County by county news for Saturday

KSU students have contributed to and filled 75 boxes of supplies that they transported to American Red Cross distribution centers in Ringgold.

Relief efforts will continue throughout the summer at supply drop-off locations across the KSU campus.

Information: http://www.kennesaw.edu Janel Davis

Marietta residents indicted on drug charges

A federal grand jury in Atlanta has indicted 11 Georgians for their roles in a scheme to forge prescription painkiller oxycodone tablets and then sell the illegally obtained drugs.

In a statement, U.S. Attorney Sally Yates said Kristen Noelle Goduto, 27, of Marietta, allegedly led her 10 co-defendants -- including five others from Marietta -- in the conspiracy. The group planned to obtain more than 10,000 oxycodone tablets and then illegally distribute them, she said. Bill Rankin

Crime database to be available to citizens

Cobb police are replacing the “Crime Update” data page compiled by officers at each precinct with a searchable database allowing residents to perform their own searches.

Due to budget cuts, the department is reducing time spent on administrative tasks, and devoting more time to investigating property crimes. The page was part of PENS, Police Email Notification System, and neighborhood watch program. The new database is available at, http://police.cobbcountyga.gov/pens.

The quarterly PENS meetings will continue, and the PENS email account will be monitored. Janel Davis

Acworth police warn of air conditioning thieves

Acworth police are warning residents to be on the lookout for thieves stealing air conditioning units. Police have received reports of the units being stolen in the past two days from businesses and residences. The thefts have primarily been in the area of North Main, South Main and Cherokee Streets. Anyone noticing any unusual vehicles or activity in the area should contact the police department by calling 911. Janel Davis

Kennesaw park ready for Memorial Day

Memorial Day weekend commemorative events at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park will include artillary demonstrations, including the firing of a cannon; displays of historic uniforms, and memorials from local members of Veterans of Foriegn Wars. All of the events are free to the public and no reservations are required. Information: 770-427-4686. Rich McKay

Flood-ravaged Austell park to reopen

Wiped out by the September 2009 flood, Austell’s Legion Park will open on Wednesday.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will begin at 5:30 p.m.

A block retaining wall and metal instead of wood buildings will help diminish effects of future flooding, said Jim Graham, the city’s director of Community Development and Parks Departments.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

GWINNETT

Student artists win national recognition

Student artists at two Georgia schools have won national recognition in the PTA’s 2011 Reflections arts competition.

Reflections Outstanding Interpretation Awards were presented in six categories. Brian Koh of SKA Academy in Duluth won the Visual Arts award for his submission “Together we can build a better world.” Kelley Young of North Springs Charter High School in Sandy Springs won the Dance Choreography award for her work “Behave.” The students will be recognized in June at the national PTA conference in Orlando with a certificate, a medallion and $800. D. Aileen Dodd

Company to expand production in Gwinnett

GF Health Products Inc. will relocate a production line from Taiwan to its Gwinnett facility. The company, a manufacturer of medical products, will move its Lumex recliner production operations to Gwinnett. GF Health will make a $1.75 million capital investment and create 17 new jobs, the company said Friday. David Wickert

Beaudreau to meet with constituents

Gwinnett County Commissioner Mike Beaudreau will meet with constituents from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 21 at the large pavilion at Bethesda Park, 225 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville. Beaudreau represents commission District 3, which covers eastern Gwinnett from the U.S. 78 corridor north to I-85. David Wickert

21st graduation of citizens police academy

The 21st Gwinnett County Citizen’s Police Academy graduated Thursday. A ceremony for 17 students was held at the Gwinnett County Police Department Training Center in Lawrenceville. The academy educates citizens about their police department and how officers enforce laws. The goal is to create a growing nucleus of informed citizens who can to influence public opinion about police practices. Andria Simmons

Suwanee police need volunteers for parks

The Suwanee Police Department is recruiting volunteers to staff its new Park Ambassador program. Training for participants is at 6:30 p.m. May 31. Sign up by May 23 by contacting Officer Elias Casanas at ecasanas@suwanee.com or 770-904-7612.Slated to begin in June, the volunteers will enhance safety in Suwanee parks. They will be identified by their bright yellow t-shirts imprinted with the Suwanee “S” logo. They won’t have police powers, but they’ll be trained assist residents and alert the authorities to matters that require attention. Andria Simmons

County goes for world’s largest swimming lesson

Gwinnett County will participate in an effort to set a new record for the world’s largest swimming lesson from 11 a.m. to noon June 14 at Bethesda Park Aquatic Center, 225 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville. Last year’s event established the Guinness World Record for the largest simultaneous swimming lesson, with nearly 4,000 participants in 34 states and five countries. This year’s participants must be age 6 or older. Pre-registration is required, and the cost is $2. To register call 678-924-6334 or visit www.gwinnettparks.com. David Wickert

NORTHSIDE

Cherokee students do well in graduation test

Georgia High School Graduation Test scores in Cherokee County are in and show students exceeded state averages.

Ninety-six percent of those taking the math test passed, compared to 84 percent statewide; 97 percent passed language arts, compared to 91 percent statewide; and 95 percent passed the social studies test, which is 16 points above the state average of 78 percent. Ninety-eight percent passed the science test, above the state’s 93 percent. The county scores match or are within a point or two of the scores posted last year. Christopher Quinn

School official returns after DUI arrest

Mike McGowan, the former spokesman for Cherokee County schools, returned from extended leave after a December arrest for driving under the influence. He will be working in a strategic planning capacity in the Department of Accountability, Technology and Strategic Planning. McGowan’s return to work was predicated upon his successfully meeting multiple conditions, said Trey Olson, the Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Management. Barbara Jacoby was hired to replace McGowan handling school communications. Christopher QuinN

Canton discusses increasing water rates

The City of Canton may increase water rates by $7 a month or more by June.

The City Council has been discussing the increase since a report in March that showed the city water and sewer system was running on empty. Part of the problem is debt from the Hickory Log Creek Reservoir, which the city built in conjunction with the Cobb County-Marietta water authority in Cherokee County. Mayor Gene Hobgood said the council may discuss the potential rate increase May 19. Christopher Quinn

Forsyth superintendent presents budget

Forsyth County Schools Superintendent Buster Evans presented next school year’s proposed budget to the school board Thursday night, showing that revenues next year will be about $13.5 million less than they were this current school year, and expenditures will increase by $2.7 million over this year’s budget. The expenditure increase is mostly due to adding 1,761 students. Next year’s proposed budget is $8.7 million short. That shortfall will be made up with $6.5 million in savings realized by federal job funds and $2.5 million from fund balance. Jeffry Scott

Alpharetta school raises $1,000 for service dogs

Alpharetta Elementary School showed it’s behind the dogs -- service dogs. The school raised $1,000 in a coin drive for Canine Assistants, a local non-profit that provides service dogs for children and adults with physical disabilities and other special needs. Nancy Badertscher

Groundbreaking for St. James Youth Center

A groundbreaking ceremony will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday for the Youth Center for Excellence at St. James United Methodist Church in Alpharetta.

The new Youth Center for Excellence is an 11,000-square-foot facility that expands cultural arts, sports, academic enrichment and leadership programs to youth. Andria Simmons

ATLANTA

Movies in the parks series starts today

Three parks in Atlanta will turn into outdoor movie theaters this summer as part of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs’ “Movies in the Park” series.

On May 14, “The Karate Kid” will be shown at Pittman Park, 950 Garibaldi Street, S.E.

On May 19, “Despicable Me,” will come to Sunken Garden, 1000 E. Rock Springs Road, N.E. And on May 21, “Shrek: The Final Chapter,” will open at Howell Park, 983 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd., S.W.

All of the movies start at 8 p.m. Information: 404-546-6767. Ernie Suggs

Two men convicted in drug killing

Two Atlanta men have been convicted of killing a man because he decided to buy his marijuana from another dealer.

A Fulton County jury recently returned guilty verdicts against Santron Prickett, 25, and Jaquavious Reed, 19, for the murder of 33-year-old Antwan Curry on March 15, 2010, the Fulton District Attorney’s Office said. Prickett and Reed, upset with Curry, opened fire on him and fatally shot him in the chest, prosecutors said. Bill Rankin

Taxpayers group to hold town hall meeting

The Fulton County Taxpayers Foundation will hold an “Old Fashioned Town Hall Meeting” today, with scheduled panelists including Fulton Commission Chairman John Eaves, Atlanta school board members Nancy Meister and Yolanda Johnson, Atlanta council members Yolanda Adrean and Howard Shook and state Rep. Stacey Abrams. The meeting starts at 10 a.m. at Northside Church, 2799 Northside Drive, N.W., Atlanta. Registration: 404-923-9995. Johnny Edwards

Shredding event in Old Fourth Ward

The Old Fourth Ward is having a shredding event to give residents a secure way to rid themselves of sensitive documents. Bring documents between 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday to the to the Helene S. Mills Senior Center at 515 John Wesley Dobbs Ave. NE. Steve Visser

DEKALB

Miller Grove basketball team to be honored

Miller Grove High School will be a stop on the MaxPreps Tour of Champions, which recognizes some of the best boys’ basketball teams in the country. The boy’s team will be presented an Army National Guard national ranking trophy Monday. The team finished No. 56 in the final rankings and is one of 10 schools to be honored. Michelle Shaw

Decatur annual garden tour is today

Decatur’s 23rd annual Garden Tour is today, 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Sunday noon until 5 p.m. A total 13 gardens are featured, including a Saturday twilight tour and entertainment. Tickets, good for the entire weekend, are $25 (children 12 and under are free), and can be purchased at the Oakhurst Community Garden, 435 Oakview Rd. in Decatur.

All proceeds are shared by the Oakhurst Community Garden Project and the Decatur Preservation Alliance. For more information, call 404-371-1920. Bill Banks for the AJC

Parks to hold summer camp registration

DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural will hold summer camp registration at Exchange Recreation Center, 2771 Columbia Drive in Decatur on the following days and times: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, May 21 and May 28; 4 – 8 p.m. Monday and Wednesday.

Camp Superstars is for ages 5-15 held 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday though Friday from May 31 – July 29. The cost is $55 a week and breakfast and lunch will be provided. Registration applications are available at www.dekalbcountyga.gov/parks. They can be printed and turned in with the first week’s fee. Information: 404-371-6273. Staff reports

Decatur board OKs purchase of school bus

Decatur’s School Board approved the purchase of its first bus, which costs $79,874, though roughly 95 percent of that will be paid by grant funds from the Georgia Department of Education. Decatur will now use 16 school buses in 2011-12, up four from this year (all buses except the new one are owned and operated by DeKalb County). The expanded fleet becomes necessary because of the opening of the Fifth Avenue 4/5 Academy, Decatur’s first new school in 40 years, and also because of a 30 percent increase in exceptional education students. Bill Banks for the AJC

Design workshop today at Wesley Chapel centers

A design workshop will be held for the Wesley Chapel Livable Centers Initiative, today from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Word Church International, 2030 Wesley Chapel Rd., Decatur. Information: Jessica Guinn, The Collaborative Firm at 404-684-7031 or Sidney Douse, DeKalb County Planning at 404-371-2178. Michelle Shaw

Extension to hold gardening workshop

The DeKalb County Cooperative Extension will host a workshop on planting a vegetable garden, safe and careful canning and preserving garden produce, Wednesday from 10 a.m. until noon at the DeKalb Cooperative Extension Training Room, 4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 200, Decatur. The event is open to the public, cost $10 and pre-registration is required. Call 404-298-4080 to register and for additional details. Michelle Shaw

SOUTHSIDE

Fulton leads state

with master teachers

For a second consecutive year, Fulton County has lead the state in its number of master teachers with 30. The General Assembly created the Georgia Master Certification Program in 2005 to recognize educators who demonstrate excellence and positively influence student achievement. The master teacher designation is good for seven years and is automatically renewed as long as they meet the requirements. Since the program’s inception, 685 teachers have earned the certification -- including the 86 2011 honorees. Fulton’s now number 66. Nancy Badertscher

Gardening plots available in District 7

The Fulton County Cooperative Extension, South Fulton Master Gardeners and Commissioner William “Bill” Edwards have started an urban garden, and they’re looking for District 7 residents to take over plots. The District 7 Community Garden is located behind the South Fulton Government Center, 5600 Stonewall Tell Road, College Park.

It will have ten beds, and holding a plot costs $25.

The county will set up the garden beds and provide materials and expertise. Information: 404-762-4077 or grantly.ricketts@fultoncountyga.gov. Johnny Edwards

Triathlon to impact Peachtree City traffic

Part of the Peachtree International Triathlon taking place today at Drake Field in Peachtree City will affect local traffic.

The bicycle portion, between 7:30 and 10:30 a.m., will be held on Willowbend Road, Hip Pocket Road, Kelly Drive, McIntosh Trail and Robinson Road between Camp Creek Estates and Camp Creek Trail.

Also as a result of the event, the Peachtree City Library’s hours will be from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday. Information: www.peachtree-city.org. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

HMC offer nutrition class for young people

Henry Medical Center is offering a free six-week Summer Nutrition Class for boys and girls between the ages of 11 and 14. The program, based on the USDA’s “The Power of Choice” curriculum, begins June 21 and will be held each Tuesday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. To register, call Melissa Hoover or Michelle Fields at 678-604-5106.

Deadline for registration is Friday, June 10, 2011 as space is limited. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Henry zoning board calls special meeting

The Henry County Zoning Advisory Board has scheduled a special called meeting for May 23, at 6 p.m. in the county’s Administration Building to consider an ordinance that would create a Hudson Bridge-Jonesboro Roads Connector Overlay District and implement a Livable Centers Initiative study that was approved by the Board of Commissioners last summer. Monroe Roark for the AJC

‘Kayak and Fishing Field Day’ on June 4

A “Kayak and Fishing Field Day” is scheduled for June 4, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Cubihatcha Outdoor Center in Locust Grove to benefit adults and children with special needs. All kayak and fishing including life vests will be provided, along with lunch courtesy of Shane’s Rib Shack. To attend, call Davina Ford at 770-288-7291. Monroe Roark for the AJC