County by county news for Tuesday

Janel Davis

School chief hosts meeting on bond vote

Marietta City Schools Superintendent Emily Lembeck will talk about an upcoming $7.14 million bond referendum at forum at 6:30 tonight at Zion Baptist Church, 165 Lemon St., Marietta. Residents will vote March 6 on a city general obligation bond to build a multi-use auditorium at Marietta High School.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Smyrna holiday lights festival tonight

Smyrna will turn on its downtown holiday lights at a ”Coming Home for the Holidays”‘ program from 5 to 9 tonight at the Smyrna Community Center, 200 Village Green Circle. The event will include musical performances at the Community Center and Santa lighting the city’s big Christmas tree at 7 p.m. on the Village Green.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Holiday events planned for Cobb on Saturday

Two holiday events are set for Saturday in Cobb.

Cobb parks staff will host the 7th annual Candy Cane Hunt at Mable House, 5239 Floyd Road, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Event includes cookie decorating and visits and $5 photos with Santa. Information: 770-528-8454.

St. Nick’s Café presents the play “All Through the Houze,” based on “Twas the Night Before Christmas” at The Art Place-Mountain View, 3330 Sandy Plains Road. Shows begin at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m., and 12:30 p.m. Tickets: $10, including meal, show, ornaments and a Santa visit. Information: 770-509-2700

Janel Davis

Marietta City Council meets Wednesday

The Marietta City Council will meet for committees and an agenda work session at 5:15 p.m., Wednesday in the City Council chamber on the lobby level of City Hall, 205 Lawrence Street. Included on the agenda are presentations from the Public Works, Finance and Investment, Personnel and Insurance, and Parks, Recreation and Tourism committees.

Jeffry Scott

Marietta police offer crime prevention tips

The Marietta Police Department is helping citizens have a safer holiday season with its 2011 Holiday Season Crime Prevention Plan. They will employ a variety of safety measures including hidden surveillance in business areas and increased patrols in shopping areas, residential communities and at financial institutions.

Safety checkpoints and intensive DUI enforcement will also be increased. If you will be traveling this holiday season, call the department to place your home on a patrol list so officers can check on your home while you are away.

ANDRIA SIMMONS

DEKALB

DeKalb water and sewer bonds get “A+”

A credit rating agency has given DeKalb County government’s recent water and sewer revenue bonds a strong, though not perfect, grade.

Standard & Poor’s Financial Services notified DeKalb officials that it was giving a long-term “A+” to the county’s 2011A series bonds. The agency gave the county’s other water and sewer revenue bonds an “AA-.”

An “A” from S&P indicates a “strong” ability to meet debts but susceptibility to adversity and change. S&P attributed “solid operations” to the new ratings, but county CEO Burrell Ellis said the grades also recognized cost-cutting.

In August, another agency, Moody’s Investors Service, reaffirmed the “Aa3” rating it had given DeKalb’s general obligation debt.

Ty Tagami

Developer to discuss planned Walmart

A developer will meet Wednesday with Decatur residents to discuss plans to renovate a mall just north of the city limits.

Selig Enterprises wants to redevelop Suburban Plaza on North Decatur Road between Church Street and Medlock Road, and Walmart wants to build a new store there.

The meeting with the Decatur Heights Neighborhood Association and nearby businesses is at 7 p.m. at the medical theater of DeKalb Medical, according to DeKalb County Commissioner Jeff Rader’s office. The renovation hinges on a parking variance from the zoning appeals board.

Ty Tagami

Decatur school chief lists SPLOST projects

Decatur schools superintendent Phyllis Edwards named several projects she’d like to see completed with funds from the one percent special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) extension recently passed by 63 percent of DeKalb County voters. Among the projects she’d like to see is Renfroe Middle School’s old gym reconverted into classrooms. She also hopes the district will acquire new property for its central offices and turn Westchester, the district’s current central office location, back into a school. Edwards anticipates the system will receive $12 to $13 million over five years from the SPLOST.

Bill Banks for the AJC

Decatur retailers host “Terrific Thursdays”

Decatur commences its popular “Terrific Thursdays” beginning Thursday through Dec. 15. A number of the city’s retail outlets and 52 restaurants are offering discounts, free beverages and appetizers on those three days only. The third annual Decatur Christmas Tree Lighting will open this year’s Terrific Thursdays at 7 p.m. on East Court Square featuring a 20-foot tree atop Little Shop of Stories. The event features carols from the Fifth Avenue 4/5 Academy, sweet snacks and a personal appearance by Santa.

Bill Banks for the AJC

Store to be Toys for Toys collection point

Picayune Toy Store at 2482 Jett Ferry Road in Dunwoody will again be a drop off location for the Toys for Tots program. Donations of new and unwrapped toys can be made for this U.S. Marine Corps Reserve campaign for local children. Information: Becky Goblish at 770-395-0890.

Kenneth Musisi

GWINNETT

Gwinnett schools lauded for energy efficiency

The Gwinnett school district has been recognized for its efforts to build energy efficient campuses. The district was awarded the 2011 Leadership in Energy Efficiency Award from the United States Green Building Council’s Georgia chapter. The organization recognizes environmentally responsible construction. More than 100 of Gwinnett’s public schools are ENERGY STAR certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for superior energy performance. The district also uses waterless urinals.

D. Aileen Dodd

Woman charged in fight at Gwinnett nail salon

A Stone Mountain woman accused of initiating a brawl inside a Gwinnett County nail salon last week was arrested Monday on charges including aggravated battery and fighting in public.

Cell phone video showed Monnessia Wright, 35, throwing a porcelain bowl that smashed into pieces and hit a 17-year-old customer, breaking two of her teeth, said Gwinnett County police spokesman Jake Smith. Ashley Corbett also sustained cuts to her leg, chin and hip in last Monday’s melee at Regal Nails in the Walmart on Centerville Highway near Snellville.

Wright was taken to the Gwinnett County Detention Center.

Christian Boone

Duluth clinic to mark World AIDS Day

Ric Crawford Clinic, formerly AID Gwinnett, at 3075 Breckinridge Blvd., Suite 415, in Duluth, is honoring its 20th anniversary and World AIDS Day Thursday with a ceremony from 11 a.m. to noon. The ceremony is open to community members, volunteers, clients and friends of the agency. The clinic will be offering free rapid HIV testing from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Information: www.aidgwinnett.org or call 678-990-6430.

Kenneth Musisi

Gwinnett shelter needs volunteers, money

The SaltLight Center, Gwinnett County’s only cold-weather emergency shelter for homeless women and children, which opened its doors on Nov. 15, needs volunteers and supplies. The center planned to start with 12 beds but hopes to grow. Organizers need volunteers, Quicktrip gas cards to transport guests and people to provide dinners. Financial contributions can be made to Family Promise of Gwinnett County, P.O. Box 464971, Lawrenceville, GA, 30042 or online at www.familypromisegwinnett.org. Information: contact Carol Karpf at 770-885-2947.

Kenneth Musisi

Christmas parade in Lilburn Saturday

Lilburn will kick off its annual Christmas Parade at 10 a.m. Saturday. The parade route extends along Main Street to the grandstands in front of Lilburn City Hall at 76 Main Street. After the parade, revelers are invited to City Park for pictures with Santa, live music and hot refreshments.

The grand marshal of the parade will be the Gwinnett Braves Chopper. All proceeds from the parade will go to the Lilburn Cooperative Ministry.

Joel Anderson

NORTHSIDE

Milton residents can weigh in on parks plan

Two public meetings will kick off Milton’s Parks and Recreation planning process at 7 p.m. tonight and tomorrow. The first meeting will cover the master plan, which lays out the timeline and expectations for all current and future department activities. The second meeting covers the trail plan update, which seeks to establish a system of pedestrian trails linking neighborhoods and public facilities. The meetings will be in City Council Chambers at Milton City Hall at 13000 Deerfield Parkway, Suite 107 E.

Andria Simmons

Kemp to address North Fulton chamber

Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp headlines today’s Eggs & Enterprises breakfast, sponsored by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce. The 7:30 a.m. breakfast takes place at the Country Club of the South, 4100 Old Alabama Road in Johns Creek. Admission is $25 for chamber members; $50 for non-members.

Nancy Badertscher

Annual tree lighting in Roswell Saturday

They’re getting in the spirit Saturday in Roswell. The city’s annual lighting of the historic town square begins at 5 p.m. and includes performances by the Hillside Elementary singers, the River Eves Choir, Esther Jackson Chorus and Roswell Ramblers Almost Singers, followed by a reading of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas with Mayor Jere Wood. Children 12 and under then can hope a holiday bus to Roswell Adult Recreation Center to shop for reasonably priced gifts at Santa’s Secret Gift Shop, including some handmade by the Roswell Ramblers Senior Citizen Club. Gift wrapping is free. Photos with Santa available for a nominal fee.

Nancy Badertscher

Man skips out on cab fare, leaves wallet

Alpharetta Police tracked down a man who tried to skip out on paying his taxi cab fare Sunday, but made the mistake of leaving his wallet behind.

