County by county news for Thursday

Joseph Owens, 20, of Douglasville, was shot outside the West Chase Apartment complex in Austell around 10:30 p.m. Friday.

Investigators identified two suspects in the shootings, and both were arrested Tuesday with assistance from the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Marshals Service, according to Sgt. Dana Pierce with Cobb police. Both suspects are from Mableton.

Early Tuesday afternoon, Brandon Jamal Hindsman and Rayshawn Ramell Rouse were charged with murder. Alexis Stevens

Smyrna set to adopt new budget

The Smyrna City Council is scheduled to adopt the city’s proposed 2013 budget at its next meeting, 7:30 p.m., Monday in City Hall, 2800 King Street, in Smyrna. The proposed budget of $73.3 million, is about 3.4 percent higher than last year’s $70.9 million.

The city’s millage rate has held steady at 8.99 mills since 2007 and has not been increased since 1991. Jeffry Scott

Marietta schools to hold budget hearing

Marietta City Schools will hold a public hearing on a proposed $77.7 million budget at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the school’s headquarters, 250 Howard St., Marietta. After the hearing, the Board of Education will hold a monthly meeting at 7 p.m. where the group will vote to adopt the budget for the 2013 fiscal year starting July 1. The proposed budget is $3.1 million higher than in 2012. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Redevelopment Authority to meet

The South Cobb Redevelopment Authority will meet at 9 a.m. Monday at the South Cobb Government Service Center, 4700 Austell Road, Austell.

Authorized by the Georgia General Assembly, the authority is comprised of seven members to oversee improvements to the Six Flags, Riverline and Mableton areas.

Information: Economic Development Director Michael Hughes, mhhughes@cobbcounty.org, 770-528-2607. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

YMCA offers free swimming lesson

The YMCA in east and west Cobb will offer a free swimming lesson for ages 3 and up at 11 a.m. today as part of a world-wide drowning prevention effort. The world’s largest swimming lesson event is open to non-members at the McClesky-East Cobb Family YMCA, 1055 East Piedmont Rd., Marietta and the Northwest Family YMCA,100 Dennis Kemp Lane, Kennesaw. Space is limited. Check in starts at 10:30 a.m. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Dallas Landing beach opens water slide

Visitors to the Dallas Landing beach in Acworth will have more than the lake keeping them cool this summer. The city and Shoreline Entertainment have erected what they’re billing as the “World’s Largest Inflatable Water Slide.” Rides on the 36-foot high, 175-foot long slide are $3 for one; $5 for two. Unlimited day passes are $20. The slide is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends. 5120 Allatoona Dr.; www.acworthslide.com. H.M. Cauley for the AJC

GWINNETT

Peachtree Corners group to discuss transit tax

The United Peachtree Corners Civic Association will sponsor a forum on the upcoming transportation sales tax vote at 7:30 p.m. June 25 at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 5575 Peachtree Parkway.

On July 31 local voters will decide whether to approve a 1 percent sales tax to pay for a variety transportation projects. Jane Hayse, transportation planning chief for the Atlanta Regional Commission; Gwinnett County Commissioner Lynette Howard; and Gwinnett Transportation Director Kim Conroy will discuss the measure at the Peachtree Corners forum. David Wickert

Shelter opens doors to rescue groups

The Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement Unit will open the county’s animal shelter to licensed rescue organizations every Monday.

“Yappy Hour – Rescue Me Monday” will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the shelter, which is located at 884 Winder Highway in Lawrenceville.

Rabies, bordatella and DHPPCV vaccinations will also be offered for $5 each. Animals leaving the shelter must be microchipped; the cost of a microchip is $10 per animal.

Information: 770-339-3200 or www.gwinnettanimalcontrol.com. Joel Anderson

Gwinnett Village CID to host job fair

The Gwinnett Village Community Alliance, the nonprofit arm of the Gwinnett Village CID, will host its third annual career and job fair on June 22.

The event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Victory World Church at 5905 Brook Hollow Parkway in Norcross.

Job seekers will have the opportunity to network with about 30 employers and recruiters. Information: debbie@gwinnettvillage.com or 770-449-4615. Joel Anderson

Rabid raccoon found in Lilburn

Gwinnett County has issued a rabies alert after a raccoon found in Lilburn tested positive for the disease. The animal was found on Newport Lane on June 8. Anyone handling the raccoon or anyone who has been bitten or scratched by any stray animal should call the Gwinnett county Animal Welfare and Enforcement Bite Office at 770-339-3200, Ext. 5576. David Wickert

‘ Largest Swimming Lesson’ set for today

J.M. Tull-Gwinnett YMCA and Robert D. Fowler YMCA will be Gwinnett County’s official host locations today for “The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson,” a simultaneous swimming event meant to teach children around the world how to swim.

