COBB
Marietta moves to thwart Square fountain thieves
A new shut-off valve in a hard to find place should make it harder for thieves to tamper with the fountain on the Marietta Square. A city worker last Wednesday found the fountain drained and about $10 in coins missing. Marietta Parks and Recreation Director Rich Buss said it could have been a prank or someone needing money. He said the city cleans the fountain about eight times a year depositing tossed coins into the general fund. The fountain has been drained and money taken three times this year which is an increase from previous years, Buss said. The fountain was refilled on Friday. Tucker McQueen for thE AJC
Church hosts patriotic concert Sunday
Residents are invited to “We Will Never Forget” patriotic concert and celebration on Sunday at Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church in Marietta.
The event will feature 89-year-old WW II Army infantry veteran Robert Turpin as the guest speaker, along with several musical tributes.
In commemoration of the 10th anniversary of 9/11, six firefighters from New York City’s Fire Department will attend as guests, and share their involvement in the tragedy’s aftermath
The event begins at 6 p.m. at the church, 4385 Lower Roswell Road in Marietta.
Information: 770- 971-2880 Janel Davis
Acworth Farmer’s Market opens Friday
The Acworth Farmer’s Market opens 7 to 11 a.m. Friday on Main Street in downtown Acworth next to the railroad tracks. The market will sell Georgia home grown vegetables, bedding plants, baked goods and jam Fridays through Oct, 28. The market is sponsored by the Acworth Downtown Development Authority. Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Powder Springs Legion to hold ceremony
The Powder Springs American Legion Post 294 will hold its annual Memorial Day Ceremony at noon Monday at the Powder Springs Veterans Memorial. Built in 2001, the memorial is in front of the Powder Springs Public Library, 4181 Atlanta St. Information: Hollner, 770-944-0801; commander294@bellsouth.net. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
TV, film writer to speak at luncheon
The Cobb County Library Foundation will host Jeffrey Stepakoff, veteran Hollywood television and film writer, for the “Booked for Lunch” monthly series on Friday.
Stepakoff was raised in Atlanta, and has written for several television shows including “The Wonder Years.”
The event begins at 11:30 a.m. at the Marietta Country Club in Kennesaw. Tickets: $25 and include lunch. Information: http://www.cobbcat.org/foundation Janel Davis
Benefit concert for toddler today
The “For the Love of Leland” benefit concert to help three-year-old Leland Erickson is today in Kennesaw. The concert will help pay for $20,000 immune system treatments for Leland, of Marietta, who has leukemia. The benefit begins at 5:45 p.m. at Legacy Park Outdoor Bandstand, 4201 Legacy Park Circle in Kennesaw, and includes dinner, a live concert by Yacht Rock and silent auction. Tickets: $15-$20 Information: http://www.loveofleland.com Janel Davis
GWINNETT
Economic indicators take a dip in Gwinnett
The Gwinnett County Index of Leading Economic Indicators fell 2.1 percent in March as single-family building permits and consumer expectations fell. Single-family permits fell nearly 12 percent during March and were down more than 27 percent from the same month a year ago, according to a new report. Consumer attitudes about future economic conditions fell 14.6 percent in March and were 4.8 percent lower than March 2010. The index, prepared by the county’s economic analysis division, is designed to forecast Gwinnett’s economic performance six to nine months in advance. David Wickert
Woman charged in fatal Norcross crash
A 47-year-old woman has been charged in a wreck on Jimmy Carter Boulevard that killed a 59-year-old Norcross woman on April 23. Gwinnett County police said Tuesday that Ica Danci was arrested Saturday on several charges, including vehicular homicide, DUI, three counts of hit and run, reckless driving and driving on the wrong side of the road.
Danci’s Jeep Cherokee slammed head on into Van Le’s 2010 Versa and then flipped over a third car. Danci was thrown from her car. Rhonda Cook
Snellville police look for pickpocket suspects
Snellville Police are asking the public’s help identifying suspects who pick-pocketed a woman at JoAnn Fabrics & Crafts store and used her credit cards to buy $3,671 worth of merchandise elsewhere.
Investigators say the male suspect distracted a woman at the store on March 16, while a female accomplice plucked the woman’s wallet from her purse.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Snellville Police Detective P. Sullivan at 770-985-7215. Andria Simmons
Movies under stars begins Saturday
The Mall of Georgia on announced its 2011 “Movies Under The Stars” Series Schedule.
Families can enjoy the free weekly movies on a 42-foot screen at The Village Amphitheater every Saturday beginning May 28 through July 30. May 28 is “Despicable Me,” June 4 is “Nanny McPhee Returns,” June 11 is “Mega Mind,” June 18 is “Peter Pan.” For a full list of movies, call 678-482-8788 or visit www.mallofgeorgia.com.
Andria Simmons
Gwinnett Habitat finishes Tucker project
Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity recently finished a 23-unit multifamily home project in Tucker. The work was done by more than 5,750 volunteers, plus the families who will live there. The organization also received a donation of 18,000 square feet of siding from Nichiha USA of Norcross. David Wickert
Lawn , pest management workshop June 16
Gwinnett residents can attend a lawn care and pest management workshop from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. June 16 at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center Auditorium, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville.
Those who attend can apply for a storm water utility fee credit. To register, e-mail dwrswreg@gwinnettcounty.com and include your name, address and telephone number or call 678-376-7126. David Wickert
NORTHSIDE
Roswell council buck mayor over tax cut
The Roswell City Council bucked a proposal by Mayor Jere Wood to lower the property tax levy by 2 percent, voting 4-1 Monday to keep the rate the same as last year.
Council members said they were concerned cutting revenues to the 2012 budget could put the city so far behind in maintaining its roads and equipment that residents might face bigger expenses down the road. A final reading of the budget is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday at City Hall.
Patrick Fox
Downtown Woodstock adds new businesses
Downtown Woodstock added a new concept blended businesses Monday, and other businesses are on the way.
The Copper Coin coffee shop opened in the condo building constructed by Hedgewood Properties. The business is a hybrid, with Acru, a financial services and planning business located in the same space.
Richard McLeod, Woodstock’s planning and economic development director, noted that a pizza restaurant is under construction in one of the new buildings and an Italian restaurant plans to open in one of the historic houses downtown. Christopher Quinn
Johns Creek businesses suffer with construction
Johns Creek officials are considering a plan to help long-suffering businesses along McGinnis Ferry Road who have borne the inconvenience of a road-widening project in their front yards for the past four years. Under a plan proposed at Monday’s City Council work session, city crews would mark turnoffs along the road listing the businesses accessible at those points. Patrick Fox
Dolvin students win cash for going green
Students at Dolvin Elementary School have first-hand knowledge that recycling pays. The school has claimed the $2,500 top prize in Kroger’s Earning Plus Learning contest. As part of the school’s “Go Green” recycling initiative this year, each homeroom created a scrapbook to enter in Kroger’s contest. The scrapbook pages, made of recycled goods, included tips on how to reduce, reuse and recycle. The scrapbook was then assembled and submitted by recycling committee chair Lindsay Walls. Nancy Badertscher
Students raise $3,000 for tornado victims
Students and staff at Johnston Elementary School raised $3,000 for victims of the April 27 tornado in Ringgold.
The donation will be taken by Johnson Elementary Principal Gena Hood and Student Council teacher-sponsor Ashley Watson to officials with Catoosa County Public Schools today. The money will benefit devastated schools. Christopher Quinn
Johns Creek firefighters to get new gear
J. Smith Lanier and Co. is partnering with Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company to donate $5,000 to the Johns Creek Fire Department to fund new turnout gear.
Firefighters, executives from J. Smith Lanier and the Fireman’s Fund will gather for a presentation of the grant package at noon Tuesday at Station #61 at 10265 Medlock Bridge Parkway. Andria Simmons
ATLANTA
Moe’s rallies for tornado victim
The general manager of a Tuscaloosa-based Moe’s Southwest Grill restaurant has to rebuild his life after last month’s tornadoes, and Moe’s franchises in metro Atlanta are pitching in to help. They’re hoping to raise $20,000 by donating 10 percent of their proceeds Saturday to Red Hawk Restaurant Group’s Storm Relief fund. The fund was set up to help Moe’s team member Calvin Smith who lost his home, wife and nieces in April’s devastating tornadoes. Nancy Badertscher
Grant Park pool to open with a party
The Grant Park swimming pool opens Memorial Day and it’s getting started with a party from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Atlanta City Councilwoman Carla Smith encourages arriving early to partake in free hot dogs, games and live music. She warns the event filled to capacity quickly last year. Location 625 Park Avenue. Admission $4 for adults, $2 for ages 6 to 16 and $1 for ages 5 and under. Information at www.grantparkpool.org. Steve Visser
City gets grant to repair monuments
The City of Atlanta is getting a $13,700 federal grant to repair monuments that mark the deaths of two generals during the critical Civil War battle that resulted in the burning of the city.
Union General John B. McPherson was shot in what is today East Atlanta.
Confederate General William H.T.Walker was shot leading forces across Terry’s Millpond in Kirkwood and East Atlanta.
The Battle of Atlanta Commemoration Organization discovered the monuments needed repair. It will raise an additional $9,000 for the preservation. Steve Visser
APD teams with agencies for 30 arrests
The Atlanta Police Department partnered with other police departments, state authorities and the U.S. Marshal Service on Monday and Tuesday to round up fugitives. More than 30 fugitives had been arrested by Tuesday, the APD reported. Steve Visser
DEKALB
Decatur Holiday Inn and Conference Center sold
Atlanta-based Noble Investment Group will announced today that it has purchased the Holiday Inn Decatur Hotel and Conference Center in downtown Decatur. The company plans to renovate the lodger and reflag it as a Courtyard by Marriott. The hotel has 184 rooms and suites as well as 15,000 square feet of meeting and event space in the adjoining Decatur Conference Center. Leon Stafford
Dunwoody to vote on Sunday alcohol in Nov.
Dunwoody residents will be able to vote on Sunday alcohol package sales during the municipal general election in November. The council passed a resolution that allows the question of Sunday sales to be put to voters as part of its consent agenda, Monday night. Voters will not only cast ballots for alcohol sales, but also for Post 4, Post 5 and Post 6 of the city council, as well as the office of mayor. Michelle E. Shaw
School board committee to meet today
DeKalb school board’s committee on instruction and board policy will meet at 9:30 a.m. today in the cabinet room at the district’s headquarters, 1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard, Stone Mountain.The committee will review policies related to non-certified employee complaints, harassment and acceptable Internet use, among others. Information: www.dekalb.k12.ga.us. Jaime Sarrio
Avondale Estates discusses dog park site
During a public hearing this week, Avondale Estates identified Willis Park as the “most acceptable site” for a proposed dog park. Fourteen residents commented on the park with only three opposing. Mayor Ed Rieker said, if approved, the dog park would occupy roughly one-third of the three-acre park, next to the city’s swimming pool. Rieker said the dog park will likely be constructed later this year, in conjunction with the renovation of the 80-year-old Willis Park. Bill Banks for the AJC
Dunwoody delays vote on parks master plan
The Dunwoody City Council put off voting on the master plan for parks Monday night, as the debate on the locations of baseball fields and other recreational space continues.
Much of the conversation revolves around three new sports fields proposed for Brook Run Park.
There are members of the council and residents for and against various parts of the plan. The council is expected to continue its discussion next month. Michelle E. Shaw
County adjusts fees for aquatic park
DeKalb County Commissioners have corrected a clerical error that will result in higher fees for non-county residents who buy seasonal passes to Browns Mill Aquatic Facility.
The seasonal Splash Card will cost $160, not the $90 announced earlier this month for individual passes.
The fee is $80 for residents in unincorporated DeKalb and $85 for residents in DeKalb cities.
Daily admission to the Lithonia park, which opens Saturday , ranges from $5 to $12, depending on age and if you live in the unincorporated county, a DeKalb city or outside the county. April Hunt
SOUTHSIDE
Man gets life for murder of visitor from Ohio
A Palmetto man has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of a Ohio man who had come to Atlanta to attend his father’s funeral, the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office said.
Kealy Williams, 26, of Palmetto, shot and killed Terrence Harris at a car wash in Fairburn on Nov. 13, 2008. At the time, Harris and another man were cleaning the car owned by Harris’s late father to use transporting relatives to the funeral. Williams shot Harris in the chest and stole the car, but turned himself in to police the following day, the DA’s office said. Bill Rankin
Input wanted on amphitheater logo
South Fulton residents can have a say in what the new Wolf Creek Amphitheater’s logo should look like Thursday at Commissioner William “Bill” Edwards’ second community listening session of the year. The event is at 7 p.m. in the South Fulton Government Service Center Auditorium, 5600 Stonewall Tell Road, College Park. Johnny Edwards
Henry Farmer’s Market starts Thursday
The Henry County Extension Office is sponsoring a Farmer’s Market every Thursday, beginning May 26, in the Jason T. Harper Event Center at Heritage Park in McDonough. Hours are 2-6 p.m. and it is expected to run through September. Interested vendors should call the Extension Office at 770-288-8421. Monroe Roark for the AJC
Free activities today at Fayette senior center
Older adults are invited to enjoy free activities today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Fayette Senior Services Life Enrichment Center, 4 Center Drive in Fayetteville. FSS is among the organizations taking part in National Senior Health & Fitness Day. The event includes group exercise demonstrations, mini-workshops, health screenings and assessments. Food from the FSS Ultimate Café will be available from 11:30 to 1:30. For information call 770-461-0813 or see www.fayss.org. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Fayette high seniors named Georgia Scholars
Four Fayette high school seniors have been named 2011 Georgia Scholars by the Georgia Department of Education.
Bernadette Green, Jessica Heimann and Lori Schachle from Whitewater High School and Thomas Marion from Starr’s Mill High School qualified based on their high academic achievement and participation in school activities and community service. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
College Park offices close for Memorial Day
College Park City Hall and all city offices will be closed May 30 in observance of Memorial Day. Offices will reopen May 31 at 8 a.m. The College Park police and fire departments always remain active. If there is an emergency, call 911. John Thompson for the AJC
Hapeville city offices close for the holiday
The city of Hapeville will be closed in observance Monday for Memorial Day If you have an emergency, please call 911. The non-emergency number for the police department is 404-669-2111 and the fire department is 404-669-2141. John Thompson for the AJC
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