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Thats the crux of the problem. David Schutten, president of the Organization of DeKalb Educators, said he supported the governors move because the county needed resolution for the sake of the students and the staff and the parents.
See Deal on Page 15A
Gov. Nathan Deal. Photo by Kerry King

WWW.CHAMPIONNEWSPAPER.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2013 VOL. 15, NO. 49 FREE

A PUBLICATION OF ACE III COMMUNICATIONS

Governor removes six school board members


by Andrew Cauthen andrew@dekalbchamp.com

ix members of the embattled DeKalb County Board of Education were ousted by Gov. Nathan Deal Feb. 25. In a news conference Deal said he was compelled by the unanimous recommendation of the Georgia Board of Education (GBOE) to remove six members of the DeKalb school board. He has also appointed a nominating committee to recommend replacement board members. After a 14-hour hearing on Feb. 21, GBOE voted to recommend to Deal to remove DeKalb school board members Sarah CopelinWood, Jesse Jay Cunningham, Donna Elder, Nancy Jester, Pamela A. Speaks and Eugene P. Walker. Only the newly elected board members, chairman Melvin Johnson, vice chairman Jim McMahan and Marshall D. Orson, will keep their jobs. This is certainly a serious matter. It is a matter that is of grave concern to all of us, especially the parents and the students in the DeKalb County school system, Deal said. The stakes are indeed high. The future of almost 100,000 studentsis indeed something that we cannot take lightly. The DeKalb County Board of Education has come under fire since the school district was placed on accreditation probation by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), the agency that accredits the school district through its parent company, AdvancED. This is an issue that needs to be resolved as quickly and as thoroughly as possible, Deal said. Two days before appearing before GBOE, the DeKalb school board filed a lawsuit in Fulton County Superior Court challenging the state law that gives the governor the authority to remove a school board. A hearing on the lawsuit is scheduled for March 1. Embry Malone, who made two unsuccessful bids for the school board in 1996 and 1998, said he had problems with the school boards lawsuit. I think its a frivolous lawsuit, Malone said. I think it doesnt have any merit.

Malone said it is atrocious to use taxpayer money for lawsuits. He said the board members are out not in touch with the educational process in DeKalb County. Theyre just likable people, not people to get things done, Malone said. Some of the people on the school board should have never been there. You have unqualified people sitting on the school board.

Charity and business team up to help Decatur family


by Kathy Mitchell kathy@dekalbchamp.com

Seeing the smile Kimberly Purpoz wears much of the time now, few would guess that the young mother of three only a short time ago faced tremendous hardships. Purpoz was once a happy Lithonia homeowner with a good job. Her life took a devastating turn following the birth of her son Justin five years ago. Because a ruptured uterus prevented the infant from getting adequate oxygen to the brain, the boy was born with cerebral palsy and concomitant severe disabilities. The medical bills were overwhelming. I couldnt get government help because they said I made too much money, recalled Purpoz, who at the time worked for a government agency. Also, I owned a house and they kept telling me that I could borrow against the house. Purpoz also has a daughter, Autumn, now 14, and a son, Austin, now 10. Purpoz, who adopted that last name to hide from an abuser, soon lost the house and most of her other Kimberly Purpoz, also shown in inset, helps her disabled son out of his car seat. possessions. I couldnt continue working because I had to take care We didnt qualify for Social Secu- leaders, parents of special needs of my child, I lost everything, she rity when I had a job and a house; children and healthcare providers, recalled. Although they were not now we do, she said, explaining The Fragile Kids Foundation helps actually living in the street, Purpoz that they were then able to move Because she gets with children online from the The Champ families her news updates with disabilisaid, for all practical purposes, the into a updates online from the The Champion. Decatur apartment. ties get items that insurance and Because she gets family was homeless. They movedher news family alsoshe gets her news updates online from the The proThe Because got help from government programs dont Champion. about from a hotel room to a relaan Atlanta-based charity, The vide. These gaps represent crucial tives crowded home. Fragile Kids Foundation. Incorpowww.facebook.com/championnewspaper Then she started to get help. rated in 1991 by Atlanta business See Purpoz on Page 15A

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The Champion Free Press, Friday, March 1, 2013

Local News

Page 2A

Emory faculty, alumni react to presidents remarks


by Daniel Beauregard daniel@dekalbchamp.com Emory University faculty members voted Feb. 20 to censure university president Jim Wagner for his remarks in a recent magazine column where he referenced the three-fifths compromise in the U.S. Constitution. Wagner has received criticism for referring to the compromise that counted slaves as three-fifths of a person, as a constitutional compromise between northern and southern states that was a pragmatic solution to keep in view the higher aspiration of drawing the country more closely together. Stefan Lutz, chairman of the Emory College of Arts and Sciences Faculty Governance Committee, said the vote to censure Wagner represents a strong disapproval of the presidents statement among staff members. Its an expression of dissatisfaction by the college faculty, Lutz said. Wagner issued a statement of apology later in the week and said the reference was a mistake. In a letter to Emory Magazine, in which the article first appeared, Wagner states: Certainly, I do not consider slavery anything but heinous, repulsive, repugnant, and inhuman. I should have stated that fact clearly in my essay. I am sorry for the hurt caused by not communicating more clearly my own beliefs. To those hurt or confused by my clumsiness and insensitivity, please forgive me. According to a statement from university spokeswoman Elaine Justice, Wagner said the response to the column has renewed his dedication to working collaboratively with the community on issues of social justice and continuing a public dialogue on race and intersecting dimensions of human difference. Several social media groups have sprung up in response to Wagners remarks, including Fire President Wagner (@NoMoreWagner), which is calling for his resignation. We all reject James Wagners attempts to coopt the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement to rehabilitate his embattled image. #WagnerResign, the group tweeted. Students and alumni such as Brandi Richard have also been vocal in criticizing Wagners remarks, Richard said, Emory absolutely needs new leadership now more than ever, and J.W. Heinlein said, As an alumna of Emory University, I am very disappointed to hear about the recent remarks that President Wagner made in Emory Magazine. Wagner is expected to discuss his remarks at an annual meeting with the college faculty in March.

Emory University President Jim Wagner was recently censured by faculty members for remarks he made in a magazine article.

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The newly expanded Comprehensive Breast Care Center at DeKalb Medical at Hillandale is proud to offer state-of-the-art technology for early detection, including digital mammography. And behind all of our technology and equipment, are equally phenomenal people, like our compassionate Nurse Navigators and nationally-acclaimed breast surgeons. From individualized treatment plans to even seemingly small acts down to providing stylish patient robes and calming music during screenings our attention to detail continues to set us apart from other hospitals. Because we believe in caring about people, not just for them. For a comprehensive virtual tour of our Breast Care Center, please visit dekalbmedicalhillandale.org, then call 404-501-2660, to schedule your annual mammogram, today.

Page 3A

The Champion Free Press, Friday, March 1, 2013

Bond set for former DeKalb officers charged in corruption case


by Carla Parker carla@dekalbchamp.com A federal judge set bond at $10,000 for three men, including a DeKalb County police officer and jail deputy, accused of taking payments to protect drug dealers. Federal Magistrate judge Alan Baverman set a $10,000 bond for suspended DeKalb Police Officer Dorian Williams, 25, former DeKalb jail deputy Monyette McLaurin, 37, and Gregory Lee Harvey, 26, on Feb. 19. The three were arrested Feb. 12 along with eight current or former law officers, including a Stone Mountain Police officer, from across metro Atlanta in a drug trafficking sting by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). They have been charged with accepting cash to provide protection during drug deals. Harvey, of Stone Mountain, is one of the civilians charged in the case. According to the FBI, the officers participated in various stings set up by law enforcement officials. United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said the officers, usually in uniform and displaying a weapon, patrolled the parking lots where the deals took place and monitored the transactions, which were recorded. McLaurin allegedly portrayed himself as a deputy and provided protection for several drug transactions in 2013. He is charged with attempted possession with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine and with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Williams, along with two civilians, accepted $18,000 for their services. He has been charged with conspiring to commit extortion by accepting bribe payments and attempted possession with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine.

Cedric Alexander will begin his tenure as DeKalb Countys new police chief in April. Photo by Daniel Beauregard

DeKalb County hires new police chief


by Daniel Beauregard daniel@dekalbchamp.com DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis announced the appointment of Cedric Alexander as the new chief of the DeKalb County Police Department Feb. 20. Ellis said public safety is DeKalb Countys number one priority and that Alexander will help move the department forward. Alexander will begin April 1. Currently, Alexander is the federal security director for the Transportation Security Administration branch of the U. S. Department of Homeland Security at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Alexander has a doctoral degree in clinical psychology, a masters in marriage and family counseling and an associates degree in sociology. He previously served as chief of the Rochester (NY) Police Department and began his law enforcement career as a police officer in Miami. One unique thing about DeKalb County is that it is a wonderfully aggressive and diverse community in a way that I think it deserves the best from all of us, Alexander said. Recently, several DeKalb County officers were arrested for allegedly providing security to drug dealers. Alexander said it was important for officers or residents not to focus on the bad actions of a few rogue cops. It is very easy for us to focus on the negative things that have occurred but, quite frankly, it is no use to usweve got to move forward, Alexander said. Ninety-nine percent of the men and women inside this department do a good job every day and we need to acknowledge that. Alexander warned that any police officers involved in illegal activity would be caught and swiftly dealt with. Every call for service that you have is a new opportunity to show people that were proud to be DeKalb police officers you do it one call at a time, Alexander said. Although Alexander doesnt begin his official duties until April, he said he has already met with DeKalbs Board of Commissioners and visited several county police precincts to meet officers. Alexander said the first thing he wants to do when he starts is go out with the boots on the ground, or the officers on the street, and assess the challenges they face daily. I want to get to know people and I want them to understand that this chief, going forward, knows what their challenges are, Alexander said. Both Ellis and Alexander said that the county is still in a budget crunch and it may be a while before officers and other county employees see a pay increase. However, Ellis said that he is working on a long-term strategy to increase pay for all county employees.

Page 4A

Tea anyone?
Deals decision pending a federal court hearing. Someone asked whether DeKalb school board members should be removed. That rightfully is a decision that should be made by voters. It is on that premise that the DeKalb board in federal court is challenging the constitutionality of a 2011 law that allows the governor to remove local school board members on the recommendation of the state board of education. Another glaring problem with all of this is that it seems patently discriminatory to arbitrarily pick and choose which board members to keep and who should go. If the board is guilty of mismanagement and poor governance as defined by SACS, and without due process by the way, doesnt it stand to reason that all of them should go? It is a confusing mess. But at the close of the day, the 2011 law giving the governor authority to remove local school board members is profoundly flawed and flies in the face of the state constitution. That ought to be enough to get the adrenalin flowing among the Tea Party patriots. Additionally, many astute political observers know the law is the result of personal and political agendas. It is saddening and sickening to witness the decline of the DeKalb school system. Power plays and control of the nearly billion-dollar budget are the priorities, not the education of our childrenas it should be. Public school systems around the nation have been abandoned to poor Whites, Blacks, Browns and others. Middle and upper income families have their children in private schools. Tired of paying private school tuitions, the strategy for years has been to allow public school tax dollars for charter schools under the guise of school choice in communities of interest. Bottom line, what is occurring is the re-segregation of our schools with control of the resources in the hands of the same powerful few. School boards set policy and control the dollars. Is the problem that we dont want that power and control in the hands of people from different communities of interest? The current DeKalb school board was elected by people in their districts. The board should be un-elected by people in their district. Unincorporated DeKalb is predominately AfricanAmerican. Could a White person be elected from a predominately AfricanAmerican district in DeKalb? The answer is yes, but one would have to live in that district, and the history of DeKalb demonstrates that most Whites do not want to live in a predominately African-American area and neither do many middle class African Americans for that matter. Most Whites run and many African Americans high tail it right behind them. Race and greed are at the heart of the problem with our schools in DeKalb, not to mention the moral decay of many of our institutions. It is a national problem that left uncorrected threatens to implode our communities. We are dwelling on the symptoms rather than the causes with this one and that one opining as to what to do about the symptoms. What we are seeing in DeKalb today is the culmination of years of cancerous board practices and not one mere decade, but several. The real foxes are gone leaving behind an empty chicken house. Better let that tea bag steep a little longer. Where is the Tea Party when you need them? This government intrusion in the voting rights of citizens would seem a classic case for their involvement. Alas, perhaps its the wrong brand of tea. Steen Miles, The Newslady, is a retired journalist and former Georgia state senator. Contact Steen Miles at Steen@dekalbchamp.com.

Opinion The Newslady

The Champion Free Press, Friday, March 1, 2013

One of the basic tenets of the Tea Party movement is a strict adherence to the constitution. Research also indicates they believe in less government intrusion and spending. That being the case, DeKalb County could use their help. By the time you read this, a Fulton Superior Court judge will have held a hearing on a DeKalb school board request for a restraining order prohibiting Gov. Nathan Deal from suspending six of DeKalbs nine school board members as recommended by the State Board of Education following a marathon meeting with the DeKalb board. Also, a federal judge has issued an order temporarily preventing Deal from replacing the board members. The judge did not restrain the governor from suspending the six board members, but barred the implementation of

A broadening deficit of trust


more transparent and responsive state government, free of the graft, corruption and friends and family politics and alleged contract awarding of their predecessors. Republican appointed stalwarts helm nearly every state agency and outpost, and the party is making further inroads each municipal election year, taking over a majority on county commissions, city councils and local offices such as sheriff. But all that said, there is an eerie feeling of unease, not unlike what one may have felt during 2006 in Washington before the mid-term elections what swept the GOP out of power. The GOP Congress, first elected in 1994 with its Contract for America, were actually about something larger than its own member wins. The contract promised eight rather sweeping reforms, ranging from ending the estate tax to requiring that members of Congress abide by all the laws that they passed to affect the American people. But by 2006, only three of the 10 bills introduced in the U.S. House to make the contract real have been passed into law. Most voters, including this one, had a hard time understanding the challenge of passing these acts into law, when the GOP held all the keys, levers and throttles of power. So, when the GOP Congress spent like the boys did under Tip ONeil, and laid waste to a number of other longtime conservative Republican faithful tenets, votersincluding many self-proclaimed Republicans began some record house cleaning in 2006. Here in Georgia, the summer T-SPLOST was beaten back in all but three regions of the state by margins of nearly three to one. A similar margin among voters now exists in opposition to building a new billion-dollar-plus playground for the Atlanta Falcons, and their billionaire owner, Arthur Blank. Strangely even during a season when the words Super Bowl and Falcons are not seen as antonyms, voters still note the recession, lagging job creation and other priorities as more pressing concerns. Time and again during the T-SPLOST debacle, voters spoke of broken promises regarding the Georgia 400 toll, and the horrific implementation of HOT lanes on I-85 North. These two badly managed traffic flow decisions were causing thousands of commuters not to trust their state and local officials to actually deliver transportation solutions that would work. Criticize Georgia Democrats all you like, but while they ran the show, Georgias interstates and transportation network were among the envy of the nation. Budgets are tighter, and our double-digit growth has long since slowed. Some of the challenges we currently face were brought on by the global recession. But there are states climbing out of the hole. There are states where bipartisan leadership and development of common sense solutions actually occur. There are legislative leaders, even in Washington, D.C., who understand that they may not always be the smartest guys in the room. Breaking trust can occur in minutes, or with one foolish act or poor choice. Rebuilding trust can take years, even decadesjust ask former Gov. Roy Barnes about the state flag, or his relationship with Georgia teachers at the end of his first term. The fall from grace can be fast, and is almost always far from graceful. Bill Crane also serves as a political analyst and commentator for Channel 2s Action News, WSB-AM News/Talk 750 and now 95.5 FM, as well as a columnist for The Champion, Champion Free Press and Georgia Trend. Crane is a DeKalb native and business owner, living in Scottdale. You can reach him or comment on a column at billcrane@ earthlink.net.

One Mans Opinion

You can fool all of the people some of the time, and some of the people all of the time, but you cant fool all of the people all of the time.President Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865.) The evolving leadership crisis on our DeKalb County school board is largely coming down to a question of whom do you trust. Sadly, voters across the county and with leanings in both political directions have a hard time answering that question. Divided government may also deliver regular doses of gridlock, but to some extent the competition of ideas, as well as for voters, can help keep the other side honest. Distrust of state government was in clear view in the results of the summer primary voting on the TSPLOST, and then voters flipped that coin with the charter schools constitutional amendment in the November general election. And as the dust is still settling on both sides of both issues, there is without question a broadening deficit of trust, between voters and their elected officials in both parties. With the GOP controlling the governor and lieutenant governors offices, and a virtual lock on Georgias constitutional offices, now might be the time for the GOP to implement its long discussed reforms of a trimmer,

FREEPRESS
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THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS encourages opinions from its readers. Please write to us and express your views. Letters should be brief, typewritten and contain the writers name, address and telephone number for verication. All letters will be considered for publication.
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Publisher: Dr. Earl D. Glenn Managing Editor: Kathy Mitchell News Editor: Andrew Cauthen Production Manager: Kemesha Hunt Graphic Designer: Travis Hudgons The Champion Free Press is published each Friday by ACE III Communications, Inc., 114 New Street, Suite E, Decatur, GA. 30030 Phone (404) 373-7779.

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We sincerely appreciate the discussion surrounding this and any issue of interest to DeKalb County. The Champion was founded in 1991 expressly to provide a forum for discourse for all community residents on all sides of an issue. We have no desire to make the news only to report news and opinions to effect a more educated citizenry that will ultimately move our community forward. We are happy to present ideas for discussion; however, we make every effort to avoid printing information submitted to us that is known to be false and/or assumptions penned as fact.

The Champion Free Press, Friday, March 1, 2013

Opinion

Page 5A

Speak Out : DeKalb County Board of Education


The governor is wrong in his decision to suspend members of the DeKalb County Board of Education
The DeKalb school district has been placed on probation by a private accrediting institution called SACS which holds considerable sway in the education community. SACS has made a multitude of allegations, some of which I agree with, but all of them were developed unilaterally in a shrouded process. The leadership of SACS is not elected by the public, do not have to conform to open meetings Walker and open records laws, and are not subject to constitutional due process as they sit in judgment of public institutions and elected officials. The DeKalb Board of Education, like all school boards, is a public institution. We have open meetings, open records, due process, and we are accountable to the people who elect us into office. If there is cause to remove a member, such as an indictment or if a member resigns or passes away in office, the voters return to the ballot box to name the successor. It is the democratic process: the electorate chooses their representative leadership. My constituents elected me, my colleagues constituents elected them and Gov. Nathan Deals elected him. Its the model our founding fathers took great pains to create. Its the way it should be. What we have here is the State of Georgia once again meddling in local affairs. Rather than funding local school systems properly, the General Assembly chose to write Senate Bill 84, a popular but undemocratic law to impose state will on local politics. The Governor has been hamstrung by an onerous law which gives an inordinate amount of power to a private company, SACS, and an appointed state board. One member of this board was appointed only last week and home schooled her children to boot. This law, which requires the State Board to recommend the removal of all or none of the school board members, if it was constitutional to begin with, replaces the legitimate will of the voters with that of an appointed group. This process is a clear attempt to circumvent or get around the democratic process citizens electing and holding accountable their elected officials. We have had problems on the DeKalb Board of Education. The DeKalb Board of Education is composed of democrats, republicans, black, white, men, women, liberal, conservatives and tea partiers. By virtue of the electoral process, all are represented and have a seat at the table. The wisdom of the voters created the diversity, which is good and healthy for a representative democracy. These problems of communication and respect for each other have been brought to our attention, and we are working on them. We have hired a new interim superintendent, we have passed a responsible budget, we have identified resolutions to many of the issues raised by the mighty SACS and I have resigned my chairmanship to effectuate the additional changes that are needed as we move forward. It is against this backdrop that I take a stand to fight for and preserve the democratic process and remain hopeful that those who believe in and support the U.S. and state constitution will join in. I will not quit or step aside. Governor Deal is wrong to thumb his nose at the U.S. and state constitutions, and he knows he is wrong. I place my faith in God and the voters of DeKalb County, not elitists under the gold dome who never set foot east of Moreland Avenue. Dr. Eugene Walker DeKalb Board of Education District 9

Statement from remaining members of DeKalb County Board of Education


As elected representatives on the DeKalb Board of Education, we find ourselves in a unique and confusing situation. We are the three members of the Board of Education not subject to the State Board of Educations review process because we joined the DeKalb Board in January 2013, and the State Boards action concerned the nine Board members who held office prior to January 2013. We, along with Superintendent Michael Thurmond, are committed to restoring full accreditation and focusing our efforts on the academic achievement of DeKalbs 99,000 students and the professional well-being of the people who teach and serve those students, and we pledge to restore making outcomes for children the priority of the DeKalb County School District. We realize there is a great deal of frustration with the current legal proceedings. However, Judge Richard Storys order clearly states that his intention is to maintain the status quo until at least Fri-

Johnson

McMahan

Orson

day, March 1, which, in effect, prohibits any action by the DeKalb Board of Education. As a result of that order, any potential appointees by Governor Nathan Deal cannot take office, and the suspended members cannot participate in any decisions or official Board activity. Under Georgia law, a quorum of at least five members is required for the DeKalb Board of Education to act. With only the three of us authorized to act by virtue of the federal court order, the DeKalb Board of Education will lack a quorum to conduct any business until such time as there is a deci-

sion in the legal matter. We will continue to work with Superintendent Thurmond to focus on our students, the hardworking educators who are with those students every day in our schools, and the parents and families who support them. We will not be satisfied until every decision made by the DeKalb County School District is made on the basis of how it advances our responsibility for student achievement. Dr. Melvin Johnson Jim McMahan Marshall Orson

ts a sad, sad time in DeKalb and something has to be done about our current state of affairs regarding the DeKalb County school board and DeKalb County school system. But whatever the decision, it should be a decision made in DeKalb County by DeKalb County voters. Governor Nathan Deal has suggested that six members of the school board be suspended. This decision is a result of the school system being placed on a probationary status and a possible loss of accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. As a parent, former teacher and school administrator. I have personally witnessed and experienced the systemic problems in our schools for more than 25 years. The current state of our schools is nothing new; it is a culmination of years of misguided leadership, but leadership that the voters of DeKalb elected and leadership that the voters should denounce. I must inject that ALL board members have not been a part of the problem. The work and involvement of some of these members have kept us from disaster up to now, but one or two cannot do good work alone. If you will remember, there have been one or two board members standing alone on certain issues, refusing to go along with the majority. Therefore, we shouldnt throw out the baby with the bath water. I contend that a large part of the boards problems stem from its choices in hiring the last three superintendents. All three terms have been cut short due to internal issues and illegal activities causing extreme negative publicity and oversight from the countys grand jury. Two of these individuals have come in and fired essential personnel before making a proper evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the system. Most members of current board agreed to hire former superintendent Dr. Cheryl Atkinson just more than a year ago. Atkinson brought in new hires who previously worked with her in other failing school districts. Atkinson fired and/ or reassigned employees who had worked in our school system for years. Many of these employees who lost their jobs had the knowledge and experience to know what needed to be done to correct the ongoing concerns but were left with little recourse. Example: Former chief financial officer Marcus Turk contends to this day that DeKalb had no

financial problems before he was ousted. It is proven that he gave former superintendent Crawford Lewis sound advice regarding spending that could have averted Lewis ouster and some of his legal problems. He was the one employee who had been cited for best business practices. Yet, he was fired based on innuendo that was never proven. Because board members cannot get involved in personnel issues, they were handcuffed by these superintendents with little power to keep reins on the money. Yes, the board hired these superintendents, and the voters have allowed these problems to continue. For years school board members have fought among themselves, with parents, with teachers and with administrators. This has to stop. Members of the board of education have the final say-so in matters of this nature, and if they dont, they should. I completely agree that we have a tremendous problem on our hands. A problem that can negatively impact students, scholarships, economic development and home values of our county. Our problems should have been corrected already, but they have not. However, our problems are our problems and we, the voters, should have final say-so on how our problems are corrected. Our community needs to become more interested in and involved in matters that are of such importance to our long-term success as a county and as an integral part of the greater metro Atlanta region. Individual board members could be recalled using the same democratic process used to elect them. We have the right to decide who runs our school system. It should not be up to the governor. We put these people in office and we should express our lack of satisfaction in the voting booth. I urge all in our community to become involved in the election process and to pay close attention to our board of education members. The electorate is responsible for putting in office individuals who have our schools as their number one priority. Elected officials have the responsibility of hiring a superintendent who is capable of running the states third largest school system. If either of these two components is flawed, our schools will suffer. Not only does the future of our children depend on our decisions, but the future of our region does as well. We have to make sensible decisions on the ballot and we must hold our elected officials accountable. But let these decisions be ours. It is, after all, our future collectively and we should be able to control our destiny and that of our county.

The Champion Free Press, Friday, March 1, 2013


uBROOKHAVEN

Community

Page 6A

New businesses to open this spring in Town Brookhaven


by Carla Parker carla@dekalbchamp.com pany is a locally owned and operated retailer that carries a range of footwear, apparel Five new businesses are and accessories for runners coming to Town Brookhav- and walkers. Brookhaven en in the spring. Town Animal Hospital is a full Brookhaven is a state-ofservice pet hospital that the-art mixed-use developprovides medical services ment on Peachtree Road, including, but not limited to, north of Lenox Square Mall soft-tissue and oral surgery and Phipps Plaza and adjaand preventative dental care. cent to Oglethorpe UniverSugarboo Designs, owned by Rebecca and Rick Puig, is an arts and crafts shop that sells handmade art creRetailers and ated by Rebecca Puig. The European Waxing restaurant operators Centers of America provide body wax serfound Town vices and The Joint The Chiropractic Place Brookhaven to be a provides chiropractic strong in-ll location to services. In 2012, Brookhavopen businesses with en was recognized as a separate market with the project situated significant appeal, said leasbetween the Perimeter Suzanne Yaeger,center. ing agent for the Retailers and restauand Buckhead rant operators found Town Brookhaven to be markets. a strong in-fill location to open businesses with - Suzanne Yaeger the project situated between the Perimeter and Buckhead markets. sity. Town Brookhaven is The businesses openapproximately 460,000 ing this spring are Big square feet of stores, restauPeach Running Company, rants and boutiques. Town Brookhaven Animal HosBrookhaven has nearly 700 pital, Sugarboo Designs, luxury residential apartEuropean Waxing Centers ments now, and will be of America, and The Joint adding approximately 299 The Chiropractic Place. additional luxury apartments Big Peach Running Com- in the spring of 2013.

Champion of the Week

Viola davis
within my family. It was the way I was raised to fight for my community. Since moving to DeKalb County in 1991, Davis has done a lot in her community to make it better. Her passion for community service led her to create Unhappy Taxpayer and Voter in 2000. Unhappy Taxpayer and Voter is a grassroots, faith-based, nonpartisan movement representing and protecting the interest of taxpayers and voters. It is a community based social action and educational organization that analyzes how taxpayer dollars are spent and disseminate the results to the public. What we often do is build correlations with parents, organizations and homeowners, she said. And depending on the different issues, thats how we volunteer. Some of the latest issues that Davis and her organization volunteered with was stopping cell phone towers from being built on school properties

Viola Davis passion to help children have access to a quality education started through her mother, Ruby BozemanDavis. Bozeman-Davis was one of the plaintiffs in the Brown v. Board of Education case. In the 1954 case, the U.S. Supreme Court declared state laws to be unconstitutional that established separate public schools for Black and White students. BozemanDavis added her four children names to the case, including Violas name. Weve always through the years done community work, Davis said of her family. It was something

and stopping the Transportation Special Purpose Local Options Sales Tax referendum, a tax that was expected to raise $8.5 billion to fund 157 projects across the 10-county metro area. Davis recently formed a new correlation called Restore DeKalb County School System, which is fighting to save the school district from losing its accreditation. The group has five demands that include recalling the current board of education and electing a new board, and hiring a qualified and permanent superintendent. Davis said she has no doubt that the school district will not lose its accreditation. I believe that the turmoil that is going on today is going to wake up a number of parents, homeowners and taxpayers and motivate them to get involved, she said. Once the people get involved we can solve the problems of the DeKalb school system.

if you would like to nominate someone to be considered as a future champion of the week, please contact Kathy Mitchell at kathy@dekalbchamp.com or at (404) 373-7779, ext. 104.

The Champion Free Press, Friday, March 1, 2013

Community

Page 7A

aVoNdaLe estates

aRouNdDEKALB
email jewen@bellsouth.net.

