County by county news for Thursday

Maj. Tom Arnold, a veteran of the Cobb police force for around 30 years, replaces Maj. Mark Weaver, who will continue to serve on the city force as he has for the last 14 years.

Weaver had been the acting chief since November when the city’s Police Chief L. Rick Richardson was placed on administrative leave and subsequently fired for selling surplus police vehicles in 2007 instead of through public auction as required by the City Council. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Severely injured soldier returns home Saturday

Friends and family of Marine Cpl. Todd Simpson Love plan to gather in Cobb County Saturday for the homecoming of a hometown hero. Love, 20, was severely injured in October 2010 in Afghanistan, where he lost both legs and much of his left arm in combat. This will be his first time home after months of recuperation at Walter Reed Military Medical Center. He’s expected to arrive about noon at McCullom Airport, with a reception to be held at Dallas Landing Park in Acworth to follow. Rich McKay

8 win National Merit scholarships

Eight Cobb County high school students received $2,500 National Merit Scholarships. Recipients include: Jaqueline Harris of Kennesaw Mountain High School, Alexander McIntyre and Oludamilola Aladesanmi of Wheeler High School, Caleb Negash of Marietta High School, Lauren Brown and Brianna Chambers of Campbell High School, Elizabeth Studstill of Sprayberry High School and Charles Spears of McEachern High School. Rich McKay

Pair indicted in beating death during robbery

A Cobb County grand jury indicted two men recently on charges related to the beating death of a man during a robbery. Jesus Hernandez-Perez, 29, and Jose Marcelino Badillo-Pacheco are charged with malice murder, felony murder, armed robbery, aggravated assault and concealing a death in the Sept. 18, 2010, slaying.

They are accused of beating Boydrick Powell, 27, to death with a baseball bat and then dropping his body over the balcony railing at his apartment. Hernandez-Perez was arrested two days later. Badillo-Pacheco is at large. Andria Simmons

Glover Park concert series starts April 29

Marietta’s free concert series in Glover Park starts 8 p.m., April 29 with pop music from the Glow Band. Music continues the last Friday of the month through Sept. 30 on the Marietta Square. This year’s bands include the Neons, Yacht, the Jesters, Tyn Tymes and Pieces of Eight. Concert goers can set up chairs and blankets after 4 p.m. or rent tables from the city. Information: Marietta Parks and Recreation Department at 770-794-5601.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Austell police officers honored by mayor

Three Austell police officers were honored Monday night by Austell Mayor Joe Jerkins and the City Council. Greg Bowling, Brandon Clark and Joseph Jefferson each received their five-year pins. “These officers have done a great job keeping us safe,” Jerkins said. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

GWINNETT

Fundraiser Saturday for canine pet rescue

A Bikes-Barks Bar-B-Q being held on Saturday will raise money for Canine Pet Rescue in Dacula.

Registration for the motorcycle ride begins at 8 a.m. Saturday. The ride begins at 9 a.m. at the Gwinnett County jail at 2900 University Parkway in Lawrenceville and ends at Big Sky Farm in Dacula. The cost is $25 per biker (including barbecue & T-shirt) and $10 per passenger (including barbecue). Barbecue meal tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children.

Information: Joanne Cornish at 678-887-0362 or adopt@caninepetrescue.com. Andria Simmons

Students win National Merit Scholarships

Gwinnett winners of $2,500 National Merit Scholarships are: Amarachi O. Nnakwe, Duluth, Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology; Brianna Edghill, Grayson, Grayson High School; Patricia Ekpo, Lawrenceville, Dacula High; Dina A. Hassan, Lawrenceville, Berkmar High; Dania A. Roach, Lawrenceville, Brookwood High; Aida J. Syrkett, Lawrenceville, Brookwood High; Tiffany A. Agard, Lilburn, Parkview High; Jamal B. Gaddis, Snellville, South Gwinnett High; Wesley Mitchell, Snellville, Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology; Joel A. Owen, Snellville, Brookwood High; and Kadeem Yearwood,Snellville, South Gwinnett High. Nancy Badertscher

Safe driving class for teens April 18

P.R.I.D.E. -- Parents Reducing Injuries and Driver Error -- is coming to Gwinnett County to help parents prepare their 14, 15 and 16 year-olds to drive.

The program is free to parents and their teens. A teen and at least one parent or guardian must register to attend. Information: 770-338-7430 ext. 5696 or email heather.stafford@gwinnettcounty.comAndria Simmons

Kids invited to Teen Summit 2011

Gwinnett County’s teenagers are invited to attend Teen Summit 2011 on Saturday at the Aurora Theatre in Lawrenceville.

The summit is geared toward middle and high school students and their parents, emphasizing social awareness, healthy living and personal development. To RSVP:

Joel Anderson

Police to talk about driving to Buford teens

Members of the Duluth Police Department will be at Buford High School on April 12 to bring home the importance of teen safe driving. Officers from the department are traveling to high schools across the state under a grant from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.

