County by county news for Wednesday

In support were Councilwomen Rosalyn Neal and Nancy Hudson and Councilman Chris Wizner. Councilwoman Cheryl Sarvis was absent, and Councilman Al Thurman was opposed.

Thurman said he wanted the 8.5 millage rate raised by at least half a mill to bring in $150,000, which would "at least cover the shortfall." Interim City Manager Brad Hulsey said Wednesday the city has an 8.65 percent decline in property tax revenues of $253,000. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Crossing work brings detours in Marietta

Drivers in downtown Marietta will have to detour around three CSX Railroad crossings that will close for maintenance starting Aug. 1. The Mill Street crossing is scheduled to close Aug 1-4; Kennesaw Avenue, Aug. 6-10 and Whitlock Avenue, Aug. 13-17. The crossing at Waverly Way will not close during restriping of the adjacent road. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Goddard students, staff to give supplies

Goddard School students and staff will "stuff the bus" with backpacks and school supplies they collected this summer for underprivileged children through the Children's Restoration Network this Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.

They're asking community members to participate by helping pack backpacks and donating school supplies such as ruled paper, notebooks, crayons, pencils, pens and rulers. The event will take place at their school at 1150 Hammond Dr. in Atlanta. Daarel Burnette II

Powder Springs police will get new equipment

The Powder Springs City Council voted Monday to spend nearly $200,000 for laptop computers for the city's police officers and cameras for the cars.

The money will come from the 2011 special purpose local option sales tax, or SPLOST.

Police Chief Charlie Sewell said this Dell package "will put us above the curve for most agencies" and was $50,000 cheaper than the first estimate.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

YMCA offers triathlon training for kids

The next generation of Olympians can train for free over the next few weeks at East Cobb YMCA in preparation for an area triathlon.

The weekly training sessions are offered to Cobb residents ages 6 to 15, leading up to the Atlanta Kids Triathlon on Aug. 26. YMCA membership is not required. The sessions will be held on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

About 1,000 children are expected to participate in the triathlon.

Information: 770-977-5991 Janel Davis

Schools sign lease deal with Paulding

Cobb County's school board recently signed a lease agreement with Paulding County Board of Commissioners to house several adult education classes at the old Paulding County Courthouse.

Cobb and Paulding school districts jointly run their adult education program using a grant from the Technical College System of Georgia. The grant will cover the cost of the lease, $1,600 per month.

Daarel Burnette II

GWINNETT

Wife charged in man's shooting death

A Gwinnett County man was shot and killed late Monday, and police arrested the victim's wife and charged her with murder.

Gwinnett police Cpl. Edwin Ritter said officers and responded to an 11:06 p.m. call about a person in cardiac arrest at a home in the 1500 block of Park Grove Drive near Lawrenceville. On arrival, they found Young G. Chung, 64, dead of a gunshot wound to the head, Ritter said.

"Investigators developed probable cause to charge the victim's wife, Hannah M. Chung, 63, with murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime," he said. Mike Morris

Road maintenance to impact traffic

Road maintenance will require shoulder or median lane closures along some highways in Gwinnett County this week.

The Georgia Department of Transportation will perform vegetation maintenance along I-85, I-985 and Ga. 316.

It also will sweep Ga. 124 and Ga. 141.

The work will be done from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily through Friday, weather permitting. GDOT advises motorists to slow down in these and other work zones. David Wickert

Ex-deputy accused of assaulting inmate

A former Gwinnett County Sheriff's deputy is accused of sexual assaulting an inmate in his custody, according to police.

Harry J. Breitinger, 50, of Auburn, was arrested July 11 and charged with sexual assault upon a person in custody and aggravated sexual battery, according to a Gwinnett County Sheriff's Department report. Breitinger resigned his job.

A female inmate accused Breitinger of the offenses following a June 3 transport from the Augusta area to Gwinnett County.

A Gwinnett police spokesman told the Morgan County Citizen that when Breitinger was confronted by investigators, he confessed. Alexis Stevens

Vaccination clinic for pets on Saturday

The Georgia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is hosting a low cost vaccination clinic Saturday.

All proceeds will go to help homeless animals.

The clinic will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. at the SPCA's adoption facility at 1175 Buford Highway, Suite 109, in Suwanee.

Rabies shots and distemper/Parvo shots are each $10; canine Bordetella shots are $10; canine heartworm tests are $25; microchipping is $25; combo tests are $25; nail clipping is $10; and deworming or flea treatment are $5. Andria Simmons

Program focuses on empowering girls

SheWill, a nonprofit that helps young girls understand the importance of financial literacy and careers, will host a finances and fitness girls' summit from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 11 at Ivy Preparatory Academy in Norcross.

