County by county news for Wednesday

The company has been honored seven previous times as a Top 25 Business in Cobb. In May, Steve Puckett, the company’s president, also was awarded the Dennis Lockridge EMS Pioneer of the Year by Georgia Region III Emergency Medical Services.

Puckett EMS has offices at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and in Chattanooga as well as Austell. Information: puckettems.com/news.html. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Cobb EMC to hold town hall

Cobb EMC will hold a town hall meeting 6:30 to 8:30 p.m June 24, in the community room at 1000 EMC Parkway, Marietta.

The event will provide customers an opportunity to interact with leadership and to get an an update on board activity.

Information: 678-355-3090 or www.cobbemc.com/townhall. Jaime Sarrio

Juneteenth celebration in Marietta

The Cobb NAACP and the city of Marietta will host a Juneteenth celebration 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday on the Marietta square.

The event will include food, family activities, music and history.

There will also be a free jazz concert in the square on 7 to 11 p.m. Friday.

Juneteenth, or June 19, 1865, is celebrated as the date the last slaves in America were freed.

Questions: Cobb NAACP, 770-425-5757. Hannah Morgan

Kennesaw opens three biking, walking trails

Kennesaw has opened three biking and walking trails to connect to downtown.

The new trails start at First Baptist Church on North Main Street and link to Whispering Lake and Matlock trails off of Moon Station Road.

The city has received $301,000 from Georgia Department of Natural Resources grants to help build five trails since 2006.

The community trail system will end at Jiles Road. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Hopkins Road bridge replacement underway

The bridge on Hopkins Road over Wildhorse Creek in Powder Springs will be replaced, resulting in a two-month closure.

Detour routes will be provided for the construction by Powder Springs and Cobb County.

The west sidewalks will extend to the Silver Comet Trail. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Powder Springs wards ready for comment

Powder Springs residents may review, copy and submit comments about the city’s submission to the U.S. Justice Department of its proposed line changes for three City Council wards.

Through Georgia House Bill 633, the plan seeks to equalize the population numbers among the city’s wards based upon the 2010 U.S. Census in advance of the Nov. 5 elections. The plan is available in the office of City Clerk Dawn Davis, Powder Springs City Hall, 4484 Marietta St.

Information: City Hall, 770-943-1666. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

GWINNETT

Norcross planning to install sidewalks

Thanks to a Gwinnett County Community Development Block Grant, Norcross is planning to install about a mile of 5-foot-wide sidewalks along Mitchell Road from Brook Hollow Parkway to Norcross Cooperative Ministry, 2275 Mitchell Road. The sidewalks supplement recent landscaping of the intersection of Mitchell and Brook Hollow by the city and the Gwinnett Village Community Improvement District. Information: 770-448-2122. Michael Alpert for the AJC

Lilburn celebrates Independence Day

The City of Lilburn celebrates Independence Day with Sparkle in the Park. This family event will include music, food, and fireworks.

A1A, a Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show, will perform in Lilburn City Park. Kids’ activities and air-conditioned shuttles are provided. Concessions will be available. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy the show.

The event takes place 4-10 p.m. July 4 at Lilburn City Park, 76 Main St. Information: www.cityoflilburn.com. Staff

Norcross seniors losing utility discount

Norcross residents receiving senior citizen discounts on their city water and sewer bill will no longer receive one, now that billing for the utility has transferred to Gwinnett County to utilize its economy of scale. Per an agreement last month, the county replaced meters and last week took over billing and customer service for Norcross residents. Information: 678-421-2027. Michael Alpert for the AJC

Drug disposal box in police department

Lilburn has installed a white drug disposal box at its police headquarters lobby, 76 Main St., for disposal of prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

Welcome items include pills, ointments, lotions, autoinjectors, inhalers and veterinary medications. Prohibited items include needles, biohazardous materials and illegal drugs.

Information: 770-921-2210. Michael Alpert for the AJC

Pedestrian safety projects approved

Gwinnett has approved construction of sidewalks and bus shelter pads along Buford Highway from Simpson Circle to Duluth Industrial Way with pedestrian traffic signals and crosswalks at the Simpson Circle intersection.

Also, a sidewalk will be built on Oakland Park Boulevard between U.S. 78 and the Gwinnett County Transit Park and Ride facility on Hewatt Road .

The projects cost $624,142, with 95 percent paid by the Federal Transit Administration and the rest by local transit funds.

A third project is a sidewalk along Cruse Road between Sugarloaf Parkway and Old Norcross Road with signals and crosswalks at Sugarloaf Parkway.

This $532,000 SPLOST-funded contract will also build sidewalks on Beaver Ruin Road from Rockborough Trail to Bailey Drive and on Peachtree Parkway/State Route 141 from Holcomb Bridge Road to Woodhill Drive.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Motorcyclist killed in Forsyth crash

A Cumming man was killed Tuesday when the motorcycle he was operating struck another vehicle head-on in Forsyth County.

Charles Griffin Hall was westbound on Ga. 369 when his 2007 Kawasaki crossed into the eastbound lane, hitting a 2000 Mazda head-on, Forsyth sheriff’s spokeswoman Kathleen Chalker said in an e-mail.

Hall, 23, died at the scene of the 12:30 a.m. wreck.

The Mazda driver, Justin Timothy Harless, 28, of Gainesville, was treated for minor injuries. Mike Morris

Cherokee schools feed children this summer

The Cherokee County School District is providing meals at no cost to kids during the summer break through the USDA Seamless Summer Feeding Program.

Any child younger than 18 can get breakfast and/or lunch at any of eight school-district-operated locations; there is no income or registration requirement.

Information: 770-721-8421. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Woodstock sets fees, dates for qualifying

The Woodstock City Council Monday night approved qualifying fees for the Nov. 5 municipal election.

Residents wishing to run for the ward 1,3, or 5 council seats will need to fork over $270, with mayoral candidates paying $360.

Qualifying for those wishing to run for mayor or one of the 3 open council seats is set for Aug. 26-28 at the city clerk’s office at the Woodstock Annex, 12453 Ga. 92. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Assessment notices to go out later this month

The Fulton County assessors office will mail about 345,000 assessment notices June 15, telling property owners their tax values and how much they can expect to pay.

The notices start the clock on the 45-day appeal deadline.

They’re going out a month later than last year.

Chief Appraiser David Fitzgibbon cited staff vacancies and a need for quality control and editing.

Two years ago the office sent overblown estimates to about 136,000 Atlanta property owners. Johnny Edwards

Holly Springs seeks park name suggestions

The city of Holly Springs is asking for citizen input on the naming of a planned 33-acre park. The City Council decided recently to accept citizen input until July 31. The so-called passive park on Hickory Road is tentatively set for an early summer, 2014 completion.

To make suggestions: jstanley@hollyspringsga.us or 770-345-5536. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Waleska revises beer and wine ordinance

The Waleska City Council Monday night approved an ordinance allowing beer and wine sales in restaurants for the first time. Mayor Doris Jones said the original proposal passed earlier this year needed language to specify that beer and wine can’t be served outside of the building, and cleans up verbiage in the original ordinance. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

Cops: Duo shops for candy, robs store

Atlanta police say a duo took more than $1,300 from a CVS in the 800 block of Ralph David Abernathy around 6:20 Friday morning. They headed to candy aisle, then approached the front counter. One tried to distract another shopper and the other placed his backpack on the counter and demanded money. The employee told police the suspects took about $1,368.

Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477. Alexis Stevens

School board rejects three school applicants

The Atlanta School board Monday rejected three charter school applications: NEXUS Academy of Atlanta, Georgia Family Academy Charter School, and Greater Change Performing Arts Academy. The applications lacked education, facility and financial plans; leadership capacity, and community support. Two other applications were returned without consideration because they were incomplete. The board is still considering applications from Hinds Feet Montessori School of the Arts, and Atlanta Classical Academy. Jeffry Scott

Hot dog eating contest this weekend

A qualifier for Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4 in Coney Island, N.Y., is 1 p.m. Saturday at Cypress Street Pint and Plate, 817 West Peachtree, Suite E-125. Competitors must be at least 18 and must register in advance. Information: www.ifoce.com. Jennifer Brett

Community resource training Friday

The Fulton County Health & Wellness, Division of Health Promotion, Health Promotion Action Coalition hosts a free Community Resource Champion training session 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday at the Villages at Carver Family YMCA, 1600 Pryor Road. The event is designed to connect citizens to health and economic resources. Registration is required. Information: 404-613-1243 or survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e7iawyp7hgs8ucrt/a017qhhtfkdmy/questions.

Veronica Fields Johnson

DEKALB

Body found on college campus identified

The body found Monday morning on the Clarkston campus of Georgia Perimeter College has been identified as Alpha Oumar Diallo, 23, of Stone Mountain.

He died from strangulation and blunt force injuries to the head, a GBI spokeswoman said Tuesday.

Diallo, who was not enrolled at Georgia Perimeter College, was last seen at 4 p.m. Sunday at his Stone Mountain home.

A passerby discovered his body in a grassy area near the school’s nursing building about 7 a.m. Monday.

Anyone who was in the area of 662 North Indian Creek Drive on Sunday who may have seen Diallo or who has any information on his death should call the GBI at 800-547-8477. Mike Morris

South DeKalb Festival coming in September

A free outdoor festival, featuring food and entertainment from the multi-cultural area, is coming to south DeKalb County in September.

The Heart of South DeKalb has already secured several local restaurants to serve as corporate sponsors.

Additional community groups are invited to join in planning and programming for the event, slated for the Gallery at South DeKalb Mall on Sept. 28.

Information: 404-683-3599 or heartofsouthdekalbfestival2013@gmail.com. April Hunt

County announces June road closure

Beech Haven Road NE will be closed to through traffic between Brook Forest Drive and Wild Creek Trail NE at the following dates and times: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 17 and 18; 1 p.m. to 7 a.m. June 20, 21, 24, 25 and 26.

Road closure signs will be posted in the area advising of construction work and traffic detours. Staff

Storytelling program at History Center

A storytelling series for children returns to DeKalb History Center 10 to 11 a.m. every Wednesday through July 31 at the historic Biffle Cabin, 720 W. Trinity Place. The programs, for children ages 6-12, are $4 for children of members and $6 per session for others.

Information: 404-373-1088, ext. 22 or www.dekalbhistory.org. April Hunt

Dermatologist offers free screenings

Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery will host a free skin cancer screening event 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.Friday at their office, 2171 Northlake Parkway, Bldg. 3, Suite 1000, Tucker.

Metro-area residents will receive a complimentary skin scan and learn about skin cancer prevention.

Reservations: www.atlantadermatologyexperts.com or 404-296-8000. Sandra Marshall Murray

Donations sought for DeKalb firefighter

Donations are being sought to help with the medical bills of DeKalb County firefighter Nate Leota, who was instrumental in securing new safety gear for the department last year.

DeKalb Professional Firefighters No. 1492, the union Leota heads, partnered with the Atlanta Professional Firefighters No. 134 to raise $7,000 to help offset his expenses.

Additional donations can be given at www.fundrazr.com by searching for Leota's name under the Find tab. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Girl, 14, shot in Clayton County drive-by

A 14-year-old girl was shot in the abdomen Monday afternoon in Clayton County, according to police.

The teen, whose name was not released, told police she was selling candy when she was shot by someone in a car near the intersection of Spivey and Clemons roads, police said.

But the teen’s 18-year-old brother was later questioned, according to police. The victim was transported to the hospital and in surgery late Monday afternoon. She was reportedly in stable condition at Grady Memorial Hospital. Alexis Stevens

2 arrested in fatal drive-by shooting

Kenneth Ricks and Alan Dennis II have been charged with felony murder and gun possession during the commission of a felony in the shooting death last week of 22-year-old Michael Henderson in Union City.

Witnesses said the two men approached Henderson on June 5 at the Shell Convenience Market on Roosevelt Highway, and opened fire, killing him.

Both were arrested shortly afterward and are being held without bond in the Fulton County Jail. Marcus K. Garner

Clayton teacher in food science program

Janice Mitchell, a science teacher at Rex Mill Middle School, has been selected as one of 40 educators to participate in the Food and Drug Administration Professional Development Program in Food Science July 14 - 20 in Washington, D.C. The program educates teachers about food safety issues. Participants will tour FDA laboratories and meet the scientists, explore food safety on the farm at government research sites, learn about the development and spread of food borne illnesses, and study the science associated with safe food handling, storage, and preparation. Tammy Joyner

Business summit next week in Morrow

Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler will speak at The Region 3 Atlanta South Business and Employer Summit 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 19 at Clayton State University, Morrow. The event features consultants, attorneys and experts on employment law. Supervisors, managers, human resource professionals and business owners are encouraged to attend. Butler will update local, state and federal legislative issues impacting employers and businesses this year as well as other future challenges. Cost: $60/person; $50/additonal attendees per company; $75 at the door, includes a light breakfast and lunch. Information: lee.hunter@gdol.ga.gov or call 404-859-6451. Tammy Joyner

Fulton seeks commenton program changes

Fulton County wants public input on changes to its 2010-14 consolidated plan and neighborhood stabilization program. The changes affect housing rehabilitation, emergency shelter and other programs. Copies available at www.fultoncountyga.gov and county facilities. Comments due by 5 p.m. Thursday can be emailed to Lolita.collins@fultoncountyga.gov or mailed to: Fulton County Housing and Human Services, Housing and Community Development Division, Attn: Deborah Porcher, 137 Peachtree St. SW, Suite 300, Atlanta, GA 30303. Information: 404-612-8067. David Wickert