County by county news for Saturday

The market, which will open every Saturday rain or shine, will have 43 vendors selling locally grown vegetables and artisan food products.

Information: mariettasquarefarmersmarket. net or Johnny Fulmer at 770-499-9393. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Bids due Thursday for park restroom

Cobb County is seeking bids before noon Thursday in the Cobb Purchasing Department, 100 Cherokee St., Suite 260, Marietta from general contractors to construct a restroom building for Wallace Park, 6289 Pisgah Road, Mableton.

Bids will be opened at 2 p.m. that day in the Board of Commissioners room, 100 Cherokee St., second floor, Marietta.

A complete set of bidding documents may be obtained only by contacting Moreland Altobelli Associates, Inc. of Marietta at 770-565-8520 or by fax at 770-565-8042. Information purchasing@cobbcounty.org. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

West Cobb hosts Chili Cook-off

The Fourth Grand Chili Cook-off will be 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Jan. 28 at the West Cobb Senior Center, 4915 Dallas Highway, Powder Springs.

Each team must bring enough chili for 50 or more and sides plus compete for taste, presentation and votes.

Guest judges will be firefighters from Station 13, and prizes will be provided by United Hospice and Senior Helpers.

Costs: $3, Cobb residents; $4, nonresidents.

Information: 770-528-8200. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Mayor announces appointments

Powder Springs Mayor Patricia C. Vaughn announced Monday her 2014 appointments for City Councilmembers.

They are Nancy Hudson, Keep Powder Springs Beautiful; Rosalyn Neal, Downtown Development Authority; Cheryl Sarvis, Ford Center Board of Directors and School Partnerships; Al Thurman and Dr. Chris Wizner, Planning and Zoning Commission and Wizner, Downtown Development Authority of Powder Springs.Carolyn Cunningham

Student MLK project: helping residents

Middle and high school students in an Acworth mentoring program will help residents Monday as part of a Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service after a MLK Day ceremony 10 a.m. Monday at Acworth City Hall, 4415 Senator Russell Ave. Information: mlewis@acworth.org. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Two meetings for 4 Six Flags roadways

To improve public safety response times and reduce confusion, Cobb Community Development staff propose changing the names of Six Flags Drive, Six Flags Parkway, Six Flags Road and Six Flags Way.

Public meetings are 6 to 7 p.m. Jan. 22 at the South Cobb Recreation Center, 875 Six Flags Drive, Austell, and at 7 p.m. Jan. 28 in the Board of Commissioners room, second floor, 100 Cherokee St., Marietta.

Information: 770-528-2514 or 770-528-3311. Carolyn Cunningham

GWINNETT

Gwinnett leaders plan for next 100 years

Gwinnett Commission Chairman Charlotte Nash expressed optimism Thursday during the State of the County address. Nash acknowledged the county has had slower growth since the Great Recession, but the tax digest is expected to grow for the first time since 2008. Forecasts show a steady recovery over the next several years to allow for more long-range planning and implementation. Citing the need for a diverse economic structure where small and large businesses can thrive, Nash announced the formation of a task force of business owners who will advise county government. Video: www.tvgwinnett.com Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Duluth celebrates ‘Pooh’ author

Duluth honors the birthday of A.A. Milne, author and creator of Winnie The Pooh, Christopher Robin, Tigger, Eeyore, Piglet and Roo with Winnie The Pooh Day 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today in the Festival Center, downtown Duluth. Event includes story time and kid crafts. Information: www.duluthga.net. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Duluth to discuss comprehensive plan

Duluth’s planning staff and consultants from the Atlanta Regional Commission will hold a public open house to discuss updates to the city’s comprehensive plan 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21 at Duluth’s City Hall Community Room. Participants will gain knowledge about the comprehensive plan, including a new five-year short-term work program, and be able to make comments for the updated plan. Questions: William Aiken, Department of Planning and Development: waiken@duluthga.net or 770-476-1790. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Duluth will explain sign ordinance changes

In the process of updating the City’s codes and ordinances Duluth has adopted a new sign ordinance. Businesses affected may learn more details about the changes at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23 in the City Hall Community Room. Info: Rich Atkinson at ratkinson@duluthga.net or 770-497-5305. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Peachtree Corners to receive grant

The newly-incorporated city of Peachtree Corners has been awarded a $96,000 Atlanta Regional Commission grant to develop a plan for a town center.

The grant requires a $24,000 local match.

The Peachtree grant is part of $800,000 in the latest round of commission Livable Centers Initiative grants to 11 metro Atlanta communities. Other grants went o to the cities of Atlanta, Avondale Estates, Clarkston, Hiram, Kennesaw and Woodstock and to several metro Atlanta improvement districts. The grants are funded by federal transportation dollars. Molly Bloom

Coalition seeking volunteers for MLK Day

The Gwinnett Coalition for Health and Human Services in partnership with Volunteer Gwinnett is seeking volunteers for its MLK Day of Service in support of local veteran military families 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday at StreetWise Georgia, 1750 Cedars Road, Lawrenceville.

Information: intern4@gwinnettcoalition.org or 770-995-3339. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Canton names interim city manager

The Canton City Council voted Thursday night to appoint Councilman Glen Cummins as interim City Manager.

Cummins will be paid $10,000 monthly to serve in the role until a permanent replacement is found.

Former City Manager Scott Wood submitted his resignation shortly after the first of the year, after serving since 2009.

Wood said in his resignation letter that, from time to time, fresh perspectives are needed. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Forsyth food charity reports more activity

In its annual report, the non-profit Feed the Hungry Forsyth says it delivered almost 85,000 pounds of food to 18 local food ministries in 2013. That’s compares with just 1,250 pounds in 2012, its first year of operation.

The organization collects perishable food from restaurants and grocery stores, as well as non-perishables such as canned goods.

Information: feedforsyth.org  Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Woodall plans veterans informational session

U.S. Rep. Rob Woodall, R-Ga., who represents the southern half of Forsyth County, will hold a Veterans Assistance Open House.

It’s set for 10 a.m.-noon Thursday in the auditorium breezeway at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, 75 Langley Drive., Lawrenceville.

Representatives of state and federal veterrans agencies, plus private groups, will be on hand to answer questions and explain programs and benefits. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Woodstock officials set annual retreat

Woodstock city officials will hold their annual planning retreat beginning at 1 p.m. Fridayat Magnolia Hall, 108 Arnold Mill Road.

Mayor Donnie Henriques, the City Council, city manager and department heads will attend. Participants will discuss city history and accomplishments, and will hear department head reports. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Roswell Fire and Police Foundation gala

A charity gala to benefit the Roswell Fire and Police Foundation will be held at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the Roswell Mill, 85 Mill St., Roswell.

Individual tickets are $150 per person. Corporate sponsorship packages are also available.

Proceeds from the gala will be used to help Roswell public safety employees and their families in times of need.

Information: roswellfpf.com  Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Cherokee Chamber annual meeting set

The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for its annual meeting, set for 11 a.m. Thursday at the Northside Hospital-Cherokee Conference Center, 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton.

Incoming Chairman of the Board Lewis Cline of the Bank of North Georgia will be installed and the First Citizen of Cherokee County and Volunteer of the Year awards will be presented.

Information/registration: cherokeechamber.com  Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

U.S. Attorney collects over $13 million

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Atlanta collected more than $13.6 million in criminal and civil actions during the past fiscal year, U.S. Attorney Sally Yates said.

Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Atlanta also worked with other Justice Department offices to collect more than $123 million in jointly pursued cases. Bill Rankin

School discrimination policy reviewed

The Atlanta school board is accepting public comment on its revised discrimination policy, which expands the definition of harassment and retaliation.

The updated policy covers prohibitions on discrimination by race, religion, sex, citizenship, age disability, military status, sexual orientation and several other areas.

Public comments may be submitted to: rkaye@atlantapublicschools.us. Mark Niesse

Ben Hill UMC hosts King Day event

The Visual Arts Ministry of Ben Hill United Methodist Church is hosting its “MLK Freedom Cafe,” an evening of music, art and spoken word performances in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, at 5 p.m. today at the church, 2099 Fairburn Road.

A $5 donation is suggested.

The church’s King Day program is 10 a.m. Monday. Bishop Paul S. Morton of Changing a Generation Full Gospel Baptist Church will be the keynote speaker.

Information: www.benhill-umc.org Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Superintendent to be announced in April

Atlanta’s next superintendent will be named in April, according to a timeline set by the the board of education Monday.

The Superintendent Search Committee will interview candidates this month and next. Then the full board will choose from finalists after they’re announced in March.

The incoming superintendent is expected to start working for APS in June as current Superintendent Erroll Davis prepares to retire. Mark Niesse

DEKALB

Agency to update probation status

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools is expected to announce Tuesday whether it will change the DeKalb County School District’s accreditation status.

SACS placed DeKalb on probation in December 2012, after finding management problems. The agency threatened to strip the district of accreditation if leadership failed to address the issues within a year. A review team visited DeKalb in early December, and now the agency is poised to announce whether the accreditation status will improve, worsen or stay the same for the district of nearly 100,000 students.

Superintendent Michael Thurmond has called a school board meeting for 10 a.m. Tuesday, when Mark Elgart, the president and CEO of SACS, will give an update. Ty Tagami

Grant to fund study of potential road diet

Avondale Estates was recently awarded a $50,000 grant by the Atlanta Regional Commission to fund a feasibility study of a road diet along US 278 from Sams Crossings to just past North Clarendon Avenue. The long-term goal is to make that stretch more bicycle and pedestrian friendly, including one scenario of reducing 278 to two automobile traffic lanes. The study, which should last through July, also includes considering a possible roundabout at North Clarendon and 278. Total cost is $62,500 counting the city’s 20 percent match. Bill Banks for the AJC

Home electronics recycling event today

DeKalb Academy of Technology and Environment is teaming up with IMS Electronics for a home electronics disposal event, 10 a.m. today at the parking lot of the school, 1492 Kelton Drive, Stone Mountain. The event is open to local residents and businesses.

Most home electronics will be accepted for disposal free of charge. Some items will be collected for recycling and disposal for fees of $5 to $30. Items containing biohazardous material, hazardous waste, freon, liquids of any type, smoke detectors or radioactive materials will not be accepted.

Information: www.imselectronics.com  Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Volunteers still needed for MLK Day project

Volunteers can still sign up for Decatur’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Service Project this weekend.

Workers will do repairs at the homes of senior citizens and also help with yard work for those unable to tackle the chores or pay for help.

Volunteers with carpentry skills or from other skilled trades are especially needed.

Information about shifts available or to sign up: leeann.harvey@decaturga.com or 678-553-6548. April Hunt

Public Works building nearly finished

New furniture and technology equipment gets moved in this week to Decatur’s revamped Public Works facility, a roughly $6.8 million renovation and new construction more than doubling the space from 15,000 square feet to 36,000.

The division of Design, Environment & Construction is scheduled to move in Tuesday, while the remaining departments — Schools Facility Maintenance, Public Works, Streets and Drains, Solid Wastes and Motor Maintenance — should be in by Feb. 1. Bill Banks for the AJC

SOUTHSIDE

Leadership change at Henry clinic

Hands of Hope Clinic executive director Ruth Rucker is retiring this month. Mollie Cole has been named as her successor to lead the clinic, which serves uninsured and underinsured Henry County residents. Rucker helped establish the clinic in 2004, and during her tenure helped Hands of Hope evolve from a small space at McDonough Presbyterian Church serving a few hundred patients to a location on the campus of Piedmont Henry Hospital, 1010 Hospital Drive, Building B, Stockbridge. Information: www.handsofhopeclinic.org or 770.507.1344. Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Traffic study approved for Peachtree City

The City Council of Peachtree City has approved funding for a comprehensive study to identify solutions to ongoing traffic congestion.

The council voted 3-2 Thursday to allocate $70,000 for the study as a step toward addressing heavy traffic along the Ga. Hwy. 54 West corridor at Ga. 74. Eric Imker and Mike King voted against it. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Peachtree City retires police dog

Enko, Peachtree City’s 5-year-old Belgian Malinois K-9 officer, is being retired.

His handler, Corporal Robert Kloznick, will pay the city $1 for the dog and assume responsibility for his future care. Kloznick is resigning from the department, and the cost of retraining a new handler or selling the dog elsewhere was deemed not cost-effective given Enko’s age and hypothyroidism. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Transplant discussion at Piedmont Henry

The public is invited to a “Lunch and Learn” scheduled for noon Thursday in Piedmont Henry Hospital’s Foundation Board Room to ill discuss kidney transplant options and strategies for successfully pursuing living donors.

Reservations: 877-527-3712.

Information: piedmonttransplant.org. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Fayette schools study seven-period day

Plans to add a seventh period to all Fayette County high school schedules moved a step closer at Monday’s Board of Education meeting.

Members voted to let Superintendent Jody Barrow develop a proposed system-wide schedule that would allow students more flexibility and options for classes, particularly fine arts and other electives. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Clayton commission to hold planning retreat

The Clayton County Board of Commissioners will meet today for a retreat at the J.W. Smith Community Use Building, 143 Northbridge Road in Hampton.

The 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. retreat will focus on 2014 goals for the county.

Among the goals: this year’s legislative agenda and projects to be funded by a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, which voters will decide on later this year. Tammy Joyner