County by county news for Thursday

The district will use $3.6 million from reserves to balance the 2014 budget which reflects a $924,648 increase.

The board is expected to drop the district’s 19.157 millage rate to 18.682 at a meeting in July.

Information: www.marietta-city.org.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Saturday deadline for Governor’s speech

Gov. Nathan Deal will speak to the West Cobb Business Association at 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at Lost Mountain Baptist Church, 5400 Old Dallas Road, Powder Springs.

Since space is limited, Saturday is the deadline for the pre-registration rates of $15 for members or $20 for guests.

After Saturday, cost is $30 for members and guests.

Information: westcobbbusiness.com/events.html#luncheon.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Marietta seeks power board member

Marietta’s City Council is taking applications through Friday for a seat on the city’s Board of Lights and Water.

Candidates don’t have to live within city limits, but do have to receive utility service from Marietta to be appointed.

Applications are at the city clerk’s office, Marietta City Hall, 205 Lawrence St. or online at www.mariettaga.gov.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Residents to vote on redevelopment

The Marietta City Council last week agreed to let residents decide if a $35 million redevelopment project will move forward.

The council decided in a 7-0 vote to put the proposed general obligation bond on the Nov. 5 ballot.

The city plans to spend $31 million to redevelop the Franklin Road corridor that parallels I-75 and $4 million for streetscape improvements on Whitlock Avenue west of Marietta Square. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Cobb commissioner seeking volunteers

Cobb Commissioner Lisa Cupid, who represents District 4, is looking for volunteers to help in the office and on special projects.

Interested residents should download and fill out a volunteer packet available at cobbcounty.org/cupid.

Cupid’s district covers the southern portion of the county.

Jaime Sarrio

Schools provide summer meals

Marietta City Schools students 18 and under are eligible for free snacks and meals while school is out for the summer.

Locations are Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta, 461 Manget St.; Salvation Army, 202 Waterman St.; Greater Community Church of God in Christ, 406 Roswell St.; Walton Village, 1600 Roberta Drive and Custer Park, 600 Kenneth E. Marcus Way.

The program ends July 19.

Information: www.marietta-city.org.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

GWINNETT

Lilburn approved bid for repaving roads

Lilburn approved Baldwin Paving Company’s nearly $108,000 bid to resurface Kettlewood Drive and Kettle Court, north of Arcado Road and west of Camp Creek Road.

The project will use SPLOST funds and a Local Maintenance Improvement Grant from the Georgia Department of Transportation.

Information: 770-921-2210. Michael Alpert for the AJC

Norcross to install Mitchell Road sidwalks

Thanks to a Gwinnett County Community Development Block Grant, Norcross is planning to install about a mile of 5-foot-wide sidewalks along Mitchell Road from Brook Hollow Parkway to Norcross Cooperative Ministry, 2275 Mitchell Road. The sidewalks supplement recent landscaping of the intersection of Mitchell and Brook Hollow by the city and the Gwinnett Village Community Improvement District.

Information: 770-448-2122. Michael Alpert for the AJC

County to smoke test sewer system this week

In preparation for the Gwinnett Department of Water Resources test for sewer system leaks this week, Sugar Hill is instructing residents to run water to fill drain traps, including those in fixtures not regularly used. The city said residents may see normal, non-toxic, non-staining smoke coming from plumbing vents atop their roofs and need not be home during testing. Information: 770-945-6716. Michael Alpert

Norcross seniors

losing utility discount

Norcross residents receiving senior citizen discounts on their city water and sewer bill will no longer receive one, now that billing for the utility has transferred to Gwinnett County to utilize its economy of scale. Per an agreement last month, the county replaced meters and last week took over billing and customer service for Norcross residents. Information: 678-421-2027. Michael Alpert for the AJC

Gwinnett police to

hold job fair Saturday

The Gwinnett County Police Department will host a Job Fair 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Gwinnett Police Training Center, 854 Winder Highway in Lawrenceville. Police officer and E-911 communications officer positions are available. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply before attending the fair. Information: www.gwinnettcounty.com Select “Police,” then “Employment.” Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Lilburn marks July 4thwith Sparkle in the Park

The city of Lilburn celebrates Independence Day with Sparkle in the Park. This family event will include music, food, and fireworks.

A1A, a Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show, will perform in Lilburn City Park. Kids’ activities and air-conditioned shuttles are provided. Concessions will be available. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy the show.

