County by county news for Saturday

Cobb’s phone conference is set for 7:30 p.m. June 6 and last for one hour. County Commission Chairman Tim Lee and Kennesaw Mayor Mark Mathews will host Cobb’s chat.

On July 31, voters will decide whether to levy a 10-year, one cent sales taxes to fund $6.14 billion in regional transportation projects. To register: 404-463-3227; www.wiresidechats.com

Janel Davis

Costume Society helps Marietta museum

Volunteers with the Costume Society of America will provide free conservation services to the Marietta Museum of History next week as part of the Society’s annual Angels Project.

The Angels Project, held before the start of the Society’s annual symposium, features specialized CSA volunteers working with an area museum. The volunteers will be working on sewing projects, photography, costume identification and minor conservation work for the MMH’s 20,000 artifacts and textiles.

The museum will be closed to visitors on Tuesday while the volunteers work. Janel Davis

Candiates qualify for Marietta races

Patti Pearlberg and Andy Morris have qualified to run for the Marietta Council Ward 4 seat in the July 31 special election. Pearlberg, an attorney and community activist, is the wife of former Ward 4 councilman Van Pearlberg. Morris, a building inspector, represented Ward 4 on co9uncil from 2002-2005. Brett Bittner, a small business owner, also qualified this week to run for the Ward 1 seat on the Marietta City Schools Board of Education. Bittner was the only person to qualify for the post vacated by Logan Weber who moved out of state. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Body found in Kennesaw of Calhoun man

The remains found in Kennesaw Wednesday morning are those of a Calhoun man missing since August 2009, Cobb County police said Friday.

Norris Milton Dove Jr. was 47 when he was reported missing, police said. Cause of death hasn’t been determined.

A man collecting cans spotted what he believed to be a skull in the woods about 30 yards east of I-75 near the Shiloh Road overpass and called 911, Officer Mike Bowman with Cobb police told the AJC.

The county’s Medical Examiner’s Office will try to determine how Dove died, police said.

Anyone with information that may assist investigators in the case is asked to call Cobb police at 770-499-3945. Alexis Stevens

Candidate produces film for campaign

Bill Windsor, who intends to run for Congress for the 6th Congressional District against incumbent Tom Price, is producing a documentary film to publicize his platform of rooting out government corruption. He is looking for volunteers to help for a 50-state documentary film project over the next 143 days, with the idea of collecting footage from every state capital and Washington, D.C. Windsor said he plans to take testimony to Congress from “over 1,000 victims of government and judicial corruption.” Jeffry Scott

GWINNETT

New principals named

The Gwinnett School Board in a special called meeting Thursday named four new principals. They are: Phyllis Dartt at Cedar Hill Elementary; Angela “Angie” Pacholke at Freeman’s Mill Elementary; Crystal Cooper at Sycamore Elementary; and Michael Zinn at Berkmar High. The four are filling vacancies created by retirements or because principals are transitioning to other district positions, the district said in a press release.

Nancy Badertscher

Alzheimer’s man dies after river rescue

A missing Alzheimer’s patient found Friday morning along the Chattahoochee River died in a hospital, Channel 2 Action News reported.

Richard Chang Lee, 72, went missing Thursday afternoon from his Duluth home.

A Georgia State Patrol helicopter spotted Lee lying face down, partly in the water, early Friday morning, and National Parks Service rescuers, aided by Gwinnett County police and fire departments, were able to rescue him.

Lee was responsive when rescuers reached him in a boat, authorities said. But he may have suffered from hypothermia because the water temperature was around 55 degrees.

The man reportedly died Friday morning from complications related to his age and conditions. His body was cold to the touch when he was found on the riverbank, authorities said. Marcus Garner

American Legion post hosts vets

Duluth’s annual Veterans Memorial Service is set for 6 p.m. May 26 at Duluth’s town green. The service will specifically recognize Korean War Veterans on this 60th Anniversary of the Korean War; by presenting them with commemorative coins. The Legion Riders will perform a “Fallen Heroes Salute” to honor all veterans, and for those who are still missing and those who didn’t return.

Kenneth Musisi

Residents can weigh in on transportation tax

Gwinnett County residents can discuss a proposed regional transportation sales tax with local officials during a telephone conference at 6:15 p.m. June 7.

Voters in 10 metro Atlanta counties will decide on July 31 whether to approve a one percent sales tax for a variety of road and transit improvements. Gwinnett County Commission Chairwoman Charlotte Nash and Norcross Mayor Bucky Johnson will discuss the proposal and answer questions during the live telephone chat.

To register for the telephone conference, register your name and phone number at www.wiresidechats.com. David Wickert

Schools host pro basketball camps

Atlanta Hawks basketball camps are coming to Lilburn’s Berkmar High and Dacula’s Hebron Christian Academy June 4-8. The sites are among 14, each featuring Hawks guests and staff, official team gear and a game ticket for each participant. Camps are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., for participants 7-16 years old and cost $200. Michael Alpert for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Qualifying extended in Cherokee state judge race

Qualifying for two state court judge seats in Cherokee County was extended from Friday noon to Saturday noon because of an error in a legal notice by the Cherokee County Board of Elections. County commission candidate Channing Ruskell filed a complaint in Superior Court Tuesday, the day before qualifying started Wednesday, even though he said in court he recognized the error two weeks earlier. He told Floyd County Superior court Judge Larry Salmon Wednesday he was tied up with cases and that why he waited so long to file the complaint.

Jeffry Scott

Last week for jury summons amnesty

Fulton County’s “Jury Summons Amnesty Month” ends Friday, after which the Superior Court judges will start pursuing contempt charges against those who failed to show up for jury duty last year. Only four people had responded as of the first day of May, and Court Administrator Yolanda Lewis refused to provide updated numbers until the month is up.

Penalties can be avoided by contacting the court, setting a new date and signing an affidavit promising to show up this time. Information: 404-612-4600, info.juryservices@fultoncountyga.gov or FultonCourt.org. Johnny Edwards

Meeting set for Fulton camp parents

Manual Scott, whose story of going from a high school dropout to motivational speaker, will speak to Fulton County Schools parents at a series of mandatory meetings for students participating in Title I HB3 Summer Camp.

Scott often speaks to parents about the importance of being proactively involved in their child’s academic life.

The meeting will be held 7 p.m. Tuesday at Holcomb Bridge Middle School, 2700 Holcomb Bridge Rd., Alpharetta. Ernie Suggs

Recycling competition set for Cherokee

The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural Mayor’s Recycling Challenge runs from next Friday through July 31. The cities of Canton, Ball Ground, Nelson, Waleska and Holly Springs will compete to see which community can collect the most recyclables. Most of the communities will have a large bin on their respective city hall parking lots, with the winner recognized at a chamber breakfast Sept. 6. Info: www.cherokeechamber.com

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Canton, Woodstock offices closed Monday

City government offices in Canton and Woodstock will be closed Monday. Residents with emergency water issues in Canton can call 770-479-2392, while the emergency utilities number in Woodstock is 770-926-7871. Cherokee County government offices will also be closed.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

HOPE Center thrift store needs volunteers

The HOPE Center’s Baby & More Thrift Store in Woodstock is looking for summer volunteers. Contact Deborah, volunteer coordinator, Monday-Thursday at 770-924-0864. For information or to download a volunteer packet, visit www.supporthopecenter.com. The store is part of the ministry of The Hope Center. Kenneth Musisi

ATLANTA

Vehicle charging station opens Monday

Atlanta’s first free Neighborhood Electric Vehicle Charging Station will be dedicated 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday at 512 Kelly St. SE.

Atlantans are invited to come learn more about alternative fuel vehicles and charging technologies. Information: Jules Toraya at (404) 368-7212 or jtoraya@atlantaga.gov.

Jeremiah McWilliams

State investigating fish kill

After less than 20 fish were found dead this week on the Ogeechee River in Southeast Georgia, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division has tested the water and is awaiting results. Last year, about 38,000 fish were killed along a 70-mile stretch of the stream below the discharge pipe of textile plant King America Finishing. The EPD concluded the fish died of a bacterial disease, and the kill was not connected to King America Finishing. The EPD this week found nothing unusual about the KAF discharge.

Jeffry Scott

Firefighters honor fallen heroes

Current and former firefighters will gather for a reunion and the book debut of Tragedy on Luckie Street from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Saturday at Engine 11 Firehouse Tavern, 30 North Ave. NE. Survivors of the Luckie Street fire will share their memories of the blaze. A portion of the proceeds from book sales will go to The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and The Atlanta Fire Foundation. Information: www.TragedyonLuckieStreet.com. Kenneth Musisi

‘Hungry’ tour comes to town

The issue of childhood hunger takes center stage Thursday when a 15-city tour Hungry for Happiness mobile tour stops here for two days to raise awareness about childhood hunger, particularly during the summer, when kids don’t have access to school feeding programs. It’s put on by the Arby’s Foundation, in partnership with Share our Strength’s No Kid Hungry® campaign and Atlanta’s Center of Hope at 1835 Henry Thomas Drive. Nancy Badertscher

DEKALB

Teacher indicted for sex with 15-year old student

A DeKalb County grand jury indicted a former Tucker Middle School teacher Thursday for allegedly having sex with a 15-year-old student and spying on other students and a female relative– and his mother-in-law.

