County by county news for Wednesday
COBB
Marietta to look at expanding billboards
Marietta’s City Council will discuss adding electronic billboard zones at committee meetings starting 5:15 p.m. Wednesday May 29 at City Hall, 205 Lawrence St. Councilman Jim King has asked the city to look at expanding the allowed zone in the I-75 corridor to include Cobb Parkway/U.S. 41 and a section of the 120 Loop east of I-75.
The council will also talk about a renovation of the Lawrence Street Recreation Center. Information: www.mariettaga.gov.
Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Ribbon cutting set for road improvement
The Cumberland Community Improvement District will hold a ribbon cutting 10-11:00 a.m. May 31 to celebrate completed improvements to the Paces Ferry Road/Cumberland Boulevard intersection. Lt. Governor Casey Cagle will provide keynote remarks.
The ceremony will be held at the pocket park on the northeast corner of the Paces Ferry/Cumberland Boulevard intersection.
Free parking available at 2675 Paces Ferry Road.
Reservations: rplummer@cumberlandcid.org or 770-859-2347. Jaime Sarrio
Dunn named assistant superintendent
Jody Dunn will serve as assistant superintendent for special services at Marietta City Schools. The district’s Board of Education promoted Dunn, currently director of special education, to the post starting July 1.
Dunn has worked 28 years in special education. She replaces Donna Ryan who was named superintendent of the Clinch County school district, also starting July 1.
Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Student to compete in culinary competition
North Cobb High School student Daniel Kinslow will compete in this year’s National SkillsUSA culinary arts competition in Kansas City, Mo.
Recently, Greg Carter of California Dreaming restaurant and former Kennesaw Business Association president Debbie Underkofler presented a check for $2000 to cover Kinslow’s expenses for the trip.
Daarel Burnette II
Hopkins Road bridge replacement underway
The bridge on Hopkins Road over Wildhorse Creek in Powder Springs will be replaced, resulting in a two-month closure.
Detour routes will be provided for the construction by Powder Springs and Cobb County.
Also, the sidewalk on the road’s west side will be extended to connect to the Silver Comet Trail.Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Austell road resurfacing continues
Austell travelers may face traffic delays on Austell, Perkerson Mill and Old Marietta Roads and Shannon Drive through Friday while road resurfacing is completed.
Information: facebook.com/cityofaustell or Austell Public Works, 770-944-4325.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
GWINNETT
Piece of Berlin Wall sells for $23,500
The 8,000-pound chunk of Berlin Wall, auctioned to reimburse victims of a Ponzi scheme, fetched $23,500 over the weekend.
Serbian immigrant and restaurant owner Ray Stanjevich purchased the 12-foot-tall concrete slab and said he has no immediate plans for it.
The wall was previously owned by Benjamin Daniel DeHaan, who pleaded guilty earlier this year to defrauding clients of his company, Lighthouse Financial Partners. The wall was the last of DeHaan’s possessions to be auctioned. Dan Klepal
Lilburn Farmers Market to open June 7
The Lilburn Farmers Market will open for the 2013 season on June 7 from 4 to 8 p.m. The market is located in the Greenway Trail parking lot across from City Hall. Applications are currently being accepted for vendors and not-for-profit organizations interested in participating in the market. Information: www.lilburnfarmersmarket.org or 678-667-2592. Sandra Marshall Murray
Snellville holding hearing on budget
A public hearing on Snellville's proposed budget for fiscal year 2014 is 7 p.m. Thursday at City Hall, 2342 Oak Road. Input is welcome. The budget can be viewed at snellville.org. Information: 770-985-3500. Michael Alpert for the AJC
Expect delays on North Berkeley Lake Road
The final portion of Berkeley Lake’s dam repair has begun with the installation of sod along the banks of the newly repaired dam. Once sodding is complete, contractors will restore the lake’s recreation parking area back to its preconstruction condition.
The project should be complete within five to seven weeks.
In addition to delays from this project, motorists will experience interruption to traffic flow along North Berkeley Lake Road due to sidewalk installation. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Lilburn’s new budget available for review
Lilburn’s proposed $9.8 million budget for fiscal year 2013-14 is available to the public at City Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday as well as online at www.cityoflilburn.com.
