COBB
Marietta OKs crime reduction ordinance
The Marietta City Council has approved a crime reduction ordinance requested by Marietta Police Chief Dan Flynn. The ordinance would affect owners of about six of the city’s 46 apartment complexes that have higher than average crime rates. Those apartment owners have the option to join a program to cut down on crimes on their property. The fee to join is $250. If the owners don’t join and crime rates at their complex don’t go down, they could lose their business licenses. Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Sandy Plains Road improvements meeting
A meeting about proposed improvements to Sandy Plains Road is 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at Mountain View Regional Library, 3320 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta.
The Georgia Department of Transportation SPLOST project, from Kinjac Drive to Ebenezer Road, includes a traffic signal upgrade, median access management and filling in sidewalk gaps.
Information: www.cobbdot.org.
Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Chamber supports Dobbins via video
The Cobb Chamber of Commerce and Chattahoochee Technical College have released a new video in support of keeping Dobbins Air Reserve Base from closing.
Information: youtu.be/EZYBYJwDFCU, Cobb Chamber Government Affairs Director Slade Gulledge at 770-859-2322 or sgulledge@cobbchamber.org. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Cobb seeks Clay Road sidewalk bids
Contractors for the Clay Road sidewalk are being sought with a pre-bid conference planned at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Cobb County Department of Transportation, 1890 County Services Parkway, Marietta.
Bids are due by noon June 26 to Cobb County Purchasing, 100 Cherokee St., Suite 260, Marietta.
The 5-foot sidewalk will be on the south side of Clay Road from Austell Road to Mable Lake Road with completion planned by next spring.
Information: bidexpress.com, cobbdot.org.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Summer food program needs donations
MUST Ministries needs donations for a summer lunch program for children who get free and reduced lunches during the school year. The faith-based program delivers 6,000 meals daily in eight metro counties during summer months. MUST needs prepared lunch bags, financial donations and lunch and snack items.
Information: www.mustministries.org or e-mail to summerlunch@mustministries.org. Tucker McQueen
Marietta seeks ethics committee member
Marietta is looking for a resident to serve on the city ethics committee which reviews complaints filed against city council members and determines violations of the city code. Applicants must be a city resident and willing to serve a two-year term.
Information: www.marietta.gov or City Clerk Stephanie Guy at sguy@mariettaga.gov.
Tucker McQueen for the AJC
GWINNETT
Gwinnett schools holds property tax hearings
Gwinnett County school officials are holding three public hearings starting next week for residents to speak about a plan to maintain the district’s property tax rate.
The property tax rate is currently 21.85 mills. The county’s school board voted in favor of the proposed millage rate in May.
Public hearings are ste for 11:45 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thursday and 7 p.m. June 26 at the Gwinnett school district’s headquarters, 437 Old Peachtree Road NW, Suwanee.Eric Stirgus
Lawrenceville accepts reservations
Lawrenceville will host its 9th annual Prelude celebration to honor Independence Day at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 3 on the Lawrenceville Square near the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse. Event will feature the classic Broadway musical, ‘South Pacific,’ performed by the Aurora Theatre to be followed by fireworks. Free to the public; tables for six can be reserved for $100 through June 24 at 678-226-2639.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Professor wins lifetime achievement award
David Barnes, a biology professor at Georgia Gwinnett College, received the 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society for In Vitro Biology at the 2014 World Forum on Biology, held in Savannah. The award honors scientists who have made significant contributions to the field of in vitro biology, and/or in the development of novel technologies advance in vitro biology. Information: www.ggc.edu. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Loganville expands alcohol ordinance
The Loganville City Council has voted to revise the city’s alcohol beverage ordinance to allow businesses with a license to serve alcohol in areas adjacent to, but outside, existing structures. The change will allow restaurants to serve beverages at outdoor events with prior approval. Information: www.loganville-ga.gov.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Duluth approves rezoning for homes
The Duluth City Council voted to approve rezoning 11.67 acres of a 14.3 area tract of land at the northeast intersection of Buford Highway and Old Peachtree Road to allow development of 43 detached single-family homes. The request made by Pulte Home Corporation for expansion of the existing Cresswell subdivision includes 3.68 units per acre, vegetative buffers, enhanced landscaping, sidewalks and architectural designs consistent with existing homes. Karen Huppertz
Flag Day and Father’s Day rolled into one
Celebrate Flag Day and Father’s Day at the Fourth Annual Peachtree Corners Festival from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday at 6075 The Corners Parkway in Peachtree Corners. The event includes crafts vendors, food, music, children’s activities, a car and bike show, and a beer garden. Sunday, there’s a 5K/fun run followed by a non-denominational service. Information: www.peachtreecornersfestival.org. Karen Huppertz
NORTHSIDE
Canton names city manager finalist
The Canton City Council has named interim City Manager Glen Cummins as the sole finalist for the job on a permanent basis. Cummins is retired and had been serving as Ward 3 Council member for about two years when he was tapped in January for the interim manager’s job following the departure of Scott Wood. A prior finalist, Billy Peppers, a former Woodstock city official, withdrew his name from consideration in March after council opposition. Council is scheduled to vote on Cummins on July 3, following a required 14-day waiting period. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Alpharetta street closure extended
Drivers on Alpharetta’s Westside Parkway will have to grapple with traffic slowdowns through next week. One southbound lane is closed just south of Cumming Street, due to an accident damaging a fire hydrant.
