County by county news for Saturday

Officers discovered Brazil’s body inside his apartment at 1136 West Commons Lane, Bowman said.

A 911 call had alerted police to gunshots fired in the area. Bowman said robbery was the motive in the shooting. The suspects are being held without bond in the Cobb County jail. Joel Provano

Powder Springs looking for pavers

Contractor proposals are requested by Powder Springs for about 8,000 feet of sidewalks on Warren Farm Road and concrete paving at the city’s public works facility, 3006 Springs Industrial Drive.

A pre-proposal meeting will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at City Hall, 4484 Marietta St.

Proposals must be submitted before 10 a.m. Feb. 15 when they will be publicly opened and read aloud.

Information: Croy Engineering LLC, the city’s program manager, at 770-971-5407 or lterry@croyengineering.com.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Marietta sets qualifying dates

Marietta has set Aug. 26 to Aug. 28 as dates to qualify for mayor and seven city council posts. Candidates can file from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the city clerk’s office, 205 Lawrence St. Fees are $540 for mayor and $390 for council. Information; www.mariettaga.gov.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Performing arts students at Strand

Cobb County’s performing arts students will perform at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Earl Smith Strand Theatre. Tickets are $3. Information: www.earlsmithstrand.org/.

Daarel Burnette II

Church to hold veterans benefit

A Spaghetti Luncheon and Silent Auction for disabled American veterans will be held 12:30 to 2 p.m. Feb. 9 at Fellowship Hall, Trinity Chapel, 4665 Macland Road, Powder Springs.

Tickets: $15, available at Trinity Chapel. Proceeds benefit the local Disabled American Veterans Chapter.

Information: trinitychapel.org/488475.ihtml, info@trinitychapel.org or 770-222-7023.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Volleyball tournament may attract thousands

The Cobb Galleria Centre will host the Southern Volleyball Tournament and A5 Volleyball Club for the Hope and Will First Lady’s Challenge Feb. 16-18. Four to five thousand people are expected to attend the competition, which will include 18 volleyball courts. Tournaments are open to the public and admission is $5 a day. Jaime Sarrio

Heart disease prevention seminar

“Diabetes and Your Heart,” will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12 at Emory-Adventist Hospital at Smyrna, 3949 South Cobb Dr. Dr. Jacob Levy, Assistant professor of medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, will discuss how diabetics may lower the risk of heart disease. Free. Register: 770-319-2025. Mea Watkins

GWINNETT

County to enhance downtown transit service

Gwinnett County Transit will implement a number of service enhancements starting Monday, such as linking bus routes, adding stops and extending service times to better meet the needs of downtown and local commuters without adding additional operating costs.

The Express Service enhancements include adjusting evening departure times of some routes to match the current times of the downtown Atlanta route. For complete information about all of the changes, go to www.gctransit.com.

Dan Klepal

Museum honors Black History Month

The Hudgens is celebrating Black History Month with three new exhibits sponsored by The Primerica Foundation. Artworks include “The Dream: Five Black Artists, Five Voices,” nine prints in “Reflections from 1965: The Civil Rights Movement” and collage artists from “The Atlanta Collage Society: Shared Visions.” The public is invited to a free reception 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday. Karen Huppertz

Suwanee offers citizens police academy

The Suwanee Police Department will offer its eight-week Citizens Police Academy program from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays beginning Feb. 19 at the Police Training Center, 2966 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road.

Applications are available at www.suwanee.com, and are due Feb. 4 by 5 p.m. Participants must be at least 19 years old.

The program is intended to build stronger bonds between police and residents.

Topics include crime scene processing, traffic stops, building searches, crime prevention and narcotics identification. Dan Klepal

Performers wanted for May festival

The Snellville Days Committee is looking for unpaid performers for its May 4-5 festival. Application deadline is Jan. 25.

The entertainment guidelines and application can be found at www.snellvilledays.com.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Suwanee accepting Art on a Limb applicants

The City of Suwanee is accepting proposals and samples from artists who wish to have their work considered for the month-long Art on a Limb program, in which two pieces of original artwork are hidden along the Suwanee Creek Greenway or at one of the city’s parks each day in May.

Whoever finds the pieces gets to keep them.

The deadline for submission is Feb. 15.

Applications are available at www.suwanee.com.

Dan Klepal

Farmers market vendors wanted

The Suwanee Farmers Market is gearing up for its ninth year and is looking for farmers who can provide fresh produce as well as vendors with other items. Applications are due by March 18.

