County by county news for Saturday

Moral Monday tour to stop in Marietta

The Cobb County NAACP branch is sponsoring a stop on the Moral Monday Georgia tour 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Emerson Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 4010 Canton Road, Marietta. The coalition that advocates legislative and public policy change is traveling the state with protesters arrested at the state capitol during this year’s legislative session. Information: www.moralmondayga.com.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Powder Springs hosts nutrition program

The federal Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program series begins 2 to 3 p.m. Thursday at the Powder Springs Library, 4181 Atlanta St.

The six-week program for families will provide information on preparing delicious, healthy meals quickly on a limited budget.

Presented by The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service, the program will continue from 2 to 3 p.m. on Thursdays through Sept. 18 with food preparation demonstrations and prizes.

Information: nifa.usda.gov/nea/food/efnep/about.html or 770-439-3600.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Free computer classes this month

The Cobb County Public Library System is offering free introductory computer classes this month at the Switzer Central Library, 266 Roswell St., Marietta and the South Cobb Regional Library, 805 Clay Road, Mableton.

At Switzer, registration is required but not required at South Cobb.

Classes will be Email for Beginners, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Switzer; Computer Basics, 3 to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 19, South Cobb; Computer Basics, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Aug. 20, Switzer; Internet for Beginners, 3 to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 21, South Cobb; Email for Beginners, 3 to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 22, South Cobb; Internet for Beginners, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Aug. 27, Switzer and Downloading eAudiobooks, 3 to 4 p.m. Aug. 28, South Cobb.

Information: Switzer at reference@cobbcat.org or 770-528-2377; South Cobb at Roxanne Magaw, magawr@cobbcat.org or 678-398-5831.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Stadium bidding seminar at EpiCenter

Local contractors interested in receiving information on bidding opportunities for the new Atlanta Braves stadium are invited to a business seminar 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Riverside EpiCenter, 135 Riverside Parkway, Austell. The project’s construction manager will provide information on the process for submitting bids for the construction trades. Information: 770-528-8435, joe.tommie@cobbcounty.org. Carolyn Cunningham

GWINNETT

Suwanee to hold public hearings on tax increase

Suwanee has tentatively adopted a millage rate that will require an increase in property taxes of 4.89 percent. Citizens are invited to public hearings on the tax increase at 5:30 Thursday, Aug. 14 and 12:00 and 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26 at 330 Town Center Avenue in Suwanee. The tentative increase will result in a millage rate of 4.93 mills, an increase of .23 mills. The proposed tax increase for a $225,000 home is approximately $20.70 and $50.60 for non-homestead property with a fair market value of $550,000.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Neighborhood alliance hosts info night

The Lawrenceville Neighborhood Alliance and the Aurora Theatre will host Lawrenceville Citizens Night 7 to 9 p.m. Aug. 26 at the theatre, 128 East Pike St. Learn about the city’s economic development, Georgia Gwinnett College’s role in the city, commercial and residential code enforcement policies, and the importance and progress of Aurora Theatre and other cultural amenities. Information: www.lawrencevillena.org or lawrencevillena@hotmail.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Board approves next Gwinnett Tech prez

Upon recommendation by Commissioner Ron Jackson, the state board overseeing the Technical College System of Georgia has approved Dr. D. Glen Cannon as the next president of Gwinnett Technical College. Cannon has been president of Chattahoochee Valley Community College, in Phenix City, Alabama since 2011. His previous experience includes 22 years working at Georgia’s technical colleges, mainly as chief financial officer of those institutions. The position has been open since Sharon Bartels retired in May. Cannon’s first day on the job will be Sept. 1.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Lunch and learn about crowd funding

The Southwest Gwinnett Chamber will host Gene G. Wright of Northstar Consulting to discuss ‘Crowd funding, Is it Right for Your Business?’ at their next Lunch & Learn, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20 at Hilton Atlanta Northeast, 5993 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard in Peachtree Corners. Information: www.southwestgwinnettchamber.com.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Traffic light change to help Mill Creek High

The Gwinnett DOT, Georgia DOT and Gwinnett County Public Schools have worked together to make improvements to traffic flow around Mill Creek High School. The signal at the school entrance has been adjusted to allow people turning left off Braselton Highway to enter the school before allowing drivers turning right to proceed. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Cities adopt natural gas franchise agreement

The Dacula City Council voted Thursday to adopt a new 15-year natural gas franchise agreement with Buford. In June Dacula voted to approve a 10-year agreement, but city leaders went back to the table since previous franchise agreements between the two cities had been established for 30 year periods. The cities agreed to a 4 percent franchise fee.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Express lanes construction to start in fall

The Georgia Department of Transportation plans to start construction this fall on optional toll lanes along I-75 and I-575 in Cobb and Cherokee counties. Express lanes on 29.7 miles will include two reversible lanes on I-75 from Akers Mill Road to Hickory Grove and on I-575 from I-75 to Sixes Road. Two new lanes will be west of the existing lanes from I-285 to I-575. The $834 million project is expected to be completed in March 2018.

