County by county news for Wednesday

This one-third-mile project also will include the widening of Six Flags Drive at this location to a three-lane section with curb and gutter and a five-foot-wide sidewalk on both sides from just west to about 1,200 feet east of this intersection.

Information: cobbdot.org or 770-420-6658. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Marietta to hold gun safety seminars

The Marietta Police Department will hold firearm safety seminars 6:30 p.m. Thursday June 12 and also June 24 at Marietta City Hall Council Chambers, 2015 Lawrence St.

The free program for citizens will cover safety, laws, alternative use of weapons, home defense and new Georgia weapon laws.

Information: Officer Tom Mordarski at 770-794-5200.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Summer food program needs donations

MUST Ministries needs donations for a summer lunch program for children who get free and reduced lunches during the school year. The faith-based program delivers 6,000 meals daily in eight metro counties during summer months. MUST needs prepared lunch bags, financial donations and lunch and snack items.

Information: www.mustministries.org or e-mail to summerlunch@mustministries.org. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Marietta seeks ethics committee member

Marietta is looking for a resident to serve on the city ethics committee which reviews complaints filed against city council members and determines violations of the city code. Applicants must be a city resident and willing to serve a two-year term.

Information: www.marietta.gov or City Clerk Stephanie Guy at sguy@mariettaga.gov.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Food Truck Fridays through summer

West Cobb Food Truck Fridays are being held weekly through the summer from 5 to 9 p.m. Fridays in the parking lot of Trinity Chapel Church, 4665 Macland Road, Powder Springs.

Information:

or 770-222-7023.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Chamber award deadline Monday

The nomination deadline for the Cobb Chamber’s International Commerce Spotlight Award is Monday.

Nominations may be submitted by an individual or a business for a qualifying Cobb-based company that has demonstrated achievement in the global market.

The winner will be chosen by a panel of international business professionals.

Information: cobbchamber.org/member-services/international_commerce_award.aspx or Amanda Blanton at ablanton@cobbchamber.org or 770-859-2336.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

GWINNETT

Lilburn property tax to remain the same next year

Following a recent public hearing, Lilburn will move forward to approve the fiscal year 2014/2105 $6.5 million budget on July 14. Highlights include Confiscated Assets Fund of $2,500, Capital Projects Fund of $185,000, 2009 SPLOST funds totaling $5,016,000 and 2014 SPLOST funds totaling $1,373,300. The City’s millage rate will remain at 4.45 mils. Budget includes a Sanitation fee of $13.12/mo for each residential property owner. Information: www.cityoflilburn.com/DocumentCenter/View/234.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Lilburn approves public art funding strategy

Lilburn has approved a 2-percent-for-art ordinance on all permits. City ordinances currently require the installation of public art for any new commercial developments with improvements in excess of $750,000. A developer may elect to install art on the site or pay into the fund.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Eastside Medical launches air ambulance

Eastside Medical Center and Air Evac Lifeteam are opening an air ambulance program with a ribbon cutting ceremony noon Thursday at the Center’s Front Helipad, 1700 Medical Way, Snellville. Air Evac Lifeteam’s crew, comprised of a registered nurse, paramedic and pilot, will be on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Information: www.eastsidemedical.com.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Eastside Medical to host health screening

Eastside Medical Center and H2U-Health to You Program is hosting a Community Health Screening 8 to 10 a.m. Thursday at Eastside Medical Center, 1700 Medical Way, Snellville. Screenings: fasting blood sugar, cholesterol, lipid profile and cardiac risk factors. Cost: $3 to $18. Participants must be 18 years of age, provide social security number and physician’s name and location and fast from 8 p.m. the evening prior and drink no more than a sip of water. Information: Laura Hannah at 770-530-2086. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Flag Day and Father’s Day rolled into one

Celebrate Flag Day and Father’s Day at the Fourth Annual Peachtree Corners Festival 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 14 and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday at 6075 The Corners Parkway in Peachtree Corners. Event includes crafts vendors, food, music, children’s activities, a car & bike show, and beer garden. On Sunday participate in a 5K/ Fun Run race followed by a non-denominational service. Information: www.peachtreecornersfestival.org. Karen Huppertz

Snellville joining food truck trend

Snellville will offer its first Food Truck event 4 to 8 p.m. June 20 on the Town Green. In addition to food choices, event will offer music, inflatables and games for the entire family. Food trucks on site will include The Runaway Kitchen Food Truck, Happy Belly Food Truck, Mac The Cheese Truck, Hail Caesar Food Truck, Dominic’s Ny Pizza Truck and Tracy’s Tasties Food Truck and more. Information: www.snellvilletourism.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Roswell gives first-round budget approval

The Roswell City Council approved the 2015 city budget on first reading Monday night. Council members made several changes to the approximately $110.3 million document, the biggest of which was adding $578,000 to move the proposed green space program that would connect Roswell City Hall to Canton Street from concept to the engineering phase. Council members also added money for a branding initiative and for park beautification to the budget, which would keep current millage rate of 5.455. The budget is set for final approval June 24. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Alpharetta approves off-ramp upgrade

Alpharetta City Council Monday night awarded a $398,000 contract to Baldwin Paving Co. to expand the northbound off-ramp of Ga. 400 at Milton Parkway to two dedicated right turn and two dedicated left turn lanes. It’s a joint project between the city of Alpharetta and the North Fulton Community Improvement District. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Johns Creek to open amphitheater

The Johns Creek Newtown Park Amphitheater will officially open with a 7:15 p.m. June 28 ribbon cutting at 3150 Old Alabama Road. The 10,600 square foot open-air facility is made of stacked stone and southern pine and is designed to seat up to 440 people under cover, and another 1,000 on terraced grass. The Johns Creek Symphony will play an opening-night concert the same night at 7:30 p.m. It’s the first of three events in the city’s summer concert series. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Farm bureau plans safety camp

The Cherokee County Farm Bureau will hold a safety day camp for youngsters ages 8-12 9 a.m.4 p.m. June 18 at the Lazy D Farm, 848 Bishop St., Ball Ground. The camp will cover safe practices regarding ATVs, animals, tractors, fire, guns, water, bike-riding and weather. The camp is free, and includes a t-shirt, goodie bag and lunch. More information and to register: 770-479-1481. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Cherokee teacher could nab all-star honor

A Cherokee County teacher is a finalist in the All Star Teacher program sponsored by Major League Baseball, Target and People magazine. Judy Stewart of Oak Grove Elementary School Fine Arts Academy is one of three finalists vying to represent the Atlanta Braves, with winners to be recognized at the 2014 All-Star Game July 15 in Minneapolis. Voting is underway through June 29 at mlb.com. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Holly Springs PD carry overdose kits

Holly Springs Police became the first Georgia department to start carrying opiate drug overdose kits. The move was sparked by medical amnesty legislation passed this year expanding access to the opiate anti-overdose drug naloxone. The kits, which contain a supply of the drug and a nasal delivery system, are designed to “start bringing back” those suffering heroin and prescription drug overdoses until paramedics can arrive and take over. Heroin overdose deaths have been steadily increasing, with several in Holly Springs in the last few years. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

Georgia Tech team competition finalist

An entrepreneurial team representing Georgia Tech has reached the final round of the National Clean Energy Business Plan Competition 2014, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy.

The team, Energy Internet, is commercializing a software platform for decentralized scheduling of energy-producing or consuming assets on the electricity grid. This distributed control architecture is designed to help integrate significantly more renewable energy into the grid..

Information: energy.gov/national-clean-energy-business-plan-competition-2014/energy-internet

Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Caribbean-themed spelling bee at library

Children up to 8th grade will be in the Caribbean Spelling Bee 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the Atlanta-Fulton County Public Library, One Margaret Mitchell Square.

The bee is focused on Caribbean people, places and things. It is being conducted as part of the library’s commemoration of National Caribbean American Heritage Month. Information: monica.foderingham@fultoncountyga.gov or 404-730-1904. Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Fraternity invites fathers to support rally

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. will hold its “Proud Fathers Rally and Stance Against Domestic Violence” 11 a.m. Saturday at Mall West End, 850 Oak St. SW.

The event will feature fatherhood advocacy organizations, legal assistance, heath screening, DNA testing, job recruiting and financial literacy sessions.

Information: www.opp-ga.org or www.fatherhood.gov

Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Northside library to hold book sale

The Friends of the Northside Branch Library is holding a book sale through Saturday at the Atlanta-Fulton County Public Library’s Northside branch, 3295 Northside Parkway. Proceeds will go to library programs and materials.

Information: folnorthside@gmail.com

Kent A. Miles for the AJC

DEKALB

Fallen trees removed from Ponce

A major route into downtown from DeKalb County has reopened after being blocked by a fallen tree during the late stages of today’s morning commute.

According to Atlanta police dispatchers, the tree fell across Ponce de Leon Avenue near Clifton Road just before 9 a.m.

The tree blocked all lanes of Ponce in both directions.

Atlanta police spokeswoman Kim Jones said officers were dispatched to direct traffic until crews could clear the roadway.

The road had reopened by 10:30 a.m., according to dispatchers.

Mike Morris

DeKalb delays YMCA spending

The DeKalb County Commission put off a decision Tuesday on a plan to buy a YMCA for $5 million that would come from voter-approved green space bonds.

The purchase agreement didn’t move forward because the commission lacked four votes needed for approval.

Critics of the purchase said it was a waste of taxpayer money that was meant to buy parks. Supporters said the southern part of the county needs more government investment to improve health and offer more activities to under-served residents.

The issue will likely be reconsidered by the commission at its June 24 meeting. Mark Niesse

Drop-out prevention group to help schools

Jobs for Georgia’s Graduates, a group that provides mentoring, tutoring, academic support and links to social services among other interventions, will serve Cross Keys High, Clarkston High, Lithonia High, Ronald E. McNair High and Towers High.

The group is affiliated with Jobs for America’s Graduates, which got $1 million from AT&T to expand its services. DeKalb County schools spokesman Quinn Hudson said the services will be provided to between 200 and 225 students at the five schools and will be worth $30,000. Ty Tagami

Dunwoody calls hearing on millage rate

The Dunwoody City Council is holding a special meeting at noon June 18 at City Hall, 41 Perimeter Center East, to conduct a public hearing on the 2014 millage rate.

The city will consider setting the millage rate rate for real estate at a maximum of 2.74 mills following the recent revaluation of real property tax assessments, preserving the same property tax rate since incorporation in 2009. The council will vote on a final tax rate June 24.

Information: bob.mullen@dunwoodyga.gov or 678-382-6700.

Kent A. Miles for the AJC

City has ‘placeholder’ money for diversity

Decatur’s set aside $25,000 in “placeholder” money that could be used in formally responding to the Decatur Community Coalition. In April DCC leader Don Denard suggested 13 separate ideas for dealing with racial profiling including the creation of a community review board to monitor all complaints. City Manager Peggy Merriss said she anticipates a series of responses, some requiring “a more intensive effort” while others will require policy changes. Merriss added, “If this were an easy problem to fix, it would’ve been fixed years ago everywhere.”

Bill Banks for the AJC

SOUTHSIDE

Fulton fire chief elected to lead organization

Fulton County Fire Rescue Chief Larry Few was elected president of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association.

The association brings together fire chiefs from metropolitan departments with at least 400 career firefighters to share information and focus on major policy issues. The association is a section of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the National Fire Protection Association. Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Business forum June 17 in Stockbridge

Henry County Commissioner Bruce Holmes will speaker at the Atlanta Business League’s Business Power Forum 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at Eagle’s Landing Country Club, Stockbridge. Holmes and the other speakers will discuss the business climate as well as upcoming business opportunities. Information: www.henrycounty-ga.org. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Piedmont Henry offers kids food/fitness camp

Kids 11-14 years old can participate in the Ignite food and fitness camp being offered this summer by Piedmont Henry Hospital. It is July 28-Aug. 1 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Momentum Christian Church’s Eagle’s Landing campus, 1120 Village Business Pkwy. in Stockbridge. Hospital dietitians will work with fitness instructors to help kids learn about nutrition, engage in exercise sessions, take part in cooking demonstrations and gain confidence in making healthy food choices. Camp is $60 per person and registration is required as space is limited. To register: 678-604-5106. Monroe Roark

McDonough has special needs fundraiser

People First of Henry County, an organization that supports special-needs individuals, will host a fundraiser 8 a.m. to noon June 21, at the new Gander Mountain store in Henry Town Center. There will be a bake sale and a raffle to win a wheelbarrow filled with items donated by local businesses.

Tickets will be on sale for a Sept. 9 benefit concert. Madelyn Patterson of Jackson, who competed in this year’s “American Idol,” will have an appearance at 10 a.m. Information: peoplefirstofhenrycounty@yahoo.com or kbinspector@bellsouth.net. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Community service board has opening

The Fayette County Board of Commissioners is accepting applications for a Fayette representative for the McIntosh Trail Community Service Board. The 15-member volunteer group provides mental health, developmental disability and addictive disease services to residents in seven local counties. To apply, contact Floyd Jones at fjones@fayettecountyga.gov or 770-305-5102 by July 3.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Roads closed for railroad maintenance

Railroad maintenance work by CSX is requiring in the closure of two road sections in Peachtree City this week. Dividend Drive at Aviation Way, as well as Paschal Road at the train tracks, will be inaccessible until Thursday or Friday. Drivers should take alternate routes. Jill Howard Church for the AJC