FREEPRESS

the DeKalb FRIDAY, FEB. 17, 2017 VOL. 19, NO. 46 FREE

Serving East Atlanta, Avondale Estates, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Clarkston, Decatur, Doraville, Dunwoody, Lithonia, Pine Lake, Stone Mountain, Stonecrest and Tucker A PUBLICATION OF ACE III COMMUNICATIONS

College student allowed

to run for city council
Mary-Pat Hector becomes 208 states that candidates must be of
voting age to be qualified to run, which
youngest woman in Georgia Hector is.
The decision by the board allowed
to run for city council Hector to become the youngest woman
in Georgia to compete for elected
office.
I am honored and thrilled with
by Horace Holloman the decision recognizing my right to
horace@dekalbchamp.com run for Stonecrest City Council in
DeKalb County. Justice was served,
Mary-Pat Hector, 19, made and the law prevailed, Hector said.
national headlines after the DeKalb The boards decision is a testament to
County Elections Board decided the inclusion of the next generations
her age would not be an issue while participation in the democratic process.
running for a city council seat in As the youngest woman to be eligible
Stonecrest. to run for City Council in the history
Hector had her application of the State of Georgia, I thank the
challenged by District 4 opponent DeKalb County Board of Registration
George Turner under the Georgia and Elections and those who stand
statute O.C.G.A-45-2-1 which states The DeKalb County Elections Board recently approved 19-year-old
individuals must be at least 21 to run Mary-Pat Hector as eligible to run for the city of Stonecrest city
for public office. However, Senate Bill See Hector on page 5 council.

Avondale Estates named Tree City USA

by Carla Parker
carla@dekalbchamp.com

Avondale Estates prides

itself on having a strong tree
canopy.
The Avondale Tree Board
works hard to make sure the
citys tree canopy is properly
managed and the boards hard
work has paid off. Avondale
Estates was named a 2016
Tree City USA by the Arbor Day
Foundation for its commitment
to effective urban forest
management.
The city also received a
Tree City USA Growth Award for
demonstrating environmental
improvements and a higher
level of tree care. To receive a
Tree City USA recognition, cities
must meet the programs four
requirementshaving a tree
See Trees on page 5 Avondale Estates was named a 2016 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation for its commitment to effective urban forest
management. Photo by Carla Parker

CHAMPIONNEWSPAPER CHAMPIONNEWS CHAMPIONNEWSPAPER CHAMPIONNEWS

LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, Feb. 17, 2017 Page 2

Business denied in Doraville

City council denies moving and storage company in light manufacturing zoning district
by R. Scott Belzer
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com

A Doraville business owners request to open a moving and storage

company was denied by city council Feb. 7 due to its proximity to a
neighborhood and hotel, according to city officials.
Michael Usuriagas Next Door Relocators, LLC was denied a
conditional use permit (CUP) along 3613 and 3615 Clearview Place by
council despite the presence of similar labor companies and occupying
space that once housed a moving and storage company.
The denial came after a public hearing that included support and
opposition from residents and questions by council.
CUPs allow establishments uses that may only be suitable at certain
locations within a zoning district.
According to Doraville city literature, Conditional uses are those uses
which are generally compatible with the permitted land uses in a given
zoning district, but which require individual review of their proposed
location, design and configuration, and the imposition of conditions in
order to ensure the appropriateness of the use at a particular location
within a given zoning district.
According to a presentation by Doravilles community development
director Enrique Bascunana, Next Door Relocators is consistent with
Doravilles comprehensive plan beacause it is in a light manufacturing
zoning district, is compatible with the character of the surrounding area,
causes no pedestrian or vehicular traffic, has minimal adverse effects and
owners have agreed to specific limitations and conditions.
The company has four 26-foot moving trucks and 10 employees.
Staff recommends approval to the CUP with conditions of limiting the
hours of operation from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and limiting the number of trucks
to four, Bascunana said. A final condition included replacing a potential
fence with oak trees.
Bascunana said the CUP was in line with Doravilles comprehensive
plan, which outlines plans for the city for an extended period of time.
If it was not in line with our comprehensive plan, we would not have
recommended its approval, Bascunana said. The comprehensive plan is
our overarching legal document that outlines our land use goals.
Usuriagas business is currently on Ashford-Dunwoody Road in
Dunwoody. He said he planned to move to Doraville for the warehouse
space and easy access to highways and interstates.
You have access to 85, 285 both north and south, a spokesman for
Next Door Relocators said. For a moving and storage company, you cant
ask for a better location than this.
Councilwoman Dawn OConnor and Mayor Donna Pittman voiced
concerns about the businesss proximity to a hotel as well as established and
planned neighborhoods.
I can see a lot of traffic coming, OConnor said.
My concern is the neighborhood there and the future neighborhood,
Pittman said. At what point do we start transforming into a more
conducive version of what we want to see in that neighborhood? Its a great
business, but thats a thought.
Former councilman and resident Tom Hart supported the business,
saying the city was attempting to complete a backyard deal with a
townhouse community that doesnt exist yet.
You have too many other problems that are impacting our
neighborhood negatively, Hart said.
Resident Stewart Anderson said he was ready for Doraville to take the
next step in development.
Id like to see this area upgraded, Anderson said.
Councilman Robert Patrick made the motion that council approve the
CUP, as it is consistent with the citys comprehensive plan. It failed 2-4.
Just to be clear, our comprehensive plan defends this CUP, so if we
didnt want to get the city into another lawsuit for not following our
comprehensive plan, we should vote accordingly, Patrick said.
Councilwoman OConnor made the motion to deny the CUP on the
basis that the proposed location is in a neighborhood that is changing.
There are already homes in the area, OConnor said. It is going
to create noise, as the applicant stated. With the hotel, Im not going to
stay there when people are clanging around at 6 a.m. The business is not
conducive to this neighborhood. Michael Usuriagas Next Door Relocators, LLC was denied a conditional use permit (CUP) along 3613 and
The motion to deny the CUP passed 4-2 with Patrick and 3615 Clearview Place by Doraville City Council Feb. 7 despite the presence of similar labor companies and
Councilwoman Pam Fleming opposing. occupying space that once housed a moving and storage company. Photo submitted.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, Feb. 17, 2017 Page 3

AROUNDDEKALB
ATLANTA opportunity to learn about complimentary Discover
DeKalb reunion services, local hotel/lodging
accommodations, local attractions and family
activities. The workshop will conclude with a vendor
showcase from noon to 2 p.m. The hotel is located
at 1501 Lake Hearn Drive. To pre-register for one of
the workshops, contact Moore at (770) 492-5018.
DUNWOODY
Round table group to host monthly meetings
The Dunwoody-based Atlanta WWII Round
Table announced it will hold monthly meetings at
Dunwoody United Methodist Church, located at
1548 Mount Vernon Road, beginning at 10:45 a.m.
Meetings are held every third Thursday.

DORAVILLE The Atlanta WWII Round Table, established in

Atlanta Science Festival
The Atlanta Science Festival, a celebration of science
and technology, will be held March 14-25. The fes-
tival will feature interactive and educational events
at different venues throughout metro Atlanta. The
festival culminates in a free, family-friendly Explora-
tion Expoan interactive day of hands-on activities
and shows at Centennial Olympic Park on March 25.
For details, visit AtlantaScienceFestival.org.
CLARKSTON
Amani Women Center hosts sewing classes
Clarkstons Amani Women Center will host daily
sewing classes from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Me-
morial Drive Presbyterian Church located at 5140
Memorial Drive.
Sewing opens up a world of opportunities and
possibilities for expressing your creative side while
earning an income, states a representative from
Amani Women Center. Theres nothing more won-
derful than the feeling of pride you get when you
create something yourself.
Curriculum topics include: an introduction to
sewing; choosing a fabric; patterns; pattern instruc-
tions; notions and thread; tools; layout and cutting;
setting up a sewing machine; sewing; techniques;
pockets, zippers and buttonholes; sleeve installa-
tions; darts and pleats; needle and thread charts and
more.
For more information, visit www.amaniwomen-
center.org or call (404) 333-5122.
1986, hears and records experiences involving World
War II. Past speakers have shared stories involving
Registration open for youth spring sports Anzio, Midway, Luzon, Leyte Gulf, Egypt, France,
Germany and Hiroshima.
Registration for Doraville Spring Sportsmade Although many of our World War II veterans
up of youth soccer, tee-ball and baseballis open are now entering their 80th year of life or in some
until Feb. 27. cases nearing their 90s, the membership of the
Children age 4 to 12 can register for soccer for organization continues to grow due to the younger
$50 to $70 depending on age. Tee-ball players age 3 people of Atlanta who have a special interest in the
or 4 may register for $45 and baseball players age 5 history of World War II, group officials state. At
to 9 may register for $55. last count we had 296 registered members. Our
Children and teams may register at Fleming members continue to make presentations before
Arena at Honeysuckle Park, located at 3037 Pleasant school and college groups, participate in parades
Valley Drive. According to Doravilles parks and and exhibitions and most importantly encourage
recreation department, volunteer coaches are still and demonstrate pride in our country and its armed
needed. forces.
For more information, visit Doravilles Facebook Meetings consist of a social half-hour and a
page at www.facebook.com/cityofdoraville or call buffet as well as an official meeting. The groups Feb.
(770) 936-3850. 16 meeting includes a banquet.
For more information, visit www.
atlantawwiiroundtable.com or call adjutant John
Kovach at (770) 928-4579.
NOTICE-CITY OF LITHONIA
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR EVENT MANAGEMENT SERVICES
The City of Lithonia (City) is seeking qualified individuals and firms with professional
experience in providing management services for the purpose of providing community-oriented
activities and events at Lithonia Park.
The City of Lithonias goal is to attract high quality performing arts and community events
from May to September to support and promote the long-term growth and development of arts
and culture in Lithonia, and Southeast DeKalb County. The Management Firm is expected
to provide booking of event rentals for the Park beginning in April-October annually, give
professional advice, make recommendations, serve as a public relations representative when
needed, and work closely with the City of Lithonia pertaining to the operation and maintenance
of Lithonia Park.
A voluntary pre-proposal meeting will be held at City Hall, located at 6920 Main Street,
Lithonia, GA 30058 on Thursday, February 23, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Proposers
are strongly encouraged to attend the pre-proposal meeting to have any questions answered
about the RFP.
To be considered, the proposer shall submit eight (8) copies of the proposal in a sealed
envelope to City Hall at 6920 Main Street, Lithonia, Georgia 30058 by 4:00 PM, Monday, March
6, 2017. Fax and e-mail proposals are not acceptable. The Mayor and City Administrator

