County by county news for Wednesday

Customers will need to register before activating their account, choosing to receive their bills online through e-mail.

Also, those who have received a traffic ticket from the city may pay their citation online - though not all traffic citations are eligible to be paid online.

Information: austellga.gov, click on “View or Pay a Bill” icon on the right panel.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Money raised for birth-defect surgeries

Hot Lips Hustle, a 5K to raise money for SMILE TRAIN, a cleft lip and palate charity, 8 a.m. Saturday at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 2922 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta. Nancy Badertscher

Free native plants giveaway Saturday

The Georgia Native Plant Society will give away free native plants from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at Heritage Park, 60 Fontaine Road, Mableton to thank all of the trail-goers who have helped the society remove tagged non-native plants from the park.

As a result, native plants are making a comeback.

All are invited to pick up a free native plant and chat with experts on master gardening, habitat restoration and gardening for birds and butterflies.

Information: prca.cobbcountyga.gov/heritagepark.htm or 770-528-8840.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Cobb church hosts consignment sale

Due West United Methodist Church will host a Children and Teen Consignment Sale 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at 3956 Due West Road, Marietta 30064. Admission is free. Clothing, baby items/furniture, electronics, books, toys, etc. are offered. Information: duewest.org or duewesttreasurechest@yahoo.com. Sandra Marshall Murray

Church to host 3-day consignment sale

Due West United Methodist Church will sponsor a 3-day children’s and teen consignment sale from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday in the church Family Life Center, 3956 Due West Road, Marietta. Gently used clothing items, accessories and shoes, formal wear, school uniforms, baby items/furniture, electronics, books, CDs, DVDs and toys will be on sale. Many items half-price on Saturday. Information: www.duewest.org/pages/Community/Consignment_Sale/ or duewesttreasurechest@yahoo.com. Veronica Fields Johnson

Job fair to include more than 30 companies

Job seekers will have a chance to talk to more than 30 employers at a Career Expo 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Cobb County Civic Center, 548 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta. Some of the jobs are hospitality, administration, medical, insurance, technicians and sales. The fair is sponsored by Marietta, Cobb County, CobbWorks Inc.

Cobb Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Department of Labor. Information: www.mariettaga.gov.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

GWINNETT

Gwinnett police plan firearms safety seminar

Gwinnett County Police Department will host a free firearms safety seminar 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 19. It will take place in the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center auditorium, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville. Personnel from the Gwinnett Police Academy will cover several topics, including Georgia’s carry and deadly force laws, the requirements for a carry permit and personal defense. Pre-registration is not required, but seating is limited so early arrival is recommended. No firearms at the event. Attendees will be screened at a security checkpoint. Information: Cpl. J. Golliher at 678-226-7766. Nancy Badertscher

Doors exhibit benefits Habitat for Humanity

Norcross will host an art festival - Doors to Homes and Hope 10 a.m. Oct. 5 to help support Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity’s mission to build homes and raise visibility of the arts. Information: www.gwinnettrestore.org, doorstoHomesandHope@gmail.com or 678.642.9486. Sandra Marshall Murray

Food trucks in Duluth Fridays through Oct. 25

The City of Duluth will sponsor Food Truck/Block Party Fridays on Main Street through Oct. 25. Festivities are from 6 to 9 p.m. each Friday and will feature entertainment, a line up of food trucks and other activities. Information: www.duluthga.net/foodtruckfridays Veronica Fields Johnson

Duluth focus group to discuss busk stops

Duluth invites residents to join a focus group to discuss a busker program (street performers) at noon Tuesday in the Main Street Conference Room at City Hall. Bring a lunch and share your ideas. Information: www.duluthga.net. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Deadline Sept. 16 to apply for school panel

Parents, community members and employees may apply by Sept. 16 to serve on a committee that provides input on the curriculum for Gwinnett County Public Schools. The next committee meeting is in February. After the curriculum review, the committee recommends revisions and additions for adoption. Members serve three-years. Applications should be returned to Gale Hey, associate superintendent for Teaching and Learning at the Instructional Support Center, 437 Old Peachtree Rd., NW, Suwanee, 30024. Applications at www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us. Nancy Badertscher

Free dance class for special needs children

Southern Ballet Theatre, 3315 Sugarloaf Parkway, Suite 16, Lawrenceville, is offering a free special needs dance class 5 to 5:45 p.m. every Thursday for children with mental, medical or physical limitations. Information: 770-940-9223 or www.southernballettheatre.com. Veronica Fields Johnson

Organization to sponsor free SAT Prep

College Nannies & Tutors of Duluth offers a free SAT Prep class 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Gwinnett Fire Station 7, 3343 Bunten Road, Duluth.

Participants must register by calling 678-259-0232.

Information: www.collegetutors.com.

Veronica Fields Johnson

NORTHSIDE

Woman critical after Ga. 400 wreck

Traffic was opened back up at Settingdown Road on Ga. 400 northbound in Forsyth after an accident involving a car and a cement truck, according to local officials.

The accident occurred around 12:45 p.m.

A helicopter has been sent to the scene to transport a female victim who is in critical condition.

The accident is still under investigation.

Daarel Burnette II

Forsyth lawmaker nabs small business award

A Forsyth County legislator has won the Guardian of Small Business award, presented by the Georgia office of the National Federation of Independent Business. State Rep. Mark Hamilton, R-Cumming was honored for supporting small-business issues in the General Assembly, earning a perfect rating from the group for the 2012 session.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Recycling challenge winners announced

The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce announced winners of the Mayor’s Recycling Challenge, in which Cherokee cities challenged residents to recycle more during June and July. Woodstock collected the most recycled material-421,286 pounds. Waleska hauled in the most per capita-32.8 pounds per resident.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Fulton offers session on homeowners’ rights

Fulton County will offer information on homeowners’ rights and code enforcement

6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Roswell Library, 115 Norcross St.

The session will include information on homeowners’ rights under the federal Making Home Affordable program and on code enforcement in Roswell.

Information on homeowners’ rights: Audra Pender at 404-612-3024.

Information on Roswell code enforcement: 770-594-6101.

David Wickert

Cherokee program seeks nominees

The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominees for the 2014 Leadership Cherokee class through Oct. 1.

Nominees will fill out a written application and be interviewed for possible placement in the nine-month leadership training program which begins in January.

Those selected must live and/or work in Cherokee. Information: 770-345-0400.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

AAUW book fair scheduled

The American Association of University Women will hold its 54th annual AAUW book fair Sept. 23-29 at Perimeter Mall, 4400 Ashford Dunwoody Road N.E. Gently used books, educational materials, tapes, CDs and DVDs will be available. The book fair will operate during mall hours. There will be a $10 fee to shop during opening day only, from 6 to 9 p.m., Sept. 23.

Proceeds from the fair sponsored by the Atlanta, Cobb County and North Fulton branches of the AAUW go to educational endeavors.

Information: 404-261-7646 or www.bookfairaauw.org. Mea Watkins

ATLANTA

Pimp gets life for sexual abuse of teen

Dwayne Shaw, 34, was convicted by a jury on charges including human trafficking, pimping, aggravated sodomy, aggravated child molestation, statutory rape and false imprisonment Monday and sentenced to life in prison.

Shaw met the 15-year-old girl online and lured her into a life of prostitution in November 2012, prosecutors said. He set up appointments with clients for her at hotels, then kept all the money. He also imprisoned her at his home and raped her, authorities said. Angel K. Brooks

APS reports better than expected finances

Atlanta’s public school system concluded its fiscal year in better financial health than previously feared, Chief Financial Officer Chuck Burbridge reported to the school board Monday.

The school district had $83.7 million in reserves when the 2013 fiscal year ended June 30, and it expects to spend $25.3 million of those reserves this year to help balance the budget, leaving a $58.4 million fund balance. Mark Niesse

Atlanta bus drivers seek pay

Atlanta Public Schools bus drivers told the school board Monday they’re being shorted of pay while working in poor conditions. The bus drivers reported to work five days earlier this year than in previous years. Deputy Superintendent Larry Hoskins said Monday the pay issue is being negotiated, and the school system has said the drivers will work and be paid for the same number of days as in past years. Mark Niesse

Gas customers can help injured kids

Buckhead Coalition has partnered with Gas South to raise funds to help kids hurt playing school sports.Through Oct.5, Gas South will provide a $50 credit to Buckhead residents and businesses that enroll in a program that then donates frunds to the Shepherd Center. The initial funding to the Shepherd Center is $5,000, and should increase annually. The goal is to eventually reach $25,000 a year. Information: www.gas-south.com/buckhead or 1-855-281-1688. Staff

DEKALB

Police: Tow truck driver shot

A tow truck driver is recovering from being shot while trying to tow an abandoned vehicle from the 1600 block of South Deshon Road.

An individual approached with a gun and fired at the wrecker driver. As the wrecker driver tried to run away, the shot missed but the bullet ricocheted and hit him in the foot.

The suspect fled and police continue to look for him, according to reports.

Marcus K. Garner

School board tables vote on charter

The DeKalb County Board of Education tabled a vote Monday night on approving a new charter school, Tapestry Public Charter School Inc. According to the school’s website, the “mission of Tapestry Public Charter School is to offer an inclusive, individualized learning environment that is academically engaging, both for neurotypical students and those on the autism spectrum …” It also is to “create a positive school culture that empowers all students to take possession of their innate talents and become creative builders of their own future.” Supporters say they want to open the school in 2014. Nancy Badertscher

Pedestrian/bicycle improvements OK’d

Decatur’s commission recently approved an agreement with the Georgia Department of Transportation that’ll provide $2.1 million for the Clairemont-Commerce-Church Street Pedestrian Safety and Bicycle Trail Improvements.

Work will eventually include bicycle tracks, separated from road and sidewalks by a curb and greenspace, safer intersection crossings and possibly a roundabout at the Church Street/Forkner Drive/Medlock Road intersection.

Actual construction may be three to four years away, with the anticipated total cost of $4,162,000.

Bill Banks for the AJC

Eastern redevelopment focus of meeting

A community group in the Stone Mountain area will host a meeting p.m. Thursday at St. Timothy United Methodist Church, 5365 Memorial Dr. to discuss redevelopment in the area.

The director of Emory University’s Center for Community Partnership will discuss demographic data and development possibilities for the Memorial Drive corridor between the Kensington MARTA station and the Gwinnett County line.

April Hunt

Free spay/neuter for bully-breeds

Faced with an ongoing problem of stray pit bull and pit mixes in its county animal shelter, DeKalb County is offering free spay-neutering of those breeds for a limited time.

The program also includes free vaccinations. Information: www.dekalbcountyanimalservices.com. April Hunt

Briarcliff organizers to hold meeting

The City of Briarcliff Initiative, organizers behind a cityhood effort in central DeKalb County, will hold a community meeting 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Clairmont Hills Baptist Church, 1995 Clairmont Road.

The group recently paid $30,000 to fund a feasibility study of the city, which will fit inside the Perimeter and I-85 and have an estimated 90,000 residents. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Two Georgians rack up $250k in lotto win

Two Georgia residents were a quarter million dollars richer as of Monday morning.Montez Daughtery, of Atlanta, and Frank Harper, of Union City, matched all five winning numbers of their Fantasty 5 tickets from the Sept. 6 Georgia Lottery drawing. They collected their prizes, $260,843 each, Monday at Georgia Lottery headquarters in Atlanta.Daugherty bought her winning ticket at the Shannon Beverage Warehouse Outlet, at 6900 Londonderry Way in Union City.DJ’s Grocery II, at 504 Main St. in Palmetto, sold Harper his winning Quik Pik ticket. Chelsea Cariker

UGA alumni art exhibit opens Friday

The University of Georgia Alumni Association will host the opening night reception of the annual UGA Alumni Art Showcase from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Winsor Gallery, 34 Macon St., McDonough. Meet participating artists and learn about their work, which will be on display through Oct. 18.

Free.

Information: Beth Ely at bethgirl@georgiadogs.com. Veronica Fields Johnson

Taste of Fayette returns Sunday

Fayetteville Main Street will offer a fall edition of the popular Taste of Fayette from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday on the Downtown Fayetteville square. Local restaurants and vendors will offer samplings sold via tokens. Live music and children’s activities are included, as are beer and wine tastings. Information: www.fayetteville-ga.gov.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

East Point to pick up bulk waste for free

The city of East Point Solid Waste Division plans Bulk Waste Amnesty Week Sept 16-19. Waste such as household furniture, washers and dryers, lawn mowers and bags of clothes will be collected for free. Among items not accepted: propane tanks, construction debris, oil, tires and concrete. Place items on the curb before 7 a.m. on regular garbage pickup day. Information: www.eastpointcity.org

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Lovejoy Fallfest set for Saturday at center

The 2013 Lovejoy Fallfest is scheduled for 1 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the Lovejoy Community Center, 11622 Hastings Bridge Road. Electric violinist Ken Ford returns as headliner after what festival-goers described last year as a “violectric” performance. Music lovers can enjoy a variety of music genres from gospel to rap to old school rhythm and blues. Mike DeLaney’s blues band performs. Vendors also will be selling food and crafts. More info: www.cityoflovejoy.com.Tammy Joyner

County food drive set this month

Fayette County will host a countywide food drive 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 14 at the Lane Brown Gazebo, 1821 Heritage Park Way, Fayetteville. The goal is to fill a 53-foot trailer with: Baked beans, beef stew, breakfast cereal, dry beans, peanut butter, jam, jelly, rice, canned pasta sauce, canned tomatoes and tomato products, toilet paper, laundry detergent, paper napkins and paper towels. Information: www.FayetteFoodDrive.info or email fayettefooddrive@gmail.com. Sandra Marshall Murray