County by county news for Thursday

Queen Mill Road had been closed to through traffic between Ivey Road and Queen Meadow Drive for construction of a box culvert.

Information: lisa.cupid@cobbcounty.org, cobbdot.org.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Cobb plans to build 2 tennis centers

Cobb County is seeking bids to build two tennis centers at Fair Oaks Park, 1486 West Booth Road Extension, Marietta and Sweetwater Park, 2447 Clay Road, Austell.

The present Fair Oaks tennis center and Sweetwater concession/restroom building will be demolished.

Bids from licensed general contractors must be received before noon July 24 in the Cobb County Purchasing Department, 100 Cherokee St., Suite 260, Marietta.

Information: Sutton Architectural Services, Inc., 601 A. J. Land Road, Canton, GA 30115, attention Pete Sutton, 770-442-8682 or petesasi@bellsouth.net.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Town hall meeting with Cobb police on Monday

The Cobb County Police Department will join the Mableton Improvement Coalition for a town hall meeting at 7 p.m. Monday at the First Baptist Church of Mableton, 5385 Church St. SW, Mableton.

While this meeting was initiated as a forum for public safety issues in downtown Mableton, everyone, regardless of residence, is invited to discuss issues such as crime prevention and neighborhood watch programs.

Information: mableton.org, fbcmableton.com.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Powder Springs seeks proposals by July 24

Powder Springs is seeking proposals for updating and rewriting the city’s Unified Development Code, which includes zoning and subdivision/land development regulations.

These proposals must be submitted by 4 p.m. July 24 at the office of the City Clerk, 4484 Marietta St., Powder Springs with the recommended firm expected to be considered by the City Council on Aug. 13.

Information: cityofpowdersprings.org/DocumentCenter/View/2520, 2521 and 2522.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

HOPE Program accepting applications

Applications are being accepted from women who want to participate in the HOPE Program at Sweetwater Mission in Austell.

Classes for this free 12-week program, beginning Aug. 13, cover work readiness training and personal development.

Information: sweetwatermission.org, HOPE Program Director Kay Wimpey, kay@sweetwatermission.org or 770-819-0662, ext. 25.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

GWINNETT

Duluth millage rate to remain unchanged

The Duluth City Council voted Monday to keep the 2015 millage rate at 5.991 mills. With anticipated increased revenue from higher property values, Duluth expects to bring in over $5 million next year. The City Council voted to keep the millage rate unchanged following three public hearings held this month. www.duluthga.net. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Lilburn approves rezoning for multi-use development

Following a public hearing at this week’s city council meeting, Lilburn’s City Council voted unanimously to approve a request by the Yellow Fever Group to rezone property at the corner of Killian Hill and Arcado roads to build a mix of commercial and residential units. The rezoning was approved with conditions including provisions for 8-foot wide sidewalks along the Arcado and Killian Hill frontages. www.cityoflilburn.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Peachtree Corners approves matching funds for arts

The Peachtree Corners City Council has approved $12,000 in matching funds to support a Georgia Council for the Arts grant request. Funds will be used to investigate the possibility of a performing arts center as part of the new city’s community development of a town center. www.peachtreecornersga.gov. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Snellville to update residents on town center improvements

A new web page will keep Snellville residents updated on the progress of the city’s Livable Centers Initiative Streetscape Improvement Project. The project area covers three major streets in the Central Business District: Oak Road, Clower Street and Wisteria Drive. Improvements include more than 5,000 feet of new sidewalks (10-feet wide for pedestrian safety and convenience), a 5-foot planting strip for new street trees and flowers/shrubbery, brick paver crosswalks to slow traffic and encourage walking, lighting fixtures, benches, bike racks and other pedestrian amenities to encourage people to enjoy the area. Residents can visit www.snellville.org/lci to keep tabs on the project. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Therapy dogs available Saturday to read with children

The Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement Center will host ‘Paws and Pages’ 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 19 at the Center, 684 Winder Highway, Lawrenceville. Children of all reading levels and abilities are invited to sit and spend time sharing a story with a therapy dog. Special guests include Crash Dog who came from the Gwinnett County Animal Shelter. No advance registration needed. Children should not be allergic or fearful of dogs and must be able to sit quietly for a 10 to 15 minute reading session. Handlers are all volunteers and their dogs are registered, certified, and insured through Therapy Dogs International. Information: 770-339-3200. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

‘Resurrection’ returns to Norcross

The TV series ‘Resurrection’ has been picked up for a second season, with film crews and actors returning to Norcross in late July to begin filming. Producers anticipate using homes on North Peachtree and Thrasher Drive, as well as local businesses along South Peachtree as settings for this American fantasy drama. Austin Harkey, Key Assistant Location Manager for the show’s second season and Norcross staff are working together to ensure residents receive advance notice of filming dates and locations in order to minimize potential traffic delays and film-related concerns. Information: www.norcrossga.net.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

357 dogs found living in filth

The Cherokee County Marshal’s Office said Wednesday it seized 357 dogs found living in deplorable conditions on a property near Cumming.

