2018 YEAR IN REVIEW
SEE PAGE 2
Serving East Atlanta, Avondale Estates, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Clarkston, Decatur, Doraville, Dunwoody, Lithonia, Pine Lake, Stone Mountain, Stonecrest and Tucker
A coat drive for families in need was held Dec. 22 at Wade Walker Family YMCA in Stone Mountain.
Nonprofit continues to help
DeKalb residents
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
A holiday coat and toy
drive helped hundreds of
families in need on Dec. 22
at the Wade Walker Family
YMCA in Stone Mountain.
According to organizers
of the event, the L.O.V.E.
(Love Out-Loud Voyage
Event) in Action program
distributed 614 coats to 243
people.
The coats were provided
by Good Morning America,
Burlington Coat Factory,
Delivering Good and
distributed by Helping
Oppressed Mothers Endure
(H.O.M.E.), a nonprofit
organization based in
DeKalb County that delivers
Visit www.thechampionnewspaper.com for local, real DeKalb County news.
the DeKalb FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2019 • VOL. 23, NO 48 • FREE
• A PUBLICATION OF ACE III COMMUNICATIONS
furniture to mothers in
need. Officials said the
community coat drive will
become an annual event.
“We just wanted to put
love into action and show
people that love is still real
and alive among our people
and in our community,”
H.O.M.E founder Carolyn
Watson.
The family event also
featured a Toys for Tots
giveaway with more than
500 toys distributed.
The coat drive, which
began last year, started
by chance, Watson said.
She said the organization
was contacted by Good
Morning America to join
the Warm Coats and Warm
Hearts Coat Drive initiative.
SEE NONPROFIT ON PAGE 6 Helping Oppressed Mothers Endure distributed more than 500 toys to children with the help of Toys for Tots.
LOCAL

2018
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2019 • Page 2

THE YEAR
IN REVIEW
A look back at 2018
LOCAL

T
he year 2018 brought substantial snowfall in January closing schools and businesses for
days. In March, students in many DeKalb schools walked out of classes in organized
protests to call attention to safety concerns in schools. As April ushered in warmer
weather, bus drivers for DeKalb County School District protested low pay by organizing a sick-
out that lasted for several days and drew a large amount of media attention.
In May, protests were held in downtown Decatur calling on the county to find a new home
for a Confederate monument placed on the square in the early 1900s. June brought severe storms
that caused widespread damage to many areas of DeKalb County.
In July, drivers in Georgia and DeKalb County had to adjust to a new hands-free phone law
that made it illegal for drivers to hold or handle cell phones while operating a vehicle.
Water billing issues continued throughout the year as the county attempted to reconcile and
correct bills that for some customers of DeKalb Watershed were in the thousands of dollars.
As schools started back in session, studies and football became the focus of many. The
football season ended with the Cedar Grove Saints winning the Class AAA state championship
after defeating Peach County 14-13 on a last second touchdown.
Later in the year, schools in the City Schools of Decatur system as well as several schools in
the DeKalb County School District were placed on lockdown after a series of anonymous threats
Stonecrest Sam’s Clubs closes
were received.
Following are stories that our news staff has identified as being the most important stories of without notice
the year. We hope you appreciate this look back at the events that shaped the year 2018.
by Carla Parker
carla@dekalbchamp.com

Sam’s Club in Stonecrest closed unexpectedly Jan.

