County by county news for Saturday

The three were also each charged with one felony count of violation of Georgia’s controlled substance act.McNabb, of Marietta, was shot in the parking lot of the Zaxby’s in the 2500 block of South Cobb Drive, near Smyrna, around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday. HezNabb died before he arrived at WellStar Kennestone Hospital. Alexis Stevens

Austell seeks bids for sidewalk construction

Austell city officials seek bids for sidewalk construction on Cemetery Street from Bowden Street to Veterans Memorial Highway. A pre-bid conference is 2 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Croy Engineering office, 200 North Cobb Parkway, Building 400, Suite 413, Marietta.

Bids should be submitted by 2 p.m. Aug. 30 to Duane R. Demeritt, Austell Public Works Department, 5000 Austell-Powder Springs Road, Suite 105, Austell.

Information: 770-971-5407 or lterry@croyengineering.com or www.austellga.gov and click "Request for Bids" on right panel. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Firearm education class scheduled

The Foundation of Emory-Adventist Hospital at Smyrna will hold a Glock training class 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 28 at Glock Professional Inc., 5300 Highlands Parkway, Smyrna.Reservations: www.smyrnacares.org. Mea Watkins

Kennesaw to drop two polling places

Kennesaw will reduce polling precincts from serven to five, closing precints at the New Beginnings United Methodist Church on Mack Dobbs Road and the Martha Moore Education Center on Keene Street. The city council this week agreeded to a Cobb Board of Registration & Elections recommendation to consolidate precincts and the Cobb Board of Commissioners is expected to approve the change Tuesday. Information: www.kennesaw-ga.gov. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Cobb announces teachers of the year

Cobb schools’ administrators recently named three 2013-14 Teachers of the Year. Superintendent Michael Hinojosa presented the elementary teacher of the year award to Tracie Bucy, a kindergarten teacher at Rocky Mount Elementary School, the middle school teacher of the year award to Rhonda Lokey, a social studies teacher at Campbell Middle School and the high school teacher of the year award to Cathy Zingler, a special education teacher at Lassiter High School.

Information: www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/communications/news/2013/20130731_TOTYs.aspx. Daarell Burnette II

Business networking Wednesday

The South Cobb Business Association will hold its open networking meeting 8 to 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Holiday Inn Express, 3741 Tramore Point Parkway SW, Austell off the East-West Connector.

Information: sc-ba.org, info@southcobbba.org or 678-224-7300. Carolyn Cunningham

GWINNETT

Duluth election packets now available

Qualifying Packages for the upcoming election are now available on the Duluth Elections page at www.duluthga.net.

Qualifying begins Aug. 26 at 8:30 a.m. and concludes Wednesday, Aug. 28 at 4:30 p.m. in the office of the City Clerk at Duluth City Hall, 3167 Main Street.

Current info online, or call Election Superintendent, Teresa Lynn or Assistant Superintendent, Kristin McGregor at 770-476-3434. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Tech surgical students ace national exams

For the third year in a row, Gwinnett Tech’s Surgical Technology Program students have achieved a 100-percent pass rate on the Certified Surgical Technologist exam, a test that assesses practical knowledge and skills in the field. .

Information: www.gwinnetttech.edu or 770-962-7580. Karen Huppertz

Hudgens Prize winner announced today

The 2013 Hudgens Prize, one of the largest art awards given in the nation, will be announced at 8 p.m. today at The Hudgens Center for the Arts at 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth.

One of the four Hudgens Prize Finalist artists, Chris Chambers, Robbie Land, Pam Longobardi or Derek Larson will receive the cash award of $50,000 and an invitation for a solo exhibition.

The competition, open only to Georgia residents is chosen by a jury panel based on in-person visits to the four Finalist’s studios and the works on view in the Finalists Exhibition.

Award ceremony is free.

Pre-award reception begins at 7 p.m. with tickets available at www.thehudgens.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Citizenship classes at Lawrenceville library

The Lawrenceville branch of the Gwinnett Public Library will offer classes to help pass the U.S. Citizenship test 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursday through Sept. 12 at 1001 Lawrenceville Highway.

Information: www.gwinnettpl.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Public may comment on Suwanee police

As part of the Suwanee Police Department’s voluntary re-accreditation process, assessors from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. invite the public to comment at 6 p.m. Aug. 20 at the Crossroads Center, 323 Buford Highway.

You may call 2-4 p.m. Aug. 19 at 770-904-7655. A copy of the standards is available from the Suwanee Police Department, 373 Buford Highway; e-mail dclark@suwanee.com or 770-904-7605.

