COBB
Austell hopes to get $420,000 from taxes
Austell city officials are expecting to receive around $420,000 in property tax revenues this year.
Bills are scheduled to be mailed Friday with property tax payments due by Dec. 30.
Now property tax bills may be paid online by signing up at austellga.gov/billpay, but extra fees apply.
Information: 770-944-4300.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Tea cups, saucers wanted for Tea Room
The Mable House Arts Center is requesting donations of china tea cups and saucers for its annual Mable’s Tea Room Dec. 6-14 at the Mable House Arts Center, 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton.
Donations are needed by Wednesday.
Information: mablehouse.org or 770-819-3285.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
New Kiwanis Club formed in South Cobb
Membership is open for the new Kiwanis Club of Greater South Cobb, meeting at 7 p.m. Thursdays at the Austell Threadmill Complex, 5000 Austell Powder Springs Road, Austell.
Sanctioned by Kiwanis International in September, the club will provide youth leadership and character development programs for children in Austell, Mableton and Powder Springs.
Information: Ron Davis at 770-431-9786 or Ray Tiyamiyu at 770-354-7701.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Powder Springs changes session date
Powder Springs Mayor Patricia Vaughn and the City Council will meet at 5 p.m. Tuesday instead of Nov. 27 in the second floor conference room, City Hall, 4484 Marietta St. for their work session.
Their last meeting of the year is scheduled for 7 p.m. Dec. 2 in the Council Chambers, Community Development building, 4488 Pineview Drive.
City offices will be closed on Nov. 28 and 29 for Thanksgiving.
Information: cityofpowdersprings.org.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
West Cobb Business Association meets
The West Cobb Business Association will meet from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at Lost Mountain Baptist Church, 5400 Old Dallas Road, Powder Springs.
The 2014 board will be elected during this last luncheon of the year.
Costs: $15, members; $20, guests.
Information: westcobbbusiness.com/events.html#luncheon.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Three-way runoff in Austell on Dec. 3
Three candidates in the Ward 3 race for Austell City Council will be in a runoff on Dec. 3.
Former Councilman Randy P. Green received nearly 49 percent or 94 votes on Nov. 5.
Tying were Councilman Martin Standard and Austell Board of Variance and Appeals member Ann F. Turner, both receiving 25.5 percent or 49 votes.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
GWINNETT
More cameras installed to manage traffic congestion
Ten more miles of fiber-optic cables will soon connect traffic cameras and signals on Gravel Springs Road and Dacula Road to Gwinnett’s Traffic Control Center. The Gravel Springs Road/State Route 324 project will install 10 cameras and 5.7 miles of fiber-optic cable and provide connectivity to nine traffic signals along the corridor from State Route 20 to Dacula Road at a cost of $702,484. The second project will install six cameras with connections to nine signals and cable along 4.5 miles of Dacula Road from Winder Highway/State Route 8 to Auburn Road/State Route 324 at a cost of $419,656. Both projects are funded by the 2009 SPLOST program.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
SPCA to sponsor pet vaccination clinic
The Georgia SPCA will sponsor a low cost vaccination clinic from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at its office, 1175 Highway 23 N.W., Suite 109, Suwanee. Tests and vaccinations available include: canine and feline rabies, feline distemper, feline combo test, canine distemper/parvo, canine bordetella, canine heartworm test, nail clipping, de-wormer. All dogs should be on a leash and all cats in a carrier. Information: 678-765-2726 or www.GeorgiaSPCA.org.
Veronica Fields Johnson
Suwanee wants photos highlighting community
Amateur and professional photographers are invited to submit their best community photos for the annual Snap Suwanee Photo Contest. Winning photos will be displayed at City Hall. Deadline for the 2014 competition is Dec. 31. Submit digital photos to Suwanee City Hall, 330 Town Center Avenue or email to SnapSuwanee@suwanee.com. Information: www.suwanee.com.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Students arrested for unloaded gun at school
Two students at Gwinnett County’s Peachtree Ridge High School were arrested Tuesday after administrators received a tip that a student had a gun on campus, Principal Kevin Tashlein said in a note to parents. An investigation uncovered evidence that a student was in possession of an unloaded gun and had received it from another student. Both students were arrested and face criminal charges and school disciplinary action, Tashlein said.
Nancy Badertscher
Duluth to hold 35th annual tree lighting
Duluth will celebrate the 35th Annual “Lighting of the Duluth Tree” 4 to 6:30 p.m. Nov. 30 at festival center on Town Green.
City Hall will be open 4 to 6:30 p.m. with live musical performances. Event includes games, story time and holiday crafts for the kids.
The outdoor musical celebration begins at 6:30 p.m. Santa Claus will arrive with his live reindeer.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Gingerbread house competition begins
The Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center will host its fourth annual Sustainable Gingerbread House Competition and Exhibit with entries accepted beginning Nov. 25.
Awards will be presented during the GEHC’s Green Your Holiday Program at 11 a.m. Dec. 14. Entries will be available for viewing at the GEHC until Jan. 3.
Information: www.gwinnettehc.org/.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
NORTHSIDE
Alpharetta website to be unavailable Saturday
Alpharetta officials say the city’s website will be down from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday as city servers and the technology infrastructure get a major upgrade. The city says that that means such services as online tax and utility payments, and access to online permit and license forms will be unavailable. The city says that public safety impacts will not be impacted.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Cherokee board vacancy draws interest
Cherokee County officials looking to fill a vacancy on the county’s ethics board say more than a dozen people have inquired, and are in the process of being vetted. The position opened up earlier this fall when the incumbent moved outside the county. To be considered, applicants must be county residents and Democratic Party members. Officials hope to fill the spot by the start of 2014. More info: lbahrens@cherokeega.com
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Nature center to host holiday market
The Chattahoochee Nature Center will host a Back-To-Nature Holiday Market from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 7 at the center, 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. The market will feature ornaments, original art, eco-friendly items, toys, candles and clothing from local artisans. All visitors will receive free admission to the nature center. For vending opportunities contact 770-992-2055 ext. 236 or r.gilbert@chattnaturecenter.org. Information: www.chattnaturecenter.org. Veronica Fields Johnson
Roswell cultural and arts guide released
The city of Roswell’s 2013-2014 Arts and Cultural Organizations Directory has been released.
The resource guide contains information about 21 organizations in the city which offer arts and cultural programming.
Residents can download the guide at www.roswellgov.com/ArtsMonth. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Woodstock trail completion delayed
Woodstock Parks and Recreation Director Preston Pooser says construction on the multi-use Noonday Creek trail, originally set for the fall, has been pushed back to January or February.
Pooser says the 1.5-mile, $1 million trail from downtown Woodstock to Ga. 92 near I-575 was held up by bad weather earlier this year.
He says one stretch has yet to be finished. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Qualifying set in House District 22 election
Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp has set qualifying Monday through Wednesday for the Jan. 7 special election to fill the seat of state Rep. Calvin Hill, R-Canton.
Hill died Oct. 30 of leukemia. Times: 9. a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, 8 a.m. to noon Wednesday. Place: Secretary of State’s Elections Division, 802. West Tower, 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SE, Atlanta. Fee: $400 for the nonpartisan election. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
ATLANTA
Former APS tech director’s trial delayed
The trial of Atlanta Public Schools’ former technology director has been delayed from its previously planned Dec. 2 start date.
Federal prosecutors claim Jerome Oberlton, who worked as the school system’s chief information officer from 2004 to 2007, used his influence at the school system to award a $780,000 computer project and make money from the deal.
Mark Niesse
APS students in college, career week
Atlanta students are meeting with college representatives, hearing from business professionals and learning how to apply for jobs as part of the city school system’s College and Career Motivation Week.
Representatives from local colleges spoke with students along with volunteers from businesses such as Piedmont Healthcare, Citizens Trust Bank and Georgia Power.Mark Niesse
Sentence upheld for woman on death row
The federal appeals court in Atlanta on Tuesday upheld the capital sentence against the only woman on Georgia’s death row.
The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected all claims raised by Kelly Gissendaner, who talked her lover into killing her husband, Douglas Gissendaner, for insurance money. Gregory Bruce Owen, who testified in exchange for a life sentence, said he forced Gissendaner to a remote, wooded location before beating and stabbing him. Owen said he took Gissendaner’s watch and wedding ring to try and make the 1997 murder look like it was part of a robbery. Bill Rankin
Jazz restaurant to host toy drive
Acoustix Jazz Restaurant and Lounge and national jazz artist Akia Uwanda will host a toy drive at 7:30 p.m. tonight at the restaurant, 840 Marietta St. The event will feature dancing, holiday wines and live jazz. Admission is $10 plus one unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots. Information: 404-861-8002 or www.acoustixjazz.com.