Hands free law implemented
by horace holloman
horace@dekalbchamp.com
Georgia’s new hands-free law went
into effect July 1, and many local police
agencies are warning drivers to take this
law seriously.
Georgia drivers are no longer allowed
to have a phone in their hand or touching
any part of their body while driving.
Drivers are also not allowed to write, read
or send text messages, check social media
content or any other internet data while
on the road.
Drivers cannot watch or record videos
while operating a vehicle.
Some say the law is designed to
prevent distracted driving accidents.
According to teensafe.com, approximately
25 percent of all motor vehicle crash
fatalities are caused by distracted driving.
“Hopefully more people will focus
on driving and not cellphones,” said
Sgt. John Bender with Decatur Police
Department.
11 without employees or customers being notified.
The store was one of 63 across the nation that
closed unexpectedly, and the Stonecrest location was
LOCAL the only store in Georgia to close. At a public meeting
held five days after the closing, Glen Wilkins, director
of public affairs and government relations for Wal-
Mart, said there were several factors—including the
performance of the store—that Wal-Mart leaders
considered when they decided to close the store.
“It goes back to looking at the performance of the
club in comparison to other clubs,” Wilkins said.
Wilkins’ answers were met with skepticism from
the public, many saying the store was closed because
it was located in a predominantly Black community.
Several employees said the store was performing well.
Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary said what Wal-Mart
did is not the proper way to do business.
“This is not how you treat people,” he said. “They
shouldn’t wake up one morning and find out they don’t
have a job. Look at your corporate culture; look inside
of yourselves.”
Wilkins said employees would be paid for 60 days
from the day of notice at their regular scheduled pay.
For the first two weeks they were paid double. Wal-
Mart owns the property and is planning to sell or lease
the building to another retailer, according to Wilkins.
He said Wal-Mart will continue to maintain the
property while it is vacant.
SEE YEAR IN REVIEW ON PAGE 3
LOCAL
YEAR IN REVIEW CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2
DeKalb alumni perform with Beyoncé
by Carla Parker
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Fourteen alums from DeKalb high schools
performed alongside R&B artist and superstar
Beyoncé at the 10-day Coachella Festival in
Indio, Calif. They represented Cedar Grove,
Clarkston, M.L. King, Southwest DeKalb and
Stephenson high schools. They were a part of
history as Beyoncé was the first Black woman
to headline the festival.
Beyoncé's performance was based on the
Historically Black College and University
(HBCU) experience that featured a halftime-
like show with a marching band and
majorettes, and a Greek step show. One of the
alums, 2005 graduate Rashaad Horne, spoke
to The Champion about his experience playing
cymbals with the drumline.
Horne said he was excited when he found
out he would be performing with Beyoncé at
Coachella.
“I was a little shocked initially, but once we
LOCAL
Students walk out to protest gun violence
by Derek Smith
“We will not be silent. Stop gun violence.”
That was the chant as 1,300 students from
Druid Hills High School flowed out the doors
and onto the school’s front parking lot.
They joined students across DeKalb
County and nationwide in leaving class at 10
a.m. March 14—the one-month anniversary
of the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2019 • Page 3
saw her in rehearsal and
LOCALactually got to see her
work, it was very intriguing and interesting
in how hard she worked and how much time,
money and effort she put in,” he said.
Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. that
killed 17 students and staff members.
Throughout DeKalb, students found ways
to honor the memory of those lost to gun
violence and express their desire for change.
Students at Columbia High School chanted
“Books up, guns down.” A group of Tucker
High School students spent the entire school
day in silence.
LOCAL
Officer, suspect dead after
traffic stop
by Taylor Robins
Taylor@dekalbchamp.com
After a Dec. 13 routine traffic stop near Candler
Road and Tilson Road in Decatur police officer Edgar
Isidro Flores and suspect Brandon Taylor are dead.
According to DeKalb County Police, Flores
conducted a traffic stop, from which the Taylor fled on
foot. During a foot pursuit, the suspect allegedly shot
Flores with a handgun.
The officer was transported to Grady Hospital in
critical condition, and later died.
A K-9 officer named Indi tracked the suspect to
where he was hiding behind a nearby Candler Road
business.
The suspect allegedly then shot the K-9 officer. The
dog was transported to a nearby veterinarian in critical
condition. Indi was been released from veterinarian care
and lost his right eye.
Flores, 24, was hired by the police department on
May 8, 2017, and graduated from the police academy on
Nov. 4, 2017. Flores would have celebrated his birthday
Dec. 18.
Doraville ahead of the pack with
nondiscrimination ordinance
by Taylor Robins
Taylor@dekalbchamp.com
After some confusion, Doraville city council voted
5-1 Nov. 5 to adopt a city-wide nondiscrimination
ordinance concerning businesses.
“This is a way for Doraville to lead the way on
diversity and inclusion in our region and not be the
last in line,” said Doraville city council member Stephe
Koontz.
Doraville’s newest ordinance is the second
nondiscrimination ordinance to be passed in the
state of Georgia. The city of Atlanta passed a similar
nondiscrimination ordinance 20 years ago. Georgia
is one of three states that does not have state-level
protection for civil rights.
SEE YEAR IN REVIEW ON PAGE 7
OPINION
A soulful start to the New Year
Now that Christmas has come and
gone, we have just celebrated one of my
favorite holidays—a holiday steeped in
history with no gifts being exchanged,
when the focus of the day is on food
and football is normally enjoyed in the
comfort of our own homes—New Year’s
Day.
Most of what we Southerners tradi-
tionally eat on New Year’s Day to help
ensure our prosperity in the coming
year has a great deal of symbolism and
international influence while also being
one of the least-expensive meals to pre-
pare. A traditional Southern New Year’s
menu is often no more than black-eyed
peas, collards, pork—more specifically,
hog jowls—and cornbread.
Black-eyed peas, said to represent
coins, have dual meanings and symbol-
ism. Many historians say black-eyed
peas, brought to North America from
Africa, were one of the few sources of
available food following Gen.William
Tecumseh Sherman’s defeat of Confed-
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John Hewitt
johnh@dekalbchamp.com
erate forces during the Civil War. Union
soldiers are said to have considered the
peas to be animal food and left them
behind when ransacking homes and
farms for supplies.
New Year’s Day 1863 was the day the
Emancipation Proclamation went into
effect that officially gave former slaves
their freedom and independence. Black
and White Southerners alike had little
other than cold weather greens, cured
pork and dried peas on which to feast.
Another staple of Southern New
Year’s meals—the inexpensive and lowly
collard green—is said to have been eat-
en as early as the days of ancient Greece
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2019 • Page 4
and Rome and is believed to represent
cash as the color of money. Southern
folklore claims that each bite of greens
eaten on New Year's Day should result
in $1,000 during the following year.
Hogs and pigs have long been a
symbol of prosperity throughout the
world. In the Old South where many
were on the brink of starvation and
without adequate refrigeration, the
only available pork was often dried and
salt-cured. Hog jowls, literally the jaws
of a pig, may have been one the few
remaining foods available and were in-
corporated into the New Year’s meal out
of necessity and in hopes they would
ensure health, prosperity and progress.
The fourth component of the tra-
ditional Southern New Year’s meal,
cornbread, is believed to represent gold
due to its color. For added flavor and
possibly to add more luck, pork crack-
lings are often added to the cornbread
mix. We have the Native Americans to
thank for introducing us to maize as a
food source.
As we enjoy our inexpensive feast,
let’s pause to reflect on our past as we
look to the future with hopes of pros-
perity and peace for all. And though
our traditional meal may not be as ap-
pealing as a gourmet meal prepared by
master chefs, it brings us comfort to
connect with the origins and reasons
we eat what we do for New Year’s Day.
As we pay homage to Africa and
the Old South with black-eyed peas, to
the ancient civilizations with greens, to
Native Americans with our cornbread
and the world at large with our pork; let
us remember our humble origins and
know that our menu represents free-
dom for some and the coming together
of various cultures for the betterment
of all. Let us be mindful that what once
was eaten out of necessity is now eaten
by choice and these choices represent
the long, and at times ugly, history of
life in the South.
Happy New Year to all.
OPINION
As I crossed the mid-century
mark a few anniversaries around the
sun ago, I decided that I needed to
make a higher priority of actually
taking the trips and adventures on
my bucket list before the good lord
decided to take me–and to get goin’
while the goin’ was still good.  common language of all.
So, last Christmas we made
an incredible holiday trek to the
Greenbrier in White Sulphur
Springs, W. VA. The resort is too
incredible to describe in a few
sentences, and the time spent with
my daughters and son-in-law on
Amtrak en route as well as at the
hotel, gave us a host of priceless
holiday family memories. I was
greatly touched when my father
started a new family tradition this
year of favorite Christmas memories
and that Christmas trip has already
landed atop those lists with my
daughters.
But this year my girls are both
elsewhere with their mothers,
so I wanted to plan something
memorable, and singular as I was
not likely to take this trip again
later. I selected The Canadian— the
flagship of Canada’s rail system—
train No. 1 traverses from Toronto
to Vancouver, east to west and train
No. 2 (my choice), the reverse from
Vancouver to Toronto.
I actually prefer train travel in
many ways. I flew from Atlanta
to Seattle, taking Amtrak from
the under-renovation King Street
Station in downtown Seattle to
Vancouver. On this leg of the
trip I met an incredible woman,
Ms. Loretta Young Phillips,
who at 85 was on her way to
spend the holidays with children
and grandchildren north of the
border. Our time together may be
another column all its own someday
soon.
In Vancouver I spent a lovely
Christmas Eve getting to know the
city, having only been previously
to Victoria Island nearby. An
enchanting Christmas market had
at its center a three-story Christmas
manger—much like an heirloom
family holiday centerpiece back
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Oh! Canada
largest and most visible minority words, there is a comfort watching
population. Passengers onboard this beautiful scenery roll by,
‘One Man’s this train trek represented most accompanied by a nice hot mug of
Opinion’ every continent. I counted at least
10 languages that I overheard but
cider, from the comfort of my cabin,
knowing that the warmth of the
could not understand. But smiles, VIA Rail team and fellow passengers
Bill Crane nods and holiday greetings were the outside were also just a few steps
bill.csicrane@gmail.com
away. Happy New Year, back to
Friends in Toronto have already being out and about. 
home—only this one contained a given me good reason to return here
live three-piece music combo on soon, and though I remain loyal to Bill Crane also serves as a political
its second level, which again made my Budweiser family of products, analyst and commentator for Channel
me feel more at home. On approach I admit to a growing fondness for 2’s Action News, WSB-AM News/Talk
they were rocking to “Rockin’ LaBatt’s shades of blue.  750 and now 95.5 FM, as well as a
Around the Christmas Tree,” This was perhaps the whitest columnist for The Champion, DeKalb
originally recorded by Lithonia, Christmas and most snowfall I have Free Press and Georgia Trend. Crane
Georgia’s own little Miss Brenda also ever experienced, other than is a DeKalb native and business owner,
Lee. some Christmas ski trips to Park living in Scottdale. You can reach
After visiting the market, I City and Steamboat Springs, Colo. him or comment on a column at bill.
walked along the waterfront back to Yet unlike on those, I was seldom in csicrane@gmail.com.
the Marriott Pinnacle Vancouver for the snow and cold. As I type these
what turned out to be an incredible
Christmas Eve dinner, with the best
bowl of summer squash bisque I’ve
ever experienced.
Christmas morning brought
a return to Vancouver’s grand
Pacific Central Rail Station and off
across the Rockies—the views were
indescribable and majestic. 
The Via Rail staff are most
professional, hospitable and
accommodating–I sense even more
so than usual during the holiday
season. 
Our accommodations were
a comfortable and compact sleeper
cabin for two with a half-bath and a
communal shower just steps away. A
glass-domed lounge car offered even
more incredible 360-degree views
as the vistas unfolded. Excellent
meals were included with our
fare. Our first stop to deboard was
in the ski burg of Jasper, population
4,605-plus, easily trebling during
ski season. Nearing half our cabin
departed here for the slopes on
Boxing Day.
This was not my first trip
visiting our northern neighbor;
prior business ventures had
well introduced me to Toronto,
Montreal and Windsor. This trip,
and Canada in general, welcomes
diversity. Asians are among their
Publisher: Staff Reporters:
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LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2019 • Page 6

