COBB
Boys, 14 and 16, charged in Marietta teen’s death
Josue Chapa, 14, and 16-year-old Brandon Betancourt, both of Marietta, have been charged as adults with the weekend stabbing death of 18-year-old Marqise Carruthers of Marietta near the Cobb Community Transit terminal on South Marietta Parkway. Officers found Carruthers of Marietta, suffering from a single knife wound to the chest. He was taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, where he later died. Investigators said an earlier altercation between the victim and two juveniles at another location “ended violently near the CCT parking lot.” Anyone with information should call Det. Daniel Ohmann at 770-794-5372. Mike Morris
Marietta to hold bond project meetings
Marietta will hold two public meetings to discuss details of a proposed $68 million redevelopment bond at 7 p.m. Oct. 10 at City Hall, 205 Lawrence St. and 7 p.m., Oct. 17 at Marietta High School, 1171 Whitlock Ave. Officials will show project area maps on Whitlock Avenue and Franklin Road and conceptual drawings which are also available online. Residents will vote on the bond Nov. 5. Information: www.mariettga.gov.
Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Church hosts Saturday race in Powder Springs
The First Baptist Church of Powder Springs will sponsor the 26th annual Springville Sprint 5K and Fun Run at 8 a.m. Saturdayat 4330 North Ave. through downtown Powder Springs as a part of the city’s 175th birthday celebration.
This charity event supports Brighton Their World ministry in Powder Springs, providing baby formula to Ethiopian orphans. Cost: $25.
Information: brightontheirworld.org, fbcps.org/index.php/ministries/recreation-ministry/springville-sprint or 770-943-9333. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Powder Springs to outfit local arts center
Around $40,000 has been approved by the Powder Springs City Council to buy furniture, fixtures and equipment for the new Cultural Arts Center at the Coach George E. Ford Center and Powder Springs Library, 4181 Atlanta St.
Business Furniture Services, Inc. has been awarded the contract.
A public opening ceremony is planned for 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday during the city’s 175th anniversary celebration week.
Information: 770-943-1666. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Cobb County animal adoption event planned
Cobb County Animal Control will hold an adoption event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the shelter, 1060 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta. The Adopt-a-Thon will feature special adoption rates, vendors, raffle items, food and a DJ.
Information: 770-499-4136. Mea Watkins
Church to hold college fair
A free college fair will be held at Turner Chapel AME Church, 492 N. Marietta Parkway, Marietta, noon to 3 p.m. Oct. 26. A pre-college fair workshop about making the right choices will be held 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Representatives from dozens of colleges including Harvard, Howard and Tuskegee universities will be on hand.
Students and parents can learn about college admission and financial aid. Information: tcccollegefair@gmail.com.
Angela Tuck
GWINNETT
Arrest made in Gwinnett shooting death
Carlos Garcia-Viera , 39, was arrested last week in New York City in connection with the shooting death of Diego Rojo Ramirez on Aug. 17. Ramirez, 23, was reported missing around the same time that Gwinnett County police responded to a report of gunshots and screaming at an address on Buford Highway in unincorporated Doraville, police said. Ramirez’s body was found the next morning in northwest Atlanta, police said, and authorities were later able to identify him. Garcia-Viera is being held at the Anna M. Kross Correctional Center in Queens, N.Y., and is scheduled to appear before a judge on Oct. 10. Marcus K. Garner
Peachtree Corners to collect Comcast fees
The Peachtree Corners City Council approved an agreement with Comcast to collect franchise fees from the cable provider. Payments currently being made to Gwinnett County will be redirected to the city.
Cable subscribers in Peachtree Corners will not see an increase in their bills, only a line item showing the franchise fee will now be paid to the city instead of the county.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Gwinnett Tech program gains accreditation
Gwinnett Tech has achieved an important milestone in its Cardiovascular Technology program, earning its initial accreditation with the largest accrediting organization in the health sciences field.
The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs announced Sept. 20 it would award Gwinnett Tech’s Cardiovascular Technology associate degree program with initial accreditation.
GTC launched the program a year and a half ago, accepting its first students in Spring Semester 2012. The program graduated its first class of students in July 2013.
There are currently 25 students enrolled in the program, which is part of Gwinnett Tech’s Imaging Sciences program. Info: www.GwinnettTech.edu or 770-962-7580.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Poll workers sought for November election
Gwinnett needs an additional 100 detail-oriented individuals to join the approximately 3,000 Gwinnett residents who will be working as poll officials during the upcoming November 5 special election.
Requirements for poll officials include completing an online training program and remaining at your assigned poll location from 6 a.m. until election-related duties are completed on Election Day.
