County by county news for Tuesday

Among the agenda items on Tuesday will be a review of Monday night's recommendations from the city's Planning and Zoning Commission on five special use permit applications. The City Council has public hearings scheduled on these applications at 7 p.m. April 1, Council Chambers, 4488 Pineview Drive, Powder Springs. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Construction crew hits gas main — again

A construction crew punctured a gas line on Whitlock Avenue in front of Marietta High School about 10:30 a.m. Monday, forcing authorities to shut down the road in both directions for more than an hour. The leak was repaired just before noon. Last Friday, a construction crew punctured a gas line "in almost the exact same spot," police said. Mike Morris

Marietta to talk about IMAGE program

Marietta city council's judicial/legislative committee will talk about the merits of an IMAGE agreement, a voluntary federal program aimed at preventing the hiring of illegal workers 5:15 p.m. Thursday at City Hall, 205 Lawrence St. The Cobb County Commission joined the program signing an Immigration and Customs Enforcement Mutual Agreement in May 2012. Information: www.mariettaga.gov. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Choice bus to visit two Cobb schools

The "Choice Bus," an experience-based learning tool that gives a hands-on look at education, will visit East Cobb Middle School 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and Floyd Middle School 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. Information: www.mattiecstewart.org/thechoicebus.html. Daarel Burnette II

East Side wins state chess championship

East Side Elementary recently placed first in the K-5th division of this year's chess Scholastic Team State Championship. It was the school's seventh state championship. Other Cobb schools that competed include Dodgen Middle School and Mount Bethel and Chatham Hill elementary schools. Daarel Burnette II

Marietta’s school board to discuss budget

Marietta City's school board will meet in a special work session at 6 p.m. today to discuss next year's budget. Marietta's school board set to meet to discuss next year's budget. The meeting will take place at the administration's headquarters at 250 Howard St. in Marietta. Information: www.marietta-city.org/aboutus/boe/. Daarel Burnette II

Barnes will speak to business group

Former Gov. Roy Barnes will be the guest speaker at the Taste of South Cobb event from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in Suite 120, the city of Austell’s Threadmill Complex, 5000 Austell Powder Springs Road.

There will be a mini food tasting, silent art auction and history tour. Information: tasteofsouthcobb.com/events/business-after-hours/ or 770-944-7005. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

GWINNETT

Buford installing sidewalks downtown

Buford is spending nearly $1.1 million to install sidewalks on South Hill Street near downtown between Buford Highway and East Main Street.

The work will be done by Johnson Landscapes of Cumming and continue a modernization that includes a $15 million community center opened last year at 2200 Buford Highway. Michael Alpert for the AJC

GGC waiving application fee

Georgia Gwinnett College is waiving its $20 application fee through April 1 to encourage students to start registering early for the fall semester. The application deadline is May 1, but the Lawrenceville school urges students to begin gathering transcripts, SAT and ACT scores, etc., early.

Applications can be completed online at www.GAcollege411.org.

Information: 678-407-5000, www.ggc.edu. Michael Alpert for the AJC

Students excel on writing test

Gwinnett County Public Schools had an average passing rate of 94 percent on the 8th grade state writing test when the test was administered to more than 12,600 of the district’s students in January. That was a one-percentage point increase over the average passing rate for 2012, the district reported Monday. District officials also touted the success of their top scoring students.

Fifteen percent of the district’s students received the highest score possible, an “exceeds” standards, compared to six percent statewide.

The writing test focuses on essential literacy skill development in four categories: ideas, organization, style and conventions. Nancy Badertscher

Program designed to help small businesses

The non-profit Gwinnett Village Community Alliance will offer a program intended to help small businesses get off the ground, April 3 through June 5.

Classes will be held Wednesday nights, from 6-8 p.m. in Norcross, at 5855 Jimmy Carter Blvd., Suite 122. Cost is $50. For more information, call Amanda Smith at 770-449-6515. Dan Klepal

Hudgens Center opening new exhibits

Three new exhibits make their debut today at Hudgens Center for the Arts with an opening reception 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday. All three feature fiber arts: Repetition & Ritual: New Sculpture in Fiber, Jess Schrom’s “Confessions,” and Needles & Threads: Gwinnett Celebrates Traditional Fiber Arts.

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

Child car seat safety checks available

The Lilburn Police offer free child car seat safety checks 1 to 4 p.m. every Thursday at 76 Main St. in Lilburn.

Appointments can be made for other dates and times with Lt. Chris Dusik, 770-638-2185. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Woman shot at Sandy Springs apartment

Shawn Crew, 38, was shot around 5:30 p.m. in a stairwell at the Chastain Apartments at 4550 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs, according to police. Crew was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital in serious condition, but is expected to recover from her wounds. Police believe the suspect, 42-year-old Matthew Terry, is the father of the woman's baby. Terry is 5-feet-9, weighs 227 pounds and was last seen in the victim's Mercedes C-280 with New York license plate FLX-3586. He may also be in a black Cadillac Escalade with a New York license plate ETJ-6098. Alexis Stevens

Milton mayor to update city projects

Milton Mayor Joe Lockwood and other city staff will be on hand today to outline future projects at a public meeting, dubbed “Coffee with the Mayor,” in the media center at Milton High School, 13025 Birmingham Highway.

Doors open at 7 p.m., and coffee and light hors d’oeuvres will be served. Elected officials from Roswell and Alpharetta will also be on hand.

Information: Sabrina Moore at sabrina.moore@me.com. Patrick Fox

Forsyth deputy hurt in weekend wreck

Forsyth County Deputy Michael Cartledge was eastbound on Ga. 369 near Julius Bridge Road in Cherokee County when the 2008 Dodge Charger he was driving hydroplaned and struck several trees, Forsyth Deputy Courtney Spriggs said in an e-mail.

Cartledge, who was wearing his seatbelt, was taken to North Fulton Hospital for treatment of injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening. Mike Morris

Kindergarten registration set

Forsyth County Schools has announced dates for kindergarten registration for the 2013-2014 school year. Registration is 1 to 7 p.m. Thursday and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday.

Registration will take place at elementary schools in individual attendance zones.

Information: www.forsyth.k12.ga.us. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Forsyth County deputies honored

The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office recognized its uniform patrol division deputies of the year for 2012 last Thursday. Deputies First Class Troy Embrey (North Precinct) and Ted Baxter (South Precinct) were cited for their integrity, work ethic and investigative acumen.

Embrey joined the sheriff's office in 2004, Baxter in 2005. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Roswell Mayor to lead eighth ride to Capitol

Roswell Mayor Jere Wood will lead bicyclists from Roswell in the eighth annual Georgia Rides to the Capitol Tuesday morning. More than 1,000 cyclists are expected to ride with police escort from Roswell and from Decatur with city commissioner Fred Boykin and arrive at the Capitol at 11:40 a.m.

The event intends to raise support for on- and off-road cycling, specifically Complete Streets policy using federal funds for cycling and pedestrian projects.

Information: Fred Boykin, 404-668-4274. Michael Alpert for the AJC

ATLANTA

March 17 homicide victim identified

The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s office on Monday identified the man killed earlier this month on Ashby Grove in southwest Atlanta as Joe Green, 38, of Atlanta.

According to Atlanta police spokeswoman Kim Jones, Green died March 17 in the 900 block of Ashby Grove of Joseph E. Lowery Boulevard.

On Friday, investigators released an artist sketch of the victim after being unable to identify him for several days. Mike Morris

Anti-violence group names director

The Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence announced the appointment of Jan Christiansen as executive director.

She has extensive experience in the field of domestic violence prevention and education and served as GCADV’s associate director since 2009.

The organization provides support, training and legislative advocacy for domestic violence agencies, advocates, and communities statewide. Shelia M. Poole

Professional basketball league holds tryouts

MGBA, a new professional basketball league, will hold tryouts for men and women 9 a.m to 9 p.m. April 20 and 27 at the Campus Recreation Center at Georgia Tech.

Top players from the Atlanta area are encouraged to participate in this league, which will have coed teams.

Information: www.mgbainc.com or 800-753-3964. Nancy Badertscher

Program to help smokers quit offered

The American Lung Association’s Freedom From Smoking clinic, a free program that focuses on specific skills and techniques needed to help smokers quit, will be offered at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital, 1968 Peachtree Rd. N.W. Registration is required.

For dates, times and registration, call 404-605-2913.

To find other local programs, call 770-434-5864, or go to www.lungga.org. Mea Watkins

DEKALB

Authority approves apartment project

Decatur's Downtown Development Authority approved developer Carter's initial application for a mixed-use project at 315 West Ponce de Leon Avenue, with construction possibly beginning in July. The development includes a seven-story parking deck, two apartment buildings totaling 235 units and 10,000 square feet of retail space. Bill Banks for the AJC

Free talk focuses on sexual exploitation

The exploitation of children, including violence and forced sexual activity, will be the focus of a talk 7 p.m. today at the Community Achievement Center, 4522 Flat Shoals Parkway.

The Decatur alumni chapter of Delta Sigma Theta sorority hosts the free event. April Hunt

DeKalb hosting recycling workshops

To encourage more residents to recycle, The county will host workshops explaingin the program noon and 6 p.m. today at the One DeKalb office at Northlake Mall, 4800 Briarcliff Road. Sessions will cover what recycling the county accepts and where its collections are taken for re-use. Information: 404-371-3689 or onedekalb@dekalbcountyga.gov. April Hunt

Brookhaven to vote on budget today

The Brookhaven City Council is scheduled to vote on its first budget, a $16.4 million spending plan, 7 p.m.today at DeKalb's Path Academy on Hermance Dr. The budget is larger than the $15.7 million budget Mayor J. Max Davis unveiled earlier this year. However, it still keeps the city's millage rate at its 3.35 mill cap. April Hunt

First arts 5K coming to DeKalb

DeKalb County will host its first Race for the Arts 5K run/walk 8 a.m. Saturday at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center, 3181 Rainbow Dr.

Registration is $25 per person or $20 per person in groups of five or more. Registration can be done online until Thursday at www.active.com. Race-day registration also will be accepted. Information: 404-687-2737. April Hunt

Easter egg hunts this weekend

Avondale Estates will host its annual hunt and dog parade 10 a.m. Saturday at Lake Avondale. Events include music and food. Wade Walker Park on Rockbridge Road near Stone Mountain hosts an Easter egg hunt 2 p.m. Sunday. Events include music and other activities. April Hunt

Catholic health care discussion at Emory

Sister Carol Keehan, president and chief executive officer of the Catholic Healthcare Association of the United States, will talk on "Challenges for Catholic Health Care in a Complex World," at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Glenn Memorial Auditorium. The lecture is sponsored by the Aquinas Center of Theology and Emory's Candler School of Theology. Keehan will also address provisions of the new legislation at a keynote lecture at the annual conference of the Health Care Ethics Consortium of Georgia and the Center for Ethics at Emory. That talk will be held at 5:50 p.m. Thursday at the Emory University Conference Center. Admission is free to both. A reservation is needed for Thursday by emailing hcecg@emory.edu. Shelia M. Poole

SOUTHSIDE

Office ‘creeper’ hits Henry government building

A man claiming to be in the Henry County Transit office around 2 p.m. Friday claimed he was there to clean carpets, but police say he allegedly took wallets.

According to surveillance video, the suspect is heavy set and was wearing blue jeans and a multi-colored, blue and beige shirt at the time, pictures show.

Police said the suspect left in a gold, four-door sedan. Anyone with information should call Det. M. Sharpe, 770-288-8266 or msharpe@co.henry.ga.us. Alexis Stevens

Fayette students get Governor’s Honors

Twenty-one Fayette County students have been chosen for the 2013 Governor’s Honors Program for gifted and talented juniors and seniors.

They are Erin Johnson, Jonathan Powell, Menaka Reddy and Janeen Thomas from Fayette County High; Ryan Anderson, Akosa Erinne, Paul Giorgi, Frankie Green, Emily Schuler, Leah Slepian and Seth Triplett from McIntosh High; Preston Earle, Savannah Eichhorn and Justin Welch from Sandy Creek High; Elise Conti and Camille Edwards from Starr’s Mill High; and Austin Dill, Bonnie Hester, Kyndal Kearns, Anna Rainwater and Sarah Refuss of Whitewater High.

The four-week residential program will take place this summer at Valdosta State University. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Riverdale Easter Egg hunt Saturday

Riverdale will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt Extravaganza 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at The Riverdale Town Center, 7210 Church St., Riverdale. The event is free and aimed at children ages 2 to 10.

Bring your own basket and take pictures with the Easter bunny. Activities will take place in front of City Hall.

Information: 770 909-5300. Tammy Joyner

Free tax assistance for senior citizens

Fulton County seniors may receive free 2012 tax preparation assistance daily from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. now through April 11 at the H.J.C. Bowden Senior Multipurpose Facility, 2885 Church St., East Point. The service, provided through the AARP, is available by appointment only.

Information: 404-762-4821. Veronica Fields Johnson

Peachtree City discusses backyard chickens

Chicks 4 Peachtree City will host a meeting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Peachtree City Library to discuss changing local ordinances to allow raising backyard chickens in residential areas.

Current zoning permits poultry only in areas designated as R-45 and ER, with a minimum two-acre lot.

Information: chicks4ptc@comcast.net. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Free tax preparation available to seniors

AARP and the Clayton County Senior Services Department, are offering free tax preparation for seniors thrugh April 12.

Appointments are available 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays at The Frank Bailey Senior Center, 6213 Riverdale Road, Riverdale.

Information: 678 479-5505. Tammy Joyner