Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
FREEPRESS
Thats the crux of the problem. David Schutten, president of the Organization of DeKalb Educators, said he supported the governors move because the county needed resolution for the sake of the students and the staff and the parents.
See Deal on Page 15A
Gov. Nathan Deal. Photo by Kerry King
ix members of the embattled DeKalb County Board of Education were ousted by Gov. Nathan Deal Feb. 25. In a news conference Deal said he was compelled by the unanimous recommendation of the Georgia Board of Education (GBOE) to remove six members of the DeKalb school board. He has also appointed a nominating committee to recommend replacement board members. After a 14-hour hearing on Feb. 21, GBOE voted to recommend to Deal to remove DeKalb school board members Sarah CopelinWood, Jesse Jay Cunningham, Donna Elder, Nancy Jester, Pamela A. Speaks and Eugene P. Walker. Only the newly elected board members, chairman Melvin Johnson, vice chairman Jim McMahan and Marshall D. Orson, will keep their jobs. This is certainly a serious matter. It is a matter that is of grave concern to all of us, especially the parents and the students in the DeKalb County school system, Deal said. The stakes are indeed high. The future of almost 100,000 studentsis indeed something that we cannot take lightly. The DeKalb County Board of Education has come under fire since the school district was placed on accreditation probation by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), the agency that accredits the school district through its parent company, AdvancED. This is an issue that needs to be resolved as quickly and as thoroughly as possible, Deal said. Two days before appearing before GBOE, the DeKalb school board filed a lawsuit in Fulton County Superior Court challenging the state law that gives the governor the authority to remove a school board. A hearing on the lawsuit is scheduled for March 1. Embry Malone, who made two unsuccessful bids for the school board in 1996 and 1998, said he had problems with the school boards lawsuit. I think its a frivolous lawsuit, Malone said. I think it doesnt have any merit.
Malone said it is atrocious to use taxpayer money for lawsuits. He said the board members are out not in touch with the educational process in DeKalb County. Theyre just likable people, not people to get things done, Malone said. Some of the people on the school board should have never been there. You have unqualified people sitting on the school board.
Seeing the smile Kimberly Purpoz wears much of the time now, few would guess that the young mother of three only a short time ago faced tremendous hardships. Purpoz was once a happy Lithonia homeowner with a good job. Her life took a devastating turn following the birth of her son Justin five years ago. Because a ruptured uterus prevented the infant from getting adequate oxygen to the brain, the boy was born with cerebral palsy and concomitant severe disabilities. The medical bills were overwhelming. I couldnt get government help because they said I made too much money, recalled Purpoz, who at the time worked for a government agency. Also, I owned a house and they kept telling me that I could borrow against the house. Purpoz also has a daughter, Autumn, now 14, and a son, Austin, now 10. Purpoz, who adopted that last name to hide from an abuser, soon lost the house and most of her other Kimberly Purpoz, also shown in inset, helps her disabled son out of his car seat. possessions. I couldnt continue working because I had to take care We didnt qualify for Social Secu- leaders, parents of special needs of my child, I lost everything, she rity when I had a job and a house; children and healthcare providers, recalled. Although they were not now we do, she said, explaining The Fragile Kids Foundation helps actually living in the street, Purpoz that they were then able to move Because she gets with children online from the The Champ families her news updates with disabilisaid, for all practical purposes, the into a updates online from the The Champion. Decatur apartment. ties get items that insurance and Because she gets family was homeless. They movedher news family alsoshe gets her news updates online from the The proThe Because got help from government programs dont Champion. about from a hotel room to a relaan Atlanta-based charity, The vide. These gaps represent crucial tives crowded home. Fragile Kids Foundation. Incorpowww.facebook.com/championnewspaper Then she started to get help. rated in 1991 by Atlanta business See Purpoz on Page 15A
HAPPY
IS SHE
And you can too! Follow us. too! Follow us. And you can
Like Us On
Follow Us On
www.twitter.com/championnews
Local News
Page 2A
Emory University President Jim Wagner was recently censured by faculty members for remarks he made in a magazine article.
One of the keys to beating breast cancer, is knowing where you stand. The other is knowing where to go.
The newly expanded Comprehensive Breast Care Center at DeKalb Medical at Hillandale is proud to offer state-of-the-art technology for early detection, including digital mammography. And behind all of our technology and equipment, are equally phenomenal people, like our compassionate Nurse Navigators and nationally-acclaimed breast surgeons. From individualized treatment plans to even seemingly small acts down to providing stylish patient robes and calming music during screenings our attention to detail continues to set us apart from other hospitals. Because we believe in caring about people, not just for them. For a comprehensive virtual tour of our Breast Care Center, please visit dekalbmedicalhillandale.org, then call 404-501-2660, to schedule your annual mammogram, today.
Page 3A
Cedric Alexander will begin his tenure as DeKalb Countys new police chief in April. Photo by Daniel Beauregard
Page 4A
Tea anyone?
Deals decision pending a federal court hearing. Someone asked whether DeKalb school board members should be removed. That rightfully is a decision that should be made by voters. It is on that premise that the DeKalb board in federal court is challenging the constitutionality of a 2011 law that allows the governor to remove local school board members on the recommendation of the state board of education. Another glaring problem with all of this is that it seems patently discriminatory to arbitrarily pick and choose which board members to keep and who should go. If the board is guilty of mismanagement and poor governance as defined by SACS, and without due process by the way, doesnt it stand to reason that all of them should go? It is a confusing mess. But at the close of the day, the 2011 law giving the governor authority to remove local school board members is profoundly flawed and flies in the face of the state constitution. That ought to be enough to get the adrenalin flowing among the Tea Party patriots. Additionally, many astute political observers know the law is the result of personal and political agendas. It is saddening and sickening to witness the decline of the DeKalb school system. Power plays and control of the nearly billion-dollar budget are the priorities, not the education of our childrenas it should be. Public school systems around the nation have been abandoned to poor Whites, Blacks, Browns and others. Middle and upper income families have their children in private schools. Tired of paying private school tuitions, the strategy for years has been to allow public school tax dollars for charter schools under the guise of school choice in communities of interest. Bottom line, what is occurring is the re-segregation of our schools with control of the resources in the hands of the same powerful few. School boards set policy and control the dollars. Is the problem that we dont want that power and control in the hands of people from different communities of interest? The current DeKalb school board was elected by people in their districts. The board should be un-elected by people in their district. Unincorporated DeKalb is predominately AfricanAmerican. Could a White person be elected from a predominately AfricanAmerican district in DeKalb? The answer is yes, but one would have to live in that district, and the history of DeKalb demonstrates that most Whites do not want to live in a predominately African-American area and neither do many middle class African Americans for that matter. Most Whites run and many African Americans high tail it right behind them. Race and greed are at the heart of the problem with our schools in DeKalb, not to mention the moral decay of many of our institutions. It is a national problem that left uncorrected threatens to implode our communities. We are dwelling on the symptoms rather than the causes with this one and that one opining as to what to do about the symptoms. What we are seeing in DeKalb today is the culmination of years of cancerous board practices and not one mere decade, but several. The real foxes are gone leaving behind an empty chicken house. Better let that tea bag steep a little longer. Where is the Tea Party when you need them? This government intrusion in the voting rights of citizens would seem a classic case for their involvement. Alas, perhaps its the wrong brand of tea. Steen Miles, The Newslady, is a retired journalist and former Georgia state senator. Contact Steen Miles at Steen@dekalbchamp.com.
One of the basic tenets of the Tea Party movement is a strict adherence to the constitution. Research also indicates they believe in less government intrusion and spending. That being the case, DeKalb County could use their help. By the time you read this, a Fulton Superior Court judge will have held a hearing on a DeKalb school board request for a restraining order prohibiting Gov. Nathan Deal from suspending six of DeKalbs nine school board members as recommended by the State Board of Education following a marathon meeting with the DeKalb board. Also, a federal judge has issued an order temporarily preventing Deal from replacing the board members. The judge did not restrain the governor from suspending the six board members, but barred the implementation of
You can fool all of the people some of the time, and some of the people all of the time, but you cant fool all of the people all of the time.President Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865.) The evolving leadership crisis on our DeKalb County school board is largely coming down to a question of whom do you trust. Sadly, voters across the county and with leanings in both political directions have a hard time answering that question. Divided government may also deliver regular doses of gridlock, but to some extent the competition of ideas, as well as for voters, can help keep the other side honest. Distrust of state government was in clear view in the results of the summer primary voting on the TSPLOST, and then voters flipped that coin with the charter schools constitutional amendment in the November general election. And as the dust is still settling on both sides of both issues, there is without question a broadening deficit of trust, between voters and their elected officials in both parties. With the GOP controlling the governor and lieutenant governors offices, and a virtual lock on Georgias constitutional offices, now might be the time for the GOP to implement its long discussed reforms of a trimmer,
FREEPRESS
Let Us Know What You Think!
THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS encourages opinions from its readers. Please write to us and express your views. Letters should be brief, typewritten and contain the writers name, address and telephone number for verication. All letters will be considered for publication.
Send Letters To Editor, The Champion Free Press, P. O. Box 1347, Decatur, GA 30031-1347; Send E-Mail to Kathy@dekalbchamp.com FAX To: (404) 370-3903 Phone: (404) 373-7779 Deadline for news releases and advertising: Thursday, one week prior to publication date. EDITORS NOTE: The opinions written by columnists and contributing editors do not necessarily reect the opinions of the editor or publishers. The Publisher reserves the right to reject or cancel any advertisement at any time. The Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts.
Publisher: Dr. Earl D. Glenn Managing Editor: Kathy Mitchell News Editor: Andrew Cauthen Production Manager: Kemesha Hunt Graphic Designer: Travis Hudgons The Champion Free Press is published each Friday by ACE III Communications, Inc., 114 New Street, Suite E, Decatur, GA. 30030 Phone (404) 373-7779.
www.championnewspaper.com
DISPLAY ADVERTISING (404) 373-7779 x 110
STATEMENT FROM THE PUBLISHER
We sincerely appreciate the discussion surrounding this and any issue of interest to DeKalb County. The Champion was founded in 1991 expressly to provide a forum for discourse for all community residents on all sides of an issue. We have no desire to make the news only to report news and opinions to effect a more educated citizenry that will ultimately move our community forward. We are happy to present ideas for discussion; however, we make every effort to avoid printing information submitted to us that is known to be false and/or assumptions penned as fact.
Opinion
Page 5A
Johnson
McMahan
Orson
day, March 1, which, in effect, prohibits any action by the DeKalb Board of Education. As a result of that order, any potential appointees by Governor Nathan Deal cannot take office, and the suspended members cannot participate in any decisions or official Board activity. Under Georgia law, a quorum of at least five members is required for the DeKalb Board of Education to act. With only the three of us authorized to act by virtue of the federal court order, the DeKalb Board of Education will lack a quorum to conduct any business until such time as there is a deci-
sion in the legal matter. We will continue to work with Superintendent Thurmond to focus on our students, the hardworking educators who are with those students every day in our schools, and the parents and families who support them. We will not be satisfied until every decision made by the DeKalb County School District is made on the basis of how it advances our responsibility for student achievement. Dr. Melvin Johnson Jim McMahan Marshall Orson
ts a sad, sad time in DeKalb and something has to be done about our current state of affairs regarding the DeKalb County school board and DeKalb County school system. But whatever the decision, it should be a decision made in DeKalb County by DeKalb County voters. Governor Nathan Deal has suggested that six members of the school board be suspended. This decision is a result of the school system being placed on a probationary status and a possible loss of accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. As a parent, former teacher and school administrator. I have personally witnessed and experienced the systemic problems in our schools for more than 25 years. The current state of our schools is nothing new; it is a culmination of years of misguided leadership, but leadership that the voters of DeKalb elected and leadership that the voters should denounce. I must inject that ALL board members have not been a part of the problem. The work and involvement of some of these members have kept us from disaster up to now, but one or two cannot do good work alone. If you will remember, there have been one or two board members standing alone on certain issues, refusing to go along with the majority. Therefore, we shouldnt throw out the baby with the bath water. I contend that a large part of the boards problems stem from its choices in hiring the last three superintendents. All three terms have been cut short due to internal issues and illegal activities causing extreme negative publicity and oversight from the countys grand jury. Two of these individuals have come in and fired essential personnel before making a proper evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the system. Most members of current board agreed to hire former superintendent Dr. Cheryl Atkinson just more than a year ago. Atkinson brought in new hires who previously worked with her in other failing school districts. Atkinson fired and/ or reassigned employees who had worked in our school system for years. Many of these employees who lost their jobs had the knowledge and experience to know what needed to be done to correct the ongoing concerns but were left with little recourse. Example: Former chief financial officer Marcus Turk contends to this day that DeKalb had no
financial problems before he was ousted. It is proven that he gave former superintendent Crawford Lewis sound advice regarding spending that could have averted Lewis ouster and some of his legal problems. He was the one employee who had been cited for best business practices. Yet, he was fired based on innuendo that was never proven. Because board members cannot get involved in personnel issues, they were handcuffed by these superintendents with little power to keep reins on the money. Yes, the board hired these superintendents, and the voters have allowed these problems to continue. For years school board members have fought among themselves, with parents, with teachers and with administrators. This has to stop. Members of the board of education have the final say-so in matters of this nature, and if they dont, they should. I completely agree that we have a tremendous problem on our hands. A problem that can negatively impact students, scholarships, economic development and home values of our county. Our problems should have been corrected already, but they have not. However, our problems are our problems and we, the voters, should have final say-so on how our problems are corrected. Our community needs to become more interested in and involved in matters that are of such importance to our long-term success as a county and as an integral part of the greater metro Atlanta region. Individual board members could be recalled using the same democratic process used to elect them. We have the right to decide who runs our school system. It should not be up to the governor. We put these people in office and we should express our lack of satisfaction in the voting booth. I urge all in our community to become involved in the election process and to pay close attention to our board of education members. The electorate is responsible for putting in office individuals who have our schools as their number one priority. Elected officials have the responsibility of hiring a superintendent who is capable of running the states third largest school system. If either of these two components is flawed, our schools will suffer. Not only does the future of our children depend on our decisions, but the future of our region does as well. We have to make sensible decisions on the ballot and we must hold our elected officials accountable. But let these decisions be ours. It is, after all, our future collectively and we should be able to control our destiny and that of our county.
Community
Page 6A
Viola davis
within my family. It was the way I was raised to fight for my community. Since moving to DeKalb County in 1991, Davis has done a lot in her community to make it better. Her passion for community service led her to create Unhappy Taxpayer and Voter in 2000. Unhappy Taxpayer and Voter is a grassroots, faith-based, nonpartisan movement representing and protecting the interest of taxpayers and voters. It is a community based social action and educational organization that analyzes how taxpayer dollars are spent and disseminate the results to the public. What we often do is build correlations with parents, organizations and homeowners, she said. And depending on the different issues, thats how we volunteer. Some of the latest issues that Davis and her organization volunteered with was stopping cell phone towers from being built on school properties
Viola Davis passion to help children have access to a quality education started through her mother, Ruby BozemanDavis. Bozeman-Davis was one of the plaintiffs in the Brown v. Board of Education case. In the 1954 case, the U.S. Supreme Court declared state laws to be unconstitutional that established separate public schools for Black and White students. BozemanDavis added her four children names to the case, including Violas name. Weve always through the years done community work, Davis said of her family. It was something
and stopping the Transportation Special Purpose Local Options Sales Tax referendum, a tax that was expected to raise $8.5 billion to fund 157 projects across the 10-county metro area. Davis recently formed a new correlation called Restore DeKalb County School System, which is fighting to save the school district from losing its accreditation. The group has five demands that include recalling the current board of education and electing a new board, and hiring a qualified and permanent superintendent. Davis said she has no doubt that the school district will not lose its accreditation. I believe that the turmoil that is going on today is going to wake up a number of parents, homeowners and taxpayers and motivate them to get involved, she said. Once the people get involved we can solve the problems of the DeKalb school system.
if you would like to nominate someone to be considered as a future champion of the week, please contact Kathy Mitchell at kathy@dekalbchamp.com or at (404) 373-7779, ext. 104.
Community
Page 7A
aVoNdaLe estates
aRouNdDEKALB
email jewen@bellsouth.net.
Rail Arts District host Studio Cruise The artists of the Rail Arts District will host their annual Studio Cruise on March 2. Each year artists open their doors for demonstrations, refreshments, performances, and art exhibits. The action is taking place along a onemile stretch of CSX rail line that passes through downtown Avondale Estates, into Decaturs Laredo Drive industrial area, and along East Ponce De Leon Ave into Scottdale. Visitors can enjoy paintings, sculpture, theater, jewelry, pottery, blown glass, furniture, live music photography, magicians and more. Area boutiques will open their doors hosting additional artists. For more information, visit www.railartsdistrict.com. Drenner named to energy and environment committee House Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) announced Feb. 20 the appointment of state Rep. Karla Drenner (D-Avondale Estates) to the Southern Legislative Conference (SLC) Energy and Environment Committee. As the presiding officer of the Georgia House of Representatives, Ralston is charged with selecting members to represent Georgia within SLC. I am honored to have been chosen by Speaker Ralston to be one of the representatives of Georgia, Drenner said. I am excited to have this opportunity to promote sound energy and environmental policy in the region, in addition to in my home state. The Energy and Environment Committee is one of the SLCs standing committees. According to SLC, the committee has studied clean water programs and water permitting; alternative energy; the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program; state compliance with federal clean air and water standards; the future for nuclear power; the role of merchant power plants; the ramifications of deregulation on Southern states; growth and sprawl; and surveyed recent legislative and state public utility activity. Founded in 1947, the Southern Legislative Conference is the largest of four regional legislative groups operating under the Council of State Governments. The 15 SLC member states are Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. Poetry reading to be at book store Poets and poetry lovers can sign up for the monthly open mic poetry reading at Trilogy Books in Avondale Estates. Poets can read their own work or their favorites by other poets. Participants who come before the 6 p.m. reading can enjoy refreshments and socializing while browsing Trilogys books and gifts. The free event begins at 5:30 p.m. Seating is limited and attendees are encouraged to bring a folding chair. Trilogy Books is at 4 N. Clarendon Ave. For more information, call (404) 228-3828 or
decatuR
Soil and water meeting scheduled The DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District monthly meeting will be held on Friday, March 8, at 10: a.m. at the Clark Harrison Building, 330 W. Ponce de Leon Avenue in downtown Decatur. For additional information call (770) 7613020. Irish Shindig to be at local pub The AJC Decatur Book Festival (DBF) will be Labor Day weekend, but events leading up to it already are scheduled. An Irish Shindig in Decatur is the next event on the calendar, taking place Friday, March 1, 5-7 p.m. at Brick Store Pub in downtown Decatur. The AJC DBF is partnering with the American Conference for Irish Studies, whose Southern Region group is holding its annual meeting in Decatur. The event is free and open to the public. It will be an informal event with Irish music, poetry, and a cash bar. Seamus Heaneywinner of the 1995 Nobel Prize in Literatureis reading at Emory the following day, so consider this the warm-up act, the announcement from AJC DBF states. Church to hold paint recycling event The youth of Decatur Presbyterian Church will have a paint recycling fundraiser on Saturday, March 9, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Those who have left over latex paint that they need to dispose of are invited to participate. There will be signs directing participants to Decatur Presbyterians rear parking lot on Church Street. DPC is located at 205 Sycamore Street, across from the MARTA Station in downtown Decatur. Charges for disposal of old latex paint, regardless of the amount of paint remaining in the can, are: 1 gallon can, $3; 1 quart can, $1.50; 1 pint can, $1; 5 gallon can, $15. Atlanta Paint Disposal, the fundraisers vendor, will keep the paint out of landfills and recycle it into environmentally friendly paint. The recycled paint is then sold to environmentally conscious contractors at a discount. APD is the only paint recycler in Georgia that is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency and Georgia Interfaith Power and Light. Both the EPA and GIPL advocate that residents take responsibility for the proper disposal of left over paint. Slavic chorus to perform at local library Yale Slavic Chorus & Childrens Russian Folk Ensemble Kalinka will appear at the Decatur Library Sunday, March 10, 2-3 p.m. The Yale Slavic Chorus is touring Atlanta and will perform with the Childrens Russian Folk Ensemble Kalinka of Atlanta School #1. The Yale Slavic Chorus, established in 1969, sings traditional and arranged pieces from all over the Balkans and Eastern Europe. The Ensemble Kalinkas members are children between the ages of 7 and 15 who speak (or at least sing) in the Russian language and have an interest in
Russian language and culture. The Decatur Library is located at 215 Sycamore Street, Decatur. For more information, call (404) 370-3070.
duNwoodY
Dunwoody Police raise $6,000 for Special Olympics The Dunwoody Police Department participated in the fourth annual Polar Plunge Feb. 16 at Lake Lanier Islands Beach and Water Park. The 40 degree weather and high winds didnt stop more than 300 fundraisers from coming out to the event with their families and friends. In addition to jumping in the freezing cold lake for charity, there was music from Rock 100.5s tent, a costume contest, a dunk an officer booth and Atlanta Falcons cheerleaders were on hand to sign autographs. Awards were given out to the individual, and to the group that raised the most money. The Dunwoody Police Department raised $5,946 and ranked fourth in funds raised among teams and second among police departments. The event raised $90,000 to help more than 23,000 athletes compete in the Georgia Special Olympics. Five Perimeter CIDs board members named to top realtors list Five Perimeter Community Improvement Districts (PCIDs) board members have been named to the Atlanta Business Chronicles 2013 Commercial Real Estate Whos Who list of 100 individuals who the publication said are driving the industry in metro Atlanta. We are extremely pleased to have such a wealth of experience and expertise on our boards to guide the decisions of the PCIDs as they continue to make significant infrastructure improvements to metro Atlantas largest office district, said PCIDs President and CEO Yvonne Williams. These board members are helping keep the Perimeter markets economy strong and sustainable in the future. The PCIDs board members selected and the category include the following: John V. Barton II (property manager/REIT), senior vice president and managing director, Parkway Properties Inc; John A. Heagy III (dealmaker), senior managing director/marketing, Southeast Region, Hines Interests; John W. Lundeen III (dealmaker), president, Coro Realty Advisors; Kris Miller (developer/brokerage), president, Akerman & Co.; Robert P. Voyles (dealmaker), principal and CEO, Seven Oaks Co.
This statement is published in accordance with Section 19 (b) of the DeKalb County Organizational Act of 1981, p. 4304. DEKALB COUNTY, GEORGIA STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION BY FUND AS of December 31, 2012 (In thousands of dollars / unaudited) Drug Abuse Law Enforcement Confiscated Monies Fund 210 Fire Fund 270 1,692 2,012 3,704 (1,365) 1,986 621 (679) 3,990 3,311 7,805 72 7,877 2,123 2,123 1,897 1,897 6,906 6,906 (786) (786) 732 732 674 674 Street Lights Fund 211 Hump Maintenance Fund 212 Telephone System Fund 215 GrantIn-Aid Fund 250 Grants 2005 JAG #10 Fund 257 Grants 2009 ARRA Fund 260 Designated Services Fund 271 District Unincorporated Fund 272 Speed Emergency Special Tax Special Tax PEG Support Fund 203 County Jail Fund 204 200 200 1,008 1,008 273 273 (350) (350) 270 270 121 121 Recreation Fund 207 2,101 2,101 Foreclosure Registry Fund 205 Victim Assistance Fund 206 Juvenile Services Fund 208 Treatment & Education Fund 209
Assets: Cash and investments Receivable Inventories and prepaid items Total Assets
1,411 1,411
Liabilities: Accounts payable Deferred revenue Payroll liabilities Advance payments and deposits Notes payable Due to others Total Liabilities 2,101 1,008 1987 G O Bonds - Parks Fund 311 62 62 221 221 127 127 31,728 31,728 49,787 49,787 (5,108) (5,108) 11,633 11,633 1,284 1,284 828 828 421 421 6,507 6,507 1,000 1,000 3,571 3,571 1998 Bonds - Jail Fund 312 1993 Bonds - Health Fund 313 2001 G O Bonds - Parks Fund 314 2006 G O Bonds - P,T,L Fund 315 Host Capital Projects Fund 330 COPS Projects Fund 351 Building Authority Juvenile Court Fund 355 HUD Section 108 Loan Fund 357 Debt Service Fund 410 14,088 14,088 Urban Redevelopement Agemcu Fund 356 273 (350) 270 121 7,877 1,897 (786) 732 674 621 200 1,008 273 (349) 268 121 6,184 2,123 1,897 6,812 (1,149) 78 261 3,639 473 (1) 2 1,397 1,693 94 363 654 413 65 148 (241) 1,940 1,371 3,311 GO Bonds STD Debt Service Fund 411 1,120 1,120 (1) 2 48 248 94 363 1 653 8 405 65 148 2 2,179
1,462
1,465
Fund Balance
5,598
(54)
15,102 -
1,411 -
Assets: Cash and investments Receivable Inventories and prepaid items Total Assets
18,365 18,365
Liabilities: Accounts payable Deferred revenue Payroll liabilities Advance payments and deposits Notes payable Due to others Total Liabilities 1,074 833 Water & Sewer Operating Fund 511 Sanitation Operating Fund 541 14,334 14,334 (2,804) (2,804) 7,246 7,246 6,485 6,485 10,959 10,959 12,784 12,784 2,334 2,334 Sanitation Construction Fund 542 Airport Operating Fund 551 Airport Construction Fund 552 Stormwater Utility Fund 581 Stormwater Construction Fund 582 Vehicle Maintenance Fund 611 (1,295) 2,154 859 22,934 9,447 32,381 435,601 435,601 131,960 131,960 20,837 20,837 Water & Sewer Bonds Construction Fund 512 Water & Sewer R&E Fund 513 Water & Sewer Sinking Fund 514 62 221 127 31,728 49,787 11,633 1,284 828 421 6,507 833 62 221 127 31,710 49,612 (5,117) 11,514 1,284 818 421 6,501 18 175 9 119 10 6 1,000 1,000 Vehicle Replacement Fund 621 22,310 22,310 18 175 9 119 10 6 1,000 -
53 -
53
Fund Balance
(3,126)
18,312
(3,126) -
Assets: Cash and investments Receivable Inventories and prepaid items Total Assets
140 140
33 33
Liabilities: Accounts payable Deferred revenue Payroll liabilities Advance payments and deposits Notes payable Due to others Total Liabilities 210 210 32,381 435,601 131,960 20,837 14,334 (2,804) 7,246 6,485 10,959 28,165 435,598 130,811 20,837 8,132 (2,904) 7,113 6,432 10,959 12,804 12,784 4,216 3 6,202 100 133 53 (20) 4,081 135 3 202 6,000 100 133 18 35 (20) 88 1,061 1,149
2,334 2,334 -
3 3 5,006 5,009 -
Fund Balance
140
33
140 -
33 -
Local News
2012 Actual
General Fund 100 2012 Budget 168,954 61,033 6,545 130 3,628 36,662 9,636 5,859 4,645 (1,501) 295,591 47 33,120 33,167 1,457 1,457
2012 Actual 144,070 69,939 5,543 127 3,519 36,473 10,897 130 4,192 4,815 (1,501) 278,204
Urban Redevelopment Agency Bond Debt Service Fund 414 2012 2012 Revenues: Budget Actual Investment income Miscellaneous 776 985 Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues 776 985 Expenditures: Debt Service Transfers out 776 775 Total Expenditures 776 775
2001 G O Bonds - Parks Fund 314 2012 Revenues: Budget Investment income 1,904 Intergovernmental (277) Contributions from private sources (183) Transfers From Other Funds (34) Proceeds from sale of bonds (38) Miscellaneous (1,525) Fund Balance Carried Forward 33,120 Total Revenues 32,967 Expenditures: Capital Projects 25,745 Fund Expenditures Unappropriated 7,222 Total Expenditures 32,967
Water & Sewer Operating Fund 511 2012 Budget 26 219,630 20 28,165 247,841
1,630 3,155 3,167 5 1,557 16,802 2,975 2,927 19,186 5,619 4,209 7,020 4,826
1,692 2,632 2,936 1,523 16,711 2,684 2,388 16,300 5,471 4,165 6,832 3,809
Revenues: Investment income Charges for Services Miscellaneous Transfers From Other Funds Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Finance Water and Sewer Fund Expenditures Interfund transfers Unappropriated Total Expenditures
2006 G O Bonds - Parks, Transportation, Libraries Fund 315 2012 2012 Revenues: Budget Actual Investment income (6,882) 83 Intergovernmental Revenue 17 Transfers From Other Funds (3,285) Contributions from private sources (3,810) Proceeds from sale of bonds (3,285) Fund Balance Carried Forward 67,479 67,479 Total Revenues 50,234 67,562 Expenditures: Parks 46,677 14,031 Library 13,262 2,456 Transportation 5,283 1,463 Fund Expenditures Unappropriated (14,988) 50,234 17,950
75,727 9,419 8,075 6,144 13,019 5,518 11,124 1,788 1,593 2,155 7,248 2,639 9 1,432 27,885
73,873 9,393 7,856 6,095 12,439 5,445 11,311 1,748 1,558 2,210 7,024 2,495
232 83 502 148 662 92 495 1,602 68 10,243 588 2,173 2,647 1,539 (488)
Revenues: Investment Income Proceeds from sale of bonds Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Capital Projects Unappropriated
Water & Sewer Bonds Construction Fund 512 2012 Budget (17,477) 450,239 432,762 464,777 (32,015) 432,762
Grant-In-Aid Fund 250 2012 Revenues: Budget Contributions from private sources 434 Intergovernmental 34,496 Miscellaneous (863) Transfers From Other Funds 498 Fund Balance Carried Forward (2,758) Total Revenues 31,807 Expenditures: General Government: Finance Workforce Development 14,989 Civil and Criminal Court System: Sheriff 775 Juvenile Court (152) Superior Court 1,201 State Court 10 Solicitor 737 District Attorney 202 Public Defender 188 Magistrate Court 730 Police Services 3,154 Fire & Rescue 2,907 Public Works Community Development 23,901 Parks 669 Extension Service 771 Family & Children Services Sanitation 13 Community Relations Fleet Maint. Animal Control Bd of Health 1 4,237 Sr Citizen Services Human Services 2,745 Keep Dekalb Beautiful 16 Arts, Culture, and Entertainment Registrar/Elections Water & Sewer 748 Non-Departmental 36 Fund Expenditures Miscellaneous (2) Unappropriated (26,069) Total Expenditures 31,807 Grants/2005 JAG #10 Fund 257 2012 Budget Host Capital Projects Fund 330 2012 Revenues: Budget Investment Income 335 Intergovernmental (8,976) Deferred Revenue Transfers From Other Funds 313 Fund Balance Carried Forward (4,670) Total Revenues (12,998) Expenditures: Capital Projects 16,697 Unappropriated (29,695) (12,998) 2012 Actual
2012 Actual
3,568 1,031 9,640 1,049 1 1,133 133 87 1,354 1,635 (281) 1,354 2009 ARRA Stimulus Fund 260 2012 Budget
Revenues: Investment income Miscellaneous Transfers From Other Funds Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Capital Projects Unappropriated
Water & Sewer R & E Fund 513 2012 Budget 15,858 (46) (15,339) 90,270 90,743 62,204 28,539 90,743
Revenues: Investment income Intergovernmental Revenue Transfers From Other Funds Deferred Revenue Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Police Unappropriated Total Expenditures
2012 Actual
2012 Actual
Water & Sewer Sinking Fund 514 2012 Budget 663 61,300 11,909 73,872
Revenues: Property Taxes Sales Taxes Other Taxes Licenses and permits Intergovernmental Charges for Services Fines and Forfeitures Investment income Miscellaneous Transfers From Other Funds Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: General Government: Chief Executive Officer Board of Commissioners Law Department Ethics Geographic Information Risk Management Facilities Management Purchasing Human Resources & Merit System Information Systems Finance Property Appraisal Tax Commissioner Registrar and Elections Civil and Criminal Court System: Sheriff Juvenile Court Superior Court Clerk Superior Court State Court Solicitor State Court District Attorney Child Advocate Probate Court Medical Examiner Public Defender Magistrate Court Public Safety: Public Safety Admin & Communications Animal Control Police Fire & Rescue Planning & Development Public Works: Directors Office Economic Development Public Services - Library Health and Human Services: Extension Services Public Board of Health Community Service Board Family and Children Services Human and Community Development Citizen Help Center Capital Improvement CIP GO Bonds - Parks Non-Departmental Grants Fund Expenditures Unappropriated Transfers To Other Funds Total Expenditures Revenues: PropertyTaxes Sales Taxes Investment income Intergovernmental Revenue Transfer from Other Funds Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Workforce Development Non-Departmental Total Expenditures 1 (6,646) 267 449 (5,929) 3,633 (9,562) (5,929) 1 1,971 (31) 449 2,390 2,129 2,129 -
Revenues: Investment income Miscellaneous Transfers From Other Funds Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Debt Service CIP Unappropriated Total Expenditures
73,872 73,872
57,235 57,235
Page 8A
2012 Actual
Revenues: Licenses and Permits Investment income Miscellaneous Charges for Services Transfers To Other Funds Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues 16 64,868 66 6,623 71,573 -
Capital Improvement Project Fund 350 2012 Budget 30,759 434 972 (2,752) 11,352 9,504 50,269 2012 Actual 2,321 131 20 219 12,128 9,504 24,323
Sanitation Operating Fund 541 2012 Budget 30 67,867 147 54 6,623 74,721
Expenditures: Planning & Development Public Works- Director's Office Interfund Transfers Unappropriated 2012 Actual 667 15,700 16,367 -
Revenues: Property Taxes Sales Taxes Investment income Charges for Services Miscellaneous Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Public Safety-Police Public Safety-Fire Non-Departmental Interfund Transfers Unappropriated Total Expenditures 47,770 8,099 55,869 47,817 4,899 (114) 52,602 Revenues: Investment income Charges for Services Transfers From Other Funds Miscellaneous Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Finance Sanitation Interfund Transfers Fund Expenditures Unappropriated Total Expenditures 195 73,559 967 74,721 195 62,580 666 63,441
6,132
2012 Actual
Revenues: Investment income Miscellaneous Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: PEG Support Unappropriated -
2,019 2,019
153 153
Special Tax - Designated Services Fund 271 2012 Budget 10,857 11,779 1,634 401 2,629 2,065 29,365 2012 Actual 4,549 1,198 (7) 957 270 17,174 2,065 26,206 Sanitation ARRA Capital Projects Fund 544 2012 Budget 7,080 (11,589) 11,269 6,760 2012 Actual 6,735 750 11,269 18,754 Revenues: Transfers From Other Funds Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Capital Projects Interfund Transfers Unappropriated Total Expenditures
2012 Actual
210 2,022 566 2,798 344 1,334 1,678 53 1,625 1,678 50 50 25 4,822 7,209 12,056 24 5,134 7,209 12,367 Airport Operating Fund 551 2012 Budget 2012 Actual 1,334 1,334 COPS Projects Fund 351 2012 Budget 2012 Actual 20,398 (13,638) 6,760 11,641 11,641
Revenues: Intergovernmental Fines and forfeitures Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Transfers To Other Funds Unappropriated
2,798 2,798
Revenues: Property Taxes Sales Taxes Licenses and Permits Investment income Intergovernmental Charges for Services Miscellaneous Transfers From Other Funds Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Public Safety - Police Public Works - Transportation Public Works - Roads and Drainage Parks and Recreation Arts, culture & entertainment Non-Departmental Transfers to Other Funds Unappropriated Total Expenditures 2,203 9,422 9,974 7,766 29,365 130 1,861 6,814 9,385 7,543 25,733 Revenues: Intergovernmental Interfund Transfers Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Capital Projects Unappropriated Total Expenditures
Revenues: Intergovernmental Investment Income Contributions from private sources Miscellaneous Charges for Services Transfers From Other Funds Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Board Commissioners GIS Facilities Management Fleet Maintenance Information System Finance Clerk Superior Court Recorders Court Police Library Transportation Public Works Host Capital Outlay Road & Drainage Parks Planning & Development Community Development Economic Development Extension Service Non-Departmental Fire DFACS Fund Expenditures Total Expenditures 1,120 1,515 211 5,302 1,100 3,079 13 23,881 45,434 11,416 277 1,270 630 107 7 (45,800) 707 50,269 433 198 93 1,738 1,299 197 26 7,564 242 87 589 343 12,809
2012 Actual
Revenues: Investment Income Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Capital Projects Unappropriated
716 805 1,521 2012 Actual 6,956 5,100 12,056 2,835 3,100 5,935
Revenues: Charges for Services Miscellaneous Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Planning & Development Unappropriated 29,926 24,475 (1) 22,568 (53) (65,254) 1,444 13,105 776 (1,595) (819) 104 104 Airport Construction Fund 552 2012 Budget Revenues: Investment Income Deferred Revenue Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Capital projects Unappropriated (2) 924 922 2012 Actual Public Safety - Judicial Facilities Fund 354 2012 Budget (1,743) 924 (819)
1,521 1,521
352 352
Revenues: Investment income Miscellaneous Interfund Transfers Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: DeKalb-Peachtree Airport Interfund Transfers Unappropriated Total Expenditures -
2012 Actual
Revenues: Intergovernmental Fines and Forfeitures Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Victim Assistance Transfers To Other Funds Unappropriated Total Expenditures 426 426 -
5 1,298 1,303
Special Tax District - Unincorporated Fund 272 2012 Revenues: Budget Charges for Services Sales Taxes Other Taxes 32,984 Licenses and Permits 27,130 Investment income Fines and Forfeitures 21,622 Miscellaneous (74) Transfers From Other Funds (70,831) Fund Balance Forward 1,444 Total Revenues 12,275 Expenditures: General Government: Chief Executive Officer 380 Finance 775 Police Services-Code Enforcement Recorders Court 3,951 Planning & Development 2,571 Non-Departmental 4,598 Transfers From Other Funds Unappropriated Total Expenditures 12,275 380 734 3,794 2,522 4,304 11,734 Revenues: Investment income Intergovernmental Deferred revenue Interfund Transfers Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Capital Projects Unappropriated
Building Authority - Juvenile Court Fund 355 2012 Revenues: Budget Investment income (56) Proceeds of long-term Liabilities 1,261 Fund Balance Carried Forward 426 Total Revenues 1,631 Expenditures: Capital projects 479 Unappropriated 1,152 1,631 5 5
2012 Actual
1,173 (435) 738 19,103 14 19,117 7,461 18 7,479 995 995 19,060 19,060 Revenues: Investment income Miscellaneous Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Capital projects Unappropriated 17 7,479 7,496
Revenues: Investment income Charges for Services Miscellaneous Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Parks and Recreation Unappropriated Urban Redevelopment Agency Fund 356 2012 Budget 7,479 7,479
738 738
691 691
Revenues: Property Taxes Sales Taxes Intergovernmental Investment Income Transfers From Other Funds Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Health and Welfare-Hospital Unappropriated
Hospital Fund 273 2012 Budget 15,364 5,093 (1,340) 19,117 2012 Actual 13,067 4,219 (12) (1,340) 15,934
Stormwater Utility Fund 581 2012 Budget Revenues: Investment income (130) Charges for Services 17,000 Miscellaneous Fund Balance Carried Forward 10,534 Total Revenues 27,404 Expenditures: Stormwater Utilities 26,810 Interfund Transfers 594 Unappropriated Total Expenditures 27,404
2012 Actual
2012 Actual
Local News
Revenues: Investment income Charges for Services Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Juvenile Court Unappropriated Revenues: Investment income Miscellaneous Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Capital projects Unappropriated ARRA Capital Projects Fund 360 123 93,453 10,204 103,780 2012 Budget 113 92,417 6,920 99,450 2012 Actual
30 305 335
31 305 336
Stormwater Utility Construction Fund 582 2012 Budget 187 2,259 794 1,629 4,869 Revenues: Contributions from private sources Intergovernmental Miscellaneous Interfund Transfers Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Capital Projects Unappropriated 9,806 (4,937) 4,869
335 335
68 68
Police Services Fund 274 2012 Budget 15,501 4,390 1,030 218 106 67,736 14,799 103,780 2012 Actual 40,072 11,189 1,049 294 6 202 50,151 14,799 117,762
2012 Actual
Revenues: Property Taxes Sales Taxes Licenses and Permits Charges for Services Investment income Miscellaneous Transfers From Other Funds Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Transfers To Other Funds Police Services Unappropriated
Revenues: Investment income Fines and Forfeitures Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Health and Welfare Unappropriated 2012 Actual 4,647 339 4,986 -
Drug Abuse Treatment & Education Fund 209 2012 Budget 50 100 150 Revenues: Investment income Intergovernmental Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Capital projects Unappropriated 2,757 2,899 5,656 1,913 3,743 5,656
70 100 170
2012 Actual 202 33,306 174 (1) 33,681 35,482 35,482 Vehicle Replacement Fund 621 2012 Budget 9,633 9,633 33,681 33,681
46 104 150
27 22 49
Revenues: Intergovernmental Charges for Services Miscellaneous Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Fleet Maintenance Interfund Transfers
Vehicle Maintenance Fund 611 2012 Budget 200 35,183 100 (1) 35,482
2012 Actual
Hotel / Motel Tax Fund 275 2012 Revenues: Budget Other Taxes 3,316 Fund Balance Carried Forward 339 Total Revenues 3,655 Expenditures: Convention Bureau 2,055 Transfers To Other Funds 1,600 Unappropriated 3,655 1,840 2,072 3,912
GO Bonds Debt Service Fund 410 2012 Revenues: Budget Property Taxes 3,435 Investment income Fund Balance Carried Forward 9,528 Total Revenues 12,963 Expenditures: Debt Service 9,651 Unappropriated 3,312 12,963 -
2012 Actual 14,295 300 23,228 37,823 29 13,664 1,305 23,228 38,226
Law Enforcement Confiscated Monies Fund 210 2012 Revenues: Budget Investment Income Intergovernmental 1,970 Miscellaneous Fund Balance Carried Forward 6,534 Total Revenues 8,504 Expenditures: Police 6,141 Sheriff 1,527 District Attorney 92 Transfers To Other Funds 7 Fund Expenditures Unappropriated 737 Total Expenditures 8,504 Rental Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Fund 280 2012 Revenues: Budget Other Taxes 332 Investment income Miscellaneous Fund Balance Carried Forward 914 Total Revenues 1,246 Expenditures: Development Authority 1,246 Unappropriated 1,246 2012 Actual 627 2 914 1,543 710 710
Revenues: Investment income Charges for Services Miscellaneous Interfund Transfers Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Vehicles Interfund transfers Unappropriated
35,594 2,229 37,823 2012 Actual 26,770 1 2,063 28,834 16,369 16,369
Street Lights Fund 211 2012 Budget 1987 G O Bonds - Parks Fund 311 2012 Budget 2 62 64 2012 Actual 62 62
2012 Actual
GO Bonds STD Debt Service Fund 411 2012 Revenues: Budget Taxes 25,671 Investment income Transfers From Other Funds Fund Balance Carried Forward 2,063 Total Revenues 27,734 Expenditures: Debt Service 27,734 Transfers out Total Expenditures 27,734
27,714 27,714
Revenues: Sales Taxes Investment income Charges for Services Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Public Works-Transportation 129 (65) 64
Risk Management Fund 631 2012 Budget 6,765 98,746 (4,241) 101,270 Revenues: Charges for Services Miscellaneous Payroll deductions and matches Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Risk Management Interfund Transfers Unappropriated Total Expenditures 2012 Actual 221 221 Building Authority Revenue Bonds Debt Service Fund 412 2012 2012 Budget Actual 2 3,714 3,732 124 124 3,838 3,858 3,718 3,718 Revenues: Investment income Miscellaneous Interfund Transfers Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Debt Service Unappropriated 114,909 (13,639) 101,270
6,391
4,714
Revenues: Investment income Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Capital Projects Unappropriated Total Expenditures
Speed Humps Maintenance Fund 212 2012 Budget 285 3 1,838 2,126 Revenues: Investment income Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Capital Projects Unappropriated Total Expenditures
2012 Actual
Revenues: Charges for Services Investment income Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Public Works-Roads & Drainage Unappropriated
2,126 2,126
261 261
Revenues: Charges for Services Miscellaneous Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Non-Departmental Unappropriated 2012 Actual 127 127 Public Safety Judicial Facilites Authority Debt Service Fund 413 2012 2012 Budget Actual 1 3,072 3,092 33 33 3,105 3,126 1993 G O Bonds - Health Fund 313 2012 Budget 3 127 130
Workers Compensation Fund 632 2012 Budget 1,108 9,195 10,303 10,303 10,303 ALL TAX FUNDS
2012 Actual
Emergency Telephone System Fund 215 2012 Budget 10 10,560 7,883 18,453 -
Revenues: Charges for Services Investment income Miscellaneous Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Emergency Telephone System Unappropriated Total Expenditures
18,453 18,453
10,580 10,580
Revenues: Investment income Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Capital Projects Unappropriated Total Expenditures
121 9 130 -
Revenues: Investment income Miscellaneous Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Debt Service Transfers out Total Expenditures
Page 9A
3,105 3,105
3,093 3,093
Revenues: Taxes, Service Charges, Income & Transfers Fund Balance Carried Forward Fund Balance Carried Forward (for encumbrances) Total Revenues Expenditures: Approved Budget Encumbrances rolled forward from 2011 Total Appropriations
Local News
Page 10A
A DeKalb County Superior Court judge has set a tentative trial date of July 26 for Andrea Sneiderman, a widow accused of conspiring to kill her husband.
at the Feb. 21 hearing that his clients relationship with Dell was nothing more than a strong friendship and accused Geary of trying to assassinate Sneidermans character and smoke out Neuman to testify against her. Sneidermans bond conditions state that she is not to have contact with any of the people the state plans to call as witnesses. Sneidermans defense team filed a motion asking Adams to prevent Dell from being called as a witness and preclude the state of Georgia from eliciting any evidence concerning any relationship between Sneiderman and Dell. It has absolutely nothing to do with any of the allegations against her, Clegg said of the relationship between Sneiderman and Dell. There is nothing that Joseph Dell can testify to and nothing concerning any relationship he has with Mrs. Sneiderman that would have anything to do with this indictment. Clegg also stated that prosecutors have yet to contact Dell even though it has been six months since his name was added to the witness list, and DeKalb County District Attorney Robert
James confirmed that fact. Clegg asked prosecutors to put up or shut up. They have put his name
on a witness list and have prevented Mrs. Sneiderman from having any contact with him without making
CLAUDIA G. LAWSON
DeKalb County Tax Commissioner
ATTENTION
MOTOR VEHICLE OWNERS
Effective March 1, 2013, House Bill 386 removes the sales and annual ad valorem tax on newly-purchased vehicles. A one-time title tax of 6.5% (2013), 6.75% (2014) and 7% (2015) replaces the annual tax. Heres what you need to know: New one-time title ad valorem tax fee applies to all title transactions (new and used vehicle purchases, transfers, all transfers among family members, or vehicles new to the state) and eliminates payment of sales tax and annual ad valorem tax. If you purchase a vehicle in Georgia after January 1, 2012 but before March 1, 2013, you may have the option of paying annual ad valorem tax or a one-time title ad valorem tax fee. Vehicles purchased out of state are not eligible to opt in. Whether paying the one-time title ad valorem tax fee OR annual ad valorem tax, requirements for insurance, emissions, drivers license and the renewal of your tag by your expiration date remain the same. If you purchased a vehicle before 2012, you will remain on the current annual ad valorem tax system.
SOUTH OFFICE 2801 Candler Rd. #66 South DeKalb Mall Decatur, GA 30032
Local News
Page 11A
The following have been appointed by Gov. Nathan Deal to nominate the six replacement members of the DeKalb County Board of Education. Kenneth Mason, chairman Mason was appointed to Georgia Board of Education in 2011 as the member for the fifth Congressional District, which includes a portion of DeKalb. He is the director of Urban Initiatives for the Southern Regional Education Board where he promotes college and career readiness for all students. Garry W. McGiboney McGiboney serves as the associate superintendent of policy and charter schools at the Georgia Department of Education. He has more than 30 years of experience in public education, having served in several school level and district level positions. He resides in Stone Mountain. James E. Bostic, Jr. Bostic is managing director at HEP & Associates, an educational consulting company and a partner at Coleman Lew & Associates, Inc., an executive search firm in Charlotte. He served as a member of the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education and chaired it for five years, served on the Georgia State Board of Education for nine years and has served on the board of trustees for both Tuskegee and Clemson universities. He is currently a member of the board of trustees at Wofford College and serves on the board of directors of ACT Inc. Alicia Phillip Phillip, of Decatur, is president of the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. Named as one of Georgia Trends 100 Most Influential Georgians and one of the 100 Most Influential Atlantans by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, Phillip has led the foundations grant-making, fundraising and collaboration with donors, nonprofits and community leaders for 37 years. Sadie Dennard Dennard works as a regional external affairs manager for Georgia Powers
metro east region in south DeKalb. She served three terms as a member of the Atlanta Board of Education and is a former president of the Georgia School Boards Association.
Brad Bryant, liaison Bryant, a DeKalb County resident, currently serves as the executive director of the Georgia Foundation for Education for the Georgia De-
partment of Education. He previously served as the departments general counsel. In 2010 he was appointed by then-Gov. Sonny Perdue as state superintendent of schools to fill the unexpired
term of the outgoing superintendent. For 10 years, he served on GBOE and also served on the DeKalb County Board of Education from 1991-2003.
community champion
Local News
Page 12A
CDC:
BLUEGRASS EVENING
featuring authors Joshilyn Jackson, Karen White, and a concert by Dappled Grays
Saturday, March 9, 2013 7:00 p.m. Decatur Library dekalblibrary.org/foundation, or 404.370.8450 ext. 2238
Page 13A
Adkins
Belt
Cheek
Gilbert
Heintz
Peck
DCTV Your Emmy Award-winning news source of DeKalb County news. Available on Comcast Cable Channel 23.
Detailed Local Forecast
Today we will see partly cloudy skies with a high temperature of 49, humidity of 49%. West wind 5 to 15 mph. The record high temperature for today is 78 set in 1981. Expect mostly cloudy skies tonight with an overnight low of 33. The record low for tonight is 18 set in 1935. Date Hi Lo Normals Precip Tuesday 57 39 58/37 0.32" Wednesday 50 31 58/38 0.00" Thursday 63 31 58/38 0.04" Friday 44 40 59/38 1.02" Saturday 50 40 59/38 0.92" Sunday 64 39 59/38 0.00" Monday 49 39 59/39 0.00" Rainfall. . . . . . . . 2.30" Average temp . . 45.4 Normal rainfall. . 1.19" Average normal 48.3 Departure . . . . . +1.11" Departure . . . . . -2.9 Day Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Sunrise 7:06 a.m. 7:05 a.m. 7:04 a.m. 7:03 a.m. 7:01 a.m. 7:00 a.m. 6:59 a.m.
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
Lilburn 48/33
SATURDAY
Feb. 28, 1988 - Thunderstorms in California produced severe weather during the early morning hours. Strong thunderstorm winds, gusting to 74 mph, downed trees in the Sacramento area. Unseasonably mild weather prevailed in the northwestern United States. Feb. 29, 1988 - Leap Day proved to be a wet one for Southern California, with 4.76 inches of rain reported at Tommys Creek in Ventura County. Sixteen cities in the central and western United States reported record high temperatures for the date.
SUNDAY
MONDAY
Hampton 51/34
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
Mostly Sunny High: 54 Low: 35
Moonrise Moonset 9:46 p.m. 8:27 a.m. 10:50 p.m. 9:06 a.m. 11:55 p.m. 9:49 a.m. No Rise 10:36 a.m. 12:59 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 1:59 a.m. 12:28 p.m. 2:56 a.m. 1:30 p.m.
Tonights Planets
First 3/19 Full 3/27 Mercury Venus Mars Jupiter Saturn Uranus Rise Set 7:14 a.m. 7:08 p.m. 6:54 a.m. 5:57 p.m. 7:40 a.m. 7:22 p.m. 11:24 a.m. 1:31 a.m. 11:12 p.m. 10:10 a.m. 8:21 a.m. 8:36 p.m.
