County by county news for Thursday

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Storytelling Festival at Mable House

A free Storytelling Festival will be 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Mable House, 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton, a Civil War-era house owned by Cobb County.

Attractions include pottery and weaving demonstrations, a hayride, panning for gold, arts and crafts, a farm animal petting zoo from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., pony rides from 1 to 3 p.m., old-fashioned games and food.

Information: youtu.be/I1AKVaWcKbk, MableHouse.org or 770-819-3285.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

West Cobb Aquatic Center closed

The West Cobb Aquatic Center, 3675 Macland Road, Powder Springs is closed until an undetermined date in December while several improvements are being made.

They include replacement of the existing metal roof, painting, installation of new light fixtures and improvement of the air quality with a new dehumidification unit.

Information: prca.cobbcountyga.gov/Aquatics-WestCobb.htm.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Historic black church hosts Herman Cain

WSB talk show host and 2012 Republican presidential contender Herman Cain, an ordained minister, will speak at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at Old Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 731 Friendship Church Road, Powder Springs.

The church’s pastor, the Rev. Brendan A. Jenkins, also was licensed and ordained as a minister at Antioch Baptist Church North with Cain.

Information: thehermancainshow.com, oldfriendshipmbc.com, 770-690-0915 or 770-426-8577.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

KSU to build $38.7 million rec center

Kennesaw State University broke ground Thursday Oct. 10 on a $38.7 million recreation and activities center that will include an indoor track, two swimming pools, five basketball courts, eight tennis courts and a weight and fitness center. The 176,000 square-foot center will be named for Betty Siegel, who retired in 2006 after 25 years as KSU president. The university is celebrating its 50th anniversary this week. Information: www.kennesaw.edu.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Marietta to hold citizens academy

Marietta will give a behind-the-scenes look at local government at a citizens’ government academy from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 4 at City Hall, 205 Lawrence St.

Members must be 18 or older. Registration deadline is Oct. 25. Information: 770-794-5507 or www.mariettaga.gov. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

GWINNETT

Widening planned for part of Buford Drive

Another section of Buford Drive/State Route 20 from four to six lanes will be widened with work completed within existing right-of-way. The half-mile project from I-985 north to South Lee Street in the Buford area will extend an earlier widening project from the Mall of Georgia to I-985 and will include turn lanes and some curb, gutter and sidewalks. The intersections at South Lee Street and Satellite Boulevard will receive upgrades, including pedestrian facilities. Most of funding provided by the 2009 SPLOST program and 26 percent by the Georgia DOT. Work to be completed by spring of 2014. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Berkeley Lake dam repairs complete

Berkeley Lake’s dam repairs, necessitated by heavy rains and flooding in 2009, are complete. FEMA, GEMA, and Georgia Safe Dams will make final inspections Oct. 25. The lake is now below full pool. The newly redesigned dam features monitoring wells across the structure allowing supervision of the ground water level within the dam, as well as a low level drain which can be opened to quickly and safely remove water Information: www.berkeley-lake.com. Karen Huppertz

Suwanee accepting 2014 events

Suwanee hosts some 40 events each year,. To ensure your event is considered for the 2014 event calendar, complete and return the event application at www.suwanee.com by Dec. 6. Information: adoherty@suwanee.com or 770-945-8996. Karen Huppertz

Lilburn services now on website, app

After an eight-month redesign process, Lilburn has launched www.cityoflilburn.com. Residents may request city services and make requests for yard debris pick-up, report a needed street repair, etc. Newsletter, event information, police bulletins, emergency alerts, bid postings, council agendas as well as pay citations online are also available. Karen Huppertz for the aJC

Suwanee begins youth leadership program

Suwanee is launching a new youth leadership initiative in January to build up young leaders in the community and outside the classroom.

The program, designed for high school sophomores and juniors , will help students develop team-building, communication, and leadership skills.

Applications, due by Oct. 25, available at suwanee.com.

Information: Denise Brinson at denise@suwanee.com or 770-945-8996.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Call for art, fundraiser for African village

Kudzu Art Zone invites Georgia artists age 18 and older working in two- and three-dimensional media to participate in the Karansi Project art exhibit Nov. 8-22, at the gallery, 116 Carlyle St., Norcross.

Deadline to turn in art work is Oct. 26. Kudzu Art Zone, in partnership with the Tanzania Global Team ministry of Perimeter Church, is sponsoring the fundraiser to benefit relief efforts for the village of Karansi, Tanzania. Information: www.kudzuartzone.org or 770-840-9844. Veronica Fields Johnson

NORTHSIDE

Cherokee schools seek substitute teachers

The Cherokee County School District is currently accepting applications for substitute teachers.

