County-by-County News

Smyrna Police said Ebone Driskell, 32, was killed during an armed robbery and the suspect fled in her 2003 silver 4-door Ford Taurus, Georgia license plate BYT-0429. Anyone with any information on the incident or the location of the vehicle should call Smyrna Police Department. Michelle E. Shaw

Several metro schools to get learning gardens

Vegetable gardens that will help students learn about healthy foods and fresh produce are going up in 40 Atlanta public schools, with one of the first opened at Centennial Place Elementary on Friday. Foods grown in the gardens are incorporated into daily meals . The Captain Planet Foundation plans to install a total of nearly 100 gardens in metro Atlanta elementary and middle schools. Mark Niesse

Parent center receives grant to expand reach

Parent to Parent of Georgia has been awarded the Regional Parent Technical Assistance Center grant, allowing it to expand its services to families of children impacted by disabilities in seven other states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Dave Blanchard, formerly director of support services with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, will head the centers. Info: www.p2pga.org or 770-451-5484. Gracie Bonds Staples

Ex-surgeon general to speak at forum

The Georgia Budget & Policy Institute Fall Policy Forum, Medicaid Expansion: Addressing Health Disparities and Improving Access to Care, will be 9:30 a.m. to noon Thursday at the Carter Center, 453 Freedom Parkway. Former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher, director of the Satcher Health Leadership Institute , will deliver the keynote address. The event will feature a panel discussion on how Medicaid expansion will affect Georgians. Registration: $20. Info: www.gbpi.org. Veronica Fields Johnson

COBB

Housing town reopens after $18.5 million update

The Marietta Housing Authority in a partnership with Walton Communities has completed a $18.5 million remodeling of a subsidized senior-housing community at 55 Henderson St.

Two years ago, the housing agency did a $10 million update of another nine-story, senior high-rise near the Marietta Square, the Tower at Dorsey Manor.

Both were funded by low-income tax credits and federal housing administration loans. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Marietta mayor proposes term limits

Marietta Mayor Steve Tumlin has asked the city council to limit individual term limits for mayor and council members to three consecutive terms starting January 2018. The city’s judicial/legislative committee will discuss the request at a meeting starting 5:15 p.m. Wednesday at City Hall, 205 Lawrence St. The local Cobb legislative delegation would have to amend the city charter to change the limits.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Lawmakers to mark city’s 175th birthday

Georgia U.S. Reps. Phil Gingrey, R-11, and David Scott, D-13, were guests of Powder Springs city officials during "a private gala" Saturday evening to celebrate the city's 175th birthday at the new Patricia C. Vaughn Cultural Arts Center . Scott presented Mayor Patricia Vaughn with a congressional resolution to mark the city's birthday. Former Mayor Richard D. Sailors, who served 1987 to 1999, and former Councilman Aubrey Brady, serving 1965 to 1966, also were guest speakers. Carolyn Cunningham

Interfaith food drive, fundraiser planned

Faith Alliance of Metro Atlanta will hold a fundraiser to benefit its interfaith initiatives and the Atlanta Community Food Bank from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10 at the Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta, 2401 Lake Park Dr. S.E., Smyrna.

Holy Smoke: An Interfaith Community of Faith and Food Fundraiser traditional dishes served on Rosh Hashana and Sikh services, along with other holiday delicacies.

Tickets, $15 in advance and $20 at the door, can be purchased at www.faithallianceofmetroatlanta.com. Parking is free. Mea Watkins

Marietta to hold citizens academy

Marietta will give a behind-the-scenes look at local government at a five-week citizens’ government academy from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 4 at City Hall, 205 Lawrence St.

Members must be 18 or older. Registration deadline is Oct. 25. Information: 770-794-5507 or www.mariettaga.gov.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Powder Springs clerk announces retirement

Powder Springs City Clerk Dawn Davis announced during the City Council pre-meeting on Monday she will resign at the end of this year.

Serving for the last nearly eight years, Davis told the AJC, “It’s the right time” with “all of my friends retiring.”

Previously for 33 years, Davis said she worked in the Human Resources payroll department for Georgia State University until her retirement. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

DEKALB

Cop injured trying to bust up chicken theft

A DeKalb County Police officer was injured overnight trying to stop thieves robbing a frozen chicken tractor trailer.

Crooks caught in the act tried to run over the officer, authorities said.

According to reports, police staked out a truck stop near International Park Drive after receiving complaints about break-ins of tractor trailers parked along the road, with everything from tires to microwave ovens being lifted.

That’s when officers saw a pair of would-be bandits trying to pry open the doors of a Tyson’s Chicken trailer, police Lt. Dane Cunningham said.