NONPROFIT Continued From Page 1

Last year H.O.M.E. distributed
approximately 1,000 coats to
residents and community partners
such as Chris180, My Sister’s
House and New Life Church.   quarterback Colin Kaepernick
“I’m still so amazed and still in
awe,” Watson said. “We didn’t go
out and decide we were going to
give away coats; that initiative was
offered to us and we’re so thankful
for the help we have received.
Freely you give and freely you get...
we’ve received these coats by the
grace of God.”
The donated coats was not the
first time H.O.M.E. officials were
surprised with an unexpected
donation. In 2017, former NFL
donated $25,000 to the Lithonia-
based charity as part of his
$1-million pledge to donate to
organizations that fight oppression
through education and social
activism.
H.O.M.E. officials said they
delivered furniture to 218 mothers
and children during 2018. The
T:11.5”
organization also gave 120 prom
dresses to teens who could not
afford them during their Priceless
Princess Prom Expo.
“We commend and honor
the single mothers and children
who we’ve served who are
bravely fighting the good fight of
faith. H.O.M.E. is proud to be a
community resource to help those
seeking betterment of life for
themselves and their families,”
Watson said.
Watson said the organization’s
2019 motto is “God bless the dream
in 2019.” She said she hopes the
organization continues to expand in
the new year.
“We’re searching for a
permanent home for H.O.M.E.,”
Watson said, laughing. “It’s a
must that the doors to a brand new
warehouse swing open. We’ve
outgrown the one we’re in now. I
believe there’s so much greater in
store for H.O.M.E. There’s so much
in store for 2019.”

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LOCAL
YEAR IN REVIEW CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
LOCAL
Private schools call for new
gun legislation
by Derek Smith 
Two DeKalb County private school leaders joined
45 others across Georgia in signing a letter asking
lawmakers to enact legislation to prevent future
school shootings.
Paul Bianchi of The Paideia School and Waman
French of The Friends School of Atlanta added their
signatures to the letter, which appeared in the March
9 issue of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The letter, which joins a wave of national pressure
on legislators following the Feb. 14 school shooting
in Parkland, Fla., outlines ways independent school
leaders plan to prevent similar violence from
happening in their own schools.
LOCAL
Firefighters save dozens from
apartment blaze
On Jan. 3., residents in Avondale Forest
Apartment Homes in Avondale Estates were
awakened by police and firefighters banging on their
doors. According to DeKalb County Fire and Rescue
officials, a fire started at the apartment complex and
spread quickly.
Firefighters caught babies who were dropped
from upper level balconies. This story received
national media attention and the DeKalb County
Fire and Rescue department was recognized by
DeKalb County Board of Commissioners.
Forty-five firefighters battled the fire that
displaced approximately 50 people.
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2019 • Page 7
Community remembers Chapel Hill Middle band teacher
by Carla Parker • carla@dekalbchamp.com LOCAL
Beloved Chapel Hill Middle School head band
director Natalie Brown died Oct. 31 at age 57.
Brown taught music at Chapel Hill Middle for 25
years. The Mississippi native graduated cum laude with a
degree in music education from Jackson State University
in Jackson, Miss. One of her former students, Lakesia
Hayes, said Brown, a mother of three, had a genuine
motherly spirit.
“She made it very clear that we were always a
representation of her and [we] better not embarrass
her,” Hayes said with a laugh. “She never hesitated to let
us know [when] she was disappointed but also never
hesitated to let us know [when] she was proud of us. She
redirected us and celebrated us like we were her own
children.”
Southwest DeKalb High School band director James
Seda, who worked with Brown at Chapel Hill for two
school years (1999-2001), said Brown was more than a
band director and a mentor to him. She was a friend.
“I miss her as a friend,” he said. “She was someone
unquestionably you could trust. She always seemed to
have the right advice in any situation. I lost a friend.”
EDUCATION
High school students vote for first time
by Taylor Robins • Taylor@dekalbchamp.com
There’s a first time for everything and a group of seniors from Clarkston High School can cross
voting off their “never done” list.
“It is important for us to vote because if we want to make a change in world then we should
take a stand and vote and show that we have a voice in the world,” said Destiny Moultrie,
Clarkston High School senior.
On Nov. 2, a group of 40 seniors, who are eligible and registered to vote, took advantage of
early voting for the Nov. 6 midterm election.
“I felt like an adult,” student senior Amare Graham said.
SEE YEAR IN REVIEW ON PAGE 8
LOCAL
YEAR IN REVIEW CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7
SPORTS
Tucker girls’ basketball team
disqualified from playoffs
by Carla Parker
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Tucker High School girls’ basketball team was
disqualified from the Class AAAAAA state playoffs
following an investigation in recruiting rules
violations.
Georgia High School Association (GHSA)
reported that after investigating the program, GHSA
Executive Director Dr. James R. Hines found Tucker
to be in violation of GHSA by-law 1.70 concerning
recruiting and undue influence.
“As a result, the Tucker girls’ basketball team is
ruled to have been playing several ineligible players
this season and, therefore, must vacate their position
in the ongoing state basketball tournament,” GHSA
said in a press release.
Tucker was forced to vacate its wins from
the 2017-18 season and four players were ruled
ineligible to play on the school team for the 2018-
19 season despite the team being found not guilty
of the accusations against them following further
investigations conducted by GHSA and DeKalb
County School District.
LOCAL
Prayer vigil held for slain Decatur
teen
Family, friends and city officials came together to
honor the memory of 14-year-old
Shykia Ward-Reese. The Renfroe Middle School
student was stabbed to death allegedly by her uncle
at the Trinity Walk Apartments March 25.
Approximately 350 people attended the prayer
vigil held at the Beacon Municipal Complex
courtyard.
Attendees at the vigil said they will never forget
Ward-Reese’s smile and her love of dancing.
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2019 • Page 8
Chamblee Charter High parents left with more
questions after heated meeting regarding principal
EDUCATION
LOCAL
Former school board
member Jesse “Jay”
Cunningham dies
by Carla Parker
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Business owner and former DeKalb
County school board member Jesse
“Jay” Cunningham died April 6.
The 58-year-old died of cardiac-
related issues, according to the DeKalb
County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Cunningham, who owned Jesse’s
Restaurant & Lounge on Wesley
Chapel Road, served on the school
board for eight years (2005-2013). Dr.
Eugene Walker, who served alongside
Cunningham on the school board for
five years, said Cunningham’s death is a
loss for the community.
“Jay was a real high-energy
individual,” Walker said. “In my mind,
he was overly committed to securing
the best opportunities possible for
our children in DeKalb County. He
was an advocate for public education,
specifically for our children in DeKalb
County, and I’ve always respected his
commitment to that challenge. His
energy and commitment will be missed.
He clearly placed our young people first,
in my opinion, in just about everything
he did.”
In 2016, Cunningham opened Jesse’s
Restaurant & Lounge, a table service
eatery that featured live entertainment
and international cuisine.
by Derek Smith
Many parents of Chamblee Charter
High School (CCHS) students were
dissatisfied with the outcome of a
gathering at the school’s auditorium
June 27 which started as a State of
the School address and devolved as
attendees became upset that their
concerns about the school’s principal
weren’t being addressed.
SPORTS
Several DeKalb teams
crowned state champions
by Carla Parker
carla@dekalbchamp.com
DeKalb County sports teams brought home
state titles in cross country, soccer, tennis, track
and field and volleyball.
In cross country, Marist won its 19th girls’
cross country state title after winning the Class
AAAA state meet, and St. Pius X won Class
AAAA state titles in boys’ cross country—its 10th
cross country title in program history and the
seventh in nine seasons.
St. Pius X also won the Class AAAA volleyball
state title—its second in program history—after
a 3-1 victory over rival Marist, and won the boys
Class AAAA track and field state title—fourth title
in program history, its third in the last six seasons.
Cedar Grove won its fourth consecutive boys
Class AAA track and field state title.
In soccer, Marist girls won its eighth title in
program history after a 2-1 win over St. Pius X
in the Class AAAA girls’ championship game.
Paideia won its fourth boys’ Class A soccer state
title in six seasons after a 2-0 win over Atlanta
International.
Chamblee won its second consecutive girls
Class AAAAA state tennis title with a 3-2 win
over Kell.
SEE YEAR IN REVIEW ON PAGE 9
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2019 • Page 9

YEAR IN REVIEW CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

LOCAL SPORTS

12/20 ISSUE PG 14
Free Press issue 11/09, page 1

Oprah campaigns for Stacey

Abrams in DeKalb
by Carla Parker
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Media mogul and philanthropist Oprah Winfrey came to
DeKalb County before the midterm election to campaign for
Georgia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams.
Hundreds of people came to hear her at the Porter Sanford
III Performing Arts & Community Center in Decatur. Winfrey
said she came to Georgia from California because she wanted to
do something that could make a difference in this year’s midterm
election.
Winfrey, who said she is a registered Independent, said no
one asked or told her to come to Georgia or paid her to campaign
for Abrams. She said she called Atlanta film stars Tyler Perry
and Will Packer to ask if they had Abrams’ phone number, but
neither did.
Firefighters, community mourn
“I had to find somebody who knew somebody, who knew
somebody, that knew somebody, that had Stacey Abrams’
loss of their own
number,” Winfrey said. “So, when I got Stacey’s phone number,
which was just three days ago, I called her up.”
Abrams told the crowd that when Winfrey called and asked
how she could help, she told Winfrey that a Tweet or Facebook
post would do.
“And, her response was, ‘No, I want to knock on doors.’ And
I was like, ‘Really?’ And she said she wanted to do a town hall.
And I’m like, ‘But you’re Oprah,’” Abrams said. “My point is …
each of you [is] thinking that I can do this small thing. What she
has done today is not about me; she’s here for you all. She’s here
because she believes.”
Cedar grove wins second football state title
by Carla Parker down 13-7 to Peach County and facing a
carla@dekalbchamp.com third-and-goal at the 22 yard line. Senior
quarterback Kendall Boney found senior
Cedar Grove Saints won the Class AAA wide receiver Jadon Haselwood in the
football state championship game Dec. 11 middle of the field sprinting toward the
with a score of 14-13 over Peach County at end–zone and connected with him for a
Mercedes-Benz Stadium. touchdown to tie the game at 13-13 with
It was the program’s second state title four seconds remaining.
in three seasons. The Saints took the title The extra point kicked by Luis
with a game-winning touchdown. With 10 Dominguez gave the Saints a 14-13 lead
seconds left in the game, the Saints were and the win.
LOCAL
More than 100 firefighters and DeKalb County
Fire and Rescue officials came to pay their respect to
firefighter Barry Everett at Donald Trimble Mortuary
in Decatur Aug. 16.
Everett, 42, was found dead at Fire Station No. 25
at approximately 8 a.m., Aug. 8. Everett was a nine-
year veteran with the department.
Fire trucks packed the parking lot of Donald
Trimble Mortuary. Firefighters from throughout the
metro area said goodbye and offered condolences.

