COBB
Man shot by Smyrna police officer identified
Kevin Shymell Gibbs, 24, of Austell, was charged with aggravated assault with intent to murder and obstruction, both felonies. The incident began around 5 p.m. Tuesday at a traffic stop near the intersection of Spring and Park roads, according to police. Gibbs allegedly tried to run down the officer, who was forced to fire.
Gibbs then led the officer on a pursuit for about a mile, striking several vehicles,. The chase ended when Gibbs’ car and the officer’s patrol car collided near Spring Road’s intersection with Glenroy Drive, according to police. Marcus K. Garner and Alexis Stevens
Powder Springs seeks bridge contractor
Contractor proposals are being sought by Powder Springs for replacement of the Powder Springs Road bridge over the Silver Comet Trail.
A pre-proposal meeting will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at City Hall, 4484 Marietta St.
Proposals must be submitted before 10 a.m. Feb. 27 when they will be publicly opened and read aloud.
Information: Larry Terry, Croy Engineering LLC, the city’s program manager, at 770-971-5407 or lterry@croyengineering.com. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Home school classes at Mable House center
Early registration ends Feb. 21 for home school classes at the Mable House Arts Center, 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton.
Classes begin Feb. 27 with most ending on May 1.
Information: mablehouse.org/arts-center-classes.html or 770-819-3285.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Marietta Visitors Bureau releases app
The Marietta Visitors Bureau released the new Visit Marietta Square App for iPhone, iPad, and Android users on Wednesday.
The app is free to download and includes easy-to-search comprehensive listings for events, dining, attractions, lodging, and more.
The bureau plans to add a heritage tourism component, a “Hip Deals” section and individual special event apps in the future. Information: www.mariettasquare.com.
Kenneth Musisi
Smyrna volunteers received award
Keep America Beautiful has recognized Angie Bolton, a volunteer and Smyrna affiliate board member, with the Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson Award for beautification efforts. Bolton was noted for large-scale tree plantings, cleanup efforts and work with the city’s community garden. Keep Smyrna Beautiful received the second place national affiliate award at a recent meeting in Washington DC.
Tucker mcQueen for the AJC
Marietta will hosta police academy
The Marietta Police Department will host a Citizens Police Academy.
Participants will get an inside look at crime analysis, narcotics, special weapons and tactics, crime interdiction, traffic enforcement, community response, crime scene processing and more. There is no charge for the 10-week program, which begins April 8. Classes will be 6 to 9 p.m. every Monday. Information: Police Department, 240 Lemon St., 770-794-2364 or email at dsmith@mariettaga.gov. Andria Simmons
GWINNETT
Latin American Association hosts job fair
The Latin American Association will host it’s 31st Annual Career Expo from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27 at the Association, 2750 Buford Highway. The bilingual job fair will feature workshops on recruiting, managing a diverse workforce, entrepreneurship and networking. Pre-registration is required.
Candidates should send resumes to employmentservices@thelaa.org and employers should contact Jennifer Solano at jsolano@thelaa.org.
Information: Aixa Pascual at 404-638-1823 or apascual@thelaa.org. Veronica Fields Johnson
Duluth event offering two poster contests
BeerFest Duluth: Brews and Tunes is holding two contests for two event posters. The first poster requires traditional marketing information and the second will look for eye-catching artwork along with event information.
The two winners will receive two free passes each to the festival. Deadline for submissions is Feb 22. Information: www.duluthga.net.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Snellville Senior Center looking for volunteers
The Snellville Senior Center needs volunteers to fill in at the front desk and to help decorate the center each season. Volunteers also assist with the center’s newsletter assembly and mailing.
Volunteers donating 25 or more hours a year receive their next year’s Senior Center membership for $5.
Interested volunteers are invited to meet at 9 a.m. Feb. 26.
Information: 770-985-3580.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
North Road in Snellville getting new sidewalks
Gwinnett is in the preliminary design phase of a North Road sidewalk project in Snellville to place curbs, gutters and sidewalks along the east side of North Road between Pharrs Road and Wisteria Drive and to fill in a gap on Dogwood Road. Funds for the project come from the 2009 SPLOST program. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Free Valentine’s Day wedding ceremonies
Gwinnett Magistrate Court judges will perform free Valentine’s Day wedding ceremonies or vow renewals 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today in the old Justice of the Peace Office at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse in Lawrenceville.
Couples getting married must obtain a valid marriage license prior to the event and bring original marriage license to the ceremony. Licenses will not be available at the site.
Contact Probate Court at 770-822-8250 for information on obtaining a license. No appointment is necessary.
