the DeKalb FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018 • VOL. 22, NO.

52 • FREE

Serving East Atlanta, Avondale Estates, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Clarkston, Decatur, Doraville, Dunwoody, Lithonia, Pine Lake, Stone Mountain, Stonecrest and Tucker • A PUBLICATION OF ACE III COMMUNICATIONS

The finished mural on the side of Cross Keys High School.

ART AS A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT

Atlanta artist, Cross Keys students complete mural on Cross Keys High School
BY DEREK SMITH
derek@dekalbchamp.com
Cross Keys High School (CKHS) senior
Alexandra Zambrano said she believed
her school was beautiful on the inside,
and she wanted to make it beautiful
on the outside, too. Junior Christina
Robinson wanted to tell a story of her
school that was deeper than grades.
and parking lots along Buford Highway.
The BuHi Walk initiative was
conceptualized during an urban planning
study for Buford Highway and formalized
during the 2017 Living Walls Conference,
where artists such as Ferro were paired
with such community partners as Cross
Keys High School.
Ferro began working in class with
Cross Keys students in August as they
drew “blind-contour” portraits of
themselves. A blind contour portrait
means the artist draws

Cross Keys students are without looking at the

paper, often resulting
in imperfect, almost
so sweet and smart. abstract results.
“If you’re drawing
without looking, it’s not
They’re very hard-working going to be perfect,” Ferro
said. “By the middle of the
exercise, you could see
kids who appreciate everyone was laughing
and having a good time,
opportunities like this.” drawing a version of
themselves that looked
imperfect.”
Yoyo Ferro Ferro then selected
individual lines from
These pleas and many more from
the students’ drawings and put the lines
CKHS students were compiled and
together to design the mural—a colorful,
presented to DeKalb County School
abstract amalgam of lines meant to
District officials in late 2017 as part of a
represent “the rich cultural diversity of
proposal from students and Atlanta artist
the CKHS family,” according to the mural
Yoyo Ferro to paint a mural on the side
proposal.
of the school. The CKHS mural proposal
CKHS has a diverse student body,
was part of a larger BuHi Walk initiative, a
composed of 80 percent Hispanic, 11
public art project to create a pedestrian
percent Black, 6 percent Asian, 1 percent
infrastructure within the shopping plazas
Artist Yoyo Ferro, second from left, helps Cross Keys students as they paint
the mural. SEE ARTIST ON PAGE 5

Visit www.championnewspaper.com for local, real DeKalb County news.

LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018 • Page 2

BROOKHAVEN

A store which sells sexual device products is disputing a ruling by the DeKalb County Superior Court.

Dispute over sex store reaches Supreme Court of Georgia

BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
A store that sells sex-
related devices is appealing
a DeKalb County court ruling
that states the business must
find a new location.
is located adjacent to
the Pink Pony—an adult
entertainment gentlemen’s
club.
The city also claims that
instead of filing as an SOB,
Stardust owner Michael
Morrison filed for an
occupation tax certificate
confusing law to govern who
may sell ‘sexual devices,’”
Wiggins said. “Under the
ordinance, for example,
stores which are ‘primarily
dedicated’ to selling
‘healthcare products or
services’ can display and sell
sexual devices in any fashion
argued. “Stardust’s vagueness
claims are meritless because
an average person would
understand what activity
makes one a ‘sexual device
shop.”
Jane Hansen, public
information officer with the
Supreme Court of Georgia,
said judges must rule on this
case by July of 2018.

IT DOESN’T
In 2017, the DeKalb claiming his business they choose, without regard
County Superior Court would be a retail smoke for [Brookhaven’s] sexually
ruled Stardust, located and tobacco shop selling oriented business ordinance.”

in Brookhaven off Buford
Highway, must leave its
current location because
it violates Brookhaven’s
ordinance regulating sexually
oriented businesses (SOB).
Now the case has reached
the Supreme Court of Georgia
and judges will offer their
opinion in the upcoming
months.
In May 2013, a few
months after the city was
created, Brookhaven officials
amended the SOB Code,
prohibiting a sexual device
shop or any other sexually
oriented business from
operating within 100 feet of
another SOB or within 300
feet of a residential district,
place of worship, park or
public library.
Currently, Stardust
related accessories and
gifts, according to court
documents.
Carry Wiggins,
representing Morrison and
Stardust, argued that Stardust
is like a pharmacy selling
devices for health benefits.
The DeKalb Court begged
to differ, and according to
court documents, did not
see the health benefits in
products such as “GoodHead
Dry Mouth Spray” and “Crazy
Girl Kissmass Sparkle Shave
Cream.”
Wiggins and attorney
Scott Bergthold,
representing Brookhaven,
presented their arguments to
the Georgia Supreme Court in
January.
“The city of Brookhaven
has adopted a thoroughly
TAKE A
Wiggins also stated
Stardust is “being punished
for displaying and selling
what the city says are the
wrong types of sexual devices ROCKET
SCIENTIST
in the wrong type of store.”
According to court
documents, Brookhaven
officials stated having two
SOBs in close proximity to
TO HELP KIDS WITH
each other, such as Stardust THEIR EDUCATION.
and the Pink Pony, would
create crime, lower property
Nope. All it takes is a scratch or two.
value and lead to blight. Because every time you play the Lottery,
Bergthold said federal Georgia kids are the real winners. That’s
court has already ruled in because for over 20 years the Georgia
favor of the city, and the Lottery has contributed over $19 billion
Supreme Court of Georgia to education. On top of that, more than
should uphold the lower 1.8 million HOPE scholars have gone to
court’s ruling. college and more than 1.6 million four-
“Stardust lacks standing year-olds have attended a Lottery-funded
for vagueness challenges Pre-K Program. That qualifies as a rocket
because it is plainly a sexual booster in our book.
device shop,” Bergthold

DeKalb County Seeks

Audit Oversight Committee Members
DeKalb County Government is seeking interested county residents to fill two
vacancies on a five-member volunteer Audit Oversight Committee as required by
House Bill 599 of the Georgia General Assembly.

The role of the Audit Oversight Committee is to function independently in conducting

performance and financial-related audits for all departments, offices, agencies and
programs of the county. The objective is to ensure county programs are effectively
achieving the purpose for which they were authorized and funded.

Individuals must meet the following requirements:

•Reside in DeKalb
•Possess expertise conducting performance audits
•Have a minimum five years of experience and be certified in one of
following:
•Public accountant
•Internal or performance auditor
•Management accountant
•Ten years other relevant professional experience

Board terms vary from one to five years.

