DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME BEGINS MARCH 11

the DeKalb FRIDAY, MARCH 9 , 2018 • VOL. 23, NO 5 • 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

Walking with a doc in Clarkston BY CARLA PARKER

carla@dekalbchamp.com
Nearly 20 people spent a Sunday afternoon
in Clarkston walking for 40 minutes along
the PATH trail with Dr. Heval Kelli of Emory
Healthcare as part of the national
“Walk with a Doc” movement. “Walk with a
Doc” was started in 2005 by Dr. David Sabgir,
a cardiologist in Columbus, Ohio. According
to the organization’s website, Sabgir invited
his patients to walk with him in a local park
because he was frustrated with his inability to
affect behavior change in the clinical setting.
More than 100 people showed up.
Kelli, a cardiology fellow, said he talked
about organizing a Walk with a Doc event with
Sabgir, who supported his mission.
“I didn’t know how to do this—to try a
unique walk with the refugees and a way we
could walk together,” Kelli said.
Kelli said he was talking with Roberta
Malavenda, executive director of CDF: A
Collective Action Initiative, when Malavenda
mentioned her yoga class needed outside
activity.
Residents and refugees from Clarkston walked for 40 minutes along the PATH trail with Dr. Heval Kelli of Emory “I said, ‘Perfect. How about I bring Walk with
Healthcare as part of the national “Walk with a Doc” movement. Photos by Carla Parker
a Doc and you set up the whole thing with the
community?’” Kelli said. “We decided to do it on
a Sunday, at least once a month. The purpose is
to make people think about exercise, and what
a better way to talk to a doctor outside of the
[doctor’s office]? It’s very lowkey. It’s all about
risk prevention and preventing heart disease;
preventing people from having hypertension,
diabetes and heart disease through exercise.”
CDF’s mission is to connect and engage
the residents of Clarkston by helping them
recognize and develop their assets and assist
them in creating activities and services that
benefit the community. Malavenda said many
of the moms she works with have told her that
they want to improve their health.
“I think walking is something that everybody
can enjoy,” Malavenda said. “Research has
shown that just walking 30 minutes a day
really does improve heart health. It’s certain
to encourage families with no children,
older people, people like us and people in
wheelchairs to come out and walk and get to
know each other.
“It’s a way for us to get to know neighbors
and people who are refugees and people who
aren’t refugees,” Malavenda said. “It’s a way to
bring various cultures together.”

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

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

DECATUR

LIL’ WARRIORS, BIG HEARTS

Program for special needs children a success
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com

Derante Stephens said he has been

involved in sports and coaching for most
of his life. He also grew up playing all
sports and watching his dad coach.
Stephens, a coach for Decatur’s Lil’
Kickers program, said coaching comes
natural to him.
Last year Stephens took on a new
coaching venture—teaching sports to
special needs children.
The Lil’ Warrior program, sponsored
by Decatur Active Living, teaches
children with special needs a different
sport every week.
“The parents, they love it. They look
forward to it and they’re always ready for
the next class and the same for the kids
as well,” Stephens said.
The program is a branch of the
Lil’ Kickers and Lil’ Sluggers youth
sports. In four weeks, children ages
3-10 participating in Lil Warriors are
introduced to sports such as basketball,
soccer, baseball and kickball.
Stephens, who said he is a “happy
coach,” said the program is a confidence
booster for children in the program.

SEE WARRIORS ON PAGE 12 Lil’ Warriors coach Derante Stephens with some of the special needs children he coaches.

GOT A NEWS TIP?

We’d love to hear from you.
HORACE HOLLOMAN
Horace@DeKalbChamp.com
Local news editor: covers county government/crime/courts
plus Decatur and Avondale Estates.

CARLA PARKER
Carla@DeKalbChamp.com
Sports editor: covers sports plus Stonecrest, Clarkston,
Lithonia, Stone Mountain and Tucker.

DEREK SMITH
Derek@DeKalbChamp.com
Education editor: covers all things education-related plus
Brookhaven, Doraville, Chamblee, Dunwoody and Pine Lake.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018 • Page 3

AROUNDDEKALB
CHAMBLEE opportunities.
For more information, contact LaShanda
opportunities are also available. For more
information or to purchase tickets visit www.
Davis at (404)-371-3643. jldekalb.org or email fundraising@jldekalb.
Lessons from a marriage counselor org.
Come to Chamblee Library March 12 Students provide book club
from at 6 p.m. for lessons from a marriage
counselor. Clinical psychologist and couple’s
STONE MOUNTAIN
Emory Medical students are hosting a
therapist David Woodsfellow, Ph.D. will monthly book club discussion with themes of Photography workshop, contest for
answer questions about relationships. Copies love, life and the human experience. Monadnock Madness
of his new book, Love Cycles, Fear Cycles: Classes will be held on select Thursdays at
Reduce Conflict and Increase Connection 1 p.m. at the Decatur Recreation Center. The sixth annual Monadnock Madness
in Your Relationship, will be available for The next book club meeting will be held will take place during March and activities
purchase. A portion of the proceeds from March 22 featuring Night by Elie Wiesel. will include a photography workshop
sales will go to the Friends of the Chamblee For more information about the book club, and contest. On March 18, veteran
Library. contact Sara Holmes at sara.holmes@ photographer Larry Winslett will lead a
decaturga.com or call (678)-553-6559. small, personal class to three monadnocks—
Laughter exercises at Chamblee Library Stone Mountain, Arabia Mountain and
Panola Mountain—and teach different
Join laughter yoga leader Meridy Hurt Yard sale and fish fry scheduled techniques to capture these landscapes.
at Chamblee Library March 14 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10. For more information,
for guided laughter exercises interspersed The Ladies’ Circle of Gresham Park visit www.mmphotographyworkshop.
with conscious breathing.  No previous Christian Church and the local chapter of brownpapertickets.com..
experience or special attire is required. Wear the National Hook-up of Black Women Inc.
comfortable clothing, be well hydrated and will hold a yard sale and fish fry Saturday,
bring a towel or yoga mat for floor relaxation. March 17, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Dinners with a Organization to host basketball
Please call (770) 936-1380 or visit Chamblee selection of sides, sandwiches and desserts championship games
Library at 4115 Clairmont Road to register. will be available. The event will be held at the
church, which is located at 2819 Flat Shoals The United Christian Athletic Association
DECATUR Road, Decatur. will host its 16th annual Championship
Games March 10 at Berean Christian Church,
BBQ and bourbon event scheduled located at 2201 Young Road in Stone
Briarlake Forest Park ribbon cutting set Mountain. The first game will begin at 9 a.m.
for March 9 The Junior League of DeKalb County is and the last is scheduled to start at 5 p.m.
kicking spring off with a new event called The event will include activities for children
DeKalb County Department of Recreation, and adults. For more information, visit
Bourbon & BBQ. The event is scheduled to
Parks and Cultural Affairs and Commissioner www.m.leaguelineup.com/welcome.
be an afternoon of activities including a
Jeff Rader will hold an official ribbon-cutting
BBQ Cook-off competition, unlimited BBQ
ceremony to celebrate improvements at
Briarlake Forest Park on March 9 at 10 a.m.
samples, bourbon, yard games and more
according to a release from the organization. TUCKER
The ceremony will be held at 3330 Briarlake
Bourbon & BBQ will be held April 28 from
Road, Decatur.
3-6pm at the historic Mary Gay House in Foundation to host tournament
The Friends of Briarlake Forest Park group
downtown Decatur.
received a $10,000 grant from Park Pride Tucker High School Foundation will host
Those who want to show their culinary
and Rader contributed $155,000 toward its annual golf tournament March 18, 1 p.m.
skills and compete for bragging rights for the
the project through the 2001 and 2006 at Stone Mountain Lakemont Golf Course.
best BBQ in DeKalb County can sign up to be
park bond funds to enhance the installation Cost of the tournament is $100 per individual
one of the amateur BBQ competitors.
of trails, gardens, signage, pavilion plaza, and $400 for a foursome. All proceeds go
Tickets are $30 and include unlimited food
parking lot, a pond and bridge. The public is to the Tucker High School students and
and bourbon drinks. Cash bar for beer and
invited to join park staff and county officials staff. For more information, visit www.
wine. Early Registration for the competition
at the ceremony. Attendees will also learn tuckerhighschoolfoundation.com/index.
(before March 20) is $50, after March 20 and
more about the Friends of Briarlake Forest php/2018/01/07/golf-tournament.
until April 17, registration is $75. Sponsorship
Park, upcoming events and volunteer
LOCAL
COUNTYWIDE
Sonja Brown
The office of the District Attorney and DeKalb County Police Department announced a new crime fighting unit called the Crime Strategies and Community Partnership Unit (CS/CPU).
New crime unit could help lower homicide rate
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
During a public safety
town hall, DeKalb County
District Attorney Sherry
Boston said she’s aware that
DeKalb County’s homicides
have now surpassed those in
Atlanta for the first time.
In 2017, DeKalb had 98
killings compared to Atlanta’s
79. However, Boston said she
hopes a new crime fighting
unit will help decrease the
homicides in the county.
On Feb. 28, Boston, along
with Police Chief James
Conroy, announced the
new Crime Strategies and
Community Partnership Unit
(CS/CPU).
According to DeKalb
officials, the unit is modeled
after other major metro areas
and will give a more strategic
and analytical approach to
crime prevention.
“What I’ve heard over
and over and over again
is that our community is
concerned about the increase
in violent crime,” Boston said
during a press conference.
“This month, in partnership
with the DeKalb County
Police Department, the
District Attorney’s office has
launched the county’s first,
and Georgia’s first, Crime
Strategies and Community
Partnership Unit.”
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018 • Page 4
Sherry Boston James Conroy
Boston said the unit Conroy said he’s pleased to benefit to all of DeKalb unit to continue to build and
is made up of a team of partner with the D.A.’s office, County,” Conroy said. maintain its relationship with
assistant district attorneys, stating that the unit will The unit will be led by the community.
analysts and investigators focus on some of the primary Director of Community Affairs “I’ve worked with [District
who will analyze, process and offenders in the county. Sonja Brown. Brown was Attorney] Boston for the past
share data to identify crime The county police named the deputy chief of seven years now and I do feel
trends, criminal activity and department has committed the CS/CPU. this is the next level,” Brown
offenders in the community. a full-time detective to the The unit will start said. “We’re going to be doing
“Their focus is going to be unit. According to Conroy, with three attorneys, one something a little different.
tackling chronic crime issues 50 percent of crimes are investigator and one data I feel as though we’ve been
and identifying offenders with committed by 6 percent of analyst. Boston said she hopes doing the same things for a
the goal of crime reduction the offenders. she can convince DeKalb number of years so I think
and enhancing public safety,” “That means 6 percent of commissioners to invest more this team gives us more time
Boston said. criminals [are] committing resources to the unit in the to focus on those 6 percent
Boston said she hopes to nearly half the crime that’s future. that have been committing
see the county’s homicides happening out there,” Conroy The new chief said crimes.”
trend downward in 2019. said. “We will now be able she’s excited for the new
Boston said the crime unit will to more efficiently focus on opportunity and wants the
collect data and divide the this priority offenders and
county into four geographic receive the proper amount of
areas. attention.”
“For example, if we Conroy said he can see his
see that 80 percent of the department dedicating more
shootings are happening in a resources to the program but MARTA RETAIL CONCESSIONS
particular area, we’ll pull that
data and analyze it,” Boston
right now his resources are
“limited.”
INDUSTRY DAY
Explore Food & Beverage and Specialty Retail Opportunities
said. “I think this will be a
4 MARTA Rail Stations
DEKALB COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION • College Park • Five Points
• North Avenue • North Springs
PUBLIC BUDGET INPUT HEARING
FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2019 A variety of retail spaces available:
• Fast Food: Convenience • Small Electronics
Monday, March 19, 2018 Accessories
• Transit Kiosks
Coffee
TIME LOCATION Grab-n-Go Food
5:30 p.m. J. David Williamson Board Room
Robert R. Freeman Administrative Complex Natural Snacks
1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd.
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
The DeKalb County Board of Education will hold a public budget MARTA Headquarters Atrium
input hearing to solicit feedback from the public regarding the 2424 Piedmont Rd., NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
2018-2019 school district’s budget.
To RSVP or for additional information, visit www.itsmarta.com.
FOR INFORMATION, CALL THE OFFICE OF THE
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AT 678-676-0069.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018 • Page 5

