County by county news for Thursday

The question of when students should be on vacation was touchy enough to become an election issue in Cobb County last year. Last week, the school board unanimously approved Superintendent Michael Hinojosa’s method for drafting the next calendar, which would be approved in October.

Eight parents, two representatives of business and higher education and eleven school system personnel will be appointed to craft a two-year calendar starting in August. Ty Tagami

Smyrna gets nod for opportunity zone

Smyrna has received a go ahead for an opportunity zone for state tax credits to encourage new jobs and business in an area off South Cobb Drive in north Smyrna. The Georgia Department of Community Affairs awarded the designation for tax years 2011 through 2021. Mayor Max Bacon said the zone focuses on commercial and retail areas that have struggled in the economic downturn. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Austell Living Nativity goes on display

The 54th annual “Living Nativity” will be on display Tuesday through Thursday in Austell.The free event will be 7 to 8 p.m. at Austell Presbyterian Church, 5895 Love St. near Pair Court. Angels, shepherds, the Magi and live animals will join Mary, Joseph and the Baby Jesus, according to the church’s pastor, the Rev. David A. Pearce. Information: austellpres.org, 770-948-2822 or ourchurch@austellpres.org. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Children in need to get toys Saturday

Toys will be given to children in need on Saturday in Austell.

The Survivors Outreach Center Inc. of Powder Springs will host the event in the Community Room of the South Cobb County Government Service Center, 4700 Austell Road from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Information: survivorsoutreach.ning.com or Heather K-Green, survivorsoutreach@gmail.com. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Career expo at KSU on Jan. 12

The College of Continuing and Professional Education at Kennesaw State University is hosting a free Career Training Expo on Thursday, Jan. 12 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the KSU Center, 3333 Busbee Dr., Kennesaw. The Expo will feature information sessions on the professional certificate programs offered by the University, a seminar, “Social Networking for Career Success,” and Summer University, a day camp for children in grades 1-12. Space is limited and registration is required. Information: 770-423-6765 or www.ksuexpo.com. Laurie Hoffman

Lee to speak to chamber on Jan. 9

Cobb County Commission Chairman Tim Lee headlines the “First Monday Breakfast” sponsored by the Cobb Chamber of Commerce on Jan. 9. He’ll discuss the State of County at the 7:30 a.m. gathering. Online registration and refunds end Jan. 5 at noon, with general admission costing $60 and admission for members costing $25 online and $40 at door. Location: Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta.

Nancy Badertscher

GWINNETT

Commissioners approve two road projects

The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners approved two Lilburn-area road construction projects Tuesday. Commissioners awarded a $458,029 contract to ISC Inc. for work on Miller Road from Cole Drive to Hambrick Drive. The road should have new curbs, gutters and sidewalks by next fall. Commissioners also approved an agreement with the City of Lilburn to relocate Main Street from Lawrenceville Highway to the proposed new city hall and library at Church Street. Under the agreement, the city will pay for all preliminary engineering and land acquisition and the county will manage construction. David Wickert

Ryerson Inc. expansion to bring 25 jobs

An expansion at Ryerson Inc. in Duluth will mean 25 new jobs for Gwinnett County over the next year. The company, a metal processor and distributor, is adding 147,000 square feet of warehouse space at its Blue Ridge Industrial Parkway facility. The new jobs will bring Ryerson’s employment here to 290. David Wickert

Gwinnett officials, others hail renovations

The Holiday Inn Express Stone Mountain will celebrate its $2 million renovation with a formal ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday. The hotel at 1790 E. Park Place Boulevard now boasts new linens, paint, carpet, furniture, signage, televisions and a completely renovated lobby. Gwinnett Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Lisa Anders will speak and owners Raman and Vipul Patel will cut the ribbon. Andria Simmons

Low cost pet shots offered on Saturday

Protect the health of your pet with low-cost tests and shots available from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Georgia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Canine and feline rabies and distemper shots are $10; canine Bordetella (kennel cough) shots are $10; a canine heartworm test is $25; microchipping is $25 and a combo test is $25. The clinic is at the Georgia SPCA at 1175 Buford Highway, Suite 109, in Suwanee. Andria Simmons

GMC honors doctor for committee work

Gwinnett Medical Center has recognized T. Scott Maughon, M.D. for his contributions as chairperson of the Sports Medicine Committee in Duluth. The committee provides services, improved access to care and develops policies and education opportunities for the public. Under his leadership, the program was expanded to include coverage by certified athletic trainers at high schools in Gwinnett and Johns Creek, among other things. Mea Watkins

Ashworth College reaches out to homeless

Ashworth College, the Norcross-based online school, will help sponsor the Atlanta Children’s Shelter Holiday House, which provides a place where homeless parents can ‘shop’ free of charge for warm clothing, gifts and family necessities. Ashworth College will donate stockings and decorating materials, in addition to collecting donations. Representatives from the college will staff the event on today and Friday. Information: http://www.ashworthcollege.edu/about/news/ Veronica Fields Johnson

NORTHSIDE

Police serve dinner at Ronald McDonald House

Sandy Springs Police officers will be on hand today for the second annual Christmas Dinner with the residents of the Ronald McDonald House at 5420 Peachtree Dunwoody Road.

The Ronald McDonald House program provides a temporary residence for families so they can stay near their hospitalized child at little or no cost. The event will be from 6 to 9 p.m., with dinner catered by Carl’s Cafe. Following dinner, the children will open gifts from the officers. Patrick Fox

Fire stations to get exhaust systems

Alpharetta has approved a $117,000 contract to install vehicle exhaust ventilation systems at four of its fire stations.

The award comes six months after the City Council approved a contract with EMS Specialty Equipment for $98,900, including installation. Gary George, public safety director, said that contract was withdrawn after more due diligence was conducted. Fire stations 1, 2, 3 and 4 do not have exhaust systems in their bays, resulting in a carbon dioxide buildup whenever firetrucks are running, even with the bay doors open. Patrick Fox

Ground broken for new seniors community

Atlanta-based NorSouth Development Company has broken ground on HearthSide Johns Creek, the city’s first affordable senior living community. The $13.7 million rental facility of 90 apartments is reserved for independent seniors 62 and older. NorSouth will manage the property.

HearthSide is part of Johns Creek Walk mixed-use development. Designed to evoke a historic small town, the walkable, master-planned town, located off of Medlock Bridge Road, includes an old-fashioned Main Street with shops, restaurants and businesses. Patrick Fox

‘Modern Family’ star to speak a Pace Academy

Jesse Tyler Ferguson of Emmy Award winning TV sitcom “Modern Family” will speak at a benefit next month at Pace Academy. Ferguson will headline the school’s annual Diversity at the Table event on Jan. 28.

The event will be held at Pace’s Fine Arts Center at 8 p.m. The program will include clips from “Modern Family,” and a talk with Ferguson, who will answer audience questions.

Proceeds will benefit the school’s diversity outreach and scholarship fund.

Admission is $35. Tickets are available at www.paceacademy.org/diversity. D. Aileen Dodd

Sandy Springs rates high in fire protection

Sandy Springs officials learned this week that the Insurance Services Office has awarded the city’s fire department a Class 3 rating, placing it among the top 5 percent in the country.

The ISO rating plays a key role in the underwriting process and pricing structure used by insurance companies. The last time the Sandy Springs area was evaluated was in 1988 when it received a 3 as part of unincorporated Fulton County.

City officials said the updated rating will result in substantial cost savings in insurance premiums for property owners.

Patrick Fox

ATLANTA

Missed ethics training will bring dismissals

Atlanta school Superintendent Erroll Davis said the district will start dismissal proceedings against employees who fail to complete annual ethics training, which became mandatory following the state cheating investigation. Davis said about 8 percent of the district’s employees have not completed the training and have until the end of the year to do so. Monday, the school board approved a contract with Kennesaw State University to offer training next year.

“There will be consequences for any employee who fails to complete this training,” he said. Jaime Sarrio

Davis impatient with APS investigation

Atlanta school Superintendent Erroll Davis said Monday he is “understanding but impatient” with the Fulton County District Attorney’s investigation into school cheating, which has been going on for about six months. Davis said he was originally told the investigation would conclude by mid-December, but recent information requests from the district attorney to Atlanta Public Schools suggest it could be longer. APS was asked to delay termination hearings while the investigation is ongoing. As a result, the district is paying the salaries of some 130 educators who are named in the investigation but on leave. The district attorney’s office had no comment.

“I would like to get moving,” Davis said. “This is costing us more money than I would like.” Jaime Sarrio

Man arrest in weekend triple shooting

Police have made an arrest in the Saturday morning triple shooting that killed one man and injured two women outside a northeast Atlanta apartment building.

Antonio Marquez Shaw, 24, was arrested Tuesday, police said. Early Saturday morning, Shomari Grier was sitting on the front steps of an apartment building at 514 Parkway Drive with two women when an argument started, police believe, with Shaw. Six shots were fired and Grier, 31, was killed. One of the women was shot in the stomach and the other in the leg, police said. Marcus K. Garner

DEKALB

Ellis to present budget recommendation today

DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer Burrell Ellis will present the 2012 Executive Budget Recommendation to the Board of Commissioners at 2 p.m. today in the 1st floor, Conference Room A of the Clark Harrison Building, 330 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur. Arlinda Broady

Ahmann says goodbye to Decatur school board

John Ahmann, elected to Decatur’s school board in 2003, attended his final meeting Tuesday admitting, “I’ve been known to be edgy.” He declined to seek re-election, and his seat will go to Garrett Goebel who takes office next month. Ahmann has often been the board’s dissenting voice, but he’s best known for exploring the charter concept (Decatur schools are now in their fourth year with charter status) and his outspokenness to the legislature for the state’s lack of funding for local school systems. “We have to push ourselves,” he said Tuesday, “even when pushing is uncomfortable.” Bill Banks for the AJC

Decatur fire station work on schedule

The gutting and restoration of Decatur’s Fire Station #1 is on schedule according to Deputy City Manager Hugh Saxon. Last week the city approved an additional $51,000 of work including relocating the fire pole assembly and adding a sprinkler system in the tower. Total coast for the 10,000-square-foot, three-bay station is $1,843,000. The renovated building, originally built in 1955, should be finished by next April or May, and will include individual showers, a dormitory in the rear and a dayroom and kitchen in front. Bill Banks for the AJC

Emory project focuses on health of Latinos

Emory University will join forces with the Hispanic Health Coalition of Georgia to conduct new research and develop programs aimed at improving health among Georgia Latinos.

Based on census figures, 32.4 percent of Hispanics are uninsured, compared to 21 percent of blacks, 17.2 percent of Asians and 12 percent of whites.

The Emory group includes the university’s Urban Health Initiative, Office of University-Community Partnerships and Rollins School of Public Health. Shelia Poole

Four schools to get new phys-ed track

Four DeKalb County middle schools will get new physical education tracks as a result of a reallocation of sales tax revenue. The DeKalb school board on Monday authorized moving about $1 million into a fund to rehabilitate four aging tracks at Columbia, Henderson, McNair and Peachtree middle schools.

The work, scheduled to begin in the spring, is expected to cost about $250,000 per track. Ty Tagami

Volunteers needed for service project

Volunteers are needed for Decatur’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Service Project on the weekend of Jan. 14-16.

Workers will do repairs at the homes of senior citizens and also help with yard work for those unable to tackle the chores or pay for help. Volunteers with carpentry skills or from other skilled trades are especially needed.

More information about shifts available or to sign up: leeann.harvey@decaturga.com or 678-553-6548. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Forum today on HOT lanes for Henry, Clayton

Those who want to learn about a HOT lane project on I-75 in Henry and Clayton counties can attend a public meetings today in McDonough. The state Department of Transportation is providing information and accepting comment on the project, including on where interchanges might go on the optional toll lanes.

The meeting is scheduled from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Southside Christian Fellowship Church at 750 Mt. Carmel Rd. on Thursday, according to DOT. For more information see www.I75express.com. Ariel Hart

Holiday hours for Henry County offices

Henry County government offices will be closed for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Offices will be closed on Dec. 23 and Dec. 26 in observance of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Offices will be open with regular hours Dec. 27-29. Dec. 30 is a floating holiday. Offices will be closed Jan. 2 in observance of New Year’s Day and reopen Jan. 3. Tammy Joyner

Bank branches sponsors Toys for Tots drive

The Bank of North Georgia is sponsoring a Holiday Toy Drive through Friday. Each branch is supporting a local charity and customers and local residents can participate by bringing new, unwrapped toys for boys and girls to the bank branches in Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Riverdale and Tyrone. Information: www.bankofnorthgeorgia.com. Veronica Fields Johnson

Resurgens to hold annual coat drive

Resurgens Orthopaedics South Surgical Center is hosting its third annual coat drive for needy women and families. Coats will be donated to Haven House of Henry County, a battered women’s shelter. Extra items will be given to homeless shelters that partner with Haven House. Drop off new or gently-used coats or blankets at the surgical center, 6645 Lake Drive, Morrow by Dec. 19. More than 200 coats and blankets have been collected since the drive was started in the winter of 2009 by Resurgens physician Dr. Gary Stewart and the surgical center. Tammy Joyner

Sorority hosts Christmas Cantata in East Point

The East Point/College Park Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will hold its 2nd Christmas Candlelight Cantata at 7 p.m. today at Headland Heights United Methodist Church, 2147 Dodson Drive in East Point. Information: Barbara Epps, barepps@bellsouth.net.

Mea Watkins

Peachtree City library starts gift program

To help expand its collection and honor book lovers, the Friends of the Peachtree City Library has started a Gift Your Library program. Each tax-deductible $25 gift pays for acquiring and cataloging one new hardcover book, which can be personalized with a special bookplate noting the names of the buyer and the recipient. The library will also send an acknowledgment or memorial card to note the gift.

Donation forms are available at the library’s circulation and reference desks, and in the children’s section. Payment must be by cash or check.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC