COBB
Man charged in rapper’s shooting death
Curley Dean Holden allegedly shot and killed Justin Mitchell, also known as rapper “Yung Teddy,” on Jan. 2 in Mitchell’s home in Austell, according to an arrest warrant. Holden forced his way into the home, held a gun to one woman’s neck and pointed the weapon at the other woman before killing Mitchell shortly after 10 p.m., according to police. Holden, 23, who also goes by the name Willie Danyel Hunt, was arrested Jan. 23 and charged with terroristic threats. On Friday, Holden was charged with murder and three counts of aggravated assault in Mitchell’s death. He is being held without bond, according to jail records. Alexis Stevens
Powder Springs court building opens
Powder Springs officials will open their renovated Municipal Court building at 5 p.m. Thursday at 4483 Pineview Road behind the Town Square.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony and an open house will be held by Mayor Patricia Vaughn and the City Council for the approximately $800,000 facility, City Manager Brad Hulsey said.
This former police station had to be made handicap accessible and the sally port removed to make way for the Lewis Road extension between Marietta Street and Lost Mountain Road, he added.
Information: City Hall, 770-943-1666. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Cumberland board of directors to meet
The Cumberland Community Improvement District Board of Directors will hold a meeting at 7:30 a.m. Thursday at the Cobb Chamber of Commerce, 240 Interstate North Parkway.
Information: Melissa Crook at 770-859-2357. Kenneth Musisi
Marietta High to host disabilities fair
Marietta High School will host a fair to help students with disabilities 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The fair is free and will feature breakout sessions on financial planning, social security benefits, vocational rehabilitation services and Medicaid waivers. The event is free.
Information: Jack Coleman at jcoleman@marietta-city.k12.ga.us or Nancy Grabe at ngrabe@marietta-city.k12.ga.us. Daarel Burnette II
Powder Springs taking paving work proposals
Contractor proposals are requested by Powder Springs for about 8,000 feet of sidewalks on Warren Farm Road and concrete paving at the city’s public works facility, 3006 Springs Industrial Drive.
A pre-proposal meeting will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at City Hall, 4484 Marietta St.
Proposals must be submitted before 10 a.m. Feb. 15 when they will be publicly opened and read aloud.
Information: Croy Engineering at 770-971-5407 or lterry@croyengineering.com.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Registration open for chamber expo
Registration is open for the 2013 Cobb Chamber Business to Business Expo, which takes place from 3 to 7 p.m. May 16 at the Cobb Galleria Exhibition Hall D.
The event is expected to draw 1,600 attendees and will feature more than 150 companies showcasing products and services.
Information: jdudley@cobbchamber.org or 770-859-2359 or visit www.cobbchamber.org/businessexpo. Jaime Sarrio
GWINNETT
Shelter: more adoptions, lesss euthanasia
Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement Services has increased adoptions and reduced euthanasia.
The number of animals saved (adoptions, rescues and pets reclaimed by owners) was greater than the number of animals euthanized in 2012. According to shelter statistics, 3,781 animals were euthanized while 4,543 were saved. This change is attributed to several factors including a more robust volunteer program, a new partnership with Homeless Pet Clubs, an improved rescue group outreach program and increased special adoption events.
Information: www.gwinnettanimalcontrol.com.Andria Simmons
Howard hosts Town Hall meeting
Gwinnett County Commissioner Lynette Howard will host a Town Hall meeting 7-9 p.m. today at Norcross City Hall, 65 Lawrenceville St. to discuss recycling. Other topics may be discussed. Howard represents District 2, which includes Norcross, Berkeley Lake, Peachtree Corners and Lilburn. Dan Klepal
Groundhog Day at Yellow River Ranch
Georgia’s Furry Forecaster, General Beau Lee will make his annual prediction at the Yellow River Game Ranch just before 8 a.m. Saturday. Beau will meet and greet hundreds of supporters at sunrise as he seeks to find his shadow. Free admission 7 to 7:30 a.m. Information: www.yellowrivergameranch.com.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Free aquatics job fair
Gwinnett Parks and Recreation will hold an interactive job fair for certified and uncertified lifeguards and swim instructors 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at Bethesda Park Aquatic Center, 225 Bethesda Church Rd. in Lawrenceville.
The program lasts 45 minutes, with parents welcome to attend. Participants should bring their own swimsuit. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Grayson changes yard waste pickup
Beginning this month, Grayson will begin yard debris pick-up on Thursday each week. Yard debris bags can be placed curbside on the same day with trash and recycle bins. In addition, a 95-gallon rolling recycle bin is available upon request.
To obtain this larger recycle bin contact City Hall at 770-963-8017 or email info@cityofgrayson.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Extension service plant sale taking orders
The Gwinnett Cooperative Extension Service has announced March 21 as the date for its 2013 plant sale, featuring blueberries, raspberries, figs, apples, camellias, azaleas and other locally grown plants. Pre-paid orders are being accepted through March 12 at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds.
