County by county news for Thursday

The first incident happened about 4:30 a.m. Monday, when a man attempted to burglarize the Canton Road Package Store in the 1700 block of Canton Road. About five hours later, a suspect believed to be the same man entered a Chevron on Powers Ferry Road in Marietta, pulled out a handgun and demanded cash.

Sarin is being held without bond at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center, charged with armed robbery and possession of a firearm in the commission of a crime. Mike Morris

Austell concert, road show Saturday

The Austell Business Association and the City of Austell will host the seventh annual Concert and Road Show 1 to 5 p.m. Sept. 7 at Harley-Davidson of Atlanta, 501 Thornton Road, Lithia Springs to benefit CAMP, the clothing and food ministry in Austell. Rambunctious will perform from 2 to 5 p.m.

Information and registration form: svcamp.org, austellbusinessassociation.org, hdatlanta.com or felicia@servproswcobb.com. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Cobb retired educators to meet

The Cobb Marietta Retired Educators Association will meet at 11:30 a.m. Sept. 12, in the Freeman Poole Multipurpose Center, 4025 S. Hurt Rd., Smyrna. Kary Brownlee of Freedom Wealth Partners will speak on the topic, “You’re Retired. Now What?”

Lunch will be provided by Mother’s Finest for $10 per person. To make a reservation contact Debby Overstreet at debbybob@comcast.net.

Information: 770-801-3400, www.cmrea.org. Mea Watkins

Granados to discuss humanist heroes

The Atlanta Freethought Society’s host a progam 1 p.m. Sunday at AFS Hall, 4775 N. Church Lane, Smyrna featuring attorney and author Luis Granados.

He will discuss a group of humanists from Voltaire to Clarence Darrow who have stood up to authorities who claimed divine support. Granados’s book, “Damned Good Company,” will be the basis for his talk. Copies will be available for purchase and can be signed by Granados.

The program is free and open to the public. Nancy Badertscher

High school to open arts center to public

A $8.5 million performing arts center at Marietta High School will open to the public for a dedication and tour from 6 to 7 p.m. Saturday at 1171 Whitlock Ave. Students will perform during the tour. A free concert by the Georgia Symphony Orchestra will be at 7 p.m. Tickets are required for the concert at www.georgiasmphony.org or MPAC@marietta.city.K12.ga.us. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

New ways to report potholes, other issues

Residents who would like to report a transportation issue such as a pothole or maintenance problem can contact the Cobb Department of Transportation work order desk at 770-528-3666. Sidewalk requests should go to Jane.Stricklin@cobbcounty.org or 770-420-6664. Information: www.cobbcounty.org Jaime Sarrio

GWINNETT

Longer turn lanes coming to busy intersections

Six congestion relief projects on state highways will be managed by the County’s DOT under three contracts using state DOT Quick Response funds. Approximately $221,000 will extend left turn lanes on Lawrenceville Suwanee Road at Satellite Boulevard and on Beaver Ruin Road on the west side of the I-85 interchange. Gwinnett will also install left turn lanes on Buford Highway at South Scales Road and extend an existing one at South Lee Street under a $215,170 contract. A $180,000 contract will extend left turn lanes on Scenic Highway at Jackson Street and on Grayson Highway at Webb Gin House Road. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Georgia SPCA holding benefit bash

The Georgia SPCA is holding its annual fundraiser “There’s No Place Like A Home” on Saturday at the Gwinnett Center Ballroom, 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy No. 100, Duluth. The evening will include food, music a silent auction and a raffle. Tickets: $50. Information: www.Oz.GeorgiaSPCA.org. Sandra Marshall Murray

Deadline Sept. 16 to apply for school panel

The deadline is Sept. 16 for parents, community members and employees to apply to serve on a committee that provides input on the curriculum for Gwinnett County Public Schools. The committee annually reviews the school system’s Academic Knowledge and Skills curriculum. The next committee meeting is in February. Applications should be returned to Gale Hey, associate superintendent for Teaching and Learning at the Instructional Support Center, 437 Old Peachtree Rd., NW, Suwanee, 30024. Applications at www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us. Nancy Badertscher

Citizen police academy taking applications

The Snellville Citizen’s Police Academy will begin a new 10-week program Sept. 12 designed to educate the community about how the Police Department functions.

The program will cover domestic violence, drug awareness, traffic stops, firearms training and crime scene processing. Free. Applicants go through a background investigation prior to acceptance into the academy.

Information: Sgt. Pendleton at 770-985-3555 or rpendleton@snellville.org.

Applications available at www.snellville.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Organization to sponsor free SAT Prep

College Nannies & Tutors of Duluth offers a free SAT Prep class 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 17 at Gwinnett Fire Station 7, 3343 Bunten Road, Duluth.

Participants must register at least a week in advance by calling 678-259-0232.

Information: www.collegetutors.com. Veronica Fields Johnson

Adopt-A-Road seeks volunteer groups

Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful and the Gwinnett Department of Transportation is urging more residents to join the Adopt-A-Road program to help reduce trash and illegal signage alongside county roads.

Information: www.gwinnettcb.org/volunteer or 770-822-5187 or gwinnettcb@gwinnettcb.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Man killed in Sandy Springs wreck

A man was killed in a wreck in Sandy Springs on Tuesday night, police said. The single-vehicle crash happened around 8:35 p.m. on Roswell Road near Pitts Road.

Investigators said the driver was traveling alone, apparently at excessive speed, when he lost control of the vehicle, hit a tree and was ejected.

He was transported to North Fulton Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The man’s name has not been released. Angel K. Brooks

Teenager injured in Cherokee crash

A 16-year-old girl was seriously injured Tuesday night when her vehicle left Old Orange Mill Road in the Macedonia community.

Police say her Nissan Pathfinder traveled down an embankment and hit a power pole.

The victim suffered severe cuts and possible internal injuries and was taken to North Fulton Hospital.

Her name’s not been released. ark Woolsey for the AJC

Cherokee schools ease overcrowding

The Cherokee County School District has released its 2013-2014 housing inventory report and says that, for the first time in 15 years, no district schools are considered “critically overcrowded.”

District officials chalk it up to successful growth forecasting and an aggressive school construction program.

Critical overcrowding’s defined as when a school’s enrollment reaches 140 percent of capacity. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Children’s foundation sponsors run/walk

The Sandy Springs-based Brain Tumor Foundation for Children is sponsoring its second annual Tumor Troop Run/Walk on Sept. 7.

Cost: $30.

The location is Mansell Crossing Shopping Center, 7730 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta.

Register: www.braintumorkids.org. Nancy Badertscher

Woodstock may change noise ordinance

The Woodstock City Council may approve a revision of the city’s noise regulation.

The change would replace the current up-to-$100 per violation fine with escalating penalties of up to $1,000.

City Manager Jeff Moon says complaints about outdoor music downtown triggered the proposal, which will be up for final adoption Sept. 9. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Nonprofit to hold celebration in Roswell

Second Wind Dreams, an Atlanta-based nonprofit providing services to the elder community, will hold a celebration in Roswell 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Sept 7 at Riverside Park, 575 Riverside Road.

The free event’s part of National Second Wind Dreams Day and will events and booths for elders, music and raffles.

Information: www.secondwind.org  Veronica Fields Johnson

ATLANTA

Coan Middle makes CRCT gains

Coan Middle School in east Atlanta made the greatest gains in student achievement of all sixth grade to eighth grade traditional schools in the city, according to results of the spring 2013 Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests.

Principal Betsy Bockman said the school has improved by focusing on math, with students attending two math periods each day — one for grade-level content, and the other tailored to individual student needs. Mark Niesse

CCMA to host forum for young black men

The Community Council of Metropolitan Atlanta will host “Conversations with Young African American Men: A Reality Check” 12:30 p.m. Sept. 18 at Morris Brown College, Cunningham Auditorium, Hickman Student Center, 715 M.L. King Jr. Dr.

The forum will feature open dialogue, round-table discussions, film clips from “Question Bridge: Black Males” and lunch for young men ages 18-28. Attendance is free but registration is required.

Information: 404-935-5859 or 404-221-1222. Veronica Fields Johnson

Georgia Boy Choir auditions scheduled

The Georgia Boy Choir is seeking boys with experience singing or playing the piano or other musical instruments to audition for the Intermediate Choir for its 2013-2014, 5th anniversary season. Auditions will be Sept. 7 and 14 at The Heiskell School, 3260 Northside Drive, Atlanta. Contact the choir at 404.402.4083 or P.O. Box 725585, Atlanta 31139. Nancy Badertscher

Southeast’s first Relay event scheduled

The Young Professionals will host the first American Cancer Society Relay For Life event in the Southeast 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sept. 14 at Oglethorpe University, 4484 Peachtree Rd N.E. The goal is to raise $60,000 with 30 teams and 250 participants. Like other Relay events, the focus is on cancer survivors and caregivers. Information: www.relayforlife.org/atlantaga. Mea Watkins

DEKALB

Boarding house murder suspect arrested

A suspect was arrested Tuesday afternoon for a shooting at a boarding house that killed a man and left a woman in serious condition, DeKalb County police said.

Roy Gardner, 38, was taken into custody by DeKalb Sheriff’s officials, Channel 2 Action News reported. Charges against him include murder and aggravated assault.

