COBB
KSU receives $200,000 family foundation grant
Kennesaw State University has received a $200,000 grant from the Robert Bowne Foundation to start a resource and research web site hub to promote after school and out-of-school time programs. KSU’s Center for Sustainable Journalism will develop the hub on its online publication, “Youth Today.” The New York City based family foundation will also provide the university access to its research supporting literacy programs for youth.
Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Cobb school board to vote on budget
The Cobb County Board of Education approved a tentative $899 million budget for the 2015 fiscal year.
The budget includes adding 300 teachers, a 1 percent pay restoration for staff, salary increases for eligible employees and no furlough days.
The public may weigh in before the board vote May 23. Information: www.cobbk12.org.
Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Acworth to hold barbecue festival
Barbecue teams will compete at the 5th annual Smoke on the Lake BBQ festival 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday at Cauble Park, 4425 Beach St., Lake Acworth.
Shuttles will be provided to the even,t sponsored by the city of Acworth, North Cobb Rotary Club and Georgia Barbecue Association. Proceeds will benefit local charities.
Information: www.smokeonthelake.org.
Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Powder Springs officer receives award
Powder Springs Police Lt. Michael Cochran has been named the Public Safety Officer of the Year by the Cobb Bar Association.
He was presented his award by Mayor Patricia Vaughn, City Manager Brad Hulsey and Police Chief Charlie Sewell during a recent luncheon.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Kennesaw’s 5K series starts Saturday
Kennesaw’s Grand Prix 5K Race series starts 7:30 a.m. Saturday, First Baptist Church Kennesaw, 2598 N. Main St. The 1-mile fun-run and 5K race will benefit Kennesaw’s largest, 42-acre Swift-Cantrell Park. T
he city is sponsoring a series of six 5K races through Nov. 1 to raise funds for charity, the city’s Southern Museum and Smith-Gilbert Gardens.
Information: www.swiftcantrellclassic.com. Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Austell, Caraustar develop energy plan
The Austell City Council approved Monday an energy package with Caraustar, one of North America’s largest manufacturers of recycled paperboard and converted paperboard products.
The company no longer will burn coal in exchange for receiving a three percent discount from the city’s natural gas system and a three percent discount on water and sewer, yielding $3 to $5 million more in city revenue from buying the city’s natural gas.
Caraustar rents the entire third floor of the city’s Threadmill Complex for about $700,000 annually.
Information: caraustar.com.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
GWINNETT
Sugar Hill looking for residents born in 1939
As part of their efforts to celebrate the city’s 75th anniversary, Sugar Hill is looking for residents born in 1939. Eligible residents, or those who know someone qualified, are asked to contact Scott Andrews at sandrews@cityofsugarhill.com. Sugar Hill will celebrate 75 years on August 2 with a day full of family entertainment and events. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Celebrate Earth Day at recycling event
Gwinnett County Solid Waste and Recovered Materials Division will host an Earth Day recycling event 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at Coolray Field, 2500 Buford Drive, Lawrenceville. The event features electronics recycling, tire recycling, paint and ink cartridge collection. Gently used or old sneakers may be donated for needy or recycled into surfaces for local playgrounds and running tracks. Free kids’ activities and touch-a-truck.Information: www.gwinnettcb.org.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Arts in the Park returning to Suwanee
Arts in the Park returns 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, May 17 to Suwanee’s Town Center Park with a retro theme of Peace, Love & Arts in the Park. Presented by the North Gwinnett Arts Association and sponsored by Nalley Automotive, Arts in the Park will consist of more than 75 exhibiting artists, tie-dyed t-shirts, look-alike performers from the 1970s, and retro vibe. Juried artists’ works include jewelry, painting, pottery, woodworking, glass, photography, iron, multimedia, and more. Many artists will demonstrate their work onsite. Information: visit suwaneeartsinthepark.com.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Lilburn Co-op offers food stamp assistance
The Lilburn Cooperative Ministry will provide assistance for people applying for food stamps 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 14 and Friday, May 30 at 5329 Five Forks Trickum Road in Lilburn. Representatives will be on hand to assist families with the sign up process. Information: www.lilburncoop.org or 770-931-8333.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Peachtree Corners bird watching online
Residents can follow live video footage of a nest of re-shouldered hawks nesting in Peachtree Corners at
The live feed is following the parents of four young chicks born in early April found nesting outside the conference room of the east office Commander Pound Butler, LLP. Information: www.commanderpoundbutler.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Snellville awards annual scholarships
Snellville Tourism & Trade has awarded two $1,000 scholarships Sarah Lawley from South Gwinnett and Erica Mills of Brookwood Information: www.snellville.org.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
NORTHSIDE
Forsyth elections to consolidate operations
The Forsyth County Voter Registrations and Elections department is looking to merge its office and warehouse operations, and will make a formal request to the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners at its May 20 meeting. Merging the office, which is in the county administration building with the warehouse containing election equipment and supplies several miles away on Piney Grove Road would solve time and logistics issues. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Holly Springs signs off on park project
Holly Springs City Council Monday night recommended that the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners award the $1.16 million J.B. Owens Park project to low bidder BM and K construction. Commissioners will have final say on May 20 because funding is to come from the county’s park bond. The passive park on Hickory Road will include a playground, picnic pavilions, restrooms and walking trails. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Forsyth library offers digital downloads
The Forsyth County Public Library will have a new program where patrons can temporarily download or stream thousands of movies, TV shows, music albums and audiobooks starting May May 14.
Information: forsyth.public.lib.ga.us/ Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Alpharetta habitat certification drive starts
The Alpharetta Natural Resources Commission seeks to have the city certified as a Community Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. In order to make the cut, at least 200 homes, six “common areas” and five schools will need to take part in creating habitats. Those interested, contact alpharettaswildside@gmail.com and attend an organizational meeting 7 -8 p.m. May 15 at the Alpharetta Public Works Department, 1790 Hembree Road.
Information: on the ANRC Facebook page. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Feedback sought on teen alcohol use
Forsyth County parents are being asked for information on teen alcohol use. The Forsyth County Schools’ “I have a Choice” anti-teen drinking initiative has a survey on the district website through May 9, seeking to gather information on parental attitudes.
Grant administrator Lindsey Shadburn Simpson says results will help in creating a Phase 2 campaign beginning in August that will include billboards, displays within schools and social media. The program is being funded by a $101,362 state grant. To take the survey: forsyth.k12.ga.us
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Chamber to present health workshop
The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce will present a workshop on federal health care reform updates from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the chamber offices, 3605 Marietta Highway, Canton. The workshop will focus on federal health care reform changes applicable for 2014 affecting small group health plans. Information: cherokeechamber.com
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
ATLANTA
Re-opening school planetarium discussed
Presentations at the Emory University planetarium this week are informing Atlantans about what it will take to re-open a planetarium at Harper-Archer Middle School in west Atlanta.
The events are being handled by Community Partners Education Foundation and staff for the Emory planetarium.
Members of the public will be able to hear about the project and ask questions at 9 a.m. today, 9 a.m. Thursday and 6:30 p.m. Thursday. Mark Niesse
School board seeks review of education
Atlanta’s school board has agreed to start a conversation about improving education in the central part of the city after dozens of parents and students protested the pending closure of Kennedy Middle School.
The board on Monday unanimously approved a review of education in the Washington Cluster, where Brown Middle and Kennedy Middle feed into Washington High.
Kennedy Middle has 59 students left, and they will move to Brown Middle. Mark Niesse
Teacher visits White House leaders
A seventh-grade social studies teacher at Mount Vernon Presbyterian School in Sandy Springs was one of 20 teachers from across the country who visited the White House on Wednesday for a Teacher Appreciation Week event.
The teacher, Alex Bragg, was participating in a conversation with administration officials including Education Secretary Arne Duncan and Jill Biden, a lifelong educator and wife of Vice President Joe Biden.
Mark Niesse
Rapper suffers seizures, head injury
Rising Atlanta hip-hop star Rich Homie Quan is in the hospital this morning after suffering two seizures and hitting his head on the concrete Tuesday.
TMZ is reporting that the rapper, whose real name is Dequantes Lamar, was shooting a music video at Piedmont Park. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he is listed in good condition. Marcus K. Garner
DEKALB
Cyclist sustains ‘life-threatening injuries’
A 26-year-old woman bicyclist was struck by a vehicle at approximately 5:52 p.m. Tuesday, near the intersection of West Ponce de Leon Avenue and West Trinity Place in Decatur.The bicyclist “sustained life threatening injuries and was transported to an area hospital for treatment, police said.
No names of persons involved have been released. Bill Banks for the AJC
Merriss: tree ordinance needs ‘to be resolved’
After seven months of attempting to revise its 1989 tree ordinance, Decatur city manager Peggy Merriss said the issue “needs to be resolved. It’s time for the commission to approve or not approve it.” The city commission reached a consensus Monday saying the new ordinance needed to specifically define a “specimen tree,” typically a large, mature tree, and that property owners should get double canopy coverage for preserving a specimen. The commission’s scheduled to vote on the ordinance May 19.
Bill Banks for the AJC
Animal shelter offers reduced adoption fees
DeKalb County Animal Services is offering special adoption rates during May.
Adoption fees for dogs six months and older are $20, and $10 for cats. All animals will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. Regular screening criteria will apply to ensure the animals are going to good homes.
Information: www.dekalbanimalservices.com Kent A. Miles for the AJC
GSU’s Indian Creek Lodge certified green
Georgia State University’s Indian Creek Lodge was awarded a Leadership in Energy and Environment Design certification.
The lodge, within a 15.5-acre recreational area is used for group meetings and retreats, and is Georgia State’s first project to achieve the LEED certification. The facility’s sustainable features include high-energy water fixtures, preservation of 77 percent of the project for open space and bicycle storage and changing areas for bicycle commuters. Janel Davis
New exhibits to open at ART Station
ART Station, 5384 Manor Road, Stone Mountain, will host a reception to open three exhibits 7 p.m. Saturday.
“Creating an Impression,” features works from the Atlanta Printmakers Studio; “Enigma,” a solo show of works by artist, Wanda Walston; and an exhibit by members of the Calligraphy Guild of the Friends of the Alphabet will be on display throughout the facility.
Other galleries in town will also be open that evening.
Information: www.artstation.org or 770-469-1105. Kent A. Miles for the AJC
DeKalb History Center hosting fundraiser
The DeKalb History center will host a fundraiser 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. today at the Benjamin Swanton House on Trinity Place, Decatur to raise money for repairs to the house.
Tickets for the Spring for Swanton event are $75 and include food and drink and live entertainment, as well as tours of the historic home.
Information/reservations: 404-373-1088 ext. 20 or goldenmund@dekalbhistory.org.
April Hunt
SOUTHSIDE
Fayetteville man accused of burglaries in 3 counties
Richard Blake Willeby, 24, of Fayetteville has been charged with burglary and possession of methamphetamine in Coweta, Fayette and Spalding counties. Authorities caught him Friday after they responded to a burglary in eastern Spalding.
When deputies arrived, they found a vehicle matching the getaway car and Willeby was behind the wheel. Investigators searched the vehicle and found items from the burglary scene. Willeby is being held in the Spalding County Detention Center .
Rodney Thrash
Accused killer caught in Alabama
D’Vontavious Bernard Williams, 20, of College Park, is charged with felony murder, armed robbery and aggravated assault for the April 28 shooting that killed Union City store clerk, 28-year-old Sohil Padania. But Williams eluded capture until Tuesday, when he was apprehended in Lanett, Ala.
Williams was found hiding in a tree after tips led Alabama police to the apartment complex where he was allegedly staying.
Alexis Stevens
Motorcycle ride to benefit HCPD
The Henry County Police Department will host a motorcycle benefit ride called Wings for Warriors May 31, at the HCPD headquarters, 108 S. Zack Hinton Parkway, McDonough. Proceeds go toward the Henry County Police Benevolence Fund to assist police officers in need. Registration: 8:30 a.m. with kickstands up at 10:45 a.m. The ride will end at O.B’s BBQ, 725 Industrial Blvd., McDonough. Registration: $25 for rider and passenger. Information: 770-990-5656 or at rpatten@co.henry.ga.us.
Monroe Roark for the AJC
Fayette Humane needs foster families
The Fayette Humane Society needs foster families to help care for the spring influx of puppies and kittens awaiting adoption. The group provides food, supplies and medical care for the animals.
Register: www.fayettehumane.org/foster or call 770-487-1073.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Mud Challenge returns to Tyrone
The Goliath Mud Challenge will take place 7 a.m.-noon on May 31 at Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church, 411 Palmetto Road in Tyrone.
The event includes a 5K obstacle course for adults and a one-mile FUN Run for kids. Proceeds benefit the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Information: goliathmudchallenge.com.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Keane awarded for helping students
Debi Keane of the Henry County School System has been given the Herb Garrett Advocacy Award for 2014 by the Georgia Council of Administrators of Special Education. She chaired the council’s Legislative Committee for the past five years and has spent many more years as an advocate for students with disabilities. She is retiring at the end of the current school year after 36 years in education.
Information: www.henry.k12.ga.us. Monroe Roark for the AJC
