COBB
Conviction in molestation case from 12 years ago
Adrian DeShawn Burney, 38, of Lawrenceville was found guilty of molesting a girl more than a dozen years ago. He previously served prison time in Alabama after pleading guilty to raping two underage girls there.Thursday, a Cobb County jury found him guilty on two counts of child molestation of a local victim who is now 24 years old, prosecutors said.
The abuse happened over a period of four years, starting when the victim was 8, authorities said.
Burney, who faces up to 40 years in prison, is scheduled to be sentenced March 28. Marcus K. Garner
Bluebird Trail walk, tour today
A”Bluebird Trail Walk and Talk Tour” will begin at 10 a.m. today at Green Meadows Preserve Park, 3780 Dallas Highway, Powder Springs.
Twenty-five bluebird nest boxes have been sponsored and placed along the 2.3-mile Bluebird Trail within the 112 acres of open pasture, meadows and trees - all to help replenish the diminishing bluebird population.
Information: Jim Bearden, 404-202-8755. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
District head to host community talk
Marietta City Schools Superintendent Emily Lembeck will host a public forum 7 p.m. Thursday at Sawyer Road Elementary School, 840 Sawyer Road.
The ‘coffee talk” meeting is open to parents and residents in the community. Lembeck plans to discuss the school system’s progress and plans.
Information: www.marietta-city.org. Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Citizens police academy in Kennesaw
The Kennesaw Police Department is taking applications through Wednesday for a Citizens Police Academy starting 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Thursday for 11 sessions.
Participants will get an inside look at criminal law and investigations, traffic operations, court process, use of force and community policing.
Information: Scott Luther at 770-919-0651 or sluther@kennesaw-ga.gov. Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Noses Creek bridge on trail closed til March 21
The Noses Creek bridge on the Silver Comet Trail, from mile markers 8.3 to 8.7, is closed until March 21.
There is no access across the bridge, and Cobb County Police will issue tickets to trespassers on this construction site.
Information: cobbdot.org for newest trail updates. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Powder Springs youth parade today
The annual opening day parade for Powder Springs Youth Baseball will begin at 9:30 a.m. today from the First Baptist Church of Powder Springs, 4330 North Ave. at Marietta Street to Powder Springs Park, 3899 Brownsville Road next to the railroad tracks.
Police will close both streets along the parade route.
Information: psyb.teamopolis.com. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
GWINNETT
Six companies recognized as Movers & Makers
Partnership Gwinnett announced the winners of its 3rd Annual Movers & Makers Awards presented by Jackson EMC: YSS Athletics as Small Manufacturer of the Year, MTI Baths as Medium Manufacturer of the Year, and Millennium Mats as Large Manufacturer of the Year; Heatcraft Worldwide Refrigeration as Supply Chain Pioneer of the Year, and RockTenn as Green Supply Chain of the Year. The Most Valuable Provider Award recognized i-Tech e-Services for its excellence in service to the manufacturing and supply chain sectors in Gwinnett. Information: www.partnershipgwinnett.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Commissioner hosting Listen and Learn
District 2 Commissioner Lynette Howard will host 5 Listen and Learn sessions to discuss an overview of Gwinnett government projects and plans. The first two will be at 7 p.m. Monday, March 10 at Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center, 4650 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard in Norcross and 7 p.m. Tuesday at Lucky Shoals Park Community Recreation Center, 4651 Britt Road in Norcross. Complete schedule: www.gwinnettcounty.com. Search: Listen and Learn. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Club Drive to get new sidewalks
Sidewalks, curbs and gutters will be installed along the south side of Club Drive from Pleasant Hill Road to Club Drive Park. Similar work on the north side extends from Pleasant Hill to Sweetwater Club Drive for a total distance of just under one mile. A rapid flashing pedestrian beacon and crosswalk will be added at the entrance to the park. A state transportation grant will pay 80 percent of the $308,393 cost with the rest coming from the 2009 SPLOST program. Information: www.gwinnettcounty.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Domestic violence awareness event set
Break the Silence Against Domestic Violence hosts a community awareness event 4 p.m. today at the Corner Office, 5425 Peachtree Parkway NW, Peachtree Corners. Kristen Paruginog, founder and executive director, will speak on what is being done in the fight against domestic violence. Donations accepted. Registration requested. Information: kristen@breakthesilencedv.org or
Kent A. Miles for the AJc
Lions Club Park to hold grand opening
Gwinnett in partnership with the Greater Lilburn Athletic Association will celebrate the grand opening of Lions Club Park, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at 5500 Rockbridge Circle in Lilburn. Event includes inflatables, crazy hair, face painting and food trucks. Information: 678-277-0179. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Lilburn park accepting pavilion reservations
Gartrell Nash Pavilion in Lilburn City Park is accepting reservations. The 4,200-square-foot open air, covered pavilion includes four built-end grills and picnic table seating for approximately 160 people. Reservations: City Hall, 76 Main St. or www.cityoflilburn.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
NORTHSIDE
Forsyth intersection to get signal help
A major Forsyth County intersection is getting help with traffic flow. The Georgia Department of Transportation is activating Four-Section Flashing Yellow Arrow Signals at the Ga. 9 and Majors/Shiloh Road Intersection. The signals, set to become operational by 2 p.m. March 11, aim to speed left-turning traffic and improve safety. The signals will be a vertical display of four left-turning arrows, including a flashing yellow arrow signal allowing drivers to turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic or pedestrians. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Mayor touts improved financials
Canton Mayor Gene Hobgood highlighted an improved financial picture of the city in his annual address Thursday. He said general fund revenues increased 4.5 percent in 2013 compared to the year before, with SPLOST tax collections up 12 percent. He also said city officials have made great progress reducing the city’s long-term debt, a large part of it due to high costs for the Hickory Log Creek Reservoir project. He said the debt, which was $62 million in 2008, has been cut by $21 million, a 34 percent decrease.Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Cumming to host springtime plant sale
The Forsyth County Master Gardeners group will hold its 2014 plant sale 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. April 12 at the Cumming Fairgrounds, 235 Castleberry Road. Annuals., perennials, trees, shrubs and vegetables will all be offered for sale. Vendors will stock southern plants and experts will be on hand to give tips on growing and caring for your plants. Information: 770-887-2418.Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Canton making plans for farmers market
The Canton Farmer’s Market in Cannon Park seeks vendors for its 2014 season, which will kick off May 24 and operate Saturdays through October. The market will accept only merchant-grown and made agricultural products and handmade crafts. A $5 weekly fee will be charged to vendors to offset advertising and other costs. Information and applications: canton-georgia.com Mark Woolsey
Local veterans group to host membership event
The Johns Creek Veterans Association hosts an open house 10 a.m. today and noon Sunday at Park Place at Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. Free. The group is an independent resource for veterans. Information: www.johnscreekga.gov/jcva Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Forsyth authorizes school bond election
Forsyth County voters will head to the polls May 20 to decide on a $195 million bond referendum. The Board of Education scheduled the vote late last week. If approved, general obligation bonds would be issued to fund a new middle and high school for the rapidly growing district, acquire land for future schools, improve existing campuses, upgrade technology and address transportation needs. Officials say approval would not increase the bond debt millage rate, if the voters extend the education SPLOST in 2016.It’s the district’s first bond referendum since 2007. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
ATLANTA
Hammonds House Museum hosts artists
The Hammonds House Museum is hosting a reception for artist Etienne Jackson at 2 p.m. Sunday at 503 Peeples St. SW, Atlanta.
The reception marks the opening of “Time, Experience, Wisdom,” Jackson’s solo exhibition of sculpture and works on paper. The exhibition runs through May 4.
Information: www.hammondshouse.org Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Awards to recognize architecture, design
The eighth annual Philip Trammell Shutze Awards, recognizing excellence in classical and traditional architecture, design and related fields, will take place at 6 p.m. today at the Piedmont Driving Club, 1215 Piedmont Road, Atlanta.
The Southeast Chapter of the Institute of Classical Art and Architecture is presenting the awards, which will include a tribute to Atlanta-based designer Dan Carithers.
Information: www.classicist-se.org or 404-348-3244. Kent A. Miles for the AJC
International Women’s Day celebrated
Pledge to Be Bella, an organization dedicated to women’s empowerment, is hosting a celebration marking International Women’s Day at 5 p.m. today at Piedmont Park near Park Tavern, 1320 Monroe Drive NE, Atlanta.
Local women’s organizations, community leaders and groups are invited to attend and recognize the economic, political, and social achievements of women. Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Superintendent search public meetings end
Atlanta’s school board doesn’t plan to hold public meetings to introduce superintendent candidates to the community before a decision is made. The board wants to protect candidates’ confidentiality and community members provided their thoughts during public meetings at the beginning of the yearlong search.
The board plans to announce the names of three or fewer finalists in April with a selection 14 days later. Mark Niesse
DEKALB
Cops: Man steals 40 pairs of women’s underwear
A man dressed in all black allegedly grabbed about 40 pairs of women’s underwear valued at $500 and put them in a GAP bag while in the Victoria’s Secret store at Perimeter Mall, Dunwoody police said.
Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying the man, who had two gold teeth on top.
Anyone with information should call 678-382-6900. Anonymous tips can be submitted at www.dunwoodypolice.com or by text message C-R-I-M-E-S (274-637). Use the key word DPDTIPS in the message. Alexis Stevens
Beacon Hill on target for May opening
Decatur’s $38 million Beacon Municipal Center will still open in May Deputy City Manager Hugh Saxon said this week. City Schools will move into its new central office May 1, the same day Ebster Pool re-opens. The revamped Ebster Gym on the east wing and a new police station/municipal courts building on the west will open in late July. The new regional storm water detention facility – holding one million cubic feet of water – behind the complex will be covered and topped by the soccer field, which re-opens in the fall. Bill Banks for the AJC
DeKalb state lawmakers holding town meeting
State rep. Mike Jacobs and state senator Fran Millar will host a joint town hall meeting Monday for north and central DeKalb residents.
The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at Chamblee First United Methodist Church, 4147 Chamblee Dunwoody Road. The public is welcome. April Hunt
DeKalb offering plant sale
The DeKalb County Cooperative Extension is offering a plant sale to encourage citizens to garden.
The extension will accept orders on plants ranging from azaleas to blueberries until March 10. Pickup will be March 22 at extension offices on Memorial Drive near Decatur.
Information: 404-298-4080 or www.ugaextension.com/DeKalb. April Hunt
Revised tree ordinance favors homeowners
During a Monday work session Decatur’s commission significantly revised its proposed tree ordinance by dropping the goal of a mandatory 50 percent citywide tree canopy. Instead commercial properties must maintain a 45 percent canopy while a “no net loss” will apply to residential properties. Essentially – with exceptions – residents must “maintain” the canopy they inherit upon buying their property. The commission plans on reviewing a first draft of the new ordinance April 7 before actually adopting it on May 19. Bill Banks for the AJC
Reading event at Decatur library
Reading is Essential for All People and The Georgia Center for the Book present crime author Amanda Kyle Williams at Decatur Public Library 6:30 p.m. Monday. Kyle will share her journey from a struggling reader to a full-time writer. Free. Register: www.strugglingreaders.org.Arlinda Smith Broady
SOUTHSIDE
Tourism revenue in Henry up $10 million
The most recent available figures indicate tourists spent $215 million in Henry County in 2012, an increase of $10 million from the previous year. In a recent report to the Board of Commissioners, the Henry County CVB cited an increase in major film and television production projects in the county as well as a large number of regional athletic tournaments hosted by the county’s parks and recreation department as two main contributors to the increase. Information: www.visithenrycountygeorgia.com. Monroe Roark for the AJC
Fayette hospital drill will affect traffic
An emergency management exercise at Piedmont Fayette Hospital will cause temporary traffic delays 4 to 8 p.m. today near the campus at 1255 Hwy. 54 West. The drill, being conducted by local fire and police departments, will not affect patient or visitor access to hospital services, main entrances or surrounding medical offices. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Civil War monument approved in Henry
A monument is scheduled to be erected later this year in recognition of those who fought in Gen. Kilpatrick’s Raid of 1864 that took place in the area surrounding Nash Farm Park near Hampton and Lovejoy. The Henry County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution authorizing the project at its March 4 regular meeting. The polished black granite monument is to be four feet wide, nine feet high and about eight inches thick. It will contain names of Union and Confederate soldiers who died there or elsewhere as a result of the battle. Supporters intend to unveil and dedicate the monument in August during a living history event on the 150th anniversary of the battle. Monroe Roark for the AJC
Clayton school board retreat set for today
The Clayton County Board of Education will hold a retreat 8 a.m. to noon today at the S. Truett Cathy Professional Learning Center, 1087 Battlecreek Rd. in Jonesboro. On the agenda: board training, special education law and school finance. Tammy Joyner
Young men invited to leadership program
The Star of Georgia Foundation Inc. will conduct an empowerment and leadership program for young men at 2 p.m. today at the Godby Road Recreation Center, 2300 Godby Road, College Park.
The program, Students Taking Initiative-Next Generation, is designed for young men 6 to 18. They will participate in workshops and learn skills that will help them lead productive lives.
Registration is required.
Information: kstewart@sogaf.org or sogaf.org Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Repairs close Peachtree City playground
The All Children’s Playground on Willowbend Road in Peachtree City will be closed Monday-May 1 for renovations. The playground was designed especially for children with special needs; however, all other playgrounds in the city will remain open and available to all. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
