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the DeKalb FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2018 • VOL. 22, NO.

51 • 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

DEKALB NATIVE FULFILLS NAVAL DREAMS


BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com

From an early age, DeKalb


County native Connor Owens
knew what he wanted to do with
his life. Airplanes are his passion
and Connor, a graduate of Arabia
Mountain High School, turned his
passion into a full-time career.
On Dec. 15, Owens was
commissioned into the United
States Navy as an aviator.
Owens, 23, said joining the
Navy as an aviator is a dream come
true.
“It’s all about being passionate,”
Owens said. “It’s something that I
love. You see people going back
and forth between what they want
to do and I think it’s because they

SEE DREAMS ON PAGE 5


Arabia Mountain High School graduate Connor Owens said his dream came true when he was commissioned into the United States
Navy on Dec. 15 as a naval aviator.

JONES: Sam’s Club closing violated federal worker act


BY CARLA PARKER letter that was sent to Lithonia
Mayor Deborah Jackson.
carla@dekalbchamp.com “The letter shows it’s dated
When Sam’s Club in Stone-
crest closed its doors without
prior notice, Wal-Mart Corpo-
ration violated a federal law, 'IT HAS BEEN
according to State Rep. Vernon
Jones.
Jones held a press conference SLOPPY
Jan. 26 in front of the store to
discuss the latest findings sur-
rounding the abrupt closing of
Sam’s. Jones said he and his staff
FROM
discovered the Worker Adjust-
ment and Retraining Notification
(WARN) Act, which was passed
THE VERY
and effective Feb. 4, 1989.
WARN protects workers by
requiring employers to provide
BEGINNING.'
a 60-day notice of a closing and - State Rep. Vernon Jones
mass layoffs. According to the
act, the notice must be provided
to either the affected workers or
their representatives, such as a
Jan. 11. [The store] actually
labor union; to the state and to
closed Jan. 11,” Jones said. “No
the local government. Jones said
notice to the employees; no
he and his staff tracked down a
State Rep. Vernon Jones said Wal-Mart Corporation violated a federal law when closing Sam’s Club in
SEE SAMS ON PAGE 5 Stonecrest without notice. Photos by Carla Parker

