County by county news for Tuesday

Contractual instructors are needed to teach quarterly classes beginning this fall in areas including dance, art, and all types of exercise classes.

Instructors will be paid in six-week increments at up to $21 per hour based on experience and class demand.

Interested instructors should send resume to Mary Boyd: mary.boyd@cobbcounty.org. Janel Davis

Nature center focus of civic meeting

Thea Powell, a former Cobb County Commissioner and current member of the county's development authority, will be the keynote speaker at the upcoming East Cobb Civic Association meeting 7 p.m. Wednesday at the East Cobb Government Center, 4400 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta. Powell will discuss the Chattahoochee Nature Center.

Information: www.eastcobb.net Janel Davis

Cobb public safety officials to be honored

A Public Safety Appreciation Lunch will be held by the South Cobb Business Association from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 5 at Presbyterian Village, 2000 East-West Connector, Austell.

Cobb County law enforcement, fire and EMS officials will be honored.

Cost is $10 for members or $20 for guests.

Information: southcobbba.org. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Volunteer program seeks mentors

Cobb Mentoring Matters, a volunteer mentoring program, is seeking mentors for this school year's Cobb students. Mentors go through an orientation and background check and are paired with a student at a local school. Mentors are asked to meet weekly with students. Information: 678-594-7582 ext. 229 or www.cobbmentoringmatters.org. Daarel Burnette II

Powder Springs workers thanked

Three Powder Springs employees were recognized last week by interim City Manager Brad Hulsey for their service.

Community Development Director Pam Conner has been with the city for 15 years and Vanessa Hudson for 10 years in the Finance Department as an accounting/tax specialist.

Police Lt. Julie Collins was the most recent Employee of the Month for the city's police department.

During a traffic stop, she found a homeless mother seeking to find a place to park for the night with her five children, according to Police Chief Charlie Sewell. Instead Collins found them a hotel room and supplied other needs for them.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Strand Theatre to screen "The Boarder"

Earl Smith Strand Theatre, 117 North Park Square, Marietta will host two screenings of "The Boarder" at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday. The film profiles a family coping with an adopted child suffering from reactive attachment disorder. After each show, Jane Ryan, the film's author and executive producer, will answer audience questions. Tickets: $15 at www.earlsmithstrand.org.

Daarel Burnette II

GWINNETT

Beaudreau requests recount in narrow loss

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Gwinnett County Commissioner Mike Beaudreau has requested a recount in his narrow loss to Tommy Hunter in last week's primary election runoff.

The recount will begin at 4 p.m. Tuesday and be completed a few hours later, according to Gwinnett County Communications Director Joe Sorenson.

Unofficial returns showed Hunter, a Buford engineering consultant, won last Tuesday's election by 56 votes. That margin increased to 57 votes after the election was certified Monday, Sorenson said. David Wickert

Highway maintenance in Gwinnett this week

Road maintenance in Gwinnett County will mean shoulder or median lane closures this week, weather permitting.

The Georgia Department of Transportation plans vegetation maintenance on Ga. 13 in Duluth and Ga. 316 from Ga. 120 to Riverside Parkway. The department urges motorists to reduce speed in these and other work areas. David Wickert

Water department alerting residents

The Gwinnett Department of Water Resources is cautioning residents to avoid utility bill scams, where scammers claim the Federal government is providing credits or applying payments to utility bills. Beware if contacted electronically or by mail and asked for personal information, including social security numbers and banking information, to help pay bills. The department advises not providing personal information to anyone unknown.

MICHAEL ALPERT FOR THE AJC

Peachtree Corners has new development head

Peachtree Corners announced Diana Wheeler has joined the newly formed city as its Community Development Director. Wheeler, Alpharetta's former CDD for 18 years, will oversee planning, zoning, economic development, code enforcement and building development. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Gwinnett Libraries scrap bookmark sales

The Gwinnett County Public Library's board of directors recently voted unanimously to discontinue the previously established bookmark sales program. Early this year businesses were invited to pay $300 to place ads on about 5,000 bookmarks to be distributed throughout the county. After closer examination, the GCPL board determined they did not have the appropriate staff to manage the program. www.gwinnettpl.org Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Sugar Hill changes subdivision process

Gwinnett's fourth-largest city has formalized its process of approving residential plats. Instead of City Manager Bob Hail's signature in effect accepting responsibility for a developing subdivision's streets, street lights, sidewalks, etc., Sugar Hill's city council must ratify the plat and more formally accept responsibility.

Urged by Mayor Gary Pirkle, the change more clearly delineates when responsibility for subdivisions' public portions passes from developers to the city. MICHAEL ALPERT FOR THE AJC

NORTHSIDE

Canton police official's appeal of firing rejected

Canton City Manager Scott Wood has rejected ex-assistant police chief Todd Vande Zande's appeal of his dismissal.

City Attorney Bobby Dyer says Wood notified Vande Zande last week he saw no reason to overturn Police Chief Robert Merchant's decision, which Merchant ascribed to "internal management issues."

Vande Zande's attorney has threatened litigation over the Aug. 6 decision.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Northside transplant program leads nation

Northside Hospital announced its blood and marrow transplant program had the nation's best survival outcome for a third straight year. The 78-percent survival rate was tops for Northside, which performed 174 transplants last year. Renowned for maternity and newborn services, Northside's transplant survival rate was 20 percent higher than expected by the federally funded National Marrow Donor Program, the facilitator of most transplants between unrelated people. MICHAEL ALPERT FOR THE AJC

Rotary program on human trafficking

Roswell Rotary is hosting a free informational meeting on human trafficking 6 to 8 p.m. today at DoubleTree Hotel, 1075 Holcomb Bridge Road.

Speakers will include representatives from Wellspring Living and Street Grace, Judge Bill Riley and a victim of human trafficking who will share her experiences. Information, registration: dmccleary@roswellrotary.com; 678-318-3647 or www.roswellrotary.com. Patrick Fox

Intersections upgrades focus of meeting

Sandy Springs will hold a public information meeting on proposed traffic and safety improvements to the Spalding Drive/Mt. Vernon Road intersection at 6 p.m. Sept. 5 at Brandon Hall School, 1701 Brandon Hall Drive. Traffic engineers say there is currently insufficient sight distance at the intersection due to a hill on Spalding Drive immediately west of the intersection.

The meeting will feature a brief presentation, followed by an open house affording the public the opportunity to view proposed plans and ask questions. Patrick Fox

Author to speak in Forsyth book series

The Forsyth County Public Library's "Forsyth Reads Together 2012" series will feature Athens author Terry Kay speaking about his 1990 novel, "To Dance with the White Dog." It's set for 7 p.m. Sept. 10 at the Forsyth Conference Center, 7745 Majors Road, Cumming. A signing will follow. Info: www.forsythpl.org Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Alpharetta kids molding clay

Alpharetta Recreation and Parks is holding kids clay works classes 4 to 5:30 p.m. Mondays through Oct. 22 at Arts Center at Crabapple, 12624 Broadwell Road. Cost $90 for residents, $135 for non-residents, plus a $25 supply fee. Students will create fun, functional and decorative objects.

Information: 678-297-6100, alpharetta.ga.us/recreation. MICHAEL ALPERT FOR THE AJC

ATLANTA

Grove Park Elementary to receive $25,000 f

Atlanta's Grove Park Elementary School is receiving a $25,000 grant from the Target Corp., it was announced Thursday. The grant is part of a Target initiative to help in-need schools. "Target wants teachers and students nationwide to have the resources they need to help kids succeed in the classroom," said Laysha Ward, Target's president of community relations. As a result of programs like this, Target is on track to give $1 billion for education by the end of 2015.

Nancy Badertscher

Backpack drive to benefit foster kids

Freedom Wright, a former foster child and 17-year-old senior at Holy Innocents' Episcopal School, is holding a backpack drive to benefit the Foster Care Support Foundation. The new or gently used backpacks will help sixth graders and up living in the foster care system.

Bins for the backpacks are located in the Upper and Middle Schools at Holy Innocents' Episcopal School, or they can be dropped off at the school admissions office, 805 Mount Vernon Highway N.W., Atlanta.

Information: 404-783-1909 or freeyourmindbackpack@comcast.net. Kenneth Musisi

APS hires 'Teacher of the Year'

Jadun McCarthy, Georgia's 2012 Teacher of the Year, has been hired by Atlanta Public Schools. McCarthy, previously an English/Language Arts teacher in Bibb County, was named "coordinator for teacher quality for high schools" by the Atlanta district. Jaime Sarrio

Men's fashion show set for Wednesday

The Gentlemen's Collection: From the Gentlemen's Closet, is a free fashion show 7:53 p.m. Wednesday at The House of Styles in the historic Roosevelt Building, 745 Hansell St., Suite 302. The reception and mixer will be 6:53 p.m.

The show will present looks by Matthew Weaver. Students at The Art Institute of Atlanta-Decatur will create and present the show. Information: Courtney A. Hammonds, chammonds@aii.edu or houseofstyles.net. Kenneth Musisi

DEKALB

Nature Center receives grant from REI

Dunwoody Nature Center has received a $8,735 grant from REI to redevelop its front meadow area along Roberts Drive. The grant comes on the heels of the center's groundbreaking to restore the main meadow area.

