County by county news for Thursday

Richardson was terminated by City Manager Rick Eckert for allegedly not following city procedures when selling police cars and equipment. Vaughn’s other challenger is Paul Moore who ran against her in 2007. A retired Cobb County police detective for 21 years, Moore was a city police detective for five years until he resigned in 1996. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Pregnancy Services requests zoning change

Cobb Pregnancy Services in Marietta is requesting a zoning change necessary to demolish its existing building on the corner of Gramling and Powder Springs streets and build a new three-story replacement building. The center has outgrown its existing space and current stipulations do not allow expansion of the existing building. A planning commission hearing on the center’s request is Tuesday, and will be heard by the city council Sept. 14. Janel Davis

Master gardners concerned about cuts

Master gardeners from Cobb County’s extension services programs requested during a budget hearing Wednesday that commissioners not cut the agricultural education cooperative program with the University of Georgia. In June, a citizen’s oversight committee recommended the program be eliminated. Cobb’s proposed 2012 budget, which begins Oct. 1, maintains funding for the program. A budget vote is set for Sept. 13. Janel Davis

Visit Noshfest in Marietta this weekend

Visit the two-day Nibble and Noshfest Sunday and Monday to get a unique taste of Jewish life including the food, music, humor and culture of the community.

Renowned Israeli musician Yair Yona will perform at 3 p.m. Monday. Noshfest is at Temple Kol Emeth at 1415 Old Canton Road in Marietta. Info: www.noshfest.com. Andria Simmons

Two candidates opposes Smyrna mayor

Two candidates -- Alex Backry, and Donna Short Woodham -- have qualified to run against incumbent Smyrna Mayor Max Bacon, who qualified to run for his 8th term. Nine candidates qualified to run for running city council, six to fill the seats being vacated by Ward 2 councilman Ron Newcomb, Ward 5 councilman Jimmy Smith, and Ward 7 councilman Pete Wood, who are not seeking re-election. Jeffry Scott

Cobb EMC give money for dictionaries

Four thousand third graders in Cobb County are getting free dictionaries thanks to a grant from the Cobb EMC.

The electrical membership corporation gave $7,875 to the Cobb Literacy Council so dictionaries could be given to students in 28 schools in south and west Cobb, said a spokeswoman for CobbWorks, Inc., the parent organization of the council.

The group targeted third graders because they are considered to be at a critical age for projecting potential future drop outs, the spokeswoman said. Ty Tagami

GWINNETT

Lilburn mayor defends city in mosque case

Lilburn Mayor Diana Preston defended her city against accusations of intolerance Wednesday. “The recent characterization of Lilburn as being other than a city of tolerance and acceptance is unfortunate,” Preston said in a written statement. “This misrepresentation was fed by the United States Department of Justice deciding to interject itself into ongoing negotiations between the City and Dar-E-Abbas.” The DOJ has alleged that Lilburn violated federal law by twice rejecting Dar-E-Abbas’ requests for rezoning to build a mosque. Under pressure from the DOJ, Lilburn officials finally approved the request on Aug. 16. Joel Anderson

Boy Scouts to hold 9/11 remembrance

The Boy Scouts of America will hold a Day of Remembrance ceremony at 8 a.m. Sept. 11 at the Fallen Heroes Memorial, Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville.

The event will honor those who lost their lives in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, as well as local law enforcement, fire and emergency services workers. The Georgia National Guard’s Band of the South will perform at the free public event. David Wickert

Snellville’s Kautz resigns to run for mayor

Snellville council member Kelly Kautz resigned from her seat Wednesday to launch a mayoral campaign.

Kautz, who took office in 2007, was forced to step down from the council as part of a city law requiring members to resign when seeking another office.

By qualifying for the mayoral race, Kautz will set up a fall campaign against her former city council colleague and occasional foil Barbara Bender. Kautz said that she expected the race to be a contentious one.

“I don’t plan to attack Barbara personally,” Kautz said. “Unfortunately, I don’t think the same is true.” Joel Anderson

Program teaches pool safety for children

Safe Kids Gwinnett is offering a new pool safety program for children that will make informational materials available to apartment complexes.

The program is offered in partnership with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Pool Safely campaign and the Gwinnett fire department. Ways to improve pool safety include installing barriers with self-closing gates, watching children at the pool, having the appropriate safety equipment and learning CPR and water safety skills.

For information on swimming classes for kids, visit www.gwinnettparks.com. Andria Simmons

Lego competition at Sept. 17 at mall

Lego-lovers can kick off the school year at Discovers Mills’ seventh annual “Lego Rack Back to School” event Sept. 17.

Event participants can bring their custom-designed vehicles designed from Lego products to the Discover Mills food court for the event, which starts at 11 a.m. Vehicle races will start at 1 p.m.

Cars will compete in three categories based on size. An adult race will also be offered.

