County by county news for Thursday

Kennesaw meeting on road improvements

Kennesaw and the Cobb County Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting 6-8 p.m. tonight at the Ben Robertson Community Center, 2753 Watts Dr., Kennesaw to talk about improvements on Pine Mountain Road. The proposed changes include the intersection of Pine Mountain and Shillings roads.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Powder Springs receives positive audit

The city budget for Powder Springs is in fine shape for the June 2011-12 fiscal year, according to this year’s audit.

Matched by a $380,000 cut in expenditures, the city had $385,000 in decreasing revenues due to declining property tax rates and fewer tickets issued in the fines and forfeiture category.

The city 2011-12 budget of $5.9 million had “no material weaknesses,” said an auditor and a fund balance of nearly $4 million to cover seven months of general fund operations when at least two months is recommended. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Historical society meets Sunday

The Seven Springs Historical Society will meet at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Ford Center, 4181 Atlanta St. for a Christmas celebration.

The society and the City of Powder Springs maintain the Seven Springs Museum at 3901 Brownsville Road next to Powder Springs Park.

Information: 678-567-5611 or email 7springsmuseum@att.net.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Lockheed Martin donates to victims

Lockheed Martin employees Monday welcomed “Fat Albert,” a C-130 support aircraft for the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels aerial demonstration team for a Toys for Tots mission. The aircraft, which was built in Marietta, picked up two pallet loads of toys donated by Lockheed Martin and its employees. The toys will be transported to New Jersey and given to Hurricane Sandy victims. Jaime Sarrio

Chamber honors businesses for service

Twenty local companies were recognized by the Cobb Chamber for supporting the non-profit community, included three overall winners presented with the 2012 Sam Olens Business Community Service Award.

Those are: IBM for its contribution to Keep Smyrna Beautiful, Glory Haus, a faith-based home décor wholesaler for service to Gracepoint School and Velociteach, a project management training firm, for helping MUST Ministries.

Information: www.cobbchamber.org/bcsa

Jaime Sarrio

GWINNETT

Family of nine displaced by fire

A family of nine from Lilburn was displaced on by a fire Wednesday in the 4400 block of Five Forks Trickum Road.

A resident called 911 at 1:18 a.m. to report that the house was on fire and that everyone was getting out. A resident also told fire officials the blaze may have been caused by a faulty phone charger in the front bedroom.

There house sustained extensive damage from fire, smoke, water, and fire department extinguishment efforts. The Red Cross assistance was called to assist the family, which included five minor children. No injuries were reported. Andria Simmons

Norcross Police in accreditation process

A team of assessors from the Commission for Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies will examine the Norcross Police Department’s policies, procedures, management, operations, and support services Tuesday.

As part of the assessment, the community may comments at a public information session at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in city council chambers, 65 Lawrenceville St.

Comments can be by phone at 678-421-2006 1 - 3 p.m. Andria Simmons

Police offer advice on credit fraud complaints

Ensure a better resolution to credit card fraud cases by completing a Gwinnett County incident report and filing a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center, which is a collaboration between the FBI, the Bureau of Justice Assistance, and the National White Collar Crime Center.

Some Gwinnett incident reports can be filed online at www.gwinnettcounty.com/static/departments/police/online_crime_reporting/start-report.html. Andria Simmons

Civil War-era holiday traditions at farm

The Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center will hold its fifth annual Civil War holiday program at McDaniel Farm 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Information: www.gwinnetthc.org.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Suwanee taking 2013 event applications

Each year Suwanee hosts approximately 40 events in the Town Center and other parks. Event applications for 2013 are accepted through Friday. Information: www.suwanee.com.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Police presence increased at area malls

The Gwinnett County Police Department will activate its Holiday Task Force beginning Thanksgiving night and continuing every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 31. Police will be conducting vehicle safety checks. Karen Huppertz

Providence Christian pays tribute to Lussi

Providence Christian Academy in Lilburn is honoring Lamar Lussi, its 80-year-old director of encouragement. Headmaster Jim Vaught has revealed that a future sports facility at the school will bear Lussi’s name. The facility is being funded by a $4.5 million capital campaign. Lussi helped establish this parent-sponsored Christian school in 1991. Nancy Badertscher

NORTHSIDE

Forsyth board to consider tax proposal

The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners today (Thursday) holds a public hearing on imposing an up-to 2 percent local energy excise tax on manufacturing.

