County by county news for Wednesday

WellStar sought a Certificate of Need from the Department of Community Health in 2010 to move three operating rooms from WellStar Windy Hill Hospital to the 162,000-square foot health park, which is scheduled to open in September. But adverse rulings by a Fulton County Superior Court judge and by the Georgia Court of Appeals stalled the project. The CON process is intended to prevent costly duplication of services.

David Markiewicz

Acworth to hold Moon Street hearing

Acworth’s Board of Aldermen will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. Thursday before a vote to deed Moon Street to the Marietta Housing Authority. The meeting will be at City Hall, 4415 Senator Russell Ave.

The authority is planning a four-story senior housing building on the street with 100 apartments. Moon Street will become a private road, but will continue to have public access.

Information: www.cityofacworth.org.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Streets to close for parade

Roswell Street west of Cobb Parkway in Marietta will close Friday at 9:30 a.m. to around noon for Marietta’s Independence Day parade.

The July 4th parade starts at 10 a.m. at Roswell Street Baptist Church. The route is west to the Marietta Square and Cherokee Street to North Marietta Parkway.

Streets around Marietta Square will close all day Friday for the July 4th festival, concluding with a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.

Information: www.mariettaga.gov.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Runoff candidates to debate in Acworth

The Acworth Business Association will hold a forum for runoff candidates: Brett North and Kevin Wigington, Acworth Alderman Post 3; Ann Harris and Juanita Stedman, Cobb Superior Court judge; Bill Byrne and Bob Weatherford, Cobb Commission District 1; and Bob Barr and Barry Loudermilk, Georgia Congressional District 11.

The forum takes place at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 8, at Northstar Church, 3413 Blue Springs Road, Kennesaw.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

River Line lecture, tour on Saturday

Civil War author and historian Michael Shaffer will discuss the Chattahoochee River Line occupation on its 150th anniversary at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Lewis A. Ray Library, 4500 Oakdale Road, Smyrna.

Then Shaffer, a board member of the River Line Historic Area, will give a guided tour of a nearby Civil War battlefield at Shoupade Park, 4770 Oakdale Road, Smyrna.

Information:

, riverline.org/Pages/ShoupadePark.aspx, cobbcat.org/BranchLARay.html.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Free computer classes at Cobb libraries

The Cobb County Public Library System will offer 15 free introductory computer classes July 2-30 at the East Cobb, Mountain View, South Cobb and Switzer branches.

Registration is required and space is limited.

Information: reference@cobbcat.org.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

GWINNETT

Hussmann expands workforce with 50 jobs

Hussmann Corp. will add 50 new skilled trade jobs at its facility in Gwinnett. Hussmann will host a Skilled Trades Career Fair from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 2, at Gwinnett Technical College, 5150 Sugarloaf Parkway in Lawrenceville.

The company will be conducting on-site interviews for brazers (pipers), mechanical testers, electrical testers, welders and painters. Email résumés to recruiting@hussman.com.

Information: www.hussmann.com.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Gwinnett Tech introduces logistics

Gwinnett Technical College will now offer a Logistics Management concentration within the college’s Business Management program.

The two-semester, Logistics Management concentration will begin in the fall semester with classes starting on Aug. 20.

The final application deadline for the semester is July 31.

Information: www.GwinnettTech.edu or 770-962-7580.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Donation funds youth sports scholarship

The Gwinnett Parks Foundation received a $4,500 donation from the Gwinnett Invitational Tournament held by Turn 2 Tournaments for the Youth Sports Scholarship Fund. The Gwinnett Invitational, a Grand Slam Qualifier, was hosted at Harbins Park, Rhodes Jordan Park, and Rabbit Hill Park on May 24 and 25.

The Youth Sports Scholarship Fund annually offers financial assistance to families registering for youth athletic programs through a need-based qualifying application process.

Information: www.gwinnettparksfoundation.org.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Center provides STEM for area teachers

The Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center Foundation has funded its inaugural Science-Technology-Engineering-Mathematics Summer Immersion Program, a weeklong seminar for selected teachers from Gwinnett and DeKalb county schools.

Recently, participants traveled to the University of Texas Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas, Texas, and took part in intensive, hands-on activities that will be replicated in local classrooms and at the GEHC.

Information: www.gwinnettEHC.org.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Firefighters to receive body armor

The Gwinnett County Department of Fire and Emergency Services will issue body armor to firefighters to wear during violent situations.

The armor provides adequate protection for firefighters as they work with police to quickly search for, remove and treat victims.

In addition to the armor, the department has purchased trauma kits that include bulk bandaging supplies and tourniquets to treat trauma victims.