“When they attempted to interrupt the theft in progress, one of the vehicles … the suspect vehicle struck one of our officers and our police units and basically right now the vehicle is at large,” Cunningham said.

The officer was taken to a nearby hospital with a bruised hip and is expected to be OK, police said.

Police told Channel 2 the crooks escaped in a dark colored van that should have some minor damage, and in a white pickup truck. Marcus K. Garner

Candidates forum tonight in Avondale

Avondale Estates is holding a forum tonight for the four candidates running for two openings on the city’s Board of Mayor and Commissioners.

Start time is 7 p.m. at Avondale Estates City Hall, 21 N. Avondale Plaza. Incumbents Gene Lee and Terry Giager, both originally elected in November 2009, are facing challengers Randy Beebe and Samantha Harrell.

Approximately one hour will be allowed for audience questions and candidate answers, not counting candidates' opening and closing remarks. Bill Banks for the AJC

Colorful 5K planned for Stone Mountain

The Color Vibe, a fun run 5K company, will host a “colorful” run for all ages Nov. 23 in downtown Stone Mountain.

Participants will be blitzed with a non-toxic, biodegradable color powder made of dyed cornstarch.

A dance party will take place after the run.

A portion of proceeds will go to the Stone Mountain Village Visitors Center.

Information and registration: www.thecolorvibe.com or email support@thecolorvibe.com. Mea Watkins

Registration open for basketball leagues

DeKalb County parks is accepting registration through November for a winter adult basketball league at all county recreation centers.

Cost is $320 per team an eight-game season that begins in December.

Participants must be 35 or older and provide their own uniforms for the league.

Information: 770-414-2113. April Hunt

Animal welfare group hosts fundraiser

PAWS Atlanta, a DeKalb County animal welfare group, will host its annual Walk for the Paws fundraiser Saturday in Avondale Estates.

Proceeds will benefit homeless animals and help provide veterinary service at its no-kill shelter in central DeKalb.

Information: www.pawsatlanta.org. April Hunt

GWINNETT

Struggling readers topic of meeting tonight

The Dyslexia Network of Forsyth invites Gwinnett parents to join an informational meeting to discuss Struggling Readers: When to Worry and What to do at 7 p.m. tonight at Forsyth County Board of Education, Room 380 , 1120 Dahlonega Highway in Cumming. Jennifer A. Hasser, executive director of Syllables Reading Center/SMART Teacher Training, will discuss the signs of a struggling reader at different ages. Hasser will outline components needed to help correct reading problems. Event is free and open to the public. Info: www.dyslexiaforsyth.com or www.idaga.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Friday is county’s last chance to vote early

Registered voters may cast a ballot in advance of the Nov. 5 election between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. now through Friday at the Elections Office or between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. at one of four satellite polling locations: Centerville Community Center, 3025 Bethany Church Rd., Snellville; George Pierce Park Community Recreation Center, 55 Buford Highway, Suwanee; Dacula Park Activity Building; 2735 Old Auburn Road, Dacula; and Lucky Shoals Park Community Recreation Center, 4651 Britt Road, Norcross. Karen Huppertz

Requests for absentee ballots due by Friday

The deadline for Gwinnett’s registered voters to request an absentee ballot is noon on Friday. Obtain an application online at www.gwinnettcounty.com or by phone at 678-226-7210.

Applications may be returned to the Elections Office by mail, fax or email. Voters must deliver their own ballots, unless they are an attendant care provider or immediate family member of a disabled voter. Karen Huppertz

Nominations open for 2014 Movers & Makers

Partnership Gwinnett, in collaboration with Gwinnett Tech, is accepting submissions for the third annual Movers & Makers Awards. Nominations are being accepted in six categories: Three "Makers" Awards honoring Manufacturers of the Year, two "Movers" Awards honoring Supply Chain companies, and one Most Valuable Provider. Applications due by Jan. 17: www.partnershipgwinnett.com . Questions : Troels Adrian at Troels@gwinnettchamber.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

3 new principals named in Gwinnett

Three Gwinnett County schools have new principals in the Berkmar and Norcross clusters. The Gwinnett County Board of Education elevated Karen Lillard, assistant principal at Beaver Ridge Elementary, to school principal; Pamela Williams, assistant principal of Nesbit Elementary, to principal of Bethesda Elementary; Alfred Taylor, principal at Radloff Middle School, to principal of Berkmar High School. Nancy Badertscher

Lilburn ceremony to celebrate veterans

Lilburn will celebrate veterans with a recognition ceremony and ice cream social 2 p.m. Nov. 10 in Lilburn City Park. Bring worn, tattered, and damaged American flags for proper retirement. Lilburn VFW Post 12096 will provide this service free. Info: www.cityoflilburn.com. Staff

NORTHSIDE

Road work to begin on Cherokee highways

The Georgia Department of Transportation has awarded a $4.1 million contract for safety improvements to Ga. 20 and Ga. 140 in Cherokee County.