Those interested must have a minimum of two years of eligible post-secondary college credit (or Georgia teaching certification/out-of-state teaching certification).

Information and to apply: Cherokee.k12.ga.us.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Woodstock parks wins accreditation

The city of Woodstock Parks and Recreation Department has become one of only 125 such agencies in the U-S to win accreditation from the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies.

To qualify, the department had to meet at least 128 of 144 benchmarks, do intensive internal reviews and score well in a site visit. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Cherokee schools score fitness medals

Nineteen Cherokee County School District schools have been named to the Governor’s Student Health and Physical Education (SHAPE) honor roll in recognition of their commitment to students’ health and nutrition.

Out of 2,300 schools statewide, CCSD schools got seven gold and 12 silver medals.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Reinhardt sets homecoming events

Reinhardt University in Waleska is planning a round of events to mark its Homecoming Weekend Friday and Saturday. The Reinhardt Eagles will take on Bellhaven University in football at noon Saturday at Ken White Field.

Also planned: a pep rally, talent show, fall festival and a concert and dance. Information: www.reinhardt.edu

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Canton police get license plate reader

Canton Police are adding a new tool to the department’s crime fighting arsenal. The El Sag North American License Plate Reader, used in conjunction with patrol cars’ onboard computers, can read up to 5,400 license plates a minute.

It will be used to search for stolen vehicles, wanted persons, and suspended, revoked, expired and stolen license plates. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Welcome center hosts decorating event

Visitors to the Alpharetta Welcome Center, 178 S. Main St., Suite 200, will be treated to holiday decorating tips 2 to 8 p.m. Nov. 7.

The Alpharetta’s Table event will include eight decorators with “table-scapes” featuring holiday themes. Free.

Information: 678-297-2811.

Laurie Hoffman

Forsyth sets electronic recycling event

Keep Forsyth County Beautiful will hold an electronics recycling event 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Cumming Fairgrounds parking lot 3 off Castleberry Road. Laptops, CD players, cellphones and microwaves are among the items that will be accepted with a minimum donation of $5 per carload.

Information: forsythco.com.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

Candy and cigarette seller shot

A man was in critical condition Wednesday after being shot inside his Thomasville Heights apartment shortly after 1 a.m. Wednesday.

The victim sold candy and cigarettes out of his apartment, and robbery was possibly the motive in the shooting.

When the victim answered an early-morning knock on his door, the gunman forced his way into the apartment, a fight broke out and the victim was shot.

Police have made no arrests.

Mike Morris

Morningside-Lenox Park to hold annual ball

The Morningside-Lenox Park Association will hold its sixth annual Monumental Ball 7 to 11 p.m. Friday Friday at Magnolia Hall in Piedmont Park, 600 Evelyn St., N.E.

Proceeds go to the security patrol, and a cash bar will benefit Piedmont Park Conservancy.

Tickets: $50 at Fourteen West Realtors, 1411 N. Highland Ave. or www.monumentalball.org/tickets.html Mea Watkins

Google to sponsor Mini Maker Faire

Google will be the presenting sponsor of the 2013 Atlanta Mini Maker Faire, scheduled for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 26 at Georgia Institute of Technology, 225 North Ave. N.W.

The free event will showcase robots, electric cars, 3-D printers, vintage computing, textiles, painting, artificial intelligence, music, sculptures, crafts, home fabrication and more. Information: makerfaireatl.com. Mea Watkins

Atlanta school board election forums set

Voters can hear from Atlanta school board candidates at three upcoming forums sponsored by 100 Black Men of Atlanta.

Each of the three forums will cover three of the nine Atlanta Board of Education races that will be decided on Election Day on Nov. 5.

The events will be held at Ebenezer Baptist Church, on Oct. 22; The Temple in Midtown Atlanta, on Oct. 23; and Cascade United Methodist Church, on Oct. 24. Mark Niesse

DEKALB

Proposed moratorium ‘contentious’

Next week Decatur’s commission considers a 90-day moratorium on 1) The removal of healthy larger trees on private property and 2) Demolition of single-family homes.

City manager Peggy Merriss said that in recent days the issue’s become “contentious,” with a “variety of opinions on both ends of the spectrum” and “no overwhelming [public] consensus” for or against the moratorium.

