COBB
Cobb police looking for man who robbed bank
Police are searching who entered the Fifth Third Bank in the 1900 block of Powers Ferry Road in Marietta around 10:40 a.m. Thursday and demanded cash. The robber told the teller that he had a weapon, but the weapon was never displayed. He then fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.
The suspect is described as a black man believed to be in his 30s. He is approximately 5 feet, 10 inches tall and 180 pounds. Police released surveillance photos of the man inside the bank.
Anyone with information on the case should call Cobb authorities at 770-499-3945. Staff
Schools provide summer meals
Marietta City Schools students 18 and under are eligible for free snacks and meals while school is out for the summer. Locations are Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta, 461 Manget St.; Salvation Army, 202 Waterman St.; Greater Community Church of God in Christ, 406 Roswell St.; Walton Village, 1600 Roberta Drive and Custer Park, 600 Kenneth E. Marcus Way. The program ends July 19. Information: www.marietta-city.org.
Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Vets homeownership tour will be Sunday
Veterans Center Inc. will host the Vets Homeownership Tour from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the South Cobb Community Center, 620 Lions Club Drive, Mableton.
Ownership information will be provided to veterans and their families during three workshops to be taught by industry professionals: “Homebuyer Education,” “Foreclosure Prevention” and “Sustaining Your Home.”
There will be one-on-one counseling with Housing and Urban Development-certified counselors.
Registration: 678-792-VETS (8387) or cobbvetshomeownership.eventbrite.com.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
HOPE offers business course for women
Applications are being accepted for the next HOPE program, offering free education for women by Christian Aid Mission Partnership, 6289 Veterans Memorial Highway, Building 12A, Austell.
This free 12-week course, based on biblical principles, offers computer skills, job readiness, effective communication, financial literacy, workplace dynamics, conflict resolution, forgiveness and time, stress and anger management.
Information: svcamp.org/hope_program.htm; HOPE instructor Kay Wimpey, 770-819-0662, ext. 25; or kay@campaustell.org.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Business Association gives award Tuesday
Leah Ellen Rich will be presented the annual M. L. Lamar Lifetime Achievement Award at noon Tuesday by the Austell Business Association at the Collar Community Center, 2625 Joe Jerkins Blvd. next to Austell City Hall.
Born in Austell and a Powder Springs resident, she is vice president and banking center manager at the Austell office of Bank of America, a community volunteer and a member of Orange Hill Baptist Church, Austell.
Cost:$10/ members; $12/ guests. Reservations: Marla Miller, suiteassetsllc@gmail.com.
Information: austellbusinessassociation.org.Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
GWINNETT
Gwinnett County library director fired
Nancy Stanbery-Kellam, director of the Gwinnett County Library, was fired “without cause” Wednesday night following a 3-1 vote by the Board of Trustees.
Kellam had served as executive director since Sept. 8, 2008. The board felt that new leadership would help the Gwinnett library system. The library board voted Jan. 14 to restore six hours per week to each of the county’s 15 branches — hours that had been cut in recent years because of reduced county tax revenue.
Alexis Stevens
Bridge dedication set for Monday
The Jimmy Carter Blvd. bridge over Interstate 85 will be renamed in honor of slain Gwinnett County Police Officer James “Chris” Magill, who died 20 years ago after being hit by a drunk driver.
The bridge will be rededicated Monday, in a ceremony from 1-2 p.m. at the Westside Police Precinct, 6160 Crescent Drive in Norcross. Magill’s brother, Tim, was foreman on the project. Dan Klepal
Cat adoption event to be held
Planned Pethood and Companion Animal Rescue League are hosting an upcoming cat adoption event called The Kitten Patch on June 21 and 22.
The event will be from noon to 7 p.m. Friday and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Planned Pethood at 2860 Buford Highway in Duluth. In addition to kitten adoptions, there will be a DJ, kid-friendly activities, grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, a bake sale, and other vendors. Information: 678-561-3491. Andria Simmons
5K run to benefit Gwinnett firefighters
The Gwinnett Fire 5 Alarm 5K race, 8 a.m. today at Towne Center Park, Suwanee will benefit the Gwinnett Fire Employees’ Benevolent Fund, which serves fire employees and their families. Registration: $25. Information: www.5alarm5k.blogspot.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Duluth Fine Arts hosting fundraiser
The Duluth Fine Arts League will host “A Tour of Italy” July 20 at Hardeman’s Fine Art Glass Studio, 311 Main St., Duluth. The event will include Italian cuisine, wine, entertainment and silent auction. Cost: $35 with proceeds going to the League’s high school scholarship program.
Since 2009, the nonprofit has given $12,000 in scholarship funds to high school seniors going on to study fine arts in college.