Residents are invited to comment on the budget at two public hearings before adoption by the City Council on June 10. A hearing will be at 7:30 p.m. June 10 at Calvin Fitchett Municipal Complex, 76 Main St. in Lilburn. Information: www.cityoflilburn.com.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Gwinnett Library wins awards
The Gwinnett County Public Library received the Georgia Arts Network 2013 StART Award for outstanding achievement for their Fall Into The Arts series. Hudgens Center for the Arts also awarded a Gwinnie Award in appreciation of GCPL's recent Georgia Arts Network award and the library's commitment to showcasing local artists in each branch. The Hudgens also acknowledged the library's Altered Books contest and Pulp Fashion exhibit. Info: www.gwinnettpl.org or 770-978-5154. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
NORTHSIDE
Forsyth officials warning of suspicious calls
The Forsyth County Water and Sewer Department is warning of potentially fraudulent phone calls from someone claiming to represent them. The calls have come in the evening, with a demand for payment by credit card. Officials say they make courtesy calls and accept payment over the phone, but never demand it and they never call evenings. Any suspicious calls should be reported to the Forsyth sheriff, 770-781-3087.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Forsyth pedestrian struck by car
A Cumming resident was seriously injured in a car-pedestrian accident Tuesday morning. The sheriff’s office says Lelia Arroyo, 53, was hit by a car around 4 a.m. at Atlanta Highway and Bethelview Road. Arroyo was taken to North Fulton Hospital. The driver remained at the scene. No charges have been filed but the investigation is continuing. Mark Woolsey
Beer truck crashes near Lake Lanier
A Budweiser truck crashed on Ga. 316 and Jot ‘Em Down Road near Lake Lanier on Monday afternoon.
The driver lost control of the truck while attempting to swat away an insect. The driver wasn’t injured, but was transported to a hospital to be checked out, as per Budweiser’s policy when there is an accident. Angel K. Brooks
Holly Springs warns of flood studies
The city of Holly Springs has hired Jacobs Engineering Group to do detailed required flood studies identifying high-water hazards. Survey crews and photographers will be checking pipes, channels, drains, ponds and lakes on both public and private property. The city says Jacobs will make every effort to respect private property rights and be courteous and professional. Information: www.hollyspringsga.us
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Riverside Farmers Market starts June 1
The Riverside Farmers Market will open its fourth season on June 1. The market, operated by the Fulton County Cooperative Extension, runs from 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays through September in the parking lot of Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill St. In addition to fresh produce, visitors can get free advice on topics like planting a garden, canning and radon detection.
Information: 404-613-7670 or 404-332-2400. David Wickert
Fulton Schools set meetings for parents
Fulton County Schools will host two meetings for parents next week to discuss several key topics for the upcoming school year, including the Comprehensive LEA Improvement Plan for all Title I schools.
The first meeting will be held at 6 p.m. today at Teaching Museum South; 689 North Ave. in Hapeville. At 6 p.m. on Thursday, parents will meet at Sandy Springs Charter Middle School, 8750 Pride Place.
The targeted schools are Banneker, Creekside, McClarin and Tri-Cities High School; Bear Creek, Renaissance, Ridgeview and Sandy Springs Charter middle schools; and Esther Jackson, High Point, Randolph, and S.L. Lewis elementary schools
Information: 404-669-8217.
Ernie Suggs
ATLANTA
Need-based summer camps available
Registration is open until slots are filled for the Chick-fil-A Foundation’s need-based summer camps.
Power Camp 2013 is a sports camp for youth ages 8-12. Day camps take place June 10-14, June 17-21, and June 24-28 at Morehouse College, 830 Westview Drive S.W. To register, contact LaShea Davis, 864-517-7979, ldavis@fca.org.
WinShape Camps for Communities teach sports, arts, Bible study, recreation, drama and music to ages 7-12, June 3-7 at Kennedy Middle School, 225 James P. Brawley Drive.
Information: www.winshapecamps.org. Mea Watkins
Black Music Month concert at library
In celebration of Black Music Month, Gregory McPherson and his band will perform noon June 6 at Central Library, One Margaret Mitchell Square.
Information: 404-730-1781
Mea Watkins
Spraygrounds open throughout Atlantan
Atlanta’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs recently opened its four outdoor community Spraygrounds, a fun and popular way for kids to cool down and beat the spring and summer heat without swimming.
The four Spraygrounds are located at: D.H. Stanton, 213 Haygood Ave; Center Hill. 2305 Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway; Historic Fourth Ward, 702 Ralph McGill Road; and Perkerson Park, 770 Decker Ave.
All Spraygrounds are free and open to the public from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Atlanta has 12 public pools, which will begin opening on May 25. Ernie Suggs
Ancestry research workshop offered
In collaboration with the Atlanta History Center, the Auburn Avenue Research Library, 101 Auburn Avenue NE, will host Frazine Taylor of the Alabama Department of Archives and History (retired) who will discuss researching African-American genealogy 3 p.m. June 1.
Information: 404-730-4001 ext. 100 Sandra Marshall Murray
DEKALB
Environmental work planned for rail service
MARTA is moving forward with environmental studies for a long-proposed rail line to serve central and south DeKalb County.
