County by county news for Thursday

Applied Intelligent Systems will be paid $23,487 for the device, including this year’s $1,500 subscription, from the city’s contingency fund since it is an unbudgeted item.

The annual cost will be $1,500, which is $500 for each of the three cameras that notify officers when a vehicle tag on any side of the police vehicle registers, for instance, as stolen or an Amber Alert. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

I-75 reopens after truck wreck

All southbound lanes of I-75 in Cobb County reopened at 7:10 a.m. Wednesday following a predawn truck wreck which involved a tractor-trailer and a smaller box truck at the South Marietta Parkway overpass.

There were no immediate reports of serious injuries.

Three right lanes were blocked fore more than an hour.Mike Morris

Road to close for East Cobber parade

Johnson Ferry Road will close 9:30 to about 11:15 a.m. Saturday from Lower Roswell Road to Roswell Road for the annual East Cobber Parade. Princeton Lakes Drive will also close from 8:30 –10:30 am. The parade, starting 10 a.m., will travel south from Mt. Bethel Elementary School to the Fountains of Olde Towne Shopping Center. A festival, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., will follow with arts, crafts, entertainment and food.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Austell accepts greenspace property

The Austell City Council agreed Monday to accept two parcels for conversion to green space.

Damaged during the 2009 flood, these townhouses, 5145 A & B and 5147 A & B Lakeview Court, will be demolished as a controlled burn by Austell firefighters. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Cobb votes for park improvements

The Cobb Board of Commissioners have approved bids to Sutton Architectural Services to update 23-acre Sweat Mountain Park in north east Cobb and Prime Contractors to improve 27-acre Terrell Mill Park in east Cobb.

SPLOST funds will cover $108,350 for a new concession building, field and dog park improvements at Sweat Mountain and $605,380 for a concession building, maintenance building, picnic shelter and field renovation at Terrell Mill Park.

Information: www.cobbcounty.org.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Experts to discuss health care coverage

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority will host a panel of experts for a health care forum 5:30 and 7 p.m., Sept. 23 at Greenbriar Mall, lower level, 2841 Greenbriar Pkwy SW, Atlanta.

Derrick Harkins, Enroll America’s director of faith initiatives for African American engagement will discuss the Affordable Care Act. Enroll America is a non-profit based in Washington D.C. and focused on maximizing the number of people with health insurance.

Linda Olsen with Enroll America will share Georgia statistics on health care coverage.

Information: 404-349-4670.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

GWINNETT

Snellville shares town green plans, signage

Snellville’s Downtown Development Authority shared plans for Towne Green and new signage for entranceways to the city. Key locations include the intersection of Highway 124 and Ronald Reagan Parkway, as well as Oak Road and Highway 78. The Towne Green plan calls for a 2-foot-tall brick wall around its perimeter, a raised table crosswalk for those crossing Oak Road and new foliage. The design creates a sealed-off area to promote safety and leisure on the Green while also providing functionality. The project will begin this winter and be completed by May. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Volunteers wanted for trash bash

Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful and the Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources are seeking volunteers for the Lake Lanier Shore Sweep 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 27. The Gwinnett ‘leg’ of the Shore Sweep will be at Gwinnett Park near 1550 Buford Dam Road. Information: www.gwinnettcb.org.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Braselton reveals main street program

Braselton Downtown Development hosts a town hall 6 p.m. Oct. 9 at the Police & Municipal Court Facility, 5040 Highway 53. The Main Street presentation includes an interactive downtown map and planning survey. Questions: Amy at 706-684-0369 or apinnell@braselton.net.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Register today for twilight nature trek

Gwinnett Parks and Recreation is hosting a guided walk along the banks of the Chattahoochee 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Jones Bridge Park, 4901 East Jones Bridge Road in Peachtree Corners.

Stroll through Piedmont Forest and marshlands as day turns to dusk and learn about what is in the park at dark. All ages, $5/person. Preregister: www.gwinnettcountyevents.com or 678-277-0920. No onsite registration available. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Sign up for Great Days of Service

Volunteer for the 15th annual Gwinnett Great Days of Service to be held Oct. 24 and 25 at www.volunteergwinnett.net. Volunteers may choose from more than 300 different projects. This annual event offers Gwin¬nett residents the opportunity to donate their time and energy to community service and helping those in need. Information: www.gwinnettgreatdaysofservice.org.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Art association’s work displayed at City Hall

Artwork created by the Southern Colours Art Association is currently on display 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday through Oct. 31 in the Community Room at Snellville City Hall, 2342 Oak Road. Admission is free and open to the public. .

