County by county news for Tuesday

The ceremony will be in the historic Marietta Square beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Officers from the North Metro FOP Lodge 13 who have made the ultimate sacrifice include: Lt. John Hood, Sgt. Steve Reeves, Deputy Don Garrison, and Officers Drew Brown, Robbie Ingram, Stephen Gilner and Freddie Norman. Andria Simmons

Volunteers needed for book giveaway

Volunteers are needed on Thursday to help give away around 2,500 donated books to 800 students at Powder Springs Elementary School.

Powder Springs Councilwoman Cheryl Sarvis said the distribution of free books will last throughout the day.

Information: Powder Springs City Hall, 770-943-1666. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Information fair for seniors on May 11

Seniors age 55 and older, adult children and caregivers are invited to a free information fair on May 11 hosted by the Cobb Senior Services staff.

The fair will featuring information on a variety of topics, including, Medicare, independent and assisted living and living wills. Blood pressure, skin cancer screenings and basic eye exams will be provided by the Marietta Lions Club.

The information fair runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cobb Civic Center, 548 Marietta Pkwy. in Marietta.

Information: http://www.cobbcounty.org/seniors; or call, 770-528-1445.

Janel Davis

‘Swing into Spring’ golf tourney May 6

Emory-Adventist Hospital will hold its annual “Swing into Spring” golf tournament May 6 in Woodstock.

The tournament is sponsored by the Foundation of Emory-Adventist Hospital at Smyrna, and proceeds from the event will go towards the hospital’s digital mammography equipment. Registration: call, 770-438-5232 Janel Davis

Students to film commercial on clean air

Representatives from The Clean Air Campaign will visit second graders at Kennesaw Elementary School’s Green Club during Air Quality Awareness Week. The officials will be on hand to see students film a commercial that discusses the importance of clean air and why students should ride the bus to school. The commercial will be aired throughout the entire school later this month. Nancy Badertscher

Help clean Kennesaw’s historic cemetery

The Kennesaw Cemetery Preservation Committee is hosting an event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 7 called Decoration Day, dedicated to beautifying Kennesaw’s historic cemetery. “Each year, we take time to spruce up family gravesites, plant flowers, and clean grave markers. It is our way of showing respect to those that have passed,” said Mary Helyn Hagin in a press release. She is the Decoration Day coordinator. “It is a day of friendship and fellowship as we honor our heritage.” Information: 770-424-8274

RICH MCKAY

GWINNETT

Brothers arrested in fatal stabbing in Norcross

Gwinnett County Police have arrested two brothers in connection with a fatal stabbing Sunday morning at a Norcross apartment complex.

Agustin Rangel-Oviedo, 21, and Rogelio Rangel-Oviedo, 18, were arrested after being questioned by Gwinnett investigators in connection with the killing of Sifredo Palma, 20, of Norcross, police said. Officers found Palma stabbed multiple times at the Sinclair Apartments off South Norcross Tucker Road around 8:45 a.m. Sunday. He was transported to Gwinnett Medical Center, where he died from his injuries. Andria Simmons

Pet owners invited to Wooftstock in Suwanee

Pet owners and animal enthusiasts are invited to Suwanee’s Town Center Park for the annual Woofstock celebration 1 -- 8 p.m. Saturday.

Woofstock will have more than 30 pet vendors, 15 nonprofit and rescue groups, inflatables for children, food and drinks and several live musical performances.

Admission is free. Dogs, cats, birds, ferrets and other pets are welcome. All animals must be on a leash and owners must clean up after their pets.

Information: www.suwanee.com or www.star94.com. Joel Anderson

Spring fling, yard sale this weekend

Gwinnett County will hold a “spring fling” and yard sale 9 a.m. -- 2 p.m. May 7 at Lucky Shoals Park Community Recreation Center, 4651 Britt Road, Norcross. Reservations are required for sellers, and space is limited. The cost for sellers is $25 per space with a 6-foot table or $15 per space without a table. To register, call 770-723-9516. David Wickert

Department issues pedestrian safety tips

As the weather gets warmer, the Gwinnett County Department of Fire and Emergency Services encourages you to remember safety tips for pedestrians.

Walk on the sidewalk, or as close to the left side of the street as possible, facing traffic. Cross at the crosswalk. Obey traffic signals, and watch for turning traffic and for vehicles backing out of driveways. Also, teach children not to play in the street.

Finally, hold a child’s hand when crossing the street. Andria Simmons

Firefighters: ‘Give Burns the Boot’

The Gwinnett County Department of Fire and Emergency Services is joining more than 100 other fire departments across Georgia in the 21st Annual “Give Burns The Boot” drive.

The fundraiser benefits the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation. Firefighters will be collecting donations and distributing fire safety education materials at area businesses and shopping centers around Gwinnett on three upcoming Saturdays: May 7, 14, and 21. Andria Simmons

Playhouse ends season

The Aurora Children’s Playhouse will finish the year with two performances in May. “A Musical Tour through Latin America” comes on May 14, followed by “Pirate Goody and the Magic Chest” on May 21. Tickets are $7. Reservations:678-226-6222. Information: www.auroratheatre.com. Joel Anderson

NORTHSIDE

Johns Creek firefighters rescue four from river

Four people were rescued from the Chattahoochee River late Sunday in Johns Creek.

The group called for assistance after getting stuck on some rocks, Doug Nurse, spokesman for Johns Creek, told the AJC.

Johns Creek firefighters were able to rescue the group, according Capt. Tommy Rutledge with the Gwinnett County fire department. Gwinnett County and Roswell firefighters were called in to assist. Andria Simmons

Parks to feature vendor who cater to seniors

Alpharetta Parks will host a showcase of vendors specializing in services to seniors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at North Park’s Adult Activity Center, 13450 Cogburn Road. Vendors will provide information on transportation, in-home care, insurance, health care, blood pressure checks, Medicare, independent and assisted living options, safety and more. There will also be drawings for door prizes and light refreshments for participants. Admission is free. Vendor application deadline is Friday. Information: 678-297-6140. Patrick Fox

Business 400 hosts networking event

Business 400 will host a “Cinco De Mayo” networking event 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Today at the center on the Lanier Technical College campus, 7745 Majors Road in Cumming.

The cost is $5 for members and $15 for nonmembers.

Business 400 is an Atlanta-based business group that creates networking opportunities for businesspeople along the Ga. 400 corridor. Information: www.business400.com.

Joel Anderson

School to raise money for Japan victims

River Trail Middle School in Johns Creek plans to raise money for the victims of Japan’s recent devastation by hosting a student vs. faculty and staff basketball game at 4 p.m. Wednesday.

The students are hoping to raise $1,000.

Nancy Badertscher

Mother’s potluck set for Saturday

Alpharetta Parks is sponsoring its Mother-Daughter-Granddaughter Luncheon at 11 a.m. May 7 at the Alpharetta Adult Activity Center at North Park.

The event is geared toward mothers, daughters, grandmothers, granddaughters, aunts and nieces. Participants are asked to bring a covered dish to share. Reservations are required, and a complimentary photo of each family will be taken.

Information: 678-297-6140 or email activeadults@alpharetta.ga.us. Patrick Fox

Residents urged to sign up for reverse 911

With unpredictable spring weather looming, Sandy Springs is asking residents to sign up for its reverse 911 system.

Code Red automatically calls residents and businesses with a recorded message from the National Weather Service if a severe weather warning has been issued.

To register your home or mobile phone number, visit https://cne.coderedweb.com. April Hunt

ATLANTA

Atlanta man held on firearms charges

A 29-year-old Atlanta man has been arrested and ordered detained on charges he ran a straw purchase scam to illegally obtain firearms, federal prosecutors said. Aubrey Thomas Phillips Jr. is charged with conspiring in March 2010 with Danielle Nicole McCaslin, 22, of Atlanta, who made false representations when she illegally bought six handguns for Phillips from a dealer in Jonesboro. McCaslin pleaded guilty April 11 to lying on her background application so she could buy the guns for Phillips, a convicted felon. Bill Rankin

Mayor Reed to speak in Washington

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed will take his show to Washington today. Reed will speak at the National Press Club and release the results of the United States Conference of Mayors Metropolitan Transportation Survey. He will speak at 9 a.m. at the National Press Club, First Amendment Lounge, 529 14th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. Ernie Suggs

Seniors come to party at city hall

Atlanta seniors literally took over City Hall Monday for an all-day party, full of songs, food, fun and most importantly, information gathering.

The hundreds of seniors were on hand as Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed kicked off Older Atlantans Month with the party and a senior fair. At the event, Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran unveiled Senior Link, a new initiative that will serve as a channel to identify seniors living in neglectful conditions and link them with the appropriate social service agencies . Ernie Suggs

Head-on collision kills high school student

A high school student was killed and two other people injured late Saturday night in a head-on collision in southwest Atlanta. A vehicle traveling west on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive crossed the center line and struck a truck at the intersection of Westlake Boulevard, police said. The deceased man as Justin Moss, 18. Moss attended Tri-Cities High School in East Point. Joel Provano

DEKALB

Teacher receives international honor

Christie Schmitt of Arabia Mountain High School was one of four teachers from across the country named a Distinguished Technology Educator by the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association. The title is a mark of distinction in technology and engineering, and recognizes technology educators who have shown a high level of competence in technology education.

Information: www.iteea.org

Jaime Sarrio

Ambush kills pregnant woman, injures husband

A pregnant woman was killed and her husband injured when shots were fired outside a DeKalb County apartment complex early Sunday.

Two men opened fire on the couple at the Retreat at Stonecrest Apartments on Amanda Drive near Lithonia at about 2 a.m., according to Darrien Thomas, spokesman for DeKalb County police. Witnesses told police the husband and wife had gotten out of their vehicle and were walking toward building 300 when they were ambushed. The woman’s baby was delivered by doctors at the hospital, but he did not survive, Channel 2 Action News reported. ALEXIS STEVENS

Decatur has inside scoop on Baskin-Robbins

It seems a good bet that Decatur will soon get its own Baskin-Robbins store, especially considering the city has inside connections. Bill Mitchell, the ice cream company’s vice president of U.S. operations, grew up on Kirk Road near Agnes Scott College. Mitchell, who was in town recently for a company promotion, will talk with the city next week, according Linda Harris, Decatur’s Assistant Director for Community and Economic Development. “There’s nothing official yet,” Harris said, “but he loves this city, and currently we don’t have a store devoted exclusively to ice cream.” Bill Banks for the AJC

Dunwoody Green Market returns

The Dunwoody Green Market, a seasonal farmers market, has returned for its sixth year.

The market opened last Wednesday at 1551 Dunwoody Village Parkway. It will hold weekly hours from 8 a.m. to noon every Wednesday until November. The market features only vendors who make or grow their own products. Information: www.dunwoodygreenmarket.com. April Hunt

Dunwoody assumes brick paver collections

Dunwoody is taking over the collection of brick pavers at the veteran memorial in Brook Run Park. Veterans groups had overseen the program, which installs engraved pavers as a way to maintain the memorial. The current organizer is turning over the program, and $5,000 raised through the sale of bricks, to the city. April Hunt

Sewage spill into Burnt Fork Creek reported

Raw sewage spilled into at least one DeKalb County waterway Saturday, according to the watershed management department. County water reports show a 1,260-gallon spill into Burnt Fork Creek from the 1500 block of Country Squire Court in Decatur.

In December, the federal Environmental Protection Agency mandated the county upgrade its sewage system after more than 800 spills were reported in five years. Michelle Shaw

SOUTHSIDE

Chief appraiser agrees to stay on job for a year

Fulton County Chief Appraiser Burt Manning has told the Board of Assessors he will work for one more year, then retire. His five-year contract ends in July, but Manning agreed to a nine-month extension. Pay terms are still being negotiated, Manning said.

Manning, 66, took over the tax assessors department after a scathing audit led to the ouster of the former chief appraiser and others. He said that after 40 years in the appraisal business, he’s ready to hang it up. He previously worked in DeKalb, Clayton, Glynn, Chatham and McIntosh counties. JOHNNY EDWARDS

Peachtree City needs cleanup volunteers

Peachtree City wants help with some major spring cleaning during its annual Great Path Cleanup on Saturday, May 7.

Groups and individuals are invited to help pick up litter between 9 a.m. and noon. Members of Keep Peachtree City Beautiful will staff trash collection stations in 14 zones throughout the city. Bulk waste also may be dropped off at the Peachtree City Recycling Center on Rockaway Road.

Groups interested in adopting a specific zone should call the Public Works office at 770-487-5183 or e-mail Linda@peachtree-city.org. Jill Howard Church for the ajc

Fayette schools offers online survey

Parents, employees and other stakeholders can use an online survey to give Fayette County Public Schools some feedback.

The Needs Assessment Survey will be available until May 20 at www.fcboe.org and via links on individual school Web sites. Questions pertain to curricula, administration, communication, resources and staff.

Survey results will help the school system determine where to make improvements and allocate resources. Jill Howard Church for the ajc

Taste of East Point this weekend

The heart of downtown East Point will come alive Saturday for the annual, “Taste of East Point. . .and the Tri-Cities Area” at 1612 West Cleveland Ave., across from the East Point MARTA station. The event showcases the wonderful food, art and music in East Point, Hapeville and College Park. Attendees purchase tickets and exchange them for “tastes” of a wide variety of several local restaurants’ cuisine. The event runs from 4 p.m.-9 p.m. John Thompson for the AJC

Humane Society hosts yard sale

The Clayton County Humane Society is hosting a yard sale 8 a.m. Saturday in the Jonesboro High School Vocational Building parking lot. Furniture, appliances, electronics, books, children’s toys and much more will be available. Information: Clayton County Humane Society at 770-471-9436. Tammy Joyner

Piano virtuoso to perform at CSU

Piano virtuoso Pierre-Laurent Aimard will perform at Spivey Hall at Clayton State University on Saturday at 8:15 p.m. This will mark the Atlanta debut for the French pianist who has graced some of the most important world stages like Carnegie Hall, the Opera de Paris, the Berlin Philharmonic and Konzerthaus Vienna. Tammy Joyner