The event, open to girls age 8 to 17, will emphasize financial literacy, career empowerment, nutrition, fitness and self-esteem.

The cost is $50. The registration deadline is Aug. 5. For more information and to register, visit http://shewillevents.eventbrite.com. David Wickert

NORTHSIDE

Canton loosens alcohol rules for restaurants

The Canton City Council has changed its food-to-alcohol ratio requirements for restaurants licensed to sell booze, which officials hope will lead to more restaurants locating downtown. Previously, licensed establishments had to do at least 60 percent of gross annual food and beverage sales in food.

The new requirements lower that to 50 percent in most parts of the city, and 40 percent in the downtown area. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Man, 22, charged with exposing himself

A north Fulton County man accused of exposing himself at an apartment complex was arrested after turning himself into police. Patrick Bryan Maynard, 22, of Alpharetta, was charged with public indecency after he was allegedly spotted exposing himself at the Roswell Creek Apartments on June 14, police said. Witnesses identified the suspect through a photo lineup, according to police.

Maynard was released after posting bond. Alexis Stevens

Forsyth BOE to hear appeals

The Forsyth County Board of Equalization will hear real property value appeals at 9 a.m. Monday at 875 Lanier 400 Parkway, Building D, Cumming, suites 254 and 258. Check suite 256 for hearing information. The board will follow procedures established by the County Board of Tax Assessors at its 2011 annual meeting. Copies of procedures are available at the county courthouse, 100 W. Courthouse Square, Cumming. Michael Alpert for the AJC

Vintage tractors come to farmers market

It's a "down on the farm and back in the day" event for the Woodstock Farmers Market on Saturday. Area tractor owners are being invited to bring and showcase their vintage vehicles, with market-goers voting for their favorite. The market's at Main Street and Towne Lake Parkway from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Info: lp1954@gmail.com Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Second arrest made in theft from car

Cherokee Sheriff's Office investigators have made a second arrest in a theft from an automobile case that occurred in the Bridgemill subdivision on July 1. Investigators released a video last week of a woman using a credit card at a Quiktrip on Sixes Road moments after the card was stolen. Brhea Wofford, 20, of Waleska, was arrested Friday. Kristina Garcia, 22, of Waleska, was arrested Monday. Both women are charged with three counts of credit card fraud and one count of entering auto. Both are being held on $12,900 bond at the Cherokee jail. Andria Simmons

Health service focuses on air quality for kids

The Fulton County Department of Health Services is joining Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL), the Georgia Head Start Association and the EPA School Flag Program to help raise public awareness of daily air quality conditions. The county's Head Start, pre-k and daycare centers will be posting a colored flag representing the current level of air quality, such as green for good. Nancy Badertscher

ATLANTA

Search on for gunman in fatal shooting

Authorities are looking for the gunman who shot two men, one of them fatally, in northeast Atlanta on Monday night, police said. The incident happened in the 100 block of Auburn Avenue. The Fulton County Medical Examiner identified the dead man as Joshua Alexis, 27, of Stone Mountain. The other man, who's name has not been released, is in stable condition at Grady Memorial Hospital, police said. Angel K. Brooks

APS procurement earns national award

The Atlanta Public Schools procurement department earned the 'Outstanding Agency Accreditation Achievement Award' from The National Institute for Governmental Purchasing - The Institute for Public Procurement. The award recognizes leaders in the public procurement process. Only 117 government agencies have earned this distinction out of 2,600 member agencies in the United States and Canada. Jaime Sarrio

Church gears up for community weekend

Greater Mountain Baptist Church will host a Family, Friends and Community weekend Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday events will include a picnic from noon to 4 p.m. featuring free food; entertainment, and activities for children. Greater Mountain Baptist Church is at 3346 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Atlanta.Information: 404-583-9566. Laurie Hoffman

ABWA to host annual luncheon

The Atlanta Area Council of the American Business Women's Association (ABWA) will honor 2012 District 1 Vice President Carolyn D. Parks at its annual July luncheon. The event kicks off with a 6:30 p.m. reception on Friday. A morning forum and luncheon at 9:30 and 11 a.m. will be Saturday at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Atlanta Perimeter Galleria. For reception reservations, contact Bessie Poole at brpoole@southernco.com. Contact Karen Garnto for reservations at leasegarnto@bellsouth.net. Information: www.aacabwa.org and www.abwa.org. Mea Watkins

DEKALB

County schools track stolen computers

DeKalb County school officials are using a private service to track down stolen computers, and have recovered as much as $100,000 in hardware in nine months, system spokesman Walter Woods said.