Almarcus Dwayne Thomas, 42, is accused of maintaining a seven-month sexual relationship with one of his students, and keeping nude photos of the teen on his computer.

Thomas also is accused of recording video footage of another student looking up another student’s dress at school and setting up a camera to secretly record a relative his mother-in-law bathing, prosecutors allege.

The relationship with the teen began last February, prosecutors allege, and Thomas had sex with her in his classroom. The photos of the teen were found on his computer earlier this year when DeKalb police conducted a search of his home.

The 22-count indictment includes multiple counts of statutory rape, child molestation, sexual exploitation of children, invasion of privacy and sexual assault against a “person in custody,” referring to the student who was under his authority.

Thomas was arrested in March and remains in the DeKalb County Jail. He resigned in lieu of termination last month, DeKalb schools spokesman Walter Woods said. Marcus Garner

I-85 wreck victim identified

A man killed in a wreck on I-85 in DeKalb County Thursday has been identified.

DeKalb police spokeswoman Lt. Pam Kunz said Peter Chevannes, 70, died in the wreck in the southbound lanes of the interstate just north of Clairmont Road. Police believe Chevannes suffered a medical emergency that caused him to lose control of his car, Kunz said. No other vehicles were involved in the wreck.

All southbound lanes of the interstate were closed for several hours but were reopened around 3 p.m. Joel Provano

Decatur Arts Festival this weekend

The long-running Decatur Arts Festival kicks into full gear 10 a.m. -- 6 p.m. Saturday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Most activities are on and around the city’s square, although there’s a Kids Arts Festival Saturday 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 308 Clairemont Ave. All activities are free including live music on the Decatur Square bandstand Saturday and Sunday featuring the Bitteroots, the Bonaventure Quartet and Geoff Achison and the Soul Diggers. Information: decaturartsfestival.com/festival-events/artwalk. Bill Banks for the AJC

Historic lawn set for makeover

The Decatur lawn, behind the historic DeKalb courthouse, will get its first thorough makeover in at least 30 years. Bids for the project will be received next week, with the cost estimated at roughly $375,000. “Right now the grass simply won’t grow back,” said Assistant City Manager Lyn Menne. “We will dig down 18 inches, put in new gravel, new drain lines, a new irrigation system and replace the soil with non-compactable dirt. We’ll also plant a new grove of trees.” Work will start after July 4 and should finish by late August.

Bill Banks for the AJC

SOUTHSIDE

Fayette collecting student drinking data

Fayette County is conducting a study of underage drinking to learn how to better address the problem. Funded by a grant from the nonprofit Association of Village PRIDE, Inc., the survey is divided into age groups of 9-17 and over 18. Results will be analyzed by the University of Georgia.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Senior survey results revealed

The results of a survey on what kinds of services Fulton County seniors want will be revealed Wednesday at a State of Seniors Symposium. The county and Kennesaw State University’s A.L. Burruss Institute for Public Service and Research conducted the survey by phone, through direct mail and online, part of an effort to set strategies for the next decade.

The symposium will be at the Darnell Senior Multipurpose Facility, at 677 Fairburn Road in Atlanta, from 10 a.m. to noon. It’s a forum for seniors and professionals to talk about the needs of the elderly. Johnny Edwards

Henry valedictorians receive scholarships

Henry County’s nine high valedictorians will each receive $200 from the local Rotary Club. “Our club wanted to recognize and reward the hard work and diligence of the top student at each of the high schools right here in our community,” said Patrick Healy, Rotary Foundation director. The valedictorians are: Krupa Merchant, Dutchtown High; Ramon L. Sua, Eagle’s Landing High; Cecilia Ortiz, Henry County High; Nathaniel B. Robinson, Locust Grove High; Sheldon C. Scoggins, Luella High; Jake E. Wasdin, Ola High; Destiny A. Nieves, Stockbridge High; Jonathan D. James, Union Grove High; and Alan M. Wilson, Woodland High. Nancy Badertscher

Whitewater artist wins poster contest

Whitewater High School student Jenni Loveless created the winning Spanish poster for the 2012 “Not In Georgia: Combating Human Sex Trafficking” regional contest. She also won first runner-up in the English category.

The poster, which promotes a national hotline for reporting abuse, will soon be displayed in schools in Fayette and seven other counties. Fellow Whitewater student Samantha Remley won first runner-up in the Spanish category. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Meeting set for Fulton camp parents

Manual Scott, whose story of going from a high school dropout to highly sought-after motivational speaker, will speak to Fulton County Schools parents at a series of mandatory meetings for students selected to participate in the district’s Title I HB3 Summer Camp.

Scott often speaks to parents about the importance of being proactively involved in their child’s academic life.

The meeting will be held 7 p.m. Thursday at Tri-Cities High School, 2575 Harris St. in East Point. Ernie Suggs