County by county news for Tuesday

The Marietta City Schools Board of Education chose Taylor to replace Tim Jones who left for a principal’s job in Atlanta. Taylor, 44, formerly served as the ninth grade assistant principal at Marietta High School. She has 20 years teaching experience and 13 years with the Marietta district as a teacher and assistant principal at A.L. Burruss and Dunleith Elementary Schools. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Bid deadline for rec center roof Thursday

Sealed bids are due before noon Thursday in the Cobb County Purchasing Department, 100 Cherokee St., Suite 260, Marietta from roofing contractors to replace the roof at the South Cobb Recreation Center, 875 Six Flags Drive SW, Austell.

A new roof will be installed and insulated on top of the present roof.

Bids will be opened at 2 p.m. Thursday in the Cobb County Board of Commissioners Room, 100 Cherokee St., second floor, Marietta.

Bidding documents may be obtained by contacting Moreland Altobelli Associates, Inc., 1800 Roswell Road NE, Suite 1050, Marietta, calling 770-565-8520 or faxing 770-565-8042.

Information: purchasing@cobbcounty.org. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Powder Springs P&Z cancels hearing

A public hearing on July 29 by the Powder Springs Planning and Zoning Commission has been canceled. Commission members plan to hold their next public hearing at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 26 in the City Council Chambers, 4488 Pineview Drive. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Volunteers needed for Back to School Jam

The Austell Community Taskforce will host its 13th annual Back to School Jam from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the South Cobb Recreation Center, 875 Six Flags Drive, Austell.

An expo, workshops, entertainment, free book bags, free school supplies and free hamburgers and hot dogs will be offered. Volunteers are asked to meet at 10 a.m. or 6 p.m. Wednesday at the South Cobb Recreation Center.

Information: Arlene Williams at 678-524-9693 or arlene@strengththroughfaithcenter.org. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Revival this week at campground

The 176th religious revival at the Marietta Camp Ground continues with music and daily services 11 a.m. and 7: 30 p.m. today through Saturday and 11 a. m Sunday at 2301 Roswell Road in east Cobb. The non-denominational revival is held in an arbor on a 40-acre property across from East Cobb United Methodist Church. Information: www.mariettacampmeeting.org. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Cobb chairman’s meeting is moved

The town hall meeting for Cobb Chairman Tim Lee has been moved to Pebblebrook High School Cobb County Center for Excellence in the Performing Arts, 991 Old Alabama Road, Mableton. The meeting will be at 7 p.m. Aug. 13. Information: 770-528-3305. Jaime Sarrio

GWINNETT

School enrollment expected to hit 166,000

The state’s largest school system opens Aug. 7 with about 1,691 new students. Enrollment in Gwinnett Public Schools is expected to reach about 166,600 for the 2013-14 school year. The district is not opening any new schools this year, but two schools are moving to new locations to make way for future construction. The alternative school Gwinnett Center Weest moves to 5550 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Norcross. Gwinnett Online Campus will relocate to a district facility at 713 Hi-Hope Road, Lawrenceville. Both programs currently share a campus at 2595 Beaver Ruin Rd., Norcross. Nancy Badertscher

Grant to get fire alarms for seniors

Thanks to a $62,520 firefighter assistance grant, about 4,000 smoke detectors will be given to elderly and needy Gwinnett residents this month. Fire safety educators will go door-to-door in high-call volume areas to raise awareness of fire hazards and install smoke alarms . Gwinnett firefighters respond to about 640 residential fires each year, which have resulted in 12 related deaths in the last two years, according to the county’s website. For information, www.gwinnettcounty.com. Hannah Chandler Morgan

Volunteers wanted for focus group

Duluth seeks residents interested in serving as a focus group noon to 1 p.m. July 30 in the City Hall Main Street Conference Room to discuss the topic, “It’s 5 o’clock Somewhere.” Participants will discuss ideas for “After 5” attractions in downtown Duluth. www.duluthga.net. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Mosquito spraying continues in Sugar Hill

Sugar Hill continues efforts to control the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses by spraying an effective and environmentally safe US EPA-registered insecticide. This week, shortly after midnight, a city vehicle will drive the subdivisions south of Highway 20 spraying the insecticide “fog”. The mosquito spray works overnight killing mosquitoes. Info: www.cityofsugarhill.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Co-Op will help you add vines to your garden

The Gwinnett Cooperative Extension Service will discuss many versatile ornamental vines for your garden noon to 1 p.m. Thursday at 750 South Perry Street, Suite 400 in Lawrenceville. Class is free, but registration required by today by calling 678-377-4010. www.gwinnettcounty.com . Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Movie event to collect school supplies

