County by county news for Wednesday

The council approved a general fund budget of $37.8 million in June for the fiscal year starting July 1. There or no lay-offs or service cuts planned although the budget has decreased 12.3 percent since 2009.

Information: www.smyrnacity.com. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

KSU receives $40,000 contribution

Kennesaw State University’s College of Science and Mathematics recently received a $40,000 contribution from AT&T to implement a multifaceted strategy to increase student success . The contribution will fund KSU’s Community Learning for Undergraduate Engagement project.

The lower division courses, calculus and pre-calculus serve as gateways into science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines. The contribution will enable the college to hire students who have already passed the courses, as learning assistants to help their peers with the course work. Mea Watkins

County installs 8 electric car chargers

Electric vehicle charging stations have been installed at the Marietta Transfer Center and Busbee Park and Ride. Each location has four chargers, made possible by a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. The stations can fully recharge an electric vehicle battery in two to six hours. Costs are determined by ECOtality Inc., the company overseeing project, and usually range from $1 to $2 per hour. www.cobbcounty.org Jaime Sarrio

Police meeting for west Cobb on Aug. 13

Police officials from the west Cobb precinct will hold a community meeting at 7 p.m. Aug. 13 at Cobb County Police Precinct 5, 4640 Dallas Hwy., Powder Springs.

New Precinct Commander, Capt. Barry Little, officers and detectives will listen to any concerns about west Cobb crime.

Crime statistics and “sexploitation” of youths in west Cobb also will be discussed.

Information: 770-499-4185.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Chairman Lee to host August town hall

Cobb County Chairman Tim Lee will host a town hall meeting in District 4 from 7-8:30 p.m. Aug. 13 at Pebblebrook High, Cobb Center for Excellence in the Performing Arts, 991 Old Alabama Road, Mableton. This meeting gives south Cobb residents a chance to communicate directly with Lee, and learn about the county’s progress on various projects. Info: cobbcounty.org/lee or 770-528-3305. Jaime Sarrio

Kennesaaw event to highlight fall programs

Kennesaw will hold a parks and recreation event to highlight fall programs 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday Aug. 10 at the Ben Robertson community Center, 2753 Watts Drive. Instructors will give sample classes and talk about programs including sports, dance, arts, crafts and fitness. Information: Kennesaw-ga.gov/pkrec.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

GWINNETT

Adopt-A-Road seeks help from volunteer groups

Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful and the Gwinnett Department of Transportation is urging more residents to join the Adopt-A-Road program to help reduce trash and illegal signage alongside county roads. Groups must agree to maintain the location for at least 12 months with a minimum of four cleanups.

“Men Working” signs and safety vests available for volunteer crews. Efforts acknowledged with two signs placed along the adopted roadway. Information: www.gwinnettcb.org/volunteer or contact Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful at 770-822-5187 or gwinnettcb@gwinnettcb.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Harbins Park ballpark complex opens

Gwinnett Parks and Rec invites the public to a grand opening celebration 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, August 10 to commemorate the expansion of Harbins Park Baseball/Softball Complex , 3200 New Hope Road in Dacula. Ribbon cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. Games and activities available for the entire family. www.gwinnettcounty.com.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Hudgens Prize winner announced Saturday

The 2013 Hudgens Prize, one of the largest art awards given in the nation, will be announced at 8 p.m. Saturday at The Hudgens Center for the Arts at 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth. One of the four Hudgens Prize Finalist artists, Chris Chambers, Robbie Land, Pam Longobardi or Derek Larson will receive the cash award of $50,000 and an invitation for a solo exhibition. The competition, open only to Georgia residents is chosen by a jury panel based on in-person visits to the four Finalist’s studios and the works on view in the Finalists Exhibition. Award ceremony is free. Pre-award reception begins at 7 p.m. with tickets available at www.thehudgens.org.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Art show exhibit runs through August

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

Duluth qualifying packets available

Qualifying Packages for the upcoming election are now available on the Duluth Elections page at www.duluthga.net. Qualifying begins Aug. 26 at 8:30 a.m. and concludes Wednesday, Aug. 28 at 4:30 p.m. in the office of the City Clerk at Duluth City Hall, 3167 Main Street. Current info online, or call Election Superintendent, Teresa Lynn or Assistant Superintendent, Kristin McGregor at 770-476-3434. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Deadline Sept. 16 to apply for school panel

The deadline is Sept. 16 for parents, community members and employees to apply to serve on a committee that provides input on the curriculum for Gwinnett County Public Schools. The next meeting is in February 2014. Applications: www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us. Nancy Badertscher

NORTHSIDE

Holly Springs considering gun resolution

The Cherokee County city of Holly Springs is the latest to go on record on the subject of gun owner rights.

City Council members Monday night voiced support of a resolution by Mayor Tim Downing, affirming the right to bear arms and supporting gun training.

Council members indicated the resolution would be formally approved at the Aug. 19 meeting, perhaps with some minor changes in language. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Forsyth judge receives law award

The Sawnee-Cumming Optimist Club recently honored Forsyth County Chief Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Bagley with its annual Respect for Law award. The honor is conferred each year on a law enforcement, legal or judicial professional who works to uphold the law. Bagley was honored for his work with the county’s drug court, among other projects.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Cherokee chamber to showcase businesses

The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce’s annual Cherokee Business Showcase is set for 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 8 at the Cherokee Aquatics Center, 1200 Gresham Mill Parkway, Holly Springs.

A complimentary food tasting, giveaways and more than 40 exhibitor booths are on tap. Admission is free.

Information or to rent booth space: cherokeechamber.com

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Alpharetta hosts youth triathlon this fall

IronKids Alpharetta, the largest youth triathlon in the U.S., will take place Sept. 15 at Wills Park, 1825 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta. Athletes ages 6 to 15 can enter to win a free registration at www.awesomealpharetta.com through July 31.

Participants receive a medal upon crossing the finish line and the top three athletes within each age category will be awarded a placement trophy. Registration is $50 online and $65 onsite. Race morning registration will not be available. Information: hy-veeironkids.com/alpharetta/. Veronica Fields Johnson

Alpharetta holds hearings on parks

The Alpharetta Recreation and Parks Department has scheduled two public meetings — Aug. 8 and Sept. 12 — to gather input for development of a 10-year master plan. Officials will be on hand to hear residents’ ideas for future development of offerings and amenities.

Both meetings will be from 6 to 7:15 p.m. at Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 S. Main Street.

Information: 678-297-6162 or email recreation@alpharetta.ga.us Patrick Fox

Alpharetta run, block party next weekend

The Alpharetta Rotary Mayor’s Challenge is 6-11 p.m. Aug. 17 in the heart of Historic Downtown Alpharetta.

Bring lawn chairs for the block party that runs until 11 p.m.The event includes food trucks, concert, expo, etc.

Registration: $25 until Aug. 3; $30 after at Big Peach Running Co. or www.mayorschallenge.com. Arlinda Smith Broady

ATLANTA

Arrest made in burglary at Hank Aaron’s home

While baseball legend Hank Aaron, 79, and his wife were out of town in July, thieves stole jewelry and two BMWs. Officers later recovered both of Aaron’s vehicles.

A suspect is in custody, but investigators declined to release the name of the suspect. Alexis Stevens

Komodo dragon, 20, dies at Zoo Atlanta

A geriatric Komodo dragon died Monday at Zoo Atlanta.

Slasher, 20, was euthanized due to various age-related complications compromising his quality of life

Slasher, who hatched at the National Zoo in October 1992, moved in July 1993 to Zoo Atlanta, where he had two habitats.

Alexis Stevens

Body found in vacant southeast house

Police are investigating the death of a person whose badly-decomposed body was found Tuesday morning in a vacant house in southeast Atlanta.

The body, believed to be that of a woman, was found about 6:30 a.m., face-down in the bedroom of a house in the 1400 block of Park Avenue, a couple of blocks west of Boulevard.

Detectives could not immediately determine a cause of death or tell whether foul play was involved due to the severe state of decomposition.

Mike Morris and John Spink

Male empowerment expo this weekend

An empowerment expo aimed to foster academic, vocational, economic and personal improvement in males age 18 to 28 will take place 12:30 p.m. Saturday at the Auburn Avenue Research Library, 101 Auburn Ave., S.W.

“Overcoming the Odds: Success Strategies for Young Black Men,” will include self-assessments, an interactive workshop, film, open forum, keynote message, a resource panel, health screenings and more.

Free, but registration is suggested. Free transportation from designated libraries in nearby counties will be provided. Information and registration: www.communitycouncilma.org, 404-221-1222, or 404-935-5859. Mea Watkins

DEKALB

Cops: Man shot 2 teens who broke into house

Two 15-year-olds boys and a 14-year-old boy, were in a stolen car when they pulled into the driveway of a Donna Way home shortly before 4 p.m., according to DeKalb police. Two of them, whose names were not released, rang the doorbell of the home, then forced themselves inside the house through the rear door.

A resident of the home had a gun and fired multiple shots, striking both boys, who ran away. The 15-year-old boy who had remained in the car was taken into custody and the injured teens were transported to the hospital, where they were in stable condition. All three teenagers are expected to face charges for the incident.

Alexis Stevens

Commission ‘in the air’ over referendum

During a joint meeting between Decatur’s commission and school board Monday, the board gave a nearly two-hour presentation detailing its reasons why a 59.5 million bond referendum should appear on the Nov. 5 ballot. The bond would finance extensive renovations to Renfroe Middle and Decatur High schools. But the commission wasn’t swayed and several admitted being overwhelmed. “Clearly we’re in the air over this,” said Mayor Jim Baskett. “Personally I need more time to digest this.” The commission, however, must approve the referendum by August 30 for it to appear on this year’s ballot. Bill Banks for the AJC

CSB receives healthcare grant

The DeKalb Community Service Board recently received a $1.6 million grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The primary and behavioral health care integration grant will help to expand the agency’s mental health care and primary health care integration initiatives with Oakhurst Medical Center. DeKalb CSB is a public nonprofit provider of mental health, substance abuse and developmental disability services. The agency was one of 32 sites selected nationally to receive the federal grant that supports coordinated and integrated services by co-locating primary and specialty care medical services in community-based mental and behavioral health settings. The goal of this 4-year grant is to improve the physical health status of adults with serious mental illnesses who have, or are at risk for, co-occurring primary care conditions and chronic disease.

Information: www.dekcsb.org. Mea Watkins

Hikes slated for DeKalb preserve

Hikes will be held on two upcoming Friday mornings focusing on the trees at the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve.

The tree hikes explore natural and historical resources at the preserve. Hikes begin at 8 a.m. Friday and Sept. 20 at the preserve’s nature center, 3787 Klondike Road.

Information: 770-492-5220.

April Hunt

Youth soccer league underway

Registration is underway for youth soccer leagues that begin in September.

Registration is open until Aug. 19 at all county recreation centers for the league, which is open to children between 4 and 13. Fees range from $45 to $85 per child and include uniforms.

Information: 770-414-2113.

April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Fulton session on homeless services Aug. 13

Fulton County will provide information on services for the homeless at 2 p.m. Aug. 13 at the Fulton County Government Center Atrium, 141 Pryor St., Atlanta.

The county’s Office of Emergency and Transitional Housing provides job, medical, substance abuse treatment and other services for homeless and at-risk people and families.

For more information call 404-613-0412. David Wickert

Richardson is new State Court judge

Gov. Nathan Deal has tapped Eric A. Richardson to be the next judge on Fulton County’s State Court bench.

Richardson, the deputy city attorney for the city of Atlanta, will succeed former Judge Susan Forsling, who resigned on July 1.

Richardson was among four candidates recently submitted to Deal by the governor’s Judicial Nominating Commission.Bill Rankin

McDonough hosts Ladies Night Out

Main Street McDonough Program’s Ladies Night Out will be this Thursday on the McDonough Square. The 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. is an evening of dining and shopping for women.

Don’t forget to register in the stores for the gift basket giveaway. Tammy Joyner

Henry OKs SPLOST referendum

The Henry County Board of Commissioners has approved an intergovernmental agreement with Hampton, Locust Grove, McDonough and Stockbridge to put a referendum on the upcoming November ballot regarding a one-cent SPLOST to fund capital and transportation projects. The action took place during a joint meeting July 29. If approved, the new SPLOST would begin April 1, 2014, after the current one expires. County officials project $190 million in revenue over six years. Information: www.henrycounty-ga.org.

Monroe Roark for the AJC

County waives adoption fees for cats

Fulton County Animal Services is waiving its adoption fee on cats to free up space in a shelter overrun with them.

The county has room for 90 cats at a time but currently has 175. It’s waiving the adoption fee for all cats and kittens through Saturday to save as many lives as possible.

Adopters will be screened to ensure animals are placed in good homes. At no cost, the cats will be spayed or neutered, microchipped and have all vaccinations. To view cats available for adoption, visit www.fultonanimalservices.com. David Wickert

Center to offer business plan classes

The Clayton State University Small Business Development Center is offering a class on “Writing a Living Business Plan” 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 15 in room G127 on the first floor of the Clayton State Arts & Sciences Building.

Among the topics: goal-setting, calculating profit and loss, finding sources and determining capital costs. Cost: $69 a person. Information: www.georgiasbdc.org or 678-466-5100. Tammy Joyner