County by county news for Saturday

COBB

Farmers market opens today, Sunday

The Marietta Square Farmers Market starts its spring and summer season 9 a.m.-noon Saturday on North Park Square between Shillings Restaurant and the Earl Smith Strand Theatre. The market will also open noon-3 p.m. Sunday on Mill Street between Church Street and the railroad tracks off the Marietta Square. More than 60 vendors will sell fruits, vegetables and specialty items.

Information:www.mariettasquarefarmersmarket.net. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Open House set for Windy Hill/I-75 project

The Cobb Department of Transportation will hold an open house 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Monday at the Cobb Chamber of Commerce, 240 Interstate North Parkway, Atlanta on changes planned for Windy Hill Road at I-75. The 2011 SPLOST project includes changing the Windy Hill Road/I-75 intersection to a diverging diamond interchange that will use the existing bridge. Construction should begin in fall 2015.

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

Amphitheater seeks opening acts, help

Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre, 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton, is looking for volunteers to serve as ushers, ticket-takers, crowd control, stage technicians and even as opening acts for concerts and events.

Usher training classes will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. April 5 and May 3.

Information: mablehouse.org, MHBA@cobbcounty.org or Robby Edwards, 770-819-2943. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

WWII women exhibit at Austell library

The Kennesaw State University Museum of History and Holocaust Education’s display of “Beyond Rosie: Women in World War II” may be seen 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. throughout April at the Sweetwater Valley Library, 5000 Austell-Powder Springs Road, Austell on the first floor of the Austell Threadmill Complex.

Open every day but Sunday, this free exhibit explores the many ways women contributed to the war effort.

Information: Susan Lester, sweetwab@cobbcat.org or 770-819-3290. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Sign up now for Marietta July 4 parade

Marietta is looking for bands, military units, scouts, beauty queens and businesses to participate in the July 4 Let Freedom Ring parade. Applications accepted through May 30 for the 1.5-mile parade from Roswell Street Baptist Church to Cherokee Street and North Marietta Parkway.

Information: www.mariettaga.gov or 770-794-5601. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Art exhibit to open at Smyrna park

A fine art exhibit will open at the Taylor-Brawner House, noon to 7 p.m. Saturday through April 13, 3180 Atlanta Road, Smyrna. The free exhibit will feature the work of 14 regional painters. The 1890 Victorian house, on the grounds of Smyrna’s Taylor-Brawner Park, will also be open. Information: www.smyrnacity.com. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

GWINNETT

Road closures near Duluth roundabout today

Duluth will close West Lawrenceville Street to through traffic at the intersection with Hill Street, then closed to all traffic at the roundabout 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. today. McClure Bridge Road will be closed to through traffic at its intersection with Postal Drive, and closed to all traffic at the roundabout. Irvindale Road will be closed to all traffic at the roundabout. Pineneedle Drive and Crestview Circle will be closed to all traffic at the intersection with Irvindale Road. Detours available. Information: www.dulutga.net. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Diversified Labeling creates 15 jobs

Diversified Labeling Solutions has expanded its facility at 1790 Satellite Boulevard. One of the largest independently owned label companies in the U.S., DLS’ expansion represents a $1 million investment and 15 new production jobs. DLS employs more than 160 people across four states including Georgia, Illinois, Nevada and Texas. Thirty-five employees are based in Gwinnett. Information: www.teamdls.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Intersection added to improvement list

Gwinnett DOT and Snellville officials will add improvements to the intersection at Pharrs Road and Ridgedale Drive to the list of already approved $2.2 million SPLOST funded sidewalks on Oak Road from Highway 124 to Mountain View Road and on Highway 78 from Odum Street to Rockdale Circle along with an intersection improvement at North and Pharrs roads. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Gateway art sculpture to be unveiled

‘Ascension’ will be unveiled 11 a.m. Wednesday at the McClure Bridge Road roundabout and Joan Glancy lawn. The artwork, created by Michael Dillon, displays Duluth’s rich history as a farming community and projects strength and perseverance embodied in the community today. Information: www.duluthga.net. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Students selling plants, herbs

Gwinnett Tech’s Environmental Horticulture students will host a spring plant sale 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 15-17, at the Gwinnett Tech campus greenhouse next to Building 600, 5150 Sugarloaf Parkway in Lawrenceville. Numerous flowers, shrubs, houseplants and herbs available. Cash or check preferred. Information: www.GwinnettTech.edu or 770-962-7580. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Braselton to honor volunteers

Braselton will celebrate Georgia Cities Week by hosting a reception honoring volunteers who serve the city’s agencies, authorities and commissions at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 17 at the Winery at Chateau Elan.

Volunteers to be thanked include the Downtown Development Authority, Urban Redevelopment Agency, Visitors Bureau Authority, Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals and Ethics Commission. To attend contact Jennifer Dees at jdees@braselton.net or 706-654-5720. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Accused peeping tom arrested

A Cleveland, Ga., man has been charged with two counts of Peeping Tom resulting from an incident at the Belk Store in Cumming March 29. Randy William Wilson,38, was taken into custody after a brief foot chase at his residence Thursday. He’s accused of peering under a store dressing room door while a female was undressing. A Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office Detective says Wilson had a prior Peeping Tom charge as well, and is also being charged with parole violation. He’s being held in the White County jail with no bond. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Council approves fire agreement

The Sandy Springs City Council this week approved a mutual aid agreement with the city of Atlanta for supplemental fire protection and support services.

Under the mutual aid agreement, fire personnel can be dispatched if the first-alarm responders or incident commander determines assistance is needed. Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Back-to-school clinics coming in Cherokee

The Cherokee County Health Department holds a back-to-school health clinic 1-6 p.m. April 22. The required hearing, dental, vision and BMI/nutrition screenings will be provided for $40. Immunizations will also be provided for school-age kids (there is a charge for vaccines). Locations: 1219 Univeter Road, Canton and 7545 N. Main, Woodstock. Information: 770-345-7371 (Canton) or 770-928-0133 (Woodstock) Mark Woolsey for

Milton special needs camp seeks counselors

The city of Milton seeks teens and/or college students as counselors for Camp Joyful Soles, a sumer day cap for special needs children ages 13 to 21. Candidates must have a high school diploma by June 1 and have experience interacting with special needs kids.

Applications due April 25. Information: 678-242-2516, recruiter@cityofmiltonga.us. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Mock interviewers needed at school event

Forsyth County Schools officials need interviewers for a mock interview event 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. April 14-16 at West Forsyth High School, 4155 Drew Road, Cumming. It’s designed for junior and senior career, technical and agricultural education students who are enrolled in a third-year course or work-based learning. The 10-15 minute interviews are designed to expose students to the interview portion of the hiring process. Participating students will be equipped with a resume and appropriate dress. For more information/ to participate: vhall@forsyth.k12.ga.us  Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Earthday event set in Forsyth County

Keep Forsyth County Beautiful will host an Earth Day Celebration at the county’s Coal Mountain Recycling Convenience Center, located at Coal Mountain Park. Residents can learn how recycling works by touring the center at 4 p.m. April 21 and 5 p.m. April 22. In addition, a special tour for homeschooled students is set for 11 a.m. April 22. The center’s at 3560 Settingdown Road in Cumming.

Information: 770-205-4573. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

Screenwriter to discuss career, work

Screenwriter Kevin Collins will give a discussion on “The Entertainment Industry: Writing and Producing Stories,” 2 p.m. Friday at the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library’s Central Library, One Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta.

Collins has spent 20 years in a career writing for several large studios.

He is a professor of screenwriting at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Collins will also read an excerpt from his recent novel, “The Unveiling.”

Information: 404-730-1875. Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Urban League will host loan workshop

The Urban League of Greater Atlanta is sponsoring a loan modification workshop for homeowners at 10 a.m. today at 229 Peachtree St., Suite 300.

The workshop is free and open to the public. Registration is recommended.

Information: ulgatl.org or 404-659-1150. Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Churches to host benefit concert

“Hope Springs Forth: A Charity Concert” featuring LashBrooks and the Cottrells is at3 p.m. Sunday at First Metropolitan Community Church, 1379 Tullie Road.

Proceeds benefit the homeless assistance center Our House in Decatur.

A $5 donation is suggested.

Information: decaturunitychurch.com or www.firstmcc.com  Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Deal to speak at Georgia Southern

Gov. Nathan Deal will deliver the graduation address during Georgia Southern University’s undergraduate commencement on 9 a.m. May 10 at Allen E. Paulson Stadium.

Georgia Teacher of the Year Jemelleh Coes will deliver the commencement address for graduate students 1 p.m. May 9 at Hanner Fieldhouse.

Both ceremonies will be streamed live at www.georgiasouthern.tv

Information: www.GeorgiaSouthern.edu/commencement Janel Davis

DEKALB

County Government Month celebrated

Interim Chief Executive Officer Lee May and the DeKalb County Commission will recognize National County Government Month with a proclamation at 9 a.m. Tuesday at the Maloof Center Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur during the commission meeting.

Information: dekalbcountyga.gov  Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Decatur High to add modular units

Decatur High will hold classes in temporary modular units for the 2014-15 year. Two double-wide units or four classrooms will be placed on the upper parking lot along East Howard Avenue to start the year, with two more (for a total of eight classrooms) likely to be added later on.

The trailers have to be approved by the Planning Commission and City Commission in May, both actions probably a formality.

Decatur High grades 10 to 12 already have 23 more students enrolled than what was initially projected for next year. Bill Banks for the AJC

Keep DeKalb Beautiful to hold open house

Keep DeKalb Beautiful is hosting an open house and training workshop at 4 p.m. April 24 at 3720 Leroy Scott Drive, Decatur.

Guests will learn about the organization’s events in their neighborhoods, as well as how to participate in Adopt-a-Road and Adopt-a-MARTA Bus Stop maintenance programs.

Information: web.co.dekalb.ga.us/beautiful/index.html  Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Two construction projects to coincide

Decatur Deputy City Manager Hugh Saxon admitted that two major construction projects surrounding Decatur High will likely coincide for most of the 2015-16 school year.

The long-planned streetscape improvements on North McDonough Road reducing the corridor to two lanes, begins in summer, 2015, while additions to the high school – mostly new classrooms – could start around the same time.

Saxon said the city’s currently working on temporary routes for students and other pedestrian and car traffic. Bill Banks for the AJC

‘Healthy Pets’ at Wade Walker Park

Free veterinary services offered 11 a.m. today at Wade Walker Park, 5585 Rockbridge Road, Stone Mountain.

DeKalb County Animal Services and the LifeLine Animal Project is hosting “Healthy Pets DeKalb.” Vaccinations will be provided by a licensed veterinarian. No registration is required but services will be provided on a first come, first served basis.

Information: community@LifeLineAnimal.org or 678-883-2349. Kent A. Miles for the AJC

County launches Smart911 service

DeKalb County has launched a new emergency service system that includes additional information to help responders during a crisis.

The Smart911 system will include information about how many people live in homes or their medical conditions.

Residents can volunteer the information in a profile at www.Smart911.com. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Second K-9 coming to Peachtree City

The City Council of Peachtree City voted Thursday to approve funding for a second K-9 police unit. The city has been without a second dog since January, but has historically used two to help cover drug searches, high-risk arrests and other specific duties.

The $14,000 cost for the dog and for officer training will come from the federal forfeiture fund; the city will allocate approximately $4,000 for additional expenses. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

State poet laureate to address literacy group

Georgia Poet Laureate Judson Mitcham will be the featured guest speaker at the Henry County Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy spring luncheon, 11:30 a.m. April 15 at Eagle’s Landing Country Club, 100 Eagle’s Landing Way, Stockbridge.

Proceeds will go toward books for Henry County preschoolers. Tickets are $30, and reservations recommended. Information: dorismike@bellsouth.net or 404-421-4911. Kent A. Miles

Road race to benefit sickle cell awareness

The 35th annual Sickle Cell Road Race/Walk will take place at 9 a.m. April 12 at Welcome All Park, 4255 Will Lee Road, College Park.

Former world heavyweight boxing champion Evander Holyfield will be the honorary starter of the event, a 7-kilometer run and 4 kilometer walk. Registration: $30, adults; $25, 18 and under. Proceeds help provide sickle cell education, testing, and programs such as Camp New Hope, a medically supervised summer camp for children with the sickle cell condition. Information: sicklecellga.org/events/road-race Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Southern Conservation Trust seeks comments

As part of its effort to gain national accreditation with the Land Trust Alliance, the Southern Conservation Trust seeks public comments about its performance. Information can be submitted at www.landtrustaccreditation.org or info@landtrustaccreditation.org by June 1. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Union City will host health parade today

The Union City Parks and Recreation department will host healthy activities Saturday at Ronald Bridges Park, 5285 Lakeside Drive, in conjunction with first lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move Initiative. Activities include a 1.5-mile walk and health parade, which will begin at 8:45 a.m. at City Hall, 4760 Union St. The Union City Eagles will also start their season at 10:30 a.m. Free.

Information: 770-964-1236. Arlinda Smith Broady

Fayette servicesboard seeks member

Fayette County’s Board of Family and Children Services is accepting applications to fill an open volunteer position.

The board meets monthly and serves as a link between the community and the county administration.

The term runs May 15, 2014-June 30, 2016; applications due April 18. Contact Floyd Jones at 770-305-5102 or fjones@fayettecountyga.gov. Jill Howard Church for the AJC