County by county news for Tuesday

The group is from Seongdong-Gu, a province of Seoul, and Cobb’s sister-city since 2007. While here, the delegation is scheduled to visit Lockheed Martin, the GE Smart Grid Technology Center, the county’s colleges, as well as tours of Atlanta tourist attractions.

The delegation wraps up its six-day trip on Thursday. Janel Davis

Board of Education calls meeting today

The Cobb County Board of Education plans a called meet for 4:30 p.m. today.

The board, which is conducting a search for a new superintendent, plans to immediately close the meeting to the public to discuss undisclosed personnel matters. The meeting will be held in the board room at 514 Glover Street in Marietta. Nancy Badertscher

3,000 eggs to fall from sky on Saturday

A helicopter will drop more than 3,000 plastic eggs Saturday at the Northeast Cobb Community Egg Drop at Sprayberry High School, 2525 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta. Family activities start 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Egg hunts start 1:20 p.m. for third-fifth graders, 1:30 for kindergarten –second graders and 1:40 p.m. for preschoolers. Information: communityeggdrop.com.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Yaarab Shrine Circus starts this week

The 69th Annual Yaarab Shrine Circus returns to Jim R. Miller Park, 2245 Callaway Road, Marietta, Friday through May 1. There are three shows Saturdays and Sundays, and a 7:30 p.m. show, Monday through Friday. An adjacent midway with more than 40 rides and concessions opens 5 p.m.,Thursday through May 1. Information: www.circus2011.org.

Tucker McQueen

Town hall meeting Powder Springs Thurs.

Powder Springs Mayor Patricia Vaughn and the City Council will hold their annual town hall meeting on Thursday.

Vaughn said the 7 p.m. meeting will be held at the Ford Center behind the Powder Springs Library on Atlanta Street. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Vinings business group holds expo today

The Vinings Business Association will hold its 2nd annual Vinings Business Expo today promoting area businesses, restaurants and upcoming events.

The “Do Business in Vinings” expo is free and open to the public. The expo runs from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Marriott Courtyard Hotel Vinings, 2857 Paces Ferry Road in Atlanta. Free parking is available on site. Information: http://www.viningsbusiness.com

Janel Davis

Library hosts 4th ‘TV Turnoff Week’

The 4th annual “TV Turnoff Week” takes place this week with activities at the Central Library in Marietta. Free drop-in activities will be held each day through Thursday at 6 p.m. A paper airplane obstacle course is scheduled for Friday, and Saturday storytime at 11 a.m. wraps up the week. Information: 770-528-2331 Janel Davis

GWINNETT

Assessment notices on way to homeowners

Gwinnett homeowners should learn soon what the county says their property is worth for tax purposes. On Friday the county mailed 256,000 residential “notices of current assessment” stating 2011 property values.

The figures will be used to calculate this year’s tax bills. Forty percent of the notices, or about 100,000, will show a decrease in value over 2010, county officials say.

The average decrease is about 23 percent. Overall, Gwinnett residential properties lost about $3.3 billion in fair market value in the last year. David Wickert

Sugar Hill community yard sale Friday

Sugar Hill will celebrate Earth Day on Friday with a community yard sale. The sale is scheduled from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Gary Pirkel Park at 6195 Austin Garner Road. Proceeds will go to the White Oak Elementary School outdoor classroom and garden. Information: http://earthdaysugarhill.weebly.com. Joel Anderson

Students head for scholastic competition

Students from the Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology will travel to Washington D.C. this month for a national scholastic competition.

GSMST will represent Georgia at the Academic WorldQuest 2011 tournament on April 29 and 30. The contest tests a students’ knowledge of international affairs, geography, history, culture and current events.

The event will be held at the Georgetown University Conference Center.

This is GSMST’s third straight WorldQuest state title. Parkview High placed second in the local qualifying round. D. Aileen Dodd

County spring recycling event April 30

Gwinnett County will hold its spring recycling event from 8 a.m. to noon April 30 at the Lowe’s store at 3260 Lawrenceville Suwanee Road, Suwanee. Residents can recycle household batteries and compact fluorescent light bulbs. The event also will feature children’s activities. For more information, visit www.sustainablegwinnett.com. David Wickert

Kids night out April 29 in Buford

Gwinnett County will sponsor a kids night out from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. April 29 at Bogan Park Community Recreation Center, 2723 N. Bogan Road, Buford.

Kids can swim, play games, make crafts and have dinner. They should bring a bathing suit and towel and must arrive on time to swim. The event is open to children age 7 to 12. The cost is $12 per person. Pre-registration is required. To register call 770-614-2060.