Resumes and cover letters will be accepted through February 28, 2018, via galottery.com
email at AOCRecruiting@dekalbcountyga.gov.
LOCAL
AROUNDDEKALB
DECATUR
Group to hold teen summit
The Atlanta Metro chapter of the National
Hook-up of Black Women in affiliation with The
Ladies’ Circle of Gresham Park Christian Church
is holding a teen summit Saturday, Feb.10, 10
a.m.-3 p.m. at Gresham Park Christian Church,
2819 Flat Shoals Road, Decatur. Titled Teens
Overcoming Pressure—Building the Best Me,
the summit will include sessions on teen dating,
bullying, domestic violence, literacy, health and
sex trafficking.
Sessions are free and open to youth ages
13-19. For more information, call Deetra
Poindexter at (770) 912-1638 or LaToya Hines
at (404) 376-7239.
CLARKSTON
‘Know Your Rights’ workshop at library
Asian Americans for Advancing Justice is
hosting a “Know Your Rights” workshop Feb. 12
at Clarkston Library from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The
session will focus on facing eviction. An attorney
will help attendees with their landlord/tenant
rights. The library is located at 951 N. Indian
Creek issues Drive. For more information, call
(404) 508-7175.
STONE MOUNTAIN
CPR training at library
Seniors can receive CPR training Feb. 10 at
Stone Mountain-Sue Kellogg Library from 11
WE ARE SOCIAL
#ITSINTHECHAMPION
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018 • Page 3
a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The hands-on skills training
prepares attendees to respond to breathing
and cardiac emergencies. It also teaches the
skills and knowledge needed to provide care
for victims of sudden cardiac arrest through the
safe use of an automated external defibrillator
(AED). Class is limited to 10 participants. To
register, call (404) 508-7190, ext. 2257. The
library is located at 952 Leon Street.
TUCKER
Garden Enthusiast to host silent auction
The Garden Enthusiast—Backyard Nature
Station on Main Street is hosting its annual
silent auction. The auction will run until Feb. 17.
The Friends of Kelley Cofer Park will be the
beneficiaries of the 2018 silent auction. The
auction is being held at 2316 Main Street, Suite
D, and open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to
6 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more
detail, visit www.thegardenenthusiast.com.
LITHONIA
Lou Walker Senior Center celebrates Black
History Month
Throughout February, members of Lou
Walker Senior Center (LWSC) are celebrating
Black History Month with events open to the
public. The center is located at 2538 Panola
Road in Lithonia.
This year’s national Black History Month
theme is “African-Americans in Times of War,”
and the center’s classes, groups and speakers
will deliver messages around the subject.
The special programs include “The African-
@DEKALBCHAMPNEWS
American Women’s Involvement in Times of
War,” presented by the Theater Arts Class Feb.
14, at 2:30 p.m. “The History of the U.S. Armed
Forces,” presented by the Performing Arts Class
Feb. 20, at 2:30 p.m. and “Fighting for Freedom,
Equality and Honor in Every U.S. War,” presented
by the Drama Club Feb. 2, at 2:30 p.m.
For more information about these events,
contact LWSC at (770)-322-2900 or lwsc@
dekalbcountyga.gov.
COUNTYWIDE
 DeKalb parks summer employment
applications available until March 30
DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and
Cultural Affairs is accepting applications until
March 30 for seasonal summer employment
opportunities such as food monitors, camp
counselors, recreation assistants and bus drivers.
Lifeguard and pool manager positions are
also available. Applicants must be 16 or older
to apply. Additional requirements include
American Red Cross certification or certification
from a nationally recognized aquatics training
program.
Applicants for summer positions, excluding
lifeguard or pool manager, must be 18 or older.
All applicants will be required to successfully
complete a criminal background check prior
to employment. To view available positions or
complete an application, visit
www.dekalbcountyga.gov, click on “How Do I?”
then select “Apply For Jobs.”
For more information, contact LaShanda
Davis, Parks public education specialist at (404)
371-3643 or lsdavis@dekalbcountyga.gov.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018 • Page 4

COUNTYWIDE

Zeus Luby founded Fighting For Fathers to help men become better equipped to fight for their children. He founded the organization after the battle to gain full custody of
his daughter, Zada.

FIGHTING FOR FATHERS Zeus Luby creates organization to

help fathers fight for their children
BY CARLA PARKER system for his daughter since she through and how it led to the creation gone through, but as far as emotional
carla@dekalbchamp.com was born. Because of the mother’s of FFF. management and really dealing
behavior, which Luby called “selfish “I went into my case determined, with the nuts and bolts of how to
and vindictive,” the custody battle but ignorant and unaware of the many maneuver through the situation, the
turned into fight for his daughter and requirements, hurdles and imbalances only people that can really weigh in
When Zeus Luby went through
a for his reputation, according to Luby. that were ahead of me,” he wrote on that are the people that have gone
what he described as a long and
Luby said he felt numerous on Facebook. “I offer the knowledge through it.”
difficult custody battle for his
emotions when he was granted full I’ve derived and the wisdom I’ve He also said he wants to work with
daughter, there was no one who
custody. extracted from my journey to any and more attorneys and find funding to
could advise or help him through that
“It’s a feeling that I can’t really all who have inquiries in regards to pay for attorneys.
process.
put into words,” Luby said. “It was paperwork, legal costs, protocol, etc.” “A lot of fathers can’t afford legal
After getting custody of his
vindication more than anything He has mentored more than 30 representation,” he said. “I want to be
daughter, Zada, he made it his
because I know what kind of person I fathers who were either fighting able to pay these attorneys so that
mission to be that advisor for fathers
am. I was vilified throughout this case.” for custody or working to become they can help fathers that don’t have
fighting for their children and to
Luby said he tried to find someone better fathers. He said many fathers the finances to fight for the kids.”
educate them on their rights. Fighting
who could help him mentally and have told him that his story has Raising his daughter has been
For Fathers (FFF) was founded by Luby
emotionally through the process. empowered, encouraged or helped another journey for Luby and the two
in 2010 to help men become better
“I reached out to everybody, them to become better fathers. Now, have a YouTube channel, named Zeus
equipped to fight for their children.
everybody I could think of, everybody Luby is focused on creating a network Zada, that chronicles that journey.
FFF focuses on the education of
in my vicinity,” he said. “I [asked] other of fathers who can advise other “It’s been phenomenal. It’s the
paternal rights, paternal reform and
people to find somebody I could talk fathers going through custody battles. greatest experience of my life,” Luby
paternal preparation.
to, and nobody came to teach me or “The goal is to create a network of said about raising Zada. “I’m glad I
“It helps them navigate through
walk me through the process. fathers who have the knowledge or have a daughter. If I had a son, I would
the legal system and helps them with
“Remembering those feelings, I experience because you can’t weigh be happy too, but the experience of
emotional management while they’re
immediately got on Facebook—this is in on it unless you have gone through having a daughter—it pulls so much
going through that trying process,”
why I joined Facebook—to reach out it,” he said. “It’s not one of those things more out of me, it requires so much
Luby said.
to other fathers so I could share the that you can read up on and say more of myself as a father. It’s brought
It took 16 months for a judge to
information that I learned,” he said. you’re an expert in and can now give the absolute best out of me.”
grant Luby custody of his daughter.
Luby shared his journey on advice. Attorneys can give you legal
He said he has been the full support
Facebook, describing what he went advice from the different cases they’ve
LOCAL
Yoyo Ferro, center, speaks with CKHS students in class.
A rough digital drawing of the mural design using lines artist Yoyo Ferro pulled from the student portraits.
“Blind-contour” portraits CKHS students drew of themselves
as part of the project preparation.
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018 • Page 5
A close-up of a portion of the finished mural meant to signify
the diverse family of CKHS students. Photos by Kristin Ferro.
ARTIST
Continued From Page 1
White, and less than 1 percent other racial
groups, including two or more races,
according to the school’s website.
According to Ferro, who immigrated to
the United States from Brazil, many of the
students who helped with the project are
first or second-generation immigrants.
“Cross Keys students are so sweet and
smart,” he said. “They’re very hard-working
kids who appreciate opportunities like
this.”
As an immigrant Ferro said the kind
of diversity that exists at CKHS and the
spirit that’s grown around that diversity is
important.
“I think it’s very important, even more
now with such a negative trend and this
divisiveness in the country right now—
this negative perception from half of the
country towards immigrants,” he said. “I
think it was very important for me and for
[the students] to make a statement.”
Ferro said the kind of beauty Zambrano
referred to inside CKHS was, in his mind,
connected to its diversity. According
to him, that beauty made the project
especially beautiful for him.
“I’ve made artwork that I’m proud of, but
this mural—because of the background
of the whole community engagement
that happened—is my favorite,” he said.
“It’s such a beautiful project and I’m very
proud of it.”
OPINION
In support of today’s and tomorrow’s Olympic and Paralympic dreamers
During recent weekends
when Georgians’ hearts and
minds were hinged on the
outcome of national and college
football competitions and the
Super Bowl LII, my mind had
shifted to focusing on sports I
rarely think about, except every
four years.
I was learning the names,
backgrounds, triumphant
moments and heartbreak
experiences of ice skaters, skiers,
lugers, snowboarders, curlers
and many other athletes who
will be competing in the 2018
Olympic Games.
The 52nd Olympic Winter
Games take place Feb. 9-25 in
Pyeongchang, South Korea.
Thousands of the top athletes
from 94 nations are expected
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018 • Page 6
physical limitations, emotional
and economic challenges to
make their teams. For some
politics and other issues may
Gale Horton Gay have been impediments in
fastgale@hotmail.com their paths, but somehow they
pressed on.
I was reminded of young
to compete for medals in 102 people in our own backyards
events in 15 sports. Those whose names and personal
games are followed by the XII stories we are unaware of but
Paralympic Winter Games, also in who are currently making
Pyeongchang March 9-18. sacrifices, doing the hard work of
As many of these athletes learning, practicing and molding
were giving their all attempting themselves into what may one
to qualify for the U.S. Olympic day be recognized as top-tier
team, I was once again athletes.
captivated by their strength, So as we prepare to watch
determination, speed and in the hundreds of members of
some cases artistry. the U.S. Olympic team go for
Many have overcome injuries, the gold, silver and bronze in
February, let’s remember to give
support and encouragement
to the next generation of stars
who are in the infancy of their
development. The sky is the
limit for so many of them and
by attending their games and
competitions, offering words
of encouragement, cheering
them on as well as contributing
financially, we can show our
support in meaningful ways.
This winter belongs to those
who already have labored hard
and long, believed in themselves
and persevered through
adversity, but the seasons to
come belong to the kids who are
just beginning to dream big. We
can each play a part in helping
those dreams come true.
OPINION DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018 • Page 7

The  ABCs of healthcare reform

“The health care system is
complex, and we enter into this
‘One Man’s
likely to follow their lead, should
all cause a downward impact on
start dropping.
 At least through January of
challenge open-eyed about the Opinion’
health care costs. 2019, the president now should
degree of difficulty.  Hard as it might  If you don’t think Amazon have the votes in Congress to do
be, reducing healthcare’s burden Bill Crane knows how to negotiate, just watch this, and let’s hope that the positive
on the economy while improving bill.csicrane@gmail.com the ongoing bidding war between rhetoric is not outweighed by
outcomes for employees and the 20 cities and states selected as the fact that the current largest
their families would be worth the finalists to be the home of the new donor to Trump’s 2020 re-election
purchase or transaction, will Amazon HQ 2. campaign is CVS/Caremark. 
effort. Success is going to require allow the trio to substantially
talented experts, a beginner’s mind,   ABC–I hope it will be easy as 1, 2,
reduce its costs through Overturn aspects of existing 3. I have long believed that to start
and a long-term orientation,” Jeff competition. Amazon no longer
Bezos, CEO, Amazon.  federal law: President Donald driving health care costs down,
guarantees the best price, Trump stated during his recent the impetus and market moves
but their company became a State of the Union address that would first need to come from big
Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway market disruptor and frequent
and Chase Bank—get used to reducing the costs of prescription business and the market sector. I
leader across retail category drugs will be a primary goal of his wonder if I keep my Amazon Prime
reading about that trio together. after category by wringing
Bezos, Warren Buffet and Jamie administration during 2018. There membership and GEICO Auto
out costs. Buffet and Berkshire is a direct path to getting there. In insurance coverage current, how
Dimon (even that way they Hathaway have demonstrated
line up in alpha order) are each 2004, President George W. Bush soon I’ll be eligible for discounts?
financial genius over decades, and Congress passed the Medicare
innovators and giants in their buying mature companies,
respective industries. Part D Supplement Act, giving Bill Crane also serves as a political
building them into category and a prescription drug benefit to analyst and commentator for Channel
 Our U.S. health care costs are segment leaders, while having the America’s seniors. Part of the act
highest in the world, roughly 50 2’s Action News, WSB-AM News/Talk
resources available to reinvest and bans federal governments from 750 and now 95.5 FM, as well as a
percent of U.S businesses with expand market access.
up to 49 employees offer their negotiating prescription drug columnist for The Champion, DeKalb
  prices with U.S. pharmaceutical Free Press and Georgia Trend. Crane
employees health care coverage Economies of Sale: Amazon’s
as a benefit. All larger companies companies. The U.S. government is a DeKalb native and business owner,
most profitable business line is its is the world’s largest buyer of living in Scottdale. You can reach him or
are required to offer it via the data centers. Among their largest pharmaceutical products and
Affordable Care Act of 2010.  comment on a column at bill.csicrane@
customers in that enterprise are prescription drugs.  Overturn that gmail.com.
Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway and large hospitals and health care
the enterprises owned by the aspect of the law, and watch prices
centers, which must manage and
conglomerate, and J.P. Morgan store tremendous amounts of
Chase Bank, collectively have data, as well as those personal
nearly one million employees. health care records available to
 Though their long-term goal their patients. This new model
is a larger playing field, in the with a perhaps very different role
near term, this industry troika is for claims manager middlemen
focused on reducing health care and insurers should begin to tip
costs for their own enterprises and the health care arena back in the
employees. Here are some good direction of the doctor/patient
places to start: relationship, versus focus on
  profitability of health care insurers
Transparency and price and big pharma. 
competition: In sectors of Here in Georgia, Chick-fil-A is
health care not now covered by one well-established enterprise
insurance, there is substantial that self-insures. Whether Team
competition in the marketplace, ABC creates its own captive
which impacts prices. Lasik eye insurer, negotiates a fixed cost-
surgery, cosmetic dentistry, plus model with a large existing
weight loss and even health clubs insurer or creates a capitated
and exercise facilities all have or boutique health care system
dropping prices and even low- with regular direct payments to
interest financing available. providers, versus insurance and
 Requiring health care reinsurance; their economies of
providers to price all drugs, scale, and other large corporations
procedures, etc. in advance of

FREEPRESS
the DeKalb Publisher: Staff Reporters:
John Hewitt Carla Parker STATEMENT FROM THE
Horace Holloman PUBLISHER
Chief Financial Officer: Derek Smith We sincerely appreciate the
Dr. Earl D. Glenn discussion surrounding this and any
Let Us Know What You Think! Social Media Manager: issue of interest to DeKalb County.
THE DEKALB FREE PRESS encourages opinions from SEND LETTERS TO EDITOR, Production Manager: Donna Seay The Champion was founded in 1991
expressly to provide a forum for
The DeKalb Free Press, Kemesha Wadley discourse for all community residents
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Letters should be brief, typewritten and contain the Send email to Johnh@dekalbchamp.com desire to make the news only to
FAX To: (404) 370-3903; Phone: (404) 373-7779. The DeKalb Free Press is published each Friday report news and opinions to effect
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us that is known to be false and/or
Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts. DISPLAY ADVERTISING (404) 373-7779 x 110 assumptions penned as fact.
LOCAL
COUNTYWIDE
Lithonia organization receives $20,000
from Colin Kaepernick, Usher
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Helping Oppressed
Mothers Endure Inc. (H.O.M.E.),
a nonprofit based in Lithonia,
will provide more services
to oppressed single mothers
and children, thanks to Colin
Kaepernick and Usher.
H.O.M.E. received $10,000
each from the former NFL
quarterback and music
entertainer for a total 0f
$20,000 through Kaepernick’s
$10 for 10 pledge. Kaepernick
donated $10,000 to 10
organizations across the
county and his donation was
matched by other athletes and
entertainers. The donation to
H.O.M.E. completed the million
dollar pledge.
“I wanted to recognize
and also to support an
organization that I feel is
amazing for single mothers in
Atlanta, out of Lithonia, Ga.—
Helping Oppressed Mothers
Endure,” Usher said in an
Instagram video. “This was an
opportunity to do something
major and you [Kaepernick]
did it. You raised $1 million and will be used in various ways,
I’m happy to be a part of the
completion of that $1 million.” provide to families.
This is the second time
Kaepernick has donated
money to the organization.
H.O.M.E. received a $25,000
donation in April 2017.
Carolyn Watson, founder
and executive director of
H.O.M.E., said she is overjoyed
by Kaepernick’s and Usher’s
generosity.
“There are no words to
really express my gratitude
for the favor that’s over
H.O.M.E.,” she said. “It’s not
really about my excitement,
it’s about the fact that we will children. The organization
be able to serve so many other serves on average eight
single moms and children
throughout the city of Atlanta. throughout nine metro
To be able to make that kind
of difference—that’s what
I’m excited about. It’s not
the money, it’s the fact that
we can do so much more
to help single mothers and
their children who are facing
hardships.”
Kaepernick said on
Instagram that it has been an
honor to serve the people with more furniture, comes more
his pledge.
“The thanks and gratitude
from each organization has
been immense,” he said. “Being Usher has donated to the
able to learn and see how
each organization used the
donations was a key part of
Colin Kaepernick and Usher donated $10,000 each to Helping
Oppressed Mothers Endure, Inc. (H.O.M.E.), a nonprofit based in
Lithonia. Photo from Colin Kaepernick Instagram page
the pledge. I wanted to make
sure that every dollar was
going toward making real
change in our communities.”
Watson said the money
including buying more beds to do anything with anyone
“We’re always limited to
three beds per family, even
when a family was a family of
five or six,” she said. “We tried gift. We are indeed humbled
to balance it out with a sofa
bed or some kind of smaller
bed, but it’s great to be able to
purchase more beds because
everybody deserves a bed of
their own.”
H.O.M. E. was established
in 2014 as a resource to
help single mothers who
are struggling, transitioning,
juggling bills and raising
to 10 families each month
Atlanta counties. Watson said
the organization recently
acquired a 20,000-square-foot
warehouse to store furniture
and other items.
‘[The money] will help
offset the cost of what it takes
to be able to maintain being
in that warehouse,” she said.
“With the warehouse comes
opportunity to be able to
provide more things.”
This is the first time
organization.
“I’m excited to know that
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018 • Page 8
he knows about us,” Watson
said. “He has a single mother
as well, so to hear him be
passionate about who he is
giving to here in Atlanta—
he could have chosen to
else. There are a lot of great
organizations here, and the
fact that he chose H.O.M.E. to
be the recipients of this great
by that.”
HONEYBEE
COUNTYWIDE
Firefighters looking for person of interest
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
DeKalb County Fire Rescue (DCFR)
officials want to talk to a person of interest
in connection with a fire at Oak Tree Villas
apartments in Decatur Jan. 18.
The fire damaged or destroyed at least
24 units at the complex, according to DCFR
captain and spokesperson Eric Jackson.
Coleman Reid is wanted for
questioning by investigators in the fire
department, according to Jackson.
Reid “At this point, we’re not considering
him a suspect. We’re just calling him a
person of interest based on the information that we received
from individuals and what our investigators were able to find,”
Jackson said.
At least nine families, including 16 adults and five children,
were displaced by the fire and needed assistance, according to
the Atlanta Red Cross.
The top floor of the apartments, located off Kensington Road
in Decatur, are completely damaged and portions of the unit
fell onto the second floor, damaging those units as well, Jackson
said.
According to a release from the DCFR, firefighters responded
to a structure fire at the apartments and found heavy smoke
and flames coming from the three-story multifamily building.
“Many families were displaced by this fire, and seeking
justice for those responsible would begin the healing process
for those that were severely impacted,” DeKalb County Fire Chief
Darnell Fullum said.The fire occurred in the early morning
hours of one of the coldest days of 2018, creating a safety risk
for individuals and firefighters involved.
Jackson said he hopes Reid, or someone who knows Reid,
will give DCFR information on Reid’s whereabouts or help them
solve the case.
“It’s really important that you, Mr. Reid, or any family or
friends that know of his whereabouts contact us. We would like
to speak with him. That would be a good thing for us. We just
want to get this resolved,” Jackson said.
The DeKalb County Fire Investigations Unit can be contacted
via phone at (678) 406-7775.
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COUNTYWIDE
Officials hope new safety director can solve officer shortage
by Horace Holloman
horace@dekalbchamp.com
DeKalb County officials and
residents officially met new
deputy chief operating officer of
public safety Joseph Lumpkin
during a meet-and-greet at the
Maloof Auditorium Feb. 3.
DeKalb County CEO
Michael Thurmond said
he’s concerned about the
officer shortage in the DeKalb
County Police department.
As of Feb. 3, DKPD needs
to fill approximately 180
officer positions. Some
residents believe the shortage
is due to lack of adequate
financial compensation.
In a meet-and-greet
event held at the Maloof
Auditorium in downtown
Decatur, Thurmond said he
hopes the new deputy chief
operating officer of public
safety can address some of
the recruiting issues.
Joseph Lumpkin, who
formerly served as the police
chief in Savannah-Chatham
County, said he’s excited to
take over the role as deputy
chief in DeKalb.
“I think we can do better
and get more productivity out
of everyone,” Lumpkin said.
“We can be more efficient and
more effective and we can
establish a quality of service
that each and every one of us
would demand for our own
family members.”
According to DeKalb
officials, Lumpkin will
oversee police, fire rescue,
animal control, emergency
management, E-911 and
This could be your ad!
Call to advertise in
The Champion Newspaper
404.373.7779 x 110
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018 • Page 9
medical examiner services.
Lumpkin officially started
his position Jan. 28 and he
will be responsible for the
county’s 1,600 public safety
employees and a 2018 annual
budget of approximately
$201 million.
“I tell people all the time
it’s not hard to figure out
what to do. Just do things
that your mother wouldn’t
shake her head at,” Lumpkin
said. “Don’t do anything that
will get you on the 6 o’clock
news.”
Thurmond said Lumpkin,
who also serves on the
board of directors of the
International Association of
Chiefs of Police, was hired in
part because of his recruiting
ability.
While in Savannah,
Lumpkin recruited more than Newly selected DeKalb County deputy chief operating officer of public safety Joseph Lumpkin with DeKalb
340 officers in three years. CEO Michael Thurmond speaking with residents. Photo by DKPD
“He’s honest, has high
integrity, he’s committed
and he’s focused on serving,”
Thurmond said. “In Savannah, IRVIN J. JOHNSON
he was able to address serious Tax Commissioner
attrition. This man has proven DeKalb County, GA
that he knows how to recruit
and he knows how to train.”
In 2014, The Georgia
ATTENTION ALL DEKALB COUNTY
Association of Chiefs of
Police recognized Lumpkin
HOMEOWNERS
as Peace Officer of the Year.
He was recognized by the The 2017 Property Tax Exemption Deadline is Fast
Georgia Chapter National
Organization of Black Law
Approaching!
Enforcement Executives in
If you owned and resided in a home in DeKalb County on January 1st, you may
2003 as Police Officer of the
Year. apply for a Basic Homestead Exemption and Property Assessment Freeze with
DKPD Police Chief James the County by April 2 of this year. The home must be your primary domicile
Conroy said he’s excited to and legal residence for all purposes, including the registration of your vehicles
work with Lumpkin because and the filing of your Federal and State income taxes. Applications received
he has more than 40 years of after April 2 will be processed for 2018.
law enforcement experience.
Conroy also stated he hopes In addition to the basic homestead exemption available to all homeowners, there
Lumpkin can help with the are special exemptions available for residents 62 and older, disabled veterans or
officer shortage.
their un-remarried spouses, and other disabled residents. Eligibility for special
“We would talk in the past exemptions is based upon age or disability, total household income, and must
about the successes he’s had
be applied for in person. When applying, please bring your State and Federal
with recruiting and hopefully
he’ll be able to bring that
income tax forms, Social Security 1099, and any other forms of income you
[to DeKalb County],” Conroy may receive, to one of our three offices across the County.
said. “I’m really impressed
so far and I’m happy to get North Office Main Office South Office
someone here that has 1358 Dresden Dr., NE 4380 Memorial Dr. 2801 Candler Rd. #66
[more than] 40 years of real Atlanta, GA 30319 Suite 100 South DeKalb Mall
Georgia police experience. Decatur, GA 30032 Decatur, GA 30034
His experience can benefit
everybody.” Remember, the deadline for applying for all homesteads is
April 2!
Apply for the Basic Homestead Exemption, the Property Assessment Freeze, or
renew your tag registration online at: www.dekalbcountyga.gov/taxcommissioner
Questions? Call (404) 298-4000 or email us proptax@dekalbcountyga.gov
4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 100, Decatur, Georgia 30032 (404-298-4000)
LOCAL
STONECREST
Mother charged in ‘hot car death’ pleads guilty
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
After a long pause, with
tears flowing and holding
tear-soaked tissues in her
hand, Dijanelle Fowler, 25,
said she was guilty of gross
negligence for leaving her
child in a hot car in DeKalb
County while getting her hair
braided for approximately six
hours.
Fowler appeared in DeKalb
Superior Court Jan. 31 and
was sentenced to 15 years
in prison and five years of
probation with credit of jail
time already served after she
was charged with murder
for leaving her 1-year-old
daughter, Skylar, in her car in
2017.
Fowler spoke at her
sentencing, stating that she
regrets leaving her child in
the car, and that she loved her
daughter.
“It’s a decision that I can’t
take back. If I could trade
my life for hers, even if it’s
just for a day, I would. I take
full responsibility for that
decision. [Her death] was not
intentional,” Fowler said.
Fowler, who received
an athletic scholarship to
play basketball at Bethune
Cookman University, said
basketball was her life until
she broke her neck. According
to Fowler, doctors said she
would never walk or have
facebook LIVE
10TH ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY CELEBRATION
Fowler
children.
“You can look around this
courtroom and see that I don’t
have support. Basketball was
my life...when I broke my
neck they told me I would
never have children, but God
blessed me with a beautiful
child. She was my everything,”
Fowler said, crying during her
statement.
State attorneys requested
the maximum sentence of a
total of 40 years to serve for
Fowler. According to reports,
Fowler left the child buckled
in her car seat in the rear of
her Hyundai Sonata while
she visited a hair salon on
LaVista Road in Tucker. The car
was left running with the air
conditioning turned on. When
she returned approximately
six hours later, the car’s
battery had died. According
to reports, the child was dead
when police arrived on scene.
Skylar’s father, Louis
DEKALB HISTORY CENTER’S
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Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018 @ 11 a.m. @ The Historic DeKalb Courthouse
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DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018 • Page 10
Williams, said in the
aftermath of his daughter’s
death, Fowler lied to him
multiple times.
“Until it was clear that this
incident wasn’t an accident,
I was going to stand by
[Fowler]. I just wanted to be
there for her. She told me
she checked on our daughter
every 15 minutes while she
was getting her hair done,”
Williams said. “I called the
salon and spoke with the
woman that did her hair and
she told me [Fowler] never
got out of the chair. Not once.”
Williams said he believes
his daughter’s death was an
intentional act.
“There’s not an inch of
me that believes this was an
accident,” Williams said.  
Judge Linda Hunter said
she disagreed with the state’s
recommendation stating that
Fowler had no prior incidents
with the law and appeared to
be a loving and caring mother
who made a mistake.
“Justice is not revenge.
I’m sure there [are] plenty
of parents that have left
their children in a car and
nothing I will do can make
them a better parent,”
Hunter said. “My job is not to
send a message. I think the
family, with all due respect,
misunderstands the role of a
judge. By all accounts [Fowler]
and Mr. Williams are loving
and committed parents.”
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018 • Page 11

WEEK in PICTURES

Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary and city staff members met with developer Vaughn Irons and the Atlanta Sports City staff Jan. 31 to review plans for multipurpose athletic fields.

Two DeKalb County School District high schools placed in the top three overall teams Four students from the Atlanta International School coordinated with Stone Mountain
at the Area 12 Navy JROTC competition in January. Cedar Grove High School placed Elementary School counselor Sabrina Mayo to donate school supplies to Stone Mountain
first and Southwest DeKalb High School finished third. Photo courtesy of DeKalb County Elementary’s nurse, students and teachers for their 5th grade project. Photo courtesy of
School District. DeKalb County School District.

Decatur police chief Mike Booker reads to students at Oakhurst Elementary. Molly the Belgian Malinois paid a visit to Decatur Fire and Rescue station No. 1.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018 • Page 12

BROOKHAVEN
City unveils 2018 Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival logo, provides event details
In October, the Brookhaven City Council
BY DEREK SMITH approved a contract with Splash Festivals
derek@dekalbchamp.com to operate the arts and crafts market and
handle logistics for the festival. One hundred
vendors have so far been booked for the
Brookhaven City Councilmember Linley
market. According to Brookhaven officials,
Jones unveiled the 2018 Brookhaven Cherry
this is more than triple the size of previous
Blossom Festival logo and gave updates on
markets.
festival planning progress during a recent
Splash Festivals is also operating a food
city council meeting.
court sitting area that will encircle the stage,
The logo, which depicts a bird sitting in
Kidzone and dog show area. Musical acts for
a cherry tree full of blossoms, “embraces the
the event will be announced later.
heritage of the first three years of the festival,
The festival will also feature a car show
yet provides a new and exciting look toward
and a 5K race that will be designated as a
our exciting growth ahead,” Jones said.
Peachtree Road Race qualifier.
According to Jones, Brookhaven is
The festival will be held March 24 and 25
partnering with Stone Mountain in a
at Blackburn Park, 3493 Ashford Dunwoody
program that will include a promotion at
Road in Brookhaven.
its Snow Mountain attraction and Summit
Skyride area.

BROOKHAVEN

Two suspects arrested in child rape case

infected person, kidnapping, Armstrong has been
BY DEREK SMITH aggravated child molestation, arrested in the past on
derek@dekalbchamp.com enticing a child for indecent burglary, robbery, forgery
purposes and cruelty to and false imprisonment
children in the first degree. charges, according to a
Two suspects have been
Brookhaven Police then search of his criminal history.
arrested in connection with
requested the assistance of Most recently, Armstrong
a Jan. 29 kidnapping and
the DeKalb County Sheriff’s was released in August 2013
rape of a 12-year-old boy
Fugitive Task Force and from Wilcox State Prison after
in a Brookhaven apartment
enlisted the public’s help in serving time for a robbery
complex.
finding Armstrong. charge.
Warrants were issued Jan.
In a press release Feb. 5, AD 1 
30 for 38-year-old Kelvin
the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Walker Armstrong
Armstrong and 46-year-old
office announced it had
Kevin Walker in connection
Neighbors Against Greenhaven 
arrested Armstrong.
with the rape.
“Mr. Armstrong’s
According to a press
arrest followed an intense
release from the Brookhaven
investigation over the
Police Department, detectives
weekend that led the DeKalb
Did you know a small group of black Republicans are trying to make all of South DeKalb 
allege the 12-year-old was a new city called Greenhaven? They are hoping you don’t and Republicans at the 
Sheriff’s Fugitive Unit to
approached from behind,
locations in Atlanta,” DeKalb Georgia State Capitol are helping them out. Help us stop this! 
grabbed and dragged from
County Sheriff’s spokesperson
his home at an apartment
Cynthia Williams said.
complex at 2700 Buford
Highway. He was then
Williams said Armstrong Why we Oppose Greenhaven: Top 5 reasons 
was taken into custody
dragged into a nearby
apartment and raped over
without incident and 1. Greenhaven will increase your taxes.  
transported to Brookhaven
several hours.
Criminal Investigation
Walker was identified by
Division, after which he will 2. Greenhaven will decrease your property values.
Brookhaven detectives and
be housed in DeKalb County
arrested Feb. 2. Walker was
charged with possession
Jail. 3. Greenhaven will offer the most minimal services.
Armstrong was charged
of methamphetamine,
with aggravated sodomy, 4. The citizens within the proposed Greenhaven boundary were not asked if they
aggravated sodomy,
aggravated child molestation
aggravated sexual battery,
and cruelty to children in the wanted to be included in the Greenhaven proposal. Decatur, Wesley Chapel,
reckless conduct as an HIV Clarkston, East Atlanta, Gresham, Ellenwood, Stone Mountain, etc.
first degree.

5. Greenhaven’s feasibility study has fatal flaws.

We Are Social To continue the conversation Go to Facebook Page N.A.G. Neighbors Against
Greenhaven or Email: No2Greenhaven@gmail.com

#ItsInTheChampion www.NeighborsAgainstGreenhaven.com
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018 • Page 13

COUNTYWIDE

DeKalb County Commissioner Gregory Adams, right, presents Patricia Jackson with a proclamation declaring Jan. 30, 2018 as Patricia Jackson Day in DeKalb County. Photo by Derek
Smith.

After 46 years, Patricia Jackson

retires from Boys and Girls Club
during her career,” the proclamation emotional wellness through the Girls of children throughout the Georgia
BY DEREK SMITH read. Club of America National Research area.
derek@dekalbchamp.com Jackson’s career with Boys and Center. This was followed by a string of
Girls Club began in December 1971 In 1990, The Boys Club of America awards, including the 1999 Boys and
as program assistant with the Grady and Girls Club of America merged Girls Club Honor Award for Overall
After nearly a half-century of
Homes Girls Club. In 1975, Grady to form the Boys and Girls Club of Program Excellence and the 2003
service to metro Atlanta area Boys
Homes and the Atlanta Girls Club America—a move Jackson didn’t Southeast Region Keystone of the
and Girls Clubs, Patricia Jackson was
merged to form the Girls Club of favor. Year.
honored at a retirement ceremony
Metro Atlanta. “I must be honest, 1990 and 1991 Through her time with Boys and
Jan. 30.
Through this time, Jackson were challenging for me because Girls Club, Jackson has served at the
Friends, family and colleagues
worked to give the girls exposure to I was totally against the merger of Draper, Warren, Jones and East DeKalb
gathered at Redan Recreation Center
“nontraditional” careers. She helped becoming Boys and Girls Club both clubs, but she said after 46 years, she
in Lithonia to honor Jackson, who
the club establish a partnership with on the local and national level,” she decided it was time to “pass the baton
served the Boys and Girls Club for 46
the Women in Architect Association. said. “Yet I continued to find my way.” of youth development to colleagues
years.
She assisted in the development of Jackson helped develop the Boys to continue the journey.”
DeKalb County Commissioner
the Girls Club gymnastics program and Girls Club of Atlanta annual “This journey has taken 46 years
Gregory Adams presented Jackson
and developed an intergenerational science expo at the College Park and it has been amazing as well as
with a proclamation recognizing Jan.
service project program with A.G. Auditorium beginning in 1990. challenging,” she said. “I can honestly
30, 2018 as Patricia Jackson Day.
Rhodes Nursing Homes. She also In 1992, Jackson received the say I have been truly blessed to work
“Ms. Jackson has demonstrated
helped develop and produce an C.A.R.E (Children Are the Reason in the trenches with the youth of
her passion for service excellence in
annual circus event for the club. for Excellence) Award, which is metro Atlanta.”
her community through the programs
Jackson worked to promote girls’ given annually as recognition for
she developed and implemented and
physical, intellectual, financial and outstanding efforts to impact the lives
from the honors and awards received
EDUCATION DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018 • Page 14

ATLANTA LITHONIA

Emory professor receives

2018 Japan Prize
BY DEREK SMITH
derek@dekalbchamp.com

Emory University
professor Dr. Max Cooper
has been named a laureate
of the 2018 Japan Prize.
The annual Japan Prize
recognizes individuals
who are pioneers in their
fields of medicinal science
and resources, energy,
environment and social
infrastructure. Cooper
is one of three scientists
recognized this year.
Cooper Cooper is a professor of
pathology and laboratory
medicine at Emory
University School of Medicine and a Georgia Research
Alliance Eminent Scholar in developmental immunology. Photo courtesy of DeKalb County School District.
Alongside Dr. Jacques Miller, Cooper is being awarded the
prize in the category “Medical Science and Medicinal Science”
for the discovery of the dual nature of adaptive immunity,
which identified the cellular building blocks of the immune
Six people arrested in two unrelated
system as scientists understand it today.
“We are extremely proud of Dr. Cooper and this
tremendous international honor,” Emory University School
incidents at MLK High School
of Medicine Dean Dr. Vikas P. Sukhatme said via a press
was on the MLKHS campus, of MLKHS using the car’s
release. “His accomplishments have forever altered the
BY DEREK SMITH including a K-9 unit. onboard tracking system.
face of medicine, and he is continuing to contribute to
Public Information According to Green,
advancements that will improve the health of individuals for derek@dekalbchamp.com Officer Shiera Campbell officers followed four
decades to come.”
told The Champion that individuals to the parking
Recent developments of anti-cancer drugs and
Six people were arrested the DeKalb County Police lot, where they were
antibodies for the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as
Jan. 31 in connection with Department was not involved apprehended and arrested.
rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease would
two unrelated events at in the investigation and Green said the car theft
not have been possible without Cooper and Miller’s work,
Martin Luther King Jr. High referred all questions to occurred off school grounds
according to the release.
School (MLKHS) in Lithonia, the school system. DCSD and was not related to the
Cooper is a member of the U.S. National Academy of
according to DeKalb County Chief Communications and incident with the gun.
Sciences, the Academy of Medicine and the American
School District (DCSD) Community Relations Officer The school’s lockdown was
Academy of Arts and Sciences. He is a former president of
officials. Eileen Houston-Stewart told lifted after DCSD Public Safety
the American Association of Immunologists. In 2017, he was
The first incident placed The Champion she could not officials confirmed it was safe,
elected to the Académie des Sciences of the Institut de France
the school on lockdown after confirm the intent of the man Green said.
and to the Royal Society of London.
two men entered the school, with the gun. Both Green and Harvey
“The Japan Prize is proud to recognize Drs. Cooper and
one of them armed with a “Let me take this encouraged parents to review
Miller,” senior executive director of the Japan Prize Foundation
gun. According to a letter sent opportunity to assure you the DCSD Student Code of
Hiroshi Nakamura said, via the release. “Their foundational
to parents by MLKHS Principal that providing a safe and Conduct with their children.
work has contributed significant knowledge to the
Ennis Harvey, one was a secure learning environment They also encouraged
advancement of anti-cancer and anti-cytokine drugs for the
student at MLKHS while the is of top priority at Dr. Martin students to report any
treatment of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.”
man armed with the gun was Luther King Jr. High School,” suspicious activity to school
not. Harvey said in his letter. or district officials. According
DCSD Public Safety officers “Anyone who creates an to Harvey’s letter, reports can

REDUCE arrested both men.

DCSD Superintendent Dr.
unsafe learning environment
for our students will receive
be made anonymously.
“The safety of all students

REUSE Stephen Green said district swift disciplinary action.” and staff is a top priority in
public safety officers searched The second incident the DeKalb County School
the school for intruders occurred when DeKalb District,” Green said. “We want

RECYCLE and weapons during the

lockdown. Harvey’s letter
said a team of DCSD officers
County Police officers
tracked subjects involved
with a stolen car to the area
to make sure that our schools
are safe and our students are
focused on learning.”
EDUCATION DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018 • Page 15

BROOKHAVEN

Georgia Department of Education World Language and Global Workforce representative Patrick Wallace, right, presents Ashford Elementary teacher Laura Miltner, left, with the World Language Educator of
the Month award.

Georgia Department of Education honors

Ashford Park Elementary teacher
LaShawn McMillan, Assistant task of getting 52 kindergartners to should be recognized.”
BY DEREK SMITH Principal Tonya Edwards and other begin understanding and speaking In a DCSD press release,
derek@dekalbchamp.com DeKalb County School District (DCSD) German,” the letter read. “Unlike McMillan and Edwards said Miltner’s
staff in presenting Miltner with an traditional two-way, dual-immersion hardworking attitude sets her apart
official certificate. programs, we do not have half a from her peers. McMillan said Miltner’s
Ashford Park Elementary School
According to the Georgia class already speaking the target instruction allows students to succeed
teacher Laura Miltner was surprised
Department of Education website, language. From the first time she in programs available at Chamblee
in her classroom Jan. 29 when school
the World Language Educator of the speaks with a child, the only method Middle and Chamblee Charter High.
and Georgia Department of Education
Month program is designed to honor of communication is German. By Miltner’s program is the first of its kind
officials presented her with the World
educators who make a “world of using her creativity, hand motions in Georgia.
Language Educator of the Month
difference” and “celebrate the impact and exaggerated expressions, she “Every school day, nearly 3,000
award for January.
their efforts have on the lives of our is able to get the ideas across. She world language educators enter
Miltner, referred to as Frau Miltner
students.” does it without overwhelming the classrooms all across our state and
by her students, is a dual-language
Winners are selected among children and building an enthusiasm passionately engage with the learners
immersion German teacher. She has
nominations from parents, colleagues for school. Children complete under their care,” Wallace said. “They
been teaching at Ashford for five
or citizens via a form on the website. kindergarten with a mastery of the provide them with a cultural and
years.
An Ashford Park parent penned core subjects while speaking a new linguistic experience that will benefit
Georgia Department of Education
a letter to the Georgia Department language. While all of our teachers their future lives. Truly, without the
World Language and Global
of Education that led to Miltner’s are fantastic, the work Frau Miltner selfless and dedicated service of
Workforce representative Patrick
selection. takes on to get these children ready teachers like [Miltner], children would
Wallace joined Ashford Park Principal
“Frau Miltner has the herculean for a more demanding academic load not be complete.”

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BUSINESS
LITHONIA
“We do not just develop children academically. We develop them spiritually, mentally, socially and physically. We believe that’s what it takes,” says Danetta Sparks, founder
of Sparks Christian Academy. Photos provided
Private academy focuses
on exceptional learners
BY KATHY MITCHELL
Freelance Reporter
“I’ve always had a
passion for educating
our young people," said
Danetta Sparks. Out of
that passion, she created
a private academy in
Lithonia that has educated
two generations in south
DeKalb County. Founded
in 1983, Sparks Christian
Academy serves children
from preschool age
through high school.
“We started 35 years
ago as a one-room school,
operating in a retail space
near South DeKalb Mall.
We grew so fast that we
quickly had to find a larger
facility,” recalled Sparks,
who founded the academy
with her husband Demond
Sparks. Following his
death in 2016, she
continues to operate the
school, which she said had
been a dream for both of
them.
“It’s very rewarding
to have former students
who are now adults come
back and tell us how much
their experience with us
meant to them. People
who brought their children
to us are now bringing
their grandchildren to
us. We have established
a reputation in the
community for being able
to educate children who
are struggling elsewhere,”
Sparks said.
Former student Nicole
Reeves tells her story
on The Sparks Christian
Academy Facebook page:
“I came to Dr. Sparks as
a delinquent teen only
looking at the present.
I was one of the most
stubborn teenagers ever
known to mankind,”
she states, “but the
determination in Dr. Sparks
to save me and make me
a better person was too
strong for her to give up on
me. She pushed me every
day and motivated me to
do work in school. She had
me singing in a choir, going
to church every Sunday
faithfully, volunteering
in daycare, and for all my
hard work I was named
valedictorian and finished
high school a whole year
early.”
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018 • Page 17
According to Sparks,
such stories are not
unusual. She attributes
much of the school’s
success to its holistic
approach to education.
“We do not just develop
children academically. We
develop them spiritually,
mentally, socially and
physically. We believe that’s
what it takes to prepare
young people to not only
have successful careers
and be self-sufficient, but
also to be assets to their
communities, to be leaders
and help others to become
leaders,” she said.
Sparks Academy,
she said, focuses on
exceptional learners—a
term that is defined
differently for different
children. “A child may have
a physical problem such
as a hearing disability. He
or she may be someplace
on the autism spectrum
or may have behavioral
problems. We are prepared
to work with such students
and bring in the resources
they need to overcome any
barriers to their education,”
Sparks said. She noted
that the school brings
in specialists in physical
and behavioral health,
including students in the
Georgia State University
nursing program, to work
with students who are
having difficulty learning.
There is regular testing and
assessment for each child,
she said.
“We typically bring
children up a half grade
during their first year with
us,” Sparks said. “Our goal is
to have them performing
at their regular grade level.”
She said some return to
public school and others
stay with Sparks Christian
Academy, adding that
some students who had
been unable to graduate
from public school come to
Sparks Christian Academy
to get the additional
credits they need. “We
are fully accredited and
NCAA (National Collegiate
Athletes Association)
certified, so our students
may be eligible for
academic and athletic
college scholarships.”
Sparks Christian
Academy currently
serves approximately 140
children, including those
in daycare and tutoring
programs. Sparks said she
would like to be able to
serve more.
“Continuing the school
after I lost my husband has
been difficult, but I want
to keep going because
I feel the school fills a
need in the community.
There is a great need for
preschool and afterschool
programs to help working
parents. There is a need
for specialized help for
IEP children,” she said
explaining that IEP or
individual education plan
children are those who—
because of physical or
mental disabilities, or even
a high IQ—need different
learning programs from
those that work with
most children. Sparks
said approximately 95
percent of Sparks Christian
Academy’s students are
in exceptional education
programs.
SPORTS
SWIMMING
The Chamblee Bulldogs won its sixth consecutive swimming and diving county title with a 245-212 over the Lakeside Vikings.
Chamblee, Dunwoody defends
county swimming and diving titles
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
The Chamblee Bulldogs
and Dunwoody Lady Wildcats
are again kings and queens of
DeKalb County swimming and
diving.
Teams from Chamblee
and Dunwoody recently won
consecutive county swimming
and diving titles at Chamblee
High School. The Bulldogs
won their sixth consecutive
county title with a 245-212
victory over the Lakeside
Vikings.
Chamblee junior Louis
Cardot captured the gold in
the 200-yard freestyle with
a state-qualifying time of
1:46.61. Cardot, along with
Aaron Boyer, senior Caleb
Perry and junior Theo Hardy,
qualified for the state meet
in the 200-yard medley relay
after winning gold with a time
of 1:40.9. It was the seventh
consecutive gold in the
medley relay for Chamblee.
Perry won gold in the 100-
yard butterfly with a time of
55.08, which also qualified
him for state. Perry, Hardy and
seniors James Burgett and
Alex Miretsky won the 200-
yard freestyle relay (1:31.97-
SQ), the sixth consecutive
gold medal in the freestyle for
the Bulldogs.
Chamblee finished the
sweep of relay races with a
win in the 400-yard freestyle
Dunwoody's Lady Wildcats won its fourth consecutive swimming and diving county title with a 235-
202 victory over Chamblee.
relay. Miretsky, juniors Will
Decker and Tyler Trocchi and
Cardot qualified for state with
a time of 3:26.15 in the 400-
yard freestyle.
Gavin Wheeler led
Lakeside to a second-place
finish after winning two gold
medals. The junior won the
200-yard individual medley
(2:02.40) and the 100-yard
breaststroke (1:01.57),
qualifying for the state meet
in both events.
Lakeside senior Sam
Witcher won his third
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018 • Page 18
consecutive diving title with a
new meet record of 545.65 in
11 diving attempts. He broke
his own record of 490.25,
which he set last year.
Lakeside freshman
Zachary Zhao won the 500-
yard freestyle (5:03.81) and
freshman Kamal Muhammad
won the 100-yard backstroke
(52.41), both qualifying for
state.
Dunwoody sophomore
Grant Allison won two gold
medals—50-yard freestyle
(21.90) and 100-yard freestyle
(48.52)—and qualified for
state. It was the second time
Allison has won the two
events at the county meet.
In the girls’ meet, the
Dunwoody Lady Wildcats set
three meet records on the
way to a 235-202 victory over
Chamblee. This is the fourth
consecutive county title for
Dunwoody.
Sophomore Lauren Davis
broke an eight-year record in
the diving event with 466.65
points, breaking Lakeside’s
Rebecca Boyer’s record of
443.25 set in 2010. It was
Davis’ second consecutive
diving gold medal.
Other Dunwoody gold
medal winners included
sophomore Ashley Altera
in the 200-yard freestyle
(2:04.45), sophomore Keely
Sanberg in the 50-yard
freestyle (25.87) and senior
Claire Tannen in the 100-
yard breaststroke (1:17.44).
Altera and Sanberg both
qualified for state.
Chamblee also set a
meet record on the way to a
second-place finish. Junior
Jade Foelske broke a 37-
year record in the 100-yard
butterfly. She finished with
a time of 56.58, breaking
Lakeside’s Libba Newman’s
record of 58.50 set in 1981.
It was Foelske’s second
gold in the event in three
years. She also won the
500-yard freestyle (5:17.28)
and qualified for state in the
event.
Foelske won another gold
medal in the 200-yard medley
relay (1:57.02) along with
teammates junior Teresa
Maloney, Mary Adams and
senior Molly Bruning, and
qualified for state.
Decatur finished third
at the meet with wins by
Annie Pfeufer in the 100-
yard freestyle (55.47) and the
400-yard freestyle relay team
(3:52.05).
The meet featured 53
individual and 22 relay teams
to meet the state qualifying
times.
SPORTS
WRESTLING
McNair wins second county
wrestling title in program history
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
The McNair High School
wrestling team won its
second William S. Venable
DeKalb County wrestling
title in the program’s history
with a 262.5-192 win over
Southwest DeKalb.
It was the first title for the
Mustangs since 2012. They
brought home eight medals,
including five gold medals.
Senior Masud As-
Siddiq won his second
consecutive county title in
the 120-weight class after
defeating Southwest DeKalb
senior Coby Ficklin.
Junior Deejay McNeal
won the 113-weight class;
senior Terrance Randle won
the 182-weight class; senior
Adamus Brooks-Bey won
WEEKLY BASKETBALL SCORES
Jan. 30
Boys
Cedar Grove 63, Westminster 46
Columbia 78, Chamblee 77
Lakeside 55, Parkview 53
Miller Grove 60, Lithonia 57
St. Pius X 86, Jefferson 55
Southwest DeKalb 72, Arabia Mountain 49
Stephenson 83, Drew 50
Stone Mountain 58, McNair 48
Towers 71, Lovett 47
Tucker 45, Mt. Zion 24
W.D. Mohammed 64, Galloway 48
Chattahoochee 80, Dunwoody 61
Jackson-Atl 51, Decatur 42
Pace Academy 72, Redan 62
Southwest Atlanta Christian 68, Paideia 63
Woodward Academy 48, Druid Hills 46
Girls
Arabia Mountain 55, Southwest DeKalb 48
Cedar Grove 49, Westminster 29
Chamblee 41, Columbia 33
Cross Keys 29, Clarkston 19
Decatur 41, Jackson-Atl 39
Dunwoody 50, Chattahoochee 33
Miller Grove 59, Lithonia 30
Paideia 49, Southwest Atlanta Christian 41
Stephenson 55, Drew 37
Stone Mountain 61, McNair 47
Tucker 44, Mt. Zion 41
Galloway 68, W.D. Mohammed 35
Jefferson 44, St. Pius X 36
Lovett 52, Towers 25
Pace Academy 55, Redan 24
Parkview 46, Lakeside 29
Woodward Academy 64, Druid Hills 17
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018 • Page 19
McNair won its second DeKalb County wrestling title in program
history. Photo by Mark Brock
gold in the 195-weight class Dumas won gold in the
and sophomore Torrance 152-weight class, improving
Jan. 31
Boys
Cedar Grove 51, Pace Academy 40
Druid Hills 55, Luella 50
Redan 80, McNair 61
Forest Park 64, M.L. King 63
Lovett 59, Stone Mountain 49
Wesleyan 62, W.D. Mohammed 54
Westminster 48, Towers 44
Girls
Cedar Grove 48, Pace Academy 30
Forest Park 72, M.L. King 30
Lovett 56, Stone Mountain 41
Feb. 1
Boys
Columbia 72, Clarkston 39
Girls
Columbia 68, Clarkston 35
Westminster 44, Towers 37
Feb. 2
Boys
Cedar Grove 67, Redan 63
Dunwoody 70, Northview 59
Greenforest 82, Fulton Leadership Academy 41
Lakeside 57, Brookwood 35
Miller Grove 63, Arabia Mountain 47
St. Pius X 69, Oconee County 46
Stephenson 83, Lovejoy 53
Towers 69, McNair 44
Tucker 62, Forest Park 26
W.D. Mohammed 65, Atlanta International 27
Blessed Trinity 51, Marist 37
Drew 81, M.L. King 70
his record to 35-1. championship with 169
McNeal also was named points.
best overall wrestler. Lakeside junior Cody
Junior Antonio Mills Domingue won gold in the
(132) and Adriean Collins 170-weight class, leading
(220) claimed silver medals Lakeside (123.5) to a fourth-
and junior Keyon Fisher place finish in the team
(160) won a bronze medal. standings.
The Southwest DeKalb Stephenson finished
Panthers had four wrestlers sixth in the team standings
to medal. Senior Eris Walker (116) and was led by Taquel
won a gold medal in the Young (32-0), who won gold
220-weight class. Senior in the 145-weight class, and
Coby Ficklin (120) and senior Jamal McDonald,
senior Rodre Fears (126) who won the 285-weight
brought home silver medals. class.
Junior Alfonzo Farley (132), Dunwoody finished fourth
senior Ericq Hall (138), in the team standings with
senior Mikhael Hall (145) 149 points after claiming
and Xavier McKinney (152) four silver medals and one
claimed bronze medals. bronze.
Decatur’s Kaden Span Other gold medalists were
won gold in the 132-weight Lithonia junior John Webb
class and Jared Lester (106) (126), Chamblee senior Bart
also won gold to lead the Turney (138) and St. Pius X’s
Bulldogs to a third-place Max Spearman (160).
finish at the county wrestling
Henry County 69, Druid Hills 33
Pace Academy 83, Stone Mountain 30
Riverwood 71, Decatur 50
Wesleyan 36, Paideia 32
Girls
Arabia Mountain 80, Miller Grove 59
Cedar Grove 49, Redan 26
Decatur 45, Riverwood 30
Lithonia 45, Clarkston 18
Marist 50, Blessed Trinity 30
St. Pius X 32, Oconee County 30
Atlanta International 58, W.D. Mohammed 41
Brookwood 58, Lakeside 43
Drew 60, M.L. King 52
Forest Park 48, Tucker 37
Henry County 76, Druid Hills 22
Lovejoy 66, Stephenson 32
Northview 60, Dunwoody 40
Pace Academy 55, Stone Mountain 33
Wesleyan 64, Paideia 30
Feb. 3
Boys
Druid Hills 64, Cross Keys 32
Lithonia 66, Southwest DeKalb 58
Paideia 47, First Presbyterian Day 46
Stephenson 78, Forest Park 41
Tucker 68, Lovejoy 50
W.D. Mohammed 77, Holy Innocents 71
East Paulding 78, Clarkston 68
Girls
Druid Hills 56, Cross Keys 29
Paideia 57, First Presbyterian Day 34
Southwest DeKalb 61, Lithonia 10
Forest Park 50, Stephenson 34
Holy Innocents 82, W.D. Mohammed 13
Lovejoy 51, Tucker 42
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018 • Page 20

