County by county news for Tuesday

Hero House LLC is requesting the rezoning for 3228 Powder Springs Road to help students in early sobriety from addictions.

Hearings will be held first before the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission and then Mayor Patricia Vaughn and the City Council.Information: 770-943-8001, ext. 361.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Historic cemetery cleanup on Saturday

Volunteers are invited to join River Line Historic Area volunteers 10 a.m. to noon Saturday to restore the historic Turner Sewell Cemetery, 1490 Veterans Memorial Highway, Mableton.

The cemetery is being cleaned in preparation for the unveiling on May 10 of an interpretative sign.

Reservations: riverlinega@gmail.com.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Marietta named challenging school

Marietta High School has a place on the Washington Post’s 2014 National High School Challenge Index. The index looks at the number of seniors in Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and taking Advanced International Certificate of education tests.

Marietta ranked 1,075 out of 2,063 high schools recognized across the country.

It is the school’s fourth consecutive year on the list.Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Civil War historian to talk in Marietta

Civil War historian Beverly DuBose will talk 7 p.m. Thursday at the Hilton Atlanta Marietta Hotel and Conference Center, 500 Powder Springs St. The event is part of a series sponsored by Marietta to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War and campaigna in Marietta and Cobb County. Tickets are $5 and $10.

Proceeds will benefit Marietta’s Brumby Hall and gardens.

Information: 770-424-7135.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Lokey is finalist for state award

Rhonda Lokey, a sixth grade humanities teacher at Campbell Middle school in Smyrna, is one of 10 finalists for Georgia teacher of the year.

She was selected from a field of 150 teachers. The Cobb County School district recognized Lokey as teacher of the year for 2013-2014. The state award will be announced May 16.

Information: www.cobbcounty.org.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Marietta art walk runs through fall

The First Friday Art Walk runs through Oct. 3 at 30 shops, arts galleries and museums around the Marietta Square.

Maps for the free, self-guided tours are available at locations displaying an art walk banner.

Painter Tommy Hunt will be featured at Avery Gallery, 390 Roswell St., Marietta.

Information:www.artwalkmarietta.com.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

GWINNETT

Grant will support childhood nutrition

The National Recreation and Park Association has awarded a $26,200 grant and in-kind training materials valued at $10,000 for Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation for nutrition education and out-of-school time programming. The grant seeks to increase the number of healthy meals children in low-income communities receive during summer and after-school programs. In addition, the grant hopes to change kids’ eating behaviors by teaching healthy eating habits, increasing access to healthier foods and encouraging opportunities for physical activity.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Employers interviewing at career expo

The Georgia Department of Labor and two Gwinnett churches will co-sponsor a Career Expo 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, May 1 at First United Methodist Church of Lawrenceville, 395 West Crogan St. The United Methodist Church of Snellville will provide support services. Fifty employers will be hiring or discussing future employment opportunities. Information: Michael.Kotler@gdol.ga.gov. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Bunten Road Park playground to open

Duluth Parks and Recreation will celebrate opening the new mega playground at Bunten Road Park at 10 a.m. Saturday, . The new playground was funded by SPLOST. Information: Kathy Marelle at kmarelle@duluthga.net.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Braselton honors volunteers

In conjunction with Georgia Cities Week, Braselton’s Mayor and Council recognized volunteer appointees to the Downtown Development Authority, Urban Redevelopment Agency, Visitors Bureau Authority, Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals and Ethics Commission. Those honored included Manager Jennifer Dees, Assistant police chief Lou Solis, Planning Director Kevin Keller and DDA director, Amy Pinnell. . Karen Huppertz

Health and Human Services meets

The Gwinnett Coalition for Health and Human Services will host a community town hall meeting May 14 to discuss the coalition’s work and opportunities for partnership. The meeting will take place at Rhodes Jordan Park Community Center, 100 E. Crogan Street, Lawrenceville. Registration and breakfast will begin at 8 a.m. and the program will run from 8:30 a.m. until noon. Register: Contact Suzy Bus at suzy@gwinnettcoalition.org or (770) 995-3339. Molly Bloom

Workshop for potential vendors

The Gwinnett County Purchasing Division will host the eighth annual Supplier Symposium 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. April 30 at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville. Attendees will meet buyers and contracting officers from the Purchasing Division and other metro Atlanta agencies for networking opportunities and obtain information on current and upcoming projects. Registration: www.gwinnettcounty.com, select Departments, Financial Services, then Purchasing.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Woodstock residents arrested in drug raid

