COBB
Andy Morris sworn in as council member
Andy Morris was sworn in Monday at Marietta City Hall as a council member representing Ward 4.
Morris fills the seat vacated by Van Pearlberg who resigned to run for a Cobb County Superior Court judge post.
The council term ends Dec. 31, 2013. Morris, who defeated Patti Pearlberg July 31 in a 1,465 to 1,085 vote, previously served on council from 2002-2005.
Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Suspect arrested in Chattahoochee body homicide
A suspect has been arrested in the death of a man whose body was found last week in the Chattahoochee River.
Cobb County fugitive investigators and the U.S. Marshal's Service apprehended Hajja Kennyatta Martin, 39, at a Seaboard Avenue address in Atlanta, according to a statement from Cobb police. He's been charged with felony murder and aggravated assault in the death of 39-year-old Ralph McGhee of Decatur, who was found by fisherman in the water near the 6600 block of Akers Mill Road on the morning of Aug. 1. Martin is being held without bond in the Cobb County jail. Alexis Stevens
Cobb retired teachers group to meet
The Cobb Marietta Retired Educators Association will meet at 11:30 a.m. Aug. 9 in the Freeman Poole Multipurpose Center, 4025 South Hurt Road, Smyrna. Lunch is $10 per person. Dr. Emily Lembeck, superintendent of Marietta City Schools and Georgia Superintendent of the Year, will speak. RSVP by e-mail to Debbie Overstreet at debbybob@comcast.net. Information: www.cmrea.org.
Kenneth Musisi
Marietta barbecue restaurant recognized
The Georgia Rib Company has been selected for the 2012 Best of Marietta Award in the Barbecue Restaurants category by the Marietta Award Program. Winners are determined based on information gathered internally by the program and data from third parties. The 2012 Award Program focused on quality, not quantity.
The Marietta Award Program honors achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Marietta area. Information: www.awardprogram.org.
Kenneth Musisi
Free Dr. Seuss movie at the Mable on Thursday
Dr. Seuss' "The Lorax" will be shown free at dusk Thursday at the Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre, 5239 Floyd Road.
Gates will open at 7:30 p.m. for this last in the "Moovies at the Mable Movie Series." Information: mablehouse.org or 770-819-3285. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Marietta Schools starts Thursday
Marietta City School students will return to class Thursday, Aug. 9. Administrators are urging parents to look on the district's website, www.marietta-city.org, for bus schedules and school start and release times. Pre-registration will take place at a student's schools from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1 to 3 p.m. through Wednesday.
Daarel Burnett II
GWINNETT
Maintenance on Gwinnett highways this week
Road maintenance will require shoulder or lane closures along some highways in Gwinnett County this week.
The Georgia Department of Transportation will restripe pavement markings at the Jimmy Carter, Indian Trail, Beaver Ruin Road and Pleasant Hill Road interchanges. The department also will repair guardrails along I-85 and perform vegetation maintenance along Ga. 20 and U.S. 78/Ga. 10.
The work will be done from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily through Friday, weather permitting. GDOT advises motorists to slow down in these and other work zones. David Wickert
Detour begins work on 316 project
Construction continues on the project to build the SR 316 overpass at Collins Hill Road and at SR 20, and a week-long detour ends Sunday. Collins Industrial Way from Collins Hill Road will be closed to all traffic while the roadway is graded. Information: www.gwinnettcounty.com Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Parents can access grades and more online
Parents and students can now access school information through Gwinnett Public School's website, www.gwinnettk12.ga.us, for grades and attendance information using student login information. Beginning this fall, 33 schools in the district, including classrooms in Archer, Berkmar, Duluth, North Gwinnett and Shiloh clusters, will participate in a pilot program, eCLASS, with instructional resources and digital learning materials.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Water department offering kits
Gwinnett's Department of Water Resources is offering free leak detection and retro-fit kits to residents as part of its water conservation initiative. Leak kits contain dye tablets and a drip guide to gage water loss. Retro-fit kits, for homes built before 1993 low-flow plumbing standards, include two one gallon-per-minute bathroom faucet aerators, a 1.5 gallon-per-minute kitchen faucet aerator, a low-flow shower head, dye tablets, and a toilet tank bank. Kits are available weekdays at the department, 684 Winder Highway. Information: Heather Moody, 678-376-6722, dwrconserve@gwinnettcounty.com.
Michael Alpert for the AJC
Lilburn holding downtown event
Police and fire vehicles on display, K-9 demonstrations, food and music highlight Lilburn Police and SafetySmart Lilburn's public safety event from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on today in downtown City Park, 76 Main St.
Residents are also asked to leave on their porch lights, showing support for law enforcement and solidarity against crime.
Michael Alpert for the AJC
Property tax bills coming next week
Gwinnett Tax Commissioner will mail 2012 Property Tax Bills by Aug. 15, which are due for payment by Oct. 15. The 2012 tax bill breaks down taxes and fees into more detail than previous tax bills.
Information: gwinnetttaxcommissioner.manatron.com
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
NORTHSIDE
Upgrade set for heavily-traveled Forsyth road
The Georgia Department of Transportation has awarded two contracts totaling $9 million to improve Forsyth County's Bethelview Road, also known as Ga. 141 for part of the project's length.
The almost-one-mile upgrade will begin just north of Ga. 400 and run to Castleberry Road. It includes two through lanes in each direction, dual left turn lanes, right turn lanes and sidewalks.
Work begins this fall. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
All welcome at National Night Out in Milton
Milton police and fire departments are partnering with the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety 6 to 9 p.m. today to host the 29th Annual National Night Out event at the Wills Park Equestrian Center, 11915 Wills Road in Alpharetta. Bounce houses, an interactive fire safety house simulator, displays of police and fire vehicles and SWAT demonstrations and concessions will be featured.
National Night Out is a crime and drug prevention event dedicated to building safer neighborhoods through community involvement. Andria Simmons
Forsyth addresses synthetic pot, alcohol
The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners voted 4-0 late last week to ban synthetic marijuana. The ban covers versions of the drug not already addressed under state law, and provides for a maximum penalty of a $1,000 fine and 60 days in jail. Commissioners also held a public hearing on changes in the county alcohol ordinance, designed to streamline license renewals. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Cherokee schools to follow new food plan
As part of the USDA's new Meal Pattern, Cherokee County School District are eating differently. The school nutrition program offerings conform to updated 2010 dietary guidelines. School officials say changes include more fruits and increased varieties of vegetables, more whole-grain-rich foods and low-fat and fat-free milk choices.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Free back-to-school head lice checks
Elimilice, a professional head lice company, will provide free, comprehensive back-to-school head-lice checks 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday at the company's Sandy Springs office, 1155 Hammond Dr., Suite E5240. Services will be rendered on a first-come, first-served basis for individuals with hair that is clean, dry and free of products and knots and who have become a fan of the company on Facebook. Information: 404-704-2200 or contact@elimilice.com.
Veronica Fields Johnson
Woodstock police holding event
The Woodstock Police Department's National Night Out Against Crime is 6 to 9 p.m. today at the Park at City Center, 101 Arnold Mill Road. The 29th annual event aims to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for crime-fighting programs and strengthen partnerships with police. There'll be kids activities and demonstrations by local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. Michael Alpert for the AJC
ATLANTA
Southeast Diesel Collaborative to meet
The Seventh Annual Southeast Diesel Collaborative meeting is 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Wednesday at Crowne Plaza Hotel, 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road. The meeting will focus on nationally and regionally significant diesel emissions issues related to freight, public fleets and non-road focus areas. The SEDC is part of the Environmental Protection Agency's National Clean Diesel Campaign. Admission is free. Register at www.southeastdiesel.org.
Kenneth Musisi
Finance, fitness summit offered for girls
SheWill Inc. will host a finances and fitness summit for girls 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Ivy Preparatory Academy, 3705 Engineering Drive, Norcross.
Featured topics include financial literacy; career empowerment; nutrition; fitness, and self-esteem.
Information: 404-447-9353. Laurie Hoffman
Youth orchestra accepting applications
Applications are now available for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Applicants for the Youth Orchestra 2012-13 Season must be between ages 13-18 and in good standing with their school's music program. All applications and fees must be submitted online or postmarked by Aug. 10. Information: www.aso.org/asyoapplication. Kenneth Musisi`
Programs focus on Congo discussions
The film "Lumumba" and the video "Letter to Pauline" will be shown at 7 p.m. Aug. 17 at the Shrine of the Black Madonna Cultural Center and Bookstore, 960 Ralph D. Abernathy Blvd.
"Why the Congo Matters" will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 18 at the Auburn Avenue Research Library, 101 Auburn Ave. N.E. The event will include the film "Crisis in the Congo"; a Skype discussion with Congolese youth; the film "Once Upon a Time in the Congo" and a discussion about women in war.
Information: 404-586-0460, Ext. 17. Laurie Hoffman
DEKALB
No bond for ex-DeKalb teacher in sex case
A former middle school teacher accused of having sex with a student was denied bond. Almarcus Dewayne Thomas, 42, will remain in jail awaiting trial on statutory rape, child molestation and sexual exploitation of children.
Thomas was arrested in March after allegations that he carried on a seven-month sexual relationship with a 14-year-old student, even having sex with her in his Tucker Middle School classroom. Prosecutors also accused Thomas of recording inappropriate video of a student at school and secretly filming a relative bathing.
Marcus K. Garner
Briarwood pool closed for maintenance
DeKalb County's Briarwood pool at 2235 Briarwood Way, Atlanta is temporarily closed for maintenance until further notice. Patrons are encouraged to visit nearby pools at Lynwood, 3360 Osborne Road, Atlanta or Kittredge, 2535 N. Druid Hills Road, Atlanta. Information: 404-371-6270. Kenneth Musisi
Ultimate Frisbee game set for Wednesday
The exhibition game between NexGen and Chain Lightening, an ultimate frisbee battle, will be 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Emory Soccer Stadium, 300 Eagle Row, Druid Hills. Tickets are $8 adults, and $5 students.
NexGen's fifteen ultimate frisbee college all-star players are currently on tour to play all of the nation's top teams and teach the next generation of players in youth workshops. All games broadcast live at www.ngnultimate.com.
Kenneth Musisi
Bond denied for child molestation suspect
A Decatur man won't be released from jail after being arrested a third time on child molestation charges.
Former Georgia Tech computer technician Sami Ud Deen's request that his bond be reinstated was denied Friday by DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Gail Flake.
Prosecutors say that for nearly 16 months he fondled and took naked photos of children until one reported him.
Deen, 43, was arrested in November on child molestation and exploitation of children charges and released on a $75,000 bond. Investigators later found found child pornography on his computer and he was arrest two more times.
Alexis Stevens
Meetings to focus on crime prevention
The DeKalb Solicitor-General, County Commission's presiding officer and members of the county police department will be on hand to talk to business owners and residents about keeping crime away at a meeting 9:30 a.m. Aug. 15 at the South DeKalb Family YMCA, at 2565 Snapfinger Road. Breakfast will be provided.
Information/reservations: 404-371-2234 or snbrown@dekalbcountyga.gov. April Hunt
Nonprofits can apply for DeKalb grants
Grant applications are being accepted for nonprofit groups that help needy families, youth and seniors. Only groups with two years of service qualify for funding from the 2013 Human Services Grant program.
Applications are available at the William T. White Building, 39 Rogers St., Atlanta or online at www.dekalbcountyga.gov/humanserv. April Hunt
SOUTHSIDE
Henry school bus driver honored for fire response
Henry County School System bus driver John Wilkins received the Valor Award from the Georgia Association for Pupil Transportation and the Georgia Department of Education before 450 of his peers at the county's annual start-of-school symposium. The award was given for his actions on the afternoon of Aug. 1, 2011 -- the first day of the previous school year -- when he discovered that his bus was on fire and successfully evacuated all of his students to safety. Wilkins received a plaque and a $500 cash award.
Monroe Roark for the AJC
Peachtree City might raise millage rate
Peachtree City's proposed budget for FY 2012-13 includes a .0372 roll-up of the millage rate to offset declining property and sales tax revenues. Financial Services Director Paul Salvatore presented the draft to the City Council Aug. 2 as part of ongoing public discussion of whether to raise the millage rate or cut more city services. A special council meeting will be held at 8 a.m. Thursday at City Hall regarding the millage rate.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Model train show in Hampton
The public is invited to The Middle Georgia Model Railroad Club model train show from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 18 and noon-5 p.m. Aug. 19. at the Historic Hampton Depot, 17 E. Main St., Hampton. The free event is sponsored by the Main Street Program. Information: www.mainstreethamptonga.com.
Veronica Fields Johnson
Mentoring program sponsors open house
The Gifted, Intelligent, Resilient, Ladies Movement will sponsor The GIRL Sorority Mentoring Program open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 25 at the Riverdale Town Center, 7210 Church St., Riverdale. The event is targeted toward female students ages 14-23 and will feature information on the mentoring program and how to get involved. Applications will also be accepted for mentors and mentees. Information: www.thegirlmovement.org or 678-653-4475.
Veronica Fields Johnson
Two-day blood drive in Stockbridge
Piedmont Henry Hospital in Stockbridge and LifeSouth will host a two-day blood drive this month.
LifeSouth's bloodmobile will be parked in front of Piedmont Henry's south tower on Aug. 22 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Aug. 23 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Donors must be at least 17 years old, weight at least 110 pounds and not have donated blood within the last 56 days.
Piedmont Henry is located at 1133 Eagle's Landing Parkway in Stockbridge. Visit piedmonthenry.org for more information about the hospital.
Misty Williams
Holmes starting youth mentoring program
Henry County Commissioner Bruce Holmes' Youth Foundation is launching a Youth Male Mentoring Program for boys and young men in grades 4-12. An informational meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday at the Fairview Recreation Center for all who may be interested in participating in the program, both young people and mentors.
Monroe Roark for the AJC
