County by county news for Tuesday

Friday’s “Night Under the Stars” will feature collection of live jazz, spoken word and R&B performances from 7 -- 11 p.m.

The organization will then host a celebration in the park with food, fun and fellowship. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Information: http://www.cobbnaacp.org, or 770-425-5757 Janel Davis

Residents invited to transportation meeting

Kennesaw Mayor Mark Mathews and Cobb County Commissioner Tim Lee plan to conduct an hour-long telephone meeting at 7:15 p.m. today with residents selected at random as part of a series of Atlanta Regional Commission discussions about proposed transportation projects.

Cobb residents who don’t get a call but wish to participate can dial 888-886-6603 and enter 16720. Information: www.atlantaregionalroundtable.com. Ty Tagami

Extension holds class on good money habits

Cobb Extension staff will host a financial workshop today to teach healthy money habits.

Participants will learn about setting financial goals, budgeting and tracking expenses.

The free event runs from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the extension office, 678 South Cobb Drive, Suite 200 in Marietta. Information: 770-528-4070 Janel Davis

Powder Springs work session time shifts

Powder Springs city officials will meet at 3 p.m. instead of 5 p.m. Wednesday for their work session.This nonvoting meeting will be held in the second floor conference room, City Hall, 4484 Marietta St. Later that evening, city officials will host an event for the public to meet the three finalists for police chief.

That “meet and greet” will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Ford Center, 4181 Atlanta St. behind the Powder Springs Library. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Volunteers to clean up Smyrna Wednesday

Volunteers will meet in Smyrna Wednesday to clean up more than a dozen sites, including elementary schools and trails. Keep Smyrna Beautiful will partner with IBM in a program designed for the company’s employees, retirees and business partners who want to donate time and expertise. Information: www.ibm100.com and www.smyrnacity.com. Ty Tagami

Local author to discuss WWII Thursday

Atlanta-based attorney Jonathan Jordan will lead a World War II history discussion on Thursday at the East Cobb Library.

Participants are invited to bring a lunch to the free presentation titled, “Eisenhower, Patton, Bradley and the Allied Conquest in Europe.” Copies of Jordan’s book, “Brothers, Rivals Victors” will also be for sale.

The discussion begins at 12:30 p.m. at the library, 4880 Lower Roswell Road in Marietta.

Information: http://www.cobbcat.org Janel Davis

GWINNETT

Support Services Director Steve North resigns

Gwinnett County lost its second department head in recent weeks as Support Services Director Steve North resigned effective last Friday. North had led the department since 2007. He will receive a severance of $108,484, including six months’ pay and accumulated leave time. County Administrator Glenn Stephens said the Board of Commissioners is “interested in a change in direction” for the department. He said the county will conduct a thorough review of the department’s organizational structure. Stephens made similar comments last month when County Attorney Karen Thomas resigned. David Wickert

Board of education to meet Thursday

The Gwinnett Board of Education will gather on Thursday for its monthly business meeting in Suwanee.

The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. at the district’s headquarters, 437 Old Peachtree Road N.W. in Suwanee.

For information: www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us for information. D. Aileen Dodd

Grant provides defibrillators to county

Gwinnett County will get nine life-saving defibrillators and 41 smoke detectors, thanks to a grant and a donation.

Atlanta Supply Co. donated the smoke detectors, which will go to county residents in need. The donation includes tamper-proof, photoelectric and hearing-impaired models valued at a total of more than $1,100.

A federal grant will pay for 80 percent of the cost of the defibrillators, worth nearly $270,000. Last week, county commissioners agreed to pick up the remaining 20 percent of the cost, about $54,000. David Wickert

County reminds of watering rules

Gwinnett county officials remind residents outdoor watering is allowed seven days a week only between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. under both state law and county ordinances. Residents must follow a schedule according to their address for non-commercial water use. Info: www.gwinnetth20.com Alaya Boykin

Cheerleading and tumbling classes offered

Gwinnett County will sponsor a cheer and tumbling camp for children age 5 to 8 from 9 a.m. to noon June 20-24.

Children will learn basic cheerleading skills, including arm and leg positions, jumps, tumbling and dance routines. The cost is $60 per week, with snacks and crafts included. For information, contact Maggie.walls@gmail.com or call the Centerville Community Center at 770-985-4713.

David Wickert

Suwanee Day organizers start fan club

Suwanee Day festival organizers are starting a fan club to drum up support for the annual celebration.

To join Club 30024, download and complete the application at www.suwaneeday.com.

For a $100 donation, Club 30024 members will receive $10 in Suwanee bucks to purchase art or food at the festival, entry into a members-only VIP tent and reserved parade viewing area, among other perks.

