County by county news for Thursday

Commissioners agreed with nearby residents who called the project obtrusive and argued that the area should an area of single-family homes. The apartments, proposed by Walton Communities, would have been built on a 23.5-acre site and would have had a 724-foot buffer between the building and area homes.

Earlier this month the county’s Planning Commission also recommended denial of the zoning change. Janel Davis

Bond resolution approved for school

The Cobb County Development Authority unanimously approved a conditional bond resolution on Tuesday for an up to $17 million inducement for the International Academy of Smyrna charter school.

The development authority will issue the bonds for the school, which plans to use the money to buy the building, expand onto the second floor of its current location in the former Rich’s building on South Cobb Drive and for renovations. The school still has to acquire its federal non-profit status and receive its state charter renewal. Janel Davis

Toddler left alone in car; mom arrested

A Cobb County mother spent several hours in jail after allegedly leaving her two-year-old son alone in her car for 40 minutes while she was in a Wal-Mart store, police said. Michaela Lucuanna Clark, 36, of Marietta was arrested Wednesday at the Wal-Mart on Chastain Meadows Parkway, according to an arrest warrant. Alexis Stevens

KSU holds prep course to nurse exam

Kennesaw State University’s College of Continuing and Professional Education is offering TEAS Exam preparation course on Saturday. The Test of Essential Academic Skills exam is typically required for entrance into nursing programs. The session runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday at the KSU Center, 3333 Busbee Drive in Kennesaw. Information and registration, 770-423-6765, www.ccpe.kennesaw.edu/healthcare Janel Davis

Cobb’s library used book sale this week

The Friends of the Cobb Public Library System will host its semi-annual book sale Friday-Sunday at Jim Miller Park in Marietta. Last year’s sale generated $80,000.

The sale coincides with the Cobb Library Foundation’s annual Wild West Fest on Saturday, also at Jim Miller Park. The festival will include real cowboys, lasso lessons, a chuck wagon for cooking demonstrations and fast draw demonstrations. Tickets, $5; festival begins at 10 a.m. Information: www.cobbcat.org; www.cobblibraryfoundation.org Janel Davis

Kennesaw holds field day event Saturday

Kennesaw will encourage its residents to get in shape at a field day event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Swift Cantrell Park, 3140 Old U.S. Highway 41. As part of the city’s Keep Fit initiative, visitors can sample free 45-minute classes in Yoga, Zumba, Cross Fit and ClubJam. Big Peach Running Company will coordinate the classes which will be every hour on the hour. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

GWINNETT

County to buy flood-damaged homes

The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Tuesday accepted state and federal money to help buy and demolish 11 homes damaged during September 2009 floods.

The federal government will pay 75 percent of the cost, or about $1.6 million. The state will contribute another $212,546 for the project, and the property owners will pitch in the remaining $318,818. Gwinnett will use the properties as green space to restore natural floodplains. David Wickert

Chamber to honor 25 small businesses

The Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce will honor the top 25 small businesses in the county at its 2012 Pinnacle Awards ceremony from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 27 at the Atlanta Marriott-Gwinnett Place, 1775 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth. For information, to help sponsor the event or to register, visit www.pinnaclesmallbusinessawards.com or contact Melissa Britt at 678-957-4958 or Melissa@gwinnettchamber.org. David Wickert

Marcus Ray Day proclaimed in Sugar Hill

Marcus Ray, a former North Gwinnett High and Gwinnett Jets semiprofessional football player, was awarded a plaque to commemorate Sugar Hill City Council’s proclamation of Marcus Ray Day. Ray, a youth football coach and volunteer on behalf of the city’s Publix supermarket, was honored by the council for his years of volunteer work in the city, chiefly with kids. “It took me totally by surprise,” Ray, 29, said. Michael Alpert for the AJC

Peachtree Corners school collects sneakers

Pinckneyville Middle is collecting old athletic shoes as part of their recycling initiative in partnership with Nike. Donations will be recycled for use on track surfaces, gym floor tiles and playground surfaces. Donations can be dropped off during school hours Friday and Saturday at Pinckneyville Middle, 4550 W. Jones Bridge Road. Information: linda_flagler@gwinnett.k12.ga.us. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Gwinnett Tech summer registration to begin

Online registration begins Saturday for Gwinnett Tech’s summer mini-semester that starts June 4.

Mini-semester orientation sessions are scheduled that day at 10 a.m., April 6 at 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., May 5 at 10 a.m., and May 11 at 10 a.m.

Admission specialists can be reached at 678-226-6616. Michael Alpert for the AJC

SPCA to hold Run for the Rescues 5K

The Georgia SPCA will hold the annual “Run For The Rescues 5K,” in late March to raise money to save homeless animals.

Last year, more than 700 runners and 50 venders helped raise over $14,000. Organizers are hoping to attract more than 1,000 runners this year.

Runners are encouraged to bring their dogs.

The race will begin at 9 a.m. at the Suwanee Town Center on Saturday.

To register for the run, log on to www.georgiaspca.org.

Ernie Suggs

NORTHSIDE

Canton faces wait to unload reservoir stake

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said it could take six months or more to determine how much Hickory Log Creek Reservoir is worth to the City of Canton, which owns a 25 percent stake in the estimated $100 million reservoir project, and the Cobb County -- Marietta Water Authority, which owns 75 percent. A consultant told the Authority he couldn’t place a value on the reservoir until the Corps says how much water the Authority can draw from the reservoir if it buys out Canton, which has been trying to unload its stake because the reservoir is too expensive. Jeffry Scott

Ex- Sandy Springs principal faces charges

A former Sandy Springs principal who resigned after an audit showed that he used an American Express card linked to his school to make personal purchases is facing criminal charges. Eddie Echols, who left Riverwood International Charter School in September, is facing charges of theft, identity theft and credit card fraud.

School officials said he turned himself into Fulton County police about a month ago after police continued their investigation into the incident. D. Aileen Dodd

Westside Parkway work may finish in April

North Fulton commuters may see some traffic relief in the coming month. The Alpharetta City Council Monday accepted a bid of $1.6 million for final construction work on Westside Parkway north of Old Milton Parkway. Officials estimate the road will be open to traffic by the end of April.

The road, which parallels the heavily traveled Ga. 400, will now extend from Haynes Bridge Road in Roswell north past Windward Parkway into Milton. Patrick Fox

Fulton school board to meet today

The Fulton County Board of Education will meet tonight at Dunwoody Springs Elementary School, located at 8100 Roberts Drive in Sandy Springs. The school board will convene 5 p.m. and immediately move to executive session. At 6 p.m., the board will return for the business meeting. D. Aileen Dodd

Sandy Springs students tops in robotics

A Sandy Springs Charter Middle School team won a first place award at the Technology Student Association State Leadership Conference in Athens.

It was their first time participating in the competition. Students built robots and maneuvered them to perform tasks.

They competed in several categories including First Lego League Robotics and Dragster Technology. More than 1,500 Georgia students participated in the competition. The Sandy Springs team was led by technology teacher Wayne Thompson. D. Aileen Dodd

Lake Lanier group gets new board member

Gary Smith, director for the Lanier Technical College Foundation, has been named to the board of directors of the Lake Lanier Association. Smith formerly served as chairman of the Forsyth County Board of Elections and of the Forsyth County Republican Party. The Lake Lanier Association is an advocacy group of homeowners, business people and other interest groups devoted to promoting the lake. Patrick Fox

ATLANTA

Commission opposes building demolition

The Fulton County Commission will send a resolution to Atlanta’s mayor and city council opposing the planned demolition of the old Atlanta Daily World building in the Sweet Auburn district, saying it would be an “irreparable loss.” The commission unanimously voted to take the position Wednesday, prompted by Commissioner Joan Garner.

The city’s oldest black newspaper moved out of the building in 2008. A developer wants to raze it to make way for apartments serving Georgia State University students. The matter is before the city’s Urban Design Commission. Johnny Edwards

Alcohol advisory group to meet today

Atlanta’s Alcohol Technical Advisory Group will hold a public hearing from 6:30-8:30 p.m. today at Inman Middle School, 774 Virginia Ave. N.E. The group is scheduled to hear from the public about licensing for beer, wine and liquor, as well as enforcement of alcohol laws.

It is scheduled to examine Atlanta’s Alcohol Code and recommend changes by December 2012. Jeremiah McWilliams

Man indicted in death of rapper Slim Dunkin

The man accused of fatally shooting Atlanta rapper Slim Dunkin was indicted Tuesday by a grand jury, the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office announced. Rapper Vinson Hardimon, 29, also known as Young Vito, was formally charged with murder, felony murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Hardimon allegedly killed Mario Hamilton, 24, also known as Slim Dunkin, during a recording session at a studio on Memorial Drive in Atlanta on Dec. 16, 2011. Angel K. Brooks

Review board hearing on director today

Atlanta’s Citizen Review Board will hold a public hearing at 5 p.m. today to meet with the final candidates being considered for the role of executive director. The hearing will be held in the old City Council chambers in Atlanta City Hall, 55 Trinity Ave. Jeremiah McWilliams

DEKALB

MARTA bus, school bus collide; no one hurt

Authorities in DeKalb County were investigating a wreck early Wednesday involving a school bus and a MARTA bus.

The crash happened before 6:30 a.m. on Rockbridge Road at Mountain Park Trail.

DeKalb schools spokesman Walter Woods said the MARTA bus sideswiped the school bus, which had two students on board.

