County by county news for Wednesday

Spraberry High changes orientation venue

Due to construction, Sprayberry High in Cobb will hold new student orientation and schedule preview at Piedmont Church, 570 Piedmont Road in Marietta.The orientation will be held Aug. 4 starting from 9 to 11 a.m. with freshman and wrapping from 3 to 4 p.m. with sophomores. Information: www.cobbk12.org/Sprayberry Jaime Sarrio

Austell votes on millage rate today

Austell City Council members will meet at 6 p.m. today to vote on keeping the city’s millage rate at 3.123 mills -- the same level it has been since 2003.

That means the average homeowner of a house that has been assessed at $46,400 will pay about $58 in property taxes, said the city’s Finance Director Denise Soesbee.

The city’s $6.2 million budget this fiscal year -- from July 1 through June 30 -- also contains no layoffs, raises or furloughs for the city’s nearly 100 employees and no contingency fund.

Information: Finance Department, 770-944-4315. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

KSU scientists reveal stroke research

A Kennesaw State University neuroscience team is partnering with scientists at two Pennsylvania universities to test research in evaluating the severity of strokes and concussions.

The team of researchers recently received a $2.38 million U.S. Department of Defense grant to help diagnose battlefield concussions. The group, which includes scientists from Penn State and the University of Pittsburgh, will be housed in Kennesaw State’s new Brain Biomarkers Laboratory and have future plans to move into spinal injury research. Misty Williams

Journalism students tapped for conference

Five Georgia high school students were among 150 rising seniors selected as correspondents to the Washington Journalism and Media Conference.

Marcus Cross of South Cobb High in Mableton, Dakota Moore of Atlanta’s Henry W. Grady High, Caitlin Danahy of Cass High, Sarah Lesser of George Walton Academy, and Michael Nedvin of Rome High will attend the event at George Mason University in Virginia in early July based on their academic performance and interest in journalism. Ty Tagami

Kennesaw town hall meeting Aug. 16

Kennesaw residents will get a chance to learn about city programs, policies, safety and services at a town hall meeting starting 6:30 p.m., Aug. 16 at the Ben Robertson Community Center, 2753 Watts Dr., Kennesaw. Information: 770-424-8274 or www.kennesaw-ga-gov. Tucker mcqueen For the AJC

GWINNETT

Lightning strike causes house fire

A Lilburn family was home Monday evening during a thunderstorm when they heard a loud boom and felt the house shake.

A lightning bolt had struck the house around 7:16 p.m., causing a fire in the attic of the single-story home on Remington Court.

Five residents escaped safely to a neighbor’s house. Firefighters arrived five minutes later and quenched the blaze within 23 minutes. The attic and roof sustained extensive fire damage. The interior had water and smoke damage. A neighbor was assisting the family, said Gwinnett fire Capt. Tommy Rutledge. ANDRIA SIMMONS

Most Gwinnett school meet standards

Eighty percent of Gwinnett County’s public school achieved Adequate Yearly Progress goals for student performance in 2011.

Of 127 Gwinnett schools required to meet state standards, 102 schools made AYP. Only four schools are categorized as needing improvement. They are: Berkmar High, Phoenix High, Sweetwater Middle and Hopkins Elementary schools.

The district will accept transfer requests for students in Berkmar, Sweetwater and Hopkins through Aug. 5. D. Aileen Dodd

Gwinnett school board calls SPLOST meeting

The Gwinnett County school board will hold a special called meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday to discuss plans to ask voters to extend the penny sales tax.

School officials are planning to request another Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax for classroom construction and improvements when voters go to the polls on Nov. 8.

In other business, the Gwinnett school board also will discuss its intergovernmental agreement with Buford City Schools.

The meeting will be held at 437 Old Peachtree Road, NW, in Suwanee. D. Aileen Dodd

Amonia leak causes Doraville evacuation

About 30 employees were evacuated from Nordic Cold Storage in Doraville Monday evening due to an anhydrous ammonia leak inside the Pleasantdale Road facility.

A Gwinnett County fire department hazmat team and a team from Nordic found the leak in a pump packing valve -- in the same valve area where firefighters responded in June. However, fire officials said the company’s safety systems functioned properly to reduce the hazard.

