County by county news for Wednesday

The meeting is hosted by state Rep. Alisha Thomas Morgan and area organizations. Lee’s proposal to raise the millage rate is so that “we can keep our services” like keeping recreation centers open and full staffing of police officers, Morgan’s press release says. The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. at the South Cobb Community Center, 620 Lions Club Dr. in Mableton. Information: 404-656-0109 Janel Davis

Railroad crossings to shut down for work

Several busy CSX railroad crossings in Cobb County will close temporarily for routine maintenance. Marietta closings include East Dixie Avenue at Atlanta Street , Monday and Tuesday , and Waverly Way between Atlanta and Powder Springs Streets, July 27-28. The crossing at Mossy Rock Road in Kennesaw will close Aug. 1-2, and work at Smith Street and Acworth Industrial Park in Acworth, Aug. 3-4. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Jiles Road project begins last phase

Georgia Department of Transportation and Cobb County construction to widen traffic lanes on Jiles Road in Kennesaw entered its third and final phase on Monday. The projected $23 million dollar project to widen the road to four lanes is set to be completed in July 2013. Workers have begun construction between Baker Road and Highway 41, the last stretch of the road to be renovated in the two year project. Alaya Boykin

New Powder Springs chief starts Aug. 1

Instead of Aug. 15, the new police chief of Powder Springs will begin his employment on Aug. 1.

On Monday, Charlie Sewell, police chief of McMinnville, Tennessee, was sworn into office. His salary will be “in the $90,000 range,” said City Manager Rick Eckert, instead of the $74,000 paid to L. Rick Richardson, the city’s 17-year police chief who was fired by Eckert in February. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

No re-election run for 2 on Smyrna council

Two Smyrna city council members announced at Monday night’s meeting they won’t seek re-election: Ward 7 councilman Charles Pete Wood, who has been on the council since 1991, and Ward 5 councilman Jimmy Smith, who was first elected in 2003. Qualifying for candidates is at the end of August, so it’s not yet official who will be running to fill their seats.

Jeffry Scott

Smyrna council OKs RacTrac request

The Smyrna City Council voted 7-0 Monday night to approve conditional zoning and the construction of a RaceTrac gas station on Spring Road, a plan that has split the community and brought 13 speakers to the podium in a council meeting packed to overflowing. Four speakers denounced the plan, saying it would generate all kinds of problems, from trash to traffic to crime. Nine speakers spoke in favor, saying the gas station chain -- which is headquartered in Smyrna -- runs a tidy operation and the station would generate 18 jobs in a down economy. Jeffry Scott

GWINNETT

Duluth residents get view of McClure Bridge project

Duluth is inviting residents to a public information open house Aug. 4 about recent improvements to the McClure Bridge Road and construction of the Irvindale roundabout.

The meeting will start at 6 p.m. in the Community Room of Duluth City Hall at 3167 Main Street.

McClure Bridge Road will be fully rebuilt, including a new roadway, curb and gutter and sidewalks on both sides of the street. The city also plans to build a roundabout near the old Joan Glancy Hospital.

Information: Melissa Muscato at 678-597-7284. Joel Anderson

Gwinnett Ballet hires artistic director

The Gwinnett Ballet Theatre has announced the hirings of Jamie Robitson as Artistic Director and Brandin Prettyman as School Administrator.

Robitson joins GBT after working as a personal training director for BodyWhys in Atlanta. She was also previously on the faculty with the Atlanta Ballet for 10 years. Prettyman was working as part of the Sephora management team in Chattanooga, Tenn. Joel Anderson

Theater presents ‘West Side Story’

Atlanta Studio Theater will present “West Side Story” this weekend at Northview High School, 10625 Parsons Road in Duluth. The company features shows that draw high school, college and adult performers who are experienced and often pursuing acting, singing and dance careers. Show times are: 7 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday; and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Information: 770-263-6332. Patrick Fox

Firefighters’ honor guard uniforms cited

The honor guard for the Gwinnett County Department of Fire & Emergency Services this week received an award for the 2011 Fire Service Uniform of the Year. The Honor Guard, which represents the department at funerals, ceremonies and parades, recently donned new uniforms designed by Red The Uniform Tailor in Marietta. Members were on hand recently at the fire department’s headquarters in Lawrenceville to model the new uniforms, badges, and patches. The award was presented by the North-American Association of Uniform Manufactures and Distributors. Andria Simmons

Dinner, salsa lessons at Norcross date night

Couples interested in dinner and free salsa lessons are invited to Date Night in Downtown Norcross on Saturday.

Luis & Yanin from Mojitos restaurant will perform Latin and jazz fusion music at a free concert, which will start at 6:30 p.m. The event is scheduled to last until about 9:30 p.m.

Information: http://aplacetoimagine.com./ Joel Anderson

County to host “splash and bash”

Gwinnett County will host a “splash and bash” celebration from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. July 30 at the Rhodes Jordan Park Pool, 100 E. Crogan St., Lawrenceville.

The event will feature games and prizes. It is open to all ages, though children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Regular admission fees apply. David Wickert

NORTHSIDE

Johns Creek cops tops in Olympics fundraising

For the second straight year, Johns Creek Police officers led the state in fundraising efforts by law enforcement agencies for Special Olympics. The agency raised $44,763 for the non-profit.

Fundraising began in February with a “Night at the Monte Carlo” benefit. That same month, officers participated in Georgia’s Polar Plunge at Lake Lanier. In April, the third annual Johns Creek Police Golf Tournament was held at the Standard Club. Capping off the year was the annual “Cops on Shop,” a round-the-clock event at the Medlock Crossing Shopping Center. Patrick Fox

Fulton schools announce staff changes

Fulton County Schools are announcing these northside staff changes: Oliver Blackwell, teacher at Alpharetta High to assistant principal at Riverwood High; Kibbey Crumbley, teacher to assistant principal at Northview High; Christine Lemerond from CST to AP at Wilson Creek Elementary; Francisco Oaxaca, graduation coach to assistant principal at Ridgeview Middle; Jodi Moskowitz, teacher at Autry Mill Middle to assistant principal at New Prospect Elementary; and Brooke Humphrey, CST at Ison Springs Elementary to assistant principal at Ocee Elementary. Nancy Badertscher

Canton hearing on 2012 budget Thursday

The City of Canton will hold a public hearing about the proposed 2012 budget a 6 p.m., Thursday a Canton City Hall, 151 Elizabeth St., Canton. The proposed balanced budget calls for $33.3 million in expenditures and revenue. The city must decide whether to increase the millage rate to compensate for a shrinking tax digest. Jeffry Scott

Alpharetta High information day Aug. 9

Alpharetta High School has set Aug. 9 as information day for freshmen and new students. The event is billed as a chance for students and parents to meet administrators, counselors and staff. Students also can tour the building, obtain bus information, set up pre-paid lunch accounts, submit school documents, purchase yearbooks and pay certain fees. Nancy Badertscher

Domestic violence program in Roswell

The Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence will host the showing of “Crime After Crime” at 7 p.m. July 30 at Lefont Theaters, 5920 Roswell Road, in Sandy Springs.

Following the documentary, members of the cast, anti-domestic violence professionals and singer Keke Wyatt, who has spoken out about domestic violence, will host a panel discussion and reception.

“Crime After Crime”, tells the story of the legal battle to free Deborah Peagler, an incarcerated survivor of domestic violence. Shelia Poole

Baby massage class Friday in Roswell

Chiropractor Natasha C. Reaver will lead a 90-minute infant massage class on Friday at the Roswell branch library, 115 Norcross Street. The class is for infants not yet walking, and mothers and fathers should bring two baby blankets, or a mat, and one towel. The class starts at 10:30 a.m. Reservations: 770-640-3078. Johnny Edwards

ATLANTA

Repairs keep fire station closed to mid-August

Atlanta Fire Rescue Station 29, located at 2167 Monroe Dr., will remain closed at least until mid-August. Capt. J.L. Bunridge, a spokesman for Fire Rescue said the station closed on June 23 for repairs. In the event of a fire, the area that the station monitored will be handled by trucks from Station 3 at Phipps and Station 11 at Atlantic Station. Ernie Suggs

Police arrest 4 men in armed robbery

Atlanta police arrested four men Monday evening in connection with an armed robbery that occurred in the 1800 block of Howell Mill Road where the victim was shot early Monday.

The Atlanta police fugitive unit said they picked up Arthur Hooten and Antonia Hooten in Ellenwood. Marion David Wheeler was arrested in College Park and Franklin Plummer was arrested in Atlanta. Fran Jeffries

Zeta Beta Tau meeting starts Thursday

The 113-year-old Jewish fraternity Zeta Beta Tau will honor two University of Georgia graduates during its national four-day convention at the InterContinental Hotel in Buckhead that begins Thursday. Stephen Selig, president and CEO of the real estate company Selig Enterprises, is to be recognized as “man of the year” at Thursday evening. On Friday, the organization will acknowledge Jay Davis of National Distributing Co. with the Heritage Award, which recognizes “communal, philanthropic, artistic or professional” efforts. Rhonda Cook

Genealogy workshop today at library

The Atlanta-Fulton Library System has a genealogy tool that allows residents to trace family histories over the Internet. A workshop at the Central Library today , “Introduction to Genealogy on the Internet,” will teach beginners to use the Ancestry Library Edition, which can be found at www.afpls.org in the A-Z list of databases. The workshop will be from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at One Margaret Mitchell Square in downtown Atlanta. Information: 404-730-1906. Johnny Edwards

DEKALB

Ex-revenue workers sentenced in fraud

Three former Department of Revenue employees were sentenced to 30 days in jail and two years probation and ordered to pay restitution after pleading guilty in DeKalb County to using state-issued gasoline card personal identification numbers to put gas in their personal cars.

Marcus Britt, Micah Decuir and William Gladney pleaded guilty on Monday to financial transaction card fraud.

Britt, guilty of nine counts, must repay $877. Decuir, guilty of four counts, owes $545. After pleading guilty to two counts, the judge set Gladney’s restitution at $150. Rhonda Cook

Rain barrel workshop Thursday in Dunwoody

The Dunwoody Sustainability Commission will hold a rain barrel workshop, led by the Upper Chattahoochee RiverKeepers on Rainwater Reuse, Thursday beginning at 6 p.m., at the chambers of the mayor and council, 41 Perimeter East, Dunwoody. The class will learn about water conservation and assemble 60-gallon rain barrels to take home. Reservations are required and the class costs $35 per person. To register, contact Rebecca Keefer at 678-382-6811 or Rebecca.keefer@dunwoodyga.gov. Michelle E. Shaw

Purchasing department wins award

The National Purchasing Institute has named DeKalb County’s purchasing and contracting department one of its excellence winners for 2001.

It is the sixth consecutive year the county has won the award, which is based on standardized criteria and recognizes productivity and leadership. The county will receive the award at the institute’s conference later this year. April Hunt

Decatur, Pine Lake cited for ethics

Decatur and Pine Lake were among two dozen cities across the state recently recertified as Cities of Ethics by the Georgia Municipal Association.

The association runs the voluntary program to highlight ethical principles and ordinances that help promote trust in government.

Decatur and Pine Lake were among the first cities to earn the designation in 2000, a year after the program began. April Hunt

Chamblee offers yoga classes

Chamblee’s parks department next month will begin offering twice weekly yoga classes for anyone interested in trying the exercise.

Classes will be held for eight weeks, either at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays starting Aug. 17 or at 4 p.m. on Sundays starting Aug. 21. Cost is $55 for before Aug. 7 and $70 after.

Classes are for all skill levels for anyone at least 12 years old.

Sign up or more information: 770-986-5016. April Hunt

Job fair Thursday near Decatur

The state Department of Labor will host a job and education fair Thursday near Decatur.

About 40 employers and resource agencies will be at the event, which is co-sponsored by the DeKalb Career Center and New Life Community Center. The job fair runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday at the community center, 3592 Flat Shoals Road.

More information: 404-298-298-3970 or willie.glenn@dol.state.ga.us. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Clayton board appoints three principals

Clayton County school board recently appointed three principals and an administrative coordinator. Karen Murner, principal at Georgia College Early College, was named principal of Rex Mill Middle School; Jeannie Richmond-Lynch is the new principal at Haynie Elementary. She was an assistant principal at Swint Elementary. Dennis Wilkinson, an assistant principal at Roberts Middle School, is now principal of Anderson Elementary. Eboni Camille Chillis, a former DeKalb County teacher, is now coordinator of Career, Technical and Agricultural Education. Tammy Joyner

Fulton schools announce staff changes

The Fulton County School Board has approved, upon the recommendations of Superintendent Robert Avossa, staff changes on the southside. They include: the promotion of Sandtown Middle School teacher Connie Reiford-Spellman to the Atlanta school’s assistant principal; and the demotion of Driskell Lang, assistant principal at Tri-Cities High School in East Point to teacher. Nancy Badertscher

Lack of quorum leads to special meeting

The East Point City Council has called a special meeting for Monday because not enough councilmen were present Monday night to conduct a meeting.

“I just think it’s ridiculous. This is just slowing down the work of the people,” said Mayor Earnestine Pittman.

The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. John Thompson for the AJC

Forest Park watch groups hold cookout

Forest Park Neighborhood Watch will host a cookout tonight at 6:30, along with a combined meeting of the north and south neighborhood watch groups. The event will be at the Forest Park Police Department, 320 Cash Memorial Blvd. in Forest Park. Details: Major Chris Matson at 404-366-7280. Tammy Joyner

Stockbridge kids get help with school

The second annual Stockbridge Back to School Event is Friday from 5-7 p.m. on the lawn adjacent to Stockbridge City Hall. Free school supplies will be distributed to students, including book bags, pens, pencils and notebooks. Information: 678-897-1116. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Peachtree City allows security solicitations

Peachtree City has permitted but is not endorsing a solicitation effort by a local security company.

Representatives from Platinum Protection, an authorized GE Security dealer, have a permit to go door to door soliciting customers until July 26. However, there is no formal relationship between the city’s Police Department and the dealer.

All solicitors should have a copy of the permit with them. Anyone with concerns or questions should call the Police Department at 770-487-8866.

Jill Howard Church

Henry summer school graduation Thursday

The Henry County School System will host its 2011 summer school graduation ceremony Thursday at 5 p.m. at the Henry County Performing Arts Center in McDonough. Monroe Roark for the AJC