Information: www.cobbcounty.org. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Library sale planned in Cherokee

Friends of the Cherokee County Public Libraries will host the Hickory Flat Public Library book sale 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at the library, 2740 E. Cherokee Drive, Canton.

Fiction and nonfiction paperback, hardback and children’s books will be on sale, along with DVDs, CDs, books on tape and VHS tapes. Mark Woolsey

River cleanup planned in Cherokee

The cities of Woodstock and Holly Springs, the Cherokee County Water and Sewerage Authority, Rivers Alive and the Upper Etowah River Alliance will team up to clean up stretches of the Little River Saturday, Oct. 11. V

olunteers should wear old shoes, clothes that can get dirty or wet, and heavy work gloves. Breakfast, lunch, snacks, water and coffee will be provided. More information: lori.forrester@ccwsa.com. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Cherokee plans senior football game

The Cherokee County School District says its inaugural Northside Hospital-Cherokee CCSD Senior Bowl football game will be 7 p.m. Dec. 5 at Etowah High School’s Stadium, 6565 Putnam Ford Road, Woodstock. The game’s designed to honor players, cheerleaders, marching band members and junior ROTC cadets. CCSD players will be picked via a “draft” conducted by the coaches at Etowah and Cherokee high schools.

Tickets will be $5. Information: 770-479-1871.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Ga. 92 corridor study of gateway kicking off

Woodstock residents are invited to a meeting for the Highway 92 Corridor Livable Centers Initiative study, 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Chambers at City Center, 8534 Main St. The study aims to improve the Ga. 92 “gateway” between I-575 and just east of Main St., with a view toward a live/work/play/shop mix for the corridor. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Cuban scholars to speak at Reinhardt

Reinhardt University in Waleska will host an unusual visit and lectures by two Cuban religious scholars next week.

The Rev. Marrero Chasbar will present “The New Pearl of the Caribbean: Seeing Cuba through Different Eyes,” 2-3:30 p.m. Monday in the Lawson academic building, room 104. The Rev. Rufin Pardo will discuss “Reaching God through a Fallen Wall,” on religious education in Cuba, from 3- 4:30 p.m. Tuesday in the same spot.

Both lectures are free and open to the public. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

3 men wounded in barrage of gunfire

Three men were wounded 10 p.m. Thursday in a barrage of gunfire aimed at the vehicle they were riding in on the 2100 block of Joseph E. Boone Boulevard.

Driver Shantay Davis said they were in her vehicle when a yellow Mustang and a gray truck pulled up behind them and started shooting, police said.

Baratta Gray, was shot in the right elbow as he ran from the vehicle. Antoine Harris was shot in the abdomen and Desmond Kirkland was shot in the right shoulder. All three were conscious and alert when they were taken to Grady Memorial Hospital. Detectives found 20 shell casings. Mike Morris

‘Selfie’ suspect makes first court appearance

Tanya Monique Peel — the woman who was arrested thanks to a “selfie” — made her first court appearance Friday.

Peel, who is out on bond, was told the prosecution needed more time to prepare its case and her next court date will be set at a later time.

Police said Peel used her own name to set up a fake business account at an Atlanta JP Morgan Chase bank. Using that account, police say she bilked more than $100,000 in an identify theft operation.

“Selfies” on her Facebook page matched her with surveillance camera footage of a woman withdrawing the money.

Peel, 26, was originally arrested on July 24, and granted a $50,000 bond. She posted that bond on July 27 and was released. Daniel Wilco

Immunizations offered at health fair

A “Pediatric Health and Carnival Event” is 10 a.m.-1 p.m. today at City of Refuge Clinic, 1300 Joseph E. Boone Blvd, NW.

The event is presented by Mercy Care to celebrate National Health Center Week, which was established to promote community health centers that offer comprehensive services to patients regardless of ability to pay.

Pediatric immunizations and dental services will be provided in a carnival setting, along with games and food.

Information: 678-843-8509.

Adrianne Murchison for the AJC

DEKALB

Family Fun Day in Lithonia postponed

The threat of bad weather led DeKalb County to postpone a Community Education Family Fun Day that had been scheduled for Saturday.

The event featuring food, music, games and information will be rescheduled.

