COBB
Powder Springs police revitalize bike unit
The Powder Springs Police Bike Unit has been revitalized after many years of dormancy.
First originated 10 years ago, the unit of four bikes has been staffed recently, said city Police Maj. Matt Boyd.
Officers are not assigned to patrol exclusively on bicycles but in addition to their regular patrol duties.
Bicycle cops cover all of the city but also the Silver Comet Trail and special events, he added.
Information:
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Woman indicted on 175 theft counts
The Cobb County Grand Jury indicted Jennifer Ann Broussard, of Dallas, on Thursday, accusing her of embezzling $645,000 from her employer, Craftsman Business Interiors Inc. She has been indicted on 175 counts, including theft, computer forgery and racketeering charges.
While employed at CBI, Broussard allegedly wrote herself 86 checks totalling $645,750 by falsifying financial data and creating phony entries for vehicle expenses into the company’s accounting database, according to investigators. Over a seven-year period, Broussard allegedly issued checks for reimbursement made payable to herself under the name Jennifer Burchfield, the indictment states. The checks ranged in amount from $3,000 to $10,000 and were deposited into Broussard’s bank account. Alexis Stevens
Ivey Road to reopen Sunday
Ivey Road, between Queen Mill Road and Ivey Terrace Drive in South Cobb, is expected to reopen to traffic Sunday.
The road has been closed to through traffic for construction of a hill cut and realignment with Queen Mill Road, according to Cobb District 4 Commissioner Lisa Cupid.
Information: Cupid, 770-528-3311 or cobbdot.org.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
5k race to benefit wounded warriors
A 5K race and 1-mile fun run through downtown Kennesaw Saturday will benefit the Wounded Warriors Project. The fourth 5K race in the Kennesaw Grand Prix Series starts 8 a.m. at 2598 Main St. in front of Kennesaw First Baptist Church. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. Information: www.herorun.us.
Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Helicopter rides will benefit museum
The Marietta Museum of History will offer helicopter rides 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday to benefit the museums Aviation Wing at South Cobb Drive and Atlanta Road, Marietta. Blue Ridge helicopters will give aerial tours of Marietta sites for $40, cash only. The museum’s eight aircraft will also be on display. Information: www.mariettahistory.org.
Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Business association to meet Wednesday
The South Cobb Business Association will meet from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 6 at Presbyterian Village, 2000 East-West Connector, Austell.
Retired FBI Special Agent Oliver G. Halle, now a private investigator, will be the speaker.
Costs: $12 members online, $15 members at the door, $20 nonmembers. Information: sc-ba.org. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
GWINNETT
Duluth installs emergency weather sirens
Duluth continues to upgrade the city’s severe weather warning system in place since February of 2000. The first of five new emergency weather sirens was installed at the Southeastern Railroad Museum on Monday. According to Public Works Director Audrey Turner, maintaining the old sirens required more and more work each year. Mobile Communications of Gwinnett installed the siren in this first location to replace an outdated version at a cost of $103,268. The remaining three sirens will be installed in the next couple of weeks. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Snellville to review development
Snellville has retained a consultant experienced with municipal development regulations to determine how a 252-unit multi-family/apartment complex and a 399-unit mixed-residential complex may impact the city and nearby neighborhoods.Megan Will, Senior Planner with Cribb Philbeck Weaver Group, will analyze data, provide land use and zoning analysis regarding the two sites near Eastside Medical Center. The Planning Commission will hear the requests Aug. 26. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
More herbs, less salt workshop
The Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center will teach how to use garden herbs 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at McDaniel Farm, 3251 McDaniel Road, Duluth. Participants will create a special blend of herbs, tour the herb garden, and learn to recognize herbs and their uses. Cost: $8 or $5 for GEHC members. Pre-registration required: www.gwinnettehc.org.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Free amateur art classes for seniors
Seniors share their love for painting 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Monday at the Buford Human Services Center, 2755 Sawnee Ave., Buford. Artists must provide their own paper, canvas, or wood and acrylic paint in primary colors. Registration: www.gwinnettbhsc.com or 678-225-5360.Karen Huppertz
Lilburn hosts 5th National Night Out
The Lilburn Police Department will celebrate the fifth National Night Out 6 p.m. Tuesday at Lilburn City Park feature police canine demonstrations at 8 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet staff from local police, fire, and other public safety agencies, who will share personal and community safety tips. Cars, trucks, and equipment will be on display. Information: www.cityoflilburn.com.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Senior issues addressed at workshop
The Lilburn Woman’s Club and Mountain Park United Methodist Church are hosting a free workshop on senior issues 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug.16 at Mountain Park UMC Family Life Center, 1405 Rockbridge Road in Stone Mountain. The workshop will address mental health concerns including Alzheimer patients, social needs, legal concerns, senior housing options, safety issues and state legislation affecting older adults. Registration: www.mountainparkumc.org or 770-921-8512. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
NORTHSIDE
Cumming road-widening project finished
After repeated rain delays, crews have finished work the Ga. 9 and Ga. 141/Bethelview Road intersection improvement project in Cumming. It includes two through lanes, two left turn lanes and a right turn lane for each leg of the intersection. With the $5 million upgrade finished, crews will turn their attention to paving work on the nearby widening of Ga. 141 from Ga. 9 to Castleberry Road, scheduled to finish in September. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Forsyth delays animal shelter opening
The opening date for Forsyth County’s new animal shelter has been pushed back. The facility on County Way in north Forsyth had been set to debut Friday, but county spokeswoman Jodi Gardner says both construction and hiring and training of staff are running behind.
