County by county news for Saturday

Effective July 1, Jennifer Hernandez will succeed Karen Smits at the Marietta Center for Advanced Academics, and Smits will run West Side Elementary.

Devonne Harper will replace Gabriel Carmona as head of Lockheed Elementary while Carmona moves to Marietta Sixth Grade Academy. Carmona is replacing Dayton Hibbs, who was promoted to assistant superintendent. Ty Tagami

Judge allows delay in death-penalty case

The death penalty case for Joshua Drucker, which had been scheduled to start Monday in Cobb County, has been postponed.

Cobb County District Attorney Patrick Head said Friday that the judge granted a continuance request made by the Drucker’s lawyer this week because one of the defense experts was not prepared for trial. A new trial date has not been set. Drucker, 32, is charged with murder for allegedly gunning down a Marietta man and his Bulgarian girlfriend in a meth-fueled rage in 2004. Andria Simmons

County, state police to train at Lake Allatoona

The Cobb County police department and the Georgia State Patrol air unit will be conducting training exercises in the Acworth area next week between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The exercises will include low-flying helicopters, and residents in the Lake Allatoona area are asked not to call the Acworth police department about the exercises. Information: http://www.acworth.org/departments/police Janel Davis

No layoffs, salary increases for Smyrna

Smyrna’s proposed $38 million budget for fiscal 2012 includes no layoffs, furloughs or millage rate increase, and no raises for the city’s 475 employees.

The budget lowers contingency funds by $135,000 and includes equipment efficiencies. Smyrna’s tax digest is projected down by 6.32 percent.

Smyrna goes into next year with an upgraded AA+ bond rating after the acquisition of two apartment complexes that cut 1,000 rental units in the city.

The city council will hear a first reading of the budget Monday at 7:30 p.m. Janel Davis

16-year-old charged in death of boy, 12

Cobb County police posted a lookout Friday for a 16-year-old boy wanted for the Thursday night shooting death of a 12-year-old at a Eastside Mobile Home Park in Marietta.

Cobb police are searching for Oscar Mondragon, who has been charged with felony murder. Anyone with information can 770-499-3945. Mike Morris

Free films start today in Powder Springs

Free foreign films will be showcased at the Powder Springs Library, beginning this afternoon. For ages 13 and above, the films will be shown from 4 to 6 p.m. at the library, 4181 Atlanta St. Titles include China’s Shaolin Soccer today, Afghanistan’s The Kite Runner on June 18, India’s Bride and Prejudice on July 2, Australia’s Rabbit Proof Fence on July 16 and France’s Chocolat on July 30. Information: 770-439-3600. Carolyn Cunningham for thE AJC

GWINNETT

Water dept. generates electricity with methane

Gwinnett County’s water resources department has begun generating its own electricity using methane gas, a byproduct of sewage treatment.

A new facility at the county’s water resources plant near Buford can produce up to 40 percent of the plant’s energy needs. Previously, the gas was burned off as waste.

Next fall Gwinnett will finish a facility to process fats, oils, grease and other industrial waste. The department used $5 million in federal stimulus money, a $3.5 million federal grant and $500,000 of local funds to build the new facilities. David Wickert

County goes for largest swimming lesson

Gwinnett County will participate in an effort to set a record for the world’s largest swimming lesson from 11 a.m. to noon June 14 at Bethesda Park Aquatic Center, 225 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville.

Last year’s event established the Guinness World Record for the largest simultaneous swimming lesson, with nearly 4,000 participants in 34 states and five countries. This year’s participants must be age 6 or older. Pre-registration is required, and the cost is $2. To register, call 678-924-6334 or visit www.gwinnettparks.com. David Wickert

Night bike ride June 15 at Yellow River Park

Gwinnett County will host a nighttime mountain bike ride at 6 p.m. June 15 at Yellow River Park, 3232 Juhan Road, Stone Mountain. Bikes must have head and tail lights. The ride is open to beginning and experienced riders age 15 and up. The cost is $5 per person. For more information call 770-418-2331. David Wickert

Aldo Leopold movie screening June 10

The Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center Foundation will host a free screening of a new film about legendary conservationist Aldo Leopold on June 10.The documentary, “Green Fire: Aldo Leopold and a Land Ethic for Our Time,” will be screened at 7 p.m. and will include a special introduction and question-and-answer session with Aldo Leopold Foundation Executive Director Buddy Huffaker.

RSVPs must be made by Wednesday.

Information: www.gwinnettEHC.org or 770-904-3500. Joel Anderson

‘Teddy bear picnic’ on June 11

Gwinnett County will host a “teddy bear picnic” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 11 at George Pierce Park Community Recreation Center, 55 Buford Highway, Suwanee. Children age 3 to 6 can bring their favorite stuffed animal, a blanket and lunch for the picnic. The cost is $5 per person. Pre-registration is required. To register call 770-831-4173. David Wickert

Lawn , pest management workshop June 16

Gwinnett residents can attend a lawn care and pest management workshop from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. June 16 at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center Auditorium, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville.