A leak from the hydrant and water line then damaged the roadway. Alpharetta officials say Fulton County won’t be able to repair the line until sometime next week, after which Alpharetta will fix damaged pavement and re-open the road. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Bulky trash day set for Milton
The city of Milton Public Works Department and Milton Grows Green host a bulky trash amnesty day 8 a.m. - noon today at the Roswell Public Works Division, 1810 Hembree Road. Proof of residency required. Items that will be accepted include tires, sofas, refrigerators, washers, dryers and chairs. Paint and household hazardous waste won’t be accepted. Information:cityofmiltonga.us Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Recycling initiative to launch in Roswell
Keep Roswell Beautiful will hold a ceremony at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday near the playground at Roswell Area Park, 10495 Woodstock Road, to debut the city’s recycling bin initiative.
Keep Roswell Beautiful was recently awarded a Dr. Pepper-Snapple Group/Keep America Beautiful Park Recycling Bin Grant. The grant is being used to place 24 permanent recycling bins in eight of the city’s highly utilized parks.
The bins, into which aluminum cans and glass and plastic bottles can be deposited, will be available year round to increase the number of recycling opportunities throughout the city’s park system.
Roswell is one of more than two dozen communities nationwide receiving public park recycling grants this year.
Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Congressional candidates debate
The two top vote-getters in the GOP race for Georgia’s 11th District congressional seat in the May 20 primary will debate this weekend. The faceoff between former U.S. Rep. Bob Barr and ex-state senator Barry Loudermilk is set for 6:30- 8 p.m. Saturday at the Bailey Performance Center at Kennesaw State University. The two will face each other in the July 22 runoff. Party officials say the debate will feature two moderators, an initial presentation and questions and answers. It’s free and open to the public. The 11th district covers all of Cherokee and Bartow counties, and portions of Cobb and Fulton.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
ATLANTA
Former Falcons to host sports camp
Former Atlanta Falcons players Buddy Curry and Bobby Butler will host a free youth football and basketball camp at 10 a.m. Monday through Thursday at Grady High School, 929 Charles Allen Drive, Atlanta.
The camp, offered in conjunction with the Kids and Pros organization, is for young athletes 7 to 13. Campers will learn the proper techniques to avoid injuries in competition like concussions. The instructor, Curry, is the founder of Kids and Pros and a former Falcons defensive player. Information: www.kidsandpros.com
Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Caribbean-themed spelling bee at library
Children up to 8th grade will be in the Caribbean Spelling Bee 2:30 p.m. today at the Atlanta-Fulton County Public Library, One Margaret Mitchell Square.
The bee is focused on Caribbean people, places and things. It is being conducted as part of the library’s commemoration of National Caribbean American Heritage Month. Information: monica.foderingham@fultoncountyga.gov or 404-730-1904. Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Fraternity invites fathers to support rally
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. will hold its “Proud Fathers Rally and Stance Against Domestic Violence” at 11 a.m. today at Mall West End, 850 Oak St. SW.
The event will feature fatherhood advocacy organizations, legal assistance, heath screening, DNA testing, job recruiting and financial literacy sessions.
Information: www.opp-ga.org or www.fatherhood.gov
Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Urban League to hold gala, honor actress
DeMarco Morgan of WXIA, will be master of ceremonies at the fourth annual Spirit of the League awards luncheon, noon June 27 at the Twelve Hotel at Atlantic Station, 361 17th St. NW. The Urban League of Greater Atlanta is hosting the awards ceremony, which will honor actress and philanthropist Terri J. Vaughn. Information: ulgatl.org/sol or 404-659-6580. Kent A. Miles for the AJC
DEKALB
Police ID barber killed in salon shooting
DeKalb police have identified the barber who was shot and killed at a hair salon on Memorial Drive Thursday afternoon.