Local UV Index
0 - 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11+
Weather Trivia
UV Index 0-2: Low, 3-5: Moderate, 6-7: High, 8-10: Very High, 11+: Extreme Exposure
Business
Page 14A
Joe Parks says he likes the fact that his restaurant from the outside looks a bit like a private home. He even has placed family pictures on the walls. Parks said the barbecued chicken is his favorite. Photos by Kathy Mitchell
Parks said the blessings started to come almost immediately. A customer came in with an order for 18 dinners. A crew working on a street project nearby made it a favorite place to come for lunch. The man reminded me to thank God, and I do, Parks said. Now, four months after opening, Papa Joes BBQ Pit, is attracting many customers who remember it from the Memorial Drive location as well as those who hear about it and decide to give it a try. In addition to the people who come from Fayetteville, I have a lady who comes from Marietta and a family that comes from Monroe, he said.
I.T.
ROADWORK
HOUSING
PUBLIC WORKS
ROADWORK CONSULTING
ROADWORK
CONSULTING
HUMAN RESOURCE
ROADWORK CONSULTING
I.T.
ROADWORK CONSULTING
I.T.
CONSULTING HOUSING
CONSULTING
CONSULTING
CONSULTING HOUSING
CONSULTING
CONSULTING
ROADWORK
I.T.
CONSULTING PUBLIC WORKS I.T. PUBLIC WORKS I.T. ROADWORK SERVICE I.T. PUBLIC WORKS CONSULTING HOUSING SERVICE I.T. ROADWORK I.T. SERVICE ROADWORK SERVICE SERVICE PUBLIC WORKS HUMAN RESOURCE HOUSING HOUSING I.T. HOUSING SERVICE I.T. ROADWORK I.T.
PUBLIC WORKS
ROADWORK
SERVICE
PUBLIC WORKS
HUMAN RESOURCE
PUBLIC WORKS HOUSING PUBLIC WORKS
PUBLIC WORKSCONSULTING
ROADWORK
ROADWORK
PUBLIC WORKS
HOUSING
PUBLIC WORKS I.T. CONSULTING PUBLIC WORKS HOUSING PUBLIC WORKS PUBLIC WORKS ROADWORK CONSULTING SERVICE I.T.
CONSULTING
HUMAN RESOURCE
ROADWORK
I.T.CONSULTING
HUMAN RESOURCE
Local News
Page 15A
State legislators said there is a possible compromise agreement being worked out between the Governors Office and the DeKalb school board. The discussions could allow the resolution of the lawsuit in a way that will allow us to put this part of the process behind us, said Sen. Jason Carter. The thing thats the most important now is getting the fight over who the board will be behind us and moving on towards making accreditation the only issue on the table, Carter said. None of us know now what the outcome of this will be. Theres pending lawsuits, theres a variety of issues that are still to be decided. Our point, and the point that everyone needs to be clear on, is that accreditation is the ultimate issue. We all need to be ready to work towards accreditation. Period, Carter said. On the possible compromise, Schutten said, Many many people think the best compromise would be for those six board members to step down. Im already on record as saying that Dr. Walker and Mrs. Wood, because they denided any knowledge of any problems at the January state board [of education] meeting, have an obligation to step down because they obviously have been unaware of whats been going on in the school system, Schutten said. Instead of the board members being removed, Rep. Howard Mosby said he would have rather that Thurmond, Johnson and McMahan had an opportunity to ac-
From left, Sen. Jason Carter and Rep. Howard Mosby react at the Capitol about Gov. Nathan Deals decision to remove six DeKalb school board members. Photos by Kerry King
tually see what they could do with this new board. Mosby said the governor felt his hands were tied and that he needed to act immediately. I dont have a problem with that, Mosby said. I just wish we could have used more time in this process. I didnt think that we needed to move this quickly. Its a very sad day, said Sen. Fran Millar. Going forward [board members] have to do what is best for all the children, dont meddle too much and, hopefully, the bottom line is we can increase academic performance. I view this as a half-filled opportunity and we can go forward from there. In a statement addressed to the DeKalb County community Feb. 22, interim DeKalb Superintendent Mike Thurmond acknowledged that the school district is undergoing a tremendous amount of change. From my appointment as interim superintendent to the elec-
tion of a new Board of Education chairman, Dr. Melvin Johnson, to the legal proceedings involving our board, 2013 has been full of new challenges and new opportunities, Thurmond said. By working with our board and my staff, we will bring the spotlight back to the task entrusted to useducating our young people, Thurmond said. DeKalb County Sheriff Thomas Brown, who attended the GBOE hearing, released a statement saying he agrees with a portion of the state boards recommendation to the governor. I agree in part with the State Board of Educations action recommending the removal of Dr. Eugene Walker, Sarah CopelinWood and Jesse Jay Cunningham, Brown stated. I heard SACS administrator Mark Elgart clearly when he indicated that the board has been governing themselves from a political rather than a performance standpoint for the
past decade. Elgart said that theres been a decade of continued ineffective governance during which academics have been fairly stagnant, Brown said. Instead of acting with urgency to fix things, the board has been treating it like a political matter. This is unacceptable for any school system, but especially for the states third largest school district. DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis said the school districts primary goal should be to address the issues raised in the SACS report as swiftly as possible in order to preserve the accreditation of the DeKalb County School District and ensure that every child has equal access to a quality education. Ellis said he defers to the wisdom of the State Board of Education and the governor in exercising their authority to decide the best governing structure to accomplish this goal.
Aran, overheard the story and went to Sonnards boss and told him they would like to spend their savings to buy some furniture for the family. He was blown away by their request, another staff member recalls. The company not only donated basic furniturebeds, a sofa, tables and chairsfor the whole house, it also provided such accessories as artwork and lamps and sent a decorator to help put it all together. Although Purpoz and her children still face many challenges, they can now come home to comfortable furniture in pleasantly decorated rooms. God finds a way, said the young mother, who writes and publishes novels and is working online simultaneously on a masters degree and a Ph.D. I hope my story will encourage others going through tough times not to give up.
Purpoz is delighted that the furniture company gave her accessories along with basic furniture.
Page 16A
News Briefs
foot after the crash and was soon located in the immediate area. Rodriguez-Vazquez has been charged with vehicular homicide, serious injury by vehicle, hitand-run, driving under the influence of alcohol, reckless driving, driving while unlicensed, and obstruction. At press time Butler was still in critical condition at Grady Memorial Hospital in a medically induced coma.
com/nominate. A hard copy of the nomination form is also available in the current issue of The Champion Newspaper and The Champion Free Press. Nomination deadline is March 14; the Awards gala will be held Sunday, April 14, 4 p.m. at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. For additional information contact Erica M. Brooks at (404) 371-3695, embrooks@dekalbcountyga.gov or John Hewitt at (404) 373-7779, Ext. 110, johnh@dekalbchamp.com.
normal-weight people. There was no difference seen by household income, Continued From Page 12A except for young adults. The poorestthose with an average U.S. adult each day annual household income consumes about 270 calories of less than $30,000got of fast foodthe equivalent 17 percent of their calories from fast food, while the of a small McDonalds figure was under 14 percent hamburger and a few fries. for the most affluent 20The new CDC study and 30-somethings with a found that obese people get household income of more about 13 percent of daily than $50,000. calories from fast food, Thats not surprising compared with less than since there are 10 percent for skinny and
Fast food
Notice is given that there will be introduced at the regular 2013 session of the General Assembly of Georgia a bill to authorize the governing authority of DeKalb County, Georgia, to levy an excise tax at a rate not to exceed 8 percent of the charge for the furnishing for value to the public of any room or rooms, lodgings, or accommodations by any person or legal entity licensed by, or required to pay business or occupation taxes to, the county for operating a hotel, motel, inn, lodge, tourist camp, tourist cabin, campground, or any other place in which rooms, lodging or accommodations are regularly or periodically furnished for value pursuant to subsection (b) of Code Section 48-13-51 of the O.C.G.A.; to provide procedures, conditions, and limitations; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Health
fewer than 300 people scattered among five states. But it will no doubt surprise many people that the effectiveness is that low, said Michael Osterholm, a University of Minnesota infectious-disease expert who has tried to draw attention to the need for a more effective flu vaccine. Among infectious diseases, flu is considered one of the nations leading killers. On average, about 24,000 Americans die each flu season, according to the CDC. This flu season started in early December, a month earlier than usual, and peaked by the end of year. Hospitalization rates for people 65 and older have been some of the highest in a decade, at 146 per 100,000 people. Flu viruses tend to mutate more quickly than others, so a new vaccine is formulated each year to target the strains expected to be the major threats. CDC officials have said that in formulating this years vaccine, scientists accurately anticipated the strains that are circulating this season. Because of the guesswork involved, scientists tend to set a lower bar for flu vaccine. While childhood vaccines against diseases like measles are expected to be 90 or 95 percent effective, a flu vaccine thats 60 to 70 percent effective in the United States is considered pretty good. By that standard, this years vaccine is OK. For senior citizens, a flu vaccine is considered pretty good if its in the 30 to 40 percent range, said Dr. Arnold Monto, a University of Michigan flu expert. A high-dose version of the flu shot was recently made available for those 65 and older, but the new study was too small to show whether that has made a difference. The CDC estimates are
Page 17A
TheMayorandCityCounciloftheCityofChamblee,Georgiawillholdapublichearingon Thursday,March14,2013,attheChambleeCivicCenter,3540BroadStreet,Chamblee,GA 30341at6:00p.m.toreceivepubliccommentsregardingthefollowingzoningmatters: 1) AppendixA,ZoningOrdinance,Section207,Plannedunitdevelopmentprocedure. ThesubjectpropertyisTurnburyGatessubdivision,locatedat2401JohnsonFerry Road.TheapplicantisrequestinganamendmenttothePlannedUnitDevelopmentto reducethetotalnumberofunitsandmakeminorsitemodifications. 2) Thesubjectpropertylocatedat5647PeachtreeBoulevard(formerPiccadillysite)is requestingthefollowingvariances:Section905,toallowmetalbuildingmaterials; Section1203,toallowingadditionalparkingspacesabovethemaximumpermitted; Section1201,toallowparkingbetweenthebuildingandthestreet;Sections1205and 1208,toconstructaparkingdeckwithoutrequiredlandscaping;andSections1101and 1102,toallowconstructionofasmallerbuffer. 3) Thesubjectpropertylocatedat5805PeachtreeBoulevard(existingautodealer)is requestingthefollowingvariancesandwaiver:Section905,toallowmetalbuilding materials;Section1004,toallowexistingparkingdecktoencroachwithintherear20 setback;Section1203,toallowappropriateparkingforanewautomobiledealership; Section1201,toallowparkingandaccessbetweenthebuildingsandthestreet; Sections1205and1208,toconstructaparkingdeckwithoutrequiredlandscaping;and aWaivertoSection93,toallowthefacilitytobedesignedusingLEEDstandards withoutgoingthroughtheLEEDapplicationandcertificationprocesswithUSGBC.