Duluth’s free movie event, Flicks on the Bricks, showing “Despicable Me” will collect back-to-school supplies to support underprivileged children 4 to 10:30 p.m. Aug. 2 in downtown Duluth. The project, in conjunction with the Gwinnett County Division of Family and Child Services, will include large inflatables prior to the movie beginning. For each school supply item provided, quests will receive one ticket, up to five tickets per child for the inflatables. Info, including a list of supplies needed: www.duluthga.net. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Packed house expected at Cherokee ethics hearing

The Cherokee County Board of Education meeting set for 7 p.m. Wednesday, has been moved to the Cherokee High School Auditorium, 930 Marietta Highway, Canton, due to capacity concerns. A large turnout is expected as the board considers whether to conduct an ethics code violation hearing on board member Kelly Marlow. In June, Marlow complained to the district’s accreditation agency that the board could no longer effectively govern. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Forsyth water plant wins award

Forsyth County’s Dick Creek Water Reclamation Facility has been named ‘Plant of the Year’ in its size classification by the Georgia Association of Water Professionals, which inspected the plant for permit compliance, maintenance, record-keeping and overall excellence. Forsyth County acquired the plant from a private owner in 2005. The plant competed in the “less than one million gallon, advanced treatment” category. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Alpharetta holds hearings on parks

The Alpharetta Recreation and Parks Department has scheduled two public meetings — Aug. 8 and Sept. 12 — to gather input for development of a 10-year master plan. Officials will be on hand to hear residents’ ideas for future development of offerings and amenities. Both meetings will be from 6 to 7:15 p.m. at Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 S. Main Street. Information: 678-297-6162 or email recreation@alpharetta.ga.us Patrick Fox

Canton PTA collects for care closet

The PTA at Canton Elementary School’s STEM Academy is creating a “care closet” to help meet the needs of its children and families throughout the school year. A benefit event is set for 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Aug. 2, at Canton Chick-fil-As at Canton Marketplace and Riverstone. The goal is to collect donations of toiletry items for the care closet, and donors will be thanked with a free chicken biscuit or chicken sandwich. Nancy Badertscher

Holly Springs seeks park name suggestions

The city of Holly Springs is asking for citizen input on the naming of a planned 33-acre park. The City Council decided last month to accept citizen input until July 31. The passive park on Hickory Road is tentatively set for an early summer 2014 completion.

To make suggestions: jstanley@hollyspringsga.us or 770-345-5536.Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Forsyth considering election changes

The Forsyth County Board of Voter Registrations and Elections is proposing a series of changes in election day voting locations and precinct lines that would begin in 2014.

The changes would cut the current 25 precincts to 16.

Officials say they’re considering the plan to save money, and because a large number of voters now cast ballots before election day. Three public input meetings are set for this month and next. Information: forsythco.com

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

Rapist gets life sentence

A 52-year-old homeless man who raped a woman who had helped him on prior occasions has been sentenced to life in prison without the chance for parole.

The sentence was handed down after John Sims was recently convicted by a Fulton County jury of rape, aggravated assault, aggravated sexual battery and robbery by force, the District Attorney’s Office said.

On June 3, 2012, after the 33-year-old victim stopped to talk to Sims outside her southeast Atlanta home, he grabbed her around the neck, forcing her to lose consciousness, and then sexually assaulted her and robbed her, prosecutors said. Bill Rankin

Former Corrections official indicted

A Fulton County grand jury has indicted a former deputy director of operations for the state Department of Corrections on 35 counts of identity fraud, the District Attorney’s Office said.

Benjamin Hopkins, 42, is accused of using his purchasing privileges with a government vendor to buy tens of thousands of dollars in electronics for his own use.

After the alleged scheme came to light in November 2010, the corrections agency launched an internal investigation and determined unauthorized purchases totaling $20,374 had been made over two years, the DA’s Office said, noting Hopkins was later terminated from his job. Bill Rankin

Fulton tenant rights meeting today

The Fulton County Housing and Human Services Department will host a tenant rights and responsibilities workshop at 10:30 a.m. today at the Dogwood Neighborhood Senior Center, 1953 Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway N.W., Atlanta.

The session will include information on understanding leases, security deposits, the importance of paying rent on time, how to report a repair need and other issues. For more information, call 404-613-7944. David Wickert

DEKALB

Chamblee council fires city manager

Chamblee City Council, which earlier this summer suspended Niles Ford with a vote of no confidence, recently fired its city manager.

Ford had been manager for the north DeKalb County since 2011. His background includes a stint as deputy fire chief in Fulton County. Police Chief Marc Johnson will serve as acting manager as the city searches for a new leader. April Hunt

Event on kid fitness will be Saturday

An expo that focuses on healthy behavior and lifestyle for kids will be held in DeKalb County next weekend.

The Let’s Move event features fitness games, food and school backpacks for up to the first 500 kids who attend. Donations are still being accepted for the book bags The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Exchange Park recreation center on Columbia Drive near Decatur.

Information/donations: 678-819- 3663 or www.choicesforkids.org. April Hunt

Brookhaven swears in 54 police officers

Brookhaven recently swore in 54 police officers in anticipation of launching its first city force on July 31.

The department will include 39 patrol officers and investigators, with remaining staff serving as supervisors.

DeKalb County has been providing police protection to the new city since its incorporation in December. The county and city remain at odds for how much the city owes for that service, along with service maintaining and operating the city’s eight parks. April Hunt

Brook Run Park celebration Aug. 3

Initial construction of the Brook Run Park multi-use trail is almost done. Celebrate with a free parade on Aug. 3 at 10 a.m. at the entrance of the trail, Brook Run Park, 4770 North Peachtree Road, Dunwoody.

Children aged 12 and under can decorate their bikes, wagons, scooters or wheelchairs and compete for Most Colorful, Most Creative and Best Theme. Children can register at parks@dunwoodyga.gov. More information: www.dunwoodyga.gov. Hannah Chandler Morgan

Decatur bond referendum a tough sell

Decatur school board chairman Marc Wisniewski admitted that city commissioners are “not on board, they’re on the fence,” about getting a $59.5 million bond referendum on the Nov. 5 ballot. The referendum would finance extensive renovations to Decatur High and Renfroe Middle schools. Regarding a joint Aug. 5 meeting between the board and commissioners, he said, “[the board] will have to some educating, some convincing.” He added that if the referendum is delayed to next year, both schools would eventually need trailers or have to go to split sessions. Bill Banks for the AJC

Clarkston police to hold Night Out

The Clarkston Police Department is hosting a celebration of the 30th annual “national night out” on Aug. 6. The event will include free food, kids’ activities, public safety vehicle displays and a school supply giveaway. It takes place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Milam Park, 3867 Norman Road. Nancy Badertscher

SOUTHSIDE

Panel submits nominees for vacancy on bench

The state Judicial Nominating Commission has submitted four names to Gov. Nathan Deal to fill a vacancy on the Fulton County State Court bench. Those on the commission’s short list are: attorney James M. Anderson III, a Sandy Springs Municipal Court judge and Fulton Magistrate Court judge; Carolyn “Tippi” Burch, a senior associate at King & Spalding; Shondeana Morris, a deputy Fulton district attorney; and Eric Robinson, a deputy city of Atlanta attorney. The vacancy was created by the resignation of Susan Forsling. Bill Rankin

Clayton mayors to hold forum Thursday

The mayors of Clayton County towns will gather for a roundtable on Thursday as part of the Clayton County Democratic Party and Talking Points 4 U Lunch and Learn series. The event is nonpartisan and will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at El Noa Noa South Cuban restaurant, 6640 Tara Blvd., in Jonesboro. Lunch buffet available. The forum will be moderated by Pat Pullar, chief executive of Talking Points 4 U, a political consulting firm. For details and to reserve a seat, call Lance Robertson at 404-919-1246. Tammy Joyner

Theatre solicits scripts and directors

The Academy Theatre will be presenting “Tapas: A Short Play Festival of Rebirth & Renewal” sponsored by the city of Stockbridge and its Downtown Development Authority the first weekend in October at the Stockbridge Community Arts Complex. The Theatre is soliciting scripts and directors. All plays ought to be 7-12 minutes in length and deal with rebirth and renewal. For consideration, e-mail the Theatre at academytheatre30002@)yahoo.com. Monroe Roark for the AJC

SBDC offers business plan class

The Clayton State University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is offering a class on “Writing a Living Business Plan” on Aug. 15. The 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. class will be in room G127 on the first floor of the Clayton State Arts & Sciences Building. Among the topics: goal-setting, calculating profit and loss, finding sources and determining capital costs. Cost: $69 a person. Details: www.georgiasbdc.org or call SBDC Program Coordinator Heather Chaney at 678-466-5100. Tammy Joyner

Fayette chamber launches new website

A new initiative by the Fayette Chamber of Commerce is designed to more easily pair the needs of local charities with donors. The Chamber for Good website lets individuals and businesses to donate money, time and/or items to nonprofit organizations devoted to children, health, social services and the environment. Details: www.chamberforgood.com/fayettechamber. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Minter pre-k gets student lottery

The new pre-kindergarten program at Sara Harp Minter Elementary in Fayetteville will have a lottery drawing. Students must be 4 years old by Sept. 1; birth certificate and proof of residency required. Register by 2 p.m. Aug. 1.

Information: Clarice Howard, 770-460-3990, ext. 121.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC