County by county news for Thursday

The cost of $881,417 will be funded by Powder Springs’ 2011 special purpose local option sales tax, or SPLOST. While part of the road will be closed for about two months, Silver Comet Trail users will have to walk their bikes along a five-foot sidewalk detour for around four months until the bridge is replaced. The bridge will be lowered and an 85-foot-long lighted box culvert will be built by North Georgia Concrete. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Donate worn U.S. flags for Memorial Day

Worn American flags may be donated to American Legion Post 294 for a Memorial Day retirement ceremony at 2 p.m. Monday at the post home, 3282 Florence Road off U.S. 278, Powder Springs.

They will be disposed by burning during “a proper, dignified ceremony,” said the post’s Senior Vice Commander John F. Hollner, III.

U.S., military or government flags may be deposited anytime in the post’s red, white and blue mailbox in front of the post home or brought to the post’s Memorial Day ceremony at noon Monday at the Powder Springs Veterans Memorial in front of the Powder Springs Public Library, 4181 Atlanta St.

Information: Post Commander Bob Anderson, 404-944-5179 or the post home, 770-439-0956 after 4 p.m.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Acworth and Smyrna to honor veterans

Acworth will remember veterans at a ceremony 10 a.m. Saturday May 25 at the city’s Veterans Memorial at Patriots Point at Cauble Park off Beach Street. Information: www. acworth.org. Smyrna will hold a Memorial Day service at 9:30 a.m. Monday May 27 at the 20th Century Veterans Memorial, 2800 King St. or at the Community Center, 200 Village Green, if it rains. Information: smyrnacity.com.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Austell City Council will delay work session

Austell City Council members will delay their 6 p.m. pre-agenda meeting on Monday to 6 p.m. June 3, Council Chambers, City Hall, 2716 Broad St. followed by voting at 7 p.m.

The first reading of the 2013-14 city budget is scheduled with the final reading and budget vote set for 5:30 p.m. June 24 during a special called meeting before the 6 p.m. pre-agenda meeting. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Marietta looking for parade participants

Marietta is taking applications for the July 4 Freedom parade and grand marshal through 5 p.m. May 31 at City Hall, 205 Lawrence St. The city is looking for groups to participate in the parade and a community leader to serve as grand marshal. Information: www.mariettaga.gov or 770-794-5601.Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Extension service to landscape class

The Cobb County Cooperative Extension offers a class on how using home landscape sprayers and spreaders 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 25 at the Cobb Extension Office, 678 South Cobb Dr., Marietta. Workshop is free, but pre-registration is required. Information: 678-528-4070 or www.cobbextension.com Dress to work outside. Jaime Sarrio

GWINNETT

Off-duty APD officer injured in crash

An off-duty Atlanta police officer was seriously injured Monday night in a two-vehicle crash on I-85 northbound, according to Gwinnett County police. The officer, whose name was not released, was on his city-issued motorcycle at the time of the crash, which happened near Beaver Ruin Road, according to Cpl. Jake Smith with Gwinnett police. Another vehicle was involved in the crash, but details on the collision were not available late Monday.

The officer was taken by ambulance to Gwinnett Medical Center with serious injuries, but was conscious, Officer John Chafee with Atlanta police said. Alexis Stevens

Parapro accused of having sex with student

Kari Lynn Bryan, 38, of Lawrenceville, was arrested Friday and charged with one count of sexual assault, Gwinnett County jail records show. Bryan was released Friday night after posting $5,700 bond. Bryan was employed as a parapro at The Special Needs School of Gwinnett, a private school in Lawrenceville.

The investigation into the alleged assault began when a 17-year-old boy told police he and Bryan had sex in her home approximately 20 times from July until May. Bryan allegedly admitted she had sex with the teen. Alexis Stevens

Commissioners approve trail extension

Gwinnett County Commissioners Tuesday approved a three-quarter mile extension of the Ivy Creek Greenway trail near the Mall of Georgia.

The 12-foot-wide concrete extension, which will cost $2.2 million, will extend the trail to 4.4 miles. It will feature three wood boardwalks, a 270-foot cable bridge, an overlook platform and restrooms.

Funding comes from a $1 million state and federal transportation grant and the 2005 and 2009 SPLOST sales tax programs. Astra Group Inc. was the low bidder for the construction, which should be finished by the end of this year. Dan Klepal

Gwinnett to expand driver-training facility

Gwinnett’s Fire Academy, located at 3608 Braselton Highway in Dacula, was approved for a $1.3 million new driving course where firefighters will learn to maneuver fire engines, ladder trucks, ambulances and other emergency vehicles. In addition to the heavy duty driving pad, the project includes a concrete block equipment storage building with an observation deck for instructors on the roof. Funding for the construction provided by the SPLOST sales tax program and should be complete by spring 2014.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Lilburn’s new budget available for review

Lilburn’s proposed $9.8 million budget for fiscal year 2013-2014 is available to the public at City Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday as well as online at www.cityoflilburn.com. Residents are invited to comment on the budget at two public hearings before adoption by the City Council on June 10. The first hearing will be at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, with the second at 7:30 p.m. June 10. Both meetings will be held at Calvin Fitchett Municipal Complex, 76 Main Street in Lilburn.

