COBB
Road improvements to start near stadium site
Officials from the Georgia Department of Transportation, the Atlanta Braves and U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson are scheduled to speak 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Friday to begin a $52 million project to widen Cobb Parkway between Paces Mill and Akers Mill roads. The Cumberland Community Improvement District event will be at 2997 Cobb Parkway, Akers Mill Shopping Center. The road will be widened from five lanes and a turn lane to six lanes with a raised center median. The project was announced in August and work should be complete in 2016.
Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Powder Springs OKs playground funds
The Powder Springs City Council approved Monday paying $621,598 for a treehouse playground, rock-climbing structure and sidewalks at the Powder Springs Linear Park, Richard D. Sailors Parkway at Villa Springs Circle.
Each phase of the project will be subject to Council approval.
Councilman Chris Wizner said he was concerned about the $219,000 cost of the treehouse playground without seeing a photo - only a drawing - and not checking on its durability. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Saturday race to help food program
The fifth Acworth Turkey Chase, starting with a 5K race 9 a.m. Saturday on Main Street and along Lake Acworth shores, will benefit the Tackle Hunger program. Runners are required to bring staple food items. The race will also include a 2K walk at 9:15 a.m. and a little pilgrim trot at 10 a.m. Information: www.acworthturkeychase.com. Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Recreation employee honored by state
Cobb County Parks employee Wendy Collins recently earned the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association presidential citation.
She is the recreation coordinator for Ward Recreation Center in Powder Springs.
Collins was head of the 2013 GRPA Editorial Committee, which publishes the association’s magazine three times a year.
A GRPA member for 13 years, she also will serve on the association’s Board of Trustees for the next two years.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Marietta taking school Choice applications
Marietta City Schools is accepting applications through Jan. 17 for its elementary school students interested in the Choice Academy Program.
The program at the district’s eight elementary schools offers a different area of learning at each school. Students can choose a school that fits their interests, including communications, arts, science and math, literacy and leadership.
Information: www.marietta-city.org.
Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Tea cups, saucers wanted for Tea Room
The Mable House Arts Center is requesting donations of china tea cups and saucers for its annual Mable’s Tea Room Friday through Dec. 14 at the Mable House Arts Center, 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton.
Donations are needed by Wednesday.
Information: mablehouse.org or 770-819-328
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
GWINNETT
Project selection committee to meet
The Citizens Project Selection Committee will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Building, Conference Room C, 75 Langley Dr., Lawrenceville to review recommended bridge, culver and transportation drainage projects. There will also be a vote on the previously presented categories: capital projects rehabilitation and resurfacing, residential speed control, transportation planning and unpaved roads. Information: kim.conroy@gwinnettcounty.com or 770-822-7417.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Lower your water bill by attending workshop
Gwinnett Water Resources is hosting a free Homeowner H2O workshop, 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Auditorium, 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville. Learn ways to improve water efficiency inside and outside the home, including leak detection and repair, how to install water-efficient fixtures, and ways to increase your family’s water-saving behaviors.
Pre-register by emailing your name, address, and phone number to dwrconserve@gwinnettcounty.com or call 678-376-6722. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Police Holiday Task Force to prevent crime
The Gwinnett County Police Department’s Holiday Task Force continues every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through Dec. 31. Officers from the Crime Prevention Unit will be conducting vehicle safety checks during the holidays, encouraging shoppers to do their part to prevent property theft.
Information: www.gwinnettcounty.com/departments/police.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
New court marriage ceremony hours posted
Both Gwinnett Magistrate and Probate Courts now have new wedding hours. Magistrate Court will conduct ceremonies from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. Probate Court will conduct ceremonies from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays.
Information: 770-822-8081 or www.gwinnettcourts.com.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
County gets grant for trauma equipment
Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services will receive a $40,596 grant from the Georgia Trauma Care Network Commission to help purchase emergency medical equipment.
“This additional funding minimizes the budgetary impact of buying equipment that’s necessary to provide quality medical treatment in the field,” said Fire Chief Casey Snyder.
“We’re grateful to the state for recognizing trauma care needs throughout Georgia and providing this generous funding.” The Georgia Trauma Care Network Commission was created by legislation in 2007 to administer the state’s trauma center network, coordinate the best use of existing trauma facilities, to direct patients to the best available facility and oversee funds for system improvements.
