County by county news for Wednesday

A ceremony, statue unveiling and tours with reenactors will be at the cemetery off Powder Springs Street, 1 -5 p.m. Sunday.

Information: www.mariettacivilwar.com. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Restriping bids due Monday

Powder Springs is seeking bidders for restriping center lines and replacing crosswalks for portions of four roads - Hopkins, Macedonia, Powder Springs-Dallas and Florence Roads.

Monday at 5 p.m. is the submission deadline.

Cost estimates and references should be sent to: Greg Ramsey, P.E., director, City of Powder Springs Public Works, 3006 Springs Industrial Drive, Powder Springs, GA 30127; gramsey@CityOfPowderSprings.org or fax, 770-943-8014. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Goreham will hold town hall meeting

Cobb County District One Commissioner Helen Goreham will hold her first fall town hall meeting from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at the West Cobb Senior Center, 4915 Dallas Highway, Powder Springs.

Information: 770-528-3313 or cobbcounty.org/goreham. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Library hosts writers’ workshop

Author Margaret Johnson-Hodge will lead a writer’s workshop from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the South Cobb Regional Library, 805 Clay Road, Mableton.

The author of “This Time,” “Butterscotch Blues” and other national best-selling novels will share tips and tools for writers, beginners and experienced, with a question-and-answer session to follow.

Information: 678-398-5828, mjhodge.net or aalbc.com/authors/margaret_johnson-hodge.htm. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Powder Springs OKs funds for arts center

Around $40,000 has been approved by the Powder Springs City Council to buy furniture, fixtures and equipment for the new Cultural Arts Center at the Coach George E. Ford Center and Powder Springs Library, 4181 Atlanta St.

Business Furniture Services, Inc. has been awarded the contract.

A public opening ceremony is planned for 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 3 during the city’s 175th anniversary celebration week.

Information: City Hall, 770-943-1666. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Ask Austell questions via social media

Austell is hosting “Q & A Sessions” on Facebook and Twitter for anyone wanting information about the city.

Contacts:

#?CityofAustell? or

Information: Duane R. Demeritt, duane@austell.org. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

GWINNETT

Athletics receives help from Waffle House

Gwinnett Heat, the adapted athletic program for Gwinnett County Public Schools, has $7,000 for equipment purchases thanks to a donation from the Waffle House Foundation. The money will be used to help the team buy a custom trailer to transport athletic wheelchairs and sports equipment to venues throughout the state. The school system’s adapted athletics sports program is beginning its sixth year and has won a number of state championships. It also has sent its first player, Martinez Johnson, to the collegiate level. He plans with the University of Illinois’ adapted athletics basketball program. Nancy Badertscher

Adopt-A-Road seeks volunteer groups

Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful and the Gwinnett Department of Transportation is urging more residents to join the Adopt-A-Road program to help reduce trash and illegal signage alongside county roads.

Information: www.gwinnettcb.org/volunteer or 770-822-5187 or gwinnettcb@gwinnettcb.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Kudzu Art Zone to host charity exhibit

Kudzu Art Zone will partner with Perimeter Church’s Global Outreach Ministry in a fundraising event to bring hope, food, shelter and health services to the village of Karansi, Tanzania.

The Karansi Project will feature artwork inspired by daily life in the African village. All proceeds and any donations will benefit Karansi widows and orphans.

Kudzu Art Zone is looking for local artists to submit their artwork 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 26. Additional details about the exhibition as well as requirements for entry available at www.kudzuartzone.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Schools support pantries for ‘service’

Gwinnett Great Days of Service takes place Sept. 30-Oct. 4. Schools will collect canned food, personal items and paper products to support 12 food pantries in the county. Corley Elementary, Norcross Elementary, Sycamore Elementary, Lilburn Middle, Richards Middle, and Sweetwater Middle have applied for community projects on Oct. 4-5. Information: www.gwinnettgreatdaysofservice.org. Nancy Badertscher

Nonprofits to attend networking fair

The Community Council of Gwinnett County will host a free networking fair from 10 a.m. to noon today at Gwinnett Technical College, 5150 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville. The annual event showcases several nonprofit organizations and builds awareness of the programs, products and services that exist to meet the needs of Gwinnett citizens.

County Commissioner Charlotte Nash will be the featured speaker. Information: www.commcouncilgc.org/. Veronica Fields Johnson

Fox Street closed for a week to replace pipe

Fox Street in Duluth will be closed through Friday to replace pipe underneath the street. Information: Duluth Planning Department at 770-476-1790. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Little River cleanup day set for next month

The Rivers Alive environmental group, in conjunction with several local governmental agencies, will hold its annual Little River Cleanup 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 12 at Olde Rope Mill Park, Woodstock.

Participants should wear old clothes and shoes. Breakfast items and lunch will be provided. Information: lori.forrester@ccwsa.com Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Sandy Springs festival causes road closures

The 28th Annual Sandy Springs Festival 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Roads closed to vehicular traffic beginning Friday and will reopen 10 p.m. Sunday: Sandy Springs Place will be closed between Sandy Springs Circle and Bluestone Road at 10 a.m.; Sandy Springs Circle will be closed between Mt. Vernon Highway and Sandy Springs Place at 2 p.m. ; Bluestone Road will be closed to southbound traffic only at 11 a.m.; Hilderbrand Drive will be closed between Sandy Springs Circle and Bluestone Drive beginning at 5 p.m.

Free parking at Century Springs East and West office complex on Lake Forrest Drive and Hammond Drive. Cooper-Global Transportation Shuttle service will drop off and pick up at Sandy Springs Circle at Hammond Drive throughout the weekend.

Information: www.sandyspringsga.gov, 404-851-9111 or 770-730-5600. Staff

Teacher of the year to be honored

The Cherokee County School District has announced its school-level winners of the Teacher of the Year award, who are now nominees for the CCSD Teacher of the Year honor district wide.

Nominees will complete applications for the district award between now and the end of October. The winner will be notified by surprise presentation in his or her classroom in November.

Information: www.cherokee.k12.ga.us  Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Alpharetta library hosts exhibit by local artists

The Alpharetta Library Branch will host the Alpha Arts Guild Art Exhibit at the library, 238 Canton St., Alpharetta, daily during library hours through the end of the year.

The display features artwork in a variety of styles and mediums by members of the Alpha Arts Guild, an organization for North Fulton-based artists.

Information: 770-740-2425  Veronica Fields Johnson

Woodstock safety academy gearing up

Woodstock officials are accepting applications through Sept. 23 for the latest edition of their Citizens’ Public Safety Academy, kicking off Sept. 25.

The 10-week course covers a variety of law enforcement and fire safety topics, including traffic enforcement, the SWAT team, jail operations and fire safety.

Applicants must be at least 19 and have no felony convictions.

Information: www.woodstockga.gov  Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

APS to move teachers, reduce class sizes

Atlanta’s school system plans to redistribute teachers and break up large classes by Oct. 1.

Staff told the Atlanta Board of Education Tuesday they’re evaluating which class sizes are too big because higher than expected enrollment.

The school board voted to hire additional teachers during this summer’s budget process in order to have class sizes at 25 students for kindergartners and as large as 35 students for high school. Mark Niesse

Law school launches spring admissions

John Marshall Law School has launched it’s first spring admissions program to allow students to enter law school before the start of a new academic year. Apply: www.johnmarshall.edu/apply. Information: admissions@johnmarshall.edu or 404-872-3593 ext. 201. Mea Watkins

Money raised for schools with box tops

Atlanta schools and parents are being encouraged to collect product box tops that will earn them cash for education.

The Urban League of Greater Atlanta and Box Tops for Education are leading the push to raise extra money for schools that can be used for field trips, band uniforms and other needs that otherwise might go unfunded.

Box Tops for Education is a program sponsored by General Mills that contributes 10 cents per pink coupon collected from a variety of products. Mark Niesse

Bodies are Work of Art fund-raiser

Artists will compete for top honors and prizes at the Living Art America, Bodies as a Work of Art live exhibition of body painting, 7 p.m. to midnight Sept. 28 at the Atlantic Aviation Services Hangars, Peachtree-Dekalb Airport, 2040 Airport Rd. The event benefits The Chelko Foundation, whose mission is to end gender bias against women and girls and empower them through art, education and partnership.Tickets: $150, $175 .

Information: www.livingartamerica.com, info@livingartamerica.com or 404-993-0306. Mea Watkins

DEKALB

No backpacks, purses for athletic events

Decatur High School principal Lauri McKain sent an email to parents requesting that “individuals refrain from carrying bags or purses into athletic events,” including Friday’s home football game against Clarkston, the first since Aug. 30 when three robberies were committed within an hour after the game. She added that everyone is subject to inspection prior to entry and “persons not complying with this request shall be denied entry.” So far police haven’t arrested any suspects in the August 30th crimes. Bill Banks for the AJC

DeKalb school debt downgraded

Moody’s Investors Service is becoming more skeptical about DeKalb County School District bonds, with downgrades that will likely increase the cost of borrowing. The bond-rating agency dropped its rating of $33 million in sales tax supported general obligation bonds (from Aa3 to A1) and certificates of participation affecting $102 million in debt (from A1 to A2).

Accreditation issues and “several ongoing lawsuits” were among the concernsas . Last year, Moody’s downgraded $385 million of the school system’s debt (from Aa2 to Aa3). Ty Tagami

Man killed in possible drive-by shooting

A man in Lithonia was killed Monday night in what police suspect could be a drive-by shooting.

Leland Sims, 26, was shot once and died at the scene, said police. The suspects fled the area after a number of shots were fired.

Several houses in the 6300 block of Phillips Court were riddled with bullets and Sims was found dead in one of the front yards.aDaarel Burnette II, Ben Gray

Retired educators to meet Thursday

The Decatur-DeKalb Retired Educators Association will meet at 2 p.m. Thursday in the Decatur First Christian Church Fellowship Hall, 601 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur. DDREA is a unit of the Georgia Retired Educators Association and is actively recruiting members, including retired educators from Decatur and DeKalb County schools, private and public, as well as other retired educators who live in the area. Information: 770-498-9493. Veronica Fields Johnson

Autumn equinox storytelling event set

A fundraising event marking the autumnal equinox will be held at 2 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Fernbank Science Center, 156 Heaton Park Drive N.E. “Stories Among the Stars” will feature members of the Southern Order of Storytellers who will share tales of the autumn constellations underneath the starlit night sky of the center’s planetarium dome.

Cost is $10. Tickets: www.fernbank.edu. Mea Watkins

Brighter Tomorrow seeks fundraising volunteers

A nonprofit group that supports behavioral health and developmental disability services provided by DeKalb’s Community Service Board needs board members.

The Brighter Tomorrow Foundation works to raise funds for the CSB, meaning board members should have fundraising experience or a background in providing healthcare.

Information: 404-508-7875 or www.btfdekalb.org. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Fayette sets guidelines for school properties

The Fayette County Board of Education is establishing formal guidelines for the future lease or sale of vacant school buildings. On Monday the board approved a plan that will initially consist of getting appraisals to establish fair market values.

After that it will be up to the board to determine which uses are best suited to individual properties. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Water Authority to host youth hunts

The Henry County Water Authority hosts a youth goose hunt Saturday at the Tussahaw Reservoir, followed by a youth bow hunt (archery only) for deer Oct. 5 at the Cubihatcha Outdoor Center. The hunts are open to Henry County 10 - 17 and must be accompanied by an adult Henry County property owner, resident, or HCWA customer. Hunting slots are limited to one child per parent and will be chosen according to a lottery system. Information: www.hcwsa.com or 678-583-3930.Monroe Roark for the AJC

Peachtree City cancels council meeting

The regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council of Peachtree City has been canceled. The next council meeting will be 7 p.m. Oct. 3 at City Hall. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

College Park library to offer GED classes

The College Park Library Branch will offer GED Testing at 9 a.m. Oct. 4 and Oct. 5, Oct. 25 and Oct. 26 at the library, 3647 Main St., College Park. The GED consists of five tests. Each test is $32 and the entire battery is $160. Each participant must bring a valid state ID and money order when registering. Information: 404-762-4060. Veronica Fields Johnson

Court changes payment deadline

A procedure in Peachtree City requires that all payments due to Peachtree City’s Municipal Court must be received by 1 p.m. the Monday before the court date on the citation. Payments, including those sent online, by mail or in person, can be made in lieu of appearing in court as long as the violation is not listed as “Must Appear.” Information: 770-631-2096. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Meeting date changed for housing board

The regular monthly meeting of the East Point Housing Authority, Board of Commissioners, has been moved to 4:30 p.m. Sept. 26 at the organization’s office, 3056 Norman Berry Drive, East Point.

Information: 404-768-0078. Veronica Fields Johnson

Alzheimer’s Walk to be held in October

The Southern Crescent Walk to End Alzheimer’s annual walk will be 8 a.m. Oct. 5 at the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater, 201 McIntosh Trail, Peachtree City. Register at alz.org/walk.

Donations to the walk benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association can be mailed to Southern Crescent Walk to End Alzheimer’s, PO Box 2144, Peachtree City, GA 30269.

Information: Sue Shaffer at alzwalkshaffer@aol.com. Veronica Fields Johnson