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


LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2018 • Page 2

DECATUR COUNTYWIDE

Firefighters Honored

File photo

AN HISTORIC
DECISION
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com

The DeKalb County


DeKalb officials move closer to Fire Rescue Department
received a standing ovation
removing monument as county officials recognized
firefighters for saving more
than 100 people at an
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN soldiers who fought for this apartment fire in January.
war,” Billingsley said. “This On Jan. 3 at approximately
horace@dekalbchamp.com monument honors those who 5 a.m., residents living in
fought for the war between Avondale Forest Apartment
As the vote displayed states. Some of these people
on the screen in the Maloof Homes in Avondale Estates
were great men.” were awakened by police
Building auditorium during Billingsley said it would be
a DeKalb County Board of and firefighters banging on
morally wrong to remove the their doors.
Commissioners meeting, monument.
many residents cheered in According to DeKalb fire
“For those of you with officials, some parents had
approval as commissioners hatred in your heart for
passed a resolution to remove to drop their children from
Confederate soldiers, I ask that a balcony into the arms of
the Confederate monument you forgive them,” Billingsley
located on the Decatur firefighters below.
said. Some of the footage of
Square. According to state
In a 6-1 vote, the rescue was caught on
law OCCG 50-3-1 (b) (1), camera and went viral.
commissioners agreed to it is unlawful to “mutilate,
accept proposals on where the “I am proud to join with
deface, defile, or abuse board, employees and
monument will be relocated. contemptuously” or for local
Commissioner Nancy Jester residents in recognizing
governments to “remove or the brave and courageous
was the lone no vote. conceal from display…for the
According to the men and women of DeKalb
purpose of preventing the County Fire Rescue,” DeKalb
resolution, created by visible display.”
Commissioner Mereda Davis- County CEO Michael
After the county’s legal Thurmond said.
Johnson, the removal of the team reviewed the state’s
statue will protect the public More than 60 firefighters
legislation regarding were on the scene Jan. 3 as
safety and welfare of DeKalb Confederate statues, DeKalb
residents. they saved multiple children
County Deputy Attorney and a woman confined to a DeKalb County officials honored the DeKalb County Fire Rescue
The county will accept Viviane Ernstes said the
proposals for 30 days then wheelchair. Department during a board of commissioners meeting Jan. 23.
monument doesn’t have to The fire injured 12 people,
decide where it should be stay in Decatur or in the state
located. eight of whom were children.
of Georgia. Approximately 50 people
“The intent is to move DeKalb resident Rev.
forward. We’re going to move were displaced by the fire. child he caught. The reunion used the phrase that we were
Hannah Hill was emotional Capt. Jackie Peckrul was was featured on WSB Atlanta ‘catching babies like footballs.’
forward and we’re going to while discussing her
remove this monument,” one of the firefighters who and ABC News. Well this was our Super Bowl...
family’s past and what the caught a child during the DeKalb County Fire Chief and we won.”
Johnson said. Confederate monument
Chris Billingsley, a former incident. Darnell Fullum said every DeKalb commissioners
removal meant to her. “It’s a testament to the firefighter played a role in the officially declared Jan. 23,
history teacher at Decatur Hill said her family was one
High School, said he’s against training, commitment and outcome of the incident. 2018, DeKalb County Fire
of the first families in Decatur courage of our public safety Fullum said 13 of the 26 Rescue Day in DeKalb County.
removing the monument from to own slaves.
the Decatur Square. employees. [Peckrul], who fire stations in DeKalb County “They don’t come for the
“For that, I am ashamed. herself has triplets, knows sent a unit to the Jan. 3 fire. paycheck, although that 2
Billingsley said the Since that time, we have had a
monument is an important how to juggle some babies, “Each firefighter played a percent sounds really good,”
member of my family defend am I right?” Thurmond said, role in the positive outcome said Fullum. “You are served
part of history that should not Jim Crow laws, and for that
be touched. laughing. of this event, including by one of the nation’s best
I’m ashamed,” Hill said. “The Recently, Capt. Scott extinguishing the fire,” Fullum fire departments and we are
“As Americans, we monument does not represent
should never dishonor the Stroup was reunited with the said. “Capt. [Eric] Jackson happy to serve you.”
something that I am proud of.”
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2018 • Page 3

AROUNDDEKALB
BROOKHAVEN The event is an agenda-free way for
Dunwoody residents to speak with and get to STONE MOUNTAIN
know officers in their neighborhood.
Brookhaven hosting Daddy Daughter For more information, see the event page at Writers group at library
Valentine’s Dance http://www.facebook.com/dunwoodypolice.
Writers group will meet Feb. 7, 5 to 7 p.m. at

LITHONIA
Stone Mountain-Sue Kellogg Library. The group
Brookhaven’s Parks and Recreation
is for those 18 and older. The library is located at
Department is hosting its annual Daddy
952 Leon Street. For more information, call (770)
Daughter Valentine’s Dance on Saturday, Feb.
10, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Lynwood Park Recreation Steering committee in Lithonia 413-2020.
Center, 3360 Osborne Road.
The participants will have a chance to have
their photos taken, a DJ will play hit songs and
A third steering committee meeting will be
held Feb. 8 at Lithonia City Hall from 6:30 to 8 TUCKER
take requests, and refreshments and giveaways p.m. City hall is located at 6920 Main Street. For
will be included. more information, visit www.cityoflithoniaga. Tucker Lifelong Community Committee to
The event costs $25 per family and is for girls org. meet
ages 5 to 15. To register call 404-637-0512 or
visit www.brookhavenga.gov/parksrec Church announces Black History Month The Tucker Lifelong Community Committee
events will meet Feb. 13, 7 to 8 p.m. at the Hearthside
Club. Tucker Lifelong Community is an
CLARKSTON Ousley United Methodist Church will present
“African Americans in Times of War: Soldiers of the
initiative led by the Tucker Civic Association to
incorporate lifelong community work including
Cross”—a series of services that will reflect on a citizen assessment survey, community garden
Library to offer technology coaching “heroic sacrifices of the African American soldier’s accessibility enhancements, transportation
presence and participation around the globe for accessibility enhancements, pedestrian safety
Got questions about your email, peace and prosperity.” improvements, health and wellness initiatives
smartphone, tablet, finding something on Each Sunday of February will feature a different and community events. The Hearthside Club
the web, a Microsoft Word document or other speaker and topic. Scheduled services include:
is located at 4358 Lynburn Drive. For more
library resources? The Clarkston Library staff will • Feb. 4: “The War on Hypocrisy” presented by Rev.
McCallister Hollins, senior pastor Ousley UMC information, www.tuckercivic.org.
answer basic computer questions Feb. 5, 10 a.m.
to 4 p.m. Interested parties must call (404) 508- • Feb. 11: “The War on Illiteracy” presented by
7175 or visit the library to set an appointment. Dr. James Salley, Associate Vice-Chancellor of Tucker library to host Medicare workshop
Sessions are held throughout the month. The Institutional Advancement Africa University
library is located at 951 North Indian Creek Development Office Tucker-Reid H. Cofer Library will host an
Drive.
• Feb. 18: “The War on Injustice” presented by educational workshop with non-profit Medicare
Rev. Romal Tune, global preacher, author, advisors Feb 1, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. For
philanthropist and founder and director of Faith more information, contact the library at (770)
DUNWOODY for Change
• Feb. 25; “The War on Poverty” presented by Dr.
270-8234.
Evelyn Wynn-Dixon, mayor of Riverdale. The
Dunwoody police to host Coffee with a Cop Annual International Feast will be held Feb. 25
following worship.
The Dunwoody Police Department is asking Ousley United Methodist Church is located at
residents to join them for Coffee with a Cop 3261 Panola Road in Lithonia.
Feb. 13 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at Da Vinci’s
Donuts, 5537 Chamblee Dunwoody Road.

WE ARE SOCIAL
@DEKALBCHAMPNEWS

#ITSINTHECHAMPION
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2018 • Page 4

TUCKER Brookhaven approves updates to


Former Tucker High School student learns Peachtree Overlay, establishes CVB
importance of women in computing BY DEREK SMITH
derek@dekalbchamp.com
BY DEREK SMITH
derek@dekalbchamp.com The Peachtree Overlay District in Brookhaven will see
updates after the city council voted Jan. 23 to set them in
motion.
Rediet Asrat said she has By approving the updates, the city hopes to provide
always had a keen interest in more user-friendly streetscape regulations in the area along
technology. Peachtree Road from the Atlanta border northeast to Ashford
As a child in Ethiopia, she Dunwoody Road.
was fascinated by her remote- “These updates will help us reach the vision of the
controlled toy car. She wanted Livable Centers Initiative Study, Comprehensive Plan and
to know how the buttons she community feedback while also providing a cleaned-up,
pushed on the controller were user-friendly document that will be easier for residents, staff
able to send directions to the and developers to understand,” Brookhaven Community
car. She would break her toys Development Director Patrice Ruffin said.
to see how they worked, and The updates are a result of input from a charter area study
her father would bring her on Brookhaven residential areas. The study gathered input
articles on science, health, from participants in public community meetings in 2017
technology and space. Rediet Asrat sits at a computer in a classroom at the University of and 2018, and sought to learn more about the community’s
In third grade, she said her West Georgia. Photo courtesy the University of West Georgia. feelings on existing regulations in the Brookhaven Peachtree
interest in the engineering Corridor overlay. It integrated public and stakeholder
field “skyrocketed” when a involvement with technical analysis and defined a vision for
friend showed her that she Their method of teaching Through UWG, Asrat was the area with supporting regulations.
could rotate a DC motor by reminded me that the STEM also able to obtain a full Rather than a single overlay that provides zoning and
connecting it to a battery. But field is actually exciting. Yes, it scholarship to attend the use regulations for the whole area, the updates provide
her Ethiopian schools offered may be hard at times but that Grace Hopper Conference streetscape only guidelines for the overlay area with new
no advanced computing it is worth the challenge.” in Orlando, Fla. The Peachtree Road Districts that will further regulate use, density
courses, limiting her studies to After high school, she conference is the world’s and design in each of those parts of the overlay.
learning how to use Microsoft decided to attend the largest gathering of women Also at the meeting, the council appointed seven trustees
Word. University of West Georgia in computing, designed to to the new Brookhaven Convention and Visitor’s Bureau
When she moved with her (UWG) in Carrollton, and highlight the research and (BCVB).
family to the United States quickly became involved career interests of women in Discover DeKalb CEO James Tsismanakis, Brookhaven
four years ago, Asrat was in the Computer Science computing. Chamber of Commerce Chairman Jay Groundwater,
prepared to enter her final Women of West Georgia (CS “It was among one of the Oglethorpe University Director of Special Events Sharon
semester of her senior year WoW). An informal collective greatest experiences I’ve ever Moskowitz, Atlanta Hawks Senior Director Eric Platte, hotel
at Tucker High School (THS) of UWG students and faculty, had,” Asrat said. “I enjoyed the representative Peter Dunn, Al Parnell of the Brookhaven
when she was told she’d have CS WoW serves to increase chance to experience new Restaurant Association and Susan Oh of the We Love BuHi
to go back to 10th grade. interest in computer science places and meet new people Board of Directors make up the seven appointees to the new
Now, as a sophomore among women. Asrat fit in along with an opportunity to entity.
in computer science at the immediately, and was voted speak with representatives Each appointee will serve a two-year term. The seven
University of West Georgia, unanimously as CS WoW and employees form the join a string of appointees since December, including City
Asrat doesn’t see it as a president in her second year. world’s top Fortune 500 Manager Christian Sigman, City Clerk Susan Hiott and
setback, but as a blessing. “It reassured me that any companies like Google, Communications Director Burke Brennan.
“It helped me understand hard work and dedication Facebook, Apple, Microsoft.” The council also approved a 35-day moratorium on all
and differentiate the two towards a good cause does Through her experiences, zoning cases, land disturbance permits and building permits.
different schooling systems,” not go unnoticed,” Asrat said Asrat said she has learned The move comes because of a gap in the Brookhaven
Asrat told The Champion. “It of her unanimous ascension the importance of women zoning code which, according to councilmember Bates
gave me a second chance to to president. “Reflecting becoming involved in STEM Mattison, could adversely affect current Brookhaven property
revisit the science and math on my achievement makes fields. owners.
classes I had already taken but me realize that any pure, “At times, men and women “We have to have a temporary moratorium to make a
this time in a more different commitment and hard work perceive and see things technical fix to protect existing residents and businesses,”
approach when it came to put into anything will always differently,” she said. “[That’s] Mattison said.
teaching strategy.” have a positive outcome.” why it’s important having The moratorium remains in effect until Feb. 27.
According to Asrat, This past year, Asrat and both a man’s and woman’s
Ethiopian schools lacked CS WoW teamed with another opinion when it comes
resources, preventing them UWG computing group, to creating well-rounded
from being very hands-on. Association for Computing solutions to problems that
They also moved at a faster Machinery, to attend Hack the world may be facing.”
pace than American schools the Violence—a 4-week social Her advice to any woman
impact tech incubator where thinking of entering the STEM

This could be your ad!


and didn’t offer as many
extracurricular activities. college students get a taste field is simple: be persistent.
Because of this, she was afraid of the startup life, and see “Once you have begun
how their ideas about ways your journey through the
Call to advertise in
to enter the STEM field.
When she arrived at THS, to combat violence may be STEM field it is guaranteed

The Champion Newspaper


that all changed, she said. turned into reality. that you will [experience]
“What mainly changed The UWG team some type of problem or
was how I was being taught,” developed a prototype for failure,” she said. “What will

404.373.7779 x 110
she said. “I was very thankful an informative assistant define you is not your failure,
to have had such amazing application that would help but instead, your response to
teachers at Tucker High international students learn failure.”
School. They taught the about job opportunities,
subjects in a more hands- visa information and school
on, visual and steady pace. regulations.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2018 • Page 5

DREAMS
Continued From Page 1

haven’t found what they really


want to do. This is something I’ve
always wanted to do, since back
in elementary school.”
Owens said his father, who
was a civilian private pilot,
would often take him on board
airplanes; which helped fuel
his love of flying. At 4 years old,
Owens would attempt to build
airplanes from materials such
as wood or legos. Growing up,
Owens said; his mother would
always get him toy fighter jets
and the movie Top Gun was
among his favorites.
“I just loved everything about
that lifestyle. I just held on to that
passion,” Owens said.
At the age of 14, Owens said
his mother enrolled him in the
Aviation Career Enrichment
(A.C.E.)  program in Atlanta, a
nonprofit organization focused
on helping Black youth break
into the aviation field.
“The head flight instructor
told me I was a natural pilot. I
had been practicing a very long
time and started flight training
State Representative Vernon Jones, Sam’s Club employees and shoppers are still waiting on “accurate answers” as to why the store closed with him,” Owens said.
abruptly. Photos by Carla Parker The training paid off. While
some teens want a big party

