County by county news for Saturday

Bids must be submitted by noon June 13 to the Cobb County Purchasing Department, 100 Cherokee St., Suite 260, Marietta 30090. Proposals will be opened at 2 p.m., also June 13, in the Cobb County Board of Commissioners Room, second floor, 100 Cherokee St., Marietta.

Information: purchasing.cobbcountyga.gov. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Cobb slated to hire new county attorney

Cobb commissioners Tuesday will vote on whether to hire Deborah Dance as the county’s new attorney. Dance has worked in the law department for 18 years, the last 12 as assistant county attorney. A review committee formed by the county screened 31 applicants. cobbcountyga.gov

Jaime Sarrio

Cobb pools scheduled to open Saturday

Cobb’s two outdoor pools are schedule to open Saturday after cleaning and improvements. Cobb’s pools are: Powder Springs pool, located at 3899 Brownsville Road in Powder Springs and the Sewell pool, located at 2055 Lower Roswell Road in Marietta. Pool hours are 1-5 p.m., Tuesday-Sunday. Information: 770-528-8471.

Jaime Sarrio

Assessments mailedto property owners

Cobb Board of Tax Assessors last week mailed 230,000 annual assessment notices to notify Cobb residential property owners of their 2013 property values.

Property owners with questions should call 770-528-3100. The deadline to file an appeal is July 1. Jaime Sarrio

Powder Springs will buy new police car

Powder Springs City Council members approved Monday the purchase of a 2013 Dodge Charger for the city’s police department.

The $23,900 will be paid by around $3,600 in drug seizure funds and $20,300 from the surplus sales of police vehicles and motorcycles, City Manager Brad Hulsey said.

The car will be used primarily by Police Chief Charles Sewell.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Acworth and Smyrna will honor veterans

Acworth will remember veterans at a ceremony 10 a.m. today at the city’s Veterans Memorial at Patriots Point at Cauble Park off Beach Street. Information: www. acworth.org. Smyrna will hold a Memorial Day service at 9:30 a.m. Monday at the 20th Century Veterans Memorial, 2800 King St. or at the Community Center, 200 Village Green, if it rains. Information: smyrnacity.com.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Extension service offers landscape class

The Cobb County Cooperative Extension offers a class on how using home landscape sprayers and spreaders 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at the Cobb Extension Office, 678 South Cobb Dr., Marietta. Workshop is free, but pre-registration is required. Information: 678-528-4070 or www.cobbextension.com Dress to work outside. Jaime Sarrio

GWINNETT

Dad of slain teen convicted of dealing drugs

Nicholas Jackson Sr., of Norcross, was sentenced to 97 months Thursday after pleading guilty in February to distributing cocaine. Federal prosecutors contend Jackson was a drug dealer whose reputation put his family in jeopardy. On Feb. 2, 2012, six would-be robbers kicked in the basement door of Jackson’s home, hoping to steal cash and drugs, according to police. Inside, they found 15-year-old Nicholas Jr. playing a video game, and the assailants chased the teen into a bedroom and shot him. The high school freshman died at the hospital. Seven men have been charged with the killing. Alexis Stevens

Gwinnett Parks & Rec recognize volunteers

Gwinnett Parks & Recreation held a Volunteer Reception earlier this month to recognize the valuable contributions of more than 6,045 volunteers. Presidential Volunteer Service Awards recognized those demonstrating commitment to service and ability to inspire others to volunteer. Gwinnett honored 42 Bronze, 15 Silver and 25 Gold level awards. The Gold level winners in the Youth category ages 5–14 are Kameron Tillman, Leo Penn, Hervema Pierre, Dayana Dieudonne, Brandon Kang, Jabari Berger, Quinn Joyner, Cody Wise, Ariel Moduro, Carol Huffstetler, Anaija Willis, Amil Willis, Angela Rose, David Henry Milby, Taliyah Manning, Danielle Brooks, Charles Murdock, Connor Day, Surena Arnall, Anna Banks, Frankie Keck, and Morgan Harris. In Young Adults, Ages 15–25 the winners are: Imani White, Leandra Jones.

The winner of Adults category, Ages 25+ is Gregory Peters.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Free fishing event for the whole family

Celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week at Kid’s Fishing Day 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 1 at Jones Bridge Park, 4901 East Jones Bridge Road in Peachtree Corners. Fishing rod and bait provided while supplies last. Demonstrators will be available to assist in baiting hooks and removing fish. Buford Trout Hatchery will stock over 2,000 Rainbow Trout on the morning of the event.

Children are also invited to join Commissioner Lynette Howard at the park’s playgorund for a play date and craft. Hot dogs, drinks and prizes available. All ages invited, children ages 16 and under are invited to fish. Children must be accompanied by an adult; life jackets are recommended. Admission is free. No fishing license necessary for the event.

Information: 678-277-0920 or www.gwinnettparks.com.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Lilburn’s new budget available for review

Lilburn’s proposed $9.8 million budget for fiscal year 2013-14 is available to the public at City Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday as well as online at www.cityoflilburn.com.

Residents are invited to comment on the budget at two public hearings before adoption by the City Council on June 10. The first hearing will be at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, with the second at 7:30 p.m. June 10.

Both meetings will be held at Calvin Fitchett Municipal Complex, 76 Main St. in Lilburn.

Information: www.cityoflilburn.com.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

5-year-old boy sets grandma’s house on fire

Firefighters were called to Blake Drive home, located in the Copper Hills subdivision off Knox Bridge Highway, shortly after 2 p.m. to find heavy smoke coming from a two-story home, a spokesman said. Investigators determined that the fire started in a bedroom, where the homeowner’s 5-year-old grandson admitted he’d been playing with a cigarette lighter.

A portion of the house was damaged by smoke, fire and water, but firefighters prevented any major damage.

No one was injured. Alexis Stevens

Veterans to host picnic at Newtown Park

The Johns Creek Veterans Association is hosting its inaugural Memorial Day Picnic 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at Newtown Park. Food and drinks will be available on the Park Place patio while supplies last.

Visitors will be able to walk the pathway where the Memorial Walk will be laid out later this summer.

Picnickers will be able to see samples and order Memorial Walk pavers engraved with the name of family or friends who served, years of service, and the emblem of their branch of service or just a patriotic message.

Information: www.JohnsCreekGa.gov/JCVA.

Patrick Fox

Fulton schools setTitle I parents meetings

Fulton County Schools will host two meetings for parents next week to discuss several key topics for the upcoming school year, including the Comprehensive LEA Improvement Plan (CLIP) for all Title I schools.

The first meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Teaching Museum South; 689 North Avenue in Hapeville.

At 6 p.m. on Thursday, parents will meet at Sandy Springs Charter Middle School, 8750 Pride Place in Sandy Springs.

The targeted schools are Banneker, Creekside, McClarin and Tri-Cities High School; Bear Creek, Renaissance, Ridgeview and Sandy Springs Charter middle schools; and Esther Jackson, High Point, Randolph, and S.L. Lewis elementary schools

Information: 404-669-8217.

Ernie Suggs

Forsyth holding public hearing

The Forsyth County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on proposed changes to its Unified Development Code at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the county’s administrative building, 110 E. Main St., Suite 220, Cumming.

Among proposals are changes to minimum home size, residential lot size and lots per acre. Information: 770-781-2115.

Michael Alpert for the AJC

Johns Creek to offer document shredding

Johns Creek residents can safely dispose of sensitive documents June 1, by taking them to a commercial shredder at Panera Bread Company, 11715 Medlock Bridge Road.

The shredding service, available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., is sponsored by the restaurant chain and the city. All paper will be recycled. The shredding is done on-site for free.

The Federal Trade Commission recommends shredding private documents as a means to combat identity theft.

Patrick Fox

ATLANTA

Construction of Wolf Creek library begins

The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System will break ground on the Wolf Creek Library, 3100 Enon Road in South Fulton,11 a.m. Thursday. The 25,000-square-foot facility will cost $18.2 million and is expected to open in the latter part of 2014.

It is one of eight new libraries being built as part of a $275 million library construction program approved by voters in a 2008 bond referendum. Information: 404-730-1972 or laura.wright@fultoncountyga.gov.

Johnny Edwards

Haitian photo exhibit at Auburn library

In recognition of National Caribbean American Heritage Month,” Smile Haiti! Photographic Exhibit by Shaina Oliphant” will run June 1 - August 25 at the Auburn Avenue Research Library, 101 Auburn Ave., NE. An opening event and artists talk is 5 p.m. June 8.

Information: 404-730-4001 x100 Veronica Fields Johnson

Harp Music concert June 5

Meredith Bradshaw, a recent graduate of Pace Academy, will perform a harp concert 10:30 a.m. June 5 at Buckhead Branch Library, 269 Buckhead Ave. NE.

Information: 404-814-3500

Mea Watkins

JustUsATL to mark first anniversary

JustUsATL will celebrate its first anniversary with a fundraiser from 6 to 9 p.m. today at the Philip Rush Center, 1530 DeKalb Ave., Suite A. The event will include a dinner buffet, children’s games, raffle, meet-and-greet for teens and speeches and performances from organizers.

Suggested ticket donations are $3 for children, $6 for youth, and $18 for adults. Proceeds will go toward a new LGBTQQA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, and Asexual) youth center set to open this year.

JustUsATL is a youth-run group that offers discussion groups, mental health services, anti-oppression workshops, STI education, outreach and social events for LGBTQQA youth in the greater Atlanta area. Information: http://www.justusatl.org/. Mea Watkins

DEKALB

Man found dead in body shop parking lot

DeKalb County police are investigating the death of a man found shot late Thursday outside a Redan Road automobile body shop.

Channel 2 Action News reported that the man was carrying no identification. Police have not found no witnesses, and have not determined a motive for the shooting. Mike Morris

Donations sought for DeKalb firefighter

Donations are being sought to help with the medical bills of a DeKalb County firefighter who was instrumental in security new safety gear for the department last year.

Nate Leota suffered complications during heart surgery last month, including a severe allergic reaction to medications. He is recovering in the Shepherd Center in Atlanta.

DeKalb Professional Firefighters #1492, the union Leota heads, partnered with the Atlanta Professional Firefighters #134 to raise $7,000 to help offset his expenses.

Additional donations can be given at www.fundrazr.com by searching for Leota’s name under the Find tab. April Hunt

Decatur approves sidewalk projects

Decatur’s commission approved a $281,647 budget for sidewalks and traffic-calming improvements, with work scheduled to last through the fall. Sidewalk repair and new construction includes Clairemont Avenue, Maxwell Street, the north side of Westchester Drive from Scott Boulevard to Dogwood Way, the north side of Kirk Road from Candler Street to Avery Street and a new pedestrian bridge from the dead end of Derrydown Road to Popular Circle. Bill Banks for the AJC

South DeKalb Festival coming in September

A free outdoor festival, featuring food and entertainment from the multi-cultural area, is coming to south DeKalb County in September.

The Heart of South DeKalb has already secured several local restaurants to serve as corporate sponsors. Additional community groups are invited to join in planning and programming for the event, slated for the Gallery at South DeKalb Mall on Sept. 28.

Information: 404-683-3599 or heartofsouthdekalbfestival2013@gmail.com. April Hunt

CID: DeKalb needs Opportunity Zones

Leaders in a DeKalb County community improvement district are asking the county to set up designated zones to boost economic development.

Designating a geographic area as an Opportunity Zone qualifies businesses in that area to earn a $3,500 job tax credit for each new job created during a five-year period.

The Stone Mountain CID has requested DeKalb design April Hunt

Dive into Shabbat at MJCCA

Celebrate Shabbat at the MJCCA’s Outdoor Pool and Splash Park 5 – 7 p.m. June 7, June 28, July 12, July 26 and Aug. 9 at Zaban Park, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody. Bring your own picnic or purchase kosher food at Goodfriend’s Outdoor Grill. Open swim begins at 5 p.m. followed by Shabbat songs and blessings with Rabbi Glusman at 6 p.m. Refreshments. Free.

Information: Rabbi Brian Glusman, brian.glusman@atlantajcc.org or 678-812-4161. Mea Watkins

SOUTHSIDE

South Fulton Parkway closed next week

South Fulton Parkway and Stonewall Tell Road will experience road closures from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the following dates due to filming:

Tuesday South Fulton Pkwy will be closed between Stonewall Tell Road and Highway 92; Wednesday South Fulton Pkwy will be closed between Highway 92 and Cedar Grove Road; Thursday South Fulton Parkway will be closed between Cedar Grove Road and Highway154.

Information: Unioncityga.org Staff

Peachtree City hosts Memorial Day event

Local veterans organizations will participate in Peachtree City’s Memorial Day Ceremony at 9 a.m. Monday at City Hall Plaza.

A golf cart procession will depart from the Life Enrichment Center/Gathering Place on McIntosh Trail at 8:30 a.m. City offices, the library and the Kedron Fieldhouse will be closed Monday, but the Glenloch pools will be open 1-6 p.m. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Fayette appoints new service board members

The Fayette County Board of Commissioners approved several appointments to local authorities Thursday night. Rev. John Culbreath and Linda Lane were named to the McIntosh Trail Community Service Board.

Letitia Naghise, County Administrator Steve Rapson and County Commissioner Randy Ognio will serve on the Public Facilities Authority.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Union City offers free movies

Union City’s free Movies by Moonlight series begins June 1 with “The Amazing Spiderman” at Ronald Bridges Park, 5285 Lakeside Dr.

Movies will be shown on the green at dusk.

Food is allowed, but glass containers and grills are prohibited. Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted will be shown Aug. 3.

Information: www.unioncityga.org. Arlinda Smith Broady

Humane Society needs foster families

The Fayette County Humane Society is seeking foster families to care for the many kittens and puppies needing temporary homes pending adoption.

The FCHS will provide food, supplies and medical care.

Volunteers also are needed to help with adoption events in Peachtree City.

Information: 770-487-1073 or email info@fayettehumane.org.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Nominations asked for community awards

Girls and Guys Organized for Anointed Living (GOAL) is accepting nominations for its annual community service awards.

The nonprofit group honors Fayette County students committed to educational excellence and youth leadership, along with the mothers who support them.

Awards will be presented at the Youth Gala on May 25.

Forms and details are at www.anointedliving.org. Jill Howard Church for the AJC