Vendors may attend the Suwanee Farmers Market Annual Meeting at 7 p.m. March 18 at Suwanee City Hall, 330 Town Center Ave. Information: www.suwanee.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Sandy Springs offers youth leadership program

Leadership of Sandy Springs is accepting applications for a Youth Leadership class for rising ninth and 10th graders.

The class will allow students to aquire leadership skills through activities designed for them to make an impact on their community. At the end of the year, students will put their newly acquired leadership skills into action by creating a group service project.

The deadline for applications is March 1. Information call Polly Warren at 404-252-2787 or visit www.leadershipssandysprings.org/ylss Meghan de St. Aubin

Training set for Forsyth homeless census

Three training sessions will be held today (Saturday) for volunteers take part in Forsyth County’s first homeless count, part of an annual statewide homeless census. Time: 10-11 a.m. Locations: St Brendan’s Catholic community, 4633 Shiloh Road; Church of the Good Shepherd, 3740 Holtzclaw Road; and First Christian Church of Cumming, 1270 Sawnee Drive. The count is set for Jan. 28-Feb 3. More info: 770-781-4110 Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Hospital aids cardiac monitor purchase

Northside Hospital-Cherokee recently provided funds to help purchase five new 12-lead cardiac monitors for Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services. The government agency now has 14 such monitors, which are used to transmit data to medical facilities in order to activate emergency heart catheterization teams in advance of a patient’s arrival. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Woodstock officials will hold annual retreat

It’s time for Woodstock Mayor Donnie Henriques and the City Council to hold their annual retreat. It’s set for 8.a.m-5 p.m. Feb. 2 at Magnolia Hall, 108 Arnold Mill Road, Building C, Woodstock. Reports from city department heads, project updates and goal-setting are among the topics that will be discussed. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Regional science fair seeking judges

The Northwest Georgia Regional Science Fair is seeking volunteers to judge public, private and home-schooled student projects from 17 counties and 22 public school systems. Cherokee, Forsyth and Bartow Counties are included. The fair is 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 9 at West Forsyth High School, 4155 Drew Road, Cumming. Info: cummingforsythchamber.org/events Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Memorial planned in Johns Creek park

Johns Creek’s Veterans Association is planning a path with monuments to memorialize veterans on an unused portion of Newtown Park. Called the Johns Creek Veterans Memorial Walk at Newtown Park, the $300,000 project would offer a contemplative place for people to pause and remember those who served. Located on four acres just south of Park Place, the park’s active adult center, the walk would include a handicap-accessible, landscaped trail with black granite memorials for each major conflict from World War I forward. The planned entrance plaza would feature a brick sitting wall and flags for each military branch.

MICHAEL ALPERT FOR THE AJC

ATLANTA

Event warns of ‘thug life’ perils

The Auburn Avenue Research Library will host a community discussion 6 p.m. today at 101 Auburn Ave., N.E. aiming to steer young black men away from “thug life.”

“The Consequences of Thug Life: Be Brave or Be a Thug,” is a collaboration with the Davis Bozeman law firm and will be facilitated by civil rights attorney Mawuli Mel Davis.

Information: 404-730-4001, Ext. 100. Johnny Edwards

AARP Tax-Aide volunteers needed

AARP Tax-Aide is seeking Atlanta volunteers to provide free tax preparation and filing assistance to area taxpayers.

AARP Tax-Aide volunteers receive free IRS-certified tax training and learn new skills while giving back to their local communities.

Volunteers should have some computer experience, such as e-mail and internet browsing.

Information: www.aarp.org/tavolunteer8. Kenneth Musisi

Columnist to speak at Atlanta Press Club

Dave Barry, Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist and author of “Insane City,” will speak at the Atlanta Press Club Feb. 14 at The Commerce Club, 191 Peachtree Street N.E., Suite 4900.

Registration, breakfast buffet and book signing take place at 7:30 a.m., with remarks at 8:15 a.m.

Cost is $25 for members; $35 for non-members.

Register: 404-577-7377. Mea Watkins

Immigrants get work authorization help

The Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials and others will help people apply for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program Feb. 9 at 2750 Buford Highway.

The DACA program allows illegal immigrants who came to this country as children to obtain a federal work authorization for two years as long as they are under age 31 as of June 15, 2012, and came to the U.S. before age 16.

Pre-registration is required. Informtion: www.georgialatinovote.com/daca. David Wickert

DEKALB

Fraternity, sorority to host annual brunch

The Metro Atlanta Chapters of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. announced that Carter D. Womack is guest speaker at the Annual Founders Day Brunch.