Information and to pre-order: www.gwinnettcounty.com and look for the Extension Service under Community Services. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Child car seat safety checks available
The Lilburn Police offer free child car seat safety checks 1 to 4 p.m. every Thursday at 76 Main Street in Lilburn.
Appointments can be made for other dates and times with Lt. Chris Dusik, 770-638-2185.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
NORTHSIDE
Man shot, killed at Alpharetta townhouse
Officers and firefighters were called to the Whitestone Ridge community, off Old Milton Parkway, at 6:24 p.m. Monday after a 911 caller reported that he witnessed a shooting, according to Alpharetta police.
At the complex, officers found a man who had been shot in the lower abdominal area.
The victim, whose name was not released, was transported to North Fulton Hospital, where he died from his injuries. Alexis Stevens
Mom gives birth on Ga. 400
Little Joseph Francisco wasn’t supposed to arrive for three more weeks. But he just couldn’t wait — not even for his mother to get to the hospital.
As his father, Jose Francisco, was on the phone with a 911 operator, the 7-pound, 12-ounce baby was born Monday shortly after 5 a.m. on Ga. 400 in Sandy Springs. When Sandy Springs paramedics arrived, mother Ivon Garcia, of Alpharetta, was holding the newborn in her arms. Both Joseph and his mother were resting comfortably shortly afterward at Northside Hospital.
Joseph joins big sisters Daphne Alcala, 10, and Gisselle, 5.
Alexis Stevens
Chamber, schools offering free wi-fi info
A free Wi-Fi directory for students has been created by the Forsyth County Schools and the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce. The list and map of free Wi-Fi spots offered by local organizations and businesses aims to help students learning on-the-go with mobile devices, and those who may not have internet access at home. Info: www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/wifi
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Alzheimer’s training program Thursday
Second Wind Dreams, a nonprofit organization, will offer the Alzheimer’s sensitivity training program with free sessions 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at Holiday Inn, 909 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell.
Participants will experience a 20-minute long scientifically proven method of building a greater understanding of dementia through the use of sensory tools and instruction.
Reservations: Candice Beaty, Candice@secondwind.org or 678-624-0500. Kenneth Musisi
Spring adult basketball registration set i
The Forsyth County Parks and Recreation Department says registration for spring adult basketball runs from Feb.6-22 following a 7 p.m. Feb.5 organizational meeting at the Central Park Recreation Center, 2300 Keith Bridge Road, Cumming. Teams can register at the center 8:30 a-m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Cost: $375 per team.
Information: 770-781-2215. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Cherokee GOP sets precinct meeting
The Cherokee County Republican Party will hold a mass precinct meeting 8:30 a.m-1 p.m. Feb. 9 at New Life Church, 154 Lakeside Drive, Canton.
Precincts will be electing delegates to the Cherokee County Convention on March 9. The meeting is open to all registered Cherokee voters. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
ATLANTA
Design and antiques show set for Thursday
The Cathedral Antiques Show is set for 11 a.m. Thursday at the Cathedral of St. Philip, 2744 Peachtree Road. The event will showcase design and antiques. Miles Redd, Atlanta-native and interior designer is the featured speaker and will share stories from his new book, “The Big Book of Chic.”
Proceeds benefit Refugee Family Services. Tickets are $40 online or at the Cathedral Bookstore. Information: www.cathedralantiques.org.
Kenneth Musisi
USVCC launches Atlanta Chapter
Veterans in business are invited to the kickoff meeting of the Atlanta Chapter of the U.S. Veterans Chamber of Commerce 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at The Art Institute of Atlanta, 6600 Peachtree Dunwoody Road.
Admission and parking are free. Information: Chris Turner, 770-873-0793 and Anisa Palmer, 404-202-1890.
Kenneth Musisi
Apollo Theater auditions return
The Apollo Theater is holding auditions for its Amateur Night 2013 season line-up. Student singers, dancers, comedians, rappers, spoken word artists, and musicians are invited.
College student auditions are 10 a.m. Friday at the Ray Charles Performing Arts Center, Morehouse College.
Auditions for the general public will be 10 a.m. Saturday in the Piedmont Room at the Atlanta Civic Center.
Information: www.apollotheater.org.
Kenneth Musisi
Ad exec elected chair of Buckhead Coalition
David P. Fitzgerald, president and chief executive officer of the Fitzgerald & Co. advertising firm, has been elected to a two-year term as chairman of the Buckhead Coalition. Fitzgerald is the twelfth person to head the group of area business leaders.
Sam Massell, the founding president of the Coalition, said Fitzgerald has been a director and active member of the group for 21 years. Jeremiah McWilliams
DEKALB
Boy, 10, struck while walking to school
A child was struck by a vehicle while walking to school in south DeKalb County Tuesday morning, police said.
