County by county news for Tuesday

Brooks, 44, has been charged with rape, aggravated assault and burglary in one of the 1986 cases and rape and burglary in the second case.He is currently serving time at the Lee State Prison in Leesburg, Baldwin said.

Baldwin said the two 1986 rapes as well as the 1988 rape in which Brooks was convicted were committed within a quarter-mile of one another. Mike Morris

Acworth mayor to give annual address

Acworth Mayor Tommy Allegood will give his state of the city address starting 11:30 a.m. Thursday at Northstar Church, 3413 Blue Springs Road, Kennesaw. Allegood, who is in his third term as mayor, will give the annual progress report at a meeting of the Acworth Business Association. Information: www.acworth.org. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Town hall meetings rescheduled

Cobb District 3 Commissioner JoAnn Birrell has rescheduled her first town hall of the year to be held 7 p.m. Tuesday Feb. 4 at the East Cobb Senior Center, 3332 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta. Last week’s meeting was cancelled. Birrell plans to focus on the topics of animal control and storm water management. Information: www.cobbcounty.org. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Cobb2020 hosts health plan lunch

The Cobb2020 Partnership will be the South Cobb Business Association luncheon topic 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at Presbyterian Village, 2000 East-West Connector, Austell.Over the next five years, Cobb2020 involves developing a Community Health Improvement Plan to reduce chronic disease by promoting healthy lifestyles and better access to health and prevention services.

Costs: $12, members, online; $15, members, at the door; $20, guests.

Information: cobb2020.com or sc-ba.org. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

West Cobb Business Association plans expo

Wednesday is the early registration deadline to reserve an exhibit table for the annual West Cobb Business Association Community Expo from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdayat Hillgrove High School, 4165 Luther Ward Road, Powder Springs.

Costs: $75, members; $125 that includes a one-year WCBA membership, nonmembers.

Prices go up by $10 after Jan. 15.

Information: email WestCobbCommunityExpo@gmail.com  Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Acworth to offer inside look at police work

Acworth residents can sign up for a citizens’ police academy, a 12-week program that is a modified version of the course required to be a police officer.

The free class will meet 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Tuesdays starting March 4 at the Acworth Police Department, 4400 Acworth Industrial Drive.

Applicants must be 21 or older.

Information: www:acworth.org. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

GWINNETT

Peachtree Corners passes beverage ordinance

Restaurants, retailers and service providers in Peachtree Corners will need to apply for a license allowing patrons to bring their own beverages to specific events. Residents should check with each business to ensure they have a license before bringing their own alcoholic beverages.

Information: www.peachtreecornersga.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Two less billboards in Peachtree Corners

Prior to becoming a city, a lawsuit suit was filed against Gwinnett County involving the placement of two LED billboards within what is now Peachtree Corners city limits. The city proactively negotiated a settlement: instead of two new billboards, the billboards over the Love Shack will be replaced by an LED billboard.

Information: www.peachtreecornersga.com.  Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Free workshop teaches water conservation

The Department of Water Resources will host a free workshop on how to increase home water efficiency 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Gwinnett County Library Suwanee branch, 361 Main St. Attendees receive a low-flow retrofit kit, outdoor water efficiency kit, do-it-yourself home water audit guide and information on how to apply for Gwinnett’s toilet rebate program. Registration required. Information: dwrconserve@gwinnettcounty.com or 678- 376-6722.  Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Networking event set for southwest

The Peachtree Corners Business Association is hosting a joint networking event to include the Norcross Business Association and the Gwinnett Chamber 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11 at LifeTime Athletic, 6350 Courtside Drive in Peachtree Corners. $5 in advance/$15 at the door. Advance registration encouraged. Information: www.PeachtreeCornersBA.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Gwinnett in national challenge event

Gwinnett County Animal Welfare & Enforcement Services has been named the only Georgia participant in the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Rachael Ray $100K Challenge. This summer, the animal shelter will compete with others nationwide to save the lives of more animals than it did in 2013. For more information, visit www.gwinnettanimalcontrol.com. Molly Bloom

Free Valentine’s Day weddings

Judges from magistrate court are offering free Valentine’s Day weddings and special ceremonies to renew wedding vows 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 14 at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville.