It had been planned to take place at the Bransby Outdoor YMCA in Lithonia. Mark Niesse

U.S. 278 re-paving begins Sunday

After a long delay, the Georgia Department of Transportation announced it’ll begin milling and re-paving U.S. 278 – Covington Highway, North Avondale Road and College Avenue 9 p.m. Sunday.

The repaving starts at Memorial Drive, runs through Avondale Estates and goes to East Lake Drive at the westernmost Decatur city limits.

Work is expected to last two weeks and most days will run from 9 p.m. until 5 a.m.

Bill Banks for the AJC

Work crews disrupt Dunwoody road

This week, Dunwoody crews started staging a project to replace a corrugated metal pipe underneath Delverton Drive. The old pipe had deteriorated causing a sinkhole. Leaving the pipe risks flooding.

At least one lane was scheduled for closure during the staging process. An entire section of Delverton Drive will be closed for the replacement project.

Motorists can detour by taking Leisure Drive to North Peachtree Road and Redcliff Way to Happy Hollow Road.

Information map: www.dunwoodyga.gov/home.

Adrianne Murchison for the AJC

Police receive added life insurance benefit

DeKalb County and Gas South are announcing Friday a $100,000 life insurance benefit for full-time police officers who die in the line of duty.

The policy for county police officers will be funded through DeKalb County’s existing partnership with Gas South, and Gas South is making additional contributions to cover all municipal and school officers.

The expanded life insurance policy is expected to include more than 1,000 officers throughout the county. Mark Niesse

Mountain Shadow Garden Club meeting

Gardener Scott Arrington will offer tips on nutrient density in food crops and nature-friendly vegetable gardening during the Mountain Shadow Garden Club meeting 7:30 p.m., Monday at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 5801 Howell Mill Road, Stone Mountain.

The free program is open to all ages.

Information: 404-641-8633.

Adrianne Murchison for the AJC

Dunwoody to hold resident meetings

Dunwoody will continue its series of community conversations 7-9 p.m. Aug. 28 at Dunwoody Nature Center, 5343 Roberts Drive.

The series is in response to residents’ interest in more direct contact with city officials on projects and initiatives.

More than 250 people attended a Dunwoody Town Hall meeting in February. Adrianne Murchison for the AJC

SOUTHSIDE

Homework program seeks tutors

Volunteer tutors are needed for Fulton County’s Kinship Care program 3:30-6 p.m. Wednesdays at East Point Library, 2757 Main St. Qualified tutors help elementary through high school students with homework.

The program runs Sept. 10 through Dec. 10. The Homework Assistance program serves nearly 20 students who attend school within Atlanta Public School or Fulton County School Districts.

Volunteers undergo a background check. Information: 404-612-9034 or 404-612-0765 Adrianne Murchison for the AJC

Apartments available to income-eligible

Stanton Crest Apartments, 1988 Stanton Road, East Point, have been remodeled and units are available for moderate-income residents.

The Fulton County Housing and Community Development Division and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development purchased the vacant property in 2012.

Units will rent for $563-$708 per month. Information: 404-762-9871 or www.StantonCrest.com.

Adrianne Murchison for the AJC

Andrews named top Henry media specialist

Anissa Andrews of Hampton Elementary Charter School has been named the Library Media Specialist of the Year for the Henry County School System. She will be formerly recognized at the annual Harvest of Heroes event this fall. Information: www.henry.k12.ga.us.

Monroe Roark for the AJC

Bohannon Road closure delayed

The date for the closure of a portion of Bohannon Road has been pushed back to October.

The road was scheduled to be closed in late July between Mann Road and Creekwood Road due to construction of a new bridge over Line Creek at the Fulton/Fayette County line. However, the request for bid process for the bridge work was extended to 2 p.m., Aug. 28.

Construction is expected to last until July 2015.

Information: www.fairburn.com. Adrianne Murchison for the AJC

Chamber hosts business, community expo

The Clayton County Chamber of Commerce is hosting Showcase Clayton Business & Community Expo 3 - 7 p.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church of Jonesboro, Recreation Outreach Center, 148 Church Street in Jonesboro. The expo will feature health screenings, children’s activities, food samples, massages, business networking and more than 50 exhibitors.

Information: 678 610-4021 or go online to www.claytonchamber.org.Tammy Joyner

Peachtree City board accepts applications

Peachtree City Water & Sewerage Authority is accepting application for a nonpaying position on the board of the Water & Sewerage Authority. Applicants must have lived in Peachtree City for at least six months.

The mayor and council appoint Water and Sewerage Authority members to five-year terms.

Information: www.peachtree-city.org/jobs. Applications are due to City Hall by 5 p.m. Friday. Tammy Joyner