American Atheists, an atheist organization based out of Cranford, NJ, say they plan to send books on atheism to Georgia state parks.

In a recent press release the organization stated the following:

American Atheists announced Friday that it will send the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR) enough popular atheist books to place one in every state park cabin in the state. The atheist books will be placed alongside Gideon Bibles already in every state park cabin as directed by Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal on Wednesday.

The Bibles were initially removed following a complaint from former American Atheist President Ed Buckner who found nine Bibles in a cabin he had rented last month. But on May 15 Gov. Deal ordered Bibles to be returned to all cabin and lodge rooms at Georgia state parks.

Related News: Gov. Deal Orders Return of Bibles to Rooms at State Parks

In a statement by the governor he said, “These Bibles are donated by outside groups, not paid for by the state, and I do not believe that a Bible in a bedside table drawer constitutes a state establishment of religion."

"In fact, any group is free to donate literature.”

In response to Gov. Deal's statement, Amanda Knief, the managing director of American Atheists said, "We appreciate the governor’s invitation to place atheist books in the cabins and look forward to providing visitors with the opportunity to learn more about atheism when they visit Georgia’s beautiful state parks.”

Read the full press release by American Atheists here.

“American Atheists does not believe the State of Georgia should be placing Bibles or atheist books in state park cabins; however, if the state is going to allow such distribution, we will happily provide our materials,” said President David Silverman.

Do you think atheistic books should be in Georgia lodging rooms and cabins at state parks alongside the Bible? Tell us in the comments below.

Share what’s on your mind with us, and then return here to see what your neighbors have said.

Dead Body Found on East Atlanta Street - East Atlanta Patch

Atlanta police are seeking the public's help in the shooting death of a man found in the street in the 1200 block of Metropolitan Avenue SE, Saturday night. For more on this story, visit East Atlanta Patch.

Flooding Damages Old Town Suwanee - Suwanee Patch

Several businesses on Main Street in Old Town Suwanee were damaged by flooding from Sunday's thunderstorms. For more on this story, visit Suwanee Patch.

Chattahoochee River: Unhealthy Bacteria Levels Increase After Heavy Rains - Roswell Patch

While the danger of flooding may have passed, another emerges - the threat of E.coli and other bacteria contamination. For more on this story, visit Roswell Patch.

Obama Rocks Morehouse in the Rain - Buckhead Patch

President Barack Obama gave the 129th commencement address speech on a wet and rainy Sunday afternoon, May 19th, at Morehouse College. For more on this story or to re-read the live blog, visit Buckhead Patch.

Loganville Area Church Robbed and Several Other Area Burglaries Investigated by WCSO - Loganville-Grayson Patch

Walton County Sheriff's Deputies were called to Sharon Baptist Church on Wednesday, May 15, 2013, after church members arrived to find that the sanctuary and fellowship hall of the church had been burglarized. For more on this story, visit Loganville-Grayson Patch.

The Cherokee County Adult Detention Center supplied Patch with the mug shots and booking reports of the inmates who appear here. At the time of reporting, none of them has been convicted of the listed charges, and all should be presumed innocent.

The Canton Fire Department spent Monday morning battling a house fire in the 100 block of West South Street.

Firefighters made aggressive efforts to battle the blaze, the department said on its Facebook page.

According to the department, the occupants of the home were elsewhere at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire is currently being investigated.

Part Time Arts Instructor - Boys & Girls Club - Canton

The instructor is needed to plan, organize, promote and implement a diversified arts program. Applicants must have high school diploma or GED equivalent, at least three years of experience leading, teaching in youth development work, formal arts and crafts training and excellent communication skills. For more on this position or to apply, visit the website.

Contract-to-Hire LMS Specialist - ProEdit - Ball Ground

ProEdit is hiring a full time, onsite LMS specialist for a full-time. The specialist will provide support for operations, maintenance, usage, analysis, and administration of the existing LMS and LCMS technology. The LMS specialist will serve as the LMS subject matter expert, as well as manage the training materials library. For more information or to apply, visit the website.

Sales and Trainers - Title Boxing Club - Johns Creek/Alpharetta

One of the fastest growing fitness companies in the U.S. is searching to fill full time and part time sales and trainer positions at two locations in North Fulton. The work environment is fun and allows employees dress casually while helping people live a better life. Send resumes to gweir@titleboxingclub.com. The two North Fulton locations are located at 735 North Main Street in Alpharetta (770-864-5492) and 8465 Holcomb Bridge Road in Johns Creek (678-620-3623).

