County by county news for Tuesday
COBB
Court upholds killer’s death sentence
The Georgia Supreme Court on Monday unanimously upheld the death sentence against a man who killed a woman and her 14-year-old son in their east Cobb County home.
Lawrence Rice sits on death row for the April 17, 2003, killings of Connie Mincher and her son, Ethan, a Pope High School freshman. The two victims sustained multiple wounds that a medical examiner found to be consistent with being struck repeatedly by a hatchet. Rice had a longstanding vendetta against Mincher’s husband, who once employed Rice at an Atlanta video company, prosecutors said. Bill Rankin
Armed robbery at Waffle House
Cobb County police are investigating a robbery Sunday at a Waffle House at 7350 Six Flags Drive in Austell.
Two suspects entered the business wearing masks at 6:44 p.m. One was armed with a handgun.
The suspects stole an undisclosed amount of money from the cash register and then fled in a vehicle driven by an unidentified woman.
One of the suspects, Charles Bernard Anderson, was arrested in Atlanta and is being held at the Cobb County jail. The other two are still at large.
Anyone with information is asked to call 770-499-3945.
Andria Simmons
Campbell to hold IB open house
Campbell High School’s International Baccalaureate program will hold an open house 7 to 9 p.m. Nov. 15 for 8th grade families. The event will take place at Livingston Auditorium at 5265 Ward St. in Smyrna.
IB programs involve an advanced curriculum along with community service and a final research project.
Graduates receive a special diploma.
Information:www.campbellhs.com or 678-842-6856.
Daarel Burnette II
Food trucks continue at Smyrna park
Smyrna’s City Council recently agreed to allow food trucks to operate at the city’s Taylor-Brawner Park, 3180 Atlanta Road, through Nov. 20. New hours are 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays.
Council members gave a nod to the popular event that was scheduled to close at the end of October.
Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Volunteer program seeks mentors
Cobb Mentoring Matters, a year-old volunteer mentoring program, is seeking mentors for this school year’s Cobb students. Mentors go through an orientation and background check and are paired with a student at a local school. Mentors are asked to meet weekly with students.
Information: 678-594-7582 ext. 229 or www.cobbmentoringmatters.org. Daarel Burnette II
Palmer Middle School seeks craft vendors
Palmer Middle School, 690 N Booth Road NW in Kennesaw, is looking for craft and business vendors in metro Atlanta to participate in the Craft-A-Palooza Holiday Craft & Business Bazaar.
The event will take place 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
For vendor applications, contact Fallbazaar@palmer.ptsamail.com. Kenneth Musisi
GWINNETT
Road work on Gwinnett highways this week
Maintenance on two Gwinnett County highways will lead to shoulder or median lane closures this week.
The state Department of Transportation will be mowing along Ga. 20 near Grayson and repairing shoulders on Ga. 8 in Lawrenceville.
Work on both projects will be done from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through Friday, weather permitting.
The transportation department urges motorists to slow down in these and other work zones.
David Wickert
Bryson Park finally open after several delays
Lilburn’s 69-acre Bryson Park, whose initially planned opening last March was delayed several times, opened last weekend. Built from SPLOST funds, the $8.5 million park at 5075 Lawrenceville Highway features a track-encircled artificial turf field for football, soccer and lacrosse. In addition to fenced and lighted soccer fields and one full and two half basketball courts, it has two playgrounds, a walking trail and more than 500 parking places.
Michael Alpert for the AJC
Gwinnett Tech’s trustees honored
Georgia’s Technical College Foundation Association awarded Gwinnett Tech’s board of trustees its Role Model Board award for dedication and service at its annual leadership conference. The Lawrenceville college at 5150 Sugarloaf Parkway offers more than 50 degree, diploma and certificate options that can be completed in two years or less.
MICHAEL ALPERT FOR THE AJC
Veterans honored at Lawrenceville event
Lawrenceville, in conjunction with the Georgia Dept. of Labor and the Disabled American Veterans Assoc., invites all veterans to a Day of Honor 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 9 at the Lawrenceville Visitor Center.
State Representative Buzz Brockway will address veterans during lunch. Resume and employment workshops as well as medical benefits counseling will be available.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Suwanee accepting applications for 2013 events
Each year Suwanee hosts approximately 40 events in the Town Center and other parks. Event applications for 2013 are only accepted October to December.
Visit www.suwanee.com to submit an application by the Dec. 7 deadline. Karen Huppertz
Judge Hatchett reveals secrets to success
The Gwinnett Leadership Organization for Women hosts “Inside Judge Glenda Hatchett’s Chambers: Overcoming Life’s Objections to Find Your True Calling” 7:15 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. Friday at the TPC Sugarloaf Country Club in Duluth.
