County by county news for Saturday

Residents may review the city’s proposed list of transportation, facilities and public services and safety projects for 2016-22, totaling around $14.2 million, if the special purpose local option sales tax is renewed by Cobb voters on Nov. 4.

Information: cityofpowdersprings.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=276. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Free gun class for teachers, officials

A free firearms training class for teachers and school administrators will be given 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Governors Gun Club, 5740 C.H. James Parkway, Powder Springs.

Students will be required to have a handgun, 25 rounds of ammunition, hearing and eye protection and one target.

Additional materials needed will be a pistol-cleaning kit, shop rags, a notepad and a pen for a written test at the end of this class. Information: governorsgunclub.com.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Powder Springs seeks $150,000 for land

Powder Springs is seeking bids of at least $150,000 for 1.6 acres south of Richard D. Sailors Parkway between Florence Road and U.S. 278.

Bids must be submitted by 10 a.m. Friday at Powder Springs City Hall, 4484 Marietta St.

Information: cityofpowdersprings.org/index.aspx?NID=507.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Powder Springs City Hall opening late

Powder Springs City Hall, 4484 Marietta St., will open at 10 a.m. instead of 8 a.m. Monday due to maintenance.

The drive through will open at 8 a.m. for payments.

Also, phone calls will be answered, beginning at 8 a.m.

Information: cityofpowdersprings.org, 770-943-1666. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Summer JAM for business associations

The Cobb Chamber of Commerce and the Coalition of Cobb County Business Associations will present their fourth annual Summer JAM from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Cobb Civic Center, 548 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta.

Cost is free for business association members who register online by July 11 or $20 at the door.

General admission tickets are $10 with online registration or $30 at the door.

Information: cobbcountybusiness.org, cobbchamber.org/summerjam, Tya Dawson, 770-859-2341 or tdawson@cobbchamber.org.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

HOPE Program accepting applications

Applications are being accepted from women who want to participate in the HOPE Program at Sweetwater Mission in Austell.

Classes for this free 12-week program, beginning Aug. 13, cover work readiness training and personal development.

Information: sweetwatermission.org, HOPE Program Director Kay Wimpey, kay@sweetwatermission.org or 770-819-0662, ext. 25.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

GWINNETT

Winder man charged in Lilburn slaying

Charles Thomas Outlaw, 29, of Winder has been charged with malice murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in the death of a 26-year-old Angela Rabotte’s whose body was found April 3 near the intersection of Lilburn Industrial Way and Arcado Road by surveyors working in the area. She had last been seen in the parking lot of the Steeplechase Apartments near Norcross five days earlier, Lilburn police said.

Outlaw was already in the Gwinnett County Jail on unrelated drug charges. Mike Morris

Lillian Webb Park to reopen Monday

Norcross Parks and Recreation department’s annual summer maintenance in Lillian Webb Park continues through this weekend. The fountains, including splash fountain, and park are closed to public access for repair, fertilization and turf repair to the lawn following the city’s huge July 3rd Red, White & Boom event. The park will reopen Monday, July 14. Information: www.norcrossga.net.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

‘Resurrection’ returns to Norcross

The TV series ‘Resurrection’ has been picked up for a second season, with film crews and actors returning to Norcross in late July to begin filming. Producers anticipate using homes on North Peachtree and Thrasher Drive, as well as local businesses along South Peachtree as settings for this American fantasy drama. Austin Harkey, Key Assistant Location Manager for the show’s second season and Norcross staff are working together to ensure residents receive advance notice of filming dates and locations in order to minimize potential traffic delays and film-related concerns. Information: www.norcrossga.net.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Chalk Walk to celebrate the arts

Lawrenceville’s Downtown Development Authority and the Aurora Theatre will host a Chalk Walk 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 19. Inspired by the Aurora Theatre’s season opener for the 2014-15 season, ‘Mary Poppins,’ the event will provide residents, visitors and amateur artists the opportunity to showcase their talents on the sidewalk in Downtown Lawrenceville. Chalk will be provided free-of-charge and designated drawing spaces for participants will be assigned at check-in. Participants will be competing to win one of several cash prizes, in addition to 2 tickets for a showing of Mary Poppins. Registration information: www.visitlawrenceville.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Ribbon cutting at Little Mulberry Park

Gwinnett Parks and Recreation will host a ribbon cutting to celebrate renovations at Little Mulberry Park at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 15, at 3900 Hog Mountain Road in Dacula. Event will commemorate the opening of an 18 hole disc golf course in the wooded area, a 2,400 square foot open pavilion; new playground, new restroom facilities, 0.3 mile paved track connecting to the existing trail system, and a new 600 square foot wooden deck overlooking the lake. Activities will continue until 8 p.m.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Gingrey asks for disease threat assessment