Woods said there were no injuries on the school bus, and that there appeared to only be “mirror-to-mirror contact” between the two buses.

The MARTA driver and one passenger on that bus were taken to a local hospital to be checked out, according to MARTA spokeswoman Cara Hodgson. Mike Morris

Decatur looks at uniform speed limit

Decatur’s city commission approved lowering Sycamore Drive’s speed limit to 25 mph from Pinehurst Drive to the northern city limits. But Assistant City Manager David Junger said Wednesday, “If we’re going to do 25 mph in this one place, we should do it all over the city, that we should have a comprehensive 25 mph residential speed zone designation.” Though he didn’t give a timetable for establishing uniform speed limits, he will write the state DOT to determine correct protocol. Most residential Decatur streets currently have a posted 35 mph limit or a non-posted 30 mph limit. Bill Banks for the AJC

Lottery a $500,000 windfall for DeKalb man

Retirement will probably be even more relaxing for a DeKalb County man who won $500,000 from the Georgia Lottery. Larry Lucas, 53, played the instant game World Poker Tour and won the big prize.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Lucas said. “It was just unreal.”

Married with three children and four grandchildren, Lucas will use his winnings to buy a new truck and pay bills.

He also wants to do something special for his wife, Cynthia.

“We’ve never been on a honeymoon, so this may be a good time,” he said. AJC staff

Registration under way for summer day camp

Registration for Camp Superstars is under way 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at Browns Mill Recreation Center, 1501 Browns Mill Road, Lithonia, until slots are filled. The summer day camp is for ages 5-15 and runs June 4 to Aug. 3. The day camp will be Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. for $55 per week. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. The application is at www.dekalbcountyga.gov/parks. Information: Recreation Program Manager Bernita Reese at 404-371-6273. Kenneth Musisi

Motorcycle club hosts charity ride

The Atlanta Chapter Zulus Motorcycle Club will host a charity ride from Clarkston to Lithonia at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday to benefit the Beverly Cunningham Outreach Program. The program aims to provide counseling and rehabilitation services to survivors of domestic violence. Pre-registration is $15 through March 18 and $20 from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on the day of the event. Food and entertainment will be provided for registered riders. To pre-register, visit http://bcop.org/donate/. For details: 404-863-5416, 770-875-3122 or http://atlantazulus.com. Mea Watkins

SOUTHSIDE

McDonough names new city administrator

Frederick Gardiner has been named city administrator for McDonough, a post he will assume on Monday. He was previously the director of planning and development services in Griffin, where he worked for more than seven years. The Bahamas native has worked with Villa Rica and Henry County as well as Decatur, Ill., during his 20-plus years in local government. A Stockbridge resident, he is married with one son. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Henry flashlight Easter egg hunt March 30

Henry County Parks and Recreation Department is hosting its annual Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt at Nash Farm Park March 30. The event starts at 5:30. Egg hunting begins at 7 p.m. for children ages two to five. the Flashlight hunt begins at sundown for children 6 to 12.

Pictures can be taken with the Easter bunny for $10. Nash Farm Park is at 4361 Jonesboro Road in Hampton. Details: 770-288-7300 or visit www.hcprd.org. Tammy Joyner

Fayette clinic to hold fundraising gala

The Fayette Care Clinic’s 7th Annual Spring Fundraising Gala will be held March 30 at 7 p.m. at the Glendalough Manor in Tyrone.

The not-for-profit group provides medical and dental care to Fayette County residents who lack access to services. The “Dancing with the Stars” event will feature a reception, dinner, dancing and an auction. For information, call 770-719-4620 or email info@fayettecareclinic.com. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Fayette library hosts business seminar

The Fayette County Public Library and the U.S. Small Business Administration host “Deliberate Success,” a free seminar aimed at anyone interested in starting a business. From 6 to 8 p.m. March 27, head to the Fayetteville library, 1821 Heritage Park Way, to hear tips on designing business plans. Registration is required: www.sba.gov/ga; 770-305-5426. H.M. Cauley for the AJC

Leadership Georgia class meets in Henry

Henry County is hosting the March meeting of the Leadership Georgia Class of 2012. More than 80 participants will be in the county today through Saturday. Leadership Georgia began in 1972 and includes aspiring leaders statewide. The class meets five times a year at various locations around the state. Leadership Georgia is one of the nation’s oldest leadership training programs for young business, civic and community leaders. Tammy Joyner

International Cat Show to be April 14-15

Breeds from around the world will be featured at the International Cat Show on April 14-15 at the Atlanta State Farmers Market, located at 16 Forest Parkway in Forest Park. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days and includes vendors selling cat-related items and a rescue group offering cats for adoption. Admission is $6. A one-dollar discount will be offered for canned cat food donations. For information, visit www.tica.org. Mea Watkins