Developments knows as “in-fills” – replacing smaller homes with larger ones – first surfaced in Decatur in the early 2000s, she said, and opinions were equally divided then. Bill Banks for the AJC

Animal welfare group hosts fundraiser

PAWS Atlanta, a DeKalb County animal welfare group, will host its annual Walk for the Paws fundraiser on Nov. 2 in Avondale Estates.

Proceeds will benefit homeless animals and help provide veterinary service at its no-kill shelter in central DeKalb.

Information: www.pawsatlanta.org. April Hunt

Domestic violence prevention fair Oct. 24

DeKalb County Solicitor Sherry Boston will host a resource fair and symposium on domestic violence prevention Oct. 24 in downtown Decatur.

The event runs from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Maloof Auditorium and will include a free breakfast.

Attendees are asked to bring used cell phones to donate if possible. April Hunt

DeKalb offers mental health training

A daylong course in mental health first aid will be offered Oct. 24 at the Richardson Health Center in Decatur.

The DeKalb Community Service Board is offering the program, designed to identify and help connect people in crisis with available resources.

Registration/information: 404-508-7875 or www.dekcsb.org. April Hunt

Lawmakers to host youth town hall

State lawmakers from DeKalb County will host a youth town hall Tuesday to help young residents voice their concerns.

The event runs from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Lou Walker Senior Center, 2538 Panola Road, near Lithonia. April Hunt

DeKalb to host event for waste disposal

Household hazardous waste can be disposed safely 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at the central transfer station, 3720 Leroy Scott Dr.

Examples of the waste to be accepted are aerosols, cleaners, paint, flammables, fluorescent lights, batteries, mercury and photo and swimming pool chemicals. Items not accepted include biohazards, medical and agricultural waste, pharmaceuticals and nonhazardous waste. April Hunt

Registration open for basketball leagues

DeKalb County parks is accepting registration through November for a winter adult basketball league at all county recreation centers.

Cost is $320 per team an eight-game season that begins in December. Participants must be 35 or older and provide their own uniforms for the league.

Information: 770-414-2113. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Fayette schools credit rating improves

The Fayette County Public School System received notice of improved credit ratings from Moody’s Investor Service on Oct. 11. The county was given an Aa2 general obligation rating, which included removal of its negative outlook designation, plus an enhanced credit rating of Aa1. Tom Gray, the system’s assistant superintendent of business and personal management, said, “These are both positive signs [that recognize] some of the recent tough decisions, budget management and improved fund balance that the school district has accomplished.” Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Arrest made in Clayton kidnapping

Another arrest has been made in the kidnapping last month of a Clayton County teenage girl, according to court documents.

Tony Maurice Graves, 28, is in federal custody accused of conspiring to abduct 15-year-old Ayvani Hope Perezf Sept. 17, according to federal court documents.

Ayvani was taken at gunpoint by two men who entered the Ellenwood home, after the residents failed to meet demands for drugs and cash.

Later that morning, calls were made to the family demanding a $10,000 ransom.

Ayvani was dropped off unharmed at a relative’s home 36 hours after she was taken.

Within hours of her return, FBI agents arrested Wildrego Jackson and charged him in connection with the abduction.

Marcus K. Garner

Peachtree City firehouse gets haunted

The Peachtree City Volunteer Firefighters Association will create thrills and chills at its annual Haunted House 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Oct. 25-26 at the Leach Fire Station at Ga. Hwy. 74 and Paschall Road.

Hot dogs and drinks will also be available.

Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for students; proceeds benefit the association. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Henry town hall on Common Core

State Rep. Demetrius Douglas is hosting an informational town hall 6 to 8 p.m. today at Stockbridge City Hall, 4640 North Henry Boulevard on the ABC’s of Common Core Standards.

State and local education experts will provide information about the Common Core Standards.Tammy Joyner

Road race Saturday to benefit clinic

The 10th Annual Goblin Gallop, a 5K and 10K run to benefit Hands of Hope Clinic, is 9 a.m. Saturdayat Heron Bay Golf & Country Club on Hwy. 155 south of I-75 in Locust Grove.

Hands of Hope Clinic is Henry County’s free medical and dental clinic for the underserved and uninsured residents of the county.

Information: www.handsofhopeclinic.org. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Forest Park hosts autumn festival

Forest Park will host the 28th annual Autumn in the Park Festival 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday at Starr Park. Admission is free.

There will be arts and crafts, informational booths, games, food and a variety of live entertainment. Information: 404-363-2908 Staff