County by county news for Tuesday

Immigrant Alliance to hold town hall meeting

Cobb Immigrant Alliance will hold a town hall meeting today on Georgia’s new immigration law, HB 87. Experts will discuss how community development, employment and civil rights are impacted by the law. The forum begins at 6 p.m. at the South Cobb Regional Library, 805 Clay Road in Mableton. Information: http://www.laboroflovecampaign.org Janel Davis

Graduations to generate heavy traffic

Expect heavier traffic in Marietta around Turner Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church at 492 North Marietta Parkway as several Cobb high schools hold graduations this week. Osborne High’s ceremony is 7 p.m. Thursday; Sprayberry at 7 p.m. Friday; Pebblebrook at 10 a.m. Saturday and South Cobb at 2:30 p.m. Saturday. More than 7,500 students are expected to graduate from the district’s 16 high schools in 2011, and more than 50,000 guests are expected to attend the four days of ceremonies. Visit www.cobbk12.org for a list of schedules and locations. Jaime Sarrio

Mabry Park master plan to be unveiled

Cobb Commissioners will get a look today at the master plan completed for the development Mabry Park master plan.

Cobb purchased the 26.5 acre property in east Cobb in 2008 using money from the 2006 parks bond, but has not had the money to develop it. A group of private residents, Friends of Mabry Park, raised money to pay for the master plan, and will raise money to develop the land once commissioners approve it. Janel Davis

Legion wants to give flags proper disposal

Unwanted U.S. flags are wanted by Powder Springs American Legion Post 294.

They will be disposed by burning during “a proper, dignified ceremony,” said Senior Vice Commander John F. Hollner. The ceremony will be at 2 p.m. May 30 at the post, 3282 Florence Road. Flags may be left in the post’s red, white and blue mailbox at this same location.

Information: Hollner, 770-944-0801; post, 770-439-0956, commander294@bellsouth.net Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Austell Natural Gas to pay less in fees

Austell officials expect a $500,000 decrease in franchise fees collected from the Austell Natural Gas System during the next fiscal year from July 1 through June 30. The revenue downturn from $4 million to $3.5 million is due to declines in both customer usage and natural gas prices, according to Austell Councilwoman Virginia Reagan, chairwoman of the city’s Finance Committee. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

GWINNETT

Six Gwinnett students tops in Spanish exam

Six Gwinnett County Schools students were the state’s top scorers on the 2011 National Spanish Exam.

Nearly 5,550 public and private school students statewide took the test. Five of the state’s top performers on the Level 3 exam attend the Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology. They are: Hamdi Abdi; Stephanie Diaz; Allison Fisher; Brittany Thompson; and Andrew Wirt. The sixth student, Pan Su Kim of Brookwood High, had the high score on the Level 4 exam.

The students will receive medals from the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese. D. Aileen Dodd

Suwanee buys land for police substation

Suwanee has completed its purchase of a one-acre parcel of property in the Gateway area to build a new police substation and training center.

The city closed on the property last week. The land, which is near the I-85 interchange and currently houses an abandoned BP gas station, car wash and Waffle House, was purchased for $750,000. The cost for building the substation-training center will be about $1.6 million. Joel Anderson

Vendors invited to county workshop

Gwinnett County will hold a workshop for potential vendors from 8 a.m. to noon June 8 at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville.

Those who attend will have a chance to learn about county purchasing processes. To register, visit www.gwinnettcounty.com and select “supplier symposium” under the “purchasing” link. David Wickert

Chairman’s speech on county’s web site

Gwinnett residents can view County Commission Chairwoman Charlotte Nash’s “state of the county” address at the county’s web site, www.gwinnettcounty.com.

Nash’s speech can be viewed on demand at the county web site. It also will be shown frequently on the county’s government access channel, TVgwinnett. David Wickert

SPCA to hold Suwanee ribbon-cutting

The Georgia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will host a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday afternoon for its expanded shelter in Suwanee. The event starts at 4 p.m. at the Georgia SPCA at 1175 Buford Highway. Information: Jane Stewart at 678-765-2726 or stewart426@bellsouth.net. Joel Anderson

Woman charged in killing boyfriend

A Gwinnett County woman has been charged with the stabbing death of her boyfriend early Sunday at an apartment complex near Norcross.

