COBB
Water authority has draft for price on reservoir
The Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority is has a draft report from a consultant hired last month to put a price the Hickory Log Cree Reservoir in Canton, which is 25 percent owned by Canton and 75 percent owned by the authority. Canton has been trying to unload its share of the reservoir since last summer because costs for building it have soared from the original estimate of less than $20 million to about $100 million. Cobb authority General Manager Glenn Page said Wednesday more information in needed before the report is viewed by the authority board. Jeffry Scott
Woman charged with killing sister
A Cobb County woman is accused of stabbing her sister to death with a steak knife in the family’s home, police said.
Chakaya Brittney Folborg, 21, was arrested early Tuesday, hours after she allegedly killed Kourtney Chanel Dyches, also 21, Cobb County police said.
Folborg, of Mableton, was charged with felony murder and booked into the Cobb County jail, where she remained Wednesday without bond.
Officers were called to the family’s Gallant Circle home shortly after 11 p.m. Monday. Dyches was dead when officers arrived, police said. Alexis Stevens
Powder Springs sets hours for Sunday sales
In case the city’s voters grant their approval on March 6, the Powder Springs City Council approved on Monday the first reading of a new ordinance allowing Sunday alcohol sales -- but 90 minutes shorter than allowed by state law.
The second reading and final vote are scheduled for 7 p.m. March 5.
If the sales are approved by the city’s voters, the City Council will set the hours for 12:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. instead of until 11:30 p.m. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Austell mayor worried about health costs
The increasing cost of city employee healthcare was a major concern expressed Tuesday by Austell Mayor Joe Jerkins during his annual “State of the City” speech at the Austell Business Association meeting.
City employees have not received a raise “in four or five years,” he said.
Instead the city has been paying almost all of the increasing costs of healthcare coverage of their 100 employees.
For their family members, the city pays 75 percent, Jerkins said, with the employees paying the rest -- only if they choose the family plan option. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Diplomatic experts to speak at symposium
Karl Theodor zu Guttenberg and F. William Smullen III, chief of staff to former Secretary of State Colin Powell, will speak at a symposium sponsored by Kennesaw State University today and Friday.
The free symposium will focus on the role of conflict management and peace building in the United States’ security strategy.
Guttenberg will speak at 6 p.m. today at the Embassy Suites 620 Chastain Road. Smullen will speak at noon on Friday at KSU/The Commons 1000 Chastain Road Information: visit http://www.kennesaw.edu
Sandra Marshall Murray
GWINNETT
New bridge, sidewalks for Cruse Road
The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Tuesday approved a new bridge and sidewalks along Cruse Road near Lawrenceville. Commissioners awarded a $2.9 million contract to low bidder CMES Inc. The company will replace the Cruse Road Bridge over Sweetwater Creek. The wider bridge will separate opposing traffic and add shoulders, guardrail and a left-turn lane onto James Road. The project also includes sidewalks on the north side of Cruse from Vintage Pointe Drive to Club Drive and on the south side of Cruse from Sweetwater Middle School to James Road. David Wickert
County to update aerial photographs
Gwinnett County is taking aerial photographs to update its geographical information system.
Surveyors are placing 10-foot by 12-foot black and white plastic targets in the shapes “V,” “X” and “T” in public rights of way and on public land as part of the work. The targets will be removed after the flights are finished in mid-April.
The county asks residents not to disturb the targets. Information: www.gwinnettcounty.org. David Wickert
Shelter plans to stay open in summer
The SaltLight Center, Gwinnett County’s only cold-weather emergency shelter for homeless women and children, has announced that it will remain open through the summer.
Those seeking shelter at The SaltLight Center should call the Gwinnett Helpline at 770-995-3339.
Information: Carol Karpf at 770-885-2947 or www.familypromisegwinnett.org. Joel Anderson
Learn about African American genealogy
Johnette Brooks will speak about African American genealogical research from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Hilton Atlanta Northeast, 5994 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Norcross. Brooks will offer tips on navigating the U.S. Census, slaveholder records, family histories and other resources. The event is free, but reservations are required. Information, contact Linda Murphy at 770-814-6056 or lmurphy@gcvb.org. David Wickert
Design contests opens for Suwanee Day
Organizers with the Suwanee Day festival are again seeking applications for their annual design competition. The winning design will serve as the official logo for the 2012 “celebration of community” and will be imprinted on festival T-shirts and promotional materials. The winner will receive $500 cash.
Submissions will be accepted through May 31. Information: www.suwaneeday.com. Joel Anderson
County asks input on animal welfare
Gwinnett County is seeking public input on animal welfare issues. A task force is studying ways to improve animal control services. To assist the task force, Gwinnett is asking residents to take a brief survey. To take the survey and for information, visit www.gwinnettcounty.com. David Wickert
NORTHSIDE
43 apply for police chief job in Canton
Canton has 43 applications for the city’s police chief job, which has been open since former chief Jeff Lance resigned last month. City Manager Scott Wood says no timetable has been set for interviews or making a decision. “I am more concerned about taking whatever reasonable time is necessary to ensure the thoroughness and integrity of the process than I am about meeting a self-imposed timeline,” Wood said by e-mail. Lance resigned after a report blasted his department’s investigation into the Jorelys Rivera abduction and murder case. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Suspect arrested, stolen goods recovered
Cherokee County Sheriff’s deputies on Tuesday recovered $6,500 worth of stolen goods and arrested a burglary suspect. A witness reported seeing items stolen during the burglary at a house on Lauren Glen Crossing near Canton. Detectives found stolen property there, including electronics, wakeboards and other items. Nicholas Ramaglia was charged with burglary and drug possession in connection with the stolen items. Andria Simmons
Friday is deadline to apply for FRESH grants
Friday is the deadline for Fulton nonprofits to apply for the county’s 2012-13 Human Services and Fulton Roundtable Expanded Service Headquarters, or FRESH, grants. Groups that provide aging, disability, employment, homelessness, housing, HIV/AIDS and youth and family services can submit applications, which must address district-specific issues. Applications: hsd.applications@fultoncountyga.gov. Johnny Edwards
Rep. Woodall to hold town hall meeting
U.S. Rep. Rob Woodall, a Gwinnett Republican who represents parts of south Forsyth County, will hold a public town hall meeting Saturday. The meeting is set for 11:30 a.m. in the cafeteria at Big Creek Elementary School, 1949 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming. Information: http://woodall.house.gov/
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Woodstock offers help to new business
Entrepreneurs looking to start, expand or relocate a business in Woodstock can look to the Main Street Woodstock program for help. The non-profit community group’s Business Development Committee plans to offer a four-part Small Business Academy beginning March 7 to provide instruction in such areas as business planning and finance, marketing and social media, design and merchandising and community networking. Information: 770-592-6056 or msaxon@woodstockga.gov Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Art/fashion show raises money for school
The Fine Arts Department at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School will receive part of the proceeds from an art and fashion show Friday at the Foundry at Puritan Mill, 916 Joseph E. Lowery Blvd. Atlanta. The show, “A Heart for the Arts: Celebrating the Style of Giving,” includes a New York-style runway fashion show sponsored by Tootsies and Miller Brothers. Information: www.hies.org/Help. Tickets are $75 per person, which includes parking. Nancy Badertscher
ATLANTA
Bicyclist hit by alleged drunk driver
A bicyclist was badly hurt early Wednesday when he was hit by an allegedly drunk driver in the heart of Buckhead.
Christopher Hamer-Hodges was hit around 1 a.m. in the intersection of Peachtree Road and West Paces Ferry Road, according to Atlanta police spokeswoman Kim Jones.
“The driver of the vehicle did not stop, but was stopped by police a short time later,” Jones told the AJC.
That driver, identified as David Seigel, was charged with DUI, reckless driving and following too closely.
Hamer-Hodges was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital with a broken leg, broken ribs and possible head trauma, Jones said. Mike Morris
City Council goes on retreat today
The Atlanta City Council will hold a two-day winter retreat today and Friday, .
The retreat will focus on city council operational and financial issues.
Today’s meeting, which is scheduled to include a discussion of the city’s budget, will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Defoor Centre, 1710 Defoor Avenue N.W. Friday’s meeting is 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Chick-fil-A’s corporate headquarters, 5200 Buffington Road.
For information, call the Office of the Council President at 404-330-6052. Jeremiah McWilliams
Gay-Straight Alliance Summit Saturday
The Georgia Safe Schools Coalition and Georgia Equality will hold the 2012 Georgia Gay-Straight Alliance Summit for Georgia youth on Saturday at the Georgia State University College of Education Building, 30 Pryor Street, Atlanta.
The summit was created to unify and empower youth with workshops and activities and offer a chance to establish community.
The event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and consists of three breakout sessions, breakfast, lunch, a keynote presentation and vendor tables.
Information: Corey Johnson, csjohns@uga.edu. Jemea Watkins
DEKALB
Builder held responsible for damaged trees
During Tuesday’s regular meeting, the Decatur City Commission unanimously ruled that Artisan Home Crafters is responsible, in compliance with the city’s tree ordinance, for two damaged oak trees at 324 Mead Road, where the builder is constructing a single-family home. The Commission ordered the builder to remove one of the oaks, 46-inches in diameter, that city arborist Ed Macie declared dead last November, and also fined Artisan $6,325 for damages. Artisan was appealing the tree ordinance Tuesday, the first such appeal since the ordinance was written in 1989. Bill Banks for the AJC
County to hold job forum Friday
DeKalb County will hold an informational forum for county jobseekers Friday at its Workforce Development Office.
The focus will be on work readiness for the county’s $1.35 billion overhaul of its water/sewer system and potential job opportunities. County residents will be given preference for work when contracting begins later this year.
The forums will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., noon to 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday at the office, 320 Church St., Decatur.
More information: www.dekalbworkforce.org. April Hunt
County collects shoes for the needy
DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs is collecting through Feb. 29 new and gently-used shoes for Soles4Souls, which will give the footwear to people in need.
All types and all sizes of shoes are needed, and matching pairs should be tied together.
Drop-off locations are: the Hamilton, Lucious Sanders, Lynwood, Mason Mill, Midway, N.H. Scott, Briarwood, Redan, Exchange, Tobie Grant Recreation, Gresham or Tucker Recreation Centers or the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center, Maloof Building or Little Creek Horse Farm. Rhonda Cook
Foundation to host ‘A Mysterious Evening’
The DeKalb Library Foundation will host “A Mysterious Evening” next month as a fundraiser for the county’s 22 branches. The event runs from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. March 24 at the Decatur library and features mystery authors Grant Jerkins, William Rawlings, Patricia Sprinkle and Amanda Kyle Williams in a reception, book signing and silent auction.
Tickets are $65 in advance and $75 at the door. All proceeds benefit the county’s libraries, which receive just $100,000 in county funds for books and materials.
Information: 404-370-8450 Ext. 2238 or www.dekalblibrary.org/foundation. April Hunt
Community health event to be Saturday
DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson will host an event to focus on community health and exercise this weekend at the Porter Sanford Center. The Get Body Beautiful features trainer Andrea Riggs discussing exercise challenges and lifestyle changes. Physical activities, nutritional information and healthy snacks are all expected. The free event begins at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Sanford Center on Rainbow Drive in south DeKalb. Information: 404-371-2425. April Hunt
SOUTHSIDE
Three hurt in shooting at College Park night club
College Park police Wednesday were investigating an overnight shooting at an Old National Highway sports bar that left three people wounded.
The shooting happened at Club Throbacks in the 4800 block of Old National Highway, Channel 2 Action News reported.
The identities and conditions of the three people wounded were not immediately available.
Investigators have not said what sparked the gunfire. Mike Morris
Bennett’s Mill heads to state olympiad
The Science Olympiad team at Bennett’s Mill Middle School in Fayetteville won first place at the recent regional tournament at Columbus State University.
The team earned 18 medals overall in 23 events related to life science, earth science, physical science, technology and engineering. Bennett’s Mill will next compete at the State Science Olympiad on March 24 at Southern Polytechnic University. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Pedestrian killed Monday identified
The man who died early Monday after being struck by several vehicles in south Fulton County has been identified as Robert Courtright, 23, of Lithia Springs.
The incident happened around 3 a.m. Monday on Camp Creek Parkway near Fulton Industrial Boulevard.
Fulton police Cpl. Kay Lester said the drivers of all of the vehicles that struck Courtright stopped after hitting him. Mike Morris
One Humanity Conference for boys
The Fulton County Youth Leadership Academy for Boys will hold its second annual One Humanity Conference on Saturday, for boys ages 8 to 11. The purpose is to teach leadership skills, while covering such topics as diversity, teamwork, generosity and overcoming challenges.
The youth academy was created by county Commissioner Bill Edwards.
The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Public Safety Training Center, 3025 Merk Road, College Park. Information: 404-612-2200 or Spencer.Webb@fultoncountyga.gov. Johnny Edwards
Piedmont Henry to offer CPR class
Piedmont Henry Hospital will conduct a HeartSaver CPR First Aid course Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. The course is taught by a certified American Heart Association instructor and includes CPR and first aid for adult and pediatric victims. Registration is required for this class. To register, visit www.piedmonthenry.org/classes/prevention or call the Piedmont Henry Hospital Community Education Department at 678-604-1040. Monroe Roark for the AJC
East Point invites residents to energy fair
East Point residents are invited to energy fair featuring items to make their homes more energy efficient. The fair is Saturday at the City Hall annex on East Forrest Avenue from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Residents must show proof of residency. John Thompson for the AJC
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