County by county news for Tuesday

The four endorsed candidates are vying for four seats on the EMC’s board in service areas 1, 6, 7 and 10. The November election is the first of three rounds of elections for all 10 seats on the board.

The candidate forum begins at 7 p.m. at the Beetle’s BBQ, 150 Towne Lake Parkway in Woodstock.

Information: www.takebackcobbemc.com Janel Davis

Early voting under way in Austell

Austell voters may continue to vote early through Friday to determine two City Council races. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the City Clerk’s office, City of Austell Threadmill Complex, 5000 Austell-Powder Springs Road, Suite 137.

No voting will take place on Nov. 7. Voting hours on Nov. 8 will be 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Austell City Hall, 2716 Broad St. SW. Information: 770-944-4326. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Commissioners grow moustaches for cancer

Cobb County’s male commissioners, at least two of them, will begin growing out their moustaches next month to raise money and awareness for cancers affecting men.

Commissioners Bob Ott and Woody Thompson, are participating in Movember, the fundraising campaign for the Prostate Cancer Foundation and LIVESTRONG. Ott and Thompson, or Mo Bros, as the participants are called, will be supported in their efforts by the Mo Sistas on the commission.

Movember participants in the United States last year raised $7.5 million. Janel Davis

Friends of Mabry Park hold preview day

The Friends of Mabry Park will host a park preview day on Saturday for residents to learn more about the 26-acre park.

Mabry Park is a passive park purchased by Cobb County, but remains undeveloped due to lack of funding. The nonprofit Friends group is raising money to build an access road and develop the park that is located near the corner of Sandy Plains and Wesley Chapel Roads.

Preview day runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; parking and shuttle service available at nearby Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church. Information: www.mabrypark.org Janel Davis

Birrell to hold town hall meeting Thursday

Cobb County Commissioner JoAnn Birrell will hold a town hall meeting on Thursday for residents of her northeast Cobb district. The town hall begins at 7 p.m. at Piedmont Church, 570 Piedmont Road in Marietta.

Information: www.cobbcountyga.gov Janel Davis

Breast cancer support group meets tonight

The WellStar breast cancer support group will meet today from 6 to 7 p.m. in the WellStar Cancer Data Center Conference Room, located at 522 North Ave. in Marietta. The meeting is free is open to women and men in all stages of breast cancer, family members, caregivers and friends. Guest speaker Dr. Gena Volas-Redd will lead a Q&A session on chemotherapy and breast cancer treatment options. Parking is validated. Information: Lori Hall at 770-793-7444. Veronica Fields Johnson

GWINNETT

Commissioners to discuss cities’ lawsuit today

The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners will meet at 6 p.m. today to discuss and possibly take action on unspecified matters related to a lawsuit between the county and its 15 cities. The commission also will meet in closed session at 5 p.m.

Last month a judge ruled Gwinnett cannot charge city residents for police, fire and other services unless the cities consent. Gwinnett officials have appealed the ruling but said settlement talks continue. David Wickert

Gwinnett GOP holds town meeting today

The Gwinnett County Republican Party will host a town hall meeting at 7 p.m. today at Snellville City Hall, 2342 Oak Road. State Sen. Don Balfour, state Reps. Brett Harrell and Len Walker, County Commission Chairwoman Charlotte Nash, County Commissioner Mike Beaudreau and school board members Carole Boyce and Robert McClure will speak. David Wickert

Family caregivers conference Saturday

The Gwinnett Coalition for Health and Human Services will host a family caregivers conference from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church of Lawrenceville, 395 W. Crogan St. The conference will address issues faced by those caring for another adult or caring for a relative’s children. The cost is $10 per person. To register call Julie Lucas at 678-377-6721. David Wickert

Planned PEThood hits spay/neuter milestone

Planned PEThood in Duluth has reached the milestone of having helped over 4,000 families fix their pets affordably.

Since September 2010, Planned PEThood has offered low-cost spay/neuter surgeries to 1,800 cats, 1,200 dogs and 1,000 feral cats. Veterinarians perform surgeries Monday through Thursday by appointment. Low-cost vaccinations are offered on the first Saturday of the month. Info: 678-561-3491 or www.PlannedPEThoodGA.com. Andria Simmons

Suwanee police to put crime data online

The Suwanee Police Department will make its crime data available online to the public starting today.

The website can be accessed via a “Crime Data” link on the City & Other Services/Police page at www.suwanee.com or directly at www.crimereports.com/agency/SuwaneePD.

The service will provide basic information about criminal and traffic incidents around the city. Joel Anderson

House fire displaces family of eight

A family of eight was displaced over the weekend after a fire broke out at the house they were renting in the 3700 block of Brock Road in Duluth.