Police say 36-year-old Salahuddin Salaam was killed at Hair We Are hair salon in an apparent robbery.
The suspect is a customer who got a haircut at the salon prior to the incident, DeKalb police spokeswoman Mekka Parish said in an email.
After the haircut was finished, he reportedly shot Salaam multiple times and robbed him. The barber was taken to an area hospital in critical condition and later died from his injuries.
The name of the customer, who is not in custody, has not been released. Taylor West
Arrest made in fatal drive-by shooting
A Decatur man has been arrested and charged with murder for the shooting deaths of two men a month ago in DeKalb County.
Tony Thomas, 19, was arrested Thursday night by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Squad, and charged with two counts of murder and one count of aggravated assault, according to DeKalb sheriff’s spokeswoman Cynthia Williams.
Williams said Thomas is suspected of shooting and killing Veondus Dennis and Antwan Wheeler May 10 after a dispute that began at South DeKalb Mall and ended with a shootout on Shamrock Drive in Decatur.
She said police believe the incident may have been gang-related. Mike Morris
Five new jobs included in budget
Decatur’s proposed Fiscal Year 2015 budget of $21.8 million, scheduled for a Monday vote by commissioners, will add five new positions to the city’s payroll: a parking attendant to help with the new meters; program supervisor for Beacon Municipal Center; new program supervisor for Decatur Active Living; a full-time director for Westchester Elementary’s after-school program; a new school resource officer. With the new positions and a three percent cost of living raise, the city’s full-time salaries will increase by $635,840.
Bill Banks for the AJC
DeKalb group fights corruption
A group of DeKalb County residents has formed a government watchdog group that seeks to prevent corruption and improve ethics.
DeKalb Citizens for Good Government is beginning its work with a petition drive urging the county to create an anti-corruption police unit tasked with investigating corruption within county government.
The group’s director is concerned citizen Aja Marie Pascale, and its founding members include former DeKalb Commissioner Gale Walldorff and other involved county residents. Mark Niesse
Anti-domestic violence group hosts fundraiser
“Summer of Peace,” a fund-raiser for the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence will be held at 7 p.m. todayat 479 Spring Drive, Pine Lake.
Philanthropist, public speaker, author Steph Palermo will serve as the evening’s emcee. Admission to the event is free and donations are encouraged.
Information: 404-387-1342.
Kent A. Miles for the AJC
SOUTHSIDE
Special Olympians honored in Henry
Three Special Olympics athletes and two unified partners were chosen from Henry County to represent Georgia at the Special Olympic USA Games June 15-21 in Princeton, N.J. They were honored June 3 by the Henry County Board of Commissioners. The athletes are Melissa Dodgen, Brittney Hagelthorn and Tarcia Keys. Event partners are Davina Ford and Mandy Connor. Only 12 athletes from across the state were chosen for the national games.
Monroe Roark for the AJC
Peachtree City starts budget workshops
Peachtree City’s mayor and city council will discuss current and future budget issues at a public workshop starting at 6:30 p.m. Monday at City Hall.
A second workshop will be held Tuesday at the same time if necessary. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Business forum Tuesday in Stockbridge
Henry County Commissioner Bruce Holmes will speaker at the Atlanta Business League’s Business Power Forum 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at Eagle’s Landing Country Club, Stockbridge.
Joining Holmes will be several business leaders in Henry County, as well as Dr. Gregory Daniel, CEO of Nidus Development, which is set to develop a medical and retail complex in the north end of Henry County.
Holmes and the other speakers will discuss the business climate as well as upcoming business opportunities.
Information: www.henrycounty-ga.org. Monroe Roark for the AJC
Econ official to address chamber
Mary Ellen McClanahan, director of Entrepreneur and Small Business Development for the Georgia Department of Economic Development will be the keynote speaker at the South Fulton Chamber of Commerce membership luncheon, 11:30 a.m. Thursday at the Westin Atlanta Airport Hotel, 4736 Best Road, Atlanta.
Admission to the luncheon is $40 for chamber members, $50 for nonmembers.
Information: southfultonchamber.com Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Fayette park committee meeting
The pubic is invited to attend the next meeting of the Fayette County Justice Park Committee at 7 p.m. on June 25 at the Administrative Complex meeting room, 140 Stonewall Ave. West in Fayetteville.
The volunteer group is working on developing a park near the county justice center. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Give wildlife space in Peachtree City
Peachtree City is reminding residents to give local wildlife a wide berth. Sightings of coyotes and foxes are not uncommon in greenbelt and wooded areas, and the city does not trap or remove animals who are not posing a threat to anyone.
Homeowners should remove bird feeders if they attract mice and their predators.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