SAMS
for their 16th birthday, Owens
Continued From Page 1 celebrated his by conducting
his first solo flight. The following
year for his 17th birthday, Owens
notice to the community; no notice received his private pilot license.
to vendors; no notice to anyone. Owens said his father missed
This is not a 60-day notice. This is the opportunity to become a
already a violation of that act. naval aviator. With that in mind,
Jones said the city of Stonecrest Owens joined the Junior Reserve
never received a letter from Wal- Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC)
Mart. program and military operations
“It has been sloppy from the in high school.
“I feel like I was held to a
very beginning,” Jones said. “I am
higher standard. Like failure
surprised by Wal-Mart. It has let this [wasn’t] an option. There was no
community down. It has come in quitting,” Owens said.
here and brought services and then Owens transferred to Arabia
one day they vanish like a genie.” Mountain High School and
Jones encouraged Sam’s em- continued with the JROTC
ployees, vendors, city officials program. He would eventually
and others involved to review the receive a full ROTC scholarship
WARN act and decide whether to to attend Tuskegee University.
seek legal action. Owens also worked part time at
“They can actually file a lawsuit a local airport during his time at
as either an individual or a class Tuskegee.
Working a part-time job while
action,” Jones said. “I am in con-
lated the law. Jones said he wants compensation to those employees? trying to finish school and ROTC
versations now with a number of wasn’t easy, Owens said. But
lawyers and I will be talking to the Wal-Mart to acknowledge that the “I hope Wal-Mart comes to the
company violated the WARN act. table and makes sure they do the when his captain told him he
attorney general for the state of would be in the Navy as a pilot,
Georgia to ensure if there is any- “They need to acknowledge right thing, at least by its employ-
that they did not contact the state ees and by this community,” Jones he said the journey was worth it.
thing that [Wal-Mart] could be “He told me, ‘You’re going to
held accountable for according to of Georgia nor Stonecrest accord- added. “I am just so disappointed. be a pilot for the U.S. Navy. It was
the WARN act. We will get as much ing to the state law,” he said. “Let’s So, I ask Wal-Mart, let’s get together kind of hard to soak in at first.
information [as we can] and we will make sure they follow the spirit of and talk. Let’s rectify this and let’s I thought it could have been a
potentially file a lawsuit.” the law and the letter of the law. make sure no more sloppiness is joke. All that work I was doing
If Wal-Mart is found to have vio- Although, they closed their doors done, and this community gets paid off,” Owens said. “Something
lated the WARN act, the company and it’s out that they didn’t do the what it deserves, and that [there I’d been pursuing my entire life
could face a penalty of up to $500 warning notice, are they going to are] accurate answers and [we came together and it took a
continue to provide what they are know] what we are going to do couple of weeks to realize that.”
per day for the days that it vio-
supposed to provide in terms of next.”
OPINION DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2018 • Page 6

An open letter to residents of unincorporated South DeKalb County

The truth about voting on the proposed city of Greenhaven


Proponents for the creation of the city of win the debate on the merits of their outdated proponents, why was lunch more important
Greenhaven (House Bill 644) have launched a proposed legislation, of which there are none, so than making their case? Can we expect similar
campaign to mislead our community with false they resort to a fallback position of using race as prioritizing on important matters if cityhood
statements on two issues: 1) suppression of camouflage. leaders form a new city? Cityhood proponents
our voting rights and 2) that HB 644 has never If you want to talk about rights, those of us continue to present false information to our
received a vote in the General Assembly. Due opposing this legislation do not want our right to community on something that is easily verifiable
to the serious implications of these claims, we freedom of speech denied, and we will continue as untrue; could they be trusted with your future?
cannot let them go unchallenged. to seek the bill’s defeat in 2018. Prior to initiating Cityhood promoters are entitled to have the
Fact #1: There is a process as to how a bill this cityhood effort, did anyone ask you if you legislation considered; however, they are not
becomes law. That process begins with the wanted to be a part of this effort? The answer is entitled to have flawed and harmful legislation
Georgia General Assembly in 2018, and legislators probably “NO”. You have a small group that wants approved. By making voting an issue, their desired
are the only ones who can cast votes that count to decide our future and they want the opposition outcome is to have legislators approve HB 644
at this time. Consideration of HB 644 starts in the silenced. However, we are committed to seeing in spite of the fact that incorporation would
Governmental Affairs Committee in the House the defeat of HB 644 through to the end. be detrimental to the common interest of the
of Representatives. Every new incorporated Fact #2: The second false claim is that they majority African-American community they seek
municipality in DeKalb County gained approval have not received a vote on the proposed city to serve. Just pass anything–even if the legislation
at each step in this legislative process. After the of Greenhaven in the General Assembly. During is disastrous.
governor signed the bill into law, only then was the December 5, 2017 DeKalb County House By raising voter suppression as an issue,
a referendum scheduled allowing citizens of new Delegation meeting, advocates for the proposed proponents hope is that not enough citizens
cities to vote “yes” or “no” on cityhood. city of Greenhaven stated they had met all will know that this legislation is not in their best
The majority of the population in the proposed requirements for cityhood, but unlike other cities interest. Benefits of passage of HB 644 would be
city of Greenhaven is comprised of 95% African- have never received a vote on the bill. Please note self-serving for those seeking power and money,
Americans. With all the voting rights issues across that the proposed city of Greenhaven legislation, with no regard for the additional tax and service
this country, the intent of the proponents’ claim is initially as HB 613 and SB 221 received a vote in fee burdens that would be imposed on those
callous, designed to provoke negative emotions Senate, but failed in the House of Representatives living within the unincorporated area of South
within the community, and to help their chances during the 2016-2017 General Assembly session. DeKalb. This is a distraction and nothing more.
of gaining support for a flawed bill. Making the Representative Doreen Carter refuted this Thankfully, efforts to receive approval in the
discussion about voting rights is the same as statement as being false, and explained that General Assembly have failed twice, most recently
striking a match to gasoline intended to sow the the Governmental Affairs Committee held a in 2017. This is their third bite at the apple, and it
seeds of divisiveness. This insults our intelligence meeting on HB 613 (the previous bill number is our hope that 2018 will finally end this effort.
(we have read both their Feasibility Study and HB assigned to proposed Greenhaven legislation)
644), and we see this misinformation as calling for in 2016. However, there were no proponents of Claudette Leak, a 47-year resident of
a race-based reaction as a purposeful distraction cityhood, nor the bill’s sponsor, present to discuss Unincorporated DeKalb County
from the real issue: This legislation will negatively their position. The response from the cityhood Communications Chair, Concerned Citizens in
affect our pocketbooks and have a devastating advocate was that “after waiting several hours, we Opposition to Greenhaven
effect on DeKalb County government. This is not went to lunch.” What are we expected to think?
a civil rights issue. Cityhood promoters cannot If getting a vote is so important to cityhood
OPINION DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2018 • Page 7

