County by county news for Thursday

Cobb Youth Leadership deadline is April 29

The Leadership Cobb Alumni Association is accepting applications from rising high school juniors to participate in the Cobb Youth Leadership program this fall. The deadline to apply is April 29. Youth can apply online at www.cobbchamber.org. Program tuition is $400, and one scholarship is provided for a participant needing financial assistance. Information: Caitlin Crowley at 770-859-2359 or ccrowley@cobbchamber.org. Janel Davis

Marietta farmers market begins April 2

The Marietta Square Farmers Market will open 9 a.m. to noon, April 2 through Nov. 19 on North Park Square between Shillings and the Earl Smith Strand Theatre. Market director Johnny Fulmer said more than 60 vendors will sell Georgia grown or made produce, plants, baked goods, jams, relish, honey, goat and cow milk and cheese, infused olive oils and smoked fish. Information:www.mariettasquarefarmersmarket.net. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Groups honored for community outreach

Four Cobb County groups received Creating Community Awards for their work in fostering community cooperation and connecting diverse communities. The Intellectual Diversity Club at Marietta Middle School, the Georgia Ballet, Temple Kol Emeth and Zion Baptist Church with the Cobb Symphony Orchestra and Chorus and Dr. Oral Moses received the inaugural awards presented by the Cobb Community Relations Council. Awards will be presented Friday at The Ford Center, 4181 Atlanta St. in Powder Springs. Information: http://ccrc.cobbcountyga.gov. Janel Davis

County beefs up community outreach

Cobb County has expanded its outreach by providing instant messages through the Nixle Community Information Service. Residents can now access information about the community through text messages, email and by checking Cobb’s page on the Nixle website at http://nixle.com. An email address and cell phone number to receive messages must be provided. Janel Davis

Time to apply for summer internships

Students looking for spring and summer internships can apply now for paid positions through the Georgia County Internship Program. The program allows college, graduate and technical school students the opportunity to work in county governments in almost all departments across a range of areas. Information: www.georgiacountyinternships.org. Janel Davis

GWINNETT

Commissioners appeal to Congress on water

The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners has urged Congress to explicitly designate Lake Lanier a public water supply and to authorize raising the lake level by 2 feet.

The Army Corps of Engineers has allowed Gwinnett to use the lake as a public water supply since 1973. But a 2009 U.S. District Court ruling found that use is not authorized. Commissioners on Tuesday passed a resolution asking Congress to authorize the lake’s use for public water and recreation. It passed another resolution seeking to raise lake levels by 2 feet, which would increase the available water supply by 25 billion gallons. David Wickert

County issues alert after rabid bat turns up

Gwinnett County has issued a rabies alert after a bat found on Rocky Cove Trail in Lawrenceville tested positive for rabies. County officials say if you know anyone who has handled a bat or if you or your child has been bitten or scratched by a stray animal, call the Gwinnett County Animal Welfare Enforcement Bite Office at 770-339-3200, Ext. 5576. The county recently issued a similar alert after a cat found on Scales Road in Suwanee tested positive for rabies. David Wickert

Fair focuses on students with disabilities

A Gwinnett County Schools’ fair will be Saturday to help students with disabilities learn about opportunities after graduation. The Transition Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at Peachtree Ridge High School in Suwanee. Experts will provide information about services and resources available to help students leaving the district and their parents. Representatives from local agencies will attend to discuss options for students, from employment to medical help. Information: 678-301-7121. D. Aileen Dodd

County offers Kids Night Out March 25

Gwinnett County will sponsor a Kids Night Out from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. March 25 at Bogan Park Community Recreation Center, 2723 North Bogan Road, Buford. Kids can swim, play games, make crafts and have dinner. The event is open to kids age 7 to 12. Children should bring a swimsuit and towel and must arrive on time to swim. The cost is $12 per person. Pre-registration is required. To register, call 770-614-2060. David Wickert

Soap opera cast to appear in Suwanee

Cast members from the daytime drama “Days of our Lives” will appear at 6 p.m. Monday at Suwanee City Hall, 330 Town Center Ave. Cast members Crystal Chappell, Eric Martsolf, James Reynolds, Nadia Bjorlin, Chandler Massey and Galen Gering will appear to promote a new book: “Days of our Lives 45 Years: A Celebration in Photos.” The event is free. Information: www.gwinnettpl.org or call 770-978-5154. David Wickert

Gwinnett Tech instructor wins honor

Business management instructor Trudy Dunson is the winner of Gwinnett Technical College’s 2011 Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Education.

The award honors the state’s outstanding technical education instructors. Dunson has been an instructor at Gwinnett Tech for 10 years. David Wickert

NORTHSIDE

Voters overwhelmingly extend SPLOST in Forsyth

Forsyth County voters approved with an 80 percent majority the extension of the 1 percent Special Purpose Local Option Sale Tax for education, to pay off 2005 and 2007 bonds, approved by voters, and to fund the building of nine schools in the county and improvements at others. The extension, which goes into effect in July, is projected to generate $195 million in revenue over five years. About three fourths of that will go toward bond payments. The remainder will be used for capital improvements, according to Forsyth County public school officials. Jeffry Scott

Frozen chicken spill shuts down highway

A state highway in Forysth County was closed for several hours Wednesday while crews clean up frozen chicken spilled when a tractor-trailer overturned. The truck flipped during the morning commute on Ga. 369, also known as Matt Highway, just west of Doctor Bramblett Road, Forsyth sheriff’s spokesman Timothy House said.

He said no injuries were reported in the single-vehicle crash, but the truck’s driver was taken to a local hospital to be checked out. Mike Morris

Sandy Springs teen found shot and stabbed

A Sandy Springs teenager initially thought to have been shot multiple times late Tuesday night was actually shot once and stabbed several times, police said Wednesday.

The 15-year-old victim was wounded about 10 p.m. on Northwoods Drive off Roswell Road, just south of I-285.

Sandy Springs police Lt. Steve Rose said the boy, whose name has not been released, was in good condition Wednesday at Grady Memorial Hospital. Detectives Wednesday were following several leads. Mike Morris

Big Creek Greenway section closed off

Forsyth County has temporarily closed for repairs a 1.8 mile section of Big Creek Greenway walking, jogging, biking and inline skating trail in the southern part of the county. County public information officer Jodi Gardner said Wednesday crews need to repair a boardwalk section of the 12-foot wide trail running between McFarland Parkway and Union Hill Road. She said it’s not clear yet how long repairs will take. Jeffry Scott

Pointers for sprucing up for the prom

Teens can get pointers on sprucing up for prom Sunday at 2 p.m. at Johns Creek’s Ocee Branch library, 5090 Abbotts Bridge Road.

The event for students ages 16-18 will include tips on fashion, beauty and etiquette. Information: 770-360-8897. Johnny Edwards

Roswell youth baseball opens Saturday

Roswell Mayor Jere Wood will throw out the honorary first pitch Saturday to commemorate the start of the Roswell Youth Baseball Association season. First pitch is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. at Field No. 2 at Hembree Park. The celebration is open to the public.

Each team within the league’s recreational divisions will participate in a ceremony that includes the national anthem, player introductions and field decorations. Joel Anderson

ATLANTA

Ethics panels looks at school board members

An ethics panel related to the Atlanta school board decided Wednesday to investigate whether board members Courtney English, Yolanda Johnson and Nancy Meister improperly considered a contract with an outside communications firm last year at the same time the firm did “pro bono” work on their behalf during a lawsuit that split the board.

The panel is already investigating similar complaints against board Chairman Khaatim Sherrer El. No contract was ever awarded to the Atlanta-based Alisias Group. Kristina Torres

Judge Hatchett to speak at fundraiser

Judge Glenda Hatchett, author of “Dare to Take Charge: How to Live Your Life on Purpose,” will be the guest speaker at the 4th Annual Ethel J. Bolton Scholarship Fundraiser Gala at World Changers Church International. The event will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. March 22 in the church’s Fellowship Hall. Tickets are $35 in advance and $50 at the door. Information: www.taffidollar.org/ejbgala. Shelia Poole

Experts to speak to women about planning

Three experts from Georgia State University College of Law will speak to women about health care planning, financial planning and wills and estates on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in the sixth floor of the law school’s Urban Life Building, 140 Decatur St., Atlanta. The cost is $15 Reservations and information: 404-769-3228. Johnny Edwards

Street food summit to be held April 9

City and county leaders, concerned about unclear regulations after inspectors shut down two street food stands in Poncey-Highland last weekend, will hold an Atlanta Street Food Summit on April 9 to educate business owners on how to sell food outdoors. The event will be at the Helene S. Mills Senior Center, 515 John Wesley Dobbs Ave., NE, Atlanta, from 10 a.m. to noon.

Information: 404-330-6038. Johnny Edwards

DEKALB

Chamblee votes to hire city manager

The Chamblee City Council voted Tuesday to hire a former Fulton County deputy fire chief to be the next city manager. The Council selected Niles Ford as the top candidate for the city manager position and is now negotiating with him on a salary and start date, Interim City Manager Marc Johnson said. The salary range is $110,000-$130,000, Johnson said. Ford is the fire chief in Lincoln, Neb., where he’s been since 2007. Megan Matteucci

Deadline approaches for tax exemptions

DeKalb County homeowners looking for a tax break must apply for their homestead exemption by April 1, Tax Commissioner Claudia Lawson said Tuesday. New homeowners who have occupied their property since Jan. 1 may qualify for discounted property tax rates. Residents age 62 and older, along with disabled residents, also must apply for their tax exemption by April 1, Lawson said. Any applications received after April 1 will be applied to the 2012 tax bill. Megan Matteucci

County reports sewage spill in Doolittle Creek

Four raw sewage spills were reported in DeKalb County on Tuesday. More than 16,600 gallons of raw sewage spilled into Doolittle Creek from a grease blockage on Battle Forrest Drive in Decatur, according to county reports. A 4,600-gallon spill was also reported on Rue Andeleys in Stone Mountain and a 4,300-gallon spill occurred on Norman Road in Clarkston on Tuesday. County officials also reported a spill at the Timber Trace Apartments on Gladeview Parkway in Stone Mountain. Megan Matteucci

Houses evacuated after man break, gas leak

Two houses were evacuated early Wednesday because of a water main break and gas leak in south DeKalb County.

The break occurred in the 1700 block of Parkhill Drive near Glenwood Road near Decatur. Greene said water flowing from the ruptured main had gone into the basements of the two homes that were evacuated. Atlanta Gas Light spokeswoman Tami Gerke said concrete from a sinkhole that developed around the broken main fell and cut two gas supply lines. Mike Morris

Man, 18, arrested in double homicide

DeKalb County police have made an arrest in connection with Tuesday afternoon’s double killing at the Colony at Stone Mountain Apartments.

Police have not released the suspect’s name or the charges. But DeKalb County Jail records show that Deandre Larry White, 18, was booked Wednesday on two counts of felony murder. More arrests are expected, police said.

A 22-year-old woman and a 26-year-old man were in a car when someone walked up and fatally shot them about 1:30 p.m. Tuesday. Ty Tagami/ mike morris

Dunwoody chamber to host business expo

The Dunwoody Chamber of Commerce announced that it will host Dunwoody Business Expo 2011 on April 21.

The event will be from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia. The keynote speaker will be John Heagy, senior vice president of marketing at Hines. Information: www.dunwoodycommerce.org. Joel Anderson

SOUTHSIDE

Board adds time to high school schedule

The Fayette County Board of Education voted Tuesday to add 20 minutes to the high school schedule starting in 2011-12.

The IF period will allow students to get remedial instruction, help with homework, or additional study time. It has been implemented successfully at Sandy Creek and Fayette County High Schools, and has been tested at other schools.

Fayette’s elementary school schedule will remain unchanged, but middle school will go from 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and high school will start at 8:40 a.m. and end at 3:40 p.m. Jill Howard Church

Apply for scholarship by March 28

Applications for the 2011 Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Scholarship are available online at www.cbcfinc.org/scholarships. Completed applications must be submitted by March 28 to Congressman David Scott’s Jonesboro or Smyrna office. Information: Sheila Davis or Angie Matthews in Scott’s office at 770 432-5405. Tammy Joyner

HMC vice president wins accolade

The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) honored Henry Medical Center vice president and COO Jeff Cooper for his contributions to the field of healthcare information technology and management systems. Cooper, the HIMSS national chair in 1999, was one of ten healthcare IT professionals cited for achievement during the 1990s and 50 people honored for their work during the 50 years of HIMSS’ existence.

Monroe Roark for the AJC

East Point approves roads to be monitored

East Point officials have signed off on a list of roads for use of speedway detection devices. The DOT approved a list of 43 roadways in the city that can be monitored by laser or radar devices to enforce speed limits. John Thompson for the AJC

Eagle’s Landing senior 2010-11 STAR student

Denver Burton, a senior at Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy, was named the countywide STAR Student for 2010-11. She and her STAR Teacher, Scott King, were honored by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) Foundation, the Henry County Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Department of Education at a breakfast March 3 at Eagle’s Landing Country Club. This is the second time in three years an ELCA student has earned the countywide honor. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Peachtree City offers emergency training

Peachtree City’s Community Emergency Response Team is accepting applications for the next series of classes, which begin April 14.

CERT classes will meet on Thursdays from 6:30 to 9 p.m. for 10 weeks. The program, run by the Peachtree City Police Department, is part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Its purpose is to train individuals in lifesaving skills and procedures in case of local disasters or emergencies.

Candidates must be Georgia residents age 18 or older. Classes are free but limited to 22 participants.

Applications are at www.peachtree-city.org/CERT and are due by April 7. Jill Howard Church