Veronica Fields Johnson
DEKALB
School, alum awarded grant/scholarship
The Global Village Project, a middle school serving teenaged-girl refugees and operating out of Decatur Presbyterian, was awarded a $50,000 grant by Sun Life Financial Inc.,The same company also gave a $5,000 scholarship towards a college education to Global alum Nura Mohammad, 18, now a senior at Clarkston High, who came to the U.S. at age 12 from Somalia. Bill Banks for the AJC
Zoning committee recommends new map
Decatur’s K-3 Zoning Committee last week recommended to the school board a final draft map rezoning the city’s elementary schools. The committee cited the finalist as having the best balance of capacity and diversity, while keeping most neighborhoods intact.
There remains a community meeting (Dec. 3) and work session (Dec. 4) before final board approval on Dec. 10. Bill Banks for the AJC
Event focuses on county maps
DeKalb County maps — for tax purposes, flood insurance and other issues — will be the focus of GIS Day Nov. 20 in Decatur.
The county department for GIS, or geographic information systems, oversees the layout of property around the county. The event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Maloof Auditorium, will including mapping demonstrations, food and prizes.
Information: 404-371-2257.
April Hunt
Colorful 5K run scheduled
The Color Vibe, a fun run 5K company, will host a “colorful” run for all ages Nov. 23 in downtown Stone Mountain. Participants will be blitzed with a non-toxic, biodegradable color powder made of dyed cornstarch. A dance party will take place after the run. A portion of proceeds will go to the Stone Mountain Village Visitors Center.
Information and registration, visit www.thecolorvibe.com or email support@thecolorvibe.com. Mea Watkins
Brookhaven accident reports available online
Brookhaven has partnered with the Georgia Electronic Accident Reporting System to make traffic incident reports available online at www.buycrash.com.
The city will be reimbursed $5 for every report purchased through the site. The city is not paying for the service.
Reports may also be purchased 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday at Brookhaven City Hall, 200 Ashford Center North, Suite 150 or Brookhaven Municipal Court, 2 Corporate Blvd., Suite 125 Arlinda Smith Broady
Volunteers needed at Fernbank museum
The Fernbank Museum of Natural History needs volunteers to serve as guides, facilitators and even gardeners at its DeKalb County center.
Members of the volunteer Polaris Guild will receive museum admission and theater passes to share, based on hours of service.
Information: 404-929-6360 or volunteer@fernbankmuseum.org. April Hunt
SOUTHSIDE
Clayton school system hosts safety forums
The Clayton County school system is sponsoring a countywide community forum Thursday. The subject is: “What can we do to make our schools safer?”
It will be at Mundy’s Mill High School, 9652 Fayetteville Road, Jonesboro and will start at 6:30 p.m. Topics may include bullying, gang violence, the Student Code of Conduct, juvenile justice and life after age 16, said Charles White, district spokesman. Nancy Badertscher
Energy assistance available for seniors
The Fulton County Housing and Human Services Department’s Office of Aging, in partnership with the Fulton Atlanta Community Action Authority, are accepting applications from seniors age 65 and older for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Seniors interested in enrolling in the program can schedule an appointment by contacting the Harriett G. Darnell Multipurpose Facility, 677 Fairburn Rd., N.W.. Appointments will be available 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday. Information: 404-699-8580.
Veronica Fields Johnson
College Park kicks off reporting campaign
College Park officials say that “If You See Something, Say Something.” It’s a new campaign urging city employees and the public to report such infrastructure issues as utility line problems, potholes, broken sidewalks and code enforcement issues.
City Manager Terrence Moore says the campaign stems from a power line issue left unaddressed. To report problems: 404-669-3756 normal business hours, 404-766-3618 other times. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Meeting Tuesday on 2015 SPLOST
Clayton County Commission chairman Jeff Turner will host a public meeting on the county’s 2015 SPLOST. The meeting will be Tuesday, Nov 26 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Prevention Plus Inc., 5881 Phillips Dr. in Forest Park, on the campus of New Covenant Baptist Church.
Tammy Joyner
Two finalists for Henry superintendent
Two finalists have been named in the search for Henry County’s next schools superintendent: Rodney Bowler, assistant superintendent for administrative services with Henry County Schools; and Dr. Vickie Perdue Scott, vice president for academic affairs and strategic learning partnerships with HighPoints Learning.
The Board of Education is expected to make its selection Dec. 4. Information: www.henry.k12.ga.us.
Monroe Roark for the AJC
Fayette seeks education feedback
Parents of students in Fayette County public schools are being asked to complete the online Georgia Parent Survey, which asks brief questions about the quality of a school’s climate regarding discipline, respect and learning environment.
Information: admin.doe.k12.ga.us/gadoe/sla/gaparents.nsf/Survey.xsp by Jan. 31. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
