County by county news for Thursday

Homestead exemption deadline April 1

Homeowners seeking a homestead exemption on their Cobb County property taxes must file their applications by April 1 with the county tax commissioner’s office. Applications not received by the deadline will be processed and applied in the following year.

Information and application: www.cobbtax.org ; 770-528-8600. Janel Davis

Cobb officer kills naked man armed with knife

The naked man fatally shot by a Cobb County police officer Tuesday night has been identified as 18-year-old Tendai Nhekairo.

The incident happened at an apartment complex off Shadowood Parkway when police responded to a call of shots fired.

When officers arrived on the scene, they encountered Nhekairo, who was nude and armed with two knives, police said.

When Nhekairo tried to assault one of the officers, he was shot and died at the scene, police said. Mike Morris

Man critical after being struck by car

A Marietta man is in critical condition after he was struck by a car while trying to cross a busy Cobb County road Tuesday. Marietta police spokesman Michael Gardner said Kevin Donelson was crossing Roswell Road at North Marietta Parkway just after 10:30 p.m. Tuesday when he was hit by a southbound Hyundai Sonata.

Gardner said Donelson, 21, was in a crosswalk, but did not have the right-of-way. “Alcohol is believed to be a factor and charges are pending against Mr. Donelson,” Gardner said. Mike Morris

Writing scores lower in 2012 in Marietta

Eighth graders at Marietta City Schools tested five percent lower than 2011 scores and six percent below the state average for meeting or exceeding state writing test standards.The percentage of students who exceeded standards on the 2012 Georgia Eighth Grade Writing Assessment did go up this year by four percent and was one percent above the state average. Superintendent Emily Lembeck said Marietta’s overall performance should have been stronger. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Cobb cities plan night Easter egg hunts

A skydiving Easter Bunny will start Acworth’s Easter Egg Hunt, landing at 7:30 p.m. Friday with 30,000 eggs. The hunt starts 8 p.m. at the Acworth Sports Complex, 4000 South Main St. Smyrna’s flashlight egg hunt and movie night starts 7:30 p.m. at Tolleson Park, 3515 McCauley Road, and Marietta’s Easter Egg Scramble will be 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Laurel Park on Manning Road. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

GWINNETT

Gwinnett names new water resources director

A new Gwinnett County water resources director will spend the next two years reviewing department operations.

County Administrator Glenn Stephens named Ron Seibenhener, a consultant and former engineering firm president, to lead Gwinnett’s water resources department for a two-year term. The Board of commissioners ratified the appointment Tuesday.

In addition to reviewing department operations, he will develop long-term goals and help recruit his successor. Lynn Smarr, who has been acting director, will return to the position of assistant director. David Wickert

$20,000 paid in dispute over student services

The Gwinnett County School Board has agreed to pay $20,000 to the parent of a student with disabilities, school system spokeswoman Sloan Roach said Wednesday. The payment was to settle a dispute over services received by the student, Roach said. The student’s identity was not disclosed. Nancy Badertscher

Road work to shift traffic on Ga. 324

State transportation officials said traffic running on one side of the median on Ga. 324 will be split to use the outside lane on each side of the median.

The change will take place at Ga. 324/Gravel Springs Road over Interstate 85 in Buford today , weather permitting.

The project is on schedule for its completion May 31. Workers must complete the concrete median, the final asphalt layer and striping before all four lanes can open to traffic. Information: www.dot.ga.gov. Joel Anderson

Animal task force seeks public input

The Gwinnett County Animal Task Force will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. April 10 at the Gwinnett Animal Welfare and Enforcement Center, 884 Winder Highway, Lawrenceville.

The task force is seeking public feedback on ways to increase adoptions, improve animal welfare and protect human safety. For information, visit www.gwinnettcounty.com. David Wickert

Ceremony to reopen Rhodes Jordan Park

Gwinnett County will host a reopening ceremony from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdayat Rhodes Jordan Park, 100 East Crogan Street, Lawrenceville.

The newly renovated park features three soccer fields, horseshoe pits, basketball courts, renovated pavilions and other amenities. The event will include inflatable toys, carnival games, trolley rides, a bike safety rodeo, a yard sale and other activities. David Wickert

Libraries raise funds to makeup for budget cuts

In further efforts to raise much-needed funds, Gwinnett County Public Libraries has begun selling advertisement spots on the back of bookmarks. Local businesses may purchase ads or place coupons on the back of 5,000 bookmarks for $300 while also designating which branches distribute their bookmark. In addition, shoppers can help donate to the library system by visiting www.gwinnettpl.org and clicking on the Amazon link. A fee is generated from each sale, and has already resulted in several thousand dollars for the library. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Schools not expecting layoffs or furloughs

Fulton County Schools chief financial officer Robert Morales said this week as the district prepares for budget season it is facing a $41.9 million funding gap that it could handle without teacher layoffs or furlough days. Conservative management through the economic downturn, has placed Fulton Schools in a favorable position to be able to absorb its budget shortfall by using a combination of reserve funds and strategies to save money. In early talks, the district’s proposed fiscal year 2013 budget is the same as the current year’s, $811.6 million. D. Aileen Dodd

Students to compete in media festival

Students from 25 Fulton County public schools will compete in the Georgia Student Media Festival at Clayton State University next month.

The students were among more than 285 to showcase their original media productions recently at Fulton County’s Student Media Festival.

Students created animation, live action, interactive stills, sequential stills, web sites podcasts and photo essays for the event. The entries were judged based on production, writing, creativity, organization, technical quality and impact, among other things. D. Aileen Dodd

Extension holds spring gardening class

Fulton residents who want to learn to plant vegetable or flower gardens this spring can get pointers at a workshop offered by the county’s Cooperative Extension. It will be held today from 6 to 8 p.m. at the North Fulton Service Center, 7741 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs.

The workshop will also cover techniques for planting container gardens, as well as canning methods and preserving fruit and vegetables at home. Registration: 404-613-7670 or janice.powers@fultoncountyga.gov. Johnny Edwards

Biker event to raise money for service dogs

Funds raised at a Saturday motorcycle poker run will help provide service dogs to wounded military veterans.

Healing4Heroes is partnering with Sons of Justice motorcycle club to host “Iron Horses for the Armed Forces Poker Run” at the Firefly restaurant at 3070 Windward Parkway in Alpharetta The cost is $20 for riders, $5 for passengers. Info: www.sojlemc.com. Andria Simmons

Kindergarten, first grade registration today

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

Dance theater to present ‘Sleeping Beauty’

The Roswell Dance Theatre’s pre-professional company will present the ballet “Sleeping Beauty” this weekend.

Show times will be 7:30 p.m. today and Friday, and 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday. The ballet will be presented at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell. Tickets will be $15, adults; $10, for seniors and children, six years and younger. Information: 770-998-0259. Laurie Hoffman

ATLANTA

Public meeting today on two school closures

Two Atlanta Public Schools slated for closure under a redistricting proposal will hold public meetings today. Parks Middle School and Stanton Elementary will hold the second of two meetings, set to begin at 6:30 p.m. School officials will provide information about the closure process and to respond to questions. The school board is expected to make a final decision on the closures in April. Info: www.atlanta.k12.ga.us Jaime Sarrio

Two CAU students robbed at gunpoint

Two students from Clark Atlanta University were robbed at gunpoint near campus early Wednesday.

Atlanta police told Channel 2 Action News the students were walking on Parsons Street in southwest Atlanta around 1 a.m. when they were accosted by two gunmen. The robbers took $40 in cash, a debit card, a Social Security card and student IDs, police said. The students, a man and a woman, were not hurt. Their names were not released. Police continue to search for the robbers. Joel Provano

Open house today at Heritage Academy

Heritage Preparatory Academy, a charter school in southwest Atlanta, is accepting applications for sixth- and seventh-graders for the 2012-13 school year. The school is in its first year and has 120 sixth-graders. Plans are to add a grade each year through eighth grade. Parents can attend an open house today at 7 p.m. Information: 678-399-2810 or heritageprepcharter.org. Jaime Sarrio

Buckhead business group to meet

The Buckhead Business Association will hold a weekly breakfast meeting 7:30-9a.m. today at the City Club of Buckhead. Mitch Kaminer, president of the Atlanta Board of Realtors, will continue the month long speaker series providing insights to the current economic climate. Tickets are $10 for BBA members and $20 for visitors. Information: www.buckheadbusiness.org or 404-467-7607. Kenneth Musisi

DEKALB

Decatur, Avondale Estates to share a border

Potential annexation of commercial property between Decatur and Avondale Estates on College Avenue took another step this week when two bills received Senate approval and now await Gov. Nathan Deal’s signature. Upon signing the two cities will share a border for the first time ever. “We’ve been working on this for 14 years,” said Avondale Estates mayor Ed Rieker. The property includes 23 businesses, 13 on Avondale Estates’ side. Eventually, Rieker added, Avondale Estates will construct extensive streetscape improvements in what now becomes the city’s western gateway. Bill Banks for the AJC

Sinkhole closes part of Trinity Place

The westbound right lane on Decatur’s Trinity Place, alongside the DeKalb courthouse, will be closed through at least today for investigation and repair of a sink hole. “Right now we’re not sure what’s causing the [asphalt] failure,” said Assistant City Manager David Junger. “If it’s simply a case of bad soil, or it wasn’t properly packed, then all we have to do is fill it with gravel and cap it with concrete. But if it winds up being a sewer or water line problem, then it’s much more complicated, we have to dig deeper, and [DeKalb County] becomes responsible.” Bill Banks for the AJC

Decatur offers shredding event

Decatur is offering its first paper shredding and Styrofoam recycling event on Saturdayat the city’s public works office.

There is no cost to participate in the event, which will offer secure on-site shredding.

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Decatur Public Works, 2635 Talley St., Decatur. April Hunt

MADD honors Dunwoody police officer

MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) has honored Dunwoody Police Officer Alvin Rodriguez with a Silver Pin award. The organization each year recognizes departments and police officers who are committed to making the roads safer for the community through DUI enforcement.

Rodriguez made 60 DUI arrests last year. Andria Simmons

Registration now for summer day camp

Registration is underway every Saturday for DeKalb County’s Camp Superstars, a summer day camp for county youth. Registration runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at Browns Mill Recreation Center, 1501 Browns Mill Road near Lithonia, until all slots are filled. Camp Superstars will be held weekdays between June 4 and Aug. 3 for kids between 5 and 15 years old. Registration is available online at www.dekalbcountyga.gov/parks. Information: 404-371-6273. April Hunt

NAACP hold membership breakfast

The DeKalb County branch of the NAACP is hosting its annual membership breakfast this next weekend near Decatur.

Tickets are $30 for the breakfast, which includes a presentation by Charmine Ward, president of the National Black MBA Association.

The breakfast begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 31 at the Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church, 4650 Flat Shoals Parkway, near Decatur. Information: 404-241-8006. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Judge rules against Stockbridge mayor

Stockbridge Mayor Lee Stuart’s request for a temporary restraining order against the City Council was rejected Tuesday by a Henry County Superior Court judge. Stuart took action in an attempt to stop the council’s decision to extend city administrator Ray Gibson’s contract. Stuart has sought to replace Gibson and find other candidates to interview for the position, putting him at odds with the majority of the council. This is the second lawsuit between the mayor and the council, who have been at odds for two years over the extent of his powers. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Donations to benefit wounded Warriors

Donations collected at tonight’s big soccer game between Starr’s Mill and McIntosh high schools will benefit the nonprofit Wounded Warrior Project for U.S. troops and their families.

The varsity girls play at 5:30 and the varsity boys begin at 7:30 p.m. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Student artwork to be showcased at gala

Paintings by Woodwood Academy senior Kayla Alexander and junior Hollyanne Maxey were recently selected to be part of the 2nd annual Jay Shapiro Arts Legacy Foundation Art for a Cause Gala.

The gala takes place May 3 at the Mason Murer Gallery, 199 Armour Drive, Atlanta. The artwork will either be sold or auctioned, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Jay Shapiro Arts Legacy Foundation. Information on Woodward Academy in College Park, visit www.woodward.edu. Nancy Badertscher

Workshop Saturday on tax appeal process

The Fulton County Taxpayers Foundation, a Buckhead-based nonprofit advocating for lower taxes, will hold a workshop Saturday on navigating the property appeals process.

The “How To Appeal Your Property Tax” class will be from 10:30 a.m. to noon in Room 2203 of Peachtree Presbyterian Church, 3434 Roswell Road N.W., in Buckhead. The next classes will be April 14 and April 21 at Brookhaven Christian Church, for both Fulton residents and Atlanta residents on the DeKalb County side.

The workshops are free, with donations requested.

Registration: 404-869-6066. Johnny Edwards

A few plots left in Peachtree City garden

Peachtree City’s new Community Gardens is almost grown to capacity.

Plots are open to residents, groups and businesses in Peachtree City and to nonresidents on a space-available basis. Small 8×10-foot plots cost $100 for the year, and 8×20 plots are $175. To reserve space, call Tricia at 404-401-4636. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Henry flashlight Easter egg hunt Friday

Henry County Parks and Recreation Department is hosting its annual Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt at Nash Farm Park on Friday. The event starts at 5:30. Egg hunting begins at 7 p.m. for children ages two to five. The hunt begins at sundown for children 6 to 12. Nash Farm Park is at 4361 Jonesboro Road in Hampton. Details: 770-288-7300 or visit www.hcprd.org. Tammy Joyner