COBB
19-year-old killed in Marietta wreck
Nicholas W. Woltering, 19, of Marietta was driving a green 1995 Ford Ranger truck northbound on Johnson Ferry around 1 a.m. Monday when he veered off the road and hit a wood and concrete sign on the northeast corner of the intersection, according to the preliminary investigation. Woltering was transported to WellStar Kennestone Hospital, where he died.
Anyone with information on the wreck should contact investigators at 770-499-3987.
Angel K. Brooks
Extra expense not allowed for outreach
Cobb commissioners Tuesday rejected a $386,000 add-on agreement with ARCADIS U.S. to launch an aggressive public-input campaign tied to the county’s multibillion-dollar comprehensive transportation plan. County Chairman Tim Lee wanted more voter input to build the plan, which is the blueprint for car, bike, pedestrian, train and transit improvements over the next 25 years. Commissioner JoAnn Birrell, one of three commissioners who voted against the ad-on agreement, said the original $1.4 million contract included a sufficient public outreach effort. 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. Aug. 22 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
Austell seeks bids for sidewalk construction
Austell city officials seek bids for sidewalk construction on Cemetery Street from Bowden Street to Veterans Memorial Highway. A pre-bid conference is 2 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Croy Engineering office, 200 North Cobb Parkway, Building 400, Suite 413, Marietta.
Bids should be submitted by 2 p.m. Aug. 30 to Duane R. Demeritt, Austell Public Works Department, 5000 Austell-Powder Springs Road, Suite 105, Austell.
Information: 770-971-5407 or lterry@croyengineering.com or www.austellga.gov and click “Request for Bids” on right panel. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Kennesaw to drop two polling places
Kennesaw will reduce polling precincts from seven to five, closing precincts at the New Beginnings United Methodist Church on Mack Dobbs Road and the Martha Moore Education Center on Keene Street. Information: www.kennesaw-ga.gov. Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Firearm education class scheduled
The Foundation of Emory-Adventist Hospital at Smyrna hosts a Glock training class 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Aug. 28, Glock Professional, 5300 Highlands Parkway, Smyrna.Reservations: www.smyrnacares.org. Mea Watkins
GWINNETT
UGA Gwinnett to host small business seminar
The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center at Gwinnett will offer a Starting a Business seminar from 9 a.m. to noon, Friday at the UGA Gwinnett Campus, 2530 Sever Rd., Lawrenceville.
Discussion topics include personal, market and financial feasibility, legal obligations for your business, estimating start-up costs and cash flow projections, financial alternatives, failure factors and business planning. Fee is $69. Information: www.gwinnettsbdc.org or 678-985-6820.
Veronica Fields Johnson
Qualifying deadline set for Suwanee positions
Three Suwanee City Council spots will open up this fall. Candidates interested in being on the November 5 ballot must qualify between 8:30 a.m. August 26 and 4:30 p.m. August 28 at City Hall, 330 Town Center Avenue in Suwanee.
Qualification fee is $270. To run for Suwanee City Council, candidates must reside within the Suwanee City limits at least 180 days prior to the qualifying date and be registered and qualified to vote in municipal elections.
Information: contact City Clerk Elvira Rogers at erogers@suwanee.com or 770-945-8996. www.suwanee.com.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Organization to sponsor free SAT Prep
College Nannies & Tutors of Duluth will offer a free SAT Prep class from 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 17 at Gwinnett Fire Station 7, 3343 Bunten Rd., Duluth. Prizes will be offered. Space is limited and participants must RSVP at least one week in advance by calling 678-259-0232. Information: www.collegetutors.com.
Veronica Fields Johnson
Public may comment on Suwanee police
As part of the Suwanee Police Department’s voluntary re-accreditation process, assessors from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. invite the public to comment at 6 p.m. Aug. 20 at the Crossroads Center, 323 Buford Highway.
You may call 2-4 p.m. Aug. 19 at 770-904-7655. A copy of the standards is available from the Suwanee Police Department, 373 Buford Highway; e-mail dclark@suwanee.com or 770-904-7605.
Written comments may be mailed to: Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Inc., 13575 Heathcote Boulevard, Suite 320, Gainesville, VA
Information: 800-368-3757, 703-352-4225 or www@calea.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Art show exhibit runs through Friday
Some people have an eye for creating art from trash. Bree Sauers, from Tannery Row Artist Colony, has created a dress collection from paper and plaster, and landscapes and still lifes from discarded items.
