County by county news for Wednesday

Bach, who represented clients in bankruptcy cases, had been suspended from practice by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Atlanta, the court said. Bach failed to file a bankruptcy petition for some of his clients, closed his office without notifying clients, failed to competently represent clients, failed to appear in court and falsely told one client the case was proceeding on schedule, the court said. Bill Rankin

Austell approves redistricting plan

Austell City Council members approved 5-0 their new election ward redistricting plan Monday night. Councilman Martin Standard was out of town on business.

The first plan was voted down 6-0 on July 11 by the council, leaving ward lines for the Nov. 8 city elections unchanged and not reflecting 2010 Census population changes.

Now the plan will go to the U.S. Justice Department for review, said city attorney Scott Kimbrough. Information: clerk@austell.org or 770-944-4326. Carolyn Cunningham

Hearing set for accused killers of vet

Cobb Magistrate Judge Joan Bloom set a May 18 probable cause hearing for three of four men charged in the death of Iraq war veteran Zachary Gamble. Arthur Lynell Batchelor, 37, of Acworth, Jason Scott Hill, 35, of Marietta, and Sean DGene Hall, 38, of Atlanta, are charged with murder, aggravated assault and aggravated battery. Gamble, 34, of Acworth, was found unconscious with severe head injuries in the parking lot of the Concord Chase Apartments in Smyrna on March 25. He died April 8. Tarell Winston Secrest, 36, of Marietta, has also been charged. Jeffry Scott

Residents protest Marietta zoning

A dozen Cobb residents stood outside Marietta City Hall Tuesday waving placards to protest plans for a RaceTrac gas station in Marietta. Marietta City Council will vote today on rezoning the 9-acre property on Powder Springs Road. Residents in the adjoining 86 home neighborhood worry the project will increase traffic, noise and crime. RaceTrac Petroleum withdrew a similar petition for rezoning the property in December 2011. Tucker McQueen

Marietta gets $1.7 million facelift

Marietta’s Hickory Hills Park will officially reopen Friday after a $1.7 million renovation funded by a $25 million parks bond city voters passed in 2009. The opening will be 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the 10.6-acre park on Chestnut Hill Road off Powder Springs Street with children’s activities, hot dogs and hamburgers. The park has two soccer fields and tennis courts, picnic pavilions, playground, half-mile walking trail, one-acre field and restroom facility. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Powder Springs sets Ward 2 meeting

Powder Springs Ward 2 council member Al Thurman will host a Ward 2 Town Hall Meeting 7 to 9 p.m.,May 14 at the Ron Anderson Recreation Center, 3820 Macedonia Rd. Ward residents can meet informally with their council representative and neighbors to talk about city matters. Jeffry Scott

GWINNETT

Gwinnett and Duluth agree to share costs

The Gwinnett County Commissioners and Duluth agreed to share $325,000 toward the cost of extending the Western Gwinnett Bikeway another 2.6 miles along Peachtree Industrial Blvd from its current end at Pleasant Hill Road to the Rogers Bridge Trail at Rogers Bridge Road. The 10-foot wide multi-purpose asphalt trail is estimated to cost $1.3 million with most of the construction cost coming from federal funds. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Suwanee competition seeks artists

Suwanee is seeking submissions of original artwork or graphic design to use on its 2012 Suwanee Day festival t-shirts and posters. The winning artist or designer will receive $500. Deadline for entries is Thursday, May 31. For complete details visit www.suwaneeday.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Duluth relocating flag markers

Due to construction along McClure Bridge, Irvindale and Pleasant Hill roads, Veterans Markers traditionally lining the streets of downtown Duluth for Memorial Day will be placed along Buford Highway. Once construction is completed, the flags honoring veterans will return to their original locations. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Supermarket seeking wine tasting license

Kroger is asking Sugar Hill to revise its alcohol ordinance to allow wine tasting at its 18-month-old store on Highway 20. The supermarket chain is requesting Gwinnett’s third-largest city allow occasional tastings in a segregated area separated from retail space in connection with instructional or educational promotion on a limited basis, not as part of the store’s core operations. Michael Alpert for the AJC

Business woman to address graduates

Debra Smithart-Oglesby, board chairman and former CEO of restaurant chain Denny’s Inc., will be the keynote speaker at Georgia Gwinnett College’s graduation at 10 a.m. Friday. The former employee of Brinker International -- operator of Chili’s, On the Border, Maggiano’s and Romano’s Macaroni Grill -- will provide employers’ perspective of the challenging economic climate. Michael Alpert for the AJC

Peachtree Ridge names athletics head

Suwanee’s Peachtree Ridge High has chosen Jon Weyher to succeed retiring athletics director Bill Holleman next fall. An educator for 29 years and coach for nearly 20, Weyher will be the 9-year-old school’s second athletics director. Michael Alpert for the AJC

Duluth police seeking program funding

The Duluth Police Department’s Community Oriented Policing Services is seeking sponsorship now that the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety is cutting funding. COPS is seeking private grants and corporate funding, potentially from insurance companies, alcoholic beverage distributors and cell phone providers. Michael Alpert for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Cogburn Road closed for bridge replacement

Cogburn Road in Milton will be closed for about three months beginning May 19 so crews can replace the bridge over Cooper Sandy Creek between Bethany Bend and Webb Road. The project coincides with summer break and intersection improvements at Bethany Bend and Cogburn and Hopewell roads, all set for completion before Cambridge High School opens, said Carter Lucas, public works director. Property owners will be granted access.

The $478,000-project calls for replacing the bridge, used by more than 10,000 vehicles a day, with an arched culvert. Patrick Fox

Fulton commissioner retains state leadership

For the second year in a row, Fulton Commissioner Liz Hausmann has been named to a leadership position in the Association County Commissioners of Georgia, a lobbying organization for county governments. Hausmann has been re-appointed second vice chair of the General County Government Policy Committee by ACCG President and Taylor County Commissioner Clinton Perry.

The committee handles such issues as government structure, elections, ethics, planning and zoning and relations with constitutional officers, the courts and federal, state and city governments. Johnny Edwards

Woodstock hosts town hall meeting

Woodstock city officials will hold a town hall meeting 7 p.m. May 17 at The Chambers at City Center, 8534 Main St. City Manager Jeff Moon, city council members and department heads will discuss such topics as the Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta project and the upcoming regional transportation referendum. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Roswell hosts career expo

The Georgia Department of Labor is co-sponsoring a career and resource expo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 15 at Roswell Adult Recreation Center, 830 Grimes Bridge Rd., in Roswell. The expo will feature more than 30 employers, educational institutions, and resource agencies that provide assistance to job seekers.

Applicants should bring plenty of resumes, be prepared to fill out company applications and interview for available job openings. Information: Crystal Newton at 404-679-0509 or e-mail www.jobfairnf@gmail.com. Kenneth Musisi

Canton kicks off farmers market

The 2012 edition of the Canton Farmers Market opens this Saturday and will run through September 29. Organizer Ginger Garrard says 65 vendors have signed up this year, all of them Georgia growers or craft makers. The market will run from 8 a.m. to noon each Saturday downtown, in Cannon Park near the gazebo. Mark Woolsey

Taste of Alpharetta to be May 10

The 22nd Annual Taste of Alpharetta will pack the streets around City Hall on May 10 for an evening of music, games and plenty of food. From 5 to 10 p.m., more than 50 local restaurants will serve bites from their menus for 50 cents to $3. The public is encouraged to use the free shuttles will get into the Main Street area. Info: alpharetta.ga.us ; 678-297-6000. H.M. Cauley for the AJC

ATLANTA

City pays $20k in settlements

Atlanta’s City Council voted Monday to approve $20,700 in claims against the city for automobile accidents, falling debris and metal plates on roads. The nine claims ranged from $684 for property damages alleged to have been sustained from a metal plate in January to $8,500 for a vehicular accident in September 2010 on Moreland Avenue. Nearly 40 other claims were given “unfavorable” status by city officials, who recommended that the city not pay for alleged damages. Jeremiah McWilliams

APS to hold focus group

An Atlanta school board member will hold a focus group for teachers and administrators to share ideas to move the district forward. At-large board member Courtney English is hosting the event 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday at Hope-Hill Elementary, 112 Boulevard. Information: 404-802-7450. Jaime Sarrio

Court disbars lawyer

Atlanta lawyer Scott Herrmann has been disbarred over accusations of failing to account for $30,000 in settlement funds.

The Georgia Supreme Court said Herrmann failed to respond to a notice of discipline concerning a $375,000 settlement. Herrmann had been directed by his client to deposit $300,000 in the client’s bank account, keep $45,000 in fees and distribute $30,000 to a third party. Herrmann failed to transfer the $30,000 to the third party and caused his client significant financial harm, the opinion said. Bill Rankin

APS sets graduation schedule

Atlanta Public Schools will kick off high school graduation season May 22 with ceremonies for Crim High at 4 p.m. and North Atlanta High at 8 p.m. ; on May 23, South Atlanta at 2:30 p.m., Washington High at 6:30 p.m.; May 24, Douglass High at 11 a.m., Grady High at 3 p.m. and Mays High at 7 p.m.; May 25, Carver High at 11 a.m., Jackson High at 3 p.m. and Therrell High 7 p.m. Jaime Sarrio

DEKALB

Renovated fire station opens in Decatur

Decatur’s city commission approved $119,000 for the renovation of Fire Station No. 1, scheduled to re-open later this month. The additional work includes wiring and lighting improvements, exterior walks and miscellaneous door and hardware items. The three-bay, 10,000 square-foot station, originally built in 1955, has undergone a $1,962,000 makeover which includes loft-like features such as exposed ducts, a dormitory with 12 individual sleeping rooms, individual showers and restrooms in the rear, and a dayroom and kitchen in front. Bill Banks for the AJC

County celebrates tourism week

The DeKalb Convention & Visitors Bureau is celebrating National Tourism Week with daily tourism trivia and ticket giveaways for area attractions. Visit

Kenneth Musisi

Emory receives $10 million grat

Emory University has received a $10.7 million federal health care award to build a telemedicine network for intensive care units in north Georgia.

