The Acworth Police Department (APD) recently received a most generous donation towards the purchase of their new K-9 unit in the form of a $5,000 check from the Ortho-Zone and Singleton Orthodontics.  The donated money was used to help purchase the APD’s newest K-9 Uno.  Uno is a Belgian Malinois and was purchased from a trainer in Florida.  The donation by Singleton Orthodontics was used to offset the $12,000 cost of the K-9.  The remaining funds came from drug forfeiture monies.

The Acworth Police Department (APD) is now accepting applications for its 12th annual Citizens Police Academy.  This is a 12 week class where participants will have the opportunity to interact with officers and receive a basic understanding of the operations of the APD and law enforcement.  Upon completion of the course, graduates will be invited to ride along with officers during a tour of duty.  The class is FREE, but space is limited.  All classes will be held at the APD on Tuesdays from 6:30 p.m. — 9 p.m. beginning on March 6.  Non-residents will be required to be sponsored for the Academy by an Acworth business owner, Citizens Police Academy graduate or an Acworth police officer.  Participants must be 21 years of age and submit to a background screening.  For more information or to apply, please call Jeff Rose at (770) 974-1232, or email jrose@acworth.org.  You may also pick up an application at the police department or apply online at www.acworth.org, click on Police under Departments.

Acworth Parks and Recreation Dept. Daddy Daughter Dance will be held on Saturday, February 11, from 7 — 9 p.m.  in theat North Cobb High School cafeteria.  This year’s theme is “A Mad Hatter Tea Party.”  The Queen has invited all girls 13 years of age and younger escorted with their Dad or adult male escort to take a trip through the rabbit hole and visit Wonderland for a very special tea party.  Dressed in tea party dresses and jackets for the dads, mad hatter hats are highly encouraged!  It will be an evening of great times for all.  This dance is a great opportunity for dads and their daughters to spend a special evening together.  A DJ will be providing music for the “couples” to dance the night away, as well as games for the dads and daughters to enjoy.  The cost per couple for City of Acworth residents is $25 and $35 for non-residents.  Additional daughters cost $15 each.  For more information or to register, please call (770) 917-1234 or visit www.acworth.org/aprd.

Pete Derkay, an eighth grader at Durham Middle School, won the NFL’s  50th Annual Punt, Pass & Kick Championship on January 14th in Baltimore, MD.  Having won the local and sectional competitions in Acworth this past fall, Pete advanced to the Team Championships at the Georgia Dome on November 27th.  He won first place in the Boys’ 12 — 13 year old division.  His winning score of 388 ft. was good enough to earn top honors among all 32 NFL teams, with the top 4 advancing to the National Finals.
Representing his home-town Atlanta Falcons in the National Finals, Pete competed against representatives from the Houston Texans, Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles.  After completing the punting and passing portion of the competition, it came down to the kick and Pete booted it 45 yards to earn the title with a total score of 385 ft.
“It was pretty nerve wracking, but I think it was harder on my parents and sister to watch,” said Pete.  “It was an unbelievable experience that I was able to share with my family.  My grandparents and aunt live in the D.C. area, so they were able to be apart of the celebration.  Plus, I knew all my friends were watching back home and rooting for me.  I can’t thank them enough for all their support.”
The competition was held at the Baltimore Ravens Indoor Training Facility in Owings Mill, MD the day before the divisional play-off game between the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans.  The winners were announced during the nationally televised broadcast.

Acworth Parks and Recreation Dept. will host the 3rd annual Turkey Chase 5K Fun Run & 2K Walk on Saturday, November 19. Enjoy an exhilarating 5K run through Historic Downtown Acworth and along the shores of beautiful Lake Acworth. Walk, jog or run, participants of all ages and abilities are welcome. Cost for the Untimed Fun Run for age 13 and over is $10 before noon on November 16 or $20 on race day. Cost for the Untimed Fun Run for kids age 6 — 12 is $5 before noon on November 16 or $10 on race day. Kids 5 & under are FREE. This year there will be a timed run for participants 10 years old and up, the cost will be $20 before noon on November 16.  All Participants must bring a non-perishable food item on race day to receive their number and t-shirt.  All non-perishable food items will benefit the Tackle Hunger Program. The 5K Fun Run will begin at 9 a.m. and the 2K walk at 9:15 a.m. There will be a “Little Pilgrim” Trot for children up to age 5 at 10 a.m. For more information, to register and for sponsorship  opportunities, please visit www.acworthturkeychase.com.