Tickets available at Hardeman’s Fine Art Glass Studio. Information: 770- 476.7328 or www.duluthfineartsleague.org.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Norcross seniors losing utility discount
Norcross residents receiving senior citizen discounts on their city water and sewer bill no longer will receive one, now that billing for the utility has transferred to Gwinnett County to utilize its economy of scale.
Per an agreement last month, the county replaced meters and last week took over billing and customer service for Norcross residents.
Information: 678-421-2027. Michael Alpert for the AJC
NORTHSIDE
Canton man arrested for burglary during storm
A Canton man has been charged with burglarizing a darkened business during the power outages following Thursday night’s storms.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office says a deputy who noticed a vehicle parked next to a thrift shop on Reinhardt College Parkway found Eddie Lee Payne, 55, inside. Payne is in custody charged with burglary, possessing tools to commit a crime and trespassing. The sheriff’s office says he admitted to intending to commit a theft. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Public invited to parking study meeting
Canton officials have set a meeting on the city’s parking problems for 6 p.m. Tuesday at Canton City Hall, 151 Elizabeth St. The city has contracted with Michigan-based Rich and Associates to do a $ 29,000 study .The study is expected to be complete in 90 days.
Information: www.canton-georgia.comMark Woolsey for the AJC
Cherokee announces open house schedule
The Cherokee County School District has determined its open house/walk through schedule for district schools for the beginning of the 2013-2014 school year.
The schedule is posted on the district’s homepage at: www.Cherokee.k12.ga.us. Class schedules and teacher assignments will be available at each school’s event.
School begins Aug. 5 and individual school front offices will be open daily starting July 23. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Club dedicates reflection garden
The Rotary Club of North Fulton recently dedicated its reflection garden at Alpharetta’s North Park.
The project provides visitors an opportunity to explore, relax and reflect in an area set behind an existing pond and fountain area and in front of undisturbed woods. The area also includes benches, a garden and brick pavers.
Donations for the project can still be made through the purchase of pavers.
Information: www.northfultonrotary.org. Patrick Fox
Chattahoochee race and festival is today
Back to the Chattahoochee River Race and Festival is 9 a.m. Saturday at Garrard Landing Park, 8000 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell.
The eight-mile race for kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddle boards ends at Riverside Park, 575 Riverside Road, Roswell, site of live music, exhibits and a farmers market.
Cost: $50 for solo boats, $70 for tandems.
Information: 770-641-3727. Michael Alpert for the AJC
Golf tournament to aid football program
The Centennial Football Booster Club will host a golf tournament at 1 p.m. Monday at River Pines Golf Course, 4775 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. Proceeds will help purchase equipment and support of the program.
After the tournament there will be a silent auction with dinner provided by Outback Steakhouse.
nformation: Matt Risse at 678-898-3744 or mattrisse@comcast.net.
Veronica Fields Johnson
ATLANTA
Man arrested in Detroit for Atlanta slaying
Officers responding to the March 29 call about a person shot, found Dontacus Sylvester Rosser lying on the sidewalk in the 1100 block of Ira Street, dead from multiple gunshots to the torso and head.
In early May, detectives obtained an arrest warrant charging 33-year-old Devray White with murder, police said.
White was recently arrested in Detroit, and Thursday was extradited back to Atlanta. He is being held in the Fulton County Jail. Mike Morris
School Board may change Walton format
The Atlanta school board on Monday delayed making a recommendation on the future configuration of Washington High School, which now operates as a group of small schools, each with distinct leadership. District 2 board member Byron Amos — who favors closing the small schools and “making Washington whole again” under one principal — persuaded the board to delay deciding until its Sept. 27 meeting. Amos said Washington has struggled over the last two years under the small schools format, with declining student grades and graduation rates. Jeffry Scott
Summer enrichment program underway
S.E.E.D Academy and West Hunter Street Baptist host a summer camp 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. through July 19 at the church, 1040 Abernathy. Cost: $25/week. Additional cost for before, after care.
Information: www.theseedacademy.org, 678-824-5441 or theseedacademy@gmail.com. Sandra Marshall Murray
Summerhill hosts Community Reunion
The Summerhill Neighborhood Development Corporation host the 26th annual Community Reunion 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. today at Phoenix Park, 210 Georgia Ave.
Free.
Honorees include Mattie Jackson, , the late Beatrice Underwood, , and Ingrid Saunders Jones, .
Information: 404-586-0151.