COUNTYWIDE
Discover DeKalb to host family reunion
workshop
Discover DeKalb Convention and Visitors
Bureau will host a family reunion planning
workshop Feb. 18, from 10 a.m. to noon at the
Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta Perimeter Center in
Atlanta. The complimentary workshop, presented
by Reunion Specialist Penny Moore, is an in-depth
training experience to make planning reunions
and gatherings a success. Attendees have the
will open the sealed proposals at 4:15 PM on the respective due date, at the above address.
Copies of the RFP are available from City Hall or can be downloaded at www.cityoflithoniaga.
org.
For additional information, please contact:
City of Lithonia
ATTN: Cheryl Foster, City Administrator
6920 Main Street
Lithonia, Georgia 30058
Telephone: 770-482-8136
Fax: 678-526-0252
Email: cheryl.foster@lithoniacity.org
The City of Lithonia reserves the right to reject any and all proposals and to request clarification
of information from any proposer. The City will not reimburse responding firms for any
expenses incurred in preparing proposals in response to this request.
LOCAL
Done deal for
Doraville TAD
Tax allocation district created, approved
by R. Scott Belzer
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
Doraville City Council
approved an amended
intergovernmental agreement
(IGA) with DeKalb County on
Feb. 7, setting in motion the
redevelopment of the former
General Motors plant, now
known as Assembly.
Council unanimously
approved the IGA, which
diverts property tax revenue
on the 165-acre site to help
fund infrastructure, a covered
connection to the Doraville
MARTA station and other
non-private redevelopments
through a tax allocation
district (TAD).
Council also appointed two
members to advise the TAD
during its 30-year lifespan.
Weve had some nice
discussions; this has been
going on for about four years
now, said Doraville Mayor
Donna Pittman. This is
exciting news for Doraville
and Assembly. Within months
we should finally begin to see
tangible work begin on the
site. This is a game-changer for
Doraville, DeKalb County and
the whole region.
City councilwoman Pam
Fleming said she has been a
supporter of Assembly since its
original proposal. She credited
officials at Integral Group,
which owns the property,
for providing transparency
throughout the process.
The principals involved
in thisEgbert Perry, Eric
Pinckney and David Schmit
as well as our attorneyshave
been very upfront with us,
Fleming said. Theyve given
us some excellent knowledge
to go by; weve researched
it ourselves. I am in full
agreement with whats going
on at Assembly. We move
forward by passing this.
Councilwoman Shannon
Hilliard said she has received
many emails supporting the
Assembly TAD.
The IGA was presented
to Doraville City Council
following unanimous approval
at the DeKalb County
Commissioners meeting on
Jan. 24.
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, Feb. 17, 2017 Page 4
DeKalb Countys board of commissioners approved an agreement between the county and Doraville regarding the former
General Motors plant, now known as Assembly, establishing a tax allocation district. Photo by R. Scott Belzer
can earn? It depends on the (DCSD). The district never creation of a TAD advisory
family. Its around $38,000 but approved participating in the board. The board will consist
that increases to $54,000 for a TAD and officials stated they of two members appointed by
family of four. Police officers would prefer not to direct Doraville City Council, two
make around $37,000. This is funds away from school members appointed by DeKalb
Doraville Mayor Donna Pittman has
been a proponent and supporter of the the target area were looking projects. County and a fifth member
tax allocation district, which diverts
for. That piece has been independently appointed by
property tax revenue to redevelop-
ment past a certain threshold. Photos Doravilles city council removed, said Gillen. the four appointed members.
submitted. approved a similar IGA with Everything else council has On Feb. 7, Doraville
DeKalb County in 2015, which talked about and passed by City Council unanimously
Commissioners heard from had the caveat of requesting council last year is still there. appointed Pittman and
DeKalbs chief financial officer participation from DeKalb According to Gillen, a new Gillen as their TAD advisory
Dianne McNabb as well as County School District caveat added to the IGA is the representatives.
deputy chief financial officer
Luz Borrero before putting
the matter to a vote. Borrero
voiced concerns regarding the
number of units projected to
be built at Assembly.
Borrero insisted the
number be at least 20
percent of units available, as
recommended by the U.S.
Department of Housing and
Urban Development (HUD).
This stipulation was agreed
upon, according to the IGA,
and Doraville officials will be
responsible for its enforcement.
On Feb. 7, Doraville
resident Thom Abbott said it
is up to the city, not HUD, to
determine Assemblys future.
Its time for the city of
Doraville to establish the
process, not HUD, Abbott
said. There should be
opportunities for a manager of
a McDonalds, a QuikTrip or a
Starbuckswe can all dream
to live in Assembly. After all,
this is Doraville: diversity,
vitality and community. Thats
what our website sayslets go
out and do it.
Councilwoman Dawn
OConnor said she heard from
residents that the percentage
of affordable housing units was
40 percent, not 20. According
to City Manager Shawn Gillen,
that is false.
The IGA speaks to 20
percent of housing units sold
or rented, Gillen said. What
is the maximum someone
LOCAL
HECTOR Continued From Page 1
with me and support my
candidacy.
Hector has been involved in
youth and social activism since
an early age. She is also the
national youth director for Al
Sharptons National Action Now.
Stonecrest will hold its elections
March 21. Last year residents
voted to create the new city.
Many candidates running
for city council have focused
their campaigns on economic
development. Hector said she
TREES Continued From Page 1
board or department, a tree-care
ordinance, an annual community
forestry budget of at least $2
per capita and an Arbor Day
observance and proclamation.
Having been recognized as a
Tree City for 32 years, Avondale
Estates is the second city in
Georgia behind Columbus (38
years), according to Stephany
Cross, chair of the Avondale
Tree Board.
We pride ourselves in
managing the canopy that
graces many of Avondales
streets, and we have made
serious efforts in the past seven
to eight years to advance the
growth of the canopy, Cross
said.
The Tree City USA program
is sponsored by the Arbor Day
will focus more on issues facing
young adults in the area.
Certain things need to be
addressed before economic
development can come about,
Hector said in a recent press
conference. I believe in
companies will not come [to
Stonecrest] if their children are
not properly educated and we
need to fix whats happening in
Stonecrest.
Hector also said public safety
in Stonecrest was an issue she
Foundation, in partnership with
the U.S. Forest Service and the
National Association of State
Foresters. Arbor Day Foundation
President Dan Lambe said in
a statement that Tree City USA
communities see the impact an
urban forest has in a community
first hand.
Additionally, recognition
brings residents together and
creates a sense of community
pride, whether its through
volunteer engagement or public
education, Lambe said.
Cross said when Avondale
Estates was created in the late
1920s in a pasture, there were
few trees.
George Willis, the creator
of Avondale Estates, envisioned
a city with beautiful tree-lined
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, Feb. 17, 2017 Page 5
wanted to address.
Im running as a candidate
for the city of Stonecrest
because I understand the
importance of ensuring the
people of Stonecrest are thought
about before decisions are
made, Hector said. Its not just
about economic development.
We need to keep the people in
mind and thats why I decided to
run.
Stonecrest is an area of
close to 50,000 residents.
streets, and he created those
lovely avenues we enjoy today,
Cross said. With drought,
disease and natural aging,
many of these original giants
have had to be cut down. The
Avondale Estates Tree Board,
in conjunction with Trees Atlanta
and Arborguard Tree Specialists,
has been planting approximately
50 trees per year to counter the
loss of these magnificent trees.
Along with the citys tree
board, residents also look out for
the tree canopy, keeping an eye
on diseased and dying trees and
notifying the city.
We try to stay on top of
possible dangerous situations
where injury, loss of life and
or other damage can result in
unsafe trees, Cross said. The
Hector, who attends Spelman
college, said shes ready to
continue her campaign after the
boards decision.
I look forward to continuing
my campaign and serving as
the first council member for
the fourth district of the city of
Stonecrest, Hector said.
Also running in the District 4
Stonecrest City Council race is
Geraldine Champion, Jesse
Cunningham and Jonathan
Phillips.
tree board meets periodically
to talk about the health of the
city trees and what projects we
would like to plan for the coming
year. With the development
thats occurring in Avondale
Estates, we are staying on top of
what accommodations are being
made to preserve and or replace
trees.
Cross also said there
is a large turnout each fall of
residents who volunteer with the
annual tree planting event.
We usually plant up to 50 to
60 trees in the verge [the area
between the street and sidewalk]
in an effort to maintain the loss
of the original trees, she said.
Residents are also asked to
water the trees in front of their
homes when there is a drought.
OPINION
In 2008 a relative political
newcomer who had served three
terms in the Illinois Senate and one
term as a US Senator, was elected
the 44th President of the United
States.
Barack Hussein Obama
secured the Democratic presidential
nomination against former first
lady and New York Senator Hillary
Rodham Clinton in what to
many was a surprise upset. Many
assumed that Clinton would be the
Democratic nominee. This upset
sent shockwaves throughout the
Democratic party.
Obama later defeated long-
time politician Arizona Republican
Senator John McCain in the
General Election to win the
presidency. Obama was sworn
into office in January of 2009 and
became the first Black president of
our nation. Obamas election was
seen around the globe as a major
change for our country and an upset
to the political machine that had
governed our nation for decades.
This was strike one against
politics as usual. The people of the
United States sent their first in a
series of messages of discontent;
albeit, a bit less subtle than the
most recent one, but a message of
discontent nonetheless.
Four years later Obama
delivered strike two against the
Three strikes!
John Hewitt
johnh@dekalbchamp.com
political establishment by defeating
another career politician when he
was reelected as president over
Republican heavyweight opponent
Massachusetts Governor Mitt
Romney.
With Obama at the helm, the
Democratic Party and the Clinton
machine were busily prepping
for the next presidential election
positioning Clinton as the nominee
and hopefully the first female
president of the United States.
Clinton entered the 2016
presidential race and was
challenged by yet another relatively
unknown Senator by the name of
Bernie Sanders. Sanders gave
Clinton a run for her money and
was gaining a lot of support by
Democratic voters who did not want
another Clinton in the White House.
Sanders popularity continued to
soar and it was then discovered
that Clinton and officials of the
Democratic party had intentionally
planted falsehoods against
Sanders.
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, Feb. 17, 2017 Page 6
Sanders campaign manager,
Jeff Weaver, issued the following
statement in response to false
claims by the Clinton campaign: It
is very disturbing that, as the Clinton
campaign struggles, they have
become increasingly negative and
dishonest. No, Bernie Sanders will
not dismantle health care programs
in AmericaBernie Sanders is not
attacking Planned Parenthood
Bernie Sanders is not protecting
the gun lobby. He has a D- record
from the NRA.
Todays attack from Secretary
Clinton, whose super PAC received
$15 million from Wall Street, is even
more absurd. Bernie Sanders, who
has never accepted corporate PAC
money in his life, is now accused by
Secretary Clinton of taking about
$200,000 from Wall Street firms.
How do they reach that false and
absurd conclusion? They assume
that every nickel Bernie Sanders
received from the Democratic
Senatorial Campaign Committee
for his Senate campaign came
from Wall Street. That is obviously
preposterous.
Many who supported Sanders
became disillusioned by the power
plays of the Clintons and the
Democratic National Party and
began considering Republican
nominee Donald Trump.
Trump, who had never held
political office and was best known
for a reality television series and
his global business empire, beat a
large field of political heavyweights
including Jeb Bush, Chris Christie,
Ted Cruz, Lindsey Graham, Mike
Huckabee, Bobby Jindal, John
Kasich, George Pataki, Rand
Paul, Rick Perry, Marco Rubio
and Rick Santorum.
Trumps continued rise in
popularity baffled even the most
seasoned of political pollsters and
prognosticators; many of whom
contended, until the Republican
National Convention, that Trump
would never receive enough support
to secure the partys nomination.
Trump obviously received the
GOP nomination, but did not have
the support of many within the ranks
of the GOP.
Trumps win was the third, and
what may have been the final, strike
against the political establishment.
One may wonder what the next
step in American politics will be.
Beginning in 1789 when George
Washington was elected as the
nations first president, the political
machines have been hard at work
trying to maintain power and control.
Our nation may have just
experienced the end of politics as
usual. At the very least, the political
machine has three strikes against it.
OPINION
The battle of bloody mimosas
The Brunch Bill is
addressing a fairness issue.We
want to level the playing field
for all businesses.State-owned
facilities and private clubs can
serve two hours earlier on
Sundays than restaurants,
says Karen Bremer, CEO
of the Georgia Restaurant
Association.Passage of this
bill also has a huge economic
impact, not only for restaurants,
but for the state in terms of tax
revenue.
After years of being bloodied,
lied to, double-crossed and
left behind, Georgias micro-
brewers and brew pub owners
finally were again given
hope.Georgias State Senate
finally passed a long in demand
and logical bill to allow local
brewers to bottle or sell limited
amounts of their product directly
to consumers, minus the
three-tier system in place with
wholesalers, retailers, etc. And
those suds again soon flowed in
Muddville.
Meanwhile across Georgia,
the equally muddied waters of
Sunday spirits pouring continued
to confuse customers, police
and restaurant owners alike.In
downtown Atlanta, restaurants
ringing the tourism district and
Centennial Olympic Park, on
their generally second busiest
day of the week, cannot pour a
bloody Mary until 12:30 p.m. on
Sunday.Yet just up the hill, at the
Georgia World Congress Center,
owned and managed by the
state of Georgia, state-run and
concession-managed facilities
may start the spirits flowing at
10:30 a.m.
In multiple counties across
Georgia, where there is still a
slight hangover of blue laws,
the after-church crowd heads to
their favorite brunch spot, sports
bar or watering hole of choice,
or perhaps out for a big meal
before heading to a Sunday
FREEPRESS
the DeKalb
Let Us Know What You Think!
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
verification. All letters will be considered for publication. Thursday, one week prior to publication date.
EDITORS NOTE: The opinions written by columnists and contributing editors do not necessarily reflect the opinions
of the editor or publishers. The Publisher reserves the right to reject or cancel any advertisement at any time. The
Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts.
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, Feb. 17, 2017 Page 7
independent restaurants depend have a same hour start time, in
One Mans largely on their weekend
business.Lopping Sunday
those communities that elect to
allow Sunday sales10 or 11
Opinion income in half or reducing a.m. seems reasonable to me,
it substantially can be the or holding to a common noon
Bill Crane difference between making start for all facilities at least
bill.csicrane@gmail.com and breaking many a smaller again levels the playing field.As
restaurant. with the micro-brewers and
Church services of multiple brewpubs, it can take a while
tailgate to watch our Atlanta denominations now occur for our legislative leadership
Falcons.And while several of across the week.Most Muslims to get the cotton and yeast out
these restaurants may be just do not imbibe at all, as part of from between their ears and see
across or down the street from their faith. Though we remain a the green and grains awaiting
one another, who can pour predominantly Judeo-Christian Georgia Department of Revenue
and when, is purely a decision population, Jews go to temple coffers.Pass that pitcher of
determined by a patchwork on Saturday and during the mimosas. Ill drink to that.
of local ordinances with often week, and many Christian
unclear boundary lines costing faiths hold services outside Bill Crane also serves
many restaurants access to one of the old Sunday morning as a political analyst and
of their highest profit margin norm.The former rationale of commentator for Channel 2s
product lines. not having Sunday sales was to Action News, WSB-AM News/
The surge in spirit sales just not encourage intemperance on Talk 750 and now 95.5 FM,
after the noon hour makes clear the Lords day.Well, depending as well as a columnist for The
the demand, as does the high on which Lord and faith you Champion, Champion Free
level of morning package sales observe, that might now take out Press and Georgia Trend. Crane
of beer and wine in grocery, all seven days. is a DeKalb native and business
drug store and convenience These blue laws are owner, living in Scottdale. You
store locations before service beyond antiquated even for can reach him or comment on a
begins.These divides and a conservative Red-led state. column at bill.csicrane@gmail.
start times are arbitrary and Pouring permits should logically com.
nonsensical, and often place the
restaurant server on the front
lines of explaining the ever-
varying rules of engagement
inthe Battle of Bloody Mimosas
The Georgia Restaurant
Association (GRA) has long
taken point on the need for a
common start time for pouring
on Sundays. The playing field
should also be even for private
versus publicly owned facilities.
Distilled spirits, beer and
wine are among the most
heavily taxed products sold
in Georgia.Georgia leads
the nation in excise taxes on
packaged beer.By containing/
curtailing sales hours, the state
of Georgia is making the unusual
choice of leaving money on the
table.
Sunday brunch and supper
also tend to be bigger family
and friend occasions, with a bit
more license to splurge.Many
Publisher: Photographer: STATEMENT FROM THE
John Hewitt Travis Hudgons
PUBLISHER
Chief Financial Officer: Staff Reporters: We sincerely appreciate the
discussion surrounding this and any
Dr. Earl D. Glenn Carla Parker issue of interest to DeKalb County.
SEND LETTERS TO EDITOR, R. Scott Belzer The Champion was founded in 1991
Production Manager: Horace Holloman expressly to provide a forum for
The DeKalb Free Press, discourse for all community residents
P. O. Box 1347, Decatur, GA 30031-1347; Kemesha Wadley on all sides of an issue. We have no
Send email to Johnh@dekalbchamp.com desire to make the news only to
FAX To: (404) 370-3903; Phone: (404) 373-7779. The DeKalb Free Press is published each Friday report news and opinions to effect
Deadline for news releases and advertising: by ACE III Communications, Inc., a more educated citizenry that will
114 New Street, Suite E, Decatur, GA. 30030 ultimately move our community
forward. We are happy to present
Phone (404) 373-7779. ideas for discussion; however,
www.championnewspaper.com we make every effort to avoid
printing information submitted to
us that is known to be false and/or
DISPLAY ADVERTISING (404) 373-7779 x 110 assumptions penned as fact.
LOCAL
Former Decatur mayor Elizabeth Wilson is the Black person to hold the office of city commissioner. She was also the citys first Black mayor.
Elizabeth Wilson reflects on her time as Decaturs first Black mayor
by Horace Holloman
horace@dekalbchamp.com
After retiring from public
office years ago, former Decatur
mayor Elizabeth Wilson said
she has more free time on her
hands.
Despite staying active in
the Beacon Hill community,
Wilson said she hasnt spent
much of that free time thinking
DeKalb super responds
to DeVos appointment
Requests new education secretary to lead a transformation
by R. Scott Belzer
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
DeKalb County
School District (DCSD)
superintendent Stephen Green
released a statement on Feb. 7
regarding the appointment of
Betsy DeVos as U.S. secretary
of education.
Greens statement opens
with a simple welcome and an
invitation to join the fight in
bettering the lives of children.
We invite Secretary DeVos
to join us at a point of common
understanding for DeKalb
public schools and public
schools everywhere: the true
mission of education should
be providing every student
gifted, mentally challenged,
expatriated or burdened by
distracting socioeconomic
or family needswith the
foundational elements to
succeed, Green states.
Green then identified what
he considers public educations
most serious problem and
one that is exemplified by
DCSD: poverty. Green said
about the impact shes made in
the community she served for
so many years.
Wilson helped desegregate
the countys public library
system in 1962. She was one
of the first Black individuals to
get a library card at the Decatur
library. Later, Wilson would
become the first woman and
Black person to become the
citys mayor.
poverty causes issues involving
mobility, nutrition, emotions,
family stability and more.
We ask Secretary DeVos
to lead a transformation in
solving the most serious
problem facing public schools
todaya real and growing
need for dedicated services
and programs that help
address the consequences of
poverty, Green said. These
problems affect education in
ways no standardized tests can
measure.
Green requests the political
climate be set aside for the
betterment of the district.
For kids to succeed, we
must shift from politics to
problem-solving, Green said.
We invite Secretary DeVos
to become our partner in
finding ways to give public
schools what they truly need
to succeed. Its time to bring
together resourcesand
resourceful collaboration
to support socioeconomic
improvements that boost
schools and students.
DeVos was appointed
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, Feb. 17, 2017 Page 8
Wilson was perceived by
many as a natural leader, even
though she said she never
thought of herself as one.
You know how people
think of you as something
different than what you actually
are? Growing up, I did not see
myself being a leader. I think
Im a very good follower, but
other people always pushed me
or asked me to do this, Wilson
Secretary of Education on Feb.
7. She is a staunch supporter
of school choice and charter
school programs, both public
and private, according to past
speeches.
In March 2015, she outlined
six inconvenient truths at
the SXSWedu conference that
affect education and student
performance: American
education is antiquated;
American education has
fallen behind for the past half-
century; the country is stuck
in a partisan rut; government
is failing; teachers arent paid
enough and held to a high
enough standard; and America
does not provide an equal
educational opportunity to
children.
Government tends to
favor top-down decisions and
fear bottom-up decisions,
DeVos said. Government
stifles innovation and abhors
improvisation. Government
tends to favor one size fits all
solutions handed down from
central command. It favors
committeesa lot. Committees
said. Most of the time I was
like OK and that seemed to
continue on in my life.
Even running for public
office was somewhat of an
accident, Wilson said. In 1984
Wilson, along with a group
of Decatur residents and her
best friend Joy Jackson, met
with the president of Decatur
Federal Bank and decided it
Betsy DeVos was appointed United
States secretary of education on
Feb. 7. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia
Commons.
kill all the really good ideas
and, generally, all the really bad
ideas; they favor middle ground
mush.
DeVos called the last belief
the worst of the worst, and
that children deserve an equal
educational opportunity.
That concept is a myth in
America today, she said. It
is not defensible that you can
predict educational outcomes
by the zip code in which
someone lives. We do not have
equal educational opportunity
in America. This is not just
an inconvenient truthit is
immoral.
DeVos called for education
spending to follow the child
rather than the other way
around.
was time Decatur had a Black
person represented on the
council.
In the meeting, Wilson said
she intended to nominate her
friend Jackson to run for the
position. When the group was
asked who should run for the
position, Jackson beat Wilson
to the punch and nominated
Wilson.
See Mayor on Page 12A
DeKalb County School District
Superintendent Stephen Green
released a statement Feb. 7 following
the appointment of Betsy DeVos as
United States secretary of education.
Photo submitted.
DCSD board member Stan
Jester posted Greens statement
on his blog Feb. 7 and stated
DeVos and DeKalb schools
underline the differences in
philosophy in how to fix public
education.
From reading DeVos
speeches, she believes that we
cant keep dumping money
into chronically failing schools
and school districts, Jester
said. Either school districts
need to succeed or we need to
give parents the ability to go to
another school that will better
serve them. Unfortunately,
Georgia has no mechanism
to address chronically failing
schools or school districts.
In many other states you can
create new school districts.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, Feb. 17, 2017 Page 9