Two Woodstock residents remain jailed after a Friday search at a home on Creekbend Drive. where the Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad says Kurt Steven Wisehart,25, was charged with cocaine and hashish possession and Marlena Shae Darby, 19, was charged with trafficking in marijuana and with Xanax and hashish possession. A third suspect remains at large. Agents tracked a shipment of 10 pounds of marijuana to the home and say they found three pounds more, several firearms and a variety of exotic animals, one of which is banned in the U.S. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Marlow fine upheld; may face further action

Cherokee County Board of Education member Kelly Marlow has until May 1 to pay her fine for ethics violations.

The board fined Marlow $3,600-half her annual salary-last October, a decision that was upheld earlier this month by the Georgia Board of Education.

If Marlow doesn’t pay by that date, the attorney will take further action to collect the money. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Lanes to shift on Forsyth road project

Georgia Department of Transportation officials say traffic lanes will be shifted overnight Wednesday until 6 a.m. Thursday on the Ga. 141/Bethelview Road at Ga. 9 improvement project in Forsyth County.

About one-quarter mile of Ga. 9 south of Ga. 141 will shift, allowing traffic to continue as new sections of the project are built. It ’s set for completion July 29. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Sandy Springs to collect unwanted drugs

Sandy Springs residents may bring unwanted prescription drugs to police headquarters, 7840 Roswell Road, Building 301, on Saturday during National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.

Information: www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Firefighters to “give burns the boot”

The Forsyth County Fire Department will join with more than 100 other departments statewide for their annual boot drive to benefit the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation.

Firefighters will be collectingdonations at county intersections on three consecutive Saturdays; May 3,10 and 17. Money raised will be used for fire safety and prevention education, support of medical facilities and to help burn survivors in their recovery.

Donations can also be made online at giveburnstheboot.org

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Forsyth deputies want some ‘coffee talk’

The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office wants you to join some of their deputies for a new outreach effort featuring coffee and conversation.

It’s set for 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Wednesday at Rick Tanner’s Grill, 5810 Bond St., Cumming.

The sheriff’s office showcases it as a way to get to know deputies and bring up questions and/or concerns. Rick Tanner will provided the free java.

More information: Deputy Henry Plager 678-513-5880. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

Academic center for teen parents to open

Favor Academy of Excellence Inc. is opening its first teenage parent academic center with a ceremony at 9 a.m. Saturday at 412 Sawtell Ave. SE.

The academy provides an environment for teen parents to complete their high school diploma or GED requirements through mentoring, empowerment sessions and consistent monitoring to ensure their academic, career and parenting success.Information: www.favoracademyofexcellence.org

Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Georgia State law alumni hold reception

Georgia State University College of Law Dean Steven Kamenshine will be the guest speaker at a law school alumni networking reception at 5:30 p.m. May 8 at 3350 Riverwood Parkway, Suite 2300.

The firm of Warner, Bates, McGough, McGinnis and Portnoy is sponsoring the reception. Registration is requested. Information: www.wbmfamilylaw.com or 770-951-2700. Kent A. Miles

Women’s Day at Mount Olive Baptist

Evangelist Angela Jones will be the keynote speaker at a prayer breakfast celebrating Women’s Day at Mount Olive Baptist Church, 10 a.m. Saturday at 2174 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.

The annual Women’s Day observance culminates on Sundaywith a 10:45 a.m. morning worship service. Information: 404-696-5497. Kent A. Miles

Labor department sponsors job summit

The North-South Metro Atlanta Business and Employer Summit will take place at 8 a.m. Wednesday in the conference center of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation, 2500 Clairmont Road.

The Georgia Department of Labor and metro Atlanta employer committees are sponsoring the summit, which is an opportunity for business leaders to meet and discuss changes and challenges in the workplace.

Registration is requested.

Information: Janice.burley-black@gdol.ga.gov,or tomika.singh@gdol.ga.gov. Kent A. Miles

DEKALB

Decatur High to add modular units

Decatur High will hold classes in temporary modular units for the 2014-15 year. Two double-wide units or four classrooms will be placed on the upper parking lot along East Howard Avenue to start the year, with two more (for a total of eight classrooms) likely to be added later on.

The trailers have to be approved by the Planning Commission and City Commission in May, both actions probably a formality.

