County by county news for Tuesday

The ordinance applies to public and private schools. Enforcement of the new provision begins April 9.

Fire lane violations will result in a $135 fine.

Information: http://fire.cobbcountyga.gov Janel Davis

Man charged with raping girl, 11

A Cobb County man is accused of raping and impregnating his 11-year-old distant cousin, according to Smyrna police.

Martin Nolasco, 21, is being held without bond in the Cobb County jail since his arrest last week, booking records show.

Nolasco, of Smyrna, has been charged with aggravated child molestation, two counts of felony child molestation and statutory rape for allegedly having sex with an 11-year-old, according to an arrest warrant obtained by the AJC. Alexis Stevens

Marietta Square Farms Market to open

The Marietta Square Farmers Market opens its summer season 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday through Nov. 17, and noon to 3 p.m. Sundays starting April 15. The Saturday market on North Park Square will include 60 vendors selling produce, cheese, baked goods, eggs, milk, flowers and local honey. The smaller Sunday market will operate on Mill Street. Information: www.mariettasquarefarmersmarket.net. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

2 runoffs for Cobb EMC board

Cobb EMC members elected four new members to the co-op’s board on Saturday, while a runoff will be needed for the two remaining seats. Tripper Sharp faces a runonff against Charles Sevier; and Jim Hudson faces a runoff against David McClellan.

The April 21 runoff will also be held at Piedmont Church in Marietta. Information: www.cobbemc.com Janel Davis

West Cobb business group meets today

The West Cobb Business Association will host its monthly Networking at Nite today.

This free event will be 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Maximized Living West Cobb Chiropractic, 5041 Dallas Highway, Building 500, Suite 500, Powder Springs.

Reservations: Brad McMahan at bmcmahan@cmitsolutions.com or westcobbbusiness.com/networking/netatnite.html. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Rabbit Society to hold egg hunt

The Georgia House Rabbit Society will hold its Annual Easter Egg Hunt 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday at the Mountain View Community Center, 3400 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta.

Multiple egg hunts will take place throughout the morning to suit different age groups of children. Admission is $10 for each child. Proceeds will go to the upkeep of the shelter and care for rescued rabbits.

For tickets, e-mail northgeorgiahrs@yahoo.com or 678-653-7175.

Information: www.houserabbitga.com.

Kenneth Musisi

GWINNETT

Gwinnett park system celebrates 25 years

In celebration of 25 years as a countywide park system, Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation is creating a documentary featuring park patrons who played an important part of the park system, as well as those wanting to share interesting memories of the last 25 years.

Patrons are asked to bring photos and videos to be used in crafting this documentary titled “25 Years of Memories” to designated community recreation centers during the months of April and May. Or, to schedule an interview, call 770-614-2060.

Info: www.gwinnettparks.com Andria Simmons

Loganville fire displaces family

Three adults and a child were displaced from their home on Sunday after a fire broke out in the 1900 block of Streamwood Drive in Loganville.

Gwinnett County firefighters responding to the blaze found flames showing from the attic of a single-story house at 9:58 p.m. All the residents had made it outside safely after a smoke alarm alerted them. The cause of the blaze is under investigation. Andria Simmons

Aurora extend ‘Clyde ‘n Bonnie’

The Aurora Theatre announced that it has extended “Clyde ‘n Bonnie: A Folktale” for an additional week because of sell-out crowds and high ticket demand. The theatre will continue to host shows through April 15. Shows will start at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday; 8:30 p.m. Friday; and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Information: 678-226-6222 or www.auroratheatre.com. Joel Anderson

Sweetwater students win in competition

A team of students from Gwinnett County’s Sweetwater Middle School took to heart the objective of the Southeast Thinking Cap Quiz Bowl. The team of nine sixth grades was declared the winner over students on 71 other teams. The winning team included: Kaitlyn Choe, Nabid Farvez, Alex Feldman, Kaela Mijos, Andre Nguyenphuc, De’Ametrein Robinson, Jeremiah Scott, Saadat Syed, Ariana Thorpe and coach/teacher Lois Bean.Nancy Badertscher for the AJC

Hebron Christian names Headmaster

Dacula’s Hebron Christian Academy, a 12-year-old school of more than 1,000 students and 85 faculty and staff members, will introduce its new Headmaster, Timothy Hillen, at a reception on April 12. Hillen, currently at Arizona’s Scottsdale Christian Academy, officially will succeed interim Headmaster Ethel Wynn this fall. Information: 770-962-5423. Michael Alpert for the AJC

Georgia Gwinnett offering tech camps

Georgia Gwinnett College School of Science and Technology is sponsoring summer enrichment camps for 7th through 10th grade students. Middle school students create animations and robots, as well as design games. High school students will create games and mobile apps. Application fee is $35 with first acceptances announced April 6. Course is $150, including supplies. Information: https://hercules.ggc.edu/ggctechcamp. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Fulton students take top awards at fair

Fulton County students took home 35 first-place awards at the 2012 Georgia Educational Technology Fair, which was held in Macon. Students won first place awards for a variety of projects, including those that deal with: 3D modeling, animated graphic design, case modification, digital photography and digital video editing. The Fulton Science Academy middle and high schools won first-place awards in case modification, hardware, Internet applications, multimedia applications, non-animated graphic design and non-multimedia applications. Wayne Washington

Planned release of natural gas today

Atlanta Gas Light has a planned release of natural gas at the Big Creek Water Reclamation Facility today. The release is associated with work being completed on the company’s Johnson Header Pipeline.

Atlanta Gas Light will be removing or “purging” gas from part of the pipeline from the Powers Ferry Road area near I-285 in Cobb County to the Willeo Road regulator station in Roswell at the Big Creek Water Reclamation Facility.

Information:404-584-3141 or johnsonheader@aglresources.com. Patrick Fox

Woodstock residents pick city flower

Woodstock residents have chosen an official city flower. ‘Miss Huff’ lantana captured 55 percent of the 359 votes cast in a runoff election, beating rudbeckia. ‘Miss Huff’ is a perennial shrub with pink, orange and yellow flowers that can grow 5 feet tall and wide. The winning flower will be used in city beautification projects. The election was coordinated by the Main Street Woodstock, Inc. economic development group. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Gardening wins honor for teacher

A teacher at The Lovett School in Atlanta received $1,000 for her work in helping students to plant a garden.

Lower school science teacher Sarah Spiers was recognized by The Garden Club of America for showing students how to maintain a garden. Spiers received the 2012 Elizabeth Abernathy Hull Award, which included a certificate and check for $1,000. The award recognizes those who promote an appreciation and respect for the beauty of the environment among children under 16. D. Aileen Dodd

Johns Creek launches citizens fire academy

Apply by April 27 to participate in the Johns Creek Fire Department’s first Citizens Fire Academy. The academy meets June 4, 16, 19, 30 and July 10, 17, 28 and 31. The academy is open to people who live or work in Johns Creek, are 18 or older, and pass a criminal history check. To download an application: www.johnscreekga.gov/pdf/jcfd/cfa-application.pdf. Andria Simmons

North Fulton Golden Games to be May 2

The City of Milton will be a partner in the North Fulton Golden Games coming up in May. The program for adults 50 and older. Kickoff is May 2 with Opening Ceremonies at Newtown Park in Johns Creek. Registration is $15. (Additional costs apply for some sports). Info: Tom Gilliam at 678-242-2519 or tom.gilliam@cityofmiltonga.us. Andria Simmons

ATLANTA

Meeting to focus on redistricting

The Atlanta Business League will host a meeting at 5:30 p.m. today at Atlanta Life, 100 Auburn Ave., to discuss the proposed redistricting in Atlanta Public Schools. The group has invited members of 100 Black Men and Women of Atlanta, the Concerned Black Clergy of Metro Atlanta, the National Black MBA Association and others to attend. Info: www.atlantabusinessleague.org Jaime Sarrio

Bauder College to honor fallen officer

Bauder College in Atlanta will dedicate its firearms training simulator to Atlanta Police Department Investigator Sherry Elizabeth Lyons-Williams at a ceremony at 10 a.m. Wednesday. Lyons-Williams was shot and killed in 2001 while she and another narcotics investigator tried to make an arrest. The training room will be renamed room number 4030 – Lyons-Williams badge number. Andria Simmons

Community turns out for clean-up

Atlanta City Councilwoman Joyce M. Sheperd joined Hammond Park Neighborhood Association volunteers in a community-wide cleanup on last Saturday. Volunteers gathered at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church and picked up trash, cleaned curbs and mowed right-of-way overgrowth throughout the neighborhood. Residents were joined by staffers from the city’s Department of Public Works and police department as well as students from Spelman College, Morehouse College, and Georgia State University. Jeremiah McWilliams

Series to help students with college prep

Atlanta City Council President Ceasar C. Mitchell has teamed up with Kaplan K12 and College Prep to host the 12th semi-annual College Prep Series. The free event is designed to help middle school and high school students in metro Atlanta prepare for the SAT, PSAT, and ACT exams and navigate the college application process.

To register, call 1-800-527-8378, press #4, then #3 and give code number. To enroll online, visit www.kaptest.com/hsevents Jeremiah McWilliams

DEKALB

Dunwoody police get mobile print scanners

The Dunwoody Police Department is using state grant money to buy a mobile fingerprint scanner to help officers on patrol.

The Rapid ID Mobile device will scan suspects’ fingerprints to see if they match any in the current law enforcement systems. If a match happens, a photo and bio will appear for the fingerprints, along with any outstanding warrants or parole and probation information. April Hunt

Doraville library group reaches out

The Friends of Doraville Library will host a book and membership drive later this month, to boost activity at the branch.

The group holds sales throughout the year of books, CDs and movies to raise funds for more programs and events in Doraville. Membership is $5 for individuals and $10 for families.

The group will accept new members and donations between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 14 at the library, 3748 Central Ave.

More information: 770-936-3852. April Hunt

East Lake Farmers Market awarded grant

DeKalb County and the Centers for Disease Control have jointly awarded the East Lake Farmers Market an $82,000 grant to expand operations.

The market is using the money to increase its hours, the seasons of farmers and, with it, boost the amount of food grown in DeKalb.

The money will also help the market develop an urban farm at its current location, at Second Avenue and Hosea Williams Drive in Atlanta.

April Hunt

Clarkston concert to benefit refugees

The Clarkston Community Center will host a concert titled “Together As One” 2 p.m. -- 5 p.m. April 28.

Concert proceeds will help support Atlanta’s refugee populations. Refugees will be invited to sell their crafts outside the center on the day of the concert. A $10 donation will be requested.

The Clarkston Community Center is at 3701 College Ave., Clarkston. For information: 404-308-1326, or www.clarkstoncommunitycenter.org. Laurie Hoffman

Easter egg hunt for kids this Sunday

A county and state lawmakers are teaming up to bring an Easter egg hunt to south DeKalb this weekend.

The “Easter Egg-travaganza” runs from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sundayat Wade Walker Park, 5584 Rockbridge Road. County Commissioner Stan Watson and state rep. Billy Mitchell, D-Lithonia, are sponsoring the event.

In addition to the egg hunts for children up to 10 years old, the event features Georgia State University mascot, “Pounce,” as well as face painting, games and snacks. April Hunt

School chief to speak to parents council

The Dunwoody Chamblee Parents Council will hold its monthly meeting on April 11 at 9:15 a.m. at Peachtree Charter Middle School, 4664 N. Peachtree Road, Dunwoody. DeKalb County Schools Superintendent Cheryl Atkinson will be the featured speaker. Information: Cheryl Jacobs at cljacobs2000@yahoo.com. Veronica Fields Johnson

SOUTHSIDE

Henry TV14 offer exercise for homebound seniors

Henry TV14 is offering exercise programs for homebound seniors. The SilverTone program will feature beginner, intermediate and advance. Beginners class includes stretching, low-impact aerobics, strength training, and flexibility skills. Intermediate class: cardiovascular and resistance training and stretching, low impact aerobics, walking and zumba fitness. The beginners class begin the week of April 16 and airs 8 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. The other two classes will start later at the same time slot but different days. Tammy Joyner

Fulton to hold government fair

For those wanting to learn more about what they get in return for Fulton County taxes, the county government will hold an information fair Wednesday describing services it provides. The event, kicking off National County Government Month, will be in the Government Center atrium, 141 Pryor St., S.W., downtown Atlanta, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Fulton provides an array of services, including immunizations, literacy programs and senior services, to name a few. For a calendar, go to www.fultoncountyga.gov. Johnny Edwards

Students win top prizes in poster contest

Two students from Drew High School have won top prizes in the second annual National Poster Contest sponsored by the Center for Young Worker Safety and Health at Georgia Tech Research Institute. Jimmy Vo is the grand prize winner with a design titled “The Right Package.” He receives $1,000 an an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. May 7. Arielle Thomas’ design “Working Safe is Working Smart” earned her second runner-up and $250. Tammy Joyner

Clayton State Theatre to open play

Clayton State University will host opening night of the play “I Love you, You’re Perfect, Now Change” on April 12 at 7:30 p.m. at Clayton State Theatre, room 132, University Arts & Science Building. Show dates: April 13-14, April 19-20. Showtimes: 7:30 p.m. Admission is free to Clayton State students and $5 for others. Tammy Joyner

Babb wins grant to promote wellness

Babb Middle School has been given a $4,000 grant from the Fuel Up to Play 50 program which is sponsored by the National Football League and Dairy Association. The money will be used to promote wellness at the middle school. The first $2,000 will be used to make smoothies for students to sample twice a month during the school year. The rest of the money will be used to find a certified Zumba instructor. Tammy Joyner

Piedmont Henry awarded $50,000 grant

Piedmont Henry Hospital employees and patients will soon benefit from a grant of $50,000 received from the Chaparral Foundation. The grant will be used to purchase lift assist devices. The purchase of the new equipment is also made possible due to record-breaking employee donations to the hospital’s Foundation during the 2011 Employee Campaign, which raise $80,000. Monroe Roark for the AJC