County by county news for Wednesday

Mayor Steve Tumlin and Councilman Anthony Coleman gave a proclamation honoring the school to community leaders and retired educators Louis and Josetta Walker.

Louis Walker was the first black male teacher at Marietta High School. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Kennesaw’s ‘Garden Gallup’ debuts Saturday

Kennesaw’s inaugural “Garden Gallop” 5K run and 1 mile fun run/walk benefiting Smith-Gilbert Gardens will take place on Saturday at 7:30 a.m. in downtown Kennesaw.

The course will take runners from Kennesaw First Baptist Church on Main Street in downtown toward Swift-Cantrell Park, making a loop inside the park, and then go back up Old 41 Highway/Main Street and finish in downtown Kennesaw. Pre-registration is $25. Race day registration is $30. Information: www.gardengallop.com. Rich McKay

Austell hires new collection agency

Austell city officials decided to switch to a new collection agency. Mayor Joe Jerkins said he hopes the change will allow the city to collect about $10,000 in outstanding bills each year from residents.

Finance Director Denise Soesbee said the city’s longtime collection agency, Recovery Assets Bureau (RAB) from Florida, “would not respond to us.”

The new agency is Penn Credit Corp. through a Georgia Municipal Association agreement, said Councilwoman Virginia Reagan, chairwoman of the city’s Finance Committee. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Smyrna needs vendors for farmers market

Smyrna is looking for vendors at its fresh produce market, where shoppers can buy fruits and vegetables from stands at a parking lot.

The market will be open Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon in the parking lot between Market Village and Smyrna First Baptist, at 1275 Church St. It will continue to operate on Saturday mornings until the fall. To participate as a vendor, contact Keep Smyrna Beautiful at 770-431-2863. Ty Tagami

Weekend of fun and song in south Cobb

Two fun events are set for Saturday in south Cobb: the Austell Community Market and Bazaar runs 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2710 Jefferson Street. Event includes arts, crafts, food vendors and other business groups. Information: 770-944-4309 Then, Delta Moon performs at the South Cobb Arts Alliance’s Summer Concert Series at Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre, 5239 Floyd Road in Mableton. The show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets: 770-819-3285 Janel Davis

Wingate Galleria blood drive is today

The Wingate Atlanta Galleria blood drive is set for today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Donors will be eligible to participate in a raffle of prizes that include free night stays and gas cards.

The location is 2762 Cobb Parkway. Nancy Badertscher

GWINNETT

Arena to get 2012 NCAA women’s gymnastics

The Arena at Gwinnett Center in Duluth will host the 2012 NCAA women’s gymnastics championships.

The championships, hosted by Georgia Tech, will take place April 20-22. In recent years the event has drawn 14,000 to 15,000 people over three days. Preston Williams, chief executive of the Gwinnett Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the bureau hopes to top that attendance mark.

The Arena at Gwinnett Center hosted the NCAA women’s basketball championship in 2009 and has hosted numerous Southeastern Conference events. David Wickert

Libraries may face cutback in hours

The Gwinnett County Public Library could trim hours at its 15 branches in November unless it finds more money.

Board of Trustees Chairman Phillip Saxton said the board will use fund balances to maintain the branches’ seven-day, 53-hour-per-week schedule until “around November.”David Wickert

Man goes on trial in wife’s death

A man accused of stabbing his wife to death during a custody swap at a Walmart parking lot in Suwanee will stand trial in Gwinnett County this week.

Phillip Chad Dunn, of Lawrenceville, is charged with murder, aggravated assault and third-degree cruelty to children. Police said Dunn’s two children were present when Dunn stabbed their mother, Shelley Dunn, 27, several times and then stabbed himself on Valentine’s Day 2010. Andria Simmons

Parkview Latin teacher wins state honor

The Georgia Classical Association has named Robert Patrick as Teacher of the Year. Patrick was selected for the honor during the annual Junior Classical League Convention and will be recognized for his accomplishment at Thursday’s Gwinnett school board meeting. He was named as Parkview High’s Teacher of the Year in 2008. D. Aileen Dodd

14 earn master teacher designation

Fourteen Gwinnett teachers have earned the master teacher designation. They are: Marylee Duggins, Berkmar Middle; Jan Chastain, James A. Fisher Jr., Lacey Jakes and Jan Pruitt, Osborne Middle; Jill Lambes, Jane B. Moore and Michelle Ruhl, and Sue Tavernier, Mulberry Elementary; Brad Mayer, North Gwinnett Middle; Betty McClam, Crews Middle; Teri Schneider, Peachtree Ridge; Jean Sohn, Duluth Middle; and Stephanie Wilker, Puckett’s Mill Elementary. The master teacher certification is based on an extensive application process and evidence of student achievement gains. Nancy Badertscher

Police offer training for parents, new drivers

Gwinnett County police offer the P.R.I.D.E. Program (Parents Reducing Injuries and Driver Error) to assist new drivers and their parents. Classes are at 6:30 p.m. June 20 at West Precinct (Norcross), June 23 at South Precinct (Lilburn) and July 26 at East Precinct (Dacula).

Call a precinct to register. Info: www.gwinnettcounty.com/portal/gwinnett/Departments/Police/UniformDivision Andria Simmons

NORTHSIDE

Forsyth vote on HUD deal still up in the air

Forsyth County commission chairman Brian Tam said last week he -- as the swing vote in a decision whether the county should continue to pursue a HUD loan to help a local developer -- hasn’t yet made up his mind. Thursday night, if all commissioners are in attendance, the commission will vote again whether to rescinded an April 21 vote approving the HUD deal. In Tam’s absence, at the May 19 meeting, two commissioners -- Patrick Bell and Pete Amos -- voted against rescission, two commissioners -- Todd Levent and Jim Boff -- voted in favor. Jeffry Scott

Alpharetta gives first nod to new budget

Alpharetta officials gave initial approval Monday to its proposed 2012 budget. The spending plan keeps the tax rate the same while giving property owners an additional $10,000 homestead exemption. With the drop in home values in general, most homeowners will see a property tax reduction, Finance Director Tom Harris said. To make up for almost $3 million less in property tax revenue, the city will cut one full-time administrative position and keep another 13 positions unfilled. Patrick Fox

Hausmann takes post with state group

Fulton Commissioner Liz Hausmann, who took office in January, has been named to a leadership position in the Association County Commissioners of Georgia, a lobbying organization for county governments. Hausmann was appointed second vice chair of the General County Government Policy Committee by ACCG President and Oconee Commission Chairman Melvin Davis. Johnny Edwards

Commissioner’s motion on golf course fails

District 5 Commissioner Jim Boff made two motions last week to include the $10 million purchase of Lanier Golf Course on the list of Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax projects the Forsyth County Commission is considering putting on the ballot next November.

He lost both for lack of a second. On Thursday night the commission will hold a public hearing over rezoning of the property, as ordered by a judge, to resolve a four-year-long legal battle with the owners of the course. If rezoned, the course could be replaced with residential housing. Jeffry Scott

Roswell accept money for traffic improvements

The Roswell City Council approved a supplemental agreement Monday with the Georgia DOT to accept state and toll road funding for traffic improvements along Holcomb Bridge Road and Ga. 92. The city is working with the state to install advanced traffic management systems along the east-west routes.

The systems adjust signal timing to provide improved traffic flow. Patrick fox

Outdoor concert tonight in Sandy Springs

Heritage Sandy Springs’ Wind Down Wednesdays for June features Departure, the Journey Tribute Band tonight from 5:30-8 p.m. The concert will be held at Heritage Green, 6110 Bluestone Road.

Information: 404-851-9111, ext. 203 or e-mail cnickles@heritagesandysprings.org. Michelle E. Shaw

ATLANTA

Romney to hold fundraiser in Atlanta

Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney will be in Atlanta on Thursday to raise cash.

The former Massachusetts governor, who finished third in the 2008 Georgia presidential primary, will be feted at the Buckhead home of Kelly Loeffler and Jeff Sprecher. Tickets are $5,000 per couple for a private reception and photo or $1,000 per person for the general reception.

Romney’s campaign would not say if the candidate will be holding any public events. For more information e-mail Romney’s state finance director, Dabney Hollis, at dabneyh@me.com. Aaron Gould Sheinin

Two groups collaborate on initiatives

Officials with the National Center for Civil and Human Rights and the National Urban Fellows announced Tuesday that the groups are partnering on common objectives that will empower communities, enrich lives and inspire future leadership. The first collaboration is the Public Service Leadership Diversity Initiative, which is designed to support “the advancement of highly skilled leaders of color for public service.” The two group’s kicked off the diversity initiative Tuesday in an Atlanta summit that was to include former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young and Xernona Clayton, founder of the Trumpet Awards Foundation. Leon Stafford

Washington High receives recognition

Atlanta’s Booker T. Washington High School will be recognized today for its efforts to support young people and help them stay in school. The school will be recognized as one of America’s Promise Alliance’s Promise Places. Schools can receive the designation by providing five promises to young people: caring adults, safe places, a healthy start, an effective education, and opportunities to help others.

The program runs from 11-11:30 a.m. Wednesday at the school. A new partnership also will be announced between the alliance and State Farm Insurance Co. Nancy Badertscher

DEKALB

Emory to break ground on new building

Emory University will break ground today on a new health sciences building that will focus largely on pediatric research.

Researchers with the Emory-Children’s Pediatric Research Center, a partnership between the university and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, will work closely with Georgia Tech and Morehouse School of Medicine. The 200,000-square-foot facility will also include research efforts in adult cancer, immunology and drug discovery. Misty Williams

School board delays vote on cellphone towers

DeKalb County Schools has postponed a vote on a proposed contract with T-Mobile that would allow cellphone towers to be built on school campuses.

The phone company has held informational meetings at potential sites. The company says the towers would improve cellphone coverage while providing revenue for the school district, but critics worry about the potential health hazards for students. Officials said school system lawyers needed more time to review it. Ty Tagami

Phone town hall for transit in Decatur

Decatur Mayor Bill Floyd will participate in tonight’s DeKalb edition of the telephone townhall, part of a series of telephone meetings allowing the 21-member Atlanta Regional Transportation Roundtable to field questions and comments on transportation improvements. Floyd estimates about 80,000 will participate. “We’ll personally take about 20 to 30 calls,” he said, “and the rest will eventually be answered by a staff member.” Bill Banks for the AJC

Bank of America lands schools’ accounts

The DeKalb school board Monday approved another contract with Bank of America for 22 district bank accounts, effective July 1. Every three years, the district accepts requests for proposal for banking services, according to school officials. Bank of America submitted the lowest and most responsible bid. The cost for banking services is estimated at $51,391.10, which is expected to be offset by investment interest earnings. Jaime Sarrio

School board approves revised calendar

The DeKalb school board Monday approved a revised school calendar following the late addition of furlough days to fill a $15 million budget shortfall. The first day of school will still begin Aug. 8, but furlough days have been built in throughout the school year. Ten- and 11-month employees, such as teachers, will have to take four furlough days, while 12-month employees, such as administrators, have seven unpaid days off. Information: dekalb.k12.ga.us Jaime Sarrio

Principals to give updates on schools

The principals of Chamblee and Cross Keys high schools will offer updates at their respective schools at this week’s meeting of the Chamblee Business Association.

Dr. Rochelle Lowery will give new information on construction at Chamblee High, while Dr. Lashawn McMillan will discuss renovations at Cross Keys.

The meeting begins at 7:30 a.m. Thursday at Chamblee Civic Center on Broad Street. Information: www.chambleebusinessassociation.com. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Large crowds force another assessor meeting

Large crowds turned out at a series of public meetings held by the Fulton tax assessors office to explain property assessment notices and changes to the appeals process, so a ninth meeting has been scheduled Friday. “Understanding Your Assessment Notice” will last from 10 to 11 a.m. at the South Service Center, 5600 Stonewall Tell Road, College Park. Most notices were remailed last weekend, with a new appeal deadline of July 26, after Atlanta residents received inflated tax bill estimates and nine cities’ notices omitted municipal tax estimates. Johnny Edwards

Henry moves two police precincts

Henry County has moved two of its precincts to new locations. The Fairview police precinct will open today with a 10 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony. It is now at 2822 East Atlanta Road in the Paradise Shoppes of Ellenwood Shopping Center in Ellenwood. On June 30, the North precinct will open in the former Stockbridge City Hall at 4545 N. Henry Blvd. in Stockbridge.

That precinct’s new location will be marked by a 2 p.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 30. Tammy Joyner

Rodeo group rescues Henry July 4th festival

The Henry County Rodeo Association has stepped in to sponsor this year’s July 4th Festival and Fireworks Show at Nash Farm. The event was in jeopardy because of budget problems and lack of sponsorship. This year’s festival will be July 3-4,with gates opening at 3 p.m. Tammy Joyner

Residents asked for input on airport’s future

Interested residents are invited to attend a public information meeting Thursday to provide input for the development of a new Sustainable Management Plan for Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

The meeting is at the airport’s technical campus at 1255 Inner Loop Road South from 6-8 p.m. John Thompson for the AJC

College Park official invited to White House

College Park Councilman Joe Carn has been invited to Washington, D.C. to attend a special briefing Friday at the White House, followed by a reception hosted by President Barak Obama.

The reception is honoring Young Elected Officials from across the country. Carn attended the group’s national conference in early June and was extended an invitation to the briefing.

Peachtree City complex edges toward approval

The Peachtree City Planning Commission has given Trinity Development a verbal endorsement but not formal approval for the new Line Creek shopping center on Ga. Highway 54 West.

Trinity representative Jim Lowe outlined details at Monday’s meeting. The plan includes a large anchor store of 60,000-65,000 square feet, plus three smaller stores of 20,000-30,000 square feet each.

An access road would cut through the Line Creek Nature Area and connect to the MacDuff Crossing center.

A formal vote is expected once final details are put in writing. Jill Howard Church for the AJC