COBB
Police: Smyrna girl home, found safe
The 13-year-old Smyrna girl reported missing Monday was not kidnapped as police had initially been told.
Detectives interviewed the girl and determined that she had not been abducted.
She turned up late Monday after being reported missing after rollerblading on Cutler Ridge at 2:40 p.m. The girl’s roller blades were found in bushes at a neighbor’s home. A search began after attempts to reach her by cell phone were unsuccessful. Angel K. Brooks and Marcus K. Garner
Mableton meeting on new bus service
The last of four feedback meetings on Cobb Community Transit’s new Flex bus service will be held 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Mable House Arts Center, 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton.
Starting this fall, the route, made possible through federal and local funding, will provide stops between Cumberland and Austell.
This Flex route will serve bus stops and stop elsewhere when a passenger has made a reservation in advance.
Information: cobbcct.org or 770-427-4444.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Input sought on East-West Connector name
Citizens are invited to give feedback on the proposed name change of the East-West Connector to the Silver Comet Parkway at a meeting, 7 p.m., Thursday, at Presbyterian Village, 2000 East-West Connector, Austell. The City of Smyrna passed a resolution to rename the road, but the change must be approved by Cobb commissioners. Residents may also email feedback to lisa.cupid@cobbcounty.org.
Jaime Sarrio
Animal adoption event this weekend
Cobb County Animal Control will host the “Kritters and Kids” event, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at 1060 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta. The event is to help find homes for animals, and to educate pet owners about good safety and health. Attendees can meet ferret and reptile rescues, learn how a dog can become a therapy animal and meet a trainer who will demonstrate agility exercises. Information www.cobbanimalcontrol.org or 770-499-4136.
Jaime Sarrio
Safety Village to host family event
The Cobb Safety Village will host family safety day from 9 a.m. to noon, July 26, 1220 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta. The event will feature safety activities including water safety games, free fingerprinting kits, up-close views of emergency vehicles, entertainment and refreshments. Admission is $5 per person, a $20 maximum per family. Info: 770-852-3270
Jaime Sarrio
Marietta schools to lower millage rate
Marietta City Schools plans to drop its millage rate from 19.157 to 18.682 mills at a school board meeting at 6 p.m. July 23 at district headquarters, 250 Howard St.
The reduction will save a homeowner about $36 in taxes a year for a $200,000 house. The 2014 fiscal year started July 1.
Information: www.marietta-city.org. Tucker McQueen for the AJC
GWINNETT
Lilburn joins Kosovo city as ‘sisters’
The City of Lilburn officially joined the Kosovo city of Suhareka as a “Sister City” Monday. About 22 dignitaries from the County and the southeastern European city gathered for a welcome dinner hosted by the Gwinnett Chamber. Suhareka Mayor Blerim Kuqi is in Lilburn this week with a group of educators, medical professionals and government officials to learn about the city government, network with local doctors and businesses, and see the sights in the Atlanta area. Lilburn Mayor Johnny Crist plans to visit Kosovo in September with a group of doctors, business people, and artists. It will be his second trip to Kosovo this year. Staff
Mobile Career Lab making two stops
The Atlanta Regional Workforce Mobile Career Lab returns Thursday, July 18 to Gwinnett County Public Libraries 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Centerville Branch, 3025 Bethany Church Road in Snellville and 1:30 to 4 p.m. at the Lawrenceville Branch, 1001 Lawrenceville Highway.
The lab provides access to computer workstations, photocopying and printing along with resume and interview skills assistance and Workforce Investment Act training opportunities. Information: www.gwinnettpl.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Crime prevention talk in Berkeley Lake
West Gwinnett Police Precinct Commander Gale Higginbotham will talk to residents of Berkeley Lake about ways to protect personal property and avoid crime at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at City Hall, 4040 South Berkeley Lake Rd. www.berkeley-lake.com.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Grayson hosts farmers market Wednesdays
Grayson will offer a weekly farmers market from 4 to 8 p.m. each Wednesday at the Grayson Community Park, 1 Park Drive. The community anticipates 20 to 30 vendors will be available available each week. www.cityofgrayson.org.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Norcross adds Mitchell Road sidewalks
Thanks to a Gwinnett County Community Development Block Grant, Norcross is planning to install about a mile of 5-foot-wide sidewalks along Mitchell Road from Brook Hollow Parkway to Norcross Cooperative Ministry, 2275 Mitchell Road.
The sidewalks supplement recent landscaping of the intersection of Mitchell and Brook Hollow by the city and the Gwinnett Village Community Improvement District.
Information: 770-448-2122. Michael Alpert for the AJC
Cost of pet adoptions reduced this month
The cost of animal adoptions will be reduced at the Gwinnett County’s Animal Welfare department.
