COBB
Civic center to close next year for renovation
Cobb’s 40-year old Civic Center at 548 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta will close in February or early March 2015 for a $5 million renovation. The adjacent Jennie T. Anderson Theatre will not be affected. The Cobb Board of Commissioners approved the SPLOST project that will include upgrading electrical, mechanical, plumbing and technology for vendors, adding a catering kitchen and improving the lobby entrance. The parking lot will be repaved in a separate project. Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Puckett EMS donates city’s first AED unit
Puckett EMS has donated an automated external defibrillator unit to Powder Springs officials for use in City Hall and will provide training to save livest.
City Manager Brad Hulsey said the city is planning to acquire another four to five AED units for police use and placement at the city’s court building, the Community Development building and the Ford Center complex.
Information: puckettems.com, redcross.org/prepare/location/workplace/easy-as-aed. Carolyn Cunningham
Powder Springs plans budget adoption
The final vote on the proposed 2014-15 budget of Powder Springs is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday in the Council Chambers, Community Development building, 4488 Pineview Drive.
Including no property tax increases, the $15,657,189 budget is available for public review from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays at Powder Springs City Hall, 4484 Marietta St.
Information: cityofpowdersprings.org, 770-943-1666. Carolyn Cunningham
Austell officials raise their pay for 2016
The Austell City Council voted 5-1 Monday in favor of 20-percent pay raises for elected officials that would take effect after the November 2015 election in January 2016 with Councilwoman Suzanne A. Thomason opposed.
Salary for the mayor/city manager position, that has been held by Jerkins for 25 years, would increase by $6,000 from $30,000 to $36,000 - among the lowest in the state for city managers but among the highest for mayors in Austell’s Population Group D, according to the 2013 Georgia Department of Community Affairs Local Government Wage and Salary Survey.
Each of the six City Council members would receive $2,400 more - from $12,000 to $14,400 - the highest in the state for City Council members in Population Group D.
Information: austellga.gov, dca.state.ga.us/dcawss/reports.html.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Austell bidding on solid waste collection
Austell is seeking bids for residential curbside solid waste collections until 5 p.m. June 30 with a mandatory pre-proposal conference at 9 a.m. June 11 in the city’s Threadmill Complex, Public Works Conference Room, Suite 105, 5000 Austell Powder Springs Road.
Potential service providers must register as a vendor at austellga.gov/vendor to access all documents.
Information: Duane R. Demeritt, duane@austell.org.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
GWINNETT
Norcross police expand criminal investigation unit
Jeramy Anderson has become the Norcross Police Department’s first Crime Scene Technician. Previously, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation was brought in to lead investigation efforts. While the GBI and NPD will continue to collaborate on major cases, Norcross can now conduct the same sophisticated level of investigation in-house with a focused concentration on solving crimes impacting Norcross citizens. Anderson’s certification is one of the first steps in plans to expand the NPD Criminal Investigations Division. Information: www.norcrossga.net. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Snellville budget: no tax increase
Snellville’s mayor and council are expected to pass a $10.36 million balanced budget at the council meeting Monday.
The proposed budget anticipates no increase in the millage rate for city residents and businesses. Once approved, the city will have lowered the millage rate a total of a full mill. Expenditures for fiscal year 2015 will increase 1.1 percent and includes purchase of winter-weather road equipment, streetscape improvements to Town Center area, as well as $653,315 for Public Works road resurfacing. Information: www.snellville.org or 770-985-3500. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Festival to collect, dispose of old flags
In honor of Flag Day, Peachtree Corners Festival will collect old or damaged unserviceable flags during the festival Saturday and Sunday, June 14 - 15.
A collection bin will be located at the festival’s information booth at the corner of Woodhill Drive and The Corners Parkway. The American Legion will ensure proper disposal of the flags.
Information: www.peachtreecornersfestival.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Braselton seeks July 4 parade entries
Churches, civic clubs, schools, military personnel or units, veterans’ organizations, business organizations and businesses are invited to enter Braselton’s July 4 ‘Celebrate Braselton’ parade.
Festivities will begin at 4 p.m. with a patriotic festival including live music in the town’s park with the parade beginning at 6 p.m. concluding with fireworks at dusk.
Information: Amy Pinnell at 706-684-0369 or apinnell@braselton.net. Parade entry forms: www.braseltonevents.com.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
End of slavery commemorated
The Gwinnett Juneteenth Organization will host the First Annual Juneteenth Emancipation Day Festival 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. today in the historic Promise Land Community at 4530 Lee Road in Snellville.
