County by county news for Thursday

Just 1,900 residents, about 6.3 percent of eligible voters, in the district cast ballots in the runoff election Tuesday.

Carson garnered 1,250 votes compared to Lamutt’s 668 votes, according to unofficial results from Cobb County’s elections board. Throughout the special election and runoff, Carson has campaigned on a platform of being a new voice for the district, instead of an establishment candidate. Janel Davis

Chancellor to visit SPSU today

Henry “Hank” Huckaby, the University System of Georgia’s new chancellor, will visit Southern Polytechnic State University for the first time today.

Huckaby, a former state legislator, was selected in May by the Board of Regents as the system’s 12th chancellor. His visit will include a meeting with faculty and staff followed by a question-and-answer session at 4 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom. Janel Davis

Four educators get state recognition

Four educators in the Cobb County Schools received statewide recognition at the recent Georgia Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance annual conference.

Stephanie Lawson, of Keheley Elementary, received the Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year Award for her teaching, sportsmanship and example as a healthy role model, according to Cobb officials. Also recognized were Stephanye Peek and Chester Ransom of Blackwell Elementary School, who received the Award of Excellence in Physical Education, for best practices in the field; and Hilda Wilkins, the principal at Hightower Trail Middle School, who received the Advocate of the Year Award for promoting exercise. Ty Tagami

Powder Springs candidate forum Oct. 27

Candidates for Powder Springs mayor and City Council have been invited to their only forum so far on Oct. 27.

The 7 p.m. event will be held at the Tapp Middle School Theater, 3900 Macedonia Road, Powder Springs and sponsored by the school’s PTSA.

Information: 770-222-3758. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Live artillery demo at Kennesaw Park Sunday

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park invites the public to come for a live fire demonstration and program of Civil War artillery on Sunday, Oct. 23 at 11 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Admission is free. For information, contact the Visitor Center at 770-427-4686. Kenneth Musisi

Extension offers coupon clipping class

The UGA-Cobb Extension staff is bringing the popular art of coupon clipping to a class near you on today in Marietta.

Savvy-shopping participants should bring their lunch and learn tips and tricks of saving big money on groceries and personal items. Class begins at noon at the Extension Office, 678 South Cobb Drive in Marietta. The class is free, but space is limited. Pre-register: 770-528-4070; information: www.cobbextension.com Janel Davis

GWINNETT

Budget forces library to cut back on hours

The Gwinnett County Public Library will see reduced hours from 53 to 44 hours per week beginning Sunday but will remain open seven days a week.

The library’s 15 branches will operate on two different schedules Monday through Thursday, with half the libraries operating on each schedule. Friday, Saturday and Sunday hours will be the same at all branches.

The move comes as the library tries to balance its budget in the wake of county and state budget cuts. For a complete schedule of library hours, visit www.gwinnettpl.org. David Wickert

County offers water conservation workshop

Gwinnett County will hold a free water conservation workshop from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 3 at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville.

Residents can learn how to increase water efficiency in their home. Those who attend will receive a low-flow retrofit kit for showers and faucets, an outdoor water efficiency kit and a home water audit guide.

To register for the workshop send an e-mail to dwrconserve@gwinnettcounty.com. David Wickert

Town hall meeting on ‘soft skills’ today

Gov. Nathan Deal’s Office of Workforce Development will host a town hall meeting from 6:30-8 p.m. today at Gwinnett Technical College in Lawrenceville about plans to teach non-academic skills for the workplace. House Bill 186 authorized the certification of “soft skills,” such as punctuality, learning ability, dressing appropriately and teamwork.

The panel will comprise state lawmakers, officials from state agencies and local school and government officials. Ty Tagami

Sierra Club to discuss Vogtle nuclear plants

The Greater Gwinnett Group of the Sierra club will discuss the proposed Vogtle nuclear power plants at 7 p.m. today at Berkmar High School, 405 Pleasant Hill Road, Lilburn.

Members of Georgia WAND will lead the discussion. Information: Dan Friedman at dan3688@aol.com. David Wickert

Boston String Quartet to perform at Brookwood

Boston String Quartet fans will get a treat today, when the group performs three shows at Brookwood High School.

The quartet will play with the school’s Maroon and Gold group at 6 p.m.; with the concert orchestra at 7 p.m., and with Brookwood’s philharmonic and symphonic orchestras at 8 p.m. Tickets for the event, which will be in the school auditorium, are $15. The school is at 1255 Dogwood Road, Snellville. For information: www.bostonstringquartet.com, or 617-875-7851. Laurie Hoffman

Haunted Night at the Museum this weekend

The public is invited to the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center’s 4th annual Haunted Night at the Museum program at the Lawrenceville Female Seminary, 455 South Perry St., from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Admission is $6 per person for Gwinnett County residents, $9 for all others. Information: www.gwinnettEHC.org. Veronica Fields Johnson

NORTHSIDE

Water main break damages Mansell Road

Work continued Wednesday on a damaged section of Mansell Road just east of Northpoint Parkway in Alpharetta. Motorists experienced periodic lane closures through the morning as crews repaired sidewalks and portions of the road damaged when a 36-inch water main broke Tuesday.

Water service has been restored to businesses and residents located along Mansell Road between Ga. 400 and Haynes Bridge Road and along the entire Old Alabama Road Connector. Patrick Fox

Rivers Alive cleanup in Milton Saturday

Milton’s “Rivers Alive” waterways cleanup, education and protection program is Saturday at Bailey Farm & Gardens, 255 Hickory Flat Road, one mile west of the Birmingham Crossroads.

Volunteers are asked to gather at 9 a.m. when they will be assigned to local waterways in the Coosa River watershed to remove debris. Registration and information: mgg@cityofmiltonga.us, baileyfarmandgardens@mindspring.com or 678-242-2509. Patrick Fox

Work to close Fowler Road in Forsyth

Fowler Road will be closed to through traffic Saturday and Sunday to allow crews to install triple cross drains at its intersection with Ga. 9 in Forsyth County. The road is scheduled to re-open late Sunday. Work was previously scheduled for earlier this month.

The project is funded by the county’s current special purpose local option sales tax program. Patrick Fox

First Montessori School on a shoe drive

First Montessori School of Atlanta is putting out the call for new and gently used shoes. From now through Oct. 31, the school at 5750 Long Island Drive in Sandy Springs will have drop boxes out around campus for those shoes. It’s part of a shoe drive by Soles4Souls, a non-profit collecting and distributing shoes in more than 125 countries. Info: Daisy Watson, FMSA’s Director of Marketing, at (404) 252-3910 or dwatson@firstmontessori.org. Nancy Badertscher

46,665 pounds of electronics get recycled

Forsyth County residents recycled 46,665 pounds of electronics during the Keep Forsyth County Beautiful electronics recycling event held earlier this month at the Cumming Fairgrounds.

More than 300 vehicles dropped off some 46,665 pounds of electronics, including 251 personal computers, 133 monitors and 110 televisions.

“Recycling these items truly makes a difference toward preserving a clean environment for our community,” environmental program manager Tammy Wright said. Patrick Fox

Cherokee School Board to meet today

The Cherokee County Board of Education meets 7 p.m. today in the auditorium of Canton High School, 111 Academy Street, Canton. Among the items on the agenda is a financial report and sale tax update as voters consider an extension of an education Special Purpose Local Options Sales Tax on the November ballot. Jeffry Scott

ATLANTA

Students who integrated APS cited

The Atlanta school board Monday honored three of the students who integrated Atlanta Public Schools 50 years ago. Madelyne Nix, Thomas F. Welch and Rosalyn Walton-Lees were part of the “Atlanta Nine,” who integrated of four of Atlanta’s all-white high schools on Aug. 30, 1961. Proclamations were issued to honor the students, who went on to have distinguished professional careers. Information: www.atlanta.k12.ga.us. Jaime Sarrio

APS names teacher of the year

Elisha R. Gray, a special education teacher at Maynard Holbrook Jackson High, was named APS Teacher of the Year for 2011-12 during a ceremony at South Atlanta High. Gray earned her bachelor’s in public relations from Howard University, and her master’s in special education from Grand Canyon University. She mentors new teachers, sponsors the Beta Club and sends out weekly motivational e-mails to teachers. Information: www.atlanta.k12.ga.us Jaime Sarrio

Car seat checkup, fair on Saturday

The public is invited to a car seat check-up and community fair on Saturdayfrom 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Kroger Center parking lot, located at 2685 Metropolitan Ave. The event will feature free demonstrations, health screenings, car seat giveaways, food and more. Information: 404-330-6053. Veronica Fields Johnson

Ex-military job fair today

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the military-to-civilian recruitment firm RecruitMilitary, will have a career fair hiring event for military veterans and military spouses today at the Georgia Dome, One Georgia Dome Drive, N.W. The “Hiring Our Heroes, RecruitMilitary Veteran Opportunity Expo,” which runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., is part of a nationwide initiative to increase the hiring of veterans through special career fairs. For more information, visit recruitmilitary.com/hiring-our-heroes. Mea Watkins

DEKALB

Decatur OKs work at Glenlake Tennis Center

Decatur’s City Commission approved a $57,000 budget for energy efficiency renovations at the Glenlake Tennis Center, to be funded mostly through block grant money. Proposed work includes replacement of the HVAC equipment, installing an electric tankless hot water heater, additional insulation, weatherstripping, sealing ductwork, lighting replacements, among others. This is the final phase of Glenlake Park’s extensive renovation which began in 2009. The 800 square-foot tennis center was originally built in 1998. Bill Banks for the AJC

First-time offender program to start Friday

A program to divert first-time offenders into programs rather than jail will begin in DeKalb County State Court on Friday.

The program will be tailored for each individual and could include counseling, classes and community service and a $300 fee. Charges will be dismissed against those who complete the program.

It is open to those charged with shoplifting, disorderly conduct and other minor offenses. People accused of DUI, vehicular homicide, and family violence battery are eligible. Rhonda Cook

Judge opens art contest to students

DeKalb County State Court Judge Eleanor L. Ross is hosting an art contest for middle and high school students in the county. Submissions are being accepted through Nov. 17, with winners notified by Nov. 18.

In addition to earning prizes, winners will have their work displayed in the chambers and jury room of Division V in the state court.

Information: 404-371-2300. April Hunt

County to test CodeRed phone numbers

DeKalb County will call every number in its CodeRed database later this month, as part of a test to the system.

The calls from the county’s Emergency Management Agency will be made from 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Oct. 27. The test message will direct people to the county’s website, to update contact numbers and to help direct more people to the CodeRed Emergency Notification System. Information: www.dekalbcountyga.gov or 770-270-0413. April Hunt

County OKs contract to enforce child support

DeKalb County recently approved a contract between the state and the county district attorney, to provide funding for the county to enforce child-support petitions on behalf of parents in the county.

The county will spend $178,000 to get $1 million in federal money and $348,000 from the state for the program. The $1.5 million program covers a year’s cost for 21 employees to enforce and process child-support petitions. April Hunt

School to celebrate United Nations Day

The International Community School in DeKalb County is hosting a parade Friday to celebrate United Nations Day.

The charter school near Avondale Estates will hold festivities in the sanctuary of Avondale Estates First Baptist Church afterward.

Parking is available in the church lot, 47 Covington Road. The event is from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Information: 404-499-8969. Ty Tagami

SOUTHSIDE

National group honors Tyrone principal

The National Association of Elementary School Principals has named Tyrone Elementary School’s Joseph (Eddie) Pollard one its 61 National Distinguished Principals for 2011.

Pollard will be honored at a banquet on Friday in Washington, D.C. The award recognizes “public and private school principals who make superior contributions to their schools and communities.”

Pollard is one of three Georgia educators named to this year’s list. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Marching Tigers champions in contest

The Fayette County High School Marching Tigers hit all the right notes to become the Grand Champions at the fifth annual Valhalla Marching Classic competition. The event featured 20 state bands with about 2,000 students. Fayette County High’s drum majors and color guard each earned second place in their division. Whitewater High School won a Class AAAA trophy and placement in the Gold Division. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Clayton County police receive accreditation

The Clayton County Police Department recently received full accreditation from the Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. Accreditation means greater accountability within the agency, more community partnerships, stronger defense against civil lawsuits and greater support from government officials. Tammy Joyner

Henry drivers awarded new school buses

Three bus drivers with the Henry County School System were awarded new buses last week during a ceremony for all bus drivers with perfect attendance during the 2010-11 school year. Amanda Digby, Judy Shadron, and Brandi Day were the winners of the drawing Oct. 14 at the administrative offices. Monroe Roark for the AJC

County to hold mental first-aid training

In an effort to address clinical depression and a high suicide rate among seniors, Fulton County Behavioral Health will hold a two-day mental health first-aid training session on how to recognize early signs of mental illness. Mental health first-aid is given until professional treatment is found or the crisis passes. The training will be Thursday and on Oct. 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cosby Spear Memorial Towers-Commons, 335 North Ave., N.E., Atlanta. Registration: crambac@emory.edu or 404-728-4558. Johnny Edwards

Tour Fayetteville’s Historic City Cemetery

Costumed “spirit guides” will lead tours through Fayetteville’s Historic City Cemetery on Saturday between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Storytelling include tales from the Civil War and Fayetteville’s ties to Doc Holliday and Margaret Mitchell.

Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under, and are available at the Fayetteville Train Depot/Welcome Center and the Holliday-Dorsey-Fife Museum, as well as at the cemetery that night. Information: www.fayetteville-ga.gov or 770-719-4173. Jill Howard Church for AJC