Stage of the union


Our U.S. Constitution requires could impact all ships, but he still Highlight places where America
our president at least once annually ‘One Man’s needs to make the case that he truly has been struggling and how the
to address Congress on the state Opinion’ cares about what happens to the seeds of his choices are taking
of our union. The State of Union smaller crafts as well as the life-rafts positive root.
address, which evolved from this Bill Crane which more challenged American Like true servant leaders and
requirement, dates back to 1790. bill.csicrane@gmail.com households still cling to.  the best coaches, give credit and
President Trump’s debut on this The State of the Union address recognition to others, that in
stage and well of the U.S. House a U.S. Supreme Court. is part stage-craft, and clearly and of itself often turns positive
year ago brought forth a dark and The president is aware though more like the campaign setting recognition back on you. 
stormy recitation of an America at that despite his achievements, he is which this president revels in, but And perhaps the best piece of
risk, its best days long gone and far from beloved, and despite daily it also requires the delivery and advice for our commander in chief
positioned a potential return to protestations of "fake news", his own demeanor of a statesman to be ahead of his speech to lay out his
greatness, to be led by only one true external face and administrative most impactful. For this occupant of agenda for the next year: put down
hero. And now–the sequel. agenda may need to press a ‘reset’ 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, that can the phone and stay off Twitter. Don’t
This president has come to better button. The president is expected be a stretch goal.  step on your own headlines. We’ll be
understand the weight of these to lay out broad plans for a massive As we have all heard, most often watching.
traditions, as well as the importance infrastructure investment program, we don’t remember the particulars
of the bully pulpit, and the words which he is hoping will receive of what someone said to us, but we Bill Crane also serves as a political
of a president. He has, on several bipartisan support. Early previews often remember how they made analyst and commentator for Channel
occasions since, stuck to script, read of this aspect of the address us feel. The president would do 2’s Action News, WSB-AM News/Talk
from his teleprompter and delivered require matching state and local well to focus on helping his diverse 750 and now 95.5 FM, as well as a
a more statesmanlike version of dollars, as well as encouraging an audience feel the optimism and columnist for The Champion, DeKalb
himself, and I would expect that unprecedented level of private sunny outlook which he now so Free Press and Georgia Trend. Crane
with this speech and appearance as investment in what was previously regularly proclaims.   is a DeKalb native and business owner,
well. President Trump is a showman, primarily in the public domain.  Share some smaller milestones living in Scottdale. You can reach
an entrepreneur and a salesman And while there will be a great and how the ripples of his positive him or comment on a column at bill.
at heart. He does have some solid deal of Trump’s signature chest economic forecast are impacting csicrane@gmail.com.
results to share, and we will hear a thumping, there is optimism that points at a greater distance from the
great deal about those. the president may share a more immediate Beltway sphere.
The economy is performing detailed outline of his plans for U.S.
well, across most sectors. This immigration reform.
president cannot address an It is expected that he will
audience without referencing the announce down payment funding
surging Dow Jones index. Signs for his border wall between the
are good that the corporate tax United States and Mexico, with
cuts recently signed into law are construction beginning near the
already bringing wealth and capital Pacific and California/Mexican
back into the United States, and border. And though an outcome
that many larger corporations may come sooner for the futures
will use some of those billions to of 800,000 to 1.2 million current
reinvest, increase compensation and potential D.A.C.A. status
and share portions of that younger immigrants, larger and
wealth with their employees. The broader immigration reform and
Trump administration is setting the potential shift from the current
a breathtaking pace on federal family-based system to a merit-
judiciary appointments, and like based system is still months if not
it or not, has set a land speed years away, as broad divisions
record on filling open seats on the remain on path options among
federal appellate bench, as well both parties. 
as appointing a well-documented The president can correctly
constitutional conservative to the claim that a rising economic tide

FREEPRESS
the DeKalb Publisher: Staff Reporters:
John Hewitt Carla Parker STATEMENT FROM THE
Horace Holloman PUBLISHER
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Dr. Earl D. Glenn discussion surrounding this and any
Let Us Know What You Think! Social Media Manager: issue of interest to DeKalb County.
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LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2018 • Page 8

COUNTYWIDE

Water billing issues


lessened but not eliminated
got us here,” Towler said. “We’re down to
this remaining group and we’re trying to
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN strategically make these improvements.”
horace@dekalbchamp.com Last year DeKalb County CEO Michael
Thurmond updated residents on the status of
The journey to correcting the county’s bills during a series of town hall meetings.
water billing woes has not been easy, According to county officials, there were
according to county officials. approximately 102,000 residential meters that
Officials in the CEOs office said the could be at risk of failure and may contribute
problem stems from decades of issues. During to inaccurate water bills. The county also will DeKalb County officials said more than 3,000 residents are still
a Water Billing Advisory Board meeting Jan. have to replace nearly 40,000 potentially experiencing water billing issues.
25, a DeKalb County Watershed Management defective iPERL meters.
official said 3,000 to 4,000 residents are still “We understand you are doing a great
experiencing billing issues. job. If you weren’t, you wouldn’t be able to
Watershed Management Director Scott go from 37,000 bills to 3,000,” said Watershed
Towler said part of the problem is a lack of Customer Service and Billing Advisory board
standardization in the county’s water meters. member Josephine Handy-Sewell. “But like
“In 2016, the county started with 37,000 with anything, it’s this last little bit. It’s like
held bills and now we’re down to about 3,000 birthing a baby for heaven sakes. We want this
accounts that need to be resolved,” Towler last push to be complete and we don’t want to
said. have to go through these same birthing pains
Towler said the county is currently working again.”
on resolving resident’s issues. Some board members also expressed
“There [have been] two parallel paths concern that commissioners had not received
during this process. One is to resolve the recommendations made by the board in
outstanding issue and make sure their bills November of 2017.
are correct and accurate and the other is Board member Gaye Stathis said she met
to identify the causes and gaps of what with Commissioner Jeff Rader, who informed

