COBB
The Powder Springs City Council voted to approve a beer-and-wine pouring license for The Event Station, 4425 Marietta St. with Councilwoman Nancy Hudson opposed to approving any alcoholic beverage licenses.Built in 1925, this former gas station, then lawn-mower repair shop was bought by the city, then sold by the city two years ago to Russ Blocksidge and Randy Hardy.
An appointed member of the city’s Downtown Development Authority, Hardy said the facility will be used as a venue for private parties and corporate events to help revitalize the downtown district. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Austell honors six employees
Austell officials honored six city employees Monday before the City Council meeting with a reception, plaques and pins.
From the Police Department, Christy Hood and Adam Moody were honored for their 10 years of service.
Street Division employees honored were Tommy (Bo) Garrison for 15 years and, for 10 years, Cleveland Seaborn and Antonio A. Travitt.
Dustin S. Evans received a pin for his 5 years of service with the Water Division.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Six Flags community cleanup on Friday
Cobb District 4 Commissioner Lisa Cupid will host a business clean-up event in the Six Flags area 1 to 3 p.m. Friday with sign-in for volunteers at 12:30 p.m. in the parking lot of the Riverside EpiCenter, 135 Riverside Parkway SW, Austell.
If it rains Friday, the event will be postponed until Oct. 24.
Reservations: KeepCobbBeautiful@CobbCounty.org, 770-528-1135. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Marietta appoints board members
Marietta Mayor Steve Tumlin has appointed Chris Brown to a two-year term on the Marietta Historic Board of Review. Brown is a Cobb Landmarks and Historical Society board trustee.
The city council appointed Beth Briscoe Graham to the Marietta Museum of History board for three years and re-appointed Guy Northcutt Jr. And Danna Kay to the board for three years. Tucker McQueen for the AJC
‘Keeping Your Job’ workshop topic
“Workplace Practices/Keeping Your Job,” a free job networking workshop, will begin at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in the Youth Room, Calvary Baptist Church of Austell, 4780 Flint Hill Road, Austell.
Entrance is on the ground floor behind the sanctuary building and behind the stairs.
Information: calvarybaptistofaustell.com/1001296, 770-941-8445. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Smyrna seeks civil service board member
Smyrna residents 25 and older can apply 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Wednesday at Smyrna City Hall, 2800 King St. for a position on the city’s Civil Service Board.
Smyrna Fire and Police Department workers will select a member to fill the two-year post staring Nov. 1.
The appeals board addresses fire and police employee grievances.
Information: Rachelle Ballard at 678-631-5332. Tucker McQueen for the AJC
GWINNETT
Teacher of the year finalists named
Six teachers who believe in challenging their students, and themselves, are finalists for Gwinnett County Teacher of the Year.
The finalists are: Colette Grodzicki, North Gwinnett High; Randi Hill, Gwinnett Online Campus; Lesley McClendon, Shiloh Middle; Cindy Apley Rose, Couch Middle; Sharon Smith, Brookwood Elementary; Kishina Woolfolk, Harbins Elementary;.
The winner will be announced at a Nov. 11 banquet in Duluth, will represent Gwinnett in the Georgia Teacher of the Year competition and receive an annual award of $1,000 as long as she is employed with the district. Eric Stirgus
City receives grant for car recharge station
The Peachtree Corners Green Committee’s grant application for an electric car recharge station at City Hall has been approved with The Georgia Environmental Authority to contribute $9,863 towards recharging equipment for two vehicles. The grants were available to Georgia colleges, universities, technical colleges and government agencies. The charging station will be available to the public 24-hours a day, seven days a week.Karen Huppertz
Network at lunch in Peachtree Corners
The Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce will host a mid-day networking event as part of their Lunch & Learn series11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at Hilton Atlanta Northeast, 5993 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard in Peachtree Corners. Information: Bonnie Powell at 770-239-7442 or www.southwestgwinnettchamber.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Bowling proceeds to benefit community outreach
The Peachtree Corners Business Association will host their annual Networking and Charity Event presented by the PCBA Outreach Committee 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Brunswick’s, 6345 Spalding Drive. Event includes bowling, a raffle and silent auction. One hundred percent of lane sponsorships, raffle, and silent auction. Information: www.peachtreecornersba.com. Karen Huppertz
Civic association hosts candidate forum
United Peachtree Corners Civic Association is hosting a candidate forum 7:30 to 9 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20 in the fellowship hall of Christ the King Lutheran Church, 5575 Peachtree Parkway. Candidates: Congressman Rob Woodall, Thomas Wight, Senator Fran Millar, Tamara Johnson, State Representative Tom Rice, Amreeta Regmi, Gwinnett County Commissioner Lynette Howard and Jay Trevari. Written questions from the audience accepted. Information: 404-825-8788 or www.upcca.org. Karen Huppertz
Commission hosts open house
The Gwinnett Human Relations Commission will host its annual open house 6 to 9 p.m. Monday at Lupita’s Mexican Restaurant, 2040 Beaver Ruin Road in Norcross. Meet members of the commission, learn about their mission, and find out how to get involved. Free food and an opportunity to network with others who are passionate about helping their community. Reservations: www.gchrc.eventbrite.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
NORTHSIDE
Night lane closures set for GA 400 northbound
The state highway department plans to close two northbound lanes of Georgia 400 through Friday from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next day in the area around the reconstruction of the Georgia 400 interchange at Northridge Road.
Two lanes will remain open.
Motorists should be on the lookout for workers and heavy equipment near the roadway. Steve Visser
Child molestation plea reset for doctor
The expected guilty plea Monday of Kelly Burton Thrasher, 41, a Sandy Springs doctor accused of sexually assaulting a young girl during a sleepover at his home has been postponed until Oct. 27.
Thrasher is charged with child molestation, aggravated child molestation and aggravated sexual battery for the November 2012 incident.
The hearing was rescheduled for Oct. 27.
Thrasher was arrested Jan. 24, 2013, after his release from the Ridgeview Medical Center, where he entered himself after detectives initiated a criminal investigation into the molestation complaint. Alexis Stevens
Floating drug suspect draws prison time
A Cherokee County drug suspect who evaded authorities by floating down a river will be spending the next three years in prison. Terry Spriggs, 42, was sentenced Wednesday on methamphetamine possession and theft by receiving stolen property charges. Spriggs eluded narcotics agents trying to arrest him at a Canton relative’s home in May by jumping into the nearby Etowah River, grabbing onto a log and floating out of sight. He was picked up some days later at a home in Woodstock. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Forsyth law officers seek flasher
The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office is seeking Justin Glen Rhoads, 21, on two public indecency charges. Sheriff’s officials say Rhoads is wanted in two separate cases where he allegedly entered women’s restrooms and exposed himself to female victims. The tattooed suspect is believed to be staying with different friends in Forsyth. His picture’s posted on the agency’s Facebook page. Anybody with information is asked to call the sheriff’s office.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Woman sentenced on cruelty charges.
A Cherokee County woman was sentenced to jail time for leaving her two toddlers unattended for more than eight hours in a locked apartment bedroom in January. Angel Henderson, 22, was sentenced to 10 years, with the first 60 days served in confinement, a $1000 fine and 100 hours of community service.
Henderson was arrested on child cruelty charges after law officers said they found the 2-and 3-year-old boys in a room at the Waldan Pond Apartments on Bells Ferry Road.
Authorities say the toddlers were naked and filthy when freed. Henderson had told authorities she hadn’t left the boys alone for long.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
ATLANTA
City’s bond rating increases
The City of Atlanta received a positive rating on its $60 million general obligation bonds from Moody’s Investor Services.
The increased rating from stable to Aa2 reflects high quality and very low credit risk. The ratings report cited several factors such as strong cash reserves and manageable debt, while adding how trade and transportation has made Atlanta a growing economic center.
Atlanta officials report five consecutive balanced budgets and projected year end cash reserves of $142 million.
Adrianne Murchison for the AJC
Mercer admitted to research alliance
Mercer University is the newest member of the the Georgia Research Alliance, a nonprofit organization that receives public and private funding to boost university-based development.
Other members of the GRA include the University of Georgia, Georgia Regents University, Emory University, Clark Atlanta University, Georgia Tech, Morehouse School of Medicine and Georgia State University.
Janel Davis
Public Health Dept. meets today
The Georgia Department of Public Health meets 1-3 p.m. today at 2 Peachtree St. NW.
The meeting is open to the public. Information: dph.ga.gov. Adrianne Murchison for the AJC
Ga. Civil Rights Trail
to have 2 dedications
The Georgia Civil Rights Trail will open 1 p.m. Thursday with the dedication for the Atlanta Student Movement at tClark Atlanta University, 223 James P. Brawley Drive SW - to be followed immediately by the dedication for Rush Memorial Congregational Church, 150 James P. Brawley Drive SW.
This statewide public education initiative will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the state’s Civil Rights Movement.
Information: georgiahistory.com/education-outreach/historical-markers/civil-rights-trail. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
DEKALB
Body of Decatur man pulled from Lake Lanier
Divers late Monday morning recovered the body of Earl Cosby, 60, of Decatur who drowned in Lake Lanier Sunday night.
Authorities said he was on a dock at Clarks Bridge Park just before 10 p.m. Sunday when his boat began to drift away.
He dove into the water to retrieve it the boat, but never resurfaced.
Hall County dive team members, along with Georgia Department of Natural Resources rangers found Cosby’s body about 11:45 a.m. near the boat ramp, in about 5 and a half feet of water. Mike Morris
City, adult club remain at odds
Brookhaven has filed an injunction to require the Pink Pony to comply with the city’s sexually oriented business ordinance.
Last week, the Georgia Supreme Court upheld DeKalb County Superior Court’s ruling that the city’s ordinance applies to the Buford Highway business. The injunction filed in the DeKalb court says the club remains in violation with alcohol consumption, nudity and physical contact between dancers and patrons. Adrianne Murchison for the AJC
Rieker not returning as Avondale mayor
Ed Rieker resigned as Avondale Estates mayor on Oct. 2, and reiterated recently he’s not changing his mind despite rumors to the contrary.
Rieker, 59, had 15 months left on his term. He said he didn’t know until several days after resigning that the city’s commission has to vote on whether to accept his resignation.
He said many people asked him to reconsider, but Rieker confirmed he has no plans on returning to public life.
Beginning in January he will teach several classes (he isn’t yet sure yet how many) at Emory’s business school, saying that “I don’t have the resources to both teach and remain as mayor.”Bill Banks for the AJC
Ebola information session today
A community information meeting on Ebola will be held 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday at Manuel J. Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur.
Dr. S. Elizabeth Ford, district health director of DeKalb County Board of Health will explain how the Ebola virus is transmitted, who is at risk and other infectious diseases.
Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions.
Information: 404-294-3700.
Adrianne Murchison for the AJC
Federal grant to help curb youth violence
A federal grant totaling $357,000 will be distributed to City of Clarkston, DeKalb County Board of Health, and DeKalb County Government each year for the next three years through the Minority Youth Violence Prevention program.
The program is an initiative of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health and the Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. Its mission is to address youth violence and increase access to public health.
DeKalb County is one of 10 areas nationally to receive the award to help curb youth violence. A separate federal grant in amount of $500,000 will be given to an organization that demonstrates tangible success in their efforts. Adrianne Murchison for the AJC
SOUTHSIDE
Driver killed in crash with MARTA bus identified
The driver who was killed when his car collided with a MARTA bus has been identified as Ricky Kindrick, 49, of Union City.
Kindrick died when his northbound car crashed head-on into a southbound bus on Roosevelt Highway near Global Gateway Connector at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, said Lyle Harris of MARTA.
The autopsy is not yet completed, according to investigators at the Fulton County Medical Examiner office. Steve Visser
Arrest made in Fayetteville fire
Fayetteville police arrested Jermaine Williams, 30, of Stockbridge on Oct. 9 and charged him with first-degree arson and one count of burglary related to a Sept. 27 house fire in Fayetteville.
Neighbors had reported seeing someone enter and leave through a window at 100 Holly Ave. shortly before the house became engulfed in flames. The homeowner was asleep but escaped without injury. Fayetteville detectives later identified Williams based on evidence found. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Clayton Police open house postponed
The Community Affairs unit of the Clayton County Police Department has postponed its annual open house slated for Tuesday evening due to impending bad weather. The event has been rescheduled for Nov. 12 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at police headquarters, 7911 McDonough St. in Jonesboro.
Tammy Joyner
Union City continues road resurfacing
Resurfacing of Dodson Road in Union City will continue through Oct. 27. Motorists will be allowed on the road during the project, however traffic will be controlled.
Buffington Road is closed to through traffic. Bridge construction is scheduled to be complete by July 2015.
A detour map is available at www.unioncityga.org.
Adrianne Murchison for the AJC
Fulton seeking input on school zones
Fulton County Schools will hold a meeting 7 to 9 p.m. Nov. 19 at Banneker High School, 6015 Feldwood Road, College Park to review attendance boundaries in south Fulton.
Schools included in the review were part of a 2013 redistricting.
They are: Conley Hills, Hapeville, Hamilton E. Holmes, Harriet Tubman, Mount Olive, Oak Knoll and Parklane elementary schools; Bear Creek, Camp Creek, McNair, Renaissance, Sandtown, Paul D. West and Woodland middle schools; and Banneker, Creekside, Langston Hughes and Westlake high schools.Jaime Sarrio
Hearings planned
on school closing
The Henry County Board of Education hosts hearings Oct. 21 and Nov. 3 on a proposal to close McDonough Elementary for the relocation of Patrick Henry Academy.
Students would be dispersed to three other area elementary schools. Information: www.henry.k12.ga.us. Monroe Roark for the AJC