Gary L. Brantley, the new technology chief hired by Superintendent Cheryl Atkinson, recommended using the Computrace service from Austin-based Absolute Software after hearing numerous theft complaints. The company uses software to track computers that are removed from schools.

"We haven't had any big thefts of computers since October when we implemented this," Woods said. About two dozen computers have been recovered. Ty Tagami

Renovated Browns Mill rec center reopens

DeKalb County held the reopening of the Browns Mill Recreation Center Tuesday at the center near Lithonia.

The event at the center, 5101 Browns Mill Road, includes showcasing renovations to the lobby, concession area, gym, restrooms and other facilities.

More information: 404-371-6273. April Hunt

Senior Connections adds board member

Senior Connections has added a new member to the board of directors that oversees its nonprofit work. In addition to naming attorney Teah Glenn to the board, the group also formed an advisory council to help encourage more community leaders to volunteer.

Information:

www.seniorconnectionsatl.org. April Hunt

Students to demonstrate solar car

Two dozen Cross Keys High School students will show off the award-winning, solar-powered car they built for a national competition. Endeavour will go on display at the school at 10 a.m. Saturday. It will parade down Buford Highway from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., resting at Chamblee's Buford Highway Flea Market until noon, before rolling to Doraville's Honeysuckle Park Fleming Sports Arena for display until 1 p.m. The team won the Guntis Terauds Award last week at the Winston Solar Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas. Information: solarcar2012.com. Ty Tagami

Volunteers needed for river cleanup event

The Tucker Civic Association and Rivers Alive will host the 5th annual Rivers Alive Clean Up 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 6.

The event will be at 4200 Cowan Road, Tucker. Heavy rain date is 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 20. Volunteers are asked to provide the name of their group; number of volunteers, and a lead contact person. Participants must be 10 years of age or older. For information on volunteering: volunteertca@gmail.com or 770-270-1620. Laurie Hoffman

Officer assigned to drug task force

The DeKalb County Commission recently agreed to assign a county police officer to the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force.

The program is designed to identify and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations across the nation.

As part of the approval, the county also will receive up to $12,000 for overtime pay incurred as part of task force investigations. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Peachtree City police arrest 3 in home invasion

Peachtree City police have made three arrests in connection with a home invasion in which a woman was beaten and grazed by a shotgun pellet. Homeowner Cece Coffee sustained minor injuries in the July 13 incident at her home on Woodland Drive. Peachtree City police Capt. Rosanna Dove said Tuesday that three men have been arrested and charged. Ted Andrew Jefferson, 27, of Snellville, was arrested on Friday, and Gilbert Jefferson, 27, of Lithonia, was arrested on Monday. On Tuesday, police arrested Christopher Falkner, 28, of Peachtree City. Mike Morris

Fairburn man charged in child porn

A Fairburn man turned himself in Monday after being charged with possession of child pornography, the GBI said.

Donovan Dailey, 47, surrendered at the Fulton County Jail after being notified that he had been charged with five counts of sexual exploitation of children.

Images of child pornography were found on his computer last week when forensic computer specialists reviewed some of the equipment seized from his home, the GBI said.

The investigation started in December after authorities received tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Angel K. Brooks

Holmes's town hall meeting Saturday

Henry County District V Commissioner Bruce Holmes' monthly town hall meeting is at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Fairview Recreation Center, 35 Austin Road in Stockbridge. The focus will be on the Henry County School System, and Superintendent Dr. Ethan Hildreth will be on hand to update residents on what is in store for the coming year. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Clemente World Series starts Thursday

Former Atlanta Braves outfielder Otis Nixon will throw out the first pitch at the opening game of the Roberto Clemente World Series in McDonough, which is scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m. Thursday -- 20 years to the day after perhaps his most memorable play as a Brave, "The Catch," in a 1992 game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Eight teams of players ages 7-8 from around the country and Puerto Rico compete in the Roberto Clemente World Series every summer. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Principals featured in Thursday Thunder race

Six Henry County principals will be part of a intermission race at the Atlanta Motor Speedway for Thursday Thunder. They earned a spot in the field because their schools were the top finishers in a contest to collect the most canned goods to support Feed the Hungry. Racing will be the principals of Unity Grove Elementary, Henry County High School, Ola Elementary, Woodland Elementary, Rocky Creek Elementary, and Union Grove High School. Nancy Badertscher

'Dog Days' portraits for Fayette pets

The Fayette County Humane Society's "Dog Days" Pet Portrait fundraising event is 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday at Heart Is Found Photography, 110 Genevieve Court in Fayetteville. Each session is $25. Appointments: 770-631-7676.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC