COBB
Smyrna changes Belmont Hills TAD agreement
The Smyrna City Council agreed to amend a 2008 tax allocation district agreement for the redevelopment of Belmont Hills, a former shopping center at Atlanta and Windy Hills Road. Cobb County will have to approve the change. Developer Halpern Enterprises asked for the agreemen to reflect the smaller scope of the project than planned five years ago and the sale of 20 acres on the site for the new Smyrna Elementary School. The council approved decreasing the TAD reimbursement from $23.5 million to $12 million and extending the completion date to 2021. Residential construction should start in 2014. Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Registration open for Mableton classes
Registration is open for winter classes at the Mable House Arts Center, 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton.
Activities for adults include pottery classes and workshops, jewelry making, photography and drawing. Youth classes involve performance, theater, music, painting, drawing and pottery.
Registration: 770-819-3285.
Information: mablehouse.org. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Kennesaw names person of the year
The Kennesaw Business Association has named city council member Chris Welsh person of the year. Welsh, a chiropractor,was recognized for her work with Kennesaw’s Fit City Initiative and Kilometer Kids programs and the business association where she has served on the board of directors. Welsh is a former chair of the Kennesaw Development Authority. Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Input wanted for shopping center
Cobb District 4 Commissioner Lisa Cupid is requesting suggestions for possible businesses for the unfinished shopping center at Anderson Farm and Powder Springs Roads across from Walmart and RaceTrac.
Contact: lisa.cupid@cobbcounty.org. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Austell Museum looking for annuals
The new Austell Museum is in need of school annuals for Austell Elementary School, Garrett Middle School and South Cobb High School for any years.
They may be donated at the city’s Threadmill Complex, 5000 Austell Powder Springs Road, first floor, central lobby at the museum or the Austell Community Affairs Department.
The museum is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment only on Saturday and Sunday.
Appointments: Community Affairs, 770-944-4309 for forwarding to Curator Bill Johnson. 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
GWINNETT
Interchange construction requiries lane closures
Construction continues on the diverging diamond at Jimmy Carter Blvd. and Interstate 85 with lane closures this week for one left lane on Jimmy Carter eastbound between Crescent Drive and the I-85 southbound ramp, as well as one left lane on Jimmy Carter westbound between Oakbrook Parkway and Goshen Springs.
Assuming weather conditions remain favorable, these lanes should be reopened by Friday. Info: www.gwinnettddi.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Peachtree Corners business leaders meet
The Peachtree Corners Business Association will hold a 2014 New Year Kick-Off Meeting 7:30 to 9 a.m. Friday, January 10 at the Peachtree Corners Hilton.
Keynote speaker will be Dr. Dan Kauffman, President and CEO of Gwinnett Chamber.
Advanced registration required at www.peachtreecornersba.com. Email: membership@peachtreecornersba.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Reserving books at library on hold
The Gwinnett County Public Library system is implementing a new customer-friendly online catalog to debut Jan. 15.
Because of the transition, Monday will be the last day to place new hold requests in the existing catalog.
Hold requests will become available again when the new Polaris catalog launches.
Information: www.gwinnettpl.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Peachtree Corners offers business guide
Peachtree Corners offers a guide to licensing, permitting and other information for businesses interested in locating in the city.
Information: www.cityofpeachtreecornersga.com to print the guide. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Fire, EMS collecting heaters for seniors
Gwinnett County Department of Fire and Emergency Services is accepting new portable electric heaters for seniors to be distributed through Project AWARE.
Drop off donations at fire stations until Feb. 28.
Monetary donations should be sent to Friends of Gwinnett County Senior Services, P.O. Box 1680, Lawrenceville, GA 30046.
Information: 678-377-4150. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Animal shelter accepts goods for food banks
The Gwinnett animal shelter is collecting canned goods for local food banks through Dec. 31 by offering a $10 voucher for shelter fees for a five-item donation of such goods as peanut butter, dry beans, pasta, rice, cereal, toilet paper, diapers, soap, shampoo, deodorant and detergent.
Drop off donations to Gwinnett’s Animal Welfare and Enforcement Center, 884 Winder Highway in Lawrenceville.
Information: 770-339-3200 or www.gwinnettanimalcontrol.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
NORTHSIDE
Lockdown lifted at two Cherokee schools
Two Cherokee County schools were briefly put on lockdown Tuesday morning following an armed robbery in neighboring Cobb County, Channel 2 Action News reported.
The robbery took place at a home on Doubletree Road near Acworth, according to a Cobb police spokesman.
Channel 2 reported that four suspects were taken into custody and that a fifth was being sought.
The lockdown at Clark Creek and Oak Grove elementary school was lifted around 10:30 a.m. Mike Morris
Schools upgrade communications
The Cherokee County School District Police Department says it’s finished a major expansion of the district’s two-way radio communications network. The upgrades include new UHF band frequencies, a digital radio system improving coverage and facilitating communication with other public safety agencies, an improved bus driver radio setup and digital hand-held radios. Officials say as a result, CCSD buildings now have almost 96% radio coverage. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Holly Springs denies gas station proposal
The Holly Springs City Council voted 3-0 Monday night, with two members absent, to deny a controversial annexation/rezoning proposal. Developer Jim Rollins sought approval for a gas station/convenience store on Hickory Flat Highway, across from the Harmony on the Lakes community. Nearby residents opposed it because of concerns about its appearance, traffic and crime, even though Rollins had downsized plans slightly. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Early voting set for special election
Early voting for the Jan. 7 special election to fill the vacancy in Ga. House District 22, and will run through Jan. 3. Voting through Friday will be 8:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. at the Cherokee County Elections Office, 400 E. Main St., Canton and 8 a.m. to 4:40: p.m. at the Forsyth County Administration Building, 110 E. Main Street, Cumming. Voting is also set for the next two weeks. The election is to fill the seat of Rep. Calvin Hill, who died in October. Information: voter.cherokeega.com or forsythco.com. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Alpharetta library hosts exhibit by local artists
The Alpharetta Library Branch hosts 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 media by members of the Alpha Arts Guild, an organization for North Fulton-based artists.
Information: 770-740-2425 Veronica Fields Johnson
Woodstock Trolley will run this month
The Downtown Woodstock Trolley will connect residents and shoppers with businesses, restaurants and attractions.
The free-to-ride trolley will operate through this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with additional hours Monday and Tuesday. Information: whatsupwoodstock.com Mark Woolsey for the AJC
ATLANTA
Police: Teacher knocked unconscious at Carver
Three students were charged after a teacher was knocked unconscious Monday at an Atlanta high school.
The incident happened at the New Schools at Carver, Channel 2 Action News reported.
During class, several students started turning the lights on and off and throwing things, Atlanta police spokesman Officer John Chafee said. The teacher was hit in the head and knocked out. He was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital for treatment. No information was available on his condition.
Three students were charged with reckless conduct, Chafee said. Angel K. Brooks
Academy competes for science lab
KIPP STRIVE Academy, a charter school in Atlanta’s West End neighborhood, is one of five finalists in a contest that could give the school a new science lab.
The $25,000 prize would be used to add moveable lab stations, lab stools, sinks, electrical outlets, glassware and microscope to the science lab, which currently is equipped with lab tables, plastic spoons and plastic storage tubs.
The prize, through FedEx, will be awarded to the school that gets the most votes by Dec. 23 through blog.van.fedex.com/countlesspossibilities. Mark Niesse
Senior center hosts holiday celebration
The Helene S. Mills Senior Multipurpose Facility, 515 John Wesley Dobbs Ave., SE will hold a Holiday Celebration from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday. The evening will include food, music and dancing.Information: 404-523-3353. Arlinda Smith Broady
Israeli ambassador to deliver public speech
Israeli Ambassador Ron Dermer will speak at the annual Eizenstat Memorial Lecture 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Ahavath Achim Synagogue, 600 Peachtree Battle Ave.
Free and open to the public.
Registration: eizenstatlecture@aasynagogue.org.
Information: 404-355-5222 or AASynagogue.org Arlinda Smith Broady
SOUTHSIDE
1 killed, another badly injured in Henry wreck
One person was killed and another badly hurt in a late-morning wreck on I-75 in Henry County, authorities said.
The crash happened before 11:30 a.m. Tuesday on I-75 southbound just south of Jodeco Road, according to Henry County police Sgt. Joey Smith.
Smith said two people were ejected in the single-vehicle crash. One was deceased and the other was being flown to an area hospital, he said. Mike Morris
Clayton Water Authority to raise rates
Residential and commercial users of Clayton County Water Authority will ring in the new year with higher rates.
All users will see a 5 percent hike in water and sewer base rates and a 5 percent increase in usage charges beginning Jan. 1.
The new rates will be reflected in February’s bill.
The increase means a $2.21 increase to the water and sewer bill of the average customer who uses about 4,000 gallons a month. Tammy Joyner
Fayette partially restores teacher pay
Fayette County teachers and staff who were furloughed for two days this school year will have part of their pay reinstated as of February.
The Board of Education voted unanimously Monday to amend this year’s budget and allocate $1.2 million of its projected $21 million fund balance to restoring the furlough pay for the second half of the year. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Fayette adopts 2014-16 school calendar
The Fayette County Board of Education essentially split the difference between two draft calendars to come up with a two-year school schedule on Monday. The 2014-15 school year will begin on Aug. 7 and end May 22. The calendar includes a four-day weekend for students in October but shortens the February break. The same general format will remain for 2015-16 as well. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Piedmont Hospital offering scholarship
The Piedmont Fayette Hospital Auxiliary is accepting applications for the Elizabeth Wilmot Bull Memorial Scholarship until Jan. 20.
The merit-based award is open to students enrolled in a medical- or health-related field of study (except pre-med or pre-nursing) at an accredited Georgia college or university.
Information: 770-719-7098. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Steakhouse proceeds to benefit group
The Longhorn Steakhouse at 2256 Mt. Zion Parkway in Morrow will serve breakfast from 9 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