Information: www.gwinnettcounty.com/employment for a list of qualifications, job descriptions, and salaries for each position.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Essay contest on Sugar Hill life now and then
The City of Sugar Hill 75th Anniversary Committee is seeking submissions of original essays about “Life in Sugar Hill Today (2014)” and “What I Think Life in Sugar Hill Will Be in 2089.”
Top winners will be placed in as part of the anniversary celebration. Submission deadline is Nov. 29 to city hall, attention Don Kelemen. Information: 770-945-6716 dkelemen@cityofsugarhill.com at www.cityofsugarhill.com.
Nancy Badertscher
NORTHSIDE
Body found in Chattahoochee River
Two paddlers on the Chattahoochee River found a body Monday afternoon in north Fulton County.
The body was pulled from the water in the area of McGinnis Ferry. Investigators believe the body is that of a black male.
It was not immediately known if foul play was involved or if anyone had been reported missing in the area.
The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct an autopsy on the body. Ben Gray and Alexis Stevens
Forsyth STEM program wins award
The Technology Association of Georgia and the TAG Education Collaborative have named Forsyth County Central High School’s STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) Academy the top such high school program in Georgia.
The 2013 Georgia High School STEM Awards are in their second year.
The Forsyth Central program debuted in the fall of 2011 and serves about 120 students. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Forsyth to set distiller rules
The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners holds a public hearing on an amendment to its alcohol ordinance at 5 p.m. Thursday at The Forsyth County Administration Building, 110 E. Main St., Cumming.
The proposal sets up county licensing requirements for distilled spirits producers, who will only be allowed to sell to wholesalers.
It also sets a $1000 annual licensing fee.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Forsyth to consider fee for county rec centers
The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners has set a public hearing on proposed imposition of recreation center fees for 5 p.m. Oct. 3 at the Forsyth County Administration Building, 110 E. Main St., Cumming. Forsyth residents would pay $10 first year, $5 the next, non-residents $120, visitors $5.
It’s being called a security measure, as paid member badges would allow staff to know who’s using the facilities.
Information: forsythco.com
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Electronics recycling event set in Cherokee
Cherokee County, Reworx and Waste Management are teaming up for an electronics recycling day from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 12 at the Cherokee Administration Building, 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton.
Many items will be accepted for free, but there’s a $5 charge for CRT monitors and $10 for televisions.
For a complete list: Cherokeega.com
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Alpharetta library hosts exhibit by local artists
The Alpharetta Library Branch will host the Alpha Arts Guild Art Exhibit at the library, 238 Canton St., Alpharetta, daily during library hours through the end of the year.
The display features artwork in a variety of styles and mediums by members of the Alpha Arts Guild, an organization for North Fulton-based artists. Information: 770-740-2425 Veronica Fields Johnson
ATLANTA
City reports correct crime stats
City officials issued a correction Monday on crime data released last week on the city’s “Weed and Seed” program. The report stated that crime was down in all four neighborhoods targeted by the federal crime-fighting program. But crime rose by 35 percent in Mechanicsville. The city also overstated the drop in crime in the other areas. Correct data shows crime fell 45 percentn English Avenue; 37 percent in Pittsburgh; and 44 percent in Vine City by 44 percent. Katie Leslie
Ambulance involved in crash in SE Atlanta
A Mercedes struck an ambulance, causing the ambulance to land on it side — on top of a pick-up truck at Memorial Drive and Wyman Street, Monday afternoon.
Despite the sights and sounds of the crash, no one was injured, according to the Atlanta fire department.
The driver of the pick-up truck was temporarily trapped in the vehicle, but was freed. The ambulance was not transporting patients at the time of the crash. Alexis Stevens
Superintendent search update planned
The Atlanta Board of Education plans to discuss the school system’s policies, budget and superintendent search. A meeting on Thursday will provide an update on the effort to find a leader to replace Superintendent Erroll Davis. Mark Niesse
Walk planned to benefit NF research
The Atlanta NF Walk will be Sunday to help raise money for Neurofibromatosis research. Participants will walk the 1.68 mile route and then be able to enjoy music, a raffle, games, food and more. The public is invited, as are on-leash dogs. It takes place at Piedmont Park, 400 Park Dr. Check-in is at 11 a.m., with the walk starting at noon. The goal is to raise funds for the Children’s Tumor Foundation. The foundation’s mission is to end neurofibromatosis through research. NF is a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body. Register: www.nfwalk.org.
Nancy Badertscher
DEKALB
State increasing speed limit on I-285
Georgia Department of Transportation recently approved increasing the speed limit on I-285 in south DeKalb.
The speed limit south of the I-20 interchange will increase to 65 miles per hour starting Nov. 1.
The speed limit north of the I-20 interchange will remain at 55 miles per hour through October 2014, when it will be increased to 65 miles per hour at certain times, based on traffic.
April Hunt
Federal grant for school police
DeKalb County won a $919,987 federal grant for ten school resource officers and law enforcement positions, according to U.S. Attorney Sally Quillian Yates in Atlanta.
The money comes from the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, which is giving nearly $45 million nationally to fund 356 new school police positions. The program provides salary and benefits for new hires for three years.
Winners were selected based on need, crime rates and community policing plans, with a focus this year on school safety programs. Ty Tagami
Chamber celebrates anniversary
The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its 10th anniversary with two events, a black-tie gala and a golf tournament.
The gala will be held from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Marriott Evergreen Conference Resort in Stone Mountain.
The golf tournament is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Stone Mountain Golf Club on Stonewall Jackson Drive.
Tickets/information: www.dekalbchamber.org.
April Hunt
DeKalb wins COPS grant
DeKalb County recently won a $919,987 grant to pay for 10 school resource officers.
The U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, or COPS, funding is focused on school safety programs for the coming year. The grant was awarded based on the county’s fiscal need, crime rate and community policing program.
April Hunt
Avondale begins new downtown master plan
Avondale Estates held its inaugural public-input meeting to begin developing a new downtown master plan, last updated in 2004.
The city has roughly 20 acres of undeveloped or under-used property in downtown, not counting several more acres in west Avondale annexed into the city last year. There remain two more meetings scheduled (Oct. 23 and Nov. 14), with hopes of having an actual plan, along with a list of priority projects, finished by February.
Cost for funding the plan is $80,000, with $64,000 coming from a Liveable Cities Initiative grant. Bill Banks for the AJC
Registration open for basketball leagues
DeKalb County parks is accepting registration through November for a winter adult basketball league at all county recreation centers.
Cost is $320 per team an eight-game season that begins in December. Participants must be 35 or older and provide their own uniforms for the league.
Information: 770-414-2113. April Hunt
SOUTHSIDE
2 escape serious injury in small plane crash
Claude Nardy was piloting a Aeronca 65, single-engine aircraft when for unknown reasons, the plane crashed around 1 p.m., according to the FAA. The crash happened about 10 miles from Thomaston in Upson County. Nardy and his passenger, Vera Allen, both of McDonough, had departed from Dog Island, Fla., and were believed to be heading home at the time the plane went down, officials said. Nardy sustained minor injuries in the crash, but Allen did not appear to be injured. The plane appeared to be a total loss. Alexis Stevens
Outdoor burning requires permits
Peachtree City is reminding residents that although the outdoor burning ban expired Oct. 1, permits are still required for disposing of yard waste. The Fire Marshal’s office will post weather conditions by 8 a.m. daily at www.ptcgovernment.org/fire/burnpermit. Permits can be obtained online or in person at Fire Station 82 at 105 N. Peachtree Parkway. Call 770-631-2526 for details.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Fayette forum to highlight candidates
Candidates running for public office in Peachtree City and Tyrone will present their positions on key issues at the Nonpartisan Candidate Forum and Straw Poll at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Fayette County Library. The free event is sponsored by local Democratic, Republican, NAACP and tea party organizations.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Fulton County seeks volunteer tutors
Fulton County’s Kinship Care Program is seeking qualified volunteer tutors to provide weekly homework assistance for elementary, middle and high school students enrolled in the program from 3:30 to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays at the East Point Library, 2757 Main St., East Point. The targeted academic subjects will be math, science and reading and tutors can utilize library resources to provide further assistance. All volunteers must consent to a background check. Information: Velma Hooker-Green at 404-612-9034 or velma.hooker-green@fultoncountyga.gov or Danee Williams at 404-612-0765 or danee.williams@fultoncountyga.gov. Veronica Fields Johnson
Henry offers fall break camp Oct. 7-11
Henry Parks and Recreation is offering a Fall Break Camp 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m Oct. 7-11 at the Fairview Recreation Center, Heritage Park in McDonough, the J. P. Moseley Recreation Center in Stockbridge, the Locust Grove Recreation Center and Nash Farm Park in Hampton for ages 6-12.
The cost is $100. Registration begins Monday and will 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays or register online at www.hcprd.org. Monroe Roark for the AJC
Fire department kicks off cancer fundraiser
The Union City Fire Department is selling T-shirts in support of breast cancer awareness and education. Funds go to the Canton-based Georgia Breast Cancer Coalition. Price: $13 or $15. Information: demoore@unioncityga.org
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
