County by county news for Wednesday

The letter was postmarked Dec. 20, sent to the home of Cobb County Superior Court Judge Reuben Green and addressed to Green’s wife, the warrant states.

Satterfield was arrested on Dec. 30, booking records show. Satterfield was charged with making terroristic threats, a felony, and was being held without bond. Alexis Stevens

Chairman gives State of County address

Chairman Tim Lee gave his State of the County address recently at the Cobb Chamber of Commerce First Monday Breakfast.

Among this past years achievements, he also highlighted future goals and plans. The speech is available to watch on Government Access Channel TV23 at 1 p.m. today; 6 p.m. Friday and 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

The video may also be viewed online at http://youtu.be/qLhHNxJHcmY.

Meghan de St. Aubin

Parkway improvements move forward

Cobb Commissioners approved a contract with HNTB Corporation for $512,038 to design intersection improvements at Cobb Parkway and Windy Hill Road. The contract also covers the design of so-called “jumper lanes” along Cobb Parkway.

The projects will be funded with SPLOST dollars. Info: www.cobbcountyga.gov

Jaime Sarrio

Parks in Cobb getting new scoreboards

Cobb Commissioners approved a $550,000 contract with Electro-Mech Scoreboard Company to buy LED scoreboard for several parks.

Existing scoreboards are often old, unreliable, expensive to maintain and not energy efficient, according to the county.

The new boards are expected to pay for themselves in five years through decreased energy costs. Jaime Sarrio

Cobb hires new public safety head

Jack L. Forsythe was hired as Cobb County’s new director of public safety. He has 30 years of experience

in various divisions of public safety, including police, communications and emergency management and services. Jaime Sarrio

Cobb hires new head of public services

Jackie McMorris was hired as Cobb County’s new director of public services. Since 2011, McMorris has served as the chief of staff for the Fulton County District Attorney’s office.

She was approved unanimously by the commissioners. Jaime Sarrio

Kennesaw hosts Career Training Expo

Kennesaw State University’s College of Continuing and Professional Education will hold a free Career Training Expo 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at KSU Center, 3333 Busbee Drive.

General information will be provided and individual sessions will showcase KSU’s professional certificate programs.

Information: ksuexpo.com or 770-423-6765. Kenneth Musisi

GWINNETT

Public schools recognized by College Board

Gwinnett County Public Schools has earned a spot on the College Board’s AP District honor roll due to improvement in the academic performance of its students.

Only 539 school districts nationally and in Canada made this year’s honor roll for simultaneously increasing access to Advanced Placement courses and boosting the percentage of students earning scores of 3 or more on AP exams.

Gwinnett earned a place on the College Board’s 3rd annual AP District Honor role based on three years of AP data. Nancy Badertscher

Police present CFMH certificate

On Jan. 12, the Gwinnett County Police Department’s Crime Prevention Unit presented the county’s first Crime Free Multi-Housing certificate to The Arbors at Breckinridge Apartments.

The Arbors at Breckinridge began the three phase Crime Free Multi-Housing program last April, and have just completed the third phase.

The CFMH program is an innovative, law enforcement based crime prevention solution designed to help keep illegal activity off rental property.

Kenneth Musisi

Farmers market vendors wanted

The Suwanee Farmers Market is gearing up for its ninth year and is looking for farmers who can provide fresh produce as well as vendors with other items. Applications due by March 18. Vendors may attend the Suwanee Farmers Market Annual Meeting at 7 p.m. March 18 at Suwanee City Hall, 330 Town Center Ave. Information: www.suwanee.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Ringling Bros. host kids reading program

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey has partnered with the Gwinnett Library System to host Reading with Ringling Brothers, a reading program that allows kids to participate and earn Ringling Bros. circus tickets. Children (ages 2-12) can enroll with a librarian for their reading at any library branch.

A special event with the Ambassadors of Laughter Clowns will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Peachtree Corners Branch, 5570 Spalding Drive, Norcross.

Information: ReadingWithRingling.com.

Kenneth Musisi

Duluth History Museum closed all month

The Duluth History Museum is closed for January to pack up Christmas and prepare new exhibits.

The facilities are still available for events.

Membership fees are due this month. Information: www.duluthhistorical.org or by calling 770-232-7584. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Fitness and nutrition classes starting

Can’t get motivated? Join Ines Beltran, Cooperative Extension Agent, to learn healthy cooking and eating habits while exercising and losing weight from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Feb. 27 at Centerville Community Center, 3025 Bethany Church Road. Cost is $15 for seven weeks payable in cash.

Registration required by calling 770-985-4713. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Group to draw arts master plan for city

A 2013 Leadership Johns Creek team is developing a master plan for public statuary, sculpture and other media in the city.

The master plan will include a map of potential art locations, guidelines for public art, a funding strategy and a list of corporate and non-profit agencies that might contribute to the project. The Leadership team has scheduled public forums at 6 p.m. Jan. 30 at Johns Creek Emory Hospital and at 6 p.m. Jan. 31 at Newtown Community Center, and will post the draft master plan on the city website for public comment. Patrick Fox

Fulton offers flu vaccinations

Fulton County Health Services announced that flu vaccination is available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at North Fulton Regional Health Center, 3155 Royal Drive, Alpharetta, 404-332-1834. Kenneth Musisi

American Girl fashion show comes to Roswell

The Roswell Dance Theatre will host fashion shows to benefit the Roswell Dance Theatre Children’s Charities Mar. 1-3 in the ballroom of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Atlanta – Roswell, 1075 Holcomb Bridge Rd.

Local models will showcase historical and contemporary fashions from the American Girl company. The event will feature music, refreshments, favors, auction baskets and door prizes.

Tickets are $35-$45 and include admission to the fashion show, door prize entry and a gift bag.

Tickets and information: www.tysod.com. Mea Watkins

Tax preparation volunteers needed

The Community Assistance Center seeks volunteers to prepare taxes for lower income residents.

Volunteers are needed four hours per week during the evening, or from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. No experience is required.

Simple tax law training will be provided through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program of the Atlanta Prosperity Campaign.

CAC aims to promote self-reliance by providing assistance to Sandy Springs and Dunwoody residents in need.

For training and certification requirements, visit www.atlantaprosperity.org.

Information: Carlos Diaz, vita@ourcac.org. Mea Watkins

Commissioners plan annual review meeting

The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners will hold its 2013 annual planning review Jan. 17-18 at Barnsley Gardens, Godfrey Cottage, 597 Barnsley Gardens Road, Adairsville. Topics will include a 2012 review and look-ahead for 2013, the county’s strategic plan, ethics issues and economic development. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Cherokee sheriff’s office holds banquet

The Cherokee Sheriff’s Office Reserve Unit hosted their annual banquet in Canton tonight. Reserve Deputy Helen Corbett who has volunteered in the Reserve Unit for a total of 15 years, was named the “2012 Reserve Deputy of the Year.” In 2012 the CSO Reserve Unit consisted of 14 Deputies, staffed by 7 Certified and 7 auxiliary members. The unit functions as a service arm of the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office. Meghan de St. Aubin

ATLANTA

Homeless shelter loses appeal

The federal appeals court Tuesday rejected an appeal by the Metro Atlanta Task Force for the Homeless in its bid to reverse a ruling that found it owed $147,288 for unpaid water and sewer services.

When the city of Atlanta shut off water service in 2009 for the shelter on Peachtree and Pine streets, the task force filed suit. But the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a judge’s ruling dismissing the case, finding the task force did not prove equal protection, due process and breach of contract claims. Bill Rankin

Immigrants get work authorization help

The Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials and others will help people apply for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program Feb. 9 at 2750 Buford Highway.

The DACA program allows illegal immigrants who came to this country as children to obtain a federal work authorization for two years as long as they are under age 31 as of June 15, 2012, and came to the U.S. before age 16.

Pre-registration is required. Informtion: www.georgialatinovote.com/daca. David Wickert

Business group to host annual luncheon

The Buckhead Business Association hosts its Annual Luncheon and celebrates 62 years of service to the community, 11:30 to 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the Atlanta History Center.

Joey Reiman, CEO and Founder of the global consultancy, BrightHouse, will deliver the keynote address.

Tickets: $85 members; $110 non-members. Reservations: www.buckheadbusiness.org.

Kenneth Musisi

TIP needs votes to win tech makeover

Truancy Intervention Project Georgia, which provides advocacy and other resources to Georgia children and their families to prevent school failure, is trying to win a $20,000 technology makeover provided by Milner. The top 10 finalists will be chosen by voting through Jan. 31. Information:www.milner.com/jumpstart. Nancy Badertscher

DEKALB

DeKalb delegates to meet today

State Reps. Karla Drenner (D-Avondale Estates) and Dar’shun Kendrick (D-Lithonia) will host a DeKalb County Delegation meeting 1 to 4 p.m. today in Room 506, Coverdell Legislative Office Building, 18 Capitol Square, Atlanta to discuss the proposed Biomass facility to be located near Lithonia.

Invited guests include Environmental Protection Division officials from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Kenneth Musisi

Baskett favors system for choosing mayor

The only metro Atlanta city that doesn’t popularly elect its mayor, Decatur still annually appoints the position from among a five-person commission.

New mayor Jim Baskett wants to keep it that way. He said he prefers the mayor serving as chairman of meetings and the title remaining mostly honorary. Bill Banks for the AJC

Museum school recruiting students

The Museum School, a free, public charter school is recruiting students in grades K-6 for the 2013-2014 school year.

First priority for enrollment is given to children living in Focus Area 1: Avondale, Knollwood and Midway elementary schools. If space allows, enrollment is opened to children living in the remainder of the DeKalb County School District.

Open House events are 10 a.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. Jan. 23 at 923 Forrest Boulevard, Decatur. The school will accept applications Feb. 1-15.

Information: themuseumschool.org. Kenneth Musisi

School board hearing on suspension set

The Georgia Board of Education has a hearing to determine whether Gov. Nathan Deal should suspend the DeKalb County school board at 1 p.m. Thursday .

The hearing is required by a law that allows for suspension of boards in districts that are on accreditation probation. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools placed DeKalb on probation last month, alleging mismanagement and other issues.

DeKalb board members can present evidence and testimony in their defense. Ty Tagami

Retired state employees to meet

The Central Metro Chapter of the Georgia State Retirees Association will meet 2 p.m. Thursday at the Avis G. Williams Library, 1282 McConnell Drive, Decatur.

The local chapter election will be held and information will be provided on the Day at the Capitol.

Information: 404-371-1908.

Kenneth Musisi

Community Council hosts inauguration trip

The Stephenson Community Council in Redan has partnered with Dream Big Educational Services to offer an opportunity for celebrating the presidential inauguration in Washington, D.C.

The tour departs Atlanta on Jan. 19 and returns early Jan. 22. Cost is $395 per person: 4 to 6 persons (suite) or $595 per person: 2 to 3 persons (single room).

Pricing includes: chartered bus transportation, two-night hotel stay, 9 meals, and guided tours of all venues and events. Information: tinyurl.com/d8vojs2. Kenneth Musisi

SOUTHSIDE

Clayton schools temporarily on lockdown

Two Clayton County schools were placed on lockdown Tuesday afternoon due to an escaped prisoner in the area, police said.

Lovejoy High School and Lovejoy Middle School were the two schools affected.

Georgia Corrections officials said inmate Steven Bone walked away from an outside maintenance detail at Love Joy Regional Park. Bone began a 20-year sentence for cruelty to an elderly person in 2004. He was captured before schools let out for the day, local police said. Staff

School board approves calendar, strategic plan

The Henry County Board of Education voted Monday night to approve the 2013-14 school calendar as presented initially in December. The first day of class will be Monday, Aug. 5. Fall break is set for October after previously taking place in September. The school district’s five-year strategic plan was also approved by the board. Information: www.henry.k12.ga.us.

Monroe Roark for the AJC

Flags stolen in Peachtree City

Peachtree City police are seeking information about two recent thefts of American flags. The large flag at the Veterans Memorial Plaza at City Hall and another flag at a local business were stolen on Jan. 10.

Anyone who finds the flags or has knowledge of these incidents is asked to call 770-487-8866. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Stockbridge names city administrator

David Milliron, the treasurer for the city of Stockbridge, was named city administrator at Monday night’s regular meeting of the City Council. Stockbridge had been without a city administrator since early 2012. Most recently, former mayor Lee Stuart was fulfilling those duties until he was forced out by the council last month.

Monroe Roark for the AJC

Middle schoolers win Lego contest

The North Clayton Middle School RoboTigers won the first place champion award in the first Lego League competition held at Clayton State University last weekend. RoboTiger members are Dagm Behailu, Bailey Jordan, Jason Purce, Kendall Jordan, Ali Sesay, Terrance Dorsey, Victoria Haggwood and Camille Taylor. Nezetta Johnson, Mark Smith and Stacy Nelson coached the team and Zenobia Johnson and Sandra Caughman were the parent mentors.

The team is supported by Boeing. Morehouse Trio Program is one of the sponsors. The RoboTigers will now compete in the state competition at Georgia Tech on Jan. 26. Tamy Joyner

Special election will fill District 71 seat

Following the appointment of newly elected House District 71 Rep. Robert Stokely to the Magistrate Court in Coweta County, a special election to fill the seat will be held Feb. 5 in the affected portions of Coweta and Fayette County.

The qualifying candidates are Democrat Cynthia Conradt Bennett and Republicans Thomas C. Crymes, Michael Farbo, Jr., Darryl Marmon, David J. Stover and Richard Weisser. Jill Howard Church for the AJC