the DeKalb FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019 • VOL. 24, NO.

43 • 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

Stone Mountain park

BY JAY PHILLIPS

S
Jay@dekalbchamp.com

tone Mountain Park is in full holiday

form now that Snow Mountain is
open and Stone Mountain Christmas
activities are being held.
The park opened its annual Snow Mountain,
exhibit on Nov 16 and plans to keep it open on
weekends and school holidays until Feb 23.
Snow Mountain has delighted park visitors
for 12 years, but this year the park will introduce
a new ride called Dare Devil Plunge, which takes
guests through a dark tunnel that Stone Mountain
Park officials are calling its tallest and fastest
slope ever.
Dare Devil Plunge sends riders at speeds
in excess of 30 mph through a 150-foot lighted
tunnel. In addition to Dare Devil Plunge, Snow
Mountain features a 400-foot snow covered hill
that offers rides in single tubes, double tubes and
family sized tubes.
Snow Mountain is maintained by a team of
workers who continuously apply more snow.
“Snow will melt in warm weather or if it
rains,” said Stone Mountain public relation
manager Angela Walton. “Piles of snow are

See SNOW on page 6

“Park goers enjoy the Snow Mountain ride.” Photos provided by Stone Mountain Park.

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

LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019 • PAGE 2

DORAVILLE

There’s a new mayor in town Geierman unseats Pittman

BY TAYLOR ROBINS
Taylor@dekalbchamp.com
After neither candidate
received 50 percent of votes
in the general municipal
election for Doraville
mayor, former Doraville
City Council Member
Joseph Geierman unseated
incumbent Doraville Mayor
Donna Pittman in the Dec.
3 run-off election.
“If you would have
asked six months ago if I
was going to be running for
mayor I would have said
you were probably out of
your mind,” said Geierman.
“I really do think the city
needs to move in a different
direction and I felt like I
have the skills to help us get
Joseph Geierman
there.”
According to the city
of Doraville’s website, of
859 votes cast, Geierman
received 561 votes (65.3
percent) and Pittman
received 298 votes (34.7
percent).
“It’s clear that God has
in Doraville run-off election
relationships and friends
I have made and eternally
grateful to my family for the
sacrifices and support they
have given over the years.
I only wish the best for the
new mayor and the city of
Doraville. The citizens and
staff will always bae in my
heart.”
Pittman was elected
mayor in 2011 and reelected
in 2015.
Donna Pittman In the November
general election, Geierman
other plans for my life,”
received 457 votes and
Pittman said in a Facebook
Pittman received 322 votes,
post. “I have said from
according to DeKalb County
the very beginning of this
Board of Registration and
wonderful journey that I
Elections. For a candidate
wanted to leave the city of
to win without a runoff
Doraville in a better place
he or she must receive
and that I have done…
more than 50 percent of
I am thankful for the
total votes in the general
election. Current Doraville
City Council member MD
Naser and Tom Hart also
ran for Doraville mayor.
Hart received 119 votes and
Naser received 262 votes.
“There’s a lot of work
to do going forward and
I’m certainly contemplating
what I’ve gotten myself
into but I’m excited about
it too,” said Geierman.
“I’m excited about our new
council and being able to
work together with a very
new group of individuals.”
Geierman will begin his
term in 2020.
“I’m looking forward
to serving you,” said
Geierman.

Publix Charities is donating $2.5 million

to Habitat for Humanity affiliates and
other nonprofits to help build hope
in our communities. Learn more at
publixcharities.org/hope.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019 • PAGE 3

DECATUR

Local nonprofit to manage Decatur’s Legacy Park project

BY ASIA ASHLEY
Asia@dekalbchamp.com
A local nonprofit,
Decatur Legacy Project
(DLP), will soon take over
management of the city
of Decatur’s Legacy Park
project, which was purposed
to increase affordable
housing, recreational
opportunities and youth
programs.
Decatur City
Commission voted Dec.
2 to approve a letter of
intent from DLP that will
put the nonprofit in charge
of managing the project
located at the former 77-
acre United Methodist
Children’s Home site,
which the city purchased
for $40 million in 2017.
Some of the building space
is currently being leased by
nonprofits and used as city
administrative space.
According to the letter
of intent, DLP would
manage the day-to-day
operations, coordinate
the implementation of the
Legacy Park master plan
and identify grant and
foundation funding.
“One key advantage of
having a nonprofit working
in this financial space is
related to the acquisition
of grants and foundation
funding. Often, cities and
counties aren’t eligible
for grant and foundation
funding,” said City Manager
Andrea Arnold.
DLP, according to
the letter of intent, was
founded in 2015 to facilitate
the planning, community
engagement and fundraising
efforts associated with the
city’s 2023 bicentennial
celebrations, but over time
evolved into a fiduciary
agent for small community
groups, committees and
projects that benefit the city
of Decatur.
The city’s budget
currently allocates $164,720
to assist with operational
support at Legacy Park.
DLP, in its proposal,
requested to use those
funds for administrative
costs to include part-time
program management, a
receptionist/administrative
assistant and professional
services. The group plans
to ultimately eliminate city
funding for Legacy Park
operations through the
generation of revenue at the
site from leases, programs
and activities that will be
managed by DLP. The
city commission would
still maintain final approval
of any contracts related to
Legacy Park.
As part of the
management proposal,
DLP is required to add
two new board members.
Current board members
include the city’s mayor,
mayor pro tem and city
manager; an appointee of
the city manager; and three
members at large.
“The sooner we help
everyone understand the
role that [DLP] has been
playing since [2015], I
think it’s going to be really
helpful. I’m hoping that
the recruitment of two
new board members and
education will be helpful,”
said City Commissioner
Kelly Walsh.
An official management
agreement is expected to
come before city officials
for approval in the coming
months. The city plans to
solicit two new DLP board
members in January.

DeKalb County School District
Projects Constructed with E‐SPLOST IV Sales Tax Proceeds
Fiscal Year 2019 (July 1, 2018 ‐ June 30, 2019)
Expenditures3 Excess 
FY 2013           FY 2019             Current Fiscal Year  Proceeds  Estimated 
Original Estimated  Current Estimated  Prior Years (June  (July 1, 2018 ‐ June  Not  Completion 
2012 Sales Tax ‐ Authorized Projects Cost1 Cost2 30, 2018 or earlier) 30, 2019) Total Expended Date

1. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Improvements $2,342,500.00 $2,589,945.85 $2,339,654.64 $185,623.42 $2,525,278.06 $0.00 Completed

2. Stadiums $9,557,400.00 $10,252,978.66 $10,532,998.65 $0.00 $10,532,998.65 $0.00 Completed
3. Capital Renewal Program $84,892,200.00 $113,743,432.17 $81,813,603.65 $16,742,171.64 $98,555,775.29 $0.00 Jul 2020
4. Code Requirements $2,342,500.00 $2,781,397.48 $1,888,077.21 $287,989.36 $2,176,066.57 $0.00 Completed
5. Coralwood Diagnostic Center Addition $9,932,200.00 $8,004,210.00 $10,000.00 $225,135.00 $235,135.00 $0.00 Oct 2020
6. Early Learning Center $2,717,300.00 $2,682,284.00 $55,332.19 $1,088,060.56 $1,143,392.75 $0.00 Completed
7. Arts School at former Avondale MS $4,029,100.00 $11,127,167.00 $310,896.41 $67,841.25 $378,737.66 $0.00 Dec 2020
8. Renovation of Southwest DeKalb HS4 and Stone
Mountain HS $11,056,600.00 $35,525,148.58 $30,624,549.48 $1,039,211.70 $31,663,761.18 $0.00 Dec 2020
9. Replacement of Austin ES, Fernbank ES, Gresham Park
ES, Pleasantdale ES, Peachcrest ES, Rockbridge ES, Smoke
Rise ES $135,021,700.00 $167,426,565.29 $94,621,507.61 $23,420,432.03 $118,041,939.64 $0.00 Dec 2020
10. Henderson MS Renovation/Addition $14,992,000.00 $19,316,933.98 $19,202,346.34 $109,680.35 $19,312,026.69 $0.00 Completed
11. Redan HS Renovation/Addition $20,988,800.00 $20,373,330.00 $20,075,273.16 $210,347.18 $20,285,620.34 $0.00 Completed
12. Chamblee HS Replacement $55,001,900.00 $54,992,632.00 $29,288,625.46 $4,132,544.51 $33,421,169.97 $0.00 Dec 2021
13. McNair MS Replacement $35,043,800.00 $42,592,213.00 $7,871,655.19 $26,407,937.47 $34,279,592.66 $0.00 Completed
14. Local School Priority Requests $5,153,500.00 $3,202,479.00 $2,902,294.25 $0.00 $2,902,294.25 $0.00 Completed
15. Demolition $2,342,500.00 $4,412,309.00 $4,047,880.96 $194,368.60 $4,242,249.56 $0.00 Completed
16. Safety/Security Systems Upgrade $2,342,500.00 $2,312,313.00 $2,292,719.24 $0.00 $2,292,719.24 $0.00 Completed
17. Technology Equipment and Infrastructure Refresh $36,261,900.00 $34,252,207.00 $32,821,546.89 $0.00 $32,821,546.89 $0.00 Completed
18. School Buses $9,463,700.00 $12,800,319.00 $12,800,247.61 $0.00 $12,800,247.61 $0.00 Completed
19. Service Vehicles $1,592,900.00 $2,255,311.00 $2,252,530.33 $0.00 $2,252,530.33 $0.00 Completed
20. Other capital improvements and supporting services
$29,925,000.00 $86,256,823.99 $75,874,542.91 $1,399,339.31 $77,273,882.22 $0.00 Jun 2022
         All Projects $475,000,000.00 $636,900,000.00 $431,626,282.18 $75,510,682.38 $507,136,964.56 $0.00
In compliance with O.C.G.A. 48‐8‐122 and O.C.G.A. 48‐8‐141
1 ‐ $475 million is each of the first 19 projects minus the 6.3% taken off and the sum of the 6.3% dollars provided to Project #20, as described in the literature provided to the public prior to 
the November 2011 E‐SPLOST vote at http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/splost‐iv/referendum.
2 ‐ Current estimated revenues increase from $475 million to $636.9 million by the increase of $123.9 million from the Georgia DOE reimbursements expected plus the $38 million in bond 
revenues for partial program financing.
3 ‐ Total expenditures as presented in this E‐SPLOST report will differ from the annual financial audit report due to timing differences not included in this E‐SPLOST expenditures report, 
relative to contracts payable, retainage payable, and accounts payable.
4 ‐ The Board of Education moved the Southwest DeKalb HS project from E‐SPLOST III to E‐SPLOST IV, increasing its total project budget by $22.3 million, in accordance with the E‐SPLOST 
Corrective Action Plan approved on April 27, 2012. This Board action can be found at  https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/Meetings/ViewMeetingOrder.aspx?S=4054&MID=25181. 
OPINION
P.E.T.A. attack on Uga not a good strategy
The animal rights organization
People for the Ethical Treatment for
Animals (PETA) recently blasted
University of Georgia (UGA) for its
treatment of beloved English bulldog
mascot Uga.
In response to seeing a photograph
of Uga inside his climate-controlled
doghouse during heavy rains Nov.
23 while the University of Georgia
Bulldogs football team played Texas
A & M, the organization tweeted
“HE LOOKS MISERABLE! No
dog deserves to be packed up, carted
from state to state, and paraded in
front of a stadium full of screaming
fans. Animals are NOT mascots.
@UGAAthletics must retire Uga
immediately! He should be at home
with a loving family.”
Uga, the 10th bulldog to be
honored as the official mascot of
Foreclosures
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To subscribe, visit DeKalbLegalNotices.com
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#ItsInTheChampion
John Hewitt
johnh@dekalbchamp.com
UGA, is beloved universally by sports
fans and dog lovers alike and was
recently named by Sports Illustrated
as “The greatest mascot in college
football history.”
Backlash to PETA’s statement
came quickly as fans of Uga and UGA
responded. One Twitter user said,
“That dog lives a better life than most
people do. He’s loved and adored by
thousands of people. I think he enjoys
his life”.
DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019 • PAGE 4
Another Twitter user responded
to PETA writing “This dog is treated
better than any human in the state
of Georgia. You should see what it’s
like when he gets “packed up” for
his luxurious travel. Only the best for
UGA X.”
According to BusinessInsider.
com, Uga has a publicist, lawyer and
an agent and is treated like royalty
around the University of Georgia’s
campus. “He rides on a golf cart and
even has his own suite in a nearby
hotel, where he gets a bath before
every home game,” the news outlet
stated in an online post.
Though there is a great need for
organizations that promote animal
well-being and anti-animal cruelty
issues, PETA’s criticisms of Uga’s
treatment likely fell on deaf ears,
particularly with football fans in the
South, and created a great deal of
criticism against the organization.
I am a huge supporter of issues
that deal with protection of animals,
but PETA’s claims of mistreatment of
Uga are absurd. There is likely no dog
in the world that is better cared for and
more loved than Uga.
PETA’s strategies such as the
criticism leveled against UGA do
draw attention to the issues promoted
by the organization but usually are
not well received by the public—
sometimes by even the most devoted
vegan supporters—and instead create
criticism of the organization.
PETA would do well to conduct
more research before it asserts animal
cruelty actions by the nation’s oldest
chartered university and its millions of
fans and alumni.
OPINION
“Lead, follow or get out
of the way,” said Ted Turner,
entrepreneur, media mogul and
philanthropist.  Opinion’
One of the highlights of the
2019 Georgia Bulldog football
season was the naming of Dooley
Field in Sanford Stadium in Athens
to honor legendary former UGA
football coach and athletic director
Vince Dooley. The honor was well
overdue.  suburbs of Cobb County and the
 I think Georgia, and our capital
city of Atlanta, should do more,
and sooner than later to recognize
two other individuals, as well as
two families who have made many
historic and lasting contributions
to Atlanta and to Georgia. I’m
speaking specifically of former
Ohio Gov. James Cox and the
Cox family, and media mogul and
environmental philanthropist Ted
Turner.  spent more than $40 million
Cox was a three-term governor
of Ohio before he ran for president
in 1920, with Franklin Delano
Roosevelt as his unsuccessful
running mate. Traveling the country
by rail, F.D.R. introduced Cox to
Warm Springs, southern hospitality
and the people of Georgia. Though
Dayton, Ohio remained the
governor’s home, he would move
much of his family and business
holdings to Atlanta, initially
purchasing The Atlanta Journal &
Georgian in 1938, and eventually
growing those properties into Cox
Enterprises and the Cox Media
Group.
 Turner turned a modest
billboard company into the nation’s
first cable superstation, investing in
cable networks and programming
in their infancy, as well as serving
as a longtime owner of the Atlanta