The event takes place 4-10 p.m. July 4 at Lilburn City Park, 76 Main St. Information: www.cityoflilburn.com. Staff

NORTHSIDE

Cherokee commission to deny crematorium plan

The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to deny plans for a proposed crematorium in the Macedonia community of east Cherokee. Citing safety concerns, Commissioners cited safety concerns in denying James Bartley Williams proposal to rezone a half-acre tract at 10685 E. Cherokee Drive, at the site of the Macedonia Memorial Park.. The Cherokee Planning Commission narrowly voted to approve the proposal earlier this month, despite the objections of nearby residents. Information: www.cherokeega.com Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Cherokee may add days to school calendar

Cherokee County School Superintendent Frank Petruzielo is recommending restoration of four days to the 2013-2014 school calendar as part of a tentative budget. Last school year as cut from 180 to 175 days from budget shortfalls. The $496 million plan is set for approval July 24. Information: Cherokee.k12.ga.us Mark Woolsey for the AJC.

Gerald Wilkins will host basketball Camp

Former NBA player Gerald Wilkins will host his annual Jr. Pro Court Basketball Camp from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday to June 27 at the Old Atlanta Park Recreation Center, 810 Nichols Road, Suwanee. Boys and girls ages 10-16 will participate in free throw shooting, defense, dribbling, passing, rebounding, shooting as well as intense conditioning and strength training that cater specifically to basketball. Campers will receive t-shirts, sports bags, water bottles and free lunches. Registration ends Thursday, June 20. For more information and to registrar please visit www.forsythco.com/parks or call Taylor Davis at 770-205-4646. Sandra Marshall Murray

Cherokee schools feed children this summer

The Cherokee County School District is providing free meals to kids during the summer break through the USDA Seamless Summer Feeding Program.

Any child younger than 18 can get breakfast and/or lunch at any of eight school-district-operated locations; there is no income or registration requirement. Information: 770-721-8421. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Free summer program for kindergartners

KinderCare Learning Center, 9550 Nesbit Ferry Road, Alpharetta, is offering a free, six-week Bright from the Start summer transition program for children starting kindergarten in the fall who were unable to attend a Georgia pre-K program during the 2012-2013 school year.

Activities will focus on building skills in math, reading, physical health and social development. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Information: Cassandra Miles at 770-587-1436. Veronica Fields Johnson

Johns Creek seeks art board members

The city of Johns Creek is seeking citizens interested in serving on the Public Art Board, a recommending body to the City Council for proposed art and landscaping projects.

Applications for appointment are at johnscreekga.gov. The board is expected to be appointing new members in August. Information: 678-512-3200. Hannah Morgan

ATLANTA

Atlanta parents invited to school meetings

The Atlanta public school system invitesparents to share thoughts on parental involvement, grant usage and federal programs at meetings 10 - 11:30 a.m. June 26 at Usher Elementary and Price Middle.

Topics will include the parent involvement policy, Comprehensive Local Education Agency Improvement Plan, use of Title I parental involvement funds, the Flexible Learning Program, the School Improvement Grant and Race to the Top scope of work. Mark Niesse

New citizens celebrate refugee rights

The Refugee Resettlement and Immigration Services of Atlanta will celebrate World Refugee Day 6:30 p.m. Friday at The Trolley Barn, 963 Edgewood Ave NE. The event will honor U.S. Congressman Henry “Hank” Johnson and five new American citizens. Information: Stephanie Ali Stephanie@rrisa.org, 404-622-2235 ext 268 or www.rrisa,org.

Sandra Marshall Murray

Free business seminar today

Atlanta City Councilmember Cleta Winslow will host a free business seminar 8 -11 a.m. today at West Hunter Street Baptist Church, 1040 Abernathy Blvd. Learn about contracts with the City of Atlanta and small interest loans through Invest Atlanta. Churches that have a non-profit affiliation are also encouraged to attend. Continental breakfast will be provided. Information: 404-330-6047. Sandra Marshall Murray

Council president to host conference

Atlanta City Council President Ceasar Mitchell is hosting his second “Back to Business Conference” 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at Atlanta City Hall, located, 55 Trinity Ave.

The free event focused on business opportunities stemming from the construction of the Atlanta Falcons new $1 billion stadium. It will feature exhibitors from the Falcons, Home Depot, Coca-Cola and government agencies, among others.

Information: www.backtobusinessatl.eventbrite.com or 404-330-6052. Katie Leslie

DEKALB

Olympian to address DeKalb youth

Gold Medalist Gabrielle “Gabby” Douglas will serve as featured speaker at an upcoming breakfast honoring DeKalb County’s youth.

Douglas, who won the gold in gymnastics in the 2012 Olympics, is the keynote at the 2013 Youth Empowerment Breakfast. The program focuses on children and families and development programs in the county.

The event will be held at 9 a.m. Aug. 10 at the Marriott Evergreen in Stone Mountain. Tickets are $25 and available at www.youthempowermentbreakfast.eventbrite.com. April Hunt

Same-day permits continues

DeKalb County’s same-day permitting program, designed to streamline the ability of businesses and residents to receive necessary permits, continues later this month.

The county’s planning department will hold the sessions on the last Friday of each month through October. The next program will be June 28 but requires registration by Friday. Registration can be done by calling DeKalb’s 311 or online www.dekalbcountyga.gov/samedaypermit/ April Hunt

DeKalb hosting water quality workshop

DeKalb County’s Adopt-A-Stream program will host a training workshop Saturday 6/22 at Stone Mountain.

There is no charge but registration is required for the session, which will train volunteers how to collect water samples from county streams and how to interpret the data.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Stone Mountain’s Confederate Hall Historical and Environmental Education Center, 2003 Robert E. Lee Boulevard, Stone Mountain, GA 30083. Registration/information: Michael O’Shield at 770-724-1456 or msoshield@dekalbcountyga.gov. April Hunt

Lawmaker to address business association

State rep. Scott Holcomb, a Democrat whose district includes parts of North DeKalb County, will address the Tucker Business Association later this week.

Holcomb will offer an update on current and pending legislation as well as answer questions on new city creation in DeKalb.

The lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. today at Greater Good BBQ, 4431 Hugh Howell Road. The cost is $5 for association member and $10 for non-members. April Hunt

County announces June road closure

Beech Haven Road NE will be closed to through traffic between Brook Forest Drive and Wild Creek Trail NE at the following dates and times: 1 p.m. to 7 a.m. June 20, 21, 24, 25 and 26. Signs will be posted in the area advising of construction work and traffic detours. Staff

Decatur approves sidewalk projects

Decatur’s commission approved a $281,647 budget for sidewalks and traffic-calming improvements, with work scheduled to last through the fall. Sidewalk repair and new construction includes Clairemont Avenue, Maxwell Street, the north side of Westchester Drive from Scott Boulevard to Dogwood Way, the north side of Kirk Road from Candler Street to Avery Street and a new pedestrian bridge from the dead end of Derrydown Road to Popular Circle. Bill Banks for the AJC

SOUTHSIDE

Peachtree City police seek golf cart suspect

The Peachtree City Police Department is asking for public help to identify the driver of a golf cart involved in a hit-and-run accident May 25 near the Battery Way boat dock. The suspect is a white male, 15-20 years old, with dark hair and sunglasses driving a metallic light blue or silver golf cart that has damage to its right front.

Call 770-487-8866 or post anonymously online at https://www.tipsubmit.com/webtips.aspx?AgencyID=1152.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Fayette schools finalize new budget

The Fayette County Board of Education voted 4-1 Monday to adopt a $162 million balanced budget for 2013-14. The system made up for a $15 million revenue shortfall through attrition, school closings, personnel cuts and program reductions. The new budget includes a $12 million fund balance as a hedge against unforeseen expenses.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Host families sought for exchange students

World Heritage Student Exchange Program is seeking local host families in Fayette County for high school students from the former Soviet Republics, who will come to the United States as part of the Future Leaders Exchange Program for the 2013-2014 school year. Couples, single parents and families with and without children are encouraged to host. Information: Bob Comeau at 978-204-3953 or 800-888-9040 or www.whHosts.com.

Veronica Fields Johnson

Church to sponsor free legal workshops

World Changers Church International Legal Resources Department will host Law Day 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Aug. 10 at the church, 2500 Burdett Road, College Park. Attorneys will offer free legal consultations. Free. Registration is required. Information: www.worldchangers.org.

Veronica Fields Johnson

Events commemorate train wreck

The McDonough Main Street Program on Saturday will host three events as part of a commemoration of the Camp Creek Train Wreck that happened over a century ago. The Quinlan’s 5K Water Run is at 7 a.m., at the Henry County Judicial Center, 44 John Frank Ward Blvd. Proceeds benefit the McDonough Historic Downtown Façade grant program. The T.C. Carter Safety Day is 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with first aid, fire, bicycle and skateboard safety tips from first responders and specialty merchants. The middle Georgia Model Railroad Club Model Train Exhibit will display model trains 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free, except race participation. Information: 770-898-9311 or KHarris-Braggs@McDonough-ga.gov. Sandra Marshall Murray

Piedmont offers hospital guidance

Piedmont Fayette Hospital, in conjunction with Fayette Senior Services, will present a free seminar on “How to Prepare and What to Expect” during hospital stays and emergency room visits 2-4 p.m. today at the hospital’s West Entrance Dining Conference Room. Registration required. Information: 770-461-0813. Jill Howard Church for the AJC