Champion Publisher Carolyn Glenn honored with award

and past chair at Georgia
BY DEREK SMITH Perimeter College and
derek@dekalbchamp.com has endowed a perpetual
scholarship for students at
Albany State University.
Carolyn Glenn,
In 1994, she received the
co-owner of ACE III
Benjamin Hooks Business
Communications
Award from the DeKalb
and publisher of The
branch of the NAACP. In
Champion Newspaper,
1995, her newspaper won
was honored March 2
two Business of the Year
with a Regents’ Hall of
Awards, one from the
Fame and Distinguished
South DeKalb YMCA and
Friends Award from the
another from 100 Black
University System of
Men of DeKalb. Also in
Georgia Foundation Board
1995, Glenn was named
of Trustees at the 2018
Outstanding Entrepreneur
Regents’ Scholarship Gala.
by Success Guide. In
Glenn received the
1996, she was named
award after a nomination
Businesswoman of the
from Albany State
Year by the South DeKalb
University (ASU), where
Business Association.
she graduated with a
The Atlanta Business
Bachelor of Science degree
League named her
in business education in
Businesswoman of the
1967. According to the
Year in 1997, and one of
ASU Alumni Association,
the 100 Top Black Women
Glenn is the single largest
of Influence from 1996
individual donor in the
The Champion Newspaper publisher Carolyn Glenn poses with University System of Georgia Board of Regents to 2014. She has also
100-year history of ASU.
member Jim Hull at the 2018 Regents’ Scholarship Gala March 2 after Glenn received the Regents’ Hall of been named a Woman of
“Carolyn brings a wealth Fame and Distinguished Friends Award. Distinction by Living Word
of understanding of the
COGIC and listed among
HBCU [Historically Black
of Science degrees from founded The Champion 2008, Glenn became six influential Georgia
Colleges and Universities]
Georgia State University, Newspaper with Glenn as the president of the women in Women Looking
experience,” ASU Alumni
one in business and publisher. The Champion is Earl and Carolyn Glenn Ahead magazine. She won
Association President
vocational education the official legal organ and Foundation. With the a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Maria Boynton told
in 1972 and one in newspaper of record for support of the foundation, Humanitarian Award from
The Champion. “She has
educational administration DeKalb County. Since 1996, Glenn and her husband Georgia Perimeter College
unselfishly given of her
in 1985. The Champion has been created Unconditional in 2006, and a Trail Blazer
time and resources to
Glenn spent 20 years the most award-winning Love for Children, which Award from Congressman
support our University.
in public education, as a weekly newspaper in the provides opportunities for Hank Johnson in 2013.
She is the epitome of what
secretary, business teacher, Georgia Press Association. disadvantaged children Glenn led a Golden
‘supporting your HBCU’ is.”
vocational coordinator, and In 1999, they through educational Anniversary Campaign for
She entered ASU in 1963
high school administrator. launched Atlanta Goodlife, enrichment programs, life her 1967 ASU graduating
after graduating from high
In 1991, Glenn and a magazine focused on skills training, athletics and class in 2017, culminating
school at the age of 16.
her husband, Dr. Earl the lifestyles of African access to health services. in significant gifts for need-
After ASU, Glenn moved
Glenn, established ACE Americans in the Atlanta She has been a longtime based scholarships.
on to receive two Master
III Communications and metropolitan area. In foundation board trustee

Atlanta Regional Commission approves $2.7 million for Peachtree Creek Greenway
BY DEREK SMITH
derek@dekalbchamp.com
The Atlanta Regional
Commission (ARC) voted Feb.
28 to incorporate Phase II of the
Peachtree Creek Greenway (PCG)
into the Metropolitan Atlanta
Transportation Improvement
Plan (TIP), awarding Brookhaven
$2,720,000 in federal funding
toward the project.
Movement of Phase II into the
TIP ensures that no Brookhaven
property tax dollars will be used for
completion of either phase. Phase
I will be funded by Brookhaven’s
hotel/motel tax, as will the city’s 20
percent match on Phase II.  Metropolitan Planning
“We are very grateful to the
regional trail groups, and to the
ARC Board and their talented staff
for working with us to ensure
the success of this critical link,”
said Brookhaven Mayor John
Ernst.  “When the Peachtree Creek
Greenway plan was adopted, we
made a commitment to see this
through to completion, while
honoring the fiscally conservative
values our city was founded on.
The ARC approval of funding is a
milestone in this continuing effort.”
The ARC is the designated
Organization for federal
transportation funding in the
Atlanta region. Movement of the
project into the plan, designates
the Greenway as a federally-
funded transportation project
and highlights the Greenway’s
regional importance. Phase II of
the PCG stretches east from North
Druid Hills Road to the Atlanta
city line on the west. Brookhaven
continues to partner with Path
400, the Atlanta Beltline, the South
Fork Conservancy, and the city of
Atlanta to use this north fork trail to
connect these projects, creating a
regional, pedestrian transportation
hub for areas north, south and east
of Atlanta.
The Greenway master plan
was unanimously adopted by
the Brookhaven City Council in
2016 after extensive public input,
and engineering and design of
Phase I (North Druid Hills Road
to Briarwood Road) began in
2017. A formal groundbreaking is
anticipated before the end of this
year.
OPINION
It’s time to follow the children’s lead
In the wake of the tragic events
that took place Feb. 14 in Parkland,
Fla., where 17 teens and adults
were senselessly gunned down at
school at the hands of a deranged
shooter, something unexpected has
happened.
Survivors of the Valentine’s Day
massacre at Marjory Stoneman
Douglas High School are turning
their grief into stony resolve to effect
change on the issue of gun control.
Teens, who should be focused on
academics, athletics, drama club
and other youthful pursuits, are
instead challenging lawmakers to
finally do something about laws that
make the purchase and ownership
of weapons such as assault rifles so
easy.
They have started a movement
of young people demanding action
and not just the platitudes of
“thoughts and prayers” that now
routinely follow the loss of lives after
these tragedies that are increasingly
Gale Horton Gay
fastgale@hotmail.com
becoming commonplace.
They’ve called for a young
people’s march on Washington,
D.C., on March 24 that’s being called
the “March for Our Lives.” They’re
encouraging other youth to rally
at their state capitols as well on
the day. On Feb. 21, 100 students
from Marjory Stoneman Douglas
High School traveled 450 miles to
Tallahassee and met with Florida
Gov. Rick Scott and other state
lawmakers and leaders, pressing
their message for meaningful action.
Thousands of others gathered
outside the Florida state capitol in
support and in opposition.
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018 • Page 6
The efforts of these young
survivors seem to be shaking the
core that for so long has taken
no action to stem the tide of gun
violence in America. Two gun
control advocacy groups took out a
two-page ad in The New York Times
naming 100 members of Congress
who accepted money from the
National Rifle Association but
refuse to take action on gun safety
legislation. It’s also been reported
in recent days that a mega GOP
donor in Florida has threatened to
cut off funding candidates if the
Republican Party doesn’t support
a ban on military-style assault
weapons.
Personally, I began to lose my
faith that anything meaningful to
stem gun violence would occur on
the legislative level after the Sandy
Hook school shooting in Newtown,
Conn., in which 20 elementary
school children and six adults were
gunned down by a 20-year-old man.
Calls were made for and proposals
were drafted concerning universal
background checks and bans on
the manufacture and sale of semi-
automatic firearms, but nothing
happened.
I was struck by the eloquence,
intensity and anger of the Florida
teens who are demanding that this
time it must be different. Join us to
make change or get out of the way,
they insist, and I for one will find a
way to join them.
These teens have turned a
horrific, harrowing, life-changing
experience into activism for the
greater good. The least we can do
is support their efforts to make
schools places of learning and not
fear and tragedy.
We can’t let the horror of the
latest school shooting subside to
the point that we file it away as “just
another school shooting."
OPINION
Making the sausage
From the late '80s into the
early '90s I served in senior
communications roles for Georgia
Secretary of State Max Cleland
and later Gov. Zell Miller. They
were Both Democrats, who later
served in our U.S. Senate, where
I did some additional work for
them.
In those years, the Georgia GOP
could hold a state party caucus
in a phone booth and have room
to spare. The GOP of that era was
focused on smaller government,
bringing transparency and
Sunshine laws into state
government and local control. The
long dominant Democratic Party
of Georgia had a near-monopoly
from city halls and courthouses
to the state house, and their
party platform was the near-polar
opposite.
Eventually I became a
proud foot soldier on the team
building Georgia’s two-party
infrastructure, helping to deliver
big GOP wins—first statewide and
then in Georgia’s congressional
delegation. Then in 2002,
following an upset victory for
governor by State Senator Sonny
Perdue (R-Bonaire), Georgia’s
political poles and the powers in
control began to switch places.
What a difference a couple of
decades at the wheel can make.
Many in Georgia’s GOP leadership
today, elected and appointed,
remain servant leaders, statesmen
and even consensus builders—
but the moral high ground the
party once held seems to be
melting faster under their feet
than Georgia red clay during a
heavy spring thunderstorm.
DeKalb is one of Georgia’s
most populous counties. DeKalb’s
resident population is majority/
minority and its elected leaders
are predominantly Democrats.
Divisions within the county as well
as DeKalb’s legislative delegation
have made it much less the force
FREEPRESS
the DeKalb
Let Us Know What You Think!
THE DEKALB FREE PRESS encourages opinions from
its readers. Please write to us and express your views.
Letters should be brief, typewritten and contain the
writer’s name, address and telephone number for verifi-
cation. All letters will be considered for publication.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The opinions written by columnists and contributing editors do not necessarily reflect 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.
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018 • Page 7
discussion or debate. But an elected Republican from
‘One Man’s And then, without the benefit of Albany, has nothing to lose by
Opinion’ the bill’s sponsor in attendance, the being disrespectful of local elected
Governmental Affairs Committee officials and/or voters from metro
Bill Crane reviewed House Bill 644, which Atlanta, right? And a committee
would allow a November chair’s prerogative and preferences
bill.csicrane@gmail.com
referendum on the establishment certainly outweigh one man one
of Georgia’s second largest city, vote, Georgia Sunshine laws and
that it once was at the state level. the proposed municipality of even the simple rules of common
Enter the Georgia State House Greenhaven. Greenhaven would decency and etiquette which we
Governmental Affairs Committee, almost be larger than DeKalb’s once expected from our leaders;
which oversees legislation 14 other cities combined, with a don’t they? 
related to the operations and population of 300,000 and covering Those political poles are shifting,
structure of cities, counties more than 126 square miles. as I suspect are the election year
and state government. Cities Before a hearing crowd of more polls. Wise up, cut loose the a-holes
and counties are subordinate than 100 citizens, lobbyists, voters and listen to the people again, or
creations of the state.  During and local elected officials from wind up back in the minority and
long time Georgia Democratic DeKalb, the Governmental Affairs on the outside looking in. Your call
Party and originally GOP control, Committee Chair, Rep. Ed Rynders of course. Take care Mr. Mooney.
the legislative delegation of each (R-Albany) oozed all the sincerity
county largely controlled local and unctuous charm of banker
legislation on statutes which Theodore J. Mooney on the old
impacted only their county, such Lucy Show, before shifting into
as the creation of a new city. near-constant condescension and Bill Crane also serves as a political
DeKalb County currently has 14 contempt for his secretary and co- analyst and commentator for Channel
cities, four of those created by worker, Lucille Carmichael. Rynders 2’s Action News, WSB-AM News/Talk
local ballot referendums since delivered that full package, sans 750 and now 95.5 FM, as well as a
2010 and since the rules were the mustache and eye-rolling, to columnist for The Champion, DeKalb
changed.  The GOP’s legislative his fellow Democratic committee Free Press and Georgia Trend. Crane
leadership determined that those member peers, as well as most is a DeKalb native and business owner,
polar ice caps of local versus state any member of the public whose living in Scottdale. You can reach
control needed some melting and opinion seemed to vary from his him or comment on a column at bill.
statewide meddling; so they made own. csicrane@gmail.com.
the creation of a new city a matter
of state legislative control.
Late in February, the House
Governmental Affairs Committee
took up, and passed out, for
consideration by the full House,
two bills which all but spat in
the face of local control, as well
as DeKalb County’s voters and
citizens.
The first, sponsored by
freshman member Rep. Meagan
Hansen (R-Dunwoody), would
abolish the office of DeKalb
CEO effective at the end the
current CEO’s term. The bill was
passed out of the Governmental
Affairs Committee, without a
heads up to DeKalb’s current
CEO, the legislative delegation,
county commission or any public
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
Social Media Manager: issue of interest to DeKalb County.
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
P. O. Box 1347, Decatur, GA 30031-1347; on all sides of an issue. We have no
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
Deadline for news releases and advertising: by ACE III Communications, Inc., a more educated citizenry that will
Thursday, one week prior to publication date. 114 New Street, Suite E, Decatur, GA. 30030 ultimately move our community
forward. We are happy to present
Phone (404) 373-7779. ideas for discussion; however,
www.championnewspaper.com we make every effort to avoid
printing information submitted to
us that is known to be false and/or
DISPLAY ADVERTISING (404) 373-7779 x 110 assumptions penned as fact.
LOCAL
COUNTYWIDE
Commissioners criticized
for pay increase
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
Some DeKalb County
residents are none too happy
after county commissioners
passed a resolution to
increase commission
members’ salaries.
Commissioners voted
6-1 to increase their annual
salaries by approximately
$24,000 annually.
A legal notice ran in
the Champion Newspaper
regarding the wage increase.
According to the notice,
“pursuant to O.C.G.A. 36-
5-24, notice is hereby
provided of DeKalb County’s
intent to increase the salary
compensation or expenses in
the nature of compensation
of members of the DeKalb
County Governing Authority.”
County commissioners
increased their average
annual salary from $42,374 to
$67,374. DeKalb County CEO
Michael Thurmond’s salary
increased 3 percent from
approximately $162,000 to
$166,000.
Residents said the lack
of public notice before the
resolution was passed was
unfair to county taxpayers.
Others criticized the pay
increase because they felt
the county’s police and fire
departments are not getting
paid a fair salary.
“It’s a moral disgrace. It’s
a disgrace to say that you
can’t live off of $40,000 but
you expect police [officers]
and [firefighters] to live off
of it as their main source of
income,” DeKalb resident
Faye Coffield said. “We are
probably the only county,
the only place on this Earth,
where you have people
demand to give the police
more money.”
DeKalb resident Ed
Williams expressed his
concern with the pay
raise during a board of
commissioner meeting Feb.
27.
“I do not believe that part-
time commissioners should
be making more than the
average citizen in DeKalb
County,” Williams said. “If
you all want more money,
then you should relinquish
your seats and take another
position or get another part-
time job. This is outrageous
for us to increase your salary
while citizens are suffering
from crime and other
problems in the county.”
County Commissioner
Nancy Jester was the lone
commissioner to vote against
the pay raise. In a Facebook
post, Jester said she voted
against the county budget for
the fiscal year 2018 because
of lack of funding for public
safety officials.
“The DeKalb Board
of Commissioners
voted to increase the
compensation for the CEO
and commissioners. The
vote was 6-1. I cast the
only vote opposing this
compensation increase. As
you might expect, I have
gotten many calls and emails
regarding this matter and
some residents were not
aware of my dissenting vote,”
she said. “So, for clarity I am
posting this note. Yesterday,
the board also approved the
CEO’s budget proposal with
amendments. I was also the
only vote against the budget.
I stated that my opposition
was due to the lack of robust
budget improvements for
public safety—both police
and fire.”
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018 • Page 8
COUNTYWIDE
DeKalb County Fire and Rescue Department hired 47 new recruits in February with help from the federal
Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant.
Grant intended to
improve public safety
residents have expressed concern over the
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN department’s attrition rates.
horace@dekalbchamp.com “Improved public safety is a top priority,”
said Jack Lumpkin, DeKalb County’s director
of public safety. “In addition to the federal
With the help of a federal grant, DeKalb
funding of these new fire rescue positions,
County Fire and Rescue Department hired 47
the special purpose local option sales tax
new recruits in February, according to county
(SPLOST) passed last year will allow us to
officials.
purchase quick response vehicles, build new
The county received approximately $4.9
fire stations and improve fire services for all of
million from the federal Staffing for Adequate
DeKalb County.”
Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant.
This year’s recruits are scheduled to start
According to the county, the grant will help
preliminary classes at the next fire academy in
increase firefighter staffing levels.
April.
In recent months, DeKalb County
SEE GRANT ON PAGE 13
NOTICE OF PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO CHARTER OF THE CITY
OF CHAMBLEE, GEORGIA
Notice is hereby given that an Ordinance has been introduced to amend the
Charter of the City of Chamblee, Georgia (Ga. L. 1935 p. 976 et. seq., approved
March 28, 1935) so as to amend Article 5. Section 1 of the Charter to delete
the requirement in paragraph (c) that the City Manager file a letter with the
City Clerk designating an employee to perform the duties of the City Manager
in the City Manager’s absence, to amend Article 5. Section 2 of the Charter
to provide for the offices of deputy city manager, planning and development
director, community and economic development director, to provide for appeals
in the event of removal from these offices, to clarify subjects liable for payment
of street tax as provided in Section 18 of Article 1 of the Charter, to repeal
conflicting portions of the Charter and for all other lawful purpose.
A copy of the proposed Ordinance to amend the Charter is on file in the Office
of the City Clerk of the City of Chamblee, Georgia and the Office of the Clerk of
the Superior Court of DeKalb County, Georgia for the purpose of examination
and inspection by the public. This 13th day of February, 2018.
Emmie Niethammer
City Clerk, City of Chamblee, Georgia
 DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018 • Page 9

