the DeKalb FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2018 • VOL.

23, NO 35 • 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

The Tucker High School marching band,

dance team and mascot participate
in the school’s Sept. 28 homecoming
parade. Photos by Taylor Robins

HOMECOMING
SEASON IS HERE
TAYLOR ROBINS
taylor@dekalbchamp.com

A utumn has arrived,

and for high
schools across the
country that means two
things─ football season and Homecoming attendants from the sophomore class ride in a convertible during the school’s Sept.
28 parade.
homecomings.
High schools in the
DeKalb area, like Cross Keys
High School and Lakeside
High School, have already
had their homecoming fun.
Among the schools which
have already celebrated Two Tucker students participate in the school’s homecoming parade.
homecoming is Tucker High
School.
Tucker had a fun-filled
spirit week ending with
a parade on Sept. 28. The
Tigers’ football team (5-2,
5-0) then had a football Tucker’s Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps leads the Sept. 28 homecoming parade
game against the Lovejoy
High School Wildcats (3-3,
3-1), where Tucker won its
home game 34-18 on the
same day.
Although the
homecoming fun has
already begun in the county,

SEE HOMECOMING ON PAGE 6 Aparade.

Tucker homecoming queen nominee waves to the crowd during the school’s homecoming
Tucker marching band members ready themselves for the parade

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

LOCAL
COUNTYWIDE
SUCCESSES AND FAILURES
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
It has been approximately one year
since the formation of the DeKalb
County Watershed Customer Service
and Billing Advisory Board.
The board was created, in part, in
response to residents who complained
about a lack of transparency and
accountability in the water billing
process.
On Sept. 27, board members met
to discuss the committee’s success and
failures throughout the year. Some board
members said due to a number of issues
the board was ineffective.
“We haven’t had very many
successes at all,” said advisory board
member David Clark. “We have
completely flatlined for a number of
disputes in the past year. I don’t think
we’ve been successful with anything.
We continue to talk about the same
issues we talked about a year ago, but
we’re no closer to having anything
resolved today.”
Clark stated residents continue to
have issues with outrageously high
water bills and said he wondered if the
system’s “safeguards” were accurate.
Important safety information from Atlanta Gas Light
Every day, underground pipelines safely transport natural
gas to homes and businesses throughout the country.
Atlanta Gas Light operates, secures and maintains the
pipelines in our service territories.
Call before you dig
Before digging on your property, state law requires
you call 811 to have your utility lines professionally
marked – for free! You must wait the required amount
of time before you begin your project. Pipeline markers
indicate the presence of pipelines and rights of way.
Because they are not present in all areas, it is important
to always call 811. If a right of way is adjacent to your
property, it is your responsibility to ensure no new
landscaping or physical structure interferes with access to
the pipeline, and with our ability to keep it safe through
routine monitoring and maintenance.
Information about transmission pipelines operating
in your community can be accessed online at
npms.phmsa.dot.gov, courtesy of the
National Pipeline Mapping System (NPMS).
Water heater safety
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
urges all users to lower their water heaters to
120 degrees Fahrenheit.
© 2018 Southern Company. All rights reserved. Do not reuse text or graphics without written permission. AGL-17986
DEKALB FREE PRESS • OCTOBER 5, 2018 • Page 2
According to county officials,
Water billing advisory board
discusses impact one year later
“We know there are going to be more commissioners meeting in August,
the board’s purpose is to represent wrong bills popping up, but we need commissioners approved a legal
community members who are more oversight in the dispute process. settlement that will replace 47,000
dealing with billing issues, work I’d like to see us hold the administration iPerl water meters within the next two
with government officials to review to a high standard. We have to beg years. The total value of the settlement
billing errors and procedures, them to do their job and that’s a big is approximately $8.64 million in
equipment.
DeKalb officials said defective
'We continue to talk about the iPerl meters were to blame for some
residents’ inaccurate water bills.
same issues we talked about a
According to a DeKalb official, more
than 500 new disputes were filed in
August.
year ago, but we’re no closer to
Watershed Customer Service
and Billing Advisory Board member
having anything resolved today.' Josephine Sewell said the board has
helped resolve some water billing issues
for residents.
“I beg to differ that this board has
not had any success. If it was not for
improve customer service and make disappointment.” some issues that were brought to light
recommendations to the board.   Board member Sandy Johnson, who by this board to commissioners, [some
Board member Star McKenzie said was chosen board chair during the Sept. residents] would still be struggling. I
a shortage of government officials at the 27 meeting, said she doesn’t believe the have referred commissioners to water
meeting makes the board’s job difficult. board has been a success. bills in excess of $3,700 and they have
McKenzie is founder of the “I don’t know that I’ve done been resolved. In my mind’s eye, that is
Facebook group Unbelievable DeKalb anything that would be considered a a success.”
Water Bills. Members of the group share success of this committee. In defining Sewell said administrators attending
their experiences with DeKalb water success, you have to know what success the meeting would help the board with
bills. looks like. We don’t know what success resolving issues.
“I would like to see more tangible looks like for this committee.”
results from our work,” McKenzie said. During a county board of
Carbon monoxide If you smell gas, act fast!
Incomplete combustion of any fuel produces carbon Even though natural gas pipeline incidents are
monoxide. Carbon monoxide is poisonous and has no uncommon, you can help prevent emergencies by
knowing the signs of a potential problem.
odor, taste or color. Carbon monoxide detectors are
LOOK for blowing dirt, discolored vegetation or
helpful, but they are no substitute for using equipment continued bubbling of standing water.
safely. This includes having your appliances inspected LISTEN for a hissing or roaring noise near a natural gas
once a year by a certified contractor. appliance or line.
SMELL the distinctive, rotten-egg odor associated
Appliance safety with natural gas. Natural gas is colorless and odorless,
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency: so we add a chemical odorant called mercaptan for
easy detection. This odorant has a distinctive
• It is important that you have your furnace inspected by “rotten-egg” type odor. You should act any time you
detect even a small amount of this odor in the air.
a qualified specialist.
If you suspect a natural gas leak,
• Be sure all furnace controls and emergency shut-offs do the following:
are in proper working condition. LEAVE the area immediately and move a safe distance
away from the potential leak, while avoiding any
• Keep trash and other combustible material away action that may cause sparks. Do not try to identify
from your air, heating and water heating systems. the source or to stop the leak yourself.
AVOID using any sources of ignition, such as
Pipeline Integrity Management cellphones, cigarettes, matches, flashlights, electronic
Pipeline integrity management is a process for assessing devices, motorized vehicles, light switches or landlines,
as natural gas can ignite from a spark, possibly causing
and mitigating pipeline risks to reduce both the likelihood a fire or explosion. Natural gas is non-toxic, lighter
and consequences of incidents. We have a comprehensive than air and displaces oxygen. In severe cases, if not
plan that fully addresses these processes, especially for used properly, it can also lead to asphyxiation.
CALL Atlanta Gas Light at 877.427.4321 or 911 once you
locations deemed high-consequence areas.
are out of the area of the suspected leak and in a safe
place. Stay away until Atlanta Gas Light or emergency
To learn more, visit atlantagaslight.com/
personnel indicate it is safe to return.
integritymanagementplan. Note: Do not solely rely on sense of smell to determine if a gas
leak exists. Be aware that some individuals may not be able to
detect the odorant because they have a diminished sense of
smell, olfactory fatigue or because the odor is being masked
by other odors in the area. Certain conditions may cause the
odorant to diminish so that it is not detectable. Some gas lines,
due to their unique function, may not have odor at all.
For more information,
visit atlantagaslight.com/safety
or call 800.427.5463.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • OCTOBER 5, 2018 • Page 3