The man ran out of the cab at 3:48 a.m. after the driver stopped on Manning Drive. Within minutes, police were able to use his I.D. to track him to his address a few blocks away. The cab driver offered not to press charges as long as he was paid, and the would-be thief complied. Andria Simmons

School board to discuss legislative agenda

The Fulton County school board will meet in Atlanta today Tuesday to discuss the district’s legislative agenda. Board members will meet with the school system’s legislative liaison at 10 a.m. in the offices of Peachtree Government Affairs, 1201 West Peachtree Street, Suite 2000, in Atlanta.

D. Aileen Dodd

Johns Creek runoff vote under way

Voters can cast early ballots until Friday in the Dec. 6 runoff between Steven Broadbent and Brad Raffensperger for Johns Creek City Council post 2. Voting is at the Fulton County Government Center, the North Fulton Annex and the South Fulton Annex from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Requests for absentee ballots can be mailed or faxed until Dec. 2. Information: 404-730-7020.

Johnny Edwards

Southside

Appeals court upholds dismissal

The federal appeals court in Atlanta has upheld the dismissal of a race discrimination lawsuit against Clayton State University by a former continuing education instructor who taught computer classes. Karen Maddox-Jones, who is African-American, filed suit against the state university system in 2008 after Clayton State ended her employment there. Because Maddox-Jones could not show that persons outside her protected class were shown more favorable treatment, she could not prove her case, the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decided.

Bill Rankin

Workshop for women in cancer treatment

The American Cancer Society will offer a Look Good…Feel Better workshop at Southern Regional Medical Center on Tuesday, Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to noon. The workshop provides beauty enhancement tips to women undergoing cancer treatment. The program is a partnership of the American Cancer Society, the Personal Care Products Council Foundation and the National Cosmetology Association. Details: the American Cancer Society at 770 631-0625 or email nichole.adams@cancer.org.

Tammy Joyner

Fayetteville’s holiday ornament debuts

The latest holiday ornament to depict a historic Fayetteville location is now on sale. The ornament is a replica of the Fayette County Jailhouse that once stood on Lanier Avenue near the Old Courthouse. The building was torn down about 50 years ago, but archival photographs remain. The $15 ornament is available at Fayetteville City Hall and at the Train Depot/Welcome Center downtown.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Henry school board members honored

Two members of the Henry County Board of Education were recently recognized by the Georgia School Board Association for 15 years of service. Dr. Pam Nutt of District 1 and Charles Vickery of District 3 were elected in 1996 and began their first term in January of 1997.

Monroe Roark for the AJC

Hospital wins approval to join Piedmont

Piedmont Healthcare and Henry Medical Center announced Monday that their partnership deal has won approval from the state Attorney General’s office -- the last step in finalizing the deal.

The approval clears the way for Henry Medical to become an official part of the Piedmont system on January 1. Piedmont will lease the hospital’s facilities and take over day-to-day operations, with oversight by a newly constituted board of directors for Henry Medical Center. The hospital, a 215-bed facility in Stockbridge, is owned by the Hospital Authority of Henry County.

Carrie Teegardin

Holiday Festival in Stockbridge tonight

Stockbridge’s annual Holiday Festival is from 5-9 tonight at the Merle Manders Conference Center. There will be a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus and music. The event is free.

Monroe Roark for the AJC

ATLANTA

Man goes to prison for Ponzi scheme

A federal judge in Atlanta last week sentenced a man to prison for starting a Ponzi scheme while on home confinement for a prior securities fraud conviction.

Jon Edward Hankins, 38, was given three years and four months in prison for wire fraud, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. In late 2009, Hankins began soliciting investors, saying he managed more than $100 million in assets and that a retired general and the son of a former cabinet secretary were directors of his “Strategic Arbitrage Fund,” when in fact it was all a sham, prosecutors said. Bill Rankin

Atlanta doctor, two others indicted for fraud

An Atlanta obstetrician and gynecologist and two employees have been indicted for fraudulently billing Medicaid for services that were either not provided in full or not provided at all between 2004 and 2008, the state Attorney General’s Office said.

Nathaniel Johnson III, an ob-gyn who owned Regency Professional Services for Women, was formerly charged by a Fulton County grand jury, as were Regency employees Jeff Romeus and Jasmin Tunica-El. Romeus and Tunica-El were also charged with practicing medicine without a license.

Bill Rankin

School will add immersion program

The Atlanta International School recently broke ground on a new early learning center that will expose preschool students to immersion Spanish, French and German.

The building is named in honor of the school’s founding headmaster. The Alex Horsley Building will house a full immersion program that will open to three-and-four-year-olds in late August 2012.

The site is located at 34-38 Peachtree Avenue across the street from Atlanta International School’s Adair Art, Science and Design Center.

The application deadline for the program is Jan. 31.

D. Aileen Dodd