Education
by Andrew Cauthen andrew@dekalbchamp.com Before Feb. 25, students at Ivy Prep Academies did not have a playground. Rae Ann Harkness, parent of two children at the school, said, The kids at the school did not have a safe play area at all. They were having to use the parking lot for P.E., and behind the building. Thats not a good place for them to run and roll around and really play anything other than dodge ball, Harkness said. If they fall, theyre going to get pretty scraped up. That was before 125 volunteers from Verint Systems Inc., organizers from KaBOOM!, a national nonprofit dedicated to building playgrounds, and residents of the Kirkwood community descended on the campus to construct a playground, two outdoor classrooms and a garden with 10 raised beds. This new playground is the second built by KaBOOM! and Verint, and it marks one of more than 150 playground constructions KaBOOM! will lead across the country in 2013. The playgrounds design is based on drawings created by Ivy Prep children who participated in a design day event in December. Nina Gilbert, executive director of Ivy Prep, said the playground will be a place where our kids can be active and fit and play. We have a long day, Gilbert said. Students come as early as 7:30 a.m. Some stay as late as 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. for after school programming. They didnt have a place to play. We do have a gym but it also serves as a cafeteria. We want them to able to play as hard as they work, Gilbert said. Gilbert praised the work of the volunteers. We couldnt have done this on our own, Gilbert said. This is probably going to brighten our kids day when they know that they have a very nice area to play. Verint employees raised approximately $100,000 for the project to add to the schools $10,000. We are just incredibly grateful and appreciative that they didnt just make a financial contribution, but theyre putting sweat equity into this, Gilbert said. Cheryle Tapp, a credit and collections manager with Verint, said she began the day at 7 a.m. when she painted the map of the United States on concrete outside the school building. She spent more time digging out some muck and on mulch duty. I thrive for this, Tapp said about working in the muddy work conditions. When I was a kid growing up, I was in the mud all the time. Tapp said she was jubilant about being able help Ivy Prep. This morning when I was looking around, digging the holes out, Im like, were not going to get this done in a day, Tapp said. This is crazy. But look at it now. Its just amazing. Its definitely worth it. Its amazing how fast it went up, Harkness said. KaBOOM! is awesome to work with. Verint...has been awesome as well. I would have never imagined they could get this done. Everything came together and theyre really organized. When theres so much negative news about whats happening in public education, theres something really amazing thats happening here, Gilbert said. There needs to be more attention and more focus on the really great things that are happening in schools.
Page 18A
Countless volunteers, mostly from Verint Systems Inc., helped create all kinds of fun for students at Ivy Prep Academies. Photos by Kerry King
A new playground at Ivy Prep Academies will keep students from playing in the parking lot. Photos by Andrew Cauthen
Education
Page 19A
educatioN Briefs
Paige Meisner, a fifth-grade student at Georgias first preK-5 STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) school, Henderson Mill Elementary School, was awarded first place and the grand prize in the life science division of the district wide Science and Engineering Fair. Meisners project, Is Your Store Eggcellent, examined the cleanliness of the egg sections of three local grocery stores. In her experiment, Meisner was able to measure in petri dishes the amount of bacteria from each store to determine the cleanest.
Princeton Reviews rankings of the 75 best value private schools and 75 public schools were published in USA Today on Feb. 5. Emory has been named a best value by the Princeton Review in 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2012. The Princeton Review ranking comes on the heels of Emorys ranking in October 2012 as the 15th best value out of 100 top private universities by Kiplingers Personal Finance Magazine.
Druid Hills Middle School chess club wins at state qualifier meet
Eleven Druid Hills Middle Chess Club members attended the state qualifier at the Cobb Galleria on Feb. 9. The team won a plus score trophy with 14 points. For the second consecutive year, the Chess Dragons have qualified to play teams across Georgia in the state championship. Team players included Marco Aguilar, Ali Desrochers, Michael Ellison, Alia Karbari, Tabish Rayani, James Shirk, Kaleo Simmons and Rachel Widdick. Top scores went to Levy Hyatt, Kalonjee Galimore and Nicholas Robisch with three wins each. The team is coached by alumnus Damir Studen.
Interim DeKalb school superintendent Mike Thurmond and board chairman Melvin Johnson stopped by Chamblee Charter High School to take a look at construction in progress. Photos by Andrew Cauthen
Im proud to protect homes in our community. When it comes to protecting your home, its nice to have an agent who knows the area. I can help customize a policy just for you, so you pay only for the protection you need. Call me today!
Subject to terms, conditions and availability. Northbrook, IL. 2012 Allstate Insurance Company
Page 20A
Visit www.championclassifieds.com
RATES: $30.00 for up to 40 words, each additional word $0.60. All ads are prepaid! All Major credit cards accepted!
for next publication date. The Champion is not responsible for any damages resulting from advertisements. All sales final.
TheChampion
AUCTIONS ADVERTISE YOUR AUCTION in over 100 newspapers for only $350. Your 25-word classied ad will reach more than1 million readers. Call Jennifer Labon at the Georgia Newspaper Service, 770454-6776. BUSINESS SERVICES FREE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHS-Your Wedding day is soon. Call today for your Free Wedding photo. special. We also specialize in-Home Portraits, Special Events, Family Reunions, and much more. Over 35 years of experience. Call: 404-542-0429 PHOTOGRAPHY BY PITTMAN. DRIVERS 25 New Driver Trainees Needed! Learn to drive for TMC Transportation! Earn $750 per week! No experience needed! Local CDL Training! Local 15 day training. 1-877-648-2755. Apply Now, 13 Drivers Top 5% Pay & Benets. Credential, Fuel, & Referral Bonus avail. Class A CDL required. 877-258-8782. www.addrivers.com Company Drivers: $2500 Sign-On Bonus! Super Service is hiring solo and teams drivers. Excellent Hometime options. CDL-A required. Recent Graduates with CDL-A welcome. Call 888-441-9358 or apply online at www.superservicellc.com Drivers CDL-A $5000 SIGN
ON BONUS. For expd solo OTR drivers & O/Os. Tuition Reimbursement also available! New Student Pay & Lease Program. USA Truck. 877-521-5775. www. GoUSATruck.com
classifieds
No Experience Needed! Job Placement after online Training! HS Diploma/GED & PC/ Internet needed! 1-888-4077162. FOR SALE CHURCH FURNITRE: Does your church need pews, pulipit set, baptistery, steeple, wiindows? Big Sale on new cushioned pews and pew chairs. 1-800-231-8360. www.pews1.com HELP WANTED 1 Associate Chiropractor Position in Atlanta, GA Send Resume to HR dept of Sweat Institute for Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic, Inc at 3288 Chamblee Tucker Rd. Atlanta, GA 30341 Provide direct patient care including chiropractic adjustments, X rays, laboratory, case management, manipulation utilizing ATLAS orthogonal technic, examine patients, utilize diagnostic procedures and supplementary measures as needed Doctor of Chiropractic degree plus current Georgia license to practice chiropractic required SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS WANTED-Starting at $15.40 per hour-DeKalb County School District Good driving record and drug-test required. Call 678-676-1481. Hiring Now! WANTED: FIREARMS. WE PAY CASH for your guns.
Driver Qualify for any portion of $0.03/mile quarterly bonus: $.01 Production, $.01 MPG. Two raises in rst year. 3 months recent experience. 800-414-9569. www.driveknight.com. Drivers: Inexperienced? Get on the Road to a Successful Career with CDL Training. Regional Training Locations. Train and WORK for Central Refrigerated (877) 369-6712. www.centraltruckdrivingjobs. com EDUCATION Medical Billing Trainees Needed! Train to Become a Medical Ofce Assistant!
Home 48 hours.
Choice of benefit plans. 800-333-9291 www.veriha.com
MARCH 2-3 SAT. 9-5 & SUN. 10-5 BUY SELL TRADE
GUN SHOW
866-564-9634
(334) 264-3265
BoschGeo.com
DISCLAIMER: We do not knowingly accept advertisements that discriminate, or intend to discriminate, on any illegal basis. Nor do we knowingly accept employment advertisements that are not bona-fide job offers. All real estate advertisements are subject to the fair housing act and we do not accept advertising that is in violation of the law. The law prohibits discrimination based on color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap or familial status.
Sports
Page 21A
eKalb County will continue to be well represented in the high school state playoffs as nine teams, along with five private school teams and one Decatur school system team moved on to quarterfinals. DeKalb girls high school basketball teams went 12-0 in the first and second rounds of the playoffs as all six teams claimed playoff victories. The No. 4 ranked Southwest DeKalb Lady Panthers, led by sophomore Nicole Martins 29 points and 15 rebounds, advanced to the state quarterfinals for the fifth time in six years with a home court 68-37 victory over Villa Rica on Feb. 22. The Lady Panthers advanced to the second round after beating Sprayberry 58-56 on Feb. 19. Senior forward Miaya Crowder hit for 18 points to lead Southwest in the win. Southwest DeKalb hosted DeKalb and Region 6-AAAAA rival Stephenson on Feb. 26 in the quarterfinals. The No. 7 ranked Stephenson Lady Jaguars advanced to state quarterfinals for the eighth time in 12 seasons with a 59-55 road victory over Lithia Springs on Feb. 22. They defeated Kell 60-51 in the first round on Feb. 19. The junior tandem of Nuba Jackson and Erykah Davenport scored 16 and 14 points, respectively, to lead the No. 2 ranked Tucker Lady Tigers to a 53-42 road win over Salem on Feb. 22 to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2004 and just the third time in school history. Tucker defeated Osborn 48-45 in the first round on Feb. 19. The Lady Tigers took on fellow DeKalb and Region 6-AAAAA foe Miller Grove Lady Wolverines in the quarterfinals on Feb. 26. The No. 3 ranked Lady Wolverines advanced to the quarterfinals for the third consecutive season with a 51-38 road win over No. 9 ranked Allatoona in the second round on Feb. 22. They defeated
A total of 15 basketball teams from DeKalb County, including St. Pius X girls team, advanced to the quarterfinals of the state playoffs. Photo by David DiChristina
Pope 67-49 in the first round on Feb 19. The No. 1 ranked Columbia Lady Eagles and No. 3 ranked Redan Lady Raiders also picked up second round playoff victories in Class AAAA state playoff action on Feb. 22. The Lady Eagles knocked off No. 9 ranked LaGrange 61-47 to advance to the quarterfinals for the fourth consecutive season. Junior guard Yaktavia Hickson hit for 21 points and senior guard Miah Spencer added 19 points to lead Columbia in the win. Columbia defeated Pickens County 53-35 in the first round on Feb. 20. The Lady Eagles faced Region 7 No. 1 seed River Ridge on Feb. 26 in the quarterfinals. The Lady Raiders secured their second consecutive 30-point playoff victory with a 70-40 road win over No. 7 Fayette County in the second round on Feb. 22. Junior forward Jada Byrd hit for a game-high 23 points and grabbed 13 rebounds to lead four
Lady Raiders in double figures. Joining Byrd in double figures were junior guard Destiny McClary with 17, junior guard Brea Elmore with 15 and junior guard Jamese Abney with 10. The Lady Raiders defeated Dalton 73-43 in the first round on Feb. 19. They hosted Sandy Creek on Feb. 26 in the quarterfinals. Columbia, Miller Grove and Tucker boys moved on to the quarterfinals with victories on Feb. 23. Columbia earned its way to its 10th consecutive appearance in the state playoff quarterfinals dating back to 2004 with a 74-62 road victory over LaGrange. Senior guard and three-time Class AAA player of the year Tahj Shamsid-Deen scored 32 points to lead the Eagles in the win. They defeated Gilmer 60-36 in the first round on Feb. 20. Columbia faced Region 6-AAAA rival and No. 4 ranked Marist for the third time this season in the Class AAAA quarterfinals on Feb. 27.
The No. 6 ranked Tucker Tigers rallied from a 21-14 halftime deficit to win 37-33 on the road at No. 7 ranked Allatoona. It is the first quarterfinal appearance for Tucker since 2009. The Tigers defeated Sprayberry 56-40 in the first round on Feb. 20. They faced Miller Grove in the quarterfinals on Feb. 26. The No. 1 ranked Wolverines, on a mission to extend their state title streak to five in a row, knocked off Villa Rica 74-53 to advance to the quarterfinals. They defeated Sequoyah 79-57 in the first round on Feb. 19. Miller Grove beat Tucker 80-69 in the two teams regular season meeting and then took a 72-53 semifinal win in the Region 6-AAAAA Tournament. The Stephenson Jaguars saw its Class AAAAA postseason come to an end with a 42-38 loss on the road at New Manchester on Feb. 23. The Druid Hills Red Devils also saw their playoff run end after a home loss to Brunswick 56-42 on Feb. 23. Cedar Grove boys were knocked out in the first round after losing to Buford 61-43 on Feb. 19. On the private school side, Greenforest boys, Marist boys, St. Pius X boys and girls, and W.D. Mohammed boys all moved on to the quarterfinals. Greenforest defeated Savannah Christian 66-39 on Feb. 23 in the first round of the first round of the Class A Private state playoffs and faced Calvary in the quarterfinals. W.D. Mohammed faced St. Francis in the Class A Private quarterfinals after defeating Whitefield Academy 49-44 in the first round. Marist moved on to the Class AAAA quarterfinals after defeating Shaw 64-37 in the second round. They faced Columbia on Feb. 27. St. Pius X boys defeated Cartersville 51-44 in the second round of the Class AAA playoffs and the girls defeated Oconee County 5553. The boys faced North Hall in the quarterfinals and the girls faced Buford. Decatur girls faced Dawson County in the Class AAA quarterfinals after defeating Sonoraville 5750 in the second round.
Baseball Scores
Feb. 18 Chamblee 12, North Springs 0 Cedar Grove 0, Southwest DeKalb 10 Columbia 13, Tucker 3 Lakeside 2, Duluth 1 Lithonia 7, Mays 22 M.L. King 18, Towers 0 McNair 0, Langston Hughes 15 Feb. 19 Decatur, 0 Meadowcreek 0 Dunwoody 16, Chamblee 1 Feb. 20 Arabia Mountain 5, Cambridge 3 Cedar Grove 18, Clarkston 0 Chamblee 0, Riverwood 10 M.L. King 7, Newton County 4 Miller Grove 10, McNair 0 Towers 3, Carver 12 Tucker 8, Luella 3 Feb. 21 Lakeside 12, Riverwood 5 Marist 4, Collins Hill 0 Lithonia 5, McNair 0 M.L. King 10, Riverdale 1 Redan 0, Roswell 2 Southwest DeKalb 11, Galloway 0 Tucker 5, Cedar Grove 2 Feb. 22 Druid Hills 0, Berkmar 0 Feb. 23 Miller Grove 8, Sonoraville 5 St. Pius X 5, Lovett 6
Page 22A
The Champion chooses a male and female high school Athlete of the Week each week throughout the school year. The choices are based on performance and nominations by coaches. Please e-mail nominations to carla@dekalbchamp.com by Monday at noon. MALE ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Maurice Rivers, Columbia (basketball): The junior guard scored 17 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in Columbias 74-62 win over LaGrange in the second round of the Class AAAA state playoff on Feb. 23. River is averaging 11.3 points and 9.0 rebounds per game this season. FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Nicole Martin, Southwest DeKalb (basketball): The sophomore forward scored 29 points and grabbed 15 rebounds in the Lady Panthers 63-37 win in the second round of the Class AAAAA state playoff on Feb. 24. Martin averaged 16.4 points and 10 rebounds per game during the regular season.
The future of wrestling in the United States is in jeopardy after the IOC voted to drop wrestling from the 2020 Olympic Games. File photo
Local wrestling coaches respond to IOCs decision to cut wrestling from 2020 Olympics
by Carla Parker carla@dekalbchamp.com he International Olympic Committee (IOC) shocked the wrestling and sports world Feb. 12 when its members voted to drop wrestling from the 2020 Olympic Games. According to reports, wrestling was voted out from a final group of sports that includes modern pentathlon, taekwondo and field hockey. The IOC board made its decision after reviewing the 26 sports on the current Olympic program. Eliminating one sport allows the IOC to add a new sport to the program later this year. Wrestling, which combines freestyle and Greco-Roman events, had been a part of the Olympics since the inaugural modern Games in Athens in 1896. In the view of the executive board, this was the best program for the Olympic Games in 2020, IOC spokesman Mark Adams said in a released statement. Its not a case of whats wrong with wrestling, it is whats right with
uWRESTLING
the 25 core sports. Wrestling will now join seven other sports that will apply for inclusion in 2020. The others sports are baseball and softball, karate, squash, roller sports, sport climbing, wakeboarding and wushu. They will be vying for a single opening in 2020. The IOCs decision has garnered a lot of outraged from wrestlers as well as wrestling and sports fans both nationally and locally. Some DeKalb County School District wrestling coaches said this decision will have an effect on young wrestlers and their future. Its messing with the kids dreams, said Southwest DeKalb High School wrestling coach Keith Johnson. Most of the students who wrestle want to either be a state champion, a national champion or an Olympic champion. And the ones that go to collegeafter college they have nothing to look forward to. McNair High School wrestling coach Ramon Tillery also said this decision will affect the futures of young wrestlers. I think they are messing up a
lot of opportunity for these kids, he said. A lot of kids depend on wrestling to take them far in their education. Lithonia High School wrestling coach Patrick Ryan said he was very disappointed and shocked. I feel bad for the kids, he said. Some have goals to become an Olympic champion and they work hard five to six days a week. They take wrestling very seriously and now one of their aspirations is shut down. Despite the disappointment and uncertainty of the future of wrestling, the coaches believe this decision will not affect their program directly. It may affect some programs that are affiliated with USA wrestling and freestyle wrestling, Ryan said. But, it wont affect Lithonias program because my kids never wrestled before, until they met me. It wont stop kids from wrestling because kids wrestle on my team to give them an outlet to go to college for free, Johnson said. Thats my goal, to get them to college for free.
Each week The Champion spotlights former high school players from the county who are succeeding in athletics on the college level.
William Shaq Goodwin, Memphis (basketball): The freshman forward from Southwest DeKalb scored 19 points, grabbed five rebounds, and had five assists in the 89-73 win over Southern Mississippi on Feb. 23. Goodwin is averaging 8.4 points and 4.9 rebounds per game this season. Jovon McKay, Tennessee Tech (basketball): The sophomore guard from Dunwoody scored 11 points in the 83-68 win over Tennessee-Martin on Feb. 21. McKay is averaging 3.4 points per game this season. Amelia Dorton, Tuskegee (basketball): The senior guard from Miller Grove scored 13 points in the 64-51 win over Lane College on Feb. 23. She is averaging 10.2 points per game this season.
Sports
Page 23A
Oglethorpe womens lacrosse played its inaugural game against LaGrange. The historic night also marked the first official NCAA event on the new Oglethorpe track and field. Photos by Brooke Floyd
uLACROSSE
he Oglethorpe Lady Petrels lacrosse team lost its inaugural game 15-3 on Feb. 20 at the new Oglethorpe track and field. LaGrange went ahead early and never let up. They were ahead 2-0 in the games first eight minutes, and went on to score nine goals in the first half. However, the first goal in Oglethorpe history came at the 19:30 mark of the first half. Freshman Michelle Vasques tallied the historic goal for the Lady Petrels. In the second half, LaGrange continued to score goals, though they scored six in the second compared with nine in the first, but Oglethorpe added two more, as well. Senior Katie Weeks scored at the 12:23 mark of the second half, and freshman Sydney Sparks finished the scoring for the Lady Petrels in the final minute of the game. Sparks finished with four shots and two shots on goal along with five ground balls and seven draw controls. Vasques finished with six shots and three shots on goal. Ashley Haislip tallied two shots, both on goal, while freshman goalkeeper Hayley Flanagan stopped 15 shots. LaGrange outshot Oglethorpe, 3414, and the Lady Petrels committed 23 turnovers to LaGranges 13. There was much fanfare prior to the game to celebrate the inauguration of the Oglethorpe womens lacrosse team.
Local News
Page 24A
theirs
qualit
youll
great
y!
Get ours
lov e i t !
Were so confident about our Publix brand that well give it to you free so you can compare it to the national brand. Give it a try. Find out how good we are. Just look for the in-store display.
Promotion restricted to items shown. Limit one deal per pictured national brand item per customer. Offer good through March 6, 2013.