County by county news for Thursday
COBB
Marietta residents to vote on speed tables
Marietta will send out ballots starting this week to residents who will be affected by speed tables proposed for 14 neighborhood streets.
City engineer Jim Wilgus met Tuesday with residents in Lee’s Crossing about a vote on five speed tables on Lee’s Trace. Also proposed are Griggs Street, Arden Drive, Sugar Springs Drive, Northcutt Street, Maxwell Avenue, five streets in Whitlock Heights and three streets in Carriage Oaks.
The city has $400,000 from the 2011 SPLOST to use for traffic calming measures. -- Tucker McQueen for the AJC
County to help dispose of unused medication
Keep Cobb Beautiful invites residents to safely dispose or old or unused medication 10 a.m.to 2 p.m. Saturday at Cobb County Police Precinct 1 Super Station, Kennesaw. Liquid and pills, sharps and needles, diabetes materials, catheters and tubing are accepted, but do not bring durable medical equipment. Information: 770-528-1135. -- Melissa Abbey
Historical society event on first Cobb Countians
The Cobb Landmarks and Historical Society will host Jim Lanford of the Coosawattee Foundation at 7 p.m. today for a lecture about the first inhabitants of Cobb County.
Participants will learn about significant archaeological sites and new discoveries in north Georgia and gain understanding of history of its native people. The event will be at Anderson House, 65 Whitlock Ave., Marietta.
Information: 770-426-4982 or visit cobblandmarks.com. -- Meghan de St. Aubin
Kennesaw announces free movie series
Kennesaw will hold a free outdoor movie series at Swift-Cantrell Park, 3140 Old 41 Highway.
The lineup includes “Brave” on May 4, “The Pirates! Band of Misfits” on June 1, and “Hotel Transylvania” on Oct. 12.
Information: www.kennesaw-ga.gov. -- Jaime Sarrio
Registration open for ‘Into the Woods’
Registration is open for the Summer Stock Experience for ages 9-18 at the Mable House Arts Center, 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton.
“Into the Woods” will be presented at 7 p.m. June 14 and July 19, the last days of the two camps, at the Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre at the same address.
Cost: $150 for Cobb residents; $175, out-of-county residents.
Information: MableHouse.org or 770-819-3285. -- Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Extension offers class to grow, can produce
Learn how to grow and can fruits and vegetables at From Your Garden to Your Table 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. today at the Cobb County Extension Office, Marietta. Registration begins at 6 p.m., and pre-registration is required. The session costs $10.
Information: 770-528-4070. -- Melissa Abbey
Wheels and Deals to be held in Suwanee
The Gwinnett Parks & Recreation Department is hosting a Wheels and Deals Car Show 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at George Pierce Park in Suwanee.
The event includes concessions and auto vendors.
Admission is free. -- Andria Simmons
GWINNETT
Conservation efforts win national recognition
Gwinnett County Public Schools is being recognized in a new program created by the U.S. Department of Education, paying tribute to school districts that make an effort to be environmentally responsible.
Only 13 other districts in the nation are sharing in the honor of receiving the U.S. DOE’s first-ever District Sustainability Award. The 14 were chosen from a group of Green Ribbon Schools and districts and were announced by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan this week. -- Nancy Badertscher
Teacher saluted for foreign language study
The Foreign Language Association of Georgia (FLAG) recently saluted Gwinnett County school principal Charlotte Sadler for her leadership in supporting foreign languages. FLAG presented Sadler, principal of Parsons Elementary, with the organization’s Administrative Support of Foreign Languages Award. Parsons Elementary offers Spanish to its K-5 students. The award given to Sadler recognizes a dean, superintendent, principal, or other administrator who has shown strong and overt support for foreign languages. -- Nancy Badertscher
Snellville Days needs volunteers, vendors
The Snellville Days planning committee continues looking for volunteers and arts and crafts vendors for the May 4 and 5 event.