TUCKER

DeKalb, Tucker partner

on recycling bin exchange
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com

Tucker residents can now trade in their recycling bins

for new and bigger ones.
The city and DeKalb County’s Sanitation Department
will host the “Recycling Roll Cart Exchange Program” March
24, noon to 3 p.m. at Tucker Recreation Center. Residents
can trade 18-gallon bins for new 35- or 65-gallon roll carts.
DeKalb Sanitation is ending its collection of 40-gallon bags
and 18-gallon bins and moving to bigger roll carts.
Tucker City Community Connector Sonja Szubski said
in a press release that the exchange is a significant change
to how residents have put out their recycling for years.
“Our partners at DeKalb Sanitation understand that and
were happy to help us schedule this event to ensure that
Tucker’s residents can easily trade in their bins and see no
interruption in their recycling pickup,” she said.
Upgrading to a 35-gallon roll cart is free for customers,
while the 65-gallon roll cart will cost $15. Only 500 roll
carts will be available at the event, but sanitation officials
will be on-site to help residents complete a form to have
carts delivered to their homes, according to the city.
For more information, visit the DeKalb Sanitation
website at www.dekalbcountyga.gov/sanitation/about-
sanitation. Tucker residents can trade in their recycling bins for a bigger one at a March 24 event. Photo from www.
tuckerga.gov.

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In the Publix Deli, that means letting you check the first
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we always respect your time while building your favorite
sub. See how we serve you at publix.com/service.