Information: www.georgiatraumacommission.org or www.gwinnettcounty.com.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
NORTHSIDE
Gem and metal dealers ordinance hearing set
The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners holds a public hearing at 5 p.m. Thursday at the Forsyth County Administration Building, 110 E. Main St., Cumming on a proposal to set up regulations for precious metals and gem dealers. The proposed ordinance sets up permitting, record-keeping and inspection requirements, and spells out penalties.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Public input meetings on Ga.20 planned
The Georgia Department of Transportation seeks public input on proposed improvements to Ga. 20 from I-575 in Canton to Ga. 400 in Cumming. Two meetings are set: 5-7 p.m. Dec.10 at Calvary Baptist Church, 137 Hightower Road, Ball Ground and 5- 7 p.m. Dec.12 at Otwell Middle School, 605 Tribble Gap Road, Cumming. DOT officials say potential improvements include additional lanes and intersection upgrades.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Cherokee chairman seeks third term
L.B. “Buzz” Ahrens has announced that he’ll seek a third term as chairman of the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners in 2014. The former business executive and U.S.Navy officer was first elected in 2006 and was re-elected in 2010 with no opposition. The state primary for 2014 is currently set for July 15, with the general election Nov. 4.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Digital conference set in Cumming
The Georgia Technology Authority will hold a conference on North Georgia’s digital future 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Forsyth Conference Center, 3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Cumming. The conference aimed at community, economic and educational leaders is meant to highlight best practices in getting and using broadband connectivity. Cost $20, including lunch. More info: gta.georgia.gov
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Nature center to host holiday market
The Chattahoochee Nature Center will host a Back-To-Nature Holiday Market from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell.
The market will feature ornaments, original art, eco-friendly items, toys, candles and clothing from local artisans.
All visitors will receive free admission to the nature center.
For vending, contact 770-992-2055, ext. 236, or r.gilbert@chattnature-center.org. Information: www.chattnaturecenter.org.Veronica Fields Johnson
Reinhardt website gets high ranking
Reinhardt University’s website is one of the top 100 admissions sites in the country. It was rated in the 15th annual My College Options Enrollment Power Index.
The college options planning program rated the sites of nearly 3,000 college and universities, grading them on such factors as functionality, design and technology. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
ATLANTA
FTC settles phone ‘cramming’ case
The operators of Atlanta-based Wise Media and a marketing firm recently agreed to more than $11 million in settlements with the Federal Trade Commission over allegations they “crammed” charges on consumers’ cell phones without their consent.
Wise Media and its CEO, Brian Buckley, agreed to a judgment of $10.9 million, which is partially suspended due to their inability to pay in full, the FTC said. Concrete Marketing Research and its owner, Winston Deloney, agreed to pay $175,817, the FTC said.
The parties are banned from placing any charges on consumers’ telephone bills and prohibited from using any other method to charge consumers for goods and services without making sure the consumers know about the purchase terms and have agreed to be charged for them, the FTC said. Bill Rankin
Ex-Social Security employee sent to prison
A former claims representative with the Social Security Administration has been sentenced to 366 days in federal prison for an extortion scheme.
Cordell Fleming, 47, was also sentenced to 120 hours of community service.
From October 2012 to April 2013, Fleming extorted or attempted to extort money, ranging from about $500 to $1,800, from at least nine disabled, elderly and indigent SSI recipients or their representatives in exchange for expediting their claims, U.S. Attorney Sally Yates said. Bill Rankin
Superintendent candidates reviewed
The group searching for Atlanta’s next schools superintendent has begun vetting about 15 candidates for the job, said Board of Education Chairman Reuben McDaniel on Monday.
Finalists would be chosen from those candidates and any others that come forward in the next couple of weeks, McDaniel said.
The Superintendent Search Committee plans to meet again Dec. 17, and the school board would narrow down candidates at a meeting soon afterward.
Mark Niesse
DEKALB
Board to revisit ‘Blue Ribbon Committee’
Decatur’s school board will again discuss a potential “Blue Ribbon Committee,” that would study student enrollment trends and other school-related growth issues, during tonight’s (Wednesday) work session. The BRC, proposed by Mayor Jim Baskett last August, was initially rejected by the Board. But it became the primary topic during a Nov. 22 joint meeting between the board and city commission, with the board agreeing to revisit the possibility. The board will give a definitive and presumably final vote on the BRC during its regular meeting next Tuesday.