Visit www.SnellvilleDays.com, then click on volunteers and vendors links at the top of the page for applications. Arts & Crafts vendor deadline has officially passed. $25 late fee may apply. -- Karen Huppertz for the AJC
UGA Day coming to Gwinnett July 29
The University of Georgia Alumni Association and the UGA Athletic Association have teamed up to bring UGA Day to Atlanta on May 15 and to Gwinnett County on July 29. A buffet dinner begins at 6 p.m., followed by the official program at 7 p.m. Headlining UGA Day in Atlanta will be President Michael F. Adams, head basketball coach Mark Fox and football defensive coordinator Todd Grantham. The event will be held at the Atlanta Marriott Buckhead Hotel and hosted by Chuck Dowdle, former WSB-TV sportscaster. UGA Day in Gwinnett County will be at the Gwinnett Center and will feature incoming President Jere Morehead, head football coach Coach Mark Richt and basketball coach Mark Fox. More info, registration: www.alumni.uga.edu/ugadays. -- Nancy Badertscher
Online class registration extended
Gwinnett parents who are interested in the online learning options for their students have additional time this spring to register for the 2013-14 school year. A spring registration period for Gwinnett County Online Campus (GOC) is open and extends to May 3. Gwinnett’s full-time, online learning option will expand next school year and serves students in grades 4-12. Because Gwinnett Online Campus is a system charter school, enrollment is open to all current school-aged children who reside in the county. -- Nancy Badertscher
NORTHSIDE
College lacrosse coming to Northside
Johns Creek’s Northview High, Cumming’s South Forsyth High and Alpharetta High are hosting the Southeastern Lacrosse Conference Championships Friday through Sunday. Opening-round games for Division I and II college club teams will be there and at Marietta’s Pope High. Saturday’s semifinals and Sunday’s finals will be at Northview for the ninth consecutive year. Cost: $5 for children, $10 for adults, $20 for three-day passes. Children wearing lacrosse jerseys admitted free. Information: 678-512-3200. -- Michael Alpert for the AJC
Cherokee aquatic center sets opening
Officials with the new Cherokee County Aquatic Center have firmed up opening plans, with a ribbon-cutting May 9 and an open house May 11, with both events starting at 10 a.m. Director Kim Baker says the outdoor pool will first be open on the latter date. The new center will feature two indoor pools and one outdoor, and is located at I-575 and Sixes Road. -- Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Canton offers recyling next month
The city of Canton has scheduled an electronics recycling and document shredding event for 9.a.m-2 p.m. May 11 at Canton City Hall, 151 Elizabeth St. Computers, printers, CD-Roms, fax machines and other items will be accepted for no charge. There will be a charge for televisions and CRT monitors. Information: www.canton-georgia.com. -- Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Alpharetta offers food truck event
Alpharetta’s “Feast on the Street” is 5 p.m. Thursdays through June 27, with six to eight food trucks and music weekly near 37 Old Roswell St. The city seeks to attract the several thousand patrons a similar Smyrna event reportedly has. Parking is available in the lots at 37 Old Roswell, on Old Milton Avenue and on Haynes Bridge Road. Information: 678-297-6000. -- Michael Alpert for the AJC
Engraved pavers available for memorial
Engraved brick pavers are being sold for the Johns Creek Veterans Memorial Walk at Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Rd, Alpharetta. The bricks are part of the $300,000, handicap-accessible park’s contemplative walking path accentuated by granite memorials commemorating military conflicts, beyond an entrance plaza with a sitting wall and flags for each branch of service. Pavers 4 inches by 8 inches cost $50, and 8-inch square ones, which can accommodate a military branch logo, cost $100. Groundbreaking for the park is scheduled for July 4, with opening set for Veterans Day 2014. Information: johnscreekga.gov/JCVA. -- Michael Alpert for the AJC
Fulton seeks youth commissioners
Fulton County is seeking youth commissioners to help develop policies and legislation to address the concerns of young people. A student must be a Fulton resident, attend a school within the county, be in 9th through 11th grade during the 2013-14 school year and submit a completed application and two-page essay. Deadline is 5 p.m. May 17.
Information: 404-612-7386 or Reginald.crossley@fultoncountyga.gov. -- David Wickert
ATLANTA
Arrest made in March slaying
An arrest has been made in the March shooting of a man found dead inside his vehicle in southwest Atlanta.
Howell Barron, 39, was found dead inside his vehicle in the 900 block off Oak Drive on March 29. He died of an apparent gunshot wound to the right shoulder, according to Atlanta police spokeswoman Kim Jones.
Jones said Munir Dixon was arrested Tuesday and charged with felony murder and aggravated assault.
Dixon is being held in the Fulton County Jail. -- Mike Morris
March for Babies planned Saturday
More than 15,000 people will gather for the March for Babies Saturday at the Georgia World Congress Center, 285 Andrew Young International Blvd. In addition to the 4-mile walk, the event will include a picnic, kids’ corner, with inflatables and games, corporate giveaways.
Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. and the walk begins at 9 a.m. Information: 404-350-9800. -- Mea Watkins
Library hosts workshop on preservation
The Auburn Avenue Research Library will host an open house from noon to 4 p.m. Friday at the library, 101 Auburn Ave., N.E. Attendees can view first-hand preservation techniques used to protect and preserve special collections and archival documents. The event observes American Library Association’s Preservation Week. Attendees that bring items for the Memory Room will receive free admission. Information: 404-730-4001. -- Veronica Fields Johnson
Museum to host photo preservation meeting
Hammonds House Museum will host a panel discussion on preserving photographic history 6 to 9 p.m. today at the museum, 503 Peeples St., S.W. featuring the exhibit, Homecoming: African American Family History in Georgia. Bring a vintage photo or writing for free admission. Information: www.hammondshouse.org or 404-612-0500. -- Veronica Fields Johnson
DEKALB
Schools host first public-input meeting
Decatur schools hosts the first of four public-input sessions tonight on the long-range master planning for Renfroe Middle and Decatur High schools. Tonight’s meeting’s at Renfroe, 220 West College Avenue, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., featuring a presentation from planning consultant Jeff Prine followed by questions and comments. Superintendent Phyllis Edwards said recently the high school alone is projected to reach capacity by 2015 and without additional classroom construction the only alternative is adding 17 trailers costing $3,000 per month per trailer. -- Bill Banks for the AJC
Lunch features Rabbi Hayyim Kassorla
Rabbi Hayyim Kassorla, the rabbi of Congregation Or VeShalom (Sephardic), will embark on a lively class and discussion noon to 1 p.m. May 2 at MJCCA at Zaban Park, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody for the Lunch ‘N Learn series. This event is free and open to the entire community; you may bring a dairy lunch or purchase a kosher lunch from Goodfriend’s Grill. Information: brian.glusman@atlantajcc.org or 678.812.4161. -- Mea Watkins
Decatur to participate in drug take-back
Decatur police departments will accept prescription drugs for safe disposal at a special event 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. April 27 at the police communications center, 314-C Church St.