Anhydrous ammonia is an asphyxiant which displaces oxygen in the body, and a high irritant to skin and the respiratory system. Andria Simmons

Pilot program to replace textbooks

This school year, Gwinnett County Public Schools, the state’s largest system, will begin a pilot program called eCLASS in six schools. eCLASS is a digital content, learning, assessment and support system that will use technology to take the place of textbooks. The program will start in the fall in two high schools, two middle schools and two elementary schools that have not been announced. It is expected to take three to five years to implement eCLASS into all of GCPS. Alaya Boykin

NORTHSIDE

Forsyth, Lanier Golf Club fail to reach deal

A judge granted the owners of Lanier Golf Club and Forsyth County officials and residents two deadline extensions to try to reach a deal whereby a portion of the172 acre property could be preserved as golf course or green space. But, in the end, no accord could be struck. The Forsyth County commission voted 3-2 to rezone the front 93.8 acres of the property from agricultural to a master planned district. The rear 78.6 acres were rezoned from Agricultural to Residential 2. Commissioners Jim Boff and Todd Levent voted against the rezoning. Jeffry Scott

Forsyth names Brown to director post

For almost a year Forsyth County operated with a planning director following the firing in August 2010 of Jeff Chance. During that time Tom Brown served as acting director. Last week the county made it official, naming Brown to the post, though the title has changed to Director of Planning and Community Development. Commission chairman Brian Tam congratulated Brown during the July 21 commission meeting. Jeffry Scott

Crews to update Roswell intersections

The City of Roswell is upgrading traffic signals at two major intersections. Work is scheduled for today and Wednesday at Ga. 9 and Norcross Street and at Ga. 9 and Upper Hembree Road. The upgrade is the first of several short-term improvements planned by the city and the Georgia DOT.

Any traffic interruptions will be directed by the Roswell Police Department. Patrick Fox

Johns Creek maintains property tax levy

The Johns Creek City Council unanimously approved a property tax rate of 4.614 mills Monday. The levy remains the same as in past years, despite a plea from a handful of residents who sought a reduction in the rate.

Because the value of taxable property continues to decline in Johns Creek, the city expects to collect about $600,000 less in property taxes this year.

Officials will hold public hearings on the fiscal 2012 budget next month. Patrick Fox

Alpharetta adds initiatives to November ballot

The Alpharetta City Council approved actions Monday that will give residents a chance to vote on two quality of life issues in November. One ballot measure calls for issuance of $29 million in bonds for a new downtown development. The second issue gives residents the opportunity to vote on Sunday package liquor sales.

If approved by voters, the city plans to use the bond money to build a new City Hall, parking deck and park on 22 acres on the east side of Main Street.

Voters will also select a new mayor and four City Council seats. Patrick Fox

Girl Scout camp opens in Roswell

Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, Roswell Service Unit, is hosting its 11th annual Northwoods Camp this week on the Northbrook United Methodist Church campus, 11225 Crabapple Road.

More than 140 campers and 60 volunteer staff are on hand.

This year’s camp features an international theme, with girls participating in activities from different cultures. Campers will also enjoy timeless camp favorites such as arts & crafts, archery, songs and games. Patrick Fox

ATLANTA

Greenbriar Mall hosts back to school jam

Greenbriar Mall, Everest College, Amerigroup and Walmart, will give away 1,000 back packs filled with school supplies at Back to School Jam 2011.

The event will feature a resource fair, live entertainment and a Kids Corner that will include arts & crafts, bouncers, face painting and giveaways.

The event will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday at Greenbriar Mall, 2841 Greenbriar Parkway S.W. Pre-registration begins at 9 a.m. near Burlington Court. Ernie Suggs

Poison prevention class at library

With an estimated 150,000 people poisoned in Georgia each year, Gloria Jackson-McLean, Development Specialist/Health Educator for the Georgia Poison Center, will give a prevention talk at 11 a.m. today at Atlanta-Fulton’s Central Library, One Margaret Mitchell Square. Information: 404-730-1906. Johnny Edwards

Disability awareness fair offered

Fulton County’s Office of Equal Employment and Disability Affairs will hold a Disability Awareness Vendor Fair and Expo 11 a.m. -- 2 p.m. Thursday in the Fulton County Government Center atrium, 141 Pryor St. The event will celebrate the 21st anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Vendors will include GA Radio Reading Service, the Marriott Bridge Program, Sign Language Interpreting Specialist Inc., the Atlanta Housing Authority and Disabled in Action Inc. Johnny Edwards

Housing Authority helps seniors connect online

Atlanta Housing Authority is connecting its tenants via the web at eight of its 11 senior living properties this week.

Connected Living provides the secure web portal for apartments at Barge Road Highrise, Hightower Manor, Piedmont Road Highrise, Marian Road Highrise, Georgia Avenue Highrise, Marietta Road NW Highrise, Juniper and 10th Highrise, and East Lake Highrise. Residents will be able to surf the web and keep up with continuing education programs and health services. Steve Visser

DEKALB

Surgeon discusses knee pain, treatments

DeKalb Medical will host a free event next month for people interested in learning about the latest advances in treating knee conditions and pain.