Bill Banks for the AJC
Cycle for Good to help Special Olympics
The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta’s Spin Studio (at the MJCCA, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody) is taking part in Cycle for Good, an international stationary bike event raising money for a designated charity, on 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. Sunday. Participants from Jewish Community Centers across North America will be riding bikes on this one day for Cycle for Good, raising money this year for the Special Olympics, the athletic competition for the developmentally disabled. Information: DeAnne Jacobson at 678.812.4025 or deanne.jacobson@atlantajcc.org. Arlinda Smith Broady
Insurance information meeting today
Get Covered America will host a Health Insurance Marketplace informational breakfast 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. today with the South DeKalb Mall Walkers Club at Piccadilly Restaurant/South DeKalb Mall, 21 S. DeKalb Mall to discuss affordable quality health insurance options made available by the Affordable Care Act. Information: 470-955-9214 Arlinda Smith Broady
House delegation to hold town halls
State representatives from DeKalb County will host town hall meetings to get citizen input on issues at 7 p.m. today at the Porter Sanford performing arts center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, and at 6 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive.
Information: 404-697-8006.
April Hunt
Revamped pool to open in May
Despite a recent change order in construction costs, Ebster Pool will re-open as scheduled on May 1. Key changes include a thorough renovation of the bath house, reducing the pool length from 25 meters to 25 yards, widening it to eight lanes, heated water and overhead lighting.
Ebster falls under the Beacon Municipal Center redevelopment, total cost $38.3 million. The Center’s first section, the city schools’ central office, should also open by next May. The new gym and police station/courts building should open in late July.
Bill Banks for the AJC
Stone Mountain hosts home tour
The Annual Christmas Home Tour of the GFWC Stone Mountain Woman’s Club will be held 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 14. A donation of $25 provides the self-guided tour and lunch at the GFWC SMWC Clubhouse, 5513 E. Mountain St. Tickets are available at ART Station and the Old Post Office Emporium in Stone Mountain.
Information: dandewells@bellsouth.net.Arlinda Smith Broady
SOUTHSIDE
Former Atlanta mayor to receive honorary doctorate
Clayton State University will award an honorary doctorate to former Atlanta mayor Shirley Franklin during the college’s fall commencement ceremony on Saturday. Franklin will also be the keynote speaker for the noon ceremony for graduates of the University’s colleges of Arts & Sciences and Information and Mathematical Sciences. Georgia Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Jack Hill will be the keynote speaker for the 9 a.m. ceremony for business and health graduates. Both ceremonies will be held in the university’s athletics center. Tammy Joyner
Singleton to host Saturday session
Clayton County District 1 Commissioner Sonna Singleton will her monthly Second Saturday session at The Longhorn Steakhouse at 2256 Mt. Zion Parkway in Morrow on Dec. 14, beginning at 9 a.m.
Singleton began holding the community meetings as a way to give residents one-on-one access to her to talk about issues.
No appointment is needed and the session will last until everyone is heard.
Details: call 770-477-5770 or 770-210-3200.
Tammy Joyner
Steakhouse proceeds to benefit group
The Longhorn Steakhouse at 2256 Mt. Zion Parkway in Morrow will serve breakfast from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. each Saturday this month.
All proceeds during that time period will go to Grandparents Raising Grandchildren of Clayton County.
The cash-only $5 breakfast includes grits, scrambled eggs, pancakes, bacon or sausage, and coffee or soda.
Tammy Joyner
Fayetteville hosts Christmas parade
Downtown Fayetteville’s Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting begins at 5 p.m. Saturday.
The event includes free hot chocolate and popcorn as well a chance to make holiday ornaments and take carriage rides with Santa.
See www.fayetteville-ga.gov for routes and details.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Fairburn creates urban redevelopment plan
The city of Fairburn has firmed up a draft redevelopment plan, designed to revitalize several areas within the city, including the downtown area and the U.S. 29 and I-85 corridors.
The plan seeks to beef up streetscapes and residential housing downtown, revitalize commercial corridors, recruit small businesses and rehab older neighborhoods. The plan is available online at www.fairburn.com.
The City Council will consider adoption of it Dec. 9.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Fayette seeks education feedback
Parents of students in Fayette County public schools are being asked to complete the online Georgia Parent Survey, which asks brief questions about the quality of a school’s climate regarding discipline, respect and learning environment.
Information: admin.doe.k12.ga.us/gadoe/sla/gaparents.nsf/Survey.xsp by Jan. 31. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
