County by county news for Wednesday

The council is also accepting resumes to fill a vacancy on the Marietta Redevelopment Corporation board.

Applications are available online at www.mariettaga.gov or at the city clerk’s office at 205 Lawrence St. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Tree Keepers to tour historic neighborhood

The Marietta Tree Keepers’ sip ‘n stroll along Camp, Awtrey and Stewart Streets starts 5:30 p.m. Friday at 347 Camp St., Marietta. Certified aborists, foresters and landscape architects will talk about preserving trees in older neighborhoods. The event is free and open to the public. Water and light snacks will be provided. Walkers can bring their own refreshments. Information: www.mariettaga.gov/committees/treekeepers. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Marietta YELLS to host planting party

The Marietta YELLS (Youth Empowerment through Learning, Leading, and Serving) Program invites the community to a Summer Crop Planting Party and Family Field Day on Saturday.

The high school-aged mentors, or “Bigs,” have been working with their partner elementary school students, or “Littles,” to plan service projects to benefit the neighborhood.

The planting party/field day is the first spring event, and it’s from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. Families can come out for games, food and fun at the Ashton Place Community Garden at 707 Franklin Road SE in Marietta. Andria Simmons

Cleanup Day in Austell, Mableton on Saturday

The Great American Cleanup Day of Action will take place in Austell and Mableton on Saturday. Locations are Wallace Park, 6289 Pisgah Road, Mableton and, both in Austell, 4845 Mitchell Lane and 875 Six Flags Drive. Around 400 volunteers, who are at least 13, are needed by Keep Cobb Beautiful for at least a four-hour commitment. Registration and information: KCBVolunteer@cobbcounty.org or 770-528-1100. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Garrett school to celebrate 40 years

Garrett Middle School in Austell will celebrate its 40th anniversary on May 8.

A reception for the public will be in the Media Center from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The school’s entrance, at 5235 Austell-Powder Springs Road, is marked by a log cabin -- built in 1976 Information: 770-819-2466. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Georgia Ballet to hold camps, classes

Let the Georgia Ballet help keep you on your toes this summer. Call 770-528-0881 before Thursday to receive a 5 percent discount on camps and classes. Among the offerings are: pre-ballet to teach 3- and 4-year-olds good posture, rhythm and coordination; and mini-camps for youngsters 4 to 7 on ballet, tap, dance history, nutrition and fun. The Georgia Ballet is located at 1255 Field Parkway, Marietta. Nancy Badertscher

GWINNETT

Man pleads guilty in illegal tobacco ring

A man pleaded guilty Monday to participating in an illegal tobacco trafficking ring operating in Gwinnett County.

Emmanuel Joseph was sentenced to one year of house arrest and four years on probation after he pleaded guilty in Gwinnett Superior Court to possession of cigarettes with counterfeit stamps.

Judge Ronnie K. Batchelor also ordered Joseph to pay restitution of $46,276, the Georgia Attorney General’s Office announced. His sentence will be suspended when he pays restitution and returns to India. Joel Provano

Wreath ceremony cites crime victims

The Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office hosted a wreath ceremony on Monday in recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.

The speakers included District Attorney Danny Porter and Nicole Hallmark. Hallmark’s daughter, Mackenzie, was seriously injured Dec. 23, 2009, while riding in a bus with developmentally disabled adults. A car driven by Joy Wilson hit the back of the bus on I-85. Wilson pleaded guilty in November to DUI and related charges. She was sentenced to 20 years’ confinement plus 10 years’ probation. Andria Simmons

Senior Services group to hold silent auction

Friends of Gwinnett County Senior Services will host a silent auction from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at Delmar Gardens of Gwinnett, 3100 Club Drive, Lawrenceville.

The Olympic-themed event will feature food, live entertainment and various auction items.

Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door.

To donate items for the auction, sponsor the event or buy tickets, call Jennifer Thilo at 770-923-3100 or Charlene Barr at 678-377-6715. David Wickert

Police recognize citizen volunteers

Gwinnett County Police Chief Charles M. Walters last week recognized 15 citizens for their volunteer service.

The volunteers were assigned to various duties in the police department. Receiving the Presidents Volunteer Service Award were: Ron Bennett, Jerri Campli, Susan Cepero, Pete Cuttino, Richard Hally, David Hawkins, Kenny Jackson, Bruce Lindsey, Carl Moller, Robert Pritts, Eric Walker, Katrina White, Steve Bartlett, Delana Funderburk and Jaime Hanson. Andria Simmons

Tax notices in Buford contain errors

About 1,500 of 4,500 Buford households mistakenly received tax notices showing no homestead deduction.

Corrected notices are being issued, and residents will be given additional time to appeal.

Michael Alpert for the AJC

Lilburn Relay Rally is Friday

Lilburn’s eighth annual Relay Rally fundraiser, a precursor to the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, begins at 5:30 p.m. Friday at the city’s downtown City Park. The event raises more than $23,000 annually. For information, contact Pat Swan, 770-923-6550. Michael Alpert for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Roswell resident get update on new library

Roswell residents can get an update today on the new East Roswell Library, being built at the corner of Holcomb Bridge and Fouts roads. The team from KHAFRA Engineering Consultants and Holzheimer Bolek Meehan Architects will be at a progress meeting, which starts at 7 p.m. at the East Roswell Community Center, 9000 Fouts Road, Roswell. The $10.9 million library is part of a $275 million countywide construction program approved by voters, and phase 1 will build eight new libraries and expand two. Construction should begin late this year. Johnny Edwards

Meet and greet for Autrey Mill parents

Parents of rising Autrey Mill Middle School students are invited to join the Fulton Schools superintendent Thursday for a special meal that will help them get accustomed to the Johns Creek school. Autrey Mill will serve school lunch for dinner to give parents and current fifth graders a taste of junior high.

They will be joined by Superintendent Robert Avossa as they tour the building, meet staff and experience the cafeteria. Lunch costs $3.15. D. Aileen Dodd

County holds workshop on renters’ rights

Fulton County Housing and Community Development will hold a workshop in Roswell on Thursday teaching renters about their rights and responsibilities. Topics include understanding leases, security deposits, paying on time, reporting needed repairs and grounds for evictions. A Spanish translator will be there. The class runs from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Roswell Neighborhood Senior Center, 1250 Warsaw Road. For information, call 404-613-7944. Johnny Edwards

North Fulton garden fair on Saturday

The North Fulton Master Gardeners’ will hold its 9th Annual Garden Fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday on the grounds of Historic Bulloch Hall. Scarecrows and garden vendors with roses, perennials, native plants, stone pottery, birdhouses, food and more will be available. Admission is free and proceeds benefit the six community project gardens supported by the North Fulton Master Gardeners volunteer organization. Bulloch Hall is located at 180 Bulloch Ave. in Roswell. Information: http://nfmg.net/index.html. Mea Watkins

Children’s book author to speak in Cumming

Children’s book author Doraine Bennett will give an insider’s view of writing for the educational market, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. May 5 at the Hampton Park Library in Cumming. The event is free and open to the public. To attend, contact Heather Kolich at Heather.Kolich@smidgemore.com. Bob Howard

Roswell Garden Club to hold plant sale

The Roswell Garden Club will hold its second annual plant sale on the grounds of Historic Smith Plantation on May 5, from 8 a.m. to noon. Pass Along Plants, heirlooms, natives, and drought-tolerant species will be available including annuals, perennials, ground covers, seeds and plants that attract wildlife.

Information: www.roswellgardenclub.com for more information. Bob Howard

ATLANTA

Cox Conserves marks fifth anniversary

Cox Enterprises is celebrating the fifth anniversary of Cox Conserves, the company’s national sustainability program. The objective of Cox Conserves, which launched in 2007, is to reduce Cox Enterprises’ energy consumption by embracing renewable forms of energy, conserving natural resources and inspiring eco-friendly behavior.

“We’ve found that doing what’s right for the environment is also good for our business, good for our employees and good for the community,” said Cox Enterprises chairman Jim Kennedy.

Atlanta-based Cox Enterprises has operations in communications, media and automotive services. Cox Media Group includes The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Nancy Badertscher

Event to advocate vaccines for kids

The United Nations Foundation will kick off a new initiative at the Georgia Aquarium on Thursday to promote awareness of and advocate for children in developing countries who don’t have access to life-saving vaccines.

The Shot@Life campaign and its partners aim to stop 1.5 million annual preventable deaths by improving access to immunizations.

The event will include a chance for hundreds of local parents and children to learn about global vaccines in interactive ways from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

That will be followed by a panel discussion and luncheon. Misty Williams

Man found shot on I-20 dies

Homicide detectives are investigating the death of a man found wandering along I-20 with a gunshot wound early Tuesday.

Atlanta police Capt. Adam Lee III told the AJC that some “good Samaritans” picked up the victim, who was trying to flag down cars on I-20 westbound near the Fairburn Road overpass around 2 a.m.

“He said the passersby called 911 and took the man to a BP station on nearby Fulton Industrial Boulevard. The man was taken by ambulance to Grady Memorial Hospital where he died. Mike Morris

DEKALB

Clash over DeKalb TV heats up

DeKalb Commissioners voted Tuesday to hold a $75,000 cudgel over the administration, to get the communications they want.

The board agreed to move that cash out of the CEO’s administration budget to its own budget, to create a public information officer job.

The catch: the money won’t be spent until July 1 -- giving CEO Burrell Ellis a few months to settle a squabble with commissioners about airing commission committee meetings on the county’s government access channel. The $75,000 amounts to about half of the entire channel’s budget, which includes three county employees.

To view committee meetings while discussions are ongoing, visit www.dekalbboc.com. April Hunt

Man shot, found dead in apartment

DeKalb County police Tuesday were investigating the shooting of a man found dead overnight inside an apartment off Kensington Road.

The victim, a man in his 20s, was found shot in the head on the kitchen floor of a unit at the Kenridge Apartments on Kenridge Parkway, Channel 2 Action News reported.

Police have not released the man’s name or a motive for the shooting, but detectives on the scene told Channel 2 that there was no forced entry into the apartment. Mike Morris

County to host rain barrel workshop

A workshop to encourage DeKalb County residents to use rain barrels will be held Saturday at the Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve on Klondike Road near Lithonia.

The county Watershed Management department will host the event, which will help residents make their own barrels. The barrels collect rainwater to help conserve water and reduce water bills.

Cost is $30 and includes all materials needed to make a rain barrel. The workshop is limited to 15 people, with registration ending today .

Information or to register: 770-724-1456 or msoshield@dekalbcountyga.gov. April Hunt

Animal services puts on pet adoption event

DeKalb County Animal Services is trying to find loving homes for as many pets as possible during a special event this Saturday at the county shelter.

In addition to $60 adoption specials on all animals, the office also is offering $10 rabies vaccines and $25 microchipping to all current pet owners.

Animals adopted from the shelter are given all vaccines and microchips, and also are spayed or neutered.

The “Raining Cats and Dogs” event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the shelter, 845 Camp Road, just off Memorial Drive near Decatur.

Information: www.dekalbcountyanimalservices.com. April Hunt

Chamblee Run and Rotary Roll May 5

The Chamblee Run and Rotary Roll, 5K Run, and 1K Walk and Roll be May 5 at DeKalb Peachtree Airport.

Hosted by Chamblee Parks and Recreation and the North Atlanta Rotary Club, the event will start and finish at the airport, at 2000 Airport Road, Atlanta. Racing will start at 8 a.m. Early entry is $20. Race day registration, and entry after April 30 is $25.

For information: 770-986-5016. Laurie Hoffman

SOUTHSIDE

County to research needs for senior services

With its senior population surging, Fulton County wants to know what kinds of services residents want. Fulton Aging Services is trying to set strategies for the next decade. Starting today, the county and Kennesaw State University’s A.L. Burruss Institute for Public Service and Research will conduct a survey by phone, through direct mail and online. Results will be reported at a State of Seniors Symposium scheduled May 30 at the Harriett G. Darnell Senior Multipurpose Facility. Survey information: 404-613-6000 or www.fultoncountyga.gov. Johnny Edwards

Officials tour new Banneker High

Fulton County Schools leaders and elected officials on Tuesday met to tour the new replacement Banneker High School.

The 340,000 square -foot campus will open in August to students.

The new building costs $62 million including construction, furnishings and other fees, a school official said. D. Aileen Dodd

Princess & Pirates Parade to be April 28

The second annual Princess & Pirates Parade will be held on April 28 in McDonough. Participants should gather behind the Judicial Building for registration which begins at 10 a.m. The parade starts at 11:45 a.m. Serving as Mistress of Ceremonies for this year’s event is the reigning 2012 Miss Georgia Teen USA and McDonough resident Courtney Lynne Smits. Details: call program sponsor Main Street McDonough at 770-898-9868.

Tammy Joyner

Boys Scouts spruce up Peachtree City

Two Boy Scout projects are sprucing up recreation sites in Peachtree City.

Alan Bowers is refurbishing the disc golf course on Willowbend Road near City Hall by fixing the tee boxes and powder-coating the baskets. The course will be closed until May 27 to complete the project.

At the Glenloch Recreation Complex, Matt Prellberg is installing a new horshoe pit. Park users are asked to avoid the construction area until the work is complete. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Summer basketball registration under way

Team registrations for Peachtree City’s Summer Adult Basketball Leagues are now under way. The season begins June 5 with Tuesday and Thursday night games. The cost is $475 for in-county teams (those sponsored by a Fayette church or business, or with more than half of the players residing in the county) or $500 for out-of-county teams. Information, see www.peachtree-city.org/basketball. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Piedmont Henry to hold Garden Party

Piedmont Henry Hospital will host its 32nd annual Garden Party May 5 at the Holiday Inn & Suites in Stockbridge. This year’s party has a masquerade theme and include the option of two dinners: a sit-down dinner at 6:30 p.m. or an international food station at 7:30 p.m. Family Medical Center is this year’s presenting sponsor. Tickets: $125 each. Details: Adam Stanfield, 678-604-5018 or adam.stanfield@piedmondhenry.org. Tammy Joyner