That work is being done even though funding for the so-called I-20 rail line is years off, agency General Manager Keith Parker recently told county commissioners.
MARTA is focused on stabilizing its finances without a fare hike for 2014, Parker said. A five-year plan calls for returning services cut during the recent recession and securing funding for new construction, such as the rail line. April Hunt
Jobs Bus rolling in DeKalb
DeKalb County’s “jobs bus” – an RV outfitted with computers, private interview area and office gear for job seekers – will be out again in the coming days for job seekers.
The county’s launched the mobile career center last year to support efforts to put residents back to work by bringing together job seekers and businesses for recruiting, screening and training. The bus will be at the Salem-Panola Library, 5137 Salem Road 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday.
Information: 404-687-3400 or www.dekalbworkforce.org.
April Hunt
Seminar focuses on water quality
The DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District will host a seminar next week that focuses on water quality and environmental ordinances.
The $30 fee includes lunch as well as sessions on stabilizing stream banks and other water-quality protections.
The event begins at 8 a.m. Thursday at the Callanwolde Fine Arts Center on Briarcliff Road.
Information: 770-761-3020 or jsearl@gaswcc.org. April Hunt
Tucker, Stone Mountain join for arts
Stone Mountain Main Street is partnering with the Tucker Arts Guild to host a local artist show/sale this weekend.
The guild’s show opens at 11 a.m. Friday at the Weatherly Building, 965-A Main Street on the corner of Main & East Mountain Streets in Stone Mountain Village and runs through Sunday.
The Main Street quarterly ART Stroll kicks off Saturday in the ART Station Galleries and Clothesline gallery, just two blocks from the guild event.
Information: www.stonemountainvillage.com April Hunt
Jewish genetic disease screening offered
Genetic counseling and screenings for Jewish genetic diseases offered 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sundayat MJCCA at Zaban Park, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody.
Information: Sandra Bass,sandra.bass@atlantajcc.org or 678-812-3798. Sandra Marshall Murray
Commissioner hosts breakfast Saturday
Stan Watson, the commissioner representing the eastern half of DeKalb County, will host his monthly community breakfast Saturday, June 1.
The theme of this month’s event will be on supporting veterans and celebrating National Homeowner’s Appreciation Month.
The breakfast runs from 9-11 a.m. Saturday at Chapel Hill Middle School on Dogwood Farms Road in South DeKalb. April Hunt
SOUTHSIDE
Fayette to try telecommuting program
The Fayette County Board of Commissioners has approved a pilot program to allow some employees to telecommute.
A five-member committee studied the proposal, which would initially apply to the Fire, Finance, Human Resources, Tax Assessor and Administration departments.
The county is working with the Georgia Clean Air Campaign to develop guidelines.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Peachtree City parade taking registration
Registration for Peachtree City's 4th of July Parade begins Monday (June 3) for city residents and businesses. This year's event will feature a special tribute to Vietnam veterans. Fayette County residents and businesses may register starting June 10. Applications are on the July 4 page of the Calendar listing at www.peachtree-city.org.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Libraries, camps team up for reading program
Henry County Parks and Recreation Department and the county's public libraries are teaming up for a program called "Library Goes to Camp." Students participating in summer camps through the HCPRD will have the opportunity through the library's summer reading programs to become eligible for free books and other rewards after meeting certain requirements. Information: www.henry.public.lib.ga.us.
Monroe Roark for the AJC
Fulton warns of water, sewer customer scam
Scam artists may be targeting Fulton County water and sewer customers, calling them at home to ask for credit card numbers and threatening to shut off services if the customers don’t pay up immediately. It’s a trick, says Fulton County Water and Sewer Billing, and anyone who gets such a phone call should call law enforcement authorities immediately.
Fulton Water and Sewer Billing does not accept payment by telephone and does not contact its customers in the evening, the office says. Johnny Edwards
Local artists to hold art classes
Try your hand at painting at the Arts Clayton Gallery Canvas & Corks classes. Arts Clayton provides supplies, refreshments and beverages. Local artists lead the classes. Artist Ada Astacio will teach the first Canvas & Corks on Friday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Following the first class, Canvas & Corks will be held at the gallery the last Friday of each month and will be taught by different artists. Cost: $35. Details: Arts Clayton Gallery at 770-473-5410 or go online to www.artsclayton.org/gallery. Tammy Joyner
Fayette County finalizing 2014 budget
The Fayette County Board of Commissioners is finalizing a fiscal 2014 balanced budget that reflects job cuts and no tax increases. The measure will eliminate the equivalent of 32 full-time positions, reduce retirement benefits and include smaller operations budgets. It will also provide an $830,000 reserve fund. A final vote is scheduled for June 27. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
