COBB
Cobb teens held in Douglas burglary
Two Cobb County teens remained in the Douglas County Jail without bond Friday, charged with burglarizing the home of a 90-year-old Douglas County woman. According to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, the suspects kicked in the door of the home on Moss Drive on Tuesday, but fled when the elderly victim screamed. Deputies stopped a suspicious Ford Ranger pickup truck leaving the area and found evidence in the truck that led them to arrest the three young males. Matthew Jones, 19, of Austell, and Taylor Griffin, 17, of Mableton, were charged with burglary. The name of a juvenile has not been released. Mike Morris
Powder Springs looks for city manager
Powder Springs has set June 15 as its deadline for receiving applications for its next city manager -- the fourth in seven years. After resigning in February, Rick Eckert has continued to be paid his full annual salary of $115,000 until his two-year contract ends this month.
Other city managers were Dane Perry until late 2005 and Charles Nickerson from April 2007 until November 2008.
Since her 2004 election, Mayor Patricia Vaughn has served as interim city manager twice for nearly 3 years.
Now the interim city manager is Brad Hulsey, also a former mayor.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Marietta schools rank on national list
The National School Boards Association and convergemag.com have named Marietta City Schools as third among mid-sized school districts in the nation and in the top 10 for technology know-how.
The district was noted for benchmarks in digital education. Marietta High was also recognized this week on U.S. News & World Report’s 2012 list of best high schools in the country.
The school was listed as 28th in Georgia of 77 schools ranked. Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Health official wins ‘Glass Ceiling’ award
Lisa Crossman, director of clinical and prevention services for Cobb and Douglas Public Health, received the Cobb Executive Women 2012 Glass Ceiling Award this week.
The award was created in 1991 to recognize an individual with a history of promoting qualified women in their professional and personal development through workplace advancement. Janel Davis
Eight Austell officials honored by mayor
Eight Austell officials were honored recently by Mayor Joe Jerkins and the City Council.
Plaques and pins were awarded to Duane R. Demeritt for 15 years of service and, for 10 years, Gary Dobbs, Sandy Farmer and Jerry Sharp.
Five-year service pins were given to Jason Casteel, Kimberly Gallant, Christia Pockrus and Kathy Roberts. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Library offers tomato growing class
A free program on growing tomatoes will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the South Cobb Regional Library, 805 Clay St., Mableton.
Victoria Blackstone will be the instructor for this “Gardeners’ Night Out” presentation of the Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County. Information: cobbmastergardeners.org or 678-398-5828. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
GWINNETT
Former victim’s advocate honored for work
Former Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Victim Witness Director Stan L. Hall was recently recognized by the Georgia Senate with an official resolution in his honor. The resolution was presented on the Senate Floor during the 2012 Legislative Session.
State Sen. Renee Unterman, R-Buford, and Lt. Governor Casey Cagle commented on Hall’s career, which spanned nearly 32 years. Hall retired at the end of 2011. He was lauded for creating the prototype other Victim Witness Programs have replicated.
Hall is now executive director of the Gwinnett Sports Commission. Andria Simmons
Public input needed on trail improvements
Gwinnett County is seeking public input for plans to improve the trail system at Yellow River Park near Stone Mountain.
The county will host a meeting on the trail system at 6:30 p.m. May 17 at the Mountain Park Activity Building, 1063 Rockbridge Road, Stone Mountain. The county has contracted with Foresite Group and Trail Dynamics to develop a new trail plan. Information: www.gwinnettparks.com. David Wickert
County hosts kids fishing derby today
Gwinnett County will sponsor a free kids fishing derby from 10 a.m. to noon today at the Centerville Community Center, 3025 Bethany Church Road, Snellville. Children age 15 and under will be able to fish without a license for the day. The competition ends at 11:45 a.m., with a winner announced at noon. David Wickert
Snellville looking for fence bids
Snellville is requesting competitive sealed bids for the demolition or repair of the existing chain link fencing enclosing the Snellville Community Garden.
Sealed bids accepted at Snellville City Hall until 10 a.m. June 7. A mandatory pre-bid conference is scheduled for 10 a.m. May 22, at Briscoe Park. Information: www.snellville.org, Questions: Melisa Arnold, 770-985-3503 or marnold@snellville.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Berkeley Lake wildlife spreading out
With Berkeley Lake’s water level now down to four feet leaving, residents are reporting increased sightings of wildlife, including raccoon, fox and deer as the animals broaden their search for water and food sources. Homeowners are reminded not to place food scraps outdoors and to secure trash bins to avoid attracting the animals too close to homes and pets. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Historic aircraft offering flights
Lawrenceville’s chapter 690 of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) will host the Ford Tri-Motor airplane for six days May 24-29 at Briscoe Field. Ford Motor Company built 199 Tri-Motors from 1926 through 1933. Flights are $80 per person for a half-hour flight, with the co-pilot seat available for $125. Information: www.690.eaachapter.org, or by contacting Joel Levine at 404- 314-7573 or jlevine@bellsouth.net. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
NORTHSIDE
Assessment notices to be mailed on Monday
The Fulton County assessors office plans to mail more than 331,000 assessment notices on Monday, telling property owners their fair market values and how much they can expect to pay in taxes. The notices start the clock on the 45-day appeal deadline, which will be June 28. For the first time this year, taxpayers can file appeals online. The county wants residents to use that option, according to a news release, but they can also arrange meetings with staff appraisers to talk about value problems. Information: 404-612-6440 or www.fultonassessor.org. Johnny Edwards
3 high schools make magazine’s rankings
Three Fulton County high schools were named among the nation’s best on a ranking released by U.S. News & World Report. According to the 2012 ranking, Northview High School of Johns Creek ranked No. 4 in Georgia and Riverwood International Charter School of Sandy Springs was No. 5 in the state, earning each a gold medal designation.
Nationally, Northview is ranked No. 219 and Riverwood is No. 291 out of nearly 5,000 public high schools.
Tri-Cities High School of East Point also received national recognition with a bronze medal for its academic performance. D. Aileen Dodd
Medal of Honor recipient to speak
Medal of Honor recipient Maj. Gen. James E. Livingston will be the featured speaker at 10 a.m. today as Johns Creek welcomes the Georgia native to Park Place active adult center, 3125 Old Alabama Road.
The free event will be followed by a book-signing of “Noble Warrior,” Livingston’s eyewitness account of the Vietnam War.
On May 2, 1968, Livingston, as a Marine captain, was critically wounded at the heavily fortified village of Dai Do. Despite his injuries, he risked his life repeatedly to secure the area and evacuate injured soldiers.
Information: 678-512-3200. Patrick Fox
Forysth may change rules on alcohol
The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners will hold a pair of public hearings June 7 at 5 p.m. to get input on proposed changes to the county’s alcohol code. One proposal would allow discounted drinks. Currently, licensees are banned from cutting drink prices for such occasions as Mother’s Day, for example. The other would alter the sanctions process for employees facing alcohol sales permit violations. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Johns Creek to hold ‘Public Works Day’
Johns Creek residents can get down and dirty today getting an up-close look at bulldozers, dump trucks and other equipment at the city’s fifth annual “Public Works Day.” The free event runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Johns Creek High School, 5575 State Bridge Road.
Staff will answer questions and demonstrate the services provided by public works and the Johns Creek Fire Department. The event also features free food, games and prizes. Scouts can work toward merit badges and academic pins, as well.
Information: Sunnie Roth at 678-512-3200 or sunnie.Roth@JohnsCreekGA.gov. Patrick Fox
ATLANTA
Musician dies in wreck on I-285
Musician Joshua Webb, 27, a keyboardist who played on Ledisi’s Grammy-nominated album “Pieces of Me,” was killed in a wreck Wednesday on I-285.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that Webb, who grew up in St. Louis and recently moved to Atlanta, and a cousin were driving in rainy weather when they hit a tractor-trailer near Langford Parkway.
According to the Post-Dispatch, Webb, 27, played piano on Ledisi’s album on the song “Bravo,” and organ on the song “Shine.” Mike Morris
Westminster debate coach recognized
Jenny Heidt of The Westminster Schools in Atlanta has won national recognition as the first Georgia high school debate coach named to the Tournament of Champions Hall of Fame. The prestigious honor was presented to Heidt by Westminster graduate Ellis Allen, a two-time national title-winning debater.
Ellis is now a freshman at Michigan on a debate scholarship. He won his No. 1 titles under Heidt’s tutelage.
Heidt is the 20th person “Hall of Fame” inductee since its inception in 1983. D. Aileen Dodd
8th grader wins oratorical contest
Ariel Kim, an 8th grade student at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School, won 1st Place in the Archdiocese of Atlanta’s Office of Catholic Schools’ Oratorical Contest. Ariel presented a speech about the significant role volunteers played in the Underground Railroad. The Oratorical is a function of the Archdiocese of Atlanta’s Office of Catholic Schools and is sponsored by the Modern Woodmen of America. Nancy Badertscher
Church hosts Mother’s Day musical
China Grove Missionary Baptist Church at 3187 Osborne Road NE, Atlanta invites the public to a special “Mother’s Day” musical at 4 p.m. May 13. The free event will feature Lady Voncile Belcher, The Reverence Group and the China Grove Male Chorus. Information: 404-257-9403. Kenneth Musisi
DEKALB
Burglary suspect eludes officers in standoff
Police on Friday issued a warrant for a burglary suspect who eluded officers in a SWAT standoff in Clarkston.
Clarkston police charged Jarvis Lamar McElroy with armed robbery. McElroy was described as black, with dreadlocks, standing 6 feet 9 inches tall and weighing 235 pounds.
Two burglary suspects surrendered when DeKalb County police came to take them into custody Thursday, but McElroy got away. The men are suspected in several burglaries, including one at a police officer’s home. A SWAT team moved in and surrounded the Highland Villa Apartments on East Ponce de Leon Avenue around 1 p.m.