Suwanee Day will be held Sept. 17. Joel Anderson

NORTHSIDE

Forsyth finance panel trims another $1.2 million

Going back over the its preliminary 2012 budget presented early last week to the Forsyth County Commission, the Forsyth County finance committee on Friday found another $1.2 million in cuts that could shrink the projected shortfall in the preliminary budget from $3.1 million to $1.9 million. Commissioners have said they do not plan to raise the millage rate to make up for the shortfall. The cuts would not reduce county services, finance director David Gruen said Monday, but would be in capital items such as equipment. Jeffry Scott

Forsyth officials warn storm season is ahead

Residents of Forsyth County are reminded by the Forsyth County Fire Department and Emergency Management Agency that June is the beginning of hurricane season and, while the county’s coastline is along Lake Lanier, not the Atlantic or Gulf of Mexico, citizens should be prepared for storms, flooding and tornadoes spawned as hurricanes move inland. Residents are advised to have a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio to keep track of dangerous weather. Information: www.gema.ga.gov. Jeffry Scott

Board reviews Cherokee Charter Thursday

The Cherokee County Board of Education consider approving the Cherokee Charter Academy at its Thursday meeting at 6 p.m. in the auditorium of school headquarters in Canton.

The charter school was approved by a state commission last year, but a recent Georgia Supreme Court ruling said that the commission did not have that authority. So the people organizing the charter school have scrambled to bring their proposal before the local school board. Christopher Quinn

Canton hosts art lesson on Friday

The city of Canton is hosting an art lesson with Corkscrews and Canvas, a Marietta based art studio that recently opened a studio in Canton, on Friday. The art lesson includes the supplies, canvas and refreshments. The event will be held in downtown Canton. Information: 678-641-6151 Elise Hitchcock

Woodstock police offer education classes

The city of Woodstock Police Department will be holding free educational training classes for the public. Classes will be held every month, starting in June and ending in November, at Magnolia Hall. Classes include training in domestic violence, gang awareness and crime prevention. The public can pre-register by emailing Officer Kimberly Thomas at kthomas@woodstockga.gov. Information: 770-592-6000 ext. 1115 Elise Hitchcock

Amateur Radio League to hold Field Day

North Fulton Amateur Radio League will host its annual Field Day, June 25-26 at Waller Park Extension, 160 Dobbs Drive, Roswell.

The event, which drew nearly 250 people last year, features operators giving demonstrations of their radio skills and emergency communications techniques. The latest amateur radio technology will be on display. The free event runs for 24 hours beginning at 2 p.m.

Information: www.nfarl.org. Patrick Fox

ATLANTA

Atlanta opens cooling stations for seniors

Atlanta officials have opened three cooling stations to give seniors a cool and safe place to relax during the hot summer.

The Dunbar Neighborhood Center at 477 Windsor Street and Georgia Hill Neighborhood Center, 250 Georgia Avenue, will open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. during the week. The J.C. Birdine Center, 215 Lakewood Way, S.E., will open from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. week days.

On June 28, in the City Hall Atrium, SCANA Energy will donate 1,000 fans to the city for distribution to low-income, elderly residents. Call 404-330-6023 to request a fan. Ernie Suggs

LAA to hold class on insurance policies

The Latin American Association (LAA) and State Farm will host a free class to educate participants on insurance policies and benefits from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday. Participants must register in advance by emailing jyactayo@thelaa.org. The workshop is open to all levels of professionals. It will be held at the LAA at 2750 Buford Highway in Atlanta. Andria Simmons

Beltline walk-run to be Thursday

The Atlanta BeltLine Running Series is having its second Saturday run-walk on July 16. The 5K goes along the southwest section of the Beltline and through West End and Westview neighborhoods. The run will begin at 7:30 a.m. and will feature medals, prizes, and gift certificates for winners and other activities. The Atlanta Police and Fire departments are to have participants as well and strollers and dogs are welcome. Registration is open and additional information is available at Run. BeltLine.org. Steve Visser

Hawks conduct summer camps for youth

The Atlanta Hawks have summer camps for youth this month to provide training on basketball fundamentals.

There are eight two-day camps around metro Atlanta for boys and girls ages 7 to 16. Seven current and former Atlanta Hawks are instructors.

The sessions include three all-girl clinics. Information: www.hawks.com. Steve Visser

DEKALB

School board members back Texas chief

Four of nine DeKalb school board members are supporting San Antonio Superintendent Robert Durón for the top job. An email sent from Nancy Jester, Don McChesney, Pam Speaks and Paul Womack said Durón was their No. 1 choice from the beginning. His candidacy was leaked to the press last week, the second confidentiality breech in the district’s troubled search. Board members wrote that the leak may have damaged Durón and “has made DeKalb radioactive to potential candidates.” No official candidates have been named since three finalists withdrew in April. Jaime Sarrio

Commission expected to announce tax rate

The DeKalb County Commission is expected to announce the tax rate for this year at its meeting this morning.

