County by county news for Thursday

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

Couple sentenced in $1.3 million theft

Angela and Scott Williamson of Marietta were convicted May 2 of stealing $1.3 million from the woman’s former employer.

Angela Williamson, 45, was convicted of three counts of Violation of Georgia Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. Scott Williamson, 47, was convicted of two counts of RICO.

Angela Williamson was sentenced to 40 years, with 15 years to serve in custody and the rest on probation. Scott Williamson was also sentenced to 40 years, with 2 years to serve in custody and the rest on probation.

Each was ordered to pay $1.1 million in restitution to Angela Williamson’s former employer, InterContinental Marble.

Angela Williamson was the office manager for the company, which imports stone for fireplaces, beginning in 2000.

She wrote unauthorized checks to herself and paid personal bills with company funds.

In 1999, Angela Williamson pleaded guilty to stealing $135,000 from a previous employer. Mike Morris and Rodney Thrash

Food truck Tuesdays through fall in Smyrna

Food trucks will return to Smyrna this week 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Sept. 30 at Taylor-Brawer Park, 3180 Atlanta Road. More than a dozen food trucks will set up each Tuesday in the park’s lower parking lot adjacent to the playground. The event will include live music.

Information: www.smyrnacity.com.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Powder Springs public hearings Tuesday

Powder Springs Planning and Zoning Commission members will delay their public hearings by one day because of Memorial Day to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Council Chambers, 4488 Pineview Drive.

They will consider applications for one rezoning, two variances and five special use permits. Initiated by the city, the rezoning of 3825 Siniard St. is from Light Industrial to Mixed Use.

Final decisions are expected by the City Council June 2.Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Bids sought for catering, concessions

Cobb County will hold a pre-proposal meeting at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre, 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton for those interested in bidding on concession, catering and vending operations for the amphitheatre. Bids must be submitted before noon June 12 to the Cobb County Purchasing Department, 100 Cherokee St., Suite 260, Marietta.

Information: purchasing.cobbcountyga.gov.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

GWINNETT

Soccer fields coming to Rock Springs Park

Gwinnett has approved three new, lighted soccer fields and a building for concessions and restrooms for Rock Springs Park at the intersection of Old Peachtree Road and Rock Springs Road between Suwanee and Lawrenceville. The 113-acre park currently has a football field with a lighted walking track and six lighted tennis courts plus a playground, pavilion, and a two-mile paved multi-purpose trail. The $242,000 development will be paid for as part of the 2009 SPLOST program. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Georgia Gwinnett names president

The University System of Georgia Board of Regents has appointed Stanley “Stas” Preczewski president of Georgia Gwinnett College. He has served as interim president for the last year. As vice president for Academic and Student Affairs from 2005 until 2013, Preczewski was responsible for overseeing GGC’s process for initial regional accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, achieved in 2009. Information: www.ggc.edu. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Community chat with Duluth city council

The Duluth City Council will hold an informal chat about the arts in Duluth and other topics at 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 2 at the Red Clay Theatre, 3116 Main Street. After the chat all attendees are invited to stay and enjoy Eddie Owen Presents Open Mic Night. Information: www.duluthga.net. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Snellville dedicating new Veterans Memorial

Snellville will unveil the new Veterans Memorial dedicated to veterans of all wars at 4 p.m. Saturday in front of City Hall, 2342 Oak Road. The ceremony will feature military vehicles and artifacts from the Gwinnett Veterans Council War Memorial Museum. At 7:30 p.m. the memorial will be dedicated, with the eternal flame to be lit at 8:15 p.m. Information: www.snellville.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Weaving Wonders at McDaniel Farm

Learn how cotton played an important role in providing a source of fiber to make cloth during pioneer days and start a beginning weaving project at The Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center’s Weaving Wonders workshop 10 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Saturday at McDaniel Farm, 3251 McDaniel Road, Duluth. Fee: $5. Information: www.gwinnettehc.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Georgia Gwinnett to offer chemistry major

Georgia Gwinnett College will offer a bachelor of science degree in chemistry in the fall.

Apply to GGC through June 2. The chemistry program will include a general track for students planning to work in industry, a professional track for those interested in graduate or professional school, and a teacher certification track for those wishing to teach chemistry and physical sciences in middle or high school.