The project will include improving signage and pavement markings on both highways, guardrails and edge line/centerline rumble strip installations.

Work is set to be complete by the end of June 2014, but no start date has been set. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Longtime school official moving on

The longtime technology director for Forsyth County Schools is leaving.

Bailey Mitchell will be the chief academic officer for its learning inc. U.S., a Norwegian company that provides a K-12 learning management system targeted to today’s digitally wired students.

Mitchell had been Chief Technology and Information Officer for the Forsyth district for 16 years.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Woodall sets Forsyth town hall meeting

U.S. Rep. Rob Woodall, R-Ga., scheduled a town hall meeting in Forsyth County. It will be held Nov. 7 from 7-8 p.m. at the Cumming Regional Readiness Center auditorium, 100 Aquatic Circle, Cumming.

Woodall represents portions of southern Forsyth County. Mark Woolsey

Senior Sense Expo Saturday in Cherokee

Cherokee County Senior Services will hold its third annual Senior Sense Expo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Cherokee County Administrative Offices, 1130 Bluffs Parkway in Canton. Flu shots, demonstrations, and door prizes will be among the offerings.

More than 50 vendors will be on hand to showcase senior products and services. More info: 770-345-7515. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Forsyth officials set government auction

Forsyth County government will hold a surplus auction at 10 a.m. Saturday at 843 Canton Highway, Cumming. A wide variety of gear will be up for sale, from office equipment and electronics to cars and trucks. Preview: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Friday and 8-10 a.m. Saturday.

Potential buyers must get a bidder's number to take part. More info: forsythco.com. Mark Woolsey

Alpharetta school hosts 5K run

Holcomb Bridge Middle School in Alpharetta hosts a Holcomb Bridge Hustle 5K. The race is being hosted by the school in partnership with the Kyle Pease Foundation, and assisted student athletes and community members are encouraged to attend. The race takes place Nov. 9, starting at 8 a.m.

The nonprofit Kyle Pease Foundation promotes success for young persons with disabilities through sports and competition.

The foundation can assist students with race registration fees, provide a custom-fitted race chair and provide a race pusher for the assisted-athlete. Nancy Badertscher

SOUTHSIDE

Business boot camp Saturday in McDonough

The McDonough Small Business Boot Camp is scheduled for 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at Jazzy Brown Jazz Cafe, 1101 McDonough Place. The event’s hosts will be Henry County Commissioner Bruce Holmes and McDonough City Councilwoman Sandra Vincent.

Topics will include business planning, web development/digital marketing, human resources, finance, and full circle strategy. Register online at mcdonoughsmallbiz.eventbrite.com. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Fayette, film studio win Deal of the Year

Fayette County and British filmmaking giant Pinewood Shepperton recently received recognition in the economic development arena. The Georgia Economic Developers Association presented Pinewood and the Fayette County Development Authority with the 2013 Deal of the Year Award in the large community category. Pinewood is building its North American headquarters, Pinewood Atlanta Studios, in Fayette County. The complex will house feature film, television and commercial productions. Phase one of the project, which includes five state-of-the-art soundstages and production offices, is slated to open in January. Tammy Joyner

Luella student honored by school system

Chandler Tyburski, a senior at Luella High School, is the Henry County School System's Work-Based Learning Student of the Month for September. Tyburski is employed at Cannon Express of McDonough, where he serves in a supervisor capacity. His goal is to attend the University of Georgia next year after graduation and earn degrees in business administration and business law. Information: www.henry.k12.ga.us. Monroe Roark for the AJC

County OKs highway landscaping project

The Henry County Board of Commissioners approved a budget amendment last week to award a $57,610 bid for median landscaping on Ga. 138. The area to be landscaped includes the median from the Henry County line to the I-75 southbound ramp. Available SPLOST funding from a completed project was designated for this project. Information: www.henrycounty-ga.org. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Fayette commissioners criticize Facebook

The Fayette County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution last week asking Facebook to "withdraw any plans to expose our teenagers to serious threats on the Internet in an attempt to increase profits." Facebook now allows users ages 13-17 to make photos and other updates viewable by the public, including advertisers. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Public workshops set for Fairview district

Two workshops are scheduled for Nov. 7 to gain community input regarding the Fairview Road overlay district. A business-oriented design workshop is set for 8:30 a.m. and a resident-oriented meeting is set for 6 p.m. Both will take place at the Fairview Recreation Center, 35 Austin Road, Stockbridge. Info: www.henrycounty-ga.org.

Monroe Roark for the AJC