In 2011, REI funds allowed the center to reclaim a 1.5-acre parcel that had been overrun with invasive plants. The Nature Center seeks to enhance this area with garden beds, picnic benches and a system of stories-high tree swings among the old hardwood trees. Patrick Fox

Decatur paves the way for Bed & Breakfasts

Decatur approved amendments to the city zoning ordinance last week to include bed & breakfast operations as a specific, permitted use in residential districts in its effort to attract more tourists and visitors to the community. Decatur offers an ideal location for successful small B & B operations because of the proximity to Atlanta and access to MARTA. A B & B is defined as an owner-operated residence offering no more than three bedrooms for short-term rental, which may not exceed 14 days. Bill Banks

Decatur to get speed zones

The Decatur stretch of Third Avenue, between East Lake Drive and Leyden Street, will get two new speed bumps, despite a petition also asking for lower speed limits. Assistant City Manager David Junger explained that Decatur's in the process of establishing a comprehensive "residential speed zone" ordinance, with uniform speed limits throughout the city, including 20 or 25 mph limits on residential streets. Bill Banks for the AJC

Senior "village" idea focus of meeting

DeKalb County is promoting the concept of a senior "village," which will allow senior citizens to remain independent while living in the community.

The county has received state grants to help study the concept. A meeting about it will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Dr., Decatur. Information: 770-322-2911. April Hunt

New McNair principal to meet parents

The new principal of McNair Discovery Learning Academy will speak at a meeting of the East End Neighbors at 7 p.m. today at Mt. Welcome Baptist Church, 581 Parker Ave.

Brian Bolden, principal of the elementary school south of the East Lake Golf Club, is expected to take questions. Also attending will be Lakeisha Griffith, parent liaison from McNair High School, and officers from the DeKalb South Precinct Police. Information: laurent.oget.free.fr/een201208.pdf. Ty Tagami

DeKalb airing program on homebuying help

The county has launched a government access program showcasing homes available through purchase programs designed to help buyers into foreclosed properties, though the program also will profile new developments.

The Welcome Home DeKalb program will air on the first Monday of each month and repeat throughout month. It also is available on the county's YouTube Channel, DeKalbCountyGov and on the county website at

www.dekalbcountyga.gov/dctv.

April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Autopsy planned on body found outside Wal-Mart

An autopsy was planned Monday for a body found Saturday outside a Wal-Mart in Stockbridge, police said.

Authorities are trying to determine whether the victim was killed or had committed suicide.

The body was found in a van outside the store on Hudson Bridge Road. It had a gunshot wound to the head and may have been there for as many as five days.

Authorities have not said whether the victim was a man or a woman. Christopher Seward

Police: Teen lured rape victims on Internet

Jalyn Connor, 17, of College Park, has been arrested and charged with rape, armed robbery and other crimes committed in the area of Riverdale Road in College Park, according to police. He allegedly raped one victim on Aug. 12 and another last Thursday.

Police are asking others who may have been victimized to come forward. Police said Connor would make contact and with his victims on the Internet and arrange a meeting. When a victim appeared, he would display a weapon and force the person into a vacant apartment and rape and rob them, police alleged.

Police arrested Connor on Thursday. He is being held on charges of rape, armed robbery, aggravated assault, burglary and false imprisonment.

Fran Jeffries

Senior center hosts veterans benefits talk

Elder Law Attorney Bob Goldberg will discuss the Veterans Administration Aid & Attendance pension program from 1 to 2 p.m. today at The Gathering Place senior center in Peachtree City.

The program will help veterans over 65 and their families navigate the application process for tax-free monthly benefits. Admission is free but registration is required; call 770-461-0813 or e-mail register@fayss.org.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Water association names trustee

Keisha Lisbon Thorpe, division manager for the Peachtree City Water and Sewerage Authority, has been chosen as a junior trustee by the American Water Works Association. She oversees communications and scholarship programs for the AWWA's Georgia chapter while also heading the Technical Services Division of the PCWASA.

Lisbon Thorpe co-chairs a model water tower engineering challenge for middle school students. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Labor Day concert Saturday at Wolf Creek

South Fulton County's Wolf Creek Amphitheater has at least three more events booked this year, including Saturday's Labor Day Music Festival. The R&B show will have "American Idol" winner and Grammy nominee Fantasia Barrino, along with Joe, Tony Terry and Dru Hill. Comedian Stanford Lightfoot will host. Coolers are welcome, and prices range from $45 to $75.

Tickets: www.ticketmaster.com or 1-800-745-3000.

Tickets are also on sale for An Evening of Classic Soul, featuring The Whispers, on Sept. 15, and the 2012 Gospel Explosion on Oct. 6. Johnny Edwards