Written comments may be mailed to: Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Inc., 13575 Heathcote Boulevard, Suite 320, Gainesville, VA

Information: 800-368-3757, 703-352-4225 or www.calea.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Holly Springs to hold residents’ police academy

The city of Holly Springs is accepting applications for its upcoming Citizens Police Academy. The academy will run from Sept. 9 to Nov. 4 andwill focus on various aspects of law enforcement, including the K-9 unit and bike patrol team.

Applications are due by Aug. 23. Applicants must be at least 18 and pass a background check.

Information: www.hollyspringsga.us  Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Forsyth girl dies from wreck injuries

Eleven-year-old Caroline Addlesburger of Suwanee, a student at Riverwatch Middle School, died late Friday morning at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite, according to Forsyth sheriff’s department.

The girl’s mother, Tracy Beiler of Suwanee, died at the scene of the two-vehicle wreck about 11 a.m. Wednesday on Old Atlanta Road near Cumming. Rain may have been a factor in the crash. Beiler was driving southbound a 2002 Toyota Camry when she apparently lost control in a curve and collided with a northbound 2012 Honda Odyssey.

Another 11-year-old girl that was a family friend was seated in the back of the Camry and was taken to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite with non-life threatening injuries.

The Honda driver, Mujtaba Syed, 40, of Cumming, was taken to North Fulton Hospital with non-life threatening injuries, and a 7-year-old passenger in the Honda was taken to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite for treatment of a broken leg. Mike Morris

Day of caring set in Forsyth

The United Way of Forsyth County is gearing up for its 12th annual Day of Caring and Campaign Kickoff at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 6 at the Forsyth Conference Center, 3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Cumming. Volunteer teams and sponsors are needed to help prepare 50 thousand non-perishable meals for Forsyth County's hungry. Information: unitedwayforsyth.com  Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Forsyth arts group announces grants

The Forsyth County Art Alliance has awarded the University of North Georgia two grants-one for $7,500 for the North Georgia Symphony Orchestra, and another, $8,000 grant for the planned exhibition “TEXTure: A collaboration of Poets and Artists.” Both a planned symphony concert and the exhibition are set for spring, 2014. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Daves Creek Drive closed for construction

Daves Creek Drive in Forsyth County in now temporarily closed to through traffic at Old Atlanta Road. The closure is to allow crews to realign Daves Creek with Old Atlanta to improve sight distance at the intersection.

The project will also include construction of left and right turning lanes on Old Atlanta Road. The road is expected to reopen by Sept. 8. The work is funded by the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax program, SPLOST VI. Patrick Fox

ATLANTA

APS appeals now before state high court

Pretrial appeals in the Atlanta Public Schools test-cheating case are now before the Georgia Supreme Court, which is expected to decide by the end of the month whether to hear the appeals.

The Georgia Court of Appeals has transferred to the state Supreme Court an appeal filed by some former APS educators. The appeals court noted that former APS Superintendent Beverly Hall already has a pretrial appeal pending before the Supreme Court.

The educators, who face racketeering charges, are appealing a Fulton County judge’s rulings as to whether APS officials gave coerced statements to investigators and whether Gov. Sonny Perdue had the authority to appoint the special investigators who uncovered test cheating at APS schools. Bill Rankin

Common Cause stadium drive fails

Watchdog group Common Cause Georgia efforts to take the partial public financing of the new $1 billion Atlanta Falcons stadium to referendum has failed. It set out in June to collect 35,000 signatures of registered voters to place the issue on the November ballot.

The first petition request —- aimed at repealing the March city council resolution allowing the city to commit $200 million in hotel-motel taxes to the project—- was denied by the city’s legal department. The department said a 1998 Georgia Supreme Court ruling prohibited the petition. Common Cause had 60 days to complete the task, ending Aug. 10. Katie Leslie

Male empowerment expo this weekend

An empowerment expo aimed to foster academic, vocational, economic and personal improvement in men age 18 to 28 will take place 12:30 p.m. Saturday at the Auburn Avenue Research Library, 101 Auburn Ave., S.W.

It will include self-assessments, an interactive workshop, film, open forum, keynote message, a resource panel and health screening.

Free, but registration is suggested. Information: www.communitycouncilma.org, 404-221-1222, or 404-935-5859. Mea Watkins

DEKALB

Charges filed for teens shot during robbery

Three teen, two 15-year-olds and a 14-year old have been charged with burglary and theft by receiving after allegedly breaking into a Lithonia-area home, DeKalb police said.