A focus on success
Georgia Piedmont Technical College student
vows to change future, wins award
by R. Scott Belzer
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
If someone had asked
Sonya Bingham five years
ago where she thought she
would be today, completing an
associates degree program at
Georgia Piedmont Technical
College (GPTC) would not
have been an answer.
For 13 years, I was stuck
in an endless repetition of
menial, dead-end jobs with
It was expensiveI
needed to work, I had to work,
Bingham said. One by one,
things started to fizzle out.
School got fizzled out.
Bingham decided to
return to school in 2014
after her husband observed
how dissatisfied she was. She
decided on GPTC for its price
and scheduling.
When I began researching
for my return to college, my
biggest concerns were price
and scheduling, Bingham said.
Much to my surprise, due to
enjoy it. So I looked back at
previous jobs and looked at
what I loved doing; I love
numbers and I love figuring
things out when it comes to
money.
Bingham decided that a
future in accounting was right
for her, especially considering
the options available upon
completion of an associates Accounting student Sonya Bingham was chosen as Georgia Piedmont Technical
Colleges 2017 GOAL Award winner for her academic excellence and leadership
degree. in the classroom. She was announced and congratulated during a Feb. 2
Just over two years later, luncheon by GPTC President Jabari Simama (pictured). Photos submitted.
Bingham is set to graduate
with that degree. She has
also been selected as GPTCs

!
mediocre pay, Bingham said.

N
I had not completed my the reasonable tuition rates Georgia Occupational Award

TIO
higher education. I was broke, that I could handle, I was able of Leadership (GOAL)
undereducated, unhappy to fund my entire first year at award winner. The award is

and thus began the cycle of
dead-end jobs.
Bingham started her higher
education at a large private
university based in Atlanta by
way of Effingham County, Ga.,
in 2001. Because of expenses,
Bingham spent more time
working than she did in the
classroom or studying. Most of
her time was spent answering
phones at call centers instead
of studying or completing
assignments.
Georgia Piedmont Technical
College without any loans. I
started as a paralegal major.
Knowledge gained from
GPTC opened new doors.
Her skills landed her a job at
a family-owned law firm. The
work, however, did not speak
to her soul.
Working at the law firm,
I realized I didnt love it,
Bingham said. The main
reason I went back to school
was to get into a career field,
AC
a statewide program of the
Technical College System of
Georgia, which recognizes
students who excel in the
classroom and provide
leadership to fellow students.
[Being recognized] is
almost indescribable, Bingham
said about the award. Out of
4,000 studentswho all work
hardthere were 29 nominees.
To think I competed against GEORGIA PIEDMONT TECH
the best of the best and won is Now Offering
a huge accomplishment.

GEORGIA
not just a jobI wanted to Bingham said the award
See Success on Page 12A
FILM ACADEMY
COURSES
CLASSES MARCH 7, 2017 www.gptc.edu

Dekalb brd of health

BEGIN: SOUTH DEKALB CAMPUS
2460 Wesley Chapel Road
Decatur, Georgia 30035
TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS
10am - 4pm | 8 week course

TWO WAYS TO SIGN UP:

OR
NOW is the time to get Earn 6 college credit hours, be
on your way to a Georgia Film
Enroll as a non-credit, self-pay
student for $750 and receive the
fit and eat healthy! Academy Credential and have
access to financial aid. Strategic
same training without completing
the college admissions process.
Industry funding for tuition is
available for credit students.
To learn about getting fit and eating
healthy and to get involved in DeKalb
County Board of Health initiatives to ATTEND AN INFORMATION SESSION NEAR YOU:
improve the health and wellness of WEDNESDAY,
FEBRUARY 15, 6PM
THURSDAY,
FEBRUARY 16, 6PM
MONDAY,
FEBRUARY 20, 4PM
your community: SOUTH DEKALB NEWTON CAMPUS DEKALB CAMPUS
CAMPUS 16200 Alcovy Road, 495 North Indian Creek
2460 Wesley Chapel Rd. Covington, Georgia Drive, Clarkston, Georgia
Decatur, Georgia 30035 30014 30021

Visit: www.dekalbhealth.net CLASSROOM AND ON-SET TRAINING.

For more information:
SPACE IS LIMITED.
Call: (404) 508-7847
Email: dekalb.ocdp@dph.ga.gov

Contact Gretchen Kyles at 404-297-9522, ext. 1829

As set forth in its student catalog, Georgia Piedmont Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin,
sex, religion, disability, age, political affiliation or belief, genetic information, veteran status, or citizenship status (except in those special circumstances
permitted or mandated by law). Contact Lisa Peters, the ADA Coordinator, at 404/297-9522, ext. 1154, ADA504Coordinator@gptc.edu or at the main
DeKalb campus, 495 N. Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston, GA 30021 Room A-170; or Dr. Debra Gordon, the Title IX Coordinator, at 404/297-9522, ext.
1176, TitleIXCoordinator@gptc.edu or at the main DeKalb campus, 495 N. Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston, GA 30021 Room A-103 for assistance. For more
information about our graduation rates and other important program information, please visit our website at https://www.gptc.edu/gainfulemployment
LOCAL
Retirement a priority in Clarkston
City employees
granted
updated plan
from council
by R. Scott Belzer
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
Police officers, laborers,
public safety officials and
administrative workers working
for the city of Clarkston were
granted an updated retirement
plan on Feb. 7 following
approval from city council.
The new plan, approved
in Clarkstons 2017 budget,
allows employees of five years
to count up to three years of
military service and prior local
governmental service toward
retirement.
It also establishes a 2.5
percent benefit formula,
adjusts the average earnings
to the highest 36-month
period recorded, doubles post-
retirement benefits for elected
officials from $17 to $35 a
month per year of service, and
offers employees payment for
accrued sick leave hours upon
retirement.
Work stops on Stone Mountain sidewalk project
by Carla Parker
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Worked has been stopped
on the East Mountain Street
Sidewalk project in Stone
Mountain due to a dispute with
the contractor, according to
Mayor Pat Wheeler.
Wheeler announced during
the Feb. 7 city council meeting
that the city is in discussions
with the contractor and there
is a work stop order on the
project, which includes the
Second Street project phase.
Thats all we can tell you
at this time, Wheeler said to
residents at the meeting.
After the regular meeting,
the mayor and council went
into a closed executive session
to discuss the issue and come
up with a conclusion on how to
move forward with the project.
The city released a
Clarkston City Council updated the retirement plan for city workers following
recommendations from city manager Keith Barker and city staff. Photo by R. Scott
Belzer
Clarkston City Manager
Keith Barker said the plan was
long overdue, as Clarkstons
plan before the Feb. 7 meeting
was established in January of
2000.
The city made some
small changes to the plan
in 2014, but they were very
small, Barker said. Given
our difficulty in recruiting
qualified employeesespecially
police officers, which is very
competitive in todays market
we had our actuaries conduct a
study.
Barker said the costs to the
city were calculated in 2016
and adopted into the approved
budget. He said action was
taken after discussing the
matter with various city
workers.
We asked them, What
are you looking for in an
employer? Barker said. More
importantly, we talked to the
folks who leave. We asked
them, Why are you leaving?
Work on the East Mountain Street Sidewalk project has stopped due to a dispute with the contractor. Photos by Carla Parker
statement Feb. 9 about the
situation.
There have been overages
invoiced within pay requests
issued by the contractor,
states the release. The city
wants to make sound fiscal
and financial decisions
with regards to project
expenditures and is disputing
the overages. Additionally, in
an effort to ensure that contract
requirements are being met,
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, Feb. 17, 2017 Page 10
What has attracted you to
another jurisdiction? Based
on that information, we are
recommending these changes.
Clarkston Police Chief
Christine Hudson said
she supports the new plan,
especially after discussing such
matters with colleagues at a
recent Georgia Association of
Chief of Polices conference.
One of the big discussions
is trying to hire officers
everyone is in the same boat the
city of Clarkston is in, Hudson
said. People are asking What
type of benefits do you have?
and What kind of toys do you
have? Thats what new officers
are interested in. This is huge
for us.
Clarkston police sergeant
Brian Kern, who has been with
the city since 2010, said he asks
about retirement before each
city council meeting. Kern said
there is only one officer who
was on the force seven years
ago.
on the parts of all parties, we
are in negotiations to reach
a settlement in the matter. In
the interim, and upon mutual
agreement of the parties,
construction has been ceased.
In a collaborative effort with
the contractor and the engineer
of record, we are working to
provide a timely resolution.
The city understands that
construction projects often
render an inconvenience
Clarkston Police Chief Christine Hudson and Public Works
Director Rodney Beck urged council for a better retirement plan
to attract and retain talented workers.
[A good plan] is what
keeps us here, Kern said. With
police officers, we do a very
hard job. Were not going to
be rich. A lot of places dont
offer plans such as this. This
will keep more people here
and bring more people. We are
small but we have a lot that we
can do in this community.
Court clerk Susie Keys said
retirement benefits often come
up in normal conversation.
Being able to say you have
a great retirement package and
that you work here in Clarkston
is a great thing, Keys said.
Im very proud of this city.
Everyone that comes into the
city, Id like for them to be able
to come here and retire here.
Public works director
Rodney Beck said he is
currently conducting interviews
and the majority of candidates
ask about retirement benefits as
their first question.
Benefits are becoming very
important to peoplemore so
to the community and the
construction site currently
paints an unsightly picture.
Please know that the city is
working towards a timely
project completion and is
hopeful of a finished product
that citizens, business and
property owners, and visitors
alike will enjoy.
The city council awarded
the contract to Atwell LLC
in the amount of $22,507 to
than they used to be, Beck said.
Beck said the new plan will
more than double an employees
retirement salary from
approximately $500 per month
to $1,175.
This will really benefit
those who have been here for
more than 15 years, Beck said.
It will be good for the ones
coming in now, as they can
build it up quicker.
Clarkston employee Debra
Samuels, 62, said her 14-year
career with the city, as of 2015,
would only grant her $300 per
month. She spoke in February
2015 to encourage the city to
adopt a competitive plan.
I couldnt understand how
someone could work all these
years and thats all they would
get, Samuels said. It hurt. Im
here to thank the city council.
Councilman Dean Moore
said the unanimously adopted
plan will help Clarkston attract
and retain top talent in Georgia.
construct the side walk in April
2016. According to the minutes
from several council meetings,
the council continued to have
discussions about additional
payments for materials and
other changes.
The city previously added
sidewalks on Main Street from
Manor Drive to Poole Street
and on Manor Drive from Main
Street to Third Street in Phase I
of the project.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, Feb. 17, 2017 Page 11

WEEKinPICTURES

Mayor Frank Auman, center, administered an oath Feb. 10 to four men who will serve Tucker in varying capacities: building official Steve Holder, building inspector Mike
Sargent, Code Enforcement officer James Duncan and Community Council member Thomas Tommy Lupo.

A fire truck pulls into the Decatur Fire and Rescue Department at Station No. 1. Photo by Horace Holloman.

Members of the Dunwoody Explorers program, which helps participants gain insight
into careers in the field of law enforcement in a learning environment, participated in
a competition that included honor guard, sobriety testing, uniform inspection and a
written exam in Gatlinburg, Tenn., on Feb. 11. Photos submitted.
Onion Man Productions in Chamblee began a two week
run of Patrick Marbers Closer on Feb. 9. The production
will run until Feb. 26. For tickets and times, visit www.
onionmanproductions.com. Photo submitted.
Jack Leff, a member of Boy Scout Troop 77 at Oak Grove
United Methodist Church in Decatur, earned his Eagle
Scout rank in January. For his Eagle project, Jack cre-
ated a picnic area at Frazier-Rowe Park that included
pathways and picnic tables accessible for people with
disabilities. Photo submitted.

Have you created programming youd like to air on TV?

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

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

LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, Feb. 17, 2017 Page 12

Stone Mountain continues negotiation

with school district on Rock Gym
by Carla Parker
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Some Stone Mountain
officials and residents would
like to use the historic Rock
Gym for events and other
activities but the city is having
a hard time coming to an
agreement with the DeKalb
County School District.
The school district currently
owns the gym, which was once
the gym of Stone Mountain
High School. The city has been
in talks with the school district
on a use of facilities agreement.
In November, the council
approved the agreement for the
gym.
At the Feb. 7 city council
meeting, City Manager
ChaQuias Miller Thornton
said the council approved the
agreement before knowing the
terms of the agreement would
be changed by the school
district.
Once we notified the
[district] that the council had
approved [the agreement]
the [district] sent me an
amended copy of the terms and
conditions, Thornton said.
Within those terms there are
two things that changed.
One of the terms changed
was the amount of money that
the city would pay for water
usage at the gym, according to
Thornton.
I called the [district] and
we got the water stipulation
taken care of because there is
only one meter, she said. So
we needed to know how the
[district] decides how much
water we actually use.
The other change made to
the agreement was the addition
of a medical liability insurance
clause. Thornton said the
district said that they would
take the medical insurance
stipulation off because the city
already has general liability
insurance.
With taking the medical
insurance requirement off, they
decided to add an indemnity
clause that would state that the
city is responsible for anything
that happens because of the
condition of the gym, she said.
We all know the condition the
gym is in. I thought that would
be a lot of responsibility for the
city to take on under the lease Stone Mountain continued negotiations with the DeKalb County School District
agreement. on the use of the Historic Rock Gym.
Its up to the council
whether you want to agree to the school district to remove ask them to remove that,
the terms with the indemnity the indemnity clause from the otherwise there is absolutely
clause in it, which pretty agreement. no way [we can approve this],
much states that were liable if If thats not negotiable then Councilman Richard Mailman
any damage, death, injury or I think we need to reconsider said.
anything happens because of use of the building until we I do not think this is a good
the condition of the gym in or can come to some type of move for the city to take this
around the premises, she said. consensus, she said. on, Councilwoman Chakira
If an accident happens in The council agreed to table Johnson said. Its way too
the gyms parking lot or on the the agreement until they hear much liability for a piece of
surrounding sidewalk, the city back from the school district. property that we have very little
could be party to a lawsuit. We have to go back and control of.
Thornton said she will ask

MAYOR Continued From Page 8A

Wilson would go on to win and
become the first Black person to serve
on Decaturs city commission while
Jackson became Wilsons campaign
manager.
At the meeting I was ready to say
[Joy Jackson] should be elected. I was
shocked because I never thought the
president of a banks guests would
support an African American running
for city commission. Before my hand
could go up Joy said I think Elizabeth
should be our candidate, and everyone
agreed, said Wilson, laughing. Thats
how it all started.
Wilson said she defeated six other
candidates, which according to her, was
the most candidates to run for a position
at that time.
Wilson said being elected to public
office was difficult because she had no
idea what she was going to do. Decaturs
first Black city commissioner said she
didnt have anyone to talk to so she
could figure out exactly what she was
supposed to do.
I had to start at zero because no one
had ever been in that position, Wilson
said. If nothing else happens, I hope
that young people will step out on faith
like I did. I love my neighborhood and I
lived my life in the Beacon community.
Black people need to have a seat at
the table. I hope young people realize
that you need to be at the table where
decisions are made with you, not for
you.
Being one of the first Black people
to hold public office in Decatur wasnt
easy, Wilson said. Wilson, who moved
to the Beacon Hill community in 1949,
said she had to learn how to build up her
confidence throughout her childhood.
In the 1960s, she recalled seeing the Ku
Klux Klan in Decatur for the last time.
As she recalled, the KKK held
a meeting in the Decatur square
and marched throughout different
neighborhoods in the area. Wilson said
instead of hiding, her and a small group
of neighbors got together where they
could be seen by the Klan.
We wanted to let them know we
could see them. I wasnt scared. I can
remember I thought as a child they
would just come and kill me, but this
time I wasnt scared, Wilson said. They
would say terrible things like nigger this
and nigger that.
Wilson continued to stand up for
what she believed in, she said. Wilson
also played a key role in desegregating
Decaturs school system.
In 2000, a sculpture located in
the downtown Decatur plaza titled
celebration was made in her honor.
Recently, Renfroe Middle Schools
Black History Month Program featured
Wilson in a performance titled, We
remember Beacon Hill: Stories of history
and hope through the eyes of Elizabeth
Wilson.
I didnt sit on the commission
just to vote on something. I sat on the
commission because I wanted to make
a change and if something was going
to affect my community I wanted to let
them know, Wilson said. Thats how we
make a difference. My serving in all of
my capacities has made a difference.

SUCCESS Continued From Page 9A

processwhich involves one round of
speaking in front of GPTC directors,
teachers and administrators and one
round of speaking in front of DeKalb
County community leadersis intense
and borderline stressful.
During the first round, you
realize that these are the people youre
representing, who work at the school
and that your excellence or lack of
excellence is going to be reflected on
what they do on a daily basis, Bingham
said. The second round wasnt as
hard for me, but it was still very nerve
wracking.
Bingham said she was not sure
what set her apart from other GOAL
nominees and left that opinion to the
judges.
I have met with and talked to the
other top four finaliststhey were
amazing, Bingham said. Im not sure
if I have anything thats better. I know
I have a strong passion to help the
college succeed and students succeed. I
know [the other finalists] have the same
passion I do.
Bingham said she could not have
completed her associates degree
or won the award without GPTCs
exceptional environment and support.
She specifically mentioned her mentor,
Tomeika Williams, as a source of
inspiration.
I have dubbed my teachers the
accounting dream team, Bingham
said. They are superheroes who
are just determined to make their
students succeed. This school has a vast
appreciation for students and wanting us
to be successful in our community.
Bingham encourages those interested
in continuing their education to look
into options at technical colleges and to
never give up.
I have a sayingno matter what,
focus on success, Bingham said.
However you get there, however long
it takes. It may take a little longer than
usual, but thats the way life works. Let
success always be in your thoughts
somewherewrite it on the mirror, put
it on the fridge. Give technical education
a chanceits good enough and youre
good enough.
As GTPCs goal winner, she will
compete in a regional completion Feb.
28 and, if successful, a state competition
April 13.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, Feb. 17, 2017 Page 13
COMBINED NOTICE
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND NOTICE TO
THE PUBLIC OF REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS

February 16, 2017

DeKalb County Community Development Department

3486 Covington Highway
Decatur, Georgia 30032
Telephone (404) 371-2727
TO ALL INTERESTED AGENCIES, GROUPS AND PERSONS:
The DeKalb County Community Development Department gives notice that it will submit a request for release of grant funds and an environmental
certification pertaining to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) 15 days following this publication. The request and
certification relate to the following projects.
Project: DeKalb County Glenwood Road Sidewalk Project
Location: Glenwood Road, Decatur, GA 30032 (Candler Road to Columbia Drive)
Purpose: The Glenwood Road Sidewalks project, utilizing $400,000 of CDBG funds, includes the construction of approximately 1.93 miles of
new and improved sidewalks along both sides of Glenwood Road from Candler Road to Columbia Drive in Decatur, GA 30032. The sidewalk project
will incorporate ADA accessibility and compliance to the greatest extent feasible and allow residents within the surrounding areas to better access
MARTA bus stops along this length of Glenwood Road. Glenwood Road would consist of four 11-foot lanes, 10-foot to 16-foot urban shoulders,
including a 2-foot stamped concrete buffer and a 5-foot sidewalk behind existing or proposed 24-inch curb and gutter. It is expected that a majority
of the existing curb would be replaced. Retaining walls would also be used at a number of locations along the project length to minimize property
impacts. The proposed speed limit for Glenwood Road would remain 40 mph and the proposed right-of-way would vary from 80 to 100 feet. The
need for sidewalks has been identified by the residents as a major need and top priority to improve the quality of life along the corridor. The total cost
of this phase of the Glenwood Road sidewalk project, including ADA pedestrian improvements, is estimated at $4,000,000.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT (FONSI)

It has been determined that such request for release of funds will not constitute an action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment
and, accordingly, DeKalb County has decided not to prepare Environmental Impact Statements under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
(P.L. 91-190).
The reasons for such decision not to prepare such Statements are as follows:
An Environmental Assessment has been made for the project which concludes that all adverse effects will be minor, short-term impacts will be
mitigated by either the requirements of the construction contract documents or by the requirements of applicable local, state or federal permits and
environmental ordinances. The positive effects of eliminating public health hazards and improving environmental conditions for low and moderate-
income families outweigh any potential negative impacts. This project is consistent with the goals and objectives of DeKalb County Government and
the Community Development Department.
The Environmental Review Record, respecting the proposed project, has been made by DeKalb County which documents the environmental review
of the project and fully sets forth the reasons why such Environmental Impact Statements are not required.
The Environmental Review Record is on file at the DeKalb County Community Development Department, 3486 Covington Highway, Decatur, Georgia
30032 and is available for public examination and copying upon request between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
No further environmental reviews of the subject project are proposed to be conducted prior to the request for release of Federal funds.
Public Comments on FONSI
All interested agencies, groups, and persons disagreeing with this decision are invited to submit written comments for consideration by DeKalb
County to the Community Development Director. Written comments will be received at 3486 Covington Highway, Decatur, Georgia 30032 on or
before March 3, 2017. All comments received will be considered and DeKalb County will not request the release of Federal funds or take any
administrative action on the proposed projects prior to the date specified in the preceding sentence.
NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS (NOI/RROF)
At least one day after the termination of the public comment period for the FONSI, but not before comments on the FONSI have been considered and
resolved, DeKalb County will submit a Request for Release of Funds (RROF) and certification to HUD. By so doing DeKalb County will ask HUD to
allow it to commit funds to this project, certifying that (1) it has performed the environmental reviews prescribed by HUD regulations (Environmental
Review Procedures for Title I Community Development Block Grant Program - 24 CFR part 58), and (2) the Certifying Officer, Allen Mitchell, Director,
DeKalb County Community Development Department, consents to accept and enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental reviews or
resulting decision-making and action. The legal effect of the certification is that by approving it, HUD will have satisfied its responsibilities under the
National Environmental Act, thus allowing DeKalb County to commit CDBG funds to this project.

