County by county news for Saturday

The City Council on Wednesday approved the weekly food truck operation.

A variety of food vendors will open starting Monday at 218 Roswell St. in the Meeting Park development parking lot.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Palmer Middle School seeks craft vendors

Palmer Middle School, 690 N Booth Road NW in Kennesaw, is looking for craft and business vendors in metro Atlanta to participate in the Craft-A-Palooza Holiday Craft & Business Bazaar.

The event will take place 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 3.

For vendor applications, contact Fallbazaar@palmer.ptsamail.com. Kenneth Musisi

Austell has new city website

Austell has a new city website at austellga.gov with increased access to iPhones and iPads and ongoing redesign and video options planned.

By late September, online payment services will be offered for traffic citations and bills for utility, property tax and stormwater.

Comments are invited by email to webmaster@austellga.gov.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Meals on Wheels needs volunteers

Meals on Wheels needs volunteers to deliver hot meals to homebound seniors in Marietta, Smyrna, Austell, Mableton and Powder Springs.

Cobb Senior Services is also looking for groups to adopt a delivery route. Meals are delivered from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Information: Volunteer Services at 770-528-5381.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Marietta picked for recycling challenge

Marietta is one of 50 communities from around the country selected to participate in a recycling competition that could add $100,000 to the city’s conservation efforts.

The city with the most residents reporting their recycling efforts will win the six-month, SC Johnson Green Choices Recycling Challenge through Dec. 31.

Information: www.recyclebank.com/greenchoices.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Cancer Society sets 5K walk/run

The American Cancer Society has set Oct. 27 for the inaugural Cobb County Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K Walk/Run in Marietta.

The Making Strides event is the Cancer Society’s premier breast cancer event, and participants have raised more than $400 million nationwide to fight the cancer.

The Cancer Society expects almost 227,000 new breast cancer cases to be diagnosed in women this year, with 39,510 deaths from the disease.

The Cobb event will begin at 8 a.m. in Marietta Square.

Registration: $25; www.stridesatlanta.org/marietta; CJ Jimerson 404-949-6474 Janel Davis

GWINNETT

Lane closures on I-85 in Gwinnett this weekend

Construction will mean lane closures and possible traffic delays on I-85 in Gwinnett County this weekend.

The Georgia Department of Transportation is building a permanent southbound express lane access point near the Boggs Road overpass. The southbound express lane will be closed beginning 1.4 miles north of Duluth Highway/Ga. 120 from 8 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Sunday. The northbound express lane and next lane to the right will be closed beginning 1.1 miles south of Duluth Highway/Ga. 120 at the same time.

Information: www.511ga.org. David Wickert

Terror on the Trail starts this weekend

In cooperation with the City of Suwanee, the Aurora Theatre will present Terror on the Trail, a scary stroll through Sims Lake Park, 4600 Suwanee Dam Road, led by a legion of teenage zombies, who have charged a series of storytellers with frightening guests for their pleasure and sustenance.7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 27. Tickets are $15 in advance; $18 at the park. Information: www.terrorronthetrail.com or 678-226-6222. Staff

Suwanee accepting applications for 2013 events

Each year Suwanee hosts approximately 40 events in the Town Center and other parks. Event applications for 2013 are only accepted October to December.

Information: www.suwanee.com to submit an application by the Dec. 7 deadline. Karen Huppertz

Over 200 vendors

at Lilburn Daze

The city of Lilburn hosts the Lilburn Daze 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday at Lilburn City Park, behind the Calvin Fitchett Municipal Complex featuring more than 200 booths. Proceeds go to fund projects and community improvement activities. Admission, parking and shuttle service are free. Arlinda Smith Broady

Dacula seeking input on sanitation billing

Dacula’s City Council is considering the pros and cons of moving annual billing for sanitation to resident’s Gwinnett County property tax bills. The Council is seeking input from residents and property owners. Residents may comment by email to mayordacula@att.net or call the City Hall at 770-963-7451. In addition, Dacula will hold two public town hall meetings at 6:00 p.m. Oct. 25 and Nov. 1. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Mobile career lab coming to Gwinnett

The Atlanta Regional Workforce Board’s Mobile Career Lab is coming to the parking lots of the Lawrenceville and Norcross branches of the Gwinnett County Public Library two Mondays a month through Dec. 10.

The mobile job center offers 13 computer workstations and employs 3 certified job coaches. Individuals may receive help with on-line job searches, resume and cover letter development, on-line tutorials and individual assessments and exploration of training eligibility and options. Space is limited and no reservations accepted.

Information: www.gwinnettpl.org or 770-978-5154. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Canton considering fire station bond referendum

The Canton City Council is considering a bond referendum that would finance construction of three new fire stations. During a work session Thursday, the Council instructed the city manager to research possible early 2013 dates.

Mayor Gene Hobgood says the first of the new facilities could be online by early 2014 if voters approve, providing better fire coverage and lower insurance rates for residents.

The proposal comes back before the Council Oct. 18.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

HeroRock event set for Sunday in north Fulton

NobleHeroes Foundation, a national provider of assistance to injured and disabled first responders will hold its annual HeroRock fundraiser 2 - 8 p.m. Sunday at The Ship & Anchor Pub, 5975 Roswell Road NE featuring a motorcycle and antique car show, auction items, etc. Information visit www.NobleHeroes.org.

Sandra Marshall Murray

Students organize food drive for North Fulton Charities

The students of Horseshoe Bend will hold their 12th annual food drive for North Fulton Charities in Roswell 3:30 p.m. Sunday at Horseshoe Bend Subdivision at 445 Fourth Fairway Drive, Roswell.

The drive will replenish the food pantry and assist families in Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park and Roswell. Andria Simmons

Fulton school board sets community meetings

Fulton County School board members will hold community meetings: Linda Schultz, District 1, 9:30 a.m., Tuesday at Elkins Pointe Middle, 11290 Elkins Road, Roswell;

Katie Reeves, District 2, 7 p.m., Tuesday at Cambridge High, 2845 Bethany Bend Road, Milton;

Linda McCain, District 5, 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at Abbotts Hill Elementary, 5575 Abbotts Bridge Road, Johns Creek; and

Julia Bernath, District 7, 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at Sandy Springs Charter Middle, 8750 Colonel Drive. Sandy Springs. Jeffry Scott

Breast cancer screenings offered in Alpharetta

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Fulton County’s Women’s Health Division has a breast and cervical cancer prevention program at six health centers.

A Northside location is at the North Fulton Regional Health Center, 3155 Royal Drive, Alpharetta.

The program provides exams and mammograms at no cost to uninsured, income-eligible Fulton residents ages 40-64 who haven’t had mammograms in more than a year.

Women ages 35-39 who have had breast problems or are at risk for cancer may also be able to receive services.

Information: 404-612-1640. Johnny Edwards

Farm and Garden Day Saturday in Woodstock

The Cherokee County Farm Bureau is sponsoring Farm and Garden Day 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. todayat the Woodstock Farmers Market. at Towne Lake Parkway.

Plants, fruits and vegetables will be for sale as well as demonstrations and informational sessions. Nancy Badertscher

ATLANTA

Library shows film on Lincoln assassination

As part of its Civil War Wednesdays film series, Atlanta-Fulton’s Central Library, One Margaret Mitchell Square, will show “The Day Lincoln Was Shot” 4 p.m. Wednesday. The 1998 made-for-TV movie stars Lance Henriksen as Lincoln and portrays the killing and the ensuing manhunt.

Information: 404-730-1700.

Johnny Edwards

Darnell hosts town hall meeting on county services

Fulton County Commission Vice Chair Emma Darnell will hold a town hall meeting 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Harriett G. Darnell Senior Multi-Purpose Facility, 677 Fairburn Road, N.W., Atlanta for her constituents in District 5. “Who Pays? Who Benefits?” will cover MARTA, Grady Memorial Hospital, libraries, the criminal justice system, health clinics and other services and programs. Johnny Edwards

HUD discrimination claim settled

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development reached an agreement with Brookside Park Limited Partnership and Peabody Properties South LLC, the owner and management company for Brookside Park Apartments, settling allegations that they violated the Fair Housing Act by refusing to allow a tenant with disabilities to transfer to an available first-floor unit. Federal law makes it illegal to discriminate in the terms and conditions of rental housing based on disability. Under the agreement, the companies will pay the resident $10,000 and inform officers, board members and employees of the terms of the agreement. Staffers also must attend mandatory training. Jeremiah McWilliams

United Way gets a name change

The United Way Metropolitan Atlanta has a new name: The United Way of Greater Atlanta.

The change is in line with the new “Be Greater Atlanta” marketing campaign.”

At the same time the organization changed its name, it announced its 2012-2013 fundraising goal of $80.7 million for the year. Shelia M. Poole

DEKALB

Decatur names teacher of the year

City Schools of Decatur named Carla Stanford teacher of the year. A 15-year veteran, Stanford is a first-grade teacher at Glennwood Elementary. She has been in the Decatur system for five years. Bill Banks for the AJC

Golf tourney to benefit cancer patients

TurningPoint Women’s Healthcare will host “Tourney for TurningPoint” Sunday and Monday to benefit women with breast cancer at the Dunwoody Country Club. The Swing Fling Dinner Auction at 6 p.m. Sunday and a golf tournament, featuring two different flights at 7 a.m. and 12 p.m. on Monday.

Tickets are $50 for the dinner and $250 for the tournament, which includes two dinner tickets.

Information: myturningpoint.org; 770-360-9271. Patrick Fox

‘Sovereign citizen’ pleads guilty to racketeering

An admitted member of the “sovereign citizens” group that authorities claim used bogus paperwork to steal houses across metro Atlanta pleaded guilty Thursday to racketeering.

Corey Bernard Freeman was sentenced by DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Courtney Johnson after prosecutors agreed to allow Freeman to get out of jail for time served plus three years of supervised probation, Channel 2 Action News reported. Mike Morris

Experts added to Brookhaven groups

Experts have been named to the 10 committees working to recommend how Brookhaven should operate when it becomes a city later this year.

Among those added to the groups are Sandy Springs Police Chief Terry Sult, who will work with the police committee; Nancy Leathers, the former Fulton County and Sandy Springs planning director who will sit on the planning and code committee; and Joe Palladi, a former Atlanta project manager for the state Department of Transportation, who sits on the public works committee.

Information: www.brookhavencommission.com. April Hunt

Annual elementary school ride through Dunwoody

Dunwoody Elementary School will host its second annual “Tour de Dunwoody” 7:30 a.m. Oct.20 at the school, 1923 Womack Rd.

Dunwoody police are working with organizers to create a safe loop that includes Tilly Mill Road. Tots can ride in the school parking lot.

Information: www.dunwoodypto.com.

Ty Tagami

Emory professor speaks on the predictability of voters

Will voters choose to return President Barack Obama to the Oval Office or will they favor Mitt Romney for president?

Emory University political science professor Alan Abramowitz has accurately predicted the popular vote for president since 1988 within two percentage points or less.

Abramowitz will be at Georgia Perimeter College, 1 p.m. Tuesdayto discuss his predictive model for the popular vote.

His talk will be in the Fine Arts Building, Cole Auditorium, on the GPC Clarkston Campus, 555 North Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston and is open at no charge to the public. Nancy Badertscher

SOUTHSIDE

Advance voting begins Monday in Fayette

The Fayette County Elections Office will hold advance voting for the Nov. 6 election Monday through Nov. 2.

Registered Fayette voters may go to any of the three polling sites open 8 a.m-5 p.m. at the county administrative complex at 140 Stonewall Ave. West, Suite 209, or the Peachtree City Library and Tyrone Town Hall. S

aturday voting will be held 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Oct. 27 at all three locations.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Clayton man finds $1 million lottery ticket

Ramon Rodriguez, of Rex, found the forgotten $1 million Powerball ticket tucked into the console of his truck and turned it in Wednesday. He matched five of six numbers from the Aug. 8 Powerball drawing, winning a $1 million prize.

Rodriguez, 54, was one of two players to win a $1 million prize from the Aug. 8 drawing. Norcross Food Mart, Lawrenceville sold the second ticket worth $1 million to J.T. Willis of Lawrenceville. Staff

Fayette center to host Medicare program

Fayette Senior Services will host a Medicare Open Enrollment Information Program 12:30-1:30 p.m. Thursday at its Life Enrichment Center, 4 Center Dr., Fayetteville. A specialist from Georgia Cares will help with the process and show new Medicare changes and benefits. The program is free but requires preregistration at 770-461-0813 or register@fayss.org.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Piedmont Henry to be tobacco and smoke-free

Piedmont Henry Hospital will soon be a tobacco and smoke-free campus. As of Jan. 1, 2013, the use of any tobacco products inside or outside the hospital facility will be prohibited, including in areas currently designated for employees, patients and visitors to smoke. Piedmont Henry’s Fresh Start smoking cessation course takes place several times throughout the year. Information: piedmonthenry.org/classes/prevention.Monroe Roark

School bus safety posters earn state recognition

Josias Evans of Stockbridge Middle School placed first in his division (Special Education) in the state School Bus Safety Poster Contest, sponsored by the Georgia Association for Pupil Transportation and received $100. His poster will be submitted for national recognition. Noelle Phillip of Bethlehem Elementary placed second in the state in her division (grades 3-5) and received $75. Other county winners in their respective divisions were Alaina Barnes of Walnut Creek Elementary (grades K-2) and Nena Hollis of Hampton Middle (grades 6-8). Monroe Roark for the AJC

Peachtree City recycling expands

Peachtree City residents can recycle more types of materials at the city’s two drop-off sites. Plastics numbered 1-7, aluminum cans, tin cans, aluminum foil and disposable aluminum pans can be taken to the center on Rockaway Road on Wednesdays and Saturdays and daily to the McIntosh Trail bins near the amphitheater. No aerosol cans or plastic bags are accepted.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC