.gov. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Discussion on midwife options Sunday

Join Atlanta area midwives for a panel discussion to learn about midwifery options in Georgia on Sunday. The meet and greet will start at 1 p.m. with the panel discussion/Q&A starting at 2 p.m. at the Center for Undergraduate Studies room 112 Life University, Marietta.

The event is free. Information: call 770- 597-4478 or email info@gabirthnetwork.com or visit www.gabirthnetwork.com Sandra Marshall Murray

GWINNETT

Gwinnett police to hold job fair today

The Gwinnett County Police Department is hosting a job fair from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at its training center in Lawrenceville.

The fair, at 854 Winder Highway, will feature openings for police officer trainees with salaries of $35,023 and senior police officers with salaries of $37,648. Anyone who is interested must apply online prior to attending the job fair at www.gwinnettpolicejobs.com. The police department is a nationally accredited department with specialized units such as SWAT, K-9, DUI Task Force, Aviation, Bomb Squad, Motorcycle Unit and more. Andria Simmons

County offices closed on Monday

Gwinnett County offices will be closed Monday for the President’s Day holiday.

Trash and recycling collection will follow a normal schedule.

County offices will resume regular hours on Tuesday. David Wickert

Former mayor to run for commission

Former Snellville Mayor Jerry Oberholtzer this week announced his candidacy for Gwinnett County Commission District 3.

Oberholtzer, 52, is a civil engineer who spent 12 years as a city councilman and mayor in Snellville.

He will run against incumbent County Commissioner Mike Beaudreau and Dacula businessman Mike Korom in the Republican primary in July. David Wickert

Christian school hires new football coach

Greater Atlanta Christian School of Norcross has a new head football coach.

Tim Hardy, an experienced high school and college football coach, has accepted an offer to lead the Spartan football program.

Hardy launched the football program at Mountain View High in Gwinnett County as its first head football coach in 2009.

He also spent 10 seasons coaching at Wheaton College, his alma mater in Illinois. D. Aileen Dodd

DDS offers motorcycle education course

The Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program offers professionally coached rider education courses at the Department of Driver Services, 310 Hurricane Shoals N.E. in Lawrenceville. Successful completion of the basic riders course may entitle a graduate to a 90-day license waiver from the motorcycle license written examination and road test.

It does not waive the vision test or any licensing fees.

Enrollment fee is $250 and for out-of-state riders $300. Information: 678-413-8400 or 866-754-3687 and www.dds.ga.gov. Kenneth Musisi

County asks input on animal welfare

Gwinnett County is seeking public input on animal welfare issues.

A task force is studying ways to improve animal control services.

To assist the task force, Gwinnett is asking residents to take a brief survey. To take the survey and for information, visit www.gwinnettcounty.com. David Wickert

NORTHSIDE

Fulton gives lobbyists federal wish list

The Fulton commission has handed its federal-level lobbyists a legislative package, a wish list for a share of the more than $3 trillion the U.S. government will spend this year. The county has an lobbying contract, with an $85,000 maximum, with Virginia-based Alcalde & Fay. The county wants to increase funding for community development, emergency management and justice programs, and keep dollars coming for AIDS prevention. Fulton also wants a law repealed that denies federal health care benefits to jail inmates who haven’t been convicted. Johnny Edwards

Deadline March 15 to apply for arts grants

Nonprofit arts organizations have until March 15 to apply for $1,000 to $150,000 grants through Fulton County’s contracts for services program. The Arts and Culture department is holding workshops on the application process, and first-time applicants must either attend or consult with the arts staff.

The next workshop will be Tuesday at Heritage Sandy Springs, 6110 Bluestone Rd., from 10 a.m. to noon. Directions: www.heritagesandysprings.org

Two more workshops are scheduled before the deadline. Information: 404-612-5780. Johnny Edwards

CAC changes name and logo

Community Action Center is commemorating its 25 years of compassionate assistance to residents in Sandy Springs and Dunwoody with a new name. According to CAC, the new name, Community Assistance Center better reflects who they are and what they do.

The organization also has a new logo and new website. Information: www.ourcac.org. Kenneth Musisi

Scouts to plant 2,500 trees in Roswell

Hundreds of Chattahoochee District Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts will be scattered throughout Roswell this weekend for the local Rotary Club’s annual Trees Across Roswell event honoring Georgia’s Arbor Day.

Scouts expect to plant 2,500 trees throughout the day Saturday at various locations, including parks, municipal grounds, schools and churches.

A closing ceremony will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Chattahoochee Nature Center. Patrick Fox

School host Taste of Holcomb Bridge

Cultures of the world will be celebrated at the annual Taste of Holcomb Bridge on March 1. The PTA at Roswell’s Holcomb Bridge Middle School will be hosting the event themed “A Passport to the World.”

Families are invited to bring a dish from their country of origin.

“We have over 34 countries represented at Holcomb Bridge Middle School alone,” Principal Joy Schroerlucke said. “Who needs to travel when you can learn so much from each other right here?”

Tickets are $5 per person, $20 per family.

Free admission is offered for up to five people with a dish serving 16 or more.

Info: Kim Thompson at kimtproducer@gmail.com or Lucretia Floyd and lucretiafloyd@gmail.com. Nancy Badertscher

ATLANTA

Zoo euthanizes ill rare frog

A male Rabbs’ fringe-limbed tree frog, believed to be one of only two of its kind on Earth, was euthanized Friday at Zoo Atlanta. The frog, whose age was not known, was euthanized after a marked decline in his health and behavior. The Animal Management and Veterinary Teams ended the frog’s life to prevent suffering and to preserve generic material that could be used to study the species, which is believed to be extinct in the wild.The last known member of the species – also a male – resides at Atlanta Botanical Garden. Melissa Ruggieri

GSU to show exhibitions through May 11

The Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design Galleries at Georgia State University presents a fresh series of M.F.A solo exhibitions through May 11. The solo exhibitions are a culmination of the intensive full time three-year Master of Fine Arts studio program. For a calendar of reception dates, visit www.gsu.edu. Information: 404-413-5230. Kenneth Musisi

Howard University alumni gala March 30

The Howard University Alumni Club of Atlanta will host its annual the charter day awards reception on Friday, March 30 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree Street. Proceeds from the event will be contributed to the HU Alumni Club’s scholarship fund. Information and to purchase tickets: www.hualumniatl.com.

Sandra Marshall Murray

Libraries in Atlanta offer tax help

Low- and middle-income taxpayers stumped by tax forms can get free assistance from AARP Tax-Aide at several Atlanta-Fulton libraries this tax season, including four in Atlanta. Through April 17 — the filing deadline — volunteers will be at the Adams Park, Buckhead, Kirkwood and Washington Park branches. Tax assistance and preparation service, including e-filing of both federal and state returns, is available. Special attention will be given to those age 60 and older. For a schedule, go to www.afpls.org or call 404-730-1700. Johnny Edwards

DEKALB

Public can weigh in on county budget

A DeKalb County commissioner will hold a public meeting next Tuesday to discuss with citizens the 2012 budget.

Commissioner Larry Johnson, who represents District 3, will host the meeting that is planned for 7 p.m. on Feb. 21 at the Exchange Park Intergenerational Center at 2771 Columbia Drive in Decatur.

Those wanting more information on the meeting should call 404-371-2988.

Rhonda Cook

Leadership DeKalb takes applications

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

Big band music returns to Northlake Mall

The chance to dance and sway to big-band music returns later this month at Northlake Mall in Tucker. The Atlanta-New York Connection provides the music at the free event held in the mall’s food court. The next dance will be from 6-8 p.m. Feb. 28 at the mall, 4800 Briarcliff Road. April Hunt

Program focuses on backyard chickens

Backyard chickens – or “Chicks in the City” – will be the focus of a full-day session later this month in Decatur.

The Oakhurst Community Garden Project’s symposium offers essentials on creating and successfully raising an urban flock. The event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25 at the Oakhurst Church, 630 East Lake Drive Cost is $65 or $50 for garden project members.

Register at www.oakhurstgarden.org. Information: Andrea.Zoppo@yahoo.com. April Hunt

All Saints church ready for fish on Fridays

The Lenten Fish Fry team at All Saints Catholic Church and its Knights of Columbus is geared up to resume their spectacular fish dinners of cod, salmon or shrimp starting on Ash Wednesday and continuing every Friday until March 30. Dinners will be served from 5-8 p.m. at the GYM behind the church at 2443 Mount Vernon Road, in Dunwoody. The prices will be $8 for cod and $9 for salmon. Information: 770-393-3255. Kenneth Musisi

Tucker group asks for community input

Tucker Civic Association is exploring the possibility of establishing a Tucker Lifelong Community effort similar to one sponsored by the Atlanta Regional Commission. The ARC program places emphasis on improving housing and transportation options, encouraging healthy lifestyles, and providing access to services and resources for seniors.

Residents of Tucker and Smoke Rise can help identify the most beneficial services and improvements by filling out a survey online by March 16.

Information: www.tuckercivic.org or e-mail ppluz@tuckercivic.org. Kenneth Musisi

SOUTHSIDE

Fairburn man dies in collision with deer

A Fairburn man died early Friday when the all-terrain vehicle he was driving struck a deer in south Fulton County, authorities said. The incident happened around 3 a.m. Friday on Johnson Road near Phipps Road in Palmetto. The man, identified by the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s office as 44-year-old Johnny Chapman, was ejected from the ATV and killed, according to the Georgia State Patrol.

Investigators have not said whether Chapman was wearing a helmet, or why he was riding an ATV at 3 a.m. Mike Morris

Peachtree City CVB needs board members

Peachtree City’s Convention and Visitors Bureau is accepting applications for its volunteer board of directors.

The CVB seeks individuals who either own a business in the city (preferably with tourism media-related experience) or someone who owns, manages or operates a hotel in Peachtree City. Applications, available at City Hall or at www.peachtree-city.org/jobs, are due March 2. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Workshop helps seniors with tax breaks

Fulton Housing and Community Development and the county tax assessors office will host a workshop from 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday teaching seniors how to lower their tax bills with homestead exemptions. The “Home Sweet Home” workshop will be at the H.J.C. Bowden Senior Multipurpose Facility, 2885 Church St., East Point.

The deadline to apply for homestead exemptions is April 2. The class will cover other tax reductions available for seniors age 62 and older. Information: 404-612-9184. Johnny Edwards

6th-graders can write ‘If I were mayor’

Sixth grade students in Hapeville have a chance to creatively use language arts skills and civics knowledge to express how they would make a difference as mayor.

The winners in the statewide contest receive a $250 savings bond and other prizes. Hapeville’s top three winners will be recognized at a City Council meeting.

For entry forms and information: Adrienne Senter at 404-669-8269, or at asenter@hapeville.org. John Thompson for the AJC

Holmes to host town hall meeting

Henry County District 5 Commissioner Bruce Holmes is hosting a town hall meeting today at 9 a.m. at the Fairview Recreation Center, 35 Austin Road in Stockbridge. State Senator Emanuel Jones and State Representatives Rahn Mayo and Sandra Scott will provide a legislative update. County elections director Janet Shellnutt will talk about this year’s elections. Monroe Roark for the AJC

East Point fire department wants input

The East Point Fire Department has prepared a survey that will help residents assess the job that they are doing in the community. Residents can find the survey at http://www.eastpointcity.org/DocumentView.aspx?DID=3273. After completing the survey, participants can drop the survey off at their local fire station. John Thompson for the AJC