The talk will be held Aug. 25, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., and be led by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jeff Traub. It will be held at DeKalb Medical at North Decatur, Theatre, 2701 N. Decatur Road. Knee and hip patients will discuss their experiences and answer questions. A tour of the Joint Solutions Center will take place from 5 -- 6 p.m. Information:www.dekalbmedical.org/main/classesandevents.aspx. Misty Williams

Drenner completes program at Harvard

State Rep. Karla Drenner, D-Avondale Estates, completed an executive government program at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

Drenner was among 55 participants nationwide in the Senior Executives in State & Local Government professional development program. The three-week class helps veteran public officials meet the changing needs of their constituents and communities. April Hunt

Lithonia gets its first K-9 officer

A crime-scene cleanup company has given Lithonia its first K-9 police officer.

Aftermath chose the city to receive the trained police dog as part of its annual drawing to support departments with equipment and needs.

The firm that the city will train the dog is in the process of selecting one for Lithonia. The dog will be handled by Sgt. Larry Williams, who entered the city into the drawing. April Hunt

Doraville develops furlough policy

Doraville, which is requiring employees to take five furlough days this year, has adopted a policy for workers to take their days.

The City Council consensus calls for department heads to work with workers so schedule furlough time that has the least impact on city services.

The council also agreed to close the Doraville library the week of Dec. 19. All library employees will take their mandated five furlough days that week. April Hunt

Tucker group needs cleanup volunteers

The Tucker Civic Association is looking for volunteers to help clean the grounds of Idlewood Elementary School before the new year begins.

The group will begin sprucing up the campus at 9:30 a.m. Aug. 6 at the school, 1484 Idlewood Road.

The organization is also collecting donations to buy Agenda Books, which help parents and teachers communicate about a student’s work. Each book is $5.

More information: Randy Shepley at district3@tuckercivic.org.

April Hunt

Public input wanted on Dearborn Park

The DeKalb County parks department will host a public meeting at 6 p.m. Aug. 3 at Columbia Presbyterian Church, 711 S. Columbia Dr. to discuss plans for the future development of Dearborn Park.

The 7-acre park, at 1301 Deerwood Dr. near Decatur, now houses a basketball court, a multi-use court, a playground and a picnic area. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Slain officer’s funeral set for Thursday

Funeral services for Richard Daly, a Clayton County Sheriff’s deputy killed in the line of duty last week will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church Jonesboro on Church Street. Seven Jonesboro streets will be closed to accommodate the funeral procession for the 55-year-old law enforcement veteran. Arnold Place, Chestnut, Burnside, Cloud, Church, Mill and College Streets will be closed from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Daly is the first Clayton sheriff’s deputy killed in the line of duty. He was shot and killed July 20 by a 17-year-old wanted for robbery. Tammy Joyner

Teens appointed to Merchant Marine academy

Seven metro Atlanta teens have received appointments to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y. They are Leena Yi, 17, of McDonough; Nate Shepherd, 18, Ryan Krisher, Daniel Lee, 18, all of Peachtree City; Cameron Stadele, 18, of Milton, Steven Glass, 17, of Johns Creek and Samuel O’Donnel, 18, of Canton. These students will receive a free education at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy valued at more than $215,000 per student. Tammy Joyner

College Park employees get utility break

City employees who live within the city limits of College Park will continue to get a savings on their utility bills. The College Park City Council approved a utility credit that offers savings for full-time and part-time employees. Full-time employees receive a $200 per month credit on utility bills, while part-time employees receive a $100 credit. City spokesperson Gerald Walker said the credit has been given for more than a decade, but the City Council votes each year on renewing the credit. John Thompson for the AJC

Peachtree City vies for ‘most patriotic’ title

Peachtree City gave its best in its bid to be America’s “Most Patriotic” city but in the end Rapid City, Iowa took the top spot in that category in the Best of the Road Contest, sponsored by Rand McNally and USA Today. Teams traveled the U.S. looking for the five best small towns based on friendliest (Walla Walla, Wash.), most beautiful (Sandpoint, Idaho), best food (Lafayette, La.), most patriotic, and most fun (Glenwood Springs, Colo.). Tammy Joyner

Henry County road closed through Sept.

Oakland Road in western Henry County will be closed from Stone Road to Hwy. 81 until Sept. 26 for the installation of two box culverts. This is part of a larger road improvement project under the county’s special-purpose local-option sales tax. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Babies born at HMC can be models

Henry Medical Center is looking for babies born there since August 2010 to appear in its publications. It’s also considering babies due to be born by September. E-mail a current photo of your baby or if you’re pregnant, email of photo of yourself to terry@tbgdesign.com with “HMC Oh, Baby! Search 2011” in the subject line. Include baby and mom’s names, baby’s birthdate, address, phone number and email. Search ends Aug. 5. Tammy Joyner