COBB
Cobb man accused of beating infant
A Cobb County man has been indicted in the beating an 8-week-old baby.
Joseph Rucker McFall was indicted last week for allegedly shaking, throwing and hitting the infant sometime between Aug. 30 and Oct. 29, 2012, according to the Cobb County District Attorney’s office.
McFall, 30, is charged with two counts aggravated battery and two counts of first-degree child cruelty and remains in the Cobb County Jail with a $15,000 bond.
He faces up to 80 years in prison if convicted.
Marcus K. Garner
Woman indicted in daughter’s death
Prosecutors in Cobb County have indicted a Smyrna woman for allegedly starving her 16-year-old daughter to death.
Markeka Berry weighed just 43 pounds when she died last June at her family’s home, Cobb District Attorney’s Office spokeswoman Kim Isaza said. Her mother, 36-year-old Ebony Espree Berry, was charged with murder, felony murder and two counts of child cruelty.
She faces a maximum sentence of life in prison plus 20 years, Isaza said. Bond has been set at $75,000 for Berry, who is being held in Cobb jail.
Christian Boone
Pedestrian, 79, killed in Cobb
Danielle D. Simmons of Atlanta was following a truck on Cumberland Parkway when it stopped suddenly to avoid hitting a pedestrian. Simmons slowed and changed lanes to avoid hitting the truck and Angie C. Scroggins, 79, of Smyrna was hit and killed when she walked into the path of Simmons’ Dodge Charger. Police said Scoggins wasn’t using a designated pedestrian crosswalk.
Simmons is not expected to be charged in the incident, according to police.
Bryan Cronan
Lost Mountain blood drive on Thursday
An American Red Cross blood drive will be 1-6 p.m. Thursday in the Worship Center, Lost Mountain Baptist Church, 5400 Old Dallas Road, Powder Springs.
Donors may enter their names into a drawing for one of three $1,000 gift cards.
Information: 770-428-5335.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Georgia AG to speak to Cobb Republicans
The Cobb County Republican Party will host their monthly breakfast from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Saturday, April 6 at party headquarters, 799 Roswell St., Marietta. Georgia Attorney General Sam Olens will be the featured speaker. Admission is $3 and includes coffee. A full country breakfast available for an additional $7. Breakfast buffet opens at 8:15 a.m. and the program begins at 8:45 a.m. Information: Joe Dendy at 770-820-6545. Veronica Fields Johnson
Marietta art walk opens Friday
Marietta ‘s First Friday Art Walk opens the season from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday through Oct. 4 at more than 30 stores, arts galleries and museums around the Marietta Square. Maps for the free, self-guided tours on the first Friday of the month are available at locations displaying an art walk banner in the window. Peformance artists and a beer garden are new this year. Information:www.artwalkmarietta.com.
Tucker McQueen for the AJC
GWINNETT
Man allegedly stabbed roommate to death
Stephen O’Reilly, 24, surrendered to officers in Escambia County, Fla., on Monday. He was wanted in the death of 28-year-old Brent Francis, who died from multiple stab wounds Saturday afternoon at a home in unincorporated Snellville, authorities said. Before he died Francis told officers that O’Reilly had attacked him. He was transported to Gwinnett Medical Center, where he later died.
O’Reilly took Francis’ black 1994 Toyota Camry and fled, police said. A murder warrant was obtained and a national lookout notice was issued.
Angel K. Brooks
Church provides dementia talk
Christ the King Lutheran Church is hosting a free information session titled “Dementia & Delirium: What’s the Difference?” at 10 a.m. April 11, 5575 Peachtree Parkway in Peachtree Corners.
The discussion, led by nurse practitioner, Clarice Wasmuth, will include information for family members and caregivers on the identification of each illness and strategies for helping patients.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Sikh exhibition coming to Norcross
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 through 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 go tot 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.
Information: www.gnli.org.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
School district to hold education, career fair
Gwinnett Public Schools will hold a college and career education fair from 4 to 7 p.m. today at Maxwell High School of Technology, 990 McElvaney Lane, Lawrenceville.
District educators and more than 50 representatives from post-secondary institutions will discuss career pathways with students, parents, teachers and counselors.
Information: 770-963-6838, maxwellhigh.com.
Michael Alpert for the AJC
NORTHSIDE
Sandy Springs toddler shoots himself in hand
A Sandy Springs toddler shot himself in the thumb. Police said he found the gun under a bed Monday at his home on Village Creek Trace, Channel 2 Action News reported.
The child’s father rushed him to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite. Police cited Shaunell Robinson, the child’s mother, with reckless conduct for not properly securing the gun.
The boy is recovering and will be taken to a hand specialist to be checked out, police said.
Bryan Cronan
Cherokee to match contributions
The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday to match asked-for contributions from Cherokee cities dollar-for-dollar for three years to boost funding for the Cherokee Office of Economic Development.
Commission chairman Buzz Ahrens in January asked the cities to contribute up to $60,000 annually to help fund the office, which county leaders say is understaffed. Several cities will weigh the request as part of their next budgets.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Milton seeking military veterans’ names
In preparation for its sixth Memorial Day ceremony, Milton is seeking names of military veterans of Milton families to add to its database of nearly 500 living and fallen veterans, almost 300 of whom are memorialized with markers placed on Deerfield Parkway the week of the May 27 holiday. Deceased veterans are honored with the markers made by city councilman Bill Lusk.
Information: 678-242-2500.
Michael Alpert for the AJC
School registration set in Cherokee district
Registration for Cherokee County School District kindergarteners and first-graders entering school for the first time in 2013-14 is 3:30 - 6 p.m. today and 9 a.m. to noon Friday at schools. Children currently enrolled in kindergarten don’t need to register for first grade.
Information: www.cherokee.k12.ga.us
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Forsyth may change alcohol ordinance
The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners holds a public hearing 5 p.m. today at the county’s administration building, 110 E. Main St., Cumming.
The topic of discussion is a proposed ordinance amendment allowing “growler” tastings at retail package stores selling the beer/malt beverage containers (but not distilled spirits).
The change would allow prospective growler buyers to sample up to 8 ounces daily.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Roswell collecting hazardous waste
The Roswell Public Works/Environmental Department’s annual household hazardous waste collection event is from 9 a.m. to noon April 13 at the Roswell Public Works facility, 1810 Hembree Road. Among the waste welcome from residents is oil-based paint, mineral spirits, pesticides, automotive fluids and propane gas containers.
Information: Janet Liberman, 770-641-3715, jliberman@roswellgov.com.
Michael Alpert for the AJC
ATLANTA
Rep. Lindsey to speak to Buckhead group
The Buckhead Business Association’s monthly breakfast meeting will be 7:30 to 9 a.m.Thursday at the City Club of Buckhead, 3343 Peachtree Rd., N.E., Suite 1850. Rep. Edward Lindsey (R-Atlanta) will present a recap of the 2013 legislative session. Tickets are $10 for BBA members and $20 for visitors and guests. Validated self-parking is available.
Information: www.buckheadbusiness.org.
Veronica Fields Johnson
Career fair to focus on juvenile justice careers
The National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice will sponsor a free Department of Juvenile Justice career fair from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday, April 5 at the Clark Atlanta University Student Center, 223 James P. Brawley Dr., S.W. While the primary focus will be on juvenile correctional officers, teachers and registered nurses, a wide range of positions are available.
Information: www.djjnewsandviews.org/djjcareers/ Veronica Fields Johnson
Atlanta Mission receives $50,000 grant
The Atlanta Mission recently received a $50,000 grant from the UPS Foundation to help the homeless in Atlanta and Northeast Georgia.
The foundation is the charitable arm of UPS.
The Atlanta Mission provides emergency housing, recovery programs, job attainment, and transitional housing for the homeless.
Shelia M. Poole
Fundraiser to benefit Marcus Autism Center
Big Splash 2013: The Great Regatta is 7 p.m. April 13 at the Georgia Aquarium. The boating-themed black tie event will feature cocktails and food presentation by Wolfgang Puck Catering, live entertainment and the opportunity to purchase pieces by performance artist Michael Israel. Proceeds benefit Marcus Autism Center.
Tickets: $300.
Information: giving.choa.org/bigsplash or Jeanne Hastings Walters, 404-785-9402 or jeanne.hastings@choa.org. Mea Watkins
DEKALB
More students in trouble over toy gun
For at least the second time this year, a DeKalb County principal is informing parents of a student violation of weapons policy involving a toy gun.
The latest incident occurred at Druid Hills Middle School, where a 6th grade boy was discovered last week with a “BB” pistol, according to the letter by principal Robert B. Thorpe.
A teacher discovered the gun in the student’s possession, and after an investigation three students were cited for allegedly handling it, the letter said.
No one was threatened or harmed this time, nor the last time, in January, when a girl reportedly brought a “soft pellet gun” to Woodward Elementary School.
Ty Tagami
School board waits to vote on renovations
Decatur’s school board postponed voting Tuesday on a master plan calling for extensive construction/renovations on Renfroe Middle and Decatur High schools, projected cost $58 million.
Plans call for nearly doubling the size of both, with the high school’s enrollment expected to hit 1,891 (it’s now 925) and Renfroe 1,666 (now 783) by 2018.
Superintendent Phyllis Edwards said the school system will hold a series of community-input sessions in the weeks after spring break (April 8-12), and just prior to the vote, now scheduled for the May 14th board meeting.
Bill Banks for the AJC
Hazardous waste disposal offered
DeKalb County residents may dispose of household hazardous waste during the 2013 Spring Household Hazardous Waste Event from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at the DeKalb County Central Transfer Station, 3720 Leroy Scott Drive, Decatur.
Accepted items include: aerosols, mercury, batteries, lawn-care products, paint, cleaners and photo chemicals.
The free event is sponsored by Keep DeKalb Beautiful and the DeKalb County Sanitation Division, in partnership with Clean Harbors Environmental Services, Inc.
Information: 404-371-2654 or kdb@dekalbcountyga.gov.
Veronica Fields Johnson
College to sponsor job fair
Georgia Piedmont Technical College will sponsor a free Department of Juvenile Justice college career fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 16 at the college, 495 N. Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston.
While the primary focus will be on juvenile correctional officers, teachers and registered nurses, a wide range of positions are available.
Information: www.djjnewsandviews.org/djjcareers/.
Veronica Fields Johnson
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
SOUTHSIDE
Fayette creates program to recruit tournaments
Fayette County has created an initiative to help recruit more sports events to the county. The Peachtree Fayette Sports Alliance is the brainchild of the Peachtree City Convention and Visitors Bureau, which will finance the initiative. The new group will be governed by a seven-member board of directors that include the county recreation department and the Peachtree City convention bureau. The alliance wants to work with local sports groups to plan and organize tournaments. Information: 678-216-0282 or www.visitpeachtreecity.com.
Tammy Joyner
Public invited to Fayette Commission retreat
The Fayette County Board of Commissioners’ retreat which is open to the public, starting 7:30 a.m. Friday and lasts most of the day. The board will convene at New Hope Baptist Church, 1563 Joel Cowan Parkway in Peachtree City. The agenda includes discussions of financial forecasts, human resources policies and public safety.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Peachtree City refinances bonds
The Peachtree City Water and Sewerage Authority has refinanced nearly $28 million of bond debt by taking advantage of lower interest rates.
PCWASA qualified for the change due to a recent upgrade of its credit rating by Standard & Poor’s, with backing from the Peachtree City government.
The move will save $3.06 million over the 14-year term of the bonds.
Jill Howard Church
College Park tests fire hydrants
College Park Fire Rescue’s team continues to inspect fire hydrants 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. through today.
Residents are reminded that if water discoloration is observed at the tap, please let the faucet run for a brief period until it is clear.
Lisa Gibson for the AJC
Dental services offered to expectant moms
The Clayton County Board of Health will offer dental cleanings and basic dental services to area expectant mothers on Thursdays from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. The initiative is part of the “Smile, You’re Pregnant” prenatal dental health campaign, designed to educate mothers on the importance of dental health as it relates to a link between gum disease and premature, underweight births. Information: CCBOH at 678-610-7199.
Veronica Fields Johnson
North Fayette school starts fathers group
North Fayette Elementary School has launched a program aimed at getting fathers more involved in student activities. The Watch DOGS (Dads of Great Students) promotes volunteerism and positive male role models to support student engagement and reduce inappropriate behavior. Information: Bethany McIntosh, 770-460-3570.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Free tax preparation available to seniors
AARP and the Clayton County Senior Services Department, are offering free tax preparation for seniors thrugh April 12.
Appointments are available 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays at The Frank Bailey Senior Center, 6213 Riverdale Road, Riverdale.
Information: 678 479-5505.
Tammy Joyner