They were in a stolen car when the teens pulled into the driveway of a Donna Way home shortly before 4 p.m. Monday.

Two of the teens, whose names were not released, forced their way into the rear of the home, where they were met with a resident with a gun.

The resident fired multiple shots, striking both boys who ran away, but were later caught and taken to the hospital.

The uninjured boy was transported to a youth detention center. The injured teens, who both sustained non-life-threatening injuries, were charged after being treated. Alexis Stevens

Rapist gets 3 life sentences; 484 years

Trever Deion Blue, 23, pleaded guilty to multiple counts of rape, sexual battery, aggravated assault and burglary. He was given three consecutive life sentences plus 484 years in prison, the DeKalb District Attorney’s office announced.

Blue assaulted 16 women between 2009 and 2010 around the Hambrick Road area. Angel K. Brooks

County holding small business summit

DeKalb County will host a summit for small business owners 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 22 at Georgia Piedmont Technical College’s conference center, 495 North Indian Creek Road, Clarkston. The event is part of its efforts to promote business growth and economic development in the county. Cost is $25.

Register online at http://dekalbsummit2013.eventbrite.com. Information: 404-687-2730. April Hunt

Brookhaven sets qualifying period

The qualifying period for Brookhaven City Council candidates will be Aug. 26 through Aug. 28.

Voters will elect for districts 2 and 4 in the November election.

Would-be candidates must file notice and pay a $360 fee to the Brookhaven City Clerk between 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the qualifying period.

Information: www.brookhavenga.gov. April Hunt

Clarkston opening city hall annex

Clarkston will open its new annex to city hall later this month with an open house and tour of the historic former home of Mary Morris.

The property, at 1055 Rowland Street, will house administrative operations for the city as additional office and meeting space.

The open house runs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 16 at the site. A dedication and remembrance of Morris, a long-time resident who died in 2011, begins at 6 p.m. The events are free and open to the public. April Hunt

Grants available to charity groups

Charity groups that work with children, seniors and other underserved populations in DeKalb County can now apply for government grants to help with their work. Applications are due Aug. 16 in the Human Development Department.

Information: 770-270-1180 or human.dekalbcountyga.gov. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Technology company relocating to Stockbridge

World Internet Group announced this week plans to relocate its headquarters from Atlanta to Stockbridge.

The multiyear partnership agreement between the company and the Stockbridge Downtown Development Authority will lead to the creation of more than 75 high-tech jobs over a two-year period, according to city officials.

Information: www.cityofstockbridge.com. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Town hall set to discuss road projects

District III Commissioner Gary Barham will host a town hall meeting at 9 a.m. Aug. 31, in the Activity Center of Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church, 992 Mt. Bethel Road in McDonough.

He will lead a discussion regarding River Road to get feedback from citizens on whether the county should consider closing the road to through traffic.

Improvements to the intersection of Wynn Road and Mt. Bethel Road at Highway 81 to enhance safety will also be discussed. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Cong. David Scott to host health fair

Congressman David Scott is hosting his ninth annual Health Fair on Saturday, Aug. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mundy’s Mill High School, 9652 Fayetteville Rd in Jonesboro.

The fair will offer free screenings for sickle cell, dental and vision and mental health. There will be clinical breast exams and PSA tests for prostate cancer.

Free HIV/AIDS testing also will be available along with testing for diabetes, asthma, blook pressure and cholesterol.

Local health professionals will be on hand for free consultations.Tammy Joyner

SPLOST stormwater timetable scheduled

The Fayette County Board of Commissioners has set a schedule for finalizing the Core Infrastructure SPLOST to finance stormwater system repairs.

A list of 181 proposed projects is available at www.fayettecountyga.gov and at the libraries and city halls in Fayetteville, Peachtree City and Tyrone.

Residents can send comments to stormwaterinput@fayettecountyga.gov.

A final public hearing will be held at the BOC meeting at 7 p.m. Aug. 29 in Fayetteville. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Health department to hold event for teens

The Clayton County Board of Health and other community groups are inviting teens between the ages of 12 and 19 to participate in an Aug. 17 interactive event called The Clayton County Teen Maze.

The 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. event will be at the Riverdale Centre, 7210 Church St., Riverdale.

The event will show consequences of positive and negative life choices.

Counselors will lead discussions with participants at the end of the activities. The event is free.

Registration is required and available at claytoncountypublichealth.org/ccst.

Details: Akisha Joseph at 678-479-2205. Tammy Joyner