Information: www.ggc.edu.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Alpharetta weighs spending in 2015 budget

Alpharetta City Council may decide Monday night to reallocate money tentatively budgeted for some downtown improvements to projects elsewhere in the city pending completion of the 22-acre City Center project. The 2015 budget, set to be adopted in mid-June, comes in at $86.9 million, compared to this year $82.7 million. City officials say operational, material and health care cost increases figure into the larger budget amount. The budget maintains the millage rate at 5.750, and authorizes no new positions.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Cherokee appoints new fire marshal

Veteran Cherokee County firefighter Barry Gibson has been promoted to Fire Marshal. Gibson, who has worked for the department since 2001, and has been Captain/Deputy Fire Marshal since 2010, is certified as a firefighter, emergency medical technician, fire inspector and fire protection specialist. He replaces Rick Ruh, who retired in April. The fire marshal is charged with inspecting businesses, schools, factories and hospitals to ensure compliance with fire codes, imposing fines for violations.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Cherokee signs off on park improvements

The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners Tuesday gave final approval for a new park in Holly Springs. Commissioners voted to award the $1.1 million project to low bidder BM and K Construction, with funding to come from the county’s park bond. The Hickory Road park will include a playground, picnic pavilions, restrooms and walking trails. Commissioners also signed off on roughly $1.3 million in improvements to JJ Biello Park, including repairs to the tennis center, improvements to parking, and restroom and playground equipment replacement. Georgia Development Partners, LLC, was the low bidder.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Forsyth officials report on water quality

The Forsyth County Water and Sewer Department will be mailing the 2014 Water Quality Report to its 50,000-plus customers, enclosed with their monthly bills beginning May 22. The report details 2013 information on where the county’s water comes from, what it contains and how it compares to regulatory standards. It says that Forsyth County met all U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and state drinking water health standards in 2013. The report can be viewed online on the water department page at forsythco.com

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Farmers market to open in Johns Creek

The Johns Creek Farmers Market opens 8:30 a.m. May 31 at Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Road.

Over 25 vendors will offer locally grown fruits and vegetables and homemade goods, including naturally grown and organic produce, and there will be music and activities for the children. On the first and third Saturdays, chefs will demonstrate cooking techniques for adults as well as classes for children.

The farmers market runs through Sept. 6.

Information: www.johnscreekga.gov

Kent A. Miles for the AJC

ATLANTA

Mississippi Society to hold gathering

The Mississippi Society of Georgia hosts its sixth Mississippi in the Park weekend June 13 and 14 in Atlanta.

An annual event and fund raiser that draws hundreds of Mississippi natives residing in metro Atlanta, the weekend kicks off June 13 with the second annual golf tournament at Chapel Hills Country Club, 3300 Golf Ridge Blvd., Douglasville, and a social gathering at Turner Field prior to the Braves-Angels game.

It all leads to the Mississippi in the Park picnic and festival, 10:30 a.m. June 14 at Chastain Park, 145 W. Wieuca Road NW, Atlanta.

Information: www.mssocietyofga.org

Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Nighttime bicycle tour through city for a cause

The Atlanta Moon Ride, a 6.5-mile nighttime bicycle ride through local neighborhoods for enthusiasts of all skill levels and ages, will take place at 10 p.m. June 13 starting from Park Tavern, 500 10th St. NE.

Cost: $25, $30 after midnight Friday. On-site rentals: $25.

Proceeds from the ride will benefit Bert’s Big Adventure, a local charity that provides trips to Walt Disney World for children with chronic and terminal illnesses and their families.

Information: www.atlantamoonride.com

Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Comment on grant proposal by May 30

Fulton County is accepting comments from on a grant proposal to help pay for local crime prevention activities.

The county is applying for the 2014 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant from the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs funds local initiatives to help governments thwart crime.

Copies of the application are at the county Department of Finance, 141 Pryor St. SW, Suite 7001.

The deadline for comments is 5 p.m. May 30.

Information. www.fultoncountyga.gov or christopher.boyd@fultoncountyga.gov Kent A. Miles for the AJC

DEKALB

Dunwoody court offers amnesty program

Dunwoody Municipal Court is offering amnesty in June and July to individuals with past due traffic citations or active bench warrants for failure to appear.

Individuals seeking to settle outstanding violations with the court may go to the Dunwoody court, 41 Perimeter Center East, Suite 103, Mondays and Wednesdays through Fridays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Individuals who pay their fines in full will be forgiven all contempt fees. If an offense requires a mandatory court appearance, the individual will be given a future court date and all warrants will be cleared.

Information: 678-382-6973

Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Decatur school buses adding cameras

Beginning in August Decatur’s school buses will mount side cameras detecting cars illegally passing when the stop arm’s extended.

One camera per bus monitors up to four lanes traffic per side, providing three photos of violating autos including one with the license plate number.

On a single sample day last month, Decatur’s 15 buses recorded 57 violations which Transportation Director Simone Elder said is “probably typical.” A first-offense ticket is $300, second offense $750 and third $1,000. Bill Banks for the AJC

Atlanta Aero Club to host luncheon

Jack Van Ness, executive officer of the Commemorative Air Force’s local unit, the Dixie Wing, will be the guest speaker at a luncheon of the Atlanta Aero Club, 11:30 a.m. todayat DeKalb Peachtree Airport, 3829 Clairmont Road.

The Commemorative Air Force is a national organization dedicated to acquiring, restoring and preserving in flying condition vintage military combat aircraft.

The luncheon is $35 for club members, $45 for nonmembers.

Information: atlantaaeroclub.org

Kent A. Miles for the AJC

New ‘smart meters’ ready for installation

Decatur’s new parking meters, or “smart meters,” have arrived, with installation scheduled for early June, after the city’s Memorial Day arts festival.

A total 35 multi-space pay kiosks and another 48 single-head meters – used in blocks of low-volume parking – will cover Decatur’s 315 on-street downtown parking spaces.

All meters take debit, credit and coins (no bills) and eventually residents can purchase a reloadable smart card, like a MARTA breeze card.

Total cost, counting computer software, is $320,000. Bill Banks for the AJC

Animal shelter offers reduced adoption fees

DeKalb County Animal Services is offering special adoption rates during May.

Adoption fees for dogs six months and older are $20, and $10 for cats.

All animals will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.

Regular screening criteria will apply to ensure the animals are going to good homes.

Information: www.dekalbanimalservices.com Kent A. Miles for the AJC

SOUTHSIDE

Two Fayette cities among top places to live

Both Peachtree City and Fayetteville have been ranked among Georgia’s 10 best places to live, according to the real estate blog Movoto. Peachtree City was ranked second and Fayetteville placed sixth among cities with a population of 10,000 or more, based on local amenities, crime rates, taxes and commute time. The complete list is at www.movoto.com. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Players wanted for Monopoly tournament

Peachtree City’s sixth annual Monopoly tournament will start at 10 a.m. June 15 at Glendalough Manor in Tyrone. Registration is free and open to those aged 12 and older from any location.

More than $1,000 in prizes will be awarded.

Sign-in starts at 8:30 a.m.

Information:PTCMonopoly@yahoo.com or call 678-364-0134 to play.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Conservation group offers WILD camp

The Southern Conservation Trust will host Camp WILD 9 a.m.-1 p.m. June 9-13 and 23-27 and July 14-18 at the Line Creek Nature Area in Peachtree City. The camp is open to ages 6-12 and features activities related to water, insects, leaves and dirt. The cost is $60 for SCT members and $80 for nonmembers; register at www.sctlandtrust.org.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Fayette schools encourage summer reading

With classes ending this week, the Fayette County Public School System is encouraging its parents and students to participate in a statewide summer reading program to maintain proficiency. Using the Find a Book website at www.lexile.com/fab/ga, students can make a pledge to read 15-30 minutes a day using books aimed at their interests and reading level.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Memorial Day service planned for Henry park

Henry County’s annual Memorial Day service will be 11 a.m. Monday at the Veterans Wall of Honor in McDonough’s Heritage Park. There will be a presentation of the colors by the Ola AFJROTC Color Guard, a ceremonial wreath laying and music from bagpipe and bugle. The keynote speaker will be retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Gary Freedman. Information: www.henrycounty-ga.org.

Monroe Roark for the AJC

Motorcycle ride to benefit HCPD

The Henry County Police Department will host a motorcycle benefit ride called Wings for Warriors May 31, at the HCPD headquarters, 108 S. Zack Hinton Parkway, McDonough. Proceeds go toward the Henry County Police Benevolence Fund to assist police officers in need. Registration: 8:30 a.m. with kickstands up at 10:45 a.m. The ride will end at O.B’s BBQ, 725 Industrial Blvd., McDonough.

Registration: $25 for rider and passenger. Information: 770-990-5656 or at rpatten@co.henry.ga.us.

Monroe Roark for the AJC