U.S. Rep Phil Gingrey, R-Ga., is asking the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control to assess the public health risk posed by the flood of unaccompanied migrant children coming across the Mexican border. Gingrey says as many have been transported to shelters around the country, concerns have been raised about any accompanying diseases. Gingrey’s district includes Cherokee and Bartow counties, and parts of Cobb and Fulton.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Milton council sets park project

The Milton City Council this week approved, on a 7-0 vote, the rehab of Bell Memorial Park, 15245 Bell Park Road. The almost $9.5 million contract with Astra Group, Inc. of Woodstock calls for demolition of existing facilities, followed by construction of six irrigated and lighted playing fields, a maintenance building, accessory structures and a playground. Completion is set for summer, 2015. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Planners recommend Sam’s Club changes

The Woodstock Planning Commission Thursday unanimously recommended approval of several regulatory changes clearing the way for a Sam’s Club near Ga. 92 and Main Street A long-closed Wal-Mart now occupies the site. The Woodstock City Council will consider the plans July 28. Construction could start this fall. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Groundbreaking set for historic project

The city of Milton holds a groundbreaking ceremony at noon Tuesday(July 15) kicking off the renovation of the Hopewell House, a Civil-War era home at 15690 Hopewell Road. The work’s intended to bring the home, one of the oldest in North Fulton, up to code. Headley Construction of Newnan will handle the project at a cost of $632,000, maximum. Senior Services of North Fulton will use the house for programming during the day. It’ll be a city event venue at other times. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Baseball league signup in Johns Creek

The Johns Creek Ocee Park Athletic Association is registering young players for its fall baseball leagues. Registration’s open through July 31 for recreational leagues for kids ages 4-16, as well as for travel teams. Practices begin Aug. 18, with the first games set for Sept. 8. Fees range from $120-145 for Johns Creek residents, more for players from other jurisdictions. More information: www.oceepark.com

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Northside group seeks accreditation

The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies wants to hear from Johns Creek residents as it weigh accreditation for ChatComm, which serves Johns Creek and other north Fulton communities with public safety radio communication. Offer comments by phone 1-3 p.m. July 21 at 404-843-6615. E-mailed comments can be sent to: calea@calea.org. CALEA is looking to rate ChatComm on administration, operations and policies and procedures.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

Water main repairs shut down local roads

Repairs to a water main that has reportedly been leaking for more than a week shut down Atlanta Technical College and nearby Sylvan Road Thursday. Sylvan Road was also closed during the repairs.

The repairs were expected to last throughout Friday.

The break has affected water pressure on the Atlanta Technical College campus and may impact water and sanitation systems. Daniel Wilco

Choral Guild holding auditions

The Choral Guild of Atlanta is holding auditions for its upcoming 75th anniversary season.

Auditions will take place at St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church, 1978 Mount Vernon Road in Dunwoody. Auditions will be ongoing on an individual basis as arranged between the singer and director.

Proficiency will be determined by the director but an average skill level or better is desired. Performers of all voice parts are encouraged to audition.

Rehearsals begin on Aug. 18.

The guild will perform concerts throughout its 2014-15 season to commemorate its anniversary.

Information: auditions@cgatl.org

Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Registration open for after-school program

Registration is open for the Fulton County Parks and Recreation after-school program, which begins Aug. 11.

The program serves children 5 to 12 and will be open at 2:30 p.m. on weekdays when school is in session. The cost is $40 per child per week for families who live in unincorporated Fulton County, with a one-time registration fee of $15 a child. Spaces in the program are limited.

The after-school program locations are at Burdett Park, 2945 Burdett Road, Cliftondale Park, 4645 Butner Road, and Welcome All Park, 4255 Will Lee Road, all in College Park; and Sandtown Park, 5320 Campbellton Road SW, Atlanta.

Information: www.fultoncountyga.gov

Kent A. Miles for the AJC

DEKALB

Students to get Internet restrictions

When they return to school in August, DeKalb County’s 100,000 students will encounter new restrictions on the district’s wireless Internet network.

DeKalb is taming the wild Web with new filters that will require every device to be registered, said Gary Brantley, the district’s technology chef.

When they try to surf the Web using school WiFi, students will encounter a registration page. To log on, they will have to use the unique identification number assigned them for lunch and other purposes, Brantley said.

Some Web pages will be blocked by the filter.

The new system replaces a password that was widely known and offered little security, he said. Ty Tagami

Police find pot growing behind home

Brookhaven police are investigating the seizure of 10 marijuana plants found growing in buckets behind a local home on Thursday afternoon. Kevin Landers, 21, of S. Bramby Lane, was arrested and charged with manufacturing marijuana.

Landers was transported to DeKalb County Detention Center. Anyone with information can contact Brookhaven Police, Major Brandon Gurley, 404-637-0610. Adrianne Murchison for the AJC

City Schools to lower millage rate next year

Decatur’s school board approved a 2015 millage rate of 20.5, down from the 20.9 mills of recent years. Those owning, for instance, a $300,000 home will pay $3,075 to CSD, or $60 less than last year.

As of late June CSD enrollment for 2014-15 is 4149, already 95 percent of a projected overall growth of 10 percent over last year. Bill Banks for the AJC

Decatur offering virtual tours of key buildings

Earlier this week Decatur became the first Georgia city to partner with Google+Business Photo to provide virtual tours of four city buildings, each of which have been renovated and updated over the last 10 years. The 360-degree virtual tours can be downloaded at bit.ly/GoogleDecaturCityHall; bit.ly/GoogleDecaturRec; bit.ly/GoogleDecaturFireStation1 and bit.ly/GoogleDecaturFireStation2.

Bill Banks for the AJC

Workshop to focus on aging issues

A workshop on senior issues sponsored by the Lilburn Woman’s Club and Mountain Park United Methodist Church will take place at 9 a.m. Aug. 16 at the church’s Family Life Center, 1405 Rockbridge Road, Stone Mountain.

Information: www.mountainparkumc.org or 770-921-8512.Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Animal shelter lowers adoption fees

DeKalb County Animal Services and LifeLine Animal Project are offering special adoption rates for dogs and cats during July.

All dogs may be adopted for $30 and cats for $17.76. Adopters will take home a pet that has been spayed or neutered, has had all vaccinations and is microchipped, a $200 value.

The shelter is located at 845 Camp Road in Decatur.

Information: www.dekalbanimalservices.com

Kent A. Miles for the AJC

SOUTHSIDE

‘Battle of the Badges’ blood drive

The Henry County Police Department and the Henry County Sheriff’s Department are hosting a Battle of the Badges Blood Drive, 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. July 28 at donation sites at their respective offices in McDonough. Each presenting donor will receive a free T-shirt, and there will also be a drawing for two $25 gift cards at each location. Individuals who are 17 years of age or older, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Information: www.redcrossblood.org and enter code hcgvt.Monroe Roark for the AJC

Fayette schools earn perfect scores

Fourteen of Fayette County’s elementary and middle schools earned perfect CRCT scores for combined grade-level subjects. Students in third grade made the strongest showing in English/language arts, reading, math and social studies. Sixth and eighth graders at J. C. Booth and Rising Starr middle schools scored 100 in reading, with the other middle schools close behind.Jill Howard Church

Piedmont Henry donates to clinic

Piedmont Henry Hospital donated 50 blood pressure cuffs to Hands of Hope Clinic for patients in need as part of the Hypertension Self-Care Program. The patients selected for the program must agree to use the blood pressure cuffs at home to take and track their blood pressure a certain number of times per day or week. They will also visit the clinic regularly for monitoring and patient education.Information: piedmonthenry.org.

Monroe Roark for the AJC

‘Urban Nutcracker’ holds auditions

The Ballethnic Dance Company is holding auditions for roles in its production of “Urban Nutcracker” 1 p.m. today at the Ballethnic studio, 2587 Cheney St., East Point.

The audition fee is $15 fee and all dancers must participate in an on-site ballet class at the studio. Professional dancers must submit a resume and a headshot.Information: www.ballethnic.org, 404-762-1416.Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Parent Expo set for July 26

The third annual Henry County Communities in Schools Parent Expo is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 26, at Heritage Park, 101 Lake Dow Road in McDonough. The Henry County School System will be represented along with other local businesses and non-profit organizations. There will be information for parents as well as a school supply giveaway, free food, face painting, inflatables and other activities for kids.

Information: www.cis-henry.org.Monroe Roark for the AJC

Queens Never Quit health walk in Riverdale

The Queens Never Quit Walk to promote health awareness and well being is 10 a.m. today at Riverdale Regional Park, 904 Wilson Road, Riverdale.

The walk is dedicated to the memory of Dee Dee Cocheta Williams, a PR and marketing professional who died in January of breast cancer.

Information: www.queensneverquitwalk.eventbrite.com

Kent A. Miles for the AJC