County by county news for Wednesday

However, the budget did have a few areas of “material weakness” such as a lack of “timely adoption” of certain funds, he said.

The city had a decrease in net assets of $558,000 but an increase in business-type assets of $40,000, Moses added.

Austell’s budget year runs from July 1 through June 30.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Smyrna to name new department heads

Smyrna is expected to approve David Lee as police chief and Mary Wallace Moore as city library director at a Jan. 22 council meeting.

Lee, currently Marietta Police Department deputy chief, and Moore, Huntsville-Madison County Public Library reference and adult services manager, are the sole finalists for the jobs.

Smyrna Police Chief Stan Hook and Library Director Michael Seigler have retired.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Retired Educators Association to meet

The Cobb Marietta Retired Educators Association will meet 11:30 a.m. Thursday in the Freeman Poole Multipurpose Center, 4025 South Hurt Road, Smyrna. Georgia Retired Educators Association President Mary Ann McDaniel is the guest speaker. Lunch: $10 per person.

Make reservations with Debby Overstreet at debbybob@comcast.net. Information: www.cmrea.org.

Kenneth Musisi

VA will open satellite office in Austell

A satellite office of the Atlanta Veterans Administration regional office in Decatur will open in Austell on Jan. 15 on limited days.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony and an open house will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 15 at VITAS Innovative Hospice Care, 5990 Love St., Austell.

Information: 678-398-2098 in Austell, 404-250-1806 in Decatur or www2.va.gov/directory/guide/facility.asp?id=357.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Quilt exhibition opens in Mableton

The “Thoroughly Modern Quilts Exhibition” will open Monday and continue through Feb. 27 at the Mable House Arts Center, 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton.

Admission will be free to view nontraditional modern quilts from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, evening and weekend hours vary.

Information: mablehouse.org or 770-819-3285. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Genealogy workshop set for Saturday

The Old Noonday Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will offer a free genealogy workshop from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday in the Community Room of Mountain View Regional Library, 3320 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta.

The workshop, open to all interested in researching their families’ histories, will provide basic information to help start your application for DAR.

Make reservations to info@oldnoondaydar.org.

Kenneth Musisi

GWINNETT

Suwanee murder conviction upheld

The Georgia Supreme Court has unanimously upheld the murder conviction and life sentence against a man who fatally stabbed his wife in a Walmart parking lot in Suwanee as the couple’s two young daughters watched.

The court rejected the appeal of Phillip Chad Dunn, who killed his wife Shelley on Valentine’s Day in 2010, after learning of her adulterous affair.

Dunn had previously been convicted of aggravated assault for choking his wife two weeks before the murder.

Bill Rankin

“Life coach” sentenced on molestation charges

A former Lawrenceville man who billed himself as a motivational speaker and life coach was scheduled to stand trial on Jan. 23 for allegedly raping and molesting young female patients, but he entered a guilty plea to reduced charges.

Carmine Edmund Baffa, 56, most recently of Gainesville, was initially charged with rape, three counts of child molestation and one count of sexual battery. He pleaded guilty Oct. 19 to three counts of sexual battery and one count of child molestation. Superior Court Judge Michael C. Clark sentenced him to 20 years in prison followed by five years on probation. Andria Simmons

Mom to stand trial in meth lab explosion

Neibi Brito, 24, of Lilburn and her friend, Joseph Alexander Perez, 32, of Atlanta, are slated to stand trial together in Gwinnett County on March 18 on charges of murder, felony murder, trafficking in methamphetamine, violating the Georgia Controlled Substances Act and child endangerment.

Brito’s boyfriend, Ivan Gonzales, is wanted on the same charges for allegedly causing a fire in the home from cooking meth, but is believed to have fled to Mexico. A fire that broke out at the home Feb. 17, 2011 claimed the lives of Brito’s children, Ivan and Isaac Guevara, ages 3 and 4 respectively, and 18-month-old Stacy Brito. Andria Simmons

Occupation tax renewal in the mail

Snellville’s Department of Planning & Development mailed occupation tax renewal forms last week.

Information: 770-985-3513, or go to www.snellville.org.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Snellville business toolbox available

The Snellville Office of Economic Development has released the Snellville Business Toolbox Version 2.0, which can be found at www.SnellvilleBusinessToolbox.com. The toolbox is a one-stop-shop for resources to start, sustain or grow a new business. The first version of the Business Toolbox, released in 2012, resulted in over 200 users and has now been enhanced with updated and useful information as well as opportunities for mentorship. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Talent wanted for May festival

The Snellville Days Committee is looking for unpaid performers for their May 4-5 festival. Application deadline is Jan. 25. The Entertainment Guidelines and Entertainment Application can be found at www.snellvilledays.com.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Seniors benefit from local donations

Forsyth County Senior Services has reported that support for two local programs allowed it to provide blankets, clothing and food to hundreds of senior residents over the holidays.

Through the Holiday Gift Angels Program, 597 gifts were given to local seniors. Also, donations to the Home-Delivered Meal Holiday Gift Certificate Program, provided 4,688 meals to home-bound seniors in Forsyth County.

Donations were provided through individuals, churches, civic groups and corporations. Patrick Fox

County commission elects 2013 officers

The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners has elected officers for 2013.

District 1 Commissioner R.J. “Pete” Amos was elected chairman. District 5 Commissioner Jim Boff, who served the past year as chairman, was named vice chairman, and District 2 Commissioner Brian Tam was elected secretary.

The Board of Commissioners is made up of five members, each living in a specific district and elected to serve four-year terms. Patrick Fox

Univeristy president speaks this week

The newly-created University of North Georgia’s president Dr. Bonita Jacobs will visit the school’s University Center/Ga. 400 campus for a rally marking the consolidation of Gainesville State College and North Georgia College and State University. The University System of Georgia Board of Regents approved the plan this week. It’s set for 4 p.m. Thursday at 300 Aquatic Circle, Cumming.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

MUST Ministries to expand in Cherokee

MUST Ministries will be expanding its footprint in Cherokee County. A Friday ceremony will mark the start of build out of new 9,000-square-foot offices at 111 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton, with a hoped-for April finish.

The move from its West Marietta Street offices will give it about 20 percent more space and better access to I-575. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Commissioners plan annual review meeting

The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners will hold its 2013 annual planning review Jan. 17-18 at Barnsley Gardens, Godfrey Cottage, 597 Barnsley Gardens Road, Adairsville. Topics will include a 2012 review and look-ahead for 2013, the county’s strategic plan, ethics issues and economic development. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Forsyth completes new wastewater facility

Forsyth County recently completed a regional wastewater lift station and force main on McGinnis Ferry Road that is projected to save the county’s water and sewer department nearly $1 million a year in operational costs.

The $7.6 million project is sized to handle flows generated by future development in south Forsyth County.

It includes a concrete diversion structure, which diverts wastewater that previously flowed to a Fulton County treatment facility to the county’s own treatment facility.

Water and sewer officials say the new station should pay for itself in seven years. Patrick Fox

ATLANTA

Second arrest made in Ponce shooting

Police charged Denorris Turner, 51, with felony murder, aggravated assault and criminal attempt in the shooting death of 23-year-old Graham Stephen Sisk at a busy Poncey-Highland intersection in October.

Witnesses told police there was an altercation between Sisk and occupants of a dark pickup truck. On Nov. 16, an arrest warrant was secured for Shaheed K. Huff, 30, according to police. U.S. Marshals took Huff into custody Nov. 27.

Huff was charged with felony murder and aggravated assault. Both Turner and Huff remain in the DeKalb County jail. Alexis Stevens

Downtown advisory group to form

Atlanta City Councilman H. Lamar Willis introduced legislation Monday to create a downtown development technical advisory group to create a master plan that incorporates large projects already in the works for downtown

The group would also be responsible for future development opportunities. If legislation passes, up to $500,000 will be earmarked for a master plan. Jeremiah McWilliams

Ground breaking set for Betmar Village

National Church Residences, a nonprofit organization, will host a groundbreaking ceremony for Betmar Village, 2 p.m. today at 345 Ashwood Ave.

National Church Residences was awarded a $3.9 million HUD 202 Elderly Housing Grant to develop the 48-unit affordable housing community for seniors near Lakewood Fairgrounds. Information: www.nationalchurchresidences.org.

Kenneth Musisi

Columnist to speak at Atlanta Press Club

Dave Barry, Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist and author of “Insane City,” will speak at the Atlanta Press Club on Feb. 14 at The Commerce Club, 191 Peachtree Street N.E., Suite 4900. Registration, breakfast buffet and book signing take place at 7:30 a.m., with remarks at 8:15 a.m. Cost is $25 for members; $35 for non-members. Register: 404-577-7377. Mea Watkins

DEKALB

Armed robbers target Dunwoody McDonald’s

Dunwoody police are looking for the men who robbed a McDonald’s near Perimeter Mall just after 4 a.m. Monday.

While the driver of a dark sedan was at the drive-through window, two suspects ran up from behind the building, police said. The first suspect pointed a pistol the clerk before both suspects jumped through the window and took an undisclosed amount of cash.

The drive-through customer is considered a person of interest.

Anyone with information on the case should contact Dunwoody police Detective Ronny Delima at 678-382-6914 or ronny.delima@dunwoodyga.gov. Angel K. Brooks

Baskett elected as new Decatur mayor

Decatur’s City Commission unanimously (3-0) elected Jim Baskett as the city’s new mayor Monday, replacing Bill Floyd who resigned last month after a mayoral tenure of 13 years. Baskett, 65, has been on the city commission since January, 1996, and has been Mayor Pro Tem for the last 10 years. He graduated from Lee College in Cleveland, Tn., with a major in natural science, and also has a Masters of Divinity from the Candler School of Theology. He and his wife Mickey published adult and children’s handcrafts books for 35 years.

Bill Banks for the AJC

Cooperative Extension to host workshop

The DeKalb Cooperative Extension will offer the “Living Debt Free” Workshop 6 p.m. Tuesday at its office training room, 4380 Memorial Drive, Decatur.

Brett A. Lewis, “The Income Protector”, will conduct the free workshop to help participants meet and manage their financial goals.

Information: 404-298-4080 or visit www.ugaextension.com/dekalb. Kenneth Musisi

Professional engineers group to meet

The Atlanta Metro Chapter of the Georgia Society of Professional Engineers will host its monthly dinner meeting 6 p.m. Monday at Piccadilly Cafeteria, 2000 Crescent Centre Boulevard, Tucker.

Douglas Weaver, a registered professional engineer and LEED accredited professional, will present on Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, and the National Green Building Certification System.

Meetings are open to engineering professionals, students, and the public.

Make reservations to 404-919-3640, ronscinta@hotmail.com.

Kenneth Musisi

School board hearing on suspension set

The Georgia Board of Education has scheduled for 1 p.m. on Jan. 17 a hearing to determine whether Gov. Nathan Deal should suspend the DeKalb County school board.

The hearing is required under a new law that allows for suspension of boards in districts that are on accreditation probation.

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools placed DeKalb on probation last month, alleging mismanagement and other issues.

DeKalb board members can present evidence and testimony in their defense. They have until Jan. 11 to file a witness list with anticipated testimony and a list of the documents they plan to use. Ty Tagami

SOUTHSIDE

Woman killed crossing highway identified

The woman who died Monday night after being struck by a pickup truck as she tred to cross a south Fulton County highway has been identified as Laverne Palmer, 52, of College Park.

Palmer was attempting to walk across Old National Highway, south of Jolly Road, around 7 p.m. when she was hit by a Chevrolet 1500 pickup truck traveling northbound, police said. The woman was not in a crosswalk when she was hit.

The driver of the truck was not injured and remained at the scene. His name was not released. Alexis Stevens and Mike Morris

New school board begins in Fayette

The Fayette County Board of Education convened in a called meeting Monday to elect new leadership and host a workshop on a proposed career academy.

It was the first official meeting with Dan Colwell as interim superintendent and newly elected members Barry Marchman and Mary Kay Bacallao.

Marion Key was elected chair and Bob Todd was named vice chair. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Clayton school board members take office

Clayton County school board members Pam Adamson and Mary Baker were elected chair and vice-chair respectively of the nine-member board at the board’s first meeting of the new year.

Newcomers Mark Christmas and Judy Johnson were sworn in Monday as the newest board members. Tammy Joyner

Hapeville intersections getting facelift

The I-75 Beautification Project is helping to transform Hapeville.

The program allows grant funds to be used in adding new landscaping and new signage along the right of ways. Hapeville received $400,000 to improve the landscaping located at I-75 and the North Central Avenue and Porsche Avenue interchange.

The grant helped clean up the overgrown landscaping that had been installed during the Olympics.

Hapeville is the first municipality in the metro area to secure these funds for beautification. John Thompson for the AJC

Applications accepted for citizen academy

The College Park Police Department’s Citizen’s Police Academy will take place March through May and is designed to give residents an overview of how the department works. It will give the student insight into the basics of police work, the logistics of department operations, and its enforcement and crime prevention programs.

The Academy will meet 6:30 - 9 p.m. on Thursday nights and 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. one Saturday in the police station community room.

Applications due by Feb.22.

Information: collegeparkga.com/DocumentCenter/View/1238

John Thompson for the AJC

McDonough Arts Council to hold show

The McDonough Arts Council will hold its 2013 Juried Art Show and annual meeting from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday at The Windsor Gallery, 34 Macon St.

The event is free and open to the public.

Information: www.mcdonougharts.net. Mea Watkins