County by county news for Thursday

In 1998, Purvis founded Destiny Christian Academy to serve children in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. He also has formed WTP Ministries, a nonprofit organization that hosts conferences and awards the Savannah Raines Scholarship, named in honor of his grandmother, to college-bound seniors. Information: destinyworldchurch.org. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Quilt tour to honor cancer victims

The Make Some Noise Foundation’s National Angel Quilt will be on display daily 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. through Saturday in the Dillard’s Court at the Mall of Georgia, 3333 Buford Dr., Buford. The memory quilt honors children who have lost their lives to pediatric cancer. Any family that has lost a child to cancer may add a memory square to the quilt. Free children’s Easter crafts will take place Saturday. Information: on.fb.me/108SO4W.

Veronica Fields Johnson

School website earns ‘Sunshine Award’

Cobb County Schools’ website was recently recognized with a Sunny Award. The editors of Sunshine Review honored the website with an “A+” for the website’s transparency. The website was one of 247 government websites across the country to be honored. Information: sunshinereview.org/index.php/2013_Sunny_Awards.

Daarel Burnette II

Fair Oaks teacher wins recycling program

Fair Oaks Elementary’s Sherry Trimble, recently won the Atlanta Falcons Green Team Ambassador competition which challenged schools to create a recycling and education program. The school will receive a $2,500 grant to enhance its program.

Daarel Burnette II

Car Show in Powder Springs Saturday

The Powder Springs Pushrods will have a car show 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday at West Cobb Plaza, 3217 New Macland Road, Powder Springs. Treasure Hunt Antique Mall will host the free cruise of classic and antique cars.

Information: robertsdoug@bellsouth.net or 678-398-9195. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Marietta to talk about IMAGE program

Marietta city council’s judicial/legislative committee will talk about the merits of an IMAGE agreement, a voluntary federal program aimed at preventing the hiring of illegal workers 5:15 p.m. today at City Hall, 205 Lawrence St.

Information: www.mariettaga.gov.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Free HIV/STD screenings

Someone Cares Early Detection Intervention Clinic, 1950 Spectrum Circle, Ste. A105, Marietta will offer free HIV/STD screenings to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans-gender community through Fridayin honor of National LGBT Health Awareness Week. Screenings will be done by appointment.

Information: 678-921-2706 or info@someonecaresatl.org. Veronica Fields Johnson

GWINNETT

Man injured in propane tank explosion

A man was badly burned Monday night when a propane tank exploded in a wooded area of Gwinnett County, authorities said.

A caller to 911 about 9:30 p.m. told dispatchers that there was a man in the woods off Suwanee Dam Road surrounded by fire, officials said. Firefighter paramedics found the man suffering from 2nd degree burns to his hands, face and limbs. The man, whose name has not been released, was taken to a hospital for treatment. It is believed that a small-sized propane tank exploded accidentally when it got close to an open fire that was set by the man.

Mike Morris

Sikh exhibition coming to Norcross next month

Gurudwara Guru Nanak Mission Society in Norcross aims to create awareness of the historical significance of the Sikh community and its legacy through an upcoming exhibition featuring a rare collection of personal belongings of Sikh Gurus.

Hundreds of rare art and artifacts of Sikh heritage will be on display from Monday - April 20 at the Sikh temple, 1158 Rock Bridge Road, Norcross. Andria Simmons

Garden plots available in Lilburn

The Lilburn Community Garden grand opening will include a ribbon cutting 1 p.m. April 20 in the field across from the Lilburn City Hall parking lot. The garden soil will be prepared, water pipes installed, landscaping will be done and rental plots built. To volunteer or rent a plot visit www.lilburncommunitygarden.org. Rental plots are $60 and $40 for a year. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Leadership institute accepting applications

The Gwinnett Neighborhood Leadership Institute trains and empowers local citizens and community leaders to promote change in their neighborhoods and communities. Organization leaders address growth and development issues, helping youth succeed, preventing violence and crime, environmental concerns and much more. To apply: www.gnli.org.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Ga. Gwinnett College waiving application fee

Georgia Gwinnett College is waiving its $20 application fee through Monday to encourage students to start registering early for the fall semester. The application deadline is May 1, but the Lawrenceville school urges students to begin gathering transcripts, SAT and ACT scores and other documents early.

Applications can be completed at www.GAcollege411.org.

Information: 678-407-5000, www.ggc.edu. Michael Alpert for the AJC

International academy plans open house

Legacy of Purpose Preparatory Academy, Gwinnett Inc., an international multilingual school in Lilburn, will hold a ribbon-cutting 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 5 with a blessing of the school by the Rev. Wesley Sanders, pastor of Berkmar United Methodist Church. The open house is 10 am. to 2 p.m. April 6.

