County by county news for Wednesday

The $322,746 contract was awarded recently to East Coast Grading, Inc. for parking lot and intersection improvements from Powder Springs Road to New Macland Road.

The 10-acre park stretches about a half mile between the Silver Comet Trail and Richard D. Sailors Parkway across from the Powder Springs Police Station, according to Powder Springs Community Development Director Pam Conner. Restrooms and a playground may be added later. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

McDonald's sign changes recommended

Powder Springs Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously Monday to recommend changes to accompany McDonald's planned rehabilitation of its 25-year-old restaurant at 4021 Powder Springs Road.

They want the 35-foot-tall pole sign dismantled in favor of a monument sign and sidewalks installed on Powder Springs Road.

Also, they want the trash container repaired, repainted and roofed.

A final public hearing and vote are scheduled for 7 p.m. Aug. 20 by the Powder Springs City Council.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Motorist killed in I-575 crash ID'd

The Cobb County Medical Examiner's Office on Tuesday identified a motorist killed in a fiery crash on I-575 last week as a 33-year-old Blue Ridge man.

Joseph Guy Cooper was the driver of a blue 2002 Ford Expedition early Friday morning that plunged off an overpass, crashed into a bridge retaining wall on the roadway below and burst into flames, authorities said.

The wreck happened at the I-575 bridge over Hawkins Store Road in Kennesaw.

Police said information from the scene indicated the driver, heading southbound on the interstate, failed to maintain the lane and traveled through the grass median, then over the edge of the overpass.

Cooper was pronounced dead at the scene. David Ibata and Mike Morris

Business association meets Wednesday

Ron Newcomb, president of Chattahoochee Technical College, will speak to the South Cobb Business Association during the luncheon meeting 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at Presbyterian Village, 2000 East-West Connector, Austell.

Cost is $10 for members or $20 for guests.

Information: southcobbba.org.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Teen Center named for Kennesaw councilman

A teen center in downtown Kennesaw has been named the Bill Thrash Kennesaw Teen Center to recognize the council member who pushed for a place for middle and high school students to gather.

Kennesaw Mayor Mark Matthews said Thrash's dream for students was a safe place to go after school to study or hang out with friends.

The center has a study room with computer work stations and a room with a pool table, video games and room to relax.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

GWINNETT

School supplies sought for students

The 4th annual KidFest is set for 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 11 at Belk at the Forum in Gwinnett.

The annual event is designed to raise some much-needed school supplies for area children. School supplies can be donated at Belk, Trader Joe's and Gigi's Cupcakes at the Forum shopping plaza, as well as at the Robert Fowler YMCA in Norcross through July 11.

A "monster truck" donated by Jim Ellis will deliver schoo supplies to area schools on Aug. 13. Nancy Badertscher

Concert series features steel drums

Gwinnett Parks & Rec continues their Brown Bag concert series 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse in Lawrenceville. Bring a blanket and enjoy Scott Douglass Steel Drums in the gazebo. Food and retail vendors available, plus free crafts and activities. Information: 770-822-5450. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Kid time before school starts back

Downtown Duluth presents National KidsDay Festival 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday, August 5. Free event includes entertainment, activities and vendors. National KidsDay was created in 1994 by KidsPeace, a 130-year-old national children's charity, to encourage adults to spend more meaningful time with their children. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Lilburn residents to show support

SafetySmart Lilburn is asking everyone in the entire Greater Lilburn area to participate in Lighting Up Lilburn on National Night Out. To participate turn on an outside light or porch light at your home from 8 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, August 7 to show support for law enforcement and to stand against crime.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Lilburn holding downtown event

Police and fire vehicles on display, K-9 demonstrations, food and music highlight Lilburn Police and SafetySmart Lilburn's public safety event from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 7 in downtown City Park, 76 Main St.

That same night, residents are asked to leave on their porch lights, showing support for law enforcement and solidarity against crime.

Michael Alpert for the AJC

Norcross concert series continues

Rock tribute band Moby Dick will perform in Norcross' free Summer Concert Series at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Thrasher Park, 93 Park Drive in historic downtown. Tables and chairs are available for rent, and alcoholic beverages are allowed. The event is a CAN Do collection site for non-perishable food for local food banks.

Michael Alpert for the AJC

African-American health explored

National Physician and Family Referral presents "African Americans in Clinical Trials," 11 a.m. to noon Aug. 11 at Hopewell Baptist Church, 182 Hunter St., Norcross. Physicians will explore heart disease and available treatment options. Reservations are required by Saturday. Information: 1-800-677-8441 or mackeymed@yahoo.com. Mea Watkins

NORTHSIDE

Milton parks director starts Tuesday

Jim Cregge begins as Milton's new parks and recreation director on Aug. 7, having been on Alpharetta's Parks and Recreation Commission for nine years and its chairman for six.

Cregge, who oversaw construction of Cogburn Road Park and three phases of Webb Bridge Park, takes on a Milton department that began 30-plus programs over the past year and is starting expansion of Bell Memorial Park.

Michael Alpert for the AJC

Forsyth alcohol ordinance at issue

The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing about proposed changes to its alcohol licensing ordinance at 5 p.m. Thursday at the county's administration building, 110 East Main St., Suite 220, Cumming. At issue is a $350 criminal investigation fee for licensees. Michael Alpert for the AJC

Boy, 14, accused of explosives in home

A 14-year-old Cherokee County boy was taken into custody Monday after investigators found several explosive devices inside the home he shares with his parents, according to police.

A tipster told Canton police about the possibility of explosives in the home, in the 100 block of Woodbury Lane in the River Green subdivision.

The Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and a GBI bomb squad also were called to the residence. Inside, officers found six explosive devices that could have caused major destruction. The bomb squad detonated one device at the scene.

The teen, whose name was not released, was taken in for questioning along with his parents.

The boy was charged with manufacturing and the distribution of destructive devices, and he was charged as a juvenile because of his age. Testing will be conducted on the explosives to determine what they contained, the assistant chief said. Alexis Stevens

Woodstock hosts Friday Night Live series

The Woodstock Downtown Development Authority invites the public to spend the first Friday of each month in downtown Woodstock and take in the restaurants and stores. Merchants will stay open late, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Participating merchants will have activities for each theme of the Friday Night Live series, with the "Summer of Love" theme on Aug. 3. Information: 770-924-0406. Kenneth Musisi

Volleyball center begins feeder program

Eight new middle school volleyball feeder programs will begin at the new Southern Volleyball Center at 11415 Old Roswell Road, Suite 200, Roswell. Participating high schools are Milton, Cambridge, West Forsyth, Lambert, Chattahoochee, Norcross, Riverwood and North Springs.

Participants will train every Tuesday and Thursday evenings for a six-week period beginning on Aug. 21. Registration is $195 per participant. Information: www.southernvolleyball/middle-school-feeder-program.

Kenneth Musisi

ATLANTA

Rapist gets 85 years in prison

A man linked to a 12-year-old sexual assault by DNA tests has been sentenced to 85 years in prison, the Fulton County District Attorney's Office said.

After pleading guilty to an escape charge in 2008, Andre Newson, 34, gave a DNA swab as required by law. The tests matched Newson to a December 2000 attack of a woman who was on Central Avenue, forced into a car at gunpoint and raped a few miles away. Superior Court Judge Kimberly Esmond Adams imposed the sentence after Newson was convicted at trial. Bill Rankin

Police seek help in SE Atlanta murder

Atlanta police are asking for the public's help in solving a murder. On Thursday, police found David McReynolds, 54, shot to death in the 700 block of Hill Street in southeast Atlanta.

Residents reported hearing gunfire and seeing three men fleeing the area, police said.

Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-8477. Callers can remain anonymous, and a reward is available for information that leads to an arrest or prosecution. Marcus K. Garner

Atlanta man pleads guilty to tax fraud

An employee of a tax preparation business pleaded guilty to tax fraud in federal court Tuesday. Eugene Gibbons, 64, admitted filing tax returns claiming fraudulent deductions, expenses and credits that enabled clients to obtain sizable refunds between 2002 and 2009, U.S. Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said in a statement.

The tax returns Gibbons prepared while working at C&M Tax Service resulted in more than $1.2 million in fraudulent refunds. The clients paid Gibbons fees for obtaining the refunds, she said.

In the plea agreement, Gibbons confessed to beginning the tax scheme shortly after he was released from prison on a previous tax fraud charge.

Gibbons will be sentenced Sept. 26. He could receive a maximum of three years in prison and a fine of $250,000 on each of the two charges to which he pleaded guilty, Yates said. Staff reports

DEKALB

Annual Faith Leaders Day Aug. 2

DeKalb County District Attorney Robert James and DeKalb County Sheriff Thomas Brown will host the 4th Annual Faith Leaders Day at 8 a.m. Thursday at the DeKalb County Courthouse, 556 N. McDonough St, Decatur. The event is free and open to clergy. Participants will be provided a light breakfast and lunch. Transportation will also be provided. Information: 404-687-7179 or contact Dana Lawrence at delawrence@dekalbcountyga.gov or Ebony Phillips at eaphillips@dekalbcountyga.gov. Sandra Marshall Murray

Pet vaccination, health event set in Decatur

LifeLine Animal Project and Fix Georgia Pets will host "Healthy Pets DeKalb" 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 11 at Shoal Creek Park II, 3643 Glenwood Road, Decatur.

Veterinarians will administer free vaccinations. Vouchers for free spay/neuter surgeries will also be available, and free materials on pet health; pet overpopulation and dog bite prevention will be offered.

Information: www.lifelineanimal.org.

Laurie Hoffman

New DeKalb library opening soon

Services at the new Scott Candler branch of the DeKalb County library system will open on Aug. 20, with a dedication ceremony the weekend before.

The dedication will be held at 10 a.m. Aug. 18 at the new library, 1917 Candler Road. DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis and other local dignitaries will be on hand for the ribbon cutting and tour of the new 12,000 square-foot library.

The new branch is part of a mixed-use development that is to eventually include a new senior center and senior housing. The facility will hold 30,000 volumes, have 27 public-access computers and includes a 90-seat meeting room.

Work on the new facility began last year and is part of a $54.5 million project to expand, renovate and add 13 libraries to the county.

Information: 404-370-8450 or www.dekalblibrary.org.

April Hunt

Health fair and fashion show at mall

A back-to-school health fair and fashion show will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4 in the Macy's wing of North DeKalb Mall, 2050 Lawrenceville Highway, Decatur. Nutrition workshops, fitness and food demonstrations, massages and health screenings will be offered. The latest back-to-school fashions and uniforms will be showcased, and students will receive free book bags and supplies (while supplies last). The WNBA Atlanta Dream Organization and other notable performers will provide entertainment.

Mea Watkins

Stone Mountain CID to focus on development

DeKalb County's newest community improvement district is kicking off its economic development efforts with a community meeting in August.

The Stone Mountain CID hopes to gather public input on its development plans at the session. The meeting runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Aug. 15 at Eagle Rock Distributing, 1375 Beverage Dr., near Stone Mountain.

Businesses in the district tax themselves fund operations such as roadway improvements and landscaping. The goal is to add 2,000 new jobs to the area by the end of 2013. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Fairburn man sentenced for Medicaid fraud

A Fairburn man recently pleaded guilty to Medicaid fraud, computer theft and theft by taking for a scheme where he funneled money to himself by making false claims for medical services from March 2008 to October 2008, the state Attorney General's Office said. After pleading guilty in Fulton County Superior Court, Franks was sentenced to a year in prison and 19 years probation. He must also pay $65,583 in restitution to the Georgia Department of Community Health and $5,181 to the Georgia Department of Revenue. Bill Rankin

Kedron Fieldhouse hosts open house

Peachtree City will host an open house 1-3 p.m. Saturday to celebrate the re-opening of the Kedron Fieldhouse and Aquatic Center after a recent arson fire. The facility will offer tours of the renovations and discuss recreation programming. Visitors with proof of Peachtree City residency may use the gyms and swimming pools free. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Geneticist to discuss seed bank

USDA geneticist and Peachtree City resident Dr. Gary Pederson will give a free talk about global seed conservation at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Peachtree City Library. Pederson will describe the purpose behind the Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Unit in Griffin, where he works. The program is part of the "One Book, One Peachtree City" reading initiative.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Free movie Friday in Hampton

Residents of Hampton and the surrounding area are invited to bring their lawn chairs to McBrayer Park for this week's Movies in the Park sponsored by the city. This week's feature is "Night at the Museum." The show begins at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 3, and free popcorn and soft drinks will be provided.

Monroe Roark for the AJC

Yard sale to benefit African orphans

Carriage Lane Presbyterian Church in Peachtree City will hold a yard sale to benefit African orphans from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday.

Items can be donated 9 a.m.-7 p.m. through30-Aug. 1 at the church. Information: www.pearlministries.org.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

UGA Alumni Showcase

UGA Alumni Association will host it's annual Art Showcase 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Winsor Gallery, 34 Macon St., McDonough.

The public is invited to meet the participating artists and learn about their work while enjoying light refreshments.

The event is free and open to the public and will be on display through Aug. 24.

Sandra Marshall Murray

Church to hold back to school event

Union Grove Baptist Church of Union City, 6591 T.A. Davis Ave., will hold a back to school bash from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4.

The event will feature free back to school supplies for children, live entertainment, inflatables, games, vendors, a car and bike showcase and free food.

Space is available for non-food vendors. Information: 770-964-4853.

Mea Watkins