The effort aims to improve critical care for patients in rural and under-served areas by combining specialty training for nurse practitioners and physician assistants with telemedicine services. The award is one of 26 nationwide made possible by the health care law that aim to reduce health spending by $254 million over the next three years, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Misty Williams

Public asked to weigh in on the arts

A community survey assessing the state of the arts in DeKalb County is now online.

The survey is to help determine economic development opportunities in cultural and artistic events and facilities.

The survey is online until July 1 at www.dekalbcountyga.gov or at all county library branches. April Hunt

Group collecting shoes for people in need

Keep DeKalb Beautiful is partnering with local and state agencies to collect new and gently worn shoes for people in need.

The Soles4Souls program will accept shoes weekdays at the county’s central transfer station, 3720 Leroy Scott Dr., near Decatur until May 15. Each pair should be tied together to help with distribution.

Information: 404-371-2654 or kdb@dekalbcountyga.gov. April Hunt

Game party to benefit animal shelter

A bowling and game party later this month will benefit animals in DeKalb County.

The event at Stars and Strikes in Tucker features light refreshments, games and one hour of bowling. Animals from the county shelter also will be on site for adoption at the event, which runs from 5 to 7 p.m. May 20 at Stars and Strikes on Mountain Industrial Boulevard.

Tickets are $30 for adults, $20 for children 12 and under and $80 for a four-pack of tickets, regardless of ages.

All money raised will go toward a county spay/neuter program to help reduce pet overpopulation. Donations of leashes, collars and laundry detergent also will be accepted.

Tickets: www.helpdekalbanimals.com. Information: 404-371-2844. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Residents can speak out about Fulton Co. police

Got something to say about the Fulton County Police Department? It’s seeking accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, and residents can weigh in at a meeting Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the South Fulton Service Center, 5600 Stonewall Tell Road.

Assessors arrived Monday to look at the department’s policies, procedures, management, operations and support services. Accreditation is highly prized in the public safety field. Comments are limited to 10 minutes and can also be made by calling 404-612-5742 on Tuesday from 1 to 3 p.m. Johnny Edwards

Fayette students tops in financial exam

Eleven Sandy Creek High School students placed in the top 20 percent of the National Financial Capability Challenge sponsored by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

The Challenge exam focused on earning and spending, saving and investing, using credit wisely, avoiding fraud and paying for college. Hong Cheng, Brittiana Pullie, Lance Brooks, Alex Hughes, Janae Strother, Malcolm Woods, Julian Orozco, Alex Federov, Anthony Ricks, Dia Martin and Maggie Barrow will each receive achievement certificates. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

East Point football, cheer season to begin

The East Point Bulldogs are gearing up for another exciting season. The city’s youth football and cheer program provides excellent fitness and team building skills for your child. This year, the program will participate in the Youth Football Alliance. This is an eight to 10 week program. Practices begin in June and games begin in September. For details, call 404-270-7045.

John Thompson for the AJC

Hapeville seeks input for parks plan

Hapeville residents are invited to an upcoming parks recreation and bicycle-pedestrian open house. The meeting provides an opportunity for open discussion between residents and parks planners. The meeting is May 14 from 3 p.m. – 7pm at 599 North Central Avenue in Hapeville.

John Thompson for the AJC

Fayette Dems host pancake meeting

The Fayette County Democratic Committee will host its monthly pancakes and politics meeting Saturday at 9 a.m. at the International House of Pancakes (IHOP), 705 North Jeff Davis Drive in Fayetteville. Details: www.fayettedemocrat.com.

Tammy Joyner

Holmes holds monthly town hall

Henry County District V Commissioner Bruce Holmes will hold his monthly town hall meeting 9 a.m. May 26 at the Fairview Recreation Center on Austin Road in Stockbridge. The meeting was originally scheduled to be held a week earlier than usual, but has now been rescheduled for the last Saturday in May. The focus will be on public safety and the featured guest will be Henry County Police Chief Keith Nichols who will present a biannual report on public safety and crime. The meeting is open to the public and all are encouraged to attend.

Monroe Roark for the AJC