COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Perry sets tax increase hearings

Perry city officials will hold public hearings next month to discuss a new proposed millage rate that would increase property taxes by 4.25 percent.

City officials have said in meetings this summer that an increase may be necessary to cover any revenue shortfalls. Last month, the City Council approved a $10,768,500 budget for the 2011 fiscal year, which began July 1.

The city will hold public hearings at City Hall on the proposed millage rate increase Tuesday, Aug. 17 and Sept. 7 before voting on the matter.

Presentations to give glimpse of Air Force

The Museum of Aviation will take visitors inside the Air Force in the coming weeks.

Crew members from the 116th Air Control Wing will present “Eyes in the Sky — JSTARS in Combat” at noon Saturday in the Eagle Building Art Gallery. The crew will explain how the E-8C aircraft gathers and displays detailed battlefield information on ground forces.

Then, at noon Aug. 7, Air Force Reserve members who manage emergency ordnance disposal will demonstrate how they disarm explosives in “Disarming Death — Bomb Robots in Action.” That presentation will take place in Hangar One.

Reservations are not required, but those who would like lunch must place an order at least two days in advance by calling Stephanie Robinson at 926-6870. The cost for lunch is $8.50. The presentations are free.

WR, Centerville police unite for National Night Out

The Warner Robins and Centerville police departments are participating in National Night Out next week.

The event will be held 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Target shopping center on Watson Boulevard in Warner Robins.

Gear and equipment from the Warner Robins police SWAT team will be on display. Fingerprinting for children will be offered as well, said Tabitha Pugh, public information officer for the police department.

Byron Better Hometown receives accreditation

Byron Better Hometown has received accreditation as a 2010 National Main Street program.

The Byron Better Hometown program was evaluated on 10 standards of performance and passed all criteria, according to The Byron Crossing newsletter. The program, managed by Regina Mansfield, puts on projects such as the Christmas parade, Gingerbread and Cottontail markets, downtown farmers and artisans markets, Easter egg hunt and other community events.

McAfee foundation teams up with UGA football coach

The Joanna McAfee Childhood Cancer Foundation and Georgia head football coach Mark Richt teamed up to promote cancer awareness by shooting a public service announcement July 14.

Richt also shot a previous public service announcement with four childhood cancer patients, Jasmine Dean, LaStacia Lowther, Frankie Surine and Skyler Welford, who were in attendance at the most recent gathering and are currently cancer-free, according to a news release.

— Staff reports