COBB
Marietta to spend $79,500 to slow speeders
Marietta will spend $79,500 for 20 radar speed signs in an effort to get drivers to slow down on city streets. Funding for the signs, that reflect an approaching driver’s speed, will come from the 2011 SPLOST.
The city installed four speed signs previously and Marietta officials say the signs have been effective at reducing speed.
The council is also working on a revision of its speed hump ordinance.
Information: www.mariettaga.gov. Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Powder Springs plans called meeting
Powder Springs City Council members plan to vote on creating an Economic Development department during a called meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, second floor conference room, City Hall, 4484 Marietta St.
They also will be deciding on establishing the new position of an Economic Development director.
City Manager Brad Hulsey said the person would work with the city’s newly reactivated Development Authority of Powder Springs and soon-to-be reactivated Downtown Development Authority as well as the Cobb Chamber’s Competitive Edge program.
Information: cityofpowdersprings.org or City Hall, 770-943-1666.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Cobb police to hold online safety courses
The Cobb Police Department will hold two Internet safety courses for teens, teachers and parents from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and Monday at the Cobb Safety Village, 1220 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta.
The courses will cover cyber bullying, social media and the sexual exploitation of youths and participants will have a chance to ask questions. The seminar is free, but registration is required. Info: safetyeducation@cobbcounty.org or 770-852-3270.
Jaime Sarrio
Cobb seeking diaper donations in October
Cobb will hold its fifth-annual “diaper day” to collect diapers for low-income families through the month of October. A collection will take place at 5:00 p.m. Oct. 28 at Glover Park on the Marietta Square. All donated diapers will be given to C.A.M.P., the Center for Family Resources, MUST Ministries, Reconnecting Families and the YWCA of Northwest Georgia.
Information: Barbara Hickey, Cobb Diaper Day Committee, esatlanta@bellsouth.net.
Jaime Sarrio
Powder Springs Citizen Police Academy set
The next session of the free Powder Springs Citizen Police Academy is 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday for 10 weeks at police headquarters, 1114 Richard D. Sailors Parkway. Domestic violence awareness, firearms training, a mock trial, tours of the county jail and 911 center and an optional patrol ride-along will be included.
Applicants must be at least 18 and pass a criminal history background check.
Information and applications: cityofpowdersprings.org/DocumentCenter/Home/View/1096, jdcollins@cityofpowdersprings.org or 770-943-1616.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
GWINNETT
Man shot dead in Gwinnett home
Gwinnett police are investigating after a man was discovered shot to death in his home.
Roberto Ortega Figueroa, 36, was found dead by a roommate Friday night in the 6600 block of Sevenoaks Drive near Tucker, Cpl. Jake Smith said Monday.
Detectives have not yet identified suspects or a motive, Smith said.Angel K. Brooks
Lifeguards take first place in competition
Gwinnett Parks and Recreation took first place at the annual Georgia Recreation and Park Association State Lifeguarding Competition last month. Rachel Rice, Christina Wang, Jordan Rubin, Guido Saccaggi, Stephen Brinkley and Victor Barr were evaluated for teamwork, athletic ability and lifeguarding knowledge. The team won the swim relay event, a critical incident event and a realistic emergency simulation. The team placed first during the written lifeguard exam, rescue relay and triathlon events. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Duluth citizens’ academy coming soon
Duluth is accepting applications for the Learn, Engage, Advance Duluth Academy, designed to allow citizens to become knowledgeable about city operations, services, and the overall essential functions of city government. The Academy is a 6-week program, 6 – 9 pm. each Tuesday Sept. 24 through Oct. 29. Applications: www.duluthga.net, click Community Tab/Get Involved/ L.E.A.D., or pick up an application at City Hall.
Deadline for applications is Aug. 30.Information:: Alisa Williams at awilliams@duluthga.net or 678-475-3506. Karen Huppertz
Congressman will host town hall
The United Peachtree Corners Civic Association is sponsoring a town hall meeting :30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 5575 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners. Seventh District U.S. Congressman Rob Woodall will be the featured speaker. Information: www.upcca.org or 404-825-8788. Karen Huppertz for the AJ
Free dance class for special needs children
Southern Ballet Theatre, located at 3315 Sugarloaf Parkway, Suite 16, Lawrenceville, is offering a free special needs dance class from 5 to 5:45 p.m. every Thursday. The ballet and tap class is for children with mental, medical or physical limitations, taught in a positive atmosphere. Information: 770-940-9223 or www.southernballettheatre.com. Veronica Fields Johnson
Adopt-A-Road seeks volunteer groups
Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful and the Gwinnett Department of Transportation is urging more residents to join the Adopt-A-Road program to help reduce trash and illegal signage alongside county roads.
