County-by-county news for Tuesday

Each of the three forums will cover three of the nine Atlanta Board of Education races that will be decided on Election Day on Nov. 5. The events will be held at Ebenezer Baptist Church on Oct. 22; The Temple in Midtown Atlanta on Oct. 23; and Cascade United Methodist Church on Oct. 24. Mark Niesse

Library to screen art television program

The Friends of Peachtree Library, in partnership with Art21 as part of its Access 100 Artists initiative, will present an exclusive screening of episodes from the Art in the Twenty-First Century television series from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. on select Wednesdays at the library, 1315 Peachtree St. N.E.

The event features a screening of an entire Art21 themed episode and a short discussion.

The “Protest” episode will screen on Oct. 30.

Information: 404-885-7830. Veronica Fields Johnson

Madam C.J. Walker’s life to be celebrated

The Ivy Community Foundation and Kappa Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will present an Americolor production based on the life and legacy of Madam C.J. Walker at 7 p.m. Oct. 26, at the Ivy Community Center, 3850 Stone Road. Tickets are $50. Proceeds will benefit homeless children of the Gate City Day Nursery Association.

The black-tie event will start with a reception at 6 p.m. Information: 404-349-9682 or email dhcross6@att.net. Gracie Bond Staples

Google to sponsor Mini Maker Faire

Google will be the presenting sponsor of the 2013 Atlanta Mini Maker Faire, scheduled for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 26 at Georgia Institute of Technology, 225 North Ave. N.W.

The free event will showcase robots, electric cars, 3-D printers, vintage computing, textiles and more. Information: makerfaireatl.com. Mea Watkins

COBB

Man gets 20 years for statutory rape of girl, 13

A 43-year-old man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the statutory rape of a 13-year-old Cobb County girl whose child he fathered.

Cesar Solis was convicted on Thursday, and was sentenced in Cobb Superior Court. According to reports, the victim gave birth in June, and tests showed that Solis, who had earlier been charged with rape, fathered the victim’s child.

Solis’ attorneys argued at trial that the girl and Solis were having a relationship and that there was no force. Jurors ultimately convicted Solis of the lesser crime of statutory rape. Mike Morris

Man sentenced to life in beating, robbery

A Mableton man has been sentenced to life in prison without parole after being convicted of his eighth felony, a spokeswoman for the Cobb County District Attorney’s office said.

Nkoma Antoine Morgan, 32, was convicted last week of armed robbery, aggravated battery, burglary and drug and firearms charges.

The charges stemmed from the April 2011 severe beating and robbery of an employee of a tree service at the company’s office on River View Road.

The convictions were Morgan's first in Cobb County, but due to felony convictions in other counties, he was sentenced to life without parole, plus 20 years, according to reports. He is already serving a 10-year sentence for drug convictions in Douglas County. Mike Morris

Worden named to preservation post

The Marietta City Council has reappointed Ray Worden to the Ward 4 post on the city's Historic Preservation Commission. He will serve a three-year term expiring Sept. 11, 2016. The seven-member commission supported the city's first historic district on Kennesaw Avenue that was approved by the city council in August. Information: www.mariettaga.gov. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Zombie Walk proceeds to benefit food pantry

Marietta Zombie Walk participants will walk about a mile for charity in downtown Marietta starting 5 p.m. Saturday at Glover Park. Walkers are asked to bring canned goods for the MUST Ministries food pantry. Makeup artists will be available before the walk. The city's annual Harvest Festival will also be on the Marietta Square from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Information: www.mariettazombiewalk.com. Tucker McQueen

TV host to speak in Powder Springs

Perry Stone, an international evangelist and TV host of “Mana-fest,” will speak at 7 p.m. Friday, and 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Trinity Chapel, 4665 Macland Road, Powder Springs.

Admission is free . Information: trinitychapel.org/contact-us, perrystone.org, info@trinitychapel.org or 770-222-7023. Carolyn Cunningham

Aquatic center closed until December

The West Cobb Aquatic Center, 3675 Macland Road, Powder Springs is closed until an undetermined date in December while several improvements are being made.

They include replacement of the existing metal roof, painting and more . Information: prca.cobbcountyga.gov/Aquatics-WestCobb.htm. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

DEKALB

Commissioners approve salary survey

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners recently agreed to spend about $475,000 on a pay and classification survey that is expected to recommend trimming staff and boosting salaries for remaining workers.

The Archer Company is slated to begin the study in November and take a year to 18 months to make its recommendations. April Hunt

County paying more for worker insurance

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners recently approved paying $86 million for worker health insurance in 2014, a 4 percent increase.

Employees will not see their rates increase, though most must pay $250 more in their deductible.

Those changes, and a 15 percent jump in rates for former employees who took the county's early retirement program, helped the county cut from a projected 9 percent cost increase if it had kept its insurance as is. April Hunt

Free health screenings coming for seniors

Senior Connections and the Atlanta Regional Commission are teaming up to provide clinics offering free health screenings and other services for DeKalb seniors.

The first clinic will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday at the North DeKalb Senior Center, 5238 Peachtree Road, Chamblee.

The second will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday at Decatur Christian Towers, 1438 Church St., Decatur.

Two additional clinics will be held in DeKalb later in the month. April Hunt

Brookhaven names interim attorney

Brookhaven City Council recently appointed Thompson Kurrie Jr. as its interim city attorney, to replace Bill Riley after his sudden departure.

Riley had helped Brookhaven with its creation and launch last December and will remain as the city’s solicitor.

Kurrie is the former chairman of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce. He and the city are still negotiating what he will earn in the role. April Hunt

Lakeside community meeting Wednesday

The Lakeside Community Alliance, organizers behind a cityhood effort in north-central DeKalb County, will hold a community meeting Wednesday.

The group is waiting on a feasibility study of the city, which would run between Druid Hills Road and the Plesasantdale/Embry Hills area just outside the Perimeter and have an estimated 63,000 residents.

The informational meeting begins at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Briarcliff United Methodist Church, 4105 Briarcliff Road, Atlanta. Information: www.lakesidealliance.org. April Hunt

Partnership returns baseball to Clarkston

Clarkston City Council recently approved a deal with the Decatur Baseball Club that will return youth baseball to Milam Park.

The two will split $9,000 in improvements such as a pitching bullpen and netted batting cages, while the club will pay a reduction in rental fees during the five-year contract. April Hunt

GWINNETT

Congressman to host ACA information session

Congressman Hank Johnson will hold an informational meeting on the Affordable Care Act 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday at Georgia Piedmont Technical College, 495 North Indian Creek Drive in Clarkston.

Small business owners and individuals can receive help applying for health insurance through the marketplace exchanges created under the ACA.

Certified community health centers and navigators will assist qualified applicants. Info: www.hankjohnson.house.gov. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Dyslexia documentary to be shown in Athens

The International Dyslexia Association Georgia Branch will host a preview of the documentary DISLECKSIA: The Movie at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Carmike 12, 1570 Lexington Rd. in Athens. This documentary featuring Billy Bob Thornton, Stephen J. Cannell and Joe Pantoliano mixes humor with insight and analysis to educate viewers on the many misconceptions about dyslexia, the need for raised awareness, early identification and social change. Tickets are $9.75 for adults, $7 for children. Info: idaga.org/events.htm. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Police to raise money for Special Olympics

The Loganville Police Department is planning the first-ever Donut Dash 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile Fun Run to begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 at Loganville High School, 100 Trident Trail. All proceeds will benefit Walton County Special Olympics. Info: www.loganville-ga.gov. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Braselton Police names new captain

The Braselton Police Department has named Michael Steffman its new captain. Steffman attended Davidson County Community College before earning his P.O.S.T. certification from the Georgia Police Academy. He was worked in law enforcement fourteen years, with the last nine in Braselton. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Community expo Saturday in Buford

A free Community Resources Expo will be hosted from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Buford Human Services Center, 2755 Sawnee Avenue in Buford. Families can learn about the many services in the Buford area. The event will feature family-friendly activities including a moonwalk, popcorn, and video games. Nonprofits or area businesses interested in participating in the fair can contact ingrid.patrick@gwinnettcounty.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Kudzu Art Zone to host charity exhibit

Kudzu Art Zone will partner with Perimeter Church's Global Outreach Ministry in a fundraising event to bring hope, food, shelter and health services to the village of Karansi, Tanzania. The Karansi Project will feature artwork inspired by daily life in the African village. All proceeds and any donations will benefit Karansi widows and orphans. Kudzu Art Zone is looking for local artists to submit their artwork 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 26. Additional details and entry information: www.kudzuartzone.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTH

Job fair planned for Cherokee school posts Aramark, the company that took over custodial operations for the Cherokee County School District at the beginning of the school year, will hold a job fair this week to hire additional CCSD custodians.

The fair is set for 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday at the former Chapman Intermediate School, 6565 Putnam Ford Road, Woodstock. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Forsyth officials plan transportation summit

Prompted by growing congestion on Ga. 400 and other transportation needs, the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce, county government leaders and local Rotary Clubs have set the 2013 Transportation Summit for 11:30 a.m. Oct. 30 at the Forsyth Conference Center, 3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Cumming. Speakers will include state lawmakers and DOT and State Road and Tollway Authority representatives. More info: cummingforsythchamber.org. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Garden club to host monthly meeting

The Roswell Garden Club will meet at 10 a.m. Oct. 22 at the Bill Johnson Community Activities Building, 10495 Woodstock Road, Roswell. Herb Society of America member Rita Bissell will discuss strawberry jars. The event is free to the public. For information: 404-372-9556. Laurie Hoffman

Cherokee schools plan leader bus tour Oct. 29

The Cherokee County School District plans its first-ever bus tour for business and community leaders Oct. 29.

Get On Board with CCSD Schools! is set to give 40 leaders an inside look at three high-performing schools, showcasing the district's educational record and inviting the community to increase involvement with the schools, including establishing more partnerships. Mark Woolsey

Registration open for kids golf tournament

Registration is open for the All Kids Count Classic golf tournament, scheduled for Oct. 22 at Ansley Golf Club, 5500 Settingdown Drive, Roswell.

The tournament benefits the Foster Care Support Foundation, whose mission is to enrich the lives of Georgia's foster care children. Information: www.fostercares.org, 770-641-9591. Mea Watkins

River Eves Elementary holds Landscape Day

Dads at River Eves Elementary School in Roswell took charge of the school beautification effort on Landscape Day, a bi-annual event held each October and April. The event was spearheaded by PTA co-landscape chairs, and members Calling All Dads, an initiative to strengthen student performance by involving male role models. A $5,000 grant from the Kroger Earning Plus Learning "Go for the Gold" Program and a $500 grant from the National Wildlife Federation were given. Volunteers helped build picnic tables for outdoor learning, planting 35 native plants, weeding plant beds and installing mulch and pine straw. Nancy Badertscher

SOUTH

Teacher of the Year finalist announced Three finalists have been named for Henry County Teacher of the Year: Jennifer Nelson, Hickory Flat Charter Elementary; Joseph Hawkins, Stockbridge Middle School; and Garth Potter, Union Grove High School. They were chosen from 50 teachers representing each of the county's public schools. The winner will be announced Oct. 17 at the Henry County Performing Arts Center. Last year's countywide winner, Barbara Rosolino, was a finalist for Georgia Teacher of the Year. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Fayetteville robbery suspect found dead

Fayetteville police arrested one suspect and found the body of another Monday in connection with the armed robbery of the China Café restaurant in Fayetteville Friday night. Police arrested Alvin James Scott, 26, who led them to the body of Alonzo Starks, 25, who was shot by a restaurant employee during the altercation.

A third suspect, Leandro Bernard Johnson, 27, of Ellenwood, remains at large. Jill Howard Church

Fayette water system repairs continue

Fayette County Manager Steve Rapson told the Board of Commissioners last Thursday that 55 percent of the water system deficiencies cited by the state Environmental Protection Division have been resolved.

Six of 10 violations have been downgraded since a June Sanitary Survey; the county says the remaining four "continue to be a high priority." Jill Howard Church

College Park planning 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

Fire department kicks off cancer fundraiser

The Union City Fire Department is selling T-shirts in support of breast cancer awareness and education. Funds go to the Canton-based Georgia Breast Cancer Coalition. Price: $13 or $15. Information: demoore@unioncityga.org. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

McDonough Job Fair to be held for Friday

The city of McDonough sponsors a job fair 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday at McDonough Presbyterian Church, 427 McGarity Road.

Registration is not required and there is no cost to attend. The Atlanta Regional Commission's Mobile Career Resource Center will also be on site, with 13 stations that will allow visitors to perform various activities such as online job searches, resume and cover letter development, and individual assessments and exploration of training eligibility and options. Information: www.mcdonoughga.org. Monroe Roark for the AJC