Anyone with information on McElroy’s whereabouts is asked to call Clarkston police at 404-292-9465. Angel K. Brooks and Joel Provano
Earth Day events today in Decatur
Several Earth Day events have been re-scheduled for today. Gardens in the Park is 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Exchange Park’s community garden, 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur. Registration is encouraged. Day in the Park is 1 to 4 p.m. at Mason Mill Park, 1340 McConnell Drive, Decatur, with a ribbon cutting on both a wetland project and dog park. Price is $20 per child, $10 per adult for registration. Decatur Green Fest is 2 to 10 p.m. on the Decatur Square. The Squirrelheads perform at 7 p.m. as this week’s Concert on the Square. Admission is free. Bill Banks for the AJC
DMC hosts event for preteen girls
DeKalb Medical Center is hosting “Puberty Rocks for Girls!” an event for preteen girls on May 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the DeKalb Medical Theatre North Decatur Campus, 2701 North Decatur Road, Decatur. This event will address body changes, mood swings, peer pressure and more. Information: Melissa Davis, DeKalb Medical Center Communication Intern at 404-501-5567. Sandra Marshall Murray
Decatur schools discuss moving central office
Decatur schools superintendent Phyllis Edwards met with city officials to discuss further details regarding the school system’s potential move of its central office from Westchester to the old Trinity High/Beacon Hill building. Renovation of the entire Beacon Hill complex would cost about $30 million, with Decatur schools paying $7 million.
Construction could begin as early as next January and take one year to complete. The city would do all building and planning, and that the school system would likely be allowed to negotiate a long-range payment plan. Bill Banks for the AJC
History center to begin storytelling series
A storytelling series about pioneer life returns to DeKalb History Center in June.
The program will include weekly session on craft making every Wednesday between June 6 and July 25. Events run between 10-11 a.m. at the historic Biffle Cabin, 720 W. Trinity Place.
The programs, for children ages 6-12, are $4 for children of members and $6 per session for others. There is a 10 percent discount if all seven sessions are bought in advance.
Information or reservations: 404-373-1088, Ext. 20 or dhs@dekalbhistory.org. April Hunt
SOUTHSIDE
Latino civil rights group want end to roadblocks
A Latino civil rights group is calling for an end to roadblocks and racial profiling of immigrants. Fayetteville residents will meet Monday with Fairburn Police Chief James McCarthy. The Georgia Latino Alliance for Human Rights called the roadblocks “focal points of discrimination.” “We have received dozens of concerns from immigrant communities statewide on the amount of roadblocks places disproportionately in immigrant communities, “ alliance president Teodoro Maus said. The 1 p.m. meeting will be at 191 South West Broad St. in Fairburn. Tammy Joyner
Forest Park police warn of incidents
Police on Friday issued a warning about two incidents in which men tried to lure girls into their vehicles in Forest Park.
On Wednesday, two males in a white SUV tried to lure two girls, ages 7 and 12, into their vehicle as they walked to school. The girls refused and kept walking, the statement said. Also on Wednesday, four males approached a 10-year-old girl and tried to lure her into a dark 4-door car, possibly a Ford Crown Victoria. The girl dropped her book bag and ran away. Anyone with information on the incidents is asked to call Forest Park police at 404-366-4141. Joel Provano
Wolf Creek books Angie Stone for June 9
Fulton County’s Wolf Creek Amphitheater has another concert booked this year. Grammy-nominated R&B and soul singer Angie Stone is scheduled to perform June 9, along with Ken Ford and Milkshake. MC Lightfoot will host.
The south Fulton facility has cost countywide taxpayers nearly $7 million to build, equip and operate, and the county is working to at least break even on a $353,000 allocation from the county commission this year.
The only other event is the two-day Funk Fest, headlined by Erykah Badu and New Edition, which starts Friday at 6 p.m. Johnny Edwards
Henry to hold TSPLOST information meeting
The Henry County 9-12 Project is hosting an information session on the upcoming Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax or TSPLOST on Monday at 7 p.m. Fayette County Commissioner Steve Brown, who opposes the July 31 penny-sales tax referendum, is the featured speaker for the event which will be in the Community Room of the Henry County Government Annex, 116 Zack Hinton Pkwy. in McDonough.
The referendum grew from a piece of legislation known as the Transportation Investment Act of 2010. Tammy Joyner
County promotes breastfeeding for health
The Clayton County Board of Health will host Breastfeeding Awareness week starting Monday at the Clayton County Board of Health, 1117 Battle Creek Road and the Clayton County Public Library-Main Branch, 865 Battle Creek Road, Jonesboro.
The staff will educate the community about the positive effects of breastfeeding can have on a child’s early development.
Information: www.claytoncountypublichealth.org or Cheryl Riley at 678-610-7343, Twanna Nelson at 678-610-7298. Sandra Marshall Murray
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