COUNTYWIDE

Budget to fund police hires, increase

minimum wage for county employees
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
In a 6-1 vote, DeKalb
County officials approved a
fiscal year 2018 budget during
a board of commissioners
meeting Feb. 27.
According to county
officials, the proposed $1.2
billion budget for 2018 will
end deficit spending and
create a $75 million “rainy day
fund.”
“DeKalb County’s fiscal
house is now in order and
we are solving problems
that have festered for years,
if not for decades,” said
DeKalb County CEO Michael
Thurmond. “We have worked
collaboratively with the Board
of Commissioners to improve
the quality of life in DeKalb.”
Some county employees
will receive a salary increase.
According to the budget, all
county employees whose
salaries have not been
adjusted since 2016 will
receive a 3-percent increase
in pay. Full-time and regular
part-time employees will also
receive a minimum wage of
$14 per hour.
According to Jay Vinicki,
county deputy chief financial
officer, the 3-percent increase
in pay will cost approximately
$2.5 million county wide. The
raise will take effect April 1.
Approximately 650 county
employees would receive a
wage increase through the
$14 per hour minimum wage.   DeKalb County
Within the budget are
provisions to increase the
number of sworn police
officers on patrol by 155
positions above current
staffing levels with expanded
recruiting efforts.
For years, community
members have expressed to
commissioners that there are
not enough police to patrol
the streets.
During a public safety
town hall meeting, new
deputy safety director Joseph
Lumpkin said recruiting more
officers to DeKalb County will
be a community effort, and it
starts with increasing police
salary.
“We as a community can
do this and to do it we have
to make DeKalb a place where
people want to come to work
at. We have to be competitive
in terms of salary and
benefits,” Lumpkin said.
resident Faye Coffield
spoke in opposition of the solely on the lack of police will see lower taxes thanks
budget during a board of officers,” Coffield said. “You to a Special Purpose Local
commissioners meeting need to increase the salary Option Sales Tax (SPLOST)
stating the budget does not and take a second look at this which was passed in 2017.
give enough money to public budget. As crime increases, In addition, approximately
safety personnel. people stop going out to eat $100 million in SPLOST funds
“We are at a crisis in this at night and visiting certain will be allocated annually to
county with regard to crime places.” repair and improve roads,
and the ability of police to County officials said bridges, libraries and senior
respond and that’s based residential property owners citizen centers.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT ANUNCIO IMPORTANTE

Programs to include the 2018 Annual Action Plan Condado de DeKalb 2014-2018 Plan Consolidado para HUD
Programas para incluir en Plan de Acción Anual 2018
GRANT APPLICATION PROCESS FOR
The United States Department of Housing and Urban PROCESO DE SOLICITUD DE SUBVENCION PARA
Development (HUD) 2018 FUNDS El Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano de los
Estados Unidos (HUD) 2018 FUNDS
On March 15, 2018 the DeKalb County Community Development
Department will begin accepting applications from faith-based El 15 de marzo de 2018, el Departamento de Desarrollo Comunitario
organizations, community organizations, municipalities, non-profit del Condado de DeKalb comenzará a aceptar solicitudes de
agencies and other entities interested in applying for Community organizaciones religiosas, organizaciones comunitarias, municipios,
Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), agencias sin fines de lucro u otras entidades interesadas en aplicar para
and HOME funds for the Year 2018. All applications or requests are Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergencia Solutos
subject to future HUD funding for these programs. CDBG and ESG Grant (ESG), y los fondos de HOME para el año 2018. Todas las
applications and general information may be obtained beginning March solicitudes o peticiones seran objeto de financiamiento HUD en el futuro,
15, 2018 at the DeKalb County website; www.dekalbcountyga.gov. For para estos programas.
more information, please join us at the meetings or call (404) 371-2727. Las aplicaciones CDBG y ESG y la información general se pueden
obtener a partir 15 de marzo en el sitio web del Condado de DeKalb,
Application/Information/Technical Assistance Workshop www.dekalbcountyga.gov. Para obtener más información, por favor,
únase a nuestras reuniones o llame al (404)371-2727.
Date/Time Location
Thursday, March 15, 2018 Wesley Chapel Library Aplicación/Información/Taller de Asistencia Técnica
10:30 AM – 12:30 PM 2861 Wesley Chapel Road
Decatur, Georgia 30034 Fecha/Hora Localidad
Public Hearings Jueves, 15 de marzo, 2018 Wesley Chapel Library
The DeKalb County Community Development Department 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM 2861 Wesley Chapel Road
is conducting two Public Hearings. Decatur, Georgia 30034
Date/Time Date/Time Audiencias Públicas
Thursday, March 22, 2018 Thursday, May 31, 2018 El Departamento de Desarrollo Comunitario del Condado de DeKalb
at 6:30 PM at 6:30 PM está llevando a cabo dos audiencias públicas.

Community Needs Fecha/Hora Fecha/Hora

Maloof Auditorium
1300 Commerce Drive,
Decatur, GA
The purpose of this public hearing
is to solicit input from the public
regarding community needs and
priorities. We will discuss general
information concerning the 2014-
2018 Consolidated Plan including
the 2018 Annual Action Plan,
application submission process,
and program updates.
Proposed Budget/Annual Action Plan
Maloof Auditorium
1300 Commerce Drive,
Decatur, GA
We will present the proposed
2014-2018 Consolidated Plan
including the 2018 Annual
Action Plan, proposed budget
and solicit public questions and/or
comments.
Jueves, 22 de marzo, 2018
a las 6:30 PM
Community Needs
Maloof Auditorium
1300 Commerce Drive,
Decatur, GA
El propósito de esta audiencia
pública es obtener la opinión del
público sobre las necesidades
y prioridades de la comunidad.
Vamos a discutir la información
general sobre el Plan
Consolidado 2014-2018 incluido
el Plan de Acción Anual 2018,
el proceso de presentación de
solicitudes, y las actualizaciones
del programa.
Jueves, 31 de mayo, 2018
a las 6:30 PM
Proposed Budget/Annual Action
Plan
Maloof Auditorium
1300 Commerce Drive,
Decatur, GA
Vamos a presentar el proyecto
de Plan Consolidado 2014-2018
incluyendo la 2018 Anual Plan de
acción, presupuesto y solicitaremos
preguntas y comentarios del público.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018 • Page 10

DECATUR

SHOP TALK
DeKalb men create program
for community conversation
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN biological father and father
who reared him met for the
horace@dekalbchamp.com first time by coincidence at a
For DeKalb County barbershop.
resident Douglas Rodgers, ‘That was my first haircut,”
the barbershop is more than Rodgers said, laughing.
a place to get your haircut. Decatur’s Family Barber
According to Rodgers, the Shop owner Larry Blackwell
barbershop is the cornerstone Jr.  said he hopes the sessions
of the Black community. will inspire the youth in the
Rodgers said he wanted to community.
mix his love of public speaking “We’re trying to start a
and giving guidance to young dialogue where brothers can
men in his community. get together and talk about
After talking with a few some much-needed topics
colleagues, Rodgers said affecting our community and
he partnered with a local stuff that needs to be passed
barbershop to create a to the young men we have
once-a-month barbershop coming along,” Blackwell said.
series involving motivational Blackwell, a barber for
speaking and open 20 years, said barbershops
discussions.   are one of the few places
“The barbershop allows men of different ages can
come together and have Shop owner Larry Blackwell Jr., left, and Douglas Rodgers partnered to create a once-a-month group talk to
you to blur the economic, inspire young men in the area.
racial and financial lines,” discussions.
Rodgers said. “It’s a place “This is a place where
where you feel comfortable to young men can learn from
older men. You can pick up We have lost the connection According to event Rodgers said he plans to post
share ideas. It feels like a home between older and younger organizers, women are the first 30 minutes of each
away from home. We want some things and there’s a
lot to learn from older men. men, ” Blackwell said. welcome to the event as well. session on YouTube.
to potentially impact young
male lives and that’s what’s so
important to me.”
Rodgers said the series
will take place on the 28th Apply online for your Basic Homestead Exemption @ DeKalbTax.org
of every month at Decatur’s
Family Barber Shop on
Snapfinger Road. ATTENTION DEKALB COUNTY
During each meeting,
the first 30 minutes will be HOMEOWNERS...
devoted to Rodgers giving
advice to participants with the
Irvin J. Johnson
HOMESTEAD DEADLINE APPROACHING
last 30 minutes dedicated to DeKalb County
open discussion. Tax Commissioner
“We would just talk about
different issues, large or small, If you own and reside in your home in
Our office is pleased to offer
with different walks of life and st “An Introduction to Homestead Exemption.”
DeKalb on January 1 , you may apply for a
let them know where we’re This is a free presentation that offers an in-depth
Homestead Exemption by April 2nd of this year. look at how homeowners & senior citizens can save
coming from,” Rodgers said. The home must be your primary domicile and
3 Locations: money on annual property taxes.
“Open discussion is vital and legal residence. Applications received after
we wanted to create a way to Central Office April 2nd will be processed for 2019. If your Senior Center, HOA or other
allow people to have an open 4380 Memorial Drive organization is interested in this free presentation,
In addition to the basic homestead
forum and get some really Suite #100 please contact the Tax Commissioner’s Office
Decatur, GA 30032 exemption available to all homeowners, there
positive information.” are special exemptions available for residents 62 to schedule with us.
As a self-described and older, disabled veterans or their un-remarried
military brat, Rodgers said North Office We also offer on-site exemption
1358 Dresden Drive surviving spouse and other disabled residents.
he’s traveled the world and Eligibility for special exemptions is based upon processing after the presentation. Attendees are
Atlanta, GA 30319
encouraged to bring their driver’s license and
no matter the location, age or disability, total household income, and
must be applied for in person. Bring in your State & Federal income tax forms, Social Security
barbershops bring people 1099, and any other forms of income you may
South Office Federal and State Income tax forms by the
of different backgrounds 2801 Candler Road receive for qualification requirements.
together. Suite #66
deadline to apply.
Rodgers said barbershops Decatur, GA 30034
have had a profound impact
on his life. Rodgers’ biological
Remember, the deadline for applying for all
father was not in his life, but homesteads is April 2nd! Questions?
Call (404) 298-4000 or
the man who raised him email us at
would often take him to proptax@dekalbcountyga.gov
get a haircut. As a child, his EARN IT  KEEP IT  SAVE IT
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018 • Page 11

WEEK in PICTURES

Tucker LaVista Lions Club honored DeKalb County Firefighter Robert Sutton with the 41st Firefighter of
the Year Award. Photo provided by Amanda James

Students at Ashford Elementary celebrated the birthday of children’s author Dr. Seuss
March 2. Photo courtesy of Ashford Elementary.

Students, faculty and staff at Oakcliff Elementary celebrated the end of Black History Seventeen-year-old Kendall Robinson poses with DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond at the
Month Feb. 28 by dressing in traditional African attire for African Attire Day. Photo conclusion of DeKalb County’s toilet paper drive. DeKalb County collected approximately 6,500 rolls for
courtesy of Oakcliff Elementary. the homeless.

Have you created programming you’d like to air on TV?

Do you have an interest in Public Access TV in DeKalb County?
Submit your show to DeKalb County’s Public Access channel, DeKalb 25.
Drop off DVD or USB copies to the Manuel J. Maloof Center at
1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, GA 30030, or upload your content via the internet.

(404) 371-2325 DeKalb25@outlook.com DeKalb25.com

LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018 • Page 12

WARRIORS
Continued From Page 2A
“All kids need love,”
Stephens said. “It helps bring
out the confidence in them
and it makes a difference. In
our first year doing it, the kids
came in shy but as the weeks
went on they started to open
up.”
Stephens said he is
stopped often by parents
thanking him for being a
coach for the Lil’ Warriors.
The program developed
in 2017, according to Decatur
Active Living Program
Supervisor Portia Langley,
when a parent of a special
needs child said their child
felt intimidated learning a
new sport with a large group
of people.
Langley said the idea
came about to create a sports
program specifically for
children with special needs to
learn different sports and still
feel comfortable.
“I absolutely love giving
this opportunity to them,” Lil’ Warriors coach Derante Stephens teaches young children with special needs the game of basketball.
Langley said. “It’s great to see
them smiling. They can get
that one-on-one time and
have fun and learn the game.
The parent involvement is
very appreciated.”
Children in the program
learn a sport in one-hour
sessions twice a week at
Adair Park. Langley said the
response from parents has
been positive.
“They love our coach. He
is our coach for our other Lil’
Kickers and he wanted to
be a part of teaching these
children and being patient
with them,” Langley said.
“So, the feedback has been
great. They are all having fun.
Who knows, one of them
might make it to the Special
Olympics.”

REDUCE
REUSE
RECYCLE
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018 • Page 13

TUCKER

Northlake businesses annexed into Tucker

BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Tucker has extended its borders
a little further into the Northlake
commercial district.
The Tucker City Council voted
unanimously Feb. 26 to approve the
annexation request of businesses in
the Briarcliff Village near Northlake
Mall. Businesses on Briarcliff Road,
LaVista Road and Henderson Mill Road
are now in the city of Tucker. Those
businesses include Publix, T.J. Maxx,
Office Depot, Dollar Tree, Chipotle,
Michaels, Chase Bank and the FedEx
Office.
Properties owners in Briarcliff
Village filed the annexation
application through the 60 percent
method. This method allows for
petitioners representing owners of
at least 60 percent of the property in
the area to be annexed and at least 60
percent of the resident voters in the
area to be annexed to sign a petition
to have their property annexed into
an adjacent city, according to Georgia
laws. The method is available to cities
with populations of more than 200
residents.
Tucker annexed several businesses near
Northlake Mall into the city.

GRANT Continued From Page 8A

Garrett Smith, deputy
fire chief for DeKalb County,
said passing the fire academy
is no easy task. According
to Smith, on average, the
attrition rate for DeKalb’s fire
academy is 20 percent.
“We really put an
emphasis on the training
regime...if it was easy
everyone would make it
through,” Smith said. “It’s
tough to get selected but
just because you got selected
certainly doesn’t mean you’ll
make it. When they come out
of our academy they have
a very solid foundation to
begin building their careers
on.”
Smith, who has been with
the DeKalb fire department
for more than two decades,
said he’s proud of the work of
DeKalb firefighters.
To pass the academy,
recruits must complete a
10-month training program
which includes training in fire
operations, fire suppression,
hazardous materials,
emergency and medical
services. our folks,” Smith said. “I tell a news don’t happen every
In the past year, DeKalb lot of the recruits, one of the day. However, when they put
firefighters have made things I want them to know that uniform on, they make a
national headlines for their is the things you see on the difference.”
acts in the line of duty.
In 2017, DeKalb County
firefighter Robert Sutton
caught a baby from a burning
building. In January, DeKalb
County firefighters were
caught on film catching
children thrown from a third-
story building after a fire
quickly spread at an Avondale
Estates apartment complex.
“We’re extremely proud of

PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

DeKalb County Community Development Department

2017 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER)
The DeKalb County Community Development Department is preparing to submit its Consolidated
Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) to the United States Department of Housing
and Urban Development (HUD). The report covers the status of activities and programs carried out
through the use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships
Program (HOME), and Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) funds during the most recently completed
program year that ended December 31, 2017.

The Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report is available for citizens’ review and
comments from March 09, 2018 through March 23, 2018 at the following address:

DeKalb County Community Development Department

750 Commerce Drive – Suite 401
Decatur, GA 30030 MERLE HAMBURGER
Telephone: 404-371-2727
The office hours are 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The document may also be reviewed at the libraries listed below. 
Meet Merle Hamburger (ID# 37706769)! When he's not
       Chamblee Branch  Decatur Branch showing off his best smile, he's stuck to your side, ready
       4115 Clairmont Road, Chamblee  215 Sycamore Street, Decatur  to go wherever you do! This happy six year old is super
       (770‐936‐1380)  (404‐370‐3070)  people-oriented. He's never met a human he didn't love!
       Redan‐Trotti Branch  Wesley Chapel‐William C. Brown Branch
Merle Hamburger is six years old, weighs about 62 pounds,
       1569 Wellborn Road, Redan  2861 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur 
       (770‐482‐3821)  (404‐286‐6980) 
and can't wait to be your BFF! Meet Merle Hamburger at
  LifeLine's DeKalb Animal Services!
  Please contact the libraries for hours of operation. 
If you would like to expand your family by 4 furry little
(Written comments should be submitted to the 750 Commerce Drive address.) feet; ask to meet this great pup and have a loving friend
forever. All adoptions include spay/neuter, vaccinations and
All locations are accessible to persons with disabilities. microchip! If you would like more information about Merle
Hamburger please call (404) 294-2165 or email adoption@

#ITSINTHECHAMPION
dekalbanimalservices.com. All potential adopters will be
screened to ensure Merle Hamburger goes to a good home.
Hours: Mon-Fri; 11am-7pm / Sat-Sun; 11am-6pm
EDUCATION DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018 • Page 14

COUNTYWIDE

Emory University’s Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives and Rare Book Library has acquired a collection of personal correspondence and memorabilia of novelist Harper Lee, author of To
Kill a Mockingbird and Go Set a Watchman. Photo courtesy of Emory University.

Emory University library acquires letters by author Harper Lee

Rose Library said. “We find her candid practiced law, served in the Alabama research being done by Joe Crespino
BY DEREK SMITH and insightful, modest yet full of life, State Legislature and was owner and so perfectly that I was taken with the
derek@dekalbchamp.com thankful for the love and support of editor of the Monroe Journal—served fit of it and was highly impressed with
friends. Along with photographs, an as the real-life inspiration for both other work being done at Emory,”
inscribed volume and other related the idealized character in To Kill a Kennerson said. “I can’t think of a
A collection of personal
materials, these letters have found a Mockingbird and the embittered, better place to house these materials
correspondence and memorabilia
most welcoming home in the Rose reactionary figure in Go Set a for future use by researchers and
of novelist Harper Lee, author of
Library, where we celebrate literature Watchman. scholars.” 
To Kill a Mockingbird and Go Set a
that has the power to shape our own “This correspondence from Harper Four of the six letters in the
Watchman, has been acquired by
words and work and to transform Lee, some of which show her at collection date from several years
Emory University’s Stuart A. Rose
lives.”  home taking care of her ailing father, before Lee published “To Kill a
Manuscript, Archives and Rare Book
Emory acquired the letters from provides wonderful insight into her Mockingbird,” and two are from
Library, according to a university press
retired attorney Paul R. Kennerson life during the critical years when she the year following publication, by
release.
of La Jolla, Calif., who said he wrote what would be her only two which time the novel had become a
The letters, written between 1956
approached the university about novels,” said Crespino, who serves best-seller and Pulitzer Prize winner.
and 1961, are from Lee to New York
becoming the permanent home as Jimmy Carter professor of history. Also included in the archive is a
architect and close friend Harold
of the archive after meeting and “They provide a window into her 35th anniversary edition of To Kill a
Caufield and his circle of friends,
talking with Emory historian Joseph life and her views during a period Mockingbird inscribed to Caufield
which included Michael and Joy
Crespino. Crespino first contacted of tumultuous change in southern and signed “Nelle Harper,” which she
Brown, the couple who financially
Kennerson while researching his political life. Read with other historical reserved only for inscriptions to close
supported Lee for a year while she
forthcoming book, Atticus Finch: The sources, they offer clues as to why the personal friends.
drafted Go Set a Watchman and began
Biography, available May 8. character of Atticus seems to diverge According to Jennifer Meehan,
work on what would become To Kill a
Crespino’s book is a cultural and so sharply between the two novels.”  incoming interim director of the Rose
Mockingbird. 
political history of Lee’s most famous Crespino’s credentials make Emory Library, the archive, which is still being
“This correspondence of Harper
character. It draws on exclusive the appropriate home for the letters, processed, will be available to the
Lee offers meaningful revelations
sources to reveal how Lee’s father, Kennerson said. public beginning April 2.
into her life and her love of words,”
Amasa Coleman Lee — who “These letters complement the
Rosemary M. Magee, director of the
EDUCATION DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018 • Page 15

COUNTYWIDE

Schools face threats of violence

BY DEREK SMITH
derek@dekalbchamp.com

A shooting that killed

17 people in a high school
in Parkland, Fla. Feb. 14 has
reverberated nationwide,
spurring protests and
reigniting the national
conversation on gun violence.
There have also been threats
of additional violence
throughout the country,
including in DeKalb County.
DeKalb County School
District (DCSD) officials
confirmed to The Champion
that the district's public safety
department has investigated
54 threats on DCSD schools
between Feb. 14 and Feb. 28.
Specifics on the threats
could not be provided at
press time but officials did
confirm that there had been
threats on Lakeside High
School and Sequoyah Middle
School as well as others. school buildings in the district weapons and who has been the board regarding student school employees who
DCSD superintendent includes roll-down doors handling them. safety protocols,” Dude said. are tasked with making
Stephen Green that keep unauthorized or City Schools of Decatur According to Dude, recommendations related to
acknowledged the threats in unwanted individuals out (CSD) has faced no threats CSD schools have plans security and student safety.
an email to parents Feb. 23. of the building. In addition, since Feb. 14 according to the for situations in which CSD also has two school
“DCSD takes every threat Towers, Martin Luther Decatur Police Department, someone in the building is resource officers to cover its
seriously and thoroughly King, Jr., Cross Keys, Stone but the district is making intent on harming people, nine schools.
investigates each one to Mountain and Lakeside high moves to prevent a possible but the district doesn’t “In general, the philosophy
determine the validity of the schools are installing metal attack. implement system-wide of CSD when it comes to
threat and to identify the detectors at entrances as part In a blog post Feb. 27, drills that include students. student safety has been, and
perpetrator,” the email read. of a pilot security program. CSD superintendent David This decision, he said, was continues to be, one of taking
In a press release from According to Gober, DCSD Dude said the school board based on concerns about the active steps to keep students
the school district in mid- school resource officers also regularly evaluating the psychological impact such safe while simultaneously
February, DCSD Public Safety plan to hold safety sessions district’s student safety drills have on students, but he maintaining a positive,
Director Bradley Gober with parents, students and policies and protocols. has asked district officials to comfortable educational
laid out a plan of action the staff. DCSD Public Safety “Even before the tragic revisit the decision to “ensure environment,” Dude said. “This
district is taking to prevent is also using K-9 units, one events in Parkland, Fla., and at we are still comfortable with is a very challenging balance
such incidents. of which can be used to the [school] board’s request, that stance.” to maintain.”
New construction of detect components found my team had been working He said the district
in gunpowder to identify on presenting an update for has a safety team of

