COBB
Powder Springs welcomes 88 new businesses
Powder Springs licensed 88 new businesses in 2013, according to Mayor Patricia C. Vaughn during her State of the City address.
Half of those were for commercial businesses and the other half for home businesses.
Among those was the 19,000-square-foot Governors Gun Club on U.S. 278 between the revitalized Silverbrooke Powder Springs Commons shopping center and Elliott Road.
This indoor shooting facility also offers classes in archery, gun operation, personal protection and family gun safety.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Powder Springs calls special meeting
Powder Springs City Council will hold a special called meeting 6 p.m. Wednesday in the City Hall second floor conference room, 4484 Marietta St. to request state lawmakers to correct errors, omissions or discrepancies in city ordinances and annex roads into the city.
Powder Springs Road has been a problem. Sections vary from county to city jurisdictions. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Governor to address Cobb Republicans
Gov. Nathan Deal will be the featured speaker at the First Saturday breakfast meeting of the Cobb County Republican Party, 8:15 a.m.March 1 at 799 Roswell St., Marietta.
Admission: $10.
Information: cobbgop.org
Kent A. Miles for the AJC
State rep to hold town hall meeting Thursday
State Rep. David Wilkerson, D-Austell, will hold a town hall meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Ron Anderson Recreation Center, Wild Horse Creek Park, 3820 Macedonia Road, Powder Springs to hear concerns and answer questions.
Wilkerson is a member of the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight, Juvenile Justice and Retirement Committees.
Information: house.ga.gov/Representatives/en-US/member.aspx?Member=760 or 404-656-0116.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Public transit concepts to be presented today
Public transit ideas for South Cobb will be presented at 1:30 p.m. today during the Cobb County Board of Commissioners work session, 100 Cherokee St., Marietta. Connetics Transportation Group, a consultant hired by Cobb Community Transit, will define three to four conceptual alternatives, develop recommendations and prepare an implementation plan for consideration by the commissioners in the spring. This effort builds on the 2013 Flex Bus analysis and the 2011 CCT Service and Marketing Study. Info: District 4 Commissioner Lisa Cupid, lisa.cupid@cobbcounty.org or 770-528-3312. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Marietta buys 100 guns for police officers
The Marietta Police Department has purchased 100 Glock Model 42 handguns for officers to use for backup and while off-duty. The department traded in earlier model guns to pay for the latest model.
Seized property through the federal forfeiture asset law paid for gun accessories. Police spokesman David Baldwin said officers are encouraged to carry guns off-duty and have been issued back-up guns since 1998.
Tucker McQueen for the AJC
GWINNETT
Free beer samples to be offered at Snellville events
Free samples of homebrewed beer may be at Snellville events following the passage of the Homebrew Special Events Ordinance earlier this month. Consumption of alcoholic beverages at events is limited solely to homebrewed malt beverages produced pursuant to the new rule. Homebrewed drinks cannot be sold, offered for sale, or made available for consumption by the general public and they are not to be taken from the event site. Permits for giving out homebrewed beverages will be authorized by the Snellville Department of Planning and Zoning for $50 and will be valid for six events per year. www.snellville.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Lane closures continue for diverging diamond
Construction continues on the Interstate 85/Jimmy Carter Boulevard interchange with one lane closured on Jimmy Carter eastbound between Crescent Drive and I-85 southbound. In addition, one right lane between Oakbrook Parkway and Goshen Springs Road on Jimmy Carter westbound will have closures. Construction is subject to change. Questions: info@gwinnettvillage.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Duluth mayor presents state of the city
Due to inclement weather the Duluth State of the City Address was postponed on Feb. 10. Mayor Nancy Harris will deliver the 9th Annual State of the City Address at 7:15 p.m. March 10 following the regularly scheduled council meeting at Duluth City Hall, 3167 Main Street. A reception, hosted by the Duluth Civitan Club, will follow the address. Information: www.duluthga.net.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Human trafficking focus of session
The Gwinnett County Human Relations Commission will present the first in a series of four forums to raise awareness of human trafficking and how the community can help 7 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 2140 Beaver Ruin Road, Norcross. Attendees will learn about the characteristics and underlying causes of human trafficking and how to report suspicious activities. Molly Bloom
Buford invites public input on city plan
Buford hosts a workshop to discuss its five-year update to the city’s comprehensive plan 5 to 7 p.m. today at City Hall, 2300 Buford Highway. Discussion topics will include overall city goals, needs, and opportunities as well as the future development vision. A second public meeting will be March 18 to present the draft plan prior to its finalization. Questions: Amanda.Hatton@jacobs.com or www.cityofbuford.com.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Ebony Society hosts Black History exhibit
The United Ebony Society of Gwinnett County will host a Black History Month Exhibit 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. through Friday at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Building, 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville. The exhibit will highlight Civil Rights activists in Gwinnett including Nathaniel Brown from Norcross who helped integrate city schools and was a charter member of the Gwinnett Chapter of the NAACP. Information: unitedebonysociety.org.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
NORTHSIDE
UNG planners to hold hearings in Cumming
The University of North Georgia Strategic Planning Steering Committee will host town hall meetings to produce a plan for the school’s future by the end of the spring semester.
