Acworth, GA, April 12, 2012:  Acworth Police Chief, Michael Wilkie, announces his resignation after serving as Acworth’s Commander and Chief for more than nine years.

Chief Wilkie will be leaving his position as Chief of Acworth Police to pursue a teaching position at Bob Jones University, a Christian university and his alma mater, in Greenville, SC, according to a statement released late Wednesday by the Acworth Police Department.

Upon announcement of Chief Wilkie’s resignation, City Manager, Brian M. Bulthuis, had this to say: “I would like to thank Chief Wilkie for his 9½ years of dedicated service to the City of Acworth.  Mike has done an outstanding job over the years guiding our Police Department to become one of the most professional and community orientated police departments in the State of Georgia.”  Bulthus continued to praise Wilkie from a personal perspective as well. “Mike and his family have become deeply involved in our community and they will be missed. Bob Jones University is getting a true professional who will be able to teach and mentor students in a positive way.”

Wilkie said his decision to leave Acworth was difficult, and he has enjoyed serving a wonderful community and being a part of an outstanding city government.

“Were it not for the calling of my alma mater, Bob Jones University, to return and join in the work of the Lord at this wonderful Christian university, my family and I would be happy to spend the rest of our time right here,” Wilkie stated.

Bulthuis said he will recommend at the April 19 meeting of the mayor and the Board of Aldermen that Maj. Wayne Dennard be appointed the new police chief.

Dennard has been with the Acworth police nine years, and has held the rank of major more than three years.  He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice and has completed his studies to obtain a master’s in public administration from Columbus State University.

“It is a great honor to be asked to step in as chief here in Acworth!   Chief Wilkie has set the course for our department, and I am thrilled to be taking the helm of such a community-oriented agency.  We have great people working in this agency and they are who makes us the best,” stated Major Dennard.  “I am thrilled and humbled.”

Dennard is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA. He and his wife, Melinda, have been married 17 years, and their daughters, Madelyn and Mallory, attend North Cobb Christian School.

“Wayne Dennard is a man of great character and will do an excellent job as the next chief of police. The community will embrace and support him,” Wilkie said. “Acworth has much to look forward to under his leadership.”

New to Acworth is Fast Eddie’s Sports Cafe, and although it might just sound like another sports bar, it is far from it!  With 15 flat screen TVs around the walls, all showing a variety of programs, Fast Eddie’s is sure to be a hit for a fun family night or a good place to watch the game with your closest friends.  Thanks to the friendly staff and experienced chefs, Fast Eddie’s is bound to hit the spot, whether that be if you’re in the mood for wings and pizza or one of their tasty sandwiches.  Since opening on March 8, some of the most popular dishes have been the Philly Cheese Steak, the Veggie Grill and the Reuben, along with the Stuffed Mushrooms as an appetizer and a “Crazy Cajun” Chicken salad, which consists of grilled jerked chicken breast and seasonal tropical fruits for the healthy eaters.  If you haven’t already, be sure to stop by Fast Eddie’s Sports Cafe and welcome owners Clay and Diane Gallup to the community and check out one of the daily lunch specials!  Fast Eddie’s Sports Cafe is located at 3330 Cobb Parkway (corner of Acworth Due West Road and Cobb Pkwy. in the Butler Creek Shopping Center just down from Kroger) and can be contacted at (770) 529-5191.

Hillcrest Baptist Church will be having a special Easter service, “All Because of Jesus.”  This is a story of hope and compassion, on Sunday, April 8, at 9 a.m. & 11 a.m.  All are welcome.  Hillcrest Baptist is located at 6069 Woodstock Road.  For more information, please call (770) 917-9100.

Northwest Christian Church invites you and your family to join them on Sunday, April 8, at 9:30 a.m. & 11 a.m., to discover and celebrate the hope Easter can bring during their special Easter communion services.  The church is located at 3737 Dallas-Acworth Hwy. NW, Acworth.  For more information, please call (770) 425-2525 or email nwccoffice@nwcc.net.

Stone Mountain Park — On April 8, beginning at 7 a.m., come experience serenity and peace as the Stone Mountain Ministerial Association presents their 68th Annual Easter Sunrise Service.  Two simultaneous, non-denominational Easter services will be held at the top of the Mountain and at the base of the Mountain on the Memorial Lawn.  Please allow an extra hour or more for large crowds.  Vehicle entry to the park is $10 for a one-day permit or $35 for annual permit.  Church vans and buses enter FREE.  Round-trip Skyride fees are $9 for adults and $7 for children 3-11 and $5.50 one-way.  There are no fees for the walk-up trail to the top of the mountain.  Park gates and Skyride open at 4 a.m.  For more information, please visit their website at www.stonemountainpark.com.