Veronica Fields Johnson
DEKALB
Schools expansion one step closer
Decatur’s School Board authorized a $59.5 million bond referendum to pay for renovations to Decatur High and Renfroe Middle schools, but it still has to be approved by the city before August 1 and submitted to the state election board by September to appear on the Nov. 5 ballot. Superintendent Phyllis Edwards warned that any delay means the referendum wouldn’t get on the ballot until Nov. 2014, and both schools would then require a total 49 trailers for overflow students. Both schools are projected to reach capacity by the end of 2014-15. Bill Banks for the AJC
Athlete at Boston Marathon to speak
A triathlete who was in the Boston Marathon will address business and community leaders at the Chamblee Business Association 7:30 a.m. June 20 at Chamblee Civic Center, Broad Street.
Mike Wien is also an adjunct marketing professor at Georgia State with a specialty in strategic development.
There is no charge for first-time guests.Information: www.chambleebusinessassociation.com. April Hunt
Free HIV testing in DeKalb this month
DeKalb County’s Community Service Board will offer free HIV testing and a community health fair 8:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. June 27 at the DeKalb Addiction Clinic, 455 Winn Way, Decatur. Test results will be available in 20 minutes.
The event also includes a free lunch starting at 11 a.m. and health information and resources from other community organizations. Information: 404-508-6430. April Hunt
Piedmont celebrates Cancer Survivor’s Day
Piedmont Cancer Center patients are invited to come out for a day celebrating their survivorship noon to 10:30 p.m. June 22 at Stone Mountain Park. Patients plus one guest receive complimentary admission to the event. Additional guests are $40. Event includes a laser show, picnic and entertainment at the Sports Pavilion. Registration is required.
Information: 404-605-2430, piedmont.org or stonemountainpark.com. Arlinda Smith Broady
Storytelling program at History Center
A storytelling series for children returns to DeKalb History Center 10 to 11 a.m. every Wednesday through July 31 at the historic Biffle Cabin, 720 W. Trinity Place. The programs, for children ages 6-12, are $4 for children of members and $6 per session for others.
Information: 404-373-1088, ext. 22 or www.dekalbhistory.org. April Hunt
Craft Beer seeks Avondale space
Wild Heaven Craft Beers, currently brewed in South Carolina, has applied to open a small batch craft beer brewery in a warehouse at 135 Maple St. in Avondale Estates.
At its next meeting, June 24, Avondale’s Board of Mayor and Commissioners will discuss the application, filed by Nick Purdy, who also publishes Paste magazine.
Two other breweries, Three Taverns and Blue Tarp, along with Independent Distilling Company, LLC, also plan on opening in nearby East Decatur Station later this year. Bill Banks for the AJC
SOUTHSIDE
Stockbridge moving forward with trail
Stockbridge approved the purchase of 2.87 acres of property Monday for The Reeves Creek Trail project. A trail connection and trailhead adjacent to Flippen Road will be constructed with a 20-space parking lot. A nine-foot wide concrete trail would begin there and continue approximately 700 feet east, where it will connect to the existing Reeves Creek Trail. The trail will be 1.5 miles and paid for with a $416,000 grant from the Georgia Department of Transportation, which will be matched by $104,000 from the city. Monroe Roark for the AJC
Safety Day June 22 in McDonough
McDonough’s Main Street program is hosting TC Carter Safety Day from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, June 22, behind the Henry County Judicial Center in McDonough. The event is named for “the Pullman porter whose heroic efforts saved many lives in the aftermath of the 1900 Camp Creek train wreck,” according to a release promoting the event. There will be food, games, prizes, free ID kits, and a model train exhibit. Information: www.mainstreetmcdonough.com.
Monroe Roark for the AJC
Community invited to block party
Center of Hope Ministries will host a community back to school block party from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 10 at 492 Roy Huie Rd., Riverdale. The event will feature music, fun, food, games and special guests. School supplies and backpacks will be given away to children who attend. Information: Dee Dee Dunmore at 770-807-4673.
Veronica Fields Johnson
Peachtree City hosts July 4th celebration
The City Council of Peachtree City has approved amendments to two ordinances that will restrict how early spectators can set up tarps and blankets to watch the July 4th parade and fireworks. Such items cannot be placed in public areas before dawn on the holiday. Unattended items, including golf carts, are subject to removal and disposal. Stakes, tents, and other obstructive items are prohibited altogether.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Days added back to Fayette school calendar
Fayette County schools will restore three instructional days to its 2013-14 school calendar to bring the total back up to 180 days.
Budget cuts prompted a reduced schedule this past year. The change shortens the February winter break to a five-day weekend for the school year to end still before Memorial Day. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Hampton PD to teach gun-safety course
The Hampton Police Department is conducting a six-hour firearms safety course June 22.
Completion of the class is required for residents to use the department’s firing range.
Participants must be at least 21 years of age, have no felony convictions and pass a criminal background check.
Space is limited and priority will be given to Hampton residents. Participants must bring an unloaded handgun, 50 rounds of ammunition and eye and ear protection.
Information: www.cityofhampton-ga.gov. Monroe Roark for the AJC