Braves. Turner became a billionaire
before selling his many media
holdings to Time Warner, later
getting into the restaurant business
in part to restore the species of
buffalo to the plains of North
America.
FREEPRESS
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DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019 • PAGE 5
It’s past time Foundation is funding an extension called on Atlanta’s mayor to
of the Atlanta Beltline and PATH, remove the downtown statue of
‘One Man’s connecting to the Silver Comet Trail another newspaper giant, Henry
in Cobb County. When completed, W. Grady—another impactful
this trail will reach from Stone but flawed leader of the post-Civil
Bill Crane Mountain Park to Anniston, Ala. War New South. Grady’s name
bill.csicrane@gmail.com and become the longest continuous adorns Grady Hospital, Grady High
trail path in the United States.  School and the Grady College of
Those who have previously Journalism at the University of
 When the Atlanta Braves, blocked more substantial Georgia. I don’t support his name or
under new ownership, left for the recognition for the Cox or Turner statue coming down, but those are a
families have focused on their few fine examples worthy of similar
likely soon to be renamed SunTrust personal politics or others' flaws and consideration for Ted Turner as well
Park, that ended the name of Turner foibles. None of us are perfect and as former Ohio Gov. Jim Cox and
Field and the life of a baseball we should stop expecting perfection the Cox family.
stadium just more than 20 years among our community and business
old. Though it was assumed that the leaders.
name came as Turner’s Braves were  The Cox family still owns the Bill Crane also serves as a
the “home team” at the converted Atlanta Journal & Constitution, political analyst and commentator
baseball park. Retrofitted from and the new owners of Cox Media for Channel 2’s Action News, WSB-
the Centennial Olympic Stadium Group plan to keep that name. And AM News/Talk 750 and now 95.5
after the 1996 games, it is seldom while Turner’s name continues FM, as well as a columnist for The
shared or publicized that Turner to adorn several blocks of Spring Champion, DeKalb Free Press and
Street in downtown Atlanta, and Georgia Trend. Crane is a DeKalb
stabilizing and retrofitting that parts of his former corporate native and business owner, living
structure for baseball and the fans, campus are now owned by Time- in Scottdale. You can reach him
without seeking taxpayer assistance, Warner Media, more significant and or comment on a column at bill.
subsidies or tax breaks. visible honors are well overdue both csicrane@gmail.com. 
 Jim Cox Kennedy, grandson of families.
Gov. Cox and still the chairman of  Some students at Georgia
Cox Enterprises, earlier developed State University have recently
a passion for bike riding, which
would grow into the creation of
the PATH Foundation. PATH’s first
trail connected Stone Mountain
Park to downtown Atlanta and
Centennial Park and during the
past 25 years has constructed more
than 300 miles of pedestrian and
biking trails all across Georgia. The
Cox Foundation recently cofunded
a pedestrian bridge with the city
of Atlanta, named for former
Mayor Ivan Allen Jr., which
connects the Atlanta Beltline to
those PATH trails at Marietta
Street downtown—not far from
the former AJC headquarters—and
reconnects the downtown east
side and west side, straddling the
massive and exiting railroad tracks
of CSX and Norfolk Southern. 
 The Cox family through
another gift to the PATH
Publisher: Staff Reporters:
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Asia Ashley PUBLISHER
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Dr. Earl D. Glenn discussion surrounding this and any
Social Media Manager: issue of interest to DeKalb County.
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LOCAL
DUNWOODY
Strict law protects cyclists
BY TAYLOR ROBINS
Taylor@dekalbchamp.com
Dunwoody City Council
passed its “Vulnerable Road
Users” law Nov. 18 which,
according to Dunwoody City
Council Member Tom Lambert,
is Georgia’s strictest cyclist
protection law.
The ordinance protects
cyclists, pedestrians, persons
engaged in work on a roadway,
emergency service employees,
skateboarders, motorcyclists and
scooter riders.
According to the city of
Dunwoody’s website, the
ordinance that was spearheaded
by Lambert is based on a similar
ordinance in Houston, Texas, that
protects cyclists from dangers
posed by vehicles.
According to the ordinances,
vehicles must be at least three feet
away from vulnerable road users
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when passing, must not throw
items at vulnerable road users
or make unsafe turns in front of
vulnerable road users. According
to the ordinance, such turns could
be categorized as “intimidation or
harassment.”
The ordinance also allows
vehicles to drive in oncoming
traffic lanes to pass vulnerable
road users, when it is safe to do
so and such lanes are clear. If it
cannot pass safely, a vehicle must
stay behind the vulnerable road
user.
According to the ordinance,
cyclists must wear reflective
clothing at night and pedestrians
are to walk on crosswalks and
sidewalks.
Violators of the law could
face a $1,000 fine, suspended
driver’s license or six months in
jail or probation. A driver safety
and pedestrian awareness class
can be completed to reduce fines
DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019 • PAGE 6
Photo by Brett Sayles from Pexels
for violators.
The ordinance passed in a
6-1 vote, with Dunwoody City
Council Member Terry Nall
being the opposing vote.
The Vulnerable Road Users
law is the most recent effort
to make Dunwoody more
pedestrian friendly. In November,
Dunwoody Public Works added
two pedestrian refuge islands after
installing additional sidewalks to
the city.
Refuge islands allow
pedestrians to cross travel
lanes one at a time and provide
increased visibility of the
crossing. They also reduce the
perceived roadway width, which
can help lower speeds.
The ordinance will be
effective May 1, 2020. Dunwoody
officials suggested the delayed
enforcement date to provide time
for an education process prior to
implementation.
SNOW
Continued From Page 1
continually made to combat warm
temperatures and spread out to form the
tubing hill.”
In addition to the snow piles, the
Snow Team at Snow Mountain has
found other ways to keep the snow
fluffy and cold.
“Snow Mountain adapted
technology used at many of the top
ski resorts in Europe and Japan to
make fresh snow,” Walton said. “The
technology is temperature-independent,
allowing snow production in any
climate. Snow Mountain is located on
the laser lawn where we produce 360
tons of snow per day.”
Park goers who stay after dark will
be treated to Galactic Snow Tubing,
which includes a nighttime tubing
experience on Snow Mountain with
lasers, lights and music.
Snow Mountain tickets give patrons
access to two hours of snow tubing as
well as all-day access to the Snow Zone,
which includes more snow and winter-
themed activities such as making snow
angels and snow men.
In addition to the rides available at
Snow Mountain, Stone Mountain Park
is decorated with 2 million LED lights
and a daily application of more than
360 tons of snow that allows visitors
to experience what the park is calling
the “ultimate winter wonderland,” as a
part of Stone Mountain Christmas. Park
visitors can enjoy the winter wonderland
each weekend and on school holidays
and possibly view an interactive tree
lighting ceremony and a Santa fly over.
Stone Mountain Christmas activities
will conclude with the Snow Angel
Finale, where Angelina, the Snow Angel
descends upon the town and gives it one
last snowfall.
Stone Mountain Christmas
also includes multiple live shows
including musicals and a showing of
Polar Express 4-D. Stone Mountain
Christmas includes a train ride around
the mountain that ends with a Christmas
show called “The Gift.” 
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019 • PAGE 7

COUNTYWIDE STONECREST

DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond, backed by public safety representatives from across the county, held a press conference Dec. 5 announcing the proposed Tammy Grimes
4-percent across-the-board salary increase for public safety employees.

Grimes wins
Expedited pay increase expected for District 5 runoff
DeKalb County public safety employees BY JAY PHILLIPS
Jay@dekalbchamp.com

BY ASIA ASHLEY the men and women who continue Several public safety department Stonecrest’s runoff election for
to serve our county, but more leaders took turns in thanking the District 5 seat ended Dec. 3
Asia@dekalbchamp.com
importantly to make us a choice of Thurmond for his ongoing efforts with Tammy Grimes unofficially
first option for brave young men and to support public safety, with most winning the race by less than 7.5
DeKalb County public safety
women who want to pursue a career stating that the pay boost would percent of the vote.
employees may soon receive an
in public safety,” Thurmond said. help fill vacancies, and in some Grimes will take the seat
expedited salary increase, pending
The proposed salary increase departments, retain employees. vacated by Diane Adoma.
approval from DeKalb County
would apply to approximately County representatives say According to Grimes’
Board of Commissioners (BOC).
2,300 county employees, including the increase would be the fourth campaign website (www.
On Dec. 5, DeKalb County
police officers, firefighters, E-911 public safety increase since 2017. votetammygrimes.com/meet-
CEO Michael Thurmond, backed
employees, medical examiner A pay adjustment to address public tammy), the 30-year DeKalb
by public safety representatives
investigators, marshals, state and safety salary compression was resident is “a faithful member and
across the county, held a press
juvenile court probation officers, approved in 2017, followed by a volunteer at New Life Church,
conference announcing the proposed
sworn code enforcement officers, 3-percent adjustment for all county she is also the co-president of
4-percent across-the-board increase
animal services officers, DeKalb employees, and a 4-percent raise for her homeowners’ association and
to all “sworn and unsworn DeKalb
Emergency Management Agency public safety personnel in 2018. represents DeKalb as a member of
County employees who protects and
employees, district attorney Director of Public Safety Jack Snapping Shoals EMC Nominating
serve our residents.”
investigators, solicitor-general Lumpkin said raises in the past Committee.”
Thurmond requested that the
investigators, sheriff’s deputies, have allowed the department to Grimes earned a bachelor’s
estimated $5.4 million value in pay
detention officers and security reverse the net loss of police officers degree in marketing from Clark
raises be immediately placed on a
technicians. and other departments. Atlanta University and a masters
December BOC meeting agenda for
“[Public safety] must be “We should prepare our degree in education from Georgia
consideration. If approved, the pay
addressed holistically. Each and communities for the present and State University.
change would take affect for the first
every one of these men and women future. These seeds will continue
pay period in January 2020.
is critical to our overall success. to germinate,” said Lumpkin. “The
“This is an ongoing effort to
This is our number one priority,” police department has a 13-percent VISIT US ONLINE
continue to, number one, reward
Thurmond said. reduction of violent crimes this year
TheChampionNewspaper.com
SEE PAY ON PAGE 16

Officer injured in wreck, expected to make recovery

BY TAYLOR ROBINS
Taylor@dekalbchamp.com
A DeKalb County police officer is
recovering after a rollover crash Dec. 5.
DeKalb County Police Department
(DCPD) confirmed that Officer Yosef
Raskin was injured after being struck
from behind by another vehicle on I-20
West near Candler Road while in his
patrol vehicle.
“We are thankful and blessed he’s
expected to recover,” the department said
on Twitter.
Yosef was rear-ended by a civilian
driver while on the shoulder of the
interstate, causing the patrol vehicle to
roll over. The crash caused lane blockage
throughout the afternoon.
The department said Raskin’s injuries
are minor and moderate. The civilian
driver was injured but declined care on
the scene from emergency medical service
providers.
The cause of the accident and the
identity of the driver have not been
released by DCPD. DeKalb County Officer Yosef Raskin was
injured in a crash Dec. 5. Photo provided
by DeKalb County Police Department
Twitter.
LOCAL
STONECREST
Arabia Alliance’s new executive
director calls post ‘dream job’
BY JAY PHILLIPS
Jay@dekalbchamp.com
Arabia Mountain
National Heritage Area
includes more than 40,000
acres of wildlife, residential
areas, meadows, rare
species of plants and even a
monastery. The newly hired
executive director of the
Arabia Mountain Heritage
Area Alliance, Revonda
Cosby, said she is ready to
continue the alliance’s work
of preserving the area’s
historic and natural resources
while starting some projects
of her own.
Cosby is replacing Mera
Cardenas, who began
transitioning out of her role
as the executive director
on Dec. 5 to serve another
National Heritage Alliance in
Cleveland, Ohio.
Cardenas said she
believes she is leaving
Arabia Alliance in good
hands and will help Cosby
transition into the role
throughout December. Cosby
said she is excited to take on
her dream job.
“This was at the top
of my list of dream jobs.,”
Cosby said. “It’s who I am,
and it’s the type of work I
do. I’ve known the alliance
for 10 years, and I’ve
watched them be doers and
not just talkers.”
Cosby said she sees
herself as a good fit for the
job and the job as a good fit
for her.
“It had everything
I wanted,” Cosby said.
“Dream job, small staff and
working around people and
things I care about.”
Despite still transitioning
into her new role, Cosby said
she wants to keep Arabia
Alliance’s traditions of
preserving the area’s history
and nature alive.
“My number one goal,
without sounding cheesy,
is to do the heritage area
justice, because it has such a
fine tradition,” Cosby said.
She has identified key
projects that she wants to
“Revonda Cosby (third from left), incoming Executive Director of Arabia Mountain
Heritage Area Alliance with members of the board search committee and outgoing
Executive Director Mera Cardenas (second from right).” Photo by Arabia Alliance.
start in her first 100 days.
“My first priority in my
first 100 days is to support
the Flat Rock Archive and
understand its leadership,”
Cosby said. “It means a lot
to America’s history, not just
our little sector.”
The Flat Rock
community began as a
community of slave holding
farms. Following the Civil
War, many former slaves
moved into Flat Rock and
created a vibrant community.
Now, the Arabia Alliance
is helping to preserve its
history.
Cosby wants to make
sure there is a plan of
succession in place for the
leaders who are growing
older, so that the community
and its history can continue
to be archived.
With part of the National
Heritage Area now in
the newly created city of
Stonecrest, the Arabia
Alliance’s new executive
director said she must keep
an eye on what she calls, “a
new sheriff in town.”
“With Arabia Mountain
being the heart of the
heritage area, we care about
that a lot,” Cosby said. “That
will get the second biggest
sliver of my time.”
Cosby said Stonecrest
Mayor Jason Lary is a
friend to the mountain and
she expects the Arabia
Mountain Heritage Alliance
to have a good relationship
with the city. After all, the
DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019 • PAGE 8
Arabia Alliance’s job is to
make sure everyone involved
in the area works together,
she observed.
“We’re only responsible
for the farmhouse we’re
sitting in. All of the other
organizations operate on
their own and we get to be
a helper,” Cosby said. “Our
job is more facilitation–
making sure all the players
in the heritage area care and
get along and operate as
best as they can. That’s the
business we’re in, managing
relationships.”
As a former DeKalb
County government
employee, Cosby said she
understands both sides of the
city-versus-park fight.
Before taking the job
with the Arabia Alliance,
Cosby was the greenspace
environmental manager for
DeKalb County, where she
managed acquisitions of new
properties and new project
development. Her job with
DeKalb County had her
frequently working around
Arabia Mountain National
Heritage Area and with the
Arabia Alliance.
“It’s like getting to do
that in another way, outside
of government,” Cosby said.
According to their
website, the Arabia Alliance,
“preserves history, conserves
landscapes and increases
awareness of the National
Heritage Area for the benefit
and the enjoyment of all.”
LITHONIA
Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church’s senior pastor.
Photo by New Birth Missionary Baptist Church
Bryant brings new
life to New Birth
BY JAY PHILLIPS
Jay@dekalbchamp.com
Dr. Jamal Harrison
Bryant founded the
Empowerment Temple
AME Church in Baltimore
in 2000. After growing a
following, leading social
protests and working with
the Baltimore community
for 18 years, the third-
generation preacher decided
to move to DeKalb County
to start a new chapter.
That chapter included
becoming senior pastor
at New Birth Missionary
Baptist Church in Lithonia
in December of 2018.
Since being named
senior pastor, Bryant has led
initiatives to help his church
grow and to help DeKalb
County grow.
“Our motivation is
realizing what the poverty
level is in DeKalb County,”
Bryant said. “Eighty-seven
percent of what Jesus did
was outside of the church,
but contemporary churches
are doing the reverse.”
Some of the community
projects Bryant has worked
on include raising bail for
nonviolent offenders before
Easter, collecting back-to-
school shoes and helping
furloughed workers. Bryant
pointed out that these were
events that DeKalb County
needed help with, but he had
no direct connections to,
outside of wanting to help.
Bryant’s work has also
drawn the attention of
celebrities and artists from
around the country. New
Birth Missionary Baptist
Church recently hosted
a Sunday service led by
Kanye West.
“They called us and
asked to come [to our
church],” Bryant said, “and
I’m grateful because we
couldn’t afford to bring
them.”
While the church has
worked on its outreach
programs singularly,
the extra attention that
celebrities have brought
has helped strengthen the
viewership of the church’s
live streamed services.
The extra attention
has helped New Baptist
Ministry create a name
for itself in the area,
according to Bryant, and
has snowballed into making
Bryant’s services streamed
online into international
attractions. Bryant said New
Birth Missionary Baptist
Church draws in viewers
from all over the world, and
that some of their biggest
international markets include
Ghana, South Africa and
cities similar to Chicago.
Much of the increased
viewership has to do with
how Bryant and the church
have identified younger
generations' media habits.
Bryant said a large portion
of those who watch his
online services depend on
his church being accessible
anywhere at any time,
similar to how companies
have adapted to the online
shopping trend.
SEE BRYANT ON PAGE 16
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019 • PAGE 9

WEEK in PICTURES... As seen on DCTV

In a press conference, DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond proposed a 4

percent public safety salary increase. The proposed salary increase would apply
to approximately 2,300 DeKalb County employees. If approved by the Board of
Commissioners, the raise would be effective the first pay period in January 2020.

The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a 2020 Legislative Preview Breakfast and Forum which provided details about
what the local and business community can expect for the 2020 Legislative Session.

DCTV Director Diamond Lewis interviewed Dr. Sandra Ford, DeKalb County’s District Health Director, she will be featured in Let’s
Talk DeKalb, focusing on health in the New Year.

PLEASE RECYCLE
THIS PAPER

23
DCTV CHANNEL 23
Get your front row seat to all
@DCTVCHANNEL23 things DeKalb County through your
DEKALB COUNTY GOV EMMY Award-winning station.
U USTREAM.TV/CHANNEL/DCTV-CHANNEL-23
WWW.DCTVCHANNEL23.TV
EDUCATION
AVONDALE ESTATES
Educator awarded
teacher scholarship
BY TAYLOR ROBINS
Taylor@dekalbchamp.com
Erica Marsh, a DeKalb
County teacher, has been
awarded a scholarship that
will help her attend an
anxiety-related conference.
“By attending this event,
I can learn about the latest
research on the effects of
anxiety on the brain as well
as strategies to support
students in overcoming
these challenges in order to
“thrive in a stressful world,”
Marsh said in her scholarship
submission. “I also plan to
present my newly gained
knowledge at my school
so that all educators and
students I work with can
benefit from my attendance
at this conference.”
Marsh teaches at The
Museum School of Avondale
Estates in Decatur. She was
awarded the scholarship by
the Association of American
Educators Foundation
(AAEF).
AAEF is a charitable
organization that provides
teachers and leaders with
opportunities, information,
and funds to reform and
PET OF THE WEEK
TOYOTA (ID# 41995753)
is a very handsome guy with
gorgeous gold eyes, a shiny
lavender/gray coat, and the cutest
spotted muzzle. In addition to
getting along with other dogs
and being a cutie, Toyota has a
sweet personality, knows his sit
command and takes treats gently.
He is also graceful on the leash
and a great all-around boy. Meet
Toyota today and take him home in
time for the holidays!
If you would like to expand
your family by 4 furry little feet; ask to meet Toyota and have a loving friend
forever. All adoptions include your new pet's spay or neuter, vaccinations,
microchip and more! For more information about Toyota please call (404)
294-2165 or email adoption@dekalbanimalservices.com. All potential
adopters will be screened to ensure Toyota goes to a good home. Hours: Mon-
Fri; 11am-7pm / Sat-Sun; 11am-6pm
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA @DEKALBCHAMPNEWS
Decatur teacher Erica Marsh recently
wins scholarship. Photo provided by
Association of American Educators
Foundation.
improve the education of
America’s youth.
“[AAEF] commends
the dedication [Marsh] has
demonstrated in securing
funding to provide a better
learning environment and
‘whole student’ support,”
AAE Senior Professional
Programs Manager
Melissa Pratt said. “These
scholarships and grants
are an investment in
empowering teachers as
professionals and supporting
student outcomes in all
educational communities
nationwide.”
DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019 • PAGE 10
STONE MOUNTAIN
School bus crashed into tree Dec. 3. File Photo
Brake failure causes bus crash
BY TAYLOR ROBINS 1709 South Hidden Hills according to DCSD
Parkway in Stone Mountain, officials.
Taylor@dekalbchamp.com two miles from the Stone The driver and all
According to a DeKalb Mountain DeKalb County students were examined by
County Police Department School District (DCSD) emergency medical service
accident report sent to The school. The crash site in providers and all students
Champion Newspaper, listed as private property on were released to their
around 3:45 p.m. the the police report. Surface parents, according to DCSD
school bus carrying nine condition for the road officials. The bus was the
Woodridge Elementary was dry, according to the only vehicle involved in the
School students crashed accident report. incident.
into a tree caused by brake One student, who was DeKalb County police is
failure Dec. 3. onboard, was reported investigating the incident.
The crash happened at to have a minor injury,
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EDUCATION
DUNWOODY
Man who escaped hospital after
making school threats located
BY TAYLOR ROBINS
Taylor@dekalbchamp.com
A man who threated
violence against schools has
been found after leaving a
Dunwoody hospital without
discharge Dec. 6, according
to Dunwoody Police
Department (DPD).
DeKalb County School
District (DCSD) and DPD
confirmed that five DCSD
schools were placed on
a lockdown Dec. 6. were
due to a patient who left
Peachford Hospital in
Dunwoody without being
“properly discharged.” The
patient, whose identity DPD
has not been released, was
admitted into the hospital
after making threats to
“shoot up” schools several
REDUCE
REUSE
RECYCLE
days before, according to
DPD officials.
The man is now in
police custody, according to
DPD.
DCSD issued a level-
one lockdown, where
movement at a school is
monitored, to schools near
the hospital because of
the patient’s threats. DPD
said the lockdowns were
precautionary.
Peachtree Charter
Middle School, Chestnut
Elementary Charter School,
Dunwoody Elementary
School, Dunwoody High
School and Vanderlyn
Elementary School were
placed on a level-one
lockdown.
TO WHOMSOEVER
IT MAY CONCERN
This is to notify that
SHAMEEM SULTANA
MOHAMMED had a
previous name that was
SHAMEEM SULTANA. Her
current name includes
her last name and she will
henceforth be known as
SHAMEEM
SULTANA MOHAMMED
Date: Dec. 4, 2019
PROJECT
Road Resurfacing/Paving
Transportation Improvements
Public Safety
The City's Capital Improvement Plan calls for another $133,000 to be spent for the same purpose in 2020, along with about $900,000 in Transpor
DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019 • PAGE 11
EDUCATION BRIEF
BY TAYLOR ROBINS • TAYLOR@DEKALBCHAMP.COM
Duncan named All-League in Soccer
The Liberty League has announced its year-end award
winners for men’s soccer and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
(RPI) student-athlete Arik Duncan of Decatur and Woodward
Academy is among those to have earned the honor.
Duncan, a freshman forward, is second on the team with 11
points on four goals and three assists, despite only playing in 12
games (4 starts). He has taken 32 shots, which is good for second
on the club and has two game-winning tallies. In five Liberty
League games, he has two goals and two assists for six points.
Muse selected for college homecoming court
Jordan Muse, a senior from Decatur, was selected as one of
the representatives of the senior class during Maryville College’s
homecoming festivities on Oct. 19.
A 2016 graduate of Chamblee High School, Muse is a
psychology major at Maryville College.
Candidates are nominated by students in their respective
classes, with the entire student body selecting the homecoming
DCSD officers were royalty through an election.
present at the schools during
the lockdown and DPD
Atubeh receives art award
officers are investigating the
incident.
Lydia Atubeh, art teacher at Redan Middle School in
“It should be noted that Lithonia, has been selected by the Georgia Art Education
the patient was not armed
Association (GAEA) to receive the Georgia Art Education
with any weapons when Association National Junior Art Honor Society Sponsor of the
he left the hospital and the
Year Award for 2020.
lockdown was placed only This award recognizes an outstanding GAEA member for
due to the previous threats
exemplary leadership in sponsoring a National Junior Art Honor
made by the suspect,” DPD Society chapter, contributions, service and achievement at the
officials said in a statement.
state level.
Notice of Availability
DeKalb County 2020 Executive Budget Recommendation
The Chief Executive Officer of DeKalb County will present the 2020 Executive
Budget Recommendation to the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners on
December 13, 2019 for their consideration.
A copy of the entire Executive Budget Recommendation will be available for
public inspection in the Office of Management & Budget, 6th Floor, Maloof
Center during normal business hours. The Executive Budget Recommenda-
tion will also be available electronically at www.dekalbcountyga.gov and will
be available at DeKalb County Library locations.
The DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer and Board of Commissioners will
hold Public Hearings on the 2020 Executive Budget Recommendation at times
and places to be announced later, at which time any persons wishing to be
heard on the budget may appear.
City of Avondale Estates
2018 ‐ 2024 SPLOST
FY 2019 Report on Projects Funded Through Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax
( as required by O.C.G.A 48‐8‐122)
ORIGINAL  CURRENT  CURRENT  TOTAL  ESTIMATED/ 
YEAR  ESTIMATED  ESTIMATED  PRIOR YEAR  YEAR  AMOUNT  PROJECT  ACTUAL 
APPROVED COST COST SPENDING SPENDING EXPENDED COMPLETE COMPLETION
2018 $2,106,616 $2,106,616 0 0 0 NO 12/31/2024
2018 $2,200,000 $2,200,000 0 0 0 NO 12/31/2024
2018 $349,435 $349,435 0 0 0 NO 12/31/2024
Approximately $131,250 will be spent on Public Safety vehicles in late 2019 or early 2020.
Most Road Paving and Transportation Improvement expenditures are projected for 2021 or later.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019 • PAGE 12

