County by county news for Thursday

Morgan to hold school forum Sept. 17

Cobb County residents can learn more about their school system at a town hall meeting with school board member David Morgan.

Morgan will answer questions at an open forum at Cooper Middle School on Sept. 17, said Karyn Harrison, an official with the South Cobb Parent-Teacher Association. The event is scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. Location: 4605 Ewing Road, Austell. Reach Morgan at 404-702-1857. Ty Tagami

Musical event honors 9/11 in Mableton

The music ministries at Due West United Methodist Church will sponsor a musical festival Sept. 11 at Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre. The free musical event is being labeled, “a patriotic call for revival in America,” and will honor history, heroes and heritage through music and narration. The music festival begins at 7 p.m. at the amphitheatre, 5239 Floyd Road in Mableton. Information: www.mablehouse.org. Janel Davis

Job fair in Marietta on Sept. 28

More than 70 employers will recruit workers at the annual Marietta/ Cobb Career Expo, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Sept. 28 at the Cobb County Civic Center, 548 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta. Colleges, technical schools and service organizations will also participate in the job fair that is sponsored by Marietta, Cobb County, CobbWorks, Inc., Cobb/Cherokee Career Center and the Georgia Department of Labor. Information www.mariettaga.gov. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Marietta firefighters, police to mark 9/11

Marietta fire fighters and police officers will remember victims of Sept. 11 by turning on sirens in fire trucks and police cars for one minute Sunday at 1 p.m. The city’s tribute on the 10th anniversary of the attacks is part of a national Moment of Remembrance set by a U.S. Senate resolution requesting Americans to stop all activity for one minute on Sunday to honor those who died and sacrifices made by first responders. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Powder Springs Senior Center to hold sale

Indoor yard/arts and crafts sales will be held Friday and Saturday at the Powder Springs Senior Center. Baked goods and hot dog lunches also will be sold from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day at the Bill “Papa” Morris building, 4181 Atlanta St., next to the Powder Springs Library.

Proceeds will go to programming costs for the center, which is receiving slightly reduced city funding this year. Information: Center Coordinator Dee Chappell, 770-943-1555. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

GWINNETT

School enrollment swells past projections

Gwinnett County Schools has grown bigger than projections this academic year. The post Labor Day enrollment count found 162,589 students -- 130 more than the 162,459 forecast for this school year. More than 5,630 students were added to rosters since Aug. 9. Enrollment figures showed that while some schools added kids many others lost them as populations shifted. Berkmar and Parkview high schools were each slightly more than 100 students over projection. Sweetwater Middle, however, was 133 students below projections.

The count is used for state funding. D. Aileen Dodd

Grayson church to commemorate 9/11

Faith Community Church in Grayson will have a special “Service of Hope” on Sunday at 6:00 p.m. to remember the victims of 9/11. Police, fire, and military personnel will be involved with special music, stories, and more. A nursery will be available for babies and toddlers. The service may not be suitable for children. The church is located on Highway 84 next to the Grayson Library. For information contact Pastor Steve Mason at 770-995-7020. Bob Howard

Walk Like MADD fundraiser Sept. 17

The Georgia affiliate of Mothers Against Drunk Driving will host is 5K “Walk like MADD” fundraiser on Sept. 17.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. The welcome begins at 9:30 a.m. followed by the walk at the State Farm Operations Center, 11350 Johns Creek Parkway in Duluth. The event raises money and support for the organization’s campaign to eliminate drunk driving. MADD National President Jan Withers will be the special guest.

In addition to the walk, there will be activities for the family including games and giveaways. Registration is $15 for ages 5-21 and $20 for ages 21 and over. Shelia Poole

Treetop Quest grand opening on Friday

A canopy adventure course is celebrating its grand opening Friday .

Local government and business leaders, media and special guests will be on hand for a ribbon-cutting. Treetop Quest integrates educational quizzes, instructional tour guides, and environmental stewardship into a canopy tour reaching heights up to 55 feet, with zip lines stretching 200 feet. It consists of a series of platforms, zip lines, monkey bridges and Tarzan swings.

Treetop Quest is at the intersection of Plunketts Road and Clean Water Drive in Buford.

Info: www.treetopquest.com Andria Simmons

Georgia SPCA offers low-cost vaccinations

The Georgia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Georgia SPCA) is offering low cost vaccinations for cats and dogs from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at its adoption center at 1175 Buford Hwy in Suwanee.

Vaccinations will help prevent common infectious diseases including distemper, respiratory diseases and rabies. Heartworm and feline combo tests, deworming, and microchipping will also be offered. Vaccinations are $10 each. Info: www.GeorgiaSPCA.org. Andria Simmons

Locust Grove honors vets with seminar, brunch

The Laurel Grove retirement community at 2899 Five Forks Trickum Road in Lawrenceville will honor local veterans Saturday and Sunday with a free seminar and brunch.

The free seminar, set for 10 a.m. Saturday, aims to educate wartime veterans and their surviving spouses about little-known benefits available through the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Aid & Attendance program. Brunch will be held at noon on Sunday.

The seminar is open to the public. To RSVP, please call Laurel Grove at 770-982-9969. Gracie Bonds Staples

NORTHSIDE

Alpharetta council rejects development report

Alpharetta’s City Council gave a resounding thumbs-down to an economic development report Tuesday that it characterized as incomplete. The $100,000 study, prepared by Atlanta consultant Market Street Services, was to provide the city a blueprint for economic growth. Council members D.C. Aiken and Chris Owens said the report lacked specificity and did not include comparative data with other cities of similar size.

Market Street CEO Mack Holladay said he is confident revisions will meet with Council approval. Patrick Fox

Clean Air Campaign recognizes Roswell

The Clean Air Campaign recently named the City of Roswell a Government Champion for offering telecommute options, flexible work arrangements and carpool promotions to its employees. The city has been a Clean Air Campaign partner since 2000.

Other Government Champion awards winners were: Federal -- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; State -- Georgia Department of Administrative Services; County -- Fulton County Government. Patrick Fox

Johns Creek department cites firefighter

The Johns Creek Fire Department has named Jermale Cyril Jones the Firefighter of the Quarter for the second quarter of 2011. Jones began his career with DeKalb Fire & Rescue in 2006, joining Johns Creek with its inaugural squad in October 2008. He is a Firefighter I and EMT (emergency medical technician) and holds certifications in Hazardous Materials Operations, Advanced Fire Training and Alternative Teaching Methods for Fire & Life Safety Educators. Andria Simmons

Cherokee shelter offers free pet adoptions

In remembrance of the 9/11 tragedy, the Cherokee County Animal Shelter will honor firefighters, police officers and military service members with free adoptions during the week of Sept. 13-17. The shelter, located at 1015 Univeter Road in Canton. Information: a www.petfinder.com/shelters/ga460.html or call 770-345-7270. Veronica Fields Johnson

Sandy Springs police hold open house

The Sandy Springs Police Department will host an open house from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m., Sept. 14, at the Morgan Falls Office Complex, suites 301 and 400, 7840 Roswell Road. Interested residents can tour the operations and administration buildings during the event. Information: 770-551-6900. Michelle Shaw

Forsyth recycling event to be Oct. 1

Keep Forsyth County Beautiful is sponsoring an electronics recycling event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 1 at the Cumming Fairgrounds’ parking lot 3 off of Castleberry Road. Accepted items for recycling include computers, stereos, CD players, cell phones, microwaves, cameras and more. The minimum donation per carload for drop-off is $5. An additional $10 fee will apply for all televisions. Items, such as large wooden console televisions, toaster ovens and refrigerators will not be accepted. Information: www.forsythco.com or 770-205-4573.Patrick Fox

ATLANTA

Man killed breaking into officer’s home

A man was shot and killed Wednesday morning when he tried to break into an Atlanta policeman’s south Fulton County home, investigators say.

Around 8:45 a.m., a 911 call came from the officer’s home in the Providence Place condo subdivision at 2255 Flat Shoals Dr., just west of Old National Highway. The Zone 6 patrol officer is being placed on administrative leave, a routine measure after any shooting, Atlanta police say. Marcus K. Garner/ Mike Morris

LAAA offers lesson in Spanish

The Latin American Association of Atlanta has announced its schedule for Saturday classes running between Saturday to Oct. 22.

Classes will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Instruction for Levels 1-8 Intermediate Grammar and Conversation and Advanced Grammar and Conversation are available.

Tuition for new students is $240. Returning students pay $210.

For information: www.thelaa.org D. Aileen Dodd

Health town hall meeting Sept. 10

Georgia residents are invited to voice their concerns about affordable health care, learn about healthy lifestyles and get health screenings at the Kresge Community Health Town Hall Meeting & Health Expo. The event starts at 1-3 p.m. on Saturday at the Atlanta Central Library located in downtown Atlanta. To register, visit www.ulgatl.org. Information: 404-659-1150. Kenneth Musisi

Event benefits victims of prostitution

Living Water for Girls in Peachtree City is hosting the “Freedom and Expression: A Celebration of Girls, Freedom and the Arts” formal gala on Sunday from 5-7 p.m. at Rhodes Hall, 1516 Peachtree St. NW in Atlanta. Living Water for Girls is a non-profit organization that provides services for girls, ages 12-17 who are victims of prostitution. Tickets are $100. Information: Amanda Terry 678-783-0126 or purchase tickets at info@livingwaterforgirls.org. Kenneth Musisi

DEKALB

Economic development workshop Saturday

DeKalb County’s Community Development Department will host a workshop later this month on how residents can help with economic development. The workshop will show how residents can help create a vision for their area, possibly create a community improvement district and ultimately help create jobs.

The workshop runs from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday at the Clark Harrison Building, 330 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur.

More information: 404-371-3689. April Hunt

McNair High rallies to engage parents

Officials with Ronald E. McNair High School are holding its “Achieving Excellence Together Rally” from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. today at the Highlands of East Atlanta Apartments, 2051 Flat Shoals Road, Atlanta. The idea is to meet parents in their neighborhood and encourage parental involvement and community engagement through volunteerism. Parent volunteer opportunities range from reading to students to help supervise school events to answering the phone at the school office. Information: 678-676-1200. Rich McKay

Enrollment for tutoring to begin Monday

Open enrollment begins next Monday and ends Oct. 3 for DeKalb County students who need tutoring or other academic help outside of the regular school day.

The goal of the program is to increase academic achievement of students in low performing schools. Enrollment for the Supplemental Educational Services runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 12 through Oct. 3., at the district headquarters at 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd., Stone Mountain. For more information: 678-676-0409. Rich McKay

Doraville outdoor movie ‘Rango’ on Saturday

The children’s movie “Rango” will be screened for free Saturday night in Doraville.

The city is sponsoring the event at Honeysuckle Park on Pleasant Valley Drive as part of its summer movie series.

The flick will begin at dusk on a 30-foot screen. Games and activities will be held before the movie, and concessions will be available.

Information: Mayor Donna Pittman at 678-328-9181 or www.doravillega.us. April Hunt

Taste of Chamblee lineup announced

More than 20 restaurants and five artists have been announced for Taste of Chamblee, the annual street festival being held in September.

The festival also includes kid’s play area, live entertainment and a beer garden. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17 in downtown Chamblee. The event’s headliners, Yacht Rock Revue, will take the stage at 6 p.m. to close out the day.

More information: www.thetasteofchamblee.com. April Hunt

Memorial Drive cleanup yields 8,560 lbs. of trash

Volunteers removed 8,560 pounds of trash and litter from Memorial Drive during a recent clean-up event along the DeKalb County corridor.

More than 200 volunteers joined with DeKalb County government officials and state representatives for the event, which focused on a three-mile stretch of Memorial near Georgia Perimeter College. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Prison, restitution for man in tax fraud

A former operations manager of a collection agency was sentenced Tuesday to one year and eight months in prison and ordered to pay $319,242 in restitution for a tax fraud scheme.

Michael Thornton, 41, of Union City, prepared and filed fraudulent tax returns for co-workers and associates from 2005 through 2007. He disregarded information provided by clients and fabricated filings to get them refunds they didn’t deserve, U.S. Attorney Sally Yates said. Thornton filed more than 340 returns, and IRS agents found more than $1.8 million in false claims. Bill Rankin

Preparedness fair on Saturday

Families can learn what steps to take to be ready for small- and large-scale disasters and emergency situations at this year’s Citizens Emergency Preparedness Fair, being put on by the Fulton County Fire Rescue Department the Atlanta-Fulton County Emergency Management Agency on Saturday at the Publix at 5370 Campbellton Fairburn Road, Fairburn.

The event, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., is being funded by a grant through the county’s Community Emergency Response Team, or CERT, program. Emergency vehicles and Fulton’s Fire Safety House will be on display. Johnny Edwards

Fayette high schools to compete for $3,500

The RaceTrac Rivalry Bowl will offer fans of two Fayette county high school football programs the chance to complete and give back to their favorite schools.

Whitewater vs. Fayette county on Oct. 7. Participating schools will compete to win a $3,500 donation from RaceTrac.

For information on how fans can earn points for their teams visit www.Racetrac.com/RivalryBowl. Sandra Marshall Murray

HMC names new Director of Pharmacy

Celeste Fowler has been named Director of Pharmacy at Henry Medical Center. She first joined the hospital’s staff in August 2008 and her pharmacy background includes working with VA hospitals as well as ambulatory care, long-term care and acute care facilities.

The Conyers resident is a member of the American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists and the Georgia Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists. Monroe Roark for the AJC

10 vie for seats on Stockbridge council

Ten candidates are on the November ballot for three seats on the Stockbridge City Council. Incumbents Shirley Dabney, Fred Evans and Kathryn Gilbert are challenged by Robin Buschman, Rashida Cloud, Beverly Edwards, Houston Nelson, Charles Reid, Richard Steinberg and Alphonso Thomas. The top three vote-getters will go into office in January.

Monroe Roark for the AJC

Three council seats on line in McDonough

Two district seats and one at-large post on the McDonough City Council will be decided this November. District 3 incumbent Wayne Smith will face Swaine Thompson, while District 4 incumbent Monta Brown is challenged by Alphonso Williams and Kamali Varner. At-large councilmember Gail Notti, also an incumbent, is unopposed. Monroe Roark for the AJC