Womack is CEO of Leadership At Its Best Inc. and 27th & 29th Past International President of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity.

The Carrying the Torch of Brotherhood and Sisterhood themed brunch will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at the Emory Conference Center Hotel.

Kenneth Musisi

Reading bowl competition today

The DeKalb County School District will host the Helen Ruffin Bowl with 74 teams of elementary, middle and high school students, 9 a.m. today at Miller Grove High.

Students from around the state will be quizzed on 20 Georgia Book Award and Georgia Peach Teen Book Award nominees. Kenneth Musisi

Community event to benefit Glass family

Operations Hugs & Kisses will host a free community youth pizza party at 3 p.m. today at the Watkins Special Events Center, 5843 Redan Rd., Lithonia.

The event, sponsored by area businesses and community organizations, will commemorate the memory of the Glass family children, who were killed in a fire on Jan. 8 in Conyers.

Information: 404-641-4463 or 404-641-9104. Veronica Fields Johnson

Decatur special election set for March

Decatur’s commission made it official Tuesday, setting March 19 for the special election to fill the unexpired term of District 1 commissioner Bill Floyd, commissioner since 1991 and mayor for the last 13 years.

The commissioners set the qualifying fee at $144, or 3 percent of the annual city commission salary of $4,800.

The qualifying period is February 13 through February 15, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. To date, Decatur businessman Scott Drake is the only person who’s announced his candidacy for the seat. Bill Banks for the AJC

Decatur pursues small annexation

After receiving a petition from five property owners on Midway Road, Decatur’s decided to pursue annexation of all five single-family homes and properties into the city.

Each faces Midway, running from the current city boundary to Oldfield Road.

This is a much smaller and entirely separate area from the two commercial regions the city’s also attempting to annex. City manager Peggy Merriss said “if everything goes well and the county doesn’t object” this annexation should become effective July 1. Bill Dawers for the AJC

DeKalb group offering low-cost pet vaccinations

LifeLine Animal Project will offer a low-cost pet vaccination clinic 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at its offices at LifeLine, 129 Lake St., Avondale Estates.

Costs range from $25 for basic vaccines and exams to $70 for vaccines and medical tests for both cats and dogs. Microchips also are available, at $25 each.

No appointment is necessary.

Information: www.LifeLineAnimal.org. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Cab driver shot and killed at condo complex

A taxi driver was found shot to death early Friday at a Clayton County condominium complex, police said.

Officers responded to a 1:30 a.m. report of a person down at the Brookview Village condos off Roberts Drive near Riverdale and found the cab driver dead inside his taxi, Clayton County police spokeswoman Charlene Watson-Fraser told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He had been shot, she said.

The names of the victim and his cab company have not been released. Mike Morris

East Point to discuss electric rate increase

East Point is holding a town hall meeting from 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 26 at Jefferson Station, 1526 E. Forrest Ave., to discuss a recent electric rate increase. John Thompson for the AJC

Commissioners set Monday called meeting

The Henry County Board of Commissioners will have a called meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday in the community room at the county administration building in McDonough. Information: www.henrycounty-ga.org. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Peachtree City revises recreation fees

Peachtree City, with unanimous City Council approval, will increase some recreation and special events fees starting Feb. 1. As part of a restructuring that began in May, charges for facilities and equipment rentals, pool passes and adult athletics will be raised to help bridge the gap between revenue and expenses. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Private school to host open house

Woodward Academy private school is hosting an open houses for the PreK-12 Main Campus 2 to 5 p.m. Feb. 10, at 1662 Rugby Ave., College Park. Jeffry Scott

East Point youth track accepting applications

The East Point Parks and Recreation Department is now accepting registration for youth track and field. Information: 404-270-7042 . John Thompson for the AJC

New Hapeville club for girls meets Monday

Girls ages 12-15 will have a chance to set up meetings, schedule activities and plan a budget with a new club that will allow them to get involved in community service, goodwill projects, fund-raisers, career days, trips and more.

The first brainstorm meeting is 5-6 p.m. Monday at the Hoyt Smith Center, 3444 N. Fulton Ave., Hapeville.

Information: Holli Stephens, 404-669-2134; hstephens@hapeville.org. Lisa Gibson for the AJC

Peachtree City to fill WASA posts

After declining to appoint two existing applicants to the Water and Sewerage Authority last week, the City Council of Peachtree City is soliciting more volunteers to fill the posts amid debate over recent rate hikes.

Applications for the five-year appointments will be accepted through Feb. 15. Informatin: ww.peachtree-city.org/jobs Jill Howard Church for the AJC