WE ARE SOCIAL
@DEKALBCHAMPNEWS

ATLANTA
AUCTIONS
Advertise Your Auction in over
100 newspapers for only $350.
Your 25-word classified ad will
reach more than1 million readers.
Call Bruce Washington at the
Georgia Newspaper Service,
770-454-6776.
EDUCATION /CAREER
TRAINING
New Year, New Career-
AVIATION Grads work with
JetBlue, Boeing, Delta and
others-Get hands on training for
FAA certification. Financial aid if
qualified. Call Aviation Institute
of Maintenance (866) 564-9634
www.FixJets.com
` 6am-5pm ET)
HELP WANTED-
DRIVERS
DRIVERS WANTED: Owner Ops
& Company. Excellent money &
benefits. Home every week. Lots
of opportunity to advance. Round
trip dedicated lanes available
now! 888-549-1882.
Class A CDL DRIVERS.
Birmingham company.
Immediate Openings. Good
Pay .42 to start, add .01
every 3 months, up to .45 per
mile. Benefits. Send resume
recruiting@churchtransportation.
net or call Rodney at 866-301-
4800.
MISCELLANEOUS
SAWMILLS from only $4397.00-
MAKE & SAVE MONEY with
The Champion is not responsible for any damages resulting from advertisements. All sales final.
RATES: $30 for up to 40 words, each
additional word $0.60. All ads are
prepaid. All major credit cards accepted.
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018 • Page 16
your own bandmill-Cut lumber ADDICTION DESTROYS prescription necessary. Call 877- 3 months). Reliable High speed
LIVES & FAMILIES. Get the 625-2013. Fiber Optic Technology. Stream
any dimension. In stock ready
to ship! FREE Info/DVD: www. professional treatment for your Videos, Music and More! Call
unique needs. Alcohol, drug &
NorwoodSawmills.com 800-567- WE SHOP, YOU SAVE! Call Earthlink Today 1-844-510-9951.
more.100% confidential. Get your
0404 Ext. 300N 888-402-3261 today to compare
life back. Call today: 866-412- Medicare benefits and costs “New High-Speed Internet
4449.
KILL BED BUGS! Buy Harris from up to 20 top-rated carriers. Service” –Available where you
Bed Bug Killers/KIT Complete Receive the best option for you. live. 25Mbps download speeds!!
DIRECTV. Call & Switch Now-
Treatment System. Available: No hard data cap. Ask for free,
Get NFL Sunday Ticket for FREE!
Hardware Stores, The Home Earthlink High Speed Internet. As next day installation. 888-313-8504.
Depot, homedepot.com Every Game. Every Sunday. Low As $14.95/month (for the first
CHOICE-All-included Package.
Over 185 Channels. $60/month
Have you or a loved one
taken and been injured by (for 12 Months). CALL 1-888-505-
3785
the SHINGLES VACCINE,
ZOSTAVAX? If so, you may be
entitled to a significant cash Your Medication, Made Easy!
PillPack is a full-service
award. Call 855-972-8260 to learn
more. pharmacy that sorts your
medication by the dose and
delivers to your door. 24/7
KILL ROACHES-Guaranteed!
Buy HarrisRoach Tablets. Support. Call 877-264-2213. (M-F
Odorless, Effective, Long
Lasting. Available: Hardware
Stores, The Home Depot, SERIOUSLY INJURED in an
homedepot.com AUTO ACCIDENT? Let us fight
for you! We have recovered
millions for clients! Call today for
A-1 DONATE YOUR CAR FOR
BREAST CANCER! Help United a FREE consultation! 855-399-
5797.
Breast Foundation education,
prevention, & support programs.
FAST FREE PICKUP-24 HR Attention Viagra users: Generic
RESPONSE-TAX DEDUCTION 100 mg blue pills or Generic 20
mg yellow pills. Get 45 plus 5
844-506-0455
free $99 + S/H. Guaranteed, no
DENTAL Insurance Physicians Mutual Insurance Company
A less expensive way to help get the dental care you deserve
If you’re over 50, you can get coverage for about No wait for preventive care and no deductibles –
$1 a day*
Keep your own dentist! You can go to any dentist
you could get a checkup tomorrow
Coverage for over 350 procedures including
you want cleanings, exams, fillings, crowns…even dentures
NO annual or lifetime cap on the cash benefits
you can receive
FREE Information Kit
1-877-914-2062
www.dental50plus.com/georgia
*Individual plan. Product not available in MN, MT, NH, NM, RI, VT, WA. Acceptance guaranteed for one insurance policy/certificate of this type. Contact us for complete details
about this insurance solicitation. This specific offer is not available in CO, NY; call 1-800-969-4781 or respond for similar offer. Certificate C250A (ID: C250E; PA: C250Q);
Insurance Policy P150 (GA: P150GA; NY: P150NY; OK: P150OK; TN: P150TN)
6096E-0917 MB17-NM008Ec
Ads due by Friday at noon for next DISCLAIMER: We do not knowingly accept advertisements that discriminate,
or intend to discriminate, on any illegal basis. Nor do we knowingly accept
publication date. For more information 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
visit www.championclassifieds.com advertising that is in violation of the law. The law prohibits discrimination
based on color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap or familial status.
BUSINESS
COUNTYWIDE
The incoming board of directors of the South DeKalb Business Association prepares to be sworn in.
Assisting small businesses focus at SDBA meeting
BY KATHY MITCHELL
FREELANCE REPORTER
The South DeKalb Business
Association (SDBA) kicked off
its business year by installing
a new board of directors and
presenting information on
DeKalb County’s Community
Development Small Business
Loan Program at its Feb. 27
meeting at This Is It restaurant
in Lithonia.
For the third time in the
organization’s 40-year history,
Delphyne Lomax-Taylor
took the reins as board
president. “I was president 20
years ago and 10 years ago,”
Lomax-Taylor said. “Now is
an especially exciting time to
lead this organization again.
There are great opportunities exciting time for business in south DeKalb County.
for business right now and we
want to be there to support
the establishment and
growth of businesses in our
community,” she said.
Material distributed by
SDBA notes, “The events of
2017 have provided a new
awakening for SDBA. This
organization is becoming
keenly aware of the need to
make real contributions to
business development in our
community. Therefore we
are re-doubling our efforts
to make SDBA more viable
than ever. We seek new
members with new ideas
and the zeal to make them
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018 • Page 17
Williams noted, “We want Williams, who added that
people who are serious about it’s possible to qualify with a
business, who are willing to credit score as low as 560.
put in the hard work to build The program is designed
and sustain a business.” to provide below market
The loan program is fixed asset financing to new
available to existing and and existing small businesses
start-up for-profit businesses that want to do business in
and can provide between DeKalb County, according to
$15,000 and $35,000 that the county brochure, which
may be used for equipment, also states, “This program
machinery and supplies, also establishes a platform for
real estate acquisition, creating and retaining jobs for
construction, renovation or the county.”
rehabilitation. Loan money The county is operating
also may provide working the program in partnership
capital for the purchase of with Access to Capital for
inventory, engineering and Entrepreneurs (ACE), a
environmental testing, legal nonprofit organization that
expenses and other uses, has provided loans and
according to a brochure business consulting services
distributed at the meeting. in Atlanta and North Georgia
Loan eligibility, Williams since its founding in 1999.
said, “is not a numbers “ACE is the perfect partner
New Board President Delphyne Lomax-Taylor says now is an especially game where we just look at for us,” Williams said, adding
credit scores and assets. We that ACE will work with
look at the whole picture. borrowers even if their need
reality. We recognize that it County’s Community If, for example, someone exceeds the county’s $35,000
requires business owners, Development program, is interested in opening limit.
entrepreneurs and those along with colleague Barry a restaurant we look at Another partner in the
seeking to start businesses Williams reviewed details of whether he or she knows program is Urban League
to grow the economics of its new small business loan the business—knows how to of Greater Atlanta. Erica
south DeKalb. It is not all program. order food, run a kitchen and Bracey, special programs
about bringing in major “The federal Housing and manage a staff. That person manager of the organization’s
businesses to locate in our Urban Development (HUD) may have never operated a entrepreneurship center,
community; they come agency has three pillars,” restaurant before but if he noted that the Urban League
and they go. It is all about Campbell explained. They are or she has worked in a place is conducting 10-week
building local businesses that homes, living environment to learn the business that programs to help business
call south DeKalb home and and economic opportunity. person will receive strong owners. “Sometimes you need
will stay and contribute to the People sometimes forget consideration. to take time from working in
wellbeing of our community. ” about the economic “The interest rate never your business to work on your
Bryon Campbell, development component, exceeds 5 percent and, as business,” she said.
manager of grants and but that’s what we want to I’m sure you know, that’s
administration for DeKalb focus on today.” pretty much unheard of,” said
SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018 • Page 18

