COBB
Marietta road closes for roundabout construction
A section of Allgood Road west of Cobb Parkway in Marietta has closed for about a month for construction of the city's first roundabout at Fairground Street and Allgood Road.
Drivers heading west on Allgood will detour at Fairground Street.
The $643,000 project is part of $5 million improvements on Fairground from North Marietta Parkway to Allgood that are funded by a 2005 Local Option Sales Tax. Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Kennesaw celebrates pre-Independence Day
The City of Kennesaw's annual Salute to America celebration is scheduled for 6 p.m. today in Depot Park and on Main Street . The free event will feature live music performances on two stages, including teen singer Kaylin McClure, a Neil Diamond tribute band and Bill Joel tribute band, The Stranger. A fireworks display begins at 9:30 p.m. Food and drinks will be available for purchase, and attendees may bring food and coolers, but barbecue grills are not allowed.
Information: www.kennesawjuly3.com; 770-422-9714
Janel Davis
Food pantry donations are down
MUST Ministries is low on donations for its food pantry and volunteers to make sack lunches for children in six counties. Seasonal coordinator Paula Rigsby said the agency is in desperate need for help during this holiday week. The social services program delivers 3,700 lunches a day during the summer and food to 34,000 low-income clients a year. Information: www.mustministries.org.
Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Spruce-up planned for Marietta Square
Marietta plans a $773,000 renovation of Atherton Square, a courtyard and alley between the Marietta Square and the Marietta Welcome Center & Visitors Bureau. The city received a federal transportation enhancement grant to pay for most of the project that will include brick and granite paving, replacing shrubbery and trees, and roof and rest rooms improvements at the adjacent visitors center. The renovation is expected to be completed in November 2014.
Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Walton High School charter renewed
Cobb County's school board renewed Walton Comprehensive High School's charter Thursday night. The school has been in existence since 1998. The school has won several academic accolades, which administrators attribute to its charter status. Daarel Burnette II
Mable House presents art exhibition
The Art and Food Marietta Enrichment Center Exhibition will continue through July 9 at the Mable House, 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton.
This program trains those with developmental disabilities to work in the art and food service industries. The exhibit consists of art work created by these individuals. The free gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. Information: 770-819-3285 or mablehouse.org. CAROLYN CUNNINGHAM FOR THE AJC
GWINNETT
USDA hosts conference for multicultural farmers
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service will host a Multicultural Sustainable Agriculture and Leadership Conference from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 12 at the Cultural Arts and Community Center, 10 College Street, Norcross.
The free event for multicultural ranchers and farmers will provide information on careers in agriculture and on how to use federal, state and local programs to improve operations. Information, call 770-963-9288. David Wickert
Buford Kroger closing
Kroger's approximately 30-year-old store at 1605 Buford Hwy., the last major supermarket in the city limits of Buford, is scheduled to close July 27 because of declining profitability. Just months after its neighboring K-Mart shut down, Kroger's closing will make largely dormant the once-bustling shopping center at the northeast corner of Buford Highway and Ga. Highway 20. Kroger employees will be considered for reassignment to the chain's other stores. Michael Alpert for the AJC
GGC sports complex underway
Georgia Gwinnett College recently broke ground on a sports complex that will include a baseball, softball and soccer field, in addition to media facilities and a 25,000-square foot building for locker rooms, training rooms and offices. A smaller building will house a ticket office, vending and restrooms.
The $13.5 million complex will seat about 800 for baseball, 600 for softball and have hillside viewing for soccer, whose season begins first with men's and women's games Aug. 25 against visiting Tennessee Temple. Michael Alpert for the AJC
Learn how to can fruits and vegetables
The Gwinnett County Extension Office is hosting an interactive demonstration of canning and preserving fruits and vegetables 1 to 2:30 p.m. July 12. Learn how to preserve fruits and vegetables, how to make your own salsa and the art of proper freezing and storing. Class includes live demonstration and handouts. Cost of the class : $1. Information: (678) 377-4010. Reservations: (770) 985-4713. Nancy Badertscher
Sugar Hill to hold hearing on millage rate
Sugar Hill's final public hearing on its 2012 millage rate 7:30 p.m. Monday at City Hall annex at 4988 W. Broad St.
Despite an anticipated 7 percent drop in its $551 million tax digest, largely because of eroding real property values everywhere, Gwinnett's third-largest city proposes keeping its rate at 3.8 percent for an 11th consecutive year. Michael Alpert for the AJC
Gwinnett Tech orientation begins
Orientation sessions for fall classes at Gwinnett Technical College are 9:30 a.m. Friday and July 27 and 10 a.m. Saturday and July 28. Classes begin Aug. 20 Classes include construction, web design, culinary arts, photography, Internet security and interior design.
Information: 678-226-6616. Michael Alpert for the AJC
NORTHSIDE
Forsyth schools budget includes salary increase
Unlike some school districts, Forsyth County's, 90 percent of whose recently passed $270 million FY 2013 budget is allocated to salaries and benefits, includes a 1 percent salary increase for all employees. Funded 48 percent locally and 52 percent by the state, the budget propels a district projected to grow by about 1,300 students to roughly 38,400 next school year.
Michael Alpert for the AJC
Roswell community meeting upcoming
Roswell will hold a community meeting 7 p.m. July 12 at Roswell City Hall to discuss its first Strategic Economic Development Plan designed to attract private investment. The meeting will address ideas developed in part by a 24-member advisory committee of residents and business owners appointed by the city council. Information: Alice Wakefield at 770-594-6173, awakefield@roswellgov.com.
Michael Alpert for the AJC
Cumming parade highlighting July 4
Steam engines will highlight downtown Cumming's 55th annual Thomas-Mashburn Memorial Parade on 10 a.m. Independence Day. To join the parade, contact Amy Webb, rjwebb6103@comcast.net. For other information, Cindy Hansard, 770-887-0516.
Michael Alpert for the AJC
Construction to begin in Milton High School area
Work is slated to begin July 9 to raise the intersections on School Drive between Northwestern Middle School and Milton High School, according to Milton High School's web site. Parents and students should use the Birmingham Highway entrance to access the high school during this phase of construction. Nancy Badertscher
July Fourth Closings set in Forsyth County
Both City of Cumming and Forsyth County government offices will be closed for the July Fourth holiday. In addition, the county's three recycling centers will also be shuttered for the holiday. The Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce will also shut its doors. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Holiday closings set in Cherokee
Government offices across Cherokee County will be closed tomorrow in observance of Independence Day. The cities of Woodstock and Canton, Cherokee County Schools and Cherokee County government offices will all be shuttered. The Sequoyah Regional Library System, which also serves Cherokee, will not operate. The Cherokee County Chamber will be closed tomorrow as well.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Construction to begin in Milton High School area
Work is slated to begin July 9 to raise the intersections on School Drive between Northwestern Middle School and Milton High School, according to Milton High School's web site. Parents and students should use the Birmingham Highway entrance to access the high school during this phase of construction. Nancy Badertscher
ATLANTA
Moody's raises Atlanta's bond outlook
Moody's Investors Service, a major credit rating firm, has affirmed the city of Atlanta's Aa2 rating and revised its outlook to "stable" from "negative" on its $211.4 million in outstanding general obligation bonds and $184.5 million in contractual obligations. Also, Moody's affirmed the A1 rating on $81.4 million in revenue bonds issued through Invest Atlanta — formerly known as the Atlanta Development Authority — and the Atlanta-Fulton County Recreation Authority. Jeremiah McWilliams
'Joyful Noise' to show at library today
As part of its "Summer Flicks" series, Atlanta-Fulton's Central Library, One Margaret Mitchell Square, will show the movie "Joyful Noise" at 5:30 p.m. today. The 2012 movie, starring Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton, is about a small-town choir facing budget cuts and trying to win a national competition. Information: 404-730-1906. Johnny Edwards
Lawyers recognized for pro bono work
Atlanta lawyers Debra Segal and Bill Hoffman received the H. Sol Clark Award recognizing their work for providing legal services to the poor. The honor was presented by the State Bar of Georgia Access to Justice Committee and the State Bar of Georgia Pro Bono Project. Both lawyers head the pro bono work for their law firms -- Segal for Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton and Hoffman for King & Spalding. Bill Rankin
Domestic violence grants awarded
The Judicial Council of Georgia Domestic Violence Committee has awarded $1.7 million in grants to nine nonprofit agencies: Atlanta Legal Aid Society, Gateway House, Georgia Law Center for the Homeless, Georgia Legal Services Program, Northeast Georgia Shelter Collaborative, Northwest Georgia Family Crisis Center, Peace Place, Salvation Army of Central Georgia, and Wayne County Protective Agency/Fair Haven. The funds provide civil legal services to 4,500 low-income Georgians. Andria Simmons
DEKALB
Moody's raises Atlanta's bond outlook
Moody's Investors Service, a major credit rating firm, has affirmed the city of Atlanta's Aa2 rating and revised its outlook to "stable" from "negative" on its $211.4 million in outstanding general obligation bonds and $184.5 million in contractual obligations. Also, Moody's affirmed the A1 rating on $81.4 million in revenue bonds issued through Invest Atlanta — formerly known as the Atlanta Development Authority — and the Atlanta-Fulton County Recreation Authority. Jeremiah McWilliams
'Joyful Noise' to show at library today
As part of its "Summer Flicks" series, Atlanta-Fulton's Central Library, One Margaret Mitchell Square, will show the movie "Joyful Noise" at 5:30 p.m. today. The 2012 movie, starring Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton, is about a small-town choir facing budget cuts and trying to win a national competition. Information: 404-730-1906. Johnny Edwards
Lawyers recognized for pro bono work
Atlanta lawyers Debra Segal and Bill Hoffman received the H. Sol Clark Award recognizing their work for providing legal services to the poor. The honor was presented by the State Bar of Georgia Access to Justice Committee and the State Bar of Georgia Pro Bono Project. Both lawyers head the pro bono work for their law firms -- Segal for Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton and Hoffman for King & Spalding. Bill Rankin
Domestic violence grants awarded
The Judicial Council of Georgia Domestic Violence Committee has awarded $1.7 million in grants to nine nonprofit agencies: Atlanta Legal Aid Society, Gateway House, Georgia Law Center for the Homeless, Georgia Legal Services Program, Northeast Georgia Shelter Collaborative, Northwest Georgia Family Crisis Center, Peace Place, Salvation Army of Central Georgia, and Wayne County Protective Agency/Fair Haven. The funds provide civil legal services to 4,500 low-income Georgians. Andria Simmons
SOUTHSIDE
Road closing at Henry government complex
Henry Parkway in McDonough will be closed at its intersection with Industrial Blvd. effective immediately. This is for the installation of a storm drain, which could take a few weeks. This is the main entrance to the Heny County government complex, which includes the county administration building, tag office, Sheriff's Office and jail, Health Department, DFACS office, and several other key offices. Motorists are encouraged to access these locations by turning onto Henry Parkway at its intersection with Highway 155, a few blocks northeast of I-75. Monroe Roark for the AJC
School parent expo July 21 at AMS
The Henry County affiliate of Communities in Schools is hosting a parent expo Saturday, July 21, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Atlanta Motor Speedway. In addition to a giveaway of 4,000 backpacks, there will be free food, activities for kids, and parent school involvement information. All 50 schools from Henry County will be represented along with local businesses and nonprofit organizations. Information: 770-288-6230 or www.cis-henry.org.
Monroe Roark for the AJC
Rally set for McDonough squareA patriotic rally is scheduled for 6-7:30 p.m. today on the square in McDonough. The theme is "Restoring our American Foundations." There will be music by local performers and concessions. Monroe RoarkFayette library fines going up
The fee for overdue books from Fayette County libraries has increased from 10 cents per day to 20 cents per day effective July 1. The PINES Executive Committee approved the change at its annual meeting in May. The fine applies to books from all PINES member libraries in Fayetteville, Peachtree City and Tyrone.
Similar fee increases for magazines, audio books, CDs and other items are under review. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Exchange students need host families
World Heritage Student Exchange Program is seeking local host families for high school students from abroad. Host families can include couples, single parents, and families with or without children in the home. Families can host a student for a semester or school year. Students are fully insured, have their own spending money and expect to do chores and participate in family activities. Details: World Heritage local reps Bob and Marcie Comeau, 120 Hickory Dr., Peachtree City, 978-204-3953 or 1-800-888-9040 or log on to www.whHosts.com or info@world-heritage.org. Tammy Joyner
Dragon Boat Race registration begins
The Peachtree City Rotary Club has begun registration for its annual Dragon Boat Race on Sept. 22.
The fifth annual international festival will take place on Lake Peachtree, with food, art and other activities at Drake Field.
Team registration is $600 for 10 rowers and one drummer. Artisans, performers and craft vendors can also apply to participate. See www.ptcdragonboats.org for information. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