AROUNDDEKALB
CHAMBLEE October. The events include a twilight tour,
outdoor music festival, carnival, trick or
treating and more. Apple Cider Days take
City to host music event

Mike Veal Band will perform Oct. 12 at

Taste of city event coming
The 11th annual Taste of Chamblee
celebrates the city’s diverse restaurant
community. The event takes place from 4 to
8 p.m. Oct. 6 in downtown Chamblee at the
corner of Peachtree and Broad. Admission is
free. Wristbands are $16.99 preloaded with 15
taste points. Food sample range from one to
five points. For more information, go to www.
tasteofchamblee.net.
DUNWOODY
Apple Cider Days celebrated
Dunwoody’s Apple Cider Days is a month-
long series of family oriented events in
place on Oct. 6, 13, 20 and 24-28. For more
details, go to cvbdunwoody.com and search
for the event.
STONE MOUNTAIN
Restaurant to host Oktoberfest events
The Village Corner German Restaurant &
Bakery will host Oktoberfest events Oct. 6 and
13. There will games, face painting, pretzel
baking for children ages 12 and younger and
more. The restaurant is located at 6655 James
B Rivers Memorial Drive. For more information,
visit www.germanrestaurant.com.
Stone Mountain’s Tunes By The Tracks event
in the municipal parking lot, next to the
Gazebo. Attendees may bring lawn chairs. The
two-hour concert begins at 7 p.m. For more
information, visit www.stonemountaincity.org.
STONECREST
City to host festival
The second annual Stonecrest Fest will be
held Oct. 6 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at The Mall
at Stonecrest. The free event will feature live
music, food, a car and bike show and more.
The mall is located at 8010 Mall Parkway. For
more information, visit www.stonecrestfest.
com.

GOT A
PUBLIC NOTICE OF THE OPENING OF THE
SITE-BASED WAITING LIST
Sterling at Candler Village is an Active Adult Community for Ages 62 & older
Applications will be accepted for 1 and 2-bedroom units on the following dates:

NEWS
October 5, 2018, 10 a.m.-4pm.
October 17-18, 2 p.m.-5 p.m.
October 19, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
October 25-26, 10 a.m. – 4p.m.
at the Scott Candler Library.

TIP?
*Please be sure to bring with you a valid photo I.D., social security card, Birth
certificate, and proof of income (ex. Social Security Award letter,
6 paycheck stubs, 6 pension/401k statements). *

For more information please call (646)653-1651

Scott Candler Library

1917 Candler Road
Decatur, GA 30032
Telephone:404.525.5673 We’d love to hear from you.
TYY: 7-1-1

HORACE HOLLOMAN
Horace@DeKalbChamp.com

WE ARE SOCIAL CARLA PARKER

Carla@DeKalbChamp.com

TAYLOR ROBINS
@DEKALBCHAMPNEWS Taylor@DeKalbChamp.com
OPINION DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2018 • Page 4

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

In response to recently published “To vaccinate or not” opinion

I am responding to your recent
editorial regarding ‘To vaccinate
or not’. I commend you for being
courageous enough to approach
such an important and sometimes
controversial subject.  program in the United States
There was a time in my life as a
practicing physician that I did not
question the validity and necessity
of vaccinations as they were
introduced to the armamentarium
of medical practice. When the local
Rotarians were pushing to see the
very last case of small pox in the
world based on vaccinations they
funded, I was impressed with their
compassion and humanitarianism.  virus. Source: CDC: weekly Flu
Now that I am retired, I have
time to question practices that
were otherwise automatic. I am
very concerned about the potential
risks of certain vaccines related to
inadequate scientific study regarding
their safety especially in particular
groups of people. There must be
a problem as we have a National
Vaccine Injury Compensation
that awarded 706 petitioners
$252,245,932.78 in 2017. This figure
does not include attorney’s fees.
Since this is the beginning of
flu season, let me give you six
reasons to reconsider the Influenza
Vaccination:  5)According to Drugs.com, the
1)Between 1998 and 2017 only
15 percent of all influenza-like
illnesses were caused by an influenza
activity & surveillance report.
2)Many multi-dose influenza
vaccines still contain 25 mcg. of
mercury per dose which is a known
neurotoxin, especially in infants.
3)Influenza vaccines are made
from eggs and contain residual
egg protein. People who have IgE
antibodies to an allergen are at
high risk of a serious reaction with
systemic exposure to that allergen.
4)Shoulder injury related to
Vaccine Administration (SIRVA)
has been added to the Injury
compensation table. Debilitating
pain develops within 24 hours that
can last months to years.
influenza vaccine interacts with 207
drugs leading to mild or moderate
reactions and require a dosage
adjustment.  Do you or your doctor
know if your medication is on the
list?
6)According to package
inserts, Flublok is made from the
armyworm and contains insect
DNA. FluCelVax is made from
dog kidney cells and contains dog
DNA. Fluad for seniors contains
latex, the toxic adjuvant MF-59,
barium and formaldehyde.
In your article you quoted
Vaxxter.com. If you want to
investigate this issue more
thoroughly, and I hope you will, this
is a good place to start. 
We must question whether
vaccines are either safe or
effective. Too often our good
intentions only lead us to harm
ourselves and our loved-ones while
adding to the wealth of those who
are financially involved.
Linda Harrell, MD
Toccoa, GA

Foreclosures
Tax Sales/Ads for Bids
Trade Name Registrations
Public Notices/Public meetings
Sheriff Sales/Local Legislation
Notices of Incorporation
To subscribe, visit DeKalbLegalNotices.com
or call 404-373-7779, X 0