That’s in response to the state legislature’s elimination of most sales taxes on energy used by manufacturers, expected to result in a revenue loss to local governments.

Hearing: 5 p.m., county administration building, 110 E. Main St., Cumming. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Canton to discuss pay, public guidelines

The Canton City Council will discuss proposed new restrictions governing the public participation portion of its meetings as it gathers today (Thursday).The Council will also discuss a proposal to boost mayoral and council member pay. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. today at the council chambers at City Hall, 151 Elizabeth St., Canton. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Robbery suspect says shooting retaliation

Isaiah Burt, 25, was shot in the leg on Sunday in Atlanta, but Alpharetta authorities had issued a warrant for him in connection with an attempted robbery at Dillard’s at North Point Mall on Nov. 29.

Burt told Atlanta police he had been shot in retaliation by the brother of one of three other suspects arrested in the incident at the mall.

Burt was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital in stable condition.

Burt and the three other men — identified as Raheem Littlejohn, 31, Sequan Williamson, 22 and Dexter Williamson, 19, all of Atlanta — allegedly stole clothing from Dillard’s.

All four suspects are being held at the Fulton County jail.

Joel Provano

Cherokee law officers warn of break-in scam

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is warning of a burglary scam in surrounding areas of Cobb and north Fulton counties.

Seniors have been approached there by people asking about cutting/trimming trees in their yards. One suspect leads the homeowner to the back yard to discuss work while another burglarizes the home. Residents are urged to be cautious and to call 9-1-1 if needed. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Canton holiday homes tour planned

The Cherokee County Historical Society plans its first annual Historic Canton Holiday Tour of Homes Dec. 14-15.

The tour will showcase three private homes, and will also feature three public and commercial buildings decorated for the season.

Proceeds will benefit the society. Info and tickets: www.rockbarn.org Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Canton launches leaf collection program

The city of Canton Public Works Department has inaugurated its annual leaf collection program, helping residents to dispose of fallen tree leaves. Those needing pickup should simply rake them into the right of way for collection by city crews.

The program will continue through March 31. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

Nahmias appointed to U.S. rules panel

U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts has appointed Georgia Supreme Court Justice David Nahmias to a key rules committee.

Nahmias, the former U.S. Attorney in Atlanta, was appointed to the state Supreme Court in 2009 and was elected to a full six-year term in 2010. He will sit on the U.S. Judicial Conference Advisory Committee on Civil Rules, the principal policy-making body for the federal rules of civil procedure. Bill Rankin

Helping students graduate is roundtable

As part of a 30-year commitment to helping Georgia students graduate, Communities In Schools of Georgia is hosting a roundtable today. The objective is to create a twelve-month action plan for a public-private partnership to foster parental engagement in education. The event is not open to the public, but there will be live tweeting at #GeorgiaGraduates. Nancy Badertscher

Pearson to head Emory Transplant Center

Dr. Thomas C. Pearson has been named executive director of the Emory Transplant Center, effective Jan. 15.

He is currently is associate director of the center and surgical director of the kidney and pancreas transplant program and Livingston Professor of Surgery in Emory University School of Medicine.

Pearson succeeds Dr. Christian P. Larsen, who was recently named dean of Emory University School of Medicine, vice president for Health Center Integration for the Robert W. Woodruff Health Sciences Center and chairman of the The Emory Clinic board. Shelia M. Poole

Summer food programs seeks sponsors

The Summer Food Service Program seeks sponsors to serve nutritious meals to children throughout Georgia next summer. The SFSP, administered by Atlanta-based Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning. Information: 855-550-SFSP or SFSP@decal.ga.gov Nancy Badertscher

DEKALB

New plan to lessen impact on schools

Decatur’s new annexation proposal should diminish the impact on city schools.

City Manager Peggy Merriss said the new plan would add 511 new residents, compared to 2,000 under the original plan, with only 42 of school age.

The school system had initially projected annexation bringing in 276 new students by August, 2014, with enrollment possibly doubling by 2018.

If approved this will be Decatur’s first major annexation since the 1930s and would strengthen the commercial base of a city currently 86 percent residential and 14 percent commercial. Bill Banks for the AJC

National officials tour DeKalb facility

Officials from some of the nation’s largest counties recently toured DeKalb County’s renewable energy facility and compressed natural gas station to learn about the projects.

Members of the National Association of Counties’ Large Urban County Caucus were able to learn about the environmental and cost savings of the projects, which began earlier this year.

DeKalb was the first landfill in the country to create compressed natural gas from landfill emissions, dispense it on site and pipe back additional fuel into a natural gas pipeline.

April Hunt

Seven complete in anti-recidivism program

Seven first-time offenders recently graduated from the first anti-recidivism program through the DeKalb County District Attorney’s office.

D.A. Robert James started the program last year for offenders between 17 and 25 who were arrested on felony charges. Their cases were removed from court and into the program.

To qualify, each defendant had to make a year-long commitment to report to private probation, perform community service, undergo random alcohol/drug testing, abide by a curfew or electronic monitoring, pay restitution, attend 52 hours of behavior modification classes and enroll in school or a high-school diploma program.

The seven graduates all had their cases dismissed.

They also may apply to have the cases permanently expunged from their criminal history. April Hunt

Glenn Memorial UMC hosts Advent service

Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church, 1660 N. Decatur Road, presents a service of Lessons and Carols, 10:30 a.m. Sunday featuring choirs, soloists and instrumentalists.

In addition to congregational carols and hymns, the poetry of John Donne and Byron Herbert Reece will be heard.

Information: 404-634 3936 or stevend@glannumc.org or www.glennumc.org.

Arlinda Smith Broady

Saint Phillip AME hosts Christmas musical

The Reverend William D. Watley and the Saint Philip AME Church Music Department host the 28th Annual Joyful Noise for Toys Christmas Musical 5 p.m. Sunday at the church, 240 Candler Road.

The Sanctuary Choir, Choir No. 1, the Youth Choir, and the Holy Dance Ministry will be featured.

Concert to provide toys for underprivileged children. Please bring an unwrapped new toy.

Information: 404-371-0749 Arlinda Smith Broady

SOUTHSIDE

Clayton Police launch Operation Safe Holidays

Clayton County police launched Operation Safe Holidays this week.

The safety program is designed to beef up patrol in unincorporated parts of the county to deter thefts, burglaries and other criminal activity.

Targeted areas will have directed patrols, traffic enforcement and other crime-deterrent activities within various areas around the county. Tammy Joyner

Grant will help pay Fulton firefighters

A $3.26 million federal grant will help Fulton County pay firefighter salaries and add seven positions, according to Chief Larry Few. The department handles fire protection for unincorporated south Fulton, covering about 100 square miles and 87,500 people.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant will cover 32 firefighter positions, 25 of which were funded with a previous grant. The program funds salaries for two years, or three if the department hires military veterans. Johnny Edwards

Fayette to dedicate Lake McIntosh dam

Fayette County will hold its public dedication of the new Lake McIntosh dam at 10 a.m. Friday just off TDK Boulevard in Peachtree City. However, the low water level in Line Creek is not yet sufficient for the 3 million gallons of daily flow needed to fill the lake. Construction of the recreation area at the lake is expected to be complete by spring. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Peachtree City warns about blocking traffic

The Peachtree City Police Department is again warning drivers not to block the intersection at Ga. Highways 74 and 54. State law requires that drivers not enter an intersection unless there is “sufficient space” to get to the other side without obstructing other traffic or pedestrians, regardless of whether the light is green. Enforcement is being increased.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

East Point celebrates the holidays

The East Point Cultural Enrichment Commission is kicking off the holidays with “East Point Celebrates the Holidays” from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Friday in front of East Point City Hall at 2777 East Point St. Residents can enjoy the sounds of the East Point Youth as they perform holiday songs, as well as a special visit from Santa Claus. The lighting of the holiday tree will culminate the festivities. Information: 404-270-7045 John Thompson for the AJC

Fairburn employees create park

Fairburn City management employees are making residents a gift from their education. The group designed a pocket park as part of a project assigned for a class they were taking at the UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government. They then raised more than $6,000 by hosting an October golf tournament to get the park started with benches, picnic tables and a gazebo. They plan to dedicate the park by City Hall at 3 p.m. Friday. Steve Visser