Objection to Release of Funds

HUD will accept objections to its approval of the release of funds and the certification only if it is on one of the following basis: (a) that the certification
was not in fact executed by the Certifying Officer; or (b) that the applicants Environmental Review Record for the project indicated omission of a
required decision, funding, or step applicable to the project in the environmental review process. Objections must be prepared and submitted in
accordance to HUD at the Regional Environmental Branch, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 40 Marietta Street N.W., 15th floor,
Atlanta, Georgia 30303-9812.
Objections to the release of funds on basis other than those stated above will not be considered by HUD. No objection received after March 21, 2017
will be considered by HUD.
Allen Mitchell, Director
DeKalb County Community Development Department
3486 Covington Highway Decatur, Georgia 30032
Date of Publication and
Dissemination of Notice
February 16, 2017
 February 2017

News and events of the

DeKalb Chamber of CommerCe
Two Decatur Town Center, 125 Clairemont Ave. Suite 235, Decatur, GA 30030 (404) 378-8000 www.DeKalbChamber.org

DeKalb Chamber of Commerce to Celebrate

79 Years of Business Success
O
n Thursday, February 23, the DeKalb
Chamber of Commerce will host its
79th Annual Meeting and Business
Luncheon. More than 400 members,
community partners and key stakeholders
will join us as we celebrate the Chambers
accomplishments and impact on DeKalb
County and our region.
The 79th Annual Meeting will take place
from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Georgia
Aquarium, Oceans Ballroom, 225 Baker
Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30313.
This year, we are excited to have Bill
Hornbuckle, President of MGM Resorts
International, serve as our keynote speaker.
He will discuss MGM Resorts International
and what a destination casino resort could
mean for Georgia. If the Legislature and
then voters approve the Constitutional
Amendment, MGM Resorts has expressed
interest in developing a truly unique resort
in the Atlanta metropolitan area creating
thousands of jobs and generating tens of
millions of dollars in annual spending with
local businesses.
During this meeting, outgoing Chair
Diane McClearen, Director of Community
& External Relations at Oglethorpe Power,
will pass the gavel to incoming Board
Chair Frederick L. Daniels, Jr., Chief Credit
Officer and Executive Vice President at
Citizens Trust Bank.
New board members will be recognized,
and select companies and individuals will
be honored for their exemplary standards
in business development, employee
programs, business innovation, contribution
to DeKalb County, and overall involvement
and support of the Chamber.
Presenting sponsors include MGM
Resorts International and AT&T. Tickets to
the event are $150 for members and $175
for nonmembers and guests. For more
information and to register, please visit
www.bit.ly/dcoc79am.
MGM Resorts International
Bill Hornbuckle will serve
as the keynote speaker at
DeKalb Chambers 79th Annual
Meeting.

DeKalb Chamber Welcomes Five to Board of Directors

The DeKalb Chamber of
Commerce announces the
appointment of five new
members to serve on the
organizations Board of
Directors. New board members
will serve a three-year term. Elaine Armstrong Pete Hajjar Joe Quatro Beverly Thomas Catherine Downey
Vice President of Marketing Founder & CEO VP of Commercial Banking VP of Communications
The new board members Middle Markets Founder & CEO
Goodwill of North Georgia PRIME Business Advisors and Public Affairs CATMEDIA
include: Fifth Third Bank Kaiser Permanente

Upcoming Events
February 23, 2017 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Thalia N. Carlos Hellenic Center
79th annual Meeting & business Luncheon
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Georgia aquarium, Oceans ballroom April 11, 2017
brookhaven and DeKalb
February 27, 2017 Chamber of Commerce business Luncheon with
u.S. Senator David Perdue
Chambers of DeKalb County Day at the Capitol
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Georgia State Capitol atlanta Marriott Century Center

March 8, 2017 October 18, 2017

2017 PaGe STar Student/Teacher
awards Luncheon
October 26, 2017
Discover and explore Tuscany with DeKalb
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Chamber
Stone ridge event Center
additional information available on our events
March 30, 2017 page: www.dekalbchamber.org.
DeKalb State of the County
EDUCATION
A lesson in
cyber safety
DeKalb students participate in the
inaugural Cyber Safety Day
by R. Scott Belzer
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
DeKalb County School
District (DCSD) hoped to
spread knowledge on safely
surfing the web by hosting an
inaugural Cyber Safety Day on
Feb. 7.
The district celebrated
the occasion with in-
class lessons on digital
citizenship and a live Twitter
discussion through DCSDs @
dekalbschools account and the
#CyberSafeDeKalb hashtag.
The purpose of Cyber Safety
Day was to raise awareness
of emerging online issues and
to encourage students and
staff to use the internet and
social media more safely,
state district officials. Social
websites and smartphone apps
can be a fun, exciting and
convenient way to connect
with our family members,
friends and new people across
the world. But if not used
properly, they can also expose
unsuspecting children to risks
such as child predators, human
traffickers, cyberbullies and
other criminals.
At Peachtree Charter
Middle School, seventh
grade science teacher Byron
Thompson took a break from
his lesson plan to hand out
cyber safety worksheets, show
videos and lead a discussion on
the importance of safely web-
surfing.
Students answered such
questions on cyberbullying
what it is, what the school
has in place to counter it,
whether they have ever sent
a mean message, what they
believe they should do when
encountering cyberbullying
and who they should talk to.
Do you think
cyberbullying only happens
to people [at students ages]
or does everyone have to deal
with it? Thompson asked.
Our purpose is to educate
students so they dont [bully]
like some people our age.
When I was growing up, I
wasnt faced with the issues
[students] face today, and to
be honest, Im kind of glad.
Students are under a lot of
pressure.
Students said they think
people cyberbully out of fear,
because they have no friends
and for attention. Students also
said they knew the school has
measures in place to protect
them.
We had that one play this
year about bullying and we had
another play last year, said one
student.
Isnt there something
about it in our student code of
conduct? said another.
Students were divided
on how to deal with
cyberbullying. Some students
said the best way to deal with
a bully is to ignore him or her.
Other students said the only
way to face a bully is to stand
up to him or her.
Think it, dont say it, said
one student. When you say
something back, it only gets
bigger and bigger.
Honestly, I would say
something back, said another
student. If someone is going
to be mean to you, and pushing
you, you have to push back.
Thompson said
cyberbullying is one of the
reasons for Cyber Safety Day
and for students to start having
these conversations with
parents.
At Peachtree, we want
students to go through the
avenues we have set up for
them, said teacher Derek
James. This is one of the last
things we want students to do.
Throughout the day,
teachers tweeted about their
experiences with students,
parents shared advice and
administrators counseled
teachers on engaging students.
As a working single mom
to two teenage boys, we
educate each other, said parent
Ramona Mills. Teamwork for
digital citizenship!
Encourage your teen to
explain social media to you
their understanding will help
to focus your teaching, said
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, Feb. 17, 2017 Page 15
Peachtree Charter Middle School teacher Byron Thompson works with students on the subject of cyberbullying the
morning of Feb. 7. Photos by R. Scott Belzer.
Robbie Barber.
Cyber safety has been an
ongoing concern at DCSD
since National Cyber Security
Awareness Month in October IT DOESNT
TAKE A
2016.
At the beginning of the
2016-2017 school year, DCSD
ROCKET
Superintendent Stephen
Green said the U portion of
DCSDs teaching and learning,
SCIENTIST
relevance, unity, support
and transparency (TRUST)
acronym has to do with
creating a safe, structured and TO HELP KIDS WITH
secure online environment.
DCSD has a dedicated
THEIR EDUCATION.
cyber safety webpage with
links to resources at the Nope. All it takes is a scratch or two.
National Center for Missing & Because every time you play the Lottery,
Exploited Children. According Georgia kids are the real winners. Thats
to the Center, being cyber because for over 20 years the Georgia
aware means pledging to Lottery has contributed over $18.1 billion
thinking before posting; to education. On top of that, more than
respecting other people online; 1.7 million HOPE scholars have gone to
being careful when meeting
college and more than 1.4 million four-
year-olds have attended a Lottery-funded
online friends in-person; and Pre-K Program. That qualifies as a rocket
protecting ones self online.
booster in our book.
DCSD staff and students
are required to adhere to
social media guidelines while
on district computers or
connected to the districts
network. Guidelines include
projecting a positive digital
image; remembering
accountability through a
district IP address; posting
responsibly and considering
the audience; and taking
cyberbullying seriously.
We have to get busy on
this; we have to catch up to
our kids, Green said. Our
babies are at risk. Theres stuff
out there you dont even want
to know about. Do you know
what the darknet is? I didnt
and now I wish I still didnt.
We have to have a community
conversation.
For more information, visit
http://www.dekalbschoolsga.
org/cyber-safety/. galottery.com
BUSINESS DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, Feb. 17, 2017 Page 16

