County by county news for Saturday

The tax was ratified by Cobb County voters in a special election on March 19. Information: www.cobbtaxpayer.com

Melissa Abbey

Powder Springs hosts gun safety seminar

Powder Springs Police Department will host a free gun safety seminar 7 p.m. May 21 at Tapp Middle School, 3900 Macedonia Road, Powder Springs. This program will be focused on safety, Georgia laws, and the use of alternative weapons.

To register, email SSlay@cityofpowdersprings.org or call 770-943-1616. Do not bring any firearms or weapons to the seminar. Andria Simmons

Marietta takes first redevelopment steps

The Marietta City Council on Wednesday approved a resolution to consider redeveloping Franklin Road and other areas in the city. The council has until August to approve holding a $35 million bond referendum to finance the project before the public can vote in November. The council also agreed to hire a financial consultant and legal counsel contingent on the passing of the urban redevelopment bond. The first public hearing on the project will be 7 p.m May 8 at City Hall, 205 Lawrence St. Information: www.mariettaga.gov. Information: www.mariettaga.gov.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Farmers market open Sundays

More than 60 vendors have signed up to sell fruits, vegetables, baked and organic goods at the Marietta Square Farmers Market noon to 3 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 24 on Mill Street. The downtown market is an addition to the year-round Saturday market on North Park Square. Information: Johnny Fulmer at 770-499-9393 or Marietta squarefarmersmarket.net.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Session on doing business with county

The Cobb County Purchasing Department and the Keep it in Cobb initiative will host an informative session on May 21 at 5 p.m. at the West Cobb Senior Center discussing how to do business with the county. The meeting will highlight vendor opportunities and provide a chance for attendees to meet and network with department representatives. RSVP: 770-528-3317 or Inger.Eberhart@CobbCounty.org Melissa Abbey

Car show to be held in Suwanee

The Gwinnett Parks & Recreation Department is hosting a Wheels and Deals Car Show April 27 at George Pierce Park in Suwanee.

The event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and will include concessions and auto vendors. The public can showcase your best show car, hot rod or muscle car for the coveted “Best in Show” title. Admission is free.

To register your car or become a vendor, contact Pam Hoffman at 678-277-0910 by April 19. Andria Simmons

GWINNETT

Couple charged with $600k in Medicaid fraud

A Gwinnett grand jury indicted Derrell Jackson and Shayla Darrington Jackson for allegedly violating the state Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, of Medicaid fraud and theft of more than $600,000, the attorney general’s office said.

The husband and wife are accused of submitting false billing to the state Medicaid program for more than three years through their company, Project Focus. The firm provided in-home mental health counseling to youth diagnosed with behavioral disorders.

Aaron Gould Sheinin

Earth Day celebration in Buford Saturday

A Mill Creek Nature Center Earth Day celebration will be held in Buford on Saturday, from 8 a.m. until noon.

Participants can help clean up the stream or enjoy a nature walk. Children will enjoy supervised crafts at the amphitheater.

The Georgia Wildlife Federation owns the eighty-eight acre preserve.

Information: www.gwf.org.

Dan Klepal

Peachtree Corners plans meetings

Peachtree Corners’ leaders will meet in two locations to provide community feedback on the city’s comprehensive plan. The first meeting will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Norcross High School, 5300 Spalding Drive. The second opportunity will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 30 at Winters Chapel United Methodist Church, 5105 Winters Chapel Road. More info on plan at: peachtreecornersplan.blogspot.com.

Residents unable to attend a meeting may complete a survey at www.surveymonkey.com/s/PeachtreeCornersCompPlan.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Sikh exhibition coming to Norcross

Gurudwara Guru Nanak Mission Society in Norcross aims to create awareness of the historical significance of the Sikh community and its legacy through an upcoming exhibition featuring a rare collection of personal belongings of Sikh Gurus.

Hundreds of rare art and artifacts of Sikh heritage will be on display from Monday - April 20 at the Sikh temple, 1158 Rock Bridge Road, Norcross. Andria Simmons

Garden plots available in Lilburn

The Lilburn Community Garden grand opening will include a ribbon cutting 1 p.m. April 20 in the field across from the Lilburn City Hall parking lot. The garden soil will be prepared, water pipes installed, landscaping will be done and rental plots built. To volunteer or rent a plot visit www.lilburncommunitygarden.org. Rental plots are $60 and $40 for a year. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Gateway art project hosts artist reception

The Duluth Fine Arts League and Gateway Art Project Committee will unveil the design for the city’s newest public art project for the West Lawrenceville Street Roundabout 7 to 8 p.m. April 30 at Duluth City Hall. Artist, Michael Dillon will be on hand to meet the public and explain his design. www.artsduluth.org.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Woman charged with killing ex-husband

Brian Pugh, 52, died Thursday night after being transported to North Fulton Hospital. He was found with multiple gunshot wounds Thursday after officials were called to a medical emergency at his townhouse at 120 Serenity Court, according to an Alpharetta police spokesman.

His ex-wife, Jennifer Pugh, 48, was charged with felony murder and is being held without bond at Fulton County Jail. Investigators have not released a motive. Christian Boone

Forsyth bonds receive top rating

Moody’s Investors Service has assigned a Aaa rating and stable outlook to Forsyth County’s $16.6 million general obligation bonds and Sewerage Authority’s $27.4 million refunding revenue bonds. Moody’s said the highest-quality rating reflects the county’s sound financial picture.

The general obligation bond proceeds represent the remainder of the $100 million Parks, Recreation and Green Space Bond approved by voters in 2008. The Water and Sewer bonds will refund bonds from two series of outstanding debt for an expected net present value savings of just under $2 million. Patrick Fox

New Canton group getting organized

The newly created Commission Canton’s Future now has a chair and a structure. Group members appointed an executive committee and picked retired businessman John Rust to head the group at an organizational meeting this week. Mayor Gene Hobgood, who fostered creation of the 21-member body, said the group will create a vision out to 2050 in such areas as city service delivery, tax structure and infrastructure needs. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Prescription drugs disposal in Milton

The Milton Police Department hosts a National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 27, at Target in Milton, 13055 Ga. Highway 9, where prescription drugs can be taken for safe disposal. On a previous disposal day, citizens turned in a record-breaking 488,395 pounds of medication at 5,263 take-back sites nationally. Information: Community outreach officer Ara Baronian, 678-242-2527, ara.baronian@cityofmiltonga.us. Michael Alpert for the AJC

Woodstock to hold yard sale

As part of the Great American Clean-up, the city of Woodstock will hold a citywide yard sale beginning 9 a.m. today. Residents can hold their own individual yard sales or can rent a table for $10 at the William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road. Information: www.woodstockga.gov or 678-445-6518. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Reinhardt plans home tour fundraiser

Reinhardt University in Waleska is planning its inaugural Tour of Homes 10 a.m.-4 :30 p.m. April 27 at the Hawks Ridge golf community, Ball Ground. Proceeds will benefit the A DAY for Reinhardt program, which raises financial assistance money for Cherokee County students. Information: www.reinhardt.edu/tourofhomes. Mark Woolsey

ATLANTA

Superintendent search group leader named

The Atlanta Board of Education has named Ann Wilson Cramer, retired director for IBM Corporate Citizenship and Corporate Affairs for the Americas, as the chairwoman of the Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Search Committee.

The search committee will convene a kick-off Tuesday at the Atlanta school district’s headquarters. Mark Niesse

Mother ticketed for carrying kid in street

A mother carrying her 2-year-old was ticketed after stepping in front of a vehicle while trying to catch a bus on Peachtree and Alabama streets Friday morning, police said.

The unidentified woman and her child were bumped by an oncoming Dodge Stratus but neither were seriously hurt, said police. They were transported to the hospital as a precaution. Christian Boone

CBC to sponsor health walk and wellness fair

The Concerned Black Clergy of Metropolitan Atlanta is sponsoring a Health Walk and Wellness Fair 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. today. The 4-mile walk will begin at 9 a.m. at the VICARS Community Center, 838 Cascade Road and proceed down Ralph D. Abernathy Boulevard and back to the community center, where the fair will take place. Registration is $20 and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Hosea Feed the Hungry Foundation. Information: 404-755-4900 or www.concernedblackclergy.org. Veronica Fields Johnson

Opera company to perform Saturday

Americolor Opera will celebrate performances of the 12 original operas by Sharon J. Willis today at Friendship Baptist Church, 437 Mitchell St.

The noon matinee and reception will be presented in concert version and the 6 p.m. dinner theater will be presented in full costume with chamber orchestra. Matinee admission is $25 for adults and $10 for children 10 and under. Dinner Theater admission is $40 for adults and $20 for children 10 and under.

Information: 404-917-4137 or www.americoloropera.org.

Veronica Fields Johnson

DEKALB

NASA gives girls career advice

Girls ages 6-16 had a visit Thursday from NASA, focusing on careers in science, technology, engineering and math. The visit was part of a Dream Big career event hosted by NASA and Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta. Sparking young women’s interest in STEM-based careers, the event surrounded Destination Station, a national campaign promoting research opportunities aboard NASA’s international Space Station. The exhibit will be at Fernbank Science Center through May 18. Information: www.nasa.gov/destinationstation Nancy Badertscher

Expo features green workshops

DeKalb County hosts its annual Green Expo 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at Georgia Piedmont Technical College’s conference center, 495 North Indian Creek Road. The expo will feature workshops on conservation and rain barrels and include local green businesses demonstrating eco-friendly products and services. Information: 404-371-7045 or sustainabledekalb@gmail.com. April Hunt

DeKalb seniors can go for the gold

Registration is underway for the 26th Annual DeKalb County Senior Olympic Games. Competitive events will be held across the county May 6-17. Registration ends April 29 and the games are open to the public. Events range fro bowling to line dancing to track and field. Applications are available online at www.co.dekalb.ga.us/parks/, or at all DeKalb County recreation centers, libraries and some senior centers.

Information: 404-687-2751. April Hunt

Stone Mountain CID improves landscapes

The Stone Mountain Community Improvement District is partnering with several businesses to add new trees and plants to high-traffic intersections in the district.

Four crossroads – Hugh Howell Road at both Mountain Industrial and Tucker Industrial boulevards and Mountain Industrial at East Ponce de Leon Avenue and Hirsch Drive – are the focus of the first wave of landscaping improvements.

The work is in addition to district-funded landscaping at other spots in the area, funded by companies that self-tax for the improvements.

Information: www.stonemountaincid.com. April Hunt

Decatur to participate in drug take-back

Decatur police departments will accept prescription drugs for safe disposal at a special event 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. April 27 at the police communications center, 314-C Church St.

The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Drug Take-Back Day allows residents to safely get rid of unwanted, unused or expired medicines.

Information: 404-373-6551. April Hunt

PAWS Atlanta offering low-cost pet clinics

PAWS Atlanta, a DeKalb County animal welfare group, is offering weekly low-cost pet health clinics.

The group, formerly known as the DeKalb Humane Society, can provide spay-neuter services as well as vaccinations and pet dental cleanings.

PAWS Atlanta also runs a no-kill shelter of adoptable pets.

Information and to view available animals: www.pawsatlanta.org. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Fayetteville announces new police appointments

Fayetteville City Manager Joe Morton announced several new appointments within the city’s police department Friday.

Fire Chief Alan Jones has been named interim public safety director; Captain Scott Pitts is now the interim police chief. In the patrol division, Captain Jeff McMullan has been appointed interim police major and Lieutenant Chad Myers is now interim police captain.

All are veterans within their respective departments.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

‘Operation Cool Down’ back in Henry

Henry County Animal Care & Control is bringing back its “Operation Cool Down” program to assist pets left in hot cars. Officers will be patrolling parking lots for animals that are left in vehicles. Any animal that is found unattended in a vehicle, that is in distress, will be removed from that vehicle by Animal Care and Control officers by whatever means necessary, as permitted under county ordinance. Information: www.hcacc.org.

Monroe Roark for the AJC

Free health screening in Stockbridge

A free health screening will take place from 6-9 p.m. May 3 at Hidden Valley Senior Center in Stockbridge. The screening is not limited to senior citizens, and is being held in coordination with the Henry County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The event will consist of free screenings for blood pressure, BMI, and vision assessments. Attendees are asked to bring canned goods to donate to Helping in His Name Food Pantry in Stockbridge.

Monroe Roark for the AJC

Piedmont Henry to host free lung seminar

Chronic lung diseases will be the topic of a free Piedmont Henry Hospital seminar set for 7-8 p.m. Tuesday in the hospital’s Foundation Education Center. Nathan Lipsett, M.D., a pulmonologist at Piedmont Henry, will talk about chronic lung diseases including treatment options, self-management techniques and prevention information. Information will also be available on smoking cessation, genetic testing and respiratory equipment. To register, call 678-604-1040 or visit piedmonthenry.org.

Monroe Roark for the AJC

North Fayette school

starts fathers group

North Fayette Elementary School has launched a program aimed at getting fathers more involved in student activities. The Watch DOGS (Dads of Great Students) promotes volunteerism and positive male role models to support student engagement and reduce inappropriate behavior. Information: Bethany McIntosh, 770-460-3570. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Spring ArtFest April 21 in McDonough

The Spring ArtFest on the McDonough Square is set for noon-5 p.m. Sunday April 21. The annual festival hosted by McDonough Arts offers many opportunities for community participation including a diverse artists market, children’s activities, a “tastiest pound cake” contest and live entertainment. Information: www.mcdonougharts.net. Monroe Roark for the AJC