County by county news for Thursday

Both candidates won more than 50 percent of their district's vote in single-party elections.

Randy Scamihorn ran unopposed in the District 1 race.

Brad Wheeler will represent District 7 republicans in a November race against Democrat Alison Bartlet.

Daarel Burnette II

Students get early ride on bus route

Marietta City Schools elementary students and their parents will get a preview of their bus routes on a "Kindergarten Kruise" Tuesday .

The tour, two days before school starts, is open to any elementary grade student.

Buses will run during regularly scheduled route times. Parents and students will be returned to their original pickup location after the ride.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Marietta offers lessons in police work

The Marietta Police Department is accepting applications for a citizens police academy that starts Sept. 10.

The 10-week program will meet 6-9 p.m. Mondays at police headquarters, 240 Lemon St.

Participants will learns about crime analysis, special weapons and tactics, traffic enforcement and crime scene processing.

Applications are due by Aug. 24 at the department.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

5K race to benefit wounded warriors

More than 2,000 runners and walkers are expected at a 5K race and one-mile walk in downtown Kennesaw starting 7:30 a.m. Saturday to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project .

The race is the third of six races in Kennesaw that helps city and community projects. The race for adults and children will end at the city's Swift Cantrell Park.

An Angela Reign concert will follow the race at the Depot on Main Street.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Cobb GOP to host Saturday meeting

The Cobb GOP First Saturday Breakfast will take place from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Aug. 4 at 799 Roswell Street, Marietta.

Doors open at 7:45 a.m. Breakfast is $10.

Cobb County Sheriff Neil Warren is the guest speaker.

Information: Joe Dendy at 770-820-6545 or visit www.CobbGOP.org.

Kenneth Musisi

Gwinnett club invites speakers and trainers

North Gwinnett Advanced Toastmasters, officially chartered on July 13, invites all professional speakers and trainers to its meetings 6:30 to 8 pm. Monday nights at Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church, 3700 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth.

The advanced club enables good speakers to become great through practice.

Information: Lina Surianto at Lina@tmLina.info and http://northgwinnett.toastmastersclubs.org

Kenneth Musisi

GWINNETT

Armed man shuts down intersection

A Gwinnett County intersection was shut down Wednesday morning after a police standoff with an armed motorist who told officers he had explosives in his car.

The incident began after a man allegedly battered a female in a vehicle at the Shell station on Ga. 20 at Russell Road near Lawrenceville.

The man, whose name has not been released, let the woman go, but threatened officers with a gun and claimed there were explosives in the car. The SWAT team took the man into custody shortly before 10:30 a.m., police said. Mike Morris

Accused murderer arrested in Mexico

A man accused of killing a 3-year-old girl in Lawrenceville has been arrested in Mexico, Gwinnett officials said.

Christian Vasquez awaits extradition to Georgia.

Investigators said Vasquez killed the girl in January or February of 2007 at 729 Stillwater Lane in Lawrenceville. Investigators determined the cause of death to be a skull fracture to the back of the head due to blunt force. They said Vasquez hid the child's body in the attic, then fled to Mexico.

The homicide was not reported to police until June 2008, authorities said. Vasquez was indicted on four counts related to the murder on Aug. 27, 2008. The FBI and U.S. Department of Justice issued warrants for his arrest in March 2010. Staff reports

Learn to write a play at Norcross workshop

Onion Man Productions is offering a single-session workshop with playwright, Daphne Mintz 7 to 9 p.m. today focused on helping the playwright develop unique characters. Price: $40. Location: 33 College St. in Norcross. http://onionmanproductions.com.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Norcross concert series continues Friday

Party rock cover band, Moby Dick, will be the entertainment in Norcross 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday as the city's summer concert series continues in Thrasher Park. Event is free.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

School buses running again this week

Gwinnett drivers are being asked to use caution and patience as GCPS bus drivers will begin running assigned routes during drive times mornings and afternoons, through Friday.

School begins Monday in Gwinnett. Karen Huppertz

New 3D art exhibit opening in Norcross

Kudzu Art Zone will present its new exhibit, "Outer Dimensions," featuring three-dimensional paintings Friday through Sept. 1 with an opening reception 7 to 9 p.m. Aug. 10 at 116 Carlyle St. in Norcross.

Information: www.kudzuartzone.org.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Lawrenceville business license deadline looms

Lawrenceville business owners are reminded the deadline for business license renewal is Aug. 15.

