County by county news for Saturday

The store, Adventure Outdoors, filed a $400 million lawsuit against Bloomberg and others. A Cobb County judge dismissed the suit, and his decision was upheld last November by the Georgia Court of Appeals. This week, the state Supreme Court declined to hear the store’s appeal of that ruling. Bill Rankin

CCT faces fare hikes, route reductions

Cobb Commissioners are likely to vote next month on a fare increase and route reductions for Cobb Community Transit. Proposed is a 50-cent increase from $2 to $2.50 for local fares, and a $1 increase from $4 to $5 for express fares. CCT could also cut three of its least-used bus routes—35, 65 and 70.

CCT increased express and paratransit fares $1 in November, and increased local fares by 50 cents. Online comments will be accepted at www.cobbcct.org until May 28. Janel Davis

School board approves new principals

The Cobb County school board Thursday approved several high school leadership changes. Elaine Bush will move from assistant principal at Pine Mountain Middle to principal of the Performance Learning Center. Denise Magee will move from principal of Campbell Middle to principal of Campbell High. Joshua Morreale will move from assistant principal at South Cobb High to principal of Osborne High. Jaime Sarrio

Organization cites Wyckoff treatment plant

The Hugh A. Wyckoff Water Treatment Plant, part of the Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority, was named water plant of the year from the Georgia Association of Water Professionals. The Wyckoff plan competed against plants that produce at least 50 million gallons of drinking water per day. CCMWA employee Brian Smith won top operator of the year for district 3, which includes most of the metro Atlanta area. Janel Davis

Public meeting on Vinings master plan

Cobb County’s Development’s planning division will host the first public meeting May 23 on the Vinings area master plan. The plan will address land uses, transportation and community character and improvement in the area.

The meeting runs from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Vinings United Methodist Church, 3101 Paces Mill Road. Information: http://www.cobbcounty.org

Janel Davis

Senior center honors Bill ‘Papa’ Morris

A dedication ceremony will be held today in Powder Springs in memory of Bill “Papa” Morris.

The 1 p.m. event will be in front of the city’s senior activities center, 4181 Atlanta St. next to the library when the center will be named in his honor, said Dee Chappel, the center’s coordinator.

Morris “did a lot behind the scenes” since 1992 to transform the abandoned buildings of Powder Springs Elementary School into the center. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

GWINNETT

Board asks delay on vote for charter school

Gwinnett County Schools officials said Thursday a vote on Ivy Preparatory Academy’s K-12 charter petition has been deferred.

Officials said the petitioner asked for the delay.

The school board was scheduled to vote on the charter petition at the board’s business meeting. Ivy Prep was appealing to the district to expand and open a K-12 campus for girls and one for boys. The campus applied to the board for consideration before its authorizer, the Georgia Charter Schools Commission was overturned by the state Supreme Court. D. Aileen Dodd

Schools promote two to be new principals

Two assistant principals have been promoted to new positions at Gwinnett County Schools for the fall.

The school board approved the appointment of Janice Ward Warren as the new principal of Anderson-Livsey Elementary in Snellville. Warren is currently assistant principal of Annistown Elementary in Snellville.

Jeff Hall was promoted as principal of Maxwell High School of Technology in Lawrenceville. Hall is currently assistant principal of Brookwood High in Snellville. D. Aileen Dodd

Ga. 316 work will close lanes this weekend

Work on Ga. 316 from I-85 to Sugarloaf Parkway will result in lane closures from 1 p.m. Sunday to 5 a.m. Monday. A contractor will close one of the two lanes at a time to remove and replace old asphalt and stripe the lanes. Drivers should expect delays on Ga. 316 and on northbound I-85 and are advised to avoid the area. David Wickert

Family fun day at Collins Hill aquatic center

Gwinnett County will sponsor a family fun day from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. June 4 at Collins Hill Park Aquatic Center, 2200 Collins Hill Road, Lawrenceville.

The event will feature games, prizes and other activities. All ages are welcome. Regular admission fees apply. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. David Wickert

Suwanee to celebrate end of school

Suwanee will celebrate the end of the school year at its Toast @ Town Center on Thursday night.

The festivities are scheduled from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Suwanee’s Town Center, located at the intersection of Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road and Buford Highway.

As part of the event, Gwinnett Church will host a free concert by the A-Town A-List band on the Town Center state. Joel Anderson

Plans OK’d to develop old post office site

The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners this week approved plans to develop the Yellow River Post Office site on Five Forks Trickum Road near Lilburn.

