County by county news for Wednesday

If approved, residents would have to apply for two-year special use permits for final decisions by the City Council.

Residents would have to have at least 5 acres with no more than 12 chickens in a covered, fenced area “as pets or a food source for eggs.”

No roosters or crowing hens, no slaughtering, no odors, no nuisance and no pollution or other negative effects would be allowed. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Public may view Wade Green Road plans

Cobb Department of Transportation will hold a informational open house 5-7 p.m. June 20, to discuss the I-75 at Wade Green Road interchange improvement project.

The meeting will be held in the City of Kennesaw, 2529 J.O. Stephenson Ave., Kennesaw.

Jaime Sarrio

Complete summer reading, win prizes

Children who want to participate in Cobb County Public Library’s summer reading program can now pick up a reading folder at any branch.

Record what you read, bring the completed folder back on or before July 31 and claim a certificate.

The library has partnered with Stevi B’s to offer free pizza to the first 5,000 children who bring their folder back to the library.

Each child who completes the program will be entered to win an iPad.

Information: www.cobbcat.org/srp/ Jaime Sarrio

Marietta museum to join Dixie Highway sale

The Marietta Museum of History will sell antiques, vintage items and home décor from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thusday through Saturday and 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Friday during the First Friday Art Walk.

The sale to benfit the museum at 1 Depot St. will be part of this weekend’s annual Dixie Highway yard sale on Old U.S. Highway 41 from Ringgold to Marietta.

Information: www.mariettahistory.org.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Kennesaw opens biking and walking trails

Kennesaw has opened three biking and walking trails to continue a series of pathways connecting city neighborhoods to downtown.

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

The city has received $301,000 from Georgia Department of Natural Resource 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.

Also, the sidewalk on the road’s west side will be extended to connect to the Silver Comet Trail. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

GWINNETT

ID released of woman who drowned in Lake Lanier

Authorities on Monday released the name of the woman who drowned Saturday in Lake Lanier after the tube she was on flipped and she went under the water.

Becky Wallace, 55, of Suwanee, died in the accident that happened at 2:15 p.m. in the Shoal Creek area of Lake Lanier, according authorities.

DNR’s Critical Incident Reconstruction Team is investigating. Kristina Torres

Norcross seniors losing utility discount

Norcross residents receiving senior citizen discounts on their city water and sewer bill no longer will 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

Workshop for county vendors and suppliers

The Gwinnett County Purchasing Division invites vendors to attend the Supplier Symposium 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center in Lawrenceville. Vendors may meet buyers and contracting officers in the county. Register online at www.gwinnettcounty.com.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Project to raise money for officer’s family

Project LEO, a non-profit fundraising organization, is asking for donations to help the family of Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Deputy Oscar Batista, who died May 9.

Batista is survived by his wife and four children, ages 13, 5, 2 and six-weeks.

Project LEO is a 501(c)3 dedicated to providing support and assistance to officers and their families who are in need due to injury, bereavement or other hardship. All donations are tax-deductible and can be submitted through PayPal at www.projectleo.org.

Information: Michelle Couch at 770-676-8924 or e-mail to michelle.couch@americanangelworks.org or email Ken Stepp at info@americanangelworks.org. Dan Klepal

Grayson hosts farmers market Wednesdays

Local vendors have convinced Grayson to begin offering a weekly farmers market 4 to 8 p.m. each Wednesday at the Grayson Community Park, 1 Park Drive. The community anticipates twenty to thirty vendors available each week. www.cityofgrayson.org.

Karen Huppertz 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, epipens, inhalers and veterinary medications.

Prohibited items include needles, biohazardous materials and illegal drugs.

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

NORTHSIDE

Stolen handicapped accessible van recovered

The owner of a handicapped accessible van stolen from a Cherokee County home spotted the vehicle Monday afternoon parked at the Metro Lodge Hotel in Cobb County on Highway 5. Cobb County Police and Cherokee Sheriff’s detectives responded to the scene to process the van. The legs braces belonging to the victim’s son were inside and were recovered. The cash and laptop were not in the vehicle. There was no damage to the van. The vehicle was returned to the owner and detectives continue to investigate the theft. No suspects have been located currently. Andria Simmons

Waleska revised 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

Health district names new director

The North Georgia Health District has named Dr. John “Jack” Kennedy, as the agency’s interim health director. He replaces Dr. Harold Pitts, who resigned. Kennedy is also the director of the Cobb and Douglas Health District. The North Georgia agency serves a number of counties, including Cherokee, with preventative programs. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Woodall wins chamber business award

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce recently awarded U.S. Rep. Rob Woodall, R-Ga., its annual “Spirit of Enterprise” award.

The chamber lauded Woodall for what it called his strong voting record on critical business issues in the second session of the 112th Congress.

Woodall represents a portion of Forsyth County. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

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

Alpha Arts Guild exhibits at library

Artwork displayed by members of the new Alpha Arts Guild, an organization for North Fulton-based artists will be in an ongoing display at the Alpharetta Branch library, 238 Canton St.

Information: 770-740-2425 Mea Watkins

Woodall announces new town hall meetings

U.S. Rep Rob Woodall, R-Ga., has announced a new series of town hall meetings for his constituents.

The list includes a session from 9-10 a.m. June 15 at North Georgia College and State University, 300 Aquatic Circle, Cumming.

Also set is a telephone town hall meeting from 7:15-7:45 p.m. June 11.

Information: woodall.house.gov Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

Street food festival set for July 13

Atlanta's favorite food trucks will roll into Piedmont Park noon to 8 p.m. July 13 for the city's second annual Street Food Festival featuring more than 25 food trucks andlive music. A percentage of sales go to the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Tickets: www.atlantastreetfoodfestival.com. Nancy Badertscher

Non-profit to honor inspirational women

Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta is accepting nominations for the 2013 Strong, Smart & Bold Awards, which recognizes women for their contributions to inspiring girls to become healthy, educated and independent. Nominations due June 15.

Finalists and winners will be honored at a luncheon on Aug. 9 at the Westin Atlanta Perimeter North, 7 Concourse Pkwy, N.E. Information: Molly Friesenborg at 678-686-1740 or www.girlsincatl.org. Veronica Fields Johnson

Pleas entered in APS kickback indictment

The former chief information officer for Atlanta Public Schools and a Kennesaw information technology consultant on Tuesday entered not guilty pleas before a U.S. magistrate and were released on $25,000 bond.

Jerome Oberlton, 47, and Mahendra Patel, 45, were recently indicted by a federal grand jury in Atlanta for allegedly receiving kickbacks in exchange for Oberlton using his influence at APS to award a $780,000 computer project in 2007.

A computer company that won a data warehousing contract allegedly paid $60,000 in bribes to Oberlton and Patel over almost six months, prosecutors said. Bill Rankin

Missing man, 71, returns home safely

A missing 71-year-old man returned home safely Monday night, Atlanta police said.

A Mattie’s Call was issued Monday for Johnny Longino after his family reported last seeing him around 4 p.m. as he left a relative’s house in the 1200 block of Martin Street.

He was back home safe shortly after the alert was issued. Staff

DEKALB

Man dies after collapsing at meeting

Gregory Davis, a bus mechanic, had been a forceful presence at school board meetings, chiding the board about the effect of past cuts that resulted in layoffs and a backlog of downed buses. At 12:30 p.m. he was next in line to speak when he suddenly fell to the ground. He was motionless as paramedics wheeled him away

Interim Superintendent Michael Thurmond announced a few hours later that Davis had died. Ty Tagami

Brookhaven to lease via own nonprofit

Brookhaven City Council recently agreed to form itself into a nonprofit corporation that will handle leases and purchases for the new city.

State law allows governments to sign only one-year contracts, with the option for renewal, to allow for changing elected officials’ votes. By creating the nonprofit, Brookhaven can enter multi-year leases for buildings or patrol cars. Brookhaven must register its finance corporation with the Georgia Secretary of State. April Hunt

Storytelling program at History Center

A storytelling series for children returns to DeKalb History Center 10 - 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

Summer camp info meetings Thursday

DeKalb County will host informational sessions noon and 6:30 p.m. Thursday about summer camp and youth programs at the ONE DeKalb Resource Center on the lower level near Macy’s inside Northlake Mall on Briarcliff Road. The sessions will cover camps, aquatic programs and classes at the Cooperative Extension and Sanford Performing Arts Center. April Hunt

Land use meetings for Stonecrest Saturday

DeKalb County is seeking public input this weekend on its plans to improve land use and roads in the Stonecrest Mall area.

The Stonecrest Livable Centers Initiative, or LCI, will result in a master plan designed to boost economic development while improving traffic congestion and livability in the area.

Planning meetings will be held at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Saturday in the lower-level Macy Court of the mall, 2929 Turner Hill Road, near Lithonia.

Open houses to show design concepts and gather more input will be held at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday.

All sessions are free and open to the public. April Hunt

Brookhaven Beer Fest Saturday

The third annual Brookhaven Beer Fest will be 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Apple Valley Road behind the Brookhaven Marta Station, 4047 Peachtree Road, N.E. The festival will feature more than 150 beers from around the world, live music, and food vendors.

A portion of the proceeds will go to the Atlanta Fundraising Foundation. Admission price of $35 includes a commemorative driving glass and unlimited beer tastings.

Information and tickets: www.brookhavenbeerfestival.com Mea Watkins

SOUTHSIDE

Fulton seeks comment on 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. June 13 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

Temporary mortgage help forum in Morrow

HomeSafe Georgia is holding a forum 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. June 13 at the Morrow Community Room, 1500 Morrow Road to teach about temporary mortgage payment assistance.

Collaborating partners include St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church in Morrow, Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity, Riverdale AARP and the Morrow Business and Tourism Association.

Refreshments will be served.

Information: 770 961-9353. Tammy Joyner

Peachtree City against duck feeding

Peachtree City is asking well-meaning residents not to feed the geese and ducks in local lakes and ponds. Bread and popcorn are not natural or balanced foods for the birds, and both overcrowding and overfeeding can result in the spread of serious avian diseases. Hand-fed geese can also become aggressive. However, the birds and their eggs should not be harmed or removed.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Piedmont offers hospital guidance

Piedmont Fayette Hospital, in conjunction with Fayette Senior Services, will present a free seminar on “How to Prepare and What to Expect” during hospital stays and emergency room visits.

The event, 2-4 p.m. on June 20 at the hospital’s West Entrance Dining Conference Rom, will include refreshments and giveaways. Advance registration is required.

Information: 770-461-0813.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Fayette Civitan Club to sponsor 5K

The Fayette County Civitan Club will host the 21st annual Old Courthouse 5K at 8 a.m. Saturday.

The run will begin at the Fayette County Senior Services Center at the Fayette County Justice Center, 4 Center Drive, Fayetteville.

Online registration is $25 through Thursday. Race-day registration is $30 and opens at 7:15 a.m. Proceeds will benefit the Joseph Sams School, ExceptionalOPS, Fayette County Special Olympics and Southwest Christian Care.

Information: www.fayettegacivitan.org. Veronica Fields Johnson

Meeting on South Fulton Library plans

Friends of the South Fulton Library will host a community meeting at 4 p.m. Thursday at the library, 4055 Flat Shoals Road, Union City.

Those who attend can learn about plans to renovate and expand the South Fulton Library.

Information: 404-585-1523.

David Wickert