A child who woke noticed the fire burning in the utility room and carport at about 10:45 p.m. Saturday, according to Gwinnett fire Lt. Eric Eberly. Firefighters found smoke and flames showing from the house upon arrival three minutes later, and spent hours battling the blaze. Everyone escaped unharmed. Andria Simmons

NORTHSIDE

Leadership North Fulton nominations due today

Nominations for Leadership North Fulton are due today. The program was established to help identify and develop local leaders by promoting community awareness, instilling civic responsibility and building relationships.

The new Leadership North Fulton program schedule has been compressed to six months. The first class session will be in January. The online form is available at www.LeadershipNorthFulton.org. Information: 678-526-6831, Jennifer.Hall@SunTrust.com. Patrick Fox

Johns Creek officer to give kids safety tips

A Johns Creek police officer will visit the Ocee Library after school on Thursday to teach children about street smarts, general safety and what a patrol officer does all day. A tour of a police cruiser is included. “Street Smarts!” starts at 4:30 p.m. at 5090 Abbotts Bridge Road. The event is for ages 6 to 12. Information: 770-360-8897. Johnny Edwards

Workshop today to help with SAT scores

A workshop today at the Sandy Springs Library will help teens maximize SAT scores with help from the Essey Educational Foundation. The class, for ages 14-18, starts at 6 p.m. at 395 Mt. Vernon Highway. Registration: 404-303-6130. Johnny Edwards

Nature Center hold Campout Nov. 19

The Chattahoochee Nature Center will host a Backyard Campout on Saturday, Nov. 19, from 5 p.m. – 10 a.m. visitors can unwind from the busy week and sleep out under the stars, play games in the meadow, and have the opportunity to join the Tree and Forest Folklore hike. Pre-Registration is required. $45 General Public/$35 CNC Member (price per tent) Information: visit www.chattnaturecenter.com or 770-992-2055 ext. 224 Sandra Marshall Murray

Milton, Roswell bulky trash day Saturday

The cities of Milton and Roswell are offering their residents a bulky trash amnesty day Saturday.

From 8 a.m. to noon, bring items like automobile tires, furniture, appliances/electronics, and deactivated cell phones to the City of Roswell Public Works Division at 1810 Hembree Road in Roswell. Proof of residency is required.

The cities cannot accept paint, any fluids including motor oil and antifreeze, household batteries, construction and demolition materials or yard waste. Info: Call Cindy Eade at 678-242-2509 or email cindy.eade@cityofmiltonga.us. Andria Simmons

Two programs to help families during holidays

North Fulton Community Charities has begun two initiatives to help families through the holidays. The organization seeks sponsors to “adopt a family” for the season or to provide gifts for its Santa Shop. Charity officials said they have 792 families, with 2,300 children, eligible for help. NFCC is also mounting its Warm Coat Drive, collecting new and gently used coats for adults and children at its Holiday Distribution Site, 608 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell, from 1-7 p.m. Nov. 4. Information: 770-640-0399 ext. 208; www.nfccholiday.org. Patrick Fox

ATLANTA

DuBose honored for indigent defense

Wilson DuBose, former chair of Georgia’s public defender system, was honored recently by the Atlanta-based Southern Center for Human Rights for his unrelenting support of the right to counsel for poor people charged with crimes.

DuBose, a Madison attorney, was given the Frederick Douglass Equal Justice Award. DuBose, former president of the Atlanta Bar Association, served as vice chair of the Georgia Public Defender Standards Council from 2003 to 2007 and chaired the council’s board from 2007 to 2009. He previously chaired the State Bar of Georgia’s indigent defense committee. Bill Rankin

Graffiti task force receives $10,000

The Atlanta Graffiti Task Force has received a $10,000 “Think Green Grant Award” from Keep America Beautiful, a nonprofit organization. The funds will be used by for graffiti prevention, enforcement and removal. The Graffiti Task Force includes various departments of Atlanta city government, Atlanta Public Schools, the Georgia Department of Transportation and railroad company CSX. The Georgia Department of Corrections also plans to launch a comprehensive graffiti abatement program focused on graffiti removal and public education. The Atlanta Police Department has an assigned police officer on the task force. Jeremiah McWilliams

Brookwood Hills sidewalks get work

Atlanta is kicking off a project to repair damaged sidewalks and curbs in front of approximately 50 homes in the Brookwood Hills neighborhood near Piedmont Hospital. The repairs will begin today and will target damage from “street trees” located between the sidewalk and curb as well as general wear and tear, leaders of the Brookwood Hills Community Club said in an email to residents.

If the city determines that the damage is caused by the roots from street trees, the city will pay to repair the damage at no cost to Brookwood Hills residents, according to the community club. Jeremiah McWilliams

DEKALB

Superintendent to hire consultant Friday

DeKalb’s new Superintendent Cheryl L.H. Atkinson is expected to hire an outside consultant firm on Friday to review every job and salary in the system to help eliminate wasteful spending and direct more money to the classrooms.

Atkinson announced the deadline at a special meeting on Monday morning. School spokesman Walter Woods said that there currently isn’t a list of consulting finalists and no potential contract fees have been made public.

Woods said Atkinson wants to move fast because the students don’t have time to wait. Rich McKay

Boy, 12, recognized for saving life

DeKalb County Fire Rescue recently named a 12-year-old Stone Mountain boy its first citizen honored for saving a life.

Justice Pate was with family on a trip to Missouri this summer when he felt something at the bottom of the hotel pool. He dove in and rescued a 7-year-old boy who was drowning.

Justice’s father, Lawrence Williams, gave the child CPR until emergency workers arrived to take him to the hospital. The victim made a full recovery.

Justice recently was honored by the DeKalb County Commission for his action. He also was recognized by the city council in Bridgeton, Missouri, where the incident took place in August. April Hunt

County makes changes expunging fee

It now costs you to even try to get your criminal record expunged in DeKalb County.

The county Police Department had refunded its $25 share of the $50 fee if a request was denied. The remainder of the fee went to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

The department is now keeping the fee, regardless of outcome, because of the staff work and supplies needed for its part of the paperwork.

The change would have netted the department $16,000 more over the past 18 months. April Hunt

Golf tournament to benefit seniors

Senior Connections, a nonprofit that provides support services and social events for seniors, will host its annual golf tournament at the Dunwoody Country Club on Nov. 14.

Fees are $250 for individuals and $850 for four-member teams. The tournament includes cart and green fees, a box lunch and after-golf buffet. Sponsorships also are available.

Proceeds benefit the group’s Meals on Wheels, in-home care and home repair programs.

Register or more information: www.seniorconnectionsatl.org. April Hunt

Former Hawk displays Civil War artifacts

Commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, former Atlanta Hawks player Mike Glenn will show documents, pictures and newspapers from his personal collection of African-American historical artifacts starting Saturday at Lithonia’s Stonecrest Library.

The grand opening of “Forty Acres and More: African Americans and the Civil War” lasts from noon to 3 p.m. at 3123 Klondike Road.

The exhibit will be on display through Nov. 17. Information: 770-482-3828 or www.mikeglenn.com. Johnny Edwards

SOUTHSIDE

Fulton offers help to senior for energy bills

Fulton seniors having a hard time paying energy bills can sign up for the county’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. It’s for households with members age 65 or older who meet income guidelines, or any household facing a life-threatening crisis.

Help will be offered Wednesday at East Point’s Bowden facility from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on Thursday at Atlanta’s Darnell facility from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and at the Mills facility from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Information: 404-613-6000. Johnny Edwards

Fayettville candidate interviews online

Interviews with most of the candidates running for office in Fayetteville have been posted online at

The Fayette Chamber of Commerce filmed the short question-and-answer sessions. Those who participated were incumbent Mayor Ken Steele, City Council Post 1 candidates Edward Johnson and Wilson Price, and Post 2 candidates Cathy Cochran and Mickey Edwards. Mayoral candidate Greg Clifton declined the invitation. Jill Howard Church

Fayette recognized for improvement

Fayette County recently won the Georgia Focus Recognition Certificate which recognizes a government entity’s initiative to improve key processes and outcomes. To win the award, the county went through a series of self-assessments and reviews from outside groups. They looked at leadership, strategic planning, customer and workforce focuses, process management, among other things. Tammy Joyner

Golf tourney to help family of slain deputy

A golf tournament is planned for Friday to raise funds for the family of Clayton County deputy Rick Daly who was killed last July. The tournament will be at Lake Spivey Golf Club in Jonesboro with sign-in beginning at 11 a.m. The cost is $125 for an individual and $400 for a team of four. Information :770-477-8412/4453 or email Brian.Fisher@co.clayton.ga.us. Rhonda Cook

Windy Hill garden to hold yard sale

Windy Hill Community Garden will host its 12th annual yard sale Nov. 11 and 12. The event features holiday items contributed by gardeners and related groups. Community Gardens of Henry County has five community gardens with plots available for adoption by seniors, low-income, young families, and others.

Windy Hill Garden is at 86 Work Camp Road in McDonough. Details: www.henrygardens.com. Tammy Joyner

Kindergartner cited for fire safety poster

Fairview Elementary School kindergartner Arielle Greer recently received a certificate of achievement from the Henry County Board of Commissioners for winning the state poster contest. The contest was sponsored by the Georgia Insurance & Safety Fire Commissioner Ralph Hudgen’s office. This year’s theme was “Protect Your Family from Fire!” The kindergartner’s poster will be displayed in the 2012 Life, Fire & Safety Calendar. Tammy Joyner