Rail Arts District host Studio Cruise The artists of the Rail Arts District will host their annual Studio Cruise on March 2. Each year artists open their doors for demonstrations, refreshments, performances, and art exhibits. The action is taking place along a onemile stretch of CSX rail line that passes through downtown Avondale Estates, into Decaturs Laredo Drive industrial area, and along East Ponce De Leon Ave into Scottdale. Visitors can enjoy paintings, sculpture, theater, jewelry, pottery, blown glass, furniture, live music photography, magicians and more. Area boutiques will open their doors hosting additional artists. For more information, visit www.railartsdistrict.com. Drenner named to energy and environment committee House Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) announced Feb. 20 the appointment of state Rep. Karla Drenner (D-Avondale Estates) to the Southern Legislative Conference (SLC) Energy and Environment Committee. As the presiding officer of the Georgia House of Representatives, Ralston is charged with selecting members to represent Georgia within SLC. I am honored to have been chosen by Speaker Ralston to be one of the representatives of Georgia, Drenner said. I am excited to have this opportunity to promote sound energy and environmental policy in the region, in addition to in my home state. The Energy and Environment Committee is one of the SLCs standing committees. According to SLC, the committee has studied clean water programs and water permitting; alternative energy; the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program; state compliance with federal clean air and water standards; the future for nuclear power; the role of merchant power plants; the ramifications of deregulation on Southern states; growth and sprawl; and surveyed recent legislative and state public utility activity. Founded in 1947, the Southern Legislative Conference is the largest of four regional legislative groups operating under the Council of State Governments. The 15 SLC member states are Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. Poetry reading to be at book store Poets and poetry lovers can sign up for the monthly open mic poetry reading at Trilogy Books in Avondale Estates. Poets can read their own work or their favorites by other poets. Participants who come before the 6 p.m. reading can enjoy refreshments and socializing while browsing Trilogys books and gifts. The free event begins at 5:30 p.m. Seating is limited and attendees are encouraged to bring a folding chair. Trilogy Books is at 4 N. Clarendon Ave. For more information, call (404) 228-3828 or

decatuR
Soil and water meeting scheduled The DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District monthly meeting will be held on Friday, March 8, at 10: a.m. at the Clark Harrison Building, 330 W. Ponce de Leon Avenue in downtown Decatur. For additional information call (770) 7613020. Irish Shindig to be at local pub The AJC Decatur Book Festival (DBF) will be Labor Day weekend, but events leading up to it already are scheduled. An Irish Shindig in Decatur is the next event on the calendar, taking place Friday, March 1, 5-7 p.m. at Brick Store Pub in downtown Decatur. The AJC DBF is partnering with the American Conference for Irish Studies, whose Southern Region group is holding its annual meeting in Decatur. The event is free and open to the public. It will be an informal event with Irish music, poetry, and a cash bar. Seamus Heaneywinner of the 1995 Nobel Prize in Literatureis reading at Emory the following day, so consider this the warm-up act, the announcement from AJC DBF states. Church to hold paint recycling event The youth of Decatur Presbyterian Church will have a paint recycling fundraiser on Saturday, March 9, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Those who have left over latex paint that they need to dispose of are invited to participate. There will be signs directing participants to Decatur Presbyterians rear parking lot on Church Street. DPC is located at 205 Sycamore Street, across from the MARTA Station in downtown Decatur. Charges for disposal of old latex paint, regardless of the amount of paint remaining in the can, are: 1 gallon can, $3; 1 quart can, $1.50; 1 pint can, $1; 5 gallon can, $15. Atlanta Paint Disposal, the fundraisers vendor, will keep the paint out of landfills and recycle it into environmentally friendly paint. The recycled paint is then sold to environmentally conscious contractors at a discount. APD is the only paint recycler in Georgia that is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency and Georgia Interfaith Power and Light. Both the EPA and GIPL advocate that residents take responsibility for the proper disposal of left over paint. Slavic chorus to perform at local library Yale Slavic Chorus & Childrens Russian Folk Ensemble Kalinka will appear at the Decatur Library Sunday, March 10, 2-3 p.m. The Yale Slavic Chorus is touring Atlanta and will perform with the Childrens Russian Folk Ensemble Kalinka of Atlanta School #1. The Yale Slavic Chorus, established in 1969, sings traditional and arranged pieces from all over the Balkans and Eastern Europe. The Ensemble Kalinkas members are children between the ages of 7 and 15 who speak (or at least sing) in the Russian language and have an interest in

Russian language and culture. The Decatur Library is located at 215 Sycamore Street, Decatur. For more information, call (404) 370-3070.

duNwoodY

Dunwoody Police raise $6,000 for Special Olympics The Dunwoody Police Department participated in the fourth annual Polar Plunge Feb. 16 at Lake Lanier Islands Beach and Water Park. The 40 degree weather and high winds didnt stop more than 300 fundraisers from coming out to the event with their families and friends. In addition to jumping in the freezing cold lake for charity, there was music from Rock 100.5s tent, a costume contest, a dunk an officer booth and Atlanta Falcons cheerleaders were on hand to sign autographs. Awards were given out to the individual, and to the group that raised the most money. The Dunwoody Police Department raised $5,946 and ranked fourth in funds raised among teams and second among police departments. The event raised $90,000 to help more than 23,000 athletes compete in the Georgia Special Olympics. Five Perimeter CIDs board members named to top realtors list Five Perimeter Community Improvement Districts (PCIDs) board members have been named to the Atlanta Business Chronicles 2013 Commercial Real Estate Whos Who list of 100 individuals who the publication said are driving the industry in metro Atlanta. We are extremely pleased to have such a wealth of experience and expertise on our boards to guide the decisions of the PCIDs as they continue to make significant infrastructure improvements to metro Atlantas largest office district, said PCIDs President and CEO Yvonne Williams. These board members are helping keep the Perimeter markets economy strong and sustainable in the future. The PCIDs board members selected and the category include the following: John V. Barton II (property manager/REIT), senior vice president and managing director, Parkway Properties Inc; John A. Heagy III (dealmaker), senior managing director/marketing, Southeast Region, Hines Interests; John W. Lundeen III (dealmaker), president, Coro Realty Advisors; Kris Miller (developer/brokerage), president, Akerman & Co.; Robert P. Voyles (dealmaker), principal and CEO, Seven Oaks Co.

This statement is published in accordance with Section 19 (b) of the DeKalb County Organizational Act of 1981, p. 4304. DEKALB COUNTY, GEORGIA STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION BY FUND AS of December 31, 2012 (In thousands of dollars / unaudited) Drug Abuse Law Enforcement Confiscated Monies Fund 210 Fire Fund 270 1,692 2,012 3,704 (1,365) 1,986 621 (679) 3,990 3,311 7,805 72 7,877 2,123 2,123 1,897 1,897 6,906 6,906 (786) (786) 732 732 674 674 Street Lights Fund 211 Hump Maintenance Fund 212 Telephone System Fund 215 GrantIn-Aid Fund 250 Grants 2005 JAG #10 Fund 257 Grants 2009 ARRA Fund 260 Designated Services Fund 271 District Unincorporated Fund 272 Speed Emergency Special Tax Special Tax PEG Support Fund 203 County Jail Fund 204 200 200 1,008 1,008 273 273 (350) (350) 270 270 121 121 Recreation Fund 207 2,101 2,101 Foreclosure Registry Fund 205 Victim Assistance Fund 206 Juvenile Services Fund 208 Treatment & Education Fund 209

General Fund 100

Development Fund 201

Assets: Cash and investments Receivable Inventories and prepaid items Total Assets

4,485 10,504 113 15,102

1,411 1,411

Liabilities: Accounts payable Deferred revenue Payroll liabilities Advance payments and deposits Notes payable Due to others Total Liabilities 2,101 1,008 1987 G O Bonds - Parks Fund 311 62 62 221 221 127 127 31,728 31,728 49,787 49,787 (5,108) (5,108) 11,633 11,633 1,284 1,284 828 828 421 421 6,507 6,507 1,000 1,000 3,571 3,571 1998 Bonds - Jail Fund 312 1993 Bonds - Health Fund 313 2001 G O Bonds - Parks Fund 314 2006 G O Bonds - P,T,L Fund 315 Host Capital Projects Fund 330 COPS Projects Fund 351 Building Authority Juvenile Court Fund 355 HUD Section 108 Loan Fund 357 Debt Service Fund 410 14,088 14,088 Urban Redevelopement Agemcu Fund 356 273 (350) 270 121 7,877 1,897 (786) 732 674 621 200 1,008 273 (349) 268 121 6,184 2,123 1,897 6,812 (1,149) 78 261 3,639 473 (1) 2 1,397 1,693 94 363 654 413 65 148 (241) 1,940 1,371 3,311 GO Bonds STD Debt Service Fund 411 1,120 1,120 (1) 2 48 248 94 363 1 653 8 405 65 148 2 2,179

583 7,380 521 1,020 9,504

1,462

1,465

Fund Balance

5,598

(54)

Total Liabilities And Fund Balance

15,102 -

1,411 -

The Champion Free Press, Friday, March 1, 2013

Hospital Fund 273 1,074 1,074 833 833

Police Services Fund 274

2,101 Hotel / Motel Tax Fund 275

200 Rental Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Fund 280

2,123 Capital Improvement Projects Fund 350

6,906 Public Safety Judicial Facilities Fund 354

3,704 ARRA Capital Projects Fund 360

Assets: Cash and investments Receivable Inventories and prepaid items Total Assets

(4,029) 903 (3,126)

18,365 18,365

Liabilities: Accounts payable Deferred revenue Payroll liabilities Advance payments and deposits Notes payable Due to others Total Liabilities 1,074 833 Water & Sewer Operating Fund 511 Sanitation Operating Fund 541 14,334 14,334 (2,804) (2,804) 7,246 7,246 6,485 6,485 10,959 10,959 12,784 12,784 2,334 2,334 Sanitation Construction Fund 542 Airport Operating Fund 551 Airport Construction Fund 552 Stormwater Utility Fund 581 Stormwater Construction Fund 582 Vehicle Maintenance Fund 611 (1,295) 2,154 859 22,934 9,447 32,381 435,601 435,601 131,960 131,960 20,837 20,837 Water & Sewer Bonds Construction Fund 512 Water & Sewer R&E Fund 513 Water & Sewer Sinking Fund 514 62 221 127 31,728 49,787 11,633 1,284 828 421 6,507 833 62 221 127 31,710 49,612 (5,117) 11,514 1,284 818 421 6,501 18 175 9 119 10 6 1,000 1,000 Vehicle Replacement Fund 621 22,310 22,310 18 175 9 119 10 6 1,000 -

53 -

10 10 3,561 3,571 Risk Management Fund 631 9,952 1,158 11,110

14,088 14,088 Workers Compensation Fund 632 5,009 5,009

1,120 1,120 Total All Funds 846,203 11,479 12,872 870,554

53

Fund Balance

(3,126)

18,312

Total Liabilities And Fund Balance

(3,126) -

Building Authority Bonds Debt Service Fund 412 210 210

18,365 Public Safety Judicial Facilities Debt Service Fund 413

1,074 Urban Redevelopment Debt Service Fund 414

(5,108) Sanitation ARRA Capital Projects Fund 544

Assets: Cash and investments Receivable Inventories and prepaid items Total Assets

140 140

33 33

Liabilities: Accounts payable Deferred revenue Payroll liabilities Advance payments and deposits Notes payable Due to others Total Liabilities 210 210 32,381 435,601 131,960 20,837 14,334 (2,804) 7,246 6,485 10,959 28,165 435,598 130,811 20,837 8,132 (2,904) 7,113 6,432 10,959 12,804 12,784 4,216 3 6,202 100 133 53 (20) 4,081 135 3 202 6,000 100 133 18 35 (20) 88 1,061 1,149

2,334 2,334 -

859 859 859 -

453 453 21,857 22,310 -

614 614 10,496 11,110 -

3 3 5,006 5,009 -

7,892 15,581 3,462 2,417 29,352 841,202 870,554 -

Fund Balance

140

33

Total Liabilities And Fund Balance

140 -

33 -

Local News

2012 Actual

2012 Actual 226 24,329 2,400 2,539 (2,758) 26,736 5,858

General Fund 100 2012 Budget 168,954 61,033 6,545 130 3,628 36,662 9,636 5,859 4,645 (1,501) 295,591 47 33,120 33,167 1,457 1,457

2012 Actual 144,070 69,939 5,543 127 3,519 36,473 10,897 130 4,192 4,815 (1,501) 278,204

Urban Redevelopment Agency Bond Debt Service Fund 414 2012 2012 Revenues: Budget Actual Investment income Miscellaneous 776 985 Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues 776 985 Expenditures: Debt Service Transfers out 776 775 Total Expenditures 776 775

2001 G O Bonds - Parks Fund 314 2012 Revenues: Budget Investment income 1,904 Intergovernmental (277) Contributions from private sources (183) Transfers From Other Funds (34) Proceeds from sale of bonds (38) Miscellaneous (1,525) Fund Balance Carried Forward 33,120 Total Revenues 32,967 Expenditures: Capital Projects 25,745 Fund Expenditures Unappropriated 7,222 Total Expenditures 32,967

Water & Sewer Operating Fund 511 2012 Budget 26 219,630 20 28,165 247,841

2012 Actual 205 231,749 1,877 28,165 261,996

1,630 3,155 3,167 5 1,557 16,802 2,975 2,927 19,186 5,619 4,209 7,020 4,826

1,692 2,632 2,936 1,523 16,711 2,684 2,388 16,300 5,471 4,165 6,832 3,809

Revenues: Investment income Charges for Services Miscellaneous Transfers From Other Funds Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Finance Water and Sewer Fund Expenditures Interfund transfers Unappropriated Total Expenditures

7,105 123,034 117,701 1 247,841

6,126 108,735 23 118,947 233,831

2006 G O Bonds - Parks, Transportation, Libraries Fund 315 2012 2012 Revenues: Budget Actual Investment income (6,882) 83 Intergovernmental Revenue 17 Transfers From Other Funds (3,285) Contributions from private sources (3,810) Proceeds from sale of bonds (3,285) Fund Balance Carried Forward 67,479 67,479 Total Revenues 50,234 67,562 Expenditures: Parks 46,677 14,031 Library 13,262 2,456 Transportation 5,283 1,463 Fund Expenditures Unappropriated (14,988) 50,234 17,950

75,727 9,419 8,075 6,144 13,019 5,518 11,124 1,788 1,593 2,155 7,248 2,639 9 1,432 27,885

73,873 9,393 7,856 6,095 12,439 5,445 11,311 1,748 1,558 2,210 7,024 2,495

232 83 502 148 662 92 495 1,602 68 10,243 588 2,173 2,647 1,539 (488)

2012 Actual (7) 464 (4,670) (4,213) 904 904

Revenues: Investment Income Proceeds from sale of bonds Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Capital Projects Unappropriated

Water & Sewer Bonds Construction Fund 512 2012 Budget (17,477) 450,239 432,762 464,777 (32,015) 432,762

2012 Actual 228 450,239 450,467 14,869 14,869

Grant-In-Aid Fund 250 2012 Revenues: Budget Contributions from private sources 434 Intergovernmental 34,496 Miscellaneous (863) Transfers From Other Funds 498 Fund Balance Carried Forward (2,758) Total Revenues 31,807 Expenditures: General Government: Finance Workforce Development 14,989 Civil and Criminal Court System: Sheriff 775 Juvenile Court (152) Superior Court 1,201 State Court 10 Solicitor 737 District Attorney 202 Public Defender 188 Magistrate Court 730 Police Services 3,154 Fire & Rescue 2,907 Public Works Community Development 23,901 Parks 669 Extension Service 771 Family & Children Services Sanitation 13 Community Relations Fleet Maint. Animal Control Bd of Health 1 4,237 Sr Citizen Services Human Services 2,745 Keep Dekalb Beautiful 16 Arts, Culture, and Entertainment Registrar/Elections Water & Sewer 748 Non-Departmental 36 Fund Expenditures Miscellaneous (2) Unappropriated (26,069) Total Expenditures 31,807 Grants/2005 JAG #10 Fund 257 2012 Budget Host Capital Projects Fund 330 2012 Revenues: Budget Investment Income 335 Intergovernmental (8,976) Deferred Revenue Transfers From Other Funds 313 Fund Balance Carried Forward (4,670) Total Revenues (12,998) Expenditures: Capital Projects 16,697 Unappropriated (29,695) (12,998) 2012 Actual

2012 Actual

3,568 1,031 9,640 1,049 1 1,133 133 87 1,354 1,635 (281) 1,354 2009 ARRA Stimulus Fund 260 2012 Budget

2,700 75 10,167 1,028

274 673 11,771

297 685 12,195

1 462 36 87 586 508 508

Revenues: Investment income Miscellaneous Transfers From Other Funds Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Capital Projects Unappropriated

Water & Sewer R & E Fund 513 2012 Budget 15,858 (46) (15,339) 90,270 90,743 62,204 28,539 90,743

53,451 90,270 143,721 12,908 2 12,910

292 4,078 1,625 1,280 2,218 -

267 4,078 1,625 1,280 2,064 -

Revenues: Investment income Intergovernmental Revenue Transfers From Other Funds Deferred Revenue Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Police Unappropriated Total Expenditures

2012 Actual

2012 Actual

Water & Sewer Sinking Fund 514 2012 Budget 663 61,300 11,909 73,872

1 666 65,496 11,909 78,072

Revenues: Property Taxes Sales Taxes Other Taxes Licenses and permits Intergovernmental Charges for Services Fines and Forfeitures Investment income Miscellaneous Transfers From Other Funds Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: General Government: Chief Executive Officer Board of Commissioners Law Department Ethics Geographic Information Risk Management Facilities Management Purchasing Human Resources & Merit System Information Systems Finance Property Appraisal Tax Commissioner Registrar and Elections Civil and Criminal Court System: Sheriff Juvenile Court Superior Court Clerk Superior Court State Court Solicitor State Court District Attorney Child Advocate Probate Court Medical Examiner Public Defender Magistrate Court Public Safety: Public Safety Admin & Communications Animal Control Police Fire & Rescue Planning & Development Public Works: Directors Office Economic Development Public Services - Library Health and Human Services: Extension Services Public Board of Health Community Service Board Family and Children Services Human and Community Development Citizen Help Center Capital Improvement CIP GO Bonds - Parks Non-Departmental Grants Fund Expenditures Unappropriated Transfers To Other Funds Total Expenditures Revenues: PropertyTaxes Sales Taxes Investment income Intergovernmental Revenue Transfer from Other Funds Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Workforce Development Non-Departmental Total Expenditures 1 (6,646) 267 449 (5,929) 3,633 (9,562) (5,929) 1 1,971 (31) 449 2,390 2,129 2,129 -

29,446 (3,341) 14,460 295,591

11 11 13,214 1 136 (140) 14,322 272,606

Revenues: Investment income Miscellaneous Transfers From Other Funds Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Debt Service CIP Unappropriated Total Expenditures

73,872 73,872

57,235 57,235

Page 8A

Development Fund 201 2012 Budget 2012 Actual

Fire Fund 270

2012 Actual

Revenues: Licenses and Permits Investment income Miscellaneous Charges for Services Transfers To Other Funds Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues 16 64,868 66 6,623 71,573 -

5,553 (1) (20) 21 1,487 7,040

4,645 2 (80) 24 1,487 6,078

2012 Budget 39,890 11,787 1,000 20 3,172 55,869

2012 Actual 40,563 12,500 (14) 1 19 3,172 56,241

Capital Improvement Project Fund 350 2012 Budget 30,759 434 972 (2,752) 11,352 9,504 50,269 2012 Actual 2,321 131 20 219 12,128 9,504 24,323

Sanitation Operating Fund 541 2012 Budget 30 67,867 147 54 6,623 74,721

Expenditures: Planning & Development Public Works- Director's Office Interfund Transfers Unappropriated 2012 Actual 667 15,700 16,367 -

4,795 745 1,500 7,040

4,439 633 1,060

Revenues: Property Taxes Sales Taxes Investment income Charges for Services Miscellaneous Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Public Safety-Police Public Safety-Fire Non-Departmental Interfund Transfers Unappropriated Total Expenditures 47,770 8,099 55,869 47,817 4,899 (114) 52,602 Revenues: Investment income Charges for Services Transfers From Other Funds Miscellaneous Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Finance Sanitation Interfund Transfers Fund Expenditures Unappropriated Total Expenditures 195 73,559 967 74,721 195 62,580 666 63,441

6,132

PEG Support Fund 203 2012 Budget

2012 Actual

10 145 1,864 2,019 49,869 (6,926) 42,943 18,521 750 19,271

Revenues: Investment income Miscellaneous Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: PEG Support Unappropriated -

3 387 1,864 2,254

2,019 2,019

153 153

Special Tax - Designated Services Fund 271 2012 Budget 10,857 11,779 1,634 401 2,629 2,065 29,365 2012 Actual 4,549 1,198 (7) 957 270 17,174 2,065 26,206 Sanitation ARRA Capital Projects Fund 544 2012 Budget 7,080 (11,589) 11,269 6,760 2012 Actual 6,735 750 11,269 18,754 Revenues: Transfers From Other Funds Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Capital Projects Interfund Transfers Unappropriated Total Expenditures

Sanitation Construction Fund 542 2012 Budget 27,243 15,700 42,943

County Jail Fund 204 2012 Budget

2012 Actual

210 2,022 566 2,798 344 1,334 1,678 53 1,625 1,678 50 50 25 4,822 7,209 12,056 24 5,134 7,209 12,367 Airport Operating Fund 551 2012 Budget 2012 Actual 1,334 1,334 COPS Projects Fund 351 2012 Budget 2012 Actual 20,398 (13,638) 6,760 11,641 11,641

Revenues: Intergovernmental Fines and forfeitures Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Transfers To Other Funds Unappropriated

132 2,300 566 2,998

2,798 2,798 2012 Actual

2,798 2,798

Revenues: Property Taxes Sales Taxes Licenses and Permits Investment income Intergovernmental Charges for Services Miscellaneous Transfers From Other Funds Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Public Safety - Police Public Works - Transportation Public Works - Roads and Drainage Parks and Recreation Arts, culture & entertainment Non-Departmental Transfers to Other Funds Unappropriated Total Expenditures 2,203 9,422 9,974 7,766 29,365 130 1,861 6,814 9,385 7,543 25,733 Revenues: Intergovernmental Interfund Transfers Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Capital Projects Unappropriated Total Expenditures

Revenues: Intergovernmental Investment Income Contributions from private sources Miscellaneous Charges for Services Transfers From Other Funds Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Board Commissioners GIS Facilities Management Fleet Maintenance Information System Finance Clerk Superior Court Recorders Court Police Library Transportation Public Works Host Capital Outlay Road & Drainage Parks Planning & Development Community Development Economic Development Extension Service Non-Departmental Fire DFACS Fund Expenditures Total Expenditures 1,120 1,515 211 5,302 1,100 3,079 13 23,881 45,434 11,416 277 1,270 630 107 7 (45,800) 707 50,269 433 198 93 1,738 1,299 197 26 7,564 242 87 589 343 12,809

Foreclosure Registry Fund 205 2012 Budget

2012 Actual

Revenues: Investment Income Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Capital Projects Unappropriated

716 805 1,521 2012 Actual 6,956 5,100 12,056 2,835 3,100 5,935

555 805 1,360

The Champion Free Press, Friday, March 1, 2013

Revenues: Charges for Services Miscellaneous Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Planning & Development Unappropriated 29,926 24,475 (1) 22,568 (53) (65,254) 1,444 13,105 776 (1,595) (819) 104 104 Airport Construction Fund 552 2012 Budget Revenues: Investment Income Deferred Revenue Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Capital projects Unappropriated (2) 924 922 2012 Actual Public Safety - Judicial Facilities Fund 354 2012 Budget (1,743) 924 (819)

1,521 1,521

352 352

Revenues: Investment income Miscellaneous Interfund Transfers Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: DeKalb-Peachtree Airport Interfund Transfers Unappropriated Total Expenditures -

Victim Assistance Fund 206 2012 Budget

2012 Actual

950 109 1,059 2012 Actual

381 1,086 109 1,576

(9,320) 3,893 9,248 3,821 16,320 (12,499) 3,821

3,100 9,248 12,348 1,389 1,389

Revenues: Intergovernmental Fines and Forfeitures Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Victim Assistance Transfers To Other Funds Unappropriated Total Expenditures 426 426 -

111 1,298 (350) 1,059

5 1,298 1,303

Special Tax District - Unincorporated Fund 272 2012 Revenues: Budget Charges for Services Sales Taxes Other Taxes 32,984 Licenses and Permits 27,130 Investment income Fines and Forfeitures 21,622 Miscellaneous (74) Transfers From Other Funds (70,831) Fund Balance Forward 1,444 Total Revenues 12,275 Expenditures: General Government: Chief Executive Officer 380 Finance 775 Police Services-Code Enforcement Recorders Court 3,951 Planning & Development 2,571 Non-Departmental 4,598 Transfers From Other Funds Unappropriated Total Expenditures 12,275 380 734 3,794 2,522 4,304 11,734 Revenues: Investment income Intergovernmental Deferred revenue Interfund Transfers Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Capital Projects Unappropriated

Recreation Fund 207 2012 Budget 2012 Actual

Building Authority - Juvenile Court Fund 355 2012 Revenues: Budget Investment income (56) Proceeds of long-term Liabilities 1,261 Fund Balance Carried Forward 426 Total Revenues 1,631 Expenditures: Capital projects 479 Unappropriated 1,152 1,631 5 5

2012 Actual

2012 Actual 14 16,848 10,534 27,396 13,998 594 14,592

1,173 (435) 738 19,103 14 19,117 7,461 18 7,479 995 995 19,060 19,060 Revenues: Investment income Miscellaneous Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Capital projects Unappropriated 17 7,479 7,496

Revenues: Investment income Charges for Services Miscellaneous Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Parks and Recreation Unappropriated Urban Redevelopment Agency Fund 356 2012 Budget 7,479 7,479

(1) 781 (3) (435) 342

738 738

691 691

Revenues: Property Taxes Sales Taxes Intergovernmental Investment Income Transfers From Other Funds Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Health and Welfare-Hospital Unappropriated

Hospital Fund 273 2012 Budget 15,364 5,093 (1,340) 19,117 2012 Actual 13,067 4,219 (12) (1,340) 15,934

Stormwater Utility Fund 581 2012 Budget Revenues: Investment income (130) Charges for Services 17,000 Miscellaneous Fund Balance Carried Forward 10,534 Total Revenues 27,404 Expenditures: Stormwater Utilities 26,810 Interfund Transfers 594 Unappropriated Total Expenditures 27,404

Juvenile Services Fund 208 2012 Budget 2012 Actual

2012 Actual

HUD Section 108 Loan Fund 357 2012 Budget

2012 Actual

Local News

Revenues: Investment income Charges for Services Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Juvenile Court Unappropriated Revenues: Investment income Miscellaneous Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Capital projects Unappropriated ARRA Capital Projects Fund 360 123 93,453 10,204 103,780 2012 Budget 113 92,417 6,920 99,450 2012 Actual

30 305 335

31 305 336

Stormwater Utility Construction Fund 582 2012 Budget 187 2,259 794 1,629 4,869 Revenues: Contributions from private sources Intergovernmental Miscellaneous Interfund Transfers Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Capital Projects Unappropriated 9,806 (4,937) 4,869

378 593 1,629 2,600 266 266

335 335

68 68

Police Services Fund 274 2012 Budget 15,501 4,390 1,030 218 106 67,736 14,799 103,780 2012 Actual 40,072 11,189 1,049 294 6 202 50,151 14,799 117,762

2012 Actual

Revenues: Property Taxes Sales Taxes Licenses and Permits Charges for Services Investment income Miscellaneous Transfers From Other Funds Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Transfers To Other Funds Police Services Unappropriated

Revenues: Investment income Fines and Forfeitures Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Health and Welfare Unappropriated 2012 Actual 4,647 339 4,986 -

Drug Abuse Treatment & Education Fund 209 2012 Budget 50 100 150 Revenues: Investment income Intergovernmental Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Capital projects Unappropriated 2,757 2,899 5,656 1,913 3,743 5,656

70 100 170

1,318 2,899 4,217 656 656

2012 Actual 202 33,306 174 (1) 33,681 35,482 35,482 Vehicle Replacement Fund 621 2012 Budget 9,633 9,633 33,681 33,681

46 104 150

27 22 49

Revenues: Intergovernmental Charges for Services Miscellaneous Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Fleet Maintenance Interfund Transfers

Vehicle Maintenance Fund 611 2012 Budget 200 35,183 100 (1) 35,482

2012 Actual

Hotel / Motel Tax Fund 275 2012 Revenues: Budget Other Taxes 3,316 Fund Balance Carried Forward 339 Total Revenues 3,655 Expenditures: Convention Bureau 2,055 Transfers To Other Funds 1,600 Unappropriated 3,655 1,840 2,072 3,912

11 1,749 11 6,534 8,305 -

GO Bonds Debt Service Fund 410 2012 Revenues: Budget Property Taxes 3,435 Investment income Fund Balance Carried Forward 9,528 Total Revenues 12,963 Expenditures: Debt Service 9,651 Unappropriated 3,312 12,963 -

2012 Actual 14,189 4 9,528 23,721

2012 Actual 14,295 300 23,228 37,823 29 13,664 1,305 23,228 38,226

Law Enforcement Confiscated Monies Fund 210 2012 Revenues: Budget Investment Income Intergovernmental 1,970 Miscellaneous Fund Balance Carried Forward 6,534 Total Revenues 8,504 Expenditures: Police 6,141 Sheriff 1,527 District Attorney 92 Transfers To Other Funds 7 Fund Expenditures Unappropriated 737 Total Expenditures 8,504 Rental Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Fund 280 2012 Revenues: Budget Other Taxes 332 Investment income Miscellaneous Fund Balance Carried Forward 914 Total Revenues 1,246 Expenditures: Development Authority 1,246 Unappropriated 1,246 2012 Actual 627 2 914 1,543 710 710

1,649 421 43 9 1 (2) 2,121

Revenues: Investment income Charges for Services Miscellaneous Interfund Transfers Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Vehicles Interfund transfers Unappropriated

35,594 2,229 37,823 2012 Actual 26,770 1 2,063 28,834 16,369 16,369

Street Lights Fund 211 2012 Budget 1987 G O Bonds - Parks Fund 311 2012 Budget 2 62 64 2012 Actual 62 62

2012 Actual

GO Bonds STD Debt Service Fund 411 2012 Revenues: Budget Taxes 25,671 Investment income Transfers From Other Funds Fund Balance Carried Forward 2,063 Total Revenues 27,734 Expenditures: Debt Service 27,734 Transfers out Total Expenditures 27,734

27,714 27,714

Revenues: Sales Taxes Investment income Charges for Services Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Public Works-Transportation 129 (65) 64

4,500 1,891 6,391

1 4,945 1,891 6,837

Risk Management Fund 631 2012 Budget 6,765 98,746 (4,241) 101,270 Revenues: Charges for Services Miscellaneous Payroll deductions and matches Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Risk Management Interfund Transfers Unappropriated Total Expenditures 2012 Actual 221 221 Building Authority Revenue Bonds Debt Service Fund 412 2012 2012 Budget Actual 2 3,714 3,732 124 124 3,838 3,858 3,718 3,718 Revenues: Investment income Miscellaneous Interfund Transfers Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Debt Service Unappropriated 114,909 (13,639) 101,270

2012 Actual 6,979 3 95,126 (4,241) 97,867 97,600 (10,229) 87,371

6,391

4,714

Revenues: Investment income Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Capital Projects Unappropriated Total Expenditures

Speed Humps Maintenance Fund 212 2012 Budget 285 3 1,838 2,126 Revenues: Investment income Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Capital Projects Unappropriated Total Expenditures

2012 Actual

317 3 1,838 2,158

1998 G O Bonds - Jail Fund 312 2012 Budget 55 221 276

3,838 3,838 127 149 276 -

Revenues: Charges for Services Investment income Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Public Works-Roads & Drainage Unappropriated

2,126 2,126

261 261

Revenues: Charges for Services Miscellaneous Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Non-Departmental Unappropriated 2012 Actual 127 127 Public Safety Judicial Facilites Authority Debt Service Fund 413 2012 2012 Budget Actual 1 3,072 3,092 33 33 3,105 3,126 1993 G O Bonds - Health Fund 313 2012 Budget 3 127 130

Workers Compensation Fund 632 2012 Budget 1,108 9,195 10,303 10,303 10,303 ALL TAX FUNDS

2012 Actual 1,031 277 9,195 10,503 5,497 5,497

2012 Actual

Emergency Telephone System Fund 215 2012 Budget 10 10,560 7,883 18,453 -

Revenues: Charges for Services Investment income Miscellaneous Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Emergency Telephone System Unappropriated Total Expenditures

3 10 9,496 7,883 17,392

18,453 18,453

10,580 10,580

Revenues: Investment income Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Capital Projects Unappropriated Total Expenditures

121 9 130 -

Revenues: Investment income Miscellaneous Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Debt Service Transfers out Total Expenditures

Page 9A

3,105 3,105

3,093 3,093

Revenues: Taxes, Service Charges, Income & Transfers Fund Balance Carried Forward Fund Balance Carried Forward (for encumbrances) Total Revenues Expenditures: Approved Budget Encumbrances rolled forward from 2011 Total Appropriations

2012 Budget 526,796 31,144 557,940 526,796 31,144 557,940

The Champion Free Press, Friday, March 1, 2013

Local News

Page 10A

Sneiderman trial date set for July


by Daniel Beauregard daniel@dekalbchamp.com Andrea Sneiderman, the widow accused of conspiring to murder her husband, will appear in court in July to answer multiple charges. At a Feb. 21 hearing, DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Gregory Adams set a date of July 29 to begin jury selection for Sneidermans trial, which is expected to last more than a month. Prosecutors allege Sneiderman and her former boss Hemy Neuman plotted to kill her husband, Rusty Sneiderman. Neuman later admitted to shooting Rusty Sneiderman in front of a Dunwoody day care center and was convicted of his murder; he is now serving life in prison without parole. According to prosecutors, Andrea Sneiderman was having an affair with Neuman. In a new 16-count indictment filed Feb. 19, Sneiderman is charged with malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, hindering the apprehension of a criminal, concealment of material facts, four counts of making false statements and seven counts of perjury. At a hearing in November 2012, prosecutors added the name Joseph Dell to their witness list. Former DeKalb County Chief Assistant District Attorney Don Geary said at the time that Sneiderman may have convinced Neuman to kill her husband so she and Dell could be together. We believe it credible that Mr. Dell left his wife six months pregnant about six and a half months after the murder of Rusty and at that time, openly took up a relationship with the defendant, Geary said. Sneiderman defense attorney Thomas Clegg said any effort to contact him and see what he has to say, Clegg said. James said the appropriate time to put up or shut up is during the trial and he has no intention of trying the case before the trial or divulging his teams prosecution strategy. Im sorry that we havent satisfied counsels curiosity, James said. The law gives him the ability to object to relevance at trial. Additionally, James said Dells name was added to the list after prosecutors learned of several hours of conversations that occurred between Dell and Sneiderman while she was in jail. Adams said he would rule on the motion in the next several weeks.

A DeKalb County Superior Court judge has set a tentative trial date of July 26 for Andrea Sneiderman, a widow accused of conspiring to kill her husband.

at the Feb. 21 hearing that his clients relationship with Dell was nothing more than a strong friendship and accused Geary of trying to assassinate Sneidermans character and smoke out Neuman to testify against her. Sneidermans bond conditions state that she is not to have contact with any of the people the state plans to call as witnesses. Sneidermans defense team filed a motion asking Adams to prevent Dell from being called as a witness and preclude the state of Georgia from eliciting any evidence concerning any relationship between Sneiderman and Dell. It has absolutely nothing to do with any of the allegations against her, Clegg said of the relationship between Sneiderman and Dell. There is nothing that Joseph Dell can testify to and nothing concerning any relationship he has with Mrs. Sneiderman that would have anything to do with this indictment. Clegg also stated that prosecutors have yet to contact Dell even though it has been six months since his name was added to the witness list, and DeKalb County District Attorney Robert

James confirmed that fact. Clegg asked prosecutors to put up or shut up. They have put his name

on a witness list and have prevented Mrs. Sneiderman from having any contact with him without making

CLAUDIA G. LAWSON
DeKalb County Tax Commissioner

ATTENTION
MOTOR VEHICLE OWNERS
Effective March 1, 2013, House Bill 386 removes the sales and annual ad valorem tax on newly-purchased vehicles. A one-time title tax of 6.5% (2013), 6.75% (2014) and 7% (2015) replaces the annual tax. Heres what you need to know: New one-time title ad valorem tax fee applies to all title transactions (new and used vehicle purchases, transfers, all transfers among family members, or vehicles new to the state) and eliminates payment of sales tax and annual ad valorem tax. If you purchase a vehicle in Georgia after January 1, 2012 but before March 1, 2013, you may have the option of paying annual ad valorem tax or a one-time title ad valorem tax fee. Vehicles purchased out of state are not eligible to opt in. Whether paying the one-time title ad valorem tax fee OR annual ad valorem tax, requirements for insurance, emissions, drivers license and the renewal of your tag by your expiration date remain the same. If you purchased a vehicle before 2012, you will remain on the current annual ad valorem tax system.

NORTH OFFICE 1358 Dresden Drive, NE Atlanta, GA 30319

MAIN OFFICE 4380 Memorial Drive Suite 100 Decatur, GA 30034

SOUTH OFFICE 2801 Candler Rd. #66 South DeKalb Mall Decatur, GA 30032

(404) 298-4000 www.dekalbcountyga.gov/taxcommissioner

The Champion Free Press, Friday, March 1, 2013

Local News

Page 11A

The following have been appointed by Gov. Nathan Deal to nominate the six replacement members of the DeKalb County Board of Education. Kenneth Mason, chairman Mason was appointed to Georgia Board of Education in 2011 as the member for the fifth Congressional District, which includes a portion of DeKalb. He is the director of Urban Initiatives for the Southern Regional Education Board where he promotes college and career readiness for all students. Garry W. McGiboney McGiboney serves as the associate superintendent of policy and charter schools at the Georgia Department of Education. He has more than 30 years of experience in public education, having served in several school level and district level positions. He resides in Stone Mountain. James E. Bostic, Jr. Bostic is managing director at HEP & Associates, an educational consulting company and a partner at Coleman Lew & Associates, Inc., an executive search firm in Charlotte. He served as a member of the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education and chaired it for five years, served on the Georgia State Board of Education for nine years and has served on the board of trustees for both Tuskegee and Clemson universities. He is currently a member of the board of trustees at Wofford College and serves on the board of directors of ACT Inc. Alicia Phillip Phillip, of Decatur, is president of the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. Named as one of Georgia Trends 100 Most Influential Georgians and one of the 100 Most Influential Atlantans by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, Phillip has led the foundations grant-making, fundraising and collaboration with donors, nonprofits and community leaders for 37 years. Sadie Dennard Dennard works as a regional external affairs manager for Georgia Powers

metro east region in south DeKalb. She served three terms as a member of the Atlanta Board of Education and is a former president of the Georgia School Boards Association.

Brad Bryant, liaison Bryant, a DeKalb County resident, currently serves as the executive director of the Georgia Foundation for Education for the Georgia De-

partment of Education. He previously served as the departments general counsel. In 2010 he was appointed by then-Gov. Sonny Perdue as state superintendent of schools to fill the unexpired

term of the outgoing superintendent. For 10 years, he served on GBOE and also served on the DeKalb County Board of Education from 1991-2003.

community champion

The Champion Free Press, Friday, March 1, 2013

Local News

Page 12A

DeKalb commissioners pass budget with no tax increase


by Daniel Beauregard daniel@dekalbchamp.com The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a budget Feb. 26 with no tax increase and approximately $4 million in reductions and adjustments from the originally proposed budget. The original budget proposed a tax increase of 1.69 mills, or $48.48 per year on a $200,000 home. DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis then proposed an amended budget that called for an increase of 0.64 mills. The total budget for FY2013 is approximately $559 million. According to county officials, the county had an additional $4.22 million in revenue collected mainly from utility taxes. The adjusted budget also includes funding for 25 additional police officers and 44 fire department employees, 25 whom are new firefighters, The budget also provides funds for a new animal shelter and a 3 percent pay increase to the lowest paid county workers. Additionally, the county is eliminating the position of public safety director to save $250,000. Recently, former Public Safety Director William Wiz Miller retired and the county hired new Police Chief Cedric Alexander. Ellis spokesman Burke Brennan said it isnt the first time in the past several years that the position of public safety director, who oversees the police and fire departments, animal services and the 911 department, has been eliminated. The new police chief will answer directly to the CEO, Brennan said. Most of the upper management will answer to the CEO or the COOits just going to be reassigned and divided between the two of them. County department heads did not receive any salary increases this year but several constitutional officers received a budget increase. The office of solicitor general received a 6.2 percent budget increase; superior court received an increase of approximately 4 percent; and the office of the district attorney received a budget of approximately $12 million, up from $11.7 million in 2012. The DeKalb County Sherriffs Office received an increase of $2 million. According to county documents, during the past five years, juvenile courts budget has increased 63 percent; clerk of superior court, 14 percent; and solicitor general, 16 percent. Commissioners were concerned about the increases for some of the countys constitutional officers. The budget itself Im going to support because it does not create a tax increase, Commissioner Jeff Rader said. It does have several features that are subjects of concern and this year our budget office did not conduct a substantive review of the constitutional officers. Rader said that neither the board nor Ellis office has the expertise to conduct a thorough review of each of those departments, which also consist of the offices of the tax commissioner, juvenile court and state court. I hope that as we go forward we develop that expertise or have a third party review of the officers, Rader said. Some of the cost-saving measures included in this years budget, Rader said, are one-time fixes that will garner more revenue in the coming year but might pose difficulties in creating future budgets. [This] will just make things harder next year so we should realize those as weaknesses in the budget, Rader said. Lee May, the boards presiding officer, said the budget also includes $500,000 placed in reserve to possibly provide to Grady Hospital for funding. May said the board is in conversation with Grady officials and the line item would have to be voted on again by commissioners before the funds are released. Residents applauded the commissioners for passing a budget that contains no tax increase. Mark Augustine, a Clarkston resident, said that due to the recent 2 percent payroll tax increase he didnt think any resident should have to pay additional property taxes. I dont think that there is one person in this room that hasnt felt the pinch, Augustine said. May said commissioners still want to see more in terms of budget forecasting and independent reviews of the funding for each department. The county will be provided a mid-year tax digest assessment performed by Georgia Tech for the board that is expected to be released in the next several months.

CDC:

Adults get 11 percent of calories from fast food


by Mike Stobbe ATLANTA (AP) On an average day, U.S. adults get roughly 11 percent of their calories from fast food, a government study shows. Thats down slightly from the 13 percent reported the last time the government tried to pin down how much of the American diet is coming from fast food. Eating fast food too frequently has been seen as a driver of Americas obesity problem. For the research, about 11,000 adults were asked extensive questions about what they ate and drank over the previous 24 hours to come up with the results. Among the findings: Young adults eat more fast food than their elders; 15 percent of calories for ages 20 to 39 and dropping to 6 percent for those 60 and older. Blacks get more of their calories from fast-food, 15 percent compared to 11 percent for Whites and Hispanics. Young Black adults got a whopping 21 percent from the likes of Wendys, Taco Bell and KFC. The figures are averages. Included in the calculations are some people who almost never eat fast food, as well as others who eat a lot of it. The survey covers the years 2007 through 2010 and was released Feb. 21 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The authors couldnt explain why the proportion of calories from fast food dropped from the 13 percent found in a survey for 2003 through 2006. One nutrition professor cast doubts on the latest results, saying 11 percent seemed implausibly low. New York Universitys Marion Nestle said it wouldnt be surprising if some people underreported their hamburgers, fries and milkshakes since eating too much fast food is increasingly seen as something of a no-no. If I were a fast-food company, Id say See, we have nothing to do with obesity! Americans are getting 90 percent of their calories somewhere else! she said. The study didnt include the total number of fast-food calories, just the percentage. Previous government research suggests that the
See Fast food on Page 16A

BLUEGRASS EVENING

featuring authors Joshilyn Jackson, Karen White, and a concert by Dappled Grays

Saturday, March 9, 2013 7:00 p.m. Decatur Library dekalblibrary.org/foundation, or 404.370.8450 ext. 2238

The Champion Free Press, Friday, March 1, 2013


uDUNWOODY

Page 13A

Police department recognizes officers


When Officer Richard Heintz of the Dunwoody Police Department responded to a person down call in the summer of 2012, the victim wasnt breathing and did not have a pulse. The victims friend was trying to perform CPR with the assistance of an E911 dispatcher. Heintz immediately attached his automated external defibrillator (AED) to the victim for an assessment. The AED shocked the victim three times while Heintz performed CPR until EMS arrived. The individual is on the path to recovery due to Officer Heintzs actions, according to a media statement from the Dunwoody Police Department. Heintz recently received a Meritorious Service Medal from the department and is one of six employees of the Dunwoody Police Department who have been recognized for making an impact in 2012. The awards were for Officer of the Year, Employee of the Year, Marksman of the Year, Meritorious Service Medal and Rising Star Award. In addition to Heintz, the winners are as follows: The Officer of the Year award went to Officer Kenneth Peck, who has sincerity in his work ethic that resonates into every aspect of his dutiesbig or small, according to a media statement from the Dunwoody Police Department. He never dismisses even the smallest opportunity to engage with citizens young or old. Peck was commended for his investigative skills and quick actions in a burglary case which resulted in the apprehension of the suspect and the return of equipment stolen from a business. Officer Peck has not only demonstrated that he is a well-rounded officer, but he is truly a team member, according to the media statement. The police departments Employee of the Year is Kristin Adkins, a police service representative. Adkins handles the pressures of her job with ease and has quickly learned the myriad of job knowledge and skills required of her position, according to the media statement. Ms. Adkins goes far beyond what is required of her and continually will complete work that could be left for others. Officer Michael Cheek is the departments Marksman of the Year. Cheek had the highest qualifying score for the department in 2012. The Rising Star Award went to Officer Caleb Gilbert. Officers with less than two years of service are eligible for the award. Gilbert has demonstrated his professional demeanor, work ethic and commitment to the department, city of Dunwoody and the citizens we serve, according to the media statement. Officers Aaron Belt and Michael Cheek received Meritorious Service Medals for handling a call that involved an unconscious man who was not breathing. The officers performed CPR until DeKalb County Fire Rescue arrived on scene and took over.

Adkins

Belt

Cheek

Gilbert

Heintz

Peck

Nominate a 2013 CEOs Community Hero


Nomination forms, criteria and additional information are available by visiting www.dekalbcountyga.gov or http://thechampionnewspaper.com/nominate A hard copy of the nomination form is also available in the current issue of The Champion Newspaper and The Champion Free Press.
For a programming guide, visit www.yourdekalb.com/dctv

The Champion Weather


Seven Day Forecast
Partly Cloudy High: 49 Low: 33 Partly Cloudy High: 48 Low: 34 Mostly Cloudy High: 44 Low: 31 Mostly Sunny High: 46 Low: 28 Mostly Sunny High: 51 Low: 32 Partly Cloudy High: 47 Low: 29

DCTV Your Emmy Award-winning news source of DeKalb County news. Available on Comcast Cable Channel 23.
Detailed Local Forecast
Today we will see partly cloudy skies with a high temperature of 49, humidity of 49%. West wind 5 to 15 mph. The record high temperature for today is 78 set in 1981. Expect mostly cloudy skies tonight with an overnight low of 33. The record low for tonight is 18 set in 1935. Date Hi Lo Normals Precip Tuesday 57 39 58/37 0.32" Wednesday 50 31 58/38 0.00" Thursday 63 31 58/38 0.04" Friday 44 40 59/38 1.02" Saturday 50 40 59/38 0.92" Sunday 64 39 59/38 0.00" Monday 49 39 59/39 0.00" Rainfall. . . . . . . . 2.30" Average temp . . 45.4 Normal rainfall. . 1.19" Average normal 48.3 Departure . . . . . +1.11" Departure . . . . . -2.9 Day Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Sunrise 7:06 a.m. 7:05 a.m. 7:04 a.m. 7:03 a.m. 7:01 a.m. 7:00 a.m. 6:59 a.m.

Feb. 28, 2013


Weather History

Todays Regional Map


Dunwoody 47/32 Smyrna 48/33 Doraville 48/33 Atlanta 49/33 College Park 50/33 Union City 50/33

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Lilburn 48/33

Last Week's Local Almanac

Decatur Snellville 49/33 49/33 Lithonia 50/33 Morrow 50/33

SATURDAY

Feb. 28, 1988 - Thunderstorms in California produced severe weather during the early morning hours. Strong thunderstorm winds, gusting to 74 mph, downed trees in the Sacramento area. Unseasonably mild weather prevailed in the northwestern United States. Feb. 29, 1988 - Leap Day proved to be a wet one for Southern California, with 4.76 inches of rain reported at Tommys Creek in Ventura County. Sixteen cities in the central and western United States reported record high temperatures for the date.

SUNDAY

MONDAY

Hampton 51/34

Local Sun/Moon Chart This Week


Sunset 6:33 p.m. 6:34 p.m. 6:35 p.m. 6:36 p.m. 6:37 p.m. 6:37 p.m. 6:38 p.m.

TUESDAY

Last 3/4 New 3/11

WEDNESDAY
Mostly Sunny High: 54 Low: 35

Moonrise Moonset 9:46 p.m. 8:27 a.m. 10:50 p.m. 9:06 a.m. 11:55 p.m. 9:49 a.m. No Rise 10:36 a.m. 12:59 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 1:59 a.m. 12:28 p.m. 2:56 a.m. 1:30 p.m.

Tonights Planets
First 3/19 Full 3/27 Mercury Venus Mars Jupiter Saturn Uranus Rise Set 7:14 a.m. 7:08 p.m. 6:54 a.m. 5:57 p.m. 7:40 a.m. 7:22 p.m. 11:24 a.m. 1:31 a.m. 11:12 p.m. 10:10 a.m. 8:21 a.m. 8:36 p.m.

Local UV Index
0 - 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11+

National Weather Summary This Week


The Northeast will see widespread rain and snow today, mostly clear to partly cloudy skies with scattered snow, with the highest temperature of 48 in Annapolis, Md. The Southeast will experience partly cloudy skies today, with the highest temperature of 80 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. In the Northwest, there will be mostly clear to partly cloudy skies with a few showers today through Saturday, with the highest temperature of 68 in Medford, Ore. The Southwest will see mostly clear skies today through Saturday, with the highest temperature of 80 in Los Angeles, Calif.

Weather Trivia

How high can hailstone accumulation be?

StarWatch By Gary Becker - Gotcha, Fallen Star


I was at Beys Rock Shop in Bally, PA on February 16, literally ready to exam a small 32 gram slice of the Esquel meteorite, when I heard about the Russian event in Chelyabinsk near the Ural Mountains. Wow, I thought, That must have been some spectacle, and indeed when I saw the numerous YouTube videos emerging onto the Internet, I wasnt disappointed. The thousand or so people who were reported injured were not struck by any pieces of the meteorite, despite what some media sources have said, but were rather the unwitting victims of the shock front that was created when the meteorite exploded, 10 to 25 miles above the ground. The now confirmed stony meteorite entered the atmosphere at just over nine miles per second, and the force of the air ripping past its surface became so dynamic that the main body broke apart. Thats the part of the video sequence where the object flashed and became for a few flickering moments brighter than the sun. When that transpired, an object that had a volume no greater than a cube 40 feet on every side broke apart into tens of thousands of fragments, each becoming its own bright meteor, and in totality, explosively pushing the atmosphere away from it to form a shock front expanding at supersonic speeds. By the time people inside buildings, aware of something amiss going on outside, had walked over to windows to see what was happening, the shock front reached the ground, shattering the glass, literally by the push of the air generated by the explosion. Evidently, car windows were also broken because dozen of alarms can be heard going off in the background on the video soundtracks after the sonic boom passed. Numerous meteoric fragments have now been identified on the ice of Lake Chebarkul, about 45 miles east of Chelyabinsk near an ice hole where some experts believe a larger remaining fragment penetrated. www.astronomy.org

Answer: Drifts have reached depths of up to six feet.

UV Index 0-2: Low, 3-5: Moderate, 6-7: High, 8-10: Very High, 11+: Extreme Exposure

The Champion Free Press, Friday, March 1, 2013

Business

Page 14A

Joe Parks says he likes the fact that his restaurant from the outside looks a bit like a private home. He even has placed family pictures on the walls. Parks said the barbecued chicken is his favorite. Photos by Kathy Mitchell

Family flavors served at south DeKalb barbecue eatery


by Kathy Mitchell kathy@dekalbchamp.com Many of the businesses on the stretch of Candler Road just south of the Decatur city limits still look a good deal like the private residences they once were. Joe Parks, owner of Papa Joes BBQ Pit, said he likes it that way. I kept it looking like a home as much as possible, Parks said of the business he opened in October 2012. I want people to feel at home when they come here. The barbecue restaurant even has family photos on the wall, and, Parks said, thats as it should be since the business grew out of a family tradition. My father taught me to cook barbecue and his father taught him. Parks said he recalls as a child helping to dig the pit for family barbecues in Greensboro, Ga. Two or three times a year, we would go to my grandparents home in Greensboro when my dad got off from work on Friday, recalled Parks, who said his immediate family lived in Decaturs East Lake area. They would slaughter hogs, build the pit and slow cook the meat all night. Everybody in the family helped. Ive been involved in cooking barbecue since I was 8. Even though in this part of the country barbecue restaurants are as ubiquitous as magnolia trees, Parks feels he has something special to offer. When his son was in youth sports, Parks would sell barbecue at booster club fundraisers. The food was so popular that many who tasted it approached him with catering offers. At the time, Parks was in the trucking business and helped a friend build his trucking company from a small upstart enterprise to a highly successful business. Faced with some health issues a few years ago, Parks was forced to slow down for a while. It gave me some time to think about what I really wanted to do with my life. My fiance said, You helped someone else build a successful business; theres no reason you couldnt start your own business and make it succeed, Parks recalled. I started to ask myself what I really love, what I want to do. The answer took me back to my roots and the summers I used to spend in Greensboro. The answer was barbecue, he said. Parks opened a small stand on Memorial Drive, and, he said, People loved the food. What he calls a shot in the arm came in 2012 when he entered the competition at the Atlanta BBQ Festival. His barbecue took second place in the Peoples Choice category. He also competed at the Stone Mountain BBQ Festival and again won a second place award. Both events are sanctioned by the Memphis BBQ Society. Although the ribs and pulled pork are favorites with customers, Parks said he really likes the chicken. I like to try different seasonings; you can do a lot with chicken. He added that his turkey wings are popular with some customers and theres a group that comes from Fayetteville just for the turkey wings. I guess theres just something with me and a bird, he said. Parks said that after a leasing agreement on Memorial Drive didnt work out, he started to look around the area for a new spot. When the Candler Road location became available, he stepped out on faith, giving up his other work to be a fulltime restaurateur. He said he got off to a slow start at the new location, but added that encouragement came from many unexpected sources. A customer came in who said that he normally had lunch at [a fast food restaurant in the area.] He said something just told him that day to come to my place instead. He loved the food and the classic jazz and gospel music we play for customers. He said, Hang in there. God is going to bless you.
ROADWORK

Parks said the blessings started to come almost immediately. A customer came in with an order for 18 dinners. A crew working on a street project nearby made it a favorite place to come for lunch. The man reminded me to thank God, and I do, Parks said. Now, four months after opening, Papa Joes BBQ Pit, is attracting many customers who remember it from the Memorial Drive location as well as those who hear about it and decide to give it a try. In addition to the people who come from Fayetteville, I have a lady who comes from Marietta and a family that comes from Monroe, he said.

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Two Decatur Town Center, 125 Clairemont Ave., Suite 235, Decatur, GA 30030

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404-378-8000 www.DeKalbChamber.org

The Champion Free Press, Friday, March. 1, 2013

Local News

Page 15A

Deal Continued From Page 1A

State legislators said there is a possible compromise agreement being worked out between the Governors Office and the DeKalb school board. The discussions could allow the resolution of the lawsuit in a way that will allow us to put this part of the process behind us, said Sen. Jason Carter. The thing thats the most important now is getting the fight over who the board will be behind us and moving on towards making accreditation the only issue on the table, Carter said. None of us know now what the outcome of this will be. Theres pending lawsuits, theres a variety of issues that are still to be decided. Our point, and the point that everyone needs to be clear on, is that accreditation is the ultimate issue. We all need to be ready to work towards accreditation. Period, Carter said. On the possible compromise, Schutten said, Many many people think the best compromise would be for those six board members to step down. Im already on record as saying that Dr. Walker and Mrs. Wood, because they denided any knowledge of any problems at the January state board [of education] meeting, have an obligation to step down because they obviously have been unaware of whats been going on in the school system, Schutten said. Instead of the board members being removed, Rep. Howard Mosby said he would have rather that Thurmond, Johnson and McMahan had an opportunity to ac-

From left, Sen. Jason Carter and Rep. Howard Mosby react at the Capitol about Gov. Nathan Deals decision to remove six DeKalb school board members. Photos by Kerry King

tually see what they could do with this new board. Mosby said the governor felt his hands were tied and that he needed to act immediately. I dont have a problem with that, Mosby said. I just wish we could have used more time in this process. I didnt think that we needed to move this quickly. Its a very sad day, said Sen. Fran Millar. Going forward [board members] have to do what is best for all the children, dont meddle too much and, hopefully, the bottom line is we can increase academic performance. I view this as a half-filled opportunity and we can go forward from there. In a statement addressed to the DeKalb County community Feb. 22, interim DeKalb Superintendent Mike Thurmond acknowledged that the school district is undergoing a tremendous amount of change. From my appointment as interim superintendent to the elec-

tion of a new Board of Education chairman, Dr. Melvin Johnson, to the legal proceedings involving our board, 2013 has been full of new challenges and new opportunities, Thurmond said. By working with our board and my staff, we will bring the spotlight back to the task entrusted to useducating our young people, Thurmond said. DeKalb County Sheriff Thomas Brown, who attended the GBOE hearing, released a statement saying he agrees with a portion of the state boards recommendation to the governor. I agree in part with the State Board of Educations action recommending the removal of Dr. Eugene Walker, Sarah CopelinWood and Jesse Jay Cunningham, Brown stated. I heard SACS administrator Mark Elgart clearly when he indicated that the board has been governing themselves from a political rather than a performance standpoint for the

past decade. Elgart said that theres been a decade of continued ineffective governance during which academics have been fairly stagnant, Brown said. Instead of acting with urgency to fix things, the board has been treating it like a political matter. This is unacceptable for any school system, but especially for the states third largest school district. DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis said the school districts primary goal should be to address the issues raised in the SACS report as swiftly as possible in order to preserve the accreditation of the DeKalb County School District and ensure that every child has equal access to a quality education. Ellis said he defers to the wisdom of the State Board of Education and the governor in exercising their authority to decide the best governing structure to accomplish this goal.

Purpoz Continued From Page 1A


equipment and daily living supplies so many special needs children required to grow and thrive, the organizations website states. Among the events Fragile Kids sponsors each year is Project Santa at which a local restaurant hosts families with special-needs children for brunch and the children are given gifts. Purpoz and her children were unable to attend the 2012 Fragile Kids holiday event, so Jill Gossett, the organizations director of development, dropped off presents at their apartment. She was taken aback by how small the familys living quarters were and how little furniture they had. The disabled child was sleeping on a mattress on the living room floor. Gossett told her friend Shashi Sonnard, who works at By Design Furniture in Decatur, about the familys situation. Sonnards twin 8-year old boys, Syan and

Aran, overheard the story and went to Sonnards boss and told him they would like to spend their savings to buy some furniture for the family. He was blown away by their request, another staff member recalls. The company not only donated basic furniturebeds, a sofa, tables and chairsfor the whole house, it also provided such accessories as artwork and lamps and sent a decorator to help put it all together. Although Purpoz and her children still face many challenges, they can now come home to comfortable furniture in pleasantly decorated rooms. God finds a way, said the young mother, who writes and publishes novels and is working online simultaneously on a masters degree and a Ph.D. I hope my story will encourage others going through tough times not to give up.

Purpoz is delighted that the furniture company gave her accessories along with basic furniture.

Page 16A

The Champion Free Press, Friday, March 1, 2013

Trial begins for DeKalb man accused of murdering, disfiguring girlfriend


by Daniel Beauregard daniel@dekalbchamp.com Jury selection has begun for the trial of a DeKalb County man accused of allegedly murdering and sexually assaulting his girlfriend in February 2007. Delroy Booth, 31, is charged with malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, two counts of aggravated battery, aggravated sexual battery and aggravated sodomy. Booth allegedly beat then girlfriend Shantle Vison to death and sodomized her Booth with a candlestick. One of the aggravated battery charges is for seriously disfiguring Visons face. According to the indictment, Booth killed Vison by striking her about the head and body and maliciously caused bodily harm to Shantle Vison by rendering her brain useless. A spokesman for District Attorney Robert James said he is not seeking the death penalty in the case. However, when Booth was re-indicted in 2011, James said the level of violence in Booths case was gratuitous. Booth is pleading not guilty and the trial is expected to last several weeks.

News Briefs

foot after the crash and was soon located in the immediate area. Rodriguez-Vazquez has been charged with vehicular homicide, serious injury by vehicle, hitand-run, driving under the influence of alcohol, reckless driving, driving while unlicensed, and obstruction. At press time Butler was still in critical condition at Grady Memorial Hospital in a medically induced coma.

com/nominate. A hard copy of the nomination form is also available in the current issue of The Champion Newspaper and The Champion Free Press. Nomination deadline is March 14; the Awards gala will be held Sunday, April 14, 4 p.m. at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. For additional information contact Erica M. Brooks at (404) 371-3695, embrooks@dekalbcountyga.gov or John Hewitt at (404) 373-7779, Ext. 110, johnh@dekalbchamp.com.

Recorders Court clerks office relocates to Burgess building


The DeKalb County Recorders Court clerks office has relocated to the Bobby Burgess Building, 3630 Camp Circle, Decatur, 2nd floor. All services related to warrants, past due tickets, filing of documents and public information will be handled at the Burgess building. The current Recorders Court building will remain open for arraignments, trials, special hearings and probation services while the courtrooms and other areas are renovated. Construction on the existing courthouse and additional courtrooms are expected be completed this summer. This is the first phase of the renovation and construction of space for Recorders Court made possible by the Board of Commissioners and the CEO in October 2010.

Former DeKalb school secretary sentenced


Bobbie Ward was sentenced by Superior Court Judge Tangela Barrie to 30 years following a recent guilty verdict. Ward was sentenced to 20 years in prison. She was also ordered to pay $14,229 in restitution to one of the disabled victims. Following Wards release from prison, as a condition of her sentence she will be prohibited from housing any person not related to her. Ward was convicted on 21 felony charges. The indictment included crimes committed against six elderly and disabled adults who were victimized over a five-year period. The charges included neglect and exploitation of disabled and elderly adults; false imprisonment of an elder person; forgery in the first degree and 13 separate counts of identity fraud. This sentence sends a resounding message that elder and disabled adult exploitation will not be tolerated in DeKalb County, said District Attorney Robert James. She relentlessly preyed on vulnerable adults and exploited them for her own personal financial gain. Ward, a former Cedar Grove Middle School secretary, took elderly and disabled adults into her home and housed them in unsafe and unsanitary conditions, giving them inadequate food and medical treatment, according to a media release. One elderly victim who had been locked in his room escaped her house through a window, breaking his foot. Ward took money from the victims bank accounts and forged their names on government checks without their permission. She also engaged in identity fraud, using the victims personal information to set up utility services at 12 different homes in DeKalb County, including a victim who was deceased when the fraud was committed. Deputy Chief District Attorney Jeanne Canavan served as lead prosecutor on this case.

Victim dies from Dunwoody hit-andrun accident


A female victim died Feb. 25 from injuries she received during a hit-and-run at I-285 West near Chamblee Dunwoody Road on Feb. 24, according to a statement by the Dunwoody Police Department. When the Dunwoody Police Department responded to the scene at 2:15 p.m. on Feb. 24, the original stranded motorist call was upgraded to a motor vehicle accident with injuries. The police departments traffic investigation unit determined that a 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis was disabled in the second lane from the right. The vehicles driver was 57-year-old Evelyn P. Ngoboworigha and the passenger was a 35-year-old male, Stroyer T. Butler. Ngoboworighas vehicle was struck in the rear by a 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe driven by Francisco Rodriguez-Vazquez, 26, who fled the scene on

2013 CEOs Community Hero Awards nominations being accepted


In conjunction with National County Government Month, DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis and Champion Newspaper publisher Carolyn Glenn have announced plans for the 2013 CEOs Community Hero Awards Celebration. The theme for this years celebration is Smart Justice: Creating Safer Communities. Awards will be presented to individuals or organizations who demonstrate by their efforts a desire to make DeKalb a better place for all. Award categories include Community Champion Award, Environmental Change Award, Youth Volunteer Award, Neighborhood Empowerment Award and The Vanguard Award. The Vanguard Award recognizes an individual or organization whose contributions most exemplify the theme of Smart Justice: Creating Safer Communities. Nomination forms, criteria and additional information are available by visiting www.dekalbcountyga.gov or http://thechampionnewspaper. disproportionately higher numbers of fast-food

normal-weight people. There was no difference seen by household income, Continued From Page 12A except for young adults. The poorestthose with an average U.S. adult each day annual household income consumes about 270 calories of less than $30,000got of fast foodthe equivalent 17 percent of their calories from fast food, while the of a small McDonalds figure was under 14 percent hamburger and a few fries. for the most affluent 20The new CDC study and 30-somethings with a found that obese people get household income of more about 13 percent of daily than $50,000. calories from fast food, Thats not surprising compared with less than since there are 10 percent for skinny and

Fast food

restaurants in low-income neighborhoods, Nestle said.

Fast food is accessible and its cheap, she said.

Notice is given that there will be introduced at the regular 2013 session of the General Assembly of Georgia a bill to authorize the governing authority of DeKalb County, Georgia, to levy an excise tax at a rate not to exceed 8 percent of the charge for the furnishing for value to the public of any room or rooms, lodgings, or accommodations by any person or legal entity licensed by, or required to pay business or occupation taxes to, the county for operating a hotel, motel, inn, lodge, tourist camp, tourist cabin, campground, or any other place in which rooms, lodging or accommodations are regularly or periodically furnished for value pursuant to subsection (b) of Code Section 48-13-51 of the O.C.G.A.; to provide procedures, conditions, and limitations; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO INTRODUCE LOCAL LEGISLATION

The Champion Free Press, Friday, March 1, 2013

Health
fewer than 300 people scattered among five states. But it will no doubt surprise many people that the effectiveness is that low, said Michael Osterholm, a University of Minnesota infectious-disease expert who has tried to draw attention to the need for a more effective flu vaccine. Among infectious diseases, flu is considered one of the nations leading killers. On average, about 24,000 Americans die each flu season, according to the CDC. This flu season started in early December, a month earlier than usual, and peaked by the end of year. Hospitalization rates for people 65 and older have been some of the highest in a decade, at 146 per 100,000 people. Flu viruses tend to mutate more quickly than others, so a new vaccine is formulated each year to target the strains expected to be the major threats. CDC officials have said that in formulating this years vaccine, scientists accurately anticipated the strains that are circulating this season. Because of the guesswork involved, scientists tend to set a lower bar for flu vaccine. While childhood vaccines against diseases like measles are expected to be 90 or 95 percent effective, a flu vaccine thats 60 to 70 percent effective in the United States is considered pretty good. By that standard, this years vaccine is OK. For senior citizens, a flu vaccine is considered pretty good if its in the 30 to 40 percent range, said Dr. Arnold Monto, a University of Michigan flu expert. A high-dose version of the flu shot was recently made available for those 65 and older, but the new study was too small to show whether that has made a difference. The CDC estimates are

Page 17A

Flu shot doing poor job of protecting older people


by Mike Stobbe ATLANTA (AP) It turns out this years flu shot is doing a startlingly dismal job of protecting older people, the most vulnerable age group. The vaccine is proving only 9 percent effective in those 65 and older against the harsh strain of the flu that is predominant this season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. Health officials are baffled as to why this is so. But the findings help explain why so many older people have been hospitalized with the flu this year. Despite the findings, the CDC stood by its recommendation that everyone older than 6 months get flu shots, the elderly included, because some protection is better than none, and because those who are vaccinated and still get sick may suffer less severe symptoms. Year in and year out, the vaccine is the best protection we have, said CDC flu expert Dr. Joseph Bresee. Overall, across the age groups studied, the vaccines effectiveness was found to be a moderate 56 percent, which means those who got a shot have a 56 percent lower chance of winding up at the doctor with the flu. That is somewhat worse than what has been seen in other years. For those 65 and older, the vaccine was only 27 percent effective against the three strains it is designed to protect against, the worst level in about a decade. It did a particularly poor job against the tough strain that is causing more than threequarters of the illnesses this year. It is well known that flu vaccine tends to protect younger people better than older ones. Elderly people have weaker immune systems that dont respond as well to flu shots, and they are more vulnerable to the illness and its complications, including pneumonia. But health officials said they dont know why this years vaccine did so poorly in that age group. One theory, as yet unproven, is that older peoples immune systems were accustomed to strains from the last two years and had more trouble switching gears to handle this years different, harsh strain. The preliminary data for senior citizens is less than definitive. It is based on based on about 2,700 people who got sick in December and January. The researchers traced back to see who had gotten shots and who hadnt. An earlier, smaller study put the vaccines overall effectiveness at 62 percent, but other factors that might have influenced that figure werent taken into account. The CDCs Bresee said there is a danger in providing preliminary results because it may result in people doubtingor skippingflu shots. But the figures were released to warn older people who got shots that they may still get sick and shouldnt ignore any serious flu-like symptoms, he said.

TheMayorandCityCounciloftheCityofChamblee,Georgiawillholdapublichearingon Thursday,March14,2013,attheChambleeCivicCenter,3540BroadStreet,Chamblee,GA 30341at6:00p.m.toreceivepubliccommentsregardingthefollowingzoningmatters: 1) AppendixA,ZoningOrdinance,Section207,Plannedunitdevelopmentprocedure. ThesubjectpropertyisTurnburyGatessubdivision,locatedat2401JohnsonFerry Road.TheapplicantisrequestinganamendmenttothePlannedUnitDevelopmentto reducethetotalnumberofunitsandmakeminorsitemodifications. 2) Thesubjectpropertylocatedat5647PeachtreeBoulevard(formerPiccadillysite)is requestingthefollowingvariances:Section905,toallowmetalbuildingmaterials; Section1203,toallowingadditionalparkingspacesabovethemaximumpermitted; Section1201,toallowparkingbetweenthebuildingandthestreet;Sections1205and 1208,toconstructaparkingdeckwithoutrequiredlandscaping;andSections1101and 1102,toallowconstructionofasmallerbuffer. 3) Thesubjectpropertylocatedat5805PeachtreeBoulevard(existingautodealer)is requestingthefollowingvariancesandwaiver:Section905,toallowmetalbuilding materials;Section1004,toallowexistingparkingdecktoencroachwithintherear20 setback;Section1203,toallowappropriateparkingforanewautomobiledealership; Section1201,toallowparkingandaccessbetweenthebuildingsandthestreet; Sections1205and1208,toconstructaparkingdeckwithoutrequiredlandscaping;and aWaivertoSection93,toallowthefacilitytobedesignedusingLEEDstandards withoutgoingthroughtheLEEDapplicationandcertificationprocesswithUSGBC.

Printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper

The Champion Free Press, Friday, March 1, 2013

Education
by Andrew Cauthen andrew@dekalbchamp.com Before Feb. 25, students at Ivy Prep Academies did not have a playground. Rae Ann Harkness, parent of two children at the school, said, The kids at the school did not have a safe play area at all. They were having to use the parking lot for P.E., and behind the building. Thats not a good place for them to run and roll around and really play anything other than dodge ball, Harkness said. If they fall, theyre going to get pretty scraped up. That was before 125 volunteers from Verint Systems Inc., organizers from KaBOOM!, a national nonprofit dedicated to building playgrounds, and residents of the Kirkwood community descended on the campus to construct a playground, two outdoor classrooms and a garden with 10 raised beds. This new playground is the second built by KaBOOM! and Verint, and it marks one of more than 150 playground constructions KaBOOM! will lead across the country in 2013. The playgrounds design is based on drawings created by Ivy Prep children who participated in a design day event in December. Nina Gilbert, executive director of Ivy Prep, said the playground will be a place where our kids can be active and fit and play. We have a long day, Gilbert said. Students come as early as 7:30 a.m. Some stay as late as 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. for after school programming. They didnt have a place to play. We do have a gym but it also serves as a cafeteria. We want them to able to play as hard as they work, Gilbert said. Gilbert praised the work of the volunteers. We couldnt have done this on our own, Gilbert said. This is probably going to brighten our kids day when they know that they have a very nice area to play. Verint employees raised approximately $100,000 for the project to add to the schools $10,000. We are just incredibly grateful and appreciative that they didnt just make a financial contribution, but theyre putting sweat equity into this, Gilbert said. Cheryle Tapp, a credit and collections manager with Verint, said she began the day at 7 a.m. when she painted the map of the United States on concrete outside the school building. She spent more time digging out some muck and on mulch duty. I thrive for this, Tapp said about working in the muddy work conditions. When I was a kid growing up, I was in the mud all the time. Tapp said she was jubilant about being able help Ivy Prep. This morning when I was looking around, digging the holes out, Im like, were not going to get this done in a day, Tapp said. This is crazy. But look at it now. Its just amazing. Its definitely worth it. Its amazing how fast it went up, Harkness said. KaBOOM! is awesome to work with. Verint...has been awesome as well. I would have never imagined they could get this done. Everything came together and theyre really organized. When theres so much negative news about whats happening in public education, theres something really amazing thats happening here, Gilbert said. There needs to be more attention and more focus on the really great things that are happening in schools.

Page 18A

No more playing in the parking lot at Ivy Prep

Countless volunteers, mostly from Verint Systems Inc., helped create all kinds of fun for students at Ivy Prep Academies. Photos by Kerry King

A new playground at Ivy Prep Academies will keep students from playing in the parking lot. Photos by Andrew Cauthen

The Champion Free Press, Friday, March 1, 2013

Education

Page 19A

Henderson Mill student wins science awards

educatioN Briefs

Paige Meisner, a fifth-grade student at Georgias first preK-5 STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) school, Henderson Mill Elementary School, was awarded first place and the grand prize in the life science division of the district wide Science and Engineering Fair. Meisners project, Is Your Store Eggcellent, examined the cleanliness of the egg sections of three local grocery stores. In her experiment, Meisner was able to measure in petri dishes the amount of bacteria from each store to determine the cleanest.

Princeton Reviews rankings of the 75 best value private schools and 75 public schools were published in USA Today on Feb. 5. Emory has been named a best value by the Princeton Review in 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2012. The Princeton Review ranking comes on the heels of Emorys ranking in October 2012 as the 15th best value out of 100 top private universities by Kiplingers Personal Finance Magazine.

Druid Hills Middle School chess club wins at state qualifier meet
Eleven Druid Hills Middle Chess Club members attended the state qualifier at the Cobb Galleria on Feb. 9. The team won a plus score trophy with 14 points. For the second consecutive year, the Chess Dragons have qualified to play teams across Georgia in the state championship. Team players included Marco Aguilar, Ali Desrochers, Michael Ellison, Alia Karbari, Tabish Rayani, James Shirk, Kaleo Simmons and Rachel Widdick. Top scores went to Levy Hyatt, Kalonjee Galimore and Nicholas Robisch with three wins each. The team is coached by alumnus Damir Studen.

Red Dress Award honors Emory cardiovascular researcher


Womans Day magazine has honored Leslee Shaw, Ph.D., with its Red Dress Award for 2013. The award honors those who have made significant contributions in the fight against heart disease among women. Shaw joins the ranks of other distinguished Red Dress award recipients including U.S., including Surgeon General Regina M. Benjamin, renowned journalist Barbara Walters and Elizabeth Nabel, M.D., former head of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Shaw, a professor of medicine at Emory School of Medicine, co-directs the Emory Clinical Cardiovascular Research Institute. She currently serves on the cardiovascular imaging committee for the American Heart Association and is on the board of directors for the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography. She is a past-president of the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology. Her particular areas of interest and expertise include test accuracy, risk assessment, prognosis and cost efficiency, with a particular emphasis on the role of how diagnostic tests work differently to assess heart disease risk in various ethnic groups and in women versus men.

Kittredge Science Olympiad Team qualifies for state tournament


The Kittredge Magnet Schools sixth-grade Science Olympiad team placed third at the regional tournament Feb. 16 to qualify-for the State Science Olympiad tournament March 16. The Kittredge team is the only all-sixth grade team to participate in the Olympiad for middle school grades. The teams had to participate in 23 events. Kittredge placed first in anatomy, boomilever, crime busters and water quality; second in dynamic planet, forestry, Keep the Heat, Mission Possible and Reach for the Stars; third in food science, rocks and minerals; and fourth in metric mastery, shock value and Sounds of music. The Kittredge team members are Eshaan Agrawal, Jordan Adhiambo, Alice Bai, Ben Blanck, Will Brown, Christine Delon, Theo Hardy, Kiran Kowalski, Henry McKlin, Chase Starks, Arya Rao, Adam Rappaport, Matthew Welsh, Hope Williams and Alyssa Wu. The team is coached by Sumi Jayaraman and Jennifer Joiner.

Interim DeKalb school superintendent Mike Thurmond and board chairman Melvin Johnson stopped by Chamblee Charter High School to take a look at construction in progress. Photos by Andrew Cauthen

School districts hosts topping out celebration at Chamblee Charter High


DeKalb County school officials, including interim Superintendent Mike Thurmond and newly elected school board chairman Melvin Johnson, participated in a topping out celebration at Chamblee Charter High School Feb. 22. Thurmond, Johnson and other school district officials joined construction representatives in signing the final beam to be placed in the new school. School officials said construction of a total replacement of Chamblee Charter High is nearly complete. The $58.7 million project includes more than 50 new classrooms, an auditorium, a natatorium and swimming pool and gymnasium. With a capacity of 1,600 students, the Special Local Options Sales Tax (SPLOST) project features a number of environmentally friendly features, including a white membrane roof, which reduces the cooling load in the summer, and aluminum curtain walls, which allow abundant natural light, thus reducing lighting needs. Currently many classes are being held in 32 modular classroom units behind the school. Established in 1917 and accredited in 1935, Chamblee High is one of DeKalb Countys oldest schools. Chamblee became a charter school in 2001 and serves approximately 1,400 students, including those in its magnet program. The school is expected to be completed in July 2014, according to a school district statement.

Emory named best value by Princeton Review


The Princeton Review has named Emory University to its list of 2013 Best Value Colleges. The annual ranking identifies Americas top undergraduate schools that offer the best value based on excellent academics, generous financial aid and cost of attendance.

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The Champion Free Press, Friday, March 1, 2013

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The Champion Free Press, Friday, March 1, 2013


uBASKETBALL

Sports

Page 21A

by Carla Parker carla@dekalbchamp.cpm

Nine DeKalb County teams advance to quarterfinals

eKalb County will continue to be well represented in the high school state playoffs as nine teams, along with five private school teams and one Decatur school system team moved on to quarterfinals. DeKalb girls high school basketball teams went 12-0 in the first and second rounds of the playoffs as all six teams claimed playoff victories. The No. 4 ranked Southwest DeKalb Lady Panthers, led by sophomore Nicole Martins 29 points and 15 rebounds, advanced to the state quarterfinals for the fifth time in six years with a home court 68-37 victory over Villa Rica on Feb. 22. The Lady Panthers advanced to the second round after beating Sprayberry 58-56 on Feb. 19. Senior forward Miaya Crowder hit for 18 points to lead Southwest in the win. Southwest DeKalb hosted DeKalb and Region 6-AAAAA rival Stephenson on Feb. 26 in the quarterfinals. The No. 7 ranked Stephenson Lady Jaguars advanced to state quarterfinals for the eighth time in 12 seasons with a 59-55 road victory over Lithia Springs on Feb. 22. They defeated Kell 60-51 in the first round on Feb. 19. The junior tandem of Nuba Jackson and Erykah Davenport scored 16 and 14 points, respectively, to lead the No. 2 ranked Tucker Lady Tigers to a 53-42 road win over Salem on Feb. 22 to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2004 and just the third time in school history. Tucker defeated Osborn 48-45 in the first round on Feb. 19. The Lady Tigers took on fellow DeKalb and Region 6-AAAAA foe Miller Grove Lady Wolverines in the quarterfinals on Feb. 26. The No. 3 ranked Lady Wolverines advanced to the quarterfinals for the third consecutive season with a 51-38 road win over No. 9 ranked Allatoona in the second round on Feb. 22. They defeated

A total of 15 basketball teams from DeKalb County, including St. Pius X girls team, advanced to the quarterfinals of the state playoffs. Photo by David DiChristina

Pope 67-49 in the first round on Feb 19. The No. 1 ranked Columbia Lady Eagles and No. 3 ranked Redan Lady Raiders also picked up second round playoff victories in Class AAAA state playoff action on Feb. 22. The Lady Eagles knocked off No. 9 ranked LaGrange 61-47 to advance to the quarterfinals for the fourth consecutive season. Junior guard Yaktavia Hickson hit for 21 points and senior guard Miah Spencer added 19 points to lead Columbia in the win. Columbia defeated Pickens County 53-35 in the first round on Feb. 20. The Lady Eagles faced Region 7 No. 1 seed River Ridge on Feb. 26 in the quarterfinals. The Lady Raiders secured their second consecutive 30-point playoff victory with a 70-40 road win over No. 7 Fayette County in the second round on Feb. 22. Junior forward Jada Byrd hit for a game-high 23 points and grabbed 13 rebounds to lead four

Lady Raiders in double figures. Joining Byrd in double figures were junior guard Destiny McClary with 17, junior guard Brea Elmore with 15 and junior guard Jamese Abney with 10. The Lady Raiders defeated Dalton 73-43 in the first round on Feb. 19. They hosted Sandy Creek on Feb. 26 in the quarterfinals. Columbia, Miller Grove and Tucker boys moved on to the quarterfinals with victories on Feb. 23. Columbia earned its way to its 10th consecutive appearance in the state playoff quarterfinals dating back to 2004 with a 74-62 road victory over LaGrange. Senior guard and three-time Class AAA player of the year Tahj Shamsid-Deen scored 32 points to lead the Eagles in the win. They defeated Gilmer 60-36 in the first round on Feb. 20. Columbia faced Region 6-AAAA rival and No. 4 ranked Marist for the third time this season in the Class AAAA quarterfinals on Feb. 27.

The No. 6 ranked Tucker Tigers rallied from a 21-14 halftime deficit to win 37-33 on the road at No. 7 ranked Allatoona. It is the first quarterfinal appearance for Tucker since 2009. The Tigers defeated Sprayberry 56-40 in the first round on Feb. 20. They faced Miller Grove in the quarterfinals on Feb. 26. The No. 1 ranked Wolverines, on a mission to extend their state title streak to five in a row, knocked off Villa Rica 74-53 to advance to the quarterfinals. They defeated Sequoyah 79-57 in the first round on Feb. 19. Miller Grove beat Tucker 80-69 in the two teams regular season meeting and then took a 72-53 semifinal win in the Region 6-AAAAA Tournament. The Stephenson Jaguars saw its Class AAAAA postseason come to an end with a 42-38 loss on the road at New Manchester on Feb. 23. The Druid Hills Red Devils also saw their playoff run end after a home loss to Brunswick 56-42 on Feb. 23. Cedar Grove boys were knocked out in the first round after losing to Buford 61-43 on Feb. 19. On the private school side, Greenforest boys, Marist boys, St. Pius X boys and girls, and W.D. Mohammed boys all moved on to the quarterfinals. Greenforest defeated Savannah Christian 66-39 on Feb. 23 in the first round of the first round of the Class A Private state playoffs and faced Calvary in the quarterfinals. W.D. Mohammed faced St. Francis in the Class A Private quarterfinals after defeating Whitefield Academy 49-44 in the first round. Marist moved on to the Class AAAA quarterfinals after defeating Shaw 64-37 in the second round. They faced Columbia on Feb. 27. St. Pius X boys defeated Cartersville 51-44 in the second round of the Class AAA playoffs and the girls defeated Oconee County 5553. The boys faced North Hall in the quarterfinals and the girls faced Buford. Decatur girls faced Dawson County in the Class AAA quarterfinals after defeating Sonoraville 5750 in the second round.

Baseball Scores
Feb. 18 Chamblee 12, North Springs 0 Cedar Grove 0, Southwest DeKalb 10 Columbia 13, Tucker 3 Lakeside 2, Duluth 1 Lithonia 7, Mays 22 M.L. King 18, Towers 0 McNair 0, Langston Hughes 15 Feb. 19 Decatur, 0 Meadowcreek 0 Dunwoody 16, Chamblee 1 Feb. 20 Arabia Mountain 5, Cambridge 3 Cedar Grove 18, Clarkston 0 Chamblee 0, Riverwood 10 M.L. King 7, Newton County 4 Miller Grove 10, McNair 0 Towers 3, Carver 12 Tucker 8, Luella 3 Feb. 21 Lakeside 12, Riverwood 5 Marist 4, Collins Hill 0 Lithonia 5, McNair 0 M.L. King 10, Riverdale 1 Redan 0, Roswell 2 Southwest DeKalb 11, Galloway 0 Tucker 5, Cedar Grove 2 Feb. 22 Druid Hills 0, Berkmar 0 Feb. 23 Miller Grove 8, Sonoraville 5 St. Pius X 5, Lovett 6

The Champion Free Press, Friday, March 1, 2013

Page 22A

The Champion chooses a male and female high school Athlete of the Week each week throughout the school year. The choices are based on performance and nominations by coaches. Please e-mail nominations to carla@dekalbchamp.com by Monday at noon. MALE ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Maurice Rivers, Columbia (basketball): The junior guard scored 17 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in Columbias 74-62 win over LaGrange in the second round of the Class AAAA state playoff on Feb. 23. River is averaging 11.3 points and 9.0 rebounds per game this season. FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Nicole Martin, Southwest DeKalb (basketball): The sophomore forward scored 29 points and grabbed 15 rebounds in the Lady Panthers 63-37 win in the second round of the Class AAAAA state playoff on Feb. 24. Martin averaged 16.4 points and 10 rebounds per game during the regular season.

The future of wrestling in the United States is in jeopardy after the IOC voted to drop wrestling from the 2020 Olympic Games. File photo

Local wrestling coaches respond to IOCs decision to cut wrestling from 2020 Olympics
by Carla Parker carla@dekalbchamp.com he International Olympic Committee (IOC) shocked the wrestling and sports world Feb. 12 when its members voted to drop wrestling from the 2020 Olympic Games. According to reports, wrestling was voted out from a final group of sports that includes modern pentathlon, taekwondo and field hockey. The IOC board made its decision after reviewing the 26 sports on the current Olympic program. Eliminating one sport allows the IOC to add a new sport to the program later this year. Wrestling, which combines freestyle and Greco-Roman events, had been a part of the Olympics since the inaugural modern Games in Athens in 1896. In the view of the executive board, this was the best program for the Olympic Games in 2020, IOC spokesman Mark Adams said in a released statement. Its not a case of whats wrong with wrestling, it is whats right with

uWRESTLING

the 25 core sports. Wrestling will now join seven other sports that will apply for inclusion in 2020. The others sports are baseball and softball, karate, squash, roller sports, sport climbing, wakeboarding and wushu. They will be vying for a single opening in 2020. The IOCs decision has garnered a lot of outraged from wrestlers as well as wrestling and sports fans both nationally and locally. Some DeKalb County School District wrestling coaches said this decision will have an effect on young wrestlers and their future. Its messing with the kids dreams, said Southwest DeKalb High School wrestling coach Keith Johnson. Most of the students who wrestle want to either be a state champion, a national champion or an Olympic champion. And the ones that go to collegeafter college they have nothing to look forward to. McNair High School wrestling coach Ramon Tillery also said this decision will affect the futures of young wrestlers. I think they are messing up a

lot of opportunity for these kids, he said. A lot of kids depend on wrestling to take them far in their education. Lithonia High School wrestling coach Patrick Ryan said he was very disappointed and shocked. I feel bad for the kids, he said. Some have goals to become an Olympic champion and they work hard five to six days a week. They take wrestling very seriously and now one of their aspirations is shut down. Despite the disappointment and uncertainty of the future of wrestling, the coaches believe this decision will not affect their program directly. It may affect some programs that are affiliated with USA wrestling and freestyle wrestling, Ryan said. But, it wont affect Lithonias program because my kids never wrestled before, until they met me. It wont stop kids from wrestling because kids wrestle on my team to give them an outlet to go to college for free, Johnson said. Thats my goal, to get them to college for free.

Each week The Champion spotlights former high school players from the county who are succeeding in athletics on the college level.

William Shaq Goodwin, Memphis (basketball): The freshman forward from Southwest DeKalb scored 19 points, grabbed five rebounds, and had five assists in the 89-73 win over Southern Mississippi on Feb. 23. Goodwin is averaging 8.4 points and 4.9 rebounds per game this season. Jovon McKay, Tennessee Tech (basketball): The sophomore guard from Dunwoody scored 11 points in the 83-68 win over Tennessee-Martin on Feb. 21. McKay is averaging 3.4 points per game this season. Amelia Dorton, Tuskegee (basketball): The senior guard from Miller Grove scored 13 points in the 64-51 win over Lane College on Feb. 23. She is averaging 10.2 points per game this season.

The Champion Free Press, Friday, March 1, 2013

Sports

Page 23A

Oglethorpe womens lacrosse played its inaugural game against LaGrange. The historic night also marked the first official NCAA event on the new Oglethorpe track and field. Photos by Brooke Floyd

uLACROSSE

he Oglethorpe Lady Petrels lacrosse team lost its inaugural game 15-3 on Feb. 20 at the new Oglethorpe track and field. LaGrange went ahead early and never let up. They were ahead 2-0 in the games first eight minutes, and went on to score nine goals in the first half. However, the first goal in Oglethorpe history came at the 19:30 mark of the first half. Freshman Michelle Vasques tallied the historic goal for the Lady Petrels. In the second half, LaGrange continued to score goals, though they scored six in the second compared with nine in the first, but Oglethorpe added two more, as well. Senior Katie Weeks scored at the 12:23 mark of the second half, and freshman Sydney Sparks finished the scoring for the Lady Petrels in the final minute of the game. Sparks finished with four shots and two shots on goal along with five ground balls and seven draw controls. Vasques finished with six shots and three shots on goal. Ashley Haislip tallied two shots, both on goal, while freshman goalkeeper Hayley Flanagan stopped 15 shots. LaGrange outshot Oglethorpe, 3414, and the Lady Petrels committed 23 turnovers to LaGranges 13. There was much fanfare prior to the game to celebrate the inauguration of the Oglethorpe womens lacrosse team.

Oglethorpe womens lacrosse inaugural game


There was a tailgate celebration prior to the game featuring food on a stick and the entire team was introduced before the game after running through a banner and onto the new turf field. The new team consists of two seniors and one junior, but the rest of the squad is made up of underclassmen, potentially setting a strong foundation for the future. The midfield line consists of freshmen Sparks, Vasques and Tate Davis. The team is a part of the six-team Southern Athletic Association Conference this year, with Rhodes and Hendrix joining the league next year. Sewanee Univ. and Berry College are expected to be the class of the league, but head coach Lee Ann Tutchton thinks the Lady Petrels should be competitive within the conference. Our goal within the conference is to accentuate our strengths with our emphasis on possession. If we do that, we should be competitive in the league, she said. The non-conference schedule highlights teams from a variety of sections of the country. Im excited about our non-conference schedule, Tutchton said. Well get good national exposure with the teams were playing and most of them are young, just like we are. The team will face off against LaGrange, Piedmont, Aurora, Transylvania, Huntingdon, Pomona-Pitzer, Agnes Scott and Dallas this season.

The Champion Free Press, Friday, March 1, 2013

Local News

Page 24A

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