County by county news for Tuesday

tephens said he was mowing grass when he noticed the boy break away from his mother and fall into the pond. Stephens dove into the water and rescued the child who was not injured.

Stephens will receive a proclamation at a council meeting 7 p.m Wednesday, City Hall, 205 Lawrence St.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

AT&T seeks comments on new cellphone tower

AT&T is seeking public comments on its plan to build a 154-foot-tall “monopole telecommunications structure” off of Bullard Road in unincorporated Powder Springs. Comments must be received at Environmental Corporation of America, 1375 Union Hill Industrial Court, Suite A, Alpharetta, GA 30004, by Nov. 30. Information: georgiapublicnotice.com/view/full_story/23961862/article-M-8873 or Bazzill, 770-667-2040, ext. 111.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Austell Museum grand opening on Thursday

The grand opening and open house of Austell’s new museum will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday at Threadmill Complex, 5000 Austell Powder Springs Road, Suite 102.

William Johnson, the museum’s curator, was awarded a plaque by Mayor Joe Jerkins and the City Council during their Nov. 4 meeting, thanking Johnson for his efforts in preparing the space near the central lobby. Information: austellga.gov.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Job fair for veterans on Thursday

The Georgia Department of Labor and Solidhires offer job advice and a career fair to former and current military personnel and spouses 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday at VFW Post 2681, 140 Powers Ferry Road, Marietta. Training in resumes,interviewing and using social media included. Military identification and registration are required.

Information: www.solidhires.com.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Austell seeks city mechanic by Nov. 15

Austell Public Works is accepting applications through 5 p.m. Nov. 15 for a certified automotive and small-equipment city mechanic.

Applications may be obtained and submitted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays at the Public Works administrative office, Threadmill Complex, 5000 Austell-Powder Springs Road, Suite 105.

Information:

or austellga.gov.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Affordable Care Act debate to be at KSU

Kennesaw State University will hold a moderated debate on the pros and cons of the Affordable Care Act at 7 p.m. today in the Social Sciences Building Auditorium, Room 1021, 1000 Chastain Road N.W.

The event is the first in KSU’s “Marketplace of Ideas” exchange, aimed to engage the campus community in discussing popular and controversial social issues.

It is free and open to the public.

Mea Watkins

GWINNETT

Police ID woman fatally shot at birthday party

Gwinnett police have identified a 53-year-old Lawrenceville woman shot to death when a man opened fire during a birthday party. Alicia Johnson was pronounced dead Sunday at the scene of the party, which was in unincorporated Lawrenceville, according to a news release. Her daughter, Dana Johnson, 31, was shot and taken to a local hospital for treatment. Police are looking for Ohave Whitfield, 40, in connection with the shooting. Police say Whitfield is believed to be driving a a teal or green Volvo S80, with Georgia license plate PRI 4493. He may “pose an ongoing threat to the surviving victim and her family,” police said. Michelle E. Shaw

New marriage ceremony hours posted

Beginning Wednesday both Gwinnett Magistrate and Probate Courts will have new wedding hours. Magistrate Court will conduct ceremonies on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., except during county holidays or inclement weather. Probate Court will conduct ceremonies on Wednesdays from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Magistrate and Probate Court may offer free ceremonies on other significant dates such as Valentine’s Day. For more information, contact Magistrate Court at 770-822-8081 or www.gwinnettcourts.com.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Norcross High School holding college fair

Norcross High School is holding a College Fair 6:30 to 8 p.m. today in the school’s Commons area. Representatives from over 70 colleges will be on hand to answer questions. Prior to the fair, a representative from Georgia Student Finance Commission will present a Financial Aid meeting 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. in the school’s theater. The event is open to all 9th – 12th grade students and parents in the community. Students do not have to attend Norcross. Info: NHS Counseling Office at 770-447-2648.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Berkeley Lake dam passes inspections

Berkeley Lake will celebrate completion of the dam 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 16 at the Berkeley Lake Chapel and lake grounds. Events will include a bouncy house, arts and crafts, music, food and games. Norcross Cooperative Ministries will collect food, nonperishable items and toys for needy families. Information: 678-221-7591. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Animal shelter to sponsor food drive

Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement Services will host a food drive for the Gwinnett CAN Challenge to increase donations to local food banks through Dec. 31 at 884 Winder Highway, Lawrenceville. Participants may bring a donation of five items and receive a $10 voucher Information: or 770-339-3200. Veronica Fields Johnson

Norcross seeks railroad crossing opinions

Moreland Altobelli, an engineering firm hired by Norcross to study safety concerns around the railroad crossing at Holcomb Bridge Road and Thrasher Street has six plans. The study updates and a survey are at www.norcrossga.net/index.aspx?nid=632. Norcross plans to finishthe study by the end of the year. Information: jmueller@norcrossga.net. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Cherokee to debut law enforcemet training center

Cherokee County officials will hold a ribbon cutting at 11 a.m. Wednesday for the Sheriff Roger Garrison Law Enforcement Training Center, next to the county detention facility, 498 Chattin Drive, Canton. The 11300-square-foot complex was built for $3.4 million and contains classrooms, a live fire “shoot house”, multiple gun ranges and a rappelling tower.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Election for Calvin Hill set set

Governor Nathan Deal has set a special election for Jan. 7. to replace the late Georgia Rep. Calvin Hill. The Cherokee County Republican and District 22 lawmaker died Oct. 30 after after batling leukemia.

Several district residents have announced plans to run for his seat.

So far, there’s no word on when qualifying for the election will occur.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Chamber session for international business

The Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce has set a listening session/focus group for the county’s small and mid-sized international companies for 11 a.m. Thursday at Hansgrohe North America, 1490 Bluessgrass Lakes Parkway, Alpharetta.

The session’s aimed at getting feedback to help develop and improve chamber programs for such companies.. More info: cummingforsythchamber.org

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Special needs group plans fundraiser

Next Step Ministries will present Art from The Heart, a fundraiser for special needs programs, 6-9 p.m. Thursday at Venue 92, 12015 Ga. 92,Woodstock.

It’ll feature local artists, a silent auction and an artisan shopping bazaar.

More info: 770-592-1227.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Reinhardt website gets high ranking

Reinhardt University’s website is one of the top 100 admissions sites in the country. It was rated in the 15th annual My College Options Enrollment Power Index.

The college options planning program rated the sites of nearly 3,000 college and universities, grading them on such factors as functionality, design and technology.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Annual storytelling event scheduled

The annual Roswell “Tellabration” will be held at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 22 at the Roswell Adult Recreation Center, 830 Grimes Bridge Rd.

Roswell’s Tellabration brings together celebrated regional tellers to delight, captivate and mesmerize audiences.

Tickets are $5 per person and may be purchased at the door. The event is presented by the Roswell Ramblers, The Magnolia Tellers and The Roswell Folk and Heritage Bureau.

Information: 770-640-3253 or 770-641-3950. Mea Watkins

ATLANTA

Morning fire leaves smoky haze downtown

A structure fire east of downtown left many commuters in a smoky haze Monday morning.

The fire, near the corner of North Avenue and Boulevard, was in a boarded up structure, which made it a challenge to fight, said fire officials.

Michelle E. Shaw and John Spink

Clark Atlanta hosts healthcare town hall

Clark Atlanta University’s cancer research center will host, “Prostate Cancer in African-American Men: Biology vs. Lifestyle,” a free healthcare town hall 1 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday in the Robert W. Woodruff Library, Studio A (lower level), 111 James P. Brawley Drive, S.W.

The forum will feature panelists from the American Cancer Society and other state and national healthcare groups. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in American men, aside from skin cancer.

Information: 404-880-6878; cancerinfo@cau.edu

Janel Davis

Accreditation team seek comment on APD

The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. will examine Atlanta Police Department policy and procedures, management, operations and support services Nov. 17-20. Agency personnel and community members are invited to offer comments at a public information session at 7 p.m. Nov. 19 in City Council Chambers, 55 Trinity Avenue, S.W. Or call 404-444-1225 between 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 18.

All comments are limited to 10 minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with CALEA Standards.

Information: Lieutenant S. Steed at 404-546-2623 or www.atlantapd.org.

Veronica Fields Johnson

McPherson historical listing gets update

As part of the Army’s closure of Fort McPherson, the existing National Register of Historic Places district for the Staff Row and Old Post Area of the historic base was updated and expanded to include all of the historic resources associated with the fort from 1887 through 1959. Arlinda Smith Broady

DEKALB

Brookhaven holding budget hearings

Brookhaven will hold community budget hearings on its draft 2014 budget today and Nov. 26.

The proposed $26.6 million spending plan holds the tax rate steady at 2.85 mills and includes funding for 59 sworn police officers and close to $3 million for park purchases and improvements.

