County by county news for Wednesday

City Manager Rick Eckert said Monday the reason is the city is issuing more citations on foreclosed and vacant properties.

The City Council voted in January to require registration of these property owners and “police or emergency power” to “tear it down or lock it up,” said City Attorney Richard Calhoun then.

Mayor Pat Vaughn supported the change since it is “a severe hardship” on the city to “mow the lawns and board up the houses” to prevent break-ins. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Motorcyclist killed during police chase

A motorcyclist was killed overnight after leading Cobb County police on a high-speed chase down I-75. Cobb police said an officer spotted the motorcyclist, whom he suspected of driving impaired, on I-75 near Barrett Parkway, and when the officer tried to stop the man, he fled southbound on I-75 at speeds in excess of 120 mph. Officers found a wrecked motorcycle and the cyclist’s body at the top of the Windy Hill exit ramp. He was identified as Ramon Mares, 30, of Chatsworth. Mike Morris

Commercial kitchen to hold business startups

The Edge Connection, a business entrepreneurial program based at Kennesaw State University, will open a $1.2 million commercial kitchen May 9 on Jiles Road in Kennesaw. Kennesaw and the Kennesaw Development Authority gave $275,000 toward the venture with other funds from corporate donations. Executive Director Patricia Harris said the 4,400 square-foot, licensed kitchen will help lower income citizens to start businesses in the food industry. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Powder Springs OKs money for legal fees

The Powder Springs City Council approved a $50,000 increase Monday night in the city’s legal fees.

City Manager Rick Eckert said “a lot of legal research” has had to be done by the city’s law firm, Brock, Clay, Calhoun and Rogers of Marietta, as “a cushion for possible claims” by fired Police Chief L. Rick Richardson.

So far, Eckert said action has been filed by Richardson who he terminated in February.

The police chief did not follow city procedures in disposing of police cars, he said. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Zoning change helps out rabbit rescue

Just in time for Easter, Cobb County Commissioners approved a zoning change for the North Georgia Chapter of the House Rabbit Society.

The rabbit rescue, operated out of a converted house in an east Cobb neighborhood along Shallowford Road, received a temporary permit last year while making parking and aesthetic improvements. To remain in the house, the group agreed to limit commercial deliveries, operating hours, retail sales and the number of rabbits at the facility. Janel Davis

Kennesaw parks offer up summer programs

The Kennesaw Parks & Recreation Program Guide is available and features summer activities through Labor Day, including information on more than 20 camps and 80 programs. Information: 770-422-9714 or www.kennesaw-ga.gov/pkrec. Rich McKay

GWINNETT

Commissioners cut $1.5 million from budget

The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners cut $1.5 million from the county budget Tuesday as the county continues to wrestle with declining revenue. Among other things, commissioners voted to keep 20 firefighting positions vacant until Nov. 1 ($721,599), eliminate four vacant positions in the transportation department ($193,743) and eliminate funding for school crossing guards ($126,639; the school district will take over this service in the fall and does not expect any negative impact). The commission recently eliminated an $18 million budget gap in its general fund. David Wickert

Smoke causes short school evacuation

A report of smoke prompted firefighters to temporarily evacuate staffers from Cooper Elementary School on Tuesday morning at 555 Ozora Road in Loganville. A cafeteria worker noticed a haze of smoke at 6:42 a.m. and called 911. Gwinnett fire crews found an electrical odor and light haze of smoke that is believed to have come from an HVAC unit. School was not in session and only a few staff members and teachers were evacuated. Andria Simmons

Man gets life in murder of Norcross mother

Charles Lendelle Carter was recently sentenced to life plus 20 years in prison for the 2005 murder of a Norcross mother of six. It was the third life sentence for Carter, a former chef whom authorities say is a serial killer. Carter pleaded guilty March 3 to a charge of murder and burglary in Gwinnett County. Carter was convicted of beating and strangling Angela Thayer Green, 35, on Dec. 26, 2005. Carter is already serving two sentences of life for fatally stabbing two women in Fulton County. Andria Simmons

Gwinnett Senior Games off and running

The Gwinnett Senior Golden Games began last week and will continue through May 25.

The games feature competitions in more than 25 events. Winners will advance to the state games. Closing ceremonies will be at 11 a.m. May 25 at Rhodes Jordan Park in Lawrenceville. Information: 678-546-8722. David Wickert

Freeman Mill Park wins restoration award

Gwinnett County’s Freeman’s Mill Park has won the Excellence in Restoration award from the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation. The county bought the Lawrenceville grist mill and 12 acres in 2001. It restored the mill, which is typical of those that would have been found along rivers in Georgia in the mid-19th century. David Wickert

S&P raises Suwanee’s debt rating

Standard & Poor’s has raised its rating on Suwanee’s general obligation debt to AA from AA-, the city said. Standard & Poor based the upgrade on Suwanee’s “historically strong financial position and solid economic foundation.”