To download all essential forms visit www.lawrencevillega.org.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Forsyth deputies solve string of vehicle thefts

Two Cherokee County residents face burglary charges after their arrest following a foot chase over the weekend.

Dallas Walker, 21, and Andrew Birch, 17, both of Woodstock, are suspected in numerous vehicle thefts in the Twin Pines subdivision off Kellogg Creek Road in Acworth.

Deputies say some stolen property was recovered.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Booze, synthetic pot on Forsyth agenda

Forsyth County Commissioners holds a public hearing 5 p.m. tonight at 110 E. Main St., Cumming. On the agenda: changes in the county's alcohol ordinance and an ordinance regulating possession, sale and manufacture of synthetic marijuana. The measure is designed to address versions of the drugs not covered by current state law. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

3 more arrested in Canton explosives case

Two adults and a second 14-year-old have been arrested after several explosives were found in a Cherokee County home, Canton police said Tuesday night.

Brian Howell, 49, and Sandra Howell, 48, have been charged with six counts of possession and manufacturing a destructive device and two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, police said.

A child in the home was placed in protective custody Tuesday night.

The arrests came after a 14-year-old, who lives in the same home, was arrested after investigators found six explosives in the house. Alexis Stevens

Sandy Springs official to be on national board

Eden Freeman, Sandy Springs assistant city manager, has been elected to represent the Southern Region on the National Criminal Justice Association Board of Directors. NCJA represents state, territorial, tribal and local government on crime prevention and public safety issues.

The organization's main focus is to promote a balanced approach to public safety and criminal and juvenile justice system problems. It also helps coordinate juvenile and criminal justice and other federal programs so federal funds are used most effectively. Patrick Fox

Canton considers annual budget tonight

The Canton City Council will give initial consideration to the city's proposed fiscal year 2013 budget at its meeting 6 p.m. tonight at City Hall, 151 Elizabeth St., Canton. The proposed budget is over $31 million, a drop from the current $33. 2 million. The new fiscal year begins Oct. 1. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Roswell club to host fundraiser

Country Club of Roswell will host its 34th annual Tennis Pro-Am Invitational to benefit Bert's Big Adventure this weekend. The Lowcountry Boil and Auction Gala will be at 7 p.m. Friday. Tickets are $100. Information: 770-475-3802 or www.ccroswell.com/forms/auctionrsvp.

The Pro-Am begins at 8:15 a.m. Saturday; semi-finals and finals will be 8 a.m. to noon Sunday. The tournament is free. Kenneth Musisi

ATLANTA

Buckhead group to meet today

The Buckhead Business Association's weekly breakfast meeting will be from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. today at the City Club of Buckhead.

Barbara Giamanco, president and social sales strategist of Social Centered Selling, will speak. Tickets are $10 for BBA members and $20 for visitors and guests. Information: www.buckheadbusiness.org. Kenneth Musisi

Atlanta Junior Bridge to teach class

Atlanta Junior Bridge will teach the basics of bridge in a concentrated five-hour class from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday at Historic Academy of Medicine at Georgia Tech, 875 West Peachtree St., NW.

The class is $100 for adults and $50 for students with valid I.D. Payment is due the day of and prior registration is recommended. Information: Patty Tucker at patty@atlantajuniorbridge.org or 404-735-4779. Kenneth Musisi

DPI hosts liturgical dance conference

Dancing Preachers International, a worldwide liturgical dance ministry, is hosting its 6th Annual International Liturgical Dance Conference until Aug. 5 at Hilton Atlanta Airport Hotel, 1031 Virginia Ave.

The conference theme is "Changing of the Guard." The DPI Conference has workshops on offering dance, music, healing and other types of ministries to attendees. Information: www.dancingpreachers.com.

Kenneth Musisi

Atlanta Police to auction horses

Beginning Aug. 6, the Atlanta Police Department will auction three horses via propertyroom.com. There is no set reserve price on the starting bids.

These highly trained Atlanta police horses, Rogue, Jake and Napoleon have almost 20 years of combined service. Due to their age, the horses are no longer able to fulfill their police duties.

Interested buyers can visit the horses in person at Atlanta Police Mounted Patrol Facility, 1001 Cherokee Ave. SE.

Kenneth Musisi

DEKALB

Chamber to hold networking breakfast

The DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce will host a networking breakfast for potential members 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Friday at the Cornerstone Bank, 125 Clairemont Ave., Decatur.

Information: www.dekalbchamber.org. April Hunt

Conservatory hosts open house

The Conservatory of Dance and Fine Arts hosts an open house noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at 5424 Hillandale Park Court, Suite B, Lithonia to celebrate the new location and its 17th year in the community. Food and dance are provided.

Kenneth Musisi

Phil Perry to perform at arts center

Jazz vocalist Phil Perry will headline two shows at the Porter Sanford arts center — 3:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Aug. 5. along with trumpeter Joey Sommerville and violinist Brooke Alford.

Tickets are $50 and include a meet-and-greet with the performers. Proceeds benefit the 100 Black Men of DeKalb's mentoring program.

Information: 404-258-2772. April Hunt

Watson to hold monthly breakfast

Commissioner Stan Watson will host his monthly legislative breakfast 9-11 a.m. Saturday at Chapel Hill Middle School on Dogwood Farms Road in South DeKalb with a back-to-school theme.

Those attending the free event are asked to bring unused school supplies, such as backpacks, pens and other items, for donation to local students. April Hunt

Free health, job fair coming in DeKalb

DeKalb County Commissioner Stan Watson will host a health and job for all residents in August later this month.

The free Community Check-Up will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 11 at the Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church, 4650 Flat Shoals Parkway near Decatur.

In addition to health screenings, there will be representatives from local companies that are hiring and other workforce information at the job fair.

Information: 404-371-3681.

April Hunt

Small businesses growth focus of event

DeKalb County will host a summit on small businesses 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Aug. 16 at the Letitia Pate Evans Dining Hall at Agnes Scott College in Decatur as part of an effort to boost their growth in the county.

The summit will include tips on getting access to capital and how to identify other public and private resources.

Registration is $25 through Monday and $40 after. Information or to register: http://dekalbsummit2012.eventbrite.com or 404-687-2730. April Hunt

Nonprofits can apply for DeKalb grants

DeKalb County is taking applications from nonprofit groups that help needy families, youth and seniors in the county. Only groups with two years of service qualify for 2013 funding from the Human Services Grant program.

Applications are available at the William T. White Building, 39 Rogers St., Atlanta or online at www.dekalbcountyga.gov/humanserv. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

National Weather Service tries Twitter

The National Weather Service in Peachtree City is delving into social media. It has a new Twitter account at

This experimental program will be evaluated to see if it provides critical weather information for north and central Georgia.

To learn more and comment, go to www.weather.gov/twitter through Sept. 30.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

College Park celebrates National Night Out

College Park is celebrating National Night Out from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 7 on the lawn of the city's municipal auditorium.

The evening is a celebration of police-community partnerships, family togetherness and neighborhood spirit.

The gathering focuses on preventing crime and drug infestation and spreading the word of positive interactions between public safety and the community.

John Thompson for the AJC

Farmers' market is Friday

Fresh produce is in the offing at College Park's Urban Farm Fridays. The market runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday and is at the train depot at 3271 Main St. John Thompson for the AJC

Henry school open house is today

Henry County School System's open house for parents is today at the respective schools.

Times are 1-3 p.m. for high school, 3-5 p.m. for middle school, and 5-7 p.m. for elementary. The first day of class is Monday.

Monroe Roark for the AJC

T-shirt design contest underway

Budding artists could receive a $150 grand prize for helping Hapeville celebrate its heritage this year.

The city is seeking residents in the Tri-Cities area, ages 16 and older, to design a T-shirt for the 2012 Happy Days Festival.

The festival celebrates the city's 121st year and is held the third weekend in September.

The design for the shirt should reflect the spirit of the community and may or may not incorporate a location, symbol, activity or event that makes Hapeville a great place.

Deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. on Aug.31. Information: http://hapeville.org/DocumentView.aspx?DID=1590

John Thompson for the AJC

Guitar program offers free lessons

The Guitars Not Guns music program is offering free beginner guitar lessons to foster kids, at-risk youth and other deserving children. Classes run 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursdays starting Aug. 23 at the Stage Academy of Music, 401 Dividend Drive in Peachtree City.

Guitars are provided but class size is limited.

Applications via guitarsnotgunsptc@gmail.com and www.guitarsnotguns.org/contact.php.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC