County by county news for Tuesday

Administrators and board members will discuss with community members measures of performance Wednesday. Past discussions included "identification and prioritization of goals" and "identification of strategic actions."

Daarel Burnette II

Cobb teen dies of wreck injuries

A teen involved in a head-on collision has died of his injuries, police said Monday. Ryan Aschenbach, 18, lost control of his 2006 Volvo while driving north on Trickum Road around 6:30 p.m. Saturday and crossed the center line, striking a 1998 Lexus, police said

Aschenbach, of Marietta, and the driver of the Lexus, Joanne Green, 52, of Roswell, were transported to WellStar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta for treatment.

Two passengers in Aschenbach's car were also injured: Christopher Heitzman, 18, and Tyler Seaman, 18, both of Marietta. Their conditions were not available. Staff reports

Cobb EMC director discusses co-op

Tripper Sharp, a new director on the Cobb EMC board will speak 7 p.m. Tuesday at the monthly meeting of the Cobb Alliance for Energy at Rib Ranch Restaurant, 2063 Canton Road, Marietta.

Sharp, who was also one of the plaintiffs in a 2007 member-led lawsuit against the company, will discuss the new direction of the board, including energy policies, electricity rates and the prospects for leadership changes in the Marietta co-op. e.

Information: David Carlson, 813-390-7067 Janel Davis

Marietta Campmeeting celebrates 175th year

The 175th anniversary of the Marietta Campmeeting, a celebration worshipping God, is set for July 13-22 at 2301 Roswell Road, Marietta. Daily service times are 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. A free special anniversary celebration event will be 12:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. July 14. The celebration will have music, barbecue, hotdogs, games, moonwalks, sno-cones and much more.

Information: www.mariettacampmeeting.org. Kenneth Musisi

Marietta opens senior wellness center

A new senior wellness center in Marietta is hosting an open house 2 p.m. today at the Central Library, 266 Roswell Street in Marietta. The facility, housed with other government offices in a renovated strip shopping center along Powder Springs Street, is scheduled to open in August. Information, registration: 770-528-7953. Janel Davis

Powder Springs library presents toad topic

The Watershed Management team of the Cobb Water Department will present a free program on frogs and toads for children 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Powder Springs Library, 4181 Atlanta St. Daycare centers and summer camps must make advance reservations by contacting Tara Klodnicki at simpsont@cobbcat.org or 770-439-3600. CAROLYN CUNNINGHAM

GWINNETT

Man wanted in BBQ stabbing arrested

A fugitive wanted in connection with a stabbing was arrested over the weekend. David Lee Ray, 24, was wanted on aggravated assault charges for allegedly stabbing someone in the head and side during a fight at a June 15 barbecue, authorities said.

The Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office fugitive unit was able to locate Ray on Friday at a home in Lawrenceville, and followed him to a Lawrenceville car wash and contacted police. He was arrested and remains in custody without bond at the Gwinnett County jail. Ray also has outstanding arrest warrants from California. Marcus K. Garner

Leadership program for female athletes offered

The Athena Leadership Academy will hold a series of leadership training workshops aimed at teaching young female athletes how to succeed on and off the field by using skills learned in sports. The sessions will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday evenings through July 31 at The Pitcher's Mound, 2150 Boggs Rd., Suite 250, Duluth. Information: Hope Howell at (404) 408-3480 or email AthenaLeadership1@gmail.com.

Mea Watkins

Caution urged with leftover fireworks

Gwinnett's Fire Marshall is encouraging residents to store any leftover fireworks in a cool, dry place that is out of reach for small children and pets and away from open flames. When discarding used or unwanted fireworks, remember to soak them in a bucket of water for several hours before discarding them in the trash. For additional fire safety tips, visit the Gwinnett Fire Community Risk Reduction website at www.gwinnettfiremarshal.com or contact the Community Risk Reduction Education Section at 678-518-4850. Karen Huppertz

Improve your Spanish conversation skills

Spanish Gwinnett is offering low cost classes to improve and practice your Spanish in a small conversation group led by a professional teacher and native Spanish speaker. This group meets Sundays with the next class July 15 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30p.m. at Panera Bread, 3280 Holcomb Bridge Rd. in Norcross. The class is $10 and preregistration is required. Additional locations available. Call 678-926-8220. www.spanishgwinnett.com.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Sports program receives grant

Gwinnett County Public Schools received a $5,600 Quality of Life grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. The award was one of 69 grants totaling almost $425,000 funded by the foundation to nonprofits nationwide that assist individuals living with paralysis. GCPS' adapted sports program will use the grant to purchase sport wheelchairs for the athletes. Kenneth Musisi

