County by county news for Wednesday

Work sessions begin at 5 p.m. at City Hall, 4484 Marietta St., second floor conference room. Preceded by a 6:30 p.m. work session in an adjacent conference room, voting meetings start at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 4488 Pineview Drive. Information: City Clerk Dawn Davis, DDavis@CityOfPowderSprings.org, 770-943-4349 or cityofpowdersprings.org. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Alternative school may become academy

Cobb County School administrators are looking at possibly converting alternative Oakwood High School into a digital academy. The administrators will hold two sessions from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 6 and Aug. 8. They will take place at the Oakwood campus activity room at 1560 Joyner Ave. in Marietta. The district’s school board will discuss the conversions at its August meetings.

Daarel Burnette II

Acworth to expand Logan Farm Park

Acworth’s Board of Alderman has approved hiring design and survey services to continue development of 120-acre Logan Farm Park on Logan Road. The park currently has 60 acres in use.The $1.5 million project on 12 acres will add a playground, large play area, two pedestrian bridges over Tanyard Creek and road improvements on nearby Taylor Road and Southside Drive. Funding will be $475,000 from the 2011 SPLOST and also federal funds. Construction is expected to start in 2014.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Bidding ends Friday on city tractor

Austell city officials are selling an inoperable 1972 Ford Tractor 2110 through 5 p.m. Friday on GovDeals.com.

Inspections are available by appointment only, and there will be no refund to the winning bidder.

Information: Zach Evans, 678-923-1696 or search “Austell” at GovDeals.com.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Library to hold parenting classes

Cobb youth services librarian Julienne Marks will lead a six-week workshop starting Aug. 5 on how children can live together peacefully, based on the book “Siblings Without Rivalry” by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish. The workshop will be held Mondays from 6-7:30 p.m. at the South Cobb Library, 805 Clay Road, Mableton. The workshop is for adults only and registration is required. Information: 678-398-5828. Jaime Sarrio

Powder Springs seeks contractor

Contractor proposals are being sought by Powder Springs for the design and construction of a restroom at the city’s new Linear Park along the Silver Comet Trail at Richard Sailors Parkway at Villa Springs Circle.

Proposals must be submitted before 10 a.m. July 25 at City Hall, 4484 Marietta St. when they will be publicly opened and read aloud.

Information: cityofpowdersprings.org and click “Bid Information” or Croy Engineering LLC, the city’s program manager, at 770-971-5407 or eflynn@croyengineering.com. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

GWINNETT

Peachtree Corners taking proposals

The Peachtree Corners Downtown Development Authority has extended the deadline for requests for proposals to 11 a.m. Aug. 1 for a developer to purchase and develop a mixed-use project on a 20-acre site across from the Forum shopping center.

The city hopes to develop the land as a city-center with retail, restaurant, office and residential use along with a 1-acre town green for community events.

Information: www.cityofpeachtreecornersga.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Public arts commission spots open in Duluth

The City of Duluth is forming a Public Arts Commission to promote training, development and performance of performing arts, maintain the city’s existing public art collection and to commission, acquire and exhibit new public works of art. Citizens interested in serving on the nine-member commission must return completed applications to the City Manager’s office, City Hall, 2nd Floor, 3167 Main St., by Aug. 15. Information: www.duluthga.net/community/get_7involved/boards_and_commissions.php.

Veronica Fields Johnson

Tech hosts girls’ construction camp

Gwinnett Technical College. hosts MAGIC (Mentoring a Girl in Construction) Camp Monday through Aug. 2 to introduce young women to the opportunities available in the construction industry. Information: Dana Urrutia, 678-495-3638 or durrutia@tillmanallengreer.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Duluth art league hosting fundraiser

The Duluth Fine Arts League will host “A Tour of Italy” Saturday at Hardeman’s Fine Art Glass Studio, 311 Main St., Duluth.

The event will include Italian cuisine, wine, entertainment and a silent auction.

Cost: $35 with proceeds going to the league’s high school scholarship program.

Tickets available at Hardeman’s Fine Art Glass Studio.

Information: 770-476-7328 orwww.duluthfineartsleague.org.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Chamber collecting school supplies

The Southwest Gwinnett Chamber is partnering with the community to collect school supplies for needy children in the Berkeley Lake, Norcross and Peachtree Corners areas.

Drop-off bins are at the YMCA and each City Hall.

Information: Kim Dorough at kdorough@southwestgwinnettchamber.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Students asked input on downtown Duluth

Duluth is looking for four undergraduate students to tour the city’s newly revitalized downtown at 3 p.m. July 26. Students would provide feedback on the challenges and opportunities Duluth has in continuing to redevelop downtown. Variety of undergraduate majors and degree programs desired, but are looking for those other than planning and development majors.

Information: William Aiken, at waiken@duluthga.net. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Copper theft case brought against three in Cherokee

Two more suspects have been arrested for allegedly stealing copper last week from a Cobb EMC power station in Acworth. Cherokee County sheriff’s deputies identified them on Monday as Erik Davies, 38, and Sean Demore, 20, also of Gainesville. Deputies previously charged Richard Demore in the thefts. All three suspects have been charged with with commercial burglary, second-degree criminal damage to property, and obstruction. They were being held Monday in the Cherokee Adult Detention Center on $33,400 bond each. Nancy Badertscher

Forsyth woman dies in crash

A 21-year-old Forsyth County woman died in a car-scooter collision Monday morning. A sheriff’s spokesman says Kirsti Sue Baiel was riding a scooter on McCoy Circle at Spot Road in north Forsyth when she was struck by a car driven by Christopher Rubessa, 20, of Cumming. Baiel was taken to Northside Hospital-Forsyth where she was pronounced dead. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Canton officials may raise property tax

Following a series of budget workshops, Canton’s mayor and city council have tentatively adopted a 17.5 percent property tax increase. The hike would raise the millage rate to 7.980 mills, an increase of 1.187 mills. The tax increase for a home with a fair market value would be about $70. The first of three public hearings on the proposal is set for 6 p.m. Aug. 1 at the council chambers at Canton City Hall, 151 Elizabeth St.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Fire station opening planned in Forsyth

The Forsyth County Fire Department will hold a grand opening ceremon for its new Fire Station 3 at 11 a.m.Thursday at 6495 Wallace Tatum Road. The new 2-bay station will serve the Matt area of Forsyth County. The project was funded by a combination of SPLOST VI and impact fee money. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Autrey Mill offers cellphone tours

The Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center in Johns Creek has launched cell phone tours of the 43-acre site. Visitors can dial a phone number and enter a site code to hear information about the preserve and its historic buildings. Recordings provide information on the history of the buildings, including their previous residents and interesting features that distinguish each building. The service was created through a $3,000 grant from Sawnee EMC.

Information: www.autreymill.org. Patrick Fox

Alpharetta hosts youth triathlon this fall

IronKids Alpharetta, the largest youth triathlon in the U.S., will take place Sept. 15 at Wills Park, 1825 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta. Athletes ages 6 to 15 can enter to win a free registration at www.awesomealpharetta.com through July 31. Participants receive a medal upon crossing the finish line and the top three athletes within each age category will be awarded a placement trophy. Registration is $50 online and $65 onsite. Race morning registration will not be available. Information: hy-veeironkids.com/alpharetta/. Veronica Fields Johnson

ATLANTA

Clerk shot at Ponce gas station

A clerk at an Exxon station and convenience store in the 1100 block of Ponce de Leon Avenue was recovering Tuesday morning after being shot overnight.

The victim, 46-year-old Jack Alieu, was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital in stable condition.

Surveillance video showed that Alieu was shot by one of two men who entered the store around 11:30 p.m. Mike Morris

Candlelight vigil to honor Trayvon Martin

The Pi Alpha Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity,Inc., in partnership with H.T.C.B. LLC, will host a silent march and candlelight vigil today in memory of Trayvon Martin and other youth who have lost their lives to violence. Participants are asked to assemble at 8 p.m. at 33 Gilmer St., S.E. The march begins at 8:15 p.m. and the candlelight vigil will start at 8:30 p.m. at the water wall across from Woodruff Park. Information: Chris Sumter at csumter1@gmail.com. Veronica Fields Johnson

Library staff, patrons robbed at gunpoint

The normal quiet of Perry Homes branch of the Atlanta-Fulton County Public Library System on Bolton Road was shattered last week when two gunmen came in and robbed the library staff and patrons. Friday. No arrests have been made. Mike Morris

Mojah-fusion concert this weekend

Atlanta- Dancical Productions, Inc. will hold a Mojah-Fusion concert 7 p.m. Saturday at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center, 3181 Rainbow Dr.

The concert will showcase the pioneering work of its creator and artists who have contributed to the teaching and evolution of Mojah including master drummer, Oginga Love, dancer/choreographer, Dawn Axam, dance professor, Kikora Franklin, Director of Huntsville Theatre of Dance, Monique Ryan, and Instructor of Afro-Brazilian Dance, Adrienne Hall.

Information: www.dancicalproductions.com and MojahFusionDanceConert2013.eventbrite.com. Sandra Marshall Murray

DEKALB

MARTA: DUI driver hits bus

Police say a drunken driver hit a MARTA bus early Tuesday morning.

According to Channel 2 Action News, a bus was rear-ended traveling west on Rocky Ford Road near College Avenue in Atlanta’s Kirkwood neighborhood in DeKalb County.

The driver of the car was injured and taken to Grady Memorial Hospital for treatment, Channel 2 said. The driver was charged with DUI and driving too close.

The bus driver and a trainee also were injured and hospitalized, according to reports.

MARTA officials told Channel 2 the car sustained $4,500 worth of damages, while there were only $25 in damages to the bus. Marcus K. Garner

Avondale approves domestic partner

Avondale Estates became Georgia’s fourth municipality (Atlanta, Fulton County and Athens-Clarke County are the others) to pass a domestic partnership registry resolution.

Same-sex and opposite-sex partners, residing within Avondale, can request a domestic partnership certificate at city hall during normal business hours.

The certificate may make it easier for couples in providing evidence to receive healthcare benefits, gain hospital visitation rights and other rights afforded married couples. Bill Banks for the AJC

New CID names board of directors

DeKalb County’s newest community improvement district has named its board of directors to help it lead.

Bill Rosenfeld will serve as chairman, and John Martin is vice chairman. Others on the board are Will Arroyo, Lou Brown, Barry Schrenk, Harold Smith and Michele Weston.

The board selected Ann Rosenthal was as president of the CID, a self-taxing district that funds improvements in the community. Information: www.tuckercid.com. April Hunt

Volunteers needed for book festival

Volunteer applications are being accepted for the AJC Decatur Book Festival, which comes to the city Aug 30 to Sept. 1.

Hundreds of volunteers are needed to help with set up, book signings, sales and other activities.

Information: 678-615-0915 or sherry.jackman@decaturga.com. April Hunt

Grants available to charity groups

Charity groups that work with children, seniors and other under-served populations in DeKalb County can now apply for government grants to help with their work.

Applications due Aug. 16 in the Human Development Department.

Information: 770-270-1180 or human.dekalbcountyga.gov. April Hunt

Storytelling program at History Center

A storytelling series for children returns to DeKalb History Center 10 to 11 a.m. every Wednesday through July 31 at the historic Biffle Cabin, 720 W. Trinity Place. The programs, for children ages 6-12, are $4 for children of members and $6 per session for others.

Information: 404-373-1088, ext. 22 or www.dekalbhistory.org. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

First black to head Clayton’s fire department

Clayton County fire department veteran Dwayne Jackson has been appointed interim fire chief for the county. He is the first black to serve in the position.

He assumed the job on July 20. He has been with the department 23 years. Jackson replaces Jeff Hood who retired as fire and emergency services chief on July 19 after nearly 35 years in the department.

A reception was held for Hood, 53, on Monday at the Battlecreek Fire Station in Jonesboro. Tammy Joyner

More arrested in May shooting death

Harry Dennis, 20, and Robert Donjoie, 19, were arrested Monday in connection with the May shooting death of Drexel Lamar Berry of East Point.

Berry, 24, was shot multiple times in the 500 block of Cooper Street in southwest Atlanta on May 29 and later died at Grady Memorial Hospital.

In June, Freedell Benton, 26, and Quantavious Guffie, 22, were arrested and charged with murder in the case. All remain in the Fulton jail. Angel K. Brooks

Wheelchair thieves sought in Henry County

Henry County police are looking for two people who robbed Publix at 2730 Highway 155 in Locust Grove of a wheelchair. A video camera caught a white man in a yellow shirt pushing it, with an older white female in the seat, police said.

Anyone with information should contact Henry County Police Detective Jeffrey Johnson at 770-288-8269 or jeffreyjohnson@co.henry.ga.us. Nancy Badertscher

Fayette bridge replacement today

The Fayette County Public Works Department will close the Kenwood Road Bridge near West Fayetteville Road starting today. A 1.8-mile detour will be in effect for approximately seven months while the bridge is being replaced as part of the county’s Transportation SPLOST program. A detour map is at http://www.fayettecountyga.gov/news_archives/13July/KenwoodBridgeDetourNotification.pdf. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Fayette programs now at empty school

Fayette County is relocating several education programs to the now-empty Fayette Middle School building in Fayetteville. The Open Campus, Alternative School and Mainstay classes will operate from the former school as part of cost-cutting redistricting changes and the sale of the Rivers Elementary building. The move will consolidate related programs and administrative staff. Jill Howard Church

Fayette sets SPLOST stormwater timetable

The Fayette County Board of Commissioners has set a schedule for finalizing the Core Infrastructure SPLOST to finance stormwater system repairs. A list of 181 proposed projects is available at www.fayettecountyga.gov and at the libraries and city halls in Fayetteville, Peachtree City and Tyrone. Residents can send comments to stormwaterinput@fayettecountyga.gov. A final public hearing will be held at the BOC meeting at 7 p.m. Aug. 29 in Fayetteville. Jill Howard Church for the AJC