County by county news for Saturday

According to Georgia law, even consensual sex with someone 18 or older is illegal if a high school student is involved with a teacher, principal, assistant principal or some other administrator.

Tarpley, 34, was arrested in June and released on $5,000 bond. He faces up to 25 years in prison and a fine of $100,000 if convicted, according to officials with the Cobb County District Attorney’s Office. Marcus K. Garner

Smyrna approves retail center

The Smyrna City Council this week approved Columbia Properties’ plans for a commercial center on 6.2 acres at South Cobb Drive and the East West Connector. The council had tabled the project twice in recent months before approving the plan with 27 zoning conditions including traffic light improvements, use of property, architectural style, entrance and exit and site design. The retail center will include a Del Taco, Krispy Kreme and Auto Zone. Information:www.smyrnacity.com.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Farmers market opens Sunday

More than 60 vendors have signed up to sell fruits, vegetables, baked and organic goods at the Marietta Square Farmers Market noon to 3 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 24 on Mill Street. The downtown market is an addition to the year-round Saturday market on North Park Square. Information: Johnny Fulmer at 770-499-9393 or Marietta squarefarmersmarket.net.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Science program for homeschoolers

Natural Resources Management will host a science program for third- to fifth-grade homeschooled students 2:30-4:30 p.m., Friday at Heritage Park. “Natural Connections” is includes a study of animal class, symbiosis and the use of microscopes. A nature walk is also included and other ages are welcome. The fee is $2 per student and registration is required Info: Kaye Wilson at 770-528-8824 or kaye.wilson@cobbcounty.org. Jaime Sarrio

Solid Hires to sponsor veterans career fair

Solid Hires-Premier Hiring Source will sponsor a free Department of Juvenile Justice veterans career fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, April 18 at VFW Post 2681, 140 Powers Ferry Rd., Marietta. While the primary focus will be on juvenile correctional officers, teachers and registered nurses, a wide range of positions are available. Information: http://www.djjnewsandviews.org/djjcareers/.Veronica Fields Johnson

Sex-exploitation rescue training offered

Out of Darkness, “reaching, rescuing and restoring victims of commercial sexual exploitation,” will conduct training for rescue volunteers April 12 and 13 at Trinity Chapel, 4665 Macland Road, Powder Springs. The $30 cost includes meals and training materials for this ministry of the tax-exempt Atlanta Dream Center.

Registration: outofdarknessatlanta.eventbrite.com. Information: alicia@outofdarkness.org or 404-719-4854. Rescue Hotline 24/7: 404-941-6024.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

GWINNETT

Peachtree Corners hosts crime prevention meeting

Three neighborhoods in Peachtree Corners, Amberfield, Fox Hill and Peachtree Station, will host the second annual Peachtree Corners COPS meeting 6 to 8 p.m. April 17 at Simpsonwood Conference Center, 4511 Jones Bridge Circle.

Speakers will include West Precinct Crime Prevention Officer, Shane Kelly, Peachtree Corners Mayor, Mike Mason, Gwinnett Chief of Police, Charles Walters and Gwinnett County Deputy Chief of Police, Tom Savage.

Refreshments provided. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Camp set for Gwinnett middle school students

Middle schoolers can learn new skills and explore career opportunities at a camp offered June 10-13 through the Grayson High Technical Education Program. Registration end May 15. Students can explore careers in culinary arts, digital medial design/animation, robotics, music technology, photography and video broadcast journalism. Morning and afternoon sessions are availble. Students also can register for a full-day robotics class. Information: 770-554-7083 or www.graysontech.org

Nancy Badertscher

Duluth wants your photos for new contest

Submit your best photos to Duluth’s new Capture the Spirit of Good Living Photo Contest by 5 p.m. June 7.

Photos can include anything in Duluth from shops, events, parks, people, or historical sites. The winner’s photo will be featured on the cover of Duluth Life. Top photos will be hung in City Hall and potentially used in other promotional items.

Submission details: www.duluthga.net. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Lilburn offering rabies clinic

SafetySmart Lilburn hosts a Rabies Clinic 9 a.m. to noon today in the Lilburn City Hall overflow parking lot, 76 Main Street. Dr. Star Gregory, DVM of Zutilla Veterinary Housecalls will be administering the shots. Cost is $10 per shot, cash only. Information: www.cityoflilburn.com.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Low cost vaccinations available in Duluth

Planned PEThood will offer vaccines for dogs and cats on April 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; no appointment is needed.

The clinic is located at 2860 Buford Highway in Duluth. Prices range from $25 to $60, depending on the types of vaccines administered. Each vaccination includes an exam. Call 678-561-3491 for more information.Dan Klepal

International academy plans open house

Legacy of Purpose Preparatory Academy, Gwinnett Inc., an international multilingual school in Lilburn, will hold a ribbon-cutting 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 5 with a blessing of the school by the Rev. Wesley Sanders, pastor of Berkmar United Methodist Church. The open house is 10 am. to 2 p.m. April 6.

Legacy is located at 675 Pleasant Hill Road, Lilburn at Berkmar United Method Church. Information: www.legacyofpurpose.net.

Nancy Badertscher

NORTHSIDE

Canton long range planning group to meet

The first meeting of the “Commission on Canton’s Future” is set for 6 pm. Monday on the third floor of City Hall, 151 Elizabeth St., Canton. The organizational meeting may focus on selecting leadership and deciding on meeting format.

Mayor Gene Hobgood created the group based on resident feedback that the city lacked a long range plan.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Historical society plans fundraiser

The Cherokee County Historical Society holds its 10th annual Kentucky Derby Day at 3:30 p.m. May 4 at the Rock Barn, 658 Marietta Highway, Canton. Tickets are $50 and include food, a bourbon tasting, and a hat parade and contest. Proceeds will benefit society educational programs. Information: www.rockbarn.org or 770-345-3288. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Writing workshop for teens offered

The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System will offer a writing workshop for middle school and high school students at noon Saturday, April 13 at the Sandy Springs Public Library, 395 Mount Vernon Highway. Attendees will have the opportunity to share their work, meet professional writers in the community and learn how to improve their writing. Registration is required.

Information: 404-303-6130.

Mea Watkins

SAT test prep series offered

Connective Tutoring will offer a six-part series of SAT prep classes, covering both verbal and math components, at 6 p.m. every Monday in April; and April 23 and 30 at the Northeast/Spruill Oaks Branch Library, 9560 Spruill Road, Johns Creek.

Information: 770-360-8820.

Mea Watkins

Milton police to hold golf tournament

The Milton Police Department will hold a “K-9 Support” golf tournament May 1 to raise funds for a new K-9 officer to replace a retired police dog.

The tournament will be at Echelon Golf Club at 501 Founders Drive in Alpharetta. It includes registration and breakfast at 8 a.m., a shotgun start at 10 a.m., and a reception and awards ceremony at 3 p.m.

Cost: $125 per golfer; $500 per team of four. Sponsorship available. Information: 678-242-2570 or ara.baronian@cityofmiltonga.us. Andria Simmons

Educator of the Year nominations sought

Keep Roswell Beautiful is accepting nominations for its annual Educator of the Year Award. Nominees should be public or private school teachers in Roswell who demonstrate exemplary efforts in environmental education or beautifying the city. Submit a one-page Microsoft Word document detailing your name and relationship with the nominee; the nominee’s name, school, grade and subject taught; and a description of the nominee’s accomplishments, including why he or she deserves the award. Nominations due April 12. Email nominatins as an attachment to Vicki Culbreth at vculbreth@roswellgov.com.

Patrick Fox

ATLANTA

Center of Hope hosts court dedication

A court dedication in honor of Tyler Ugolyn, a former NCAA student-athlete who died in the 9-11 terrorist attacks, will take place at 10 a.m. Sunday at The Dunbar Center of Hope, 477 Windsor St. The Dunbar Center of Hope has received a complete court rehabilitation, including a new court floor, fresh paint, new backboards and additional seating as part of the 4 Courts in 4 Days Program, an annual initiative that takes place in the NCAA Men’s Final Four host city by the NCAA and the Tyler Ugolyn Foundation. To learn more about the center, go to www.dunbarchildcare.org/ Mea Watkins

Professional basketball league holds tryouts

MGBA, a new professional basketball league, will hold tryouts for men and women 9 a.m to 9 p.m. April 20 and 27 at the Campus Recreation Center at Georgia Tech.

Top players from the Atlanta area are encouraged to participate in this league, which will have coed teams.

Information: www.mgbainc.com or 800-753-3964. Nancy Badertscher

Program to help smokers quit offered

The American Lung Association’s Freedom From Smoking clinic, a free program that focuses on specific skills and techniques needed to help smokers quit, will be offered at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital, 1968 Peachtree Rd. N.W. Registration is required.

Information: 404-605-2913.

To find other local programs, call 770-434-5864, or go to www.lungga.org. Mea Watkins

Sister Souljah gives book talk at library

Rapper, activist and author Sister Souljah will talk about her latest novel, “A Deeper Love Inside: The Porsche Santiaga Story,” 1:30 p.m. today at the Atlanta-Fulton Central Library, One Margaret Mitchell Square. The book is a sequel to “The Coldest Winter Ever,” which helped kick off the “Urban Lit” phenomenon, and the fourth novel published by the former Public Enemy member.

Information: 404-730-1908. Johnny Edwards

DEKALB

County announced road closures

Beginning 7 p.m. today through 7 a.m. Sunday, Lithonia Industrial Blvd. between S. Stone Mountain Lithonia Road and GA Highway 124/Rock Chapel Road will be closed to through traffic. Road closure signs will be posted advising of construction work and traffic detours. Information: www.onedekalb.com

Staff

Visitors Center has grand opening today

Decatur is holding a grand opening and ribbon cutting 11 a.m. for its new Visitors Center at 113 Clairemont Ave. The city established its tourism bureau in January, 2009, hiring its first manager, Sherry Jackman, in December, 2011. Jackman’s been setting up shop in a tent on the courthouse square for the last two months, but with its new building the Center will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday. Phone: 678-615-0915. Bill Banks for the AJC

Transportation plan meetings set

DeKalb County’s public works department will hold a meetings 6:30 to 8 p.m. April 16 at McNair High School, 1804 Bouldercrest Road and 6:30 to 8 p.m. April 18 at the Emory University Winship Ballroom in the Dobbs University Center to gather resident input on the county’s transportation plan.

Information: www.dekalbcountyga.gov/transportationplan2014April Hunt

Do you look like

Sid the Science Kid?

The Fernbank Science Center will host a “Sid the Science Kid” look-a-like contest at 10 a.m. today. The winning “Sid” will receive a Sid the Science Kid stand up cut-out, free family pass to the Discovery Dome Theater Planetarium show, Earth’s Wild Ride, and a copy of Sid the Science Kid: The Movie. Tickets $5 students; $7 adults. Information: fsc.fernbank.edu.

Mea Watkins

Recycle household hazardous waste

Keep DeKalb Beautiful’s recycling drive for household hazardous waste is 8 a.m. to noon today at the central transfer station, 3720 Leroy Scott Dr.

The event is designed to divert potentially hazardous materials away from Seminole Road Landfill.

Examples of equipment to be accepted are: aerosols, batteries, cleaners, flammables, fluorescent lights, lawn-care products, mercury, paints and photo and swimming pool chemicals. Items not accepted include bio-hazards, medical and agricultural waste, pharmaceuticals and non-hazardous waste.

Information: 404-371–2654 or kdb@dekalbcountyga.gov.

April Hunt

Recycle household hazardous waste

Keep DeKalb Beautiful’s recycling drive for household hazardous waste will be 8 a.m. to noon today at the central transfer station, 3720 Leroy Scott Drive.

The event is designed to divert hazardous materials from Seminole Road Landfill. Items accepted: aerosols, batteries, cleaners, flammables, fluorescent lights, lawn-care products, mercury, paints and photo and swimming pool chemicals. Items not accepted include bio-hazards, medical and agricultural waste and pharmaceuticals.

Information: 404-371–2654 or kdb@dekalbcountyga.gov. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Man shot and killed in Clayton County

Officers responding to the 3 p.m. shooting in the 1700 block of Rock Cut Road found James Daniel Evers dead of a gunshot wound, according to Clayton County police.

Witnesses told investigators that three men fled the scene in an older model green Mercury Mountaineer, possibly with a Fulton County tag.

A witness followed the suspects until theys opened fire. The witness wasn’t hurt, police said. Anyone with information should call 770-472-8110. Mike Morris

Woman shot, flees to business, collapses

A whose name has not been released, was shot Friday morning at the Willingham Apartments on Willingham Drive in Hapeville. She ran to nearby Scott Exterminating on Central Avenue, where she collapsed after telling employees that she had been shot by her boyfriend, according to Channel 2 Action News.

Hapeville police have not released any information on a suspect or a motive for the shooting. Mike Morris

Service board position open in Fayette

Fayette County is accepting applications for the McIntosh Trail Community Service Board. The three-person volunteer board meets monthly to provide for mental health, developmental disability and addictive disease services to residents of Fayette, Butts, Henry, Lamar, Pike, Spalding and Upson counties. Contact Floyd Jones at fjones@fayettecountyga.gov or 770-305-5102 by May 3. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Electronics recyclingin McDonough

The city of McDonough is kicking off its Community Recycling Series for 2013 with an electronics recycling event from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. today at 560 Macon Street adjacent to the Food Depot shopping center.

Information: www.mcdonoughga.org.

Monroe Roark for the AJC

Fayette offers free divorce workshops

A free Family Law Workshop for people seeking a divorce without using a lawyer will be 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Fayette County Library, Fayetteville. Register at 770-228-3758. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Wild Azalea Festival today

The Reynolds Nature Preserve hosts the Wild Azalea Festival 10 a.m.-3 p.m. today at 5665 Reynolds Road, Morrow.

The free event will feature guided nature hikes, animal shows, exhibits, face painting, native azalea showcases, workshops and shuttle service from Babb Middle School.

Information: 770-603-4188; tinyurl.com/d2dbgzu.

Lisa Gibson for the AJC

Lupus forum at Piedmont Henry

The Southside Lupus Support Group will host a community forum 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 13, in the Foundation Education Center at Piedmont Henry Hospital. Topics include the effects of lupus on the body, Social Security disability, lupus employment and a caregivers workshop. Information: lupusga.org or 770-333-5930. Monroe Roark for the AJC