Detectives said Gardner shot 47-year-old Berry Cole during a dispute Monday night at the Shamrock Drive boarding house where they both lived. Gardner then chased a 52-year-old woman outside and fired multiple shots at her, police said. Cole died as a result of his injuries.

The woman, who was visiting the boarding house, remains hospitalized in serious condition.Mike Morris

Free spay/neuter available to pit owners

A new program at DeKalb County Animal Services will provide free spay and neuter procedures to pit bulls and pit bull mixes owned by DeKalb County residents. The Free Pit Fix program, funded by a private grant, aims to combat pit bull overpopulation and reduce the number of pit bulls euthanized.

The free spay/neuter service will be provided by LifeLine Animal Project in Avondale Estates, and will include vaccinations.

Information: www.dekalbanimalservices.com or DeKalb County Animal Services, 845 Camp Road. Mea Watkins

Girl reports attempted abduction at bus stop

A sixth grade student told school officials that a man tried to abduct her at her bus stop Tuesday morning in Clarkston.

School officials were sending a letter to parents indicating that the girl said a white man in a gold Nissan tried to grab her near Nielson Drive and Nielson Court. The intersection is about half a mile from Jolly Elementary School, but the girl attends Freedom Middle School.

School district police are investigating, and bus drivers are monitoring the area as they drive their routes. The letter to parents of children at Jolly Elementary, Freedom Middle and Clarkston High asks them to be on the lookout for suspicious activity. Ty Tagami

Brighter Tomorrow seeks fundraising volunteers

A nonprofit group that supports behavioral health and developmental disability services provided by DeKalb’s Community Service Board needs board members.

The Brighter Tomorrow Foundation works to raise funds for the CSB, meaning board members should have fundraising experience or a background in providing healthcare.

Information: 404-508-7875 or www.btfdekalb.org. April Hunt

Interim CEO hosts town hall meeting

DeKalb County Interim CEO Lee May will his next town hall meetings today in Dunwoody.

The session runs from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Dunwoody United Methodist Church on Mount Vernon Road.

It will include an update on county activities as well as a question-and-answer session with May, who the governor temporarily appointed to the top job on July 16 and is now preparing a proposed 2014 budget for DeKalb. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Foundation grant funds teacher training

The nonprofit Fayette County Education Foundation has begun a new program to fund ongoing professional training for teachers. The Education AMPLIFY (Advancing More Professional Learning in Fayette Yearly) initiative replaces previous mini-grants with a donation of more than $4,000 to provide a grade-level learning day for third grade teachers in October. Professional development funding has been reduced by school budget cuts. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

‘Run for One’ race set for Saturday

Wellspring Living will hold its annual Peachtree City Run for One 5K Saturday. Proceeds will be used to care for survivors of sex trafficking. Cost: $35. Donations welcome. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and the race starts at 8 a.m.

Information: Dana Konick at 770 715-2914. Register: runforone.net  Tammy Joyner

Lovejoy Fall Fest is Saturday

Lovejoy’s Fall Fest is 1 to 9 p.m. Saturday at Lovejoy Community Center and Mayor’s Park, 11622 Hastings Bridge Road. At the free event: Live music, vendors, prizes and giveaways. There will be a Kid Zone from 2 to 6 p.m. with pony rides, a petting zoo and photo booth. Information: www.cityoflovejoy.com Tammy Joyner

Peachtree City seeks planning volunteers

Peachtree City’s Planning Commission is looking for new volunteers to serve three-year terms. The five-member board helps administer zoning and land development ordinances by reviewing site plans for proposed developments. Applicants must be city residents; details are at http://peachtree-city.org/index.aspx?nid=155, and the deadline is Sept. 20. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Early voting expanding in Stockbridge

Early voting for the November elections will be expanded this year in Stockbridge. An agreement with the city and the county’s election department will allow a second week of early voting at the Ted Strickland Community Center beginning Oct. 19. The polls will be open two Saturdays. The city will pay $5,000 to offset the additional costs involved.

Early voting at the McDonough election headquarters for all Henry County voters begins Oct. 14. City Council seats will be on the ballot in all four cities as well as the mayor’s post in Hampton, McDonough and Stockbridge. A SPLOST referendum may be on the Nov. 5 ballot. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Henry sheriff warns of telephone scam

The Henry County Sheriff’s Department is warning of a scam in which telephone callers identify themselves as law enforcement officials and attempt to solicit payments for a court or agency using prepaid cards.

Often the victims are threatened with arrest if they do not pay certain fines.

Henry County Sheriff’s Office does not solicit payment of fines via telephone and does not take payment of fines via prepaid cards. Information: www.henrycountysheriff.net. Monroe Roark for the AJC