Hillcrest Baptist Church will be hosting their FREE Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 7, from 11 a.m. — 2 p.m. on the church field and pavilion.  Hillcrest Baptist is located at 6069 Woodstock Rd.  For more information, please call (770) 917-9100 or visit their website www.hbcacworth.org.

Summit Baptist Church’s Preschool and Children’s New Life will be hosting a FREE Easter Celebration on April 7, from 9:30 a.m. — 12 p.m.  A special children’s message will be held at 9:30 a.m., followed by egg hunts.  Kindergarten age and under begins at 10:30 a.m., followed by 1st — 5th grade at 11 a.m.  Activities include a petting zoo, crafts, games and door prizes.  Summit Baptist is located at 4310 Moon Station Lane.  For more information, visit www.summitchurch.org or call (770) 975-4595.

Due West Methodist Church is hosting an Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday, April 7, from 9:30 a.m. — 12 p.m.  The egg hunt is organized by age groups with staggard start times.  The hunt kicks off at 10:30 a.m. for children age 2 and under.  For more information, please contact Dawn Vickers at (770) 427-3835 or visit their website at www.duewest.org.

Kennesaw First Baptist Church invites your family to join in the He’s Alive! Eggstravaganza, Saturday, April 7, from 3 p.m. — 5 p.m.  FREE fun for the whole family!  There will be many exciting activities for children ages 2 years old — 5th grade; including egg hunts, pony rides, crafts and inflatables.  Kennesaw First Baptist is located at 2958 N. Main Street, Kennesaw.  For more information, please call (770) 427-3109 or visit their website at www.kfbc.org.

The Kennesaw State University Staff Senate is pleased to host a FREE Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday, April 7, from 10 a.m. — 12 p.m.  Bring your own baskets for each child to fill with candy-filled plastic eggs, stickers and small toys during the hunt.  Egg hunts will be organized by age groups, starting at 10:30 a.m.  Additional activities include face painting, a bunny petting zoo and the Easter Bunny will also be available for pictures.  Please bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the Feed the Future food drive, which benefits needy students on the campus.  FREE parking is available on campus in both Parking Lots C and E.  KSU is located at 1000 Chastain Road, Kennesaw.

Woodstock Christian Church is hosting a FREE Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 7, from 11:30 a.m. — 1 p.m. (rain or shine!)  For more information, please call (770) 926-8238 or visit their website at www.woodstockchristian.org.

The 3rd Annual Northeast Cobb Community Egg Drop will be on Saturday, April 7, from 10 a.m. — 3 p.m.  Admission and parking are FREE.  There will fun, food, games, DJ, activities and of course, egg hunts for everyone.  Starting at 1 p.m., kids will marvel as a helicopter showers over 70,000 eggs and candy onto the Sprayberry High School football field to kick-off the hunt.  The egg hunt officially begins at 1:20 p.m. with 3rd — 5th graders, followed by kindergarten — 2nd grade at 1:30 p.m., and preschoolers (3 — 4 year olds) at 1:40 p.m.  There will be a separate toddler hunt area. FREE pictures with the Easter Bunny are available, courtesy of LGE Credit Union.  Cobb EMC will have two Kid’s Zones – one toddler play area, and one for the thrill seekers.  There is a one-time, admission of $5 per child for unlimited rides.  For more information, please call (770) 423-1330, e-mail billwatson@jrmmanagement.com or visit their website at www.communityeggdrop.com.

]]> http://www.acworthcm.com/index.php/easter-hunts/feed/ 0 http://www.acworthcm.com/index.php/j-d-s-bbq-ribbon-cutting/ http://www.acworthcm.com/index.php/j-d-s-bbq-ribbon-cutting/#comments Thu, 05 Apr 2012 15:25:16 +0000 Rick http://www.acworthcm.com/?p=1641

The City of Acworth hosted a ribbon cutting for J.D.’s Bar-B-Que on March 20.  Mayor Tommy Allegood congratulated owners Chip and Sarah Allen on their new Acworth location.  J.D.’s Bar-B-Que opened its doors back in 1999 in Woodstock.  They decided to open in Acworth and bought the old Eli Whitney School at 4422 South Main St.  J.D.’s award winning Bar-B-Que is open 7 days a week, offers a full menu, as well as catering.  They specialize in smoked meats; no wood chips charred on a gas grill, but big pieces of hickory in a firebox.  J.D’s offers a breakfast menu on Sat., 7 a.m.—11 a.m., Sun., 7 a.m.—12 p.m.  For information, visit www.jdsbbq.net or call (770) 974-8434.