The $344,714.50 for the body armor is funded by the department’s operating budget.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Woman rescued from Alpharetta house fire dies

Yvonne Crisp, 52, rescued by firefighters from a burning home in the 200 block of Clipper Bay Drive in Alpharetta moments before the roof collapsed early Saturday, has died.

Officials entered the burning home to find Crisp on the phone with 911 operators before she lost consciousness. Officials found her in medical distress in an upstairs room. As the roof began to collapse, authorities pulled the woman from the residence.

Though they were able to contain the blaze, the residence was “heavily destroyed,” fire officials said.

Daniel Wilco

Tournament raises scholarship cash

Reinhardt University in Waleska raised $19,000 during its 21st annual United Methodist Scholarship Golf Outing on May 21 at the Bent Tree gold club in Jasper. More than 80 players took part in the tournament, which helps support Reinhardt students who are United Methodists pursuing a full-time career in the ministry.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Donations sought for back-to-school drive

North Fulton Community Charities needs help for its annual Back to School Health and Wellness Fair, 9 a.m.-1 p.m Aug. 9 at Elkins Point Middle School, 11290 Elkins Road, Roswell. Organizers want donations of new backpacks and school supplies for about 1,200 children, as well as financial donations, sponsors and exhibitors.

Information: epurdy@nfcchelp.org or 678-387-4458.

Mark Woolsey

Forsyth schools finalize superintendent choice

The Forsyth County Board of Education has confirmed Jeff Bearden as the district’s new superintendent. Bearden, who will be paid $205,000 a year under a contract lasting until June 30, 2017, will begin his new duties Sept. 2.

He replaces L.C. “Buster” Evans, who retired June 30.

Mark Woolsey

Tax rate public hearings set in Forsyth

As part of 2015 budget planning, Forsyth County officials have set public hearings to consider millage rates: 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Thursday, and 6 p.m. July 17 at the Forsyth County Administration Building, 110 E. Main St., Cumming.

The Board of Commissioners approved tentative millage rates last week that are unchanged from this year, meaning that property owners not re-assessed at a higher rate won’t see an increased tax bite. Tentative rates: maintenance and operations at 4.812, fire at 1.975 and bonds at 0.869.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Geocaching to take place in Johns Creek

Johns Creek is kicking off its geocaching game.

Geocaching allows participants to use their GPS units to navigate to a specific set of coordinates, and then attempt to find the container hidden at that location. Inside the container are small prizes. Participants sign a logbook and return the container where it was hidden. Often people leave trinkets for others to find.

Geocaches: Autrey Mill Nature Preserve, 9770 Autrey Mill Road; Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Road; Ocee Park, 10900 Buice Road; and Shakerag Park, 10945 Rogers Circle.

Information: www.geocaching.com

Kent A. Miles for the AJC

ATLANTA

Georgia State appoints business school dean

Georgia State University has promoted Associate Dean Richard D. Phillips to lead the school’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business.

Phillips, who has been associate dean of academic initiatives and innovation at the business college since 2012, begins his new position July 1.

He succeeds H. Fenwick Huss, who resigned after 10 years as dean of the college and now leads a business college within the City University of New York System.

During his time at the Robinson business college, Phillips has served as chair of the risk management and insurance department, and led the team responsible for the college’s Vision 2020 strategic plan. He serves on the board of the American Risk and Insurance Association, is co-editor of the Journal of Risk and Insurance, and was once president of the Risk Theory Society.

Janel Davis

Auburn Avenue library to close for renovations

The Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History will close July 19 for a renovation and expansion project.

The project is part of Phase 1 of the Atlanta-Fulton County Public Library building program approved by voters in November 2008. The library will have an auditorium on the ground floor with state-of-the-art presentation equipment, expanded gallery and program space, and expanded and improved archives.

Construction will take approximately 12 months, and the library is expected to reopen in late 2015.

Information: www.afpls.org

Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Peace exhibit open at Breman Museum

“Peace: What Does It Mean to You?” is a new multimedia community art project, continuing through Oct. 5, at the Breman Museum, 1440 Spring St. NW.

A photography exhibition, “A Peace of My Mind” by John Noltner, also is included with profiles of Holocaust survivors, a homeless man, crime victims and people from all walks of life.

Information: thebreman.org.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

DEKALB

Decatur exploring weapons law options

Though Georgia’s new weapons law took effect yesterday, Decatur still hasn’t decided whether to provide security staff and screening equipment for City Hall, Decatur Recreation, Ebster Recreation and Public Works. With estimated costs at $500,000 the city may ultimately decline to provide such measures and “absorb the risks.”

Bill Banks for the AJC

Early voting draws more than 200

On the first day of early voting Monday, 223 DeKalb County residents cast ballots for the July 22 runoff elections.

Early voting will be held through July 18 at the county voter registration and elections office at 4380 Memorial Drive in Decatur.

The election includes races for DeKalb County sheriff, state school superintendent, DeKalb County Board of Education and the Republican runoff for U.S. Senate.

Mark Niesse

Dunwoody, DeKalb to work jointly on projects

Dunwoody and DeKalb County finalized a joint agreement that will allow for water main replacement and road repaving projects to be bid and contracted as a single project.

The agreement encompasses water main replacement and repaving work planned for Mount Vernon Road between Ashford Dunwoody Road and Vernon Oaks Drive, Chamblee Dunwoody Road between Roberts Drive and Cambridge Drive, and the Tilly Mill Road at North Peachtree Road intersection improvement project.

Under the terms of the agreement the city will advertise the bids, execute a contract for the project and be responsible for the management and cost of the paving. The county will be responsible for overseeing and paying for the work associated with the water main replacement.

Information: bob.mullen@dunwoodyga.gov or 678-382-6700.

Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Juvenile court hosts school supplies drive

DeKalb County Juvenile Court is collecting school supplies for local students and families through Aug. 1.

Donations to the Back 2 BOOKS (Building on Our Kids Success) initiative from the business community, nonprofit organizations and the public will help more than 100 students enrolled in DeKalb schools and those enrolled in various programs at the court.

School supplies, including backpacks, binders, spiral notebooks, pens and paper will be collected for students ages 5 to 18. The donations can be delivered to the juvenile court, 4309 Memorial Drive, Decatur.

Information: piojuvenile@dekalbcountyga.gov or 404-294-2060.

Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Introduction to Judaism sessions

“A Taste of Judaism” sessions will take place at 7 p.m. July 15, 22 and 29 at Temple Sinai, 5645 Dupree Drive NW, Atlanta, and at 10 a.m. Aug. 3 and 10 at the Marcus Jewish Community Center, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody.

The sessions are free and open to members of the community, including interfaith couples, unaffiliated Jews and those of other religious backgrounds, who are curious about Jewish tradition. The sessions explore Jewish spirituality, values and community.

Information: laurie.finklestein@atlantajcc.org or 678-812-3723.

Kent A. Miles for the AJC

SOUTHSIDE

Amerman promoted to Henry deputy police chief

A 20-year veteran with the Henry County Police Department has been promoted to second-in-command of the department. Mark Amerman takes over as deputy chief following the May retirement of Joe Jackson. Amerman, a former military police officer, has been with the Henry police department since 1994 and has held numerous positions before being promoted this week in a ceremony at police headquarters in McDonough.

Tammy Joyner

Riverdale development agency seeks members

The city of Riverdale is seeking individuals to serve on the Downtown Development Authority. Deadline: July 25.

The development authority comprises seven board members who govern the agency and set policies that are implemented by a director.

The authority’s primary role is funding quality economic development projects that have benefit for the entire community.Information: cmoore@riverdalega.gov or 770-996-3397.

Kent A. Miles

Program shows how heart works

“Your Heart and Your Health,” a health workshop promoting heart and circulatory health, is 11 a.m. today at the Atlanta-Fulton County Public Library’s Fairburn branch, 60 Valley View Drive.

Learn about the basic anatomy and function of the heart and circulatory system.

Information: 770-306-3138.

Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Seminar addresses church safety, gun law

A seminar for religious leaders on church safety and security in the wake of sweeping changes to Georgia’s concealed weapons law will take place at 7 p.m. July 10 in the Henry County Sheriff’s Office auditorium, 120 Henry Parkway, McDonough.

The Georgia Safe Carry Protection Act, which becomes law today, expands the places where licensed carriers can legally bring concealed weapons, including houses of worship, bars and other public establishments.

Information: www.henrycountysheriff.net or 770-288-7127.

Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Henry Firecracker race Friday

Henry County’s annual Firecracker 5K/10K will be held Friday at Nash Farm Park in Hampton.Pre-registration for the 5K is $25 or $30 on race day; 10K is $30 and $35 on race day; and the one-mile is $20 or $25 on race day. The Tot Trot is free to ages six and under, and there are discounts available for pre-registered teams of ten or more.

Prizes will be awarded. The race benefits the Henry County Parks and Recreation’s Special Olympics. On-site registration on-site is from 6:45 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. The race starts at 8 a.m.; the Tot Trot begins at 8:45 a.m.

Participants may register online at www.getsetgrow.com.

Registration forms also are available at the Henry County Parks and Recreation Department at Heritage Park in McDonough.

Tammy Joyner