The exhibit will be on display from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Aug. 16 at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, 185 W. Crogan St., Lawrenceville.
Information: 770-822-5450.
Hannah Morgan
NORTHSIDE
Woodstock officials O.K. water source search
The Woodstock City Council has approved a $280,000 contract with Emery and Garrett Groundwater Investigations, LLC, for Phase III of its search for a new water source, which began in 2011.
City officials say if a series of test wells yield a suitable candidate, infrastructure design and a production well could follow. The city currently buys its water from Cobb and Cherokee County sources. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Children’s foundation sponsors run/walk
The Sandy Springs-based Brain Tumor Foundation for Children (braintumorkids.org) is sponsoring its 2nd annual Tumor Troop Run/Walk on Sept. 7. This even includes a 5k run and one mile walk. Cost of participating is $25 before Aug. 31 and $30 from then to race day. A T-shirt is included. The location is Mansell Crossing Shopping Center, 7730 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta. Proceeds will go to provide emergency financial assistance, social and emotional support for families. They will also fund research to find a cure. Register: www.braintumorkids.org.
Nancy Badertscher
Forsyth jail, courthouse work on web
Forsyth County residents can monitor construction of the new courthouse and jail in downtown Cumming via time-lapse videdos of the construction at forsythco.com.
Videos will be updated weekly. Completion of the $100 million project is set for December, 2014.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Day of caring set in Forsyth
The United Way of Forsyth County is gearing up for its 12th annual Day of Caring and Campaign Kickoff at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 6 at the Forsyth Conference Center, 3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Cumming.
Volunteer teams and sponsors are needed to help prepare 50 thousand non-perishable meals for Forsyth County’s hungry. Information: unitedwayforsyth.com
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Holly Springs to host citizens police academy
The city of Holly Springs is accepting applications for its upcoming Citizens Police Academy. The academy will run from Sept. 9 to Nov. 4 and will focus on various aspects of law enforcement, including the K-9 unit and bike patrol team.
Applications are due by Aug. 23. Applicants must be at least 18 and pass a background check. Information: www.hollyspringsga.us
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Daves Creek Drive closed for construction
Daves Creek Drive in Forsyth County in now temporarily closed to through traffic at Old Atlanta Road. The closure is to allow crews to realign Daves Creek with Old Atlanta to improve sight distance at the intersection.
The project will also include construction of left and right turning lanes on Old Atlanta Road. The road is expected to reopen by Sept. 8. The work is funded by the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax program, SPLOST VI. Patrick Fox
ATLANTA
Thieves steal Famly Dollar ATM
Police are looking for several suspects who swiped a cash machine from a Lakewood Avenue Family Dollar store around 5:30 a.m. Tuesday.
Security video showed that five or six males dressed in hoodies and gloves got out of a blue Chrysler minivan, pried the front doors open, removed the ATM and left in the minivan. Mike Morris and John Spink
Two shot at suspected gambling house
Officers arrived to investigate a 12:15 a.m. shooting on Lee Street at Poole Place in southwest to find two people shot and wounded and illegal gambling machines and tables inside. A three-man armed robbing crew had held up the patrons. A third person suffered a heart attack after police arrived.
The names and conditions of those injured were not released. Mike Morris
School board names search firms
The search for Atlanta Public Schools’ next superintendent will be handled by Atlanta-based BoardWalk Consulting and Philadelphia-based Diversified Search.
The Atlanta Board of Education voted unanimously Monday to award the contract to the two companies, which will work together. The board last month fired its previous superintendent search firm, PROAct Search, because of concerns that it wouldn’t find a top-tier leader for the school district.
Mark Niesse
Usher’s son fine after near drowning
The son of Atlanta entertainer Usher is out of the hospital after a near drowning last week, a family spokesman said Tuesday.
Usher Raymond V, who is 5, was spotted with his grandmother leaving an indoor bounce house a week after he nearly drowned when his arm got stuck in a pool drain at a home in Buckhead, the celebrity website TMZ reported.
A source close to Usher said the boy was released from the hospital on Sunday, is at home and doing fine. Nancy Badertscher and Fran Jeffries
DEKALB
Awning collapses at McDonald’s
A 100-foot awning at a McDonald’s on Chamblee-Tucker Road collapsed Tuesday afternoon, fire officials said.
No injuries were reported when the section of roof fell to the ground,.The awning extended from the roof of the restaurant and covered the entrance and exit doors.
Building inspectors were called to the scene to assist with the investigation. The restaurant, which was evacuated, is expected to be closed indefinitely for the investigation and repairs.
Ben Gray and Alexis Stevens
Park advisory committee meets
The committee that helps DeKalb County decide how to spend its parks bond funds will meet today.
The Parks Bond Advisory Committee and Initiative for a Green DeKalb Advisory Council meeting will include an update on recreation programs.
The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at Sugar Creek Golf and Tennis Center, 2706 Bouldercrest Road, Atlanta.
Information: 404-371-2082.
April Hunt
Development panel meets Thursday
The DeKalb Development Authority, in connection with the county’s chamber of commerce, is hosting a development panel on Thursday.
Among topics to discuss the economic development tools such as opportunity zones and community improvement districts.
The free session runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday 8/15 at the Porter Sanford arts center, 3181 Rainbow Dr., near Decatur.
April Hunt
Nonprofits may apply for grants this week
The deadline is this week for charity groups that work with children, seniors and other underserved populations in DeKalb County to apply for government grants to help with their work.
Applications will be accepted until Friday 8/16 in the county’s Human Development Department in Decatur.
Information: 440-270-1180 or http://human.dekalbcountyga.gov.
April Hunt
Clarkston opening city hall annex
Clarkston will open its new annex to city hall later this month with an open house and tour of the historic former home of Mary Morris.
The property, at 1055 Rowland St., will house administrative operations for the city as additional office and meeting space.
The open house runs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 16 at the site.
A dedication and remembrance of Morris, a long-time resident who died in 2011, begins at 6 p.m. The events are free and open to the public.
April Hunt
Grants available to charity groups
Charity groups that work with children, seniors and other underserved populations in DeKalb County can now apply for government grants to help with their work.
Applications are due Aug. 16 in the Human Development Department.
Information: 770-270-1180 or human.dekalbcountyga.gov. April Hunt
SOUTHSIDE
MARTA to use Clayton transportation money
The Clayton County Board of Commissioners gave the Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority the green light to use $574,163 to make improvements to its transit system elsewhere in the region. The money is from a 2009 Federal Transit Authority grant MARTA got on behalf of Clayton County. The money must be spent before the grant expires Sept. 30.
MARTA primarily runs in Fulton and DeKalb counties although it stops at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, which is in Clayton. Tammy Joyner
Walker to head anti-violence group
Clayton County Magistrate Judge Daphne Walker has been selected to be the new president and CEO of the nonprofit Partnership Against Domestic Violence.
Walker became the first African-American elected to sit as judge in Clayton in 2004 and was reelected in 2008 and 2012. In 2002, she established her own law practice and advocated for the rights of domestic violence victims by providing free legal services in divorce, child custody and child support matters. Walker will assume her new position on Sept. 9. Bill Rankin
Change at Henry’s county manager post
The Henry County Board of Commissioners voted Monday to name county manager Fred Auletta the new finance director, effectively immediately, Michael Harris, director of the planning & zoning services division, was named interim county manager. A nationwide search for a permanent county manager is expected to begin in September. Monroe Roark for the AJC
Golf carts topic of Fayette board meeting
The Fayette County Board of Commissioners has invited students and parents from Starr’s Mill High School to attend its Thursday meeting. Part of the agenda will address potential changes that would allow students to drive golf carts to school. The meeting is 7 p.m. at the Administrative Complex, Fayetteville. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Town hall set to discuss road improvements
District III Commissioner Gary Barham will host a town hall meeting at 9 a.m. Aug. 31, in the Activity Center of Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church, 992 Mt. Bethel Road, McDonough.
Potentially closing River Road will be the topic of discussion. Improving safety at the intersection of Wynn Road and Mt. Bethel Road at Highway 81 will also be discussed. Monroe Roark for the AJC
Rep. Scott to host health fair Aug. 17
Congressman David Scott is hosting a health fair 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday at Mundy’s Mill High School, 9652 Fayetteville Road, Jonesboro.
Free screenings for sickle cell, dental and vision and mental health will be offered as well as be clinical breast exams and PSA tests for prostate cancer.
Free HIV/AIDS testing also will be available along with testing for diabetes, asthma, blood pressure and cholesterol.
Local health professionals will be on hand for free consultations. Tammy Joyner