Commissioners awarded a $455,132 contract to low-bidder Todd Smith Grading Inc. The firm will build a deceleration lane, parking, restrooms, signs and a trail system and landscape the area. The 5-acre site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. David Wickert

NORTHSIDE

New Cherokee school high on SPLOST list

A replacement for Teasley Middle School is high on the list of projects that could be paid for if Cherokee County voters approve a renewal of the one-penny education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax this fall. The school board approved this week moving ahead with getting the SPLOST vote on the ballot this fall.

Cherokee County’s current sales taxes are 6 cents, 4 cents for the state, one cent for the education SPLOST, and one cent for the county SPLOST, which goes toward building infrastructure such as roads and fire stations. Christopher Quinn

Cherokee school due accreditation review

Cherokee County Schools will receive a visit from a team of educational reviewers this fall to maintain its upper level accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Five years ago, the system received Council on Accreditation and School Improvement accreditation from SACS, which recognizes meeting high criteria for organizational effectiveness. The schools who gain the accreditation must be reviewed every five years. Christopher Quinn

Centennial offers freshman survival class

Members of the Class of 2015 at Centennial High School in Roswell can sign up for the annual Freshman Survival Camp set for Aug. 10. Students will tour Centennial, learn study and time management skills, familiarize themselves with clubs and sports, learn how to open lockers, and meet Principal Steven Miletto. Students also will enjoy a pizza lunch and will receive a Freshman Survivor Camp t-shirt. The camp is run by current Centennial students and sponsored by the Sophomore Class Council and the Executive Student Council. Return the registration form to Centennial no later than August 1. Questions: Martha Smith at smithmj@fultonschools.org. Nancy Badertscher

Milton parks offers summer fitness camps

The Milton Parks Department has extended its partnership with locally operated Core Physique to offer two more fitness camps this summer. Each session includes four classes, three morning and one in the evening. The first session begins June 6, and the second July 11.

All classes are at Bell Memorial Park, 15245 Bell Park Road.

In addition, the department is sponsoring a Smart Core class and kids camps.

Information: www.corephysique.net; 770-752-3159.

Patrick Fox

Cities consider forming girls softball program

The cities of Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Roswell and Sandy Springs are considering forming a regional, recreational-level girls slow-pitch softball program. Organizers are seeking residents’ input by May 31.

City officials said the initial concept would be for teams to practice at home parks and play home and away games against teams throughout north Fulton.

Each city would like feedback from residents regarding the proposal and have posted a 10-question online survey at www.surveymonkey.com/northfultonsoftball. Patrick Fox

ATLANTA

Cancer researchers gather at CAU

Cancer researchers and educators from across the nation, including Dr. Timothy C. Thompson of the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, will gather at Clark Atlanta University this weekend for the school’s Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development’s annual National Symposium on Prostate Cancer.

The symposium will take place Sunday – Tuesday at the Thomas W. Cole Jr. Research Center for Science and Technology. Ernie Suggs

East Atlanta beer fest today

East Atlanta is having its “beer fest” today in East Atlanta Village and Brownwood Park. There will be samples of 170 craft beers and, of course, organizers encourage visiting taverns, shops and cafes.

1 p.m.- 6 p.m. Tickets at www.eastatlantabeerfest.com Steve Visser

Collier Heights green space to be dedicated

City officials and residents of the Collier Heights community will dedicate the green space in the Collier Heights neighborhood to honor the memory of Jennie Drake at 10 a.m. Saturday.

The new park at 681 Waterford Rd. consists of over 4 acres acquired with the help of the Atlanta Land Bank and Atlanta Development Authority utilizing the citywide green space program funds. Staff reports

Old Fourth Ward cleanup this Saturday

Some neighbors in the Old Fourth Ward are having their spring cleaning for the neighborhood Saturday. The Fourth Ward Alliance plans to start the cleanup in the area including Glen Iris Drive, East Avenue, Highland Avenue and parts of Ralph McGill Boulevard and then branch out as time permits.

Volunteers can expect coffee and donuts from 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Volunteers are encouraged to bring heavy duty trash bags and any helpful tools .

