County by county news for Thursday

In the event of a federal shutdown, Cobb will pay CI2 Aviation $20,118 monthly to maintain air traffic control at Cobb County Airport. County commissioners approved the contract Tuesday night. Currently the Federal Aviation Administration contracts with the company to provide the service at the Cobb airport. But if the FAA is unable to do that because of a shutdown, the county will pick up the cost for 12 hours of service a day. David Wickert

Online bidding through Oct. 8

Powder Springs officials are selling a 1997 Ford pickup F-250 and a Konica Minolta copier, digital printer model D17210, with finisher on GovDeals.com through 9 p.m. Oct. 8.

Bidding registration is free at the GovDeals website.

These items may be seen by typing “Powder Springs” in the search box. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Meeting on Civil War battlefield park

The Mableton Improvement Coalition will host the second in a series of public meetings 7 p.m. Monday at Mt. Harmony Baptist Church, 561 Veterans Memorial Highway about the Chattahoochee River Line Battlefield.Using federal grant funds, MIC has commissioned a preservation plan that includes include concept plans for the Henderson Road and Discovery Boulevard tracts, recommendations for improvements and connectivity to Shoupade and River Line Parks, identification of more parcels for acquisition and ideas for how the park can be interpreted and publicized for the Civil War battlefield.

Information: mableton.org/CRLPresPlan.html. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Barbecue to benefit Marietta museums

Local barbecue restaurants and food trucks will set up on the Marietta Square 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundayfor the Whole Hawg Happenin’ Barbecue & Music Fest . The annual event will benefit the city’s Marietta Museum of History, Gone with the Wind Museum, Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art and Earl Smith Strand Theatre. Information: www.wholehawgbbqfest.com.Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Cobb seeking diaper donations in October

Cobb will hold its fifth-annual “diaper day” to collect diapers for low-income families through October.

A collection will take place at 5 p.m. Oct. 28 at Glover Park on the Marietta Square.

All donated diapers will be given to CAMP, the Center for Family Resources, MUST Ministries, Reconnecting Families and the YWCA of Northwest Georgia. Information: esatlanta@bellsouth.net. Jaime Sarrio

Powder Springs OKs funds for arts center

Around $40,000 has been approved by the Powder Springs City Council to buy furniture, fixtures and equipment for the new Cultural Arts Center at the Coach George E. Ford Center and Powder Springs Library, 4181 Atlanta St.

Business Furniture Services, Inc. has been awarded the contract. An opening ceremony is 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 3 during the city’s 175th anniversary celebration. Information: City Hall, 770-943-1666.Carolyn Cunningham

GWINNETT

Suspect ID’d in man’s shooting death

Police have named a suspect in connection with the death of Diego Rojo Ramirez, 23, whose body was found in Atlanta. He was reported missing the evening of Aug. 17, about the same time police responded to a report of gunshots and screaming at an address on Buford Highway in unincorporated Doraville. On Tuesday, police said investigators had obtained an arrest warrant for Carlos Garcia-Viera, 39, on charges of aggravated assault and felony murder.Investigators are considering Garcia-Viera armed and dangerous and ask that anyone with information call 770-513-5300, or Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-8477.Marcus K. Garner

Meeting to review Norcross plan

Norcross residents, business owners and civic leaders are invited to the second of three Imagine Our Future workshops to discuss updating the city’s Comprehensive Plan 6:30 p.m. todayat Norcross Community Center, 10 College St. Input will help set the foundation for the plan, which becomes the city’s roadmap for the next 20 years.

Information: www.norcrossga.net or 770-421-2027 or cmccrary@norcrossga.net. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Norcross outlines SPLOST wish list

If Gwinnett voters elect to extend SPLOST another 3 years, county and Gwinnett Library Board and Norcross officials envision building a new library near Lillian Webb Park. The city could collect as much as $7.8 million, divided among 4 categories, with administration buildings getting 17.5 percent, 60 percent for transportation-related projects, including new sidewalks, 7.5 percent going to parks and recreation andd owntown parking projects would be allocated 15 percent, said City Manager Rudolph Smith. Information: www.norcrossga.net or 678-421-2027. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Schools support pantries for ‘service’

Gwinnett Great Days of Service takes place Monday through Oct. 4. Schools will collect canned food, personal items and paper products to support 12 food pantries in the county. Information: www.gwinnettgreatdaysofservice.org. Nancy Badertscher

Call for art, fundraiser for African village

Kudzu Art Zone invites Georgia artists age 18 and up working in two- and three-dimensional media to participate in the Karansi Project art exhibit Nov. 8-22, at the gallery, 116 Carlyle St., Norcross.

