County by county news for Saturday

A pre-proposal meeting will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at City Hall, 4484 Marietta St.

Proposals must be submitted before 10 a.m. Feb. 15 when they will be publicly opened and read aloud.

Information: Croy Engineering at 770-971-5407 or lterry@croyengineering.com. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Republicans to host breakfast meeting

The Cobb GOP will host its breakfast meeting 8:30 to 10 a.m. today at the Headquarters, 799 Roswell St., Marietta.

Members of the Cobb County School Board will participate in a panel discussion to share and answer questions on their plans for quality education in the public schools. Breakfast:$10, $3 coffee. Information: Joe Dendy at 770-820-6545 or www.CobbGOP.org. Kenneth Musisi

Powder Springs officials in Rockmart

Powder Springs officials are spending the day in Rockmart today to review possible changes to the city charter.

City Manager Brad Hulsey told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution this 10-to-4 meeting will not take the place of the city’s annual retreat.

In recent years, city officials have traveled to the state-owned Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa in Young Harris for three days and two nights to prepare their budget and set goals. Carolyn Cunningham

Location changed for tree planting

Marietta Tree Keepers has changed the location for the Feb. 9 planting event to Custer Park south of North Marietta Parkway off Fairground St. The group needs volunteers of all ages from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. to plant trees at the recently renovated city park. Information: www.mariettaga.gov/committees/treekeepers.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Ergonomic correctness class to be at hospital

A class called “Learn How to be Ergonomically Correct at Work and Home,” will take place at 7 p.m. Feb. 5 at Emory-Adventist Hospital at Smyrna, 3949 South Cobb Drive.

A physical therapy professional will discuss appropriate posture and body mechanics needed to prevent injuries. The session is free. To register: 770-319-2025. Mea Watkins

Heart disease prevention seminar

“Diabetes and Your Heart,” will be held at 7 p.m. Feb. 12 at Emory-Adventist Hospital at Smyrna, 3949 South Cobb Dr. Dr. Jacob Levy, Assistant professor of medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, will discuss how diabetics may lower the risk of heart disease. Free. Register: 770-319-2025. Mea Watkins

Mable House to host spring break art camp

A spring break art camp will be offered at the Mable House 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 8-11. Sessions are split into two age groups: 6 -7 and 8 - 12. Cost: $100.

Information: 770-819-3285. Jaime Sarrio

GWINNETT

Court: Man forced 14-year-old into prostitution

Airick Creighton, 20, of Norcross was sentenced to 25 years in prison Friday for forcing a 14-year-old girl into prostitution. Prosecutors said Creighton brought the girl from Atlanta to a rented motel room in Norcross, where he helped her advertise prostitution services on Backpage.com. The victim was rescued and returned to her family following an undercover prostitution sting conducted by the Gwinnett County Police Department. Creighton will also have to be registered for life as a sex offender.

Andria Simmons

Peachtree Corners leaders to meet

The Peachtree Corners Business Association will hold a meeting at 7:30 a.m. Feb. 11 at the Atlanta Marriott Norcross, 475 Technology Parkway. Speaker will be entrepreneur and author, Joyce Bone, who will discuss the economy. Information: membership@peachtreecornersba.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Norcross exhibit honors soul artist

In celebration of Black History Month, the Norcross Arts Center will exhibit “Wilson Pickett: 25 at the Top.” American soul music artist Pickett recorded over 50 chart-topping songs. The exhibit will open 6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8 at the Norcross Arts Center, 17 College Street. For exhibit hours and dates, contact the Norcross Welcome Center & Museum at 678-421-2049. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Grayson home open for Valentine Tea

The Grayson Arts and History Center is hosting a Valentine Tea 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 9 at the Yancey House, 385 Grayson New Hope Rd. $20 per person. Make reservations by calling Barbara at 404-862-1313 or 678-985-7775. www.graysonartsandhistory.blogspot.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Lilburn Relay Rally planning underway

Lilburn invites groups of five or more to start planning now for the Lilburn Relay Rally, April 26 at Lilburn City Park. A kick-off planning session will be held at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 18 at City Hall. Fundraising teams of five or more may register under a business name or community organization at www.lilburnrelayrally.org. If forming your own team is not an option, the ladies from the GFWC Lilburn Woman’s Club invite you to join their “Women in Action” team. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Suwanee sweethearts may run for fun

The Rotary Club of Buford/North Gwinnett is encouraging you to run with a sweetheart, friend or family during the Suwanee Sweetheart 5K Sprint at 9 a.m. Feb. 9 at Town Center. Runners who sign up together receive a discount, but individual runners welcome.

Registration is $25 for individual runners; pairs can sign up for $40 at www.active.com and www.northgwinnettrotary.org. Long-sleeve, tech/dri-fit official race shirts as well as other sweet giveaways are guaranteed for all runners who pre-register by Feb. 4.

Information: Duane Champlin at 404-583-1595 or dchamplin@jacksonemc.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Road project near new Woodstock mall finished

Woodstock city officials say a new section of Woodstock Parkway near the under-construction Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta opened Friday morning.

The newly-opened stretch of road includes a new roundabout where Woodstock Parkway and Rope Mill Road intersect.

Officials say the former parkway stretch in that area will function as the entrance for the mall. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Historical Society shows ‘Appreciation’

On Jan. 22, the Ball Ground Historical Society awarded “Certificates of Appreciation” during its monthly meeting at Ball Ground City Hall.

Local businesses and individuals were recognized for their support of the society’s first Vintage Display and Membership Drive in October.

The vintage display featured historic photos of past businesses, churches and families at the Ball Ground Community Center. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Ryan James named Firefighter of the Year

Capt. Ryan James was named the city of Milton Fire-Rescue Department’s 2012 “Firefighter of the Year” at the agency’s awards banquet Jan. 26.

The 16-year fire service veteran and married father of two was chosen for the honor because of his eternally positive attitude, outstanding leadership and tireless work ethic, said Chief Robert Edgar.

James joined the city for its initial deployment in May 2007 after two years at the Dawson County Fire/Rescue Division.

Andria Simmons

Forsyth schools plan deadline approaching

The deadline for stakeholders to submit feedback on the Forsyth County Schools proposed 2013-2016 strategic plan is Feb.8. The plan lays out goals and strategies in five areas, including instruction, human resources and technology services. The plan is set for school board approval Feb. 21. More info and to submit feedback: www.forsyth.k12.ga.us

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Johns Creek offering CPR classes

In conjunction with American Heart Month, Johns Creek firefighters and paramedics will teach CPR classes at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Super CPR Saturday Feb. 9 at Park Place at Newtown School, Johns Creek’s Active Adult Center, 3125 Old Alabama Road. Reservations are required. Information: 678-512-3221, Thomas.Johnson@JohnsCreekGA.gov. MICHAEL ALPERT FOR THE AJC

Surf and Sun 5K Run for Feed the Hungry

Feed the Hungry Forsyth, a nonprofit food rescue organization, will host the Surf and Sun 5K Run to benefit the hungry, starting at 8:30 a.m. today at Cumming Towne Center, 2475 Market Place Boulevard, Cumming. Check-in and late registration start at 7:30 a.m.

The race is a qualifier for the December Five Star Championship and the Five Star Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day. Prizes will be awarded for the best surf outfits. Information: tinyurl.com/d7pwlah. Kenneth Musisi

ATLANTA

Fake fire marshal bilked restaurants

A man went to the Subway, Which Wich and Great Wraps restaurants in the Lenox Square Mall’s food court on Jan. 3, “identified himself as a fire marshal with the Atlanta Fire Department and then demanded $300 in cash after completing each inspection.”

According to a police incident report released Friday, employees at each of the three restaurants gave the man the requested cash from their registers.

Police on Friday released surveillance video of the suspect, a white male wearing a blue pullover with white stripes.

Anyone with informatin should call investigators at 404-816-7067 or Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477. Mike Morris

Choreographers and artists showcased

WonderRoot, a nonprofit organization, has launched Dance Chance Atlanta for choreographers and dance artists to showcase, develop and experiment with their work.

The first monthly showcase will be 7:30 p.m. March 2 at Atlanta Ballet’s Michael C. Carlos Dance Centre. Donation: $5.

Information: Sean Hilton at seananthonyhilton@gmail.com. Kenneth Musisi

Samuelsson to holds cooking demonstration

Macy’s Culinary Council Chef Marcus Samuelsson will conduct a cooking demonstration 2 p.m. today at Macy’s Lenox, Home Department, Culinary Kitchen, Level 3, 3393 Peachtree Road NE. Free. Reservations: 305-577-1818 or macys.com/events. Kenneth Musisi

Children’s Healthcare receives $60k grant

The St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to raising funds for childhood cancer research, has awarded a $60,715 infrastructure grant to the Aflac Cancer Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

The foundation’s 2012 funding total is more than $25 million. Grants were awarded based on need, anticipated results of the grant and local participation in St. Baldrick’s events. Information: www.St.Baldricks.com. Staff

DEKALB

Decatur hosts ‘Biggest Loser’ challenge

Pinnacle Fitness Bootcamp and CertaPro Painters are sponsoring the inaugural Decatur Biggest Loser Fitness and Weight-Loss Challenge.

The 6-week fitness contest kicks off with a weigh-in 7 to 10:30 a.m. today at Leapin’ Lizards, 185 Sams St. and wraps with a weigh-in March 16.

Prizes are $500 in cash and $400 in CertaPro Painters gift certificates. Registration: $20.

Five dollars of each registration benefits the Decatur Education Foundation. Information: David Nash at PinnacleDecatur@gmail.com or PinnacleFitnessBootCamp.com. Kenneth Musisi

Local flight school hosts open house

American Flyers Flight School at the DeKalb Peachtree Airport hosts an open house and barbeque noon today followed by tours of the classrooms, flight line and flight simulators. The free event is for those with a curiosity about flying small airplanes. No reservation is required. Information: tinyurl.com/3f9t8kf. Kenneth Musisi

Child brings pellet gun to school

Principal Melanie Pearch of Woodward Elementary School sent a letter to parents Thursday informing them a 6-year-old student brought a “soft pellet gun” to school in December.

The weapon was non-lethal and student safety “was never compromised,” she wrote.

A referral report obtained by Channel 2 Action News says the student was a girl, aged 7 and that the incident occurred Dec. 10 when the gun was discovered in the girl’s backpack by a crossing guard. Ty Tagami

Commissioner to host breakfast meeting

DeKalb County Commissioner Stan Watson will host a Community Breakfast 9 to 11 a.m. today at Chapel Hill Middle School, 3535 Dogwood Farms Road. Officials from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and DeKalb Peachtree Airport will discuss the vision, direction and objectives of the two airports.

The DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management will gather community input on the future of garbage pickup in DeKalb County.

No reservations are required, and admission is free. Information: 404-371-3681. Kenneth Musisi

Student mock trial competition today

The Young Lawyers Division Mock Trial Competition, sponsored by the State Bar of Georgia, will be held 9 a.m. today at the DeKalb County Courthouse, 556 N. McDonough St. Students from across the county will compete for a regional title. The event is free to the public and parking is free in the Courthouse parking deck. Veronica Fields Johnson

Early school registration today

Registration for new students attending Decatur city schools is 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at the city schools central office at Westchester, 758 Scott Boulevard. Superintendent Phyllis Edwards said the earlier a child registers the better chance they have of attending their zoned school. The current Decatur Schools enrollment is 3,644, but projections call for an 11 percent increase next year, or roughly 400 more students. The system’s grown by over 35 percent since 2008. Bill Banks for the AJC

SOUTHSIDE

McDonough receives infrastructure loan

The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority has awarded a $2 million Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan to the city of McDonough to finance the rehabilitation of the sewer system. The project will address infiltration and inflow within the system, reducing the demand on the city’s wastewater treatment facility.

The total cost of the project is $3 million, with GEFA providing the entire amount, including an existing loan commitment for $1 million awarded last May. McDonough will pay 1.40 percent interest on the 20-year loan. Kenneth Musisi

Businessman named Henry chamber chair

McDonough businessman Eddie Ausband0 is set to be installed as the 46th chairman of the Henry County Chamber of Commerce at the chamber’s annual dinner meeting Saturday. The event will be at Eagle’s Landing Country Club where outgoing chairman Danny Brown will pass the gavel to Ausband. Ausband and his wife, Allison, are longtime Henry County residents. They have three children. Ausband is the president of The Ausband Agency, Inc., a Nationwide Insurance provider and chief executive of Revanta Financial Group, LLC. Both firms are in McDonough. Tammy Joyner

S. Fulton baseball registration under way

Baseball registration for South Fulton Little League is still under way for children ages 3-14. On-site registration will be held noon to 2 p.m. today and Feb. 9 at Clarence Duncan Park, 6000 Rivertown Road, Fairburn. Online registration is available at tinyurl.com/bhr24lp. Information: 678-539-0032.Lisa Gibson for the AJC

Peachtree City Library to host turtle program

The Peachtree City Library will host a continuation of the successful Terrific Turtles program 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. today. Two programs for grades 1-6 and grade 7-adult, will run concurrently in different rooms.

Presenters will discuss wildlife and water quality, turtle death traps, captive care of turtles, and turtle die-offs. Admission is free. Information: 770-631-2520 or ptc.library.friends@gmail.com. Kenneth Musisi

Black-tie gala planned in Morrow

Arts Clayton is presenting Arte’ Gras, its 7th annual black tie gala that it calls “an evening on the French Riviera.”

People can mark their calendars for the 7 p.m. March 9 event at the Morrow Center, 1180 Southlake Mall No. 100 in Morrow.

A dinner buffet and an annual benefit raffle are among the features. For more information, call Linda Summerlin at 770-473-5831. Lisa Gibson for the AJC

CPR course offered in Union City

A video-based, instructor-led CPR class is being offered 9 a.m.-1 p.m. today at the Depot, 5060 Union St. in Union City.

The course, Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED, teaches students critical skills needed to respond to and manage a first aid, choking or sudden cardiac arrest emergency in the first few minutes until emergency medical services arrives.

Information: 770-515-7879; tinyurl.com/bx9cjuq.

Lisa Gibson for the AJC