Information: www.cityoflilburn.com.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Teen suspect captured after hunt in Canton

Canton police were dispatched to the Laurels of Greenwood apartment complex around 4:15 p.m. Tuesday after reports of a man brandishing a gun near the tree line. When they arrived, the suspect ran into the woods. Damiem Fowler, 17, of Canton was arrested near a home in the Hillcrest subdivision while Cherokee SWAT was conducting a precautionary search, police said.

A neighbor reportedly held him at gunpoint until police arrived. Fowler was charged with obstruction and transported to the Cherokee Adult Detention Center Angel K. Brooks

Cherokee approves park improvements

The Cherokee County Commission Tuesday approved upgrades and repairs for heavily-used Hobgood Park, 6688 Bells Ferry Road. The almost $1.4 million package of improvements includes repairs and renovations to the concessoins building, a new lighting system for the ball fields and repairs and improvements to the tennis courts. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Students, firefighters share the joy of reading

They call their program “fired up for reading.” Volunteers from the Alpharetta Fire Department have been visiting the first grade classes at Alpharetta Elementary School and reading with the students. One first grader, Jeremiah Johnson from Ms. Lora Keys’ class, won a year-end drawing and was given a ride to school in a fire truck. Nancy Badertscher

Milton raises money for police dog

One hundred fourteen golfers raised more than $20,000 with a tournament last week at Alpharetta’s Echelon Golf Club to buy Milton a new police dog. Milton has been without a dog since retirement of its previous one late last year, following six years of service. To donate: Ara Baronian at 678-242-2570, ara.baronian@cityofmiltonga.us.

Michael Alpert for the AJC

Woodstock purchasing traffic lights

Woodstock is considering spending $107,654 of SPLOST funds for its half of traffic lights near the outlet shopping center being built at Interstate 575 and Ridgewalk Parkway.

Developer Horizon Group Properties is paying the other half of the lights from North Cherokee Electrical Contractors.

The lights require 12 to 16 weeks to manufacture. Information: 770-592-6050. Michael Alpert for the AJC

Alpha Arts Guild exhibits at library

Artwork displayed by members of the new Alpha Arts Guild, an organization for North Fulton-based artists will be in an ongoing display at the Alpharetta Branch library, 238 Canton St.

Information: 770-740-2425

Mea Watkins

Woodall announces new town hall meetings

U.S. Rep Rob Woodall, R-Ga., has announced a new series of town hall meetings for his constituents. The list includes a session from 9-10 a.m. June 15 at North Georgia College and State University, 300 Aquatic Circle, Cumming.

Also set is a telephone town hall meeting from 7:15-7:45 p.m. June 11. Information: woodall.house.gov

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

Building collapses in Castleberry Hill

A small, abandoned building collapsed in Castleberry Hill on Tuesday afternoon, authorities said.

Crews went to the scene to stabilize the building, located on Walker Street near Fair Street, Atlanta Fire Rescue spokeswoman Janet Ward said. The roof reportedly collapsed after a brick wall fell.

No injuries have been reported, and authorities do not believe anyone was inside the building. Angel K. Brooks

JustUsATL to mark first anniversary

JustUsATL will celebrate its first anniversary with a fundraiser from 6 to 9 p.m. May 25 at the Philip Rush Center, 1530 DeKalb Avenue, Suite A. The event will include a dinner buffet, children’s games, raffle, meet-and-greet for teens and speeches and performances from organizers.

Suggested ticket donations are $3 for children, $6 for youth, and $18 for adults. Proceeds will go toward a new LGBTQQA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, and Asexual) youth center set to open this year.

JustUsATL is a youth-run group that offers discussion groups, mental health services, anti-oppression workshops, STI education, outreach and social events for LGBTQQA youth in the greater Atlanta area. Information: http://www.justusatl.org/.Mea Watkins

Buckhead sponsors teen photo contest

The Buckhead Library, 269 Buckhead Ave. NE,, is looking for youth photography with a summer contest June 1 - Aug. 31 for ages 12-18.

Information: 404-814-3500

Veronica Fields Johnson

Construction closes downtown street

As construction progresses on the College Football Hall of Fame, Foundry Street has been closed permanently.

Baker Street, which lines the north end of the property, has been widened and extended around to the west of the site to extend into the Georgia World Congress Center gulch.

The Hall of Fame is set to open in the fall of 2014. Staff

DEKALB

Dunwoody police seek wallet thief

The Dunwoody Police Department is investigating a theft that occurred May 9 at Publix at 5550 Chamblee Dunwoody Road. A thief dressed in a white Adidas track suit and white baseball cap stole a woman’s wallet from her shopping cart and then used her credit cards at several locations.

Anyone with information should contact Dunwoody Police Department, Det. B. Lauda at 678-382-6914 or brian.lauda@dunwoodyga.gov or also leave anonymous crime tips at www.dunwoodypolice.com.

Andria Simmons

Board approves school expansions

After several months of in-house and public discussions Decatur’s school board approved a master plan for renovating Renfroe Middle and Decatur High Schools, effectively doubling the size of both. The projects will be financed with $58 million in general obligation bonds, with a referendum to be held November 5. Construction of both will be done in phases, with Renfroe retaining a College Avenue orientation although additions will surround the gym facing Kings Highway. By 2018 Decatur’s enrollment’s projected to hit 1,891 and Renfroe 1,666.

Bill Banks for the AJC

Veterans Memorial Day ceremony today

DeKalb County will host a Memorial Day ceremony for all local veterans today in downtown Decatur.

The event runs from 11 a.m. to noon in Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Dr., Decatur. Brigadier General Joe Jarrard, the Assistant Adjutant General for the Georgia Department of Defense, is the featured speaker. April Hunt

DeKalb launching same-day permitting

DeKalb County is launching a same-day permitting program designed to streamline the ability of businesses and residents to receive necessary permits.

The county’s planning department will begin holding the sessions on May 31 and will continue it on the last Friday of each month through October.

Registration is required for each month’s program. Registration can be by calling DeKalb’s 311 or online at www.dekalbcountyga.gov/samedaypermit/. April Hunt

CBS newsman to speak at MJCCA

Former reporter, producer and news executive for CBS News, Bob Bahr will present his lecture, “The Chosen: Hollywood’s Look Back at American Jews” 10:30 a.m. to noon May 23 at MJCCA at Zaban Park, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody.

The event is free.

Information: Lilly Mahana, lilly.mahana@atlantajcc.org or 678-812-4064. Sandra Marshall Murray

Church to sponsor job and health fair

Kingdom Investment Ministry Outreach will sponsor a job and health fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 1 at the church, 2219 Idlewood Road, Tucker.

Free health screenings, including blood pressure checks and vision screenings, and mammogram scheduling will be available.

Job fair attendees will be able to apply directly to participating corporations, temporary agencies and the U.S. military.

Information: 770-934-9994. Veronica Fields Johnson

SOUTHSIDE

Veterans Day service set for McDonough

A Memorial Day service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday at the Veterans Wall of Honor in McDonough’s Heritage Park hosted by Detachment 1339 Marine Corps League.

The guest speaker will be Gunnery Sergeant Hiers, a 10-time recipient of the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal along with numerous other awards and commendations.

There will also be a presentation of the colors by the Henry County NJROTC Warhawk Battalion. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Fayette sells Rivers Elementary building

The Fayette County Board of Education approved the sale of the Rivers Elementary School and property in Fayetteville. River’s Rock II, LLC will pay the county $5.17 million for the building and the 30 acres it occupies along Sandy Creek Road. The buyer is part of the development team bringing the Pinewood Studios complex to the area. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Donations needed for tornado relief

The Peachtree City Police Department and Magnolia Disaster Relief are collecting supplies to help tornado victims in Oklahoma. Needed items include water, nonperishable food, personal hygiene products, tarps, ropes, duct tape, work gloves, baby items (including Pediasure and Pedialyte), geriatric supplies, camping equipment and packages of new T-shirts, underwear and socks. Donations may be dropped off at the Police Department building at 350 Hwy. 74 South 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. today and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday. Information: laninichols@gmail.com.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Food/fitness camp for youth in Henry

Piedmont Henry Hospital is sponsoring a five-day food and fitness camp June 17-21 and July 8-12 for ages 11-14. Camp is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Momentum Christian Church in Stockbridge. Hospital dietitians will work with fitness instructors to help kids learn about nutrition, engage in exercise sessions, take part in cooking demonstrations and gain confidence in making healthy food choices.

Each camp is $50. Registration is required. Call 678-604-5106 before June 7.

Information:

Monroe Roark for the AJC

Low-cost summer camp offered

Union City has partnered with Youth Education Sports to bring a low-cost summer camp to 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. June 3 through Aug. 6 at Ronald Bridges Park. Y.E.S is accepting children ages 4-14. Cost is $55.00 per week which includes breakfast and lunch.

There is no application fee and a representative will be at the Etris Community Center, 5285 Lakeside Drive 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturdays. Information: 770-964-1236. Arlinda Smith Broady

Author reads to kids at College Park library

Children’s author Amelia Harris will read her book, Ants at Work to children 4-7 at 11 a.m. June 4 at the College Park Branch Library, 3647 Main St. Reservations required. Limited to first 50 attendees.

Information: 404-762-4060

Veronica Fields Johnson