County by county news for Thursday

The event, which costs $50 for the general public, promises “spirited conversation” with elected officials and business leaders.

It is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Aug. 30 at the Georgian Club, 100 Galleria Parkway, Atlanta. Ty Tagami

Public hearing for new auditorium to be Sept. 12

Marietta City Schools will hold a public hearing 7 p.m. Sept. 12 concerning funding for a $8.6 million auditorium at Marietta High School. District superintendent Emily Lembeck and school board members will go over plans for the project and review paying for the auditorium with a general obligation bond. Marietta residents will vote on the bond next year. The public will also get a chance to make comments and ask questions about the auditorium. The meeting will be at the Marietta Sixth Grade Academy, 340 Aviation St. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Volunteers needed for Hill Park cleanup

Volunteers are needed 9-11 a.m. Saturday for a clean up of Hill Park, 144 Lemon St., Marietta. The Marietta Tree Keepers is planning a maintenance day at the pocket park northeast of the Marietta Square. Tools will be provided. Sign up and refreshments start at 8:30 a.m. The once vacant lot is now a city park that was recently named in memory of Willie Hill, a church deacon at Zion Baptist Church across the street. Information: www.marietta.gov/committees/treekeepers. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

WellStar to sponsor Pink Ribbon Golf Classic

WellStar Health System was named Wednesday as the presenting sponsor of the 13th annual American Cancer Society’s Pink Ribbon Golf Classic in Cobb County.

The golf fundraiser is scheduled for Oct. 3 at the Marietta Country Club. The golf classic raises almost $70,000 every year. WellStar’s sponsorship is expected to boost participation and proceeds.

Register for the event: 770-429-0089, www.pinkribbongolf.org Janel Davis

Olens to speak to east Cobb association

Georgia Attorney General and former Cobb County Commission Chairman Sam Olens will be the guest speaker at the monthly East Cobb Civic Association meeting on Aug. 31.

Olens’ presentation will be followed by the association’s general membership meeting.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. in the community room of the East Cobb Library, 4880 Lower Roswell Road in Marietta.

Information: www.eastcobb.net Janel Davis

Cumberland CID board to meet today

The Cumberland Community Improvement District board of directors will meet at 7:30 a.m. today at the Cobb Chamber of Commerce, 240 Interstate North Parkway, Atlanta. For information: 770-859-2357. Laurie Hoffman

GWINNETT

Suwanee council lowers millage rate again

The Suwanee City Council unanimously decided Tuesday to lower its property tax millage rate to 5.65, a slight reduction from last year’s rate of 5.70.

This is the second consecutive year that council members have agreed to lower the millage rate. The city’s rate was 5.77 in 2010.

“We’re pleased to be able to lower our tax rate for our citizens and businesses for the second year in a row,” Mayor Dave Williams said. “There aren’t very many communities that have done that.” Joel Anderson

Fake coyotes used to scare away geese

Don’t mind the snarling coyotes perched on the lawn at the Gwinnett County Schools’ headquarters in Suwanee.

The coyotes are statutes used to scare off geese that congregate outside the building. School officials said the geese moved in late spring and have laid eggs on the lawn. Sloan Roach, spokeswoman for Gwinnett Schools, said the birds are leaving behind a mess and the statutes are saving the district money on cleanup. D. Aileen Dodd

Chamber launches 27th leadership class

The Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce recently launched its 27th class of Leadership Gwinnett, which trains the county’s newest business, civic and cultural leaders.

Leadership Gwinnett alumni picked 40 new members. They will participate in two overnight retreats, seven one-day forums, monthly study groups and other activities. Information: www.gwinnettchamber.org. David Wickert

Duluth to have Sept. 11 ceremony

Duluth will host a ceremony Sept. 11 to unveil the Living Honorarium, a monument dedicated to the service of military, fire and police personnel.

The ceremony will start at 5:30 p.m. on the Duluth Town Green at 3142 Hill Street.

The monument was inspired by former Duluth Mayor Shirley Lasseter. Joel Anderson

Duluth to herald road improvement project

Duluth will host a dedication for the Davenport Road Sidewalk and Road Improvement Project on Sept. 1.

A ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. along Davenport Road. The public is invited to attend the event, which is expected to last about an hour. Information: 678-957-7284. Joel Anderson

Duluth parks director recognized

Duluth Director of Parks and Recreation Kathy Marelle recently earned recognition for completing the George Harris Executive Management Program from the University of Georgia through the Carl Vinson Institute of Government.

The program is a professional management development program designed to develop the knowledge, skills, and ability of select recreation professionals from across Georgia.

Marelle was one of 19 recreational professionals in the state selected to participate.

Information: 678-417-9269 or kmarelle@duluthga.net. Joel Anderson

NORTHSIDE

County takes bids for surplus property

Fulton County is taking sealed bids for eight pieces of surplus property, which are either undeveloped or once had county facilities on them. The parcels are in Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, College Park and Palmetto. Potential buyers can go to www.fultoncountyga.gov, click on “Bid Opportunities” from the home page, then click “Bid Opportunities” and “Property Sales” to find bid documents, instructions and property viewing dates. Minimum bids will be the properties’ appraised values. Due dates range from Sept. 19 to Sept. 22. Johnny Edwards

Milton council gets a look at new budget

The Milton City Council got its first look at the proposed 2012 budget this week, a budget calling for a 6 percent increase in spending over this year. The $18.6 million spending plan includes increases in police, fire and EMS. It also calls for extra expenditures in roadway paving and intersection improvements, one-time capital improvements the Council may elect to fund through its general fund balance. The city has looked to its reserves, which over time have built up, to help fund some of the street projects. Patrick Fox

Nurse charged with stealing patient’s drugs

The Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad on Tuesday arrested a hospice nurse who allegedly took pills from an elderly patient. Family members of the victim told police that Amy M. Armstrong, of Woodstock, may be stealing narcotic painkillers from the victim. Investigators said they observed her take the pills Tuesday.

When they arrested her, she allegedly had in her possession other painkillers and antidepressants. Armstrong, a nurse employed by a hospice agency, faces two counts of theft, elder abuse and possession of controlled substances. Andria Simmons

Alpharetta police investigate tire theft

Alpharetta police are investigating a tire theft that occurred Monday evening outside of a TJ MAxx store on North Point Parkway.Witnesses said a thin white male driving an older-model, four-door silver Honda Accord removed all four tires from a red Honda Accord that was parked at the store.

The thief then drove away northbound through the shopping center. Andria Simmons

Book on Cherokee history on the way

The Cherokee County Historical Society said the book Cherokee County, Georgia: A History will debut in November. Authored by Cherokee County Native Rebecca Johnston, the book is the first comprehensive history of the county published since 1932. The price is $38 and a discount is available for Historical Society members. Information: Preorder at www.rockbarn.org or 770-345-3288. Kenneth Musisi

Rep. Graves to hold town hall meeting

Rep. Tom Graves, R-Ga., has scheduled a town hall meeting for 6 p.m. Aug. 31 in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Suite 220, in the Forsyth County Administration Building, 110 East Main Street, Cumming.

The Board of Commissioners may attend, but no business will be discussed or transacted, county officials said. Patrick Fox

ATLANTA

$25,000 goes to winning farm designer

Mayor Kasim Reed launched his Trinity Avenue Urban Farm Design Competition with a $35,000 boost from Wal-Mart.

The city will create an urban garden across the street from City Hall to produce fresh fruit and vegetable for Atlanta residents.

As part of the Wal-Mart gift, the winning designer – charged with transforming the site of the old traffic court building into a thriving demonstration farm – will receive $25,000. The contest is open to students, educators and professionals across Georgia in fields related to urban agriculture and landscape architecture. Interested competitors must register online at http://www.trinityavenuefarm.org by Oct. 15 and submit proposals by Nov. 1.

Ernie Suggs

Court rules ex-bank officer can pursue suit

The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that a former bank manager can pursue claims that the bank failed to notify him he could continue his health insurance after he was fired in the wake of an investigation. Dave Cummings managed the Piedmont Commons branch of Washington Mutual Bank in 2006, and a 2007 audit found a $58,000 shortfall. The 11th Circuit dismissed Cummings’ claim the bank unlawfully asked him to take a polygraph, which he declined. But it said he could continue to try and prove the bank failed to notify him about his insurance. Bill Rankin

APS board votes to spend federal money

The Atlanta school board voted Monday to spend $2 million in federal Race to the Top funds. The money was part of $34 million in grants that would be lost if unspent by Sept. 30.

Superintendent Erroll Davis said that he wanted to ensure the money was earmarked and that he needed the board’s approval. It will be spent on computers in the schools, Davis’ chief of staff, Steve Smith, told the board.

The meeting was called as part of an ongoing process to fly straight after running afoul of accrediting agency Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Ty Tagami

DEKALB

Superintendent wins praise at old job

Cheryl Atkinson, finalist for DeKalb County school superintendent, leaves her school district in Lorain, Ohio, on a positive note. The small school district near Cleveland moved from academic watch to continuous improvement on the state report card released Wednesday. The district had been on academic watch for the past two years, the second-to-the-worst rating on a six-rating scale, with the worst being academic emergency and best being “excellent with distinction” districts. The state report card showed Lorain improved its attendance record but saw a drop in its high school graduation rate. Nancy Badertscher

Avondale Estates mayor wants to keep job

Avondale Estates Mayor Ed Rieker announced he would seek a second term as mayor. He said the city projects he’s proudest of during his first term include the refurbishing of Lake Avondale, the annexing of the former Fenner Dunlop property into the city, and supporting last year’s opening of the Museum School of Avondale Estates. Bill Banks for the AJC

Rewriting codes to cost $270,000

Dunwoody’s zoning ordinances will get a makeover soon, as the city voted Monday night to award a nearly $270,000 contract to Duncan Associates of Austin, TX, to rewrite the codes. The rewrite, is necessary as the current codes are 30 years old and were inherited from DeKalb County, city officials said. The process is expected to take approximately three years. Councilman Danny Ross objected to the contract award, saying the entire code didn’t need to be rewritten. Michelle E. Shaw

Mayor Reed to deliver keynote address

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed will deliver the keynote address at the opening convocation of Emory University’s Candler School of Theology at 11 a.m. today in Cannon Chapel, 515 Kilgo Circle.

The convocation ceremony signals the formal start of the academic year.

According to Candler, 70 percent of its graduates serve as pastors in churches; others minister in colleges, hospitals, the military, and social service organizations. Shelia Poole

Event to celebrate park’s improvements

A “reopening” celebration is planned for Shoal Creek II Park in Decatur this Saturday and the public is invited to check out the improvements. The Sprite Spark Parks Project provided a $10,000 grant to resurface two full basketball courts and four half courts that have been closed since July. The courts also have new goals and backboards. The celebration at the park at 3643 Glenwood Road begins at 9 a.m. and will last until noon. Rhonda Cook

Clarkston 5K walk to benefit literacy

Clarkston will host a 5K walk and party Saturday to bring more attention to literacy programs in the community.

The Walk to Erase Illiteracy begins at 9 a.m. Saturday at Milem Park on Norman Road. Registration is $10 for adults and free for children.

There will be face painting, games and giveaways in the park following the race.

To register: www.seedsofexcellence.org. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Henry County completes Tara Field purchase

Henry County now owns Tara Field. The county closed on the $17.7 million deal with Clayton County last Friday. The Federal Aviation Administration will cover 85 percent of the purchase price. By 2014, Henry plans to install an instrument landing system and other enhancements that will bring the facility up to recommended safety standards, allowing pilots to take off and land in all kinds of weather. There’s also plans to add a security fence. The deal covers 326 acres, including a hangar, and 217 acres of land owned by the Clayton County Water Authority. Tammy Joyner

Commissioner Edwards holds meeting tonight

Fulton County Commissioner William “Bill” Edwards will hold his third “Community Listening Session” of the year today at 7 p.m. in the South Fulton Government Service Center Auditorium, 5600 Stonewall Tell Road, College Park. Residents can sound off on county services, and county staff will be there to answer questions.

The last quarterly session will be Nov. 17. Edwards’ office can be reached at 404-612-8230 or 404-612-3079. Johnny Edwards

Firefighters ask motorists ‘to fill the boot’

Boot-carrying firefighters will be stationed at several south Fulton intersections on Friday asking motorists to donate to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Funds collected in the Fulton County Fire Rescue Department’s annual “Fill the Boot” campaign help pay for research, clinics, and summer camps for children and adults. The department has raised more than $316,000 since 1997.

Firefighters will be at south Fulton intersections again on Sept. 2. Johnny Edwards

Stockbridge to discuss vision for future

A public kickoff meeting is scheduled for Aug. 30, from 6:30-8 p.m. at Stockbridge City Hall to discuss the city’s 2001 Livable Centers Initiative study and “to develop a vision and plan for Stockbridge’s core that is community based and implementation-focused,” according to the city’s web site.

Monroe Roark for the AJC

Peachtree City Library offers Spanish lessons

The Peachtree City Library will offer free Spanish lessons to adults on Tuesday nights starting Aug. 30.

The classes will be taught by native speaker Gloria Alvarez in Room 3 of the library. They will go from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. through Dec. 13. Participants must be 18 or older.

For information and registration, call 678-855-5474. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Sign up now for citizens fire academy

The Henry County Citizens Fire Academy begins Sept. 10. The ten-week program was created to enhance the department’s relationship with the community and to educate and inform citizens about fire and emergency services. Participants will obtain knowledge of the inner workings of the Fire Department while getting an understanding of the strategies of firefighting.

Deadline for applications is Aug. 29. Information:www.henrycounty-ga.org and go to the Fire Department’s web page. Monroe Roark for the AJC