Local hero fights for his life LOCAL

by Taylor Robins her to safe and dry ground.

Taylor@dekalbchamp.com
Just one year after saving a mother’s life, a
Brookhaven hero is now taking measures to save his
own life as he battles throat cancer.
André Johnson saved Tennille Conley April 18,
2017, when a Tucker intersection became overcome by
a flash flood, floating the woman’s car.
Johnson, a veteran, swam to the woman’s car and
pulled on the car’s door as she pushed from the inside;
he was able to get the woman out of her car and took
After local news media reported on the heroic
act, the city of Brookhaven proclaimed May 23 to be
“Andre` ‘Papa Dre’ Day.”
“It stunned all of us when he told us and we saw
it on the news,” said Beverly Johnson, wife of André
Johnson. “But that’s just the kind of person he is.”
While the Johnson family should have been
celebrating the anniversary of André’s heroic act
in May, the family had to endure André’s May 10
squamous cell carcinoma diagnosis.
SEE YEAR IN REVIEW ON PAGE 10

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, JANUARY 4, 2019 • Page 10

YEAR IN REVIEW CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

LOCAL LOCAL LOCAL

Mayor and city council Stonecrest mayor battles

comment on Pittsburgh cancer Lithonia police chief
synagogue shooting terminated
by Carla Parker
by Taylor Robins carla@dekalbchamp.com by Carla Parker
Taylor@dekalbchamp.com carla@dekalbchamp.com
Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary shocked his
Brookhaven mayor John Ernst and city constituents Sept. 17 when he announced during a The city of Lithonia fired former
councilmembers released a statement Oct. 30 after 11 city council meeting that he will be on temporary police chief Roosevelt Smith after a
people were killed and six others were injured in the medical leave to receive treatment for prostate series of investigations.
Oct. 26 Pittsburgh synagogue shooting. cancer. In March, the Georgia Bureau of
“[Oct. 26’s] events in Pittsburgh represent the The announcement came after an intense Investigation confirmed that it was
largest anti-Semitic act of violence in the history of discussion with council members on the city’s investigating the Lithonia Police
our nation,” the statement read. “Although the tragedy special-purpose local-option sales tax (SPLOST) Department after then-Interim Police
took place in Pittsburgh, our own Jewish community management contract. It was announced that Chief Pserda Dickerson requested a
is deeply shaken and affected by these events. The city Mayor Pro Tem George Turner would take over GBI investigation alleged misuse of the
of Brookhaven stands in unity and in sorrow with the some of Lary’s duties, but there was still confusion Georgia Crime Information Center
Pittsburgh community in the aftermath of this heinous over whether Lary was stepping aside. (GCIC) data by officials within the
act. All acts of violence and hate are condemned and Lary told The Champion that he never planned police department.
will be dealt with all possible effort [as they would be] to step down or aside as mayor. GCIC serves as the chief provider
if a similar situation were to ever occur in the city of “Initially I thought I would just take two solid of criminal justice information services
Brookhaven.” months off, but that’s not going to happen,” he said. in Georgia by providing officials and
Robert Bowers, a 46-year-old man who has posted “What I’m doing is cutting back on my meetings, agencies in criminal justice with access
anti-Semitic threats online, surrendered and was taken but not my mayor duties because I have to sign to information needed to fulfill its
into custody after exchanging gunfire with Pittsburgh contracts, ordinances—I still have to be the mayor. responsibilities.
police at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh’s But what I’m trying to cut back on is some of the Lithonia’s city attorney Winston
Squirrel Hill neighborhood. city council meetings. Those council meetings that Denmark said Councilman Ric Dodd
Victims of the mass shooting include 69-year-old I don’t attend, Mayor Pro Tem George Turner will filed a complaint with the Lithonia
Irving Younger, 88-year-old Melvin Wax, 97-year- preside over those meetings. That will be his only police department as a private citizen.
old Rose Mallinger, 66-year-old Jerry Rabinowitz, function. Everything else I will still be doing.” “The nature of Mr. Dodd’s complaint
75-year-old Joyce Fienberg, 65-year-old Richard Lary was diagnosed with prostate cancer earlier was that the former chief acted
Gottfried and 71-year-old Daniel Stein. Brothers this summer. He documented his journey through inappropriately with regard to the
David Rosenthal, 54, and Cecil Rosenthal, 59, were video recording to share with Stonecrest residents. GCIC system, in terms of running his
also killed during the shooting. background information,” Denmark
said.
Smith was on paid leave for a
separate investigation before he was
fired. In February, the Lithonia City
Council voted unanimously to hire an
investigative firm to review separate
Decatur school district locks down after threats complaints made by former and current
Lithonia police officers who said Smith
LOCAL created a hostile work environment
by Taylor Robins and engaged in corrupt and unethical
Taylor@dekalbchamp.com practices.
Although the investigation was
All schools within the City Schools of Decatur system were placed on still ongoing at the time, the council
lockdown after the Decatur Police Department received several threats voted to fire Smith following a report
against the school Nov. 27. they received from the investigator.
“Your child’s safety is our top priority,” the school district said in an Denmark said he could not confirm
email to parents Nov. 27. “Out of an abundance of caution after receiving whether if the report lead to Smith’s
threats at some schools, CSD has gone into a system-wide lockdown. We are firing.
actively working with the police department to investigate this situation.”
Decatur Police Department received reports of a bomb threat to one
CSD school and threats of gun violence made to two other CSD schools.
The police department worked with CSD to initiate a system-wide
lockdown of all nine CSD-served schools out of precaution. SEE YEAR IN REVIEW ON PAGE 9
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2019 • Page 11

YEAR IN REVIEW CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

Water main break affects surrounding communities, businesses

by Horace Holloman
horace@dekalbchamp.com
On March 7 a water main break of
a 48-inch pipe near Buford Highway
effected businesses and residents for
days. The break had a wide-spread
impact on DeKalb County as the entire
county was under a boil water advisory.
The break caused several DeKalb
County residents and businesses to lose
water. Several businesses had to close.
LOCAL
DeKalb County School District and City
Schools of Decatur shut down early due
to the break and at least three businesses
on Buford Highway suffered significant
damage.
The repairs of the water main took
approximately 36 hours, 24 hours ahead
of schedule according to county officials.
After almost two days of uncertainty,
things returned to “normal” as DeKalb
County officials reported the countywide
boil water advisory had been lifted.

Family files lawsuit against DCSD after student suspension

by Taylor Robins
Taylor@dekalbchamp.com
A lawsuit that names DeKalb County
School District, DCSD Superintendent Dr. R.
Stephen Green, Chamblee Charter High School
Principal Rebecca Braaten and Chamblee
Charter High School Assistant Principal Clifton
Spears as defendants was filed Nov. 13 by the
family of a student in the U.S. Northern District
Court of Georgia seeking to protect the First
Amendment rights of students at the school.
Keegan Brooks, a freshman student at
CCHS, received one day of in-school suspension
for making and distributing stickers critical
of school administration, specifically Braaten.
Brooks was suspended for causing a school
disturbance. Brooks’ suspension was served Oct.
9.
The sticker–which was initially displayed on
Brooks’ cell phone case–reads “Fire Braaten”
with a picture of the principal centered on
the sticker with the American flag in the
background.

EDUCATION EDUCATION

Threats made to DCSD schools,

schools lock down
by Taylor Robins
Taylor@dekalbchamp.com

Dunwoody police and DeKalb County School District police
responded to threats made to schools in Dunwoody the week of
Nov. 12-16.
DCSD reported that Vanderlyn Elementary, Austin Elementary,
Kingsley Elementary and Dunwoody High School were placed on
lockdown Nov. 16 due to threats made on social media.
In a Nov. 16 Facebook live video, Dunwoody Police Sergeant
Robert Parsons said Dunwoody police received numerous social
media reports about threats to “shoot it up” referring to DeKalb
County schools. DCSD and DCSD police were then notified,
according to Parsons.
Police determined that the threats were not unique to Dunwoody
schools, and that the same threats had also been made to schools in
California, Florida and Canada, according to Parsons.
School bus drivers stage sick-out
by Derek Smith
In an apparent protest, hundreds of DeKalb County School District (DCSD)
bus drivers called in sick April 19, leaving district officials scrambling for
solutions to get students to school.
According to district officials, 383 of the 908 DCSD bus drivers did not report
to work April 19. Officials said the move was tied to a list of concerns bus drivers
had expressed to district officials during a March 19 board of education meeting.
According to DCSD Board of Education member Stan Jester’s blog, the sick-
out was a coordinated move, with a memo being distributed to drivers a week in
advance.
SEE YEAR IN REVIEW ON PAGE 9
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2019 • Page 12

YEAR IN REVIEW CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

LOCAL
Longtime SWD coach Fletcher Salter dies
by Carla Parker SPORTS
carla@dekalbchamp.com

Southwest DeKalb High School

coach Fletcher Salter died May 12
at the age of 68 after a 20-month
battle with sarcoma cancer.
Salter was an educator and
coached football and baseball for
32 years in DeKalb County. He
spent the majority of his coaching
career at Southwest DeKalb, where
he served as the head baseball
coach from 1984 to 1990 and 1999
to 2002 and served as an assistant
football coach from 1984 to 1991
and from 1997 until his death.
Salter also served as the head
football coach at McNair High as an interim coach, in 2016 at
Late-night storm damages homes, property School from 1991 to 1996 and
had a 38-28 record in six seasons.
Southwest DeKalb after the death
of coach Michael Tanks.
He served as a head coach again,
by Horace Holloman
horace@dekalbchamp.com

Some Decatur residents woke to the sounds of trees crashing through their
roofs on June 11 when heavy storms hit the area. EDUCATION
A storm passed through DeKalb County causing significant storm damage
in the Decatur area.
According to Decatur police, the department received approximately 150
calls during the height of the storm. Issue 12/20, pg6
Decatur Police Spokesperson Jennifer Ross said communication officers
did an exceptional job responding to calls related to the storm.
Some residents described the ordeal as “terrifying.

LOCAL

Threats continue for Dunwoody,

Brookhaven schools
by Taylor Robins • Taylor@dekalbchamp.com

An elementary school was evacuated and two elementary schools were

SWD grad becomes first female drum
major at FAMU
by Carla Parker
carla@dkealbchamp.com
Cori Renee Bostic made history
becoming the first woman drum
major of Florida A&M University’s
(FAMU) “Marching 100” band.
Bostic, a 2016 graduate of
Southwest DeKalb High School,
is a broadcast journalism major at
FAMU. She plays piccolo and oboe, is
a member of the symphonic band and
played basketball for the university.
She also hosts her own campus radio
show called “Start Your Day with
Cori Renee.” She is a member of
Delta Sigma Theta sorority and Tau
Beta Sigma National Honorary Band
sorority.
Southwest DeKalb band director
James Seda, who is also an alum of
FAMU and was in the band with
Bostic’s parents, said he was proud to
see his former student make history.
“I remember when Cori was born
and to see her grow into the fine
young lady she became in high school
and in college, I’m glad I had a part
in that as being someone who trained
her musically,” Seda said. “It was an
incredible community effort.”
Bostic was the starting center
for the 2016 state championship
basketball team at Southwest DeKalb.
placed on lockdown after another bomb threat Dec. 13.
The recent threats come one month after Vanderlyn Elementary, Austin
Elementary, Kingsley Elementary and Dunwoody High School─all DCSD
schools located in Dunwoody were placed on lockdown Nov. 16 due to
threats made on social media.
According to a statement from DeKalb County School District, “[Dec.
13], at approximately 7:22 a.m., an unknown individual submitted bomb
threats to Dunwoody Elementary School, Chesnut Elementary School and
Montgomery Elementary School.”
Dunwoody Elementary was evacuated and cleared by officers after the
threat, and Chesnut and Montgomery elementary schools were briefly placed
on lockdown, according to the Dunwoody Police Department.
“Out of an abundance of caution, DeKalb County Public Safety officers
were dispatched to each school to assist local police in determining the
validity of the threats,” DCSD also said in a statement. “The health and safety
of our students remains DeKalb County School District’s top priority. All
threats are taken seriously, and all threats are thoroughly investigated.”
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2019 • Page 13

NEWS!
LOCALLY SOURCED.
LOCALLY PRODUCED.
thechampionnewspaper.com
LOCAL
AROUND DEKALB
Christmas trees
recycling offered
Join the city of Chamblee
and Keep Chamblee Beautiful
for its annual free event to
recycle Christmas trees Jan. 5.
There will be coffee and hot
chocolate. Those who turn
in a tree for composting and
recycling. You can also pick
up a tree seedling from Keep
GA Beautiful or seed packets
for The event is from 9 a.m. to
12 p.m. at the Public Works
Building, 3210 Cumberland
Drive, in Chamblee.
Agnes Scott to hold
annual MLK and
Coretta Scott King
Convocation
The Martin Luther King
Jr. and Coretta Scott King
Commemorative Week of
Human Rights and Social
Justice features collaborative
programs with Agnes
Scott organizations and
departments. The convocation
commemorates the lives
of Martin Luther King Jr.
and Coretta Scott King and
continues the dialogue around
social justice and community
change. This year’s speaker
is youth organizer and civil
rights advocate Mary-Pat
Hector. The Jan. 11 event will
be held at Agnes Scott’s Gaines
Chapel at 2 p.m.
Northwest announces
fall 2018 Vice
President’s List
BY TAYLOR ROBINS
taylor@dekalbchamp.com
The Vice President’s List
for the fall 2018 semester
at Northwest Mississippi
Community College has been
released by college officials.
Among the list of
distinguished students to be
recognized for making the
Vice President’s List for their
academic work during the
fall 2018 semester is Thomas
Johnston of Brookhaven.
The Vice President’s List
includes students completing a
minimum of 12 semester hours
with a 3.50 to 3.74 average.
Campbellsville Area residents among
University graduates ICC 2018 fall semester
680 students, largest graduates
in history of the Cortez Davis, of Decatur,
institution is a local student among
those who earned associate
President of Campbellsville
University Dr. Michael V.
Carter told 680 undergraduate
and graduate students in two
commencement ceremonies
Dec. 7, the largest in the
history of the university, to
thank those who helped them
along their journey and that
today will be a day they will
remember.
Local students who were
Natoya C. Scott-Blackmore
of Decatur, with master of
social work; and Shruthi
Rao Marikanti of Decatur,
graduated with a master
of science in information
technology management.
Public Hearing
Notice is hereby
given that the
Board of Mayor and
Commissioners for
the City of
Avondale Estates
will hold a Public
Hearing regarding
an amendment to
Section 12-4
(Noise Ordinance)
of the Official Code
of Ordinances of
the City of Avondale
Estates.
The Public Hearing
will be held on
Monday, Jan. 28th
at 6:30 p.m. at City
Hall, 21 North
Avondale Plaza,
Avondale Estates,
Georgia 30002. All
interested parties are
encouraged
to attend.
2018 Report on Projects Funded Through Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax
SPLOST V Projects
Roads & Drainage
Multi Modal Improvements
Park and Recreation Facilities
TOTAL
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2019 • Page 14
420-419327 1/3,1/10,1/17,1/24,1/31jb
STATE OF GEORGIA
COUNTY OF DEKALB
NOTICE OF SALE UNDER POWER
Because of a default under the terms of the Security Deed executed by Terrance L.
Moore and Latisha M. Moore to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee
for AmericaHomeKey, Inc., its successors and assigns dated June 30, 2009, and recorded in Deed
Book 21570, Page 361, DeKalb County Records, said Security Deed having been last sold,
assigned, transferred and conveyed to Nationstar Mortgage LLC, securing a Note in the original
principal amount of $168,431.00, the holder thereof pursuant to said Deed and Note thereby
secured has declared the entire amount of said indebtedness due and payable and, pursuant to the
power of sale contained in said Deed, will on the first Tuesday, February 5, 2019, during the legal
hours of sale, before the Courthouse door in said County, sell at public outcry to the highest
bidder for cash, the property described in said Deed, to-wit: ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF
LAND LYING AND BEING IN LAND LOT 149 OF THE 16TH DISTRICT, DEKALB COUNTY,
GEORGIA, BEING LOT 31, CRESTVIEW MANOR, AS PER PLAT RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 183,
PAGES 45-51, DEKALB COUNTY RECORDS, SAID PLAT BEING INCORPORATED HEREIN BY
REFERENCE THERETO.
Said property is known as 3397 Stoneleigh Walk, Lithonia, GA 30038, together with all
fixtures and personal property attached to and constituting a part of said property, if any.
Said property will be sold subject to any outstanding ad valorem taxes (including taxes
which are a lien, whether or not now due and payable), the right of redemption of any taxing
authority, any matters which might be disclosed by an accurate survey and inspection of the
property, any assessments, liens, encumbrances, zoning ordinances, restrictions, covenants, and
matters of record superior to the Security Deed first set out above.
The proceeds of said sale will be applied to the payment of said indebtedness and all
expenses of said sale as provided in said Deed, and the balance, if any, will be distributed as
provided by law.The sale will be conducted subject (1) to confirmation that the sale is not
prohibited under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and (2) to final confirmation and audit of the status
of arts or associate of applied of the loan with the secured creditor.
The property is or may be in the possession of Terrance L. Moore and Latisha M.
science degrees or certificates Moore, successor in interest or tenant(s).
Nationstar Mortgage LLC d/b/a Mr. Cooper as
at the conclusion of the 2018 Attorney-in-Fact for Terrance L. Moore and
Latisha M. Moore
fall semester at Itawamba File no. ++16-056809 / MOORE++
SHAPIRO PENDERGAST & HASTY, LLP*
Community College. Attorneys and Counselors at Law
211 Perimeter Center Parkway, N.E., Suite 300
Atlanta, GA 30346
770-220-2535/CH
shapiroandhasty.com
*THE LAW FIRM IS ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR. ANY INFORMATION
OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.
PUBLIC NOTICE
The public is hereby provided notice that the City Council of the City of Brookhaven
may take up and consider, and may act upon, changes to the Charter of the City of
Brookhaven pursuant to the authority of O.C.G.A. § 36-35.3. A copy of the Changes to be
considered shall be on file in the office of the City Clerk for the City of Brookhaven and
in the Office of the Clerk of the Superior Court of DeKalb County, as required by Code. A
summary of the changes to be considered includes:
1. Amend Section 2.14 of the Charter to require that members appointed by the
Council to the Planning Commission, the Zoning Board of Appeals, and the Public Facilities
Authority must be residents of the City of Brookhaven.
2. Amend Section 3.02 of the Charter to explicitly require the City Manager be
appointed based on his or her executive or administrative qualifications and further permit
and allow the City Manager’s contract to extend for 2 years, coinciding with each council
election cycle.
3. Amend Section 3.03 of the Charter to clarify the reference of a pronoun in the
section.
4. Amend Section 3.06 of the Charter to allow the Council to suspend or terminate
the City Manager in accordance with the City Manager’s contract and to allow the
appointment of an interim city manager in the event of the death of the city manager while
in office.
5. Amend Section 3.07 to permit city manager to appoint an interim city manager in
the absence of the city manager.
6. Amend Section 3.08 to remove the disqualification of a member of the General
Assembly from serving as City Attorney.
7. Delete Section 3.10, that makes the Finance Director a mayoral appointment,
and allow the City Manager to directly supervise and answer to the Mayor and Council for
the financial health of the City.
8. Renumber Section 3.11 to 3.10
9. Renumber Section 3.12 to 3.11 and make explicit the power of the City Manager
to manage and direct staff subject to the budget and the table of organization approved by
the Council.
10. Amend Article VI of the Charter to remove language related to the referendum,
approval, transition, and other administrative text from the Article.
11. Amend Section 6.02 to make the Charter Commission a mayoral appointment,
with Council confirmation, and to direct the timeliness of Charter reviews into the future.
It is the present intent of the Mayor and Council that an ordinance may be considered by
the Council making these changes at two consecutive meetings on January 8 and January
22, 2019. If the proposed changes and ordinance are approved at each meeting, the
changes will take effect immediately.
City of Tucker
(as required by OCGA 48‐8‐122)
Total 
Original  Current  Amount  Amount  Project  Estimated  Project 
Year   Estimated  Estimated  Expended  Expended to  Completed  Completion  Behind  Project  Excess 
Approved Cost Cost Current Year Date This Year Date Schedule Underfunded Funds
2017  $20,670,000   $20,670,000   $        36,860   $       36,860  No 2024 No No  $          ‐   
2017  $  6,360,000   $  6,360,000  No 2024 No No  $            ‐ 
2017  $  4,770,000   $  4,770,000   $                   ‐   $                  ‐  No 2024 No No  $            ‐ 
 $31,800,000   $31,800,000   $        36,860   $       36,860 
 DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2019 • Page 15

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BUSINESS
Survey finds zippy home sales in some DeKalb zip codes
BY KATHY MITCHELL
Freelance Reporter
A recent survey provided
good news for many whose
plans for the new year include
selling a home in DeKalb
County. A recent study
conducted by SmartAsset,
a New York-based financial
technology company, indicated
that of the 10 areas in Georgia
where it is easiest to sell
residential property eight are in
DeKalb County.
At the top of the list was
Chamblee, followed in order
by Clarkston, Decatur, North
Decatur, Dunwoody, Doraville,
the Candler-McAfee area and
the North Druid Hills area. The
ninth and 10th ranked areas—
Peachtree City and East
Point—are also in the metro
Atlanta area. Steve Sabato of
SmartAsset explained that the
areas are based on zip codes,
so some ranked areas are
cities, and some are parts of
cities or unincorporated areas.
The study report explained
the survey methodology this
way: “A healthy housing
market is both stable and
affordable; homeowners in a
healthy market should be able
to easily sell their homes, with
a low risk of losing money
over the long run. So, to find
the healthiest housing markets
in the country, we considered
the following four factors:
stability, affordability, fluidity
and risk of loss.”
The survey developers
measured stability with two
equally weighted indicators:
the number of years people
remain in their homes and the
percentage of homeowners
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2019 • Page 16
with negative equity—a
situation in which more is
owed on the home that it can
be sold for. Homeowners with
negative equity are more likely
to go into foreclosure, the
report noted.
“To account for our
second factor, risk, we used
the percentage of homes
that decreased in value. To
determine housing market
fluidity, we looked at data on
the average time a for-sale
home in each area spends
on the market—the longer it
takes to sell, the less fluid the
market. Finally, we calculated
affordability as the monthly
cost of owning a home as
a percentage of household
income in each county and
city.”
Affordability accounted
for 40 percent of the housing
health index, while each of the
other three factors accounted
for 20 percent. When data on
the above four factors was
unavailable for cities, the
report indicated, those areas
were excluded from the final
rankings of healthiest markets.
Comparing such factors as
average years current residents
lived in the home, average
percent of homes with negative
equity, average percentage of
homes decreasing in value,
average days on the market
and home costs as a percent of
income, areas are assigned an
“ease of sale index.”
“The index grades each
location in the [national] study
on how it compares to the
place that ranks number one.
That town will get a score
of 100, and each subsequent
score is based on how closely
each city compares to the
best in that category,” Sabato
explained. Chamblee received
a 97.83 in the ease of sale
index. Other results were
Clarkston 96.21; Decatur
94.42; North Decatur 94.26;
Dunwoody 93.31; Doraville
92.98; Candler-McAfee 92,88;
and North Druid Hills 91.83.
A home for sale in
Chamblee will spend an
average of 14 days on the
market, according to the
survey, while a home in in
Clarkston is on the market
an average of 22.1 days.
Homes in Decatur and North
Decatur are on the market 31
and 31.8 days, respectively.
Those selling homes in
Dunwoody can expect to
find a buyer in 36.5 days
and homes in Doraville on
average sell in 38.1 days. The
Candler-McAfee area in south
DeKalb County sees home
sales closing in 38. 6 days
on average and homes in the
North Druid Hills area around
Emory University are typically
on the market for 43.9 days.