County by county news for Tuesday

Shan Cooper, the new vice president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics and general manager of the Marietta facility, will address the nearly 440 undergraduate and graduate students expected to receive degrees.

The two ceremonies, which will be held on campus, mark the college’s 100th commencement. Laura Diamond

Open house today at cooperative extension

Cobb residents are invited to an open house today at the University of Georgia Cobb County Cooperative Extension.

The Extension program provides lifelong learning to Georgia citizens in horticulture, family and consumer sciences and 4-H youth development.

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Extension parking lot next to the main tag office, 678 South Cobb Dr. in Marietta. Information: www.cobbextension.com, or call 770-528-4070. Janel Davis

Productivity expert to speak to association

A business productivity expert will address the Powder Springs Business Association on Tuesday.

Tricia Molloy of Molloy Communications is the author of Divine Wisdom at Work: 10 Universal Principles for Enlightened Entrepreneurs and the CRAVE Your Goals! ebook.

The luncheon meeting will begin at 11:30 a.m. at the Coach George E. Ford Community Center behind the Powder Springs Library on Atlanta Street.Information: http://powderspringsassoc.com Carolyn Cunningham

County animal control competes for $100,000

Cobb County Animal Control needs residents to vote for the county’s animal shelter to enter the qualifying round of the ASPCA $100K Challenge.

In the first phase of competition, registered shelters compete to collect the most online votes.

The 50 shelters with the most votes become the official competition contestants. The $100K Challenge awards grants totaling $300,000 to local shelters, including a top prize of $100,000. Online voting runs through April 15. To vote for Cobb County Animal Shelter, visit: http://challenge.aspcapro.org/

Janel Davis

Kennesaw hosts Bunny Breakfast on Saturday

The City of Kennesaw Parks & Recreation Department is hosting a Bunny Breakfast and Easter Egg Scramble starting at Saturday at 2753 Watts Drive near the entrance to Adams Park.

Tickets are $8, free for children 3 and under. A pancake breakfast begins at 8 a.m. An egg hunt begins at 9 a.m. Information: 770-422-9714. Rich McKay

Board of education to meet April 13

The Cobb County Board of Education will meet April 13 at the district’s headquarters, 514 Glover St. in Marietta. Public comment starts at 8:30 a.m. and the meeting will begin immediately after.

The district is closed this week for spring break. Jaime Sarrio

GWINNETT

Schools cited for work with disabled students

Gwinnett County Schools has received state recognition for improving the academic performance of students with disabilities. The Georgia Department of Education and the Georgia Council for Administrators of Special Education recently praised the district for meeting scholastic benchmarks for special needs students on standardized tests.

The population met and exceeded target goals for mathematics and reading/English language arts on the state’s Criterion-Referenced Competency Test (CRCT). D. Aileen Dodd

Norcross to hold citywide cleanup

Norcross, which was recognized by the Atlanta Regional Commission in 2010 as a “Green Community,” will hold its biannual citywide clean-up and recycling event on Saturday.

The city will offer residents the opportunity to recycle electronics, shred papers, collect canned goods for the Norcross Co-op Ministry and provide paint can recycling.

Information: www.norcrossga.net or contact Norcross Code Enforcement Supervisor Philomena Robertson at 770-448-7327 or probertson@norcrossga.net. Joel Anderson

County Government Month throughout April

Gwinnett County will celebrate National County Government Month in April with the theme of “Serving Our Veterans, Armed Forces, and Their Families.” Residents are invited to take free, one-hour tours of the Justice and Administration Center through April from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and attend an open house at Fallen Heroes Memorial at 5:30 p.m. April 26 . Joel Anderson

Library to hold teen summit April 16

The Gwinnett County Public Library will host a teen summit April 16 at the Aurora Theatre, 128 Pike Street, Lawrenceville.

The summit will bring teens, their parents and community groups together to explore personal development, social awareness and healthy living. Participants can choose from more than a dozen workshops and discussions on such topics as living green, cyber privacy and gang awareness.For more information on the free event, visit www.gwinnettpl.org/teensummit. David Wickert

Kids play hoops for a shot at shopping spree

The NBA Hoop Troop, the league’s youth program, will visit Mall of Georgia in Buford April 30-May 1 as part of its “Shot Clock Shopping Spree.” The touring event gives kids ages 6 to 12 the opportunity to showcase their skills for a chance to win a trip to New York City and take part in a basketball-themed shopping spree with an NBA player. Children can register online at www.nbahooptroop.com. Patrick

Hip hop with the Easter Bunny at Bogan Park

Gwinnett County will host a “hip hop with the Easter Bunny” event from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 13 at the Bogan Park Community Recreation Center, 2723 North Bogan Road, Buford. The event is open to kids age 3 to 5. Pre-registration is required. To register call 770-614-2060. David Wickert

NORTHSIDE

SunTrust asks Forsyth to reconsider vote

SunTrust Bank asked the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners to reconsider its 4-1 vote (Boff opposing) at its March 22 work session to give the county bank business to United Community Bank, although staff recommended it go to SunTrust. Commissioner Patrick Bell, who made the motion to give the business to United Community Bank, said Friday the last time the commission followed staff recommendation and gave its business to Bank of America it cost the county about $300,000 in additional fees. “We can’t reopen this, and will not,” said Bell. Jeffry Scott

Johns Creek kids get lesson in fire safety

For children out of school for spring break, the Johns Creek Fire Department will bring fire trucks to the Ocee Branch library, 5090 Abbotts Bridge Road, in Johns Creek at 10 a.m. today. Firefighters will instruct children ages 5-12 about the importance of fire safety. Information: 770-360-8897. Johnny Edwards

Milton mayor to speak to Crabapple group

Milton Mayor Joe Lockwood will be the guest speaker April 14 at the Crabapple Community Association’s regular meeting. The city is in the beginning stages of mapping out a long-term development plan for the area. The meeting is at 6 p.m. at the Olde Blind Dog Pub, 12650 Crabapple Road. The CCA meets the second Thursday of every other month and is open to all residents and businesses in the Crabapple area. Information: 770-448-3860. Patrick Fox

Roswell students rock at Japan Challenge

Roswell High School students dominated at the annual Japanese Academic Bowl, also known as the Japan Challenge. The competition was held last week at Oglethorpe University. The award winners were: Level 1, 3rd place Magdalena Widjaja and Doan Hoag; Level 2, 2nd place Sarah Cooke and Danielle Awon; Level 3, 1st place Eirene Lakshita and Jessica Flores; and Level 4, 1st place, Emily Yandel and Mary Bentley. The teacher-sponsor is Tomomi Davis, the school’s Japanese teacher. Nancy Badertscher

M.A.D.D. honors five Roswell officers

Five Roswell police officers were honored recently by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D.) of Georgia for their efforts to stop drunk driving.

The officers honored at M.A.D.D.’s Seventh Annual Golden Shield Honors were: Erin Johnson, Scott Lappin, Joshua Ott, James Spivey and Kyle Ratliff. Joel Anderson

Free yoga classes on Tuesdays in Roswell

Free Yoga classes are offered every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at the Roswell Branch library, 115 Norcross Street. The group meets on a drop-in basis in the library’s meeting room. Information: 770-640-3078. Johnny Edwards

Roswell Cycling Festival April 30

Roswell is encouraging bicycling enthusiasts and others to register for the Roswell Cycling Festival, which will be held on April 30 and May 1.

Information: www.roswellcyclingfestival.com and www.bikeroswell.com. Joel Anderson

ATLANTA

Man indicted in New Year’s murder

A Fulton County grand jury has indicted a 36-year-old man for the stabbing death of an Atlanta teenager at the Five Points MARTA station a few minutes into the new year. Tommy Christopher Collins, of Atlanta, was charged with murder, felony murder and three counts of aggravated assault, the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office said Friday. Rueben Hand, a 14-year-old Douglass High School freshman, died of knife wounds to his neck as he was headed home after watching the Peach Drop with friends. The incident was captured on surveillance video. Bill Rankin

Pink Pearl Mother-Daughter lunch April 30

The 24th annual Pink Pearl Mother-Daughter Luncheon will be at 11 a.m. April 30 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel. The luncheon is sponsored by Nu Lambda Omega (NLO) Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) Corporation of Nu Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Tickets are $65 for adults and $35.00 for children 12 and under. Information:www.nulambdaomega.org. Nancy Badertscher

Atlanta teacher wins Opus Award

Audrey Reese, of Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School in Atlanta, was one of five music teachers nationwide who were recently given the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation Award at a ceremony at Carnegie Hall.

The award also carries a $10,000 prize. The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, is a non-profit organization that supports music education in public schools across the country. The award recognizes music teachers who best emulate the personal characteristics and dedication of “Mr. Holland,” portrayed by Richard Dreyfuss 1995 movie “Mr. Holland’s Opus.” Ernie Suggs

Urban design panel asks nominations for awards

The Atlanta Urban Design Commission is seeking nominations for the 34th Annual Urban Design Commission Awards of Excellence. Nominations are being accepted until 1 p.m. April 11. For more information call 404-330-6201. Ernie Suggs

DEKALB

Ex-deputy chief pleads guilty to bribery

Donald Frank, the former DeKalb County deputy police chief, pleaded guilty Friday to accepting bribes in 2008 and 2009.

Frank, 47, of Monroe, accepted $10,000 from Atlanta businessman Amin Budhwani to threaten and intimidate one of Budhwani’s business partners, U.S. Attorney Sally Yates said in a statement. Frank asked DeKalb officers to conduct a traffic stop of the business partner and make him believe he was being investigated so he would feel like he needed to leave the country, Yates said. Frank’s sentencing has yet to be scheduled. Bill Rankin

Superintendent finalists information online

Information about the three finalists for DeKalb school superintendent, including biographies and pictures, is available at www.dekalb.k12.ga.us. Video of the candidates answering questions at last week’s public forum can also be viewed at the site. The three finalists are sitting superintendents from smaller districts in Illinois and North Carolina. The district plans to announce its new leader in the coming weeks. Jaime Sarrio

Three Emory students win scholarships

Three Emory University students recently beat out scholars nationwide to win Truman and Goldwater scholarships. Junior Stephanie Spangler was selected as a 2011 Truman Scholar, one of 60 students in the nation to earn the fellowship aimed at cultivating ones interested in public service. She gets $30,000 for graduate study. Emory juniors Moiez Ali and Jonathan Lin are recipients of the Goldwater Scholarship, which will provide up to $7,500 annually for education expenses. Steve Visser

Watkins joins Columbia Theological Seminary

Ralph C. Basui Watkins has been named an associate professor of evangelism and church growth at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur. He will begin teaching during the fall term.

Watkins is currently the assistant dean of the African American Church Studies Program and associate professor of society, religion and Africana studies at Fuller Theological Seminary in California. He is also executive pastor of the First African Methodist Episcopal Church in Los Angeles. Shelia Poole

Avondale alumni to take one final tour

Some of DeKalb’s Avondale High School alumni plan to meet at noon today at the campus for one last tour before it’s closed at the end of this school year. The closing of Avondale, built in 1954, is part of redistricting which officials say will help the district save $12.4 million. Part of the high school is slated to remain open as the DeKalb School of the Arts. The tour isn’t open to the general public. Information: 678- 676-1200. Rich McKay

DeKalb schools schedule summer bridge program

DeKalb County Schools will hold the 2011 Summer Bridge Program from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 18-22 at Clarkston, Martin Luther King, Southwest DeKalb, Stone Mountain, and Towers high schools. The program is free. Contact the counseling office of the high school your child is zoned to attend for a registration form. Jaime Sarrio

SOUTHSIDE

Fulton set to consider transportation wish list

On Wednesday the Fulton County commission will consider endorsing the $7 billion wish list of extensions, enhancements, upgrades and renovations that MARTA asked the state to consider for funding through a proposed transportation penny sales tax. The tax, which voters will approve or reject in summer 2012, would generate about $8 billion over 10 years for a 10-county region. Submissions were due to the state Department of Transportation on March 30. MARTA is also asking DeKalb County to endorse its list, spokesman Lyle Harris said. Johnny Edwards

Tourist spend $176.9 million in Henry

Henry County received $176.9 million in direct tourist spending in 2009, according to a report from Henry Convention and Visitors Bureau officials at the April 4 Board of Commissioners meeting. That spending resulted in $5.48 million in local tax revenue, the report stated. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Henry gets $408,225 grant for transit

The Henry County Board of Commissioners voted April 4 to accept a $408,225 grant for 2011 from the Federal Transit Administration for its Henry County Transit operations. This money is available because Henry County is considered part of the Atlanta urbanized area. There is a 20 percent local match required. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Championship team launches website

Now that they’ve added a page to Clayton State University’s history books, it’s only fitting that the university national champion women’s basketball team have its own website. The page links from the university’s home page and was created by the Clayton State office of Image and Communications. Log onto http://www.clayton.edu/ladylakers.htm for videos, pictures and stories about the national champs. Tammy Joyner

Town Center Drive now open to traffic

Town Center Drive, the entrance from Ga. 85 to the Riverdale town Center complex, is now open to traffic. The Riverdale Town Center complex at 7200 Church Street is now within access to 64,300 vehicles a day via direct access to Ga. 85. The 700-foot-long connector will allow planned development to become a regional destination. The proposed development along both sides of Town Center Drive include 52,000 square feet of retail space.

The $386,161 project was funded from traffic fines earmarked for traffic improvements. Tammy Joyner

Eventing Horse Trial begin on Saturday

The Eventing Horse Trials get under way at Chattahoochee Hills starting Saturday. The event will be at the 8,000-acre Carl Bouckaert Farm near Fairburn.

Eventing, sometimes known as equine triathlon, highlights skills of horse and rider. Events are divided into three phases: testing a horse’s obedience; obstacle course that tests a horse’s stamina and courage.

The final phase is stadium jumping, testing for soundness and focus. The event runs through Sunday. Details: www.chatthillseventing.com Tammy Joyner