Three meetings, two remaining, are set on the Cumming campus: room 103, 300 Aquatic Circle; March 5 and April 9. The 60-member faculty, staff and student committee seeks input on academic programs, campus planning and community partnerships. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Dyslexia group to hold informational session
Dyslexia Forsyth will hold an informational session for parents of kids with reading, writing and spelling difficulties 7 p.m. today at the Forsyth County Board of Education offices, 1120 Dahlonega Highway, Cumming. A panel of educators and parents will be on hand. The group is a network of professionals and parents of children with dyslexia. Information: dyslexiaforsyth.com
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Lawn care workshop in Alpharetta
The city of Alpharetta is sponsoring a class for homeowners on lawn care at 7 p.m. March 5 at the public works department, 1790 Hembree Road, Alpharetta.
The Alpharetta Natural Resources Commission and North Fulton Master Gardeners are co-sponsoring the class on good lawn care maintenance practices. The class is free but registration is required by March 4.
Information: 678-297-6200.
Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Drug summit set in Forsyth County
The Forsyth County Drug Coalition hosts a drug summit 7 p.m.today at Forsyth Conference Center, 3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Cumming to focus on drug use facts and prevention and to explain how to get help for those using drugs.
Information: forsyth.k12.ga.us
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Career fair set for Cumming
The Georgia Department of Labor, along with Lanier Technical College and the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce will hold the Cumming-Forsyth Career Expo, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. today at the Forsyth Conference Center, 3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd, Cumming. Representatives of manufacturing, retail, computer, healthcare, computer-technology and other businesses will be on hand.
Information: dol.state.ga.us
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Water quality workshops in Forsyth
Keep Forsyth County Beautiful will host a series of workshops to educate residents on how to protect local waterways through the Adopt-A-Stream program. Two free workshop courses will be offered, covering biological, chemical and bacterial certification that will allow attendees to report water quality data.
The first workshop is set for 9 a.m.-1 p.m. March 1 at the Central Park Recreation Center, 2300 Keith Bridge Road, Cumming.
Information/to register: kdsmith@forsythco.com
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
ATLANTA
UGA raises funds for Children’s Healthcare
More than 1,000 participants helped raise more than $500,000 for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta during a recent dance marathon at the University of Georgia.
The 24-hour event, held Feb. 22-23 in the Tate Student Center, has served for 18 years as the annual culminating fundraiser for the student-run philanthropic group, UGA Miracle.
Information: www.ugamiracle.org; www.dancemarathon.com.
Janel Davis
Marrow donors sought for registry
A bone marrow registry drive will take place at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Lower Manley Student Center of Spelman College, 350 Spelman Lane.
Healthy adults 18 to 44, particularly those from minority groups, are encouraged to register.
Information: 770-330-1590.
Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Mason Murer gallery to host event
The Mason Murer Fine Arts Gallery will host an evening of African American history as told through the visual and performing arts beginning at 7 p.m. Friday at 199 Armour Drive NE, Atlanta.
Michael Wortham, assistant pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, will be the evening’s host. Among the exhibits is sculptor Stephen Hayes’ award-winning work, “Cash Crop.”
Admission: $10, $5 with shoe donation.
Information: masonmurer.info or 404-879-1500. Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Georgia Tech hosts debate on China’s rise
Graduate students in Georgia Tech’s Sam Nunn School of International Affairs will participate in a free debate Wednesday about China’s rise and its effects on regional security.
The debate will focus on recent developments in East Asia and the Pacific.
The debate is 6:30 to 8 p.m. in Georgia Tech’s Instructional Center, 759 Ferst Dr.
Information: Noah Solomon, nsolomon3@gatech.edu. Jenel Davis
DEKALB
Superintendent won’t run for state office
DeKalb County schools Superintendent Michael Thurmond will remain on the job through the end of his contract, foregoing a run this year for political office.
The veteran politician announced Monday that he will not quit his post to run for state superintendent this spring.