Deadline to turn in art work is Oct. 26. Kudzu Art Zone, in partnership with the Tanzania Global Team ministry of Perimeter Church, is sponsoring the fundraiser to benefit relief efforts for the village of Karansi, Tanzania. Information: www.kudzuartzone.org or 770-840-9844. Veronica Fields Johnson

Doors exhibit benefits Habitat for Humanity

Norcross will host an art festival - Doors to Homes and Hope 10 a.m. Oct. 5 to help support Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity’s mission to build homes and raise visibility of the arts. Information: www.gwinnettrestore.org, doorstoHomesandHope@gmail.com or 678.642.9486. Sandra Marshall Murray

NORTHSIDE

Flying drive shaft kills woman, 77

Anne Hudson, 77, of Canton, was a passenger in a 2008 Chevrolet Equinox driven by her husband when she was struck shortly before 10:30 a.m. on I-24 in Rutherford County, Tenn. by a truck’s drive shaft that flew through her windshield Investigators believe the drive shaft of a 2008 Dodge Ram separated from the truck, struck a 2002 Saturn, then went through the windshield of the Chevrolet. The Chevrolet’s driver, 77-year-old Leroy Hudson, was not injured, but Anne Hudson died from her injuries. No criminal charges are expected in the wreck. Alexis Stevens

Holly Springs votes to reduce millage rate

Holly Springs home and business owners will be getting a slight break on property taxes for 2014. The City Council this week voted to lower the millage rate from 6.055 to an even 6 mills, a move made possible by growth in the city’s tax digest. City Manager Rob Logan said most taxpayers will see a droop of “a few dollars.” Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Forsyth to consider fee for rec centers

The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners has set a public hearing on proposed imposition of recreation center fees for 5 p.m. Oct. 3 at the Forsyth County Administration Building, 110 E. Main St., Cumming. Forsyth residents would pay $10 first year, $5 the next, non-residents $120, visitors $5. It’s being called a security measure, as paid member badges would allow staff to know who’s using the facilities. More info: forsythco.com Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Sandy Springs student wins room makeover

A seventh grader from Sandy Springs Charter Middle School — Thomas Camacho — was awarded a bedroom makeover Tuesday courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons and Rooms 2 Go. Thomas DeCoud, safety for the Atlanta Falcons and Jasmine C., Atlanta Falcons cheerleaders were at the presentation.

Thomas was awarded the room makeover because of his commitment to his education. He excels in academics, is a leader among his peers, attends the After School All Star program and is a huge Atlanta Falcons fan. Nancy Badertscher

Higher water, sewer rates for Canton

Canton residents and businesses will pay higher water and sewer rates beginning Oct. 1. The 4.5 percent hike is part of the fiscal 2014 budget approved early this month.

City Manager Scott Wood said a typical homeowner will pay about $3 more monthly. Wood said a major impetus for the hike is the need to modernize and upgrade the city’s wastewater treatment plant.

Information: www.canton-georgia.com Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Forsyth jail, courthouse construction on Web

Forsyth County residents can monitor construction of the new courthouse and jail in downtown Cumming via time-lapse videos of the construction at forsythco.com.

Videos will be updated weekly. Completion of the $100 million project is set for December 2014. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

Police seek suspects in attack on 80-year-old

An 80-year-old East Point man was assaulted by two men and one woman after returning home from visiting friends Sept. 14, police said.

The man suffered serious injuries, including broken bones to his face and cuts on both arms, police said.

A reward has been offered of up to $2,000 for assistance with the case. Anyone with information can call the East Point police at 404-761-6287 or 404-577-8477. Tips also can be submitted online at crimestoppersatlanta.org. Robert Lee

Ghana president to speak at forum

The Ghana Council of Georgia, in partnership with Kennesaw State University, will sponsor a free community forum 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Ritz Carlton Buckhead, 3434 Peachtree Road, N.E. Ghana President John D. Mahama will be in attendance.

The Ghanaian community is invited to submit questions to pro@ghanacouncilofgeorgia.org. Information: www.ghanacouncilofgeorgia.com. Veronica Fields Johnson

FAMU holds scholarship program

Larry Robinson, interim president of FAMU, is hosting a scholarship and recruitment program 10 a.m. Friday at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, 265 Peachtree St. for 11th and 12th graders from Atlanta area school.

Registration: 850-599-3183. .Nancy Badertscher

Walk planned to benefit NF research

The Atlanta NF Walk will be Oct. 6 at Piedmont Park, 400 Park Drive to help raise money for Neurofibromatosis research.

Music, a raffle, games, food will be after the walk. The public is invited, as are on-leash dogs.

Check-in is at 11 a.m., with the walk starting at noon.

Register: www.nfwalk.org. Nancy Badertscher

DEKALB

Decatur hires first ever P.I.O.

Decatur recently hired Casie Yoder as its first ever Public Information Officer after screening more than 250 applicants. Decatur City Manager Peggy Merriss said Yoder “will work with all city departments to help identify and share stories about ongoing initiatives.” Yoder was most recently employed by the Semester in Washington Politics program at George Washington University, of which she’s an alumna. Bill Banks for the AJC

DeKalb adopts local curfew

DeKalb County Commissioners recently adopted a local curfew ordinance that mirrors the state law, to allow for easier enforcement.

Under the law, minors under the age of 17 cannot be in public without supervision between midnight and 5 a.m. Juveniles, and their parents, can be cited under the law, as can business owners who fail to comply by allowing youth to be on site.

The ordinance is slated to take effect in early 2014, to allow for an education campaign with county schools and businesses, to explain the measure. April Hunt

Budget focus of commission retreat

DeKalb County Commissioners will hold a retreat at 8:30 a.m. today at the Porter Sanford performing arts center, 3181 Rainbow Dr. to focus on hashing out the 2014 budget.

Interim CEO Lee May will prepare a recommended budget by mid-December, but the full commission must approve the spending plan. The daylong retreat is designed to lay out priorities and expectations, including calls for multi-year forecasting. April Hunt

Police recruitment fair to fill 80 slots

The DeKalb County Police Department will host a recruitment fair 4 to 8 p.m. today at Fire Rescue headquarters, 1950 West Exchange Place. Representatives from various units throughout the agency will be on hand to discuss career opportunities with potential applicants. Background and recruiting personnel will also conduct pre-screening interviews and assist with the initial application process. Applications will be accepted to fill approximately 80 officer positions. Information: 770-724-7445. Staff

DeKalb swears in youth commissioners

Several dozen county youth were sworn in to serve on the countys Youth Commission.

The commission runs similarly to the county’s Board of Commissioners, laying out its own agenda for issues of concern to younger residents. Members are available to discuss issues with elected officials. April Hunt

Meeting focuses on potential new cities

The prospect of new cities in will be the focus of a meeting 7 p.m. today at Southwest DeKalb High, 2863 Kelley Chapel Road. DeKalb’s legislative delegation has filed placeholder bills for at least five possible cities in all corners of the county.

The session will focus on the possibility of a City of Prosperity, to cover the bulk of east-south DeKalb and a city of Stonecrest, to run south from Lithonia and include Stonecrest Mall. Other potential cities,include Briarcliff/Druid Hills, Lakeside, LaVista Hills and Tucker. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Webcams installed at Henry tag offices

The Henry County Tax Commissioner’s Office has installed webcams in the lobby areas of tag offices in McDonough and Stockbridge so citizens can see the wait times online.

The cameras were surplus items from another project and were installed at no cost to taxpayers. Right now the shortest wait times tend to be during extended evening hours on Mondays and Thursdays between 5 and 6:30 p.m. Most services provided at the tag office are also available online at www.henrytc.org. Monroe Roark for the AJC

German official visits local schools

Brunhild Kurth, minister of education for the German state of Saxony, wrapped up a five-day visit to Georgia Wednesday with a visit to Woodward Academy in College Park.

The Georgia Department of Education has an exchange agreement with Saxony, Germany . Kurth toured several schools including Ashford Park Elementary, Chamblee Charter High, Kittredge Elementary and Chamblee Middle. She said she was impressed by the depth of German instruction.Wayne Washington

Henry offers fall break camp Oct. 7-11

Henry Parks and Recreation is offering a Fall Break Camp 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m Oct. 7-11 at the Fairview Recreation Center, Heritage Park in McDonough, the J. P. Moseley Recreation Center in Stockbridge, the Locust Grove Recreation Center and Nash Farm Park in Hampton for ages 6-12.

The cost is $100. Registration: www.hcprd.org. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Early voting in Henry begins Oct. 14

Voters in Henry County may cast ballots beginning Oct. 14 at 345 Phillips Dr., McDonough. And Monday through Saturday until Nov. 2.

The polls open Oct. 19 at the Ted Strickland Community Center, 130 W. Berry St., Stockbridge. And starting Oct. 28: Hampton Depot, 17 E. Main St.; Locust Grove Recreation Center, 10 Cleveland St.

Voters in all of Henry County will decide a SPLOST referendum. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Foster care parents needed

Grace for Children Foster Care, a division of Fayette Youth Protection Homes and administered by Georgia Baptist Children’s Home and Family Ministries, is recruiting for new foster parents in all Georgia countiesInformational meetings will be held at 6 p.m. at 150 Marquis Drive, Fayetteville, on select Tuesdays: Oct. 15, Nov. 19 and Dec. 17. Information: Ashlie Hale at 770-460-6652 or ahale@gbchfm.org. Veronica Fields Johnson

Car, bike, truck show at country club

Eagle’s Landing Country Club hosts its annual charity car, bike and truck show 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 6. Proceeds benefit MDA-Augies Quest, Stepping Stones Educational Therapy Center and ClubCorp Employee Partner Care Foundation. Free. Registration: $20

Information: www.eagleslandingcc.com, 770-389-2030 or anne.belcher@ourclub.com 770-389-2030 Nancy Badertscher