County by county news for Saturday

The notices will include a tax estimate, but won’t include city homestead exemptions or Marietta’s school tax exemption. About 90,000 of the notices will show a drop in value.

The county’s tax digest, will be finalized by July 1. Millage rates are set later that month and tax bills are mailed out in August.

Cobb’s tax digest is expected to decline about 7 percent from last year to $27 billion, according to the chief appraiser. Janel Davis

Grand jury examines school board concerns

The next time Cobb school board members make changes to the school calendar it should provide at least a one-year notice of its intentions to allow for a smooth transition.

The latest installment of a county grand jury made the recommendation in its presentments, released Thursday. The panel also looked into public concerns about the board’s leadership, including ongoing divisiveness between members and meetings some members had with a superintendent candidate. Board members are working with an outside consultant on proper board etiquette. Janel Davis

Birrell’s ‘Keep It In Cobb’ project up and running

Cobb Commissioner JoAnn Birrell’s “Keep It In Cobb” local buying campaign is up and running with a website and planned outreach events.

Keep It In Cobb encourages residents, businesses and government entities to spend money with businesses in the county. Decals will be given to participating businesses, and residents can pledge to redirect a portion of their spending to Cobb. Information: http://www.keepitincobb.com/ Janel Davis

Tickets on sale for Smyrna garden tour

Tickets are available for Smyrna’s garden tour on May 14. Advance tickets are $10 and $15 for the day of the tour. The event features six local gardens, as well as the new Community Garden and a plant sale, plus refreshments at the Taylor Brawner House Tea Room. Tickets can be purchased at Smyrna Community Center, Recycling Center, Backyard Feed and Seed, Honeybee, Wine Cellars and Love Street Gifts.

Information:770-431-2863. Rich McKay

League of Women Voters annual meeting today

The Marietta-Cobb League of Women Voters will hold its annual meeting today to elect new officers. The League will also approve its yearly budget and review its by-laws. Speaker for the meeting will be Marie Shockley, a former equal opportunity employment manager for the federal government.

The meeting begins at 9:30 .m. at J. Christopher’s, 1275 Powers Ferry Road in Marietta. Information: call, 770-592-0625 Janel Davis

Scholars need sponsors for tournament

A team of Dowell Elementary scholars is searching for sponsors to support their trip to a world trivia tournament.

The Odyssey of the Mind team wants to raise $10,000 to travel to the University of Maryland for World Finals on May 26. To donate, contact Tamela Isley by May 15 at 678-594-8059. D. Aileen Dodd

GWINNETT

Mom to stand trial on death of infant daughter

A 23-year-old woman is set to stand trial in Gwinnett County Monday on murder charges in the death of her infant daughter, who allegedly suffered a fatal brain injury.

An autopsy on Erica Graham’s 3-month-old daughter, Aubrey Graham, who died Jan. 6, 2009, of a head injury, found the child had also suffered a broken leg and fractured ribs that were healing. Those injuries were less than three weeks old, police said.

Graham was alone with Aubrey and another daughter at their home in Buford when she called 911 to report Aubrey was not breathing. Andria Simmons

Aerial patrol lands to help with rescue

Pilots for the Gwinnett County Police Department’s Aviation Unit handled a different sort of task Tuesday when they landed to help an unconscious man.

They were on a routine patrol flight when dispatched to Shawnee Industrial Avenue near Suwanee. A man was unresponsive in a locked car that had rolled into a grassy field, and two citizens beside it were trying to open the door. The pilots landed in a parking lot nearby. A pilot then ran to the car, broke the window and rendered CPR. The man he died at the hospital. Andria Simmons

Fire-damage church to hold services

St. Mary Romanian Orthodox Church in Dacula will have 10 a.m. Sunday service only three days after a two-alarm fire caused extensive damage to its sanctuary.

Rev. Nicolae Clempus said the congregation will gather outside of the church at 2875 Winder Highway. The service will be held on the large wooden stage located to the right of the chapel.

On Thursday morning, Gwinnett firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze at the church within about an hour. Joel Anderson

OSHA cites company for safety violations

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Marietta-based WLC Masonry Inc. with 13 serious safety violations after an investigation found workers were exposed to fall and scaffolding hazards at a work site on Lawrenceville Highway in Lilburn. The agency has proposed penalties totaling $51,300. David Wickert

Students vow to avoid driving distractions

Students at Mountain View High in Lawrenceville recently signed a senior promise to avoid driving distractions that may cause accidents.

The Operation Drive Smart program “Just Drive, Keep the chip and Don’t Gamble with your Life” warned teens that several fatalities on Gwinnett roads have been linked to texting while driving and other risky behavior. D. Aileen Dodd

Senior win Bright Futures scholarship

Aveek Sarker, a senior at Duluth High School, will be receive a 2011 Bright Futures college scholarship from The Kimberly-Clark Foundation, charitable arm of Kimberly-Clark Corp. Kimberly-Clark has an operations headquarters in Roswell and awards scholarships to the children of employees. The scholarship is for $20,000 Nancy Badertscher

NORTHSIDE

Planning official for calling activist a nazi

Forsyth County District 4 Planning Commissioner Matt Murphy made a public apology Thursday night during a meeting of the Forsyth County Commission for calling Roswell activist and blogger Nydia Tisdale a “Nazi,” and for a heated exchange with District 5 Planning Commissioner, Dr. Joe Moses, during an April 19 Planning Commission work session. After Murphy left the room, Tisdale, who posted a video of the exchange on YouTube, asked the commission for permission to play the video. Commission chairman Brian Tam denied her request. Jeffry Scott

Police arrest man in Milton burglaries

Milton police have arrested a 43-year-old Roswell man suspected of breaking into at least three north Milton homes in February and March.

Reginald Dwayne Byrd is being held in the Fulton County jail on $20,000 bond, charged with two counts of burglary, financial transaction card fraud and financial transaction card theft. He has also been linked to a burglary in Gwinnett County and two burglaries in Dawson County. Milton Police said a stolen laptop and credit card were tracked to Byrd. Andria Simmons

Forsyth recruits for water panel

As much as any place in Georgia, Forsyth County is where future water demands meets water management policy. It sits on Lake Lanier without a without a permit to withdraw water. It’s entertaining overtures to build reservoirs. Care to get involved? The Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District -- which is responsible for developing water policy for metro Atlanta the regions future water -- is recruiting members to serve on advisory councils for in water basins that serve the county. The term is two years. Details: www.northgeorgiawater.org. Jeffry Scott

Down Home Derby today in Alpharetta

A crowd of about 300 is expected to attend this year’s Down Home Derby today at Fortitude Farm at Yellow House in Alpharetta. Organizers hope to raise $140,000 for scholarships for underprivileged children.

The event runs from 5 to 11 p.m. Tickets are $150 each.

Information: 770-992-4339; http://cdakids.org/community/Down_Home_Derby.php. Patrick Fox

Roswell sets Gateway Project meeting

Roswell residents interested in the city’s Historic Gateway Project can learn more at an information meeting from 5:30-7:30 p.m. May 19 at Roswell Presbyterian Church, 775 Mimosa Boulevard. The project is dedicated to make transportation and safety improvements along the Atlanta Street corridor, which includes removing the reversible lane system. Information: www.roswellgov.com/historicgateway. Patrick Fox

Canton Festival to feature artists, writers

The 2011 Canton Festival of the Arts has lined up more than 60 artists, and 30 Southern writers will be there for the literary celebration and talks about writing. This year’s Festival will be held May 21 -- 22 at Brown Park in downtown Canton. Information: www.cherokeearts.org. Christopher Quinn

ATLANTA

Council supports improvements to port

With an eye toward Savannah and commerce, the Atlanta City Council passed a resolution supporting the Georgia Port Authority’s call to widen and deepen the Port of Savannah because it would be vital to future economic growth opportunities for Georgia.

“The deepening of the Savannah River’s port will provide economic viability and vitality to the region, the metro Atlanta area and the state of Georgia with the significant amount of goods and products being brought to Savannah to be transported to metro Atlanta and all points west and north of the port,” said Atlanta City Council President Ceasar C. Mitchell. Ernie Suggs

Tech taps new dean of engineering

Following a national search, Georgia Tech selected a current employee to serve as the next dean of the College of Engineering.

Gary May, the current chair of electrical and computer engineering, becomes dean July 1. He replaces Don Giddens, who is retiring.

May graduated from Tech and returned as an assistant professor in 1991. He has served in his current position since 2005. Laura Diamond

Curtis Graves exhibition opens Monday

An exhibition by photographer Curtis Graves, opening Monday in downtown Atlanta’s Auburn Avenue Research Library, explores Old South plantation architecture, focusing on slave quarters. “Slave Cabins: The Architecture of Enslavement” will be displayed at the library at 101 Auburn Ave. until July 31. Information: 404-730-4001. Johnny Edwards

Collards Cook-Off today at farmers market

Good Southern cooking will be on display today at the East Lake Farmers Market’s 2nd Annual Collards Cook-Off, which will celebrate the leafy delicacy and support suppliers of locally grown produce.

The market is located at 2nd Avenue & Hosea L. Williams Drive in Atlanta and the cook-off will be from 10:30 a.m. until noon. Ernie Suggs

DEKALB

Robbery suspect kills self as police approach

An armed robbery suspect shot and killed himself Thursday after leading police on a chase and crashing into a utility police, according to DeKalb County police.

Police said in a statement the man had robbed an in-home daycare provider Thursday morning, escaping in a Nissan Altima. The man committed a second armed robbery around 5:20 p.m. Thursday in the parking lot at the Galleria of South DeKalb Mall, authorities said.

Police spotted the car, which crashed into a utility pole. As officers approached, they heard one to three shots and found the man dead, according to a statement. Rhonda Cook

County schools host golf tournament

The DeKalb County Public Schools Foundation will be hosting its 2nd annual golf tournament at 10 a.m. on June 6. Gas South is hosting the event set for Stone Mountain’s Lakemont Golf Course. Proceeds support leadership development programs, fine arts programs and math and science programs. Last year’s tournament benefited the county’s homeless students, an after-school science program and a regional science and engineering fair, among other projects. Nancy Badertscher

Concert on the Square series opens tonight

Decatur’s long-running Concert on the Square series opens tonight, 7 to 9:30 p.m., with Please Please Rock Me, a Beatles tribute band. Concerts are held every Saturday in May on the bandstand behind the old DeKalb County Courthouse. Also, from 3 to 9:30 p.m., the same site hosts the third annual Decatur Green Fest featuring tasting of local organic food, showcasing of green organizations and vendors, art featuring recycled materials, and plenty of beer. Bill Banks for the AJC

Decatur approves traffic plan for school

The Decatur Commission recently approved the traffic management plan for the Fifth Avenue 4/5 Academy, which opens Aug. 3. The plan’s centerpiece is identifying the safest routes for pedestrians and cyclists from various neighborhoods to the school. Designed by Commissioner Fred Boykin and Decatur Active Living Director Greg White, the safe routes features identifying markers on sidewalks, some placed every six feet, along the designated routes. Bill Banks for the AJC

Animal services to hold community meetings

The DeKalb Animal Services Task Force and DeKalb County Animal Services & Enforcement will host two community meetings for residents Tuesday and Thursday. Tuesday’s meeting will be at 6:30 p.m., at Miller Grove High School, 2645 DeKalb Medical Parkway, Lithonia. Thursday’s meeting will be at 6:30 p.m., at Dunwoody High School, 5035 Vermack Road, Dunwoody. Michelle Shaw

Extension offers kits to test for radon at home

Tests that detect radon, a colorless, tasteless, odorless radioactive gas, can be purchased from DeKalb Cooperative Extension, 4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 200, Decatur, for $5. The tests can also be requested by mail for $6.50. For information about radon testing, please contact Edda Cotto-Rivera at 404-298-4080. Michelle Shaw

SOUTHSIDE

Eaves fires back at Darnell’s comments

Accused of bullying after ordering her microphone cut off Wednesday, Fulton County Commission Chairman John Eaves emailed a retort to a blistering letter from Vice Chair Emma Darnell, saying she’s the bully. She and other commissioners asked him to manage meetings more efficiently, he said, and he’ll silence her again if she keeps breaking the rules. “Accusing me of being a thief, corrupt, and a thug is a result of your emotions from being reprimanded,” Eaves’ e-mail said. “I would appreciate your future attempts to be civil and mature.” Johnny Edwards

Outdoor essay deadline extended to May 31

Clayton County’s Kids Outdoor Scholarship deadline has been extended to May 31. Students will be chosen based on their essays and applications to attend a 3-day trip to Jekyll Island on July 18-20. The trip will include meals, lodging, a visit to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, Summer Waves Water Park, as well as educational classes concerning the environment. Students must be Clayton County residents to qualify and also be 7th or 8th grade students. Applications and more information can be found at www.kidsoutdoorsga.org. Rich McKay

Construction to begin on Hapeville streetscape

Hapeville Director of Community Services Lee Sudduth announced Tuesday night residents should soon see construction starting on the Virginia Avenue-Doug Davis Drive streetscape improvements. The $482,000 in improvements includes new sidewalks, brick pavers, lighting and street furniture. He expects construction to start at the end of May or beginning of June. John Thompson for the AJC

Peachtree City CVB sponsors photo contest

Peachtree City’s Convention & Visitors Bureau wants local residents to “play tourist” in their own town May 7-14. To commemorate National Tourism and Travel Week, the CVB is sponsoring a photo contest to win a July Fourth prize package. Participants are encouraged to take snapshots of their favorite Peachtree City attractions and post them to the CVB’s Facebook page. The winning picture will be used in promotional materials for the city. For information see http://visitpeachtreecity.com.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Teacher to represent Georgia at event

Sheila A. Thomas-Johnson, an eighth-grade Georgia Studies teacher at Henry County Middle School, has been selected to represent Georgia at the John M. Ashbrook Center for Public Affairs 2011 Presidential Academy for American History and Civics, taking place in Philadelphia, Gettysburg, and Washington D.C. at the end of July. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Henry schedules hearing new budget

The Henry County Board of Commissioners have scheduled a public hearing for May 17 to consider the budget for next year, which is now expected to be around $113 million. The 2011 budget is approximately $117 million. The tax digest has dropped by $381 million since last year, which translated to nearly $5 million in lost revenue, according to county officials. Monroe Roark for the AJC