Gwinnett police Cpl. Edwin Ritter said officers were dispatched to the 2600 block of Beechwood Avenue in Doraville. “Upon their arrival, they met with the victim, 32-year-old Tyress Shebre Malcome of Norcross,” Ritter said. “He informed officers that his girlfriend, Tiquonda Campbell, stabbed him in Norcross.” Malcome was pronounced dead on arrival at Atlanta Medical Center, Ritter said. Campbell, 30, was arrested and charged with felony murder. Mike Morris

NORTHSIDE

Judge tosses defamation verdict, orders new trial

The federal appeals court in Atlanta has thrown out a $3.6 million verdict against a former Forsyth County sheriff and ordered a new trial in a defamation suit. In the 11-year-old case, developer Danny Bennett had been awarded $3.6 million in damages on claims Dennis Lee Hendrix wrongly painted Bennett and another man as lawbreakers in 36,000 fliers sent out during Hendrix’s unsuccessful reelection campaign in 2000. Because the court later ruled 24,000 of the fliers were protected by the First Amendment, a new trial on damages is needed, the court said. Bill Rankin

Cherokee graduations will be Friday, Saturday

Cherokee County high school graduations begin Friday and continue through Saturday.

Cherokee High School leads off at 4 p.m. Friday at First Baptist Church of Woodstock on Ga. 92, and Sequoyah High will be at 8 p.m. in First Baptist also. Traffic could be heavy.

Polaris Evening School graduation will begin at 6 p.m. Friday at Woodstock High School.

Saturday, Etowah High opens the day with a 9 a.m. graduation at First Baptist; again, traffic could be heavy in bursts. Creekview High will hold its graduation there at 1 p.m., and then Woodstock High will follow at 5 p.m. Christopher Quinn

Man arrested after thefts at gas station

Alpharetta Police are investigating two thefts from vehicles that occurred Sunday at a BP gas station at 1630 Mansell Road. A young man took two purses from two vehicles while the owners were pumping gas.

About an hour later, another man was arrested by Atlanta Police for using one of the stolen credit cards at a Chevron gas station on Pryor Street. Andria Simmons

Sandy Springs plans street paving

Sandy Springs has planned the paving of nearly two dozen more streets in the city.

Roads to be done soon include segments of Carriage Drive, Drummen Court, Aerie Court, Fauna Court, Franklin Road, Helmsley Drive, Lackland Court, Marilyn Place, Morganshire Place, Mountain Brook Lane, Tanglewood Court, Tanglewood Trail, Valemont Drive, View Hill Court, Vinington Court, Wicksford Glen and Woodall Way.

Information: Sandy Springs Public Works at 770-730-5600. April Hunt

Johns Creek school a certified habitat

Johns Creek High School has been recognized by the National Wildlife Federation as a Certified Wildlife Habitat.

The recognition contributes toward the city’s upcoming certification as a National Wildlife Federation Community Wildlife Habitat. Patrick Fox

Milton hold open house for summer camps

Parents interested in entering their children in one of two summer camps in Milton this year can attend an open house Wednesday at City Hall, 13000 Deerfield Parkway.

The meeting for Camp Joyful Soles for children 12-18 with mild disabilities will be at 6 p.m.

The session for Camp Bethwell, which is for children ages 6 to 12, is at 7 p.m.

Information: 678-242-2519; tom.gilliam@cityofmiltonga.us. Patrick Fox

ATLANTA

France to honor World War II vets Friday

France is awarding nine American World War II vets the Legion of Honor medal Friday at the High Museum of Art for their courage in the liberation of France. Metro Atlanta recipients include Shelburn Searl, Johns Creek; Robert Rice, Atlanta; Charles Commins, Doraville; Jules M. Paape, Marietta. French Ambassador Francois Delattre is to preside over the ceremony at 2:15 p.m. in the Hill Auditorium. Steve Visser

Judge dismisses NAACP election suit

A Fulton County judge has dismissed a lawsuit to overturn last year’s election of officers at the NAACP’s Atlanta branch.

Superior Court Judge T. Jackson Bedford ruled last month he has no authority over the election. Michael Julian Bond, Lonnie C. King, Charles A. Black and Mamie Darlington filed the suit contending NAACP officers manipulated the results.

The winners in November were Rev. R. L. White, President; Marie Metze, First Vice President; Lindral Rouse, 2nd Vice President; Robert Johnson, 3rd Vice President; Helen Threat, Secretary; and James Stanley, Treasurer. Steve Visser

Rebates offered for weatherization

An Atlanta residential weatherization program will provide $1 million in rebates for some home energy efficiency improvements. SHINE (Sustainable Home Initiative in the New Economy) offers up to $3,500 in rebates toward air sealing, insulation improvement, weatherstripping, caulking, and the replacement of leaky doors and windows. Information www.shineatlanta.com, e-mail shine@atlantaga.gov or call at (404) 954-8500. Arlinda Broady

Cancer screenings today at Northside Hospital

Northside Hospital will host a skin cancer screening today from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. The screenings will be at the Northside Hospital Atlanta Cancer Center, 1000 Johnson Ferry Road, Atlanta. The screening is free. To register, call 404-845-5555, then press 0. Michelle E. Shaw

DEKALB

Chamblee steps up code enforcement

With the arrival of warmer weather, Chamblee’s code enforcement division will begin additional patrols to make sure yards are groomed and free of clutter.

The city’s property maintenance codes allow for one written warning and a notice to correct problems. Failure to make fixes results in a municipal citation. Repeat violators do not receive additional warnings.

More information: 770-986-5005 or code_enforcement@chambleepd.com.

April Hunt

Dunwoody offices to be closed for holiday

Dunwoody city administrative offices will be closed Monday in observance of Memorial Day. The police and fire departments, and other services essential for public safety and health, will be open. All city offices will resume regular hours May 31. For life-threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1. For police non-emergencies, call the Dunwoody Police Department at 678-382-6900. Michelle E. Shaw

Decatur schools plan nearly finished

Decatur Schools Superintendent Dr. Phyllis Edwards said Friday the school board and staff is close to completing its 2011-16 Strategic Plan. The process began last August with a community engagement session and survey. Some of the Plan’s top goals include forging partnerships with local businesses to provide internships and mentors, increased focus on students’ physical and nutritional well-being, and increased technology integration in classrooms. Bill Banks for the AJC

Book sale this weekend to help library

The Friends of the Decatur Library will host a book sale this weekend to help raise funds for programs and materials at the main library.

The book sale runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday on the front lawn of the library on Sycamore Street. Thousands of books and other items will be available. April Hunt

Miller Grove team receives trophy

The Army National Guard national ranking trophy was presented last week to the basketball team at Miller Grove High School in south DeKalb County.

The boys’ squad earned the MaxPreps Tour of Champions award by finishing 56th in final national rankings. The trophy presentation Monday put Miller Grove among 10 schools to be honored. April Hunt

County workers raise $43,475 for charity

More than 350 DeKalb County employees participated in the recent March for Babies walk for the ninth year in a row.

The workers raised more than $43,475, well over their goal of $30,000. Proceeds help pay to prevent premature births, birth defects and infant mortality. April Hunt

Outdoor movies at Stone Mountain

Mainstreet Stone Mountain will present the movie “Shrek Forever After,” at sundown May 28, on the Stone Mountain Village lawn, 922 Main Street. The event is free and open to the public. Lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets are welcome and concessions will be available. Information: Kim DeLaney at, mainstreetstone@bellsouth.net. Michelle Shaw

SOUTHSIDE

Fulton school board meets in retreat today

The Fulton County School Board meets today for a retreat at the administrative center, 786 Cleveland Ave., Atlanta. The retreat starts at 10:30 a.m. in the superintendent’s conference room. Robert Avossa, the former chief accountability officer for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, officially joins the school system June 1. He was tapped April 26 to replace retiring Superintendent Cindy Loe. As accountability chief, he was in charge of a group that managed district and state testing and conducted independent research on student and teacher performance. Nancy Badertscher

Peachtree City cracks down on false alarms

Fed up with too many false alarms from home and store security systems, Peachtree City wants property owners to be more responsible.

At the May 19 City Council meeting, Police Chief Skip Clark said the city responded to 2,707 alarm calls in 2010, only one of which was an actual incident. To reduce this “significant waste of manpower hours,” the Council approved a measure to require registration of all residential and commercial alarm systems, probably by fall.

Each alarm customer would be allowed two false alarms a year before being fined. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Fayette principals give finals more weight

Fayette County high school students might need to study a little harder for their final exams this time next year.

At their May meeting, the five Fayette high school principals agreed to make final exams count as 20 percent of a student’s grade, to make the weighting consistent among all schools.

The change will take effect in the 2011-12 school year.

Students and parents will be notified through regular channels when school resumes in August. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Henry to have safety and prevention program

Henry County officials have scheduled a Safety and Prevention Night event today from 5-8 p.m. in the Shoppes of Ellenwood retail center parking lot. The event is designed to raise visibility and awareness of emergency services and to combat increased criminal activity in the area. It is free and open to the public.

Monroe Roark for the AJC

Henry commissioners revise ethics code

The Henry County Board of Commissioners adopted May 17 a revised code of ethics, after several months of study by a four-person committee consisting of key county employees. The document can be reviewed at http://henrycounty-ga.org/pdf/RevisedEthicsOrdinance-BOCApproved.pdf.

Monroe Roark for the AJC

Henry OKs study for connector road

A $100,000 supplemental study to determine alignment of a proposed connector road between Hudson Bridge and Jonesboro Roads was approved May 17 by the Henry County Board of Commissioners.

The county will pay half the cost of the study as a match for a $50,000 Livable Centers Initiative grant awarded in February. Monroe Roark for the AJC