County by county news for Wednesday

Pam Conner, the city’s director of the Community Development Department, will become the interim city manager on that date. Hulsey said “it’s the right time” as he deals with health issues, writes a book on his family history and rekindles his insurance business. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Police seek prankster in school lockdown

A day after a fake 911 call reporting a stabbing at Marietta Middle School, police are still searching for the prankster.

The hoax resulted in a lockdown of the middle school just after 1:30 p.m. Monday, according to the Marietta police.

A student who was reported to have a knife, did not have a knife and was not associated with the call. Police searched the school Monday and came up empty-handed.Staff

Forum to cover Braves move and traffic

Kennesaw State University will host a public forum on how the Atlanta Braves’ move to Cobb will affect traffic and transportation 6-8:30 p.m. Thursday at the KSU Center, 3333 Busbee Dive, Kennesaw. Speakers include Cobb Department of Transportation head Faye DiMassimo and Cumberland Community Improvement District director Malaika Rivers Information: www.sbdc.kennesaw.edu/transportationTownHall.htm.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Council appoints board members

The Marietta City Council has appointed Bob Barnes, Ward 6, to the Construction Board of Adjustment and Appeals for a five-year term. The board hears appeals and considers variances of construction codes. Becky Nash Paden, also Ward 6, was reappointed to the Historic Preservation Commission for a three-year term to protect historic sites, districts and buildings in the city. Information: www.mariettaga.gov.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Marietta meeting to update park projects

Marietta officials will give updates on park bond and SPLOST projects at a town hall meeting 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Elizabeth Porter Recreation Center, 370 Montgomery St. The center will be razed and redeveloped in a $3.5 million project that will front North Marietta Parkway. Park projects include a $2.6 million recreation building renovation at Custer Park and $1.1 million redevelopment of the Lawrence Street Recreation Center. Marietta voters passed a $25 million parks bond in 2009.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

‘Citizens’ deadline is Friday

The Cobb Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for Citizens of the Year awards until noon Friday.

Nominations are being accepted for the 2014 Acworth, East Cobb, Kennesaw, Marietta, Smyrna and West Cobb Citizens of the Year. Information: cobbchamber.org/Member-Services/Citizens-of-the-Year.aspx, tdawson@cobbchamber.org.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

GWINNETT

Schools seek $11.3 million for renovation projects

Gwinnett County school district officials want to spend $11.3 million on renovating one school and adding classrooms to two high schools and two middle schools and gymnasiums at five middle schools and four high schools. The projects are part of Gwinnett’s list of capital improvement plans that would begin during the 2015-16 school year.

School board members are scheduled to vote on the request at the board’s monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday. The meeting will be at the district’s headquarters, 437 Old Peachtree Road NW, Suwanee. Eric Stirgus

Suwanee wins awards for city publications

Suwanee’s ‘Connects’ community newsletter has received two awards of excellence from the City-County Communications and Marketing Association. Comprehensive Annual Financial Report received excellence in financial reporting recognition and its annual report earned a Popular Annual Financial Reporting award from the Government Finance Officers Association. Woofstock event, received a Georgia Downtown Conference award of excellence in August. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Community garden ready for fall planting

The Community Garden at Snellville, built by Eagle Scout Michael Habetler and a group of Scouts, are ready to be planted.Since the Community Garden rental year is April 1 through March 30, the beds will be rented for half the annual rate of $50 for a Snellville resident and $65 for those living outside city limits.

Information: www.snellvillecommunitygarden.com for applications and policies.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Poll workers needed for November election

Lilburn is taking applications for a poll manager, assistant poll manager and workers for the Nov. 4 election. Workers must be US citizens, at least 16 years old and live in Gwinnett County. Information and applications: www.cityoflilburn.com/jobs.aspx. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Eat pancakes and learn about aviation

The Experimental Aircraft Association will hold its monthly pancake breakfast 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at EAA 690 Hangar in the Sports Aviation Complex at Briscoe Field in Lawrenceville. At 10:30, the EAA will present a short aviation presentation and volunteer pilots will provide free opportunities for children to experience flying through the organization’s Young Eagle program. Pancakes: $6 adults, $3 children. Information: www.690.eaachapter.org.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Braselton offers free movie under the stars

Braselton families are invited to enjoy the next Movie under the Stars at dusk, Saturday in Braselton Park in historic downtown. The PG rated “How to Train Your Dragon 2” runs 102 minutes. Chairs and blankets welcome. Concessions available.

Information: Braselton Visitors Bureau at www.downtownbraselton.com.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Cumming native’s death remains mystery

Police in Statesboro said Tuesday that they have not yet determined what killed a Georgia Southern University student from Cumming late last week.

Brooke Edwards, 18, was found unresponsive in her off-campus apartment Friday, and was later pronounced dead.

Edwards was a sophomore biology student.

A candlelight vigil was held in the teen’s memory Monday night at the university. Police are awaiting autopsy and toxicology results from the GBI Medical Examiner and Crime Lab. Mike Morris

Variable speed system for I-285 comes soon

The Georgia DOT has finished installing 176 electronic speed limit signs in 88 spots on Interstate 285 north of I-20. They’ll test the variable speed limit system during off hours and go live late September or early October. The top end speed limit will then rise to 65 but signs will lower it in the event of bad weather or a wreck. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Council amends open container law

The Alpharetta City Council Monday night OKd an expansion of the city council’s open container downtown district, where residents can carry alcohol while going between restaurants, galleries and other attractions. Assistant City Administrator James Drinkard says the southern boundary’s been extended from Marietta Street to Old Milton Parkway between Roswell Street and Ga. 9, to take in new restaurants. The measure allows watering holes to serve beer and wine in plastic to-go cups up to 16 ounces.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Cherokee seeks substitute teachers

The Cherokee County School district is seeking substitute teachers to work this academic year.

Candidates must have at least a high school diploma or GED. Pay ranges from $60 -$70 per day. Information: www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/employmentWayne Washington

Historic district public hearing set

The Milton City Council and Historic Preservation Commission have set a joint public hearing for 5- 6 p.m. Monday at City Hall, 13000 Deerfield Parkway, to present information and get feedback on the proposed creation of a Crabapple Historic District. Crabapple Village, on Milton’s southwest side, dates from the 1850s. Some landowners have expressed reservations about review power the historic commission would have over changes to existing structures and standards for new construction in the district, which is being built up as the city’s downtown and government center.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Senior health event planned

Johns Creek’s active adult center will host a free geriatric health and wellness event from 1- 4 p.m. Oct. 10 at Park Place at Newtown School, 3125 Old Alabama Road. A variety of free health screenings will be offered, including blood pressure, bone density, hearing and vision. Exhibits and vendors will also be on hand. Seniors can RSVP by emailing ParkPlace@JohnsCreekGA.gov or calling 678-512-3430. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

Mad Ants to hold local tryouts

The Fort Wayne (Ind.) Mad Ants, the NBA D-League affiliate of the Hawks, will hold an open tryout in Atlanta on Oct. 4.

The tryout, one of several the team is holding nationwide, will be held at the Suwanee Sports Academy from 1-5 p.m. Players will have an opportunity to showcase their talents for the Fort Wayne coaching staff with for a possible invitation to the team’s training camp in November.

Interested players should submit the official registration and release forms, in addition to a $150 non-refundable fee to the Mad Ants office. Application forms are available at the Mad Ants’ website at www.fortwaynehoops.com. All questions should be directed to Kevin Bloom at (260) 469-4667, extension 106. Chris Vivlamore

Muslim group hosts day of peace

To celebrate the International Day of Peace, admission will be free from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at The Breman Jewish Heritage and Holocaust Museum, 1440 Spring St. NW. with sponsorship of the Muslim appreciation organization, One Region Atlanta.

The Breman’s feature exhibition is “PEACE: What Does it Mean to You?,” continuing through Oct. 5.

Also, the museum will host the Atlanta Compassion Games Closing Ceremonies at 2 p.m. Sunday, including live music and group activities.

Information: OneRegionAtlanta.org/background, thebreman.org, compassiongames.org/atlanta-ga. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Holocaust exhibit

at The King Center

An exhibit from the Museum of Tolerance will open with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at The King Center, 449 Auburn Ave. NE.

“Courage to Remember: The Holocaust 1933-1945” will be open free 9 to 5 daily through Oct. 2.

Sponsors are the SNCF / French National Railway and Simon Wiesenthal Center.

Information: thekingcenter.org. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

DEKALB

Hotel murder victims identified

DeKalb County police Tuesday identified the man and woman found dead Monday afternoon inside a Panola Road hotel room as Nathaniel Dumas, 34, and 31-year-old Marquita Smith, both of Stone Mountain.

A maid at the Knights Inn found the bodies around 12:30 p.m. Monday. Both had been shot.

Police believe they had been dead for some time. Detectives don’t have a clear motive” for the shootings. Rhonda Cook, Mike Morris

Sewer line holds up Trinity Triangle

Enlarging and upgrading a DeKalb County sewer line on Maple Street is the primary holdup for construction on Decatur’s Trinity Triangle Development.

Centro Development principal owner Kent Collins said his company is negotiating with the county and city on “how much to pay” regarding the sewer, which wasn’t replaced when the city upgraded Maple’s storm water pipes over a year ago.

The old Dairy Queen building was recently demolished, and on-site grading may begin next week. But Collins is still unsure about when actual construction may start. Bill Banks for the AJC

Doraville creates school, stormwater committees

Doraville City Council extended its applications deadline for a schools task force committee to Sept. 30.

Three council members intend to serve on the committee. The prospective nine-member task force will provide city council with reports on Doraville’s academic environment.

On Monday, City Council also voted to create a five-member Stormwater Advisory Committee of residents and commercial property owners to provide input on capital improvement projects.

Information: www.doravillega.us.

Adrianne Murchison for the AJC

Improvements start at Rutledge Park

Rutledge Park improvements in historic Druid Hills officially start with a ground breaking ceremony 10 a.m. Wednesday at 1812 Ridgewood Drive.

Phase one on the undeveloped 1.8-acre parcel includes a trail from the road that leads to the middle of the park and a playground. An upper level will have additional walking trails and planted trees.

Phase two park improvements include more tree planting and creek improvements.

The plans were developed with public input and Friends of Rutledge Park.

Information: www.rutledgepark.org.

Adrianne Murchison for the AJC

Stream cleanup project completed

DeKalb County’s Department of Watershed Management will complete its stream cleanup initiative 9 a.m. Friday at Panola Shoals Trailhead, 4432 Panola Road, in Lithonia.

DeKalb started cleanups last April, under the Supplemental Environmental Project, along areas of South River, South Fork Peachtree Creek and Snapfinger Creek, mainly to enhance the ecosystem affected by sewer spills.

DeKalb Interim CEO Lee May, DeKalb, Lithonia Mayor Deborah Jackson and other officials will attend the event.

Adrianne Murchison for the AJC

SOUTHSIDE

McIntosh High parade prompts detour

McIntosh High School’s Homecoming parade will affect Peachtree City traffic tonight starting at 4:30 p.m. on Walt Banks Road. The procession will travel along parts of Peachtree Parkway, Stevens Entry and Prime Point until around 5 p.m. Drivers are asked to use alternate routes around the area and expect short-term delays. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Clayton State to host film sessions

The Clayton State University Film and Digital Media Center at Downs Center, Morrowhosts free information sessions. “The Post Production Film Editing: Intro to Editing Course” session is 1 p.m to 3 p.m. Saturday; “Digital Music & Video Production and Entertainment Business Certificate” programis 10 a.m. to noon Saturday. Digital Film Tech is 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 25 at SoChi Gallery, 534 2nd St., Macon. Details: 678 466-5085 or www.clayton.edu/digital-media-center. Tammy Joyner

Rep. Stovall to host job fair Thursday

State Rep. Valencia Stovall, D-Lake City, will host the 2nd Annual Career and Job Fair on Thursday from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. at Paradise Gymnasium & Cultural Center in Forest Park.

Rep. Stovall’s 2013 job fair attracted over 200 attendees and 30 employers, and this year’s attendance is expected to be even larger. Partners for this year’s event include Sisters In Action, Inc., Paradise CDC, Georgia Department of Labor and the Clayton Career Resource Center.

Citizens in District 74 are encouraged to attend. District 74 covers parts of Morrow, Lake City, Forest Park, Riverdale, and College Park.

Details: 678-632-2825 or 404-656-0314 or Valencia.stovall@house.ga.gov.Tammy Joyner

East Point screens outdoor film

The city of East Point will screen “How to Train Your Dragon 2” about 8:30 p.m. Friday in the outdoor Commons area, 2757 Main St. Children’s activities start at 7 p.m. Blankets and lawn chairs are welcome. Concessions available for purchase. Free

Information: www.downtowneastpoint.com/fridaynightflicks.

Adrianne Murchison for the AJC

East Lake Road meeting to have expert

Henry County officials host a meeting 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, at Timber Ridge Elementary School, 2825 Hwy. 20 East, McDonough regarding the intersection improvement project set for East Lake Road and Ga. Highway 20.

The Georgia Department of Transportation conducted a study of the intersection and determined that a roundabout was appropriate, and the Henry County Board of Commissioners approved the bid for design services for intersection improvements to the area.

The meeting will feature an expert who specializes in roundabouts, and will be able to answer citizens’ questions. Representatives from GDOT will also be on hand to offer information. Information: www.henrycounty-ga.org/splost. Monroe Roark for the AJC