Currently presiding over the syndicated show, “Judge Hatchett,” Glenda Hatchett will discuss challenges and success along her career path including tips for how to form a blueprint for a purposeful life. $35 for Chamber Members; $45 for Non-Chamber Members.
Contact Rachel Jeffers at 770-232-8816 or Rachel@gwinnettchamber.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
NORTHSIDE
Cumming lawyer suspended for 60 days
The Georgia Supreme Court on Monday slapped Cumming lawyer Warner Russell Hodges with a 60-day suspension from practicing law. Hodges was punished for undertaking to represent a client in Tennessee in a divorce case while his Tennessee law license was inactive, the court’s unanimous ruling said. The ruling noted that the Tennessee Supreme Court had also imposed a 60-day suspension on Hodges for holding himself out to be authorized to practice law in that state when, in fact, he was not authorized to do so. Bill Rankin
Forsyth alcohol ordinance being discussed
The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on proposed changes to its alcoholic beverage ordinance at its monthly meeting at 5 p.m. Thursday at the county’s administration building, 110 East Main St., Suite 220, Cumming. At issue are regulation of brewpubs and repeal of conflicting ordinances.
MICHAEL ALPERT FOR THE AJC
Roswell Road bridge work nears completion on
Tens of thousands of north metro drivers can celebrate today when the Georgia DOT officially completes work on the bridge at Roswell Road and I-285 in Sandy Springs. There will be a dedication at 10 a.m.
The $3.57 million project is designed to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety by widening the existing bridge from five lanes to six. The bridge will now provide dedicated left-turn lanes to the I-285 entrance ramps in both directions along Roswell Road. The previous design allowed a single turn lane in the center. Patrick Fox
Cherokee senior earns perfect ACT score
A senior at Cherokee County’s Etowah High School has earned a perfect score on the ATC college-entrance exam. Duncan Morgan’s score of 36 is replicated by only about 700 of 1.6 million seniors who take the test annually, and officials believe he’s the only Cherokee schools student ever to have earned the honor. Morgan will be recognized at the Nov. 1 Cherokee County school board meeting. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Place of Forsyth’s food drive ongoing
The Storage Neighbor Fall Food Drive supporting the Place of Forsyth is ongoing through Nov. 13 at 3585 Hutchinson Road, Cumming. During normal business hours, the public can donate nonperishable food items such as canned food, dry cereal, baby formula, evaporated milk, etc.
The Place of Forsyth County serves families with emergency basic needs. Information: www.theplaceofforsyth.org. Kenneth Musisi
Fulton County taking bids for six surplus properties
Fulton County is taking sealed bids for six pieces of surplus property, which are either undeveloped or once had county facilities on them. The parcels are in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Palmetto and Sandy Springs.
Potential buyers can go to www.fultoncountyga.gov/properties-for-sale to download bid packages, find out bid guidelines and get open house dates. Offers must be at least as much the properties’ appraised values. Bids will be opened Nov. 21. Johnny Edwards
ATLANTA
Clark Atlanta selects interim provost
Clark Atlanta University tapped an alumnus who served as the president of two colleges to be the interim provost, university officials announced Monday.
James Hefner retired in 2005 after serving as president of Tennessee State and Jackson State universities. He was also a provost at Tuskegee University.
Clark Atlanta’s previous provost, Joseph Silver, left to become president of Alabama State University. Laura Diamond
EPS takes applications for grants
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is taking applications for $1.5 million that will be awarded in 2013 as small environmental justice grants of up to $30,000. The grants enable non-profit organizations to conduct research, provide education and develop solutions to local health and environmental issues in communities overburdened by harmful pollution.
Information: www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/grants/ej-smgrants.html Nancy Badertscher
Grant awarded for volunteer recycling initiatives
Cities of Service announced that Atlanta is the recipient of a $25,000 Impact Volunteering Fund grant, funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies.
Nearly $1 million in grants has been awarded to Atlanta and 17 other cities to help engage citizens in addressing critical city needs through impact volunteering.
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed’s program will educate and work with 6,500 households to increase recycling.
Information: www.citiesofservice.org.
Kenneth Musisi
IMH plans open house for Dec. 2
Immaculate Heart of Mary School invites prospective K-8 students and their parents to attend an open house 3 to 5 p.m. Dec. 2 at 2855 Briarcliff Road. This is an opportunity to meet teachers and administrators, tour the campus, and learn why IHM is a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence.
Information:www.ihmschool.org.
Nancy Badertscher
DEKALB
Court disbars Decatur lawyer
The Georgia Supreme Court on Monday disbarred Decatur lawyer Patrick Jeffrey Stubbs from the practice of law.
In a unanimous opinion, the court found Stubbs to be in default because he failed to respond to a State Bar of Georgia notice of discipline. An investigation had found that Stubbs, during 2010 and 2011, pursued a civil case on behalf of a client when he knew his license to practice law had been suspended. Stuffs also never notified his client or the court of the suspensions, the ruling said. Bill Rankin
Former DeKalb police lieutenant headed to prison
Former DeKalb County Police Lt. Willie Daren Durrett has been sentenced to six years in federal prison for his role in a bribery scheme.
During a trial in July, a federal jury convicted Durrett of accepting bribes from Atlanta businessman Amin Budhwani and conspiring with Donald Frank, DeKalb’s former deputy police chief, to accept the bribes. Frank, who pleaded guilty and testified at trial, was sentenced last week to three years and seven months in prison for his role in the conspiracy. April Hunt
DeKalb police seek suspect in shooting of 2 brothers
Police are seeking a suspect in the shooting of two brothers in DeKalb County Sunday afternoon.
Bryant Phillips, 22, was killed and his brother was injured in the shooting in the 3100 block of Robin Road. Neighbors called 911 to report hearing several shots fired in the area. Police found the two men lying in the street.
The brothers were taken to Grady Memorial Hospital where Bryant Phillips later died. Detectives believe a dispute prompted the shooting.
Fran Jeffries
Decatur approves small batch distillery
The Decatur commission recently approved an ordinance allowing for small-batch distilleries in its C3 district, essentially the East Decatur Station area. Small-batch whiskey is defined as producing 60,000 gallons or less a year. The city has been approached by an entrepreneur who wants to open a small-batch distillery, but he doesn’t want to release his name or business details since his lease has yet to be approved by East Decatur Station, the retail district on College Avenue. Last month the city also approved an ordinance for craft beer breweries. Bill Banks for the AJC
DeKalb CEO hosting town hall Tuesday
DeKalb County’s chief executive officer will host a town hall meeting 7 p.m. today at Clairmont Baptist Church, 3542 Clairmont Road. Burrell Ellis plans to give an update and discuss county-related issues. Citizens also can speak out at the event that is free and open to the public. April Hunt
City study commission meets Wednesday
The state Senate committee studying the creation of a city of DeKalb holds its second meeting 10 a.m. Wednesday in room 450 of the Capitol building.
Representatives from the Carl Vinson Institute will be at the meeting, to offer a presentation on demographics. Citizens may also speak at the meeting. April Hunt
SOUTHSIDE
Buckner named Henry CDBG coordinator
Shannan Buckner has been selected to manage and implement Henry County’s Community Development Block Grant funds allocated by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development. The county officially accepted $850,267 in CDBG funds at its Oct. 15 regular meeting. Buckner has seven years of experience administering CDBG programs for various communities, including Fulton County, the City of Griffin, and the River Valley Regional Commission. In June of this year, the Henry County Board of Commissioners approved a five-year Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan for the CDBG funds, which established how the money will be allocated. Information: www.hcpz.org.
Monroe Roark for the AJC
Fayette Chamber to host education breakfast
Fayette County Schools Superintendent Jeff Bearden will lead a discussion about education needs during a breakfast meeting 7:30 a.m. Wednesday at Peachtree City United Methodist Church.
Topics will include school closures and redistricting, the FY2014 budget, digital learning and strategic planning. Admission is $10; register at www.FayetteChamber.org or call 770-461-9983. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
City manager search moves forward
East Point’s City Council will hold a called meeting 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Friday at the Jefferson Station Council Chambers, 526 E. Forrest Ave. The City Council will interview city manager candidates during an executive session. John Thompson for the AJC
Henry Has Talent coming Nov. 4
The fourth annual Henry Has Talent is scheduled for 3 p.m. Sunday at the Henry County Performing Arts Center, McDonough. Contestants will compete for cash prizes. Proceeds benefit the Ferst Foundation, a nonprofit group that provides free books to preschool children. Information: www.henryhastalent.com.
Monroe Roark for the AJC
Peachtree City recycling expands
Peachtree City residents can recycle more types of materials at the city’s two drop-off sites. Plastics numbered 1-7, aluminum cans, tin cans, aluminum foil and disposable aluminum pans can be taken to the center on Rockaway Road on Wednesdays and Saturdays and daily to the McIntosh Trail bins near the amphitheater. No aerosol cans or plastic bags are accepted.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Fayette hospital seeks auxiliary volunteers
Piedmont Fayette Hospital is seeking additional auxiliary volunteers to compensate for recent retirements and increased need. Men and women over age 18 are wanted for a variety of jobs and services. Flexible schedules can include days, nights and/or weekends.
Information: 770-719-7098 or visit www.piedmontfayette.org/Fayette/VolunteerOpportunitiesfay.aspx. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Henry County produces content for YouTube
The Convention and Visitors Bureau of Henry County has completed the filming of 5 one-minute clips featuring a number of recognizable faces and places in Henry County.
Residents are encouraged to view the videos and share with friends.
Information: Youtube.com/VisitHenryCoGa.Kenneth Musisi