Dekalb police spokeswoman Mekka Parish told the AJC the 10-year-old boy trying to cross Panola Road on his way to nearby Panola Way Elementary School when he was hit just after 7 a.m.
Parish said that witnesses told police that the boy was in a crosswalk when he stepped in front of a sport utlitiy vehicle at Panola Way Lane.
The boy, whose name has not been released, was taken to a local hospital in critical condition, Parish said.
The driver of the SUV stopped after the accident, Parish said. She said investigators had not yet determined whether the driver would be charged.
Panola Road was blocked during much of the morning commute while police investigated the accident. Mike Morris
Church plans to host
job search workshop
St. Philip AME Church will host a social networking workshop 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the church, 240 Candler Road S.E. Job seekers will learn how to use Linked-In to improve their professional profile. A $5 donation is requested.
Information: karenjames2507@yahoo.com or www.saintphilip.org.
Veronica Fields Johnson
Decatur offers free smoke detectors
Decatur’s fire department recently received $83,505 in grant money from Fire Prevention and Safety Assistance to Firefighters to provide free smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to city residents.
According to the city’s web site: “Decatur firefighters will install new detectors, test existing detectors and replace inoperable ones in an effort to ensure homes are safe.”
Firefighters will also “provide a free home fire-safety check during the smoke detector installation.”
Information: 404-373-5092, or email stephanie.burton@decaturga.com. Bill Banks for the AJC
Chamblee hosts Chinese New Year
A traditional Chinese Lunar New Year celebration will be held 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Feb. 9 and 10 at the Cultural Center at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Offices at 5377 New Peachtree Road in Chamblee.
The Year of the Snake festival, also known as the Year of the Little Dragon, will feature a dragon dance, drum and dance performances, fireworks, arts and crafts and food.
Admission is $5 and includes a $2 vendor coupon.
Information: 770-451-4456. April Hunt
Chamblee holding Daddy-Daughter dance
Chamblee’s parks and recreation department is holding its annual Daddy-Daughter dance 6 to 9 p.m Feb. 9 at the Chamblee Civic Center on Broad Street.
The dance is for girls in the 8th grade or younger and their fathers, grandfathers, uncles or other male role models. City residents and nonresidents are welcome.
Cost is $30 per couple and $5 for each additional daughter.
Reservations, which are required, at 770-986-5016 or recreation.chambleega.com. April Hunt
SOUTHSIDE
Two running in Hampton mayoral special election
Steve Hutchison and Chris Moore will vie the Hampton mayor’s seat in the Mar. 19 special election. The seat has been vacant since Mayor R.W. Coley died in October.
The last day to register to vote for mayor is Feb. 19. The winner will take office to complete Coley’s term, which expires at the end of the year. The regular mayoral election, along with that of several council seats, is in November. Hutchison resigned his council seat recently to qualify for the mayoral special election. Monroe Roark for the AJC
Recreations center improvement meeting
Clayton County District 1 Commissioner Sonna Singleton will host an information meeting for the public from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Carl Rhodenizer Recreation Center, 3499 Rex Road, Rex.
Officials from the Clayton County Department of Transportation and Development will present information on plans for the second phase of improvements at the center.
Information: 770-473-5770.
Kenneth Musisi
Volunteer coaches sought
Cliftondale Park is seeking volunteer coaches as it gears up for its Spring 2013 Youth Soccer Season. Practice will begin March 11, and play begins April 6. Call coach Sidney Lawrence at 404-349-9036.
Lisa Gibson for the AJC
Fayette schedules stormwater meetings
The Fayette County Board of Commissioners has scheduled three town hall meetings to discuss the recent Stormwater Utility charges for residents in the unincorporated areas of the county.
Public input is invited at 7 p.m. on Feb. 13, March 4 and March 25 at the administrative meeting room at 140 Stonewall Ave. in Fayetteville. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Cooking demonstration for cancer patients
Cancer Wellness at Piedmont Henry Hospital will host a cooking demonstration aimed to help patients battling cancer.
Eat Smart, Feel Better, Cook Less is noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Foundation Education Center.
The class is free.
Information: 678-604-1040 or piedmonthenry.org/classes. Monroe Roark for the AJC
Empowerment summit for youth is scheduled
A youth empowerment summit, “Color Me Confident,” for ages 13-19 will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 9 at the College Park Public Safety building, 3717 College St., in the Community Room 302.
The free occasion will cover relationship building, life skills training, health and nutrition, teen dating violence prevention, skits, and panel discussions.
Registration is required by 5 p.m. Thursday
Information: tinyurl.com/bztuole. Lisa Gibson for the AJC
East Point youth track accepting applications
The East Point Parks and Recreation Department is now accepting registration for youth track and field.
Information: 404-270-7042 . John Thompson for the AJC