The hearings begin at 7 p.m. each night at the city municipal building on Corporate Square. A final budget vote will is scheduled for Dec. 10.

April Hunt

Lithonia Walmart opening Wednesday

A new Walmart Neighborhood Market, about a third of the size of the company’s “supercenters,” opens Wednesday on Covington Highway just outside Lithonia.

A ribbon cutting will be held at 7:30 a.m. at the store, a 24-hour operation which features most groceries and health needs. The opening creates about 95 jobs for the area and is just the second smaller Walmart “market” to open in DeKalb. The first opened in June in Tucker. April Hunt

County, schools to host joint panel

DeKalb County residents are invited to a joint panel featuring school district and county government leaders 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Agnes Scott College’s. Presser Hall, off East College Avenue. Topic: future of the county. Registration/information: bdavis@dekalbcountyga.gov .April Hunt

DeKalb hosting canned food drive

DeKalb County parks department is hosting a canned food drive to help the community’s needy.

Donations will be accepted through Nov. 21 at county recreation centers, the Port Sanford performing arts center and the Maloof government building in downtown Decatur.

Information: 404-371-3643.

April Hunt

Doraville projecting growth in fund balance

Doraville’s city manager recently reported that the north DeKalb city is on pace to end the year with nearly $2.8 million in its fund balance.

That is more than double the $1.2 million left over in 2011, when the city reorganized its structure to better handle the $1 million yearly loss in revenue from the closing of the General Motors plant. April Hunt

Neighborhood Summit returns to DeKalb

Registration is open for a neighborhood summit next month designed to help DeKalb County residents partner with government to better their community.

The free event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Courtyard Marriott Decatur, 130 Clairemont Ave.

Registration/information: 404-371-2881 or onedekalb@dekalbcountyga.gov. April Hunt

Volunteers needed at Fernbank museum

The Fernbank Museum of Natural History needs volunteers to serve as guides, facilitators and even gardeners at its DeKalb County center.

Information: 404-929-6360 or volunteer@fernbankmuseum.org. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Two killed in multi-car Henry County crash

Two people died around 3:30 p.m. Sunday on Ga. 81 near Sowell Road when an eastbound 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee was rear-ended by a 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier. The impact pushed the Jeep into the westbound lane of Highway 81. It was struck by a 2004 Chrysler Town and Country. Jeep driver, Michael Jacob Smith, 20, of Locust Grove, and passenger, Chandler Nicole Ellenburg, 21, of McDonough, died at the scene. The Cavalier driver, whose name hasn’t been released faces charges of following too close and two counts of second-degree vehicular homicide. Mike Morris

Blood drive Nov. 26 at Piedmont Henry

Piedmont Henry Hospital and the American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 26, in the hospital’s Foundation Education Center. To schedule an appointment, go to redcrossblood.org, click on “Enter a Sponsor Code” located in the left center of the page and enter sponsor code “piedhenry.” Monroe Roark for the AJC

Fayette wants school calendar input

The Fayette County Board of Education wants parents to comment on two proposed school calendars for the next two academic years. One calendar starts in early August and includes a fall break, while the other starts a week later and has different breaks. Other options will also be considered. Information: www.fcboe.org. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Adopt-A-Senior needs volunteers for holidays

The Henry County Council on Aging and Henry County Senior Services are looking for someone to adopt a senior citizen for the holidays. Through the Adopt-a-Senior program, a participant can buy gifts for a designated senior or make a cash donation to the program. Currently, there are 275 seniors who receive in-home services from Henry County Senior Services.

Information: 770-288-7010, 770-288-7000 or www.henrycounty-ga.org/seniorservices. Monroe Roark for the AJC

College Park intends to set up night court

College Park city officials are working on setting up a night court program. It’s planned for the first and fourth Tuesdays of each month beginning Jan 7. City Manager Terrence Moore says discussions have been taking place on staffing and funding. He says increasing police department and municipal court caseloads are driving the program. Plans are for the court to hear such cases as minor criminal offenses and code-enforcement issues.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Clayton State to break ground on building

Clayton State University will break ground on a $19.8 million science building 3:30 p.m. Thursday across from the university’s laboratory annex building. University System of Georgia Chancellor Hank Huckaby will speak at the event along with university president Thomas Hynes and others.

More lab and classroom space has been critical for the university’s natural sciences department since the university grew from 4,675 students in 2001 to more than 7,200 students today. Tammy Joyner