County by county news for Saturday

Jennifer Dawson of Lost Mountain Middle School was among 68 teachers picked to participate in the Teachers for Global Classrooms program funded by the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

The former Cobb teacher of the year will get graduate-level training. She’ll also travel for two weeks to Brazil, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Morocco or Ukraine. Ty Tagami

Leaders to talk about education, economy

College leaders will discuss the affect of higher education on the economy in Cobb County at an event Monday morning.

Panelists at the Cobb Chamber of Commerce breakfast will be: Lisa Rossbacher, president of Southern Polytechnic State University; Ron Newcomb, interim president of Chattahoochee Technical College; Ken Harmon, interim provost of Kennesaw State University, and Guy Riekeman, president of Life University.

The event is at 7:30 a.m. at the Atlanta Marriott Northwest at the Galleria. General admission is $50; chamber members pay $35. Ty Tagami

Ott to hold town hall meeting Nov. 10

Cobb County Commissioner Bob Ott will host a town hall meeting on Nov. 10 for residents of his southeast Cobb district. Ott will discuss zoning and development issues pertaining to his district, as well as, countywide matters.

The meeting runs from 7 to 9 p.m. at the East Cobb Library, 4880 Lower Roswell Road in Marietta. Information: 770-528-3316; www.cobbcounty.org/ott Janel Davis

Kennesaw to build skateboard park

Kennesaw plans to build a $1.2 million skate board park at Swift Cantrell Park off Old U.S. Highway 41. The city council will vote on the contract for the 40,000 square-foot facility Monday. Funding will come from 2011 SPLOST money and corporate and private donations. Kennesaw is collaborating with the Rob Dyrdek Foundation to design and build the park. Dyrdek is a professional skate boarder. The city expects to have funds to start construction next spring and open the park in late fall 2012. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Kirkwood church to shred mortgage Sunday

The 125 members of Kirkwood Presbyterian Church in West Cobb celebrate the final payment on their building at 618 Acworth Due West Road with “shred the mortgage” event Sunday. Following the 10:30 a.m. service, members are invited to a catered lunch and the shredding ceremony. The program will be led by the church’s new senior pastor, the Rev. Catherine Cavazos, a 2007 graduate of Columbia Theological Seminary who was installed as the church in October. Information: 770-427-3545; kirkwoodpc.org. H.M. Cauley

Artillery demonstration at Kennesaw park

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park invites the public to come for a live fire demonstration and program of Civil War artillery on Sunday at 11 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Admission is free. Information: 770-427-4686. Kenneth Musisi

GWINNETT

Longest-serving state court judge won’t run

Robert Mock, Chief Judge of the State Court of Gwinnett County, announced Friday he will not seek re-election in 2012.

Mock is the longest serving judge in the State Court and has been Chief Judge since 2004. Mock started his judicial career in Gwinnett Recorder’s Court in 1987, became Chief Judge of Recorder’s Court and was selected by then Governor Zell Miller in 1991 for the Gwinnett State Court.

Mock, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, graduated college and law school (magna cum laude) at night, while working full-time with the U.S. Postal Service. Andria Simmons

Emily Brantley to run for judge of state court

Attorney Emily Brantley of Suwanee announced Thursday that she will be a candidate for Judge of State Court of Gwinnett County. The incumbent, Judge Robert Mock, is not seeking re-election in 2012. Brantley is an attorney specializing in complex civil litigation.

Brantley earned her law degree from Georgia State University in 1991. She is a member of the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Georgia, and Gwinnett County Bar. Brantley and her husband, Frank Circelli, have three daughters and live in Suwanee. ANDRia SIMMONS

Lasseter to meet with constituents today

Gwinnett County Commissioner Shirley Lasseter will meet with constituents from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. today at the McDaniel Farm Park Farmhouse near the park entrance, 3251 McDaniel Road, Duluth. Lasseter represents commission District 1, which covers the western part of Gwinnett and includes the cities of Duluth and Suwanee. David Wickert

Blasi to run for superior court judge

Attorney Tracey Blasi announced Friday that she will campaign for Gwinnett County Superior Court Judge to fill the vacancy left by retiring Judge Dawson Jackson. Blasi has been a Duluth Municipal Court Judge and is an attorney specializing in mediation and land use. She has practiced law in Georgia for 20 years. She earned her law degree from Georgia State University. She co-founded United Way’s Women’s Legacy in Gwinnett, is past president of the Rotary Club of Gwinnett, and is president of the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia. Andria Simmons

Veterans Day ceremony at memorial Friday

Gwinnett County will host a Veterans Day ceremony at 11 a.m. Nov. 11 at the Gwinnett Fallen Heroes Memorial, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville. The memorial is located opposite the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, across the parking lot. Information: 770-822-7180. David Wickert

Suwanee to hold parks celebration today

Suwanee will host a Parker’s Parks Party today in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the bond referendum vote that funded the city’s parks.

A variety of activities will be available to residents at several of Suwanee’s parks from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Among the festivities are fishing at Sims Lake Park, a petting zoo at White Street Park and a free concert at Town Center Park. Information: www.suwanee.com. Joel Anderson

NORTHSIDE

Trial in 5-year-old murders delayed again

The trial of one of three men charged with killing four people in a Cumming farmhouse five years ago has been delayed again, said Forsyth County District Attorney Penny Penn. The trial of Marcin Sosniak before Forsyth County Superior Court judge David L. Dickinson has twice been scheduled this year, in July, then October. It was postponed by defense appeal, and will not got to trial until next year, said Penn, who is seeking the death penalty. Two others charged in the March 19, 2006 murders, Jason McGhee, and Frank Ortegon, also await trial. Jeffry Scott

Watson Road to be closed several weeks

Watson Road northwest of Cumming will be temporarily closed to through traffic for several weeks beginning Wednesday. The temporary closure will allow for construction of a reinforced concrete box culvert on Watson Road at Yellow Creek.

John Cunard, director of engineering for Forsyth County, said providing a larger culvert will help eliminate flooding of the roadway. The road is slated to re-open Dec. 21. During the closure, a detour route will be marked.

The project is funded by the county’s Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax. Patrick Fox

Old water treatment facility to be razed

The old Johns Creek Waste Water Treatment Facility is coming down. The Fulton County Commission has approved a $977,000 demolition contract with Norcross-based Tristar of America, Inc.

The company will also remove asbestos from the facility, located on River Birch Drive in Roswell.

The plant has been replaced with the state-of-the-art, $137 million Johns Creek Environmental Center, which the county opened last year.

The new plant is also in Roswell, on Holcomb Bridge Road along the Chattahoochee River. Patrick Fox

Commission approves money for jail food

The Fulton commission has approved a Sheriff’s Office request to add $170,000 to a $3.5 million contract with Aramark Correctional Services to feed jail inmates, covering meal prices rising from $1.14 to $1.20. Commissioners had balked at the request in October.

Johnny Edwards

New principal for Riverwood school

A new principal has been selected for Riverwood International Charter School of Fulton County.

The administrator, Chris Triolo, currently serves as principal of John Motley Morehead Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Academy in North Carolina.

Triolo will begin his new job at Riverwood on Dec. 12. D. Aileen Dodd

Library hold Scottish Workshop for kids

Northeast Spruill Oaks Library presents the Scottish Workshop for children on Mondayfrom 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at 9560 Spruill Road, Johns Creek.

Everyone is invited to come dressed as their favorite Scottish character.

Information: call 770-360-8820 or visit www.afpls.org/northeast-spruill-oaks-branch. Sandra Marshall Murray

ATLANTA

School hosts community talk on obesity

Coretta Scott King High will host a community talk on childhood obesity Nov. 15 at 6 p.m. The PTSA will serve a health dinner starting at 5:15 p.m., and speakers will include State Rep. Alisha Thomas Morgan, as well as doctors and psychologists. King is located at 1190 Northwest Dr. Atlanta. Information: www.atlanta.k12.ga.us Jaime Sarrio

LAA to host Fall 2011 Citizenship Day

The Latin American Association, Catholic Charities, the American Immigration Lawyers Association and the Georgia Association for Latino Elected Officials are hosting a Fall 2011 Citizenship Day.

The information session for to lawful permanent residents seeking U.S. citizenship is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Latin American Association at 2750 Buford Highway in Atlanta. Info: www.thelaa.org. Andria Simmons

Student asks to join civil right art contest

Several metro Atlanta jurisdictions and organizations are sponsoring a civil rights-related art contest for students.

“The Dream Art Contest: Visions of the Civil Rights Movement and America Today” is for public schools and after-school art programs.

The submission deadline is Nov. 18, with awards in early February during Black History Month. Information: thedreamartcontest.com. Ty Tagami

Reindog Parade at Botanical Gardens

Pups clad in their finest holiday attire will be on parade Dec. 10 at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. They’ll be showing off and competing for prizes at the garden’s fourth annual Reindog Parade.

The fun starts at 11 a.m. Atlanta resident Victoria Stilwell, host of the Animal Planet cable TV show “It’s Me or the Dog,” will emcee. Entry fee for: $15 per dog, $18 at the door. Regular admission also applies. All dogs must pre-register, and forms are available on the garden’s web site or via reindog@atlantabotanicalgarden.org. Nancy Badertscher

DEKALB

Latino youth to meet at Emory today

More than 1,000 middle and high school students will spend Saturday at Emory University for the annual Latino Youth Leadership Conference. The Latin American Association organizes the event to encourage Latino students to enroll in college. The event also advises parents on the different options available to their children and offers tips on the college process. Laura Diamond

County borrows money for water project

DeKalb County recently agreed to borrow up to $500,000 to pay for the first phase of a $1.35 billion upgrade to its failing water and sewer system.

The county will issue bonds during the week of Nov. 14 to begin the work. Ground will be broken early next year on the first projects. April Hunt

School chief holds chats with employees

Superintendent Cheryl H.L. Atkinson is holding a series of “fireside chats” open to any of the district’s 15,000 employees as part of her first 90 days on the job. The purpose is to hear about employee concerns directly from them. Her next such meeting is slated for Tuesday 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the district’s administration building at 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd. This meeting is planned for secretaries, clerical workers and bookkeepers. There are about 6 more such meetings scheduled through December for everyone from custodians to principals. Rich McKay

Veterans Day 5K run registration begins

Registration has begun for a Veterans Day 5K in south DeKalb County.

The Healthy DeKalb event, sponsored by the county Board of Health and commissioner Stan Watson, features a 1-mile walk and 5K run.

Activities begin at 8 a.m. on Nov. 12 at Snapfinger Woods Road and DeKalb Medical Center Parkway.

Registration is $10 for children under 10 and $15 for adults and seniors. Proceeds benefit the DeKalb County Police Athletic League and the Center for Community Empowerment.

More information: Eddie Broadway at ebroadw@bellsouth.net. April Hunt

Brookhaven author to discuss her book

Brookhaven author Marcia Gaddis will discuss her award-winning book, “When God Comes Near: Waiting in the Miracle of His Presence,” at 1 p.m., Nov. 19 at Eagle Eye Book Shop, located at 2076 North Decatur Road in Decatur. The book chronicles the final sixteen months of her daughter’s life following the diagnosis of Creutzfeldt -- Jakob Disease (CJD), a rare and fatal neurological disorder. International CJD Day will be observed on Nov. 12. Mea Watkins

Toy store to hold food drive Nov. 12

Picayune Toy Store will host a food drive Nov. 12 at the store.

Customers who bring three non-perishable food items to the event will receive a $5 gift certificate for use on purchases. Picayune Toy Store will also take donations of new toys as part of the Dunwoody Police Department’s “Christmas for Kids” program. The store is at 2482 Jett Ferry Road, #660, Dunwoody. For information: 770-395-0890. Laurie Hoffman

SOUTHSIDE

Eaves to give Brazilian judges tour of courts

On Monday and Tuesday, Fulton Commission Chairman John Eaves will host a delegation of 19 Brazilian judges as they observe state and county court systems. The visit is part of a 10-day educational and intercultural initiative through Mercer University’s Walter F. George School of Law. The judges will watch arguments and proceedings at the state Supreme Court and Fulton Superior Court and meet with Supreme Court Chief Justice Carol Hunstein. Eaves will host a debriefing of the judges Monday at 3:30 p.m. in the county Government Center’s Assembly Hall. Johnny Edwards

Peachtree City keeps lid on apartments

The City Council of Peachtree City voted unanimously Thursday to renew a moratorium on rezoning property for multifamily development, including apartments and condominiums.

The ordinance was enacted by the city in 1999 “to protect the health, safety and welfare of its citizens.” It requires property owners to seek Council approval before submitting rezoning requests.

The moratorium must be reviewed annually for renewal. It does not affect property originally zoned for multifamily use. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Eisenhower associate to speak at breakfast

The city of McDonough is sponsoring a Veterans Day Appreciation Breakfast Monday at 8 a.m. at the Heritage Senior Center. The guest speaker is Helen Denton, a Fayetteville resident who served as a secretary to Gen. Eisenhower during World War II and actually typed the orders for the D-Day invasion. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Henry schools off for election day

There will be no classes Tuesday for schools in the Henry County School System, as voters across the county go to the polls to vote on the extension of the special-purpose local-option sales tax for the schools. City council seats and Sunday alcohol sales will be decided in each of the county’s four cities as well. Teachers and staff members will report to work Tuesday, but students will have the day off. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Porsche Festival pays tribute to milestones

The Mille 2011 Porsche Festival, the world’s largest Porsche event will be Saturday at 9 a.m. at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton. The event pays tribute to with several Porsche milestones, including the 60th anniversary of Porsche car sales in North America. Information: E-mail porschemille@gmail.com and mitch@themille.com or call 770-846-0440 and visit www.themille.com. Kenneth Musisi

College Park holds tailgate party

College Park is staging a community tailgate party Saturday in the College Park Municipal Parking Lot at the intersection of Main Street and College Street. The lot opens at 1 p.m. and activities and music begin at 3 p.m. Dress up your vehicle or tent to support your favorite high school, college or pro team. No alcoholic beverages are allowed. Enjoy the ESPN game of the week on the “big screen.” Information: 404-305-2052. John Thompson for the AJC