“The fact that S&P, an independent, conservative financial analyst, looked at the City of Suwanee during a regular annual review and found us to be strong in this turbulent economic environment is really positive,” Amie Sakmar, Suwanee’s financial services director, said . Joel Anderson

NORTHSIDE

Cities against cutting trees near billboards

Alpharetta joined Roswell and Sandy Springs Monday voting unanimously to oppose legislation that would extend the rights of sign companies to clear-cut trees near billboards.

The City Council passed a resolution asking Gov. Nathan Deal to veto the bill passed by the Legislature earlier this spring.

City Attorney Sam Thomas said the bill would usurp local authority to control its own beautification projects. Patrick Fox

Fulton tech director finalist for award

Fulton County Information Technology Director Ryan Fernandes is a finalist for the Georgia CIO Leadership Association’s CIO of the Year Award, which honors technology leaders across the state. Fernandes manages the IT department and, as chief information officer, oversees tech services for all county departments and the courts system.

The awards ceremony will be held at the Cobb Galleria Centre on Oct. 28. Johnny Edwards

Roswell man in jingle contest running

Ryan Almario of Roswell is one of 10 semi-finalists for the Folgers Jingle Contest. The company will narrow the list to five based on online voting. The finalists will compete in a live audition in New York before former American Idol judge, Kara DioGuardi. To see the videos, visit www.bestpartofwakinup.com. Patrick Fox

Man says commissioners met without notice

Former candidate for the Forsyth County Commission, Terence Sweeney, filed a complaint Monday with the Georgia Attorney General asking that the commission “be held accountable” for three members he claims held a Feb. 3 meeting, without public notice, to discuss Forsyth County business with the City of Cumming, in violation of state open meetings laws. Sweeney said he witnessed District 2 Commission Brian R. Tam, District 4 Commission Patrick B. Bell and District 1 Commission Pete Amos meeting that day. Jeffry Scott

Habitat for Humanity honors Roswell man

Gene Stelten of Roswell has received Habitat for Humanity International’s 2010 Clive Rainey Lifetime Achievement Award. The award, named after the organization’s first volunteer, recognizes Stelten for 26 years of volunteerism, beginning with the Atlanta affiliate on its first home. In 1992, he helped found the north Fulton affiliate. Proceeds from his four books have generated more than $100,000 for the effort. Patrick Fox

Tournament proceeds go to Miracle League

Every year Forsyth County stages a March baseball tournament to raise money for charities. For the fifth year the Cumming-Forsyth County Miracle League has been the beneficiary of the funds. The county gave the group $4,000 generated from 82 games played in early March. The Miracle League provides physically and mentally challenged children a program that enables them to hit, run, and catch on a baseball field in a way they couldn’t in a standard setting. Jeffry Scott

ATLANTA

Authors to sign books at Centennial Park

Local authors Angie Patnode and Mary McGuire and illustrator Kathryn Krogh will sign copies of their new children’s book, “Atlanta Smiles,” at the April 23 Fourth Saturday Family Fun Days at Centennial Olympic Park. The book references more than 20 area attractions and contains a bookmark that doubles as an “Atlanta Adventurers Checklist.” The signing session is from noon- 4 p.m. Books cost $15.95. Info: www.centennialpark.com.

Melissa Ruggieri

Kimbrel name new VP of Make-A-Wish

Nathan “Tony” Kimbrell has been named the new vice president of development for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Georgia and Alabama. Kimbrell will oversee fundraising efforts for the chapter and will manage six staffers in the Georgia and two in Alabama. He is the former executive director for the Young Audiences, Woodruff Arts Center. Shelia Poole

Woman crowned Ms. Georgia Nursing Home

An 81-year-old Atlanta woman was crowned Ms. Georgia Nursing Home. Mary Hood, of Signature Healthcare of Buckhead, received the honor Saturday at the 36th annual pageant. The former nanny and housekeeper was crowned by Miss Georgia 2010. The pageant is sponsored by the Georgia Health Care Association.

As part of her duties, Hood will open the Georgia Golden Olympics in September and attend several events throughout the year, officials said.

Megan Matteucci

Northside unveils new chapel window

Atlanta’s Northside Hospital recently unveiled a new stained glass window for the hospital’s chapel. The window was created by artist Pamela West Mayer of Marble Hill, Ga.

The window, titled “Healing Mandala,” is based on the theme: “See me, hear me, touch me, heal me.” The project was made possible through a donation from the Northside Hospital-Atlanta Auxiliary and from gifts made in memory of Lois Beall Henderson Lambert Baker. SHEILA POOLE

DEKALB

County examines changing trash pickup

Changes in trash pickup frequency in DeKalb County could encourage recycling and save the county money, public works officials say. Changes proposed Tuesday in a Board of Commissioners’ committee meeting were suggested in place of raising rates. “If fuel prices continue to rise, something may have to happen soon,” said Ted Rhinehart, who oversees public works. Recommendations included going to once a week pick up and have recycling, yard debris and household garbage picked up on the same day. Michelle Shaw

DeKalb schools to hold hearings on budget

A public hearing on the DeKalb school budget is scheduled for 6 p.m. today at school system’s headquarters, 1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard, Stone Mountain. Monday, the board adopted a tentative $1.16 billion budget for 2011-12, which cancels furlough days for employees. A second hearing is will be April 27. The budget will be posted on the district’s website www.dekalb.k12.ga.us and will be available for review before adoption, which is scheduled to take place May 9. Jaime Sarrio

Board renews charters for two schools

The DeKalb school board voted unanimously Monday to renew the charters of the DeKalb Academy of Technology and the Environment (D.A.T.E.) and Gateway to College Academy for another five-year period. D.A.T.E educates students about the need to consider environment ramifications of technology and other business decisions. Gateway to College Academy is designed to help disengaged youth and high school dropouts ages 16 through 20 (grades 10-12) get back on track in school. Jaime Sarrio

Wadsworth students get help planting garden

DeKalb County Workforce Development and Wonderland Gardens recently helped fourth grade students from Wadsworth Magnet School plant a vegetable garden. More than two dozen Wadsworth Magnet students participated in the activity, which was part of a social responsibility policy adopted in 2010 by the DeKalb Workforce Investment Board. Michelle Shaw

Outside group to help schools with standards

DeKalb Schools has agreed to contract with Pearson education company to provide training on the Common Core State Standards to 560 district and school leaders and 160 instructional coaches for an amount not to exceed $227,800. The training sessions are designed to provide participants with a clear understanding of the new standards, which will be implemented in 2012-2013. Jaime Sarrio

Decatur rezones properties for schools

Decatur’s City Commission approved the rezoning of six elementary or former elementary school properties from single family residential to institutional. This means that with any planned structural change, the plan must be approved by the commission. “This is another opportunity for residents of Decatur to have public input on how these properties are used,” said Planning Director Amanda Thompson. It’s also a first step in transferring ownership from the city to the school system, which becomes official in May. Bill Banks for the AJC

SOUTHSIDE

Fulton looks a fees for Wolf Creek Amphitheater

Holding a weekend, commercial event at south Fulton’s new Wolf Creek Amphitheater would cost a minimum of $11,050, plus a $15,600 cut of ticket sales, under a fee schedule being considered by the Fulton County Commission. A seven-hour rental for a weekend, non-profit benefit performance would cost at least $10,350, plus a $15,600 ticket sales cut. A hearing on the proposed fees will be at the May 4 commission meeting, starting at 10 a.m. Events at the 5,200-seat, $6.1 million outdoor facility begin this summer. Johnny Edwards

SACS to visit Henry for regular checkup

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools will visit Henry County schools next month for a regular five-year checkup to determine if the district meets national accreditation standards.

Accreditors are scheduled to tour schools May 1-4 as part of the school system’s five-year quality assurance review, district spokesman Tony Pickett said Tuesday. Henry schools are fully accredited by SACS and the Georgia Accrediting Commission, Pickett said. Megan Matteucci

Third graders get inside look at city hall

More than 200 Henry County children have learned first-hand how city government works as part of Georgia Cities Week. Government leaders hosted tours of Stockbridge City Hall this week for 205 third graders. A group of high school students is scheduled to tour city hall on Wednesday, Stockbridge officials said.

The tours are part of Georgia Cities Week, which is designed to teach residents about city services. Megan Matteucci

Peachtree City police to hold auction

The Peachtree City Police Department is auctioning items seized as evidence and other accumulated property, with court permission. The items include clothing, bicycles, electronics, sports equipment and jewelry. All can be viewed at www.govdeals.com under QAL number 818 starting 7 a.m. Thursday. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Wheelchair tennis tourney May 6-8

The fifth annual Geranium Festival Wheelchair Tennis Tournament is scheduled to take place May 6-8 at Richard Craig Park in McDonough. Players from around the country compete in several divisions in singles and doubles. Last year’s tournament was named the 2010 USTA Southern Wheelchair Tournament of the Year by the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Southern Section. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Golf cart paths now on Google Maps

Residents and visitors in Peachtree City can now use Google Maps to navigate the golf cart paths. When seeking directions, selecting the pedestrian or bicycle option under the Directions menu will highlight the cart paths in dark green. The paths are not labeled by name or number, but can provide easy orientation for those using mobile devices.

Highway crossings that restrict path access are noted, since some major intersections require tunnels or bridges.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC