COBB
Noonday trail opens near Town Center Mall
A $11.6 million walking and biking trail, that winds behind Town Center Mall in Kennesaw, opens after a ribbon cutting ceremony 10 a.m. today. The seven mile trail links to the Silver Comet, Noonday Creek, Mountain to River, Chattahoochee River and Cumberland trails. The project was funded by the Town Center Community Improvement District, county, state and National Park Service. The trail has five pedestrian bridges with trailheads and parking through the trail corridor. Information: www.cobbcounty.org.
Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Austell firefighters collect for MDA Friday
Austell firefighters will collect funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association from 7:30 to 9 a.m. and 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Friday at various intersections.
Fire Chief Tim Williams said Monday the city’s firefighters hope to collect $4,000 to $5,000 for their MDA boot drive, which is in its third and final week.
Information: mda.org/showofstrength, 770-944-4333, 770-944-6133 or twilliams@austell.org.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Powder Springs hosts blood drive
Powder Springs will host an American Red Cross blood drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 5 in the Municipal Court building, 4483 Pineview Drive in downtown Powder Springs.
Appointments: redcrossblood.org, enter code powdersprings.
Pre-registered donors will receive a City of Powder Springs gift bag.
Information: Powder Springs Economic Development Director Stephanie Aylworth, 770-943-1666 ext. 345.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Austell Council postpones meeting
The Austell City Council will postpone its 7 p.m. meeting Monday to 7 p.m. Sept. 8 in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 2716 Broad St. SW.
The city’s administrative offices also will be closed Monday in observance of Labor Day.
Information: austellga.gov.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Councilman to hold town hall meeting
Anthony Coleman, Marietta City Council member representing Ward 5, will host a town hall meeting 6 p.m. Thursday to talk about issues concerning the homeless in the city. The meeting will be at City Hall, 205 Lawrence St.
A Cobb grand jury on Aug.14 indicted Coleman, a four-term councilman, on a racketeering charge and making false statements about a woman’s community service time. Tucker McQueen for the AJC
FBI leader speaks to business group
FBI Atlanta Division’s new Special Agent in Charge J. Britt Johnson will speak to the South Cobb Business Association from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 3 at Presbyterian Village, 2000 East-West Connector, Austell.
A Georgia native, Johnson was appointed in March after serving as the FBI’s deputy assistant director in the Criminal Investigative Division.
Costs: $12 members online, $15 members at the door, $20 nonmembers.
Information: fbi.gov/atlanta, sc-ba.org. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
GWINNETT
DraftServ expands with plans to add 50 jobs
DraftServ Technologies announced recently the expansion of their point-of-sale beverage system operations into cruise, hospitality and sports venue industries. It will double the size of their 2,500-square-foot facility at 355 Brogdon Road in Suwanee and add 50 new positions over the next 12-24 months.. DST will be adding engineering, finance, sales and marketing positions.
Information: www.partnershipgwinnett.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Snellville begins leadership program
Snellville announces Leadership Snellville, a new leadership program offered free to Snellville area residents. Modeled after Leadership Gwinnett and Leadership Georgia, participants of Leadership Snellville will meet once a week for ten sessions to learn about topics including transportation, finance, public safety, economic development and more. Participants will be assigned weekly projects and complete a group community service project. The inaugural class includes Beverly Powers, Alisa Boykin, Michelle Munroe, Pose Staples, Connie Robinson, Rita Blake, Mack Brannon, Omotayo Aiyere, Dexter Harrison, Antonio Wallace and Crystal Moon. Information: www.snellville.org.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Be a Superhero, run in Suwanee Fest Classic
Because a portion of all race entry fees will go to Cure Childhood Cancer of Atlanta, runners in this year’s Suwanee Fest Classic are being encouraged to dress in superhero attire to honor those touched by childhood cancer. The race, a prelude to the city’s two-day Suwanee Fest, is hosted by Georgia Fitness and takes place beginning at 7:30 a.m. with a 5K run, 8:30 a.m. 10K run and 8:35 a.m. 1K fun run Saturday, Sept. 13, at Town Center Park. Information: www.suwaneefest.com.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Network in Peachtree Corners with BBQ
The Peachtree Corners Business Association will host a Business After Hours 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9 at Georgia Commerce Bank, 200 Scientific Drive in Peachtree Corners. Join others for Southern BBQ Graffiti presented by a Divine Event with specialty beer and wine compliments of Peachtree Growler. Information: www.peachtreecornersba.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Grayson Gateway construction symbolic
Construction continues on the Grayson Gateway at the intersection of Rosebud Road and Highway 20. Once completed, the project will include a passive park area with benches, sidewalks, decorative light poles, a clock tower and a sign welcoming residents and visitors. The clock tower is designed using rock at the base reminiscent of the stone used throughout the city and the ‘Rock Building,’ still a vital part of Grayson Elementary School. The brick represents new growth in Grayson and the bell symbolizes historic bells found in front of Grayson Elementary, churches and part of the City Seal.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
NORTHSIDE
Woodstock amphitheater project moving forward
The Woodstock City Council has decided to go out for bid this fall on its long-talked-about downtown amphitheater project, once engineering drawings are finalized. Parks and Recreation Director Preston Pooser says construction could begin in early 2015. The city envisions a 7,500-person capacity facility with a covered bandshell and terraced grass seating in the current Park at City Center, allowing the site to be used as a park outside of concerts and special events. The estimated cost is around $2.5 million.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Woodstock opts for slight tax cut
The Woodstock City Council Monday established the city’s 2014 millage rate, decreasing it from 7.889 to 7.250, below the revenue-neutral rollback rate of 7.26. City officials say the average tax bill should stay level, instead of showing a 1.31 percent property tax increase that city officials had forecast earlier.
Some property owners could see their tax bills jump, if they were reassessed at a higher rate than the 8.1 percent millage rate decline.Mark Woolsey
Johns Creek plans 9/11 commemoration
Johns Creek Police Chief Ed Densmore and Fire Chief Jeff Hogan will be the keynote speakers at the Rotary Club of Johns Creek-North Fulton Patriot’s Day ceremony 6:30 p.m. Sept. 11 at the Newtown Park Amphitheater, 3150 Old Alabama Road. The free event will feature patriotic music and will honor local first responders including Johns Creek police, fire and emergency medical personnel.Mark Woolsey
Dedicaton of school health track planned
A ribbon cutting is 9:30 a.m. Friday for the new health track at Woodstock Elementary School, 230 Rope Mill Road — a joint project of WellStar Health System and the Greenprints Alliance. The one-quarter-mile asphalt track fills the need for a physical testing and training facility on the campus. The public can also use the track outside of school hours. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Sandy Springs offers teen driving classes
The Sandy Springs Police Department is offering free parent/teen driving classes (ages 14-16). The two-hour class covers such topics as graduated driver licensing, teen responsibility, occupant protection and crash dynamics. The first session’s set for 6-8:15 p.m. Sept. 24 at 7840 Roswell Road, Building 300. Pre-registration is required and additional classes are set through the 2014-15 school year. More information: sandyspringsteens@gmail.com
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
AAUW bookfair in September
The 55th annual American Association of University Women Bookfair will be held during mall hours Sept. 23-28 at Perimeter Mall, 4400 Ashford Dunwoody Road NE. More than 75,000 “gently used” books in more than 50 categories will be available. The group says that proceeds from the annual sale are used to support various AAUW education initiatives in metro Atlanta, including scholarships and grants to non-profits. More information: www.bookfairaauw.org
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
ATLANTA
Buckhead restaurant, dry cleaners robbed
Smash-and-grab burglars hit two businesses in the same Buckhead shopping center just before daybreak Tuesday.
The break-ins happened around 6:15 a.m. at the Buckhead Crossing shopping center in the 2600 block of Piedmont Road.
The glass doors were shattered at the Smashburger restaurant on one end of the strip center and at the Classic Touch Cleaners on the opposite end of the center.
While it wasn’t immediately clear what was taken from Smashburger, Classic Touch owner said cash was taken from the dry cleaners’ register. Mike Morris, John Spink
Beltline opens its Gateway trail
City leaders and residents recently celebrated the opening of the Eastside Trail Gateway, the latest project to open within the Atlanta Beltline.
The Beltline aims to convert dilapidated rail lines into a 22-mile loop of parks, trails and transit. The gateway connects Historic Fourth Ward Park to the Eastside Trail, which begins near Piedmont Park.
The Atlanta Beltline Partnership funded the project — which began construction last January — with $2.6 million raised from private donors.
The project plans to break ground on its Westside Trail, a three-mile path in Southwest Atlanta soon. Katie Leslie
Leadership conference returns
The Robert K. Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership will host its 24th annual international conference Sept. 24-26 at the Sheraton Atlanta, 165 Courtland St. NE.
The non-profit, which opened an Atlanta office earlier this year, works to raise awareness about servant leadership by organizations and individuals. This will be the second year the conference has been held in Atlanta.
Keynote speakers will include Cheryl Bachelder, CEO of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, and Dave Ridley, senior vice president of Southwest Airlines.
Information: greenleaf.org/conference-pricing/.Gracie Bond Staples
DEKALB
Police train with heroin antidote
Ten Chamblee police officers have been trained to administer naloxone, a drug used to reverse the effects of heroin and other opiates.
Police departments increasingly use naloxone. Its administered as a nasal spray. Georgia officers have only been able to apply the drug since House Bill 965, known as the “911 Medical Amnesty Law.”
The Chamblee police department is using confiscated drug money for a program to train all officers on the drug.
Adrianne Murchison for the AJC
Avondale to consider tree ordinance
Avondale Estates mayor pro tem Terry Giager said the city is “looking into” a possible new tree ordinance after several residents recently complained about developers’ clear cutting, particularly on Lakeshore Drive. The city, which has a commercial tree ordinance but none covering residential property, produced a 30-page revision in 2007, ultimately rejected because of too many restrictions on residents. Bill Banks for the AJC
Panel discusses rights, police encounters
DeKalb Lawyers Association will host a panel discussion on “Knowing Your Rights During a Police Encounter” 7 p.m. Thursday at Thankful Missionary Baptist Church, 830 W. College Ave, Decatur.
The event is held at the request of the National Bar Association, a network of 60,000 minority attorneys and judges.
The discussion will be streamed live on www.davisbozeman.com. Information: 404-244-2004.
Adrianne Murchison for the AJC
Forum addresses business standards
A community forum to establish a “bill of standards” that will help attract new and diverse businesses to South DeKalb will be held 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Lou Walker Service Center, 2538 Panola Road, Lithonia.
Interactive discussion will address community questions, concerns and expectations of commercial businesses.
Information: SDIAinc@gmail.com.
Adrianne Murchison for the AJC
Decatur police prepare to move into new digs
Deputy city manager Hugh Saxon said Decatur’s police department begins moving into its new building at the Beacon Municipal Complex next week, followed shortly thereafter by the Municipal Court and 911 Center.
The two-story structure is the first space designed for the police since the original City Hall opened in the 1920s.
Previously the department spent over 30 years in the western wing of the old Trinity High School. Bill Banks for the AJC
Annexation revote set for Clarkston areas
A re-vote on annexation of areas around Clarkston is set for Nov. 4. Annexation was on the ballot in a special election last May when nine of 14 voters opposed it in precinct A, and 70 voters were evenly split in precinct B.
Annexation would build Clarkston’s economic viability and broaden its tax base, explained City Manager Keith Barker. The population could increase from 7,500 to 20,000.
Clarkston took DeKalb County to state court to win a re-vote opportunity.
Adrianne Murchison for the AJC
SOUTHSIDE
Forest Park man’s death investigated as homicide
Forest Park police are investigating the weekend death of a 68-year-old man as a homicide. Police Tuesday identified the body found behind a vacant Puckett Street building around 4:30 p.m. Saturday as Alfred Watson of Forest Park.
While investigators are awaiting autopsy results to determine the cause and manner of Watson’s death, Forest Park police Maj. Chris Matson said in an email that his body “did show signs of trauma.” Matson asked that anyone with information on Watson’s death call Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477. Mike Morris
Henry, Hampton reach inspection agreement
The Henry County Board of Commissioners approved a request for an intergovernmental agreement between the county and the city of Hampton for commercial building inspection services. The county’s building department, which already provides the service in unincorporated areas, will do so in Hampton and the city will pay $50 per inspection during the six-month term of the agreement, which can be renewed automatically. Information: www.henrycounty-ga.org.
Monroe Roark for the AJC
Eight graduate from Henry drug court
Henry County’s DUI/Drug Accountability Court graduated eight participants last week. The year-long program, presided over by State Court Judge Ernest Blount, is made up of five phases and requires community service, random drug tests, home visits by the Sheriff’s Department for alcohol testing and to enforce curfews, in addition to weekly court sessions. A total of 88 participants have graduated since its inception. Information: www.henrycounty-ga.org.
Monroe Roark for the AJC
Mobile career lab coming to Fayette
The Atlanta Regional Workforce Board’s Mobile Career Resource Center will visit 9 a.m. until noon Tuesday at the Clayton library, 420 Valley Hill Road in Riverdale and 1:30 to 4 p.m. Tuesday at the Fayette branch, 1821 Heritage Park Way in Fayetteville. The Mobile Career Lab provides job seekers a 13-station computer lab, a private interview area, printer, scanner, and copy services. Individuals will have assistance with on-line job search, resume and cover letter development, on-line tutorials and individual assessments and exploration of training eligibility and options.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
WASA applications extended
The application deadline has been extended for a volunteer position open on the Peachtree City Water & Sewerage Authority board. Applicants for the five-year term now have until 5 p.m. on Sept. 12 to submit their paperwork. Details about the position are available at www.peachtree-city.org/jobs.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Libraries closing for maintenance
The Peachtree City Library will close at 6 p.m. Thursday and remain closed through Friday due to hardware replacement on the PINES server. All PINES services, including remote access, will be unavailable. The Fayette County Library will also be closed on Friday. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