DAVID WICKERT

Norcross business meet and greet Thursday

Norcross will host its third annual Merchants Meet and Greet breakfast on Thursday morning.

The event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Norcross Community Center at 10 Britt Avenue.

Those interested in attending must RSVP.

Information: Philomena Robertson at 770-448-7327 or probertson@norcrossga.net. Joel Anderson

NORTHSIDE

Forsyth considers making public parks smoke-free

The Forsyth County commission considered in its Tuesday work session whether to make all public parks in the county smoke-free, following similar moves in Alpharetta and Roswell. After some debate over banning smoking or all tobacco, the commissions agreed to make the proposed ordinance ban all tobacco from all parks -- except in parking lots. The measure passed 3-2, with Amos and Levent opposing. The ordinance will have to be written by county staff and go through two public hearings to become law. Jeffry Scott

Canton works on Opportunity Zone

Canton is working with Cherokee County and the City of Ballground to declare the area North of Ballground Highway (Old Ga. 5) and along I-575 as a state-recognized Opportunity Zone. The Canton City Council will discuss adopting the necessary designation to get state approval at their meeting April 21 at 6 p.m. in City Hall at 151 Elizabeth Street. Christopher Quinn

Creekview librarian recognized for work

Buffy Hamilton, Creekview High School’s librarian, was recognized by Library Journal as one of the nation’s 50 influential librarians in the country.

On her blog, The Unquiet Librarian, she speaks out on issues from the challenges of teaching in a test-driven environment to navigating the complexity of Kindle use in school libraries or why librarians should have their own academic departments. She teaches kids to use Net-based learning technologies to research and become forward-thinking users of technology. Christopher Quinn

Thief steals car at gas station in Alpharetta

A thief took a white Saturn Saturday after a woman left her vehicle unlocked with her keys inside at an Alpharetta gas station. The woman was at the RaceTrac at 1545 Mansell Road and walked into the store. A man got into the vehicle and started backing out. The victim tried to thwart the theft by jumping on the hood of her car. She slid off as the vehicle pulled out. The vehicle was abandoned at North Springs MARTA station. Andria Simmons

Drug take back event on April 30

The city of Johns Creek is participating in the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on April 30. Residents can get rid of expired, unwanted or unused pharmaceutical drugs by bringing them to RBC Bank at 11758 Jones Bridge Road between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The event is sponsored by Johns Creek Police Department in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration to reduce prescription drug abuse. Last year, Americans turned in more than 121 tons of unwanted prescription drugs during the first “National Take Back” Day. Andria Simmons

Business 400 network event tonight

Business 400 will host a “speed networking event” this evening at the Forsyth Conference Center. The meeting will start at 6:15 p.m. at the center on the Lanier Technical College campus at 7745 Majors Road in Cumming. The cost is $5 for members and $15 for nonmembers. Information: www.business400.com. Joel Anderson

ATLANTA

Chamber seminar: Doing business in Africa

The French American Chamber of Commerce-Atlanta and the Alliance Française of Atlanta will hold a seminar, “Doing Business in French-Speaking Africa,” covering challenges posed by unstable governments and corruption, on Wednesday from 7:45 to 11:15 a.m. at 1360 Peachtree Rd., NE, Atlanta. Speakers include Cynthia Nash, honorary consul general of Liberia, and Guyeye Azziz, director of tourism for Senegal.

Tickets are $20 for chamber and alliance members, $30 for nonmembers and free for students.

Information: 404-997-6800 or events@facc-atlanta.com. Johnny Edwards

Mock funerals a lesson in drunk driving danger

Frederick Douglass High School will host mock funerals for 15 students Thursday to teach about the dangers of drunk driving.

Atlanta Fire Rescue will assist the school with the annual “Ghost Out” program.

As part of the program, 15 students will be selected to be part of a staged alcohol or drug-related crash.

Firefighters will help act out the crash, students will write obituaries and mock funerals will be held, firefighters said. Megan Matteucci

Kirkwood residents learn about 911 center

Kirkwood residents are working to reduce crime in their neighborhood by learning about Atlanta’s 911 center.

The Kirkwood Neighbors’ Organization will hold a special town hall forum on Wednesday with Atlanta Police officials. The forum is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at the Bessie Branham Recreation Center at 2051 Delano Ave. Megan Matteucci

Darnell Annual Hat Show on Wednesday

The Darnell Annual Hat Show will be Wednesday, from 3 to 5 p.m., at the Harriett G. Darnell Senior Multipurpose Facility, 677 Fairburn Road, NW, Atlanta. Put on by Fulton County Housing and Human Services, the show has models wearing arrays of hat styles for all seasons. Information: 404-699-8580. Johnny Edwards

DEKALB

Weather pushes Hike and Bike event to May 14

The bad weather late Friday forced DeKalb County officials to postpone the CEO’s Hike and Bike Greenspace Tour. The event’s now set for May 14 at 9 a.m. at Arabia Mountain High School’s staging area, 6610 Browns Mill Road, Lithonia.

DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis will led the tour through the 2,000 acre county park, which features a granite outcrop, wetlands, pine and oak forests, streams, a lake and plenty of greenspace.

Pre-registration is still available online at www.dekalbcountyga.gov. Nancy Badertscher

Decatur school chief looks at budget cuts

Decatur Schools Superintendent Dr. Phyllis Edwards says she’ll probably shave $750,000 to $1 million from next year’s budget.

She doesn’t anticipate cutting days from teacher schedules, but salaries will be frozen for a second straight year. A few staff positions may be eliminated, along with cuts in materials and other administrative costs. Edwards said Decatur schools are funded 70 percent by taxpayers and 30 percent by the state, adding that, “I think a healthy percentage is closer to 50-50.” The precise 2011-12 budget will probably be announced after the school board’s April 25 full-day budget hearing. Bill Banks for the AJC

County gets loan until tax revenues arrive

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners voted to take out a $150 million tax anticipation note, to cover expenses until tax revenue is collected. The loan will help fund the county over the summer months, before the first property tax bills are paid. Money to repay the loan, which is due at the end of the year, will come from tax revenue, commissioners said.

Michelle Shaw

County reports 5,720 gallons in sewage spills

More than 5,000 gallons of raw sewage spilled into DeKalb County waterways late last week.

County water reports shows 5,720 gallons of sewage spilled into Nancy Creek from the 4100 block of Woodwin Court in Doraville.

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

Hydrant work may discolor drinking water

Officials with the city of Decatur announced Monday that the Fire Department will be performing hydrant maintenance for the next four weeks. As a result, some residents may see some discoloration in their water, but officials say it is not harmful and will quickly dissipate. Hydrants also are being flushed and painted, which could mean some water will be in the streets at some locations. Nancy Badertscher

Doraville to have amnesty day for tickets

Doraville’s Municipal Court has scheduled an amnesty day for people who have past due, unpaid traffic tickets.

The amnesty day will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 30 at Municipal Court 3765 Park Ave., Doraville. Fees for past due citations will be waived, but the original citation fines will be due. Information: call the court at 770-455-1001. Rich McKay

SOUTHSIDE

Seniors take advantage of DART service

The number of seniors using Fulton County’s Dial-A-Ride Transportation for Seniors, or DARTS, more than doubled in its second quarter of existence. Since December, the number of seniors who have used the service has increased from 111 to 236 and the number registered has jumped from 299 to 746, according to a report from Housing and Human Services. DARTS, budgeted for $477,500 this year, gives van rides to Social Security offices, shopping centers, post offices, banks, grocery stores and other vital goods and services. Information: 404-613-6000. Johnny Edwards

More stabilization money goes to Henry

Henry County is receiving $1.2 million from HUD and $530,000 from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs for the next round of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, county officials said. The Board of Commissioners at its April 18 meeting approved requests for proposals from potential asset managers, appraisers and home inspectors. Henry is one of only three municipalities in the state operating in the third round of the NSP.

Monroe Roark for the AJC

Community school sets summer schedule

Fayette County’s Community School has set its summer schedule for classes and camps. Activities include baseball, basketball, football, cheerleading, music, science, art and math.

Registration can be done by phone at (770) 460-3990, ext. 470 or by e-mail to campbell.cindy@mail.fcboe. Walk-in registration at the LaFayette Educational Center in Fayetteville is open Mon.-Thurs. 8 a.m.-9 p.m. and Fridays 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Payment must be by cash, money order or credit card. Schedules and deadlines are posted at www.fayettecs.org/up_co_class.htm. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Tyrone school art show to be Thursday

Tyrone Elementary School’s second annual Houston Garden Art Show will unveil works by young artists on Thursday from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at 876 Senoia Road. Works for sale include framed drawings and paintings as well as ceramics. Guests may stroll in the school’s garden while listening to the Sandy Creek High School Jazz Band, whose concert starts at 5 p.m. Admission is free.

Sales proceeds will be used to buy school art supplies for next year. For information, call (770) 631-3265. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Henry police join Flint drug task force

The Henry County Police Department will become a member of the Flint Judicial Drug Task Force, joining the Henry County Sheriff’s Department and the cities of Hampton, Locust Grove and McDonough. The Board of Commissioners at its April 18 meeting approved the move. Monroe Roark for the AJC