County by county news for Thursday

Samuel Wilkins, 20, was found just before 10:30 p.m. behind a building at the Riverside Townhomes in the 7400 block of Riverside Parkway, Cobb police spokesman Michael Bowman said.

Bowman said police are looking for a suspect described as a black male in his late teens or early 20s, about 5 feet, 10 inches tall with a thin build.

He asked that anyone with information on the incident call investigators at 770-499-3945. Mike Morris

Volunteers needed to help plant trees

Marietta Tree Keepers, the Rotary Club of Marietta and Keep Cobb Beautiful are looking for volunteers to help plant 600 seedling trees at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park near Cheatham Hill and Powder Springs Street. Volunteers should meet 8:30 a.m., Saturday near Cheatham Hill and Powder Springs street. Look for signs giving directions on Cheatham Hill Road between John Ward and Powder Springs roads. Information: 770-424-4664, mariettatreekeepers@comcast.net. Jeffry Scott

Cobb’s library used book sale March 23-34

The Cobb County Public Library System’s used book sale is so big, it’s being held at the exhibition halls at Jim Miller Park, 2245 Callaway Road, Marietta. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 23 and 24, and from 1 to 5 p.m. March 25. All items are priced from 10 cents to $5, and only cash and checks are accepted. Info: www.cobbcat.org; 770-528-2342. H.M. Cauley for the AJC

Acworth names 2011 citizen of the year

Acworth has named Cajun chef Henry Chandler 2011 citizen of the year. The Louisiana native became part of the city’s downtown revitalization after opening his Louisiana Grill on Main Street in 2000. The city noted Chandler for his community leadership and volunteer work with Life Link of Georgia, an organ and tissue recovery organization. Chandler, a cancer survivor, had a liver transplant in 2008. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Austell to replace old broken City Hall clock

Austell City Council members voted Monday to update their longtime broken City Hall clock with an LED electronic message center.

The full-color sign will be purchased for $19,861 from Southeast Message Centers.

This sign also will be used to promote city events, said Jim Graham, director of the city’s Community Development and Parks departments.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Children’s consignment sale starts today

A children’s consignment sale will take place in Powder Springs today through Saturday. The Twice Blessed sale is sponsored by McEachern Memorial United Methodist Church, 4075 Macland Road at Lost Mountain Road.

Hours are 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday when many items will be half off. Proceeds will go to children’s ministries of the church. No strollers are allowed.

Information: 770-943-3008 ext. 1212 or twice-blessed.org. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

GWINNETT

Changes to Coolray development put on hold

Gwinnett County won’t take up changes to a proposed commercial development at Coolray Field until next month.

Two developers have proposed scaling back a planned commercial development at the stadium and building more apartments instead. Residents and some county officials object, saying the upscale development originally proposed was a key selling point when Gwinnett officials agreed to spend $64 million to build the stadium. The Municipal-Gwinnett County Planning Commission was scheduled to take up the proposals Wednesday but will postpone action until April 3. David Wickert

Beaudreau to meet with residents Saturday

Gwinnett County Commissioner Mike Beaudreau will meet with constituents from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Central Gwinnett High School, 564 W. Crogan St., Lawrenceville. Beaudreau represents commission District 3. David Wickert

Fresh veggies needed

Lilburn Farmer’s Market is looking for fresh, locally grown produce. The Lilburn Farmer’s Market opens their season June 1 in downtown from 4 to 8 p.m. each Friday in June, July and August. Interested farmer’s can obtain agricultural guidelines, information and applications at www.lilburnfarmersmarket.org or 678-667-2592. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Landscapers begin busy season

Russell Landscape Group, chosen this year by the Evermore Community Improvement District to maintain its Highway 78 corridor, is scheduled to mow and weed four times monthly beginning this month through October, then less frequently from November through February. Additionally, Russell will collect litter and illegal signage. Last year, landscapers removed about two tons of litter and road debris and spent an estimated 1,100 hours of maintaining the corridor, the CID said. Michael Alpert for the AJC

Author-historian to speak at library

Author and historian Brad Quinlin will be the featured speaker at the Gwinnett Historical Society meeting on March 18. Quinlin has written several books on the Civil War. His topic for the evening will be “Rest Brave Comrades, Your Work is Done,” based on last letters Union soldiers sent home to their mothers. The meeting takes place at 7:30 p.m. at 185 Crogan Street, Lawrenceville. For more information, call 770-822-5174. Mea Watkins

GMC to hold seminar on sports medicine

Gwinnett Medical Center in Lawrenceville will host a symposium on high school sports medicine on Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., for students interested in sports medicine careers.

