COBB
Former Marietta employees indicted
The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Georgia has indicted two former Marietta employees for theft of federal funds from the low-income housing voucher or Section 8 program. Shantel Bowens and Debbie Brown worked for Marietta’s Department of Development Services which administers the Housing and Urban Development program. Tunji Imoukhuede and Babatunde Abass were also indicted. The four are expected to be arraigned in federal court in the next week.
Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Bids sought for amphitheatre
A meeting is 10 a.m. April 7 at the Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre, 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton for bidders on concession, catering and vending operations for the amphitheatre. Bids are due by noon April 24 in the Cobb County Purchasing Department, 100 Cherokee St., Suite 260, Marietta Information: purchasing.cobbcountyga.gov.Carolyn Cunningham
Warsaw ghetto photos on exhibit
“In the Ghetto of Warsaw: Heinrich Jost’s Photographs” are on display 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays through April 30 at the Lovett School Galleria, 4075 Paces Ferry Road, NW.
Jöst’s 40 pictures are among the few of Warsaw ghetto corpses during World War II - some with graphic, disturbing content.
Information: Karey Walter, karey.walter@lovett.org.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Comments due soon for cell phone tower
April 13 is the comment deadline on a 130-foot cell phone tower on the 6900 block of Mableton Parkway, Mableton to be built by Pegasus Tower Co.
Comments only on historical impact may be sent to Dina Bazzill, Environmental Corp. of America, 1375 Union Hill Industrial Court, Suite A, Alpharetta, GA 30004 or 770-667-2040, ext. 111.
Comments on environmental concerns may be filed with the Federal Communications Commission at fcc.gov/asr/environmentalrequest, referring to File No. A0894641 to view information about the tower. Carolyn Cunningham
Marietta art walk starts Friday
The First Friday Art Walk opens 5 to 9 p.m. Friday through Oct. 3 at 30 shops, arts galleries and museums around the Marietta Square. Maps for the free, self-guided tours are available at locations displaying an art walk banner. Painter Tommy Hunt will be featured at Avery Gallery, 390 Roswell St., Marietta. Information:www.artwalkmarietta.com.
Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Job workshops continue at church
A free workshop series on job-seeking skills is being offered at 7 p.m. on various Thursdays through June by Calvary Baptist Church, 4780 Flint Hill Road, Austell.
Topics include Time Management/Self-Organization, April 3; Networking/Building Self-Confidence, April 17; Internet/Social Media/Marketing Yourself, May 1; Dress for Success, May 15 and Workplace Practices/Keeping Your Job, June 5.
Information: 770-941-8445 or Kathy Grosskurth, kgrosskurth@gmail.com.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
GWINNETT
Snellville mayor files appeal to fight firing
Snellville Mayor Kelly Kautz continues the fight to remove City Attorney Anthony Powell with a motion for reconsideration filed with the Georgia Court of Appeals on Friday.
In a related ongoing case, Kautz is suing the Snellville City Council over her objection to a new contract for City Manager Butch Sanders and an attempt to replace City Clerk Melissa Arnold. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
County hiring poll officials
Gwinnett County Elections is looking to hire paid poll officials for the 2014 elections. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, residents of Gwinnett County, at least 16 years old, able to read, write and speak English and have transportation to and from polls. Applicants must have computer access to complete online training. Applications: www.gwinnettcountyjobs.com. Information: www.gwinnettelections.com.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Library to explain citizenship process
The Gwinnett County Public Library will host a “How to Become a U.S. Citizen” information meeting 6 to 8 p.m. April 16 at the Five Forks Branch, 2780 Five Forks Trickum Road in Lawrenceville. Topics will include documentation requirements, test and interview questions and testing sites. No pre-registration required for this free program. Information: www.gwinnettpl.org.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Cleanup challenge underway through May
Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful is hosting the Great American Cleanup Gwinnett Challenge, through May 31. Volunteers will beautify neighborhoods, reduce waste, initiate recycling programs, and plant trees. Open to businesses, governments, school, church and civic groups, athletic teams and individuals. Information: www.gwinnettcb.org.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Duluth budget available for review
Duluth’s proposed 2015 budget will be available for public inspection online at www.duluthga.net and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday beginning April 4 in the Duluth City Clerk’s office in Duluth City Hall, 3167 Main St. Mayor, council, department heads and staff will discuss the proposed budget at 5:30 p.m. on April 15, 16 and 23 in the Community Room of City Hall. Dates for public hearing and adoption of the FY15 budget will be published on or before May 1. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
2014 Snap Suwanee exhibit opens
Suwanee’s new 9 /11 memorial, other public art, parks, and events are featured in the 2014 Snap Suwanee photo exhibition display 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday at Suwanee City Hall, 330 Town Center Ave. Thirteen photographs by 10 different photographers were selected to be part of the exhibit on display through December. List of winners: www.suwanee.com.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
NORTHSIDE
New Woodstock trails to open in early May
After being plagued by weather delays, a new portion of Woodstock’s trail system will officially open with a 10 a.m. May 3 ribbon-cutting at Market and Elm streets downtown. The Towne to Creek and Noonday Creek multi-use concrete segments stretch approximately 1.5 miles from downtown to Ga. 92 near I-575, a $1.5 million project. The grand opening will be part of the fifth annual Woodstock Trailfest, which will feature a 5K run, live music, food, beverages and vendors. It’s a fundraiser for the nonprofit Woodstock Greenprints Alliance. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Greenstock day planned in Woodstock
Woodstock will hold Greenstock Day, 9 a.m.-2 April 19, at the Park At City Center, Main Street and Arnold Mill Road. Bring in old computers, monitors, televisions and other electronics for recycling 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. Document destruction and battery recycling will also be offered. There will be a charge for recycling some items. An Earth Day festival is 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. with live music, food, games and kids activities.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Cherokee Easter appeal wraps up April 12
The Cherokee Recreation and Parks Authority collects Easter baskets as part of its “Some Bunny Special” campaign through April 12.The agency’s aiming to deliver baskets to 300 needy children in the county.
All baskets must be pre-filled. Drop off donations at Cherokee County fire stations.
Information: www.crpa.net
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Exhibit will explore Cherokee’s past
The Cherokee County History Museum has debuted a new temporary exhibit, “Unearthing the Past: Archaeology in Cherokee County,” which will run until April 12. The exhibit highlights more than 1,000 archeological sites and includes dozens of rarely-seen artifacts. The museum’s at 100 North St., Suite 140, Canton. Hours: Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Information: www.rockbarn.org
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Roswell water quality report available
The city of Roswell’s annual water quality report is available at roswellgov.com/CCR.
City officials say the report contains valuable information such as where the city’s drinking water comes from, what it contains, and how it compares to the standards set by water regulatory agencies.
The city says it conducted tests of drinking water parameters in conjunction with state officials in 2013, and no violations were reported.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
STEM program now available in Cherokee
Enrollment for the Cherokee County School District’s science, technology, engineering, math and fine arts academies for the 2014-15 school year runs through April 11.
The STEM program is offered at Ball Ground, Canton, Clark Creek and Holly Springs elementary schools, while the fine arts program is based at Hasty and Oak Grove elementaries.
Information and applications: cherokee.k12.ga.us
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
ATLANTA
Olympic medalist to give GSU commencement
Olympic bobsledder and silver medal winner at the Sochi Winter Olympics, Elana Meyers, will be the keynote speaker at Georgia State University’s spring commencement 2 p.m. May 10 at the Georgia Dome.
Meyers, who is from Douglasville, Ga., won the silver medal in the two-woman bobsled event. She won a bronze medal in the same event in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. Janel Davis
Churches to host benefit concert
“Hope Springs Forth: A Charity Concert” featuring LashBrooks and the Cottrells is at 3 p.m. Sunday at First Metropolitan Community Church, 1379 Tullie Road.
Proceeds benefit the homeless assistance center Our House in Decatur.
A $5 donation is suggested.
Information: decaturunitychurch.com or www.firstmcc.com
Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Union Pacific’s CFO to lecture at Clark Atlanta
Robert Knight Jr., chief financial officer for Union Pacific Corp., will serve as the guest lecturer in the Dean’s Executive Lecture Series on Wednesday. The topic is: “Don’t Miss the Train: The Value of the Railroad Industry.” The program starts at 10:50 a.m.at the Thomas W. Cole Jr. Research Center for Science and Technology Auditorium, 223 James P. Brawley Drive, S.W. Knight has been CFO at Union Pacific since February 2004 and is responsible for all financial activities of both the corporation and Union Pacific Railroad. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Kansas State University and a master’s degree in business administration from Southern Illinois University.
Nancy Badertscher
Buckhead library hosts poetry contest
The Buckhead Library, 269 Buckhead Avenue NE is hosting the Ida Williams Memorial poetry contest for children and teens where winner receive gift cards. Entries due April 19.
Information: 404-814-3500
Arlinda Smith Broady
DEKALB
Wanted: leader for school district
Following in the footsteps of Atlanta Public Schools, the DeKalb County School District will initiate a superintendent search in late spring.
The Atlanta school board revealed last month that Meria Carstarphen, superintendent of the Austin Independent School District, was the lone contender to succeed Atlanta Superintendent Erroll Davis. Meanwhile, DeKalb’s superintendent, Michael Thurmond, has said he does not want to remain in his job after his contract expires in June 2015, which is prompting another search effort.
DeKalb school board Chairman Melvin Johnson said Tuesday that DeKalb will begin discussing a search for a replacement in June. He named three board members — Joyce Morley, John Coleman and Jim McMahan — to prepare for that discussion. Besides DeKalb, Cobb County will be searching for a superintendent, after the resignation of Michael Hinojosa.
Ty Tagami
Decatur Schools 101 is today
The City Schools Decatur portion of “Decatur 101” takes place 10 a.m. to noon and 7 to 9 p.m. today in the Hospitality Room at Decatur High School, 310 North McDonough Street, Decatur. Each class covers the school system’s mission, history, special programs and budget, with comments from principals, teachers and instructional coaches. There’s also an optional tour of the Decatur Career Academy before classes. Snacks provided from culinary arts students.
Bill Banks for the AJC
Neighborhood watch workshop for residents
A neighborhood watch workshop will take place at 6 p.m. April 22 at the DeKalb County police and fire headquarters, 1960 West Exchange Place, Tucker.
This workshop is designed to educate participants on the most effective ways of identifying and reporting suspicious activity and mobilizing a neighborhood watch program. A tour of the DeKalb 911 Center will also take place during the event.
Information: dekalbcountyga.gov
Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Job fair for careers in juvenile justice
The state Department of Juvenile Justice is hosting an information session about careers with the department at 2 p.m. April 23 in the DeKalb Conference Center at Georgia Piedmont College, 495 N. Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston.
The department is sponsoring job fairs throughout the state this month to attract qualified candidates, including veterans, seeking careers in juvenile corrections. The events are free and open to the public.
Information: www.djjnewsandviews.org/djjcareers
Kent A. Miles for the AJC
DeKalb County to honor employees
DeKalb County will hold its third annual employee recognition program at 11:30 a.m. April 16 at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur.
The county will honor workers who consistently provide stellar customer service in bill paying, public safety and other services provided to residents.
Information: dekalbcountyga.gov
Kent A. Miles for the AJC
SOUTHSIDE
Former mayors to challenge Brown
Former Peachtree City mayors Don Haddix and Harold Logsdon have qualified to challenge incumbent Steve Brown – also a former Peachtree City mayor – in the primary for the District 3 seat on the Fayette County Board of Commissioners. Voters will go to the polls May 20, and again on July 22 if there is a runoff.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Lake Peachtree refilling delayed
Work on Peachtree City’s Lake Peachtree will delay the refilling of the lake. The water level was drawn down in January to allow property owners to do shoreline and dock maintenance. A safety inspection of the spillway that regulates the water level showed a need for repairs, which will take about three weeks. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Union City hosts health parade
The Union City Parks and Recreation department will host healthy activities Saturday at Ronald Bridges Park, 5285 Lakeside Drive, in conjunction with First Lady Michelle Obama’s LET’S MOVE Initiative. Activities include a 1.5 mile walk and health parade which will begin at 8:45 a.m. at City Hall, 4760 Union St. The Union City Eagles will also kick off their season at 10:30 a.m. Free.
Information: 770-964-1236.
Arlinda Smith Broady
Clayton offers Spring Break tennis camp
Clayton County Parks & Recreation offers a Spring Break tennis camp next week at the Clayton County Tennis Center, 2300 Hwy 138, S.E., Jonesboro. The camp for kids age 5 - 17, will focus on rules and fundamentals of the game, strategy, physical conditioning and stroke improvement. There will be drills and supervised matches. You must bring your own sack lunch except Friday when there will be a pizza party. Cost is $50 a day or $125 for the week. Information: 678 479-5016. Tammy Joyner
Legislative session topic of educator meeting
State Sen. Ronnie Chance will discuss the recent legislative session at the next meeting of the Fayette County Retired Educators Association. All TRS of Georgia retirees and their spouses are welcomed to the event 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Fayetteville First United Methodist Church (next door to the old Courthouse). The meetings are also a drop off station for items for Fayette Samaritans and teaching materials.
Information 770-487-7731 or www.fayettegaretirededucators.org. Arlinda Smith Broady
Exhibitors wanted for Fayette Earth Day
Fayette County’s annual Earth Day Festival will be held 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 26 at the Courthouse Square in downtown Fayetteville. The event will feature information, products and activities related to environmental awareness and sustainability. Green Market vendors, food vendors and educational exhibitors can sign up for booth space until Friday.
Information: www.fayettecoearthday.org. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