BASKETBALL

Miller Grove to appear in eighth title game

BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com

The Miller Grove Wolverines will

play for their eighth championship
in program history March 8 at the
Macon Centreplex.
The Wolverines (23-7) advanced
to the Class AAAAA title game
after beating Hiram 54-41 in the
semifinals March 3 at Fort Valley
State University. This is the first
year Miller Grove will play for
a state title under second-year
coach Rasul Chester. Chester was
an assistant under former coach
Sharman White for previous state
titles.
Chester credited the senior
class for leading the Wolverines
this far.
“Miller Grove is [run] by the
players, so it’s all on the senior
class,” Chester said. “They got them
back here, [the coaches] didn’t do
anything. We’re just excited to get
back [to the championship game]
and take care of business like we’re
supposed to do. We have a chance
to reach our goal and that’s all
we’re worried about.”
Miller Grove’s effort on defense
was the story of the game. Before
halftime, the Wolverines forced
four consecutive turnovers leading Miller Grove coach Rasul Chester, center, talks to his players during a timeout.
to points on the other end of the
court. Miller Grove had a 31-17
lead at halftime. Chester said
defense is the key to their success.
“That’s all we preach, that’s all
we taught—is defense,” he said. “If
[the other team] don’t score, we
can’t lose. If we score, we might
win, but our motto is if they can’t
score, we can’t lose.”
Junior Maurice Harvey led
the Wolverines with 11 points and
senior Timothy Stargell Jr. and
sophomore Terrence Edwards
had 10 points each.
Miller Grove will take on Warner
Robins (27-3) in the Class AAAAA
state championship game. Tip
off is set for 8 p.m. The two teams
have met twice in past playoffs.
The Wolverines beat Warner
Robins 70-43 in the 2014 state
championship game and Warner
Robins won the 2015 rematch
in the quarterfinals 63-57,
ending Miller Grove’s stretch of
consecutive championship game
appearances.
Chester said the championship
game means everything to the
team.
“They don’t need any
motivation, this is everything, this
is what we play for at Miller Grove,”
he said. “We don’t need nothing Timothy Stargell Jr. dribbles Terrence Edwards, right, guards Hiram’s Charles Jones. Photos by Carla Parker
else. We just give God all the honor the ball up the court.
and glory for allowing us to be in
this position.”
SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018 • Page 19

BASKETBALL

St. Pius X gets

rematch with
Upson-Lee
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
St. Pius X will have
an opportunity to get
redemption in the Class AAAA
championship game.
The No. 2-ranked Golden
Lions (28-3) will face No. 1
ranked Upson-Lee (30-0)
March 10 at Georgia Tech’s
McCamish Pavilion. The game
will be a rematch of last year’s
championship game, which
Upson-Lee won 53-48.
St. Pius advanced to the
championship game with
a 66-61 win over Baldwin
March 2 at Fort Valley State
University. The Golden Lions
jumped out to a 16-8 lead at
the end of the first quarter,
but Baldwin outscored St.
Pius 34-26 over the next two
quarters to tie the game 42 all.
St. Pius was down 58-57
with under six minutes left in
the game until Everett Lane
hit a three-pointer to give the
Golden Lions a 60-58 lead.
A basket by Troy Stephens
extended the lead to 62-58,
then Baldwin brought the
score back within two-points.
St. Pius would hit four free
throws to close out the game.
The Golden Lions will tip
off against Upson-Lee at 4
p.m. St. Pius X fell to Upson-Lee last season in the Class AAAA title game. Photo by David DiChristina

WEEKEND BASEBALL SCORES

March 2
Columbia 20, Cedar Grove 5
Miller Grove 9, Luella 6
Stone Mountain 16, Cross Keys 2
Towers 9, Clarkson 4
Drew 9, Lithonia 5
Eastside 15, Druid Hills 0
Eastside 6, Druid Hills 2
Lee County 2, Marist 1
Newton 10, Southwest DeKalb 0
Tattnall Square Academy 11, Redan 1

March 3
Arabia Mountain 10, Lakeside 0
Decatur 13, Lakeside 2
Decatur 4, Arabia Mountain 3
Redan 17, Columbia 2
Southwest DeKalb 17, BEST 1
Southwest DeKalb 17, McNair 2
Stephenson 3, Lithonia 2
Tucker 13, Chamblee 0
Tucker 14, Chamblee 4
Grady 8, M.L. King 0
North Forsyth 8, Dunwoody 3
Gainesville 13, Dunwoody 3
St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.) 9, Marist 3

March 5
Chamblee 9, Berkmar 3
Miller Grove 4, Jackson 3
Redan 7, Lovett 5
St. Pius X 2, Arabia Mountain 1
Stephenson 6, Forest Park 1
Towers 8, Stone Mountain 0
Tucker 9, Jonesboro 1
Alpharetta 12, Dunwoody 0
Mt. Zion 4, M.L. King 1
The Weber School 6, Paideia 5

Photo by Carla Parker

LOCAL
Family cries foul after teen’s alleged suicide in jail
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
The DeKalb County
Sheriff’s Office of Professional
Standards is investigating
what is being called an
apparent suicide by an inmate,
according to DeKalb County
Sheriff’s Office officials.
The inmate, 19-year-old
Willie Lowery Jr., had been in
the DeKalb County Jail since
Jan. 4 on robbery charges.
The family’s attorney,
Mawuli Davis, said the family
is asking the sheriff’s office to
request the Georgia Bureau
of Investigation to investigate
Lowery’s death. According to
Davis, the sheriff’s office has
refused the request.
Family members and Davis
held a rally March 2 at Grady
Hospital.
“When he talked with his
family, he was not speaking
from a place of doom, but he
did tell [his family] that he was
concerned for his life,” Davis
said.
According to the family,
Lowery said he was jumped
10 x 6.5
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018 • Page 20
by inmates a few days prior
to his death. The family
photographed his body post-
mortem and said they were
concerned with marks around
his neck.
“What his mother [Bernita
Granville] is concerned about
is the same entity that was
responsible for his well-being
is the same entity that will
investigate his death,” Davis
said.
The sheriff’s office released
a statement March 2 regarding
Lowery’s death and stated
they would offer no further
comment.
According to preliminary Nineteen-year-old Willie Lowery Jr. Willie Lowery Jr., 19, poses with his mother Bernita Granville.
reports by the sheriff’s office, allegedly committed suicide at the
DeKalb County jail.
Lowery attempted suicide Feb.
23.
“We offer our condolences “Instances of inmate death that we could to try to assist fundamentally awry with
are never routine and we Mr. Lowery.” that kind of approach,” Davis
to his family and look forward
to sharing the results of our investigate each situation Lowery’s family said he was said. “[The family] wants an
very thoroughly,” Mann said. looking forward to the birth independent investigation and
investigation with them so
that they can have closure “While preliminary reports of his child which is to be this the sheriff has refused. We’re
indicate that no one else was month. hopeful that the community
after this unfortunate tragedy,”
said DeKalb County Sheriff involved, we will rely on the Davis said he’s will contact the sheriff’s
investigation to determine the disappointed in the sheriff’s department and let the GBI do
Jeffrey Mann.
Mann said the sheriff’s facts of the case.  At this point, decision to not ask the GBI to the investigation. It’s as simple
however, we believe that our investigate. as that.”
office staff did all it could to
help Lowery. trained staff performed as “There’s something
required and that we did all
PUBLIX DELI HOT & SPICY CHICKEN WINGS