The Southern Colours Art Association is an active group of professional Georgia artists who share a mutual interest in art. Members come from Snellville, Lawrenceville, Lilburn, Loganville, Marietta, Roswell and Suwanee.

Information about membership in Southern Colours: sallieatkins@att.net.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Roswell intersection improvements begin

The Roswell Department of Transportation has kicked off two intersection improvement projects. Crews began work Wednesday adding a westbound right-turn lane on Old Alabama Road at Old Alabama Road Connector. The project will also add about 400 feet of sidewalk along Old Alabama Road. Construction will begin Sept. 15 on Ga. 140/Holcomb Bridge Road at Warsaw Road extending a westbound left turn lane along Holcomb Bridge. Both projects, set to finish in October, may result in periodic traffic delays.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Cherokee company seeking workers

The Georgia Department of Labor will be helping Belnick Inc., a company which manufactures officers chairs and furniture, recruit workers in Cherokee. The company will seek general warehouse clerks and experienced forklift operators 1-4 p.m. today at its facility, 4350 Ball Ground Highway in Canton. Job applicants must be at least 18 and be able to pass a drug screening test and a background check. More information: 770-528-6100.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Holly Springs seeking downtown input

Holly Springs city officials want input from residents on developing and maintaining a thriving downtown. A town hall meeting’s set for 7 p.m. Oct.7 at the Historic Train Depot, 164 Hickory Road.

The input on streets, lighting, business and retail development and other areas is being sought as part of the city’s drive to become an accredited Georgia Main Street. The program is a public-private, state-administered venture aimed at preserving and improving core areas. The city hopes to be certified by early 2015. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Drive-by flu immunizations set

The North Georgia Health District will stage a series of drive-by flu shot clinics in several counties this fall, immunizing residents as they come through in their vehiucles. This year’s clinics will offer the 4-in-1 quadrivalent flu vaccine, which protects against four strains, and a high-dose vaccine for seniors. Cost: $25-50. The Cherokee clinic is set for 7:30 a.m.- 6 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Woodstock Health Center, 7545 N. Main St. More information: nghd.org Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Northside farmers market underway

A The East Roswell Farmers Market will run from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. each Thursday into October at 8560 Holcomb Bridge Road.

Information: 678-427-8251 or email mmoller123@aol.com

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Education group plans golf fundraiser

The Cherokee County Educational Foundation is planning its second annual fundraising Golf Classic Sept. 30 at Woodmont Golf and Country Club.

The nonprofit which supports school projects is seeking sponsorships, players and items for its silent auction and raffle.

Information/registration :www.cherokeecountyeducationalfoundation.org

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

Infrastructure bond meetings set

The city of Atlanta has started the next round of public information meetings on the 2015 proposed infrastructure bond. A draft list of potential projects for the bond and results of the first round of information sessions will be provided.

The bond referendum is being proposed to upgrade public buildings and facilities; and improve roads, bridges and sidewalks.

Meetings will be held 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the Atlanta Speech School, 3160 Northside Parkway, NW; Tuesday at Ben Hill Recreation Center, 2405 Fairburn Road, SW; and Sept. 18 at Adamsville Recreation Center, 3201 Martin L. King, Jr., SW.

Information www.atlantaga.gov.

Adrianne Murchison for the AJC

Harvard club hosts Ferguson panel

The Harvard Club of Georgia and the Atlanta Chapter of the Harvard Black Alumni Society will co-host a panel discussion, “Ferguson: Self Defense or Civil Offense,” at 7 p.m. today at the Stark Art Pop Up Gallery, 3079 Peachtree Road.

The event will focus on historic and contemporary relationships between police departments and minority communities using the recent uprising in Ferguson, Mo. as a backdrop.

Admission is free, but donations appreciated. Ernie Suggs

First generation college students get help

The documentary “First Generation” which follows high school students’ journey through the unfamiliar college application process will be screened at five Atlanta high schools.

A free community screening is 6 p.m. Tuesday at Atlanta Metropolitan State College, 1630 Metropolitan Parkway SW.

The documentary will be screened for students at Tri-Cities, Coretta Scott King YWLA, Meadowcreek, North Atlanta and Grady High Schools.

Information: www.firstgenerationfilm.com.

Adrianne Murchison for the AJC

DEKALB

Ethics complaint aimed at Watson

A renewed ethics complaint has been brought against DeKalb County Commissioner Stan Watson, alleging he used government money to pay for personal cellphone charges.

The complaint, filed Aug. 22 by DeKalb resident Rhea Johnson, cited articles by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution about how Watson charged the county nearly $5,000 for personal cellphone bills over the last three years, even though he also carried a county-issued phone. Watson is now paying the county back.

The DeKalb Board of Ethics dismissed a previous ethics complaint against Watson on Aug. 14.. Mark Niesse

Clerk’s office begins taking credit cards

The clerk’s office in the DeKalb County courthouse has become the first in Georgia to accept credit and debit card payments from walk-in customers for filing fees, recording fees, notary fees, land records and civil records. Mark Niesse

Chief Booker returns after surgery

Decatur Police Chief Mike Booker recently returned to work after 10 weeks absence due to hip replacement surgery, his second in the last four years. He returns in time to move his staff of 47 officers and 11 dispatchers into their new building at the Beacon Municipal Center. Booker’s been on Decatur’s police force since 1990 and was named Chief in 2006. Bill Banks for the AJC

Plans for Wilson Terrace land on hold

Douglas Faust, Decatur Housing Authority executive director, said there’s still no timetable for the Allen Wilson Terrace land on East Trinity Place and Commerce Drive.

Demolition of the original 1941 housing was completed in June, but Faust said there’s no date for conducting a sale on the 2.89 acres.

The DHA has a master plan putting 120 to 150 condos on the site, but its first priority is renovation of the Gateway Manor apartments, which should begin next summer. Bill Banks for the AJC

Habitat helps Clarkston families

Habitat for Humanity and several partners will perform home repairs for two disabled veterans and their families today in Clarktson in honor of Patriot Day.

The service is part of Habitat for Humanity’s Veterans Build program, which also helps military personnel, veterans and families with affordable housing.

The home improvements will include painting, building or repairing wheelchair ramps, and landscaping.

Clarkston employees and community leaders, along with local Fannie Mae staff will participate in the service project.

Adrianne Murchison for the AJC

CEO May holds Brookhaven meeting

DeKalb County Interim CEO Lee May will present his year-in-review report and 2014 outlook to Brookhaven residents 6:30 p.m. Sept. 17 at City Hall, 4362 Peachtree Road.

The meeting is one of several May is holding with DeKalb residents. In Brookhaven, he will include how DeKalb’s future relates to cityhood and other issues.

Information: www.dekalbcountyga.gov.

Adrianne Murchison for the AJC

SOUTHSIDE

Fayette education board hears path plan

The Fayette County Board of Education heard a presentation Monday night regarding golf cart path extensions and modified street crossings for the Starr’s Mill school complex. The project, researched by two high school interns, would involve county and school system coordination. Next steps include funding options and safety provisions. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Taste of Fayette returns Sunday

Fayetteville Main Street’s fall Taste of Fayette food sampling event will take place noon-5 p.m. Sunday at the gazebo, 140 Stonewall Ave. West. Tokens can be purchased for use at booths from a variety of local merchants. Kids’ activities and musical performances are included. Details at www.fayetteville-ga.gov.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

East Lake Road meeting set

Henry County officials host a meeting 6-7:30 p.m. Sept. 18, regarding the intersection improvement project set for East Lake Road and Ga. Highway 20. The meeting will be at Timber Ridge Elementary School, 2825 Hwy. 20 East in McDonough. The Georgia Department of Transportation conducted a study of the intersection and determined that a roundabout was appropriate, and the Henry County Board of Commissioners approved the bid for design services for intersection improvements to the area at its June 17 meeting. The meeting will feature an expert who specializes in roundabouts, and will be able to answer citizens’ questions. Representatives from GDOT will also be on hand to offer information. Information: www.henrycounty-ga.org/splost. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Artists wanted for mural

Artists interested in helping to create a new mural at the Crosstown Water Treatment Plant in Peachtree City may apply by submitting photos of their work to the Fayette County Public Art Committee. The county will award the winning artist(s) $3,000 upon completion. Submissions are due Oct. 3; contact Shanequa Gay at sgay@fayettecountyga.gov or 770-305-5185 for details.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Fayette promotes pet adoption

The Fayette Humane Society will participate in the National Pet Adoption Weekend from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the PetSmart in Peachtree City. Food and entertainment will be included.

Information about available animals is at www.fayettehumane.org.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Clayton Commissioner hosts meetings

Clayton County commissioner Sonna Gregory will move her monthly “Second Saturday Meetings” with constituents to the third Saturdays this month and October due to other obligations.

The sessions will be held 9 a.m. Sept. 20 and Oct. 18 in the usual location, the Carl Rhodenizer Recreation Center, 3499 Rex Road in Rex.

Details: 770-473-5770. Tammy Joyner