The new target is late August. The 13,700 square foot facility will replace the current deal under which the county contracts out shelter operations.Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Forsyth sees start of school growth
Forsyth County Schools will begin classes Aug. 7 amid several signs of growth. District officials say enrollment’s expected to grow to 42,150 this year, up from 40, 836 in May. With a burgeoning student population, the district has added 328 teachers (and counting) with one-third of them new positions due to growth. More than 150 classrooms will be in trailers this year, up from 50 in May. No new schools or classroom facilities are coming on-line, but a voter-approved $195 million bond issue will help add future facilities.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Bus info available for Cherokee parents
Cherokee County School District parents can now find detailed bus stop information for their kids online. Parents can click to the transportation department link on the district website to enter a student’s grade level and address. Results should show a bus stop location, distance from their residence, a bus number, and a bus arrival time for pickup and drop-off.
Information: cherokee.k12.ga.us
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Milton fire offering home safety checks
The city of Milton Fire Rescue Department is offering free home fire and safety evaluations. Officials say department personnel will cover such topics as fire escape planning, smoke detectors, electrical and home safety and severe weather preparedness during the sessions.
To schedule an evaluation or learn more: cityofmiltonga.us
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
New Northside farmers market underway
A new Northside farmers market has debuted. The East Roswell Farmers Market will run from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. each Thursday into October at 8560 Holcomb Bridge Road.
Information: 678-427-8251 or email mmoller123@aol.com
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
ATLANTA
APD celebrates National Night Out
The Atlanta Police Department will celebrate National Night Out with several community events including a cookout 6 p.m., Aug. 5, at Oak Hill, Child Family and Adolescent Center, 2805 Metropolitan Pkwy, SW.
National Night Out events on that day are intended to raise crime prevention awareness.
Atlanta events include cookouts at 6 p.m. Booker T. Washington High School, 71 Newcastle St., SW and 5 p.m., Shamrock Gardens Apartments, 1988 Plaza Lane, SW.
Information: www.atlantapd.org
Adrianne Murchison for the AJC
Family wellness event upcoming
A Family Fun Fest and Wellness Event by Simply United Together will be noon-7 p.m., Saturday, on the Carrie Steele-Pitts Home campus, 667 Fairburn Road, NW.
Festivities include the distribution of free school supplies, live music, a kids play area, and health and wellness information.
Information: www.sutglobal.com. Adrianne Murchison for the AJC
Play examines impact of King’s death
A grieving Dr. Benjamin E. Mays’ non-violent beliefs are challenged by a young reporter in the wake of the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the play “Only Just a Minute.”
The production runs at Ray Charles Performing Arts Center at Morehouse College, Aug. 20-23 and Southwest Arts Center, Aug 27-Sept. 7.I
nformation: www.onlyjustaminute.com.
Adrianne Murchison for the AJC
Fulton postpones tax increase vote
The Fulton County Board of Commissioners has postponed a vote on a property tax hike until Wednesday because questions arose about whether the county had properly advertised the proposed 17 percent tax increase on its web site.
The commission added more public hearings on the proposal including one 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Fulton County Government Center Assembly Hall, 141 Pryor St. SW. David Wickert
DEKALB
Seven roads slated for repair, repaving
Decatur will mill, repair and repave seven city streets during early to mid-fall assistant city manager David Junger said recently. Work on Electric Avenue, which needs a complete rebuilding after 16 months construction on the nearby Beacon Complex, will occur during Sept. 15-20. Other streets receiving repair include portions of Forkner Drive, Nelson Ferry Road, Kirk Road, Madison Avenue, Atlanta Avenue and West Trinity Place. Project cost is $654,503.
Bill Banks for the AJC
Brookhaven Mayor to give State of the City
Brookhaven Mayor J. Max Davis will deliver a “State of the City” address to the community at 7 p.m., Thursday, at Holiday Inn Atlanta Perimeter, in the Centennial Ballroom, 4386 Chamblee Dunwoody Road.
The mayor will present a year in review report and provide an outlook for 2015. The speech will be the first “State of the City” for citizens since Brookhaven officially incorporated in 2012.
Admission is free. Registration: www.surveymonkey.com/s/PVF8FD7
Adrianne Murchison for the AJC
Educators have a lot of giants to fight
Borrowing from a biblical tale, Gwinnett County Public Schools Superintendent J. Alvin Wilbanks told scores of principals in neighboring DeKalb County Tuesday that they must fight for education in the nimble way that David slew Goliath.
Speaking at a leadership conference he said one example was the new law in Georgia that allows educators to carry guns into schools when school boards authorize it. Wilbanks said he doesn’t oppose civilians toting guns except where they are inappropriate, and he included schools in that category. The conference runs until Thursday at Miller Grove High School. Ty Tagami
YMCA to host green space tour
South DeKalb Family YMCA will host a public tour of its 18-acre green space 4 p.m. Sunday and 8:30 a.m. Aug. 9 at 2565 Snapfinger Road. The tour will highlight planned walkways, trails and other features.
Information: 770-987-3500.
Adrianne Murchison for the AJC
Dunwoody amnesty ends today
Individuals with past due traffic violations or bench warrants for failing to appear at Dunwoody Municipal Court may still settle the matter through the amnesty program which ends today, and has been in effect since June to reduce arrests and settle outstanding traffic violations.
Fines are paid at Municipal Court.Information: 678-382-6973.Adrianne Murchison for the AJC
Decatur to enforce Saturday pay parking
Decatur will begin enforcing Saturday payment for downtown parking, probably beginning this fall. The city’s still completing installation of its new “smart meters,” which should wrap up by this week. Enforcement’s currently Monday through Friday until 6 p.m. for Decatur’s 315 downtown parking spaces. Assistant city manager Lyn Menne said Saturday enforcement “will begin with an education program over several weeks tied with a public information release,” starting in September.
Bill Banks for the AJC
SOUTHSIDE
Fayette rejects charter school application
The Fayette County Board of Education voted 4-1 in a called meeting Monday to reject an application from the Liberty Tech charter school to join the public system. Superintendent Jody Barrow noted both pros and cons of the proposal, but expressed concern about the school’s financial viability and impact. Liberty Tech may still get state charter approval. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Stolen car slams head-on into police cruiser
A Fulton County police officer and a shoplifting suspect were injured late Tuesday in a head-on collision that investigators believe was intentional.
The officer placed the suspect in the back seat of the patrol car and was pulling out of the parking lot when the driver of a stolen Lincoln Town Car slammed head-on into the officer’s car. The impact heavily damaged the front of the police cruiser. The Lincoln, which had been stolen Tuesday morning, then hit a tree, and the driver got out and fled on foot. He was still at large early Wednesday.
The officer and shoplifting suspect were taken to Grady Memorial Hospital. Mike Morris
Peachtree City screening “Turbo”
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s free Family Film Series continues 7 p.m. Saturday with a screening of the animated movie “Turbo” at Drake Field, next to City Hall in Peachtree City. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and food. Concessions will be on sale. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Yard sale donations needed
Carriage Lane Presbyterian Church in Peachtree City is accepting donations for its charity yard sale to benefit a Ugandan orphanage. Items can be dropped off 9 a.m.-7 p.m. on Aug. 4-6 at 101 Carriage Lane. The sale will be held 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 8 and 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 9. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
WWII reunion in College Park
A reunion for the World War II 12th Armored Division will be held in metro Atlanta for the first time, this weekend. More the 160 people, including 22 veterans, are expected to attend the 68th annual reunion at The Westin Atlanta Airport hotel in College Park. Nicknamed “The Hellcats,” the 12th Armored Division, was unit of the U.S. Army. Festivities are not open to the public.
Information: www.12armoredmuseum.com.
Adrianne Murchison for the AJC
Union City screens movie in the park
Union City will screen “Man of Steel” 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Ronald Bridges Park, 5285 Lakeside Drive for its fourth annual “Movies by Moonlight” event. Free admission and refreshments. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets.
Grills and glass containers are not allowed. Parks and Recreation staff prefers attendees not bring pets.
Information call 770-964-1236. Adrianne Murchison for the AJC