Decatur High grades 10 to 12 already have 23 more students enrolled than what was initially projected for next year.

Bill Banks for the AJC

Decatur construction may start this year

Decatur’s school board approved borrowing $18.3 million through certificates of participation, or COPS, to be paid over 30 years with a 4.19 interest rate.

The money will finance architectural plans for renovating Renfroe Middle and Decatur High, along with the first phase of high school construction. Architects should be selected later this month, but Superintendent Phyllis Edwards also believes the work on Decatur High – including new classrooms and a cafeteria – may start as early as December.

Bill Banks for the AJC

Workshop to promote healthy cuisine

Chef Femi Boma Ibin will present a workshop on how to prepare healthy meals using raw and organic foods at 10 a.m. SaturdayApril 26 in the community room of Worshippers Interceding for Excellence Church, 266 Robin St., Decatur.

Mothers Voices Georgia is sponsoring the event. Registration is $25 per person.

Information: 678-476-3791.

Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Briarcliff cityhood organizers to meet

Proponents of a city of Briarcliff in north-central DeKalb County will meet today to discuss last year’s stalled effort and regroup for a second try at municipalization.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. April 22 at Briarcliff United Methodist Church, 4105 Briarcliff Road, north of Decatur. April Hunt

Day of Holocaust Remembrance set

A ceremony commemorating the Day of Holocaust Remembrance will take place at 4 p.m. April 27 in the Besser Holocaust Memorial Garden of the Marcus Jewish Community Center, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody.

Atlanta author Jim Barfield, writer of the historical novel “Boxcars,” will give remarks at the event. The event is open to the public, and will take place rain or shine.

Information: www.atlantajcc.org or 678-812-4161. Kent A. Miles for the AJC

State retirees to learn about financial fraud

The Central Metro Chapter of the Georgia State Retirees Association will meet at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Avis G. Williams Library, 1282 McConnell Drive, Decatur.

Guest speaker Sgt. Jennifer Ross of the Decatur Police will give a talk on the topic of financial fraud. Active and retired state employees are invited.

Information: 404-371-1908.

Kent A. Miles for the AJC

SOUTHSIDE

Hampton Elementary gets charter grant

Hampton Elementary School will receive a $275,000 charter planning and implementation grant to become a charter school in the fall.Funds will be used to purchase supplies and materials for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics stations. Hampton Elementary is the second school to make the charter transition in the Henry County School System. Information: www.henry.k12.ga.us.

Monroe Roark for the AJC

Park committee meeting rescheduled

The Fayette County Justice Park Committee meeting originally scheduled for April 22 has been rescheduled for 7 p.m. on May 7 at the meeting room at 140 Stonewall Ave. West in Fayetteville.

The public is invited to join the volunteer group to discuss aesthetic enhancements to the site.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Kidney transplant options available

Piedmont Fayette Hospital will host a “Lunch and Learn” event from noon to 1:30 p.m. on April 29 in the Dietary Conference Room (near the cafeteria), 1255 Hwy. 54 West in Fayetteville.

Doctors will answer questions about kidney transplants and living donor options. Register at 877-527-3712.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Veterans museum receives donation

The Henry County Veterans Museum accepted a $5,000 donation from the Georgia United Credit Union April 16. The museum is maintained by the Henry County Parks and Recreation Department at Heritage Park in McDonough. It is run by a single employee and a number of volunteers, and all of the military-related items displayed there were donated by local citizens. Information: www.henrycounty-ga.org.

Monroe Roark for the AJC

Clayton schools golf tourney April 25

Clayton County Public Schools will host its 5th Annual Golf Tournament on April 25 at Lake Spivey Country Club starting with 11 a.m. registration. Cost: $125 per player. Proceeds go toward scholarships for Clayton County Public School students. Last year, the district awarded nine scholarships and would like to double that number this year. The tournament is open to the public.

The country club is at 8255 Clubhouse Way in Jonesboro or a mile west of I-75, just north of the I- 675 interchange at the Stockbridge - Jonesboro exit. Details: Teri Rodgers at 770 473-2712.

Tammy Joyner

Henry road project meeting set

A meeting about the Banks Road-Rock Quarry Road intersection project is from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdayat Fire Station No. 9, 122 Rock Quarry Road in Stockbridge. The meeting will be open-house format where people can view the plans and ask questions.

Information: www.henrycounty-ga.org.

Monroe Roark for the AJC