For more local positions, visit our partners at CareerBuilder by clicking here.

Various Positions - The Erosion Company - Woodstock

A supervisor’s crew position and laborers are needed at a local erosion company. The driver crew position requires a clean driving record, proven reliability, flexible hours and ability to operate tractor/bush hog/bobcat. It pays between $11-$14 per hour. The laborer positions are open to reliable and punctual workers. The positions pay between $8-$10 per hour. E-Verify will be completed on each potential employee. For more information, Teri Shields – 678-325-5077 or  tshields@tecompanies.com.

Sales/Recruiting Positions - TechniPower - Roswell

TechniPower has several opportunities for sales professionals open in Roswell. Qualified applicants should have a four-year degree, good communication skills, possess leadership qualities, be sales-driven, self-motivated and have a positive additude. A six figure income is attainable, according to company officials. Interested applicants should contact Dan LaStella at dlastella@technipower.com or 770-804-9977 or 800-898-5154.

Small Crew Lead - Rusco Deck in Fence - Cumming

A crew lead for a local decking and fence company is needed full time. Applicants should have a valid drivers license and experience driving with a trailer. Bi-lingual English and Spanish speakers are preferred. Send resumes to Info@ruscodecks.com.

Job Posts from Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce

Merchant Services Sales Manager 6782134600 Indigo Payments, Inc. 2000 RiverEdge Parkway NW, Atlanta 30328

Branch Manager/Business Development Officer - Experience Required (770) 831-2605 Quantum National Bank 2905 Bethany Bend, Milton 30004

Maintenance Director (770) 643-1712 CaraVita Home Care 648 Mimosa Boulevard, Roswell 30075

Banking Solutions Specialist - Experience Required (770)831-2605 Quantum National Bank 2905 Bethany Bend, Milton 30004

Inside Sales and Recruiting RepresentativeLocumTenens.com 2655 Northwinds Parkway, Alpharetta 30009

SBA Business Development Officer (678) 889-4700 Quantum National Bank 2905 Bethany Bend, Milton 30004

Healthcare Jobs

Clinical Pharmacist, Infusion - PharmacyJobsOnly.com - Atlanta

Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist - Nuance - Atlanta

Customer Care Representative - Cabot Corporation - Alpharetta

Health Care Services Coordinator - Muscular Dystrophy Association - Tucker

Coder Outpatient / ER - Atlanta Medical Center - Atlanta

IT Jobs

Information Security Compliance Associate - ISG, Inc - Atlanta

Help Desk Technician - TMX Finance - Alpharetta

Project Manager – Enterprise Applications - ABM Industries, Inc. - Atlanta

Support Analyst - Horizon Software - Duluth

IT Project Manager Job - Booz Allen - Atlanta

1. Weather: There is a 10 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms after 4 p.m., says the National Weather Service. Despite the potential for rain, you can expect a high temperature of 88 degrees today under mostly sunny skies. Tonight, look for a low temperature of 66 degrees and a 30 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms before 9 p.m.

2. In Case You Missed It: A Canton family was luckily not at home when a fire took hold of the structure yesterday morning. The Canton Fire Department battled the blaze, and no injuries were reported.

3. Happening Now: Do you like to sing and dance? Do you have some amazing talent that you think the world should know about? Apply today for Cherokee's Got Talent and perhaps begin your quest for stardom!

4. Looking Ahead: Come back at 3 p.m. to learn more about the Georgia Department of Transportation's plans for road construction projects over Memorial Day weekend. Odds are you will see a lot less traffic cones and congestion over the holiday.

5. On This Date in History: On May 21, 1881, American nurse Clara Barton establishes the American Red Cross. For the past 132 years, the organization has been dedicated to humanitarianism and providing help to people around the world affected by tragedies and disasters.

Today, the Red Cross will be undoubtedly helping the people of Moore, OK, who are reeling from yesterday's killer tornado. If you would like to donate to the Red Cross, please visit the official Red Cross website.

Hobgood Park will soon see its second phase of improvements. 

The Cherokee County Commission will consider awarding a contract to Georgia Development Partners for $1.3 million during its meeting tonight.

The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at the county administration building in Canton. The meeting will follow the commissioners' work session at 3 p.m.

Phase two of the project includes the project includes new signage, sports lighting, modifying existing parking areas and applying new striping, resurfacing the tennis court and renovating the existing concession and restroom building. 

The commission will also consider a resolution to reduce the commission fee charged to the Cherokee County Board of Education to collect its taxes and an agreement with Garden Godfather, Inc.

The agreement would entail the company referring to the county potential operators who may be interested in purchasing, leasing or agreeing to a lease-purchase of the Ball Ground Recycling facility.

The county since has been trying to find an operator for the site, which shut down last year.

See the attached .PDF to view what else is on tonight's agenda. 

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The Cherokee County Adult Detention Center supplied Patch with the mug shots and booking reports of the inmates who appear here. At the time of reporting, none of them has been convicted of the listed charges, and all should be presumed innocent.

UPDATE (8:00 p.m.): The Canton Police Department and Cherokee Sheriff's office have conducted a sweep and cleared the house in the Hillcrest subdivision once thought to contain a man fleeing from police.

According to an updated statement from the department, the man originally reported to be brandishing a firearm outside the Laurels of Greenwood apartment complex at 4:15 p.m. Tuesday was arrested in the vicinity of the home in question as authorities were investigating the home itself.

The department has identified the arrested person 17-year-old Damiem Fowler of Canton. He has been charged with obstructing or hindering law enforcement officers and is currently being held at the Cherokee Adult Detention Center.

Investigators believe that Fowler is the only person involved in Tuesday's incident and is not seeking any additional people.

ORIGINAL STORY (6:30 p.m.): Although the Canton Police Department says they have a man who may have been brandishing a firearm in custody, authorities are still surrounding a house off of Highway 140 due to concerns from a homeowner.

A statement from the department says that at approximately 4:15 p.m., officers arrived at the Laurels of Greenwood apartment complex due to a report of a black male brandishing a handgun near the tree line. Once officers arrived, the man fled from the scene through the woods.

The man is being described as being in his early twenties with red hair and possibly wearing a red shirt.

According to Canton Police Chief Robert Merchant, the officer responding to the initial call  did not report seeing the weapon in question before the suspect took flight. Merchant said that Canton police have arrested this person. 

At the same time authorities were looking for the man who fled from them at the apartment complex, a woman who lives in the Hillcrest subdivision off of Highway 140 called 911 to report that a person may have broken in to her house to hide from police. Reacting quickly, Canton police locked down the home in question.

When Patch last spoke with Merchant, he said the department was waiting on the arrival of specialized equipment before searching the house. Merchant said the Cherokee Sheriff's Office would conduct the actual search inside the house for the person, if there is such a person.

Merchant said that the woman, who speaks Russian, has been able to provide some information to authorities through an interpreter.

Stay with Patch as this situation unfolds.

1. Weather: Between 5 and 8 p.m. today, the National Weather Service is predicting a 60 percent chance of thunderstorms, some of them severe. Before then, expect a high temperature of 83 degrees under partly sunny skies. Tonight, look for mostly cloudy skies and a low of 63 degrees.

2. In Case You Missed It: The Canton Police Department has arrested a man who allegedly brandished a firearm outside an apartment complex Tuesday afternoon. Despite the arrest, authorities still surrounded a home in the Hillcrest subdivision where it was thought someone may have taken refuge from police.

3. Happening Now: In light of Gov. Nathan Deal's order to restore Bibles to Georgia state parks, atheists are planning to install their own literature as a counterweight. We want to hear whether or not you support the governor and whether or not you feel the atheist's plans are acceptable to you.

4. Looking Ahead: Come back at noon to learn about a grueling competition that some Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services personnel took part in recently. Would it surprise you to know that they did exceptionally well?

5. On This Date in History: On May 22, 1856, one of the more disgusting episodes in the history of the United States Congress transpired when Congressman Preston Brooks of South Carolina, incensed at a May 20 speech made by Senator Charles Sumner of Massachusetts denouncing slavery and a relative of Brooks', beat his northern colleague with a cane in the Senate house. Sumner was helpless, as he was trapped beneath his desk, which was bolted to the floor. Brooks only relented once his cane broke. Sumner was permanently affected by the beating, and did not return to Washington, D.C. for three years.

Before heading out to dinner, check out the most recent restaurant inspection reports compiled by the Cherokee County Environmental Health Department. Violations are included in this report for scores below B. Click on "Last inspection" to see all current violations.

7 Tequilas
5947 Holly Springs Parkway, Woodstock 30188
Last inspection: May 20, Score: 85, Grade: B

All About Health
12195 Highway 92, Woodstock 30188
Last inspection: May 14, Score: 94, Grade: A

Cameron Hall Assisted Living
240 Marietta Highway, Canton 30114
Last inspection: May 15, Score: 99, Grade: A

Cherokee Lanes
1149 Marietta Highway, Canton 30114
Last inspection: May 15, Score: 90, Grade: A

Dixie Speedway
150 Dixie Drive, Woodstock 30189
Last inspection: May 20, Score: 97, Grade: A

Hana Japanese Restaurant
147 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton 30114
Last inspection: May 13, Score: 60, Grade: U
Violations: Active Managerial Control measures are not satisfactory for establishment to be in compliance with code; observed dish washer and food handler not washing their hands at the required times; observed several employee beverages and open beverage containers in a food preparation or other restricted area; no soap or paper towels located at handwashing sinks; observed raw eggs improperly stored over raw ready to eat sushi fish; observed potentially hazardous rice cold held at greater than 64 degrees Fahrenheit on the counter; no time marking on container of sushi rice when time as public health control is used; observed employee with no hair restraint; observed soiled dry and wet wiping cloth in use without sanitizer; observed lime build-up in dish machine; observed garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster; observed garbage can lid open. 

Little Caesar's Pizza
231 Riverstone Parkway, Canton 30114
Last inspection: May 15, Score: 96, Grade: A

Mandarin House II
1750 Marietta Highway, Canton 30114
Last inspection: May 15, Score: 83, Grade: B

Pizza Capri
5947 Holly Springs Parkway, Woodstock 30188
Last inspection: May 20, Score: 80, Grade: B

Pizza Hut
8014 Cumming Highway, Canton 30114
Last inspection: May 20, Score: 96, Grade: A

Reagan's Burger Barn
300 Village Center Drive, Woodstock 30188
Last inspection: May 16, Score: 91, Grade: A

Subway
9970 Ball Ground Highway, Ball Ground 30107
Last inspection: May 20, Score: 96, Grade: A

For more information about inspection reports, contact the environmental health department at (770) 479-0444.

You can post pictures by clicking on the "Upload Photos and Videos" button. Don't forget to include well wishes or special memories in the caption or comments section!

The time is upon us! Below are the Cherokee County school system's graduation dates and times for the commencements to be held at First Baptist Church of Woodstock, which will stream the ceremonies live online here: http://www.fbcw.org/media/live-media/ 

Also check out the PDF lists of graduating seniors accompanying this article.

See also: 

Class of 2013: Share Your Photos on Patch

About 73 percent of Cherokee County high school students graduated within four years in 2012, according to new figures the Georiga Department of Education released this week.

See how individual schools in Canton fared here or in the accompanying PDF. 

3 Indicted in International Sex Trafficking Ring - Norcross Patch

Three men from Mexico have been formally charged in an international sex trafficking ring that took place in Norcross and Atlanta. For more on this story, visit Norcross Patch.

Rapper Chief Keef Arrested at Le Meridien Hotel - Dunwoody Patch

Rapper Chief Keef was released from Dekalb County Jail, in the wee hours of Tuesday morning. He was arrested by Dunwoody Police on Monday afternoon at LeMeridien Hotel and charged with disorderly conduct. For more on this story, visit Dunwoody Patch.

One Man Dies, Pair Suffers Injuries in Two Accidents - Cumming Patch

Two accidents in Forsyth County on Monday took the life of one man and seriously injured two others. For more on this story, visit Cumming Patch.

Three Chef-Driven Restaurants Coming to Atlantic Station - Midtown Patch

Atlantic Station recently announced the coming addition of three local, chef-driven eateries. The eateries are to replace the development’s chain restaurants, following the restaurant industry trend to “go local.” For more on this story, visit Midtown Patch.

Sandy Springs Wife Lost an Eye, Use of Arm and Leg in Shooting - Sandy Springs Patch

Attorney Adina Broome, known by supporters as Adina Parson, suffered injuries so severe that she lost an eye, use of her arm and leg, and struggles to speak. For more on this story, visit Sandy Springs Patch.

Pair Plead Guilty, Get Prison Time in Law Office Robbery - Cartersville Patch

Two armed robbers seen by several witnesses when their get-away car wouldn't start are set to spend years in prison in connection with the May 18, 2012, incident at the Kelley Law Firm. For more on this story, visit Cartersville Patch.

The Cherokee County Adult Detention Center supplied Patch with the mug shots and booking reports of the inmates who appear here. At the time of reporting, none of them has been convicted of the listed charges, and all should be presumed innocent.

Here at Patch, we like to be thrifty, so we talked to two barbeque experts and uncovered some really good ideas to help you save money on your next outdoor party.  

1. Start with a marinade. This means planning ahead -- say, Friday. But it’s worth it, says Rick Browne, host of Barbeque America on PBS, because you can pass up that well-marbled ribeye steak and buy a less tender and less expensive choice to grill like a flank steak or chuck steak. Just marinate it or brine for one or two days and then cook long and slow on the barbeque grill to break down tissues but maintain moisture. “You need to include an acid in the marinade, perhaps juice, vinegar or soy sauce, but avoid cola which is so acidic it can turn meat into a soggy mess.” Try these marinade recipe ideas.

2. Set your grill to medium heat. It’s so easy to overcook meat, especially when you’re entertaining. “Grilling over medium heat is key because the beef will be browned perfectly and cooked evenly,” says Dave Zino, Executive Chef and culinary spokesperson for the National Cattleman’s Beef Association. The same goes for chicken.

3. Dessert? Try Grilled Fruit. It's inexpensive and unexpected. “I love to grill fruit like watermelon, pears and pineapple. It really doesn't get any easier or healthier than that. If you need something to cool off with, serve the grilled fruit with a scoop of frozen yogurt or ice cream,” Zino recommends.

4. Choose poultry instead of beef. Browne is a fan of “beer-butt chicken”, placing an entire chicken on the grill with an open can of beer inserted into it. “The beer steams the flesh and produces very moist and succulent meat.” He also likes turkey dogs and turkey bacon as a healthier choice for his popular “bacon wrapped cheese hot dogs” for kids. (There is no recipe -- you just wrap the hotdog in cheese, and wrap cooked bacon around it. Rolls and condiments are optional.)

5. Or choose fish instead of beef. Browne likes to grill salmon on disposable cedar planks, which he soaks first so that the salmon remains moist while cooking.

6. Make your own coleslaw and baked beans. If you’ve got the time and the inclination, this is a big money-saver. We’re partial to Paula Deen’s coleslaw recipe and this root beer baked bean recipe from Aarti Sequeira of Food Network fame. And you can find healthy recipes in Browne’s Big Book Of Barbeque Sides.

7. Buy meat on sale or in bulk. Rick Browne says don’t be afraid to buy meat in the sale section of the meat display. “You can always take it to the store butcher to check out if you aren’t sure and rewrap.” Plus buying in bulk from Costco or another retailer is a great way to save money if you’re feeding a crowd.

8. Yes, you do want leftovers. If you get a great deal on a package of steaks, grill them all up, says Zino. “I slice that steak up the next day and wrap it in a burrito for a protein-rich breakfast or serve it on a salad for a nice light steak salad with extra veggies and vinaigrette."

Planning a Memorial Day party or barbeque? Tell us what you're cooking in the comments below.

More Canton-Sixes Real Estate Listings >>

Best resources for Canton-Sixes Real Estate

Crye-Leike Realtors

Keller Williams Realty

ERA Sunrise Realty

Prudential Georgia Realty

Tri-Group Realty

First Cherokee Realty

Exit Hutson Realty, Inc.

RE/MAX Town & Country

1. Weather: There is a 10 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms in the area before 8 a.m., says the National Weather Service. Today, look for mostly sunny skies and a high temperature of 83 degrees. Tonight, the forecast calls for partly cloudy skies and a low of 57 degrees.

2. In Case You Missed It: Hana Japanese restaurant failed its most recent health inspection from the county. Read the other scores and find out why Hana did so poorly.

3. Happening Now: Are you graduating this year? Use Patch as a platform for sharing your favorite graduation pictures! Congratulations on graduating, and never forget the memories and friends you made at school!

4. Looking Ahead: Speaking of graduates, come back at 9 a.m. to learn how well Cherokee County is doing in regards to the percentage of students who graduated this year. What percentage do you think it was?

Mayor Gene Hobgood will be hosting a town hall meeting tonight at 6 p.m. at City Hall. Canton-Sixes Patch will be there to see what folks have to say to their mayor!

5. On This Date in History: On May 23, 1618, sectarian tensions between Protestants and Catholics in Bohemia came to a head when Protestant officials afraid of a Catholic government in their country threw their suppossed oppressors out of a third-floor window of the Bohemian Chancellory in Prague (now the Czech Republic). This "Second Defenestration (going out of a window) of Prague" was the spark that set off the Thirty Years' War, one of the most destructive conflicts in history.

By the way, the Catholics who were defenestrated all survived their 70 foot fall. One man, a secretary, was later made a noble and christened "Baron von Hohenfall," or the Baron of Highfall.