County by county news for Saturday

The settlement was made by the city’s insurer, the Georgia Interlocal Risk Management Agency, said City Clerk Dawn Davis in a Friday email to the AJC in answer to an open records request. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Cobb redevelopment meeting Monday

Revitalize Marietta, Cobb’s Competitive EDGE and The Council for Quality Growth host a gathering of stakeholders, developers, economists, and leadership from the local, state, and federal agencies to explore Cobb County’s redevelopment opportunities 7:30 to 11 a.m. Monday at Marietta Conference Center, 500 Powder Springs St.

Information: Amanda Blanton, 770.859.2336 or ablanton@cobbchamber.org. Staff

Man arrested for child pornography

Christopher Charles Bush, 41, of Kennesaw was charged with five counts of distribution of child pornography Wednesday, police said.

.Bush is being held without bond at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center, according to Cobb County Sheriff’s Office records.Marcus K. Garner

Free native plants giveaway today

The Georgia Native Plant Society will give away free native plants from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at Heritage Park, 60 Fontaine Road, Mableton, to thank all of the trail-goers who have helped the society remove tagged non-native plants from the park.

As a result, native plants are making a comeback.

All are invited to pick up a free native plant and chat with experts on master gardening, habitat restoration and gardening for birds and butterflies.

Information: prca.cobbcountyga.gov/heritagepark.htm or 770-528-8840. Carolyn Cunningham

Library hosts writers’ workshop

Author Margaret Johnson-Hodge will lead a writer’s workshop from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the South Cobb Regional Library, 805 Clay Road, Mableton.

The author of “This Time,” “Butterscotch Blues” and other national best-selling novels will share tips and tools for writers, beginners and experienced, with a question-and-answer session to follow.

Information: 678-398-5828, mjhodge.net or aalbc.com/authors/margaret_johnson-hodge.htm. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Keep Cobb Beautiful to host shredding event

Keep Cobb Beautiful will host a document shredding day from 9 a.m. to noon today at Piedmont Church, 570 Piedmont Road, Marietta; Powder Springs City Hall, 4484 Marietta St., Powder Springs; Wolfe Adult Recreation Center, 884 Church St., Smyrna; and Marietta Power, 591 N. Marietta Parkway, Marietta. Only paper products will be accepted. Information: 770-528-1135. Jamie Sarrio

GWINNETT

WIKA Instrument to add 250 jobs over next 5 years

German-based WIKA Instrument plans to add 250 employees over the next five years to its Lawrenceville location. WIKA currently has more than 600 full-time employees there. This expansion will make WIKA one of Gwinnett’s top three manufacturers andtop ten private employers.

WIKA develops and produces pressure gauges, diaphragm seals, pressure transmitters, and thermometers worldwide for a variety of industries across the globe.

Information: www.gwinnetteconomicdevelopment.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Gas leak leads to evacuations

A natural gas leak that led to evacuations was fixed Thursday night.

Firefighters arrived on Pleasant Hill Road at Buford Highway in Duluth around 4:40 p.m.

As a precaution, two nearby businesses — Kids R Kids day care center and Gwinnett Clinic — were evacuated. No injuries were reported.

An emergency crew from Atlanta Gas Light stopped the leak around 7:15 p.m.

Pleasant Hill Road, which had been closed in both directions between Buford Highway and Palisade Park Drive, reopened by 8 p.m Angel K. Brooks

Duluth to host free concert Saturday

The City of Duluth will host a free fall festival concert 7 p.m. Saturday at the Duluth Amphitheater, 3142 Hill St. Opening act will be The Skipperdees and Rupert’s Orchestra will headline and perform current Top 40 songs, Motown hits, Classic Rock and Swing. A fireworks display will be held at the close of the concert. Veronica Fields Johnson

Deadline Monday to apply for school panel

Parents, community members and employees may apply by Sept. 16 to serve on a committee that provides input on the curriculum for Gwinnett County Public Schools. The next committee meeting is in February. After the curriculum review, the committee recommends revisions and additions for adoption. Members serve three-years.

Applications should be returned to Gale Hey, associate superintendent for Teaching and Learning at the Instructional Support Center, 437 Old Peachtree Rd., NW, Suwanee, 30024. Applications at www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us. Nancy Badertscher

Parks host Plein Air art reception

An opening reception for the second Gwinnett Parks Plein Air Challenge will be 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday at the Tannery Row Artist Colony, 554 W. Main St., Buford. The exhibit, which runs through Oct. 13, will feature the work of 30 local artists who gathered at county parks over the course of six months to capture the parks’ most unique and scenic features. Information: www.tanneryrowartistcolony.com. Mea Watkins

Fox Street closed for a week

Fox Street in Duluth will be closed Monday through Friday to replace pipe underneath the street. Information: Duluth Planning Department at 770-476-1790. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Mom, 2-year-old daughter killed in I-285 crash

The two people killed in Thursday night’s fiery crash that shut down I-285 westbound at Ga. 400 for hours have been identified as a Douglasville teenager and her young daughter.