#ItsInTheChampion
OPINION
Private sector drives health care innovation
“No longer able to rely on traditional
cost sharing techniques to manage
costs, a growing number of employers
are taking an activist role in shaking up
how care is delivered and paid for,” said
Brain Marcotte, CEO of the National
Business Group on Health, as reported
by CNN.  better assist them with identifying
Healthcare remains the only major
economic sector and consumer of
roughly 20 percent of the GDP where
customers generally have no idea on
costs—particularly on an insured
procedure, medical appointment or
prescription drug until after they place
the order or receive the service.    annual figure.
Many employers, large and small,
who want healthy employees and want
to provide benefits have found the
current service and funding model
to be irreparably broken, and an
increasing number of larger companies
are employing direct service plans,
ranging from onsite medical clinics
to incentivizing wellness and Health
Saving Account (HSAs), options
which are particularly popular among
younger/healthier employees.  and treatment options. The focus is
 In an odd twist of irony, more
than 24,000 General Motors salaried
employees across southeast Michigan
will next year be able to select such a
less expensive service delivery model
(with significantly lower premiums)
with care provided exclusively by the
Henry Ford Healthcare System.
Ford Healthcare will provide all
medical services, surgeries and E.R.
visits, as well as prescription and
pharmaceutical products via its network
of six hospitals, 3,000 doctors and
health care providers through GM’s new
“Connected Care” plan. GM’s thousands
of hourly workers and union employees
will continue to receive health care via
a contracted benefits plan and more
traditional service model. Connected
Care also will provide wellness
exams, chronic care monitoring and
preventative screenings, in addition to
prompt appointments with providers
and virtual visit options delivered via
tele-medicine.
Comcast, the nation’s largest cable
provider and owner of NBC networks
as well as Universal Parks & Resorts, is
turning its $169-billion behemoth ship,
as well as holding the annual increase
in its health care costs to roughly 1
percent a year. Comcast spends roughly
$1.3 billion a year on health care
FREEPRESS
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DEKALB FREE PRESS • OCTOBER 5, 2018 • Page 5
affordable housing in the Bay area, to federal government leadership typically
‘One Man’s revitalize challenged neighborhoods
as well as improve overall community
lacks the courage or stomach for
touching this proverbial “third rail” of
Opinion’ health. United Health Care has American politics—leaving the private
partnered with another startup sector once again to try to shine a light
Bill Crane called Healthify to use software in and lead the way. More power and more
bill.csicrane@gmail.com prescreening new insured clients to innovation to them.
social service and community support Bill Crane also serves as a political
for its 225,000 employees and their groups in addition to better coordinated analyst and commentator for Channel 2’s
families. But instead of charging their care among their network of service Action News, WSB-AM News/Talk 750
employees higher premiums, Comcast providers to help insure better patient and now 95.5 FM, as well as a columnist
has selected a flat, up-front deductible outcomes. for The Champion, DeKalb Free Press
expense (subtracted from payroll) of on Our traditional health insurance/ and Georgia Trend. Crane is a DeKalb
average $250 per employee. That is an government hybrid service native and business owner, living in
delivery model has long been in Scottdale. You can reach him or comment
And instead of handing this massive need of a check-up and surgical on a column at bill.csicrane@gmail.com.
headcount to any leading insurer, upgrades. Unfortunately, our state and
Comcast is directly contracting with a
handful of highly specialized service
providers. Comcast uses several
technology startups, one of them
called Accolade (in which Comcast
is also an investor) which provides
employees with health care navigators
to help them understand, as well as
guide them through the host of service
on keeping employee healthy without
requiring them to become expert at
managing co-pays, deductibles, generic
drug costs or nearly requiring a medical
certification or training if a member of
their family is chronically ill.
Another Comcast system provider,
Grand Rounds, is available for more
complicated health care challenges,
serving as both a check on costs and
charges, and a referral network of skilled
practitioners for more complex surgical
and related treatment needs. Insurers
hardly love this delivery model, which
treats them like an expensive middle-
man, providing little or no real value or
return on investment.
Some insurers are receiving that
message and also responding in the
marketplace. Following a raft of research
that demonstrates that health care costs
decline when a consumer’s basic social
and well-being needs are met, WellCare
Health Plans of Tampa, Fla., opened
a call center for customers needing
assistance with housing, transportation
and other social concerns–now being
connected to community and social
service organizations, in addition to
health care providers.
Kaiser Permanente in Oakland,
Calif., is investing $200 million in
projects to protect and preserve
Publisher: Staff Reporters:
John Hewitt Carla Parker STATEMENT FROM THE
Horace Holloman PUBLISHER
Chief Financial Officer: Taylor Robins We sincerely appreciate the
Dr. Earl D. Glenn discussion surrounding this and any
Social Media Manager: issue of interest to DeKalb County.
SEND LETTERS TO EDITOR, Production Manager: Donna Seay The Champion was founded in 1991
expressly to provide a forum for
The DeKalb Free Press, Kemesha Wadley discourse for all community residents
P. O. Box 1347, Decatur, GA 30031-1347; 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
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LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5 • Page 6

HOMECOMING Continued From Page 1

there are plenty of high schools
still celebrating the tradition of
homecoming with spirit week,
football games and parades.
Remaining high school
homecoming events include:
• Cedar Grove High School (5-1,
2-0) will have a homecoming
parade and football game against
Towers High School (0-6, 0-3)
Oct. 5. The game will start at 7:30
p.m.
• Arabia Mountain High School (3-
3, 1-0) will play Columbia High
School (1-5, 0-1) Oct. 12. The
game will start at 7:30 p.m.
• Chamblee Charter High School
(0-6, 0-1) will have a match up
Lithonia High School (4-2, 0-1)
Oct. 12. The game will start at
7:30 p.m.
• Decatur High School (2-3, 1-1) will
have a homecoming parade and
compete against Banneker High
School (5-1, 3-0) Oct. 12. The
game will start at 7:30 p.m.
• Druid Hills High School (2-3, 0-2)
will have a homecoming parade
and a football game against North
Clayton High School (0-5, 0-1)
Oct. 12. The game will start at
7:30 p.m.
• Stephenson High School (4-2, 2-1)
will play against Mundy’s Mill
High School (5-2, 3-2) Oct. 12.
The game will start at 7:30 p.m.
• Redan High School (0-6, 0-3) will
go against Stone Mountain High
School (0-5, 0-1) Oct. 13. The
game will start at 7:30 p.m.
• Southwest DeKalb High School (6-
0, 1-0) will compete against Miller
Grove High School (1-4, 0-1) Oct.
13. The game will start at 7:30
p.m.
• Columbia High School (1-5, 0-1) Representatives of the current sophomore class pose for a picture on their float during the homecoming parade.
will have a homecoming football Photos by Taylor Robins
game against Miller Grove High
School (1-4, 0-1) Oct. 19. The
game will start at 7:30 p.m.
• Dunwoody High School (1-5, 0-4)
will play Chattahoochee High
School (0-6, 0-4) Oct. 26 for their
homecoming matchup. The game
will start at 8 p.m.
• DeKalb Early College Academy
(DECA) will have a “faculty vs.
students” flag football game Oct.
27. The Milam Park game will
start at 12 p.m.
A Tucker High School supporter throws necklaces out of her decorated car during the parade.

BROOKHAVEN

Mayor John Ernst cuts the ribbon on Murphey Candler Open Space Field Sept. 21 while surrounded by Children play football at the new Brookhaven park.
children and city officials. Photos by Taylor Robins

New park, playground inspired by children

TAYLOR ROBINS playing football and riding their
taylor@dekalbchamp.com bicycles, families sat on the lawn
to watch the family-friendly movie
Paddington. The movie was shown
Brookhaven’s newest park, on a big screen after the sun went
Murphey Candler Open Space Field, down.
was welcomed by residents and city Before the park opening,
officials Sept. 21. Brookhaven city council members
Mayor John Ernst formally voted unanimously to install an all-
opened the park with a ribbon- inclusive playground for $210,000,
cutting while families looked on and during the Sept. 12 Brookhaven city
children played. council meeting.
When children were tired from The playground has been named
the Murphey Candler Park Nature
Play Zone and is said to be “calming,
welcoming, useable and enjoyable
for children of all abilities, including
those with autism,” by city officials.
Included in the playground are
a mosaic infinity symbol entrance,
family-size basket swings, a musical
instrument zone, chalkboard draw
zone and two climbing and slide
zones.
The city’s contract park planning
firm, GreenbergFarrow, held a series
of hands-on community workshops,
during which the community’s
youth were encouraged to voice and
draw their ideas of the elements
that they would like to have in their
future playgrounds. The ideas they
shared resulted in the Murphey
Candler Park Nature Play Zone.
The groundbreaking for the
playground has been projected for
Oct. 10, with final completion before
spring of 2019, weather permitting.
LOCAL
DORAVILLE
Attendees of the Welcoming America luncheon pose for a picture at the Doraville Civic center Sept. 19. Photos by Taylor Robins
City welcomes
Welcoming America
BY TAYLOR ROBINS
taylor@dekalbchamp.com
After Doraville city council
members voted to approve the
Welcoming America contract
during the Aug. 20 city council
meeting, the city held a
luncheon Sept. 19 to formally
welcome the initiative.
“This week is Welcoming
Week and as part of joining
Welcoming America we agreed
to have an event to celebrate
Welcoming Week,” Doraville
city council member Stephe
Koontz said. “We had two
weeks to put it together.”
Welcoming America is
an initiative with a goal to
make cities more friendly and
inviting to immigrants and to
bring new and old residents
closer, according to Welcoming
America.
Koontz led the midday
event. She also introduced
the Decatur-based nonprofit
organization to Doraville,
as well as being part of the
regional steering committee.
“I’m happy to get this many
people in the room to hear us
talking about what Welcoming
America means to the city of
Doraville. And why we joined
it,” Koontz said during the
luncheon.
The week, which spans
Sept. 13-23, celebrates
#ITSINTHECHAMPION
Doraville city council member Stephe
Koontz talks about the importance of
Welcoming America.
diversity. Mayor Donna
Pittman proclaimed the week
“Welcoming Week” at the Sept.
17 city council meeting.
Groups in attendance
were the Latin American
Association, Center for Pan
Asian Community Service,
BB&T Bank representatives,
YMCA representatives,
Doraville city councilmember
Joseph Geierman and
Welcoming America officials.
Chamblee city council
member Brian Mock was also
in attendance.
The city of Chamblee
has not joined Welcoming
America. Brookhaven,
Clarkston and Norcross are
surrounding areas that have
recently joined along with
Doraville.
Koontz acknowledged why
cities may be hesitant to join
Welcoming America, with
officials thinking their cities to
be welcoming already.
“We think we’re welcoming
but when you look through
their eyes we‘re not,” Koontz
said.
Koontz received
pushback from fellow city
councilmembers when
introducing Welcoming
America to Doraville.
“There were some
councilmembers that didn’t see
the wealth in it,” Koontz said.
“And I think they’ll learn when
they see it in action why this is
important.”
During the Aug. 20 city
council meeting, the initiative
received a 4-2 passing vote.
“It’s easy to think that we’re
already a welcoming city,”
Koontz said. “Which Doraville
is, it has been for a long time.
But there are things that we
were missing that we weren’t
aware of.”
Multi-language city
brochures, community
engagement, voting and
homeownerships are areas
that Koontz hopes to improve
through Welcoming America.
Doraville is majority
a Hispanic community,
according to the
councilmember.
“We do see them and they
are important to us,” Koontz
said. “We want everyone to feel
welcome at the table.”
DEKALB FREE PRESS • OCTOBER 5, 2018 • Page 7
STONECREST
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Stonecrest District 1 Councilman Jimmy Clanton and DeKalb County Super District 7
Commissioner Gregory Adams address Stonecrest residents at a town hall meeting.
Photos by Carla Parker
Public safety, beautification
focus of town hall meeting
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
A few Stonecrest residents
heard presentations from
DeKalb County Public Safety,
Keep DeKalb Beautiful and
Stonecrest Code Enforcement
at an inaugural collaborative
town hall meeting Sept. 27.
DeKalb County Super
District 7 Commissioner
Gregory Adams and
Stonecrest District 1
Councilman Jimmy Clanton
hosted the meeting at the Lou
Walker Senior Center to hear
residents’ concerns, as well as
have community conversation
and engagement with county
and city officials.
“We want the city and
the county to work together,”
Adams said. “Even though
Stonecrest is a city, it’s still in
DeKalb County.”
When Stonecrest
incorporated, it took control
of some services from the
county, but still relies on the
county provide other services,
such as public safety. DeKalb
County Police Maj. Ken Banks
of the East Precinct said the
precinct has done a few things
to address crime in the city.
“One of the main things
we do is partner with the
community,” Banks said. “We
cannot just do it by ourselves,
so community policing is very
important.”
Banks said during the
summer, three community
representatives were invited to
the precinct office for face-to-
face conversations.
“We always use data about
how we’re going to move
forward and which areas
we’re going to address, but
we thought it would be better
if we brought in community
members and hear from
them to see some real, quality
data,” Banks said. “They can
actually point out areas, people
or vehicles that they saw in
their neighborhoods that they
thought were driving crime.
So, we were successful with
that.”
Stonecrest Code
Enforcement Manager Al
Ferrell addressed some of
the progress that has been
made in code enforcement
since the city incorporated,
including the demolition of the
abandoned hotel near The Mall
at Stonecrest.
“What I assessed in
the city is that we need to
follow through on some of
our tasks,” Ferrell said. “So,
we’ve been holding a lot of
people accountable. I’m held
accountable to the constituents
of this area, also the mayor and
council and the city manager.
“Every time we have a staff
meeting I tell my staff, ‘I don’t
want to be good, I want to be
great,’” Ferrell said. “Great for
me is seeing the city prosper,
seeing the properties become
compliant.”
Ferrell also said he is
focused on addressing the issue
of vacant and burned down
houses in the city.
 LOCAL
TUCKER
New business gives
back before opening
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Before having its grand
opening, the owners of Your Pie
wanted to show how much they
care about those in need in the
community.
Your Pie, which opened
in the Tucker-Embry Hills
community, hosted ‘Dine
and Donate’ events for three
days, serving free pizzas to
registered guests and collecting
monetary donations on behalf
of FOCUS + Fragile Kids. The
organization, which is located
in DeKalb County, helps
children who are medically
fragile or have significant
developmental and/or physical
disabilities.
Kimberly Griffin, co-owner
of Your Pie Tucker-Embry
Hills, said giving back to the
community is important to
them and the founder of the
franchise.
“[The founder and his wife]
have been giving back to the
community since they opened
[in 2008], and when we opened
we had to find a partner and we
found FOCUS + Fragile Kids,”
Griffin said. “The organization
spoke to our hearts. They help
children and they give back, so
we chose them.”
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“We are thrilled that the pizza,” she said. “It’s very
Your Pie has chosen FOCUS authentic in terms of very
+ Fragile Kids as its first Italian, very thin crust. It’s a
charitable partner here in the family-style environment. They
Tucker community,” FOCUS + really want you to experience
Fragile Kids Executive Director pizza in a different way and Customers can select pizza crusts and other ingredients and watch their pizza cook.
Lucy Cusick said in a released we just love that. We loved
statement. “Their support will everything about it, so we that they can and bringing give back to the community,
help to provide accessibility and decided to invest.” something to the community. whether if it’s through
fun for the amazing children Your Pie uses hand-tossed “It’s kind of like a cyclical donations or assisting and
and families our organization dough, fresh ingredients, effect—you help the businesses hiring people in the community.
serves. We’re thankful for homemade pizza sauces and in your community and the A lot of the people that we hired
businesses like Your Pie whose salad dressings, and offers businesses turn around and are from this community and
commitment to the community vegan, vegetarian and gluten- help the community,” she said. that’s important too.”
extends beyond their four free pizzas, as well as traditional “That’s one of the things that Your Pie opens to the public
walls.” pizzas, chopped salads and we want to do—to help and Oct. 5.
Your Pie was founded in paninis. All menu items are
2008 by culinary entrepreneur inspired by family recipes from
Drew French. He came up
with the concept for the
the Italian island of Ischia. The
store also offers craft beer, wine JOURNALISM
restaurant after honeymooning and Italian-style gelato pairings
on the island of Ischia, a small designed to compliment guests’ MATTERS
community 19-miles off the
coast of Naples, Italy.
custom pizza creations.
Griffin attends nearby
Now more than ever
National Newspaper Week: Oct. 7-13
French opened his first Mercer University and her
Your Pie in Athens and began husband is an alum of the
franchising in 2010. There are university.
more than 50 stores across the “So, we’re familiar with
United States, with about 50 the area and we realized that
locations in development. there [aren’t] a lot of pizza
Griffin, who co-owns the [restaurants] over here,” she
restaurant with her husband said. “So, we thought [Your Pie]
Terrence and brother-in-law would be really good for the
Cory, said they decided to open area.”
a franchise after she and her P L E A SGriffin
E JOIN
said pizza lovers
husband ate at the Snellville should try Your Pie because
DEKALB COUNTY SOLICITOR-GENERAL
location.
“We really fell in loveDONNA
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they are intent about trying
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LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • OCTOBER 5, 2018 • Page 9

WEEK in PICTURES

Members of DeKalb County Fire and Rescue Engine 13 responded to a house fire Sept. 25 at 5:50 p.m. on Crowe Court in Stone Mountain.

