County by county news for Tuesday

YWCA chosen for nationwide challenge

The YWCA of Northwest Georgia is one of 141 charities chosen to compete in a nationwide fundraising challenge. The Allstate Foundation will give the group that raises the most money by Oct. 3 $100,000 for their program. YWCA CEO Holly Tuchman said funds raised to meet the Purple Purse Challenge will help the Y’s domestic violence shelter. Information: www.crowdrise.com/purplepurse-ywcanwgeorgia.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Mableton group meets with police

The Mableton Improvement Coalition and the Cobb County Police Department will host a Neighborhood Watch meeting at 7 p.m. Sept. 15 at the First Baptist Church of Mableton, 5385 Church St. SW with discussion on crime prevention.

Information: fbcmableton.com/new-here/contact-us, mableton.org.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Free nutrition workshops in Mableton

Eight free classes on nutrition will begin at noon Wednesday, on continuing Wednesdays and Fridays, at the Family Life Restoration Center, Inc., 6105 Mableton Parkway, Mableton.

Nutritionist and fitness trainer Victor Arnold will be leading the sessions.

Registration is open at the center on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Information: flrconline.org, 770-944-1066.Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Powder Springs wants to hire police officer

Powder Springs is seeking to hire a part-time police officer by Sept. 15.

Information: cityofpowdersprings.org/index.aspx?NID=119.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Food trucks return to Mableton on Thursday

Another Food Truck Event will be 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Mable House Complex, 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton - also with live music and arts and crafts.

Sponsors are the South Cobb Arts Alliance and Cobb County P.A.R.K.S.

Information:

Carolyn Cunningham

Smyrna to honor police, fire heroes

Smyrna will honor members of its police and fire departments 7-11:30 p.m. Saturday at the Smyrna Community Center, 200 Village Green Circle. The fifth Smyrna Heroes Gala will benefit the Smyrna Public Safety Foundation.

Funds raised help the city’s public safety employees and community outreach programs. Information: www.smyrnaheroesgala.com.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

GWINNETT

Sugar Hill adding first youth council

For the first time, Sugar Hill is forming a youth council with students from Lanier High School, North Gwinnett High School, home and alternative schools. Students grades 9 through 12 will learn about the city council, how information is gathered, decisions are made and provide valuable input from their demographic. Information: www.cityofsugarhill.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Lilburn to host classic car show

Lilburn hosts Classic Cars in the Park, an open car and bike show, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 20 at Lilburn City Park. Collector cars, motorcycles, and trucks, live music and food trucks will be offered. Register at www.southeastwheelsevents.com. Information: 770-883-0160 or mike@southeastwheelsevents.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Chamber lunch and learn about healthcare

The Southwest Gwinnett Chamber will host its next Lunch and Learn 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 17 at Hilton Atlanta Northeast, 5993 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard in Peachtree Corners. The topic will be “Healthcare Update – What’s 2015 Look Like?” with Jim Stewart, Senior Vice President of Ascension Benefits & Insurance Solutions.

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

Free blood pressure screenings in Duluth

Duluth First United Methodist will offer free blood pressure screenings 10:30 to 11 a.m. today in the Gathering Room at the church, 3208 Duluth Highway 120 in Duluth and again 10 to 11 a.m. Sept. 21 and 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. Sept. 24. Information: www.duluthumc.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Water conservation workshop

The Department of Water Resources will host a free workshop to provide tools to increase water efficiency 2 to 3 p.m. Oct. 4 at Centerville Community Center, 3025 Bethany Church Road in Snellville.

Attendees will receive a low-flow retrofit kit, outdoor water efficiency kit, a do-it-yourself home water audit guide, and information on how to apply for Gwinnett County’s toilet rebate program. Preregister: send your name, address, and phone number to dwrconserve@gwinnettcounty.com or 678-376-6722. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Unwanted prescription drugs sought at event

Snellville Police will participate in the ninth National Prescription Drug Take Back Initiative 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27 at the Snellville Police Department, 2315 Wisteria Drive.

Residents are encouraged to drop off unused or expired prescription drugs through a convenient drive-thru drop off. No needles or syringes can be accepted.

Last year, Snellville collected approximately 267 pounds of potentially dangerous medications. Information: Lt. A.L. Sullivan at 770-985-3555 or asullivan@snellville.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Woodstock Trail Watch readying launch

Woodstock officials say the city’s first batch of Trail Watch program volunteers will swing into action in the next week or so. Parks director Preston Pooser says 24 people signed up for the program, billed as a “neighborhood watch” on the city’s nearly 20 miles of trails, and a dozen have finished all required training and background checks. The brightly-colored t-shirt or vest-wearing volunteers will report safety hazards and suspicious activity as well as assist trail users.Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Forsyth approves Hindu center

Forsyth County Board of Commissioners approved plans for a Hindu temple in west Forsyth. Chinmaya Mission of Alpharetta got a conditional use permit to a operate a religious worship center and priest residence off Pittman Road. Under the final version of the proposal, new and existing structures on the property would be limited to 35,000 square feet with an increase in parking spaces f to at least 400-or the maximum spelled out by the county’s development code. Neighbors had concerns about traffic, parking, etc. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Woodstock officers get lifesaving training

Woodstock police officers will get training this week on first aid/CPR instruction, and use of Automated External Defibrillators. Officers also will train on administering Narcan/Naloxone, a lifesaving antidote to heroin or other opioid overdoses. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Cherokee chamber offering resume help

The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce will stage “Resumes and More” 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Sept. 24 at 3605 Marietta Highway, Canton. The free event will feature professionals helping attendees to create resumes, resume critiquing and help polishing interview skills. Mini-workshops will also be offered through the day on topics such as networking and social media. More information: cherokeechamber.com

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Alpharetta approves mutual aid deal

The Alpharetta City Council has approved an agreement with Johns Creek where each city would automatically dispatch fire rescue units if the other city had emergency equipment or personnel closer to a fire, medical call or vehicle accident than the original jurisdiction, cutting response time. The agreement is set to go into effect on or about Sept. 8. The Council also accepted a $1.3 million state local maintenance and improvement grant for the extension of Northwinds Parkway. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Forsyth kicks off reading program

The Forsyth County Public Library will kick off the Forsyth Reads Together program, where the community reads, discusses and has events involving the same book. Author Lisa See will discuss 2014’s pick, “Snow Flower and the Secret Fan,” at 7 p.m. Sept. 16 at the Forsyth Conference Center, 3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Cumming. Admission is free. Other book discussions and performances are also set. Information: www.forsythpl.org Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

Documentary for college students

The documentary “Go College!” which follows high school students’ journey through the unfamiliar college application process will be screened at five Atlanta high schools, this month.

An additional free community screening will be held 6 p.m. Sept. 16 at Atlanta Metropolitan State College, 1630 Metropolitan Pkwy SW.

The documentary will be screened for students at Tri-Cities, Coretta Scott King YWLA, Meadowcreek, North Atlanta and Grady High Schools.

Information: www.firstgenerationfilm.com.

Adrianne Murchison for the AJC

NAACP to honor NBA legend

NBA Legend Dominque Wilkins, Fulton County Sheriff Ted Jackson and former Fox News anchor Amanda Davis are among the honorees for the NAACP Jondelle Johnson Freedom Fund Dinner, 7 p.m., Sept. 20 at the Georgia World Congress Center, 285 Andrew Young International Blvd., Atlanta.

The annual event is a fundraiser for the civil rights organization. Tickets are $125 per person and $1,250 for a table of 10.

Civil rights pioneer Andrew Young and Carolyn Young and former Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell and Sharon Campbell are chairpersons of the gala.

Information: www.naacpatlanta.org.

Adrianne Murchison for the AJC

Club shows Atlanta newcomers the ropes

New Neighbors League Club will host an 11 a.m. social hour and noon lunch Wednesday at the Georgian Terrace Hotel, 659 Peachtree St., NE. The luncheon is $25.

The not-for-profit social organization helps newcomers to metro Atlanta get oriented to their new surroundings. Members usually remain connected and meet for dinner or different activities.

The club holds a “meet and greet” for new residents on the first Wednesday of each month at a convenient coffee shop.

Information: 770-993-7886.

Adrianne Murchison for the AJC

DEKALB

Schools savings account grows

The DeKalb County School District’s financial buffer grew about 50 percent from the last report, but is still less than half what it needs to be.

Months ago the school district was projecting around $20 million in its “fund balance” — the financial cushion that school systems and local governments strive to maintain. On Monday, district finance chief Mike Bell said the fund had grown to $30.9 million.

That’s a big increase from the 2011-12 school year, when DeKalb was reporting a $14.5 million deficit. Bell told the school board Monday that the deficit actually reached $21.4 million, so the savings account has grown by more than $50 million since then. Yet that is still well shy of the goal, currently $66.7 million, which equals a month’s operating expenses.

Bell attributed the increase in savings to a reduction in legal expenses and other fiscal discipline. Ty Tagami

Race to replace Boyer has begun

Candidates for a special election to replace former DeKalb County Commissioner Elaine Boyer can qualify for the race.

The special election will be held on Nov. 4, the same day as the general election, and candidates have until noon Wednesday to get on the ballot.

Boyer resigned and pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges.

District 1 covers about 140,000 residents in north DeKalb, which includes the cities of Brookhaven, Chamblee, Doraville and Dunwoody.

Mark Niesse

Increased recycling won’t affect taxpayers

Decatur’s 10-month extension of its recycling services agreement with Latham Home Sanitation raises the city’s cost to $89 per ton of recyclables from its current $78.16 per ton. But assistant city manager David Junger points out the increase won’t affect taxpayers. Mostly it reflects that “co-mingled recycling is taking a hit” because of fewer metro Atlanta processing plants than in past years. Decatur collects about 200 tons of residential recyclables a month, costing the city roughly $213,000 annually.

Bill Banks for the AJC

Low-cost vaccines offered through PAWS

PAWS Atlanta will offer low-cost vaccines for pets 1-3 p.m. Sunday at 5287 Covington Highway, Decatur.

The non-profit also hosts its annual fundraiser “Party for the Paws” 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., Sept. 20 at Zoo Atlanta, 800 Cherokee Ave., SE.

The event includes a buffet, cocktails, music and silent auction. Tickets are $85.

PAWS is a no-kill animal shelter founded in 1966 as the DeKalb Humane Society. According to the shelter only terminally ill and extremely aggressive animals are euthanized.

Information: www.pawsatlanta.org.

Adrianne Murchison for the AJC

Reps to hear from residents at town halls

DeKalb County’s state representatives are holding a series of three town hall meetings in October.

The events will take place 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 13 at Brookhaven City Hall, Oct. 21 at Maloof Auditorium in Decatur and Oct. 28 at Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center in Decatur. Mark Niesse

SOUTHSIDE

Work has begun on Highway 74 North

The Georgia Department of Transportation on Sunday began repaving a nine-mile stretch of Highway 74 North in the Peachtree City area of Fayette County, beginning at Aberdeen Drive. The project is expected to take 45 days and will involve milling the existing asphalt and repaving. Drivers should expect rough pavement until the final layer is asphalt is put down. The work will be done chiefly at night unless bad weather threatens the scheduled completion. Expect delays and use caution when workers are present. Tammy Joyner

Henry refinances jail loan to save money

Henry County’s government will save more than $611,000 due to the refinancing of its 2006 and 2008 jail installment sale agreements with the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia.

The Board of Commissioners approved a resolution at its Sept. 2 regular meeting to proceed with the refinancing of just over $10 million with 100 monthly payments at an interest rate of 2.32 percent, down from the present rate of 3.99 percent. Information: www.henrycounty-ga.org. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Fayette changes meeting time

The Fayette County Board of Commissioners will meet 2 p.m. Thursday rather than its usual 7 p.m. time, due to another event scheduled that evening.

The meeting will still take place at the Administrative Complex at 140 Stonewall Ave. West in Fayetteville. The agenda is at www.fayettecountyga.gov. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Running with the Peachtree City police

Registration is open for the Blue Lights & Sirens Trail Run sponsored by the Peachtree City Auxiliary Police. The 5K begins at 8:30 a.m. Oct. 4 and will pass through wooded trails near Gardner Park. Participation is limited to the first 200 applicants and costs $25 until Sept. 20, $30 after. Details are on the Events calendar at www.peachtree-city.org.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Finance department earns award

Clayton County’s financial department has garnered national recognition. The Government Finance Officers Association awarded the department a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013. Tammy Joyner

Dutchtown teacher named ‘hero’

Sheila Thurmon, a kindergarten and first grade interrelated teacher at Dutchtown Elementary School, has been named one of the 16 “Heroes in the Classroom” for 2014 by Symetra Financial, the Atlanta Falcons and SunTrust Bank. Thurmon represents the first female teacher to receive the recognition in Henry County since the beginning of the program. She is the sixth teacher overall in the county to be recognized by Symetra, SunTrust, and the Falcons.

Henry County’s Symetra honorees comprise over 10 percent of the program’s recipients since 2011. Information: www.henry.k12.ga.us.

Monroe Roark for the AJC