County by county news for Tuesday

The City Council has approved paying $230,000 for the wooded property which includes a 1940’s era house on one of two lots. Funds for the new park will come from a $25 million parks bond that Marietta voters passed in 2009. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Austell city offices to be closed

All Austell city administrative offices will be closed Thursday and Friday for Thanksgiving.

However, all public safety - police, E-911 and fire and emergency services - will be in operation.

Information: austellga.gov. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

School District releases safety video

The Cobb County School District, the Cobb County Police Department and American Traffic Solutions have released a public service announcement on YouTube to educate the community about their latest safety initiative.

The video explains how the CrossingGuard school bus stop arm safety solution works. It also highlights the role of law enforcement, the penalties issued, and the importance of school bus safety.

The recent installation of stop arm cameras on Cobb County school buses was prompted by a fatality from 2009 involving an elementary school student struck by a passing vehicle as she exited her school bus.

Information: tinyurl.com/bqaubun.

Kenneth Musisi

Hope for Christmas donations needed

Participants, volunteers and donations are sought for Hope for Christmas, providing toys and food for more than 10,000.

Registered families may come to a Christmas party at designated locations in early December, where children will make a craft, see Santa and visit the Secret Santa Shop to choose a gift for their parents.

Four donation locations include West Ridge Church - East Paulding Campus, 3522 Hiram Acworth Highway, Dallas; West Ridge Church - Cartersville Campus, 245 S. Tennessee St., Cartersville; GracePointe Marietta Church, 505 Atlanta St., Marietta and Trinity Chapel, 4665 Macland Road, Powder Springs.

Information: hopeforchristmas.com/help.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Mable’s Tea Room taking reservations

Mable’s Tea Room will be open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 30 through Dec. 8, except for Sunday, at the Mable House, 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton. This 20-year tradition includes the serving of salads, sandwiches and homemade soups and desserts. An entree, dessert and beverage averages $10.

Profits go to scholarships for children to take art classes at the Mable House Arts Center and to underwrite school field trips to the Mable House.

Reservations: 770-819-3285 or mablehouse.org.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

GWINNETT

Teachers get bonus with increased tax revenue

Gwinnett County teachers and other eligible full-time school system employees will receive a bonus in their November pay checks that’s equivalent to a day’s pay.

Officials said this was based on property tax collections being slightly higher than anticipated, said Donna Aker, president of the Gwinnett County Association of Educators.

Nancy Badertscher

Officials: Vacant house fire was arson

A fire early Monday that damaged a vacant Gwinnett County house was deliberately set, according to investigators.

The blaze in the 2700 block of Cardinal Lake Circle near Duluth was reported by a neighbor just after 2 a.m., Gwinnett fire Capt. Tommy Rutledge said. Firefighters found the fire burning in the basement, with flames burning a hole through the floor on the main level, Rutledge said.

“This is now an active arson case,” Rutledge said . He asked that anyone with information on the fire call investigators at 678-518-4890. Mike Morris

Barge to visit Britt Elementary School

Students at Gwinnett County’s Britt Elementary School plan next week to show state Superintendent John Barge just how family-friendly their school is. Barge will visit the school Nov. 27 to recognize the Britt Elementary community for winning the inaugural Georgia Department of Education’s Family-Friendly Partnership School Award. Britt and two schools in Houston County are receiving the honor. Nancy Badertscher

Gwinnett tree lighting ceremony Thursday

Gwinnett County’s 25th annual Lighting of the Tree will be at 5 p.m. Thursday (Thanksgiving Day) at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, 185 Crogan St., Lawrenceville.

The event will feature music and dance performances, carols and children’s activities. The tree lighting will be at 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.gwinnettparks.com or call 770-822-5450. David Wickert

Osteosarthritis forum to be Nov. 27

The Arthritis Foundation and OrthoAtlanta are partnering to bring a community education forum to the Lawrenceville area from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Nov. 27 at OrthoAtlanta’s offices on Old Norcross Road. The Better Living with Osteoarthritis forum will feature Snehal C. Dalal, MD, and provide tips on osteoarthritis treatment and prevention techniques, including weight management. The event is free to the public with advance registration. Info: 1-800-933-7023 or www.betterlivingOA.kintera.org. Andria Simmons

UGA alumni art show opens in Norcross

The Norcross Arts Center, The Nest, will feature artwork from 20 University of Georgia alumni Nov. 2 through Dec. 7 at 17 College St. in Norcross. Grand opening is 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Roswell’s Acenbrak a Leadership Fellow

Steve Acenbrak, Roswell director of transportation, was recently designated a Public Works Leadership Fellow by the American Public Works Association. As a PWLF fellow, Acenbrak will mentor public works professionals enrolled in the APWA Donald C. Stone Center for Leadership Excellence throughout the year. He is among 200 public works professionals from across the nation recently inducted as Leadership Fellows. Acenbrak has over 30 years of engineering and management experience. He manages a team of 63 people with a $7 million budget. Patrick Fox

Canton man arrested, accused of stabbing

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office says a Canton man is in custody in the stabbing of another man early Monday in the Woodmont subdivision.

Lt. Jay Baker says Donald Judson Moran,24, is jailed accused of attacking Graham Royal, 24, of Alpharetta.

Royal, stabbed multiple times in the face and back, is hospitalized in stable condition. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Forsyth changes ethics hearing process

Forsyth County has disbanded its Ethics Board in favor of ad hoc committees of out-of-county attorneys convened on case-by-case bases to hear complaints.

Instead of an ethics complaint being heard by the same board of appointed residents, three randomly selected civil law attorneys from other counties will hear it, hopefully render a more neutral decision, then disband.

Three other attorneys will be chosen randomly when another complaint arises. Michael Alpert for the AJC

Canton launches leaf collection program

The city of Canton Public Works Department has inaugurated its annual leaf collection program, helping residents to dispose of fallen tree leaves. Those needing pickup should simply rake them into the right of way for collection by city crews.

The program will continue through March 31,2013. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Cherokee offices closed for the holidays

Cherokee County government administrative offices will be closed Thursday and Friday in observance of Thanksgiving Day. The Cherokee County Tax Commissioner’s Office will be closed Thursday through Saturday.

Woodstock and Canton city administrative offices will also close Thursday and Friday. Waste Management will be closed Thanksgiving Day, with pickup delayed one day. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Johns Creek Symphony slates holiday concert

Johns Creek Symphony’s annual Christmas Holiday Pops Concert will be 8 p.m., Dec. 1 at St. Benedict Church, 11045 Parsons Road.

The JCSO, under the direction of J. Wayne Baughman, will perform holiday and seasonal favorites with full orchestra, choirs and guest soloists. Tickets — $30 for adults, $23.50 for those 55 and older and $16.50 for students — can be purchased online at www.johnscreeksymphony.org.

Information: 678-748-5802.

Patrick Fox

ATLANTA

Court overturns murder conviction

The Georgia Supreme Court on Monday upheld a Fulton County judge’s decision to grant a new trial to Xavier Harris and overturn his murder conviction for the Aug. 1, 2005, killing of Ron Strozier.

Harris and four other men were found guilty during a 2006 trial for the fatal shooting of Strozier near a Washington Road apartment complex following a fight with friends of the victim. In its ruling, the court agreed with the Fulton judge who found Harris was “a peripheral figure” caught up in a neighborhood feud. Bill Rankin

Foundation gift to benefit Beltline

A $3 million donation from the Woodruff Foundation will help connect the Historic Fourth Ward Park to the Eastside Trail. The money will also help extend the Beltline over a big hurdle: I-20.

“It’s a missing link…and it’s there because we didn’t have the money to begin with,” Charlie Shufeldt of the Atlanta Beltline Partnership told Channel 2 Action News. “We’re going to move fast.” Jeremiah McWilliams

Supreme Court disbars Atlanta lawyer

The Georgia Supreme Court on Monday disbarred Atlanta lawyer Joseph Seth Shaw from the practice of law. The court said Shaw was paid $1,500 to defend a client in a DUI case and, while he appeared at an initial hearing, failed to show up for any other hearings, did nothing further in the case and did not refund any of his unearned fee. The court noted this was Shaw’s third instance of being disciplined. Bill Rankin

Do The Math Tour coming to Atlanta

Environmental writer and 350.org founder Bill McKibben is bringing his 21-city tour designed to kick-start the next phase of the climate movement to Atlanta with a show at Tuesday at Variety Playhouse.

Tickets and information are available now online at www.math.350.org. Each event features a rotating cast of speakers and musicians including Naomi Klein, Mason Jennings, and other special guests. Andria Simmons

DEKALB

Prison choir to record album at Emory

Voices of Hope, the Lee Arrendale State Prison Choir, will record its second album with the Indigo Girls on Tuesday at The Cannon Chapel at Emory University, the state Department of Corrections said.

The chapel is part of Emory’s Candler School of Theology and is located at 515 South Kilgo Circle, Atlanta. The 10 a.m. event is open to the public. Proceeds from the women’s choir’s first CD, “Voice of Hope,” helped pay for a program that brings children to visit their mothers in prison. Bill Rankin

2 dead in apparent murder-suicide

Two people were killed Sunday when gunfire broke out at a family gathering in DeKalb County.

The shooting, which investigators described as a murder-suicide, happened at a home on Fair Lane.

Relatives told Channel 2 Action News that the two people killed were a father and his adult daughter.

Police have not released the names of the two, or said who did the shooting. Mike Morris

Libraries seek public input on plans

The DeKalb County Public Library wants public input on its priorities for the next three years.

Residents interested in helping set the strategic plan can attend meetings throughout the county in the next several weeks.

The first sessions will be held at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Nov. 27 at the main library, 215 Sycamore St., Decatur.

Meetings also will be held at 7 p.m. Nov. 29 at the Wesley Chapel library, 2861 Wesley Chapel Road, and at 7 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Chamblee library, 4115 Clairmont Road.

The final two sessions will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Tucker library, 5234 LaVista Road and at 7 p.m. Jan. 8 at the Hairston Crossing library, 4911 Redan Road.

Information: 404-370-8450, ext. 2228.

April Hunt

Decatur weighing annexation

Decatur officials are looking at several areas around the city for possible annexation.

Under review are taking in parts of Midway Woods and Derrydown to the south and the Suburban Plaza and Emory Commons areas along North Decatur Road.

If approved, the annexations would add about 4,000 people and 300 acres to the city, now at a population of about 18,000. City Manager Peggy Merriss is expected to make a recommendation on annexation at the Dec. 17 City Commission meeting. If the city approves a plan, it then goes to the General Assembly to authorize a voter referendum on the issue.

April Hunt

DeKalb rape crisis center in jeopardy

A nonprofit organization that offers assistance to rape victims in DeKalb County is in jeopardy of closing.

The DeKalb Rape Crisis Center has already begun to stop accepting new clients because of lack of funds. The facility counseled more than 600 people last year and gave hotline help to more than 1,500 callers.

However, center officials said the facility will close its doors by year’s end if it does not receive additional financial support. More information/to help: 404-377-1429 or www.dekalbrapecrisiscenter.org. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Court upholds 2009 murder conviction

The Georgia Supreme Court on Monday upheld the Fulton County murder conviction against Mark Thornton for the shooting 2008 death of a man during a College Park home invasion. Thornton was convicted of killing of Joshua Scott, 24, who was making a sandwich when men kicked in his door. Thornton planned to rob Scott, his drug supplier, because he thought he possessed money and drugs. Because he did not want Scott to recognize him, Thornton recruited other men to commit the crime and drove them to the house, the ruling said. Bill Rankin

One hurt in College Park shooting

A wild Sunday night shooting at a College Park apartment complex left one person hospitalized.

Channel 2 Action News reported that nearly two dozen bullet holes were found in the walls, windows and doors of two second-floor units at the Lakeside Reserve apartments on Lakemont Drive off Washington Road.

One person was shot in the stomach and was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital. The identity of the person wounded was not immediately available. Mike Morris

Adopt-A-Senior needs volunteers

Approximately 140 seniors in Henry County, many of whom are homebound, are yet to be adopted under the Adopt-A-Senior program coordinated by the county’s Senior Services department and Council on Aging. Individuals, families, businesses and church or civic groups can sponsor seniors by purchasing suggested gifts. Interested would-be sponsors can call Rita Green at 770-288-7010 or Anne Marie Quincey at 770-288-7000. All gifts should be in place at Heritage Senior Center in McDonough by Dec. 6.

Monroe Roark for the AJC

Fayetteville seeks civic volunteers

The City of Fayetteville is looking to fill volunteer positions on several local boards. They include spots on the Ethics Board, Main Street Tourism Authority, Downtown Development Authority, Library Board and the Planning & Zoning Commission. Terms range from two to four years, and eligibility requirements vary. Applications are due Nov. 28; contact abarnard@fayetteville-ga.gov. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Peachtree City Dog Park free for holidays

The Peachtree City Dog Park will offer free admission between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. The nonprofit association that runs the park, located in the McIntosh Recreation Area, is waiving its membership and fee requirements to allow more local and out-of-town guests to enjoy fun with their dogs. Information at www.ptcdogpark.com.

Jill Howard Church for the ajc

Holiday festival Nov. 27 in Stockbridge

The Stockbridge Holiday Festival is scheduled for 6 p.m. Nov. 27, at Clark Community Park and the Merle Manders Conference Center. There will be appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus, puppet shows, entertainment from local schools, and more. Shuttle service will be provided from City Hall. Information: www.cityofstockbridge.com. Monroe Roark for the AJC