County by county news for Saturday

Hightower began as the county’s police chief in 1972, and was named the county’s public safety director in 1993.

Hightower has also served with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Georgia State Patrol and Georgia Homeland Security Task Force. Janel Davis

Millage rate hearing to be July 17

Cobb millage rate hearings set for July; no increase expected Cobb County residents can weigh in on the county’s millage rate at two public hearings on July 17. The hearings, at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., will be held before the Board of Commissioners votes on the rate on July 24. Chairman Tim Lee said this week that no millage increase is proposed. He and other commissioners have been soundly criticized for the approximately 16 percent increase approved last year that helped close a $33 million budget gap. The county hearings will be held at the Cobb government building, 100 Cherokee Street in Marietta. Information: www.cobbcounty.org Janel Davis

Verizon Wireless hands out $2,500 grants

The Center for Working Families and the Northwest Georgia YWCA received $2,500 grants from Verizon Wireless this week to help promote healthy relationships between fathers and children.

The Center for Working Families’ The Fatherhood Program, connects fathers with legal, mental health and jobs resources to help them be involved in their children’s lives. The YWCA’s Y’s Guys Committee is focused on spreading the world against domestic violence.

The grants were granted this week as a celebration of Father’s Day. Janel Davis

Randall Bramblett Band at Mable House

The Randall Bramblett Band will continue the Candelite Concert Series by the South Cobb Arts Alliance in Mableton today.

The free concerts, including free parking, are held at the Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre, 5239 Floyd Road.

Other performers will include Blair Crimmins and the Hookers, Aug. 18, Kayla Taylor Jazz, Sept. 8 and Men in Blues, Oct. 6. Rain or shine, concerts begin at 8 p.m. with gates opening at 7 p.m. Information: southcobbarts.org or mablehouse.org. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Powder Springs service loses customers

Nearly 900 Cobb residents have dropped Powder Springs’ sanitation service in favor of private companies charging about half the price and offering more services.

Powder Springs Finance Director Amy Davis said the number has declined from 1,500 to 650 customers.

The city’s garbage service fee is $20.50 per month for one can and no recycling to outside-the-city residents.

Several extra charges to all city sanitation customers include yard waste, cans, bags, extra containers and large-item disposals. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

GWINNETT

Bad drug deal leavesman dead in Norcross

Gwinnett County police Friday were investigating a fatal shooting that was apparently drug related.

A man in his mid-30s was shot and killed about 11:30 p.m. Thursday in the 3300 block of Hidden Cove Circle near Norcross, Gwinnett police Cpl. Jake Smith said.

“This case appears to be a drug deal gone bad,” Smith said early Friday.

Smith said detectives were “actively working leads,” but had made no arrests. The identity of the man killed was not immediately released. Mike Morris

Commemorate War of 1812 Monday

The Philadelphia Winn Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution will commemorate the War of 1812 at a ceremony at 11:30 a.m. Monday at the historic courthouse square in downtown Lawrenceville. The “Ring the Bells for 1812” ceremony is part of a national commemoration of the bicentennial of the war. The public is encouraged to bring a bell. David Wickert

Norcross’ Bluesberry Festival today

Norcross is inviting residents and visitors to enjoy locally grown blueberries, a mini-beerfest and a lineup of blues artists at the appropriately named BluesBerry Festival.

The festival starts at 4 p.m. today with the mini-beerfest at The Iron Horse Tavern at 29 Jones St. in Downtown Historic Norcross. From 5:30 to 10:30 p.m., Truett Lollis, T-Grease Johnson and Little G Weevil will perform on the stage at Betty Mauldin Park. Information: www.aplacetoimagine.com. Joel Anderson

Sensory friendly films come to Lawrenceville

In partnership with the Autism Society, AMC theatres at Discover Mills will host Sensory Friendly Films to families affected by autism on a monthly basis with the first of these films beginning at 10 a.m. today with “Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted. The auditoriums dedicated to the program have their lights up, the sound turned down and audience members are invited to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing. Information: www.amctheatres.com/programs/sensory-friendly-films Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Pet vaccination clinic today

The Georgia Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is hosting a low cost vaccination clinic from 1 to 4 p.m. today.