Nancy Badertscher

Beaudreau to meet with constituents

Gwinnett County District 3 Commissioner Mike Beaudreau will host his monthly meeting with constituents Saturday morning. The meeting is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Mountain Park Activity Building, 1063 Rockbridge Road in Stone Mountain. District 3 covers the eastern part of the county from the Highway 78 corridor north to Interstate 85 and includes Snellville, Loganville, Grayson, Dacula and Auburn. Joel Anderson

NORTHSIDE

Sandy Springs swears in new council member

Gabriel Sterling, Sandy Springs’ newest city council member, was sworn into office before Tuesday’s council meeting.

Sterling captured the District 4 seat last month in a special election against two other candidates. He replaces longtime friend Ashley Jenkins, who vacated the seat two months ago to pursue a career in the travel industry. Judge Kelly Lee of the Fulton County Superior Court administered the oath of office. Mayor Eva Galambos said she was happy to finally have a full complement of council members. Joel Anderson

Alpharetta approves money for resurfacing

Alpharetta has approved nearly $776,000 in street resurfacing.

Milling and resurfacing is scheduled for Westside Parkway, from Haynes Bridge Road to Amli Apartments; North Point Parkway, from Haynes Bridge to Kimball Bridge roads; Preston Ridge, from Morris Road to North Point Parkway; all streets in the Arrowood Subdivision; Sandridge Court and Montauk Way from Tuxford Drive to the cul-de-sac; Ramsden Run, from Tuxford Drive to the northern cul-de-sac; and Tadfield Trace from Ramsden Run to the cul-de-sac. Patrick Fox

Johns Creek hires new chief solicitor

Milton Barwick, who retired as Roswell’s chief solicitor last year, has become an assistant city solicitor for Johns Creek. Barwick, 66, also served as solicitor in Fulton County and has spent 35 years as a prosecutor.

The Johns Creek Solicitor’s Office prosecutes violations of traffic laws, city ordinances, code enforcement regulations and some misdemeanors. Patrick Fox

North Fulton seniors win merit scholarships

Some North Fulton seniors are among 800 being recognized with $2,500 scholarships by the National Merit Scholarship Corp, it was announced Wednesday. They are: Motolani O. Akinola, Alpharetta, Milton High; Dacia A. Green, Alpharetta, Centennial High; Elliot H. Outland, Alpharetta, Centennial High; Sarah Appeadu, Johns Creek, Northview High; Ana L. Smith, Roswell home school student; Cristianna M. Stovall, Roswell, Riverwood International Charter. Nancy Badertscher

Sandy Springs conducts sweeps of taxicabs

Sandy Springs recently conducted a sweep of illegal taxicab operations at various locations within the city.

Over the course of two days, city code enforcement officers – along with MARTA police – issued multiple citations for violations of the city’s taxicab operations code. Officers targeted cabs and “vehicles for hire” at all three MARTA stations inside the city, as well as popular bars and nightclubs.

Violators face fines and penalties up to $1,000 and several months of probation. Joel Anderson

Riverside concert series starts May 7

Roswell’s free, monthly outdoor concert series at Riverside Park will start on May 7.

The Riverside Sounds concerts are produced by the city’s Recreation, Parks, Historic and Cultural Affairs Department with support from a number of local sponsors.

This year’s line-up includes: Zydefunk on May 7; Milkshake Quartet on June 4; The Whiskey Gentry on July 2; Oliver Wood & Friends on Aug. 6; The Soulphonics & Ruby Velle on Sept. 3; and The Dappled Grays on Oct. 1.

Information: 770-641-3705 or www.roswellriversidesounds.com. Joel Anderson

ATLANTA

Stephanie Ramage hired as Citizen Advocate

Stephanie Ramage, who spent a bulk of Kasim Reed’s first year in office railing against the administration and the Atlanta Police Department as a news editor for the Sunday Paper, has been hired by the city into a newly created position called Citizen Advocate.

Reed said the position would provide residents and business owners with a point of contact to help them resolve problems that have failed to be addressed through traditional channels. Ernie Suggs

Luminaries to address Morehouse graduates

A noted attorney and an award-winning journalist will serve as commencement speakers for the nearly 500 students graduating from Morehouse College May 15.

Charles Ogletree, a professor at Harvard Law School and founder of the school’s institute for race and justice, and Gwen Ifill, a veteran journalist and Washington insider, will also receive honorary degrees.

The ceremony will be held at 8 a.m. on the college’s Century Campus. Laura Diamond

Canadian man guilty of child sex charge

A Canadian man was found guilty this week of traveling to Atlanta to have sex with an 11-year-old girl. Brian Schumaker, 54, who has five daughters, was caught in an Internet sting conducted by FBI agents and an undercover Alpharetta Police Department officer posing as the girl’s mother, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. Bill Rankin

Great Urban Race coming Saturday

The Great Urban Race is coming to Atlanta Saturday. Billed as a scavenger hunt, teams will solve 12 clues and complete physical and mental challenges by walking, running or using public transportation. The first 25 teams to finish can compete in the national championship race in New Orleans.

The cost of the race is $55 per person until Friday and $65 on race day. Registration begins at 11 a.m. at Sidebar, 79 Poplar Street. The race begins at noon.