Registration is required. To register, e-mail dwrswreg@gwinnettcounty.com and include your name, address and telephone number or call 678-376-7126. David Wickert

NORTHSIDE

Forsyth looks a changes to sign ordinance

The Forsyth County Commission heard the first reading Thursday night of proposed changes to the county’s sign ordinance, which now requires billboard companies who upgrade their signs to light-emitting diode (LED) billboards to reduce their size by 15 percent. The revision will allow the billboard companies to upgrade to LED without reducing the size, but, in exchange, require them to carry public service ads, such as traffic conditions or police alerts. No new billboards will be built as a result of the change, said commissioners. Jeffry Scott

Work will cause water shut-off in Alpharetta

Water service will be shut off from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday along Webb Bridge and Shirley Bridge roads in Alpharetta. Fulton County water department crews will be upgrading equipment installed as part of a recent intersection improvement project.

Residents of Big Creek Overlook, Little Creek Crossing, Big Creek Court and Webb Bridge Road between Lake Windward Drive and Park Glenn Drive will be affected.

Information: 404-612-7462. Patrick Fox

Forsyth demands clarity in bond liability

The intersection of government and private business has become an increasingly touchy issue in Forsyth County. Witness Thursday night’s commission meeting.

A resolution to approve a $4.9 million Development Authority revenue bond for the building of a Goodwill store in the county was discussed by for about 30 minutes.

Even though the proposal does not make the county liable if the deal goes sour, the commission wanted that clear, and on the record. Commission voted 3-0 in favor. Jeffry Scott

Sen. Albers to hold town hall meeting today

State Sen. John Albers, R-Roswell, will host a town hall meeting at 11 a.m. today in the Visual Arts Center shelter, near the pool, at Roswell Area Park, 10495 Woodstock Road. State Rep. Harry Geisinger, R-Roswell, will also be there.

He has hour-long agenda, with a legislative update taking up the first 20 minutes, the next 20 minutes for questions and the final 20 minutes for Albers to hear residents’ ideas. Johnny Edwards

Concerts by the Springs on Sunday

The June installation of Concerts by the Springs, hosted by Heritage Sandy Springs, will be from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m., Sunday, at Heritage Green, 6110 Bluestone Road, Sandy Springs. The concerts are held one Sunday evening each month through September. This month’s featured performers are Banks & Shane. Gates open at 5 p.m., blankets and coolers are welcome; but not outside tables or pets. The event is free and open to the public. Michelle E. Shaw

Teens get lesson in car care Monday

NAPA Auto Parts will teach teens about car care on Monday at the Sandy Springs branch library. “Car Care 101 for Teens” starts at 6 p.m. at 395 Mt. Vernon Hwy., and is for future and current drivers ages 13-18.

Information: 404-303-6130. Johnny Edwards

ATLANTA

Judge Johnson spends last day on the bench

Michael D. Johnson on Friday spent his final day on the Fulton County Superior Court bench presiding over a criminal case calendar call, taking pleas and determining which cases are ready to go to trial before another judge.

Johnson, a judge since 2005, surprised the legal community in May by notifying Gov. Nathan Deal he would resign. The announcement fueled speculation Johnson may run for another office, such as a seat in Congress. Johnson said he would be making an announcement “very soon.” Bill Rankin

Chief Turner to deliver commencement speech

Atlanta Police Chief George Turner will deliver the commencement address today at his alma mater, Saint Leo University. The ceremony starts at noon at the Atlanta Civic Center for 260 new graduates and their families. Turner has been with the Atlanta Police Department since 1981 and named chief in 2010. He received his bachelor’s degree from Saint Leo in 2008. Nancy Badertscher

Three-peats for St. Pius X programs

St. Pius X Catholic High School recently won some impressive three-peats.

The school has been named the state’s 2010-11 AAA Regions Directors Cup winner for the third consecutive year. The girls’ athletic program also won the AAA Girls’ Directors Cup for the third year in a row.

Awarded by the Georgia Athletic Directors Association, the Cup recognizes the athletic departments in each Georgia High School Association classification who have excelled. D. Aileen Dodd

Atlanta student to play on national team

A student at Atlanta Girls’ School will be playing basketball on a national team.

Nia Robertson was picked for the Bermuda National Team and has begun to train for the NatWest Island Games, which will be held from June 25 to July 1. Robertson is a rising senior at Atlanta Girls’ School and will be the youngest member of the Bermuda National Team. D. Aileen Dodd

DEKALB

Extension offer personal management classes

A series of classes on personal development are being offered at the DeKalb County Cooperative Extension on Memorial Drive in Decatur this summer.

Classes include sessions on money management, small business strategies and making financial plans. Costs range from $7 to $10 for programs.

For a complete list of classes or to register, call 404-298-4080. April Hunt

Harris Jacobs Dream Run Sunday

The Harris Jacobs Dream Run will take place Sunday at the Marcus Jewish Community Center’s Zaban Park, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody. Registration for center members and non-members is $30. The 2K Fun Run/ Walk starts at 7:45 a.m., the 4-Mile Run and the 4-Mile Racewalk begins at 8 a.m. Information: www.atlantajcc.org. Michelle E. Shaw

Spruill Garden Project opens June 10

Phase One of the Spruill Garden Project, will be open June 10 and runs through July 23 at Spruill Gallery, 4681 Ashford Dunwoody Road. There will be an opening reception from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Thursday. The exhibition is a celebration of architecture and landscape architecture. For more information, contact the gallery at 770-394-4019. Michelle E. Shaw

Officials: Decatur festival drew a good crowd

Although final figures haven’t been compiled, officials estimate that the Decatur Arts Festival drew a record 50,000 for the Friday through Sunday event last weekend. Festival Director Angie Macon said the estimates were drawn from police and security staffing the festival, and that this year’s totals are “15 to 25 percent higher than last year.” Macon added the festival attracted a record 163 artist booths, 15 more than last year. Bill Banks for the AJC

Doraville library offers story time for kids

Tuesday bring your children, ages 5- to 9-years-old, to the Doraville Library for evening story time from 6:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. The hour is filled with songs, games grafts and more. The event is free and open to the public. Michelle E. Shaw

History Center offers class to adults

The DeKalb History Center is offering a three-day class for adults who want to learn about the county’s history.

Decoding DeKalb features visits to historic sites such as Sylvester Cemetery and lectures by local historians. Sessions run from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 7, 8 and 9 at the center in downtown Decatur.

Cost is $50 for members and $75 for non-members. Information/register: 404-373-1088 or director@dekalbhistory.org. April Hunt

Iconic magnolias spared during renovation

As workers prepare for the 18-months long renovation of Decatur’s Recreation Center, Deputy City Manager Hugh Saxon said the two sister Southern Magnolias on the front lawn are healthy enough to save. The trees and their thick, sprawling branches have been both a familiar landmark and natural playground for generations of Decatur children. City Arborist Ed Macie said the magnolias were likely planted in the late 19th century. Bill Banks for the AJC

SOUTHISDE

Groundbreaking for $33 million retail complex

Inland Atlantic Development Corp. will hold a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday for the Old National Market Place, a planned $33 million, 299,000-square-foot retail development in south Fulton. Built near the Walmart on Old National Highway, the shopping center’s first phase is expected to open this fall. Scheduled speakers include state Sen. Donzella James, Fulton Commissioner Bill Edwards and Old National Merchants Association President Don Winbush. The ceremony starts at 1:45 p.m. at 6425 Old National Hwy., College Park. Johnny Edwards

‘Hurricane Hunters’ plane in Peachtree City

All eyes will be on the skies in Peachtree City today as the Air Force Reserve bring its “Hurricane Hunters” plane for a special visit to the Atlanta Regional Airport-Falcon Field from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The crew of the Lockheed-Martin WC-130J will be on hand to meet the public and offer tours of the aircraft. Admission and parking are free. The visit is sponsored by the National Weather Service Forecast Office as part of a Hurricane Awareness program. The airport is at 4 Falcon Drive. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Storytelling and movies at Lovejoy library

Into books, movies and storytelling? Check out the Clayton County’s Lovejoy library branch. Its summer movie series starts Tuesday 6-8 p.m. with “Gnomeo and Juliet” and runs through July. Author Brittany Reid is first up Wednesday in the weekly Pre-School Story Time, One World, Many Stories series, which runs through the first week of August. Reid’s appears 10:30- 11:30 a.m. Storyteller Sensemaya kicks off the first Storytelling Club meeting beginning June 10th, 10 a.m.-noon. The library is at 1721 McDonough Rd. in Hampton. Details: 770-472-8129

Tammy Joyner

Ralph Reed to address Henry GOP

Ralph Reed is the featured guest speaker at the June meeting of the Henry County Republican Party, scheduled for Tuesdayat 7 p.m. in the Government Annex Community Room on South Zack Hinton Parkway in McDonough. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Henry commissioners, board of education meet

The Henry County Board of Commissioners have scheduled a special called meeting with the Henry County Board of Education to discuss the proposed district maps for both elected bodies. The meeting is Tuesday at 4 p.m. in the County Administration Building and it will be televised on the county’s cable channel. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Henry schools begin summer hours Monday

The Henry County School System begins summer hours Monday, which means a four-day-a-week schedule. Operating hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday until July 22. The system will return to a regular five-day schedule July 25, one week before classes resume. Anyone needing information regarding school enrollment is advised to contact the school in your attendance zone. For high school registration, contact the school to book an appointment with the counselor’s office. Monroe Roark for the AJC