Information: Chief Magistrate Kristina Hammer Blum, 770-822-8081 or kristina.blum@gwinnettcounty.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Popular school plans admission lottery
Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology is holding a lottery for 350 available seats for next fall’s freshman class 7:30 a.m. Monday at the school district’s Instructional Support Center, 437 Old Peachtree Road, NW in Suwanee. Nancy Badertscher
NORTHSIDE
Fulton nonprofits can apply for county grants
Fulton County is taking applications for Human Services and Fulton Roundtable Expanded Service Headquarters grants. Fulton nonprofits that provide aging, disability, employment, homelessness, housing, HIV/AIDS and youth and family services can apply online at fultoncountyga.gov/WebGrants. The deadline is 3 p.m. Feb. 22. The funds come from the Housing and Human Services’ budget. Last year, 117 programs received a total of $4 million. Information: 404-613-7944 or hsd.applications@fultoncountyga.gov. Johnny Edwards
Woodstock giving out Arbor Day seedlings
The city of Woodstock will celebrate Arbor Day with a tree seedling and tree care guide giveaway 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday at the Woodstock City Hall Annex, the city of Woodstock’s Magnolia Hall, the William G. Long Senior Center and the Woodstock Visitors Center/Dean’s Store. Information: www.woodstockga.gov
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Darnell hosts town hall meetings this month
Fulton County Commission Vice Chairwoman Emma Darnell will host two town hall meetings in February.
The first will be 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Southwest Arts Center, 915 New Hope Road, Atlanta. The second will be 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 26 at the Bowen-Bankhead Atlanta-Fulton Library Branch, 2685 Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway NW, Atlanta.
Darnell represents commission District 5, which includes southwest and northwest Atlanta. David Wickert
Exhibit focuses on marble industry
“Carved in Stone: The Marble Industry in North Georgia” is the new exhibit at the Cherokee County History Museum and Visitors Center.
The exhibit features documents, photographs and artifacts from the Cherokee County Historical Society’s collection.
It runs until May 15 at the museum, 100 North St., Suite 140, Canton, and is free.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Register for Johns Creek fire academy
Applications for the new Johns Creek Citizens Fire Academy must be turned in by Friday.
During the eight-week course beginning March 12, participants learn about fire operations, fire tactics and strategies and fire prevention.
The Citizens Fire Academy is open to people who live or work in Johns Creek ages 18 and older. They must pass a criminal history check. There is a $25 program fee.
Information: Meloni Scurry, 678-474-1641 or meloni.scurry@johnscreekga.gov.Andria Simmons
Annual Forsyth senior event Saturday
Forsyth County Senior Services will host the 11th annual Forsyth Senior Expo from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Forsyth Conference Center at Lanier Technical College, 3410 Ronald Reagan Boulevard, Cumming.
The free event will feature vendors for senior-related products, health screenings, door prizes and a free lunch.
Information: www.forsythco.com
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
ATLANTA
Organization honored for fighting AIDS
The Black AIDS Institute honored Someone Cares Inc. of Atlanta for its contribution to ending AIDS in the black communtiy at the National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day event Thursday. Someone Cares Inc. empowers individuals at risk for or living with HIV/AIDS through support services, research, education and advocacy. The Early Detection Intervention Clinics are located in Marietta and Atlanta. Information: someonecaresatl.org.
Kenneth Musisi
Public invited to community workshop
The City of Atlanta Department of Planning and Community Development hosts a free community workshop for the Lakewood Livable Centers Initiative 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at Atlanta Technical College, Dennard Building Conference Center Ballroom, Building B, 1560 Metropolitan Parkway, S.W. Information: www.lakewoodlci.com.
Veronica Fields Johnson
APS clears McDaniel of ethics violations
The Ethics Commission of the Atlanta Board of Education decided by a five to one vote that school board chairman Reuben McDaniel did not violate the district’s ethics policies in his involvement last year with North Atlanta High and the district’s delay in offering an employment contract to teacher Amy Durham. The commission decided in December to investigate an ethics complaint that McDaniel had meddled. Jeffry Scott
Aqua Blue holds benefit for girls group
Joseph & Friends Salon & Spa will hold a fundraiser event Sunday for a nonprofit that mentors young women through dance. “Along the Silk Road,” a night of dance, fashion, music and food, will be at Aqua Blue restaurant in Roswell. Proceeds will go to Atlanta SEEDS, which aims to boost self-esteem for girls ages 6 to 19 through dance.
The event runs from 5 to 8 p.m. at 1564 Holcomb Bridge Road. The cost is $25 per person.
Information: www.josephandfriends.com.Johnny Edwards
DEKALB
Decatur seeking Beacon Hill artifacts
Decatur is asking citizens to donate memorabilia, stories and photos from the 1955-1977 Beacon Elementary and Trinity High School era for display when the Beacon Hill Center renovation is complete.
Deputy city manager Hugh Saxon said Friday that demolition and construction of the new complex, featuring a new police station, new city schools administrative offices and a new gym, begins in “mid- to late-March” and is still scheduled for a May, 2014, completion. Information: Teresa Taylor, 404-370-4102 or teresa.taylor@decaturga.com.
Bill Banks for the AJC
Decatur offering free smoke detectors
Decatur’s fire department recently received $83,505 in grant money from Fire Prevention and Safety Assistance to Firefighters to provide free smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to city residents.
Decatur firefighters will install new detectors, test existing detectors and replace inoperable ones in an effort to ensure homes are safe.
Firefighters will also provide a free home fire-safety check during the smoke detector installation.
Information: 404-373-5092, or email stephanie.burton@decaturga.com. Bill Banks for the AJC
Two-for-one adoptions offered at PAWS
PAWS Atlanta, a DeKalb County animal welfare group, is offering two-for-one adoptions of their adult pets this month in celebration of Valentine’s Day.
The group, formerly known as the DeKalb Humane Society, requires that would-be adopters fill out an application on the animal first. All pets are spayed or neutered, micro-chipped and up-to-date on all shots. Fees are $175 for adult dogs and $75 for adult cats.
Information: www.pawsatlanta.org.April Hunt
County youth soccer registration under way
Registration is open for youth soccer leagues in DeKalb County. Registration is open until Friday at all county recreation centers for the league, which is open to children between ages 5 and 14.
Fees range from $45 to $85 per child. Birth certificates must be presented at registration. Information: 770-414-2111 or 770-414-2113.
April Hunt
Art Walk, gallery set to open in February
The Dunwoody Fine Art Association has teamed up with 30 local Dunwoody businesses to celebrate the arts and highlight the work of local artists with an Art Walk through the community.
The grand opening for the Dunwoody Fine Art Association Pop Up Gallery in the courtyard of Dunwoody Village Shopping Center will be Feb. 23.
Information: www.dunwoodyfineart.org.
Kenneth Musisi
Little League signups through February
The Belvedere Little League will hold registration for baseball for boys and girls (ages 4-12) from noon to 4 p.m. each Saturday through Feb. 23 at Shoal Creek Park, 3640 Glenwood Road. Register: www.eteamz.com/belvederelittleleague2. Volunteer coaches are needed.
Information: 404-289-3073. Kenneth Musisi
SOUTHSIDE
East Point man’s death called homicide
Officers were called to a home in the 800 block of Jefferson Avenue around 12:20 p.m. Wednesday on a report of a person down and unresponsive. Julius Dewberry, 92, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to East Point police.
GBI special agents are assisting East Point detectives with the investigation. No further details were released.
Anyone with information about the death is asked to contact the East Point Police Department at 404-763-8477, and tipsters may remain anonymous. Alexis Stevens
Burglary suspect eludes capture
Police in Butts County attempted a routine traffic stop, but the driver refused to stop, leading officers on a chase into Henry County, where the car wrecked on I-75, police said.
Police said they believe the three people inside the car may have been responsible for a home burglary. When the car crashed, two suspects were taken into custody. Their names were not released.
A third suspect, Randall Paul Ramos, ran from the scene. Police confiscated several weapons from the suspects’ car and believe Ramos could also be armed.
The search was later called off for Ramos. Alexis Stevens
Moratorium covers sign permits in Fairburn
As Fairburn prepares to update its sign ordinance, a 90-day moratorium on accepting sign permit applications has been approved to ensure that a gap is created so any sign permits or variances to signs under the old ordinance can be covered and brought to resolution prior to the time they have a new ordinance. The 90-day action was taken Jan. 28 by the mayor and City Council.
Lisa Gibson for the AJC
Sewer line work this month in McDonough
McDonough begins work on a $3 million project to improve the 100-year-old sewer system replacing 1,825 feet of existing sewer lines.
Some disruption to traffic is expected over the course of the project, which should be done by the end of the year. Monroe Roark for the AJC
Church to host community events
St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church hosts a financial aid mentoring session 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the church, 2870 Headland Drive, East Point.
Mentors will provide information on preparing for college, understanding financial aid and exploring scholarship possibilities.
Interested students should bring a copy of their transcript and a letter from their guidance counselor. A blood donation drive will also be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Information: 404-349-0660. Veronica Fields Johnson
Fayette County delays registration for pre-K
Registration for Fayette County’s state-funded pre-kindergarten program for 2013-14 has been suspended due to pending redistricting issues.
Registration was originally set to end Feb. 28, but will restart after the Board of Education makes a final decision on school closures and related district boundary changes.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
