County by county news for Thursday

More than the required 60 percent of homeowners on the proposed 14 properties have approved being in the district which allows the council to vote on the issue after the hearing.

If the district is approved, other homes could be added with the consent of the owner.

Information: www.mariettaga.gov. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Schools distributed donated books

Cobb Schools’ Library Media Education department distributed more than 10,400 books this summer to students in the MUST Ministries Summer Lunch program. The department launched the book drive a year ago when they encouraged book donation. Hundreds of students received a book to read, keep or share this summer. Darrell Burnette II

Retired educators association to meet

The Cobb Marietta Retired Educators Association meets at 11:30 a.m. todayat the C. Freeman Poole Senior Center, 4025 South Hurt Road, Smyrna. Jay Dillon, communications director for the Cobb County Schools will speak. Lunch is $10. Information: Debby Overstreet, debbybob@comcast.net.ww.cmrea.org/ or 770-801-3400. Mea Watkins

Powder Springs on summer schedule

Powder Springs City Council will hold voting meetings once a month this summer. Upcoming meetings are Aug. 19 and Sept. 23 with work sessions on Aug. 14 and Sept. 11.

Work sessions are 5 p.m. at City Hall, 4484 Marietta St. Preceded by a 6:30 p.m. work session, voting meetings start at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 4488 Pineview Drive.

Information: City Clerk Dawn Davis, DDavis@CityOfPowderSprings.org, 770-943-4349 or cityofpowdersprings.org. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Recruiters wanted for Sept. 11 job fair

Marietta is looking for employers to recruit at a job fair 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 11 at the Cobb County Civic Center, 548 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta. The Marietta/Cobb Career Expo is sponsored by Marietta, Cobb County, the Cobb Chamber of Commerce and Georgia Department of Labor. Information: www.mariettaga.gov. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Cobb chairman’s meeting is moved

The town hall meeting for Cobb Chairman Tim Lee has been moved to Pebblebrook High School Cobb County Center for Excellence in the Performing Arts, 991 Old Alabama Road, Mableton.

The meeting will be at 7 p.m. Aug. 13. Information: 770-528-3305. Jaime Sarrio

Marietta walking tour explores black history

A new walking tour in the Marietta area features 13 sites of historical significance to the city and the black community, dating to the Civil War. The tour brochure is available at several locations, including the Marietta Visitors Bureau, the Marietta Museum of History and online at www.mariettasquare.com. Information: 770-429-1115.Jaime Sarrio

GWINNETT

Health department offers back-to-school checkups

The Gwinnett County Health Department is offering hearing, dental and vision screenings for $40 to help insure children are ready for school and will be documented on the required Georgia Form 3300.

Required immunizations available and will be documented on the required Georgia Form 3231. Services may be paid for with cash, credit or most insurance policies. Locations include 2755 Sawnee Avenue in Buford, 455 Grayson Highway in Lawrenceville and 5030 Georgia Belle Court in Norcross. Info: www.gnrhealth.com/ready-for-school Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Buford businesses to meet for networking

The Buford Business Alliance with meet for Business After-Hours at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at Ivy Springs Manor, 3177 Gravel Springs Road, Buford.

This non-profit organization brings together the community and businesses to help promote commerce and tourism in Buford.

Information: www.visitbuford.com.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Chattapoochee seeks contestants, sponsors

Duluth Parks and Rec and Duluth Historical Society are extending their search for the next Chattapoochee Dog Park mayor and looking for business partners by Aug. 23 to serve as “blue ribbon sponsors” to help elect the new dog mayor.

The new dog mayor will be announced at Chattapoochee PetFest on Oct. 6.

Information: www. duluthtopdog@gmail.com or www.duluthhistorical.org/chattapoochee. Karen Huppertz

Congressman will host town hall

The United Peachtree Corners Civic Association is sponsoring a town hall meeting.

Seventh District Congressman Rob Woodall will be ther featured speaker.

The event will be from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 26 at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 5575 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners.

Information: www.upcca.org. Questions: president@upcca.org or 404-825-8788.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Art show exhibit runs through August

Some people have an eye for creating art from trash. Bree Sauers, from Tannery Row Artist Colony, has created a dress collection from paper and plaster, and landscapes and still lifes from discarded items.

The exhibit will be on display from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Aug. 16 at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, 185 W. Crogan St., Lawrenceville.

Information: 770-822-5450.

Hannah Morgan

Citizenship classes at Lawrenceville library

The Lawrenceville branch of the Gwinnett Public Library will offer classes to help pass the U.S. Citizenship test 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursday through Sept. 12 at 1001 Lawrenceville Highway.

No registration required.

Information: www.gwinnettpl.org.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Man reported missing in Chattahoochee River

A man, whose name was released, was last seen around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, swimming from a boat near Don White Park on Riverside Road, Roswell police said. Boaters attempted unsuccessfully to throw a life vest to the man, according to police.

Crews searched for him until dark Tuesday, and the Forsyth County dive team, along with state Department of Natural Resources, National Park Service and Roswell fire personnel resumed looking for the man Wednesday.

The search continues. Alexis Stevens

Bus catches fire on top-end Perimeter

A bus caught fire before 6:15 a.m. on I-285 eastbound before Northside Drive, near the Chattahoochee River bridge Wednesday.

There were no passengers on the bus, and the bus driver escaped without injury.

Two right lanes of I-285 eastbound were blocked as fire crews doused the flames. Mike Morris

Sex offender probation sweep in Forsyth

Forsyth County Sheriffs Office investigators conducted a first-of-its-kind joint operation with Georgia state probation officials Monday, checking registered sex offenders to make sure they were complying with terms of their probation.

Officers arrested five people, four of them sex offenders.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Council overrides mayor’s veto

The Johns Creek City Council voted Monday to override Mayor Mike Bodker’s veto of a measure that freed city attorneys to cooperate in an investigation of possible information leaks by the mayor. The 5-1 vote clears the way for city attorneys to discuss private matters from closed City Council sessions.

Bodker vetoed the waiver last week saying it was too broad and could force the city to reveal legal and land acquisition strategies. Bodker recused himself from the vote. Councilwoman Kelly Stewart cast the lone dissent. Patrick Fox

Fulton schools to hold community meetings

Fulton County’s school board members will hold several meetings this month to engage with community members about local issues and concerns. Linda Schultz will hold a meeting at 9:30 a.m. on Aug. 21 at Crabapple Middle School. Katie Reeves will hold a meeting at 9:30 a.m. on Aug. 21 at 4165 Big Creek Overlook in Alpharetta. Linda McCain will hold a meeting at 9:30 a.m. on Aug. 15 at the Johns Creek Environmental Campus. Catherine Maddox will hold a meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 19 at Banneker High School. Julia Bernath will hold a meeting at 9:30 a.m. on Aug. 15 at the Johns Creek Environmental Campus. Daarell Burnette II

Cherokee financial report released

Three quarters of the way through the 2013 fiscal year, Cherokee County finances remain in good shape. Chief Financial Officer Janelle Funk told commissioners Tuesday that 17 of 30 county funds are in better cash position than this time last year. In particular, she says, the general fund is up $4.4 million from 2012 Q3, driven by a $3.5 million hike in revenues and lower expenses. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

Fourth arrest in death of pastor’s brother

Demetrius Morgan, 17, has been arrested as the fourth suspect in the May 7 shooting death of Jerrick Jackson, 47, the younger brother of Bishop Wiley Jackson, pastor of Gospel Tabernacle Cathedral. Earlier in the day Tuesday, Felton D. Lovejoy, 18, was taken into custody on charges of murder and armed robbery,

Geno Lewis, 19, turned himself in to the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office on Friday. Alejandro “Big Poppa” Pitts, 18, was arrested Thursday. Angel K. Brooks

Students relocated during renovations

Students in Bunche Middle, Coan Middle, Jackson High, Rivers Elementary and Sylvan Hills Elementary will be relocated during renovations and construction.

Parks Middle School and Atlanta Preparatory Academy charter school ere closed for the school year. Mark Niesse

Artist in residency applications accepted

The Creatives Project is now accepting applications through midnight Aug. 15 for it’s artist-in-studio residency program. Five Atlanta artists will get free long-term studio spaces and exhibition opportunities for two years at the Goat Farm Arts Center, 1200 Foster St. In exchange, the selected artists will complete youth outreach service. Information: www.thecreativesproject.org/programs or artists@thecreativesproject.org.

Veronica Fields Johnson

Family resource fair scheduled

A free resource fair for students and tparents will take place 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 17 at Metro Lanes and Games, 1959 Metropolitan Pkwy.

The fair will feature school supplies and activities for students, including skating, games, a talent showcase, food and more.

Information on after school care, extracurricular programs, and organizations specializing in life skills, parenting and personal development will be available for parents.

Information: Reginald Crossley, 404-612-7386 or 404-409-7761. Mea Watkins

DEKALB

Stone Mountain man sentenced for robberies

A Stone Mountain man was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison Tuesday for robbing eight businesses and possessing a stolen firearm.

Laquan Smith, 24, stole more than $7,400 from two Dollar General stores, three Family Dollar stores, a Pet Supermarket, an Orbit video and a Subway, according to U.S. Attorney Sally Quillian Yates.

Smith pleaded guilty to the charges on Jan. 31, 2013. He was sentenced to 18 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release. He also must pay a $900 fine.

Smith was aided by Troy Thomas during two of the robberies, authorities said. Thomas was sentenced to 11 years in prison. Bryan Cronan

Referendum would bump property taxes

If Decatur voters passed a $59.6 million bond referendum in November to renovate Renfroe Middle and Decatur High schools, the city’s property taxes would increase slightly. Assuming City Schools Decatur chooses to pay the bond over 30 years (its current preference), residents owning a $200,000 home would pay $248.22 more in taxes per year, a $400,000 home owner would pay $496.45 more and a $600,000 owner pays $744.67.

To appear on the ballot, however, the referendum must be passed by the city commission before Aug. 30. Bill Banks for the AJC

‘Cuffed for a Cause’ event Saturday

“Cuffed for a Cause,” an event benefiting Special Olympics Georgia, will be hosted Saturday by the Dunwoody Police Department and held at the Dunwoody Wal-Mart. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Each year, members of the Dunwoody Police Department get handcuffed to moving treadmills for hours and walk, walk, walk for donations. Various patrol vehicles and equipment will be on display.

The Wal-Mart is at 4725 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody. Nancy Badertscher

Judge dismisses biomass plant case

An administrative law judge has dismissed a lawsuit from a group of DeKalb County residents opposed to a proposed biomass plant near Lithonia.

Judge Amanda Baxter said the Citizens for a Healthy and Safe Environment, or CHASE, did not respond in a timely manner to various court orders in its challenge to a state air permit for the facility.

Green Energy Partners had secured the state permit for the $60 million facility on Rogers Lake Road, which calls for burning wood chips to create energy that it will sell to Georgia Power.

County Commissioners approved a rezoning chance for the plant in 2011, and company officials plan to break ground on the facility later this year April Hunt

South DeKalb Festival coming in September

A free outdoor festival, featuring food and entertainment from the multi-cultural area, is lated for Sept. 28 at the Gallery at South DeKalb Mall.

The Heart of South DeKalb has already secured several local restaurants to serve as corporate sponsors. Additional community groups are invited to join in planning and programming for the event.

Information: 404-683-3599 or heartofsouthdekalbfestival2013@gmail.com. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Mayor’s Walking Tour next two Saturdays

McDonough Mayor Billy Copeland is hosting an hour long ‘Walking Tour’ starting at 9:30 a.m. Saturday and Aug. 17.

The tour will guide citizens through McDonough Historic Downtown and will leave from the McDonough Welcome Center at 5 Griffin Street.

Participant should wear cool clothing and comfortable shoes. The tour is free. Information: 770-957-3915. Sandra Marshall Murray

Clayton Chamber to host business lunch

The Clayton Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Business Spotlight luncheon will be held Aug. 15 at Pristine Chapel Lakeside, 7541 Mt. Zion Boulevard in Jonesboro. The 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. luncheon will feature Jonesboro Mayor Joy Day; Diana Earwood, general manager of Destiny Organics LLC; former Clayton Commissioner Virginia Burton Gray and Mercedes Miller, executive director of the Georgia International Convention Center. Cost is $35 a person; $150 for display tables and $300 for a table of eight. Details: call the chamber at 678 610-4021. Tammy Joyner

Dance company to host entertainment series

Ballethnic Dance Company will host a Cultural Cul de Sac 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday at the studio, 2587 Cheney St., East Point.

The event features performances by the company’s youth ensemble, the adult performing company and guest musical artists. Vendors, activities and food will be offered.

Information: 404-762-1416 or www.Ballethnic.org. Veronica Fields Johnson

Community invited to block party

Center of Hope Ministries hosts a community back-to school-block party 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at 492 Roy Huie Road, Riverdale that will feature music, fun, food, games and special guests.

Information: Dee Dee Dunmore at 770-807-4673. Veronica Fields Johnson

Henry using drug disposal receptacles

Henry County have receptacles to be one of the first jurisdictions in Georgia to participate in a new drug disposal program. The receptacles will enable residents to dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs in special receptacles.

Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays, at the Henry County Police Department’s headquarters (108 S. Zack Hinton Parkway in McDonough) or its north precinct (4545 North Henry Blvd. in Stockbridge). Monroe Roark for the AJC

Stockbridge looking to be a Main Street city

The Stockbridge City Council gave a green light recently to apply for Main Street status with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.

City officials said they would learn in November if Stockbridge is selected. Right now 96 cities in Georgia are Main Street communities, including the other three cities in Henry County — Hampton, Locust Grove and McDonough.

Information: www.cityofstockbridge.com.

Monroe Roark for the AJC