County by county news for Wednesday

COBB

Powder Springs officer honored for saving child

Powder Springs Police Lt. Michael Cochran received the city police department’s highest award Monday night during the City Council meeting for saving a three-year-old boy last month.

Cochran rescued the crying child from the middle of a 10-acre bog, a habitat of venomous snakes, on Sept. 4, Police Chief Charlie Sewell said.

Still sinking, the boy was up to his shoulders when Cochran reached him after continually calling out to him that he would be okay. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

History museum to host Civil War lecture

The monthly meeting of the Cobb Landmarks and Historical Society will be 6 p.m. Thursday10/24 at the Marietta Museum of History, 1 Depot St., Suite 200, Marietta. The free event is part of the 2013 lecture series. Historian Michael K. Shaffer, assistant director and lecturer for the Civil War Center at Kennesaw State University, will discuss The Civil War in Cobb County. Information: http://www.cobblandmarks.com. Veronica Fields Johnson

Free grant proposal writing workshop

Learn the basics of using U.S. Census data in grant proposal writing in this free workshop from 2 to 3 p.m. Thursday at the South Cobb Regional Library, 805 Clay Road, Mableton.

Participants will be shown where to locate Census demographics to help build an effective case for project funding and how to access mapping tools, tables and other resources for government grant writing.

Information:

. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Powder Springs collects old drugs

Powder Springs will host a drop-off location for the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in the lobby of the Powder Springs Police Department, 1114 Richard D. Sailors Parkway.

Expired or unwanted medications will be disposed properly with no questions asked.

Information:

. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Charity tennis tournament

Oct. 18 is the entry deadline for the annual charity tennis tournament Friday - Sundayat the Lost Mountain Tennis Center, 4845 Dallas Hwy., Powder Springs.

Hosted by the Lost Mountain Community Tennis Association, the event will include adult doubles and mixed doubles, youth singles and parent-child doubles.

All proceeds will benefit the private nonprofit SafePath Children’s Advocacy Center in Marietta.

Information: safepath.org/about/journey or Traci Thomas,

. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

NAACP to hold awards banquet

The Cobb County Branch of the NAACP will hold its 32nd Freedom Fund awards banquet starting 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the Marriott Atlanta Northwest off Windy Hill Road. Chapter president Deane Bonner said the program is also the financial cornerstone or fundraiser for the branch. Information:

. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

GWINNETT

New water main coming to Hanarry Estates

Gwinnett will replace four miles of break-prone water pipes in the Hanarry Estates subdivision located just outside Lilburn.

Staff from the county’s water resources department will communicate with property owners through the subdivision’s homeowners association.

Funding for water and sewer system maintenance comes from fees acquired through the monthly water bill. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Gwinnett College is military-friendly

Georgia Gwinnett College has been named a 2014 Military Friendly School, one of the top 20 schools for military personnel transitioning into civilian life, by Victory Media. GGC was also selected as a top military-friendly school by “Military Advanced Education,” the journal of higher learning for today’s service member, and KMI Media Group, a publisher of defense-related publications and websites. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Norcross reminds to observe signage rules

The Norcross Code Enforcement Department is cautioning political candidates, realtors, businesses and event organizers not to place signs on right of ways. In accordance with state and city ordinances, signs of any kind found on right of ways will be removed by either Georgia DOT or Norcross code enforcement teams. Unauthorized signs found in Norcross will be removed from right of way and if not immediately claimed, will be properly disposed. Information: probertson@norcrossga.net. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Essay contest about Sugar Hill life now, then

The City of Sugar Hill 75th Anniversary Committee is seeking submissions of original essays about “Life in Sugar Hill Today (2014)” and “What I Think Life in Sugar Hill Will Be in 2089.”

Top winners will be placed in as part of the anniversary celebration. Submission deadline is Nov. 29 to city hall, attention Don Kelemen. Information:

dkelemen@cityofsugarhill.com at www.cityofsugarhill.com. Nancy Badertscher

Lilburn celebrates veterans day

Lilburn will celebrate veterans with a recognition ceremony and ice cream social 2 p.m. Nov. 10 in Lilburn City Park. Bring worn, tattered, and damaged American flags for proper retirement. Lilburn VFW Post 12096 will provide this service free of charge. Information: www.cityoflilburn.com. Staff

Poll workers sought for November election

Gwinnett needs an additional 100 detail-oriented individuals to join the approximately 3,000 Gwinnett residents who will be working as poll officials during the upcoming Nov. 5 special election.

Information: www.gwinnettcounty.com/employment for a list of qualifications, job descriptions, and salaries for each position. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Sandy Springs to stabilize Lake Forrest Drive

During its Oct. 15, 2013 meeting, the Sandy Springs City Council directed city staff to proceed with completing structural plans for stabilization of the slope along Lake Forrest Drive utilizing a design that contains structural components within the City’s right-of-way. With the directive, staff will finalize structural plans. Final design options will be reviewed with the Council. Contractor selection will be conducted utilizing an emergency procurement procedure. Barring unforeseen complications, Lake Forrest Drive should reopen in early 2014. Staff

Georgia DOL, American Legion host job expo

The Georgia Department of Labor and the American Legion will sponsor a career expo for veterans and other job seekers from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday at the American Legion Post 201, 201 Wills Road, Alpharetta.

Employers will hire on site or discuss current and future employment opportunities. Applicants should bring resumes and be prepared to fill out company applications and interview for available job openings.

Information: Michael Kotler at

ext. 161 or www.dol.state.ga.us. Veronica Fields Johnson

Etowah River cleanup set for this weekend

The Cherokee County Water and Sewerage Authority, Upper Etowah River Alliance and other groups are sponsoring an Etowah River cleanup from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. Oct. 26 at Boling Park in Canton.

Volunteers should wear older shoes and clothes they don’t mind getting wet or dirty. Breakfast items and lunch will be provided.

Information: lorri.forrester@ccwsa.com Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Alpharetta school hosts 5K run

Holcomb Bridge Middle School in Alpharetta hosts a Holcomb Bridge Hustle 5K. The race is being hosted by the school in partnership with the Kyle Pease Foundation, and assisted student athletes and community members are encouraged to attend. The race takes place Nov. 9, starting at 8 a.m.

The non-profit Kyle Pease Foundation promotes success for young persons with disabilities through sports and competition.

The foundation can assist students with race registration fees, provide a custom0fitted race chair and provide a race pusher for the assisted-athlete. Nancy Badertscher

Sandy Springs to hold bicycle plan workshop

The City of Sandy Springs will host a public information meeting 6 - 8 p.m. today at City Hall Council Chambers, 7850 Roswell Road, Building 500 to gain citizen input on developing a bicycle, pedestrian and trail plan. The meeting format will include an open house, brief presentation and hands on workshop.

The overall goal of developing a bicycle, pedestrian and trail plan is to provide recommendations in creating a safe, connected, and efficient transportation system for the citizens of Sandy Springs enabling connectivity both within the City and to the larger regional network. Staff

ATLANTA

Body found along creek near golf course

Just before 11 a.m. Tuesday, dispatchers received a call that a man was in the water at the Cross Creek Golf Course and not breathing.

There were no obvious signs of foul play, but an autopsy will be conducted to determine the man’s cause of death, Lyon said. Mike Morris

Murder suspect arrested in SE Atlanta

April Regina Bailey, 33, was arrested Monday for the murder of Danta Hayes, police said. Hayes died of gunshot wounds at Grady Hospital last week.

The night of the shooting, Atlanta Police initially responded to reports of shots fired at an apartment complex on Jonesboro Road, but found no victim.

Officers later responded to reports of a man with gunshot wounds near Springside Drive, about a quarter mile from the apartment complex. The man, later identified as Hayes, was transported to Grady Memorial, where he died. Chelsea Cariker

Man found shot dead on pedestrian bridge

A passerby discovered a man around 4 a.m. Tuesday on a pedestrian bridge on Elliott Street in the Castleberry Hill neighborhood of southwest Atlanta.

When officers arrived, they discovered that the man, who appeared to be about 25 years old, was dead of “what appeared to be at least two gunshot wounds.”

At least one gunshot was to the head, police said.

Police have not released the man’s identity or a motive for the shooting. Mike Morris and John Spink

City council candidates set to debate Thursday

Atlanta City Council District 5 candidates will participate in a debate at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Israel Missionary Baptist Church, 2071 Hosea L. Williams Dr., S.W.

The event is open to the public.

Information:

Veronica Fields Johnson

DEKALB

Atlanta carjacker found in Stone Mountain

Nyquarious Edwards, 18, allegedly took a car at gunpoint from a Midtown home just after 8 p.m. on Oct. 7, Atlanta Police said Edwards approached a man outside his home in the 300 block of 9th Street and demanded the keys to the man’s 2011 Mercedes Benz. Surveillance footage captured the robbery, authorities said.On Monday, Atlanta police and officials with the U.S. Marshals Service Counter Gang Unit were able to track Edwards to a home in Stone Mountain, authorities said.

Edwards will be charged with armed robbery, aggravated assault, kidnapping and theft by taking. Marcus K. Garner

Association to host neighborhood clean up

The Hidden Hills Civic Association will host a Neighborhood Clean Up from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday10/26 at the main entrance at Woodway and South Hairston Road in Stone Mountain. Volunteers are needed. Curbside Recycling, LLC will recycle cooking oil and metal recyclable items. To make arrangements for large item pick up prior to the event call

. Proceeds to benefit the HHCA. Information: http://www.hhca-online.org. Veronica Fields Johnson

International forum explores expansion

The Development Authority of DeKalb County with Emory and Mercer universities presents the 2013 International Economics Forum 6 - 9 p.m. Thursday at the Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Dr. The event will offer attendees an opportunity to get an in-depth look into the global economy and the connections for DeKalb with relevance to local businesses, residents and opinion leaders. Key topics will include education, international trade, medical innovations, venture capital for new businesses, sustainability, and real estate.

Information: https://dadcas.eventbrite.com or

. Staff

Colorful 5K run scheduled

The Color Vibe, a fun run 5K company, will host a “colorful” run for all ages Nov. 23 in downtown Stone Mountain. Participants will be blitzed with a non-toxic, biodegradable color powder made of dyed cornstarch. A dance party will take place after the run. Part of proceeds will go to the Stone Mountain Village Visitors Center.

Information and registration, visit www.thecolorvibe.com or email support@thecolorvibe.com. Mea Watkins

Registration open for basketball leagues

DeKalb County parks is accepting registration through November for a winter adult basketball league at all county recreation centers.

Cost is $320 per team an eight-game season that begins in December. Participants must be 35 or older and provide their own uniforms for the league.

Information:

. April Hunt

Animal welfare group hosts fundraiser

PAWS Atlanta, a DeKalb County animal welfare group, will host its annual Walk for the Paws fundraiser on Nov. 2 in Avondale Estates.

Proceeds will benefit homeless animals and help provide veterinary service at its no-kill shelter in central DeKalb.

Information: www.pawsatlanta.org. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Ed board member calls Earth Day “pagan"

Fayette County Board of Education members Barry Marchman and Mary Kay Bacallao voted against a Memorandum of Agreement Monday that proposed working with the City of Fayetteville to promote water conservation lessons in school science classes. Marchman objected to support for the county’s annual Earth Day, claiming the environmental awareness event “amounts to a pagan celebration.” The memo passed 3-2. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Children’s Village to sponsor fundraiser

The Children’s Village at Christian City will host their annual Pancake Breakfast and Griddle Gallop 5K from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday in the parking lot behind the Welcome Center at Christian City, 7300 Lester Rd., Union City. The 5K Run, Walk and Roll is $25 and includes a free pancake breakfast and awards. Pancake breakfast only tickets are $5. Proceeds will support the programs of the Children’s Village. Information:

or www.christiancity.org. Veronica Fields Johnson

Fayette offers senior nutrition advice

Fayette Senior Services will host “Fact or Fiction: Debunking Nutrition Myths” from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 29 at its Life Enrichment Center in Fayetteville. A Kaiser Permanente nutritionist will discuss misleading trends and provide fact-based guidance. Admission is free to the public but requires pre-registration; call

or email register@fayss.org. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Henry school district maps up for review

Three maps showing possible changes in attendance lines are now on display for a 60-day period of public review and comment after action by the Henry County Board of Education at its regular monthly meeting.

The board is expected to vote on whether to approve the maps at its December meeting.

Information: www.henry.k12.ga.us. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Union City park to host fall festival

Ronald Bridges Park and Recreation will host a fall family festival from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday at the park, 5285 Lakeside Dr., Union City. Activities will include games, candy, prizes, train rides and a costume contest. Information:www.unioncityga.org. Veronica Fields Johnson

Healthcare seminar for seniors Oct. 30

Piedmont Healthcare, in partnership with Henry County Senior Services, is hosting a free healthcare seminar from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Oct. 30, at the Heritage Senior Center, 1050 Florence McGarity Blvd. in McDonough.

Attendees will learn information to help better understand the current challenges facing healthcare providers, tips for making educated decisions about healthcare, the impact of changes on community providers and the older adults who access services, and updates on Medicare options and the Affordable Care Act. Monroe Roark for the AJC