Rabies shots are $10, distemper/parvo shots are $10, canine Bordetella shots are $10, canine heartworm test is $25, microchipping is $25, deworming is $5, flea treatment is $5, nail clipping is $10. The shelter is at 1175 Buford Highway, Suite 109, in Suwanee. Info: www.georgiaspca.org. Andria Simmons

Duluth Idol to be chosen at block party

The Duluth Idol competition will be held at the No Reason Block Party in downtown from 6 to 9 p.m. June 21. To compete you must audition on Tuesday, June 12 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Duluth Festival Center Amphitheatre. Details available at www.duluthga.net. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Bosch files complaint against Tea Party

Cherokee County commissioner Karen Bosch, who last month was accused by the Cherokee Tea Party Patriots of potentially breaking campaign finance laws during her 2004 race by taking $1,000 from recycling company owner Jimmy Bobo and not reporting it, has filed her second complaint against the group with Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission. Her first complaint was rejected. Bosch said the group should be registered with the state because it collects money and seeks to influence votes. Jeffry Scott

Registration deadline July 2 for election

Voters have until July 2 to register for the July 31 primary and special election. Forsyth County residents who want to register to vote or change their name/address on the voter registration list can do so at the Forsyth County Voter Registrations and Elections Office, 110 E. Main St., Cumming. Office hours are 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Applications are due no later than 4:30 p.m. July 2. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Council to hold HR boot camp in Forsyth

The Human Resource Council of Cumming and Forsyth County and the Georgia United Credit Union will host a human resources boot camp from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at DeKalb Office, 1320 Ridgeland Parkway in Alpharetta.

Among its topics, the session will focus on how to avoid unlawful hiring practices, avoiding discrimination in social media and recent developments in labor law. Information: 770-887-6461. Patrick Fox

‘Mutts and More’ fest in Forsyth Saturday

The Humane Society of Forsyth County will hold its second annual “Mutts and More Festival” today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Fowler Park. The festival will feature pet adoptions, demonstrations, vendors, food, games, live music and a “mutt strut.” All proceeds from the event will benefit society programs. Information:Lakewolf1@gmail.com Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Cherokee takes applications for grants

Cherokee County officials are accepting 2013 program year applications for projects under the federal CommunityDevelopment Block Grant (CDBG) program. Projects that will be considered for grant awards include renovation and construction of public facilities and affordable housing projects. At least 70 percent of people served by CDBG programs must be low or moderate-income. Application deadline is July 6. More info: mpieper@cherokeega.com Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Five girls picked to train mustangs

Five Cherokee County girls, aged 9 -17, from the Rose Equestrian Center in Woodstock are among about 100 youths across the nation chosen by the Texas-based Mustang Heritage Foundation to adopt, train and compete with wild mustang yearlings for an in-hand halter competition, Sept. 13-15 in Fort Worth, Texas. Youth trainers Caitlyn Bennett, Sarah Bowman, Eryn Caldwell, Erica Milbourn and Kalyn Petrik are working with yearlings they adopted last month. Jeffry Scott

ATLANTA

CAU provost leave for ASU post

The provost at Clark Atlanta University has accepted an offer to become the next president of Alabama State University, according to a note Clark Atlanta President Carlton Brown sent Thursday. Joseph Silver’s contract with Alabama State is expected to be approved June 22. Laura Diamond

Affordable housing fair to be Thursday

Atlanta’s Department of Planning and Community Development plans to host an affordable housing fair on Thursday in the atrium of City Hall, 55 Trinity Ave. The event will include developers experienced in Neighborhood Stabilization Program grants, which are aimed at communities that have suffered from foreclosures and abandonment. Lenders and down payment assistance professionals will be on hand. Jeremiah McWilliams

SBA chief gets tour of Atlanta

Atlanta City Council President Ceasar C. Mitchell joined Karen Mills, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration and Fulton County Commissioner Joan P. Garner for a meet and greet Wednesday with several local business owners in Midtown Atlanta. Their visit included stops at the New York Butcher Shoppe and Arden’s Garden. Both businesses have used SBA-backed loans.

“I am always happy to see local business owners decide to start or grow their businesses in the city of Atlanta,” Mitchell said. Jeremiah McWilliams

Black Vintage Movie Series begins

Atlanta City Councilman Kwanza Hall and the Black Vintage Movie Series Inc. announced the inaugural Black Vintage Movie Series on today at the Balzer Theater at Herren’s, 84 Luckie Street in downtown Atlanta. The one-day event will include a 2:30 p.m. screenings of the 1959 film “Imitation of Life,” followed by a lecture at 5 p.m. by a lecture by author and film expert Donald Bogle. The 1954 film “Carmen Jones” will be screened at 7 p.m. Information: http://blackvintagemovies.com. Jeremiah McWilliams

DEKALB

Lewis to be honored at Senior Ball

Congressman John Lewis will get the Lifetime Achievement Award next Saturday during DeKalb County’s 2012 Senior Ball for his work in civil rights and in Congress and as a community advocate.

The recognition of Georgia’s Fifth District congressman will come after a safety seminar during which DeKalb District Attorney Robert James will talk about ways about ways senior citizens can minimize their risks of becoming targets of crime, abuse and exploitation. Rhonda Cook

Advisory boards hold meetings next week

The resident-advisory boards that review zoning and land use applications in DeKalb will hold their June meetings in the coming week. The Community Council for District 5 in meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Redan library on Wellborn Road near Lithonia. The District 1 and District 4 councils meet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Chamblee library on Clairmont Road and the Stone Mountain library on Leon Street, respectively. The District 3 council will meet at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Wesley Chapel library on Wesley Chapel Road. April Hunt

County millage rate to hold steady

The DeKalb County Commission recently agreed to announce its 2012 millage rate for county government will hold steady at 21.21 mills.

The move was expected despite property values in the county, which determine how much in taxes are paid to pay for operations, dropping about 8 percent from last year.

The commission is slated to vote on the millage rate at its July 10 meeting so that tax bills can go out in time for fall payment deadlines. April Hunt

Workforce expo in Decatur 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.

Information: 404-687-3407. April Hunt

Decatur school board undecided on site

Decatur’s school board remains uncertain about a new location for the school system’s central office, currently located in the old Westchester Elementary. The city favors the Beacon Hill/Trinity High location, scheduled for a massive $30 million renovation. But the city’s $5.9 million asking price appears high to some board members, who are also lukewarm toward a second potential site behind Decatur High, saying it would reduce space for future high school expansion. Superintendent Phyllis Edwards believes the board will settle on a site by next month. Bill Banks for the AJC

PAWS Atlanta to hold fundraiser

PAWS Atlanta, the DeKalb County animal welfare group, will host one of its largest fundraisers today. “Party for the Paws” features dinner, a silent auction, live music and entertainment and dancing. The event begins at 7 p.m. at the Ansley Golf Club on Montgomery Ferry Drive in Atlanta.

Tickets are $100 for individuals and $150 per couple, with all money going to support of PAWS Atlanta. Information: www.pawsatlanta.org. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Henry student move ahead with CRCT

Henry School Schools saw an increase in students who met or exceeded standards on this year’s Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT), data released Friday showed. Students in grades 3 through 8 are tested in five subject areas -- reading, English/language arts, math, science and social studies. Scores improved on 25 of the 30 tests, the school system said in a press release. “The preliminary numbers continue to show our students outperforming state averages ...,” said Superintendent Ethan Hildreth. Info: www.henry.k12.ga.us. Nancy Badertscher

Early voting in Henry begins July 9

Early voting in Henry County begins July 9 and will continue through July 27 at the Henry County Elections and Registration Building in McDonough. Hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays through July 20, and citizens may cast also their votes Saturday, July 21, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. The week of July 23-27 early voting is available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in McDonough and at the Ted Strickland Community Center in Stockbridge. Information: www.henrycounty-ga.org/elections. Monroe Roark for the AJC

East Point farmers’ market today

The East Point Farmers market is today from 9 a.m. to noon at East Point Commons at 2757 East Point Street. The market features local produce and handcrafted food items. John Thompson for the AJC

East Point official joins shopping center group

Barbra Coffee, economic development director for College Park, has been appointed Georgia Alliance Public Sector co-chair for the International Council of Shopping Centers for a one-year term. Coffee will represent the interests of owners, developers, investors, marketers and other retail specialists across the state of Georgia. John Thompson for the AJC

Spay/neuter clinic free for seniors’ pets

Henry County officials are hosting a free mobile spay/neuter clinic June 27, at Heritage Senior Center in McDonough for cats and dogs owned by Henry County senior citizens.

There are only 25 slots Contact Gerri Yoder, director of Henry County Animal Care and Control, at 770-288-7401 to schedule an appointment. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Stockbridge moonlight movie ‘Puss in Boots’

The next installment in the 2012 “Stars over Stockbridge” Moonlight Movie Series is set for Sunday at Clark Community Park.

The scheduled movie is “Puss in Boots” and it will begin at dusk. Admission is free. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Henry board approves school calendar

The Henry County Board of Education voted June 11 to give final approval to the 2012-13 school calendar. The finalized schedule includes all breaks and professional learning days. There are no teacher furloughs on the new calendar. The first day of classes will be Monday, Aug. 6. The last day of classes is May 31, 2013. Monroe Roark for the AJC