County by county news for Thursday

An employee at the Aldi Foods at 2125 Roswell Road in Marietta was cited for selling alcohol to an underage volunteer during the Feb. 28 check. Four other Marietta businesses were issued citations for permit violations: the Abbey Road Bar & Grill at 2940 Johnson Ferry Road, Public at 1100 Johnson Ferry Road, Trader Joe’s at 4250 Roswell Road and Paper Mill Grill at 305 Village Parkway. Andria Simmons

Powder Springs Kiwanis Club reforming

Members are being sought for a new Powder Springs Kiwanis Club.

Dr. J. Wade Ash said the former club raised $140,000 in its 32 years of existence from 1973 to 2005.

Club members began the annual Powder Springs Day and gave Christmas fruit baskets to senior citizens.

Information: kiwanis.org or Ash, 770-943-2839.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Austell will expand recreation area

Austell City Council members voted Monday to accept a $17,601 state grant to expand its recreation area at Legion Park on Austell Powder Springs Road.

Planned improvements behind the pavilion will include horseshoe pits, a sand volleyball court and swings.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

March for Music event planned

Tau Beta Sigma will hold a fund-raising event to benefit school music programs from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday at Jim Miller Park, 2245 Callaway Road S.W. in Marietta. The March for Music walk-a-thon will feature food, games, activities and various fund-raising opportunities.

Registration cost is $10.

Information: www.tbsmarchformusic.webstarts.com/ or email sedvpsp@tbsigma.org.

Mea Watkins

Kennesaw police to hold gun safety class

The Kennesaw Police Department will sponsor a gun safety class from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 9 at the Ben Robertson Community Center, 2753 Watts Drive, Kennesaw.

Participants will learn about basic firearm safety and Georgia gun laws.

Free gun locks available while supplies last.

Attendees are asked not to bring any firearms or weapons to the class.

To register: www.surveymonkey.com/s/QQF6WVQ. Information: Lt. Graydon at 770-429-4533 or cgraydon@kennesaw-ga.gov.

Veronica Fields Johnson

Consignment salefor children this week

A children’s consignment sale will take place in Powder Springs this week.

Hours are 5 to 9 p.m. today; 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday (when many items will be half off) at McEachern Memorial United Methodist Church, 4075 Macland Road at Lost Mountain Road, Powder Springs.

Information: 770-943-3008 ext. 1212, email info@twice-blessed.org or visit twice-blessed.org. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

GWINNETT

Funding approved for new state police post

Commissioners on Tuesday approved a lease agreement for a new Georgia State Patrol post, at 1645 Peasant Hill Road, Duluth. It will cost $31,000 a year, and will be funded from the sale of confiscated property associated with illegal drug activity. The Georgia State Patrol announced last year that 35 additional troopers will be assigned to the Interstate 85 corridor. Col. Mark McDonough, commissioner of state’s Department of Public Safety, said all 35 troopers will work out of the new post and be the sole responders to incidents on the interstate. The new facility will open in May or June. Dan Klepal

6-year-old locked on daycare bus

State officials are investigating Prodigy Point Early Childhood Center near Snellville after a 6-year-old girl was left alone for more than an hour on a bus last month. She fell asleep on the four-row bus, and awoke to find everyone else had gone. She tried to exit the bus, but the doors were locked.

The state has suspended Prodigy’s bus transportation program. Gwinnett County police are also investigating, however no criminal charges are pending. Staff

Antiques Road Show coming to Norcross

Home & Garden TV personality Selma Paul will be appraising antiques at the Norcross Antiques Road Show at 12:30 p.m. Saturday at Norcross’ Cultural Arts and Community Center, 10 College St. Twenty-five items, one per person, will be chosen for appraisal at the show, which is sponsored by Norcross’ Welcome Center and Museum. Admission is free. Information: Cate Kitchen, (678) 421-2049 or ckitchen@norcrossga.net.

MICHAEL ALPERT FOR THE AJC

Altered books workshops at Hudgens

The Hudgens and the Gwinnett County Public Library are partnering to host two free Altered Book workshops 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday. Held in conjunction with the GCPL’s annual Altered Book Competition. the workshops will give hands on techniques to create altered books.

Workshops are free, but pre-registration is required.

Email participant’s name(s), youth age(s) and contact information to kolson@thehudgens.org.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Free, spay neuter for large dogs

Stopping Pet Overpopulation Together wants to get as many large unfixed dogs spayed and neutered before puppy season as part of the Power to the Pups campaign. The organization will provide vouchers for free spay and neutering services to pet owners for large dogs over 50 pounds until grant funding runs out. Information: 404-584-7768 or spotsociety.org. Veronica Fields Johnson

Homestead exemption deadline is April 1

Gwinnett is reminding residents the application deadline to file for homestead exemption to reduce property taxes is April 1. Once granted, the homestead exemption is automatically renewed each year. Information: www.GwinnettTaxCommissioner.com or tax@gwinnettcounty.com or 770-822-8800. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Forsyth campground to open late this month

Forsyth County officials say their Shady Grove Campground will open for the season March 25. The 109-acre facility is at 7800 Shadburn Ferry Road on Lake Lanier, and offers more than 110 campsites. The facility’s popularity is growing-there were almost 6500 campsite rentals in 2012, up about 40 percent from 2010. Information: www.forsythco.com/parks

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Trailfest benefit set in Woodstock

Musical acts The Whiskey Gentry and the Kurt Thomas Band will headline Trailfest 2013 March 23 in downtown Woodstock.

The free annual event will also feature wine and craft beer tastings, food, family fun activities, a raffle and shopping.

It’s a benefit for the non-profit Greenprints Alliance, which helps fund trail and path projects in Woodstock. More info: www.woodstockga.gov

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Cherokee historical group plans banquet

The Cherokee County Historical Society will hold its historic preservation awards banquet at 7 p.m. March 22 at the Northside Hospital-Cherokee Conference Center, 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton.

A volunteer of the year and owners of several historic properties will be honored. History professor Dr. Thomas A. Scott will talk about the history of Kennesaw State University.

Info: www.rockbarn.org

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Milton offering bulk disposal

The Milton Public Works Department and Milton Grows Green are offering residents bulk trash disposal 8 a.m. to noon March 16 at Roswell’s Public Works facility, 1810 Hembree Road.

Acceptable items include car tires, bedding, sofas, tables, televisions and appliances.

Information: Cindy Eade, Milton Sustainability Coordinator, 678-242-2509, cindy.eade@cityofmiltonga.us. MICHAEL ALPERT FOR THE AJC

Reinhardt to host history symposium

Reinhardt University is planning its second annual regional history symposium March 22 and 23 on the school’s campus in Waleska.

Speakers and dramatic readers will address such topics as the 19th century north Georgia gold rush, forced removal of Native Americans, and education and emancipation issues in the post-Civil War period.

Info: www.reinhardt.edu/historysmposium. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Canton seeks assistant police chief applicants

The city of Canton is seeking an assistant police chief.

The position, which pays $74,000, has been vacant since August, when Todd Vande Zande was fired.

Candidates have until April 1 to apply, and must supply a resume, cover letter and three references.

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

ATLANTA

APD cycling team to honor fallen officers

The Atlanta Police Cycling Team will host a fundraiser 8 p.m. Thursday at Rose and Crown Tavern, 1931 Powers Ferry Rd., S.E., Marietta. Proceeds will go toward the 2013 Police Unity Tour in May. The ride from Portsmouth, Va., to Washington, D.C. is to raise awareness of law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. The APD Cycling team will ride in remembrance of fallen officers Gail Thomas, Richard Halford and Shawn Smiley. Information: on.fb.me/15vbJJL. Veronica Fields Johnson

Reading, activities set for children, teens

Constructive Kids Organization and SUT Global are teaming up to sponsor a free event for children 1:30 - 5:30 p.m. March 16 at the Cleveland Avenue Library, 47 Cleveland Ave. SW. Activities include coloring and drawing, mentoring, games, dancing, singing and light refreshments. Information: LaRonda Young, 404-453-0216. Lisa Gibson for the AJC

Free HIV testing at Mall West End

Essence of Hope and Another Chance of Atlanta will sponsor National Women and Girls HIV Awareness Day noon to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Mall West End, 850 Oak St. Free HIV testing will be available and federal officials will discuss the Affordable Care Act’s impact on disadvantaged communities. Information: 404-428-6897. Veronica Fields Johnson

Grady Health Foundation hosts gala

The Grady Health Foundation hosts its White Coat Grady Gala March 16 at the Georgia Aquarium. The black-tie dinner and awards ceremony benefits Grady’s non-profit arm and highlights the hospital system’s physicians and philanthropists. This year’s “healthcare heroes” are: Senior Sage Award, Walter L. Ingram, M.D.; Inspiring Mentor Award, Nadine J. Kaslow, Ph.D., ABPP; Next Generation Healer Award, L. “Joy” Baker, M.D.; and Ada Lee and Pete Correll Healthcare Legacy Award, The Metro Atlanta Chamber. Information: tinyurl.com/87kuh64 or 404-489-1550. Mea Watkins

DEKALB

Storm water utility fee focus of meeting

DeKalb County District 7 Commissioner Stan Watson will host a public hearing regarding a proposed $1 rate increase to the current storm water utility system at 7 p.m. Monday at Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Dr. Representatives from DeKalb County Public Works Department will provide information and answer questions. Information: Kelly LaJoie, 404-371-3681. Veronica Fields Johnson

Street, intesection upgrades approved

Decatur’s commission approval of a right-of-way acquisition for North McDonough Street paves the way for street and intersection improvements set for next year. Restructuring railroad crossings at McDonough and College Avenue, and Candler Drive and College may be next. The acquisition is a direct precursor for reconfiguring North McDonough, from Trinity Place to College, into two automobile lanes, two bicycle lanes and a wider sidewalk on the west side. Bill Banks for the AJC

Brookhaven names planning commission

Brookhaven officials recently tapped seven people for its first planning commission. The board will hear new zoning applications and make recommendations on projects to the City Council.

The new members are Shannon Cameron, a founding member of the Nancy Creek Heights Neighborhood Network; Rob Francour, an investment manager for Northwestern Mutual Life; John Funny, founder of Grice & Associates; John Jess, a financial adviser; Jack Hondred, an architect who developed housing at Brookhaven Station; Adrian Schmidt, an associate broker for Sotheby’s Realty; Stan Segal, a retiree who served as spokesman for Brookhaven Yes. April Hunt

Chamblee mayor joins ARC

Chamblee Mayor Eric Clarkson was recently named to represent DeKalb County cities on the Atlanta Regional Commission. Clarkson, who has been mayor since 2005, will serve on the planning group’s transportation and air quality committee, which works with the state Department of Transportation, MARTA and other agencies on policy and projects. April Hunt

Tucker businesses exploring CID

A group of Tucker business and property owners are working to set up a Community Improvement District for the area.

If a majority of business property owners agree to tax themselves, the district will be established to to pay for road improvements or other projects that add value to the area.

Information: www.TuckerCID.com. April Hunt

PDK air, noise pollution focus of study

Barry Ryan, a professor of environmental health at Emory University has begun studying air and noise pollution at DeKalb-Peachtree Airport since late February.

The data will help the county decide what types of aircraft should be allowed at the airport and help determine future operations there.

The types of planes allowed at PDK, and complaints about pollution, have been long-standing issues for residents who live around the airport, the second-busiest in Georgia.

Work is expected to be completed in early 2014. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Fulton Schools awarded $4k grant

The Southeast Dairy Industry Association and the National Football League awarded a $4,000 Fuel Up to Play 60 grant to five Fulton County schools: Parkside Elementary; Stonewall Tell Elementary; Sylvan Hills Middle; Harper/Archer High, and CS King Women Leadership Academy. Developed by students for students, the Fuel Up to Play 60 program has an interactive website (FuelUpToPlay60.com) which offers everything from healthy eating tips to physical fitness challenges.

Jeffry Scott

SPLOST committee forming in Henry

The Henry County Board of Commissioners will appoint a committee to come up with projects and financial estimates regarding the possible extension of the county’s one-cent SPLOST, which is set to expire next year. The 12-member group is expected to be named at the March 19 commission meeting. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Morrow to teach government lessons

The city of Morrow is inviting residents to a series of sessions it calls 2013 Government 101. Participants will be introduced to a variety of points, including public knowledge and awareness of government, leadership through education, the people behind local government decisions and an understanding of Morrow’s mission. Beginning March 28, the sessions will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursdays. For locations and registration: 678-902-0885.

Lisa Gibson for the AJC

College Park offers

gymnastics programs

College Park’s Recreation Department is offering two gymnastics programs: the KiDsGyM USA Early Education Gymnastics for boys and girls, and Tumbleweed Developmental Gymnastics for girls only. Sign up Monday through March14. Sessions run March 18 to May 11. Information: tinyurl.com/amdnu9s or 404-669-4609. Lisa Gibson for the AJC

Grant helps Fayette cancer program

A $35,000 grant from the Clothes Less Traveled Thrift Shop in Peachtree City will help cancer patients at Piedmont Fayette Hospital.

The funds will provide general operating support for the Cancer Wellness program, which offers free education, counseling, nutritional, exercise and other services to patients and caregivers. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Art contest seeks entries

East Point hosts art contest for middle school students. “How I See My City” focuses on viewing the city through the eyes of a child.

Contestants are asked to submit art that depicts something notable about the city, along with a written explanation about their entry to assist judges.

The deadline for submissions is Mar. 25. The winning artist will be presented with a $50 gift card at a city council meeting in April.

All entries will be displayed in the East Point Customer Care Center for the entire month of April.

Information:jhammond@eastpointcity.org

John Thompson for the AJC