Legacy is located at 675 Pleasant Hill Road, Lilburn at Berkmar United Method Church. Information: www.legacyofpurpose.net.

Nancy Badertscher

NORTHSIDE

Texas fugitive caught 31 years later in Alpharetta

A convicted killer who fled from authorities before his sentencing in 1982 and has been on the run for 31 years was arrested Tuesday in Alpharetta.

Gilbert Rico was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in Harris County, Texas, in 1982, but fled to Mexico while on bond and did not appear for his sentencing.

U.S. Marshals and immigration officers aprehended him ‘Tuesday in Alpharetta. Rico was being held without bond Wednesday in the Fulton County Jail. Mike Morris

Upgrades planned for Newtown playground

The playgrounds at Newtown Park in Johns Creek will be closed for about two weeks beginning Wednesday while the city’s Recreation and Parks Department replaces equipment.

The new playgrounds, which are separate but adjacent, will be age-specific, with one intended for children up to 8 years old and the other for children 9 to 14 years old. The younger playground will include swings, rockers, a horse see-saw and a structure with interconnected platforms, ladders, steps, and a slide. The playground for older kids will offer a climbing wall, several ladders, a variety of sliding and climbing elements. Patrick Fox

Assisted-living center planned in Woodstock

The LaSalle Group will hold a groundbreaking from 1-3 p.m. today in Woodstock for a $9.8 million assisted living community to serve residents with Alzheimer’s, dementia and memory impairment.

Autumn Leaves of Towne Lake community will be a 28,000-square-foot facility at 1962 Eagle Dr. The facility will offer specialized care for the families living with Alzheimer’s and free services to educate the public, including seminars, support groups, memory testing and free respite care on Wednesdays.

Information: AutumnLeaves.com or 214-845-4500. Patrick Fox

Forsyth band to perform in London

Lambert High School’s “Stampede” marching band will perform in the 29th New Year’s Day Parade and Festival in London January 2015. An on-site crowd will be 500,000 and a global TV audience is estimated in the tens of millions. Winston Churchill’s great-grandson traveled personally delivered the invitation. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Weightlifters take state competition

The Etowah High School weightlifting team won the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association’s 6A state weightlifting championship. That’s the third consecutive top honor the Cherokee County school has won. The Eagles outlasted Milton High School 74-73 to take the title. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Kindergarten registration set

Forsyth County Schools has announced dates for kindergarten registration for the 2013-2014 school year. Registration is 1 to 7 p.m. today and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday.

Registration will take place at elementary schools in individual attendance zones. Information: www.forsyth.k12.ga.us Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

No bond for rapper on assault charge

Rapper Gucci Mane was denied bond Wednesday at his first court appearance after his arrest for allegedly assaulting a soldier earlier this month at an Atlanta nightclub. His next court date is April 10.

The musician, whose real name is Radric Davis, was booked into the Fulton County Jail Tuesday, charged with aggravated assault with a weapon, according to online jail records.

The alleged victim said Davis hit him in the head with a champagne bottle after he asked to take a photo with the rapper. Mike Morris and John Spink

Workforce Investment Act Board meets today

The Fulton County Workforce Preparation and Employment System-Workforce Investment Act Board will meet at 10 a.m. today at the Oak Hill Child, Adolescent and Family Center, 2805 Metropolitan Pkwy., S.W. The Board oversees activities that support a skilled and trained workforce and to creating programs that serve employers and the business community. Information: 404-730-1931. Veronica Fields Johnson

Museum to host printmaking workshop

Hammonds House Museum, 503 Peeples St., S.W. will host a printmaking workshop for kids ages 11-15 9 a.m. to noon Monday through April 5. Students will learn drawing techniques, how to transfer those drawing onto a linoleum block, how to carve, print and fold prints into a Chinese-fold bound book. Fee is $50 for museum members and $65 for non-members. Register by Friday. Information: 404-612-0499 or www.hammondshouse.org.

Veronica Fields Johnson

GJP to host annual awards event

The Georgia Justice Project will hold its Grass Roots Awards April 11 at Greystone Hall in Piedmont Park. Teri McClure, the general counsel of UPS, will be honored with a Grass Roots Justice Award.

GJP serves economically disadvantaged members in the community who are also at the highest risk for criminal involvement. Information: shannon@GJP.org. Kenneth Musisi

DEKALB

Apartments worry superintendent

Decatur schools superintendent Phyllis Edwards wants a joint meeting with the city government discussing the revival of three large apartment projects and their effect on city schools. Two developments totaling a projected 435 units figure to break ground next year, with a third, on the Callaway property, approximately two years away. Decatur schools anticipate total enrollment doubling to over 6,000 by 2018, but Edwards said these new apartments “don’t figure into our projections.” Bill Banks for the AJC

Hospital to offer spin classes

The Wellness Center at DeKalb Medical, 2665 N. Decatur Road is now offering indoor cycling classes six days a week. The one hour spin classes are available 6 a.m. Mondays; 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays; 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Thursdays; 6 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. Fridays; 2:30 p.m. Saturdays; and 11:30 a.m. Sundays. One-week free passes to the Wellness Center are available. Information: 404-501-2222. Veronica Fields Johnson

Recycle household hazardous waste

Keep DeKalb Beautiful’s recycling drive for household hazardous waste is 8 a.m. to noon April 6 at the central transfer station, 3720 Leroy Scott Dr.

The event is designed to divert potentially hazardous materials away from Seminole Road Landfill. Examples of equipment to be accepted are: aerosols, batteries, cleaners, flammables, fluorescent lights, lawn-care products, .mercury, paints and photo and swimming pool chemicals. Items not accepted include bio-hazards, medical and agricultural waste, pharmaceuticals and non-hazardous waste.

Information: 404-371–2654 or kdb@dekalbcountyga.gov.

April Hunt

Registration open for 5K on PDK runway

Registration is now open for 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.

Race day is April 27. 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

First arts 5K coming to DeKalb

DeKalb County will host its first Race for the Arts 5K run/walk 8 a.m. Saturday at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center, 3181 Rainbow Dr.

Registration is $25 per person or $20 per person in groups of five or more. Registration can be done online until today at www.active.com. Race-day registration also will be accepted. Information: 404-687-2737. April Hunt

Rep. Price to address

Tucker businesses

U.S. Rep. Tom Price, a Republican whose district includes parts of North DeKalb County, will address the Tucker Business Association 11:30 a.m. today at Greater Good BBQ, 4431 Hugh Howell Road. Price will discuss federal budget issues and items affecting local small businesses. Cost: $5, members; $10, non-members. Register: bob.smith@insphereis.com. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Town hall meeting to focus on gun safety

Henry County Commissioner Bruce Holmes’ next town hall meeting is set for 9 a.m. Saturday, April 27, at the Fairview Recreation Center.

In light of recent increases in firearm sales in Henry County and across the state, Holmes has invited Henry County law enforcement to teach a firearm safety class to educate residents on gun ownership and safety. The class is free and open to the general public. Attendees are asked not to bring any firearms or weapons to the class. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Youth tennis programs awarded grants

The United States Tennis Association has awarded $7,500 Multicultural Excellence Program Grants to both the Peterson School of Tennis of College Park and the South Atlanta Community Tennis Association. The grants are designed to support competitive junior development programs and the two organizations are among a total of 10 national recipients of the grants. The USTA is the national governing body for the sport of tennis in the United States.

Veronica Fields Johnson

Arts Clayton offers quilt exhibit

The Arts Clayton Gallery is hosting the “Quilts of Gee’s Bend” exhibit from April 5 through May 31. It features quilts in strong colors, dynamic patterns, and unusual geometric shapes created with salvaged fabrics. The exhibit includes workshops including an April 6 workshop with the Gee’s Bend quilters. Registration is required for workshops. Information: 770-473-5410. Tammy Joyner

Peachtree City allows anonymous crime tips

The Peachtree City Police Department is now letting residents submit anonymous crime tips by text message or online.

The TipSubmit app can be used to send photographs, videos and other information about crimes, missing children and other situations. Text “PTCTIPS” plus the information to 274367 (CRIMES) or use the Crime Tips link at www.peachtree-city.org/police.

The department also has a Facebook page with a tips link.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

After-school program offered in East Point

Jefferson Park Recreation Center, 1431 Norman Berry Drive, East Point, offers an after-school program until 6 p.m. that includes homework assistance, afternoon snack, reading, writing, arts and crafts, movies, and age-appropriate organized sports and games. Cost: $25/week.

Information: 404-270-7054.

John Thompson for the AJC

Fayette student wins art competition

Fayette County High School sophomore Shrooq “Sherry” Afifi won the 13th Congressional District of Georgia’s 2013 High School Arts Competition on March 16.

She received a $10,000 scholarship to The Art Institute of Atlanta, a $12,000 scholarship to the Southern College of Art and Design and a young patron membership to the High Museum of Art in Atlanta.

Her artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. Jill Howard Church for the AJC