COBB
Teen hit by car last week in Austell dies
A teenager hit by a vehicle last week in Cobb County has died, police said Monday. The boy, whose name was not released, was attempting to walk across the East-West Connector at the intersection with Floyd Road late Wednesday afternoon when he stepped into the path of an oncoming Jeep,.The boy, who had been walking with a second boy moments before, was not in a crosswalk when he was hit, Bowman said. The boy was flown from the crash site in Austell to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite, where he died Friday of his injuries. The driver of the Jeep was not injured and will not be cited in the crash. Alexis Stevens
Powder Springs reviews senior communities
Powder Springs officials are reviewing site plans for two adjacent senior living communities.
Property owners are Asa Candler for the southwest corner of Richard D. Sailors Parkway at U.S. 278 and Lynn Williams for the northwest corner.
Their site plans recently were recommended for approval by the city’s planning and zoning commission.
City Council members are expected to finalize the site plans during their 7 p.m. meeting on July 21. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
West Cobb Business Association meets
The West Cobb Business Association will host its 1st Tuesday Networking at Nite 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. today at Johnny’s Pizza, 3178 Dallas Hwy., Marietta.
Costs: free, members and their guests; $5, nonmembers.
Information: westcobbbusiness.com/events.html#after, 770-425-8333. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Austell SPLOST public hearing Wednesday
Austell city officials will hold a public hearing on potential projects and capital improvements for the 2016-22 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax 6 p.m. Wednesday at the City of Austell Threadmill Complex, 5000 Austell-Powder Springs Road, Suite 165.
SPLOST projects are limited to transportation, parks and public safety.
Information: austellga.gov/SPLOST2016. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Food truck Tuesdays through fall in Smyrna
Food trucks have returned to Smyrna 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Sept. 30 at Taylor-Brawer Park, 3180 Atlanta Road.
More than a dozen food trucks will set up each Tuesday in the park’s lower parking lot adjacent to the playground.
The event will include live music.
Information: www.smyrnacity.com.
Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Kennesaw farmers market open
The Kennesaw Farmers Market will open 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday in the Adams Park soccer field parking lot, 2753 Watts Drive.
The market will sell local vegetables, fruit, herbs, plants, flowers and baked goods on Tuesdays, rain or shine, through Oct. 28. I
nformation: www.kennesaw-ga.gov. Tucker McQueen for the AJC
GWINNETT
County schedules public hearings on millage rate
The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners will hold hearings for comments on proposed millage rates: 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Monday and 6:30 p.m. July 14 in the auditorium of the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville. The millage rate adoption is scheduled to take place at 2 p.m. July 15. Commissioners are considering adopting the same millage rate as last year, which will result in more property tax revenue due to an increase in property values. In addition to the public hearings, online comments will be accepted through www.gwinnettcounty.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Veterans’ memorial movie opens July 4
‘Freedom is Never Free: The Story of the Snellville Veterans Memorial,’ a short 30 to 45 minute film about the monument’s construction, veterans who helped build it and the memories of 40 veterans will be shown each hour from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday in Council Chambers at City Hall, 2432 Oak Road. The event coincides with the Snellville Tourism and Trade’s Star-Spangled Snellville Fourth of July Celebration 3 p.m. on the Towne Green. Information: www.snellville.org.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Gift make college center possible
With a gift of $250,000, Greg and Tammy Shumate enabled Georgia Gwinnett College and its School of Transitional Studies to open an Advising Center, which served 1,071 students in its first year. Staff proactively helps advisees identify and use campus resources, develop and stick to academic improvement plans and communicate with professors. Of its 679 advisees enrolled for fall 2013, 92.6 percent were retained for spring semester. Information: www.ggc.edu. Karen Huppertz
Peachtree Corners to host state of the city
The Peachtree Corners Business Association will host Mayor Mike Mason and the City Council at a State of the City Address 7:30 to 9 a.m. July 21 at Atlanta Marriott Norcross, 475 Technology Parkway, Peachtree Corners. Reservations: www.peachtreecornersba.com.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Pianos sought for Lilburn Main Street
Lilburn Mayor Johnny Crist wants to bring street pianos to Old Town Lilburn to become works of public art and bring a fun, community atmosphere to Main Street.
Information: Mayor Crist at johnny.crist@me.com or www.streetpianos.com.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
$12.6M SPLOST to help transportation
Gwinnett has allocated approximately $12.6 million in SPLOST funding for four Suwanee-area projects: the construction of an interchange at I-85 and McGinnis Ferry Road, the widening of Peachtree Industrial Boulevard to six lanes between McGinnis Ferry and Moore roads, intersection improvements, including adding a turn lane and improving pedestrian safety at Peachtree Industrial and Suwanee Dam and intersection improvements at Suwanee Dam and West Price roads.
Information: www.suwanee.com.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
NORTHSIDE
Ball Ground City Council reduces taxes
The Ball Ground City Council has approved a reduction in the city’s millage rate from 6 to 5.375. City Manager Eric Wilmarth says that’s greater than the revenue-neutral rollback rate of 5.625 and works out to an average 4 percent tax cut for property owners. He credits some growth in the tax digest, revenue from the sale of city-owned property and continued expense-trimming. The Council also gave first-reading approval to a measure cutting the number of temporary signs a business can put out, and how long they can stay in place. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Milton offering teen driver program
The city of Milton Municipal Court has launched the Teen Victim Impact Program, aimed at reducing teen traffic violations and fatal crashes. Accused traffic violators under 21 can take the two- hour program instead of the six-hour defensive driving course to reduce driver’s license point deductions. Information: www.tvip.org Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Grants available for Johns Creek arts
Johns Creek city council set aside $30,000 in grant funding in the 2014 budget to encourage Johns Creek participation in arts programs within the city while supporting growth of the programs. Fund applicants must be located in the city and have three years of nonprofit status. Deadline: July 31. Information: www.johnscreekga.gov
Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Lanier Tech students win competition
Members of a team from Lanier Technical College won a bronze award at the SkillsUSA competition last week in Kansas City, billed as a showcase of career and technical education. David Jones and Mario Olivas were tops in mechatronics. It’s an emerging field of engineering which integrates mechanical and electrical engineering, computer science and other disciplines to foster development and application of “smart devices.” Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Musicians wanted for Alpharetta band
The Alpharetta City Band has entertained audiences for the past 25 years and now has immediate openings in several sections. The band is seeking musicians in the percussion, clarinet, saxophone and double reed sections.
No audition is required, though band members must be able to play proficiently at the high school level.
The band’s repertoire includes a diverse selection of music, from traditional concert band compositions to show tunes, movie themes and patriotic marches.
Rehearsals are held most Wednesdays from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Crabapple Government Center, 2624 Broadwell Road, Alpharetta.
Information: www.alpharettaband.com or 770-475-9684. Nancy Badertscher
Woodstock to hold rugby camp at Dupree
Woodstock Parks and Recreation Department hosts a youth rugby camp 8:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m. July 9-11 at Dupree Park for players ages 8-14.
The fee for the three-day camp is $20 and includes a t-shirt and pizza on Friday. Information: 770-517-6788 or www.woodstock parksandrec.com/
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
ATLANTA
Stabbing death suspect kills self
A man suspected in the stabbing death of a woman in southwest Atlanta earlier this month committed suicide over the weekend in Alabama, police said.
A newspaper carrier found 51-year-old Phyllis Frazier dead along Mims Street about 3:15 a.m. June 22.
The following day, detectives secured a warrant charging Frazier’s boyfriend, Bruce Gaines, with murder, according to Atlanta police spokeswoman Kim Jones.
Jones said Gaines, 49, committed suicide Saturday in Anniston, Ala. Mike Morris
Park conservancy names new leader
Former Centennial Olympic Park general manager Mark Banta is the new president and chief executive officer of the Piedmont Park Conservancy.
Banta begins his new role today. He has served as executive vice president and chief operating officer of the conservancy since January.
The conservancy works in partnership with the city of Atlanta to maintain and enhance historic Piedmont Park.
Banta previously served as president of the Woodall Rogers Park Foundation in Dallas. He oversaw the construction of Centennial Olympic Park and managed its operational and administrative functions from 1996 to 2012. Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Scouts name new director job
The Atlanta Area Council, Boy Scouts of America announced Monday that Jason Baldridge has joined the organization as the nation’s first safe scouting director. Baldridge is a 10-year scouting professional.
He will be responsible for enforcing safe scouting policies, training volunteer leaders and advancing the Boy Scouts’ role as a community leader in youth safety and protection. As part of this new role, Baldridge will lead the first-ever Youth Protection Symposium on Oct. 14.
The goal will be to share best practices and hear industry experts lead discussions on preventing child abuse. Nancy Badertscher
DEKALB
Debate over DeKalb YMCA continues
A decision on whether DeKalb County should buy the South DeKalb YMCA for $5 million has been deferred until at least Aug. 12.
The DeKalb Commission lacked four votes needed to take action during its June 24 meeting.
Under the proposal, the $5 million in county green space money would pay for YMCA renovations and expansions, and the YMCA would continue operating the facility and charging membership fees.
Mark Niesse
Supply drive seeks to help 900 students
A collection drive in DeKalb County is trying to provide school supplies to 900 low-income students before next school year starts.
The DeKalb County Department of Family and Children Services is looking for book bags, notebook paper, pencils, pens, calculators, rulers, binders, glue sticks, tissue, crayons and highlighters in the coming weeks, according to DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson.
Donations can be made by contacting Johnnie Carey at 404-370-5493 or jacarey@dhr.state.ga.us.
Mark Niesse
Juvenile court awarded $400,000 grant
The DeKalb County Juvenile Court has been awarded a $400,000 grant to provide services to teenage offenders enrolled in an alternative sentencing program.
The grant from the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council will provide services to an additional 60 teenagers referred to the court for a felony charge or probation violation.
Youth who would have previously been sentenced to short-term treatment programs or committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice will also continue to receive services.
Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Civil Air Patrol cadets in Dunwoody parade
Cadets with the DeKalb Civil Air Patrol squadron at Peachtree DeKalb Airport will participate in this year’s Fourth of July Parade in Dunwoody.
The Civil Air Patrol is the civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force.
The organization is open boys and girls 12 to 18 who want to learn about aviation, aerospace, leadership, search and rescue and character development.
Members participate in educational flights in powered aircraft and gliders.
The DeKalb Civil Air Patrol squadron meets at 6:45 p.m. every Thursday at Peachtree DeKalb Airport, 2000 Airport Road, Suite 227, Chamblee.
Information: sites.google.com/site/ga065cap
Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Input sessions set for renovating schools
City Schools Decatur has set two dates for residential input sessions on the renovation and new construction of Renfroe Middle School and Decatur High.
Architects and design personnel, selected by CSD, will field questions and suggestions on Aug. 14 at the high school and Aug. 19 at Renfroe.
Design plans for both schools should finish by late fall/early winter, with Phase I construction on the high school — most likely new classrooms – beginning in January. Bill Banks for the AJC
SOUTHSIDE
Fayette earns higher bond rating of AAA
Fayette County’s Public Facilities Authority has earned a higher bond rating from Standard & Poor’s. The rating was raised from AA+ to AAA based on what S&P called “very strong management conditions [and] strong financial policies.” The change will reduce the amount of interest the county pays on future bonds.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Families sought to host students from abroad
World Heritage Student Exchange Programs, a non-profit organization, is seeking local host families for high school students from overseas to live in Fayette and Coweta counties. Today is the deadline for school approvals.State Department scholarship students are also available. Information: 404 234-1548 or 1-866-277-2799 or www.whHosts.com. Tammy Joyner
Applications taken for housing rehab funds
Fulton County will accept pre-applications starting on Tuesday from homeowners seeking housing rehabilitation assistance.
Apply for deferred payment loans to bring substandard, single-family, owner-occupied properties into compliance with federal regulations and county codes. The Housing Rehabilitation Program funds are made available annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Deadline: July 31. Information. www.fultoncountyga.gov or 404-613-7944. Kent A. Miles
Henry to lower insurance premium
Henry County has received a dividend in the amount of $103,021 from the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia—Interlocal Risk Management Association. The dividend will be used as a credit toward Henry County’s property and liability insurance premium. Information: www.henrycounty-ga.org.
Monroe Roark for the AJC
Holmes honored by business league
Henry County Commissioner Bruce Holmes has been named one of the Atlanta Business League’s 2014 Men of Influence and will be honored July 1 at the Hyatt Regency in Atlanta during the 8th annual Reception and Induction Ceremony. The Atlanta Business League selects notable black men “who have been a driving force in making a difference in the community,” according to a statement. Honorees in previous years include politicians, judges, doctors, business leaders, professional athletes and educators.
Information: www.henrycounty-ga.org. Monroe Roark for the AJC
Library sponsors summer art contest
A summer art contest sponsored by Friends of the Peachtree City Library is open for entries. The theme is “Ride the Wind,” and works must be two-dimensional and in any medium except photography. Three age categories range from first grade through adult. Artwork must be received by July 18.
Information:www.peachtree-city.org. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