Physical trainers, physical therapists, and physicians will discuss taping, heat illness, first aid, personal protective equipment and splinting. Advanced topics will include rehabilitation skills, injury recognition, injury prevention and anatomy.

The event will be held at the GMC Resource Center, 665 Duluth Highway. It costs $10 to attend. Call 678-312-5000 to register. Misty Williams

NORTHSIDE

Cherokee citizens group targets recycling deal

A Cherokee County citizens committee that advised the county commission last year on ways to cut the budget, but saw none of its recommendations adopted, said it is investigating a public/private partnership formed by the commission in 2007 between the county and Ballground-based Cherokee Recycling Company. Tea Party activist and head of the Citizens’ Committee, Carolyn Cosby, said the group is looking at the county’s contract with the company to determine if there deal has been properly funded. Jeffry Scott

Forsyth Rotary holds Monte Carlo fundraiser

It’s a night of gaming for a good cause. The Rotary Club of South Forsyth hopes to raise $40,000 for youth charities with its 19th annual Monte Carlo Casino Night on Saturday. More than 350 are expected to attend the night of music, games and a silent auction at the Forsyth Conference Center at Lanier Technical College. The event has helped such entities as The Bald Ridge Lodge, a local home for at-risk boys, and the United Way. More info: www.southforsythrotaryclub.com Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Cherokee urges teens to make ‘Prom Promise’

The Cherokee Sheriff’s Office is teaming up with Cherokee County Schools and students for this year’s prom season.

Students will be offered a “Prom Promise”, which is a document they sign promising not to drink on prom night. The document is signed by the student, a parent and the principal of the school. The Prom Promise document will be distributed at schools and can be downloaded from the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office website at http://www.cherokeega-sheriff.org. Andria Simmons

Roswell to hold citizens police academy

The Roswell Police Department is now accepting applications for this fall’s Citizens Police Academy.During the 10-week course held on Thursdays beginning Sept. 6, participants learn about all aspects of the department, including the canine unit, SWAT team, DUI enforcement, 911 Communications, the Detention Center, and criminal investigations.

The academy is held at the Roswell/Alpharetta training facility at 11565 Maxwell Road in Alpharetta.

Info: www.roswellgov.com/citizenpoliceacademy Andria Simmons

Kindergarten, first grade registration soon

Registration for kindergarten and first-grade students entering Cherokee County schools for the first time in the 2012-13 school year will be held March 29 -30. Parents can register their kids from 3:30 to 6 p.m. on March 29, or from 9 a.m. to noon on March 30. Additional info: www.cherokee.k12.ga.us Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Reinhardt adds two new trustees

Reinhardt University announces that two new members have joined the school’s board of trustees. Pam Smith, the president of a real estate consulting firm, and Ellen McElyea, a superior court judge, were appointed and approved for membership on the 28-member board on Jan. 24. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

Cox Foundation give $50,000 to LAA

The James M. Cox Foundation on Wednesday announced a $50,000 gift to the Latin American Association (LAA) to support the organization’s Latino Family Self-Sufficiency Project. That project helps families with emergency needs including rent assistance, food and clothing.

The LAA focuses on youth academic achievement, education and services to families with urgent needs.

“The gift from the James M. Cox Foundation will help us provide vital services to Atlanta’s Hispanic community,” said Jeffrey Tapia, the LAA’s executive director. Jeremiah McWilliams

Students to compete in engineering contest

A team from Atlanta’s B.E.S.T. Academy will compete in the national finals at the Southeastern Consortium for Minorities in Engineering design competition, June 26-29 at the University of Alabama.

The goal of the competition is to prepare students to enter and complete post-secondary studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This is the first time the team has advanced to the final round in the competition.

Information: www.atlanta.k12.ga.us. Jaime Sarrio

Hunger Walk/Run to be on Sunday

The 28th Annual Hunger Walk/Run will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Turner Field’s green lot. The event will help raise awareness and money to help people who don’t have enough to eat.

The Hunger Walk/Run benefits the Atlanta Community Food Bank, Action Ministries, Episcopal Charities Foundation, Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, Lutheran Services of Georgia and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Gates open at noon and the day will include activities such as music and giveaways.

Participants can register the day of the event or in advance at www.HWR2012.org and click the name of an organization. The fee to run is $25. There is no charge for walkers to participate, but a $25 donation is encouraged. Shelia Poole

DEKALB

Police man in shooting two women

Police are trying to find a man accused of fatally shooting his ex-wife and injuring another DeKalb County woman.

Around 11:30 a.m., police responded to a call of shots fired at the Windchase apartment complex in the 500 block of Wind Chase Lane.

One woman was found dead, and another was injured and taken to an area hospital in critical condition, DeKalb County police spokeswoman Mekka Parish said.

Jason Bryant, 26, was last seen fleeing the area in a late-model Geo Tracker with extensive front-end damage, Parish said. Marcus K. Garner

School board may cut back on construction

The DeKalb County school board may take action today to close a $41 million shortfall in the sales tax-funded construction budget.

Officials discovered the problem in late February and Superintendent Cheryl Atkinson notified the board last week. She wants to close the budget gap with $8 million in contingency funds and $33 million in cutbacks. The eliminated work would include planned air conditioning installations, new toilets and access ramps for students in wheelchairs.

The meeting is at 11 a.m., at 1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard, Stone Mountain. Ty Tagami

Best selling author to speak at GPC

William Kamkwamba, author of the New York Times bestseller, “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind,” will be a guest speaker at Georgia Perimeter College.

He will give talks at 11:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. on March 21. Both free events will be at the Cole Auditorium on the Clarkston campus, 555 North Indian Creek Drive.

Kamkwamba’s book is the GPC Reads selection for Spring 2012. GPC Reads is the college’s common read program for students, faculty and staff. Info: 678-891-2691. Nancy Badertscher

Dunwoody students win in art contest

Two children from Dunwoody Elementary School took first and second place in the Georgia Aquarium Regional Coastal America Ocean Art Contest.

Third grader Kayla Smith won the event with fifth grader Carol Zhou in second place. Their work was forwarded to the National Coastal America Art Contest, where winners will be notified in April.

The competition for third through fifth graders was judged on visual impact, artistic merit and clarity in communicating the nation’s coastal policy of stewardship. Ty Tagami

Seminar on raising backyard chickens

The DeKalb Cooperative Extension, as part of its Homeowner Gardening Series, is offering a class on raising backyard chickens tonight from 7 to 8:30 p.m., in the auditorium at the Main Extension Office, 4380 Memorial Drive in Decatur.

Radio and TV personality Walter Reeves, “the gardening guru,” and University of Georgia poultry science specialist Dr. Casey Ritz will speak. They’ll offer advice on taking care of chickens and whether you can do so legally in your neighborhood.

Cost is $10. Information: 404-298-4080. Bill Banks for the AJC

SOUTHSIDE

Peachtree City offers reward to report graffiti

The Peachtree City Police Department is offering rewards up to $500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for spreading graffiti.

Each vandalism incident requires the police to investigate and the Public Works staff to repaint or resurface the affected areas, resulting in considerable expenses.

Anyone with information about perpetrators can report them anonymously at 770-631-2510 or 770-487-6010. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Expo targets students going into construction

Middle and high school students interested in a construction career can meet college professors, professionals and trade representatives at the eighth annual Construction Education Foundation of Georgia’s CareerExpo.

The foundation touts the exposition as the largest youth workforce development event in the state. Students can learn about career paths and necessary skills.

The event is March 15-16, at the Georgia International Convention Center, 2000 Convention Center Concourse, Atlanta. Information: www.CEFGA.org. Ty Tagami

Clayton students to perform in talent show

Clayton County Public Schools’ 2nd annual Clayton’s Got Talent is Saturday at 3 p.m. at the Clayton County Performing Arts Center, 2530 Mount Zion Parkway. Proceeds go to the Superintendent’s Scholarship Fund for scholarships to high school seniors.

Advance tickets are $5; $7 at the door. More than 40 acts highlight middle and high school students who will sing, dance, rap, recite poetry and play instruments.

Details: Rhonda Burnough, community affairs liaison, (770) 473-2760 or rhonda.burnough@clayton.k12.ga.us. Tammy Joyner

Henry offers spring break camp April 2-6

Henry County Parks and Recreation is offering Spring Break camp April 2- 6 for Henry County schools. Cost: $100 per child, with a $10 discount for each additional child in the same family. Hours: 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. for ages 5 to 12.

Locations: Heritage Park in McDonough, the Locust Grove Recreation Center in Locust Grove, J. P. Moseley Recreation Center in Stockbridge, Fairview Recreation Center in Stockbridge and Nash Farm Park in Hampton.

Registration is March 12-30, weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the various camps.

Details: www.hcprd.org. or 770-288-7311. Tammy Joyner

Plots still available in community garden

The Peachtree City Community Garden will open Saturday with a plot-picking party for new members. The 1 p.m. event will be at the garden on Kelly drive just before the Lake Peachtree dam. Yearly fee for an 8- by-10 plot is $100 and $175 for an 8-by-20 plot.

A family can successfully produce close to $4,000 in vegetables if they had to purchase the vegetables at the grocery store, according to Larry Dove of Two Dove Farms.

Plots are still available. Details: www.ptcfarmersmarket.org. Tammy Joyner