Thurmond, whose contract was extended to June 2015 by the DeKalb school board late last year after his selection for the job a year ago, said last week that Democratic state leaders were encouraging him to run for the state office. Ty Tagami
Mann announces sheriff candidacy
Jeffrey Mann, the chief Deputy DeKalb County Sheriff, will announce his candidacy for sheriff Wednesday at the county’s jail on Memorial Drive.
Mann, a former county attorney, will serve as interim sheriff when Tom Brown steps down Friday to run for Congress.
Mann faces six candidates in the special election on May 20: retired DeKalb sheriff’s deputy Bernard Collins; DeKalb Police Sgt. Romaldo Tony Hughes; former DeKalb CEO Vernon Jones; former Georgia Piedmont Technical College Assistant Chief Melody Maddox; and Atlanta Police Sgt. Melvin Mitchell; and former Pine Lake Police Chief LaSalle Smith. April Hunt
Three candidates vie for Lithonia council seat
Three residents have qualified for the March 18 special election for a city council seat in Lithonia.
Running for the seat are Al T. Franklin, a career counselor; Timalyne Horton, a Graduate Student in human resource management; and Nakkeya King , an accountant.
The deadline to register to vote in the special election has already passed. April Hunt
DeKalb releases draft development plan
A consultant working with DeKalb County to develop a new economic development plan has released a draft of its report.
The report is designed to look at the county’s strengths and weaknesses to further advance development.
Information: www.DeKalbCounty2020.com. April Hunt
Basic computer skills course in Decatur
DeKalb Workforce Development, 774 Jordan Lane, Building No. 4, Decatur, is offering basic computer skills workshops through Thursday.
Classes start at noon today and Wednesday, and at 10 a.m. on Thursday. The workshops are in addition to regularly scheduled work readiness workshops, which are free.
Information: 404-687-3400.
Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Federal park fees meeting Wednesday
The U.S. Forest Service’s Recreation Advisory Committee for the southern region will meet later this month in Decatur.
Those interested in the proposal to levy recreation fees on federal park land are invited to the public session at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Courtyard Marriott in downtown Decatur.
Written comments are also accepted via the Committee Coordinator, P.O. Box 1270, Hot Springs, AR 71902.
Information: 501-321-5318.
Bill Banks for the AJC
SOUTHSIDE
Sheriff’s Dept. embraces 100-Mile Challenge
Sixty-four employees of the Henry County Sheriff’s Office met Sheriff Keith McBrayer’s challenge to match his efforts in walking or running 100 miles in 100 days. The 88 employees who participated accumulated more than 9,000 miles between Nov. 1 and Feb. 8, which included the holiday season and several days of severe winter weather.
Feedback from employees confirmed McBrayer’s belief that the program would improve the overall health of his personnel. A new 100-Mile Challenge begins March 1. Monroe Roark for the AJC
Community recycling day in McDonough
Local residents can bring paper, electronics and latex paint for recycling to the parking lot of Henry County High School from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 22. The Community Recycling Day event is being hosted by the city of McDonough in partnership with A Shred Ahead, Atlanta Paint Disposal, Reworx and Republic Services.
Information: Mayor Billy Copeland’s office, bcopeland@mcdonough-ga.gov or 770-957-3915.
Monroe Roark for the AJC
Fayette seeks development board
Four positions on the Fayette County Development Authority will be open starting in April. Applications for the volunteer board, which sets policy and serves as a liaison between the business community and local government, are due March 14.
Contact Floyd Jones at fjones@fayettecountyga.gov or 770-305-5102. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Henry school board approves calendar
The Henry County Board of Education approved a 177-day student calendar for the 2014-15 school year.
The first day of classes is scheduled for Aug. 4. There will be one-week breaks in October, February and April, as well as the week of Thanksgiving.
Information: www.henry.k12.ga.us.
Monroe Roark for the AJC
Henry FD servicing hydrants in March
Henry County firefighters will begin annual servicing of fire hydrants March 1. A typical maintenance cycle lasts two to three months.
If you see firefighters working with hydrants in your area, you could experience a change in your water clarity.
If you notice that your water is not as clear as normal, simply run your water until it runs clear. If your water does not clear up, call 770-288-6600.
Hydrants are serviced 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays. Monroe Roark for the AJC
Cooking demo for cancer patients
Cancer Wellness at Piedmont Henry Hospital will host a Hunger Games cooking demonstration noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday, in the hospital’s Foundation Education Center.
It will be led by Cancer Wellness dietitian Ellen Steinberg and chef Beci Falkenberg.
To register: 678-604-1040. Information: piedmontcancer.org.
Monroe Roark for the AJC
