County by county news for Tuesday

The former Dallas leader’s contract started July 1, but the board agreed to give Hinojosa 10 one-time vacation days for use during his first month on the job to aid his relocation from Texas.

Hinojosa will earn a base salary of $237,000 and perks that exceed $28,000 annually. Jaime Sarrio

Mableton men protest law with hunger strike

Two Mableton men have launched a hunger strike over the state’s new immigration law. Martin Altamirano and Salvador Zamora, longtime immigration advocates, began the strike July 1 and have lost about 30 pounds, said Rick Pellegrino, Cobb Immigrant Alliance director.The men are advocating for immigration reform rather than the enforcement approach endorsed by Arizona, Georgia and Alabama; and, requesting the media to investigate any relationships between state lawmakers and the corrections industry, Pellegrino said.

A news conference with the men is scheduled for 10 a.m. today in Mableton.

Keaton to run for superior court clerk

Attorney Rebecca Keaton announced her candidacy this week for Cobb County Superior Court Clerk.

Jay Stephenson announced last week that he would not seek re-election when his term ends Dec. 21, 2012.

Keaton owns a law practice in Marietta, and has served as an assistant solicitor general in the Cobb Solicitor’s office. She also founded The Keaton Foundation, a non-profit organization helping find homes for older orphans and special needs children. Janel Davis

County’s outdoor series continues today

Cobb County’s summer family series, Outdoor Romping and Creek Stomping, continues Tuesday with a “Hiking, Heritage and History” event at Hyde Farm in Marietta.

Registration is required, and the cost is $2 per person.

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 11. a.m. at the farm.

Information: 770-528-1000; http://prca.cobbcountyga.gov Janel Davis

Parenting workshop at library today

Parenting trainer and writer Lori Rader-Jacobs will be the guest speaker at a “Parenting with Love and Leadership” workshop today at the Cobb Central Library. Rader-Jacobs lives in Marietta and is the mother of two boys. The workshop begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Central Library, 266 Roswell St. in Marietta. Information: http://www.cobbcat.org; 770-528-2342 Janel Davis

Blood Drive in Kennesaw today

The American Red Cross Southern Region and the Kennesaw’s Parks & Recreation Department are hosting a blood drive from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. today at the Ben Robertson Community Center, 2753 Watts Drive in Kennesaw. Schedule an appointment online by visiting www.kennesaw-ga.gov/pkrec or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Walk-ins will also be welcomed. Rich McKay

GWINNETT

Man apparently kills self in SWAT standoff

A six-hour Gwinnett County police SWAT standoff with a man threatening to commit suicide ended before daybreak Monday when the Buford man apparently shot himself.

Police said the man’s wife and teenage daughter fled the house after the husband, armed with a long gun, threatened to kill himself.

Channel 2 Action News reported at 6:30 a.m. that a SWAT team robot sent into the home found the man in an upstairs bedroom, dead of an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound. Mike Morris

Norcross woman dies in Florida wreck

A Norcross woman died and six others were injured when a blown tire caused the vehicle they were traveling in to overturn on Interstate 75 in north Florida. The Florida Highway Patrol said five of the eight people were ejected from the 2002 GMC Yukon when it overturned about 12:30 p.m. Sunday. Elva Pineda Leiva of Norcross, was pronounced dead at Shands Hospital at the University of Florida. Associated Press

Parkview students win top prize for song

A group of Parkview High students have won a national award for their talent in music production. The Lilburn students won first place for their song “We Are TSA!” at the 2011 National Technology Students’ Association (TSA) Conference in Texas. The team, under the direction of TSA advisor Terry Cotton, competed against 4,000 students. The members are: Alisha Bhimani, Eric Brown, Tina Chan, Ross Cunningham, Derick Fernandez, Asha Harris, Mizaan Pirani, Brian Rivas, Jordan Rosenthal, Tre Thomas, Tung-Hung Tsai and Meh-Ki White. D. Aileen Dodd

Gwinnett Tech offers green courses

Gwinnett Technical College is registering for a range of courses on green building practices for professionals in construction and related fields. Gwinnett Tech will offer Building Operator Certification course at two locations, with sessions for both Level I and II now registering. BOC Level I will be offered in North Fulton County beginning on July 14 and at GTC’s Lawrenceville campus beginning Oct. 5. BOC Level II will be offered on campus starting Aug. 11. Information: www.GwinnettTech.edu/ce or call 678-226-6502. Gracie Bonds Staples

‘Arts at Twilight’ in Duluth on Saturday

The Duluth Fine Arts League will host Arts at Twilight at the Duluth Art Gallery Saturday. Proceeds from the tropical themed evening will provide college scholarships for Duluth High School seniors who plan to major in art. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. For tickets or information, call 678-957-1942. Alaya Boykin

Bingo night Friday in Lawrenceville

Gwinnett County will host a bingo night from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, 185 E. Crogan St., Lawrenceville.

It is open to those age 4 and up. The cost is $3 per person by Thursday or $5 at the door. To pre-register, call 770-822-5450. David Wickert

NORTHSIDE

Sandy Springs expected to set millage rate todays

The Sandy Springs city council is expected to vote today to set the millage rate for 2011, which is not expected to change from the 2010 tax year. Lower property values, as a result of revised tax assessments, the current millage rate will decrease taxes levied by nearly 2 percent, when compared to 2010. The millage rate, unchanged over the past five years, will also result in the city collecting $600,000 less in tax revenue than 2010, according to a memo prepared for the city council.

Michelle E. Shaw

Foreclosure prevention workshop Wednesday

Fulton County’s Office of Housing and Community Development will hold a workshop Wednesday to help residents falling behind on mortgage payments.

“How to Prevent Foreclosure” will be held at the Roswell Neighborhood Senior Center, 1250 Warsaw Road, from 10 to 11 a.m. Information: 404-612-3024. Johnny Edwards

Cherokee student wins Civil War contest

Irving Mendoza, a junior at Cherokee High School, recently won the 2010-2011 Civil War Trust Postcard Contest. The winning prize consisted of $1,000 and a lifetime membership to the Civil War Trust.

The Civil War Trust is an organization that focuses on preserving Civil War battle grounds.

To view the postcard visit civilwar.org and search postcard. Elise Hitchcock

Cherokee schools to start Aug.1

School will begin on Aug. 1 for Cherokee County schools. School front offices will be open daily on July 19 and parents may register students anytime from 8 a.m.- noon starting on that date.

Class schedules and teacher assignments will be available at each school’s scheduled open house/walk through event. Information about dates for the open house and information regarding required documents for registration can be found at cherokee.k12.ga.us. Elise Hitchcock

Get an inside look at Johns Creek police

Ever wonder what it’s like to be a police officer? Well, residents of Johns Creek have a chance for an up-close glimpse at the job when the city police department hosts a nine-week citizen policy academy. The academy is open to residents 21 and older who pass the application process and a criminal history check. The next class starts Aug. 16, meeting Tuesday nights from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Info: Kathy Shiplett at Kathy.Shiplett@JohnsCreekGA.gov or 678-474-1561.Nancy Badertscher

Alpharetta gears up for fall athletics

Alpharetta has begun resident registration for the fall 2011 youth athletic season. Open registration begins July 19. Information: 678-297-6160 or email athleticprograms@alpharetta.ga.us.

The city’s partner youth athletic associations are also taking registration for fall athletics. This includes Alpharetta Youth Softball Association and Wills Park Youth Baseball Association.

Information: www.alpharettasoftball.com and www.wpyba.org. Patrick Fox

ATLANTA

Atlantic Station condo suit before high court

Novare Group, the developer of the 26-story “Twelve” building at Atlantic Station, on Monday sought the dismissal of a suit filed by eight people who said they were fraudulently led to believe their views of the downtown skyline would remain unobstructed for years.

But construction of the 46-story “Atlantic” began in 2007 directly across 17th Street. The Georgia Supreme Court will decide whether the case can go to trial. Bill Rankin

EPA director to job training grants

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson will be in Atlanta today to announce the 2011 national environmental workforce development and job training grant recipients.

She will be joined by Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed for the 10 a.m. program at the Southface Energy Institute, 241 Pine Street. Ernie Suggs

Reports broken meter lids by phone

The Atlanta Department of Watershed Management started a pilot program Monday that allows residents with smart phones to take photos of broken or missing meter lids, email them to the department and be informed of the progress made in repairing the problem.

With “SeeClickFix” customers reporting meter lid issues must include the street address nearest the problem meter.

Customers also can email METERLID@atlantaga.gov or call 404-569-8301. Ernie Suggs

Man gets life for murder during robbery

A Fulton County jury this week convicted a second man for the 2009 shooting death of 33-year-old Henry Wright Jr., the district attorney’s office said. Xzarious Terrell was sentenced to life in prison for the killing that occurred inside an Old Hapeville Road apartment. During an attempted armed robbery, Terrell shot Wright, prosecutors said. In October, Terrell’s co-defendant, Rodqucas Bowen, was also convicted and sentenced to life in prison. Charges are still pending against a third man, Moxtious Cain. Bill Rankin

DEKALB

Age catches up with 2 canine officers

Two of the K-9 officers in the DeKalb County Police Department are stepping down due to old age.

Bach, who is 10, and Rysa, who is nearly 9, have both worked for the county since 2005. They are retiring due to age and deteriorating health.

Both dogs were sold for $1 each to their handlers, with whom they will continue to live. April Hunt

Police, D.A. share confiscated funds

The DeKalb County Police Department and District Attorney will share about $247,000 confiscated from criminals in the past year.

The money is cash confiscated, condemned and forfeited and court-ordered to be distributed to law enforcement.

Police will receive most of the funds, $205,000. The remaining money will be sent to the district attorney’s office.

The police department also will receive about $446,000 from the U.S. Marshal’s Service from drug forfeitures in the past year. April Hunt

County puts surplus land up for sale

DeKalb County will soon accept sealed bids on a 1.9-acre lot on Covington Highway recently declared as surplus.

The move is in line with the county’s Revenue Enhancement Commission, which identified surplus land as a possible new revenue source for the cash-strapped county.

County property records show the site is appraised at $609,000. April Hunt

D.A., sheriff to host session with clergy

DeKalb County District Attorney Robert James and Sheriff Tom Brown will host a session with area clergy later this month, to educate the leaders about the criminal justice system.

The Faith Leaders Day will be held July 21 at the DeKalb County Courthouse and includes a tour of the county’s jail and medical examiner’s facility.

For information, contact Dana Lawrence at delawrence@dekalbcountyga.gov or Ebony Phillips at eaphillips@dekalbcountyga.gov. April Hunt

Students return to academy for reunion

About 30 high school students and recent graduates will return to Emory University’s Candler School of Theology July 20 through July 24, for the first alumni academy reunion.

The students and graduates attended last year’s Youth Theological Initiative Summer Academy. The program helps students become critical thinkers about faith. YTI’s Summer Academy is an intensive residential program of theological education started in 1993 with a grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc. Sheila M. Poole

Decatur OKs $5,000 for history center

Decatur’s City Commission approved a $5,000 grant for capital improvements toward the DeKalb History Center. A portion of those improvements include reorganizing the Center’s archival space, but most of the money will be spent on maintenance for the Swanton House in west Decatur, one of the city’s oldest homes. Built prior to 1842, it was the antebellum residence of Benjamin E. Swanton and also field headquarters for Brig. Gen. Thomas Sweeny during the July 1864, Battle of Atlanta. Bill Banks for the AJC

SOUTHSIDE

Fulton County extends hours for tax offices

Starting this week, the Fulton County Tax Commissioner’s Office will keep its four satellite offices open two and a half hours longer on weekdays. The offices will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., instead of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The expanded hours last until Sept. 2. The offices are at 7741 Roswell Road in Sandy Springs (North Fulton Government Service Center); 3155 Royal Drive in Alpharetta, 5600 Stonewall Tell Road in College Park (South Fulton Government Service Center) and 2841 Greenbriar Parkway in Atlanta (Greenbriar Mall). Johnny Edwards

College offers free ESL classes

Southern Crescent Technical College is offering free ESL classes in Peachtree City July 13-Aug. 11. Registration is today 9 a.m.-noon or 6-8 p.m. at 201 McIntosh Trail near the amphitheater. A photo I.D. is required, and students must be 18 or older. Classes will be held at the First Baptist Church at 208 Willowbend Road on Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-noon or Tuesdays and Thursdays 6-9 p.m.

For information contact Nancy Ricker at nricker@sctech.edu or call 770-487-8910. Jill Howard Church

Hapeville concert series kicks off Friday

The Downtown Live Concert series kicks off in Jess Lucas Park Friday with Hapeville’s John Stringer as the opening act, followed by The Last Five Standing. The concert runs from 7 p.m.-11 p.m.

John Thompson for the AJC

College Park Welcomes New Police Recruits

The College Park Police department is welcoming seven new graduates from the Police Academy, after completing 11 weeks of advanced training. Chief Ronald Fears attended the graduation July 1 at the Fulton County Public Safety Training Center. Twenty two members from varying jurisdictions trained at the training center. Kyle Pescetto, one of the seven College Park graduates, scored highest among all trainees on EVOC, the emergency vehicle operations course.

John Thompson for the AJC

Stockbridge outdoor movie Wednesday

The next installment in the “Stars Over Stockbridge” Moonlight Movie Series is Wednesday at Clark Community Park. The film “Happy Feet” is scheduled to begin at about 8 p.m. Admission is free, and citizens are can bring chairs, blankets and picnics. Monroe Roark for the AJc

Henry schools to hold open house

Open House for the Henry County School System is July 28. The schedule is as follows: 1-3 p.m. for high schools, 3-5 p.m. for middle schools, and 5-7 p.m. for elementary schools. Classes begin Monday, Aug. 1.

Monroe Roark for the AJC

Henry planning department to move

The Henry County Planning and Zoning Department is moving its offices to the county’s Administration Building, at 140 Henry Parkway in McDonough, effective Aug. 1. All P & Z operations will continue at old location, 92 Ronnie Stewart Drive, through July 29. Call 770-288-7526 or visit www.hcpz.org for information. Monroe Roark for the AJC