County by county news for Saturday

The authority can issue low-interest bonds to assist private land development in South Cobb by lowering the cost of redevelopment projects and also can buy, sell, consolidate or leverage land resources to promote redevelopment activity.

Information: Cobb Economic Development Coordinator Sabrina Young, 770-528-1009. CAROLYN CUNNINGHAM FOR THE AJC

Powder Springs seeks road resurfacing contractors

Powder Springs is seeking contractors to resurface Brownsville Road from Marietta Street to U.S. 278.

A pre-proposal meeting will begin at 10 a.m. Feb. 19 at Powder Springs City Hall, 4484 Marietta St., where the proposals must be submitted before 10 a.m. March 5.

All inquiries must be made before 5 p.m. Feb. 27 to Larry Terry of Croy Engineering LLC at 770-971-5407 or lterry@croyengineering.com.

Information: cityofpowdersprings.org/index.aspx?NID=507. CAROLYN CUNNINGHAM FOR THE AJC

Strength Team coming to Powder Springs

The Strength Team will make several presentations Feb. 23-26 at Powder Springs First Baptist Church, 4330 North Ave., Powder Springs and during local school assemblies Feb. 24-26.

Open to all ages, these athletic feats are presented by pro athletes.

Information: strengthteam.com, fbcps.org or 770-943-9333. CAROLYN CUNNINGHAM FOR THE AJC

Business associations host after-hours

The South Cobb and Marietta Business Associations will hold an after-hours event from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Holiday Inn Express, 3741 Tramore Pointe Parkway, Austell.

Sweetwater Mission and the Etiquette School of Atlanta are the event’s sponsors.

Information: sc-ba.org. CAROLYN CUNNINGHAM FOR THE AJC

Powder Springs agency elects officers

The recently renewed Development Authority of Powder Springs has new officers: chairman, Murray Homan; vice chairman, Patrick Bordelon; treasurer, Nancy Arnold; and secretary, Krystal Wattley.

Members at large are Sylvia Huber, Joseph Pitman and Iris Anthony, with Dr. Chris Wizner as the city council liaison.

Information: Stephanie Aylworth, the city’s new economic development director, 770-743-1666, ext. 345, or saylworth@

cityofpowdersprings.org. CAROLYN CUNNINGHAM FOR THE AJC

DAR chapter to hold genealogy workshop

The Old Noonday Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is hosting a genealogy workshop at 2 p.m. today at the East Cobb Library, 4880 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta.

Betty Christy of the Fielding Lewis Chapter will be the guest lecturer and genealogist.

The event is free, but registration is requested. Information: info@oldnoondaydar.org or 770-971-5661. KENT A. MILES FOR THE AJC

GWINNETT

Lilburn police officer resigns amid investigation

A 15-year veteran of the Lilburn Police Department resigned Monday amid an investigation of improper drug evidence handling. Investigator Kim Banks is under investigation by the Gwinnett County district attorney’s office.

An officer assigned to the department’s evidence unit discovered irregularities in prescription drug evidence on Feb. 7, and notified Chief Bruce Hedley. Hedley contacted the Gwinnett County district attorney’s office and began an internal investigation. MOLLY BLOOM

Winder police to purchase new vehicles

The Winder police department has been given approval to purchase three Chevy Tahoes at a base price of $26,171 each with an additional $16,918.87 in safety equipment for a total of $43,089.87 per vehicle. In addition, the Winder utility department will purchase a 2012 Ford F-150 for $25,304 to replace another department truck declared as surplus. www.cityofwinder.com. KAREN HUPPERTZ FOR THE AJC

Buford invites public input on city plan

Buford hosts a workshop to discuss its five year update to the city’s comprehensive plan 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 25 at City Hall, 2300 Buford Highway. Discussion topics will include overall city goals, needs, and opportunities as well as the future development vision. A second public meeting will be held on March 18 to present the draft plan at an open house, prior to its finalization. Questions: Amanda.Hatton@jacobs.com or www.cityofbuford.com. KAREN HUPPERTZ FOR THE AJC

Snellville hosting small business seminar

The Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, as part of its On the Road program, will bring its Small Business Essentials event to Snellville with registration 2:30 p.m. Thursday at City Hall, 2342 Oak Road.

A panel discussion and Q&A begins at 2:45 p.m.; one-on-one sessions at 4:30 p.m. Event includes individuals from UGA Small Business Development Center, SCORE, minority assistance experts and Snellville and Gwinnett officials knowledgeable in the fields of licensing, planning and economic development. Seating is limited. Register: gwinnettchamber.org/events. Information: 770-232-3000 or smallbusiness@gwinnettchamber.org. KAREN HUPPERTZ FOR THE AJC

Volunteers sought to stencil storm drains

Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful has launched a storm drain stenciling program to educate the public about non-point source pollution, which includes runoff, seepage, or drainage of harmful pollutants such as fertilizers, insecticides, oil, toxic chemicals, pet waste, and more into our streams and rivers.

Through the program, volunteers stencil “No Dumping… Leads to Streams” on catch basins and distribute informational door hangers shaped like fish to all homes in their subdivision.

To volunteer: www.gwinnettcb.org. KAREN HUPPERTZ FOR THE AJC

NORTHSIDE

Forsyth names 2014 Teacher of the Year

Kristen Deuschle, a media specialist at Piney Grove Middle School, has been selected 2014 Forsyth County Teacher of the Year. The announcement was made at the annual Celebration pf Excellence Luncheon Friday, co-sponsored by Forsyth County Schools and the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce.

The University of Georgia and University of North Georgia graduate has taught in 3 other Forsyth schools in addition to serving as a media specialist, and was picked from three finalists. MARK WOOLSEY FOR THE AJC

Woodstock celebrates kindness

The Woodstock City Council wants to continue a tradition of good deeds by passing a resolution establishing Feb. 26 as “Random acts of Kindness Day” in memory of Gabriel Sierra, the 1-year-old grandson of Woodstock Fire Chief David Soumas, who died of a rare form of brain cancer in 2012. Soumas’ family said the “help Gabriel” movement inspired many kind gestures, and that this is a way of paying it forward. MARK WOOLSEY FOR AJC

Forsyth chamber sets business expo

The Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce turns its focus on small business next week. The chamber’s 2014 Business Showcase is set for 4- 7 p.m. Thursday at the Forsyth Conference Center, 3410 Ronald Reagan Boulevard, Cumming. Local firms will man display booths during the event, which will also feature networking, food and a chance to win a door prize. More information: cummingforsythchamber.org MARK WOOLSEY FOR THE AJC

Registration open for ‘Warthog’ fun run

Registration is under way for the fourth annual Wiphan Warthog Waddle and 1K Fun Run, 8 a.m. Feb. 22 at the Fellowship Bible Church, 480 West Crossville Road, Roswell.

Proceeds from the event will provide educational services, school lunches and medical care to over 500 orphan.

Information: www.active.com or www.wiphan.org KENT A. MILES

Historical society seeks award nominees

The Cherokee County Historical Society is seeking nominees for its 2014 Historic Preservation Awards. To be nominated, sites or structures have to be at least 50 years old and exhibit outstanding historic preservation success. The awards will be given out at the group’s annual banquet March 21 at the Northside Hospital Cherokee Conference Center, 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton. Nomination forms: rockbarn.org. For more information: 770-345-3288. MARK WOOLSEY FOR THE AJC

Group seeks hike in minimum wage

The inaugural meeting of the group Raise the Minimum Wage Sandy Springs will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday Feb. 15 at Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church, 471 Mount Vernon Highway. The meeting is free and open to the public.

The group seeks an increase in the minimum wage for city and state workers to $15 an hour, and for local and state lawmakers to support this action. Information: sandyspringsminimumwage.weebly.com. KENT A. MILES FOR THE AJC

ATLANTA

Superintendent may be named in April

Atlanta’s Superintendent Search Committee plans to recommend a slate of about four candidates for the city school board’s consideration by early March, said committee Chairwoman Ann Cramer.

The school board will then narrow the list to three or fewer finalists in late March or early April, and that’s when their names will become public.

Cramer said she’s excited about the candidates who have applied, and the school board intends to announce a new superintendent in April. MARK NIESSE

Excellent educators to be rewarded

Atlanta and Fulton County educators are being encouraged to apply for the 2014 Atlanta Families’ Awards for Excellence in Education, which provides $7,500 to each winner.

The awards are intended to recognize, retain and inspire the best teachers and leaders who raise student achievement, enhance students’ self-esteem and collaborate for the benefit of students.

Nominations and applications may be submitted at www.atlantafamilies.org through March 21. MARK NIESSE

New date for library ground breaking

Ground breaking for the new Palmetto branch of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System has been rescheduled for 11 a.m. Feb. 25 at 9111 Cascade Palmetto Highway.

The original Jan. 30 date was canceled due to snow.

The 10,000-square-foot library is part of the first phase of the library building program approved by Fulton voters in 2008. The Palmetto branch is scheduled to open later this year. Information: www.afpls.org  KENT A. MILES FOR THE AJC

Brighten named charter school of year

Brighten Academy Charter School in Douglasville has been named charter school of the year by the Georgia Charter Schools Association.

The award, given to schools that demonstrate academic excellence and sound fiscal practices, comes with a $50,000 grant from the Coca-Cola Foundation. Brighten Academy plans to to build a mobile video conferencing unit for worldwide video collaboration and buy curriculum materials, science lab equipment, maps and cork boards. MARK NIESSE

DEKALB

Grant to fund study of potential bike lanes

Avondale Estates was recently awarded a $50,000 grant by the Atlanta Regional Commission to fund a feasibility study of a road diet along US 278 from Sams Crossings to just past North Clarendon Avenue.

The long-term goal is to make that stretch more bicycle and pedestrian friendly, including one scenario of reducing 278 to two automobile traffic lanes.

The study, which should last through July, also includes considering a possible roundabout at North Clarendon and 278.

Total cost is $62,500 counting the city’s 20 percent match. BILL BANKS FOR THE AJC

Sheriff stepping down for Congressional run

DeKalb County Sheriff Tom Brown, who has served since 2001, will step down in early March to pursue a Congressional bid.

Brown recently opened headquarters in Tucker for a run against U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson, a Lithonia Democrat now in his fourth term in office.

Qualifying for state and federal races will be held in DeKalb between March 3 and 7, and other candidates are expected to come forward in the Congressional race. APRIL HUNT

Belvedere Little League registration underway

Belvedere Little League is holding registration noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays through Feb. 22 at Shoal Creek Park, 3642 Glenwood Road for boys and girls, ages 4-12, to play spring baseball.

Information: 404-289-3073. ARLINDA SMITH BROADY

School calendar for next year published

The new DeKalb County School District calendar is out, with the 2014-15 school year running Aug. 11 to May 22.

The dates could change a little, since the calendar includes teacher furlough days that Superintendent Michael Thurmond has said he wants to eliminate if the budget shows enough of a surplus this summer.

The calendar includes the traditional breaks for Thanksgiving, the winter holidays and spring.

Information: www.dekalb.k12.ga.us. TY TAGAMI

Decatur considers 2 annexations

Decatur is considering petitions from Conway Road (southeast) and the Parkwood neighborhood (due east) for possible annexation into the city.

Conway, which includes only seven homes, could take eight to 10 weeks for approval, while Parkwood’s 76 homes (and potentially 10 new students in the school system) could take longer. City Manager Peggy Merriss points out both potential annexations were initiated by property owners and not the city, which approved three small neighborhood annexations last year. BILL BANKS FOR THE AJC

Teens learn about college success

College graduates and students will hold a discussion about succeeding in college that is aimed at high school students.

The talk, “Keys to a Successful College Experience,” is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at St. Philip AME, 240 Candler Road SE. TY TAGAMI

SOUTHSIDE

Fayette school transfers available through March

Fayette County parents who want to have their students transferred or reassigned to another school for 2014-15 may apply to do so until March 3.

Requests will be evaluated based on criteria related to relocation, medical or emotional needs, or curriculum factors.

Information and forms are at www.fcboe.org. JILL HOWARD CHURCH FOR THE AJC

Dam projects prompt road and path closings

Repair work on two Peachtree City dams will cause road and cart path closures for several months.

Portions of Kedron Drive will be shut down through October, and the path near Rockspray Pond will be detoured until mid-September.

Signs will be posted in both areas, and golf carts may not use Peachtree Parkway. JILL HOWARD CHURCH FOR THE AJC

Commissioner hosts town hall Feb. 22

Henry County Commissioner Bruce Holmes will host his monthly town hall meeting at 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, at the Fairview Recreation Center, 35 Austin Road in Stockbridge.

This month’s meeting will feature a varied slate of topics with elected officials including state Sen. Emanuel Jones and state Reps. Demetrius Douglas, Sandra Scott, Pam Stephenson and Brian Strickland. MONROE ROARK FOR THE AJC

New hospice program at Piedmont Henry

A new program is now available to help patients in need of hospice care at Piedmont Henry Hospital.

It is managed by Hospice Advantage with Piedmont Henry hospitalist Emmanuel Onasile, M.D. serving as physician liaison overseeing patient care and assisting in support for both the patient and their family during end-of-life decisions.

Information: piedmonthenry.org. MONROE ROARK FOR THE AJC

Baseball/softball registration underway

Registration for youth baseball and softball in Union City is available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday at Ronald Bridges Park Etris Building, 5285 Lakeside Dr.

Prices range from $65 for 3- and 4-year-olds to $120 for 13- to 14-year-olds.

Information: 770-964-1236  ARLINDA SMITH BROADY

Jeremiah Wright to speak at Olivet Church

Chicago minister Dr. Jeremiah Wright will be the featured speaker at The Olivet Church’s annual Heritage Sunday program, 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday Feb. 16 at 877 Ga. 314 North, Fayetteville.

Wright is best known as President Barack Obama’s former pastor. He led the Trinity Unity Church of Christ in Chicago for 36 years until his retirement in 2008, and is currently the church’s pastor emeritus.

Information: www.theolivetchurch.org or 770-460-6656. KENT A. MILES FOR THE AJC