Couples getting married must obtain a marriage license from the Probate Court before Valentine’s Day. Information: 770-822-8250. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Runoff today for open Ga. House seat

Voters in portions of Fulton, Cherokee and Forsyth counties will head to the polls today(Tuesday) in the Ga. House District 22 runoff. Cherokee County Republicans Sam Moore, a business owner and Meagan Biello, a teacher, were the two top vote-getters in the Jan. 7 election. The winner in today’s vote will replace State Rep. Calvin Hill, who died in October after a brief battle with leukemia. For election times and polling places, check the Fulton. Cherokee and Forsyth election office websites. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Woodstock teacher wins statewide honor

An instructor at Woodstock High School has been named the 2014 Georgia High School Science Teacher of the Year by the Georgia Science Teachers Association. The award honors science teaching excellence and the desire to improve. Recipient Christine Lauer joined the Cherokee County School District in 2007 and has taught biology and physical science. She’ll be honored at a Friday awards banquet at the science teachers association convention in Macon. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Forsyth extends out-of-district deadline

Because of last week’s snow, Forsyth County Schools have extended the deadline for students wishing to attend schools outside their attendance districts to submit paperwork to Feb. 7. Information: forsyth.k12.ga.us  Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Reinhardt sets Black Hisgtory Month events

Reinhardt University in Waleska will commemorate Black History Month with a series of speeches, a knowledge bowl contest and a poetry slam. A civil rights symposium is set for 3- 4 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Hasty Student Life Center on campus. Georgia State University history professor Lonnie King, Jr., will talk about his more than 50 years of activism in the civil rights movement. All events are open to the public. More information: reinhardt.edu  Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Ga. 92 getting new signals in Cherokee

The Georgia Department of Transportation is installing new traffic signals at 11 Cherokee County intersections along Ga. 92, designed to help left-turning drivers.

The Four-Section Flashing Yellow Arrow signals will allow drivers to turn left at after yielding to oncoming cars and pedestrians.

They’ll go from just east of Interstate 575 to near Sandy Plains Road. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Marlow, associates’ arraignment set

A 9 a.m.Wednesday arraignment has been set before Superior Court Judge Ellen McElyea for Cherokee County Board of Education member Kelly Marlow and two political associates. Marlow, her political adviser Robert Trim and Cherokee County GOP Secretary Barbara Knowles were indicted in October on felony charges of making false statements.

The trio had claimed superintendent Frank Petruzielo tried to run them down with his car after a board meeting last June. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

School discrimination policy reviewed

The Atlanta school board is accepting public comment on its revised discrimination policy, which expands the definition of harassment and retaliation.

The updated policy covers prohibitions on discrimination by race, religion, sex, citizenship, age disability, military status, sexual orientation and several other areas.

Public comments may be submitted to: rkaye@atlantapublicschools.us. Mark Niesse

Moss to leave Cascade United Methodist

The Rev. Marvin A. Moss, senior pastor of Cascade United Methodist Church in Atlanta, is leaving to take the helm of Salem United Methodist Church in Harlem.

Moss, has served as Cascade’s senior pastor for nearly eight years. The move was announced by the Rev. Coy Hinton, Atlanta-College Park District superintendent for the United Methodist Church.

Moss’ appointment takes effect in June during the United Methodist Church’s annual conference. Shelia M. Poole

Financial literacy seminar for athletes

A financial literacy symposium directed at high school athletes will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Nabrit-Mapp-McBay Science Building of Morehouse College, 830 Westview Drive SW, Atlanta. The event is free and open to the public.

The symposium will focus on car purchasing.

Information: www.tapinc.us  Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Library to hold talk about Coltrane

The life of jazz saxophonist John Coltrane will be the topic of a discussion at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library’s Central Library branch, 1 Margaret Mitchell Square.

“John Coltrane: The Beauty of Struggle” chronicles his early struggles, his redemption and seeks to shed light on the meaning of his music.

Information: 404-730-1700. Kent A. Miles for the AJC

DEKALB

Sanatation program to be discussed

The county, which is testing once weekly trash pickup, will hold meetings 6:30 p.m. today at Smoke Rise Elementary, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Mainstreet Clubhouse in Stone Mountain and 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the South Precinct Meeting room at South DeKalb Mall.

About 28,000 homes will be in the pilot, which will collect garbage, yard waste and recycling in one day to cut costs for curbside pickup. April Hunt

County hosting budget hearings

DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson, who heads the commission’s budget committee, will host meetings 7 p.m. today at Porter Sanford performing arts center, 3181 Rainbow Dr. and 10 a.m. Feb. 15 at the Love Life Christian Fellowship Church, 3980 Panthersville Road, Ellenwood about the proposed 2014 budget.

Information: 404-371-2988. April Hunt

Events to help with Obamacare

Navigators to help residents enroll in the federal Affordable Care Act will be on hand Tuesday evening and Saturday in DeKalb County.

The workers will help people find coverage plans and help if they qualify for additional programs.

The first event runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at the Northlake Barbara Loar Library branch, 3772 LaVista Road.

Two events will be held Saturday , from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Midway Recreation Center, 3181 Midway Road, and the Wesley Chapel Library, 2861 Wesley Chapel Road, both near Decatur.

Information: 404-298-8998, x. 379. April Hunt

Qualifying this week for Lithonia election

Candidates interested in running in this spring’s special election for a seat on the Lithonia City Council can qualify for office starting Tuesday 2/4.

The fee is $122.40 and can be paid with paperwork filed with the city clerk’s office, 6980 Main St., Lithonia. Qualifying ends at 12:30 p.m. Thursday 2/6.

The March 18 election will be held to fill the council seat held by Patricia Miller. The deadline to register to vote in the special election is Feb. 18. April Hunt

Chamblee Library hosts book sale

The Friends of the Chamblee Library, 4115 Clairmont Road, is hosting a book sale at 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and Monday.

Book donations will be accepted.

Proceeds will be used to enhance adult and children book collections and to support programs for adults and children.

Information: 770-936-1380  Arlinda Smith Broady

Children’s consignment sale set

Winters Chapel United Methodist Church Preschool, will sponsor children’s and teen consignment sale 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday , 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the church, 5105 Winters Chapel Road, Doraville.

Information: www.kidsclosetwinterschapel.com/, kidscloset@winterschapel.org or 770-393-3478  Arlinda Smith Broady

SOUTHSIDE

Fayetteville program receives USTA grant

USTA Serves awarded a $10,000 grant to the Southern Children’s Network Inc. in Fayetteville. The grant will help the organization’s Imaginarium Learning Center Tennis and Fitness Program by adding instructors, increasing hours for academic instruction and enabling additional enrollment.

USTA Serves is the charitable foundation of the United States Tennis Association.

Information: www.ustaserves.com Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Fayette school transfers available

Fayette County parents who want to have their students transferred or reassigned to another school for 2014-15 may apply to do so from now until March 3. Requests will be evaluated based on criteria related to relocation, medical or emotional needs, or curriculum factors. Information and forms are at www.fcboe.org. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Free storm spotter classes set for Feb. 11

In conjunction with the Henry County Emergency Management Agency, the National Weather Service office in Peachtree City will be offering two Basic Storm Spotter Classes from 2 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, at the Henry County Emergency Operations Center, 526 Industrial Boulevard in McDonough. The training is free but space is limited, and those interested should register by Monday, Feb. 4. Contact EMA Officer Shelita Broomfield at sbroomfield@co.henry.ga.us to reserve a space. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Baseball/softball registration underway

Registration for youth baseball and softball in Union City is available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday at Ronald Bridges Park Etris Building, 5285 Lakeside Dr.

Prices range from $65 for 3- and 4-year-olds to $120 for 13- to 14-year-olds.

Information: 770-964-1236  Arlinda Smith Broady

Host families needed for exchange students

Fayette County families interested in hosting foreign high school exchange students this fall are being sought by the group Student American International.

The state-approved program places students in local schools and ensures that they have their own medical insurance and spending money.

Information: Jinx Ratcliffe at 770-477-1376. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Winter break camp set Feb. 17-21

Registration is underway for the Henry County Parks and Recreation Department’s mid-winter break camp, scheduled for Feb. 17-21 at various recreation centers for ages 5-12.

Cost: $100 per child.

Information: www.hcprd.org. Monroe Roark for the AJC

New roadway opens in Fayette County

Beginning Tuesday, Veterans Parkway in Fayette County will be open to traffic between Eastin Road and the Roundabout at Lees Mills Road. Eastin Road traffic will now have to stop at Veterans Parkway. Tammy Joyner