County by county news for Thursday

Sara Grogan, 82, of Mableton, was driving a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu east on Clay Road toward Austell Road when a bicyclist tried to cross the street in front of her, according to Cobb County police. The Malibu struck the rider, who was not wearing a helmet, causing him to fly off the bike.

The boy, whom police did not identify, was transported to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston for treatment of a serious head injury. Grogan was uninjured. Andria Simmons

Cruise to raise money for families in need

The Powder Springs Push Rods Car Club will hold its bi-annual cruise of antique and classic cars on Saturday night.

This fundraising event for community families in need will last 4-9 p.m. at the Historic Downtown Powder Springs Square on Marietta Street.

Attractions will include children’s contests, door prizes and concessions.

Information: pushrodscarclub.com/2.html or Doug Roberts at dougdbr@aol.com. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Austell council postpones work session

The Austell City Council work session will be postponed from Halloween until 6 p.m. Nov. 7.

The voting meeting will follow at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 2716 Broad St. SW.

Information: clerk@austell.org or 770-944-4326. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Track club to run for MUST Ministries

Atlanta Track Club has selected MUST Ministries of Marietta to Adopt-A-Mile at their Sunday Atlanta Marathon & Marathon Relay and raise money while doing it.

MUST needs 30 volunteers to assist at the water stop and 30 spectators in a “cheer zone”. MUST will receive a minimum of $3,500 with a potential for more. Information: E-mail bmathews@mustministries.org. Kenneth Musisi

Free seminar on eating right Nov. 1

Dietary director Jenny Fox will discuss the new government recommendations for nutrition during a free seminar focused on the new “My Plate” method, which has replaced the old food pyramid. “Eating Right, The Latest Recommendations,” takes place at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 1. in the cafeteria of Emory-Adventist Hospital at Smyrna, 3949 South Cobb Drive. Call 770-319-2025 to reserve your space. Mea Watkins

Powder Springs candidate forum today

Candidates for Powder Springs mayor and City Council have been invited to their only forum so far today.

The 7 p.m. event will be held at the Tapp Middle School Theater, 3900 Macedonia Road, Powder Springs and sponsored by the school’s PTSA.

Mayor Patricia Vaughn is facing opposition from two former city law enforcement officials in her bid for a third term -- Paul Moore and L. Rick Richardson.

Councilwoman Rosalyn Neal is being challenged by Rick Perry, and Councilman Tom Bevirt is being opposed by Dr. Chris Wizner.

Information: 770-222-3758. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

GWINNETT

County appeals ruling in cities lawsuit

Gwinnett County has appealed a judge’s ruling in a lawsuit that pits the county against its 15 cities.

A Superior Court judge ruled last month that Gwinnett cannot charge city residents for police and other services unless the cities consent. The ruling could shift the cost of services from city residents to those who live in unincorporated areas.

On Tuesday the county appealed the verdict to the state Supreme Court. Among other things, Gwinnett says charging only unincorporated residents for services also provided to city residents would violate state and federal law. David Wickert

Army major thanks DA’s office employee

U.S. Army Maj. Anthony Patrick Smith of Lilburn, while serving in Iraq, figured there was little chance to get a minor infraction he got as a teenager expunged so he could pursue a teaching career. But Gloria Smith of the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office kept up with his request and got his record cleared. (At one point, she feared for his safety when he temporarily stopped responding to her e-mails.) Major Smith and his company raised a U.S. flag in honor of Smith in Iraq and he gave her the flag. Bill Rankin

Norcross manufacturer moves, creates jobs

Manufacturer NanoLumens announced this week it will move into a new headquarters in Norcross, creating 175 jobs over the next two years.

The company, which manufactures digital displays, will move into a 32,000-square-foot office center on Avalon Ridge Parkway. The facility will house its administrative, sales, research, design and assembly operations. The company has been in Norcross since its founding in 2006. David Wickert

‘Fall in the Arts’ Saturday at the Music Barn

The Gwinnett County Public Library will host a “Fall into the Arts” event at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Suwanee Music Barn, 4055 Stonecypher Road, Suwanee. For information visit www.gwinnettfallintothearts.org or call 770-978-5154. David Wickert

Shredding and food drive through Dec. 20

Access Information Management, located at 5405 Buford Hwy. N.W. Suite 120, in Norcross, will have a food drive from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays through Dec. 20 to stock the shelves of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Free shredding of a 1.2 cubic foot container of documents will be provided for each group of five non-perishable food items donated. Donations must not be expired. Contact 770-921-9048 to schedule a pick-up for large or group donations. Mea Watkins

Race/walk to benefit parks foundation

The Third Annual 5K Road Race and Canine and Carriage Walk will take place on Nov. 5 at Tribble Mill Park in Lawrenceville. Medals will be presented to all participants upon completion of the race and registered runners receive t-shirts. The pre-registration fee is $20 by Oct. 31, or $25 per person on-site. Proceeds benefit the Gwinnett Parks Foundation. Register online at http://gwinnettparksfoundation.org/5k.html. Mea Watkins

NORTHSIDE

Accusations tangle police, councilwowan’s husband

The Alpharetta Department of Public Safety is trying to decide how to conduct an internal investigation into two police officers accused of showing favoritism to a city councilwoman’s husband, according to Assistant City Administrator James Drinkard. The GBI declined to take up an administrative issue The GBI will handle the criminal side of the case -- the accusation by a mother that Paul Oakes, husband of Councilwoman Cheryl Oakes, flung her 4-year-old daughter off a playground swing on Oct. 15. Oakes, through his attorney, has denied it. Johnny Edwards

Trunk or treat at Holy Innocents today

Broadway Enthusiasts Anonymous (BEA) will host the third annual Trunk or Treat today from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School, in the parking deck under Groesbeck Hall. More than 14 different Upper School organizations will host trunks decorated in their Halloween best and will give out candy to all who attend. All children 8 and under are welcome. Admission is $5 per child or $10 for two or more children in the same family. Help raise donations for Broadway Cares/Actors Equity Fights Aids. Bob Howard

Prep classes start for citizenship class

Starting Sunday, Johns Creek’s Northeast/Spruill Oaks Library and Jewish Family and Career Services will offer U.S. Citizenship test preparation classes, teaching the basics as well as some English phrases needed to pass. The classes will be held every Sunday through Dec. 18, with the exception of Nov. 27, at the library at 9560 Spruill Road.

Participants must have a permanent resident card and speak at least intermediate level English.

Registration: 770-360-8820 or karen.swenson@fultoncountyga.gov. Johnny Edwards

Softball clinic for girls this weekend

Professional softball player and Olympian Jennie Finch is sponsoring a youth softball clinic on Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at North Park -- Alpharetta, 13450 Cogburn Rd., Alpharetta. The clinic, open to girls in third grade. Fee is $175 per camper. Advanced registration is required. Information: 337-274-3435 or www.jenniefinch.com. Veronica Fields Johnson

Creature movies featured in Sandy Springs

To help residents get in the Halloween spirit, the Sandy Springs Library will show a Creature Triple Feature on Saturday, starting at noon. The spooky classics on the lineup: Nosferatu, from 1922; The Giant Gila Monster, from 1959; and House on Haunted Hill, from 1959. The library is at 395 Mt. Vernon Highway. Information: 404-303-6130. Johnny Edwards

Genealogy workshop Nov. 1 at Forsyth library

The Forsyth County Public Library will conduct a free genealogy workshop at the Cumming Branch, located at 585 Dahlonega Rd., on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Participants will learn how to use Ancestry Library Edition and HeritageQuest Online. Registration is required. Information: 770-781-9840 or “Ask a Librarian” at www.forsythpl.org. Veronica Fields Johnson

ATLANTA

Seven APS schools earn grants

Seven Atlanta Public Schools have earned 21st Community Center Learning Center grants. The schools, Woodson, Cook, Dunbar and Dobbs elementary, Bunche and Sylvan middle and Burgess-Peterson Academy, are eligible to receive up to $350,000 during 2011-12. The program provides federal funds to establish or expand community learning centers to provide after-school academic help to students and families. Jaime Sarrio

Sex offender convicted for not registering

An Atlanta man convicted 21 years ago in Texas for molesting a young girl has pleaded guilty for failing to register in Georgia as a sex offender, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. While living in Dallas in 2000 after his release from prison, Dale Alan Becker, 58, removed his electronic monitoring device and fled the state. He wandered across the country for a decade, using his brother’s name and identity, but was arrested earlier this year. Becker is to be sentenced Jan. 4, authorities said. Bill Rankin

Clubhouse for Youth steers teen from drugs

The Fulton County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Department will hold an open house for the Clubhouse for Youth today from 3 to 6 p.m. at 1480 Delowe Drive, Atlanta. The clubhouse is a prevention and intervention program for teens ages 14-17 who are developing substance abuse problems.

Information: 404-612-7112. Johnny Edwards

Urban League to host debt seminar

Facing mounting debt and other financial issues?

The Urban League of Greater Atlanta is sponsoring a free debt seminar from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at 100 Edgewood Ave., Suite 600.

Attorney Melvyn R. Burrow, who is also a CPA, will lead the program.

His firm helps people deal with debt, IRS and bankruptcy issues. Shelia Poole

DEKALB

Officials to honor national appointees

A DeKalb County congressman and county commissioner are teaming up to honor a slate of appointees to national offices.

U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Lithonia, and commissioner Stan Watson are hosting the Leadership of Excellence reception this week, to honor President Obama’s regional appointees to the Small Business Administration, Housing and Urban Development and other offices. The reception begins at 7 p.m. today at Arizona’s Restaurant at Stonecrest Mall near Lithonia.

More information: goteamwatson@gmail.com. April Hunt

Gannon appointed to green board

DeKalb County Commissioner Kathie Gannon has been appointed to the green government board of the National Association of Counties.

The board, formed in 2007, is charged with providing education and technical help to counties across the country on a variety of environmental efforts and issues.

Gannon has been a leader with the DeKalb Green Commission and also worked on the county’s sustainability plan. April Hunt

LAA to host Latino youth conference

The Latin American Association (LAA) will host its 12th annual Latino Youth Leadership Conference from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 5 on Emory University’s campus.

More than 1,000 middle and high school students will participate in a free day of workshops focused on educational opportunities, leadership development, financial aid and scholarships. Students will network with college representatives and interact with university students.

There will be informational sessions for parents and teachers.

Info: email iperez@thelaa.org or call 404-638-1831. Andria Simmons

Volunteers wanted for park cleanup Nov. 5

The public is invited to participate in the fall clean up community service project on Nov. 5 from 9 a.m. to noon at Kelley Cofer Park, located at 4259 N. Park Dr. in Tucker, sponsored by the DeKalb County Parks Department, Park Pride and the Friends of Kelley Cofer Park. Registration is required and all volunteers must sign a liability waiver. Youth under 18 must have a signed parental permission sheet.

Youth under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Information: Carol at 404-374-4642 or friendsofkelleycoferpark@gmail.com. Veronica Fields Johnson

Mayoral candidate forum lacks fireworks

An overflow crowd of 260 packed Avondale Estates’ City Hall Tuesday, likely expecting fireworks between mayoral opponents Ed Rieker (incumbent) and David Milliron during a Candidates Forum. In recent weeks both have fired off impassioned public emails countering each other. But Tuesday they agreed on most topics, with both citing commercial development of the city’s available 18.43 acres as particularly crucial. “We both want the same thing,” Milliron said. “The main difference is our leadership styles, and who can be the most effective in getting things done.” Bill Banks for the AJC

SOUTHSIDE

Palmetto man gets life in 2005 murder

A Palmetto man has been and sentenced to life in prison for killing a man who once sold him drugs, the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office said. Donald Deloatch, 46, was recently convicted of killing Jermaine Bowlds, 30, on Dec. 5, 2005. A year after the murder, an inmate in the Coweta County jail told authorities he had committed several armed robberies with Deloatch and that Deloatch had indicated he had killed someone near Ono Road, where Bowlds’ body was found, the District Attorney’s Office said. Deloatch was then arrested for the crime. Bill Rankin

Pair move ahead in Siemens Competition

Two Woodward Academy seniors have been named semifinalists in the 2011 Siemens Competition in Math, Science and Technology.

The College Park students, Alexander Akins and Ryan Spears, are colleagues in Woodward’s Independent Student Research Program, which allows them to work with researchers at local colleges and universities including Georgia Tech and Emory University.

The Siemens competition, among the nation’s most prestigious science prizes for teens, recognizes original research in math, science and technology. D. Aileen Dodd

Sessions help seniors enroll for Medicare

Residents can join, switch or drop Medicare drug plans through Dec. 7, and Fulton County’s Office of Aging is holding sessions to help seniors with Medicare Part D enrollment. The next will be today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the H.J.C. Bowden Senior Multipurpose Facility, 2885 Church St., East Point.

Medicare Part D is open to eligible residents three months before they turn 65, the month they turn 65 and three months after they turn 65. Session registration: 404-613-6000.

Johnny Edwards

Fayette to collect unused prescriptions

The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office will collect expired, unused and unwanted prescription pills on Saturdayfrom 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its office at 155 Johnson Ave. in Fayetteville.

The drive-through drop-off is free and anonymous, with no paperwork or questions asked. Needles or other biohazardous materials will not be accepted.

The discarded medication will be disposed of properly; residents are reminded not to flush or throw away old pills, for safety reasons. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Session helps seniors with Medicare signup

Fulton County’s Office of Aging is holding sessions to help seniors enroll in Medicare Part D, a federal program subsidizing prescription drug costs. The next will be Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Harriett G. Darnell Senior Multipurpose Facility, 677 Fairburn Road, N.W., Atlanta.

Registration: 404-613-6000. Johnny Edwards

Early voting in College Park begins Oct. 31

Advance voting for the Nov. 8 election begins Oct. 31 and runs until Nov. 4 at College Park City Hall at 3667 Main Street.

Voters will be able to cast their ballots from 8:30a.m. -- 4:30p.m.

John Thompson for the AJC