County by county news for Thursday
COBB
Marietta Police seek armed robbery suspects
Marietta Police are searching for three armed robbery suspects.
Isiah “Cino” Binns, 24, of Marietta, allegedly robbed a person at gunpoint Oct. 30 on Garrison Road.
Cleveland “L.A.” Brady, 22, of Marietta, is wanted for a heist at Viva Mexico restaurant on Nov. 2 andthe holdup of a pizza delivery driver on Franklin Road Oct. 30. A third unidentified accomplice is believed to have committed multiple armed robberies off Powder Springs Road. Anyone with information on their whereabouts is asked to call Detective Merritt at 770-794-5324 or the anonymous tipline at 770-794-6990.
Andria Simmons
Diversity Hiring Expos event today
Diversity Hiring Expos will host its last major hiring event of the year 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at the Cobb Galleria Centre, 2 Galleria Parkway.
The region’s top employers in the fields of sales, management, healthcare, customer service, TV production, government service, etc., will be there.
Job candidates are advised to bring plenty of resumes and prepare for a possible interview. Professional dress is required. Admission and parking is free. Information: www.diversityhiringexpos.com.
Kenneth Musisi
Kennesaw University hosts Veterans events
Kennesaw State University’s Army ROTC cadets will salute America’s veterans with a ceremony today at the Campus Green, 1000 Chastain Rd., Kennesaw.
The family of Army 1st Lt. Jonathan Walsh will participate in a tree-planting ceremony at 11:45 a.m. Walsh was killed April 22 in Afghanistan when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device.
Maj. Stefan W. Hutnik who serves as a Fire Support Instructor at Fort Benning, delivers the keynote address at 12:30 p.m.
Kenneth Musisi
Campaign honors commute programs
The Clean Air Campaign on Wednesday honored the top commute programs in the state at the 12th annual PACE Awards.
The campaign also announced the launch of Georgia Commute Options, a partnership with the Georgia Department of Transportation and the region’s transportation management agencies to help reduce traffic.
This year’s PACE winners included Cobb County Schools, a fifth grade teacher from Big Shanty Elementary and more. Nancy Badertscher
Austell thanks two city employees
Austell Mayor Joe Jerkins and the City Council thanked two city employees on Monday.
Police Sgt. Robert Sfreddo received a plaque and pin for his 25 years of service. Firefighter Alex Layton also was given a five-year service pin.
A reception was held for Sfreddo and Layton before the meeting.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Cobb retired educators group to meet
The Cobb Marietta Retired Educators Association will meet at 11:30 a.m. today in the Freeman Poole Multipurpose Center, 4025 South Hurt Road, Smyrna.
Lunch will be provided at $10 per person. Information: debbybob@comcast.net or www.cmrea.org.
Kenneth Musisi
GWINNETT
County hosts detention pond workshop
The Gwinnett Department of Water Resources will host a free workshop on detention ponds 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. today at the Justice and Administration Center, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville.
Detention ponds help prevent floods by capturing excess runoff from impervious surfaces. Residents who live in unincorporated Gwinnett or the City of Lilburn can qualify for a 5 percent credit on their storm water utility fees by attending the workshop.
To register, send your name, address and phone number to dwrswreg@gwinnettcounty.com or call 678-376-7193, Ext. 5.
David Wickert
Duplex fire under investigation
Two adults were displaced Wednesday after an early morning fire broke out in a duplex in the 5400 block of Bishops Circle in Norcross.
A resident of one side of the duplex called 911 at 1:34 a.m. to report that the other side of the building was on fire. Gwinnett County firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke and fire issuing from the duplex. The blaze was brought under control by 2 a.m., however it caused heavy damage to the structure.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Andria Simmons
Students meet with Duluth city officials
Duluth Mayor Nancy Harris, City Manager Tim Shearer and various city officials will meet with high school students from the Civic Leadership Program for Youth 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday at the Duluth City Hall.
During the visit, forty students from the Korean-American community will get an understanding of how city officials work to improve the lives of residents and how the decisions made impact the students’ day-to-day lives.
CLPY prepares selected Asian-American high-school students in the Metro-Atlanta region to become leaders who are catalysts for positive change in their communities.
Kenneth Musisi
Commission approves senior center addition
The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Tuesday approved an addition to a senior services center in Lawrenceville.
Commissioners awarded a $2.1 million contract to Talbot Construction of Suwanee to build the addition to the center on Swanson Drive. The 12,000-square-foot addition includes a new commercial kitchen that will be used to prepare meals for seniors and caregivers.
Gwinnett will use federal community development block grant funds to pay for the project. Construction will begin later this month and is expected to take about a year.
David Wickert
Commission hosts open house event
Join the Gwinnett County Human Relations Commission for an open house 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. today at Jagrala Food Palace, 851 Oak Road, Lawrenceville.
Learn about the purpose and role of the Gwinnett HRC, meet commission members and find out how to get involved.
The event is free, but reservations are encouraged. Information: gwinnetthrc.sung@gmail.com or 404-889-6458. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
NORTHSIDE
Forsyth tax deadline approaching
Forsyth County 2012 property taxes are due Nov. 15.
Payment can be made in person from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday at Forsyth County Tax Commissioner’s Office locations at 1092 Tribble Gap Road (main office) or at 1950 Sharon Road in Sharon Springs Park.
Curbside payments will be accepted Nov. 13-15.
Payment options are cash, check, money order and debit card.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Woodstock parkway to open ahead of schedule
Access to I-575 in Woodstock becomes easier Nov. 16. City officials say the new interchange at Ridgewalk Parkway will open then. Contractor CW Matthews will finish the project more than a month ahead of the original Dec. 31 completion target.
The entrance/exit ramps and new Ridgewalk Parkway bridge will serve Woodstock’s north side, including an outlet mall scheduled for completion in August of 2013.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Breakins plague trail users in Forsyth County
The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office is warning about a recent series of vehicle thefts and break-ins along the Big Creek Greenway.
Officials say laptops, purses and GPS units have been stolen from vehicles in parking lots at Bethelview Road and McFarland Road. Sheriff’s officials say trail users need to lock car /truck doors and put items in the trunk while using the trail.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Johns Creek resurfacing courts
The two basketball courts at Johns Creek’s Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Road, are closed for resurfacing, as will be its six tennis courts for about two weeks beginning Nov. 19.
Resurfacing of two tennis and two basketball courts at the city’s Ocee Park, 10900 Buice Road, is concluding this week. The tennis courts will utilize the current USTA paint schemes.
Michael Alpert for the AJC
Indian consulate inaguration held
Nirupama Rao, Indian Ambassador to the United States inaugurated the new Consulate General of India in Atlanta on Oct. 22.
The ceremony was attended by Sandy Springs Mayor Eva Galambos, U.S. Rep. Rob Woodall, Democratic Party Chairman Michael Berlon, and several leaders from the Indian-American community.
The Consulate General of India in metro Atlanta, 5549 Glenridge Drive NE, has started passport and miscellaneous consular services.
Information: www.indianconsulateatlanta.org.
Kenneth Musisi
Downtown Woodstock app on the way
Downtown Woodstock? There’s an app for that-or will be. The Woodstock Downtown Development Authority late last week approved development of a smartphone application geared to downtown visitors, with maps, a business directory, an events calendar and a notifications feature.
A private firm developing the project hopes to have it ready for city officials by mid-March of 2013.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
ATLANTA
Counseling help offered for seniors
An Assisting Customers Through Information and Networking will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at the Helene S. Mills Senior Multipurpose Facility, 515 John Wesley Dobbs Ave. Service providers will offer advice on legal, financial, housing, social and health issues. Registration: 404-523-3353.
Johnny Edwards
Buckhead business group to hold meeting
The Buckhead Business Association’s weekly breakfast meeting will be 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. today at the City Club of Buckhead. Chuck Douglas, peak performance expert and trainer for development of sales skills and personal effectiveness, will speak. Tickets: $10, members and $20, visitors.
Information: www.buckheadbusiness.org.
Kenneth Musisi
Funerals for officers killed in ‘copter crash
Funerals and visitations have been announced for the officers killed in a helicopter crash Saturday night: Visitation for Officer Richard J. Halford is 5 to 8 p.m. today at Jackson Memorial Baptist Church, 534 Fairburn Road N.W. Halford’s funeral is 11 a.m. Friday at Jackson Memorial.
Officer Shawn A. Smiley’s vitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home, 4347 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur. Smiley’s funeral will be 11 a.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church of Atlanta, 4400 North Peachtree Road.
Mike Morris
Canned food sculpture contest set for today
The Canstruction competition benefiting the Atlanta Community Food Bank will start at 4 p.m. today in the Colony Square atrium, 1197 Peachtree Street.
Sixteen teams of Atlanta architects, engineers, design professionals and contractors will have seven hours to assemble structures using canned goods. The award gala ceremony is 6 to 10 p.m. Friday at Colony Square Garden Terrace. Tickets: $12 at the door.
Sculptures will be displayed 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Nov. 18. Information: www.aiaatlanta.org/canstruction.
Kenneth Musisi
DEKALB
Tucker association board meeting set
Tucker Civic Association’s November Board Meeting will be 7 p.m. today in Jenkins Hall at Tucker First United Methodist Church, 5095 LaVista Road, Tucker. The meeting is open to the public.
TCA is a nonprofit organization that promotes the health, safety and welfare of the Tucker community. Information: www.tuckercivic.org.
Kenneth Musisi
County considering excise tax
To make up for local sales tax money lost to a new state exemption for manufacturers, DeKalb County is considering levying a new excise tax.
The tax would apply only to energy used during manufacturing. The state gave local governments the power to levy the tax last year, when lawmakers agreed to gradually phase in a state tax exemption on the energy use.
April Hunt
Chief assistant solicitor earns honor
The DeKalb County Domestic Violence Task Force has awarded Jennifer Stolarski, the county’s chief assistant solicitor, the 2012 Deborah McDorman Flame Award for her career’s work with victims of domestic violence.
The award honors the late McDorman, who established the county’s task force in the 1980s.
April Hunt
Decatur Schools submits charter proposal
City Schools of Decatur submitted its charter system renewal Thursday to the state’s Department of Education. The charter, if approved, will extend for 10 years.
Superintendent Phyllis Edwards said the primary focus of the new charter is that “We want to break down the walls a bit. We want our schools to push for more real-world experiences, and more virtual-type experience, with less time spent in the classroom.” In 2009 Decatur became one of the state’s original four public systems to obtain charter status. There are currently 17.
Bill Banks for the AJC
Decatur designates urban redevelopment area
Decatur’s commission officially designated a 34-acre tract as an Urban Redevelopment Area, qualifying it for more attractive interest rates.
This includes the Beacon School Municipal Complex, scheduled for a massive $30 million overhaul beginning in January. But it also includes the Callaway property, slated for new commercial office, retail and residential development, though no date’s been set, and the Phase 1V Allen Wilson property.
It also includes the Gateway Apartments and the post office, for which future development is currently uncertain.
Bill Banks for the AJC
Tax volunteers needed in DeKalb
The nation’s largest free, volunteer-run tax preparation and assistance service is looking for volunteers to help DeKalb County taxpayers with their 2012 returns.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers will receive free training and be reimbursed for qualified program-related expenses. Volunteers do not need to be AARP members or retirees.
Deadline for application is Dec. 15. Information: 1-888-687-2277 or www.aarp.org/tavolunteer8.
April Hunt
SOUTHSIDE
Sunday alcohol sales pass in unincorporated Clayton
Residents in unincorporated parts of Clayton County will soon be able to buy alcohol on Sundays. Voters overwhelmingly approved a measure Tuesday that would allow for the sale of beer and wine between 12:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. on Sundays.
Unofficials results showed 68 percent of the voters said yes to the measure.
Six of the county’s seven cities have already approved Sunday alcohol sales. Morrow remains the only city in Clayton that doesn’t allow the sale of alcohol on Sunday. Tammy Joyner
Clayton senior to host health expo Friday
Clayton County Senior Services will host its annual Sickness Prevention Achieved through Regional Collaboration expo 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Friday at the Frank Bailey Senior Center, 6213 Riverdale Road, Riverdale.
The expo addresses the healthcare needs of adults age 55 and older.
Flu and tetanus shots and other immunizations will be available to those who attend. Free fruits and vegetables will be given to the first 150 attendees, along with a variety of door prizes.
Tammy Joyner
Help clean up Lake Peachtree
Volunteers will gather in Peachtree City from 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday to clean up areas along Lake Peachtree. The effort is being coordinated by Rivers Alive, Keep Peachtree City Beautiful and city staff. Volunteers should meet at the Battery Way docks with boots, gloves, drinking water and litter “grabbers” or kitchen tongs. Children age 5-17 must be accompanied by an adult. Email ptcriversalive@gmail.com to sign up.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Name that rec center and win an iPad
Feeling creative? Lovejoy officials are looking for a name for their new recreation center. To participate, come up with one to three names, go online to www.claytoncountyga.gov/namecontest/. Deadline is midnight Friday.
The grand prize is an iPad. The winner also will receive recognition and a proclamation to be presented at a future Clayton County Board of Commissioners meeting.
Second and third-place winners receive an iPod Nano and a iTunes gift card respectively.
Tammy Joyner
Clayton State presents “Hooked on Basie”
The Clayton State University Department of Visual and Performing Arts presents the Clayton Community Big Band in “Hooked On Basie” 7:30 p.m. Nov. 26 in Spivey Hall. The event is free and open to the public.
The program will include popular charts from all decades of bandleader Count Basie’s career, including writers Neal Hefti, Quincy Jones, Sammy Nestico, and Bill Holman. Tammy Joyner
Jonesboro gets ready for Christmas fest
Food and arts/crafts vendors are needed for the 18th annual Parade and Street Fest, “Christmas in Jonesboro”, scheduled for noon to 7 p.m. Nov. 17 on Main Street in Jonesboro.
Information: Jonesboro City Hall at 770-478-3800 or jdurrance@jonesboroga.com.
Kenneth Musisi
