County by county news for Thursday
COBB
Subdivision building again in Powder Springs
The Powder Springs City Council approved changes Monday for what had been stalled development at the Springbrooke Estates subdivision on Lewis Road at U.S. 278.
Legendary Communities will be the new developer of 57 lots with plans to develop 103 more lots on both sides of Lewis Road, Legendary’s Atlanta Division Manager Bert Bearden said.
Legendary also is building Merrion Park, a new 68-lot subdivision near McEachern High School on New Macland Road outside the city limits, he added. Information: legendarycom.com/georgia.
-- Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Chapel to be relocated on Sunday
A 60-year-old chapel at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta will be moved two miles across the flight line Sunday to a new location at the Clay National Guard Center. A new parking lot and road that will cross the chapel site made the move necessary. An anonymous donor paid $8,000 to move it. The Dobbins Chapel Foundation group needs $50,000 more to bring the building, after relocation, up to military code. Information: John Powers at jpowersga@aol.com.
-- Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Event seeks business sponsors
Business sponsors are needed by the West Cobb Business Association for the Taste of West Cobb on April 20 at Hillgrove High School, 4165 Luther Ward Road, Powder Springs.
All of the tax-deductible contributions will go to the Hillgrove Bands Music Education Program.
Information: westcobbbusiness.com/sponsor.html#education or 770-222-7133.
-- Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Early registration ends Sunday for run
The $25 early registration fee will end Sunday, then going up to $30, for the 11th annual Spring Chicken Run at 8:30 a.m. March 23 at Macland Presbyterian Church, 3615 Macland Road, Powder Springs.
The race is a certified qualifier for the Peachtree Road Race and a benefit for the Christian Aid Mission Partnership in Austell, a charitable pantry and clothing organization for more than 44 years.
A 1-mile run/walk for $20 and a free Tot Trot also are scheduled.
Information: svcamp.org/events/chickenrun/2013/chicken_run.html, carla@campaustell.org or 770-819-0662, ext. 17.
-- Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Kiwanis Club forming in Powder Springs
Members are being sought for a new Powder Springs Kiwanis Club. Information: kiwanis.org or Ash, 770-943-2839. Carolyn Cunningham
Marietta posts Title I video
Marietta City Schools recently posted a video about its Title I program, a federally funded program which helps low-income children meet state academic standards.
The video explains resources for families and ways to take advantage of “Marietta Reads!” a city-wide initiative to get more children to read. The video can be viewed at mediasuite.multicastmedia.com/player.php?p=klavxg14.
-- Daarel Burnette II
GWINNETT
One killed when train hits vehicles on tracks
One person was killed when a train slammed into two vehicles that had been involved in a wreck on the tracks on Amwiler Road near the intersection of Buford Highway around 5 p.m. Tuesday.
The car accident was not cleared before the Norfolk Southern train came. One of the vehicles caught fire after being hit by the train. There was one fatality, and one person was transported to a hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening, police said. No names have been released. An officer who was one of the first responders was treated for smoke inhalation and remained on the scene.
-- Angel K. Brooks and Hyosub Shin
Norcross names community officer
Robert Wolfe, an 11-year veteran of the Norcross Police Department, has been named its Community Police Officer. He’ll develop the department’s neighborhood watch and business watch programs, as well as teach fifth graders at Norcross and Stripling Elementaries about the dangers of drugs.
-- Michael Alpert for the AJC
Suwanee enlisting market vendors
There’s a meeting at 7 p.m. March 18 at Suwanee City Hall, 330 Town Center Ave., for vendors planning to sell at the city’s ninth annual farmer’s market from May to October.
Vendors with two or more years of experience with the market from can mail in their applications, while others must bring theirs to the meeting.
Spaces will be allotted first to produce vendors for the market that runs from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays from May 4 to Oct. 5 and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays from May 7 to Aug. 6. Information: Amy Doherty, 770-945-8996.
-- Michael Alpert for the AJC
Lilburn project gets more funding
Gwinnett has agreed to provide Lilburn with additional funding for the Main Street relocation project which will improve safety by relocating Main Street at U.S. 29.
The relocated Main Street will include turn lanes and traffic circles for better access to the proposed Lilburn City Hall and library.
-- Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Police to host firearms safety seminar
The Gwinnett County Police Department will host a Firearms Safety Seminar 7 to 9 p.m. April 4 at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, 75 Langley Dr., Lawrenceville.
Georgia carry and deadly force laws, how to obtain a carry permit, personal defense, and types of weapons and their use will be covered.
Information: gunsafety@gwinnettcounty.com as seating will be limited.
-- Andria Simmons
Cherokee education group seeks donations
The Cherokee County Educational Foundation has launched its inaugural fundraising campaign. Businesses and individuals who donate more than $100 will become Founding Partners and will get special recognition.
The foundation was established in the fall to support school district programs, teachers and students.
Donations: CCEF, PO Box 4754,Canton, or cceducationalfoundation@gmail.com
-- Mark Woolsey for the AJC
NORTHSIDE
19-year-old shot to death in Milton
Christopher Walker, 19, was shot once in the head in a driveway in Milton on Tuesday night, police said. Authorities were called to a home on Silhouette Court in a neighborhood off Deerfield Parkway around 7:30 p.m., where they found Walker.
Walker was transported to North Fulton Hospital in Roswell, where he died.
Police do not yet have a motive for the shooting or any suspects. Milton Police say the death is the seventh murder in the city’s six-year history.
-- Angel K. Brooks and Marcus K. Garner
U.S. Marshals capture alleged killer
After leading investigators on a chase throughout the southeast, Shane Demetrice Woods, 22, the man wanted in connection with a January shooting death was taken into custody Tuesday, police said.
Woods will be charged with murder in the Jan. 28 death of Zachary Rose at a townhouse in the Whitestone Ridge community off Old Milton Parkway.
Woods’ alleged accomplice, Jerad Terel Owens, 22, was arrested Jan. 30 by Sandy Springs police.
Owens is charged with felony murder, armed robbery, burglary, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
-- Alexis Stevens
Woodstock extends manager’s contract
Woodstock City Manager Jeff Moon will be staying on for awhile. The City Council voted 4-1 Monday night to extend his contract through the end of 2015 at the same $137,000 salary.
Moon’s contract was also revised to change a restriction saying he can’t take a similar job within 100 miles for a year after leaving, narrowing that restriction to just Cherokee County.
-- Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Milton Library progress updated
News about the Milton Library, which is being built through a bond referendum will be presented 7 p.m. Thursday at Milton City Hall, 13000 Deerfield Parkway, Suite 107.
Fulton County is in the midst of a $275 million library building program that, in its first phase, will add eight new libraries and expand two.
Information: 404-730-1777 or www.afpls.org.
-- Johnny Edwards
Cherokee school vies for national award
Carmel Elementary School in Cherokee County is one of only 28 public schools across the country to be named a National School of Character finalist. The Character Education Partnership’s program recognizes schools which have developed cultures high on respect and trust through character education. Winners will be announced in early May.
-- Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Forsyth fire officials host poster contest
The Forsyth County Fire Department is calling on third-grade students to take part in a fire safety poster contest. The deadline for submitting original designs and artwork is Friday.
Three winners will enjoy a pizza party with their class and local firefighters. Information: 770-781-2180, ext 4028.
-- Mark Woolsey for the AJC
ATLANTA
Fraternity sponsors free health fair
A health fair 11 a.m.-6 p.m. today at the Atlanta Airport Gateway Marriott, 2020 Convention Center Concourse, Atlanta. Free health services to the public will include blood pressure, dental and prostate screenings. The event is hosted by the Stone Mountain Alumni Chapter and Lambda Delta Chapter at Georgia Tech, and sponsored by the Southeastern Province of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.
Information: 404-859-8383.
-- Lisa Gibson for the AJC
School to raise funds for STEM programs
Henderson Mill Elementary School will hold a fundraise to support Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math programs. “March Mania at the Mill,” will feature a basketball-themed pep rally and online fundraiser, which runs through midnight March 28, and a teacher free-throw contest March 29 at the school, 2408 Henderson Mill Rd NE. Donations: www.hmes.dojiggy.com. Information: 678-874-3102.
-- Mea Watkins
Prom Closet Program seeks donations
The Housing Authority of Fulton County and the Resident Advisory Board seeks donations of prom and formal dresses, accessories, and tuxedos for Teens of Excellence Prom Closet Program to provide prom attire for high school seniors. Donations will be accepted through April 19 at HAFC, 4273 Wendell Drive. The giveaway will take place from 2-5 p.m. April 20 at HAFC.
Information:Iris Conners, 404-588-4972, iconners@hafc.org.
-- Mea Watkins
APS recognized for safeguards on tests
Strict security measures enacted by Atlanta Public Schools have helped restore “a standard of ethics and integrity” to its standardized tests, according to the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement.
The school district implemented safeguards over testing procedures after a state investigation indicated widespread cheating on the Criterion-Referenced Competency Test.
-- Mark Niesse
DEKALB
Woman begins to serve 2-year old conviction
Shirley Ogilvie, 44, was convicted of second degree vehicular homicide and failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk in September 2010 for the death of 7-year-old Kameron Dunmore.
She began serving her one-year jail sentence Wednesday.
Appeals delayed the beginning of her sentence until she appeared Wednesday in DeKalb County State Court; the Georgia Supreme Court ruled on her case last November.
On Feb. 2, 2009, a crossing guard at the intersection of South Deshon Road and Wildwood Trace in Lithonia was holding up a sign to stop traffic so the children walking to Princeton Elementary School could cross the street. Ogilvie drove her SUV through the crosswalk as the second grader tried to cross.
-- Rhonda Cook
School chief to hold employee meetings
Interim Superintendent Michael Thurmond will host a series of meet and greet sessions for employees to hear district updates, take part in the budget process and ask questions.
Meeting dates:
Monday — 5:15 to 6:45 p.m., Cross Keys High School, 1626 N. Druid Hills Road, Atlanta;
Tuesday — 4:15 to 5:45 p.m., Tucker High School, 5036 Lavista Road, Tucker; and
Wednesday — 3:30 to 5 p.m., Stone Mountain High School, 455 Central Drive, Stone Mountain.
-- Veronica Fields Johnson
Community Hero nominations accepted
People and groups whose volunteerism makes an impact on life in DeKalb County can be nominated for Chief Executive Burrell Ellis’ Community Hero Awards.
Nominations are due by today, and winners will be announced during a special ceremony on April 14 at the Callanwolde Fine Arts Center on Briarcliff Road.
The five winners, in categories such as youth and environmental change, will receive charitable contributions to help further their work.
Nomination forms: www.dekalbcountyga.gov. Information: 404-371-3695.
-- April Hunt
County to offer citizen police academy
The DeKalb County Police Department is accepting applications for the April 2013 Citizen Police Academy. The academy is a free 10-week course that will meet one night per week and provide participants with an insider’s view of law enforcement.
Participants must be at least 21 years old, live or work in DeKalb County and consent to a background check. Application deadline is Friday.
Information: Officer Jefferson at gkJeffer@dekalbcountyga.gov.
-- Veronica Fields Johnson
Pet registration, adoption fees go up
A new ordinance in DeKalb requires veterinarians to notify the county when they vaccinate pets for rabies, to allow the county to collect registration fees.
Vets also may collect the registration and charge a $1.50 convenience fee.
In addition, the county is increasing registration fees from $5 to $10 yearly for altered dogs, cats and ferrets and from $15 to $25 for unaltered animals.
A new three-year fee will be $25 for altered and $60 for unaltered animals.
-- April Hunt
SOUTHSIDE
Clayton rec center to open March 30
The 60,000-square foot South Clayton Recreation Center, 1837 McDonough Road, Hampton opens with a ribbon cutting 10 a.m. March 30. The public may tour the facility the week of March 25 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Funded by SPLOST, it has two large gyms, a mezzanine walking track, state of the art fitness center, aerobics room, dance studio, computer lab, meeting rooms, catering kitchen and outdoor swimming pool. The new South Clayton precinct police department is adjacent to the center at Information: 770-477-3766 or www.claytonparks.com.
-- Tammy Joyner
Fayette seeks public facilities volunteers
Fayette County is seeking to fill two volunteer positions on its Public Facilities Authority. The three-member body, appointed by the Board of Commissioners, has one-year terms and meets on an as-needed basis regarding the acquisition, construction, equipment, maintenance and operation of county buildings and facilities. Contact Floyd Jones at fjones@fayettecountyga.gov or 770-305-5102 before April 5.
-- Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Clayton gallery showcases special art
Artwork created by students at The Joseph Sams School and the Fayetteville Parks & Recreation Therapeutic Art Class is on display this week at the Arts Clayton Gallery, 136 S. Main Street in Jonesboro. The gallery is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free. Information: 770-473-5775.
-- Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Marietta teacher among state finalists
David DuBose, a music teacher at Marietta High School, was recently nominated as a finalist for the 2014 Georgia Teacher of the Year award. The winner will be announced May 3 at the Georgia International Convention Center.
“David is the only Advanced Music, Band and Instrumental Music teacher among the ten finalists and is one of 155 local district teachers of the year who applied for the statewide honor,” said Marietta City Schools Superintendent, Dr. Emily Lembeck.
-- Daarel Burnette II
State parks offer exercise for pets
Panola Mountain State Park in Stockbridge is offering Pets RXercise, aimed at preventing obesity in pets and their owners through walks in the woods.
Through the program, veterinarians can give their canine patients a “prescription” to visit a Georgia state park. The prescription is redeemable for free parking. Park admission and hiking on trails are free.
Information: GeorgiaStateParks.org/petsrxercise.
-- Kenneth Musisi
Free CPR/AED training in College Park
College Park’s Fire & Emergency Medical Services is offering two free CPR/AED courses 9 a.m. - noon and 1 - 4 p.m. Saturdays and Wednesdays through April 27 in the College Park Public Safety Building, 3737 College St.
The course will focus on situations for work and home, covering the standards of the American Heart Association. Information: 404-766-8248; tinyurl.com/b5mo9ze.
-- Lisa Gibson for the AJC