Discover Mills is at 5900 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville. Laurie Hoffman

NORTHSIDE

Alpharetta photographer faces child porn charges

An Alpharetta man who volunteered to photograph neighborhood functions such as swim meets and fall festivals has been charged with possession of child porn, the FBI announced Thursday. Dirk LaPaglia, 53, is accused of superimposing children’s faces collected from photos he had snapped on top of pornographic images. The FBI said he was found with “hundreds of such images.” Parents concerned about their children’s pictures being included among those LaPaglia is alleged to have possessed should contact the FBI. Christian Boone

Forsyth intersections to open this weekend

Georgia DOT crews expect to finish upgrades to two Forsyth County intersections by the weekend. Traffic along Ga. 369 at Waldrip Road and Waldrip Circle should open to traffic Friday evening, said DOT spokesperson Teri Pope. Waldrip Road was shifted to align with SR 369 at a 90 degree angle. Waldrip Circle was shifted behind Oscarville Store and now lines up across Ga. 369 with McBride Road. Resurfacing work will continue on Ga. 369 through Oct. 31. Patrick Fox

Event to raise money for injured officer

A fund-raising event aimed at helping injured police officer Patrick Apoian, will take place from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Sept. 17 at Los Maguey Mexican Restaurant, 5456 Bethelview Road in Cumming. Apoian is a nine-year veteran with the Atlanta Police Department, who sustained serious injuries when he was run over during a traffic stop in July. Information: Belcher.Randy@gmail.com or 770-880-7299. Jemea Watkins

Group to hold forum on bullying, school safety

A group of school safety experts are hosting a forum on bullying and school safety 10 a.m. -- 11:30 a.m. Sept. 8 in the auditorium of Woodstock High School, 2010 Towne Lake Hills Dr., in Woodstock. The panel, including national safety expert “Safety Mom” Alison Rhodes, will discuss the latest safety risks facing schools, the best practices and technology to reduce these risks. Jeffry Scott

Community theater offers fall classes

Act 3 Productions is taking registration for an array of fall classes for adults and children.

Offerings include several “Mommy & Me” classes, and courses including theatrical dance and aerobic dance. All classes require pre-registration, and will be held at the Act 3 Playhouse, 6285-R Roswell Road N.E., Sandy Springs.

For a list of upcoming performances; auditions, workshops and classes: www.act3productions.org. Laurie Hoffman

Ball Ground school hosts 5K benefit race

The Ball Ground Elementary School PTA is hosting the 2nd Annual Run to Remember in Ball Ground on Sept. 10 at 8 a.m. The event is a 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run to benefit the school as well as the Paralyzed Veterans of America. The cost is $20 prior to race day or $25 on race day.

Registration forms can be emailed to any interested participants. Information: Lucy Pence at g8rfutbol@yahoo.com. Kenneth Musisi

ATLANTA

Council president to fill two staff jobs

Atlanta City Council President Ceasar Mitchell is looking to fill two staff positions: manager of communications and community affairs, and director of intergovernmental affairs and policy research. Applications for both jobs will be closed on Tuesday. The communications staffer will be responsible for managing all communications on behalf of the Council President. The policy staffer would serve as liaison with elected and appointed public officials, legislative and agency staffs. Jeremiah McWilliams

Tire-dumping committee gets to work

In an effort to get a handle on a widespread tire dumping problem, Atlanta City Councilmember Joyce M. Sheperd held the first meeting of a new tire commission on Thursday at City Hall. The tire commission’s goal is to study how the city might manage illegal tire dumping. Recommendations will be sent to Mayor Kasim Reed and the City Council. Jeremiah McWilliams

9/11 events planned at Georgia Tech

Free public events marking the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 will be hosted by the Georgia Tech College Republicans, Office of Diversity Programs, and Young America’s Foundation at Georgia Tech. The memorial flag display at the Instructional Center Lawn on Sept. 7-12. A national security lecture by Marc Thiessen at LeCraw Auditorium, at 800 West Peachtree Street NW on Sept. 8, at 6:30 p.m. A reflective memorial vigil at Kessler Campanile, at 350 Ferst Drive Sept. 11 at 8 p.m. Information: kgreig3@gatech.edu or www.gtrepublicans.com.

Georgia Boy Choir to hold auditions

Georgia Boy Choir auditions will be held on Saturday and Sept. 10 at The Heiskell School located at 3260 Northside Drive in Atlanta from 10 a.m. until about 3 p.m. Auditioning is open for boys, ages 5-12, but parents need to call to schedule an audition time. Information: 404-402-4083, www.georgiaboychoir.org and

Kenneth Musisi

DEKALB

County offers help to quit smoking

Uninsured smokers who want to kick the habit now qualify for help with quitting through the DeKalb Board of Health. The board now offers adults without insurance access to free nicotine gum or patches, used to aid with quitting smoking. The program is administered through the Georgia Tobacco Quit Line, which also offers free counseling to help smokers 13 and older quit, regardless of insurance status.

More information: 1-877-270-7867. April Hunt

DeKalb updates civic associations database

DeKalb County is updating its database of civic associations and homeowners associations throughout the county.

The neighborhood registry helps the county alert residents about new developments and zoning plans in their areas, including the pre-application meetings required for zoning changes. It also helps groups get county officials to speak at meetings on various topics.

More information: 404-371-3689 or onedekalb@dekalbcountyga.gov. April Hunt

Bowl-a-thon raises $40,000 for hospitals

The Greater Atlanta Credit Union Chapter raised more than $40,000 for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at its 9th Annual Bowl-A-Thon fundraiser held in Decatur. The funds will support trauma services at Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Children’s Pediatric Trauma Center provides support to more than 23,000 trauma patients each year. Information: www.choa.org. Kenneth Musisi

DeKalb blood drive in Tucker Sept. 6

The American Red Cross, in partnership with the DeKalb County Police Department, will hold the Fallen Heroes Memorial Blood Drive on Sept. 6, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. at the DeKalb County Fire Headquarters in Tucker. To schedule an appointment to donate, visit redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code “dekalbpolice” or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Veronica Fields Johnson

Development a central issue in mayor’s race

Incumbent Ed Rieker and Commissioner David Milliron both officially filed as candidates for mayor of Avondale Estates this week. With both citing development as a crucial issue, their campaigns may revolve around two major tracts: the former Fenner Dunlop property, 13.14 acres annexed into the city earlier this year, and the 5.29 downtown acres currently owned by Florida-based Century Retail. Real estate attorney and outgoing Commissioner Michael Payne pointed out, “Not many cities, especially cities our size (population 2,829) can say that they have prime in-town land that’s poised for development sooner rather than later.” Bill Banks for the AJC

Volunteers needed for ‘Rivers Alive’ project

Tucker Civic Association announces that the 4th Annual “Rivers Alive” project will be held on Saturday, Oct. 1 from 9 a.m. to noon at Twin Brothers Lakes on Historic Johns Homestead Property, 3071 Lawrenceville Highway. “Rivers Alive” is a statewide effort to clean up local waterways each October. Information: Pat McNall at parks@tuckercivic.org. Kenneth Musisi

SOUTHSIDE

Burke to run for mayor of Morrow

Concern over Olde Towne Morrow, a failed retail and entertainment complex, has prompted another Morrow resident to run for mayor. J.B. Burke said Wednesday he’s seeking the job to bring more transparency and accountability to the city of 6,500 and to help create more businesses and protect equity in residents’ homes. Burke learned about safety and construction violations at Olde Towne Morrow last year and formed a local concerned citizens group. Burke, a manager of metro Atlanta hotels, has lived in Morrow four and a half years. Tammy Joyner

Hapeville College Park city halls closed Monday

City halls in Hapeville and College Park are closed Monday for the Labor Day holiday. Both will reopen Sept.6 for regular business. John Thompson for the AJC

Large field qualifies to run in East Point

November’s municipal election will see 12 candidates vie for four open seats on the East Point City Council. In Ward A, Incumbent Steve Bennett faces off against Johnny Fowler and Alexander Gothard. In Ward B, Incumbent Lance Rhodes faces Maire Williams and Karen Renee. Ward C incumbent Myron Cook is facing Kenneth Deleon and Nanette Saucier, while Ward D’s incumbent Clyde Mitchell is being challenged by Natonia Martin and Threet Brown. The election is Nov.8. John Thompson for the AJC

Event raises money for troops in Kuwait

Proceeds from a Fayette County fundraising event are being used to provide respite for U.S. troops serving in Kuwait. Organizers of the Military Cookout, which was held last March, donated $500 to a chaplain who is setting up a retreat area where approximately 1,200 soldiers can go to rest and socialize when off duty.

The event raised $2,600 this year to provide gift cards and other resources for troops. Jill Howard church for the AJC

Clayton agencies to commemorate 9/11

Clayton County’s public safety agencies will host a 10th anniversary commemoration for those who died in the Sept. 11, 2001, attack on New York and Washington, D.C. at 6 p.m. on Sept. 11. The “Clayton Remembers” ceremony will be at Jonesboro First Baptist Church, 147 Church Street in Jonesboro. Tammy Joyner

Transportation tax meeting Sept. 13

The Atlanta Regional Commission is hosting a public information meeting Sept. 13, from 6-8 p.m. in the Henry County Administration Building in McDonough regarding the proposed regional transportation sales tax. For information, log on to www.atlantaregionalroundtable.com. Monroe Roark for the AJC

‘Shaggin’ on the Square’ Sept. 24

Living music and dancing are on tap for Saturday, Sept. 24, from 7-11 p.m. on the McDonough square, site of “Shaggin’ on the Square.” Tables of eight are available for $200, not including dinner, with proceeds to benefit McDonough Arts. Visit www.mcdonougharts.net for more information. Monroe Roark for the AJC