Information: www.greaturbanrace.com. sErnie Suggs

Decatur: Storms downed nine trees in city

The storms this week knocked down nine trees within Decatur’s city’s limits, the highest single-day tree destruction since 2006, according to Assistant City Manager David Junger. Acting Fire Chief, Captain C.D. Walker, added that two houses were hit, trapping their occupants, but there were no injures or deaths.

Walker said power was down in eight isolated areas, but all power was restored and all streets clear by Wednesday. Junger reported the city’s highest winds were recorded at 20 mph around 4:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Bill Banks for the AJC

Two students will merit scholarships

Two DeKalb County high school students have received National Merit Scholarships.

On Wednesday, 800 African American students learned they will receive $2,500 scholarships for their high academic performance, SAT scores and an essay.

The DeKalb recipients include: Erica L. Byas-Smith and Abaho A. Katabarwa, both of Lakeside High School in Atlanta. Rich McKay

Police to hold citizens academy in June

The DeKalb County Police Department is seeking applicants to fill its Citizens Academy, a free 10-week course that allows the community to gain an inside perspective about law enforcement.

Participant must be at least 21 years old, live or work in DeKalb County, have no prior felony convictions and consent to background check.

The deadline to submit applications for the June session is May 1. Applications are available at police precincts or send e-mail to gkJeffer@dekalbcountyga.gov. Staff reports

Decatur Earth Day Festival April 17

Decatur’s Earth Day Festival will be April 17 at the Oakhurst Community Garden Project, 435 Oakview Road. This year’s event features over 30 earth-friendly vendors and non-profits in the Community Pavilion, including the City of Decatur Recycling Trailer. For information and a complete schedule visit www.oakhurstgarden.org. Bill Banks for the AJC

Fine arts camp offered this summer

DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs has joined with the Erintunde Youth Institute to offer an International Fine Arts Camp. The camp will be held at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center in four two-week summer sessions that run June 6 through July 29.

The experience is for children ages 6-14 and cost $200 for the first child and $150 for each additional child. Information: 678-667-8394 or www.DEKALBCAMPS.org. Michelle Shaw

County departments showcased Saturday

More than 30 DeKalb County departments will participate in a showcase Saturday, in conjunction with the observance of National County Government Month.

The event will highlight each department’s function within the county and take place from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Northlake Mall, 4800 Briarcliff Road in Atlanta.

Information: 404-371-2881 or onedekalb@dekalbcountyga.gov. Michelle Shaw

SOUTHSIDE

Clayton decides to give interim fire chief the job

A 33-year veteran firefighter is Clayton County’s new fire chief.

The County Commission voted unanimously Tuesday night to appoint Interim Fire Chief Jeff Hood as chief and emergency management agency director.

Hood, a lifelong resident of Rex, began his firefighting career in 1978 working for an engine company. Three years later, he became a certified paramedic, Battalion Chief Landry Merkison said. Hood will be sworn in at a later date, officials said. Megan Matteucci

Creekside High School wills $10,000 grant

A solar-powered computer lab project at Fulton County’s Creekside High School has won a $10,000 grant from the McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation. The lab is the brainchild of teacher Douglas Edwards. Sarah J McCarthey, president of the foundation’s board of trustees, called it an “exceptional project that brings mathematics, physical science and technology to life with an impact on students in other parts of the world.” Nancy Badertscher

Merchants Association hold Spring Masquerade

The Old National Merchants Association is celebrating 22 years of leadership in promoting economic growth by holding a Spring Masquerade tonight at the Club Ritz Atlanta on Old National Highway. Information and to purchase tickets: www.onma.us. John Thompson for the AJC

8 get National Merit scholarships

Six Fayette County and two Henry County high school students have received $2,500 National Merit Scholarships.

The Fayette recipients include: Camara Carter of Sandy Creek High, Jacqueline Clark of Woodward Academy, Eke Onyekwere of Fayette County High, Kevone Hospedales of Whitewater High, Linsey Jackson of Fayette County High, and Elana Burton of Starr’s Mill High.

The Henry recipients are Nneoma Ahuruonye and Yves Jeffcoat, both of Dutchtown High. Megan Matteucci

Health department focuses on alcohol abuse

The Fulton County Health and Wellness Department will offer programs today and Friday on alcohol abuse, focusing on causes and ways to prevent dependency. “The Effects of Alcohol on the Body” will be at the Darnell Senior Multipurpose Facility today at 11 a.m., at the Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency today at 1 p.m., and at the Hapeville Neighborhood Senior Center on Friday at 12:30 p.m. Information: 404-765-4234 or 404-765-4236. Johnny Edwards

Professional dancer returns to alma mater

Professional dancer Annique S. Roberts will return to Tri-Cities High School, her alma mater, for the “Spring Dance Series” April 30. Roberts has toured with Garth Fagan Dance, will offer dance instruction along with members from Atlanta Ballet, Alvin Ailey II, Ballethnic Dance Company and MTV’s “America’s Best Dance Crew.” Classes are from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Registration is $18. Info: 404-549-3958, www.tchsspringdanceseries.eventbrite.com. Melissa Ruggieri