County by county news for Saturday

The 160,000 square-foot facility will be the global hub of those activities for the company. The project is expected to create 150 new jobs and $20 million in investment and new technologies.

The company received about $1.4 million in tax abatements, fee reductions and relocation expense funds from the county and Cobb Development Authority as development incentives.

The new facility is located along Vaughn Road, north of the company’s world headquarters. Janel Davis

East Cobb candidates forum on Tuesday

East Cobb residents Oliver Halle and Don Jenacova will host their annual, well-attended campaign forum on Tuesday in east Cobb for Cobb County candidates.

Each candidate will be allowed a 15 second introduction, but there will be no speeches. Attendees can talk individually and in small groups with candidates. About25 candidates in various races are expected to attend.

The forum begins at 7 p.m. at the Parc at Piedmont senior assisted living center, 999 Hood Road in Marietta.

Information: Halle, 770-321-2778; Jenacova, 770-992-7195 Janel Davis

Austell school to be renamed

Cobb County’s school board is expected to change the name of Austell Intermediate School to Hendricks Elementary School at its next board meeting. Elizabeth Hendricks, a former teacher at Powder Springs and Milford Elementary schools was involved in the civil rights movement and named Teacher of the Year in 1980. Elizabeth Hendricks and her husband George, also an educator, owned cotton fields in the area where Austell Intermediate is located today. Daarel Burnette II

Teacher receives grant for school supplies

Kym Van Hout, a Kennesaw Charter Science and Math Academy teacher, recently received a grant to receive school supplies for her students. The Kids in Need Foundation gives teachers from low-income schools to receive free school supplies for their students. The foundation has awarded more than $1.3 million in grants to teachers. Daarel Burnette II

Cobb EMC to distribute excess revenue

This week Cobb EMC mailed out notices to 38,000 current and former members during the years 1957 to 1971, informing them that the Marietta co-op is distributing about $7 million in excess revenues from that time period.

The capital credits haven’t been issued since 1976, and are distributed in proportion to each member’s purchases from the co-op during the year.

Current members, who were also members during the 14-year time period will receive an automatic refund that will be credited to their accounts and appear as deductions from the next electric bill. Refund checks will be distributed to former members. Inactive members and those applying for the refund on behalf of deceased members will need to complete necessary documents.

Information and applications: www.cobbemc.com Janel Davis

GWINNETT

School board retains millage rate again

For the eighth consecutive year, Gwinnett County property owners will see their tax millage rate for schools stay the same. The Gwinnett County Board of Education voted, as expected, Thursday night set an 19.25 mill rate for general operations and a 1.30 mill rate for debt service for a total millage rate of 20.55 mills. Property tax collections help fund the budget, which was adopted in May and is effective for the fiscal year that starts July 1. To make ends meet, Gwinnett will be leaving vacant nearly 600 jobs, where employees are retiring or resigning. Nancy Badertscher

Rock Springs school gets new principal

Connie Hawkins, an assistant principal at Gwinnett County’s Kanoheda Elementary, has been named the new principal at Rock Springs Elementary in the school system’s Collins Hill cluster. Hawkins’ assignment as principal is effective July 1 and was approved Thursday by the Gwinnett County Board of Education. She has been with the school system since 2005. Hawkins is replacing Angie Pacholke, who is transferring to Freeman’s Mill Elementary. Nancy Badertscher

Ham radio operators to show off skills

The Gwinnett County Amateur Radio Society and Amateur Radio Emergency Service groups will be demonstrating Amateur Radio Saturday and Sunday at Sweetwater Park, 800 Bethesda School Rd., Lawrenceville. The public is invited to see amateur radio’s new capabilities and learn how to get their own FCC radio license. Set-up starts at 8 a.m. Saturday, operations begin at 2 p.m. and continue for 24 hours. Information: www.emergency-radio.org. Kenneth Musisi

House fire under investigation

Gwinnett County fire department is investigating a house fire that occurred Friday morning in the 5100 block of Vivid Drive in unincorporated Stone Mountain as a possible arson.

The blaze occurred around 8 a.m. Friday and the interior of the home was heavily damaged. No one was home. Fire investigators have requested the use of an arson canine from the state to assist with determining the cause of the fire, said Gwinnett fire Lt. Colin S. Rhoden. Andria Simmons

Fire station offering safety camps

The Gwinnett fire department is hosting one-day camps for fourth and fifth grade students Tuesday and Thursday mornings through Aug.2 from 9 a.m. until noon at Fire Station 20, 1801 Cruse Road in Lawrenceville.

To register, call 678-518-4845.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Wellspring treasures sidewalk sale

Wellspring Treasures Duluth, an upscale resale boutique specializing in new and gently used furniture, clothing and housewares, is having a sidewalk sale from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at 2785 Buford Hwy., Suite 103-B.  Wellspring Treasures supports Wellspring Living, a non-profit organization that provides refuge for women and girls recovering from sex trafficking abuse. Information: call 770-623-3166. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Cherokee, Forsyth firefighters win honors

Firefighters from three different counties claimed top prizes in the Toughest Firefighter Competition, which is part of Georgia’s latest Police & Fire Games. In the statewide event, officials from various agencies--including fire departments, police departments, and federal agencies--compete against each other. During the latest game, first place went to Robbie Townsend of the Dalton Fire Department. Second place went to Jonathon Lent of Forsyth County, and third place went to Richard Ehlke of Cherokee County. Edward Mitchell

ZooMobile at Roswell Library on Monday

Zoo Atlanta’s ZooMobile will stop at the Roswell Library on Monday, bringing live animals and children’s activities. Sessions are at 2:30 and 3:30 p.m.

The ZooMobile, which puts on programs with small mammals, reptiles and amphibians, will make two stops at each Atlanta-Fulton library branch this summer. The next stop at the Roswell branch, at 115 Norcross St., will be on July 12. For a schedule, go to www.afpls.org. Information: 770-640-3075. Johnny Edwards

Rotary to hold Mayor’s Challenge Race

The Rotary Club of Alpharetta and the city of Alpharetta are sponsoring the annual Mayor’s Challenge Race July 20. This year’s event, which begins with a fun run, will be held at 7 p.m. July 20 in the Historic Downtown District across from City Hall on Main Street. It also includes a block party and family friendly PG-13 movie. Registration is $25 if received by July 2 and $30 from July 2 until race day. Proceeds from the run benefit North Fulton non-profits.

Information and registration: www.mayorsrunandfun.com. Patrick Fox

Student on HorizonsAtlanta board

Mary Catherine Thomson, a rising junior at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School (HIES), has been named as a student board member on the HorizonsAtlanta board of directors. Horizons provides academic, cultural and recreational programs to diverse students from low-income families. Thomson will serve a two-year term on the board, helping to recruit and train student volunteers. She also will participate in monthly board meetings, assist with fundraising and present a public face of Horizons to the community. Nancy Badertscher

Forsyth Senior Services needs volunteers

Forsyth County Senior Services is looking for volunteers for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia respite care. Volunteers would help staff with games, music, crafts and exercise Monday through Friday at the senior services office, 595 Dahlonega Highway, Cumming. Information: Jim Yarbrough at 770-781-2178. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Deanery holds ‘welcome home’ for vets

The North Metro Deanery of the Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta will hold a “Welcome Home” event for veterans today. It starts at 10 a.m. at St. Peter Chanel Catholic Church, 11330 Woodstock Road, Roswell. Information: militaryministry@stpeterchanel.org. Johnny Edwards

ATLANTA

Atlanta lawyer honored

Atlanta lawyer Julie M.T. Walker was recently recognized by the State Bar of Georgia for her commitment to the legal profession and state’s justice system.

Walker received the Thomas R. Burnside Jr. Excellence in Bar Leadership Award at the State Bar’s annual meeting earlier this month in Savannah. Walker, who was nominated by the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys, specializes in fiduciary and tax law. Bill Rankin

Housing authority adopts new budget

The Atlanta Housing Authority’s Board of Commissioners on Wednesday approved a $265 million budget for fiscal year 2013, which begins July 1. The approved budget will be submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development later this month. AHA, one of the largest public agencies in the state, coordinates housing voucher programs and works with more than 50,000 residents. Jeremiah McWilliams

Hickson begins work as ethics officer

Nina R. Hickson started working as the city of Atlanta’s new ethics officer on Thursday. Hickson, formerly East Point’s city attorney and acting city manager as well as presiding judge for the Juvenile Court of Fulton County, was confirmed by Atlanta’s City Council on May 7. She was approved by Mayor Kasim Reed shortly after that. Hickson said she wants build on the foundation established by the former ethics officer, Ginny Looney. Her term lasts five years. Jeremiah McWilliams

Forum Tuesday on review board director

The Atlanta Citizen Review Board will hold a public forum to meet the final candidates being considered for the position of executive director. The finalists are Richard A. Rasmussen of Sandy, Utah; Samuel L. Reid of Minneapolis; and Victoria A. Urbi from Antioch, Calif.

The meeting will be held in the City Council chambers of Atlanta City Hall, 55 Trinity Ave., at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Information: 404-865-8622. Jeremiah McWilliams

DEKALB

DeKalb residents offered free HIV testing

Georgia Equality invites DeKalb County residents to participate in the “Take the Test, Take Control” event taking place as part of the National HIV Testing Day on June 27. Free confidential rapid HIV testing is being offered with same day results. Testing will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Stand Inc. and DeKalb County Board of Health, 4319 Covington Highway, Decatur. Kenneth Musisi

Decatur set to repair three streets

The Decatur commission approved a project budget of $205,000 for milling and repairing three local streets in preparation for being repaved in this year’s Georgia Department of Transportation repaving program. The streets are Avery Street from East College Avenue to Winnona Drive, Fayetteville Road from East Lake Drive to Gordon Street, and Oakview Road from South McDonough Street to 70 feet west of West Benson Street. Included in this is the milling, repair and repaving of a small portion of Pinetree Drive, and part of the drive and path system in Decatur’s Cemetery. Bill Banks for the AJC

Decatur raises fees for film productions

Decatur updated a number of its city fees this week including film permitting fees from $100 to $150 per day. Special Events Coordinator Katie Abel said that 45 film and television projects shot in Decatur last year, and another 16 so far this year. Popular shooting locations include Agnes Scott College, the city cemetery, and several houses on Adams Street. Current or upcoming projects shot here include Clint Eastwood’s “Trouble with the Curve,” VH1’s “Single Ladies,” TV show “Necessary Roughness” and the upcoming film “Adult Children of Divorce” Bill Banks for the AJC

Johnson to lead 8-mile bike ride

DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson will lead an eight-mile bike ride through the county Sunday, to increase awareness about diabetes.

The event begins at 8:30 a.m. in the Macy’s parking lot at the South DeKalb Mall, 2801 Candler Road, near Decatur.

April Hunt

Job expo in Decatur on June 28

DeKalb County will host a workforce expo for residents later this month in Decatur.

The free event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 28 at DeKalb Workforce Development, 320 Church St., Decatur.

The goal is to provide employment services and other resources for those interested.

Information: 404-687-3407. April Hunt

Dunwoody court offers amnesty through July 31

Dunwoody Municipal Court is holding an amnesty program for individuals with past due traffic citations or active bench warrants for failing to appear in court.

The amnesty runs through July 31 at the Dunwoody Municipal Court, 41 Perimeter Center East, Suite 103. Individuals can walk in without appointments from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays except Tuesdays. Fines must be paid in full with either cash, money order, cashier check or Visa and MasterCard.

No personal checks will be accepted. Information: 678-382-6973. Patrick Fox

SOUTHSIDE

Fayette chamber backs transportation plan

The Fayette County Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors has come out in support of the transportation referendum being voted on July 31. In a statement released Friday, the group said current funding “is not sufficient” to meet local transportation needs. It cited the county’s growing senior population and persistent commuter congestion at I-85 and Ga. 74 among reasons to embrace the plan. The Chamber said Fayette residents will receive the equivalent of $1.23 in benefits for each tax dollar spent. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Vandalism closes Kedron Fieldhouse

The Kedron Fieldhouse and Aquatic Center in Peachtree City remains closed following vandalism that occurred early Thursday morning.

Crews are working around the clock to clean up damage resulting from two fires that were set indoors and water from the sprinkler system. Janitorial worker Robert Earl Striggles, 19, was arrested in Palmetto and charged with felony arson and burglary.

City staff is investigating a possible electrical problem that did not immediately alert emergency responders to the fire when it began. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Fitness guru to demonstrate on Monday

Stepp Stewart, the dance fitness guru from The Dr. Oz Show, will lead two exercise demonstrations during a health forum Monday at the Fulton County Government Center in downtown Atlanta. The event will be hosted by Fulton Commission Chairman John Eaves and Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority Chairman Thomas Dortch.

Scheduled from noon to 6:30 p.m., the forum is to educate metro Atlantans about health care access, healthy living, preventative services and the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Registration: 404-616-5437. Johnny Edwards

HCFD receives grant to educate juveniles

The Henry County Board of Commissioners approved acceptance of a $1,574 grant on behalf of the Henry County Fire Department, which was selected to receive the 2012 Chesney Fallen Firefighters Memorial Grant funded by the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation. The grant requires no match and will be used to enhance Henry County Fire Department’s Juvenile Firesetter Program, which offers education, intervention and other resources to juveniles who have been involved with fire play. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Special election for McDonough council seat

Voters in McDonough’s District 2 will vote on a new City Council member during the Nov. 6 general election, meaning city residents can go to a single polling place for city, county, state and presidential voting. The vacancy was created when Sandra Vincent resigned her council seat to qualify for a Henry County Board of Commissioners race from which she has since withdrawn. Qualifying for the special election is scheduled for Aug. 27-29 at McDonough City Hall, and the qualifying fee is $360. Officials said the city will save several thousand dollars by having the election on the county ballot. Monroe Roark for the AJC