County by county news for Tuesday

The three-mile intown trail, from Tower Road at Roselane Street south to Pearl and West Atlanta Streets, will be part of the Kennesaw Mountain to Chattahoochee River Trail system. Construction is expected to start by the end of the year and take a year to complete. Funds will come from federal and SPLOST dollars. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Internet marketing is Thursday topic

“Internet/Social Media/Marketing Yourself,” a free job networking workshop, will be 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Calvary Baptist Church of Austell, 4780 Flint Hill Road, Austell.

Entrance is behind the stairs to the Youth Room, ground floor behind the sanctuary building.

Information: calvarybaptistofaustell.com, kgrosskurth@gmail.com, 770-941-8445. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Career fair in Marietta Thursday

More than 40 employers will be at the Marietta/ Cobb Career Expo, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Thursday at the Cobb County Civic Center, 548 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta.

Colleges, technical schools and service organizations will also participate . Information www.mariettaga.gov.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Austell accepts

green-space property

The Austell City Council agreed Monday to accept two parcels for conversion to green space.

Damaged during the 2009 flood, these townhouses, 5145 A & B and 5147 A & B Lakeview Court, will be demolished as a controlled burn by Austell firefighters. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Cobb votes for park improvements

The Cobb Board of Commissioners have approved bids to Sutton Architectural Services to update 23-acre Sweat Mountain Park in northeast Cobb and Prime Contractors to improve 27-acre Terrell Mill Park in east Cobb.

SPLOST funds will cover $108,350 for a new concession building, field and dog park improvements at Sweat Mountain and $605,380 for a concession building, maintenance building, picnic shelter and field renovation at Terrell Mill Park.

Information: www.cobbcounty.org.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Experts to discuss health care coverage

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority will host a panel of experts for a health care forum 5:30 and 7 p.m., Sept. 23 at Greenbriar Mall, lower level, 2841 Greenbriar Pkwy. SW, Atlanta.

Derrick Harkins, Enroll America’s director of faith initiatives for African American engagement, will discuss the Affordable Care Act.

Enroll America is a nonprofit based in Washington, D.C., and focused on maximizing the number of people with health insurance.

Linda Olsen with Enroll America will share Georgia statistics on health care coverage.

Information: 404-349-4670.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

GWINNETT

Research, development center to bring jobs

TravelSky, an IT solutions developer for airline and tourism industries, opens its U.S. R&D Center 4 p.m. today at 3700 Crestwood Parkway, Duluth. The company, which employs more than 4,000 people, develops software applications and services that allow electronic transactions and the management of travel-related information. Their clients include 30 domestic airlines, nearly 200 regional and overseas airlines, 147 domestic airports, and 7,000 ticket agents. TravelSky is expected to create 30 to 50 new jobs, representing $10 million in investment to the community. Information: www.gwinnettchamber.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Congressman to welcome veteran

Congressman Rob Woodall will introduce author Luis Carlos Montalván, a 17-year veteran and former U.S. Army captain 3 p.m. Sunday at the Georgia Gwinnett College Student Cente, Lawrenceville. Montalván will discuss “Until Tuesday: A Wounded Warrior and the Golden Retriever Who Saved Him.” Free. Information: www.gwinnettpl.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Traffic delays continue on Jimmy Carter

Lane closures continue 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today through Friday for construction of the Jimmy Carter Diverging Diamond Interchange. Expect delays at Jimmy Carter westbound, between Oakbrook Parkway and Goshen Springs Road. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Event teaches communication skills

The Greater Eastside Chamber of Commerce will host a Lunch and Learn 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 24 at Snellville City Hall, 2342 Oak Road. Jo Kelly, of Toastmasters, will discuss improving public speaking and presentation skills. Preregistration required: www.eastsidechamber.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Public sought to help catalog trees

Gwinnett Tech, a Tree Campus USA college, needs help to update the tree inventory for its urban forest on campus 10 a.m. until noon Friday. The initial inventory cataloged more than 800 trees on the 90-acre campus. Event is perfect for aspiring horticulturists, including high school students, and will help introduce Gwinnett Tech’s Geographic Information Systems certificate. GIS utilizes GPS hardware and mapping software to locate, store and analyze geographical data. Participants must be at least 16 years old and wear closed-toe shoes. Instructions: cbuckley@gwinnetttech.edu. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Help shape downtown Lawrenceville

Lawrenceville Downtown Development Authority will host a Community Visioning Session at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 22 at Lawrenceville City Hall, 70 S. Clayton St. The public is invited to discuss ideas and future plans for the historic nine-block downtown district. Residents and business leaders will meet Downtown Development Authority board members, learn more about the new Main Street program, provide input regarding the city’s strengths and challenges, and define a vision for the downtown area. Information: Marci Gross at 678-407-6651 or www.lawrencevillega.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

DOT sets Gainesville bridge work

The Georgia Department of Transportation will be setting bridge beams this week for the new Ga. 284 bridge over the Chattahoochee River portion of Lake Lanier in Gainesville. DOT officials say settling the 136-foot-long beams into place will close the northbound lane of Ga. 284, and flaggers will direct traffic headed for the beach or boat launch. The work will continue through Thursday, weather permitting. The $8.7 million project is set for completion around Dec. 31. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Automotive program gets national honor

Forsyth Central High School’s automotive technology program has become the first Master Accredited Program for a comprehensive high school in the nation. The accreditation from the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation certifies that the school’s program meets industry-developed standards resulting in students ready to enter the workforce. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Charity kicks off holiday appeal

North Fulton Community Charities begins its holiday drive with a plea for coats-and volunteers. The nonprofit estimates it will help around 1,200 families this holiday season. NFCC is looking for new or gently used coats for its warm coat day for needy families Nov. 1.

Information/donations: http://nfcchelp.org/ Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Cherokee leadership graduates class

The Leadership Cherokee program of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce graduated its 26th anniversary class Friday. It marks the conclusion of a nine-month program where participants tackled a variety of topic including economic and infrastructure development, government, justice, tourism, arts and education. Nominations for the 2015 class are being accepted until Oct. 1. More information: 770-345-0400. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Holly Springs seeking downtown input

Holly Springs city officials want input from residents on developing and maintaining a thriving downtown. A town hall meeting is set for 7 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Historic Train Depot, 164 Hickory Road.

The input on streets, lighting, business and retail development and other areas is being sought as part of the city’s drive to become an accredited Georgia Main Street. The program is a public-private, state-administered venture aimed at preserving and improving core areas. The city hopes to be certified by early 2015. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Drive-by flu immunizations set

The North Georgia Health District will stage a series of drive-by flu shot clinics in several counties this fall, immunizing residents as they come through in their vehicles. This year’s clinics will offer the 4-in-1 quadrivalent flu vaccine, which protects against four strains, and a high-dose vaccine for seniors. Cost: $25-50. The Cherokee clinic is set for 7:30 a.m.- 6 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Woodstock Health Center, 7545 N. Main St. More information: nghd.org Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

Pellet gun found in student’s backpack

A Mays High School student was released to his parents Monday morning after he allegedly brought a pellet gun to school.

Police said the student, whose name has not been released, went through the metal detectors at the southwest Atlanta school about 8:30 a.m., setting off an alarm.

When an assistant principal searched the student’s book bag, he found a pellet air pistol.

The student was issued a copy of charges, and released to his parents. Mike Morris

Harris to speak at CAU fall convocation

Clark Atlanta University will hold its annual Fall Convocation 11 a.m. today in the Leonidas S. Epps Gymnasium in the Vivian Henderson Athletic Center, at Vine Street and Atlanta Student Movement Boulevard . LaDoris “Dot” Harris, director of the Office of Economic Empowerment and Diversity of the U.S. Department of Energy, will be the speaker.

Harris was nominated by President Barack Obama to be the director of the Office of Economic Impact and Diversity at the United States Department of Energy.

She was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on March 29, 2012. Harris has nearly 30 years of management and leadership experience. Nancy Badertscher

Infrastructure bond meetings planned

The city of Atlanta has started the next round of public information meetings on the 2015 proposed infrastructure bond. A draft list of potential projects for the bond and results of the first round of information sessions will be provided.

The bond referendum is being proposed to upgrade public buildings and facilities; and improve roads, bridges and sidewalks.

Meetings will be held 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the Atlanta Speech School, 3160 Northside Parkway, NW; Tuesday at Ben Hill Recreation Center, 2405 Fairburn Road, SW; and Sept. 18 at Adamsville Recreation Center, 3201 Martin L. King, Jr., SW.

Information www.atlantaga.gov.

Adrianne Murchison for the AJC

DEKALB

Still no witnesses in fatal shooting

DeKalb County police still have not identified a woman who was found shot to death in an apartment complex parking lot and they also have not located any witnesses.

Police received a call around 9:40 p.m. Saturday from someone who reported hearing gunshots at the Mountain Lakes Apartments in the 1400 block of North Hairston. When police arrived at the complex, they found a woman’s body in the parking lot but no one else around. Rhonda Cook

Housing Authority asks Decatur to keep kids

Decatur Housing Authority Executive Director Douglas Faust sent a letter to school superintendent Phyllis Edwards requesting that children in the public housing Gateway Manor continue attending city schools during that community’s redevelopment. Early figures show that 29 Gateway children who’ll be temporarily relocated – beginning in January — outside city limits during the 12 to 16 months construction, will likely return to the new Gateway.

While Edwards told the school board she’s against losing any children, she added, “We have made it clear that if you don’t reside here you don’t go to school here. We’ve got to be careful about making exceptions.”

The board won’t vote on this until its Oct. 14 meeting at the earliest. Bill Banks for the AJC

Dunwoody considers charging stations

The Dunwoody Sustainability Committee will discuss benefits of the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority’s Charge Georgia program which provides universities, colleges (Including technical colleges) cities, counties and state agencies with a rebate to install electric vehicle charging stations 7:45 a.m. Thursday, City Hall, 41 Perimeter Center East, Suite 103.

The program allows for a $40,000 rebate.

Information: www.dunwoodyga.gov/home.aspx Adrianne Murchison for the AJC

Brookhaven approves comprehensive plan

Brookhaven City Council has approved the Comprehensive Plan 2034 for review by the Atlanta Regional Commission and the State Department of Community Affairs. Public feedback is still encouraged before final adoption via email at comprehensiveplan@brookhavenga.gov.

The plan’s land use section shows apartments, townhomes and condominiums comprise 12.6 percent of the city.

Most of the 66 apartment complexes are adjacent to Buford Highway. (A Buford Highway Improvement Plan and Economic Development Strategy have also been formulated.) Apartments are also in Lenox Park, Peachtree Road and Blackburn Park areas.

Information: www.brookhavenga.gov.

Adrianne Murchison for the AJC

CEO May holds Brookhaven meeting

DeKalb County Interim CEO Lee May will present his year-in-review report and 2014 outlook to Brookhaven residents 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at City Hall, 4362 Peachtree Road.

The meeting is one of several May is holding with DeKalb residents. In Brookhaven, he will include how DeKalb’s future relates to cityhood and other issues.

Information: www.dekalbcountyga.gov.

Adrianne Murchison for the AJC

SOUTHSIDE

Hartsfield-Jackson runway closed temporarily

The northern most runway at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Runway 8L-26R, will be closed temporarily for extensive improvements beginning Monday, Sept. 15. As a result, some arrivals will be diverted to the most southern runways, runways 10-28 and 9R-27L. Certain areas of Clayton County, Forest Park and College Park may notice more air traffic than usual. Normal operations of the northern runway will resume Oct. 15 when work is slated to be completed. Tammy Joyner

Help with home repairs available

The Essential Home Repair Program provides assistance to Clayton County homeowners in need of help with roofing, health and air conditioning, electrical wiring, plumbing and limited modifications for disability issues. You must be a military veteran, at least 55 years old or disabled and you must have lived in the home that needs repair for at least a year to qualify. Enrollment begins 9 a.m. Wednesday. Details: 678-632-1670. Calls accepted 9 a.m.- noon only. Tammy Joyner

Goya Foods unveils distribution center

Goya Foods, America’s largest Hispanic-owned food company, has opened a new facility in McDonough that will be the main distribution center for Georgia and support South Carolina, Tennessee and Alabama operations. In conjunction with its Wednesday 10:30 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new center, Goya will present a food donation to St. Vincent de Paul. The center is at 4005 Haworth Parkway in McDonough. Tammy Joyner

Workshop will note pay study results

A special workshop meeting of the Peachtree City mayor and city council at 6:30 p.m. tonight (Sept. 16) at City Hall will discuss findings from a recent employee pay study. The Condrey Job Classification and Compensation Study was commissioned earlier this year to determine whether city workers are paid comparably to similar positions in cities of similar size. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Community Days promote volunteerism

Representatives from a variety of Fayette County nonprofit organizations will take part in Community Empowerment Day presentations at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Sunday and Sept. 28 at the Fellowship of Love Church, 349 Kenwood Road in Fayetteville. The service groups will discuss their programs the value of volunteerism for their organizations. Details: 770-460-7983.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

College Park hosts arts festival

The Historic College Park Neighborhood Association Arts Festival will be held 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept 27, outside Woodward Academy, 1662 Rugby Ave.

The 15th annual event includes paintings and crafts sold by emerging and experienced artists; and children’s activities.

Proceeds benefit Main Street Academy programs, Godby Road Youth Center art projects, Habitat for Humanity and other charities.

Information: www.collegeparkga.com.

Adrianne Murchison for the AJC