The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s office late Friday morning identified the two as 17-year-old Gabriella Faiz and her 2-year-old daughter, Jada Faiz.

Sandy Springs police Capt. Steve Rose said Gabriella Faiz was the driver of one of the three cars involved in the wreck, and her daughter was seated in the back seat. Daarel Burnette II and Mike Morris

Cops: Forsyth man threatened school

Forsyth County police arrested Joseph John Medved, 51,Wednesday for allegedly threatening to shoot up a school in Gwinnett County.

Police later found bomb shrapnel, several rounds of bullets and improvised explosive devices at his home in Cumming.

On Tuesday he made the threat at a health treatment center in Roswell, authorities said. The receptionist and several patients notified police, who sought a warrant and began following Medved.Police witnessed Medved firinga rifle on a road outside his home and arrested him. Daarel Burnette II

Alpharetta library hosts exhibit by local artists

The Alpharetta Library Branch will host the Alpha Arts Guild Art Exhibit at the library, 238 Canton St., Alpharetta, daily during library hours through the end of the year.

The display features artwork in a variety of styles and mediums by members of the Alpha Arts Guild, an organization for North Fulton-based artists.

Information: 770-740-2425  Veronica Fields Johnson

Woodsotck safety academy gearing up

Woodstock officials are accepting applications through Sept. 23 for the latest edition of their Citizens’ Public Safety Academy, kicking off Sept. 25.

The 10-week course covers a variety of law enforcement and fire safety topics, including traffic enforcement, the SWAT team, jail operations and fire safety.

Applicants must be at least 19 and have no felony convictions. Information: www.woodstockga.gov  Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Cherokee chamber changes up website

The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce has unveiled a redesigned website and logo. Chamber officials say the in-house project was designed to give businesses, residents and businesses a more user-friendly experience and features the tagline “connecting, creating and cultivating.” more info: www.cherokeechamber.com  Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Woodstock OKs noise regulation revision

The Woodstock City Council has given final okay to a revision of the city’s noise regulations. The change replaces the current up-to-$100-per violation fine for excessive noise with escalating penalties of up to $1,000, for five or more violations in a 12-month period. City Manager Jeff Moon says complaints about outdoor music downtown triggered the revision. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

Police search for carjacking suspects

Atlanta police are searching for two men who allegedly kidnapped, robbed and carjacked a man at gunpoint Thursday afternoon.

The victim told police he parked his car at a Texaco station on Moreland Avenue in southeast Atlanta when two men demanded his keys and then forced him back into his car at gunpoint.

The suspects drove the victim to another location, robbed the victim and then kicked him out of the car.

Police are asking anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477. Daarel Burnette II

Body found in burned vehicle

A body was found Thursday in the trunk of a burned vehicle at the Stonecreek Apartment complex at 3540 North Camp Creek Parkway.

Police said said it is too soon to identify the victim or how long the car and body had been at the gated-off road. Marcus K. Garner and Ben Gray

Library hosts art, storytelling and jazz

The Auburn Avenue Research Library, in collaboration with Gas Art Gifts and the Averil Taylor Trio, will host “Jazzy Readings, My Music, My People” at 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 at the library, 101 Auburn Avenue, N.E.

The family-friendly event features the illustrated literature of R. Gregory Christie, the storytelling of Akbar Imhotep and the music of the Averil Taylor Jazz Trio.

Information: 404-730-4001 x100.Veronica Fields Johnson

African unity festival set; volunteers needed

The Shrine of the Black Madonna Social Action Committee will host the West End African Unity & Cultural Festival from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. today at 944 Ralph D. Abernathy Blvd.

Activities will include live entertainment, vendors, an African gala, farmers market, health fair and workshops on alternative education and health and wellness.

Information: 404-444-6696 or talkingdrum@live.com. Veronica Fields Johnson

DEKALB

Police to hold recruitment fairs

The DeKalb County Police Department will host recruitment fairs from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17 and Thursday, Sept. 26 at Fire Rescue Headquarters, 1950 West Exchange Place, Tucker. The department seeks applications to fill approximately 80 officer positions for an upcoming police academy class. Applicants must be at least 20 years old, a U.S. citizen, have no felony or domestic violence convictions, have a high school diploma or GED and a valid driver’s licence. Veterans should have received an honorable discharge. Information: 770-724-7445. Veronica Fields Johnson

Two developments get the go ahead

A lawsuit on the 315 West Ponce De Leon Avenue development was settled out of court, and work on a seven-story parking garage is already underway. Eventually this project, to be built in stages over two years, will also include 235 apartments and 10,000 square feet of retail space. Additionally 24 townhomes will be built on a 1.2-acre site at Hillyer Place and East Howard Avenue, with construction beginning this month and lasting one year. Bill Banks for the AJC

Animal cruelty awareness event today

The DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office, in cooperation with Animal Action Rescue, Village Vets, DeKalb County Animal Services & Enforcement and other community partners, will host Paws for the Cause from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today9/14 at Glenlake Park, 1121 Church St., Decatur. The pet-friendly event will bring awareness to issues of animal neglect and cruelty. Activities will include live music, food vendors, moonwalks, agility/Frisbee performances and low-cost pet immunizations and micro-chipping. Puppies and dogs will also be available for adoption. Veronica Fields Johnson

‘Glory Days’ auditions begin Sunday

The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta will hold auditions for the community production Glory Days: The Music You Grew Up With, at MJCCA Zaban Park, 5342 Tilly Mill Rd., Dunwoody. The show celebrates the music of the ’50s and ’60s and will feature performers age 50 and older. Participants should come prepared with two minutes of two songs, one fast and one slow.

Auditions take place from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday and Sept. 22 and 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday and Sept. 23.

Performances will be March 26-31, 2014. Information: atlantajcc.org/pldb-live/527726/ or Brian Kimmel at 678-812-4072. Mea Watkins

Online school hold info sessions

Provost Academy Georgia, a tuition-free, online high school, in conducting information sessions across the metro. Prospective students and parents can ask questions, meet staff and register on site. PAGA is a statewide, single-school district that serves students in grades 9 through 12. It also provides face-to-face instruction and guidance through Magic Johnson Bridgescape® learning centers.

Sessions: 6 - 8 p.m. Monday at Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, Lithonia and 6 - 8 p.m. Wednesday at Fulton County Library, 1 Margaret Mitchell Square. Information: 866-517-5582 or www.ga.provostacademy.com. Staff

SOUTHSIDE

New Republican leaders in state House

Republicans in the state House picked state Rep. Matt Ramsey, R-Peachtree City, to be their new majority whip. He replaced Rep. Edward Lindsey, R-Atlanta, who stepped down from leadership as he campaigns to get elected to Congress.

Members tapped Rep. Matt Hatchett, R-Dublin, to be their new caucus chairman. He replaced former Rep. Donna Sheldon, R-Dacula, who resigned her House seat entirely as she also campaigns for a seat in Congress. Rep. Sam Teasley, R-Marietta, was elected caucus vice chairman. Kristina Torres

Charities host Fulton Industrial clean up

Dismas Charities Atlanta Residential Reentry Center will host Clean-Up Fulton Industrial Boulevard Day from 9 a.m. to noon Monday at the corner of Fulton Industrial Boulevard and Wendell Drive, SW.

Residents and staff will volunteer for the clean-up project. Dismas Charities Atlanta RRC, which provides residential and program services assisting ex-offenders to transition successfully into society, will partner with the Fulton County Police Department for the event.

Information: 404-691-1425. Veronica Fields Johnson

Motorcyclist killed in I-75 crash identified

The motorcyclist killed in Thursday morning’s collision with a tractor-trailer that shut down I-75 northbound in Henry County for several hours was identified Friday as Edward A. Bridges, 45, of Riverdale.

The wreck happened before 11:30 a.m. Thursday about a mile south of I-675. The northbound lanes of the interstate reopened around 3 p.m.

The wreck apparently happened when a southbound truck crossed the median and collided with a northbound motorcycle, killing Bridges.

Henry County police Sgt. Joey Smith said the accident was the result of an improper lane change by the tractor-trailer, and that charges are pending. Mike Morris

Lovejoy Fallfest today at community center

The 2013 Lovejoy Fallfest is scheduled for 1 to 9 p.m. today at the Lovejoy Community Center, 11622 Hastings Bridge Road.

Electric violinist Ken Ford returns as headliner after what festival-goers described last year as a “violectric” performance.

Music lovers can enjoy a variety of music genres from gospel to rap to old school rhythm and blues. Mike DeLaney’s blues band performs. Vendors also will be selling food and crafts.

Information: www.cityoflovejoy.com.Tammy Joyner

County food drive set this month

Fayette County will host a countywide food drive 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at the Lane Brown Gazebo, 1821 Heritage Park Way, Fayetteville.

The goal is to fill a 53-foot trailer with: Baked beans, beef stew, breakfast cereal, dry beans, peanut butter, jam, jelly, rice, canned pasta sauce, canned tomatoes and tomato products, toilet paper, laundry detergent, paper napkins and paper towels.

Information: www.FayetteFoodDrive.info or email fayettefooddrive@gmail.com. Sandra Marshall Murray