County by county news for Tuesday

The grant was awarded to David Veazie, director of SPSU’s engineering education center, to buy a scanning electron microscope to analyze advanced engineering materials. The microscope will be used by SPSU and Clark Atlanta University research groups.

The Department of Defense awarded a total of $37.8 million to 83 schools nationwide. Georgia Tech was the only other Georgia institution to receive funding. Janel Davis

Chamber to hold joint networking meeting

The Cobb Chamber of Commerce brings together the county’s numerous business associations on July 7 for the first a joint association meeting.

The Summer J.A.M. will be an open networking event with chamber and other business association members. The event also features live music and prizes. The session runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Hilton Marietta Conference Center, 500 Powder Springs St. SW in Marietta. Admittance is free to chamber and business association members; $20 general admission. Register by June 30: http://www.cobbchamber.org; 770-859-2369 Janel Davis

Motorcyclist dies in crash after chase

A motorcyclist who crashed overnight in Cobb County after leading Georgia State Patrol troopers on a chase has died.

State Patrol spokesman Gordy Wright told the AJC that the motorcyclist, 24-year-old Anthony Todd Cleveland of Acworth, died at WellStar Kennestone Hospital after running off Baker Road near Kennesaw and wrecking. Mike Morris

Sanderson to leave schools on Thursday

Cobb County Superintendent Fred Sanderson will retire from the school district on Thursday after over 30 years of service. Sanderson was also a high school principal, deputy superintendent and chief academic officer. Michael Hinojosa will begin his term as the 20th school superintendent in July.

Alaya Boykin

New school board member to speak

A new school board member in Cobb County will answer questions at an upcoming meeting of residents on the county’s east side.

Scott Sweeney will speak at the next meeting of the East Cobb Civic Association, said Jill Flamm, the group’s president. Speakers typically talk for about half an hour before fielding questions from the audience, she said. The meeting is at 7 p.m. on June 29 at the East Cobb Government Center, 4400 Lower Roswell Rd., Marietta. Ty Tagami

Marietta police look for information on killing

Marietta police are searching for the person responsible for killing a 28-year-old man Sunday. Officers arrived at the Westbury Park Apartments in the 1200 block of Franklin Road around 2:40 p.m. to investigate a report of shots being fired, police said. Officers found the body of Reginald Gibson, just inside the door of an apartment, Gardner said. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Detective Chris Lindsey at 770-794-5369 or the Marietta police tip line at 770-794-6990. Alexis Stevens

GWINNETT

Body found in Little Mulberry Park

Gwinnett County police are investigating the discovery of a body Sunday evening at a park near Auburn.

A man hiking with his son in Little Mulberry Park on Fence Road found the decomposing body near a trail around 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Gwinnett police spokesman Jeffery Richter said.

“Due to the state of decomposition, the gender of the body was not able to be determined on scene,” Richter said.

He said the cause of death was also not immediately apparent. Mike Morris

Dacula softball team clinches championship

The Dacula Major All-Star Softball team won four games last week to clinch the TriCounty Tournament championship.

The Dacula Major All-Stars, with a roster of 12 girls ranging in ages from 11 to 13, defeated Shiloh 11-7 in the title game Sunday at George Pierce Park in Suwanee. They will move on to the ASA State level tournament in Cumming this weekend. Joel Anderson

Officers graduate from FBI academy

Two employees from the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Department and the Gwinnett County Police Department have graduated from the 245th FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va. Maj. Tom Bardugon, Special Operations Commander with Gwinnett police, and Maj. Kirk Williamson, who oversees court security for Sheriff, attended the academy from April 3 to June 10. The academy consists of forensics, computer crimes, leadership, statement analysis, labor law and a grueling physical fitness test. Andria Simmons

Duluth gears up Fourth celebration

Duluth will celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, inflatable rides and a rock wall among other things on Sunday.

The festivities will start at 4 p.m. at Scott Hudgens Park at 4545 River Green Parkway.

Fireworks are scheduled for 10 p.m. Joel Anderson

Creek near Grayson High to be restored

About 1,600 feet off stream bed near Grayson High School will be restored under a contract awarded last week by the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners. Commissioners awarded the $536,881 to low-bidder Georgia Development Partners of Atlanta. County officials say the project will protect water quality, wildlife habitat and the overall health of Brushy Fork Creek.

A federal Environmental Protection Agency grant will pay 55 percent of the cost, with the county paying 45 percent from stormwater funds. David Wickert

Conversational Spanish classes offered to kids

Gwinnett County will host conversational Spanish classes for children age 8 to 12 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. July 11-15 or July 18-22 at Centerville Community Center, 3025 Bethany Church Road, Snellville.

The cost is $40, plus a $10 nonrefundable registration fee. For more information, contact Grisel Amargos at grisskey@yahoo.com. For preregistration and payment information call the community center at 770-985-4713. David Wickert

NORTHSIDE

Forsyth set to pay more for environmental fight

Forsyth County commissioners are expected to approve today more legal fees to fight the environmental group, Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, over a Georgia Environmental Protection Division discharge permit the Riverkeeper says is not strict enough. The county lost the last round in the litigation that started last September. So far, the commission has approved almost $400,000 in legal fees for the fight. It would cost at least about $10 million for modifications to consistently meet the Riverkeeper’s discharge standard, the county estimates. Jeffry Scott

Milton searches for new parks director

Cyndee Bonacci, Milton’s first parks and recreation director, is stepping down, and the city is looking for a replacement. Over the past year, the department has expanded park space beyond the 15-acre Bell Memorial Park. In March, city officials bought one acre at Webb Road and Deerfield Parkway to create a pocket park. Patrick Fox

Clerical error sidetracks Milton ordinance

A clerical error has delayed Milton’s considering a new ordinance allowing patrons to bring beer or wine into licensed establishments. The City Council last week unanimously approved the measure for final consideration July 6, but a code section was missing from the proposed ordinance. The Council will reintroduce the measure July 6. If approved, the proposal will be scheduled for final consideration, public comment and vote July 18. Patrick Fox

Forsyth to get update on golf course talks

Forsyth County commission chairman Brian Tam is expected to give an update today during the commission work session on talks between the county, residents, the owners, and likely bankers involved in the Lanier Golf Club zoning dispute. A judge gave the county an extension until July 7 to rezone the property so that it can be developed. The proposal is to preserve 110-115 acres as either green space or a golf course.Jeffry Scott

Contractor information sessions this week

Fulton’s Purchasing department will hold information sessions this week for contractors, subcontractors and suppliers interested in the construction manager at risk position in building five new libraries, part of a $275 million construction program. The first will be Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. at The Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center, 395 Piedmont Ave., N.E., Atlanta. The next two will be Thursday at 10 a.m. at Johns Creek Environmental Campus, 8100 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell, and at 6 p.m. at the Southwest Arts Center, 915 New Hope Road, Atlanta. Johnny Edwards

Man found dead in kiddie pool

A 54-year-old man was found dead Sunday morning after he apparently fell into a kiddie pool and drowned, according to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies were dispatched to 3225 Eagle Watch Drive at around 11 a.m. to the Eagle Watch subdivision, where they found Dominac Saverina Pedante in the pool. It appeared that Pedante exited his vehicle and fell into the pool. Andria Simmons

ATLANTA

Meet-and-greet for school chief finalists

The Atlanta community will have a chance to meet the two finalists for school superintendent from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday. The finalists are Cheryl L. Atkinson, superintendent of Lorain City Public Schools in Ohio, and Bonita Coleman-Potter, deputy superintendent of schools for Prince George’s County Public Schools in Maryland. The meet-and-greet will be at the Atlanta Public School’s Center for Learning and Leadership, 130 Trinity Ave., Atlanta. Nancy Badertscher

Foster mom, 72, wins $300,000 in lottery

Atlanta foster mother Bonnie Gunter, 72, has won a $300,000 prize playing the instant game Lotta Bucks.

“I started crying,” she said. “I just feel overwhelmed, and I’m very grateful.”

Gunter has three foster children, four adopted children, four biological children and four grandchildren.

“We’re going to catch up on bills,” she said. “We don’t have any big plans. We haven’t even talked about spending because it’s such a gift.” Fran Jeffries

Construction worker at school falls to death

The construction worker that fell to his death was identified Monday as a 31-year-old Gainesville man. Carlos Rivera-Garcia died Saturday after falling 20 feet from a hydraulic lift at Benjamin E. Mays High School. Rivera-Garcia was part of a crew working on an addition to the southwest Atlanta school, which is being remodeled.

Investigators believe a metal pipe fell from the ceiling and landed on the lift holding Rivera-Garcia, causing him to fall. He worked for Shumate Air Conditioning and Heating. Alexis Stevens

‘Job Security’ hits stage on Wednesday

The Blaq Rose Theatre Troupe will put on the play “Job Security” by Martie Charles on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Mechanicsville library, 400 Formwalt St., S.W., Atlanta. The play is about teachers and educators who are more concerned with themselves than their students. Information: 404-730-4779. Johnny Edwards

DEKALB

Communities to roll out parades and fireworks

DeKalb County residents will have several chances to take in a fireworks show to celebrate Independence Day.

Avondale Estates is holding one of the first parties, with a parade that begins at 10 a.m. Sunday.There will be a 7:30 p.m. concert at Lake Avondale. Fireworks begin over the lake after the concert.

Decatur will hold its parade at 5:30 p.m. Monday at Courthouse Square, followed by a free concert and fireworks at dark.

Clarkston will host a parade from 2 to 4 p.m. on Monday starting at City Hall on Church Street.

In south DeKalb, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church will host a daylong family event on Monday featuring food, games and other activities at its church on Woodrow Road near Lithonia. Fireworks begin at dusk. April Hunt

Forum on Brookhaven cityhood Wednesday

State Rep. Elena Parent, D-Brookhaven, will host a forum discussing the possibility of creating a city of Brookhaven Wednesday night.

The meeting, which is being co-sponsored by the civic associations from the Ashford Park and Drew valley neighborhoods, will discuss the pros and cons of a city as well as possible tax rates and government structure.

The meeting runs from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Lupton Auditorium at Oglethrope University.

More information: Elena@elenaparent.com.

Sewer upgrade offers business opportunities

A forum designed to inform and prepare small business owners and others about upcoming opportunities to work with DeKalb County will be held Thursday near Lithonia.

The forum, sponsored by County Commissioner Stan Watson, will focus on work that will be created from the $1.35 billion upgrade of the water/sewer system that the county is undertaking for the next five years.

The free forum begins at 7 p.m. at the Lou Walker Senior Center, 2538 Panola Road. April Hunt

DeKalb to send out water quality report

DeKalb County is sending out its annual report of the water quality from its department of watershed management.

The Consumer Confidence Report includes information on testing results during 2010, including tests for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the state Environmental Protection Division to ensure water is safe to drink.

The report is being circulated through county water bills and also is available at county libraries and the watershed website, www.dekalbwatershed.com. April Hunt

Thieves damage Head Start air conditioners

Someone cut piping from five air conditioning units at a Head Start school in Avondale Estates last week, disabling them and spewing refrigerant into the air.

“The kids were in there, and when they turned the units on that stuff started coming out,” said Tom Gillis, an investigator with the Avondale Police Department. It’s unclear how much the copper was worth, Gillis said.

Anyone with information can contact him at 404-391-4526. Ty Tagami

SOUTHSIDE

College Park city chief

to take Virginia job

College Park City Manager William Johnson, who resigned last week without explanation, has taken a job as city manager of Petersburg, Va., a city of about 30,500. Moore was picked from a field of more than 60 candidates and will earn a $156,500 salary, according to The Progress-Index, of Petersburg. After he gave College Park his resignation letter, Mayor Jack Longino expressed surprise and said he hoped a tough budget year didn’t have anything to do with it. Johnson will remain in his current position until July 20, and start in his new one July 25. Johnny Edwards

Peachtree City vies for ‘most patriotic’

In its bid to become Rand McNally’s Most Patriotic Town, Peachtree City will welcome the travel-writing duo of Captain & Clark today at a 10 a.m. ceremony at City Hall Plaza.

Residents are encouraged to attend in patriotically decorated golf carts. Peachtree City is one of six locations in the running for the honor, part of the national “Best of the Road” Rally. The others are in Virginia, Tennessee, Missouri, Kansas and South Dakota. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

East Point selects interim police chief

Deputy Police Chief Donald Chase is East Point’s interim police chief. His appointment starts July 5, and he replaces Leander Robinson who is retiring. Robinson was chief for five years. John Thompson for the AJC

Grant helps seniors feed their pets

A $1,000 grant from the Banfield Charitable Trust will help provide meals for the pets of Fayette seniors.

Fayette Senior Services’ Ani-Meals program provides pet food for homebound seniors who need assistance. The grant is related to a partnership between the Meals on Wheels Association of America and Banfield. Additional pet food donations can be dropped off at Fayette Senior Services in Fayetteville or at the Animal Medical Clinic in Peachtree City. For information call Ginnie Plunkett at 770-461-0813, ext. 127. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Blood drive at Henry County libraries

The American Red Cross is sponsoring three blood drives at Henry County libraries in the next month: Fortson Library in Hampton (noon-5 p.m. July 5); the main library in McDonough (1-6 p.m. July 11); and Cochran Library in Stockbridge ( 2-7 p.m. July 25). Each donor receives a free T-shirt and movie ticket, plus a chance to win $3,000. Go to www.redcrossblood.org to make an appointment. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Connecting Henry gets $44,000 grant

The Georgia Department of Human Resources has awarded a $44,000 operating grant to Connecting Henry through its Children’s Community Based initiative. Connecting Henry is a non-profit planning and coordinating agency for services and programs directed at improving child health, child development, family function, school performance and family economic capacity. The grant was accepted June 20 by the Henry County Board of Commissioners. Monroe Roark for the AJC