County by county news for Saturday
COBB
13 overcome by fumes at medical school
More than a dozen people were overcome by fumes late Friday morning at a medical school in Cobb County, authorities said.
The incident happened about 10:30 a.m. at the Everest Institute in the 1600 block of Terrell Mill Road near I-75.
Cobb County fire spokeswoman Denell Boyd said the fumes came from a broken vial of surgical bonding material that was disposed of into a trash can.
Thirteen people were treated for symptoms such as nausea, difficulty breathing and dizziness, Boyd said. Mike Morris
Volunteers needed for Lake Acworth cleanup
Acworth is looking for volunteers who have boats, kayaks or canoes to pick up litter on creek banks off Lake Acworth from 9 a.m. to noon today. The clean up will be along Proctor and Butler Creeks that feed into the lake. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. at Cauble Park on Beach Street. Keep Smyrna Beautiful also needs workers for a clean up project from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. today at Taylor-Brawner Park, 3180 Atlanta Road. Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Business group to present scholarships
The West Cobb Business Association will meet Tuesday in Powder Springs to award scholarships.
Annual “When Character Beats Adversity” scholarships will be presented to community students in need.
The luncheon will be 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lost Mountain Baptist Church, 5400 Old Dallas Road.
Information and reservations: westcobbbusiness.com/luncheons/index.html. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Osteoporosis safety program on Wednesday
A safety program on osteoporosis will be presented Wednesday in Powder Springs.
The free program on bone-density loss will be at 10:30 a.m. at the West Cobb Senior Center, 4915 Dallas Highway.
Registration is required.
Information: 770-528-8200. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
St. Andrews men to golf for charity
The men of St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Marietta will host a golf outing May 21 at Woodstock’s Eagle Watch Golf Club. The event will follow a Fort Lauderdale Scramble format. Cost is $95 per individual player, and $15 for individual lunch only. Registration will be 8 to 9 a.m., followed by a shotgun start at 9 a.m. Proceeds will help less fortunate families at Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Eagle Watch Golf Club is at 3055 Eagle Watch Drive, Woodstock. Information: 404-667-3221. Laurie Hoffman
State burning ban begins May 1
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has issued a ban on open burning from May 1 to September 30 of each year.
Cobb County and 53 other counties are affected by the ban. Cobb’s Fire and Emergency Services are responsible for enforcing the ban in the unincorporated parts of the county, and the cities of Acworth, Kennesaw and Powder Springs.
The ban prohibits open burning of leaves, tree limbs, other yard waste, forest land or use air curtain destructors for land clearing. Information: http://fire.cobbcountyga.gov Janel Davis
GWINNETT
Board approves three new principals
The Gwinnett County Board of Education on Thursday approved replacements for three principals who are retiring at the end of this year.
The board approved Mary Thomas, principal at Pharr Elementary, Peggy Goodman, principal at Five Forks Middle and Ken Johnson, principal at Archer High.
They are replacing soon-to-be retiring Jerry Raymond, Mary Hensien and Charles “Buck,” Buchanan, respectively. The new appointments are effective in June 1. Nancy Badertscher
41 busted in tobacco trafficking ring
Forty-one people involved in a multi-county tobacco trafficking ring were indicted Thursday in Gwinnett County. The individuals face different charges based on their role, but include racketeering, possessing cigarettes with counterfeit stamps and possessing unstamped cigarettes. The joint investigation involved the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the state Attorney General’s Office and Department of Revenue, the Lawrenceville Police Department and the Gwinnett District Attorney and Sheriff’s offices. Andria Simmons
Planning commissioner to run for board
A Gwinnett County planning commissioner has filed to run for the District 3 Board of Commissioners seat.
Republican Tommy Hunter, a Buford-area resident who has run for County Commission twice before, is an engineering consultant and businessman who serves on the Municipal-Gwinnett County Planning Commission.
Hunter is the fourth candidate to file for the seat, currently held by Republican incumbent Mike Beaudreau.
Republicans Mike Korom, a Dacula businessman, and Jerry Oberholtzer, a former Snellville mayor, also have filed to run. David Wickert
County wants input on disaster plan
The Gwinnett County Office of Emergency Management will host a public meeting on its hazard mitigation plans at 7 p.m. Monday at the county Emergency Operations Center, 800 Hi-Hope Road, Lawrenceville.
The plan will help the department respond to emergencies and disasters in Gwinnett County.
It must be submitted to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for approval. David Wickert
Gwinnett set up for summer school
Summer learning opportunities are planned in Gwinnett County Public Schools from the elementary to high school levels.
For high school students, it’s a chance to earn credits to get ahead or make up classes previously taken.
Middle and elementary school students can meet requirements for promotion. These include: High School Face-to-Face from June 12 to July 11, Monday through Thursday with a July 4 holiday; and High School Online from June 11 to July 10, Monday through Thursday with the July 4 holiday. Nancy Badertscher
NORTHSIDE
Canton council approves revised city charter
With a 5-0 vote, the Canton City Council approved a revised city charter Thursday night-the product of almost two year’s work by a citizens committee and council representatives. Among the changes: the mayor will have veto power over ordinances, with the decisions required to come back before the council. The new charter also provides for mayor and city council appointment of the city clerk, which had been the city manager’s responsibility. The changes are immediate. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Commission holds up library contract
Concerns about a bid winner are holding up another Fulton County library contract. Evergreen Construction won the job of overseeing the renovation of the South Fulton Library, which is one piece of a $275 million countywide construction program approved by voters.
The contract has gone before the county commission three times, and each time the panel voted to hold off. Commissioner Bill Edwards said he’s concerned that the company won the job by bidding zero for pre-construction services, whereas other companies typically bid tens of thousands of dollars. Johnny Edwards
Canton loosens booze laws for festivals
Imbibing an adult beverage while strolling the streets of Canton will now be legal-under certain circumstances. The Canton City Council Thursday night approved a plan allowing groups staging outdoor festivals and events to obtain a city permit allowing alcohol in specially designated areas--say one city block, or multiple blocks. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Woman kicked out meeting, files complaint
A Roswell woman has filed a complaint with the State Attorney General’s Office over an incident Tuesday in which she was ordered to turn off her video camera at the start of a Cumming City Council meeting. Nydia Tisdale of Roswell was at the meeting to follow water negotiations with Forsyth County.
Mayor Ford Gravitt said Thursday he thought the equipment was disruptive and he offered to allow Tisdale to tape record the meeting or take notes. Georgia’s Open Meetings Law provides for tape and video devices at public meetings.
Tisdale said she was escorted out by the police chief while the city attorney looked on. Patrick Fox
River Eves foundation raises $42,000
The River Eves Education Foundation recently raised more than $42,000 in charitable contributions for the purchase of instructional technology. The money was raised at the foundation’s second annual Spring fundraiser, “The REEF Beach Bash,” which drew hundreds of supporters. D. Aileen Dodd
Children’s author to sign books
Johns Creek Presbyterian Preschool will host author Mary Brittany Schmitz for a book signing event at 9:50 a.m. on Monday. Schmitz, a resident of Suwanee, will autograph copies of her book, “P.U. Stew.” Johns Creek Presbyterian Preschool is located at 10950 Bell Road in Johns Creek. Andria Simmons
ATLANTA
Woodruff CEO heads for Tech
Joe Bankoff, president and CEO of the Woodruff Arts Center, is heading to Georgia Tech to lead the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs.
He will retire from Woodruff next month and is scheduled to start at Tech in September, school officials announced Friday. Laura Diamond
Twins, dispatcher honored for heroism
A pair of 18-year-old twin sisters and a Fulton County emergency dispatcher were among the honorees Thursday at the 2012 Georgia State 9-1-1 Heroes Awards Ceremony, held at Yard House Restaurant in Atlantic Station.
On Feb. 12, Anita Shufford called 911 when her mother started going in and out of consciousness. While Anita gave Dispatcher Kaesha Strain their location and details of the emergency, her sister, Shanita, stayed with their mother and gave updates.
The twins were credited with saving their mother’s life. Johnny Edwards
Council approves $27,000 in claims
Atlanta’s City Council voted Monday to approve nearly $27,000 in claims against the city for automobile accidents, flooding and damage from driving over tree roots or water service lines. The seven claims with favorable recommendations listed on the April 16 agenda ranged from $850 from driving over a water service line to $10,000 to pay for flooding damage at a property near Toomer Elementary School. Jeremiah McWilliams
Inman Park gears up for parade of gnomes
Atlantans will try again this month to assemble the biggest gathering of people dressed as garden gnomes that the world has ever seen. The gnome march, a “silly” event, according to organizers, has become a tradition within the similarly goofy Inman Park Festival Parade. Anyone in gnome gear can start the parade at 1 p.m. on April 28, at the corner of Edgewood Avenue N.E. and Krog Street NE. Information: www.gratefulgluttons.com. Ty Tagami
DEKALB
Man pleads not guilty in 5 rapes
A man accused of raping five women last October and November waived an appearance in court Thursday and a plea of not guilty was entered on his behalf.
Prosecutors say Gary Mincey followed the women to their homes after spotting them in the parking lot of a grocery store o in south DeKalb County.
Prosecutors said the five women who said Mincey attacked them had at least one thing in common; each had just shopped the Publix on Flat Shoals Road. Otherwise, they ranged in age from 21 to 53 and the times of their attacks came between early evening and early morning. Rhonda Cook
Schools investigate lewd cellphone picture
An internal investigation was launched Thursday into allegations that a DeKalb County assistant principal showed a lewd cellphone picture to a student, a district spokesman told the AJC.
The assistant principal at DeKalb Elementary School of the Arts allegedly showed the fifth-grader the photo while trying to determine who sent obscene photos to another student’s phone. But the girl’s family says the assistant principal should not have shown her the picture.
“What we’re trying to determine is if our policies and procedures were followed, and if not we’ll take prompt and appropriate action, ” said district spokesman Walter Woods.
Alexis Stevens
Lakeside High to show off expansion
Lakeside High School will hold an open house to show off a new expansion and renovation.
Anyone can attend the guided tours of the $24 million upgrade, which includes a fine arts building with a 600-seat auditorium, plus band, orchestra, chorus and art classrooms. There are 20 new classrooms, a renovated media center and a cafeteria with outdoor patio.
The open house, sponsored by the Lakeside Foundation, is April 29 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Ty Tagami
Groups to discuss immigration law
The Asian American Legal Advocacy Center and the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials are co-hosting a news conference to discuss the U.S. Supreme Court’s first hearing on Arizona’s immigration law, SB 1070, and what this could mean for Georgia’s similar law, HB 87.
The conference will be held at 4:15 p.m. Wednesday at the Korean American Association of Greater Atlanta at 6930 Buford Highway N.E. in Doraville. Diverse leaders from the business, faith, and legal communities are on tap to speak. Andria Simmons
Decatur Touch-a-Truck today
Decatur’s annual Touch-a-Truck, cancelled last month due to weather, is rescheduled for today from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Callaway Building parking lot, 120 West Trinity Place. Children will have an opportunity to touch, explore and see their favorite dump trucks, fire trucks, tractors, police cars, motorcycles and other types of vehicles. New for this year, kids can ride their bicycle to the event and have it registered by Decatur police. For information contact Cheryl Burnette at 678-553-6541 or cheryl.burnette@decaturga.com. Bill Banks for the AJC
SOUTHSIDE
Fulton says jail is not under hiring freeze
Fulton County’s attorneys said Friday in a court filing the jail is not under a hiring freeze and a federal judge’s monitor only misunderstood the practice of requiring a form to be completed before an opening is filled. Ten days ago U.S. District Judge Marvin Shoob pointed out that a consent order correcting problems at the jail stipulated that there could be no freeze on hiring. His monitor had reported that the sheriff “has to submit a form to unfreeze jail positions” and that violated the agreement.
Rhonda Cook
County asks input on crime prevention grant
Fulton County is looking for feedback as it applies for a federal grant to help thwart crime. The county is seeking money from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program, which can be used for training, personnel and equipment, among other things. Application copies are at the Finance Department, 141 Pryor St., S.W., Suite 2040, downtown Atlanta. Comments can be sent to christopher.boyd@fultoncountyga.gov. The deadline is May 14. Johnny Edwards
Peachtree City to hold open house Sunday
Peachtree City’s “ONE” community planning preparation continues tomorrow with the first of two open house events to solicit public opinion.
Displays will be set up in the Community Room at City Hall for viewing between noon and 5 p.m. Information: www.oneptc.org. Jill Howard Church
Input wanted on Tara Boulevard
The Clayton County Board of Commissioners will hold two public hearings next week on Tara Boulevard to get public input on design guidelines for the county’s main transportation artery. The workshop on the southern portion of Tara Boulevard will be Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at International Park’s VIP complex, 2300 Hwy. 138 S.E. in Jonesboro. The workshop for the northside of Tara will be Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Clarion Hotel, 6288 Old Dixie Hwy. in Jonesboro. Tammy Joyner
Group helps provide computers to students
McNair Middle School is working to bridge the digital divide between its students.
The College Park school recently partnered with the non-profit Computers for Youth to provide free technology donations for needy students.
The outreach enabled the school to give away computers to nearly 100 sixth graders. D. Aileen Dodd
Medical center to host health expo
Southern Regional Medical Center is hosting its annual “Spring Into Health Expo” today. The event is free and open to the general public. Details: 770-991-8004. Tammy Joyner
Lake City community center to open
Lake City’s first community center will debut in June. The center is near the Lake City Nature Preserve and the Jester’s Creek Water Reclamation Project. The 3,756-square-foot center was built with special purpose local option sales tax approved by Clayton County voters last fall. Tammy Joyner