The event will start at 11 a.m. at the Lawrenceville and Norcross area YMCA pools, but YMCA membership is not require to participate in this free event. Information: www.wlsl.org. Joel Anderson

Sugar Hill movie series continues

“Captain America” is showing Friday in Sugar Hill’s “Reels at Robinson” free family movie series at E.E. Robinson Park Amphitheater at 850 Level Creek Road. Activities begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by the movie. Information: Sugar Hill Recreation Department, 770-831-7413. Michael Alpert for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Juror roundup turns up bad addresses

Tracking down jury duty no-shows in Fulton County’s ongoing crackdown, sheriff’s deputies have found nearly half of the addresses where summonses were sent to be bad. Since Friday, deputies have served 44 orders compelling scofflaws to appear before a judge next month, but in 43 other cases they found would-be jurors had left their former residences, according to sheriff’s office statistics. Some 8,700 residents remain in Fulton’s bull’s-eye, having failed to respond to summonses, warning letters and the judges’ “amnesty month” offer in May. Johnny Edwards

Officers hit by car, suspect charged

Two Roswell police officers escaped serious injury Wednesday when a suspect in a domestic dispute struck them with his vehicle.

Roswell police said officers were dispatched to an apartment complex on Preakness Drive after a juvenile told police dispatchers that his mother’s boyfriend would not leave.

The suspect, identified as Keon Ryan Patterson, 32, was stopped by police nearby. He was charged with two counts of aggravated assault on a police officer, possession of a firearm, obstruction, fleeing and driving with a suspended license. Mike Morris

Coke foundation award $50,000 to school

The Coca-Cola Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Coca-Cola Company, has awarded a $50,000 grant to Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School. The school, located on Mount Vernon Highway in Atlanta, will use the money to provide tuition assistance to students who are recruited through A Better Chance, an organization matching talented students of color with independent and public schools. Nancy Badertscher

Cherokee DA to review shooting

Cherokee County District Attorney Garry Moss said Wednesday that Cherokee County Sheriff Roger Garrison has asked him to review a GBI report on the May 1 shooting death of Andrew Messina, 16, who was killed by a sheriff’s sniper after an hour-long standoff with deputies who answered a 911 call made by his mother. Messina brandished a pistol and threatened to shoot himself and his mother, according to an incident report. Jeffry Scott

‘Mutts and More’ fest in Forsyth Saturday

The Humane Society of Forsyth County will hold its second annual “Mutts and More Festival” Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Fowler Park. The festival will feature pet adoptions, demonstrations, vendors, food, games, live music and a “mutt strut.” Information:Lakewolf1@gmail.com Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Woodstock looks at 2013 planned budget

Officials presented a proposed fiscal year 2013 budget of $30,786,800 at Monday night’s Woodstock City Council meeting, up from $27,516,317 this year. City Manager Jeff Moon says, though, that the general fund portion of the budget has declined 29 percent in four years. The budget also contains a millage rate increase, but Moon says taxpayers would pay less due to the tax digest’s decline. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

Zoo to host ill kids and their families

The Atlanta zoo plans to host an event for more than 200 chronically ill and disabled children and their families.

The invited guests for the second annual Zoo Atlanta Dreamnight are patients at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The event is planned for 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday.

Highlights of Zoo Atlanta’s event will include zoo tours, keeper talks and animal feedings, rides and entertainment and a scavenger hunt.

The private event is sponsored by Josh Powell and 21 Reasons to Give Foundation. Associated Press

Historic photos to display at City Hall

A collection of historic photos by famed photojournalist Boyd Lewis will be on display in the atrium of Atlanta’s City Hall, 55 Trinity Ave., from Monday, July 9 through Friday, July 13.

The free exhibition will focus on key figures in 1970s Atlanta, including the late Maynard H. Jackson and Coretta Scott King, Hosea Williams and Ralph David Abernathy.

Lewis, who worked in Tennessee and Mississippi before he was hired in 1969 to work at The Atlanta Voice, currently lives in California.

He said he planned to be on hand every day during the week-long exhibit to give tours of the photos. Jeremiah McWilliams

Coalition pledges money for pool house

The Buckhead Coalition has pledged has $20,000 in seed money to help the Garden Hills Pool and Park Association build a new pool house.

The Buckhead Coalition is also encouraging individual members and other foundations to participate in the fundraising for the project, which is estimated to cost $750,000. The civic association said the project was necessary because of the deterioration of the current building.

The swimming facility is used by area schools and other organized groups, and is one of Buckhead’s few public swimming facilities. Jeremiah McWilliams

DEKALB

School district bond rating downgraded

The credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s downgraded DeKalb County School District bonds Tuesday, from “AA-” to “A+.”

The slight downgrade is for $300 million in bonds issued in 2007. It means the school system went from a “very strong” financial footing to a “strong” one that is “somewhat susceptible” to changing circumstances. S&P indicated, though, that the rating would likely be “stable” for the next two years.

DeKalb Superintendent Cheryl Atkinson said her administration was taking “strong steps” to balance the budget and to replenish financial reserves. Ty Tagami

Surf’s up in Decatur on Friday

Decatur’s annual beach party is Friday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., in downtown, with 60 tons of sand spread over Ponce de Leon Ave. in front of the historic courthouse.

Besides the in-town beach, special features include live music from the band Yacht Rock Schooner, a kids’ board walk and a food court. Tickets are $7 in advance at www.decaturdba.com or $10 at the gate, and $5 for children 3-12. Ticket prices include all games and activities. Bill Banks for the AJC

Discussion focuses on dating violence

DeKalb County Solicitor General Sherry Boston will lead a discussion on teen dating violence today in DeKalb.

Boston has made an effort to draw attention to the issue in the last year, noting that studies show one in three young people will report experiencing some form of dating abuse.

A free meeting on the topic runs from 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at the Exchange Park Recreation Center, 2771 Columbia Dr., near Decatur.

County Commissioner Larry Johnson also will be present for the session.

Information: 404-371-2425. April Hunt

Civic groups awarded $250 checks

DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson recently awarded eight community and civic groups in the county with funds to continue their programs.

The $250 checks are part of the Neighborhood Initiative to recognize organizations that support quality of life work. Winners are the Belvedere Civic Club, Camelot Community Action, Concerned Neighbors Association, Glen Haven Community Association, the Greater Towers Community Association, Gresham Hills Neighbors Association, Spring Valley Civic Association and Rainbow Creek Homeowners Association. April Hunt

Event raises money to spay pets

A recent bowling party sponsored by several DeKalb County commissioners raised $3,500 for spaying and neutering county pets.

The fundraiser at Stars and Strikes was also used to draw attention to adoption from the county’s beleaguered animal shelter, which was the focus of a scathing citizen report earlier this year.

The money will be used to help lower-income residents get their animals fixed through LifeLife Animal Project in Avondale Estates.

Donations are still being accepted for the spay-neuter program at www.helpdekalbanimals.com. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Animal control services provider evades audit

Fulton County is looking for a new animal control services provider. Current contractor Barking Hound Village Foundation has been less than forthcoming in a county audit, turning over redacted financial documents, according to county records. Barking Hound owner David York came under scrutiny last year over a slew restaurant and hotel charges in monthly spending reports. Though the commission approved a $1.05 million, six-month contract extension through December, the county has asked for proposals to find someone else for the job. Johnny Edwards

East Point councilman charged with assault

East Point City Councilman Alexander Gothard faces a July 13 hearing on a charge that he assaulted a locksmith during a payment dispute at Gothard’s home.

According to an East Point police spokesman, Gothard was arrested at his house on Neely Avenue and charged with battery after police were called to the home June 8.

The report said Sana told Gothard he would only accept a payment of cash or by credit card, but Gothard insisted on paying the locksmith with a check. The argument became physical and Gothard was arrested. Christopher Seward

Woman charged in mother’s killing

A Clayton County woman fatally stabbed her mother who was trying to evict her, police said.

Takeyia Kentay Guthridge, 24, has been charged with murder for the stabbing death of Deloise Adu, according to an arrest warrant affidavit.

The two had been to the Clayton County courthouse Tuesday for a dispossessory hearing, in which a Clayton magistrate court judge ordered Guthridge to leave the home the women shared within seven days, according to court and police records.

When they returned home, police say the two began arguing and Adu was stabbed to death. Marcus K. Garner

Ag commissioner hosts farmers market

State Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black hosts the Georgia Grown Farmers Showcase from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Atlanta Farmers Market, 16 Forest Pkwy., Forest Park. During this free event, three dozen vendors from across the state will meet with consumers as they shop. Georgia Grown fruits and vegetables, locally grown and produced meats, cheeses, plants and flowers will be available for purchase. Extension agents will be on hand offering gardening tips.

There also will be live musical entertainment. Admission is free. Nancy Badertscher

Students surprise retiring teacher

A retiring chorus teacher at Sandy Creek High School got a send-off to remember last Saturday. Over 70 of Millie Turek’s former students, many of whom now work or attend college, surprised her with a tribute concert they had planned in secret for months.

“It was totally an amazing surprise,” said Turek, who taught at Sandy Creek for 19 years. “To have all those students from all those years come back and sing together…that’s something I’ll never forget.”Edward Mitchell