County by county news for Tuesday

The vote passed with a 4-3 margin and has upset parents and educators who prefer the old calendar with more breaks during the year.

The meeting will be held at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday at the district’s central office, 514 Glover St. in Marietta.

Jaime Sarrio

Fire watershed official up for county post

Cobb County Commissioners will vote Tuesday on a new purchasing director to fill the position currently held by an interim manager. County Manager David Hankerson has recommended Sheila Cook Pierce, former deputy commissioner of Atlanta’s watershed management department. Pierce was fired from that job last year along with three other deputy commissioners, after the department director resigned. The watershed department had been under fire after water customers complained about spikes in their bills. Janel Davis

Commission to vote on flood buyouts

The Cobb County Commission will vote Tuesday on applying for a federal grant to buyout another 33 homes damaged in the 2009 flood.

The county has already received federal money to buyout owners of 34 damaged homes in the existing 100-year floodplain. Other homes damaged in the flood were not originally eligible for the grant money, but county data since the flood would put add 33 homes in the updated floodplain. Janel Davis

Volunteers need to plant trees Saturday

Marietta Tree Keepers head Holly Walquist is looking for volunteers to plant trees at the Marietta City Club Golf Course, 510 Powder Springs Street, 8:30 to 11 a.m., Saturday. Tools and gloves will be provided. Volunteers will meet behind the clubhouse which is next to the Hilton Atlanta/Marietta Conference Center. Information:www.marietta.ga.gov/committees/treekeepers. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Kennesaw man pushes teen license issue

Alan Brown, of Kennesaw, plans to be in Washington on this morning to support a proposed bill before Congress that would promote a more restrictive driver’s license for novice teen drivers in every state. Brown, and his wife LuGina Brown lost their son Joshua Brown in a traffic crash in July 2003. Since then, the Browns have been outspoken advocates for restricted licenses and more drivers’ training for teens. Rich McKay

Pebblebrook musical takes on bullying

See students from Cobb County’s Pebblebrook High School Center for Excellence in the Performing Arts in “Bullies, the Musical!” on 2 p.m. March 27 and 7 p.m. March 31 at Temple Kol Emeth, 1415 Old Canton Rd, Marietta. Tickets are free and can be reserved online at http://bulliesmusicalattke.eventbrite.com. The production is designed to raise awareness about bullying behavior and encourage mutual respect. Jaime Sarr

GWINNETT

County gets extra $28 million to widen Ga. 20

Gwinnett County will get an extra $28 million in funding as it seeks to widen Ga. 20 near Sugar Hill.

The county Board of Commissioners last week approved an updated agreement with the state Department of Transportation that provides the money. It will be used to buy land to widen the highway from Peachtree Industrial Boulevard to the Chattahoochee River. The county already has received $11 million in federal and state funds to buy right of way along the route.

The county will replace the existing two-lane road with a four-lane divided highway. David Wickert

17 schools recognized as AP Honors Schools

Seventeen Gwinnett County Schools recently received state recognition for Advanced Placement college-level rigor.

The campuses were named as “2011 AP Honors Schools” by the Georgia Department of Education. The number of schools recognized as AP Honors Schools jumped from 12 in 2010 to 17 in 2011. Seven were named as “AP Merit Schools” because at least 20 percent of students took AP exams and at least half scored a 3 or higher, enough to earn college credits. D. Aileen Dodd

Fire damage closes Duluth restaurant

A fire that damaged the roof has prompted the temporary closing of Sweet Tomatoes restaurant at 3505 Mall Boulevard in Duluth.

A Gwinnett County police officer saw smoke coming from the roof around 12:42 a.m. Monday while he was patrolling the area. Firefighters arrived four minutes later and had the blaze under control in about half an hour, said Gwinnett fire Capt. Tommy Rutledge. Fire damage was contained to the roof, however there was water and smoke damage in the kitchen and eating areas. Andria Simmons

Pedestrian struck, killed by car on Buford Hwy.

A woman was killed Saturday when she was struck by a vehicle while trying to cross Buford Highway, police said Monday.

Sherri D. Parker, 44, of Thomasville was walking along Buford Highway south of Jimmy Carter Boulevard when she stepped off the curb into and into the path of a southbound 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Gwinnett police Cpl. Edwin Ritter said. Mike Morris

Gwinnett Place CID directors to meet

The Gwinnett Place Community Improvement District Board of Directors will meet at 9 a.m. Wednesday at the Atlanta Marriott Gwinnett Place, 1775 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth. The board will hear an update on the Pleasant Hill Road bridge diverging diamond intersection construction project. David Wickert

Braselton offers first Citizens Academy

The Town of Braselton is accepting applications for its inaugural Citizens Academy.

The academy will give residents a better understanding of town government. Monthly classes will begin in May and last for six months. The class is open to town residents age 18 and older. The deadline is May 2. Information: Town Manager Jennifer Dees at jdees@braselton.net or 706-654-5720. David Wickert

NORTHSIDE

Forsyth takes up changes in ethics law today

The Forsyth County commissioner in today’s work session will take up the testy matter of making amendments to the county’s 10-year-old Ethics Ordinance. During the first of two public hearings last Thursday nobody spoke in favor of the changes, and seven spoke against two amendments in particular: one that would incorporate penalties up to criminal prosecution for perjury for complaints determined to be “frivolous”; and one that would ban the county from accepting complaints against county political candidates during an election. Jeffry Scott

Forsyth set to alter planning director status

When the last full-time planning director in Forsyth County, Jeff Chance, ran afoul of county regulations for breaking rules and sending sexually-charged emails to his girlfriend, he was fired by the County Commission, then appealed his case to the Forsyth County Civil Service Board. After an eight-day hearing, the board voted not to rehire Chance. But the process was loud, ugly, and expensive. Today the county commission considers making the next planning director an “at will” hire who, if fired, can’t appeal to the Civil Service Board. Jeffry Scott

Alpharetta holds workshop on leaks

The City of Alpharetta is offering two free workshops to learn more about finding and fixing household water leaks.

An open house will be at the Alpharetta Community Center lobby from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 16. Participants can learn how to get information about simple ways to find leaks and make minor repairs. That evening, a fix-a-leak workshop will be from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Ed Isakson/Alpharetta Family YMCA. Patrick Fox

Roswell Green awards to be March 16

Keep Roswell Beautiful will host the Green Business Designation Awards breakfast on March 16. The event will be from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Roswell River Landing at 245 Azalea Drive. Information: 770-641-3715 or jliberman@roswellgov.com by noon March 14. Joel Anderson

Alpharetta looks a store burglary attempt

Alpharetta Police are investigating a burglary attempt that occurred Saturday at the Benchmark Soundworks store.

The alarm was activated at 12:40 a.m. at the store at 197 Roswell Street. When officers arrived, they noticed the front glass door was shattered.

The would-be intruders were nowhere to be found. Nothing was reported stolen from the store, however the suspects cut the power to the building and took the Georgia Power meter box. Police collected a phone inside the building that is believed to belong to the suspects. Andria Simmons

Imagine Roswell 2030 open house Saturday

Roswell officials are inviting residents to attend an open house Saturday for “Imagine Roswell 2030,” the city’s new comprehensive plan.

The open house will be from 9 a.m. to noon at City Hall in Room 220. Information: www.roswellgov.com/imagineroswell2030 or e-mail Imagineroswell2030@roswellgov.com. Joel Anderson

ATLANTA

Councilman to hold town hall meeting

Atlanta City Councilman Ivory Lee Young, Jr. will host his quarterly District 3 town hall meeting todayat 7 p.m. at The Foundry at Puritan Mill, 916 Joseph E. Lowery Boulevard.

The following departments have confirmed attendance: public works; code enforcement; watershed management; fire-rescue; police; the office of sustainability; workforce development; and the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office. Ernie Suggs

Suspects in shooting death surrender

Two suspects in a death that followed a dispute over a barking dog turned themselves in to police Sunday.

Renita D. Collins and Michael D. Stallworth, both 33, face murder charges in the death of Keith Jacobs, 29, last Wednesday, Officer K.Y. Jones with Atlanta police said.

Collins and Stallworth were booked into the Fulton County jail, where they were being held without bond. Alexis Stevens

Child passenger safety course offered

Parents can get a quick course in child passenger safety Thursday at a workshop in Atlanta.

The Child Passenger Safety/Child Safety Seat Workshop will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Emory Medical Building at 49 Jesse Hill Drive. The class is designed to teach parents and caregivers how to safely transport children. The course is sponsored by the Fulton County Health Services. Information: Emory Medical Building at 404-730-1309. Andria Simmons

Carter Center programs raise $841,750

The Carter Center’s peace and health programs recently received a major boost -- to the tune of $841,750.

That’s how much was raised during the annual Winter Weekend auction in Port St. Lucie, Fla. Proceeds will benefit the Atlanta-based Carter Center. The highest-bid item was an original painting by former President Jimmy Carter, which went for $150,000. More than 150 items were offered for auction including a baseball signed by four presidents. Shelia Poole

DEKALB

Former officer indicted on bribery charges

A former DeKalb County police lieutenant was arraigned Monday on allegations that he accepted bribes.

Willie Daren Durrett, 45, of Atlanta, quit his job with the DeKalb County Police Department last week in the midst of the federal investigation.

Durrett is accused of accepting three bribes in 2007 and 2008, said U.S. Attorney Sally Quillian Yates. She said he accepted the bribes from Amin Budhwani, who pleaded guilty in June to paying bribes to DeKalb County Deputy Police Chief Donald E. Frank. Frank and Durrett were indicted March 1. Ty Tagami

Memorial planned for zoning administrator

DeKalb County is organizing a memorial service for a county zoning administrator who died at his desk Friday afternoon.

Kevin Hunter, 54, was working in the Planning Department when he suddenly passed away, county spokesman Burke Brennan said Monday. Hunter worked for DeKalb for 13 years and handled zoning issues for the county, Brennan said.

“Kevin served the citizens of DeKalb County well and will be missed,” CEO Burrell Ellis said Monday in a statement to county employees. “Our condolences and prayers go out to his family.” Megan Matteucci

One dead, one hurt in shooting at apartments

One person is dead and another one injured after a double shooting at a DeKalb apartment complex Monday, DeKalb County Police officer Mekka Parrish said.

The men were shot at the Creekside Corner Apartments at 6306 Turnberry Place. Investigators think the shooting stemmed from a fight that happened at a club earlier that evening. The people involved in the fight all knew each other, investigators said. Investigators have not released information about the possible suspects.

Kristi E. Swartz

Employment fair in Decatur March 15

Dozens of jobs will be available at the Georgia Sustainable Communities’ Alliance employment fair in Decatur. The job fair is scheduled for March 15 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Holiday Inn on Clairemont Avenue in Decatur. The job fair will also host free workshops on resume writing and salary negotiating. Professional attire is required. Megan Matteucci

Learn how to restore historic home

Decatur residents can learn how to restore their historic home at the city’s Old House Fair. The third annual fair will be March 19 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Holiday Inn on Clairemont Avenue. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Information: www.decaturoldhousefair.com. Megan Matteucci

Churchill Society hold first lecture of year

The Churchill Society of Georgia will hold its first lecture of the year Saturday afternoon. Bill Fisher, a Winston Churchill scholar and vice president of the society, will present the chronology and key events of the Gallipoli Campaign, a pivotal battle fought in the Ottoman Empire during World War I. The lecture will be from noon to 2 p.m. at the Dunwoody Tavern on 5488 Chamblee Dunwoody Road.

Information: Joe Wilson at (770) 391-0605 or www.georgiachurchill.com. Joel Anderson

SOUTHSIDE

Ceremony Thursday for Kuwait-bound soldiers

More than 50 soldiers set to deploy to Kuwait will be honored at a ceremony Thursday at Fort Gillem. The 10 a.m. farewell event will be in Building 900 of the U.S. Army Reserve Center at Fort Gillem in Forest Park. A detachment from the 3rd Medical Command is being sent to help with medical operations in the U.S. Central Command area. The unit will go to Fort Lewis, Wash., in mid-March for pre-deployment training before heading to Kuwait. It will serve as the command and control element for more than 20,000 medical and medical support personnel. Tammy Joyner

Penn Hodge picked for Development Authority

Penn Hodge has been appointed to the Development Authority of Fulton County. He was nominated by Fulton County Commissioner Liz Hausmann and confirmed by the full commission this week. “Penn Hodge’s impressive economic development background and his service as a member of the Economic Development Board for the state of Georgia will bring tremendous value to all of Fulton County,” Hausmann said. Hodge serves on the board of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce. NANCY BADERTSCHER

Mundy’s Mill school hosts state drill meet

Mundy’s Mill High School will host the Georgia Championship Drill Meet on March 12. The indoor event will run between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Clayton County has eight Air Force ROTC units. Tammy Joyner

Stockbridge delegation holds town hall meeting

The Stockbridge House Delegation is hosting a town hall meeting March 24 to hear from citizens about the proposed changes in the city charter. The 6:30-9:30 p.m. event will be at the Stockbridge City Hall, 4640 N. Henry Blvd. in Stockbridge. Rep. Steve Davis, chairman of Information and Audits in the Georgia House of Representatives called for the meeting. Other delegates representing Stockbridge also are expected to attend. Citizens will have three minutes each to express their opinions. Tammy Joyner

Peachtree City allows senior apartments

Peachtree City has agreed to rezone a 5.62-acre tract for construction of an apartment complex for seniors over age 62.

After legal negotiations with the Norsouth Development Company, the City Council of Peachtree City agreed on March 3 to allow a 96-unit building off Newgate Road, southwest of the Kedron Village Shopping Center. Local opponents of multifamily housing questioned the fate of the complex if occupancy fell or if the building were to be sold.

Attorneys for the developer and the city said that the age limit would remain in the deed restrictions.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

East Point sewer repair to affect traffic

East Point announced Monday a temporary lane closure to help speed the repair of a sewer line near 2431 Jefferson Terrace. The lane will be closed until 5 p.m. March 14. However, the entire sanitary sewer repair project is anticipated to last four weeks and be finished March 24. Local access will be permitted during working hours. John Thompson for the AJC