County by county news for Tuesday

The Marietta City Council is expected to approve the closure at a meeting Wednesday Drivers can use Allgood Road and the Canton Road Connector as alternate routes. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Smyrna to hold road project meeting

Smyrna will hold a public meeting on the Atlanta Road median design from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday Aug. 14,Brawner Hall at Taylor-Brawner Park, 3180 Atlanta Road.The Ridge Road to Concord Road project will add a raised median with fewer left-turns to ease congestion and improve safety. The section from Fleming Street to Concord Road is complete. The toal cost of the 2005 SPLOST project is $6 million. Information: www.smyrnacity.com.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

NAACP to sponsor trip to National Mall

The Cobb County Branch NAACP is sponsoring a turn-around bus trip to the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Aug. 23-25 in honor of the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington. Cost is $90 per person and the deadline to register is Monday. Information: 770-425-5757, www.cobbnaacp.org or cobbnaacp@bellsouth.net.

Veronica Fields Johnson

Police meeting for west Cobb on today

Police officials from the west Cobb precinct will hold a community meeting at 7 p.m. today at Cobb County Police Precinct 5, 4640 Dallas Highway, Powder Springs.

New Precinct Commander, Capt. Barry Little, officers and detectives will listen to any concerns about west Cobb crime.

Crime statistics and “sexploitation” of youths in west Cobb also will be discussed.

Information: 770-499-4185.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Chairman Lee to host August town hall

Cobb County Chairman Tim Lee will host a town hall meeting in District 4 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. today at Pebblebrook High, Cobb Center for Excellence in the Performing Arts, 991 Old Alabama Road, Mableton. This meeting gives south Cobb residents a chance to communicate directly with Lee, and learn about the county’s progress on various projects. Info: cobbcounty.org/lee or 770-528-3305. Jaime Sarrio

Marietta to hold hearing on district plan

The public will have a chance to comment on a historic district on Kennesaw Avenue at a Marietta City Council meeting 7 p.m. Wednesday at City Hall, 205 Lawrence St.

More than the required 60 percent of homeowners on the proposed 14 properties have approved being in the district which allows the council to vote on the issue after the hearing.

If the district is approved, other homes could be added with the consent of the owner.

Information: www.mariettaga.gov. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

GWINNETT

Gwinnett police car catches fire along I-85

No injuries were reported when a Gwinnett County police car went up in flames Sunday afternoon on I-85.

The police cruiser caught fire around 2 p.m. on I-85 northbound at the Indian Trail Road exit.

A Gwinnett police spokesman said there were no reports of injuries. The three right lanes of I-85 northbound were shut down by the incident.

Police have not said what caused the car to catch fire. Mike Morris

Church to host career expo

The Georgia Department of Labor’s Gwinnett Career Center and the Crossroads Career Network will co-sponsor a Career Expo 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 20 at Snellville United Methodist Church, Building C, 2428 Main St. East, Snellville. Applicants should bring resumes and be prepared to fill out company applications and interview for available job openings. Workshops and job-related seminars on interviewing, networking and career transition will be offered. Information: 770-840-2200. Veronica Fields Johnson

Free dance class for special needs children

Southern Ballet Theatre, located at 3315 Sugarloaf Parkway, Suite 16, Lawrenceville, is offering a free special needs dance class from 5 to 5:45 p.m. every Thursday. The ballet and tap class is for children with mental, medical or physical limitations, taught in a positive atmosphere. Information: 770-940-9223 or www.southernballettheatre.com.Veronica Fields Johnson

Adopt-A-Road seeks volunteer groups

Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful and the Gwinnett Department of Transportation is urging more residents to join the Adopt-A-Road program to help reduce trash and illegal signage alongside county roads. Groups must agree to maintain the location for at least 12 months with a minimum of four cleanups.

“Men Working” signs and safety vests available for volunteer crews. Efforts acknowledged with two signs placed along the adopted roadway. Information: www.gwinnettcb.org/volunteer or contact Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful at 770-822-5187 or gwinnettcb@gwinnettcb.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Buford businesses to meet for networking

The Buford Business Alliance with meet for Business After Hours at 5:30 p.m. today at Ivy Springs Manor, 3177 Gravel Springs Road, Buford.

This nonprofit organization brings together the community and businesses to help promote commerce and tourism in Buford. Information: www.visitbuford.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Citizenship classes at Lawrenceville library

The Lawrenceville branch of the Gwinnett Public Library will offer classes to help pass the U.S. citizenship test from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursday through Sept. 12 at 1001 Lawrenceville Highway.

Information: www.gwinnettpl.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Bandit strikes Alpharetta Waffle House

Police in Alpharetta were searching early Monday for a suspect in the overnight robbery of a north Fulton County Waffle House.

Alpharetta police spokesman George Gordon said no one was injured in the robbery, which occurred early Monday at the 24-hour eatery on South Main Street.

Police dispatchers told the AM750 and 95.5FM News Talk Traffic Center just before 6 a.m. that the search was concentrated in the area of Ga. 9 near Wills Park.

Mike Morris

Qualifying approaching for Cumming election

Qualifying for the municipal election in Cumming has been set for 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Aug.26-30 at the Cumming city clerk’s Office, 100 Main St. Those wishing to run will have to fork over $360 for the mayor’s race and $180 for council. The seats of Mayor H. Ford Gravitt, Post 1 councilman Rupert Sexton and Post 2 councilman Quincy Holton will be up for grabs. The election is Nov. 5.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Cherokee school operator to hold job fair

Aramark, the company taking over custodial operations in the Cherokee County School district in an outsourcing move, will hold a job fair 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday Aug. 14 at 1665 Hickory Road, Canton. The district says the company may need to hire 25 more full-time and substitute employees due to recent retirements and resignations. More info: www.cherokee. k12.us

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Alpharetta hosts youth triathlon this fall

IronKids Alpharetta, a youth triathlon, is Sept. 15 at Wills Park, 1825 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta.

Participants receive a medal upon crossing the finish line and the top three athletes within each age category will be awarded a placement trophy. Registration is $50 online and $65 on site. Race morning registration will not be available. Information: hy-veeironkids.com/alpharetta/. Veronica Fields Johnson

Alpharetta holds hearings on parks

The Alpharetta Recreation and Parks Department will hold a public meetings 6 to 7:15 p.m. Sept. 12 at Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 S. Main St., to gather input for development of a 10-year master plan.

Information: 678-297-6162 or email recreation@alpharetta.ga.us Patrick Fox

Fulton schools to hold community meetings

Fulton County’s school board members will hold several meetings this month to engage with community members about local issues and concerns. Linda Schultz will hold a meeting at 9:30 a.m. on Aug. 21 at Crabapple Middle School. Katie Reeves will hold a meeting at 9:30 a.m. on Aug. 21 at 4165 Big Creek Overlook in Alpharetta. Linda McCain will hold a meeting at 9:30 a.m. on Aug. 15 at the Johns Creek Environmental Campus. Catherine Maddox will hold a meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 19 at Banneker High School. Julia Bernath will hold a meeting at 9:30 a.m. on Aug. 15 at the Johns Creek Environmental Campus. Daarell Burnette II

ATLANTA

Man shot and killed near Georgia Dome

Police were on the scene of a deadly shooting Monday afternoon near the Georgia Dome.

The shooting happened a few minutes after noon Monday at a Chevron station and Subway sandwich shop at the corner of Northside Drive and Markham Street, about two blocks south of the Dome. The male victim, whose identity was not immediately available, was shot in the head. Mike Morris

New Westside charter school now opened

Westside Atlanta Charter School opened to students for the first time Monday.

The new charter school in west Atlanta will emphasize language and literacy, initially serving students in kindergarten through second grade.

The school plans to grow by one grade each year until it’s educating students through eight grade, with about 40 students per grade leve Mark Niesse

Artist in residency applications accepted

The Creatives Project is now accepting applications through midnight Thursday for it’s artist-in-studio residency program.

Five Atlanta artists will get free long-term studio spaces and exhibition opportunities for two years at the Goat Farm Arts Center, 1200 Foster St. In exchange, the selected artists will complete youth outreach service. Information: www.thecreativesproject.org/programs or artists@thecreativesproject.org. Veronica Fields Johnson

Family resource fair scheduled

A free resource fair for students and tparents will take place 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Metro Lanes and Games, 1959 Metropolitan Pkwy.

The fair will feature school supplies and activities for students, including skating, games, a talent showcase, food and more.

Information on after school care, extracurricular programs, and organizations specializing in life skills, parenting and personal development will be available for parents.

Information: Reginald Crossley, 404-612-7386 or 404-409-7761. Mea Watkins

DEKALB

Carbon monoxide at apartment complex

Six people were treated for exposure to carbon monoxide at a DeKalb County apartment complex Sunday afternoon.

DeKalb fire crews were sent to the Marquis Bridge Apartments on Summerview Drive near Stone Mountain around noon Sunday. Mike Morris

Interim CEO talks to business group

Interim DeKalb County CEO Lee May will address the Stonecrest Business Alliance Wednesday, to discuss his plans for economic development.

Luz Borrero, the deputy chief operating officer of development in the county, will also attend the meeting.

The session begins at 9 a.m. Wednesday 8/14at the Fairfield Inn and Suites, 7910 Stonecrest Square, near Lithonia. April Hunt

Callaway bulding sale may close October

The Decatur Urban Redevelopment Agency signed a contract to purchase the Callaway Building property from DeKalb County, which could cost as much as $7 million. The city probably will close with DeKalb in October, but it could still take another two years for the county to completely vacate the building, which sits on prime real estate at West Trinity Place. Sometime in 2015 Decatur will sell Callaway to Cousins Properties who’ll demolish the building and begin constructing a long-anticipated mixed-use development on the 5.8 acres. Bill Banks for the AJC

Farmers market to host home canning seminar

The Buford Highway Farmers Market will host a seminar on home food preservation, presented by University of Georgia Professor Dr. Elizabeth Andress, from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the market, 5600 Buford Highway, Doraville. Andress, author of the USDA Guide to Home Canning and Preserving, will discuss selecting, preparing and safely canning fruits and vegetables and give a demonstration. The seminar is free but registration is required. Information: www.aofwc.com or Bill Schroeder at 678-873-7447.

Veronica Fields Johnson

Commission ‘in the air’ over referendum

During a joint meeting between Decatur’s commission and school board last week, the board detailied reasons why a $59.5 million bond referendum should appear on the Nov. 5 ballot.

The bond would finance extensive renovations to Renfroe Middle and Decatur High schools. But the commission wasn’t swayed and several admitted being overwhelmed.

The commission, however, must approve the referendum by Aug. 30 for it to appear on this year’s ballot. Bill Banks for the AJC

Referendum would bump property taxes

If Decatur voters passes a $59.6 million bond referendum in November to renovate Renfroe Middle and Decatur High schools, the city’s property taxes would increase slightly. Assuming City Schools Decatur chooses to pay the bond over 30 years (its current preference), residents owning a $200,000 home would pay $248.22 more in taxes per year, a $400,000 home owner would pay $496.45 more and a $600,000 owner pays $744.67.

To appear on the ballot, however, the referendum must be passed by the city commission before Aug. 30. Bill Banks for the AJC

SOUTHSIDE

Petroglyph stolen from Line Creek Nature Area

The Southern Conservation Trust and the Peachtree City Police Department are seeking information about (or the return of) a Native American petroglyph stolen from the Line Creek Nature Area in Peachtree City within the last month.

SCT Executive Director Pam Young said the engraved rock is approximately 18 by 12 by 12 inches and weighs 50-75 pounds.

A photo is posted on the Trust’s Facebook page; call 770-846-4730. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Clayton gets new library system director

The Clayton County Library system has a new director. Rosalind Lett will oversee the county’s six libraries. She began her new job last week. Lett was the associate director for Public Services at the Huntsville-Madison County Library in Huntsville, Ala. In 2011, Lett was named a Library Journal Mover and Shaker for her work in north Alabama.Tammy Joyner

Mayor’s Walking Tour Saturday

McDonough Mayor Billy Copeland is hosting an hour long ‘Walking Tour’ starting at 9:30 a.m. Saturday.

The tour will guide citizens through McDonough Historic Downtown and will leave from the McDonough Welcome Center at 5 Griffin Street.

Participant should wear cool clothing and comfortable shoes. The tour is free. Information: 770-957-3915. Sandra Marshall Murray

Clayton Chamber to host business lunch

The Clayton Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Business Spotlight luncheon will be held Thursday at Pristine Chapel Lakeside, 7541 Mt. Zion Boulevard in Jonesboro. The 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. luncheon will feature Jonesboro Mayor Joy Day; Diana Earwood, general manager of Destiny Organics LLC; former Clayton Commissioner Virginia Burton Gray and Mercedes Miller, executive director of the Georgia International Convention Center. Cost is $35 a person; $150 for display tables and $300 for a table of eight. Details: call the chamber at 678 610-4021. Tammy Joyner

Center to offer business plan classes

The Clayton State University Small Business Development Center will offer a class on “Writing a Living Business Plan,” 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 15, in room G127 on the first floor of the school’s Arts & Sciences Building.

Among the topics: goal-setting, calculating profit and loss, finding sources and determining capital costs.

Cost: $69 a person.

Information: www.georgiasbdc.org or 678-466-5100. Tammy Joyner

Fulton to offer session on homeless services

Fulton County will provide information on services for the homeless at 2 p.m. Aug. 13 at the Fulton County Government Center Atrium, 141 Pryor St., Atlanta.

The county’s Office of Emergency and Transitional Housing provides job, medical, substance abuse treatment and other services for homeless and at-risk people and families.

For more information, call 404-613-0412. David Wickert