During the “Adoption Explosion” event, through July 27, the department will waive adoption fees and reduce veterinarian fees.
The normal cost of $90 for adopting dogs and puppies will be cut to $40; cats and kittens will cost $30. Two cats can be adopted for $40.
Those costs include spay/neuter of each animal, a microchip and the first round of shots. Dan Klepal
NORTHSIDE
Fulton school tax rate to stay unchanged
For the fourth straight year, the Fulton County school tax will remain unchanged. At a called meeting Monday, the school board approved a 2014 tax rate of 18.502 mills. Officials said they believe Fulton continues to have the lowest school tax in metro Atlanta. “Because of the school board’s sound financial management, we’re again able to keep our millage rates the same,” said Superintendent Robert Avossa. “I commend the board’s commitment to appropriately funding our school system’s budget initiatives while also being mindful of our taxpayers.” Nancy Badertscher
Canton holds budget work session
The Canton City Council will hold a work session on the proposed fiscal 2014 budget at 5 p.m. today at City Hall, 151 Elizabeth St. City Manager Scott Wood says officials are working with a preliminary figure of roughly $34.9 million for next year’s budgets, up from the current $31 million.
Adoption is scheduled by the end of August. The new fiscal year begins Oct. 1. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Forsyth has no plans to tweak property tax rate
Forsyth County Commissioners say with the county tax digest’s growing 3.1 percent they intend to keep the county’s millage rate level for 2014 at 7.656.
The rate is 0.40 percent over the rollback millage rate.
A public hearing on the matter is at 5 p.m. Thursday at the Forsyth County Administration Building, 110 E. Main St., Cumming. Mark Woolsey
Back-to-school clinic offered in Cherokee
The Cherokee County Health Department is planning a back-to-school health clinic from 2-6 p.m. July 30 at both public health centers.
Hearing, dental and vision screenings will be offered for $30, as will immunizations (with a charge for vaccines).
Locations: 1219 Univeter Road, Canton, and 7545 N. Main St., Woodstock.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Panel to study use of drug seizure property
A panel of state lawmakers, prosecutors and sheriffs appointed on Tuesday will study Georgia laws dealing with the use of property and cash seized during criminal investigations.
It will present recommendations by the time the General Assembly reconvenes in January.
Judiciary Committee Chairman Wendell Willard, R-Sandy Springs, will lead the working group.
Willard is the sponsor of House Bill 1, which would limit how local officials can use property seized from criminals. The bill failed to pass this year but has gotten renewed attention. Aaron Gould Sheinin
Gingrey to host veterans meeting
U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey, R-Marietta , will host workshops across the 11th Congressional District to help local veterans better navigate the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs claims processing system.
The Cherokee meeting is set for 9.a.m.-noon July 24 at the Historic Cherokee County Courthouse, 100 North St., Canton.
Information: 770-345-2931. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
ATLANTA
Man killed outside apartment
Markeith Williams, 19, was fatally shot in the head Monday night outside an apartment in the 2500 block of Etheridge Drive in northwest Atlanta.
Williams was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said.
A homicide investigation showed the shooting occurred outside an apartment building, police said. Nancy Badertscher
Arts festival to be held at Underground
The Heritage Cultural Arts Festival will be held Thursday through Sunday at Underground Atlanta, 50 Upper Alabama St. This year’s theme: “The Remix—Different People. Different Views. Same Art.” Featured events include art exhibits, live entertainment, artists’ market, spoken word, Soul Train Costume Party, kids activities and a gospel celebration. Information: www.heritageculturalartsfest.org or 404-553-1921. Veronica Fields Johnson
Back to school event at Home Depot
Home Depot will sponsor a free back to school community event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Store 0123, 3885 Jonesboro Road. Activities will include health screenings, kid’s workshops, do-it-yourself workshops, vendors, food and entertainment. The event will also feature a school supply drive and donations of notebooks, pens, pencils, notebook paper, folders, erasers and back packs will be accepted. Information: Joel Cogdell or Shana Roberts at 404-361-5634 x077. Veronica Fields Johnson
Peachtree Street bomb threats prove false
Atlanta police said two false reports of bomb threats were made Monday afternoon on Peachtree Street.
Police said both threats were emailed in. The first email said that a person had installed a bomb in the building at 1197 Peachtree Street. The second threat was reported at about 12:50 p.m.
This threat also came in an email, saying that a person had placed a bomb about two blocks away at 1349 West Peachtree Street. Cailin O’Brien
DEKALB
Veterans career fair today
The Georgia Department of Labor’s North Metro Career Center, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the federal Comprehensive Work Therapy Program will sponsor a career expo for veterans and other job seekers 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at Clairmont Presbyterian Church, 1994 Clairmont Road, Decatur. Applicants should bring resumes and be prepared to fill out company applications and interview for job openings. Information: William Moore, 404-679-5200 ext. 54 or william.moore@gdol.ga.gov.
Veronica Fields Johnson
Schools, commission to meet Aug. 5
A joint meeting between City Schools Decatur and city commissioners has been set for August 5, tentatively 5-7 p.m. at City Hall. CSD are trying to get a $59.5 million bond referendum (that’ll pay for renovations to Decatur High and Renfroe Middle schools) on the Nov. 5 ballot, but they may get resistance from commissioners. Superintendent Phyllis Edwards said recently, “There are a number of people who doubt our projections (that school enrollment will nearly double by 2018), but I’m telling you, these projections are just the minimum.” Bill Banks for the AJC
County names new watershed director
The former chief operating office of Jacksonville, Florida’s water/electric utility has been named as DeKalb County’s new director of Watershed Management.
An engineer, James Chansler has nearly 40 years’ experience in government, public works and utilities.
He will earn $153,360 a year in the role, key in overseeing a $1.34 billion overhaul of DeKalb’s water/sewer system.
April Hunt
Brookhaven adopts budget, millage rate
Brookhaven recently finalized its first-year budget, a $16.5 million spending plan, by setting a 2.85 millage rate.
The owner of a home valued at $200,000 will pay about $171 annually in city taxes under the rate.
The budget includes money to reimburse DeKalb County for providing police and parks service since Brookhaven incorporated in December. The two sides are still negotiating the cost for those services.
Brookhaven plans to launch a police force July 31 and take over parks this fall. April Hunt
DeKalb residents needed for survey
The Atlanta Regional Commission is asking DeKalb residents to take an online survey to see how the public is included in regional plans and policies.
DeKalb is one of 18 counties included in the study, known as Metro Atlanta Matters.
The survey is online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/S52HS5Y April Hunt
Dive into Shabbat at MJCCA outdoor pool
Celebrate Shabbat at the MJCCA’s Outdoor Pool and Splash Park 5–7 p.m. July 26 and Aug. 9 at Zaban Park, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody. Bring a picnic or purchase kosher food at Goodfriend’s Outdoor Grill. Open swim begins at 5 p.m. followed by Shabbat songs and blessings with Rabbi Glusman at 6 p.m. Free.
Information: Rabbi Brian Glusman, brian.glusman@atlantajcc.org or 678-812-4161. Mea Watkins
SOUTHSIDE
Fayette Chamber has internship program
The Fayette Chamber of Commerce has a new partnership with Internships.com to provide more career-related opportunities for students.
The free program will connect local businesses with young people seeking job experience and training.
Employers and students can sign up at www.internships.com/group/fayette-chamber.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Fayette academy progressing
The Fayette County Board of Education on Monday received a report and update on plans to establish a college and career academy for high school students. Peachtree City Council member Kim Learnard and consultant Russ Moore outlined results from a preliminary needs assessment of local employers. The Fayette College and Career Academy has raised more than $86,000 in seed money so far; details at http://fayettecca.wordpress.com.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Fayetteville Market Day returns Saturday
Fayetteville Main Street will host the second Market Day of the summer 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at the historic downtown gazebo. Vendors will be selling everything from jelly to jewelry. Future Market Days will be held on the third Saturday of each month through September; call 770-719-4173 for vendor inquiries.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Town hall meeting set for July 27
Henry County Commissioner Bruce Holmes’ monthly town hall meeting will be at 9 a.m. July 27, at Crossroad Christian Church in Stockbridge.
The meeting will focus on the future of Henry County’s public schools and Henry County School Superintendent Dr. Ethan Hildreth will be the featured guest speaker.
Crossroad Christian Church is at 5365 North Henry Blvd. in Stockbridge. Monroe Roark for the AJC
Gallery to host BBQ, beer tasting
Arts Clayton Gallery and the Highway 138 Package Store will co-host “BBQ & Brew on Main,” a barbecue and craft beer tasting, from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, July 25 at the gallery, 136 South Main St., Jonesboro. Artisan beer tastings and samples of barbecue of other foods will be available for a $20 donation, payable at the door. Proceeds will benefit the programs of Arts Clayton, a non-profit community arts organization. Information: www.artsclayton.org or 770-473-5831.
Veronica Fields Johnson
Peachtree City has tree removal ordinance
Peachtree City is reminding residents that they must receive prior approval to remove fallen or storm-damaged trees that are more than 6 inches in diameter.
The city’s tree ordinance also requires contractors to register annually to confirm the proper bonding, insurance and occupational tax requirements.
Guidelines and contractors are listed at www.peachtree-city.org/index.aspx?nid=487.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