The animals were found during a compliance check conducted in the 14000 block of Cumming Highway, also known as Ga. 20. The dogs were transported to the Cherokee County animal shelter. The dogs receiving care and attention and being treated for any problems, the shelter’s director said.

Alexis Stevens

Johns Creek passes massage, spa measure

The Johns Creek City Council has approved a measure aimed at helping prevent unlicensed or illegal massage establishments, prostitution and related sex crimes. The ordinance specially defines what is and isn’t a legal massage or spa. It also limits operating hours from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and requires any such business be at least 300 feet from Ga. 141/Medlock Bridge Road, and any church, school, licensed daycare facility, public park or residence. Establishments also have to be free from any unlawful activity for the past year, and submit to periodic inspections. Planning for the ordinance began more than a year ago.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Forsyth intersection project nearing end

Georgia DOT officials say the $5 million project improving the Ga. 9 and Ga. 141/Bethelview Road intersection in Forsyth County takes a major step forward overnight Sunday into Monday morning with the opening of all lanes in each direction on Ga. 9, as well as turning lanes on Ga. 9 towards Ga. 141 and Ga. 400. Crews will then finish paving additional lanes on Ga. 141. The project is on schedule for completion July 29, weather permitting.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Sandy Springs boasting more trees

Sandy Springs officials say their city is getting greener. City and UGA researchers say a recent and more refined aerial analysis shows a tree canopy of 62 percent, up three percentage points from 2010 and a recent-history low of 52 percent in 2008. The city says it’s in the top tier of the more leafy American communities. A 2013 study measured the city of Atlanta’s canopy at 52 percent, for example.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Baseball league signup in Johns Creek

The Johns Creek Ocee Park Athletic Association is registering young players for its fall baseball leagues. Registration’s open through July 31 for recreational leagues for kids ages 4-16, as well as for travel teams. Practices begin Aug. 18, with the first games set for Sept. 8. Fees range from $120-145 for Johns Creek residents, more for players from other jurisdictions. More information: www.oceepark.com

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Northside group seeks accreditation

The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies wants to hear from Johns Creek residents as it weigh accreditation for ChatComm, which serves Johns Creek and other north Fulton communities with public safety radio communication. Offer comments by phone 1-3 p.m. Monday July 21 at 404-843-6615. E-mailed comments can be sent to: calea@calea.org. CALEA is looking to rate ChatComm on administration, operations and policies and procedures.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

Fulton postpones tax hike vote

The Fulton County Board of Commissioners has postponed a vote on a property tax hike until Aug. 6.

The vote was originally set for Wednesday. But questions arose about whether the county had properly advertised the proposed 17 percent tax increase on its web site, so the vote was postponed.

The commission has also scheduled three more public hearings on the proposal: 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. July 30 and 10 a.m. Aug. 6 at the Fulton County Government Center Assembly Hall, 141 Pryor St. SW, Atlanta. The public can also participate in the hearings by video conference at the South Fulton Service Center, 5600 Stonewall Tell Road, College Park, and the North Fulton Service Center, 7741 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs.

David Wickert

Fatal shooting in NW Atlanta

Atlanta police detectives investigating a fatal overnight shooting were trying to determine early Wednesday if the incident was related to another deadly shooting at the same location just two weeks ago.

The latest shooting happened about 11:30 p.m. Tuesday at a home on St. James Drive.

The man, who was in his mid-20s, died at the scene from a single gunshot wound to the chest, according to Atlanta police. His name has not been released.

Jeffrey Williams, 34, was shot to death in front of the house on June 30.

Officers found a Honda backed up against a utility pole with several bullet holes through the windshield and Williams dead inside.

Mike Morris

Choral Guild holding auditions

The Choral Guild of Atlanta is holding auditions for its upcoming 75th anniversary season.

Auditions will take place at St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church, 1978 Mount Vernon Road in Dunwoody. Auditions will be ongoing on an individual basis as arranged between the singer and director.

Proficiency will be determined by the director but an average skill level or better is desired. Performers of all voice parts are encouraged to audition.

Rehearsals begin on Aug. 18.

The guild will perform concerts throughout its 2014-15 season to commemorate its anniversary.

Information: auditions@cgatl.org

Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Registration open for after-school program

Registration is open for the Fulton County Parks and Recreation after-school program, which begins Aug. 11.

The program serves children 5 to 12 and will be open at 2:30 p.m. on weekdays when school is in session. The cost is $40 per child per week for families who live in unincorporated Fulton County, with a one-time registration fee of $15 a child. Spaces in the program are limited.

The after-school program locations are at Burdett Park, 2945 Burdett Road, Cliftondale Park, 4645 Butner Road, and Welcome All Park, 4255 Will Lee Road, all in College Park; and Sandtown Park, 5320 Campbellton Road SW, Atlanta.

Information: www.fultoncountyga.gov

Kent A. Miles for the AJC

DEKALB

Students to get Internet restrictions

When they return to school in August, DeKalb County’s 100,000 students will encounter new restrictions on the district’s wireless Internet network.

DeKalb is taming the wild Web with new filters that will require every device to be registered, said Gary Brantley, the district’s technology chef.

When they try to surf the Web using school WiFi, students will encounter a registration page. To log on, they will have to use the unique identification number assigned them for lunch and other purposes, Brantley said.

Some Web pages will be blocked by the filter.

The new system replaces a password that was widely known and offered little security, he said. Ty Tagami

Decatur offering virtual tours of key buildings

Decatur has become the first Georgia city to partner with Google+Business Photo to provide virtual tours of four city buildings, each of which have been renovated and updated over the last 10 years. The 360-degree virtual tours can be downloaded at bit.ly/GoogleDecaturCityHall; bit.ly/GoogleDecaturRec; bit.ly/GoogleDecaturFireStation1 and bit.ly/GoogleDecaturFireStation2.

Bill Banks for the AJC

Workshop to focus on aging issues

A workshop on senior issues sponsored by the Lilburn Woman’s Club and Mountain Park United Methodist Church will take place at 9 a.m. Aug. 16 at the church’s Family Life Center, 1405 Rockbridge Road, Stone Mountain.

Information: www.mountainparkumc.org or 770-921-8512.Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Animal shelter lowers adoption fees

DeKalb County Animal Services and LifeLine Animal Project are offering special adoption rates for dogs and cats during July.

All dogs may be adopted for $30 and cats for $17.76. Adopters will take home a pet that has been spayed or neutered, has had all vaccinations and is microchipped, a $200 value.

The shelter is located at 845 Camp Road in Decatur.

Information: www.dekalbanimalservices.com

Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Trinity Triangle close to construction

Construction of Decatur’s “Trinity Triangle,” between East Trinity Place and East Howard Avenue has been delayed for months due to permitting complications, according to assistant city manager Lyn Menne.

But Menne added the two joint developers are currently working on the loan-closing permit and should break ground later this summer. The site will include 214 apartments and 12,000 square feet of retail, including a new Dairy Queen, which closed Feb. 22.

The entire project should finished by the end of next year.

Bill Banks for the AJC

SOUTHSIDE

Block improvments to enhance Fairburn

Fairburn City Council approved a contract Monhday with Prestwick Companies to make sidewalk and landscape improvements in the block of a planned residential building for senior citizens.

Prestwick previously purchased vacant lots behind the police and fire station to develop an 88-unit building for low and moderate-income seniors. It will stand at the corner of West Broad, Church and Washington Streets. A groundbreaking ceremony was held in June.Part of the proceeds from the land sale was directed to improvements that will visually compliment the senior living building, said Tom Barber, Fairburn spokesperson. “We are contracting them to do the improvements for the city while they are doing their building,” Barber said. “It’s going to be great for Fairburn. It gives dense residential in the middle of downtown.”

Construction should be completed in July 2015.

Adrianne Murchison

Hospital earns stroke care certification

Piedmont Fayette Hospital in Fayetteville has received certification as a Primary Stroke Center from Det Norske Veritas Healthcare, Inc. The designation means that local stroke patients can be transported directly to Piedmont Fayette instead of other facilities outside the county. Certification is based on protocols and requirements established by DNV, the guidelines of the Brain Attack Coalition and recommendations of the American Stroke Association.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

‘Battle of the Badges’ blood drive

The Henry County Police Department and the Henry County Sheriff’s Department are hosting a Battle of the Badges Blood Drive, 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. July 28 at donation sites at their respective offices in McDonough. Each presenting donor will receive a free T-shirt, and there will also be a drawing for two $25 gift cards at each location. Individuals who are 17 years of age or older, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Information: www.redcrossblood.org and enter code hcgvt.Monroe Roark for the AJC

Piedmont Henry donates to clinic

Piedmont Henry Hospital donated 50 blood pressure cuffs to Hands of Hope Clinic for patients in need as part of the Hypertension Self-Care Program. The patients selected for the program must agree to use the blood pressure cuffs at home to take and track their blood pressure a certain number of times per day or week. They will also visit the clinic regularly for monitoring and patient education.Information: piedmonthenry.org.

Monroe Roark for the AJC

Parent Expo set for July 26

The third annual Henry County Communities in Schools Parent Expo is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 26, at Heritage Park, 101 Lake Dow Road in McDonough. The Henry County School System will be represented along with other local businesses and non-profit organizations. There will be information for parents as well as a school supply giveaway, free food, face painting, inflatables and other activities for kids.

Information: www.cis-henry.org.Monroe Roark for the AJC

Hapeville seeks input on arts district plan

The city of Hapeville is seeking community input on the possible establishment of an arts district overlay that would create new standards aimed at encouraging art studios and housing in the downtown area.

Input will be accepted until the end of July at Hapeville.org or spi_llc@bellsouth.net

Mark Woolsey for the AJC