Donations are welcome to help cover costs of other tool rental. Meet at the corner of East Ave and Prospect Place. Steve Visser

DEKALB

Ex-CEO Liane Levetan to be honored

Former DeKalb County CEO Liane Levetan will receive a “Community Connections” award today from Senior Connections, a non-profit services provider for the elderly. The award honors older adults who continue to be community leaders. Levetan chaired a capital campaign for the group several years ago, raising nearly $4 million to build its Chamblee headquarters, which now serves more than 3,000 meals per day. The award will be given during a $150-per-ticket fundraiser in the Letitia Pate Evans Building at Agnes Scott College. Johnny Edwards

Doraville pool set to open

The pool in Doraville will open for the season today at noon. Water aerobics lessons will be held at the pool beginning June 7, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. until noon, and Wednesdays and Fridays from 7 p.m. until 8 p.m. Contact the Recreation Department, at 770-936-3850, for information. Michelle E. Shaw

Decatur to re-balance voting districts

Given the recent census data, showing Decatur’s northern district as significantly larger (population 10,437) to its southern (8,896), Decatur will have to alter its local election districts. The Supreme Court decrees that election districts must have roughly the same number of residents. Decatur’s currently represented by two commissioners per district, but may add an at-large berth in the new plan. City Manager Peggy Merriss said a new voting plan must be submitted by next month. Bill Banks for the AJC

Endurance bike ride on June 2

Aztec Cycles, 5336 East Mountain Street, Stone Mountain, will host an endurance bike ride June 2. Riders meet at the bike shop at 6:30 p.m. and the ride begins at 6:45 p.m. The ride consists of getting to Stone Mountain Park and then 20 miles, which is four laps, around the mountain. For more information, contact Aztec Cycles, at 678-636-9043 or 678-658-0865. Michelle E. Shaw

‘Cars 2’ luminaries at Perimeter Mall Sunday

The State Farm and Disney Pixar “Agents on a Mission Tour” will roll into the Perimeter Mall parking lot Sunday from noon until 6 p.m. The tour features life-sized remote-controlled models of “Cars 2” stars Lightning McQueen and his best friend Mater, the tow truck. They will be joined by master British spy Finn McMissile. The tour will set up at the corner of Ashford Dunwoody Road and Perimeter Center West and it is free and open to the public. Michelle E. Shaw

Dunwoody takes part in Special Olympics

Dunwoody Police Chief Billy Grogan was one of several scheduled speakers Friday at a press conference to announce the final leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Georgia. The torch had been passed across the state by law enforcement officers for the last two weeks. It made its final stop at the State Summer Games Opening Ceremonies at Emory University Friday evening. This weekend at the games, 2,000 athletes will compete in gymnastics, aquatics, athletics, volleyball, soccer, tennis, flag football and more at Emory University. Andria Simmons

SOUTHSIDE

Peachtree City restricts hand-held advertising

Hand-held advertising signs will have to hit the road in Peachtree City, figuratively. The City Council voted unanimously on May 19 to require users of so-called “walking signs” to get a temporary sign permit that would allow such displays only twice a year for no more than three consecutive days each.

Some residents complained that the hand-held signs are unsightly; business owners argued that the signs attract customers to stores not visible from major roads. Nonprofit groups will also be subject to the revised rules. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Kimbrough Foundation accepting applications

The Kem Kimbrough Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit founded last year by Clayton County’s sheriff to help financially-struggling nonprofits and public safety officers, is accepting applications.

Applicants must be a non-profit group helping Clayton County youth or an active or retired firefighter, emergency medical technician, sheriff deputy or police officers needing medical or financial help for themselves or their family.

Grants will be awarded June 30. To apply: call Insights Marketing, 404 872-9899 or email: kkfprograms@gmail.com. Deadline: June 13. Tammy Joyner

Henry sheriff offers summer youth camp

Henry County Sheriff Keith McBrayer announced this week the Sheriff’s Summer Youth Camp will held again this year. The program, open to 25 county residents ages 12-14, is scheduled for June 13-17 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. each day.

Cost is $45. Applications can be downloaded at www.henrycountysheriff.net and must be hand-delivered to the Sheriff’s Department. Information:Stephanie Carnell at 770-288-7107. Monroe Roark for the AJC

McDonough to hold workshop on downtown

City officials in McDonough have scheduled a June 13-16 workshop to seek community input regarding redevelopment plans for the downtown business district around the square.

A technical support team from the Atlanta Regional Commission will assist the city as citizens have the opportunity to participate in one-on-one and group sessions to get their questions answered.

Information: www.mcdonoughga.org Monroe Roark for the AJC

Church to hold shredding event

Perfecting The Saints Church in Hampton is hosting a free Community Shred Day on June 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bring stacks of paper, letters and sensitive documents and have them professionally shredded by the Shred Doctor.

Details: call the church office at 770 909-1000 or log on to www.ptsministries.org. Tammy Joyner

Quilt sale to help Humane Society

Quilts & Fixins is holding its annual Cat and Dog Quilt Sale on June 4 from 9 a.m. to noon. The sale features hundreds of quilts, bags and other quilted items.

Proceeds will go to the Clayton County Humane Society. The business is in downtown Jonesboro at 7986 Main Street. Tammy Joyner