Teacher receives space academy scholarship

Janelle Wilson of Lanier Middle joined 185 teachers from 19 countries and 37 states on a learning adventure in June for the Honeywell Educators @ Space Academy program. Honeywell awarded scholarships to attend its simulated astronaut training and professional development program at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Ala. Nancy Badertscher

NORTHSIDE

Forsyth commissioners to set millage rates

The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners has slated adoption of millage rates for the 2013 budget for July 19, following a public hearing last week. The rates, at 4.812 for maintenance and operation, 1.975 for fire, and 0.869 for bond, are unchanged from last year. Development of the 2013 calendar year budget is underway now, with approval set for some time in October.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Milton to study solid waste service

Milton and Milton Grows Green are hosting an online survey to gather public input on trash, recycling and waste needs. Residents and business owners are encouraged to take the survey by Aug. 1.

The short survey can remain anonymous or participants can provide contact information.

Go to cityofmiltonga.us/

Information: 678-242-2509 or cindy.eade@cityofmiltonga.us

Patrick Fox

Cherokee will hold millage rate hearing

Cherokee County's Board of Commissioners will conduct two hearings 6 p.m. today and July 24 at the Cherokee County Administration Building and Conference Center, 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton on the county's 2012 proposed millage rates. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Milton adopts "growlers" ordinance

Milton City Council recently approved an ordinance allowing the sale of "growlers," resealable containers of beer, from licensed operators.

Milton becomes one of a growing number of metro Atlanta cities who have enacted growler laws over the past few months.

The ordinance allows growler sales only at establishments licensed to sell beer or wine. Businesses that sell liquor are prohibited from selling growlers. Patrick Fox

Construction work to close Brandon Mill Road

Brandon Mill Road, from Abernathy Road to Brandon Ridge Drive in Sandy Springs, will close July 16 for intersection work.

The River Springs Drive entrance next to Abernathy Road will be closed to all traffic. Brandon Ridge Drive will be accessible from the north end on Brandon Mill Road. Construction is expected to be completed within two months, weather permitting.

Detour route map: http://goo.gl/maps/SUOZ.

Information: www.sandyspringsga.gov; or 770-730-5600. Patrick Fox

United Way hosts school supplies drive in Forsyth

The United Way of Forsyth County is gearing up its 2012 "Stuff the Bus" campaign aimed at providing school supplies for needy children on the first day of school.

Donations can be dropped off at the group's office, 407 E. Maple St., Cumming.

Donation buses will also be in the parking lot of Wal-Mart stores in Cumming and Alpharetta from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. July 21 and 28.

Information: www. unitedwayforsyth.com/Stuff_the_Bus_2012.php Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

Man shot in NW Atlanta

Police were investigating a shooting Monday morning in northwest Atlanta.

Just before 5 a.m., a man reported being shot in the buttocks and left thigh near the intersection of Verbena Street and Fairfield Place, according to police. The man drove himself to Grady Memorial Hospital, police said.His condition is unknown. Marcus K. Garner

Episcopal Church's Ordination Moved

The ordination of the Rev. Robert C. "Rob" Wright as the 10th bishop of Atlanta has been moved from the Cathedral of St. Philip to the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel at Morehouse College. The ordination is tentatively set for 11 a.m. Oct. 13.

The Very Rev. Wright, was elected on June 2 as leader in Atlanta, the ninth-largest of the Episcopal Church's 110 dioceses. The Atlanta diocese, which covers Middle and North Georgia, has 96 parishes and 52,000 members. Kenneth Musisi

Frazer Center awarded $100,000 grant

The Frazer Center was recently awarded a $100,000 challenge grant to help address critical infrastructure issues such as a 100-year old stone bridge located along the main driveway of the Center. The anonymous donor, a life-long friend of the center, pledged the generous gift to inspire the community to raise the additional $50,000 needed to complete the project. Information: www.thefrazercenter.org. Kenneth Musisi

Atlanta Mission wraps up rebranding effort

The Atlanta Mission has wrapped up a rebranding initiative begun two years ago. The effort, done by Matchstic, a Atlanta brand identify firm, included changing the name from the Atlanta Union Mission as well as updating the logo, unifying the brand and vision statement. External signs on all facilities. i.e. large emblems on My Sister's House and The Shepherd's Inn feature the Atlanta Mission lantern and tagline: "Ending Homelessness."

Shelia M. Poole

DEKALB

Report: Pilot felt rushed before jet wreck

The pilot of a jet that ran off a runway at DeKalb-Peachtree Airport last month has told federal investigators that he was distracted by a second airplane in the area and felt rushed to land his small business jet. Also, the effectiveness of the brakes on the Hawker Beechcraft 40 was reported as being low when the pilot tried to stop after landing, according to a preliminary report this month from the National Transportation Safety Board.

The jet ran off the runway after landing and crashed through a fence June 18, injuring the four people on board. FAA records show that the jet that crashed is registered to a small corporation in Centre, Ala. It was arriving at the metro Atlanta airport from Gadsden, Ala. The Associated Press

School board candidates' forum

Candidates for four DeKalb County school board posts are expected to attend a public forum 6:45 - 8:30 p.m. July 19 at Arabia Mountain High School, 6610 Browns Mill Road, Lithonia. The election is July 31. Ty Tagami

DeKalb offering grants to nonprofits

DeKalb County will begin accepting applications from nonprofit organizations that help needy families, youth and seniors in the county. An informational meeting will be held 10 a.m. to noon Thursdayat the Decatur Library on Sycamore Street. Only groups with two years of service qualify for 2013 funding from the Human Services Grant program.

Applications will be available at the William T. White Building, 39 Rogers St., Atlanta or online at www.dekalbcountyga.gov/humanserv. April Hunt

Dekalb uses literacy to combat drug usage

Increasing literacy is an important way that Dekalb County can combat drug usage. That's the theory behind the county's Drug Court hosting a book club over the coming school year for middle and high school age children of recovering drug addicts.

Funded by a Decatury Rotary community grant of $2,000—as well as Little Shop of Stories, The Bakery of Cakes and Ale, and Kroger—the book club is meant to provide at-risk youth with an opportunity to form bonds, exchange ideas, and discuss life, all inspired by literature. Anyone interested in supporting the program can contact Shannon Zagorin at snzagorin@dekalbcountyga.gov or 404.371.2206. Edward Mitchell

Preserve focuses on black community

The Flat Rock Archive is teaming up with the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve to look at the black community. The event includes visits to historical cemeteries and buildings in the Flat Rock area. The free event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, at the preserve, 3787 Klondike Rd. To register, email rlastrove@dekalbcountyga.gov. April Hunt

Project closing road near Stone Mountain

Crews have begun digging to replace the sewer main that runs under South Stone Mountain-Lithonia Road prompting a segment to be closed for about a month. The road will be shut down between Marbut and Chapman roads until Aug. 5 to allow for the work. Signs will direct traffic to detours. Information: 770-780-2013. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Groundbreaking for Henry County school

Henry County Schools officially broke ground Monday on the school system's 10th regular high school, Hampton High. The school is being built next to Hampton Middle School on Hampton-Locust Grove Road in south Henry County. The school system currently has nine regular and one alternative high schools. Locust Grove High School was the last new high school. It opened in 2009, the same year that Rocky Creek Elementary, Hampton Middle School and Locust Grove Middle School opened.

Nancy Badertscher

Palmetto man charged in teen rape

A Palmetto man was arrested Sunday on charges of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old runaway, police said. Roderick McCrary, 25, was charged with rape, child molestation, enticing a child for indecent purposes and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The teen had been reported missing last week by Fulton County police, and encountered McCrary Friday morning in College Park, police said. It is unclear how the girl got away from McCrary, but she contacted police from South Fulton Regional Hospital. McCrary was taken in to custody and remains at the South Fulton Municipal Regional Jail without bond. Marcus K. Garner

5 hurt in I-75 hit-run wreck

Henry County police are seeking the driver in a hit-run wreck on I-75 over the weekend that send five people to area hospitals, Newstalk WSB radio reported.

The accident happened about 3:30 p.m. Sunday when a black SUV collided with a white 2011 Nissan Versa on northbound I-75 north of Hudson Bridge Road, police said. The Nissan plunged into the woods on the side of the highway and crashed. Four victims were taken by ambulance to Grady Memorial Hospital, and another person was flown to Atlanta Medical Center.

All five were being treated Monday but were expected to survive. Names were not released. The SUV is believed to have front passenger-side quarter-panel damage, police said. It was last seen traveling north into Clayton County. David Ibata

Fayette posts sample ballots online

Fayette County has posted sample ballots for voters to peruse before the July 31 primary election. There are Democratic, Republican and nonpartisan versions of each. Choices include not only candidates for local office but also questions regarding charter schools, gifts from lobbyists, energy tax credits and Sunday alcohol sales in unincorporated Fayette County. To view the ballots, visit www.fayettecountyga.gov.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Little leaguers seek donations

After a wrapping up the regular baseball season, the Jonesboro A's thought they had secured sponsorship for summer tournaments. The company pulled its patronage a week before th team was to appear in Dalton. Now the team is seeking donations to cover the $415 per event fee for two remaining tournaments. Send donations to: Jonesboro A's c/o Willie Turnipseed; 1303 Government Circle, Jonesboro GA 30235. Information: Michael Conrad, 732-277-6490. Staff reports