Alex Pearson, Dunwoody’s newest police officer, being sworn in by Mayor Denis Shortal at the Sept. 24 Dunwoody High School’s Youth City Council attended and was introduced at the Sept. 24 Dunwoody City
Dunwoody city council meeting. Photos provided by the city of Dunwoody Council meeting.

Redan High School AFJROTC participated in the Patriots Point Naval & Martitime Museum’s camping program aboard Tucker Mayor Frank Auman presented his first-ever Mayor’s Business Award Sept. 28 to the
the World War II aircraft carrier USS Yorktown on Charleston Harbor. Photo provided ownership team of The Local No. 7. Photo from www.tuckerga.gov.

Have you created programming you’d like to air on TV?

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

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

EDUCATION DEKALB FREE PRESS • OCTOBER 5, 2018 • Page 10

TUCKER

‘The matter is closed’

for Tucker girls’
basketball decision
TAYLOR ROBINS
taylor@dekalbchamp.com
As basketball season
approaches, four girls of the
2017-2018 Tucker High School
varsity basketball team and
their families are still trying
to change a decision made
by the Georgia High School
Association, which bans them
from playing in the upcoming
season.
Jasani Buchanan, Kerrigan
Johnson, Summer Dilwood
and Devyn Lockhart are the
remaining girls from the 2017-
2018 basketball team who are
affected by the decision.
“The matter is closed,”
James R. Hines, GHSA
executive director, said.
Hines’ statement came 11 Summer Dilwood, left, Amariah Stanard, Neveah Whitsell, Kerrigan Johnson, Jasani Buchanan and Devyn Lockhart were banned from playing high
days after the Sept. 13 “On the school basketball in Georgia after being found not guilty of “undue influence.” Photo provided by Willie Buchanan
Scene with Dr. Green” meeting
where Lakindra Buchanan, GHSA. The charge caused the the team was found not guilty The mother claims that
team to be disqualified from of the accusations against them. the girls have basketball
mother of Tucker senior Jasani
Buchanan, inquired about advancing to the Elite Eight in “They asked us to provide scholarship offers “that are now
the Class AAAAAA playoffs information to them and we in jeopardy,” since the girls are
the chances of the girls being
able to play for the 2018-2019 Feb. 22. did,” said Lakindra Buchanan at all current seniors and can’t
The team had a 21-9 record the district event. “They found play basketball competitively.
season.
According to Lakindra under the then second-year no hard evidence against us. “We’re still trying to battle
coach James Oliver. But still they denied our girls this today,” Lakindra Buchanan
Buchanan, the basketball team
was charged with recruiting After GHSA and DCSD from playing and they cannot
both conducted investigations, play this year.”
and “undue influence” by the SEE TUCKER ON PAGE 11

Education Briefs BY TAYLOR ROBINS • Taylor@dekalbchamp.com

Students named to Kennesaw Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctoral Degrees Suzette Powell (Decatur), Priya
State summer 2018 Dean’s List during summer 2018 commencement Rathnam (Dunwoody), Khari Rosier-
ceremonies in July. Robinson (Lithonia), Kiana Scruggs
Kennesaw State University Local students include Sami Andreas (Lithonia), Fekir Sertsu (Tucker), Kelly
congratulated the more than 600 (Tucker), Charisse Bigham (Decatur), Sibley (Brookhaven), Angela Stewart
students named to the summer 2018 Taylor Bounds (Stone Mountain), (Stone Mountain), Jordan Swanson
Dean’s List. Students enrolled at least Chasney Bowman (Lithonia), Kristy (Stone Mountain), Cody Thomas
nine credit hours and with a grade point Bradford (Clarkston), Gabrielle Bruton (Stone Mountain), Jasmine Threadcraft
average of at least 3.5 were named to (Decatur), Geneva Carter (Decatur), (Lithonia), Emanuel Walker (Lithonia)
the list. Carlos Castillo (Tucker), Jiaxin Chen and Andrea Woods (Decatur).
Local students include Madyson (Decatur), Ashley Chung-Boyd (Lithonia),
Casey (Decatur), Brianna Covington of Margaret Cox (Brookhaven), Jude
(Decatur), Michael Westbrook (Decatur), D’souza (Tucker), Terryn Daughtry Local students among record
Phi-hoang Nguyen (Tucker), Lalsi Khup (Lithonia), Jasmin Douglas (Decatur), 8,318 in Belmont University’s
(Clarkston), Jhaylen Ireland (Stone D’Asia Echols (Stone Mountain), Aina admissions
Mountain), Mariah Mitchell (Decatur), Falade (Lithonia), Crystal Floyd (Stone
Kiana Scruggs (Lithonia), Rachel Bradley Mountain), Sherry Fowler (Tucker), Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn.
(Stone Mountain), Armena Brown Jason Harris (Stone Mountain), started classes for its fall 2018 semester
(Decatur), Ashley Chung-Boyd (Lithonia), Andrew Huntley (Lithonia), Helena earlier this year with a record-breaking
Michael Gomez (Decatur), Jonathan Johnson (Brookhaven), Lauren Jones enrollment number as the university
Horton (Decatur) and Terrence Tolbert (Decatur), Sydney Jordan (Tucker), Sage welcomed 8,318 students to campus,
(Lithonia). Larue (Lithonia), David Lisska (Stone nearly triple the enrollment in 2000 and
Mountain), Ljupka Mann (Decatur), Paola marking a 65 percent increase in the
Martinez (Tucker), Alexis Maxie (Stone last decade alone. This marks Belmont’s
Kennesaw State University Mountain), Tavoris McMullen (Lithonia), 18th consecutive year of record
class of 2018 includes DeKalb Bianca Miller (Decatur), Kourtney Mills enrollment.
students (Lithonia), Allison Montgomery (Stone Local and newly enrolled students
Mountain), Christopher Paterson include Amy Coon (Tucker) and Erin
Kennesaw State University recently (Decatur), Jalen Pearson (Stone Roberson (Stone Mountain).
welcomed its newest class of graduates. Mountain), Sebastian Perez Ramirez
More than 1,300 students earned (Tucker), Brandi Pierre (Lithonia),
EDUCATION DEKALB FREE PRESS • OCTOBER 5, 2018 • Page 11

TUCKER Continued From Page 10A

continued. “We‘re trying to do
whatever we can to get our girls
another opportunity at [playing
basketball] because we’ve
invested so much into them.”
The team also had been
accused of having players who
live outside of the Tucker High
School district.
According to Willie
Buchanan, Jasani Buchanan’s
grandfather, all addresses
“checked out” during the
investigation.
Evidence of the girls playing
for the same Amateur Athletic
Union director, who was also a
booster at Tucker, is labeled as
circumstantial evidence by the
grandfather.
“Each and every parent had
a different reason why and how
they ended up at Tucker,” Willie
Buchanan said.
Willie Buchanan said
that Jasani played basketball
at Stephenson High School
until her sophomore year. In
October 2017 the then-junior
was asked to “move to another
school” after an incident,
prompting her attendance at
Tucker near the end of October.
The Buchanan family claims
that that they have a letter from
the Stephenson principal to the
GHSA explaining the move.
Kerrigan Johnson
transferred at the beginning
of her junior year to Tucker
from Redan High School, in
fear that Redan would lose its
accreditation.
“It’s wrong,” Ronny
Johnson, father of Kerrigan
Johnson, said about the current
situation.
Attending Tucker
since April 2017, Dilwood
transferred from Greyson
High School at the end of
her sophomore year to give
her a shorter commute time,
according to the Dilwood
family.
Dilwood recently received a
full-ride basketball scholarship
offer from the University of
North Carolina Asheville. She
has continued to play travel
ball.
According to Tamara
Willis, mother of Lockhart,
Lockhart transferred to Tucker
at the beginning of her junior
year for financial reasons.
“It’s really crazy,” Willis said.
“We didn’t get our due process.
We didn’t get to voice any of
our opinions pertaining to our
girls. We got thrown under
the bus and no one seems to
care about the girls’ college
endeavors.”
Lockhart has several
colleges scouting her, according
to Willis.
“It will hurt her chances of
going to college if she doesn’t
get to play,” Willis said.
According to a statement
emailed from the DeKalb
County School District,
“DeKalb County School
District has no further
comment on the incident
that occurred at Tucker
High School, as it was, at the
time, considered a personnel
matter… We consider this
matter closed and remain
focused on the future of our
students. DeKalb County
School District’s first mission is,
and always will be, fostering an
environment to create college
and career ready individuals.”
District-wide changes were
made under the advice of the
Georgia High School Athletic
Association to deter similar
future incidents, according to
DCSD.
The changes include
training for DCSD athletic
directors and coaches at the
school level, reminders to
principals about recruiting,
increased recruiting
monitoring and additional
eligibility verification steps at
the DeKalb County School
District’s central office.
“We pay taxes and [DCSD]
is supposed to represent us,”
Willie Buchanan said. “These
are our kids that are being
falsely accused for something
that is not true… I don’t feel
like they are 100 percent
behind us.”
Richard Dilwood, father
of Summer Dilwood, started
a “GHSA disqualifies Tucker
girls basketball. No rules were
broken, stop GHSA on this
ruling” petition on change.org
Sept 18.
“We wanted people to know
that this story is out there,”
Richard Dilwood said about the
petition. “It kind of got brushed
under the table by GHSA and
district officials.”
The petition, as of Sept. 24,
has received 474 signatures.
The families have appealed
GHSA’s decision twice. The
second appeal received a
5-4 vote from the appeal
committee.
During an interview
conducted by The Champion,
Willie Buchanan brought
up the recent GHSA 2018
ruling against the Marietta
High School football team,
where three players had been
ruled ineligible because of
residency violations. However,
clerical errors on the student’s
eligibility forms were made on
the school’s part.
After filing a lawsuit against
the GHSA, one of the three
athletes was reinstated and
allowed to play in the current
2018 football season. All
three athletes reportedly have
Division-I colleges scouting
them.
“In our case, no rules were
broken, no hard proof was
found,” Willie Buchanan said.
“But yet they continue to deny
us and won’t overturn the
ruling that they imposed upon
us.”
According to Willie
Buchanan, the families are
considering a lawsuit against
GHSA.
The grandfather asked,
“Why are they standing so firm
on their decision?”

CITY OF BROOKHAVEN FY 2019 BUDGET REVIEW,

PUBLIC HEARINGS, AND ADOPTION
The proposed FY 2019 City of Brookhaven Budget will
be presented to Mayor and Council by the City Manager
on October 9, 2018 at the regularly scheduled Council
Meeting beginning at 7:00 p.m. The City of Brookhaven
will hold a public hearing on the proposed FY 2019 Budget
at the regularly scheduled Council Meeting on Tuesday,
October 23, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. Another public hearing
will be held during the City Council meeting on Tuesday,
November 13, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. Following the public
hearing on November 13, 2018, the City Council will
vote to adopt the FY 2019 Budget. The FY 2019 Budget
will be available for public inspection at City Hall, 4362
Peachtree Road, and on the website www.brookhavenga.
gov October 9, 2018.

NOTICE
Public Meeting to be Held
5:00 p.m. on Wednesday October 17th, 2018
Decatur-Market Square Finance Station
New Space Project
Decatur, GA 30033
Meeting Location:
Decatur-Market Square Finance Station
2048 Lawrenceville Hwy
Decatur, GA 30030

Contact the Station Manager for Details

 DEKALB FREE PRESS • OCTOBER 5, 2018 • Page 12

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BUSINESS
SBA expert:
Ill winds need not blow businesses away
BY KATHY MITCHELL
Freelance Reporter
According to The New
York Times and other sources,
2017 was the costliest year on
record for storm-related losses
worldwide. The global total—
including uninsured losses—was
approximately $330 billion. The
New York Times reported that
approximately 50 percent of
those losses occurred in the
United States and include dam-
age from hurricanes Harvey,
Irma and Maria.
Such events invariably take
a toll on business for several
reasons, according to Lanard
Cullins of the federal Small
Business Administration
(SBA), who spoke Sept. 25 to
the South DeKalb Business
Association. Equipment and
inventory may be damaged or
lost. Structural damage or loss
of utilities may force a business
to close for a while. Custom-
ers may be unable to reach the
business because roads have
become impassible.
While a natural disaster can
cause setbacks for nearly any
business, it need not mean the
business must close its doors
forever or even for a long peri-
od, said Cullins, who outlined
ways for businesses to mini-
mize storm-related losses,
“I speak to a lot of young
people,” Cullins said, “and I tell
them that preparation plus op-
portunity equals success, but
I want to tell you that prepa-
ration plus disaster can also
equal success. There are many
things outside your control
that affect the success of your
business, but there are steps
you can take to assure they
don’t destroy your business.
“The first thing is to make
sure you have adequate insur-
ance and that your financial
records are in order. It’s a good
idea to keep copies of these
Visit us online @
TheChampionNewspaper.com
important papers in a separate
place in case your place of
business is destroyed by fire,
flood or some other catas-
trophe. Take photos of your
important equipment and keep
the photos current,” he advised.
“Also, if something does hap-
pen, take photos of the dam-
age. Even if your insurance
company takes photos, take
your own.”
Cullins explained that in
cases in which the government
officially declares the area in
which a business is located to
be a disaster area, help may be
available through such agencies
as SBA and FEMA.“SBA pro-
vides low-interest loans—none
are more than 4 percent—and
FEMA provides grants, but
neither is a substitute for pri-
vate insurance. Your insurance
is your first line of defense,” he
said.
“SBA loans are easy to ap-
ply for and the response is fast.
You may be able to get money
as quickly as five days, but
remember this is a loan and it
will need to be paid back,” Cul-
lins said, adding that the loans
are available to nonprofits as
well as for-profit businesses.”
He emphasized that
government programs are
designed to help people
get back on their feet, not
to necessarily make a full
recovery. “FEMA is never
going to make you whole. If
you have three televisions, they
may provide enough money
for one. If you had a state-
of-the-art computer system
before, you probably won’t get
enough from the government
to replace it with the best on
the market.”
Cullins warned that those
who have the money in hand
and are eager to make repairs
and return to normal business
may act too quickly and hire
an untrustworthy company.
“When natural disasters occur,
DEKALB FREE PRESS • OCTOBER 5, 2018 • Page 13
scam artists come out in
droves. They take your money
then either do no work, do a
poor job or don’t finish the job.
Don’t be a victim twice—first
of the natural disaster, then of a
crook who takes the money set
aside for recovery,” he said.
“Get everything in writing
and never pay for work until
it’s done,” Cullins advised. “If
you’re giving the contractor
50 percent of the money, 50
percent of the work should be
complete. I can’t tell you how
many times contractors have
told people ‘I need half the
money before I start,’ then after
they get the money they skip
out and never do the work. The
lowest bidder isn’t always your
best bet. Get estimates from
several reliable firms and be
sure their estimates are for the
same work.”
Cullins also cautioned
against contractors who want
the building owner to pull the
permit for a the work. “The
one who pulls the permit for
job is the one responsible for
assuring it’s up to code. That
should be the contractor,” he
Speaking to the South DeKalb Business Association, Lanard Cullins outlined ways for
said. Even after the business businesses to minimize storm-related losses.
owner has hired a reliable firm,
Cullins said, the owner should and keep a journal of what the all. Never hire a contractor and
carefully oversee the work. contractor did each day and just let him run.”
“Check all completed work which days he didn’t come in at
DeKalb County
Department of Watershed Management
Public Notice
Notice of Modification of a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit to
Discharge Treated Wastewater Into Waters of the State of Georgia.
The Georgia Environmental Protection Division has received a permit application for the modification
of an exising NPDES permit. Having reviewed such application, the Environmental Protection
Division proposes to issue the following permit subject to specific pollutant limitations and special
conditions:
DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management, 1580 Roadhaven Drive, Stone
Mountain, GA 30083, NPDES Permit No. GA0024147, for the Snapfinger Creek Advanced
Wastewater Treatment Facilitty located at 4124 Flakes Mill Road, Decatur, Georgia 30034.
The permit is being modified to remove monitoring requirements for benzidine and bis(2-
ethylhexyl)phthalate.
Only the conditions subject to modification are open to public comment. Persons wishing to comment
upon or object to the proposed modifications are invited to submit same in writing to the EPD
address below, or via e-mail at EPDcomments@dnr.ga.gov, no later that thirty (30) days after this
notification. If you choose to e-mail your comments, please be sure to include the words “NPDES
permit modification – Snapfinger Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility – GA0024147 (DeKalb
County)” in the subject line to ensure that your comments will be forwarded to the correct staff.
All comments received prior to or on that date will be considered in the formulation of final
determinations regarding the application. A public hearing may be held where the EPD Director finds
a significant degree of public interest in a proposed permit or group of permits. Additional informaiton
regarding public hearing procedures is available by writing the Environmental Protection Division.
A fact sheet or copy of the draft permit is available by writing the Environmental Protection Division.
A copying charge of 10 cents per page will be assessed. The permit application, draft permit,
comments received, and other informaiton are available for review at 2 MLK, Jr. Dr., Suite 1152E,
Atlanta, GA 30334, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. For
additional information contact: Benoit Causse, Wastewater Regulatory Program, phone (404) 463-
1511 or e-mail benoit.causse@dhr.ga.gov.
SPORTS
CROSS COUNTRY
SWD, MLK and
Tucker pick up wins
in final county meet
by Mark Brock
Several teams garnered
wins in DeKalb County’s final
regular season cross-country
races at Arabia Mountain High
School Sept. 25 in a final tune-
up for the DeKalb County
School District Championships
Oct. 2.
Southwest DeKalb swept
the first race titles. Six Lady
Panthers runners placed in
the Top 10 to outduel Arabia
Mountain 15-45 for the girls’
victory in the day’s opener.
Southwest DeKalb senior
Lanee Edwards finished first
with a time of 25:29.10. Seniors
Raven Thurman (27:12.40)
and Yaria Sanders (27:35.70)
finished second and third,
respectively.
Stephenson’s Deanna
Rawlings (28:30.80) was
fourth followed by Southwest
DeKalb’s Nya Bostic (29:32.60)
in fifth. Cedar Grove’s Bobbi
Turner (29:32.70) and Sydney
Mitchell (29:48.50) finished
sixth and seventh, respectively.
Southwest DeKalb’s Lauryn
Bell (30:10.00) and Caniece
Collins (30:11.70) finished
eighth and ninth. Arabia
Mountain’s top finisher was
Mecca Johnson (31:39.30),
who rounded out the Top 10.
The Panthers and Cedar
Grove both scored 49 points in
the boys’ race with Southwest
DeKalb edging the Saints for
first. Cedar Grove’s Mikaiel
Jack (21:47.70) grabbed the
boys’ title in the race with
teammates Kalil Mudraw
(24:04.00) finishing seventh
and Terrence Lewin (24:54.00)
finishing in 10th place.
Southwest DeKalb’s first
REDUCE
REUSE
RECYCLE
DEKALB FREE PRESS • OCTOBER 5, 2018 • Page 14
finisher was Emmanuel Smith
(22:50.70) in fourth place and
teammate Calvin Mosley
(22:58.40) was right behind in
fifth.
Stephenson had a pair of
runners take Top 10 finishes in Cedar Grove’s Mikaiel Jack and Southwest DeKalb senior Lanee MLK senior Demetrius Carson and Miller Grove senior Emoni
second-place finishers Donald Edwards finished first in the boys’ and girls’ first race of the Coleman finished first in the boys’ and girls’ second race of the
Griffin (22:00.80) and Elijah county meet. county meet.
McMilliom (23:37.00) in sixth.
Arabia Mountain, which
finished in third place, put Kawata (27:41.90) in second, their win over MLK. Ian Demetrius Carson (19:37.70),
three runners in the Top 10, Claudine Bidiku (29:16.80) Nuhfer (20:11.20) finished who notched his fourth win of
led by third-place finisher in fifth and Aaliyah Goodall third, Abedelemeji Kerebo the season. Teammates Jamari
Torrance Allen (22:35.40). (29:34.00) in seventh. (20:25.50) fourth and Hopkins (20:36.60), Kingsley
Elijah Bibbs (24:11.10) was Yesahk Ergano (19:52.00) Yordanos Ephram (20:49.40) Harris (20:56.80) and Darian
eighth and Sanjay Lord led the Tucker Tigers with came in seventh for the Tigers. Wragg (21:11.50) finished fifth,
(24:30.70) was ninth. a second-place finish in MLK were led by eighth and 10th, respectively.
Second race
Martin Luther King Jr. EXHIBIT A
and Tucker swapped first and NOTICE OF BOND ELECTION
second place in the final race
of the day with the M.L. King TO THE QUALIFIED VOTERS OF THE CITY OF BROOKHAVEN, GEORGIA
Lady Lions winning the girls’ YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on November 6, 2018, an election will be held in all of the election
race 25-33 over Tucker, and districts of the City of Brookhaven, Georgia (the “City”), at which election there will be submitted to the
the Tucker Tigers winning qualified voters of the City the question for their determination of whether the City should issue general
obligation bonds, in one or more series, in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $40,000,000 (the
the boys’ race 28-41 over the “Bonds”), for the purpose of financing the cost of the projects listed in the form of the ballot below, and
Lions. paying the cost of issuing the Bonds and capitalized interest on the Bonds.
The Lady Lions dominated The Bonds, if so authorized, may be issued in whole or in part and in one or more series. The Bonds
the Top 10 with six runners shall be dated the first day of the calendar month in which the Bonds are issued or the day the Bonds
are issued and shall bear interest at rates not exceeding 6.0% per year (based upon a 360-day year
earning spots among the first comprised of twelve thirty-day months). The principal shall mature (by scheduled maturity or by
10 finishers, led by Demetria mandatory redemption) in the years and amounts, as follows:
Lind (28:11.50) in third and Year Amount Year Amount Year Amount
Star Grier Rower (28:35.30) in 2020 $775,000 2030 $1,095,000 2040 $1,540,000
fourth. 2021 $805,000 2031 $1,130,000 2041 $1,595,000
2022 $830,000 2032 $1,170,000 2042 $1,650,000
Sixth place went to MLK’s 2023 $860,000 2033 $1,210,000 2043 $1,710,000
Aaliyah Peterson (29:32.30) 2024 $890,000 2034 $1,255,000 2044 $1,770,000
2025 $920,000 2035 $1,300,000 2045 $1,830,000
followed by three teammates in 2026 $955,000 2036 $1,345,000 2046 $1,895,000
eighth through 10th—Niyah 2027 $985,000 2037 $1,390,000 2047 $1,960,000
Brown (30:03.40), Allison 2028 $1,020,000 2038 $1,440,000 2048 $2,030,000
2029 $1,055,000 2039 $1,490,000 2049 $2,100,000
Walker (30:29.60) and Aaliyah
Stewart (30:52.30). The principal of and interest on the Bonds shall be payable in lawful money of the United States of
America at a bank or banks to be designated later.
Miller Grove track state
champion Emoni Coleman Voters desiring to vote for the issuance of the Bonds shall do so by voting “YES” and voters desiring
to vote against the issuance of the Bonds shall do so by voting “NO” as to the questions propounded
ran her first cross-country race substantially as follows:
of the season and finished first
“Shall general obligation bonds for Park and Park Improvements in an aggregate principal of up to
(24:15.70). $40,000,000 be issued by the City of Brookhaven, Georgia for the purpose of financing the cost of
Tucker put three runners the Citizen driven and City Council approved Park and Recreational Master Plans and other related
park amenities, equipment, and real and personal property useful or desirable in connection the parks
in the Top 10, led by Benitaa therewith?”
The several places for holding said election shall be in the regular and established election districts of the
City, and the polls will be open from 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. on the said date fixed for the election. Those
qualified to vote at said election shall be determined in all respects in accordance and in conformity with
the laws of the State of Georgia.
The last day to register to vote in this election shall be October 9, 2018.
Those residents qualified to vote at said election shall be determined in all respects in accordance with
election laws of the State of Georgia.
Any brochures, listings or other advertisements issued by the City or by any other person, firm,
corporation or association with the knowledge and consent of the City, shall be deemed to be a statement
of intention of the City concerning the use of the proceeds of the Bonds; and such statement of intention
shall be binding on the City in the expenditure of any such Bond funds or interest received from such
Bond funds which have been invested.
Pursuant to O.C.G.A. Section 36 82 100, the City notifies all interested parties that no independent
performance audit or performance review (the “Bond Audit”) will be conducted with respect to the Bonds.
However the City will continue to ensure that Bond proceeds are expended efficiently and economically,
as intended by the Bond Audit.
Publish Week of 10/4/;10/11;10/18;10/25; and 11/1
SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS • OCTOBER 5, 2018 • Page 15

WEEKEND FOOTBALL SCORES

Sept. 28
Arabia Mountain (3-3) 23,
NEXT
LEVEL
Miller Grove (1-4) 6
Cedar Grove (5-1) 52, Redan (0-6) 0
Marist (5-1) 59, Chestatee (1-5) 7
Southwest DeKalb (6-0) 48,
Chamblee (0-6) 0
Stephenson (4-1) 29, M.L. King (1-4) 12 Each week The Champion spotlights former
Tucker (4-2) 34, Lovejoy (3-3) 18
Central Gwinnett (2-4) 59, Lakeside (1-5) 7
high school players from DeKalb county who are
Lovett (2-4) 45, Towers (0-6) 8 succeeding in athletics on the college level.
Pace Academy (4-2) 61,
Stone Mountain (0-5) 18
Pataula Charter (1-5) 33, Jonathan Mathis,
Cross Keys (0-7) 6
Pope (2-4) 26, Dunwoody* (1-5) 0
Morehouse (football):
Riverwood (4-2) 49, Decatur (2-3) 41 The junior linebacker
Woodward (3-2) 49, Druid Hills (2-3) 7 from M.L. King had four
total tackles and a pass
Sept. 29 breakup in the 23-21
Lithonia (4-2) 7, Columbia (1-5) 6 win over Kentucky State
Washington (5-2) 70, McNair (2-4) 13
Sept. 29.
Open: Clarkston (0-6), St. Pius X (5-1)

Tucker running back Tyler Hughey rushed for 165 yards and a touchdown
on nine carries in Tucker’s 34-18 win over Lovejoy.
Will Jernigan, Middlebury
College (football): The
sophomore quarterback
WEEKLY SOFTBALL from Lakeside had a
SCORES passing touchdown and
a rushing touchdown in
Sept. 24
Druid Hills 16, Henry County 0 the 31-14 win over Colby
Dunwoody 13, Westminster 0 Sept. 29.
Lakeside 18, Stephenson 3
Wesleyan 5, Marist 0

Sept. 25
Decatur 5, North Springs 3
Dunwoody 5, Pope 0
M.L. King 11, Lovejoy 3
Marist 16, White County 0 Kyla Manning, Coastal
Miller Grove 24, South Atlanta 2 Carolina (volleyball): The
Southwest DeKalb 19, Westlake sophomore outside hitter
3 from Chamblee had 10
Lithia Springs 3, Chamblee 2
Mundy’s Mill 16, Tucker 14 kills and four digs in the
Washington 17, McNair 8 3-0 win over ULM Sept.
Westminster 21, Stone 30.
Mountain 4

EARN $100 CASH

$100 CASH paid for focus group participation for offering opinions on court cases.

No experience needed.
REDUCE Groups held on Tuesday evening, October 9th, Wednesday morning, October 10th and
Wednesday afternoon, October 10th in Dekalb County, Georgia (Decatur area).

REUSE Each group will be four hours long. All backgrounds, genders and education levels
wanted and you must be 21 years of age to apply. To apply to participate in one of the
groups call Focus Groups at (304) 377-2903 on Friday, October 5th, 2018 ONLY, between
the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Calls will not be accepted on any other day or at any
RECYCLE other times.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • OCTOBER 5, 2018 • Page 16

Avondale Elementary School Education Foundation held its second annual 5k race to benefit the school’s STEM program.

Community unites for Avondale Estates race

BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
Avondale Elementary P.E.
teacher Beth Breit said she
enjoys seeing the community
support given to the annual
AES Runs the World 5K and
Fun Run.
The annual run is a
fundraiser of the Avondale
Elementary School Education
Foundation (AESEF).
Breit, who also serves as
the event’s co-coordinator,
said the AES 5k raised more
than $8,000 for the school’s
technology students.
“The kids in the technology
club had three kids who went
to state,” Breit said. “This event
helps provide opportunities for
our students.”
The race started
and ended at Avondale
Elementary School. Last year,
approximately 125 runners
participated in the event. This
year, 168 runners participated.
The event also included a
one-mile “fun run”designed
to get more children involved,
Breit said.
“This is all about the kids,”
Breit said. “Anyone who does
anything for kids understands
that. It doesn’t always start big
right away. This is something
that we can grow and develop.
What I’m really thrilled about
is the way the community has
responded to this event.”
Funds raised from AESEF,
which was founded in 2016,
have been used to purchase
robots, 3-D printers and other
items for the school’s Science,
Technology, Engineering
and Math (STEM) program.
Children in every grade were
also able to take a nature-
oriented field trip last school
year, according to foundation
officials.
“The mission [of AESEF]
is to create opportunities and
remove barriers so all our
students can thrive,” said Susan
Belmonte, secretary of AESEF
and co-chair of the AES Runs
the World 5K and Fun Run
committee. “STEM is part of
21st-century learning, so it’s
vital the kids at Avondale have
access to that type of learning
as well. That’s the whole goal of
the foundation.”
In August, the school was
awarded a new playground
through KaBOOM. AESEF
raised more than $11,000 in
matching funds in less than
a week, and funding partner
General Motors will cover the
rest of the cost. A community
build day is scheduled for
November 3.  
First-year Avondale Estates
teacher Tiffanee Price said she
came to the 5k race to show
her support for the school and
its STEM programs.
“I love this. It’s great being
able to work here and seeing
things come to fruition,”
Price said. “I’m excited for the
playground to come together
and I’m excited that the money
for [this event] will help build
the playground.”

This Is
Sunday Dinner
It’s passing food and sharing stories.
It’s laughing at memories. It’s everyone
together around the table.
In a word, it’s love.