Information: www.gwinnettcb.org/volunteer or 770-822-5187 or gwinnettcb@gwinnettcb.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
NORTHSIDE
Neighborhood leader seeks Sandy Springs seat
Graham McDonald, an attorney and president of the North Harbor Neighborhood Association, said Monday that he will run for Sandy Springs’ City Council District 3 seat. The announcement came one day after the incumbent, Chip Collins, said that he will not run for another term.
Graham is also vice chairman of the city’s Economic Development Advisory Committee, having been appointed by Mayor Eva Galambos. Johnny Edwards
Woodstock may change noise ordinance
The Woodstock City Council may approve a revision of the city’s noise regulation. The change would replace the current up-to-$100-per violation fine with escalating penalties of up to $1,000. City Manager Jeff Moon says complaints about outdoor music downtown triggered the proposal, which will be up for final adoption Sept 9.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Church hosts community job fair
Roswell United Methodist Church hosting a Job Networking and Mini Job Fair on Monday, Aug. 26 at 814 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell. The “Mini” Job Fair begins at 7:30 p.m. and the Crossroads Career Workshops will be at 12:30 p.m. Participants will learn how to develop a professional resume, practice interviewing skills with a job coach, and more. For more information and a list of job fair employers please visit www.rumcjobnetworking.com.
Sandra Marshall Murray
Library has Saturday grand opening
The Forsyth County Public Library plans a grand opening for its brand-new fourth branch from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, at 5010 Post Road. The 23,500-square-foot Post Road Branch is located in west Forsyth near the Drew Campground/Kelly Mill Road Intersection.
The $7.2 million facility was funded by SPLOST VI and a state grant.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Senior center to host outdoor jazz concert
The Friends of Benson will sponsor a free “Jazz under the Stars” concert from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Dorothy C. Benson Senior Multipurpose Facility, 6500 Vernon Woods Drive N.E., Sandy Springs.
Vocalist Gina Grate will perform. Light refreshments will be provided.
Information: Lila Womack at 404-612-2303.
Veronica Fields Johnson
AAUW book fair scheduled
The American Association of University Women will hold its 54th Annual AAUW book fair Sept. 23 -29 at Perimeter Mall, 4400 Ashford Dunwoody Road N.E. Gently-used books, educational materials, tapes, CDs and DVDs will be available. The book fair will operate during mall hours. There will be a $10 fee to shop during opening night only, from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 23.
Proceeds from the fair sponsored by the Atlanta, Cobb County and North Fulton branches of the AAUW go to educational endeavors.
Information: 404-261-7646 or www.bookfairaauw.org. Mea Watkins
ATLANTA
Clermont rezoned for boutique hotel
The Atlanta City Council approved a request to rezone the historic Clermont Hotel property Monday, making way for the infamous Ponce de Leon spot to become a boutique hotel.
The Clermont Hotel was purchased earlier this year by Clermont Hotel Partners LLC, a group which has announced plans to revamp the property into a boutique hotel. The property is best known for its lurid basement hotspot — the Clermont Lounge. Katie Leslie
Women’s business event next week
The Greater Women’s Business hosts its Power of Partnering at the East Lake Golf Club on Monday and Marriott Marquis Hotel on Tuesday. The event will feature a golf tournament and conference to support women in business and encourage networking. Sol Ross, director, Business Outreach in the Intergovernmental and External Affairs Office in the Department of Health and Human Services will be a featured speaker.
Information: gwbc.biz, go to ‘events’ tab and click on POP conference. Arlinda Smith Broady
AGLCC community awards dinner set
The 15th Annual Atlanta Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Community Awards Dinner will take place Friday at the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta, 3315 Peachtree Rd. N.E.
The event celebrates individuals that have been recognized by the community as business leaders, community leaders and corporate allies.
Information: AtlantaGayChamber.org. Mea Watkins
Free event for Mozley Park residents
Evangelist Linda Simmons from Emmanuel Temple Apostolic Church invites residents of the Mozley Park neighborhood to a free event from noon to 3 p.m. on Labor Day at the park, 1565 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., N.W. Activities include games, singing and Bible study. Free food will be served. Attendance limited to 50 people. To RSVP contact Evangelist Simmons at 626-905-1614. Veronica Fields Johnson
DEKALB
County speeds up license applications
DeKalb County residents wanting to start a home-based business can now submit business license applications and other documents and receive a review and license in the same day.
The new process for an over-the-counter review also eliminates the need for repeat trips to county officers for businesses moving into an existing space of 3,000 square feet with no changes.
These changes and others are projected to cut the time from application to business opening from up to six weeks down to 10 days. April Hunt
Commission delays school referendum
Decatur’s commission adopted a resolution delaying the $59.5 million bond referendum that would finance renovations to Decatur High and Renfroe Middle schools. The earliest the referendum can now appear on the ballot is Nov., 2014. Mayor Jim Baskett said constituents overwhelmingly expressed how little they understood or believed in the school system’s projections, and that they thought the process was moving too fast. Bill Banks for the AJC
Interim CEO holds town hall meetings
DeKalb County Interim CEO Lee May will hold the first in a series of town hall meetings 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at the Tucker library, 5234 LaVista Road. The event will include updates on county activities as well as a question-and-answer session with May.
May’s next meeting will be 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday at the Stonecrest library, 3123 Klondike Road.
April Hunt
Man reportedly shot during Craigslist deal
A man was shot and wounded overnight in a botched Craigslist deal, Channel 2 Action News reported early Tuesday.
The 60-year-old victim was attempting to sell a cell phone on Shadowridge Drive in DeKalb County when he was shot several times, according to Channel 2.
The man, whose name has not been released, was taken to a local hospital in serious condition. Mike Morris
DeKalb orchestra to hold auditions
The DeKalb Symphony Orchestra will hold auditions for trumpet, horn and strings for the 2013-2014 season Saturday and Sunday at Georgia Perimeter College, 555 North Indian Creek Dr., Clarkston.
Auditions will take place in the Rehearsal Hall of the Fine Arts Building, beginning at 2 p.m. each day.
To schedule an audition time, contact auditions@dekalbsymphony.org or 678-891-3565.
Information: www.dekalbsymphony.org.Veronica Fields Johnson
County holding small business summit
DeKalb County will host a summit for small business owners 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday at Georgia Piedmont Technical College’s conference center, 495 North Indian Creek Road, Clarkston. The event is part of its efforts to promote business growth and economic development in the county.
Cost is $25.
Register online at http://dekalbsummit2013.eventbrite.com. Information: 404-687-2730.
April Hunt
SOUTHSIDE
Henry schools on lookout for bus battery thieves
Thieves stole 38 batteries with a total value of approximately $5,000 from 21 different buses since Aug. 4. The suspects appear to be white males, in their mid to late 30’s.
One burglary took place while a bus was parked at its driver’s residence. Scrap metal yards and battery dealers should be on the lookout for individuals bringing in batteries for cash exchanges. If you have information that might be helpful in this investigation, please contact Sgt. Sandra Holliday with the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at 678-898-7339. Monroe Roark for the AJC
Court changes payment deadline
Beginning Aug. 28, all payments due to Peachtree City’s Municipal Court must be received by 1 p.m. the Monday before the court date on the citation. Payments, including those sent online, by mail or in person, can be made in lieu of appearing in court as long as the violation is not listed as “Must Appear.” Information: 770-631-2096.Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Fayette to honor anniversary couples
Couples who’ve been married 50 years can have their Golden Anniversary recognized by the Fayette County Board of Commissioners with an official county record and a proclamation of congratulations.
The marriages will be noted in the commission meetings for posterity. The county would like to have: date of wedding, location of wedding, how they met, names of children and any other interesting facts the family would like to provide. Contact county clerk Floyd Jones at 770 305-5102 or email at fjones@fayettecountyga.gov. Tammy Joyner
Frozen yogurt fundraiser upcoming
The Southern Crescent Walk to End Alzheimer’s will host a fundraiser 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday at TCBY, 532 Crosstown Drive, Peachtree City. TCBY will donate $1 for every 16 oz. of yogurt sold. Information: Sue Shaffer at alzwalkshaffer@aol.com.
Veronica Fields Johnson
Lovejoy fallfest set for Sept. 14
The 2013 Lovejoy Fallfest is scheduled for 1 to 9 p.m.Sept. 14 at the Lovejoy Community Center, 11622 Hastings Bridge Road. Electric violinist Ken Ford returns as headliner after what festival-goers described last year as a “violectric” performance. Music lovers will enjoy a variety of music genres from gospel to rap to old school rhythm and blues. Mike DeLaney’s blues band performs. Vendors also will be selling food and crafts. More info: www.cityoflovejoy.com.
Tammy Joyner
SPLOST stormwater timetable scheduled
The Fayette County Board of Commissioners has set a schedule for finalizing the Core Infrastructure SPLOST to finance stormwater system repairs.
A list of 181 proposed projects is available at www.fayettecountyga.gov and at the libraries and city halls in Fayetteville, Peachtree City and Tyrone.
Residents can send comments to stormwaterinput@fayettecountyga.gov.
A final public hearing will be held at the BOC meeting at 7 p.m. Aug. 29 in Fayetteville.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
