County by county news for Wednesday

PageGude’s candidacy was challenged by Charles Hudson, claiming her residence was outside the city. In a Sept. 7 statement to the AJC, PageGude said she had been a city resident for 16 years. Councilwoman Rosalyn Neal will face Rick Perry in the Nov. 8 election. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Cobb Arts Ball fundraiser Oct. 15

The theme for the 4th Annual Cobb Arts Ball is “The Art of the Masquerade.” The event, which takes place from 6:30 to 11 p.m. on Oct. 15 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center, 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy., benefits the Endowment Fund of the United Arts of Cobb. Tickets are $150 for the evening with dinner and auctions, or $50 for 9 p.m. entry. Tickets available at all United Arts of Cobb organizations. Information: www.unitedartsofcobb.org. Mea Watkins

Charter schools decision on Thursday

Parents at two Cobb County charter schools will learn this month whether they must enroll their children elsewhere. The International Academy of Smyrna and the Imagine International Academy of Mableton are seeking charter renewals to be decided Thursday.

The Cobb school board is to vote then on school system recommendations to deny the Mableton school and to approve the Smyrna school. Cobb officials also recommended denial of two new charters for the STEAM Academy of Cobb and the Turning Point Charter Leadership Academy School of Excellence. Ty Tagami

Event raises money for transplant group

On Sept. 17, Chef Henry Chandler hosted the 2nd Annual Cajun Celebration at Henry’s Louisiana Grill in Acworth. The event raised over $11,000 for Cobb County’s organ transplant community. Proceeds go to the Georgia Transplant Foundation (GTF) and will be used for Cobb County residents who are facing expenses associated with organ transplant. To donate, please contact Cheryl Belair at cbelair@gatransplant.org. Information: www.gatransplant.org.

KENNETH MUSISI

Job fair in Marietta today at Civic Center

More than 70 employers will recruit workers at the annual Marietta/ Cobb Career Expo, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., today at the Cobb County Civic Center, 548 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta. Information www.mariettaga.gov. Tucker McQueen for the AJc

Square concert series concludes Friday

A concert at Glover Park 8 p.m. Friday will be the last in a summer series of music on the Marietta Square. The band Pieces of Eight will play beach music. The popular series is on the last Friday of the month April through September. Concert goers can set up blankets and lawn chairs in the park after 4 p.m.

Personal tables are allowed in the street at North Park Square after 6 p.m.

The city also rents tables in the park. Information: www.mariettaga.gov.Tucker McQueen for the AJc

GWINNETT

Library trustees to discuss hours, funding

The Gwinnett County Public Library Board of Trustees will discuss new service hours and a private fund-raising plan at 5 p.m. Thursday at the Suwanee Branch, 361 Main Street, Suwanee.

Faced with reductions in county and state funding, the library board is considering closing libraries up to two days a week.

It’s also considering a plan to raise money from private companies and people to make up for lost tax dollars.

David Wickert

Safety festival Saturday at Coolray Field

Gwinnett County will host its public safety fall festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Coolray Field, 2500 Buford Drive, Lawrenceville.

The event will feature a softball game, car seat checks, pet adoptions, a blood drive, a car and motorcycle show and a host of children’s activities. David Wickert

Program focuses on Auburn youth sports

The city of Auburn is partnering with I9 Sports to provide youth athletic programming with local children.

The program’s first offering will be a youth basketball league at Auburn Elementary School. Registration for the winter coed basketball, T-ball and baseball leagues opened this month. Information: Craig Magram at 678-472-2142 or cmagram@i9sports.com or www.cityofauburn-ga.org. Joel Anderson

Grayson High student wins competition

A Grayson High student has won a national title from the Future Business Leaders of America. Bradley Newton, who participated in a student competition at the group’s national conference, was chosen as first place winner of the Help Desk challenge. Bradley received $700 and a trophy.

The Gwinnett school board recently recognized the student for the victory.

The FBLA is the largest student business organization in the world with more than 250,000 members. D. Aileen Dodd

Artwork auction fundraiser on Sunday

Kudzu Art Zone will host a studio open house 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Attendees can visit with studio artists, and sample refreshments. The event also marks the last weekend of 12 X 12 Xtravaganza, Kudzu’s annual fundraiser. Artworks will be available through a silent auction. Bids begin at $60.

Kudzu Art Zone is at 116 Carlyle St., Norcross. For information: 770-840-9844. Laurie Hoffman

Rock’n Rib Fest Saturday in Lawrenceville

The 4th Annual Rock’n Rib Fest will be Saturday from 1-9 p.m. at 185 W. Crogan St., Lawrenceville. Visitors can get barbecue ribs, sandwiches and other food from twelve area restaurants and caterers.

There will be live music with 22 acts on two entertainment stages. Admission is free and reserved table seating is available at each music stage. Information: www.rocknribsfest.com.

Kenneth Musisi

NORTHSIDE

Hearing Thursday for Alpharetta water project

Fulton Public Works will hold a public meeting Thursday on the upcoming Alpharetta Water Transmission Main project, expected to help with peak water demands during summer months. The project involves installation of about 7 miles of water mains and ancillaries in Alpharetta and Johns Creek. The new pipeline will start at the intersection of Jones Bridge and Buice roads and end at Mayfield Road in downtown Alpharetta. The meeting will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the New Prospect Elementary School cafeteria, 3055 Kimball Bridge Road, Alpharetta. Johnny Edwards

Canton teen dies after boogie board accident

Authorities say a Georgia teen has died three days after she was pulled unconscious from the ocean near Garden City, S.C.

The Horry County Coroner’s Office said 18-year-old Savannah Kinkaid of Canton, Ga., died at a South Carolina hospital Monday morning.

Authorities say Kinkaid was riding a boogie board in rough surf Friday when she fell into the water. Witnesses pulled the teen from the water and were performing CPR when paramedics arrived. Associated Press

Canton holds scarecrow contest Saturday

Canton Historic Downtown will host its Annual Scarecrow Contest beginning on Saturday through Oct. 29. Entry for the contest is free and open to all. Entries are due Saturday in Cannon Park, Main Street from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Winners will be announced at the 3rd Annual Great Pumpkin Festival on Oct. 29. Information: 770-704-1548 or www.cantonhdl.com and www.canton-georgia.com. Kenneth Musisi

Local rap artist to speak at Boys & Girls Club

Local rap artist Jacques Johnson will be speaking with students on the topics of motivation, bullying, and self love at 5 p.m. today at the Boys & Girls Club of America, 1082 Univeter Rd., Canton. Information: www.jacquesmyworld.com or call Mr. Mimms at 770-720-7712. Sandra Marshall Murray

Senior citizens health clinic Oct. 4

Senior citizens are invited to the Sickness Prevention Achieved through Regional Collaboration clinic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 4 at The Church of Latter-day Saints, located at 500 Norcross St. in Roswell. The clinics are offered by the Fulton County Department of Housing and Human Services Office of Aging and feature low-to-no cost preventative health care screenings, immunizations, nutrition counseling, vision screenings and food stamp assistance. Information: call STARLine at 404-613-6000. Veronica Fields Johnson

Poetry and art event to honor student

The City of Milton, Georgia Tech- Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts and Birmingham United Methodist Church are hosting a poetry and art event in honor of Adam Stephens who was killed by a drunk driver in May 2009. The event is on Oct. 6 from 7-9 p.m. at 15770 Birmingham Highway, Alpharetta. It will include poems by John Stephens, Thomas Lux, Travis Denton and a special viewing of art. Information: John Stephens at VasStephen@aol.com. Kenneth Musisi

ATLANTA

APS holds job fair in search of teachers

Atlanta Public Schools is holding an online job fair in search of elementary and middle school teachers to fill positions in core subjects this school year. Applications will be accepted through Sept. 30, and the district is looking for certified teachers in areas such as early childhood education and middle school language arts, math, reading and science. Information: www.atlanta.k12.ga.us. Jaime Sarrio

APS offers hotline for homework help

Atlanta Public Schools students who need help with schoolwork can call the district’s free homework hotline at 678-553-3029. Certified teachers are available to help students in grades kindergarten through 12th from 4 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Information: www.atlanta.k12.ga.us. Jaime Sarrio

Event to help seniors with home repairs

The East Lake Farmer’s Market (ELF Market) will host the 2nd Annual P’s and Q’s Event to benefit Neighbor in Need on Saturday at the intersection of 2nd Avenue and Hosea L. Williams Drive. The event, which takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., will feature an auction of pieces by Atlanta photographers (the “P”) and food provided by Community Q BBQ (the “Q”). Neighbor In Need helps low-income seniors with emergency home repairs. Information: www.neighborinneed.org or www.elfmarket.org. Mea Watkins

Candler Tour of Homes tickets on sale

Eight historic Craftsman bungalows will be highlighted during the Candler Park Tour of Homes. Advance tickets are $12 and can be purchased at www.candlerparkfallfest.com/tour-of-homes. Beginning Saturday, tickets will be available at the Candler Park Market, 1642 McLendon Ave N.E. and at Donna Van Gogh’s Artist Market, 1651 McLendon Ave. N.E. Tickets are $15 the day of the tour. The tour is on Oct. 16. For more information, visit www.candlerparkfallfest.com. Mea Watkins

DEKALB

DeKalb wants $297 million extra for rail line

DeKalb County Commission wants another $297 million to fully fund a rail line in south DeKalb.

The transportation draft list already includes the first $225 million for the I-20 rail from the Indian Creek MARTA station to Wesley Chapel Road. Tuesday’s resolution calls for the additional money, to get the train line built on that 5-mile stretch.

“It is something,” Commissioner Lee May said “However, $225 million is not enough to produce one track of rail in south DeKalb.”

The I-20 train line is one of 18 projects in DeKalb of the 150 on the regional draft list expected to be finalized Oct. 15.

DeKalb residents can give their input from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Dr., Decatur. April Hunt

Man gets life in toddler beating death

A DeKalb County man was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole Tuesday for the beating to death a 2-year-old girl who was in his care. Diamone Wilson was admitted at a DeKalb County hospital on July 15, 2010, with a head injury and she died three days later. The medical examiner said she also suffered trauma to her arms, liver and pelvis. Robert Alexander, 30, was convicted of her murder. He also was convicted of the crimes of cruelty to children and aggravated battery. Rhonda Cook

County set to auction surplus equipment

Anyone in the market for a used police car or fire truck will have their chance Saturday when DeKalb County auctions off surplus equipment.

The auction starts at 10 a.m. at ADESA Atlanta at 5055 Oakley Industrial Blvd. in Fairburn. Bids also will be taken on line at www.proxibid.com/adesaatlanta. There will be more than 300 items for sale, also including ambulances, heavy equipment, furniture and computers. Previews are 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. on Friday and before the auction at 8 a.m. Buyers can also preview the items at www.adesarigs.com. Rhonda Cook

Group hosts talk for breast cancer patients

Sisters By Choice, women and families affected by breast cancer, will host a discussion in October about the disease for recently diagnosed patients.

Dr. Rogsbert Phillips will focus on education and awareness as well as treatment services available. Members of the Stone Mountain-Lithonia chapter of Delta Sigma Theta will help provide donations and other support. The program begins at 7 p.m. Oct. 20 at the Fairfield Baptist Church Family Life Center, 6133 Redan Road, near Lithonia. April Hunt

Watson to hold breakfast on Saturday

Stan Watson, an at-large county commissioner in DeKalb, will host his monthly legislative breakfast this weekend with a presentation from the new county school superintendent .

The event, which is free, will feature features Cheryl Atkinson’s vision and plan for the district. James Donald, Chairman of the State Board Pardons and Paroles, also will speak at the event. The breakfast is from 9-11 a.m. Saturday at Chapel Hill Middle School on Dogwood Farms Road in South DeKalb. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Homeowners association sues East Point candidate

East Point City Council candidate LaTonya Martin is being sued by her homeowners association, which says she owes $3,900 in unpaid maintenance fees. Heritage Park at East Point filed suit in Fulton County Magistrate Court earlier this month, also seeking 10 percent interest, court costs and attorneys’ fees. Other than a $200 payment last week, Martin hasn’t made a quarterly payment in several years, association attorney Dana Tucker Davis said.

Martin is in a three-way race for the Ward D seat, along with Threef Brown and incumbent Clyde Mitchell. Johnny Edwards

Darnell to serve on transportation panel

Fulton County Commission Vice Chair Emma Darnell has been appointed to serve on the National Association of Counties’ Transportation Steering Committee. Darnell will help develop association policy and serve as its liaison to the Georgia Congressional delegation.

Headquartered on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., the National Association of Counties is the only national organization representing county governments. Johnny Edwards

Fayette school board addresses vacancy

The Fayette County Board of Education will begin the process of filling its vacant Post 5 seat during a special meeting on Oct. 3. Dr. Sam Tolbert, who was elected to the position last year, died of cancer on Sept. 22.

The called meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at the BOE office at 210 Stonewall Ave. in Fayetteville. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Promise Place 5K run to be Friday

The Promise Place 5K “Run from Domestic Violence” will begin Friday at 6 p.m. at City Hall in Peachtree City, with registration at 5 p.m. Participants are asked to park at either the Baptist or Presbyterian churches down the street on Willowbend Road.

Proceeds will fund emergency shelter services for victims. An awards presentation, raffle and other activities will follow the run. Full details are at www.promiseplace.org.

The Peachtree City Library will close at 4 p.m. Friday to allow for race setup. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Citizen police academy starts Thursday

The Fulton County Police Department’s Citizen Police Academy starts Thursday, beginning a nine-week program with sessions on Thursday evenings from 7 to 10 p.m. It’s open to up to 25 unincorporated south Fulton residents, business managers, business owners and employees who are at least 18 years old with no felony convictions.

Information: 404-346-7940 or fultonpolice.org. Johnny Edwards

Henry firefighters to have practice drill

This week the Henry County Fire Department is hosting a “live” ammonia release drill and hazmat training exercise, culminating with the live release of anhydrous ammonia Thursday at Atlanta Motor Speedway. This is the fourth consecutive year that the HCFD has hosted the event. The training includes industry, firefighters, and hazmat teams from Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and Louisiana. Monroe Roark for the AJC