Family entertainment center unveils upgrades

by Kathy Mitchell
The first Stars and Strikes
family entertainment center
opened almost 12 years ago
after longtime friends and
neighbors Jack Canouse and
Chris Albano decided the
metro Atlanta area needed a
place where people of all ages
could go for safe, wholesome
entertainment as well as food
options from snacks to full
meals with bar service.
There now are 10 Stars
and Strikes locations in
Georgia with an Alabama
location scheduled to open
soon. The Stone Mountain
center on Mountain Industrial
Boulevard, which opened in
2011, has consistently been
in the top three in terms of
popularity, according to Scott
Harris, corporate director of
marketing.
This is definitely a highly
successful location. Were
always busy with birthday
parties, special events and
people who just come by for
a good time, Harris said at
what Stars and Strikes called
its grand re-opening of the
Stone Mountain location.
Although the facility never
closed, the re-opening
marked the unveiling of a
renovation that introduced
new and upgraded games as
well as some cosmetic changes.
We did some painting,
installed new digital signage
and put in new flooring in the
bowling area, he explained.
The bowling area with more
than 20 lanes and an Atlanta
skyline mural backdropas
the name Stars and Strikes
suggestsis a main feature
We wanted to do something special for our Stone Mountain customers because they have been so supportive, says Stars
and Strikes Director of Marketing Scott Harris, showing off upgrades, including new flooring at the bowling area.
maze, bumper cars, private
events rooms and other
amenities.
We wanted to do
something special for our
Stone Mountain guests since
they have supported us
consistently since we opened,
Harris said. He added that
the city of Stone Mountain
has been supportive as well.
City officials have been just
great. Whatever we need,
they are always willing to
help and the DeKalb County
Police Department has been
wonderful in helping us with
security.
Stars and Strikes is very
were in, Harris said, noting
the companys contributions
to charities, including hosting
special events for children in
foster care.
Harris works in the
corporate office, but said he
and his family are frequent
visitors to the Stone Mountain
location. I live in Decatur in
the Belvedere area so this Stars
MORRISS and SHIM, Attorneys at Law
Is pleased to announce the firms new name
and Strikes right off U.S. 78 is
really convenient for us, he
said.
Most youthful visitors to
the Feb. 11 event were eagerly
trying the new options in the
arcade area, which is now the
largest at any Stars and Strikes
location. It includes classic
games brought back in a new
format. Its amazing how
much kids today love games
that were popular 30 and 35
years ago. We now have the
worlds largest Pac-Man and
Space Invaders and therere
always kids playing them,
he said, noting arcade games
introduced in 1980 and 1978,
respectively.
The Laser Tag game room,
where teams in high-tech gear
shoot lights at one another
in a darkened area, has been
upgraded to Laser Tag Next
Dimension and now operates
on two levels. Some of the
changes enhance safety and
some just make it more fun,
Harris said.
Although theres plenty
here for adults to enjoy, were
really all about the kids. Just
about everyone who works
here has kids and we know
what kids enjoy. Their interests
change with time, he said,
Kids right now are all about
winning tickets.
Harris said the Stone
Mountain location added a
Winners Club store where
tickets won in the arcade area
can be traded for merchandise
ranging from candy and
trinkets to gaming systems and
high-definition televisions.
You cant buy anything in here
with money, he said of the
newly opened room. You can
only buy things with tickets
youve won. The kids love it.

Morris Shin
of the entertainment center, much a part of this community,
which also includes a laser as we are in every community MORRISS SHIM JAMES

NOTICE OF
NONDISCRIMINATORY
POLICY AS TO
STUDENTS
Intown Community School
admits students of any
race, color, national or
ethnic origin to all rights,
privileges, programs,
and activities generally
accorded or made available
to students at the school.
It does not discriminate
on the basis of race,
color, national or ethnic
origin in administration of
its educational policies,
admissions policies,
scholarship programs, and
athletic and other school
administered programs.
M S J TELEPHONE:
404.525.8000
MORRISS SHIM JAMES
NOTICE OF ATTORNEYS TOLL FREE:
NONDISCRIMINATORY AT LAW 1.866.946.8800
POLICY AS TO
STUDENTS
Daniel Preparatory
Academy, Inc. admits
students of any race, color, and that
national origin, and ethnic
origin to all the rights,
privileges, programs, ROBERT D. JAMES JR.
and activities generally
accorded or made available Has joined the firm as a partner.
to students at the school.
It does not discriminate on
the basis of race, color, Robert James is the former elected District Attorney and Solicitor-General of DeKalb County.
national origin, and ethnic
origin in administration of Robert will be practicing in the areas of personal injury and criminal defense.
its educational ploicies,
schlorships and loan
programs, and athletic and
THE ASTORIA-SUITE 212, 2233 PEACHTREE RD., NE, ATLANTA, GA 30309
other school-administered
programs WWW.MSJLAWGROUP.COM
CLASSIFIED
The
CHAMPION
The Champion is not responsible for any damages resulting from advertisements. All sales final.
RATES: $30 for up to 40 words, each
additional word $0.60. All ads are
prepaid. All major credit cards accepted.
AUCTIONS
ADVERTISE YOUR
AUCTION in over 100
newspapers for only $350.
Your 25-word classified ad
will reach more than1 mil-
lion readers. Call Bruce
Washington at the Georgia
Newspaper Service, 770-
454-6776.
DRIVERS
Drivers, Class A CDL
openings to run S. E.
Regional 2015 and
newer trucks Home
weekly, Excellent Pay and
Benefits! Apply: www.os-
borntransportation.com
Call 855-395-6630 x 113
EDUCATION /CAREER
TRAINING
New Year. New Career-
AVIATION Grads work with
JetBlue, Boeing, Delta and
others-Get hands on train-
ing for FAA certification.
Financial aid if qualified.
Call Aviation Institute of
Maintenance (866)564-
9634. www.FixJets.com
FOR RENT
ROOM FOR RENT IN
ELLENWOOD (DeKalb).
Clean, organized, fully fur-
nished. Amenities include
shared kitchen, laundry,
great yard and is located
on the bus line. Non-
smoking only. No pets
allowed. (706) 386-9330.
Deposit of $500 required
with references.
HELP WANTED
K & B Elite Doggie Daycare
and Boarding in the City of
Decatur is looking for dog-
friendly help to work af-
ternoons and weekENDS.
Experience with handling
dogs is preferred. contact
Kathy Buse if interested
404-371-9135.
CLASSIFIEDS
Ads due by Friday at noon for next
publication date. For more information
visit www.championclassifieds.com
MISCELLANEOUS
High-Speed Internet is
Available Where You
Live Today! Plans as low
as $39.99 per month.
Ask about discounts
for DirecTV Customers!
1-800-266-4409
PBSinternet@gmail.com
Have a car? Want to earn
money on your schedule?
Drive with Uber. www.
uber.com Use invite code
JENNIFERL1266UE.
VIAGRA and CIALIS
USERS! Cut your drug
costs! SAVE $$! 50 Pills for
$99.00. FREE Shipping!
100% Guaranteed and
Discreet. CALL 1-800-265-
1479.
Switch to DIRECTV.
Lock in 2-Year Price
Guarantee ($50/month) w/
AT&T Wireless. Over 145
Channels PLUS Popular
Movie Networks for Three
Months, No Cost! Call
1-800-984-6205.
A-1 DONATE YOUR
CAR FOR BREAST
CANCER! Help United
Breast Foundation
education, prevention
& support programs.
FAST FREE PICKUP-24
HR RESPONSE-TAX
DEDUCTION 844-289-
0993.
Lung Cancer? And Age
60+? You and Your
Family May Be Entitled To
Significant Cash Award.
Call 844-499-2074 for
Information. No Money
Out of Pocket.
SAVE YOUR HOME! Are
you behind paying your
MORTGAGE? Denied
Loan Modification? Is the
bank threatening fore-
closure? CALL Home
Owners Relief Line now
for Help 844-846-6824
New AT&T INTERNET
OFFER, $20 and $30/
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, Feb. 17, 2017 Page 17
mo plans available when
you bundle. 99% Reliable
100% Affordable. HURRY,
OFFER ENDS SOON. New
Customers Only. CALL
NOW 1-800-291-8502.
DISH SPECIAL! Stop tions) free to anyone who
paying for channels you
dont watch! Starting at tact Jennifer Labon at 770-
$39.99/mo. FREE Next-
Day Installation + FREE
$50 giftcard with signup
courtesyof SatelliteDeals press of a button sends
Call855-400-4334 help FAST! Medical, Fire,
Owe more than 10k to the
IRS? We can Help! Call Tax
Mediation Services to stop
collection and Harassing
Letters. Call for FREE case
review! 888-5517351
Spectrum Triple Play. TV,
Internet & Voice for $29.99
ea. 60 MB per second
speed. No Contract or
commitment. We buy your
existing contract up to
$500! 1-800-616-7798.
Struggling with DRUGS
or ALCOHOL? Addicted
to PILLS? Talk to some-
one who cares. Call The
Addiction Hope & Help
Line for a free assessment.
888-497-5176.
Exede Satellite Internet.
Affordable, high speed
broadband satellite inter-
net anywhere in the U.S.
Order now and save $100.
Plans start at $39.99/
month. Call 1-800-615-
3819.
SELL your structured
settlement or annuity pay-
ments for CASH NOW.
You dont have to wait for
future payments any lon-
ger! Call 1-800-481-0635.
Looking to earn money
on your schedule? Have a
car? Drive with Uber. Call
800-315-8524.
Got Knee Pain? Back
Pain? Shoulder Pain? Get
a pain-relieving brace at
little or NO cost to you.
DISCLAIMER: We do not knowingly accept advertisements that
discriminate, or intend to discriminate, on any illegal basis. Nor
do we knowingly accept employment advertisements that are not
bona-fide job offers. All real estate advertisements are subject
to the fair housing act and we do not accept advertising that is
in violation of the law. The law prohibits discrimination based on
color, religion, sex, nationalorigin, handicap or familial status.
Medicare Patients Call (3650 JONESBORO RD
Health Hotline 1-800-817- SE) INFO: (563) 927-8176
5077. www,rkshows,com
Georgia Press Association VACATION RENTALS
if offering two cubicles
(which make four work sta- ADVERTISE YOUR
VACATION PROPERTY,
is interested. Please con- to more than 1 million
Georgia newspaper read-
454-6776 for more details. ers. Your 25 word classi-
fied ad will appear in over
Life Alert . 24/7. One 100 Georgia newspapers
for only $350. Call Bruce
Washington at Georgia
Burglar. Even if you cant Newspaper Service, 770-
reach a phone! FREE 454-6776 or online at
Brochure. CALL 800-371- www.gapress.org/geor-
8914. gianewspaperservice.html
SPORTING GOODS
GUN SHOW FEB. 25-
26 SAT. 9-5 & SUN. 10-5
ATLANTA EXPO CENTER
AIRLINE
CAREER
2017
Get FAA approved hands on Aviation training.
Financial aid for qualified students -
Career placement assistance.
CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance
866-564-9634
AUCTION
503
Properties in 88 Offerings
in AL, FL, GA, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA
2 Auctions, 1 day
Tuesday, February 28th at 2PM & 7PM
Sale Site: 620 Chastain Road, NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144
Local Properties of Interest Many Properties Sell
Tuesday, February 28th
ABSOLUTE!
2PM SALE
No Minimums! No Reserves!
Prop. 5115: 4.3 Ac. Single Family
Home & Excess Land - Decatur, GA
Prop. 5132: 4.1 Ac. Residential Land GAL: 2034, FL: AB-1488,
Selling ABSOLUTE - Stone Mtn., GA TN: 3945, NCFL: 6397,
AL: 1481, SC: 002815R,
VA: 2908 000490,
7PM SALE MS: Thomas J. Tarpley,
Lic. Mississippi Real Estate
Prop. 5236: 62 Townhome Lots on Broker and Mississippi
4.939 Acres - Lithonia, GA Auction License #565 -
10% Buyers Premium
Bid Live at the Auctions & Online!
770-766-4733 multisellerauction.com
Champion Newspapers & ONLINE
Feb. 16 & 23, 2x4
SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, Feb. 17, 2017 Page 18

REGION TOURNAMENT SCORES

Photos by Travis Hudgons

Region 4-AAAAAA
Feb. 6 Region 4-AAAA Feb. 9 Tucker 68, Stephenson 51
North Clayton 82, Druid Hills 30
Boys Boys Feb. 11
Region 5-A Region 7-AAAA Region 4-AAAA
W.D. Mohammed 65, Galloway 49 Marist 52, White County Druid Hills 61, Eastside 55 Boys
Region 5-A
Region 4-AAA Region 8-AAAA Feb. 10 Championship
Cedar Grove 79, McNair 44 St. Pius X 36, Oconee County 31 Greenforest 67, Southwest Atlanta Christian 55
Westminster 44, Stone Mountain 41 Boys
Lovett 80, Towers 68 Region 5-AAAAA Region 5-A Region 7-AAAA
Pace 69, Redan 46 Chamblee 47, Miller Grove 38 Greenforest 79, Wesleyan 46 Championship
Blessed Trinity 56, Marist 42
Region 4-AAAA Region 4-AAAAAA Region 5-AAA
Druid Hills 56, Woodward 46 Stephenson 50, Mundys Mill 40 Championship Region 8-AAAA
Tucker 63, Drew 37 Pace 64, Cedar Grove 54 Championship
Region 6-AAAAA St. Pius X 84, Stephens County 59
Decatur 58, Banneker 41 Region 7-AAAAAA Region 7-AAAA
Northview 76, Dunwoody 43 Marist 47, White County 29 Region 5-AAAAA
Region 4-AAAAAA Consolation
M.L. King 58, Lovejoy 35 Region 7-AAAAAAA Region 8-AAAA Southwest DeKalb 65, Lithonia 56
Lakeside 57, Central Gwinnett 55 St. Pius X 61, North Oconee 34 Championship
Region 7-AAAAAAA Miller Grove 58, Columbia 58
Lakeside 57, Central Gwinnett 55 Feb. 8 Region 4-AAAA
Henry County 68, Druid Hills 65 Region 4-AAAAAA
Girls Boys Consolation
Region 5-A Region 5-A Region 5-AAAAA Tucker 69, Forest Park 48
Galloway 46, W.D. Mohammed 33 Greenforest 80, Paideia 53 Columbia (20-6) 47, SW DeKalb (15-12) 34 Championship
Miller Grove 61, Lithonia 39 Stephenson 61, Jonesboro 58
Region 4-AAAAAA Region 5-AAA
M.L. King 49, Mt. Zion 36 Cedar Grove 39, Westminster 34 Region 4-AAAAAA Region 7-AAAAAA
Stephenson 62, Tucker 58 Championship
Region 7AAAAAA Region 5-AAAAA Pope 61, Dunwoody 58
Dunwoody 52, North Atlanta 37 Southwest DeKalb 56, Chamblee 55 Region 7-AAAAAA
Columbia 82, Clarkston 36 Dunwoody 70, Alpharetta 59 Girls
Feb. 7 Region 4-AAAAAA
Region 6-AAAAA Girls Consolation
Boys Lithia Springs 48, Decatur 47 Region 5-A Jonesboro 52, Stephenson 33
Region 5-A Holy Innocents 67, Greenforest 40 Championship
Paideia 51, Mount Vernon 45 Region 4-AAAAAA Tucker 53, Lovejoy 48
Holy Innocents, W.D. Mohammed39 Jonesboro 67, M.L. King Jr. 38 Region 5-AAA
Consolation Region 5-AAAAA
Region 5-AAAAA Region 7-AAAAAA Lovett 70, Cedar Grove 65, OT Consolation
Lithonia 58, Arabia Mountain 57 Dunwoody 59, Chattahoochee 48 Championship Columbia 56, Chamblee 42
Redan 52, Pace 32 Championship
Region 4-AAAAAA Girls Southwest DeKalb 53, Arabia Mountain 39
Stephenson 67, Mundys Mill 58 Region 5-A Region 7-AAAA
Tucker 72, Drew 38 Greenforest 60, Paideia 28 West Hall 45, Marist 32 Region 6-AAAAA
Consolation
Region 7-AAAAAAA Region 5-AAA Region 8-AAAA North Springs 42, Decatur 40
Brookwood 42, Lakeside 40 Redan 58, Lovett 37 North Oconee 44, St. Pius X 30
Pace 47, Cedar Grove 44 Region 7-AAAA
Girls Region 5-AAAAA Consolation
Region 5-A Region 5-AAAAA Arabia Mountain 55, Columbia 53, OT Marist 57, Blessed Trinity 27
Paideia 45, Atlanta International 15 Columbia 63, Lithonia 25 SW DeKalb 66, Chamblee 21
Region 5-AAA Arabia Mountain 65, Clarkston 21\ Region 8-AAAA
Cedar Grove 53, McNair 30 Region 6-AAAAA Consolation
Redan 61, Towers 31 Region 4-AAAAAA Lithia Springs 59, Decatur 54 Madison County 48, St. Pius X 39
Lovett 57, Stone Mountain 38 Lovejoy 62, M.L. King Jr. 33
SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, Feb. 17, 2017 Page 19

Southwest DeKalb High School alum Damien Wimes was named the schools new football coach. Photos by Travis Hudgons

Controversy surrounds SWD football coach hiring

be supportive and Ill just conversation, which was I just know I interviewed, Jermaine Andrews said. But
by Carla Parker try to get it done and do the viewed by members of The I was called, I was offered the its [Glantons] decision to
carla@dekalbchamp.com best I can here and extend the Champion staff, Glanton job and I accepted, Wimes make. He has the last call on
legacy of producing young responded to the alumni said. Thats all I know. Im that and theres nothing we can
Black men that this school has members rant and asked to just happy to be here. do about it.
Former Miller Grove High
produced and try to extend the speak with him by phone. When asked when he was Were glad that
School football coach Damien
legacy and dream of [former] It was during that the offered the job, Wimes said he Wimes is from Southwest
Wimes was named the new
coach [Buck] Godfrey in the conversation when word received the offer the day of DeKalb, Andrews said. He
Southwest DeKalb High
community. got out that the school hired the announcement. understands the tradition and
School football coach.
Several people from the Wimes. During the alumni session the pride and were happy he
Wimes, a 1991 graduate
community and the alumni Glanton told The Champion of the meet and greet, several got the job, but we like the first
of Southwest DeKalb, was
voiced their support for at the meet and greet that people questioned Glanton candidate too. I just think what
introduced to the players,
Wimes, but questioned whatever announcement about the hiring process and happened is [Glanton] divided
parents and alumni at the
whether he was the original was made prior to the asked whether he offered the alumni with that decision.
school Feb. 9 for meet and
candidate selected for the job. announcement of Wimes another candidate the job and Alumnus Danny Davidson
greet sessions. He coached at
Hours before the school hiring was a rumor. then rescinded the offer. said the other candidate was
Miller Grove for six seasons,
announced the hiring Were very clear on Glanton said he could not distraught about the situation.
accumulating a 30-30 record
of Wimes, news spread our process and we had this speak on the hiring process As he expressed to me
before he was fired after the
among alumni that another particular session today due to it being a personnel this was a longtime job that
2015 season. Wimes spent the
candidatea Southwest to announce who the head matter. he wanted, Davidson said.
2016 season as an assistant
DeKalb graduatewas offered coach was, Glanton said. As an employee of He said to me this morning
coach a Starrs Mills High
the job and he accepted. A flyer So whatever rumors or DeKalb Schools, all I can that as a kid being here you
School before applying for the
had been distributed online conjectures that was out there share is that we made a think about being the coach
Southwest DeKalb job.
announcing the other candidate prior to today Im not privy of decision of Coach Wimes and here. And when you say that
Everything truly happens
as the new head coach. that. I dont know who created thats who were going with. I out loud, then it actually
in Gods timing, Wimes said
Later that afternoon, The such a flyer. cannot speak, as an employee, happens, it comes to fruition.
about getting his dream job.
Champion received phone All I can speak on is about any other candidate who Hes a little torn up, but hes a
Its kind of a thing where
calls from alumni saying that who was selected as the head has applied for the position. Panther so hell bounce back.
you have to be patient with
the offer was rescinded from coach at Southwest DeKalb, After the session, several Davidson also expressed
the process, you have to trust
the candidate after someone Glanton said when asked if alumni confirmed that they his support for Wimes.
the process and I just trusted
from the alumni group went someone else was offered spoke with the other candidate This alumni are strong,
in God and I know he would
on a rant against the candidate the job. Were excited about who said he was offered the we will support him and were
make everything OK. Thats
and Southwest DeKalb moving forward with Coach job first. behind him 100 percent, he
what got me here.
Principal Thomas Glanton on Wimes and hes going to be an I spoke to not only that said. Whatever he needs,
Its a lot of work to do,
Facebook, saying the candidate excellent candidate. particular candidate, but well rally the community as
Wimes added. But I just have
wasnt a good hire and Glanton Wimes said he did not I talked to someone that we did when we were here at
to put the people around me
should be fired. know whether someone else understood and got firsthand Southwest DeKalb.
who can really get it done.
In that Facebook was given the job before him. news that he was appointed,
I know the community will
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, Feb. 17, 2017 Page 20

Miller Grove JV boys basketball team won its fourth consecutive county title. Photo by Carla Parker

Miller Grove boys, SWD girls win county JV basketball titles

beginning of the season. due to the Wolverines stout halftime. Down nine points in Panthers to a 53-40 victory
by Carla Parker We lost some playershad defense. the fourth quarter, Lithonia over Stephenson in the JV girls
carla@dekalbchamp.com some players suspended from Were predicated on went on a 7-2 run to get within title game.
the team and they still fought defense, Robinson said. We four points (35-31) with 1:12 After a back and forth
For the fourth consecutive
back every day, Robinson dont score a lot of points, but left to play. game through three quarters,
year, Miller Groves JV boys
said. Its been an up and down our defense is what wins us Miller Grove closed out the Southwest DeKalb entered the
basketball team is DeKalb
season but my guys worked games. game with free throws to bring fourth quarter with a one-point
County champions.
hard and Im really hard on Miller Grove had an 8-7 the final score to 37-31. Miller lead (33-32).
The Wolverines (12-1)
them. They worked their lead in the first quarter before Groves Torrance Edwards was Kimbrough opened the
defeated the Lithonia Bulldogs
[butts] off and Im so proud of Kyree Rice hit a three-pointer named tournament MVP. fourth quarter with two free
(11-2) 37-31 in the JV title
them. They really deserve this. with 25 seconds left to end throws and a layup, extending
game Feb. 11 at Cedar Grove
The score was tight for the the quarter within an 11-7 Girls Championship the Lady Panthers lead to 37-
Middle School.
majority of the game, except in lead. Lithonia got within three SW DeKalb 53, Stephenson 40 32. Southwest DeKalb would go
Coach John Robinson, who
the third quarter when Miller points (16-13) midway in the on to outscore Stephenson 16-8
won his second title as head
Grove had a 10-point lead (25- second quarter. Jayla Kimbrough, who to win the county title.
coach, said it feels awesome
15). Lithonia continued to fight However, the Wolverines scored 12 of her 18 points Kimbrough was named
to win the title after the rough
their way back into the game closed the quarter with a 4-0 in the fourth quarter, led tournament MVP.
start the team had at the
but could never take the lead run to take a 20-13 lead into the Southwest DeKalb Lady

Its a

to be on your
list today.