the DeKalb
49 • 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
District 7 DeKalb commissioner
and city officials discuss 2020
goals, progress
BY ASIA ASHLEY
asia@dekalbchamp.com
For the first time in
what is presumed to be
decades, DeKalb County
commission’s Super
District 7 representative
hosted a joint meeting
with the district’s eight
city leaders.
District 7
Commissioner Lorraine
Cochran-Johnson, now
in her second year as a
commissioner, hosted the
breakfast meeting Jan.
29 for the area’s leaders
to discuss progress and
vision for 2020 and
beyond. Super District
7 represents Lithonia,
Stonecrest, Stone
Mountain, Pine Lake,
Tucker and Doraville, and
parts of Clarkston and
Chamblee.
“People who
understand Super
District 7 understand that
there’s a huge amount of
disparity in incomes and
resources,” said Cochran-
Johnson. “Understanding
the resources of each
one of the cities is very
important.”
Cochran-Johnson
spoke about some of her
focuses for 2020 which
include home ownership,
educational support,
developing senior
initiatives, public safety,
addressing blighted
properties, economic
development and industry
recruitment, and job
creation. She noted
Visit www.TheChampionNewspaper.com for local, real DeKalb County news.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2020 • VOL. 24, NO.
that the consent decree
with the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA)
and Georgia Department
of Natural Resources’
Environmental Protection
Division (EPD) over
violations of the Clean
Water Act has made
it difficult to attract
development.
“It has a great effect Pine Lake Mayor Melanie Hammet was one of several elected officials within DeKalb County’s Super District
overall on development. 7 to speak about city goals during DeKalb County District 7 Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson’s “2020
In some instances, we DeKalb Super District 7 Visioning Breakfast” on Jan. 29. Photo by Asia Ashley
don’t have the water
capacity to facilitate the
growth of developers that
desire to come into certain
areas or communities,”
she said.
During the breakfast,
held at Druid Hills
Country Club, mayors
and council members took
turns briefly highlighting
some of their cities’
progress and goals.
Stonecrest Mayor
Jason Lary spoke of the
city’s plans to convert
the vacant Sam’s Club
building on Turner Hill
Road, which has been
closed for two years,
into a city center that
will house the city’s
various departments. He
also mentioned potential
plans to use the old Sears
building at the Mall at
Stonecrest to house public
safety operations. The
large parking lot is being
considered for potential
space to extend MARTA
rail, he added.
Completing
a mobility study
and updating the
comprehensive zoning
DeKalb commission district map: DeKalb County’s Super District 7 represents the eastern half of the county.
SEE GOALS ON PAGE 6
LOCAL
COUNTYWIDE
Candidates declare intent to vie for DeKalb commission’s Super District 6
Gannon will not
seek re-election
BY ASIA ASHLEY
Asia@dekalbchamp.com
Following DeKalb
County Super District 6
Commissioner Kathie
Gannon’s announcement
that she would not seek
re-election this year, three
candidates have announced
their intent to enter the race.
Gannon made her
announcement Jan. 24
stating: “It is time for the
next generation to move on
up, to provide the energy,
initiative and new ideas
to build upon what we
have started to continue
DeKalb County Super District 6
Commissioner Kathie Gannon
announced she would not seek
re-election this year.
progressive movement
forward in DeKalb County.”
Clarkston Mayor Ted
Terry announced Jan. 27
that he will soon resign his
role as mayor to run for the
District 6 DeKalb County
commission seat and realtor
DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2019 • PAGE 2
Robert Murphy also started
his campaign for the seat.
Digital media executive
Emily Halevy announced
her intent one day prior to
Gannon’s announcement.
 “As a mom, a small
business executive and a
community advocate, I’m
very invested in DeKalb. It
would be an honor to serve
as DeKalb County’s next
commissioner for Super
District 6,” said Halevy,
a 15-year DeKalb County
resident, in a statement.
“I’ve been on the front
lines pushing DeKalb to
preserve and enhance our
neighborhoods. I’ve seen
first hand how our neighbors
are our community’s
greatest strength. Working
together, we can improve
10” x 6.5”
our neighborhoods, plan
intelligently for our future
and make sure county
government works for every
DeKalb resident.”
Terry had begun
campaigning for the U.S.
Senate, but now plans
to resign as Clarkston’s
mayor in March to begin
campaigning to be Gannon’s
successor.   Murphy is a member
“I plan to bring the
same spirit to my work
on behalf of the 750,000
residents of DeKalb that I
brought every day as the
mayor of Clarkston. DeKalb
has faced challenging times
recently, but it has so much
potential to be a leader,”
said Terry in his statement.
“If you supported the vision
of my Senate campaign
Make Sunday
Dinner special.
Find new recipes to perfect your meal
at publix.com/sundaydinners.
for a more equitable and
just society, I ask for your
help in electing me to the
DeKalb County Board of
Commissioners, where I
can make sure many of
the things we care about
are carried out. DeKalb
is one of, if not the, most
Democratic county in
Georgia.”
of the DeKalb County
Democrats and a member of
several realty organizations.
“…DeKalb County
is ready for an expanded
commitment to transparency,
community-focused
development, and robust
voter engagement,” states
Murphy’s campaign website.
“I believe in a strong public
SEE GANNON ON PAGE 7
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2019 • PAGE 3

EDUCATION

Two DeKalb students receive top dollars in financial scholarship contest

BY ASIA ASHLEY
Asia@dekalbchamp.com
Two DeKalb County
School District students
were awarded the first- and
third-place scholarships
from Youth Financial
Literacy Foundation, a
nonprofit created to enhance
financial knowledge and
education for young adults
Mountain High School’s submitted by the student and mindset towards their
Joshua Brooks received the regarding a distributed enhancement of financial
third-place prize of $17,500, financial topic,” states knowledge.”
according to the foundation’s the website. “Our hope The foundation awarded
website. is that the research and a total of $400,000 in
“These scholarships are development to produce scholarships during the
awarded based on a series the answers and essay will 2019-20 school year.
of questions and an essay open up the conversation
and children.
Kayla McGee of
DeKalb School of the Arts
M E T R O P O L I TA N AT L A N TA R A P I D T R A N S I T A U T H O R I T Y
received the first-place
prize of $25,000 and Arabia

Notice of Public Hearing

Notice is hereby given that the MARTA Board of Directors will hold public hearings to
CHAMBLEE consider bus route modifications designed to address public input and service safety,
schedule reliability, operating efficiency, and connectivity.

Proposed Bus Service Modifications

Chamblee wins Visionary City Award
BY JAY PHILLIPS
Jay@dekalbchamp.com
The city of Chamblee
was recognized with a
Visionary City Award
presented by Georgia Trend
magazine and Georgia
Municipal Association
(GMA) during the
associations’ Cities United
Summit in Atlanta Jan. 26,
according to a press release
from Chamblee. Chamblee’s
recognition places it among
nine cities in Georgia to
win in the large population
category.
Judges noted the
city created positive
community change through
effective civic engagement
and its collaboration
fostered healthy working
relationships, according to
the city’s press release.
“These cities exemplify
what it means to be forward-
thinking for their residents
and generations to come,”
said GMA Executive
Director Larry Hanson.
“It’s our privilege to honor
the elected officials, city
staff and community leaders
of these nine cities who’ve
led these initiatives and
projects. They also serve
as inspiring examples of
civility, collaboration and
creating communities of
positive change across
Georgia.”
Chamblee’s Mid-City
and Town Center Strolls and
its approach to gathering
community feedback
and spreading awareness
about city projects were
recognized as highlights of
the city.
“Chamblee seeks to
be on the cutting edge of
community engagement
and awareness. Through the
strolls, we took the feedback
from our stakeholders and
made important decisions,”
said Mayor Eric Clarkson.
The strolls highlighted
proposed improvements
with tactical urbanism and
demonstration projects that
allow people to experience
the corridors as they exist
today as well as how they
would look and feel after
the projects are completed,
according to the press
release.
Judges for the 2020
Visionary City Awards
included representatives
from Georgia Power, the
Department of Community
Affairs and Atlanta Regional
Commission. Winning cities
will be highlighted in the
February issue of Georgia
Trend.
for April 11, 2020
for the following bus routes:
Route 8: North Druid Hills Road; Route 79: Sylvan Hills
Route 82: Camp Creek / South Fulton Parkway
Route 114: Columbia Drive; Route 124: Pleasantdale Road
Route 126: Chamblee-Tucker Road; Route 192: Old Dixie / Tara Boulevard
Route 295: Metropolitan Campus Express
All route information, videos and comment forms are available at www.itsmarta.com.
Tuesday, February 11 Saturday, February 15
East Point City Annex Chamblee Library
3121 Norman Berry Drive 4115 Clairmont Road
East Point, GA 30344 Chamblee, GA 30341
Community Exchange: 6 PM Community Exchange: 11 AM
PUBLIC HEARING: 7 PM PUBLIC HEARING: 12 PM
Riding MARTA: Route 192 Riding MARTA: Route 19
Copies of the proposed Bus Service Modifications and the FY2020 Service Standards will
also be available for public viewing at MARTA’s Headquarters Office of External Affairs, 2424
Piedmont Road, N.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30324 during regular business hours, Mon-Fri-8:30 am
to 5:00 pm.
For formats (FREE of charge) in accordance with the ADA and Limited English Proficiency
regulations contact, (404) 848-4615. For those patrons requiring further accommodations,
information can be obtained by calling the Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (404) 848-
5665.
In addition, a sign language interpreter will be available at the hearing. If you cannot attend the
hearing and want to provide comments you may: (1) leave a message at (404) 848-5299; (2)
write to MARTA’s Office of External Affairs, 2424 Piedmont Road, N.E. Atlanta, GA 30324-3330;
(3) complete an online Comment Card at www.itsmarta.com; (4) email to custserv@itsmarta.
com; (5) or fax your comments no later than February 15, 2020 to (404) 848-4179.
All citizens of the City of Atlanta and the counties of Fulton, DeKalb, Clayton and Gwinnett
whose interests are affected by the subjects to be considered at the hearing are hereby noti-
fied and invited to appear at said time and place and present such evidence, comment or
objection as their interests require.

PLEASE RECYCLE Jeffrey A. Parker, General Manager/CEO

THIS PAPER
OPINION
Cell phones in the classroom, learning tools or distractions?
School systems throughout the
nation, and likely in many countries
throughout the world are no doubt
struggling with the decision of
whether to allow cell phones in
classrooms.
Some say allowing students
to have access to online content
via personal cell phones or similar
devices while in the classrooms aids
in the teaching process by giving
students access of multimedia
platforms and information on any
given subject matter and allows
students access to educational apps
designed help students to better
manage time.
Many parents and guardians
also believe that allowing students to
have cell phones in the classrooms
provides them with a sense of
security and eases anxiety of adults
who are concerned about student
safety and feel the need to be able to
contact the student throughout the
school day.
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To SUBSCriBe, ViSiT deKalBleGalNoTiCeS.CoM
or Call 404.373.7779, exT. 0
The CHAMPION
John Hewitt
johnh@dekalbchamp.com
Conversely, many others see cell
phones in the classroom as a potential
distraction as students, even when
told not to, access non-study-related
content, send text messages to each
other and take photographs of fellow
students and teachers.
There are also those who
believe that by allowing phones in
the classrooms, students are not as
actively engaged with other students
or paying attention to instruction as
they would be if the phones were
inaccessible. Other concerns of those
who do no want cell phones in the
classroom include the possibility of
bullying or harassment by fellow
DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2019 • PAGE 4
students and cheating on tests.
DeKalb County School District’s
official policy on cell phone usage is
that during the instructional day—
which includes classroom time,
lunch periods, class changes, study
halls and instructional activities—the
cell phones must be turned off and
kept out of view unless approved
for instructional processes. Text
messaging is allowed. Special
permission may be granted for
students with medical conditions or
other unusual circumstances.
City Schools of Decatur’s
policies on cell phones differ
depending on input from school
administrators and grade levels. No
personal electronics are allowed
to be used by elementary school
students; middle school students
are not allowed to have cell phones,
but students attending Decatur High
School are allowed to carry and use
cell phones under the “bring your
own device policy.”
Today’s young people are often
attached to digital devices and get
angry when they are not allowed
to have their devices; research
shows that some are actually
addicted to their digital devices and
experience withdrawal symptoms.
Wirelesseducation.com says research
on video games, which many children
are allowed by parents to participate
in daily, has shown that dopamine
is released during gaming and
that “cravings or urges for gaming
produces brain changes that are
similar to drug cravings.”
If school systems allow digital
devices in the classroom, the devices
should be provided as instructional
material by the system, have strict
usage guidelines and able to be
controlled by the teacher.
My belief is that unless there are
extreme extenuating circumstances,
cell phones should never be allowed
in the classroom.
OPINION DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2019 • PAGE 5

When Walmart began its

A holler for dollars buying almost everything online. It’s choices within a couple of miles,
expansion and moves into DeKalb
County during the 1990s, I was a
‘One Man’s not Walmart or dollar stores killing
off local small businesses, it’s
but we still shop at the DeKalb
Farmer’s Market, our longtime
strong supporter and remain a regular Opinion’ e-commerce and the lower costs of neighborhood Kroger, Aldi’s and yes,
customer. Target may be prettier, and operating without employees or brick the occasional dollar store. Avondale
better merchandised, but we prefer Bill Crane and mortar locations. Remember, in Estates also has one helluva selection
Walmart. As the city of Avondale bill.csicrane@gmail.com many parts of our county, if dollar of consignment and thrift stores, but
Estates reversed itself after finalizing stores, convenience stores and gas that is another column for another
an agreement in principle with stations are eliminated, all that may day.  
Walmart Corporate HQ to locate superstore or most grocers. Due be left are boarded up commercial The next time you are
a store on the site of the former to the expense of maintaining and buildings and empty strip malls. Is considering slicing into someone
Columbia, later Avondale Mall–for stocking perishable commodities, the that actually your preference? else’s job, income or property
nearly a decade only occupied by bulk of their grocery items are either  Economic development is not rights, try and remember the cost of
a large rat warren underneath the canned or frozen, with a limited wishing for a Cheescake Factory, it’s freedom begins as low as a dollar;
hulking and vacant mall–city leaders selection of dairy products. But supporting a locally owned or chain/ and is still a relative bargain, all
caved to resident complaints and the dollar stores typically employ area franchise enterprise with your wallet things considered.
store remained in unincorporated residents and pay sales, property and business by being a regular
DeKalb County, along with the and other excise taxes and fees, and repeat customer. Our home in Bill Crane also serves as a
nearly $4 million in sales tax revenue depending on the specifics of Scottdale has been in a low-income political analyst and commentator
which a typical Walmart generates their merchandise offerings. They Zip code for decades. Visionary for Channel 2’s Action News, WSB-
back to its host local government.  typically open in underserved areas, developers, our central location and AM News/Talk 750 and now 95.5
As yard signs had just become often without a full-service grocery proximity to Decatur and Avondale FM, as well as a columnist for The
legal in Avondale Estates, the main nearby.   Estates, are now changing that and Champion, DeKalb Free Press and
drag of Clarendon Avenue was soon And yet, apparently some folks bringing in new residents, families Georgia Trend. Crane is a DeKalb
festooned with “NO WALMART” frustrated by the overabundance of and several hundred thousand native and business owner, living
signs. I was the lone “YES, YES these merchants in certain Zip codes dollar homes and new retail is now in Scottdale. You can reach him
Walmart” sign (homemade). I believe that prohibiting them solves following those rooftops. We now or comment on a column at bill.
later took great delight running some problem. If there are criminal have probably four new grocery csicrane@gmail.com. 
into many of my former Walmart elements hanging out around a store,
protesting neighbors caught shopping that is more of a community/policing
in the mega-store after it opened, concern than an issue caused by the
particularly when I found them in presence of the store. What is next to
line with a full shopping cart.  be banned? Convenience stores, gas
Now some well-intentioned stations? 
community activists and DeKalb Downtown Decatur is flooded
residents are screaming about with restaurant choices and pricey
the overabundance of dollar parking options. Restaurant
stores (70 and counting) across closings are becoming a regular
our county as well as within happening. Should we now just go
several municipalities. As a result, ahead and ban new restaurants—
the DeKalb County Commission has seeking more business type
put in place a six-month moratorium diversity—just because that sounds
on the zoning, permitting or so very Decatur? 
construction of any additional dollar Here is a novel idea. If you don’t
stores. This is short-sighted, and bad like dollar stores, don’t shop in dollar
public policy.  stores. I can all but assure you that
Dollar stores, just like most of their locations will not go
Neiman Marcus (Needless Mark- out of business. If you want to see
up for the uninitiated) are not for a wider array of retailers, such as a
everyone. Their operating hours full-service grocer and other choices
are limited compared to a 24-hour in your neighborhood, perhaps stop

Visit The Champion Newspaper online @

TheChampionNewspaper.com

FREEPRESS
the DeKalb
Publisher: Staff Reporters:
STATEMENT FROM THE
John Hewitt Asia Ashley PUBLISHER
Jay Phillips We sincerely appreciate the
LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK! Chief Financial Officer: discussion surrounding this and any
issue of interest to DeKalb County.
Dr. Earl D. Glenn Social Media Manager: The Champion was founded in
SEND LETTERS TO EDITOR, Donna Seay 1991 expressly to provide a forum
THE DEKALB FREE PRESS encourages opinions from Production Manager: for discourse for all community
The DeKalb Free Press, residents on all sides of an issue. We
its readers. Please write to us and express your views. P. O. Box 1347, Decatur, GA 30031-1347; Kemesha Wadley have no desire to make the news
Letters should be brief, typewritten and contain the only to report news and opinions to
Send email to Johnh@dekalbchamp.com effect a more educated citizenry that
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verification. All letters will be considered for publication.
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114 New Street, Suite E, Decatur, GA. 30030 we make every effort to avoid
EDITOR’S NOTE: The opinions written by columnists and contributing editors do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Phone (404) 373-7779. • www.championnewspaper.com printing information submitted to
us that is known to be false and/or
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LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2020 • PAGE 6

Monadnock Madness connects local mountains

BY JAY PHILLIPS
Jay@dekalbchamp.com
Every year the Arabia Alliance celebrates
Arabia Mountain, Panola Mountain and Stone
Mountain, the metro’s three major monadnocks,
in March with Monadnock Madness. This year
will be no different, and Arabia Alliance is
gearing up for 2020’s Monadnock Madness with
tickets already on sale.
According to Merriam Webster, a monadnock
is an isolated mountain. Many monadnocks,
like the ones in DeKalb County, are created by
erosion.
Monadnock Madness includes a variety of
events, but its three marquee events are the guided
triple mountain hike, photography workshops and
mountain top yoga, according to Zack Loehle
Arabia Alliance’s communications manager.
The events correspond with the blooming of
plants such as diamorpha that cover portions of
the monadnocks and allow guests to experience
the mountains during spring weather.
Diamorpha is a small red plant that grows
in the solution pits on the mountains. It blooms
around the time of Monadnock Madness and
covers patches of the mountains in white flowers.
“It’s that time of the year where the
mountains just kind of explode [with color],” said
Loehle.
The seemingly innocuous sandy patches,
muddy spots and puddles that dot the surface of
Arabia Mountain are home to these plants such
as diamorpha, according to Loehle and the Arabia
Alliance. These patches, called “solution pits,” are
home to plant species found almost nowhere else
on earth, and guests are asked not to disturb the
fragile habitat.
The guided triple mountain hike, or the triple
hike challenge, takes hikers on a trek through
Guests during last year’s Triple Hike Challenge. Photo
provided by Arabia Alliance.
Arabia Mountain, Panola Mountain and Stone
Mountain in one day. Hikers may pick up a
passport and get it stamped at all three locations
to earn a souvenir.
This year comes with the option to hike a
fourth local monadnock, Kennesaw Mountain. If
hikers complete the triple mountain hike and then
hike Kennesaw, they’ll receive a second prize.
The triple mountain hike is about eight miles
and allows guests to see endangered species of
plants, wildlife and learn about local heritage.
The hikes are led by park rangers and expert
volunteers. The hike also can be done on a “hike
as you like,” basis. Hikers will still need a guide
for the Panola Mountain portion, but the hike as
you like method allows hikers to go at their own
pace and doesn’t require the entire hike to be
completed in one day.
Guided triple mountain hikes are scheduled
for March 7, 21 and 28 and will conclude with
fire-roasted s’mores. All three dates are for day
hikes, but March 28 also comes with an option
for a night hike. The day hikes last from 9:30 a.m.
until 4:30 p.m. and the night hike lasts from 1
until 7:30 p.m.
The nature photography classes are led by
veteran photographer Larry Winslett. The classes
are good for any level of photographer, according
to Loehle, because Winslett makes them personal
and offers a wide array of advice and experience.
“You get one-on-one time with [Winslett] on
every mountain,” Loehle said. “We have some
folks who come pretty much every year because
they say every time they come they get something
else out of it.”
The nature photography classes are another
way to participate in the triple mountain hike,
because they take guests to Arabia Mountain,
Stone Mountain and Panola Mountain for
different classes. Those classes include landscape,
macro and wildlife photography.
Nature photography classes are scheduled for
March 7 and 15 from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Mountain top yoga is another one of the
yearly activities that Monadnock Madness is
bringing back and taking to the next level. This
year, mountain top yoga will take place at sunset.
Mountain top yoga classes are held at the
peak of Arabia Mountain. This is a beginner’s
yoga class led by Sandra Bonkiene of Bakari
Yoga, a yoga studio in Decatur and is acceptable
for all levels of skill.
“We’re really excited that it’s going to be at
sunset this year,” Loehle said. “It’ll be beautiful.”
Yoga is scheduled for March 29 from 6. until
8 p.m.
Other events at Monadnock Madness include
geocaching challenges, guided bird walks,
hiking with dogs, AWARE tours, archery and
more. Monadnock Madness has limited spaces.
For more information and tickets, visit: https://
monadnockmadness.com/.

GOALS Continued From Page 1

map are part of the city of
Doraville’s goals this year,
according to Mayor Joseph
Geierman and council member
Stephe Koontz.
Tucker Mayor Frank
Auman commended on his city’s
enhancements to recreation and
nurtured relationships with the
faith-based community, which
he said often provides services to
low income and homeless in the
city.
While Chamblee Mayor Eric
Clarkson said he has previously
stood firm on his opposition to
attend county-related events, he
said he was honored to attend the
breakfast as he inferred the event
appeared to be focused more on
the cities as in contrast to other
county events and meetings.
Clarkson lauded the city’s
receipt of the Visionary City
Award from the Georgia
Municipal Association;
Chamblee is one of nine cities
in the state to receive the
recognition. The city also has
been recognized as one of four
cities in the Georgia Smart
Communities challenge for its
upcoming implementation of an
autonomous shuttle.
“The biggest thing is our
town center development,”
said Clarkson. “We’re also
making investments on Buford
Highway.”
Travelers often don’t know
where Lithonia is located, said
Lithonia Mayor Shameka
Reynolds, thus her goals for
2020 are rebranding for the city.
“I want people to know
where Lithonia is,” she said.
Pine Lake Mayor Melanie
Hammet said leaders of the
small city will continue to focus
on community engagement in the
tight-knit community.
Stone Mountain Mayor
Pro Tem Chakara Johnson
said the city, like Lithonia, will
focus on rebranding, as the city
is often known for its history
of racial tension. As part of the
rebranding, the city recently
renamed Venable Street, which
was named for a former mayor
and reported Ku Klux Klan
member. The street is now called
Eva Mamie Lane.
Johnson added that the city
is also focused on employee
retention by enhancing employee
benefits packages and thanked
Cochran-Johnson for DeKalb
County’s partnership on certain
projects, such as funds to rehab
the Stone Mountain library which
is near completion.
Cochran-Johnson took notes
during the informal breakfast
meeting as each of the city’s
leaders spoke.
“I look forward to being
a resource and working
progressively to make things
happen,” said Cochran-Johnson.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2019 • PAGE 7

COUNTYWIDE

OUR SOUTH DEKALB MALL

LOCATION ONLY

CLOSING!

30 60
Nikko McClinton Ronald Anderson

DeKalb officers arrested PRICES REDUCED

CEED
C D STOREWIDE!
T NOW TAKE
K
for selling police reports

BY ASIA ASHLEY
Asia@dekalbchamp.com
Two DeKalb County
Police Department (DCPD)
officers were booked into
the DeKalb County Jail
Jan. 30 and charged with
% %
The investigation
was launched after a
DCPD officer informed
the department’s Criminal
Investigation Division
about the alleged criminal
conduct.
“The DeKalb County

computer theft and violation
of oath of office for
allegedly selling accident
reports, according to a
DCPD press release.
Nikko McClinton and
Ronald Anderson, both
nine-year veterans of the
DCPD, allegedly accessed
and sold thousands of motor
vehicle accident reports,
the release states, and sold
them to “illegal runners,”
individuals who solicit
clients who could profit
TO
Police Department will not
tolerate officer misconduct
and will take proper action
to safeguard the privacy
of our citizens and enforce
the law,” said DCPD Chief
Mirtha Ramos in the press
release.
Both officers have been
placed on administrative
leave with pay pending OFF OUR LOWEST TICKETED PRICES!
appropriate disciplinary
action. McClinton was
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additionally charged with
FINE JEWELRY ♥
ALL F
♥
60
bribery.

%
Anyone with
from injury or property information regarding the
damage caused by an case is asked to contact Det. NOW
automobile accident. Fielder at (770)724-7837. OFF!
♥ ♥
VALENTINE’S DAY IS NEXT FRIDAY! ♥
GANNON Continued From Page 2
trust in ethical practices by our elected officials that is
EVERYTHING MUST GO!
enforced by a modern, collaborative approach to problem- FIXTURES FOR SALE! SEE STORE FOR DETAILS!
solving.”
Gannon, whose term is set to expire Dec. 31, has
endorsed Halevy to take over as the District 6 representative ONLY AT OUR DECATUR LOCATION!
upon her departure.
“Please take the time to get to know any candidates for
District 6 to make sure they are sincere about public service SOUTH DEKALB MALL
and serving you; that they are accessible and that they can 2731 CANDLER RD (404) 243-2611
work with the board of commissioners,” Gannon stated.
“I am thrilled to present to you for your consideration the MON, TUE & WED 10AM-8PM, THU 10-9PM, FRI & SAT 10AM-10PM, SUN 12-7PM
person I will support as my District 6 county commissioner,
Emily Halevy.” ALL SALES FINAL.
DeKalb County Super District 6 includes portions of the
EXCLUDES PRIOR SALES. “ORIGINAL” & “REGULAR” PRICES ARE OFFERING PRICES THAT MAY NOT HAVE RESULTED IN SALES, AND INTERMEDIATE MARKDOWNS
city of Atlanta, Avondale Estates, Brookhaven, Chamblee, MAY HAVE BEEN TAKEN. ACTUAL SAVINGS MAY EXCEED STATED PERCENTAGE OFF. OFFERS VALID AT THIS LOCATION ONLY. AS OF 1/13/2020 ALL SALES
Clarkston, Decatur, and Dunwoody. ARE FINAL, NO RETURNS, NO ADJUSTMENTS. FOR MERCHANDISE SOLD PRIOR TO 1/13/2020, RETURNS WILL BE ACCEPTED WITH PROOF OF PURCHASE
Candidates may officially qualify for the seat March 2, THROUGH 2/12/2020. DUE TO THE NATURE OF THIS SALE, WE CAN NO LONGER HONOR COUPONS, MALL CERTIFICATES OR ADVERTISED PRICES OFFERED
AT OTHER MACY’S STORES OR MACYS.COM. THE RUG DEPARTMENT IS A LEASED DEPARTMENT AND DISCOUNTS MAY VARY FROM STOREWIDE DISCOUNTS.
ahead of the May 19 General Election Primary.
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EDUCATION
COUNTYWIDE
Students ready to
Read to the Final Four
BY JAY PHILLIPS
Jay@dekalbchamp.com
Schools from around
metro Atlanta participated in
Read to the Final Four—a
competition put on by the
NCAA, Final Four and the
Atlanta Basketball Host
Committee between third
grade classes in different
elementary schools that
rewards the schools with
the highest average minutes
read—and three of the
schools that made the final
68-school bracket are from
DeKalb County.
Students at Livsey
Elementary, Indian Creek
Elementary and Wynbrooke
Elementary all heard their
schools’ names called at
the Atlanta Basketball Host
Committee’s selection show
at B C Haynie Elementary
School in Morrow.
“They are so excited,”
said Shawna Pickett
principal of Livsey
Elementary School. “[The
third-grade classes] kind of
already knew that they’d
make it, because they
check daily because they’re
obsessed with seeing where
we are in the rankings. The
students were elated, and
they cheered.”
Schools that participated
in Read to the Final Four use
a digital literacy platform
that provides access to
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DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2019 • PAGE 8
thousands of books and
tracks time spent reading.
The program is called
MyON by Renaissance, and
schools such as Livsey will
have access to the platform
until June.
According to Pickett, the
online platform doesn’t just Carl Adkins, Grant Hill, Morcease J. Beasley and Matthew White prepare for the bracket reveal at the Read to
provide reading material. It the Final Four selection show. Photos by Jay Phillips.
also comes with dictionaries
and note taking capabilities,
student isn’t able to read by
as well as allowing students
third grade, the percentage
to share and recommend
level for them being able to
books, and allows teachers to
graduate high school drops
give quizzes.
so much. So, we’ve really
“When I ask the
put an emphasis on that.”
students what their favorite
At the selection show,
part about [the MyON
the Atlanta Basketball Host
platform] is, the number one
Committee said that third
thing is the variety of books
grade is when students
it offers,” said Livsey. “Their
typically begin to change
favorites are the scary and
their reading patterns from
gross books, of course.”
learn-to-read to read-to-
The platform provides
learn.
options for novels and gives
According to Pickett,
students access to books
the platform is helping The Final Four trophy along with Read to the Final Four memorabilia.
relevant to the classes they
students get used to reading
take at school. Pickett said
for longer periods of time
math and science teachers
and lets teachers track
are using some of the things
progress and issue progress Pickett said. “We want the competition has really
the platform offers, and
reports. The wide variety to make sure we give amped the kids up.”
the students can access the
of topics and subjects that them every opportunity to The schools that
material from school or
the platform offers helps succeed.” advance to the bracket’s
home.
students enjoy what they’re Livsey is encouraging Final Four will be honored
While the competition
reading, and that is important reading, but the school is before the NCAA Final Four
is fun, the most important
when it comes to creating also competing for a chance in Atlanta April 4. With the
thing, according to Pickett, is
positive reading habits, to win the Read to the Final way the brackets are set up,
to build good reading habits.
according to Pickett. Four. all three DeKalb County
“[Teachers and
“We see that students “I’ve been pleased schools could advance to
administration] are told
begin to develop more and with the opportunity and the Final Four, and Pickett
that—and we’ve read
kind of alter into strong excited,” Pickett said. “I was said that is exactly what her
research that shows— if a
readers in third grade,” excited before, but to be in students are hoping happens.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2019 • PAGE 9

WEEK in PICTURES... As seen on DCTV

During the Jan. 28 DeKalb County Board of Commissioners meeting,
Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson and the DeKalb Board of
Commissioners recognized Rev. Dr. E. Dewey Smith, senior pastor of
House of Hope for his work to end human trafficking through Tabitha’s
House. Also present in honor of Human Trafficking Awareness Month
were DeKalb District Attorney Sherry Boston and DeKalb Solicitor-
General Donna Coleman-Stribling.

Chief Susan V. Loeffler of DeKalb County Emergency Management

Agency will be retiring. She was recognized for more than 20 years of
service and dedication in emergency preparedness and keeping DeKalb
safe. DCTV wishes Loeffler a happy retirement.

Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson recently visited Engineering Glass Management, a company located in

DeKalb County. She partnered with EGM to launch an apprenticeship program that has nine participants who
are now certified and working in the construction field.

DCTV is working on a project with 311 the Citizens Help Center to

advise residents, business owners and visitors in DeKalb County that
government information and resources are just a phone call away at District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson along with the Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority hosted a community
(404)-371-2000 or via email at 311CCC@dekalbcountyga.gov conversation on teen mental health at Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center.

23
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LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2019 • PAGE 10

20 for 20 ad
LOCAL
DUNWOODY
Dunwoody Police Department
introduces new strategies
The Dunwoody Police
Department is introducing
“Silent Partners,” a new
initiative designed to fight
crime with technology,
according to a press release
from the city.
The press release
said the Dunwoody police
department plans to use a
network of security cameras
and license plate readers
(LPRs) while partnering
with residents and business
owners to share and
stream video footage that
may assist in solving and
preventing crime.
“We’ve developed a
secure mapping system
called the Silent Partners
Portal that makes it easy
to join by registering
your camera or LPR,”
said Dunwoody Police
Chief Billy Grogan. “It’s
important to note that by
joining, you don’t lose any
privacy rights. Participation
does not provide our
department with direct
access to private video
footage but rather identifies
where potential footage
might be. This allows us
to leverage technology and
work as a team.”
Participation in Silent
Partners is confidential
and voluntary. For security
cameras, the portal only
provides the location
of registered cameras,
according to the city.
If a crime occurs near
a camera listed on the
map, investigators may
request video footage from
a specific time period to
look for suspicious cars,
people or other evidence,
and cooperation with
any request is voluntary.
Dunwoody’s press release
said only law enforcement
DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2019 • PAGE 11
OUR DECATUR LOCATION ONLY
ALL AREA RUGS
PRICED
TO SELL!
personnel will have access
to the portal.
“In the past, we would
have to canvas an area and
go door-to-door to look
for surveillance video that
might help solve a case,”
Grogan explained. “Silent
Partners streamlines the
process by providing the HAND CRAFTED RUGS AND MACHINE REPRODUCTIONS.
location of cameras. We still
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have to ask for and receive
permission before accessing
the data.”
LPRs are another ALL THE FAMOUS BRANDS YOU LOVE!
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to The City of Dunwoody.
The Dunwoody Police
Department already uses
STOREWIDE SAVINGS
about 20 fixed LPRs in
high-traffic areas to capture
images of license plates and
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to identify stolen vehicles,
stolen tags and wanted
suspects.
Several businesses,
apartment complexes and
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neighborhood groups have
recently installed their own
LPRs to help reduce crime,
according to a press release.
Registration is free.
Any information gathered
through these partnerships
is for official investigative
use only. Dunwoody
residents can visit http://
www.dunwoodyga.gov/
silentpartners for more
information and to register.
LOCAL
COUNTYWIDE
Ban on new dollar, discount stores extended
BY ASIA ASHLEY
Asia@dekalbchamp.com
Nearly a dozen DeKalb
County residents lined
up to speak in support of
extending a moratorium on
small box discount stores,
such as dollar stores, during
a public hearing Jan. 28.
DeKalb County Board
of Commissioners approved
extending the moratorium
for another 180 days while
a study is conducted to
evaluate the effects of
small box discount stores.
A 45-day moratorium was
originally approved during
the Dec. 17 BOC meeting,
and was spearheaded by
District 7 Commissioner
Lorraine Cochran-
Johnson.
The moratorium puts a
hold on new applications of
small box discount stores,
which— as defined by the
county ordinance — are
retail stores 16,000 square
feet or less that offer a
STONE MOUNTAIN
Stone Mountain mayor earns Certification of Distinction
BY JAY PHILLIPS
Jay@dekalbchamp.com
Stone Mountain
Mayor Patricia Wheeler
received the Certificate
of Distinction award at
the 2020 Cities United
Summit (formerly known
as Mayor’s Day) held at
Hilton Atlanta and Towers
Jan. 24 through Jan.
27, according to a press
release from the city.
Robert E. Knox Jr.
Municipal Leadership
Institute is a seminar
designed to help city
officials enhance their
leadership skills. This
leadership institute is a
nationally recognized
training development
consultant, according
Visit The Champion Newspaper online @
TheChampionNewspaper.com
variety of discounted
shopping goods with
majority of its inventory for
sale at a lower price than
traditional retail stores.
“Having more than one
or two dollar stores within
a two-mile radius isn’t
necessary when most of
DeKalb County is served by
MARTA. So there’s a way
to get to these stores without
having to walk,” said
DeKalb resident Emanuel
Lewis.
While general concerns
are that the discount stores
don’t sell fresh foods
and are often located in
areas considered to be
food deserts, one resident,
Charles Peagler, suggested
the public stop shopping at
them.
“If you want to stop
them from coming, stop
going,” Peagler said.
Few residents spoke
in opposition to the
moratorium, stating that
the definition of “small
box discount store” needed
Mayor Patricia Wheeler with her
Certificate of Distinction award.
Photo provided by city of Stone
Mountain.
to the press release.
It facilitates exercises
that address the daily
problems of governing
a municipality
and demonstrate
the importance of
DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2019 • PAGE 12
further clarification.
“This ordinance would
ban thrift stores. They don’t
sell food, but they sell things
for less than the average
price,” said Clarkston
resident Steven Benny.
As opposed to
a moratorium, Stone
Mountain resident William
Freeman suggested that File photo
county leaders look into
incentivizing large grocers
to locate in the food desert “Dollar stores tend the highest levels of obesity,
areas. to highly saturate areas,” hypertension and high blood
“The vacancies of the Cochran-Johnson stated pressure, there is a direct
big stores is what makes it during the segment. “When correlation between their
look bad,” said Freeman. you look at the pattern of presence and poor health.
“I really think the county growth of the dollar store, as We see it in the data.”
should be bending over well as the areas that have
backwards to figure out how
to get them back in there.”
Cochran-Johnson was
featured on CBS Sunday
Morning in December
discussing the effects of the
growth of dollars stores. An
estimated 50 of 70 dollar
stores in the county are
within her district, which
represents half of DeKalb
County.
communication and
collaboration, said the
city of Stone Mountain’s
press release.
Municipal elected
officials are required to
complete the Municipal
Leadership Institute’s
program to earn a
Certificate of Excellence
and a Certificate of
Distinction. According
to the press release,
Wheeler was awarded the
Certificate of Distinction.
The Certificate of
Distinction requires
204 hours of training,
including at least 72
hours from the required
list of courses, the Newly
Elected Officials Institute,
and the Robert E. Knox
Jr. Municipal Leadership
Institute.
BUSINESS
COUNTYWIDE
Decide DeKalb has big successes in 2019
BY KATHY MITCHELL
FREELANCE REPORTER
During 2019, Decide
DeKalb Development
Authority experienced a
surge in capital investment
that reached $1.14 billion,
eight times the capital
investment made in 2018.
“We simply couldn’t
have done this without
quality leadership—county
commissioners who have
been totally on board with
what we’re doing and stand
ready to help any way they
can. Without the steady
hand of CEO Michael
Thurman, we wouldn’t
be telling this story,” said
Decide DeKalb’s Interim
President Dorian DeBarr.
Decide DeKalb
Development Authority
describes itself as “the
primary economic
development engine to
attract, expand and retain
businesses in DeKalb
County.”
“Decide DeKalb’s
overall goal is to drive a
higher quality of life for
DeKalb County residents,”
DeBarr noted. “Many
factors contributed to
growth in 2019, including
job creation and access,
capital development and
community collaboration.
Our work reflects the
commitment and cohesion
needed for a prosperous
DeKalb County.”
DeBarr added, “We
went to the private sector
and asked them to support
us with their expertise
and perhaps their dollars.
They came through in a big
way. Partnerships among
passionate local businesses,
government leaders and
industry professionals
are moving economic
development forward for
the county.”
He said many do not
understand that economic
development is not an
overnight process. “People
see things like the growth
in Decatur and think that
it happened very quickly.
What they don’t understand
DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2019 • PAGE 13
is that people had been
quietly working for perhaps
20 years to make things
happen that we’re now
seeing,” said DeBarr, who
noted that as a DeKalb
native he is especially
pleased with the county’s
economic growth. “I grew
up here. I went to Towers
High School. I worked
with the city of Atlanta for
a while, but I’m excited
to be back in DeKalb with
all the great things that are
happening here.”
DeBarr said through
“coordinated and intentional
recruitment across seven
sectors,” the organization
generated 748 new full-time
jobs and 747 expansion Blackhall Studios is among the entertainment-related businesses that are contributing to DeKalb County’s
jobs while retaining 6,016 economic growth. Photos provided
jobs in DeKalb County.
“This is what I’m most
proud of,” Barr said. “We’re
putting people to work in
quality jobs. Workforce
development has been our
biggest success story.”
Decide DeKalb reports
that during 2019, it engaged
companies and partners of
all sizes across the county
with nearly 100 one-on-
one meetings to address
business retention and
expansion opportunities.
The organization landed
10 new projects, including
what it describes as
Children’s Healthcare
of Atlanta’s “highly
innovative” North Druid
Hills campus.
DeBarr cited the
entertainment industry
as a major player in
DeKalb’s economic growth.
“Bringing entertainment
projects and revenue to
DeKalb County created
Development such as that in Stone Mountain Village is the result of partnerships among local businesses,
a palpable wave of government leaders and industry leaders, according to Decide DeKalb’s Interim President Dorian DeBarr.
excitement. Film, TV, music
and commercial revenue
permitting further solidified He added, “We can Launched in January of to accelerate economic
DeKalb County as a serious attribute a significant 2019, the initiative raised opportunities in the
entertainment destination. part of Decide DeKalb’s $1.3 million—more County,” he said.
Some of the year’s wrapped achievement in 2019 to than 85 percent of its DeBarr said there is
productions included Dolly the creation of Advance goal—in less than a year. still more on the horizon.
Parton Presents, Watchmen, DeKalb.” He explained “Advance DeKalb’s goals “We urge people to learn
The Gig with Shaq & Ken, that Advance DeKalb is “a of workforce development, more about what we’re
Bad Boys 3, Doom Patrol, five-year transformative documentation of county doing, to get involved and
Greenleaf S4, Legacies, economic growth initiative infrastructure and services to hold us accountable.
The Outsider, The Resident to foster investment in alongside evolution of the We’re all in this together.”
S2, Black Lightning, DeKalb County, benefiting DeKalb brand underscore
Zombieland 2 and Jumanji: all of metro Atlanta.” Decide DeKalb’s work
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2019 • PAGE 14

AROUNDDEKALB
ATLANTA
Nonprofits invited to networking meeting The event will be Feb. 8 from 10 a.m. until
4 p.m. at Flat Rock Archives, which is located at
DeKalb-Clarkston Community Resource 3956 Crossvale road, Stonecrest.
Church to present free concert meeting is for nonprofit agencies in DeKalb

Saint Philip A.M.E. Church and Rev. William

D. Watley, Ph.D. will present “The Formula is
Love” send-off concert on Feb. 9, at 5 p.m. in the
Sanctuary. This free concert will feature more than
200 combined voices from all six choirs at Saint
Philip plus the Holy Dance Ministry.
Saint Philip is located at 240 Candler Road
SE. For more information, contact L’Tanya
Moore-Copeland at (678) 553-8423 or (404) 371-
0749 ext. 8423.
County to combine resources and information for
community.
The DeKalb-Clarkston Community Resource
Network meeting is held every second Monday at
11:30 a.m. at the T.O. Vinson Health Center, 440
Winn Way. Lunch will be provided.
For more information, contact Reggie
Johnson at Reginald.johnson@caresource.com or
Christiana Davis at powerofwomenunitedllc@
gmail.com.
STONE MOUNTAIN
Voters encouraged to attend sheriff candidates
forum
The DeKalb County Democratic Committee
will be hosting the DeKalb County Sheriff
Candidates Forum Feb. 13 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at
Redan High School Auditorium, 5427 Redan Road.
Mountain, GA 30088.

STONECREST
The forum is open to the public and all

DECATUR
Library to host black history event
Guests can test their Black history knowledge
by visiting the Black History A to Z Museum at the
Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library, 2861
Wesley Chapel Road.
Museum artifacts and memorabilia
highlighting accomplishments of African
Americans were curated by Dr. Joyya Smith and
Sandra Smith. There will be trivia and storytelling
and light refreshments will be served. The event
will be held Feb. 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Manga dance performance to be at Browns Mill
Celebrating Black History Month, Manga
African Dance Inc. will perform “Rhythm and
Motion” at Browns Mill Recreation Center on
Friday, Feb. 7, at 6 p.m. For more information,
visit: http://bit.ly/37qElsx
Browns Mill Recreation Center is located at
5101 Browns Mill Road, Stonecrest.
Mayor to present Flat Rocks history
The public is invited to celebrate Black
History Family Day at Flat Rock Archives in
Stonecrest. Mayor Jason Lary will present
information about history in the Flat Rock
community.
voters, regardless of party affiliation, to receive
information about candidates running in the special
election for sheriff. The election is March 24, with
early voting beginning March 2.
TUCKER
Senior Valentine’s Day event set
Tickets are on sale now for the second annual
Valentine’s Day Social for Seniors. The event will
take place on Feb. 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at
the Tucker Recreation Center auditorium and will
be followed by an optional screening of a classic
movie.
Last year, dozens of participants were present
for music, dancing and lunch. This year, lunch will
be catered by Bambinelli’s Italian Restaurant.

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SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2019 • PAGE 15

BASKETBALL

Remembering Kobe Bryant’s visit to Columbia High School

BY MARK BROCK

Nine people perished

in a helicopter crash in
California Jan. 26, but one of
those sparked fond memories
for Columbia High School’s
basketball program.
The Eagles were on
their way to a 31-2 record
and Class 4A state title
runner-up finish in 2007
when they learned a special
visitor was coming to the
school to speak.
The visitor was NBA
star Kobe Bryant of the Los
Angeles Lakers, who was in
town for his team to face off
with the Atlanta Hawks.
Bryant, along with
his 13-year old daughter Kobe Bryant sitting behind the Columbia bench during the Kobe Bryant answering questions at Columbia High School with Columbia head
Gianna were two of the nine Eagles game against St. Pius in February of 2007. coach Phil McCrary. Photos by Mark Brock
involved in the helicopter
crash.
The two-time NBA to talk with the players and “So many of us were fans of noticed a contingent of in front of one of the all-
MVP was just 29 years old students,” said McCrary. Kobe. He really inspired a people entering the gym. time great NBA players
when his agent, Rob Pelinka “He talked with them about lot of youth to work hard at Bryant along with his agent that night,” said Lemons.
(now GM of the Lakers), how it took hard work and anything they try do.” and several others sat down “That is a memory no one
and Nike arranged for the dedication to excel both Before Bryant left behind the Columbia bench can take away from us. It is
basketball star to make on the court and in the that day—after taking to watch the game. still something the people
the stop to interact with classroom.” numerous photos and signing “That night was at Columbia take pride in to
the players and students at Jordan Lemons was a autographs—some of the unbelievable,” said McCrary. this day. I’m thankful to him
Columbia. senior on that 2007 Eagle’s students told him he should “We had planned for him to and the people at Nike for
One of the NBA’s club and its fourth leading come to the team’s game the sit behind the bench and the making it happen.”
biggest names at the time, scorer and currently works next night. Bryant promised game was already underway About two weeks
Bryant sat down on the stage at Columbia. He said that he would, and then scored 27 when he got in and got his later McCrary received
in Columbia’s auditorium memory is dear to the hearts points, grabbed six rebounds, seat.” an autographed basketball
alongside Columbia head of many at Columbia then along with four assists and Columbia would roll from Bryant that adds to his
coach Phil McCrary for a and even now. three steals in the Lakers’ past St. Pius 63-18 that memories of the late NBA
question and answer session “For him to take the 90-83 win over the Hawks night and the team’s play star and man.
with many students who time out his schedule to sit that night. impressed Bryant so much “It was tragedy for all
looked up to him. down and talk with us meant The next night the that he commended the team involved,” said McCrary.
“It was admirable of a lot to us as individuals Eagles were facing St. Pius for their hustle and defense. “Life is short, and you have
him to come by the school and a team,” said Lemons. at Columbia when spectators “We got to play a game to live it to the fullest.”

Reyhan Cobb finding success

Reyhan Cobb playing against Arkansas Baptist College.
BY JAY PHILLIPS
Jay@dekalbchamp.com
Reyhan Cobb, a former
Columbia High School basketball
standout, is starting to generate
buzz playing for National Park
College in Arkansas, a junior
college in Region 14 of the
NJCAA.
Cobb is averaging 15.5
points per game and 9.7 rebounds
per game in his first year with
the National Park College
Nighthawks and was recognized
as a top 100 junior college player
by JUCORecruiting.com.
Cobb has had multiple
big performances this season,
including the Nighthawks Jan. 29
game against Arkansas Baptist
when Cobb had 17 points and 10
rebounds while helping his team
pull out a 78-67 win. Cobb also
scored 20 points in a loss against
Southern Arkansas University
Tech.
Cobb has helped the
Nighthawks to a 9-7 record. He
is averaging the most rebounds
in their region, has the second
highest three point percentage
and the fourth highest free throw
percentage.
For more information on
schedules, stats, news, rosters
and more, visit: www.np.edu/
basketball. Fans can also follow
the Nighthawks all season on
social media.
Facebook: Nighthawk
Athletics, twitter: @NPC_
Nighthawks, instagram:
nighthawkathletics, snapchat:
npnighthawks
SPORTS
BASKETBALL
Stonecrest’s pro basketball team wins at home
Jay Williams finished off a fast break with a dunk. Photo by Jay Phillips.
Southwest DeKalb won the DeKalb
County title in boys junior varsity
basketball over Lithonia 44-42 Feb. 1.
Kortney Forest made the game winning
shot with three seconds left to play.
Southwest DeKalb won the DeKalb
County title in girls junior varsity
basketball over Druid Hills 47-34 Feb.
1. Southwest DeKalb was down by as
much as seven points in the first half,
before Kamiah Kennedy gave the
Panthers a one-point lead with a halftime
buzzer beater.
MLK’s girls’ basketball team took
down No. 9 Mt. Zion 61-51 Jan. 28.
Ashlynn Green led the way for Lions
with 21 points. Green was also selected
to the Region 4- 6A All Region Team for
the third year in a row.
Stephenson senior guard Kassidy
Broussard joined the Lady Jaguars’
1,000-point club during Stephenson’s 63-
38 win over Tucker Jan. 29. Broussard
scored 16 points against Tucker to secure
her 1,000-point achievement.
Lithonia senior guard Eric Gaines
joined the Bulldogs’ 1,000-point club
during Lithonia’s 69-63 win over
Miller Grove Feb. 1. Gaines helped
lead Lithonia to an undefeated record in
region play this season.
All region teams were announced,
which include coaches and players from
across DeKalb County.
In Region 4 – 6A, Tucker head
coach James Harty won boys head
coach of the year, while Tucker senior
forward Jermontae Hill won boys
player of the year.
Stephenson senior Kassidy
Broussard and MLK senior Ashlynn
Green were named to the Region 4 – 6A
All-Region girls’ team.
MLK senior D’Vonja Frett,
Stephenson senior Justin Harris,
Stephenson sophomore Jaylen Peterson,
DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2019 • PAGE 16
BY JAY PHILLIPS
Jay@dekalbchamp.com
The Georgia Kangaroos
beat the North Carolina Coyotes
105-85 in Stonecrest Feb. 2.
The Kangaroos (2-1) had
seven players score and five
players score in double digits
against the Coyotes (0-2).
“We lost our first one, but
now we’ve won back-to-back
games,” Kangaroo head coach
Brian Caswell said.
The first quarter was closely
contested, with the Kangaroos
taking a 28-21 lead after the two
teams traded jump shots and
back-to-back three pointers that
banked in off the glass.
The second quarter wasn’t
so close after the Kangaroos
pulled away behind a 30-7 run.
That run was capped off
with a dunk from Kangaroo
guard Jay Williams.
Williams beat the Coyotes
down the court from start to
finish, scoring on multiple fast
breaks in all four quarters.
Williams finished with 30
points. Tommy Jones added 22
points and Tony Martin scored
20 points.
The Coyotes tried to
respond with fast breaks of
their own, but the Kangaroos
got back on defense and used
Tucker senior Jermontae Hill, Tucker
sophomore Raylon Barrion and Tucker
senior Terrence Edward all made the
Region 4 – 6A All-Region boys’ team.
Southwest DeKalb senior guard
Jayla Kimbrough won girls player of
the year in Region 5 – 5A. First team
selections for the Region 5 – 5A All-
Region girls team includes Columbia
senior forward Elise Harden, Columbia
junior guard India Terrell, Arabia
Mountain junior guard Sydney Bunkley,
Arabia Mountain freshman guard Myori
Pruitt and Southwest DeKalb junior
center Adrieanna Brownlee.
The second team selections for the
Region 5 – 5A All-Region girls team
include Lithonia senior guard Diamond
Jones, Miller Grove senior forward
Maya Berry, Clarkston senior forward
Zia Diamond Myles, Southwest DeKalb
junior guard Aniyah Lee and Columbia
senior guard Daija Carr.
their length and athleticism to
deflect and steal passes, a few
of which turned into fast break
opportunities for the Kangaroos.
“Our strength is our speed,”
Caswell said. “We’re deep and
we have guys that can run fast,
shoot the ball a lot and get out in
the open court and make plays.”
The Kangaroos extended
their lead to 59-31 by halftime
before coasting through the
second half and winning 105-80.
“[The pace of play] does
play in our favor, especially
against teams that aren’t as fast
as us,” Caswell said.
While they didn’t hit their
season average of 117 points,
Caswell said the Kangaroos
defense made him proud.
However, Caswell also said the
Kangaroos made errors that hurt
their ability to score closer to
their average.
“We like to score a lot
and make shots because of
the amount of possessions we
have,” Caswell said. “I think we
turned it over a little too much
today, but the defense only
giving up 80 points is good.”
The Kangaroos will be back
in action Feb. 9 when they host
the Georgia Fire at Browns Mill
Recreation Center in Stonecrest
at 3 p.m.
Miller Grove junior guard Jalisha
Mann and Arabia Mountain sophomore
guard Keyonna Giles were named as
honorable mentions.
Lithonia senior guard Eric Gaines
won boys player of the year in Region 5
– 5A. First team selections for the region
include Southwest DeKalb senior guard
Eugene Brown III, Arabia Mountain
junior guard Chase Ballard, Lithonia
senior forward Franklin Champion,
Miller Grove junior guard ZyAir
Greene and Columbia senior guard
Devin Longstreet.
The second team selections
include Miller Grove junior guard Tarik
Boyd, Southwest DeKalb junior guard
Kusamae Draper, Lithonia senior
guard Jovontae Jackson, Clarkston
junior guard Brendan Middlebrooks
and Miller Grove junior guard Shomik
Shahjahan.