County by county news for Wednesday

Most officers certified in field sobriety testing can detect drivers under the influence of alcohol, but the rise in abuse of prescription medications, bath salts and synthetic marijuana, calls for drug recognition experts. Marrieta’s are currently assigned to the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program Unit. Andria Simmons

Holcomb Bridge Middle raises funds for Sudan

Holcomb Bridge Middle School students recently launched a fundraiser for South Sudanese children through the “Raising South Sudan,” a global learning and service initiative. They are looking to raise $10,000. The students are asking people to send their contributions to the school at 2700 Holcomb Bridge Rd. in Alpharetta. For more information, visit the school’s website at http://school.fultonschools.org/ms/holcombbridge. Daarel Burnette II

Cops: Pregnant mom told kids to shoplift

Lakesha Michelle Gilchrist, 38, will be arrested for felony shoplifting and two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, after she delivers her baby, police said.

On Friday afternoon, Gilchrist, of Marietta, allegedly tried to leave the Walmart on Cobb Parkway with three shopping carts and three plastic containers of household goods and clothing, according to an arrest warrant. The merchandise was valued at $1,582.98, according to Marietta police.

Gilchrist, 39 weeks pregnant, brought her daughters, ages 15 and 10, into the store and had them help steal merchandise, police said. Alexis Stevens

Schools receive $200,000 grant

The AT&T’s Aspire program recently gave Communities in Schools of Marietta/Cobb County (CISMCC) a $200,000 grant to extend the program’s efforts to remove non-academic barriers to students’ success in schools.

The Aspire program gives local organizations grants to help prevent the dropout crisis.

CISMCC pairs students with tutors and family services to help stabilize homes. The program will use the money to fund more school on-site coordinators. Daarel Burnette II

Cobb business group hosts military luncheon

The South Cobb Business Association will host a Military Appreciation luncheon Oct. 3 at Camp Timber Ridge, 5540 North Allen Road in Mableton. Networking at 11:15 a.m.; lunch at 11:45 a.m. Cost: $10 members, $20 nonmembers.

Tickets: www.southcobbba.org. Kenneth Musisi

Powder Springs sells former mower shop

Powder Springs City Council members decided Monday to sell a former lawnmower shop, 4425 Marietta St. at Lewis Road in the central business district, that it had acquired.

The 4,000 square-foot building will be sold to Russ Blocksidge and Evergreen Properties for $105,000, said interim City Manager Brad Hulsey.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

GWINNETT

GDOT hosts open house on highway project

The Georgia Department of Transportation will host an open house on plans to widen Ga. 13/Buford Highway 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Buford City Hall, 2300 Buford Highway.

The department plans to widen Buford Highway from Sawnee Avenue in Buford to south of Ga. 347 in Hall County. Department engineers will discuss the project.

Send comments to Glenn Bowman, Georgia DOT, 600 W. Peachtree St. NW, 16th Floor, Atlanta, GA 30308. Comments must be received by Oct. 18.

David Wickert

Trethewey at Georgia Gwinnett College

Author Natasha Trethewey will speak at 5 p.m. Sunday at the student center at Georgia Gwinnett College, 1000 University Center Lane, Lawrenceville.

Trethewey, the author of three poetry collections, is Poet Laureate of the United States. The event is part of the library’s “Fall Into The Arts” program.

Information: www.gwinnettfallintothearts.org or 770-978-5154. David Wickert

School board salutes Trickum Middle

The Gwinnett County Board of Education recently saluted Trickum Middle’s Academic Team for finishing in first place in the 2012 Junior National Academic Championship Tournament. The six students — Brent Bessemer, Keaton Law, Jordan Rice, JulieWang, Jason Fan and Ansel Ahabue — had to defeat 47 teams from across the nation.

Academic Team competitions resemble the game show Jeopardy!, only students compete on teams. Nancy Badertscher

Buford business meeting set for Oct. 9

The Buford Business Alliance holds its monthly business-after-hours 5:30 - 7 p.m. Tuesday at Poste Haste, 4544 Atwater Court, Suite 105.

The group plans events and provides a forum for ideas to promote and improve Historic Buford. Local residents or businesses can attend the meetings.

Information: Gayle Mack, vicepresident@visitbuford.com.

Arlinda Smith Broady

Foster parent orientation upcoming

Gwinnett County Department of Family and Children Services urges residents to consider foster parenting.

Upcoming orientation sessions sponsored by the Gwinnett County DFCS will be 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 15, Nov. 5, and Dec. 10 at the Clayton Commerce Center, 33 South Clayton St., Lawrenceville.

Information: 877-210-5437 or email dfcsrd@gmail.com.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Water conservation workshop set

The Homeowner H2O Water Conservation Workshop will be 10:30 a.m. to noon Oct. 13 at the Centerville Community Center, 3025 Bethany Church Road, Snellville.

Residents who attend will receive indoor and outdoor water efficiency kits and a do-it-yourself home water audit guide, and learn how to save water.

To register, send an e-mail with your name, address and phone number to dwrconserve@gwinnettcounty.com or call 678-376-6722. Kenneth Musisi

NORTHSIDE

Fulton tax office hours return to normal

The Fulton County Tax Commissioner’s satellite offices are returning to normal operating times. They will be open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays, the same hours as the main office at 141 Pryor Street in Atlanta.

The other offices are at the North Fulton Government Service Center at 7741 Roswell Road in Sandy Springs, the South Fulton Government Service Center at 5600 Stonewall Tell Road in south Fulton, 3155 Royal Drive in Alpharetta and Greenbriar Mall in Atlanta. Information: 404-730-6100. Johnny Edwards

Forsyth 2013 budget hearing Thursday

The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing 5 p.m. Thursday to present the proposed 2013 operating budget for Forsyth County government.

The hearing will be held in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Suite 220, in the Forsyth County Administration Building, 110 E. Main St., Cumming.

The proposed 2013 budget is available for public review 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. weekdays in the office of the Board of Commissioners, Suite 210, in the Forsyth County Administration Building.

The public can also review the budget online at www.forsythco.com.

Arlinda Smith Broady

Christmas program assists families

Each year, the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office Reserve Unit’s Christmas Joy Program helps families; children and the elderly receive food, toys, etc.

These items are gathered and distributed by the Reserve Unit through donations of money and food from individuals, companies, service organizations and schools.

In 2011, the Unit served over 100 families, 193 children and 113 elderly. Families in need of assistance and with children in the Cherokee County School System can obtain forms from school counselors.

For donations, make checks payable to the Cherokee Sheriff’s Reserve Unit and mail to Cherokee Sheriff’s Office, c/ o Reserve Unit, 498 Chattin Drive, Canton, GA 30115.

Information: Sgt. John Forkin at 678-333-6345. Kenneth Musisi

Canton to consider rental car tax again

Canton’s Main Street program is again asking the City Council to consider a 3 percent excise tax on rental car transactions to boost downtown development. Director Ginger Garrard says money generated would fund a first-year rental assistance program for new businesses moving into the downtown area. The proposal is on Thursday’s agenda as part of a series of goals and plans the group formulated for promoting downtown development. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Aquatics center project progressing well

Cherokee County’s planned aquatics center is under budget and on schedule for a May, 2013 opening. The $15.6 million indoor and outdoor facility is being built by New South Construction Company. The total project budget has been placed at almost $20 million, and county officials say they expect a savings of $500,000 from that figure. County Commissioners were briefed on the project at Tuesday’s work session.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

GSU hosts celebrations for independence

The Department of History & the Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University celebrates the 50th Independence Anniversary of Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago 6 to 9 p.m. today at 80 Forsyth Street, NW.

The free education symposium will celebrate Carribean culture with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and Steelpan music. Anil Ramnanan, Consul General of Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, will speak.

Reservations: history@gsu.edu or 404-413-5264. Kenneth Musisi

Lil Scrappy jailed for probation violation

“Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” cast member Lil Scrappy remained in the DeKalb County Jail Tuesday, a day after his arrest for a probation violation.

Lil Scrappy, whose real name is Darryl Richardson, was taken into custody Monday, according to the jail’s website.

The 28-year-old hip hop and rap artist was booked around 5:38 p.m. Monday on a probation violation that occurred on Sept. 4, according to the jail’s website. Christopher Seward

Fire station relocated for renovations

The Atlanta Fire Rescue Department Fire Station 12, 1288 DeKalb Ave. NE is closed for interior renovations.

Engine 12 will be temporarily relocated to AFRD Fire Station 13, 431 Flat Shoals Ave. SE; and Truck 12 will be temporarily relocated to AFRD Fire Station 18, 2007 Oakview Rd. SE.

Renovations should be complete by Oct. 15. Kenneth Musisi

St. Jude’s center celebrates 50th

St. Jude’s Recovery Center will host its annual Voices of Recovery Luncheon 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. today in the Grand Overlook Ballroom at the Atlanta History Center.

This event celebrates 50 years of serving Atlanta’s homeless and low-income population suffering from addiction and mental illness. Susan Ford Bales, daughter of former President Gerald Ford, will speak.

Tickets: $125. Information: 404-874-2224 or www.stjudesrecovery.org.

Kenneth Musisi

Clark Atlanta to host youth-lead presidential debate

A youth-lead debate between New Look Foundation leaders and students from Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College and Spelman College, will be 6 to 7 p.m. Oct. 3 at 223 James P Browley, Atlanta.

This youth-led debate will coincide with the first presidential debate and will address the issues and stance of both presidential candidates. Civil rights icon Dr. Joseph E. Lowery is on the panel of judges.

New Look Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded by Usher Raymond to develop youth.

Kenneth Musisi

DEKALB

DeKalb serial rape suspect denied bond

Gary Wendale Mincey, charged with aggravated sexual assault, aggravated sodomy and robbery by force, along with multiple counts of rape, aggravated assault, armed robbery, was denied bond Tuesday as he stood before DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Gail Flake.

Prosecutors said that over a two-month period in fall 2011, the 36-year-old identified women at night as they left different businesses, and attacked them as they arrived home. After attempting some level of sexual assault and threatening the women’s lives, he would rob them, prosecutors alleged.

Mincey remains in the DeKalb County jail, where he has been since his arrest in November. Marcus K. Garner

Police seek bank robbery suspect

Authorities are asking for the public’s help in identifying a man wearing a wig and baseball cap who robbed the SunTrust Bank inside the Publix grocery store at 2162 Henderson Mill Road in Tucker on Friday.

The suspect entered the bank around 4:30 p.m., jumped over the teller counter, snatched an undisclosed amount of money and fled on foot.

Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-8477.

Andria Simmons

Committee to discuss bus scheduling

The DeKalb County school board’s policy committee will meet 10:30 a.m. today at 1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard, Stone Mountain to discuss proposed policy changes.

The public can comment at the meeting, where polices from student fines to bus scheduling and staff rights are up for review.

Details: www.dekalb.k12.ga.us Ty Tagami

DeKalb commissioner holding annual meeting

DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson will hold an annual town hall meeting 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Drew Charter School, 301 East Lake Blvd.

Johnson, who represents the south-central part of the county, will offer updates on county programs and plans, as well as take questions from residents. Representatives from the county’s solicitor’s office and DeKalb animal services will be at the meeting. Residents interested in adopting a pet can do so at the meeting.

Information: 404-371-2988.

April Hunt

Water saving products tax free this weekend

DeKalb County, which touts itself as the greenest urban county in the nation, is reminding residents that WaterSense-labeled toilets, showerheads, faucets and other products that use at least 20 percent less water than conventional models are tax exempt this weekend.

Details: www.epa.gov/watersense. April Hunt

Health board offering flu shots

The DeKalb Board of Health is offering $20 flu shots at its four health centers.

A nurse from the board recently gave the shot to six of the seven county commissioners, to spotlight the need for the seasonal vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that anyone over the age of 6 receive the shot yearly.

Information: www.dekalbhealth.net. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Citizen honored for helping find missing girl

Henry County Police Department Chief Keith Nichols presented a Certificate of Commendation to Bill Hilsman, with Georgia Piedmont K-9 Search & Rescue on Sept. 28, who with the help of his K-9 dog Tess tracked a 16-year-old autistic girl into a wooded area and across a creek where she was found alive and well.

Tess previously belonged to Henry County Police Officer Jimmy Carter, who died in 2010 from an automobile accident.

Hilsman has been volunteering with the Search & Rescue foundation for 12 years. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Gospel concert coming to Wolf Creek

Wolf Creek Amphitheater, 3025 Merk Road presents the “2012 Gospel Explosion,” featuring Shirley Caesar, Dottie Peoples, The Canton Spirituals, Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson and comedian Sistah Willie Ruth Johnson 6 p.m. Oct. 6.

Guests can bring food and beverages, and parking costs $10. Tickets: 800-745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com. Information: www.WolfCreekAmphitheater.com. Johnny Edwards

Burn permits available in Fayette

Fayette County residents can apply for permits to burn yard debris through April 30. Rules and applications are under the Permits/Licenses tab at www.fayettecountyga.gov. Permits are valid only for the date issued. Information: 770-305-5414 in the county or 770-631-2526 in Peachtree City.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Jonesboro to host haunted tours

The Clayton County Convention and Visitors Bureau will host haunted tours every Friday and Saturday during October. The “Jonesboro Historic Haints & Haunts” will include weekday tours during Halloween week. The 90-minute minibus tours begin at 8 p.m. from the Jonesboro welcome center, 104 North Main St.

Tickets are $22.95 a person and must be purchased in advance. Children under 6 are not allowed. Information: www.AtlantasTrueSouth.com or 770 478-4800. Tammy Joyner

Collins named student of the month in Henry

Ra’Keyia Collins, a senior at Eagle’s Landing High School, is the Henry County School System’s Work-Based Learning Student of the Month for September.

She currently works as an accounting and marketing intern at Bennett International Group in McDonough and also carries a 3.5 grade-point average. Monroe Roark for the AJC

New center helps unemployed in Fulton

Fulton County residents looking for work can get help at the Adamsville Workforce Development Resource Center, which recently opened inside the Adamsville Regional Health Center, 3700 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, Atlanta. Hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.

Workforce Development offices help job seekers sharpen interview skills, fill out online applications, update resumes and upgrade job skills. Information: 404-613-6381. Other workforce development locations: www.fultoncountyga.gov/divisions-and-programs/workforce-development.

Johnny Edwards