Doing so provides enough time for three public hearings and review before the commission adopts a final rate on July 12. That allows tax bills to be sent in August.

The commission is weighing whether to announce a rate hike of up to 4.5 mills, or $93 more a year for a home worth $155,000. The commission meets at 9 a.m. at the Manuel Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Dr., Decatur. April Hunt

Soccer teams compete in statewide contest

Two of the six youth Jaguar Soccer Club teams from south DeKalb County recently won their divisions in a statewide recreation tournament.

The under-14 girls’ team and the under-10 boys’ team each won their respective state championships, ranking them among the top teams in the nation. Two other squads – the boys’ and girl’s teams for the under-12 group – finished as finalists. April Hunt

County deals with four sewage spills

DeKalb County recently had to deal with four spills of raw sewage into its waterways in two days last week, according to county water reports.

A plumbing violation at a salon in the Gallery of South DeKalb on Candler Road caused the fourth blockage, which spilled less than 500 gallons of sewage into Dole Creek last Monday.

Grease blockages on Tuesday created three spills, dumping 20,345 gallons of sewage into Crooked, Indian and North Peachtree creeks.

April Hunt

Input asked of Wesley Chapel community

Members of the Wesley Chapel community are invited to comment on the results of the Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) workshop and help to refine the implementation plan. The meeting will be held Thursday, from 6:30-8 p.m. at Sanford Realty, 4183 Snapfinger Woods Dr., Decatur. Information: Jessica Guinn, The Collaborative Firm at 404-684-7031 or Sidney Douse, DeKalb County Planning at 404-371-2178. Michelle E. Shaw

Doraville candidate forum Thursday

The Doraville Business Association will host a mayoral candidate forum Thursday at 6:30 p.m., Doraville Civic Center, 3770 Central Ave. Doors will open at 6 p.m. Participating candidates are Carol Gilman, Tom Hart and Donna Pitman. For more information, call Jimmy Cushman at 404-234-2697. Michelle E. Shaw

SOUTHSIDE

Judge’s reservations may get man new trial

A man may get a new trial in a College Park murder because the trial judge didn’t vacate the conviction despite doubts that the prosecution had proved its case. In 2005, Kenneth Black was killed in an apparent robbery.Two teens testified Ron Manuel emerged from a path with a gun after the shots. In his apartment police found the same kind of bullet that killed Black. On Monday, the Georgia Supreme Court announced enough evidence existed for conviction but the Superior Court judge was wrong in not vacating it if she didn’t believe the evidence supported it. Steve Visser

Panasonic to test project in Peachtree City

AT&T and Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America have chosen Peachtree City as the test site for a new joint venture. Later this year, the companies will begin initial concept testing for interfaces between in-car infotainment systems and emerging mobile devices. AT&T is providing the network services and Panasonic is supplying the hardware and integration. Panasonic Automotive Systems is based in Peachtree City. Its president, Steve Deguchi, said the project will develop vehicle systems that complement today’s “hyper-mobile lifestyles.” Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Memorial fund benefits elementary school

The family of a Peachtree City girl who died June 3 has established a memorial fund to benefit the child’s school.

Anna Elizabeth Van Horn, 9, drowned while tubing on the Chattahoochee River. The Anna Van Horn Memorial project is collecting donations to place a gazebo and plant shade trees at Braelinn Elementary School’s playground. Contributions can be sent to the school at 975 Robinson Road, Peachtree City, GA 30269. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Henry honors member of IT staff

Skip Floyd, a senior applications architect with Henry County’s Technology Services Department, recently achieved Honorable Mention in the Government Management Information Sciences International 2011 Outstanding Professional category.

He was recognized for this accomplishment with a proclamation at the June 7 meeting of the Henry County Board of Commissioners. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Groundbreaking for new youth center

A groundbreaking ceremony for the new Youth Development and Justice Center will be Thursday at 10 a.m. at the Harold R Banke Justice Center at 9151 Tara Blvd. in Jonesboro. The new state-of-the-art center was designed to accommodate juvenile justice programs unique to Clayton County, including collaborative designs and a national resource center to house guests from other states and countries. Tammy Joyner

‘Stars over Stockbridge’ begins Sunday

The first installment in the “Stars Over Stockbridge” Moonlight Movie Series is Sunday at Clark Community Park. The featured film is “Madagascar” and it will start around 8 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs. Alcohol is not allowed in the park. Monroe Roark for the AJC