County by county news for Thursday

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Powder Springs supports tax renewal

The Powder Springs City Council voted Monday to support the 2016 Cobb SPLOST renewal on the Nov. 4 ballot.

City officials estimate they will collect around $14.2 million from the continuation of the one-cent sales tax for 2016-22.

The city plans to use $6 million for street resurfacing and pavement markings, $2.85 million for six intersection improvements, $1.3 million for streetscape projects, $1 million for Brownsville Road improvements, $804,120 for street improvements, $750,000 for public safety, $750,000 for parks and recreation and $750,000 for public facilities.

Information: cityofpowdersprings.org/DocumentCenter/View/2538, cobbSPLOST2016.org.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Powder Springs to buy 3 trucks for $258,564

A sanitation truck and two pick-up trucks will be bought by Powder Springs for $258,564.

The City Council approved Monday the sanitation truck purchase of $204,702 from McNeilus Co.

For $53,862, the other two trucks will be bought from Hardy Family Ford.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Powder Springs approves $875,000 for 3 streets

The Powder Springs City Council voted Monday to pay $875,000 to C.W. Matthews Contracting Co., Inc. to repair and resurface Austell Powder Springs Road, Florence Road and Marietta Street.

The money will come from the city’s special purpose local option sales tax.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Powder Springs approves authority members

The Powder Springs City Council made seven appointments Monday to two city boards.

Attorney Loretta Smith takes the place of Joseph Pittman, following his resignation from the Development Authority of Powder Springs.

New Downtown Development Authority members are Keith Askew, Randy Hardy, Shelly Hendry, Buddy Reeves, Susan Smelser and Barry Yeager.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Registration opens for senior games

Seniors, 55 and older, can register through Aug. 8 for the Cobb County Senior Games Aug. 20-Sept. 16 at 11 sites around the county. Events will include basketball, billiards, bocce ball, swmming, bowling, track and field events. Registration is $20 for Cobb residents and $25 for non-residents. Information: www.cobbseniors.org.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

YWCA head to receive WNBA award

The Womens’ National Basketball Association will give YWCA of Northwest Georgia CEO Holly Tuchman the Inspiring Women Award. Tuchman, who heads the Marietta program that helps women victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, will receive the award at an Atlanta Dream game 7 p.m. Aug. 13 at Philips Arena. A portion of the game’s sales will benefit the YWCA. Information: www.ywcanwga.com.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Gwinnett

Dacula lowers 2014 millage rate

The Dacula City Council has set the 2014 millage rate to 5.44, a modest decrease from the 2013 millage rate of 5.90. Most Dacula residents will see a small decline in property taxes for 2014 assuming their tax assessment remains the same. Other residents may see a slight increase as tax assessments begin to rise. Information: www.daculaga.gov.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Southwest Chamber to discuss cultural diversity

The Southwest Gwinnett Chamber will discuss culture diversity and how it positively impacts businesses 7:30 to 9 a.m. Friday, August 1 at Hilton Atlanta Northeast, 5993 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard in Peachtree Corners. Rick Desai will speak about construction of Lilburn’s Hindu Mandir, the 1.3 million volunteer hours that helped build the temple, and programs it offers the community. Information: www.southwestgwinnettchamber.com or 770-239-7442. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Library offers free writers’ workshop

The Gwinnett County Public Library will offer a free writing workshop on using research in your fiction 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14 at the Suwanee Branch, 361 Main Street in Suwanee. Joe Samuel Starnes will discuss how fiction can come to life with details acquired through research. Information: www.friendsgcpl.org or 770-978-5154.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Lifeguards win competition third year in a row

For the third year, Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation took first place at the annual Georgia Recreation and Park Association State Lifeguarding Competition held on July 21 in Greene County. Virginia Brinkley, Christina Wang, Alex Wang, Brad Miller, Stephen Brinkley and Victor Barr studied lifeguard materials, swam and conditioned throughout the summer to prepare for the competition. There were 13 teams from across the state competing for the title. The Gwinnett team won the swim relay event, rescue paddleboard, rescue relay and triathlon events.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Dacula looks to increase broadband services

Dacula Mayor Jim Wilbanks has shared a report on the availability of broadband services on the city’s website. As an important qualifier for economic development. Dacula hopes to increase broadband resources for consumers and businesses. The full report, conducted by broadbandnow is available at www.daculaga.gov.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Northside

Runoff turnout surges on Northside

Northside elections officials say unofficial turnout was better than expected for Tuesday’s runoff. Forsyth County Voter Registrations and Elections Department supervisor Barbara Luth says early, mail and election day balloting totaled 17,126 or 16.3 percent of registered voters, handily beating the 2012 runoff. Luth chalks it up to candidates effectively energizing their bases. In Cherokee County, interim elections head Kim Stancil says 19,808 cast ballots, or 15.8 percent. Both say there were no significant problems with Election Day locations or equipment.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Rainy weather delays Cumming road project

Rainy weather has delayed a significant lane shift on a $5 million Forsyth County intersection upgrade. GDOT says it now plans to open all lanes on Ga.9 at Ga. 141/Bethelview Road plus turning lanes onto Ga. 141 late Thursday night/early Friday. The shift had been planned for this past weekend, but officials say two consecutive nights of dry weather were needed to finish paving.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Swearing-in set for Johns Creek councilmen

The two new members elected to the Johns Creek City Council in this week’s runoff will be sworn in at 7 p.m. Monday (July 28) in the Council chambers at Johns Creek City Hall, 12000 Findley Road, during the regular Council meeting. Fulton County Superior Court judge Christopher Brasher will administer the oath of office to Bob Gray, elected to Post 4 and Steve Broadbent, who takes over Post 6. Both seats had been vacant; the election returns the council to full strength.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

National Night Out events in Cherokee

Law enforcement agencies in Cherokee County will observe the National Night Out anti-crime program on Aug 5. Woodstock Police and other agencies will hold their event 6 -9 p.m. at The Park at City Center, 101 Arnold Mill Road, with K-9 demonstrations, the Georgia State Patrol helicopter and kids activities. Canton will set up 6-9 p.m. at the downtown gazebo, with free food and drink, free child ID kits, music and police and fire demonstrations.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Historical society installs new leadership

The Ball Ground Historical Society installed new officers at its meeting this week. Members picked Tim Cavender as president, Jennie Byers as vice-president and Elaine Gay and Sandra Pendley as treasurer and secretary respectively. The society, chartered in 2012, meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at Ball Ground City Hall, 215 Valley St.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

21 students win merit scholarships in Fulton

Nearly two dozen students at North Fulton high schools have been named National Merit Scholars in the competition’s 2014 final round, also earning merit scholarships from participating colleges. The 2014 graduates are from Alpharetta, Chattahoochee, Centennial, Johns Creek, North Springs, Northview and Roswell high schools. MARK WOOLSEY for the AJC

Atlanta

Atlanta court clerk accused of pocketing $81K

Former Atlanta Municipal Court clerk Airiel Vrejean Wright accused of stealing more than $80,000 in court fines is scheduled for a plea hearing at 9:30 a.m. today.

Wright is expected to enter a guilty plea to theft charges. According to Fulton County prosecutors the theft occurred during a two-year span ending July 2012. Wright was responsible for receiving payments for court citations via cash, check and credit cards. The indictment alleges Wright pocketed a total of $81,292.35 in cash payments over the period.

The State is recommending a one year prison term followed by ten years’ probation and full restitution.

Elizabeth Montgomery

New officers graduate from academy

The Atlanta Police Academy held its graduation ceremony Tuesday evening at City Hall. The 29 graduates completed 33 weeks of training and classroom courses in constitutional law. Nine graduates have military experience. Twenty-seven men and two women were in the class.

A ceremony was also held Tuesday for the Citizens Police Academy. Twenty-six Atlanta residents and business owners received an overview of criminal investigations and procedures. The course included a police ride-along.

Adrianne Murchison for the AJC

Police participate in mayor’s reading club

Atlanta police officers read stories along the Atlanta Beltline, Wednesday, for the Mayor’s Summer Reading Club. The program for children ages 8 and under began in June and continues through July 31.

Officers from the Path Force Unit read the story “Amari Bike Adventure” in the Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark on the Eastside Trail and Rose Circle Park on the Westside Trail.

The Path Force Unit patrols the Beltline and adjacent parks.

Information: www.mayorsreadingclub.org.

Adrianne Murchison for the AJC

DeKalb

One Decatur storm water project remains

With the Maple Street/Church Street/Howard Avenue line recently completed, Decatur has only one project remaining in replacing its early-20th century storm drains, which began in 2007. Last up is the line starting at Fire Station #1 on Trinity Place, then left on Howard Avenue and left on Bailey Street, with work beginning in late fall. Also Ebster Field, which covers the new stormwater management facility holding over a million cubic feet of water, should re-open by mid fall.

Bill Banks for the AJC

Public safety forum upcoming

A public safety forum to help deter neighborhood crime will be held 6:30-8:30 p.m., Tuesday, at the DeKalb County Police South Precinct, 2842 H. F. Shepherd Drive.

South DeKalb Improvement Association partnered with the DeKalb County Office of Public Safety for the event. Neighborhood crime watch and accessing reports and crime maps are among the topics to be discussed.

Adrianne Murchison for the AJC

DeKalb Medical campuses gets high honors

The Georgia Hospital Association placed DeKalb Medical Center campuses at North Decatur and Hillandale on the Partnership for Health and Accountability Core Measures Honor Roll. The designation is based on the most effective treatment methods provided to patients who have suffered heart attacks, heart failure, pneumonia; and surgical patients.

To qualify the hospitals submitted 2013 data to the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services, an agency of the U.S. Departmen of Health and Human Services.

Adrianne Murchison for the AJC

Anti-bullying campaign throws party

A free back-to-school party by the “Bully Me? No Way!” campaign will be held from 2- 5 p.m., Saturday, at Kidz at Play, 8000 Rockbridge Road, in Lithonia. Children of all ages are invited.

Children who have experienced bullying will share their stories.

Nonnie Hawkins started the anti-bullying campaign featuring her grandson Miracle Boy Emmanuel. In 2005, at 12 weeks pregnant Emmanuel’s mother, Tara Hawkins, went into a coma following a physical attack. She died two days after Emmanuel was born.

Adrianne Murchison for the AJC

Junior League to host open house in Decatur

An open house for women interested in joining the Junior League of DeKalb County will take place at 3 p.m. July 27 at league headquarters in the historic Mary Gay House, 716 W. Trinity Place, Decatur.

The Junior League of DeKalb County is committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through action and leadership of volunteers.

Potential new members will have the opportunity to meet current members and learn about the organization, which marks its 80th anniversary this year.

Information: www.jldekalb.org, kelli_gress@yahoo.com or 812-630-0307.

KENT A. MILES FOR THE AJC

Input sessions set for renovating schools

City Schools Decatur has set two dates for residential input sessions on the renovation and new construction of Renfroe Middle and Decatur High schools.

Architects and design personnel, selected by CSD, will field questions and suggestions Aug. 14 at the high school and Aug. 19 at Renfroe.

Design plans for both schools should finish by late fall/early winter, with Phase I construction on the high school beginning in January. BILL BANKS for the AJC

Southside

Fayette schools ban e-cigarettes

Electronic cigarettes, e-hookahs and vaporizers have been added to the list of tobacco-related products that Fayette County students may not possess or use on school property. The amendment to the Student Code of Conduct was approved 4-0 at Monday’s Board of Education meeting.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Zoning board nixes senior complex

The Fayette County Planning and Zoning Commission has rejected a developer’s proposal to build a senior housing complex in downtown Fayetteville. Board members said Tuesday that adding more residential development near the current Villages complex contradicted the mixed-use plan designated for that location.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Moss to host town hall Aug. 9

Henry County Commissioner Bo Moss will host a town hall meeting at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, in the auditorium of the Locust Grove Recreation Center, 9 Cleveland Street in Locust Grove. The focus will be to update citizens on various projects in Moss’ district, hear residents’ thoughts and concerns and take questions from the audience. The meeting is open to the public. Information: www.henrycounty-ga.org.

Monroe Roark for the AJC

Applications taken for housing rehab funds

Fulton County is accepting pre-applications from homeowners seeking housing rehabilitation assistance.

Low- and moderate-income homeowners can apply for deferred payment loans to bring substandard, single-family, owner-occupied properties into compliance with federal regulations and county codes. The Housing Rehabilitation Program funds are made available annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Deadline: July 31. Information. www.fultoncountyga.gov or 404-613-7944. KENT A. MILES

Fayette seeks recreation advisers

Fayette County’s Recreation Commission has two volunteer openings. The five-member board meets monthly to review and evaluate programs, facilities and policies in order to make recommendations about ongoing needs. One term expires in March 2016 and another in May 2018; contact fjones@fayettecountyga.gov or call 770-305-5102 to apply by Thursday.

JILL HOWARD CHURCH FOR THE AJC

Hapeville to host independent film tour

The city of Hapeville was selected as a host of the Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers.

The tour of six independent films is presented by South Arts, a partner of the National Endowment for the Arts. South Arts organization supports the advancement of art and cultural activities in southern cities.

Hapeville is one of 17 cities on the tour. One film will be screened each month starting in September at Historic Christ Church Building and Carriage House in Jess Lucas Y Teen Park, with an appearance by the filmmaker for a Q&A session with the audience.

Adrianne Murchison for the AJC