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Drug Take-Back Day allows residents to safely get rid of unwanted, unused or expired medicines. Information: 404-373-6551. -- April Hunt
PAWS Atlanta offering low-cost pet clinics
PAWS Atlanta, a DeKalb County animal welfare group, is offering weekly low-cost pet health clinics.
The group, formerly known as the DeKalb Humane Society, can provide spay-neuter services as well as vaccinations and pet dental cleanings.
PAWS Atlanta also runs a no-kill shelter of adoptable pets.
Information and to view available animals: www.pawsatlanta.org. -- April Hunt
Race on PDK runway this weekend
A 5K and 1K race that includes parts of the runways at DeKalb-Peachtree Airport. The Chamblee Run and Rotary Roll is designed for runners and walkers of all levels, and is open to people in wheelchairs Saturday. Registration is $20, with proceeds split between the Shepherd Center in Atlanta and Chamblee's Huntley Hills Elementary. Information: 770-986-5016 or www.chambleega.com. -- April Hunt
Stone Mountain CID improves landscapes
The Stone Mountain Community Improvement District is partnering with businesses to add trees and plants to high-traffic intersections.
Four crossroads – Hugh Howell Road at both Mountain Industrial and Tucker Industrial boulevards and Mountain Industrial at East Ponce de Leon Avenue and Hirsch Drive – are the focus of the first wave of landscaping improvements.
The work is in addition to district-funded landscaping at other spots in the area, funded by companies that self-tax for the improvements.
Information: www.stonemountaincid.com. -- April Hunt
SOUTHSIDE
Man accused of stealing $700k from employer
DeMarco Doxie of Peachtree City was indicted Tuesday on 26 counts of federal wire fraud and 21 counts of mail fraud charges for allegedly embezzling more than $700,000 from his employer. Doxie, 43, worked for Dallas, Texas-based Ennis Paint as its corporate environmental health and safety manager from 2007 to 2011. According to court officials, Doxie created a sham business submitted bogus invoices for environmental work. Each count carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison along with a fine of up to $250,000, court officials said. -- Marcus K. Garner
Slain Henry officer remembered
The Henry County Police Department, along with other Georgia law enforcement agencies, paid tribute Monday to Elgin Daniel by unveiling his name on the Georgia Law Enforcement Moving Memorial Wall. Daniel lost his life in the line of duty in November of 2012 when he was struck by a hit-and-run driver while assisting a stranded motorist. He had been a 26-year veteran of the DeKalb County Police Department, reaching the rank of lieutenant, before working in Henry County. -- Monroe Roark for the AJC
Fayette County may revise gifted program
The Fayette County Board of Education is reviewing a proposal to modify its continuation rules for gifted students. The change would allow students with a course GPA of 80 or above to remain in a gifted class, as opposed to the current threshold of 85. Students in Advanced Placement courses would need to maintain a GPA of 70 or above in those classes to remain. -- Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Cultural Celebration to take place Saturday
The Clayton County Cultural Celebration will be 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the Clayton County Performing Arts Center, 2530 Mt. Zion Parkway, Jonesboro.
Film producer Marion Campbell and comedian Malachi Blaque will serve as masters of ceremony. Admission: $10
Information: Media Savvy Consulting, 404-207-3817 or ann@mediasavvyconsulting.com or Rep. Mike Glanton, glantonm@bellsouth.net or 678-479-7730. -- Tammy Joyner
Fayette County Library offers free e-books
Members of the Fayette County Public Library can download free e-books and audiobooks from the library’s website. The books are compatible with Apple, Android, Blackberry, Kindle, Nook and other devices. Titles are available any time and have no late fees because they expire automatically. See gadd.lib.overdrive.com or contact Jessica Kuhr at 770-461-8841 for details. -- Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Henry commission keeps sign moratorium
The Henry County Board of Commissioners has extended its moratorium on the acceptance, review or hearing of applications for sign permits until May 21. The purpose of the moratorium, originally passed in February, was to give staff time to review and update the Unified Land Development Code and address possible safety and nuisance issues created by lighted digital signage. Information: www.henrycounty-ga.org. -- Monroe Roark for the AJC