Event will commemorate the end of slavery and educate the public about the African American culture and history found in Gwinnett.
Free event features arts, music, food and public service information.
Information: Penny Poole at 404-992-1333 or gwinnettjuneteenth@gmail.com.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
NORTHSIDE
Holly Springs police carry drug overdose kits
Holly Springs Police became the first Georgia department to start carrying opiate drug overdose kits. The move was sparked by medical amnesty legislation passed this year expanding access to the opiate anti-overdose drug naloxone. The kits, which contain a supply of the drug and a nasal delivery system, are designed to “start bringing back” those suffering heroin and prescription drug overdoses until paramedics can arrive and take over. Heroin overdose deaths have been steadily increasing, with several in Holly Springs in the last few years. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Forsyth gardening group plans tour
The Forsyth County Master Gardeners will host their Bi-Annual Garden Tour 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. today. The tour includes seven gardens (six of them private) and will demonstrate how to plant for sun, shade, drought tolerances, privacy screening and other facets of maintaining a southern garden. Tickets: $15 in advance, $20 the day of the event. Proceeds will benefit demonstration gardens at county public library branches and other facilities, and will also support educational training programs for both children and adults. For more information: 770-887-2418 or fcmg.sharepoint.com
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Canton seeks fix for abandoned homes
Canton officials at Thursday’s City Council meeting discussed changes to the Unified Development Code to give code enforcement more power and adding information clearly identifying owners of abandonded properties to government tax records.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Document shredding to be made available
Johns Creek residents and businesses seeking to dispose of sensitive paper documents can bring them at 9 a.m. today at Panera Bread, 11715 Medlock Bridge Road, for shredding.
Free. Information: www.johnscreekga.gov
Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Chamber honors young professionals
The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Thursday recognized the 2014 Cherokee County Top 10 in 10 Young Professionals to Watch: Brian Stockton, Woodstock economic development head; Karen Norred, Holly Springs city clerk; Shannon Wallace, district attorney; Blake Kononen, ExpressJet Airlines; Michelle Homier, judge, Cherokee County State Court; Rev. Jordan Thrasher, Reinhardt University; Doug Fountain, Community and Southern Bank; Zach Blend, Goshen Valley Boys Ranch; Lee Lusk, the Wheeler House/Nickel Creek Development and Katie Wise, LGE Community Credit Union.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
North Fulton charity plans golf fundraiser
North Fulton Community Charities hosts Swing into Action golf tournament, to support the NFCC Emergency Assistance Program noon Monday at The Manor, 15951 Manor Club, Alpharetta.
There will also be a tennis round robin.
Information: 678-387-4459 or vmalbrough@nfcchelp.org.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
ATLANTA
Atlanta citizens fire academy taking applications
The Atlanta Fire Rescue Department is accepting applications for its citizens fire academy.
The six-week course allows participants to experience the tactics and strategy of firefighting and rescue from a first responder’s perspective. The course meets Wednesdays at 6 p.m. beginning July 9 at the department training academy, 407 Ashwood Ave. SE.
There is no cost, but participants must commit to attend all academy sessions. Participants must be 18 and older and live or work within the city of Atlanta.
The application deadline is June 30.
Information: www.atlantaga.gov/fire, wedwards@atlantaga.gov or 678-855-2621.
Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Aviation program taking applications
The Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals is accepting applications through today for its Aviation Career Education summer academy, July 21-25.The program will introduce young people ages 14 to 18 to career opportunities in aviation. Information: www.obap.org or eburke007@aol.com
Kent A. Miles for the AJC
APS begins 4-day summer work week
Atlanta Public Schools will begin four-day summer work weeks starting this Friday and continuing through July 18. Most APS facilities, including the APS central office, will be closed on June 6, 13, 20 and 27 and July 4, 11 and 18.
All APS summer programs will continue as scheduled. APS offices will resume normal operation hours the week of July 21. Molly Bloom
Northside library to hold book sale
The Friends of the Northside Branch Library is holding a book sale June 11 to June 14 at the Atlanta-Fulton County Public Library’s Northside branch, 3295 Northside Parkway. Proceeds will go to library programs and materials. Information: folnorthside@gmail.com
Kent A. Miles for the AJC
DEKALB
Avondale: ‘the most activity we’ve seen’
With several vacant downtown properties – all zoned mixed use – recently coming under contract Avondale Estates mayor Ed Rieker said “this is by far the most activity we’ve seen in my seven years.” The 13-acre Fenner Dunlop site is under contract, along with the James Joyce Pub site and Maple Street’s so-called “erector set,” whose construction was halted in 2008. Bill Banks for the AJC
DeKalb students can get free software
Students in DeKalb County schools can download Microsoft Office 365 Pro Plus on up to five devices, including mobile devices, for free.
The Microsoft Student Advantage Program provides free access to Office 365 Pro Plus to students in school districts that purchase the appropriate license.
Download: https://login.microsoftonline.com and enter the student’s email and password.
Information: studentlogin@dekalbschoolsga.org. Emily Farlow
Tucker health care facility honored
Meadowbrook Health and Rehab in Tucker has been recognized by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living’s Quality Award Program with a Bronze Commitment to Quality Award.
The award is presented to health care facilities that demonstrate a dedication to developing sustainable, person-centered care and the ability to improve care processes. Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Sheriff candidates to meet in runoff forum
The candidates competing in a runoff election for DeKalb County sheriff, Vernon Jones and Jeff Mann, are expected to meet 7 p.m. June 17 at the Community Achievement Center in Decatur.
Runoff candidates for state schools superintendent and DeKalb County school board will also be there. The runoff election is July 22. Mark Niesse
School TV station goes mobile
The DeKalb County School District is making its in-house cable TV news station available on the mobile platforms Android and iOS.
On Monday, the educational access channel, PDS-TV24, started airing on tablets and cell phones. It will carry live programming such as school board meetings. The content was previously available on computers via web streaming.
Information: www.dekalb.k12.ga.us,
, Instagram.com/dekalbschools or on Twitter @dekalbschools.
Ty Tagami
Lithonia school is contest finalist
Arabia Mountain High School is a finalist for the 2014 Ford Neighborhood Awards category of Best High School.
Online voting in the category will take place June 11. The Ford Neighborhood Awards honor local businesses, religious and neighborhood leaders, churches and high schools for their contributions to their neighborhoods and communities. The awards will be presented Aug. 9 at Philips Arena. Entertainer Steve Harvey will be the master of ceremonies.
Information: www.neighborhoodawards.com
Kent A. Miles for the AJC
SOUTHSIDE
Econ development official to address chamber
Mary Ellen McClanahan, director of Entrepreneur and Small Business Development for the Georgia Department of Economic Development will be the keynote speaker at the South Fulton Chamber of Commerce membership luncheon, 11:30 a.m. June 19 at the Westin Atlanta Airport Hotel, 4736 Best Road, Atlanta.
Admission to the luncheon is $40 for chamber members, $50 for nonmembers.
Information: southfultonchamber.comKent A. Miles for the AJC
Event to focus on alternative fuel
The Alternative Fuel Vehicle Roadshow, a nationwide series of educational events, comes to the Georgia International Convention Center, 2000 Convention Center Concourse, College Park, at 9 a.m. June 17.
Business leaders and fleet managers will have the opportunity to evaluate and learn more about motor vehicles that run on alternative fuels like compressed natural gas, propane, biofuel and electricity. College Park is one of eight cities in the state hosting the event this month.
Admission: $29.
Information: www.afvroadshow.com
Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Police seek comment on grant request
The Henry County Police Department seeks public comment on its application for a $27,728 federal grant to establish an automated system to manage and track evidence, property and department inventory.
The department’s Evidence Retention and Inventory Control Accountability project would be funded by the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program. The proposed tracking system would create a chain of evidentiary custody record from the crime scene to final disposition. The deadline for the department to submit the grant application is Tuesday.
Information: kmonast@co.henry.ga.us or 770-288-8133. Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Library to host financial workshop
The Atlanta-Fulton County Public Library’s Fairburn branch, 60 Valley View Drive, is hosting a financial literacy workshop at 6 p.m. Tuesday.
Participants will learn how to best manage financial resources, starting a business, investing, budgeting, credit, insurance and many other aspects of financial health. A Wells Fargo financial professional will conduct the workshop.
Free. Registration required.
Information: comments@co.fulton.ga.us or 770-306-3138. Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Give wildlife space in Peachtree City
Peachtree City is reminding residents to give local wildlife a wide berth. Sightings of coyotes and foxes are not uncommon in greenbelt and wooded areas, and the city does not trap or remove animals who are not posing a threat to anyone.
Homeowners should remove bird feeders if they attract mice and their predators.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