AROUNDDEKALB
STONECREST
Arabia Mountain announces
holiday hikes
Arabia Mountain’s Ranger
Ryan is taking guests on a bird
identification walk on Dec. 14.
Appropriate clothing, a refillable
water bottle and binoculars are
suggested for the two-hour hike
that will focus on Atlanta’s 10 most
common bird species. Register by
emailing ArabiaRanger@gmail.
com with the subject “Birding.”
For more information, visit: http://
arabiaalliance.org/event/bird-id-
walk/
Bring a stuffed toy to Arabia
Mountain on Dec. 14 and enjoy
a hike complete with hot coca.
The Arabia Alliance is offering a
chance to have photos taken with
Santa, hike the rock outcrop trail
and decorate cookies during the
same trip. Register in advance by
emailing ArabiaRanger@gmail.
com. For more information, visit:
http://arabiaalliance.org/event/ CHAMBLEE while also enjoying local food and
live music. The event will be held
holiday-elf-hike-7/ Dec. 13, 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. and Dec.
Play kickball in ugly sweaters 14 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Learn more at
AVONDALE ESTATES Chamblee Parks and Recreation
www.decaturholidaymarketplace.
com.
will host an Ugly Sweater Kickball
Tournament Dec. 14 at Keswick
Christmas festival announced Park in Chamblee. DORAVILLE
The event─to be held at 3496
On Dec. 15, the 55-voice First Keswick Drive─requires eight Senior bingo offered
Baptist Church Avondale Estates people per team. To enter into the
Chancel Choir and Chamber tournament the cost is $50. Doraville Library will host
Orchestra will present “Christmas For more information on the Senior Bingo Dec. 12, 2-3 p.m.
in Avondale: A Festival of Nine tournament, visit http://chambleega. The event will include multiple
Lessons and Carols” at 7 p.m. myrec.com/info. rounds of the game and prizes will
Modeled on the traditional British be awarded to winning participants.
DECATUR
service, the concert will feature Doraville Library is located at
an organ and brass ensemble 3748 Central Ave.
prelude, a candlelight processional,
congregational carols, scripture Holiday marketplace announced
readings and prayers. The event
will be held at First Baptist Church Each year, thousands of
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BUSINESS
HEALTHCARE
Georgia OB/GYN Society president vows
to reduce death rate among new mothers
BY KATHY MITCHELL
FREELANCE REPORTER
Albert Scott Jr.,
recently selected as
president of the Georgia
Society Obstetrical and
Gynecological (GOGS),
said his top priority as the
organization’s president
is to reduce the number
of Georgia women dying
during or soon after
childbirth.
Approximately 700
women die of pregnancy-
related problems every
year in the United States,
giving the nation a rate of
17.2 deaths per 100,000
live births between 2011
and 2015, according to the
Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention. The rate
for Georgia is 46.1, the
highest in the nation, and
comparable to the rate
in developing countries.
The statistic reflects the
number of deaths related to
pregnancy or childbirth that
occur within 42 days after
the end of the pregnancy.
“Georgia has an
unacceptably high rate
of maternal mortality,”
said Scott, who is founder
and president of DeKalb
Women’s Specialists. “It’s
disgraceful. This is the 21st
century; there is no reason
for this situation to exist.”
He said he is introducing
several initiatives to assure
that hospitals give women
having babies the care they
need.
Scott called being
named president of the
statewide organization “a
lifetime achievement and a
career high. This is bigger
than anything I’ve ever
done and probably ever will
do,” he said, noting that
GOGS serves as “the voice
for women’s healthcare in
Georgia.” He said he plans
while holding the office to
support quality healthcare
for the women of Georgia.
In addition to working to
decrease maternal mortality
in Georgia, Scott said he
will give time and effort
DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019 • PAGE 13
to improving access to The organization’s
healthcare for women who website states it exists
live in rural areas, including “for the purposes of
increasing the number of furthering the knowledge of
OB/GYN physicians in rural obstetrics and gynecology
areas. among its members; to
“Each of these issues— improve obstetrical and
maternal mortality and gynecological teaching
healthcare access for in all levels and areas of
all women no matter training; to improve the
where they live or what practice of obstetrics and
their income level—is gynecology in the State of
independently important, Georgia by requirement of
as well as interconnected,” high standards of practice
Scott said. “Through and maintenance of such Georgia OB/GYN Society president Albert Scott Jr.
awareness, legislative standards...”
interaction, and working The organization is run
with key stakeholders, by a volunteer statewide
throughout the years and said.
the Georgia OB/ board of directors composed
supporting Georgia OB/  Scott, who holds an
GYN Society will strive of OBGyn physician
GYNs in their care for undergraduate degree from
to bring positive change to members. Its current
patients.  Ohio State University and a
women’s healthcare, serving membership is more than
“Lobbying the Georgia medical degree from Case
as a strong advocate for 900 physicians whose
Legislature for laws we Western Reserve University,
patients in our great state. specialties are obstetrics
feel will bring better has served as chief of staff
“These problems will and gynecology and related
healthcare to women is of DeKalb Regional Health
not be solved during my subspecialists.
an important part of what System and a member of the
time in office—it’s only a Scott, who served on
we do. For example, when DeKalb Hospital Authority
one-year term—but I can the board of the Georgia
legislation was proposed Board. He graduated from
start the process,” said OB/GYN Society for
outlawing the termination the Georgia Physician
Scott, who is GOGS’s 69th 12 years, said he has
of a pregnancy after a fetal Leadership Academy
president. “These are issues seen firsthand how the
heartbeat could be detected, and has been named a
that have interested me for organization continues
we became very involved Top Doctor by Atlanta
a long time, but holding making a difference of
in providing information to magazine.  
this office gives me a women’s healthcare. This
elected officials. I testified
special opportunity to make includes having an impact in
personally in that case,” he
progress in these areas.” various legislative changes
NOTICE OF SALES AND USE TAX ELECTION
TO THE QUALIFIED VOTERS OF THE CITY OF ATLANTA
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that Tuesday, March 24, 2020, the date chosen by the Secretary of State of the
State of Georgia for the presidential preference primary pursuant to Georgia law, an election will be held in all of the
precincts of the City of Atlanta (the “City”). At the election there will be submitted to the qualified voters of the City
for their determination the question of whether a special one percent sales and use tax should be reimposed within
the City, upon the termination of the special one percent sales and use tax presently in effect, for a maximum period
of time of 16 calendar quarters, for the purposes of funding water and sewer projects and costs, at the aggregate
maximum cost of Seven Hundred Fifty Million Dollars and Zero Cents ($750,000,000.00).
Voters desiring to vote for the reimposition of such sales and use tax shall do so by voting “YES” and voters desiring
to vote against the reimposition of such sales and use tax shall do so by voting “NO,” as to the question propounded
to-wit:
“Shall a special 1 percent sales and use tax be reimposed in the City of Atlanta for a period of time not to
exceed 16 calendar quarters and for the raising of not more than Seven Hundred Fifty Million Dollars and
Zero Cents ($750,000,000.00) for the purpose of funding water and sewer projects and costs?”
The several places for holding the election shall be in the regular and established precincts of the City, and the polls
will be open from 7:00a.m. to 7:00p.m. on the date fixed for the election. Those qualified to vote at the election shall
be determined in all respects in accordance and in conformity with the Constitution and the laws of the United States
of America and of the State of Georgia.
This notice is given pursuant to joint action of the City Council of the City of
Atlanta and the Municipal Election Superintendent of the City.
MUNICIPAL ELECTION SUPERINTENDENT OF THE CITY OF ATLANTA
SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019 • PAGE 14

FOOTBALL

Austin Smith checks with the sideline before putting Chavon

Wright in motion.

Coreyon Cone lines up wide Head coach Miguel Patrick delivering a post-game speech. Photos by Jay Phillips

BY JAY PHILLIPS
SAINTS WIN SEMIFINALS
but the Saints’ vaunted Grove found pay dirt when goal. GACS needed a field Wright to score the Saints’
defense came up with their Smith took a quarterback goal to tie the game and a final touchdown and put the
Jay@dekalbchamp.com
first turnover of the game keeper from five yards out touchdown to take the lead, game away. 
when they stripped the ball into the endzone to give the and that’s when the second “That’s the guy we
The Cedar Grove Saints
away from the receiver and Saints a 21-11 lead.  big catch happened. Except started the game off with
beat the Greater Atlanta
recovered it. “That was a huge catch this time, it happened on and finished the game off
Christian School (GACS)
Sophomore running by Coreyon Cone,” Patrick defense.  with,” Patrick said. “Chavon
Spartans 28-18 at Buck
back Rashod Dubinion said. Cedar Grove senior Wright showed you why
Godfrey Stadium Dec. 6
went for 60 yards and a GACS responded by linebacker Isaiah Ratcliff, he’s probably one of the
in the Georgia high school
touchdown a few plays later. returning a kickoff for after making a big sack best backs in the state.”
football AAA semifinals.
Dubinion had 78 yards a touchdown to trim the on third and long of the Wright finished the
The Saints (12-2)
and a touchdown at the end Saints' lead to 21-18. Spartans’ last offensive game with 106 yards and
secured a trip to the state
of the game. A few plays later, the possession, turned a would- one touchdown, his third
championship with the win
GACS got back into Saints ran a direct snap to be-touchdown into an consecutive 100-yard game.
over GACS (12-2), where
the game with a field goal, their running back after interception that he returned Cedar Grove will face
Cedar Grove will have a
but Cedar Grove junior Smith was forced to leave for 40 yards. Crisp County (11-3) Dec.
chance to win its third state
quarterback Austin Smith the game for one play after “We were just playing 14 at 1 p.m. at Georgia State
championship in the past
threw a touchdown to junior losing his helmet. This football, and doing what Stadium in the Class 3A
four seasons.
receiver Langston White caused the Saints to fumble we’ve been doing,” Ratcliff state championship game.
Despite the sustained
that gave the Saints a 14-3 their second handoff of said. “On the last play I saw Crisp County is coming
success, this is Cedar
lead heading into halftime. the game in the wildcat the receiver was too far out off a 14-6 win over Jenkins
Grove head coach Miguel
Smith finished the night formation, this time on their and knew there was only on Dec. 6.
Patrick’s first year.
with 162 total yards and two own goal line. one route he could run, and
“This is amazing,”
touchdowns. Cedar Grove’s defense I just played gap-ball.”
Patrick said. “I couldn’t
However, GACS stood strong and forced That interception set up
ask for a better start to my
answered on its first GACS into a third-and- senior running back Chavon
career as a head coach. This
possession of the second
team deserves everything it
half by capping off a long
gets.”
Two big catches late in
drive with a touchdown DID YOU KNOW?...Parents who supply alcohol to minors actually
from senior running back increase rather than decrease the risk for continued drinking in the teenage
the game helped give the years, therefore paving the way for subsequent drinking problems later in life.
and Georgia Southern
Saints the edge.
commit Tyler Bride.
Despite the game
Then came the first
coming down to the wire,
big catch for Cedar Grove.
Cedar Grove played as if
Smith took a shot down the
they were in control early
field to senior wide receiver
on.
Coreyon Cone, and the
GACS received the
defensive back deflected it
opening kickoff and
with his back. Cone kept
attempted a fourth down
his eyes on the ball and kept
conversion on their first
both feet inside the line
possession. Not only did
before falling backward out
Cedar Grove stop the
of bounds.  For more information, call (770) 285-6037, E-mail: beyondthebell@comcast.net
receiver short of the line,
Moments later, Cedar or visit beyondthebellkids.org
SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019 • PAGE 15
BASKETBALL
Columbia upsets SWD
BY JAY PHILLIPS
Jay@dekalbchamp.com
Southwest DeKalb’s
basketball team hosted Columbia
Dec. 3 and lost 53-50.
This marks the Panthers’ (1-5,
1-2) fourth single-digit loss of the
season, after they finished 24-7
with a regional record of 13-1 last
season. Part of this season’s slow
start is due to the departure of
players such as Georgia commit
KD Johnson, who now plays at
Hargrave Military Academy.
“KD was the guy who
relished the ball at the end of the
game,” said Southwest DeKalb
head coach Eugene Brown
Jr. “While we have older kids,
they’re not experienced in late-
game situations like that.”
However, Southwest DeKalb
still has the talent to compete.
Senior guard and Ohio State
Eugene Brown III takes a trip to the free-throw line. Photos by Jay Phillips
commit Eugene Brown III put
that on full display, as he finished
with 15 points in the first half and
24 points in the game.
Columbia’s (3-2, 3-0)
scoring was more spread out.
The Eagles had four players in
double-figures, including Devin
Longstreet, who had a 10-point,
12-rebound double-double.
D’Kwon Harris added
12 points and nine rebounds;
Kwasiki Ricks had 12 points and
Soloman Holmes had 10 points
for the Eagles.
After a high-scoring first
half that ended with Southwest
DeKalb leading Columbia 30-26,
the third quarter saw both teams
combine for only 10 points. Both
teams overcame the low scoring
third quarter and finished the
game strong.
“It starts with the leadership
of the coaching staff,” said
Columbia head coach Dr. Phil
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Kwasiki Ricks defending Eugene Brown III.
McCrary. “As long as we keep
our composure, then the kids are
going to feed off the excitement
we give. If we’re frustrated, the
kids will reflect that too.”
Southwest DeKalb went on
a run in the fourth quarter, and
it looked like the Panthers were
coasting to a victory. Southwest
DeKalb led by as much as five
points with less than two minutes
left in the game, but Columbia
forced multiple turnovers and
went on a run to take a lead of
their own.
“Twenty-five turnovers here,
21 in another game, 30 in one
game,” Brown said. “That’s too
many turnovers to beat good
teams.”
Brown had a chance for
a game-tying three with five
seconds left on the clock but
missed. The Panthers got the ball
back with less than two seconds
left and Jarett Walton, who
extended Southwest DeKalb’s
lead to five points with an 18-foot
jumper just a minute and a half
earlier, missed a corner three that
would have tied the game, and
Columbia came away with the
win.
Southwest DeKalb lost by
eight points to Lithonia (8-0)
Dec. 6. Lithonia has started
the season on a strong note,
staying undefeated and boasting
a 44-point win over Kowacie
Reeves Jr. and Westside
Macon. Southwest DeKalb is
scheduled to play at Chamblee
Dec. 13 before playing Discovery
in the Hawks-Naismith Holiday
Classic Dec. 14.
Columbia beat Clarkston
(1-6) Dec. 6 and lost to Pinson
Valley (7-1) Dec. 7. Columbia
will be back in action Dec.
13 when it hosts undefeated
Lithonia.
LOCAL
BRYANT Continued From Page 8A
“I’m excited that one
of our new hires for 2020
will be a full-time internet
pastor,” Bryant said. “Their
only job will be to help those
who are in our social media
community.”
Bryant is planning more
initiatives for his church
in 2020, including an HIV
testing event that will
coincide with a New Year’s
Eve service.
New Birth Missionary
Baptist Church plans to put
HIV testing centers on their
church campus and offer to
test the congregation.
“Atlanta is second in
the nation when it comes
to HIV cases, yet there is a
deafening silence,” Bryant
said. “To me it was a no-
brainer. It is just something
that we have to do. It’s
something that impacts
our communities and our
families, so we’re stepping
up to the plate.”
Bryant also plans to start
a college scholarship fund
at the church and to register
DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019 • PAGE 16
PAY Continued From Page 7A
more than 3,000 voters in and about a 13-14 percent the press conference in
According to New Birth
DeKalb County. reduction in property crime’ support of the proposal.
Missionary Baptist Church,
“It gives us our street- 911 communications is at “I think we all
hundreds of new families
credibility,” Bryant said. full staff for the first time in understand throughout your
have joined the New Birth
“We’re not just talking it, many years.” community the importance
Missionary Baptist Church
but we are walking it. We’re The full Fiscal Year that public service brings
in the last year, and Bryant
trying to build a trust in 2020 budget proposal will to us, from economic
plans on adding people to
the community and show be presented to the Board development to individuals
people to his congregations.
we really are about people. of Commissioners for who are on the front line to
He also plans to help some
We’re trying to eradicate consideration by Dec. 15, secure our community,” said
of his out-of-town followers
the [mistaken idea] that ahead of the new budget Cochran-Johnson, adding
make a trip to see a service
churches are just trying to year which begins Jan. 1. that she would like to see the
in person.
take something, but this Commissioners Lorraine increases continue in future
church is trying to give Cochran-Johnson and years.
something.” Steve Bradshaw attended
DeKalb County School District
Projects Constructed with E‐SPLOST V Sales Tax Proceeds
Fiscal Year 2019 (July 1, 2018 ‐ June 30, 2019)
Expenditures1 Excess 
FY 2018           FY 2019             Current Fiscal Year  Proceeds  Estimated 
Original Estimated  Current Estimated  Prior Years (June  (July 1, 2018 ‐ June  Not  Completion 
2012 Sales Tax ‐ Authorized Projects Cost Cost 30, 2018 or earlier) 30, 2019) Total Expended Date
1. Safety and Security Improvements $12,872,000.00 $12,872,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Sep 2024
2. New Facilities and Additions $298,180,000.00 $311,601,132.00 $23,791,734.95 $23,674,819.89 $47,466,554.84 $0.00 May 2023
3. Facility Condition Improvements $96,948,000.00 $96,948,000.00 $1,045,287.66 $2,554,982.81 $3,600,270.47 $0.00 May 2024
4. Technology Improvements $65,000,000.00 $65,000,000.00 $29,329,251.93 $23,061,205.76 $52,390,457.69 $0.00 Jan 2023
5. Buses, Vehicles, and Other Capital Equipment $40,000,000.00 $40,075,000.00 $14,355,153.95 $9,753,799.72 $24,108,953.67 $0.00 Aug 2022
6. Management Support and Program Contingency $48,000,000.00 $174,503,868.00 $7,780,299.66 $9,312,997.67 $17,093,297.33 $0.00 Sep 2024
         All Projects $561,000,000.00 $701,000,000.00 $76,301,728.15 $68,357,805.85 $144,659,534.00 $0.00 Sep 2024
In compliance with O.C.G.A. 48‐8‐122 and O.C.G.A. 48‐8‐141
1 ‐ Total expenditures as presented in this E‐SPLOST report will differ from the annual financial audit report due to timing differences not included in this E‐SPLOST expenditures report, 
relative to contracts payable, retainage payable, and accounts payable.
2 ‐ Current estimated revenues increase from $561 million to $701 million by the increase of $140 million from $140 million in bond revenues for partial program financing.