COBB
Sheriff still hospitalized after wreck
Cobb County Sheriff Neil Warren remained in Grady Memorial Hospital on Friday afternoon, a day after being injured in a wreck on southbound I-75. Chief Deputy Milton Beck, who was also injured in the accident, returned to duty Friday. Warren and Beck suffered minor injuries Thursday, and Warren was taken from the accident scene to Grady. The sheriff’s vehicle was stuck by a Ford pickup truck hauling a trailer. Truck driver Jeffrey Ronald Collins, 40 of Loganville, was charged with failure to maintain a lane, troopers said. Neither Collins nor his passenger were injured, authorities said. Marcus K. Garner
Commissioner Ott to host town hall
District 2 Commissioner Bob Ott will host a town hall meeting in East Cobb 7-8:30 p.m., Tuesday at Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church 4385 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta. The meeting will be held in the Fellowship Hall and is a chance for residents to learn about county initiatives while providing feedback to elected officials. Information: 770-528-3315 or cobbcounty.org/ott. Jaime Sarrio
Cobb police to hold online safety courses
The Cobb Police Department will hold two Internet safety courses for teens, teachers and parents from 7 to 9 p.m. Aug. 22 and Aug. 26 at the Cobb Safety Village, 1220 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta. The courses will cover cyber bullying, social media and the sexual exploitation of youths and participants will have a chance to ask questions. The seminar is free, but registration is required. Info: safetyeducation@cobbcounty.org or 770-852-3270. Jaime Sarrio
New ways to report potholes, other issues
Residents who would like to report a transportation issue such as a pothole or maintenance problem can contact the Cobb Department of Transportation work order desk at 770-528-3666. Sidewalk requests should go to Jane.Stricklin@cobbcounty.org or 770-420-6664. Info: www.cobbcounty.org Jaime Sarrio
Powder Springs Citizen Police Academy set
The next session of the free Powder Springs Citizen Police Academy is 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday for 10 weeks at police headquarters, 1114 Richard D. Sailors Parkway. Domestic violence awareness, firearms training, a mock trial, tours of the county jail and 911 center and an optional patrol ride-along will be included.
Applicants must be at least 18 and pass a criminal history background check.
Information and applications: cityofpowdersprings.org/DocumentCenter/Home/View/1096, jdcollins@cityofpowdersprings.org or 770-943-1616. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Austell seeks bids for sidewalk construction
Austell city officials seek bids for sidewalk construction on Cemetery Street from Bowden Street to Veterans Memorial Highway. A pre-bid conference is 2 p.m. Monday at the Croy Engineering office, 200 North Cobb Parkway, Building 400, Suite 413, Marietta.
Bids should be submitted by 2 p.m. Aug. 30 to Duane R. Demeritt, Austell Public Works Department, 5000 Austell-Powder Springs Road, Suite 105, Austell. Information: 770-971-5407 or lterry@croyengineering.com Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
GWINNETT
Lilburn Police donate bicycles to needy families
The Lilburn Police Department has donated 11 bicycles to Goodwill for distribution to needy families in the community. Police obtained the bicycles over several years, and the owners could not be located. Following a court order to dispose of the bicycles, Chief Bruce Hedley decided to have them donated to a worthy cause rather than be destroyed or sold for scrap metal. Chief Hedley noted, “It was an easy decision for me to offer these donations to those who would otherwise miss the opportunity to enjoy the pleasure of cycling.” Info: www.cityoflilburn.com or 770-638-2218. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Teen dies after pool accident
Jabril Ameer Nowli, 17, died Tuesday, two days after he was pulled from the bottom of a neighborhood swimming pool.
Witnesses were unsure how long Jabril was under water, but believe it could have been several minutes, authorities said. Bystanders pulled the boy out of the pool and began administering CPR. The Lanier High Schoolstudent was unconscious and unresponsive when emergency responders arrived and began advanced life-saving measures. Alexis Stevens
2 of 3 children hit by car out of hospital
One child remained hospitalized Friday afternoon, and two others had been released after the three were hit by a car near Norcross, around 8:40 p.m. Thursday.
The children, ages 2. 5 and 12. were attempting to cross Graves Road, when they were hit. The driver who stopped is not expected to face charges, police said.
As of Friday, the 2- and 12-year-olds had , had been released from Children’s Health Care of Atlanta at Scottish Rite. The five-year-old remain in the hospital. Alexis Stevens
Duluth election packets available
Qualifying Packages for the upcoming election are now available on the Duluth Elections page at www.duluthga.net. Qualifying begins Aug. 26 at 8:30 a.m. and concludes Wednesday, Aug. 28 at 4:30 p.m. in the office of the City Clerk at Duluth City Hall, 3167 Main Street. Current info online, or call Election Superintendent, Teresa Lynn or Assistant Superintendent, Kristin McGregor at 770-476-3434. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Citizenship classes at Lawrenceville library
The Lawrenceville branch of the Gwinnett Public Library will offer classes to help pass the U.S. Citizenship test 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursday through Sept. 12 at 1001 Lawrenceville Highway.
No registration required.
Information: www.gwinnettpl.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Congressman will host town hall
The United Peachtree Corners Civic Association is sponsoring a town hall meeting.
Seventh District U.S. Congressman Rob Woodall will be the featured speaker.
The event will be from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 26 at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 5575 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners. Information: www.upcca.org. or president@upcca.org or 404-825-8788. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
NORTHSIDE
Board member denied taxpayer-paid attorney
The Cherokee County Board of Education voted 5-2 against a proposal to provide board member Kelly Marlow with a taxpayer-funded lawyer as she fights ethics charges.
Marlow had requested the attorney. She’s facing an ethics hearing for allegedly violating a number of board policies.
The date for the hearing has not been set, but Marlow will be given 30 days notice. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Economic group touts business uptick
The Cherokee County Office of Economic Development paints a rosy picture of the county’s business prospects. The group presented results of a survey of almost two-dozen companies at a business and government leaders forum this week. Results show 87 percemt of surveyed companies report sales increasing-compared to 67percent in 2011. More than 78 percent of those companies plan to expand in the next three years. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Activity Expo today in Forsyth
Forsyth County Parks and Recreation is inviting residents to attend an Activity Expo 10 a.m.- 1 pm. today at the Old Atlanta Park Recreation Center. Instructors will be on hand to showcase classes and activities offered there, including art, gym and fitness. The center is located at 810 Nichols Road. More info: www.forsythco.com/parks Mark Woolsey for the AJ
Senior center to host outdoor jazz concert
The Friends of Benson will sponsor a free “Jazz under the Stars” concert from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday,at the Dorothy C. Benson Senior Multipurpose Facility, 6500 Vernon Woods Dr., N.E., Sandy Springs. Vocalist Gina Grate will perform. Light refreshments will be provided. Information: Lila Womack at 404-612-2303. Veronica Fields Johnson
Daves Creek Drive closed for construction
Daves Creek Drive in Forsyth County in now temporarily closed to through traffic at Old Atlanta Road. The closure is to allow crews to realign Daves Creek with Old Atlanta to improve sight distance at the intersection.
The project will also include construction of left and right turning lanes on Old Atlanta Road. The road is expected to reopen by Sept. 8. The work is funded by the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax program, SPLOST VI. Patrick Fox
Ms. Senior Georgia pageant this weekend
The Georgia Classic Club will hold their 24th annual Ms. Senior Georgia Pageant today and Saturday at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell. The event will begin at 2 p.m. both days and will feature ladies from across the state, 60 years and older, competing for the title. The mission of the pageant is to promote a positive image of aging, focusing on active, enthusiastic and dynamic seniors who believe life begins anew with seniorhood. Tickets are $15 for adults and $7 for children 12 and under. Information: 770-399-6340. Veronica Fields Johnson
ATLANTA
Mayor to host public safety town hall
Residents are invited to a town hall meeting 6 p.m Tuesday at Adamsville Recreation Center, 3201 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. S.W. Public safety issues to be discussed include car thefts, gang activity, break-ins and other major concerns. The event will be hosted by Mayor Kasim Reed and City Council members. Information: 404-330-6055. Veronica Fields Johnson
Challenger enters race for school board seat
Film consultant Taryn Chilivis Bowman said Friday she will challenge incumbent Nancy Meister in this November’s election to represent north Atlanta on the city Board of Education. Bowman said she wants to localize education, provide support to teachers and hire a quality superintendent.
Meister, a residential real estate agent, said in her re-election announcement this week she would work to enhance students’ learning experiences, manage financial challenges and find a superintendent who can reform the school system. Mark Niesse
BeltLine trail dedicated at Beecher Hills
Atlanta leaders dedicated a one-mile spur trail — part of the 33-mile network of Atlanta BeltLine trails — near Beecher Hills Elementary School this week.
Mayor Kasim Reed said the Atlanta BeltLine Southwest Connector Trail will help make the city more green, sustainable and walkable. Mark Niesse
Museum needs garden clean-up volunteers
Hammonds House Museum, 503 Peeples St., needs volunteers for garden clean up 8 to 11 a.m. today. The event is part of the museum’s efforts to create an outdoor garden sanctuary, funded by a Love Your Block beautification grant. Tasks will include shoveling, weeding, planting and moving items in wheelbarrows. Volunteers are asked to wear clothes that can get dirty and closed-toe shoes, bring sunscreen, a hat, bug spray and your own water bottle. Work gloves will be provided. Information: www.hammondshouse.org or 404-612-0499. Veronica Fields Johnson
DEKALB
Ex-janitor gets 15 years for child porn
Josh Ensley, 52, of Tucker was sentenced to 15 years in prison for recording students in the restroom and receiving child pornography, a federal judge ruled Thursday.
Ensley, a former janitor at the Paideia School, has been in federal custody since his October 2012 arrest after a search warrant was executed at his home. Ensley had been employed at the school since 1996 and lived with his mother in his childhood home,
A U.S. Postal Service investigation into a Canada-based movie company prompted charges against Ensley and others who allegedly purchased the materials,
Ensley admitted to having the illicit materials, but investigators do not believe he had inappropriate contact with any students. Ensley had no prior criminal history. Alexis Stevens
Orchestra to hold auditions
The DeKalb Symphony Orchestra will hold auditions for trumpet, horn and strings for the 2013-2014 season Aug. 24-25 at Georgia Perimeter College, 555 North Indian Creek Dr., Clarkston.
Auditions will take place in the Rehearsal Hall of the Fine Arts Building, beginning at 2 p.m. each day.
To schedule an audition time, contact auditions@dekalbsymphony.org or 678-891-3565.
Information: www.dekalbsymphony.org. Veronica Fields Johnson
Street Repairs around the corner
Four Decatur streets are slated for major repairs this summer, which include milling, patching, fixing significant flaws beneath the surface and new paving.
The streets are Parkside Circle, Drexel Avenue, East Ponce de Leon Avenue from Commerce Drive to Sycamore Drive, and Chevelle Lane from the city limits to end of the street.
Total length of repairs is 1.43 miles and the project cost is $335,000. Work should begin the first of September and take six weeks. Bill Banks for the AJC
Clarkston offering weekly farmers market
With the help of a federal grant, a monthly farmers market in Clarkston is becoming a weekly affair.
The $89,000 U.S. Department of Agriculture grant paid for an expansion of both the market and a subscriber-based fresh food program.
The weekly market will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays at the Clarkston Community Center’s activity field off College Avenue. Updates are available on the community center’s Facebook page. April Hunt
DeKalb taking “pitches” on tech ideas
DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson is sponsoring a pitch contest later this month, to hear residents’ technology ideas.
Ideas for games, apps, or other concepts will be taken and showcased for awards. The event also includes information about related courses and program at Georgia Piedmont Technical College.
The contest runs from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 28 at the Porter Sanford arts center, 3181 Rainbow Dr., near Decatur.
Information: 404-371-2425. April Hunt
SOUTHSIDE
Man, 28, found dead after Clayton fire
A 28-year-old man was found dead after a townhome fire in Jonesboro late Thursday morning.
Fire and emergency services responded to the scene in the 2300 block of Coach Way around 11 a.m.
Renondo J. Clemons found dead in the two-story townhome after fire crews got the flames under control, Capt. Walter L. Barber said in a news release. The cause death had not been determined, he said. The initial investigation determined that the cause of the fire was electrical, authorities said. Angel K. Brooks
Stolen petroglyph returned to Line Creek
A missing rock was rolled back into place at the Line Creek Nature Area in Peachtree City. Southern Conservation Trust authorities said the historic petroglyph, which was recently stolen, was discovered Thursday near its original spot. It was not damaged but has been moved to a secure area off site. No suspects were identified. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
McIntosh High receives Excellence Award
Peachtree City’s McIntosh High School has received a Georgia Schools of Excellence Award for its academic performance during the 2012-13 school year. It was one of 28 schools to receive the award, which it also earned in 1987, 2001 and 2008. McIntosh won for highest progress in the 3rd Congressional District for gains made on the College and Career-Ready Performance Index. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Workshop offers end-of-life planning
Piedmont Fayette Hospital and Fayette Senior Services will host a workshop on “The Importance of End-of-Life Planning” from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Aug. 29 at the Life Enrichment Center in Fayetteville. The comprehensive program helps individuals and families put personal affairs and final wishes in order before a crisis. The event is free and includes lunch; pre-register at 770-461-0813. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Rep. Scott to host health fair today
Congressman David Scott is hosting a health fair 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. today at Mundy’s Mill High School, 9652 Fayetteville Road, Jonesboro.
Free screenings for sickle cell, dental and vision and mental health will be offered as well as be clinical breast exams and PSA tests for prostate cancer.
Free HIV/AIDS testing also will be available along with testing for diabetes, asthma, blood pressure and cholesterol.
Local health professionals will be on hand for free consultations. Tammy Joyner
Health department to hold event for teens
The Clayton County Board of Health and other community groups are inviting teens to participate in an interactive event called The Clayton County Teen Maze 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at the Riverdale Centre, 7210 Church St., Riverdale.
The even will show consequences of positive and negative life choices. Counselors will lead discussions with participants at the end of the activities. The event is free.
Registration is required and available at claytoncountypublichealth.org/ccst. Details: Akisha Joseph at 678-479-2205. Tammy Joyner