SEE WATER ON PAGE 12


DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2018 • Page 9

COUNTYWIDE CHAMBLEE

Suspect dead following series


DeKalb eyesore of shootings in Chamblee
can be demolished BY DEREK SMITH
derek@dekalbchamp.com
38, of Dallas, Ga., fleeing
to Quantum Lane and
continuing to shoot.
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN “Fearing for their safety
A man was shot and killed and the safety of the public
horace@dekalbchamp.com by police after committing at large, a Chamblee police
a string of shootings in officer fired one shot, striking
A dilapidated property in Chamblee Jan. 28, police said. the subject,” Chamblee Police
Clarkston has sat abandoned, According to the said in a media release to The
burned and, according to Chamblee Police Department, Champion. “The offender was
some DeKalb County officials, officers were dispatched detained and later passed
a danger to the public. to the 5500 block of New away on the scene.”
DeKalb County officials now Peachtree Road just after 1 Officers received reports
may be able to demolish the a.m. Jan. 28 following reports from witnesses involved in
property. of a drive-by shooting. two other shootings they
Waverly Place Apartments When officers arrived, a believe to be committed by
can be demolished because Hispanic male was found Johnson. No one was hurt
owners did not rectify its shot in the hand. Witnesses in either shooting. Officers
condition by the Jan. 21 told police the shooter was recovered the offender’s silver
deadline of a court order. a White male driving a silver car from the parking lot of the
The apartments have been car and armed with a small QuickTrip, police said.
in a state of disrepair since handgun. The GBI is investigating
Waverly Place Apartments in Clarkston could be scheduled to be demolished,
Sept. 1, 2015, according to according to a court order. About 10 minutes later, the shooting and the officer
court documents. officers were dispatched to involved has been placed
“The burned, vacant the QuickTrip on Chamblee on administrative leave, per
and unsecured structure is was not much that could be regardless of whether the Tucker Road with a report Chamblee Police Department
considered dangerous and done unless the properties’ owners respond to court of an active shooter. Upon policy.
unfit for human habitation owners could be found. This orders. We can protect the arrival, officers witnessed Police are asking anyone
which imperils the health, initiative allows the county rights of homeowners while the offender, later identified with information about the
safety and welfare of the to move forward with taking making sure the neglect as Paul David Johnson, shootings to contact the GBI.
citizens of the neighborhood down these properties of their property does not
and has become a
blighting influence on the SEE EYESORE ON PAGE 10
neighborhood and should
be demolished,” a court
order from DeKalb County’s
magistrate court states.
The property owner has
been cited with violations
including failure to properly
secure the structure, repair
broken windows and cut and
maintain weeds, grass and
overgrowth of vegetation.
Last year, DeKalb
Magistrate Judge Berryl
Anderson announced the
magistrate court created an
initiative to prosecute blight
cases.
According to the initiative,
the judges of the Magistrate’s
Court Ordinance Division
hear cases once per month
in which properties have
been cited for multiple
citations by DeKalb County
Code Enforcement without
corrective measures being
taken by property owners.
Judges can rule owners
will be required to repair or
demolish their properties.
Anderson said the
initiative will help DeKalb
remedy blighted property
issues.
“We have long been
plagued in DeKalb County
with problems created
by these troublesome
properties,” Anderson said in a
statement. “In the past, there
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2018 • Page 10

CENTRAL DEKALB

DeKalb NAACP calls county’s vote


to stop cityhood efforts hypocritical
BY CARLA PARKER to be doing,” DeKalb NAACP Greenhaven’s website states.
carla@dekalbchamp.com President Teresa Hardy said Greenhaven’s proposed
in a press release. map incorporates parts
The DeKalb County The DeKalb NAACP said of south, southeast,
chapter of the National it is not taking a position southwest and central
Association for the for or against the creation DeKalb. The NAACP said
Advancement of Colored of any new cities, however, that now that the citizens
People (NAACP) has they want voters in of south and west DeKalb
taken issue with a new unincorporated DeKalb to have expressed interest in
resolution regarding exercise their right to vote incorporating, “suddenly
cityhood and annexation on the issue. Hardy said the some commissioners want
that was approved by the organization noticed that to impose a moratorium to Greenhaven’s proposed map incorporates parts of south,
DeKalb County Board of the recent new cities with a thwart their efforts.” southeast, southwest and central DeKalb.
Commissioners. majority of White residents— The organization said
During the board of Brookhaven, Dunwoody it views the moratorium
commission’s Jan. 19 special and Tucker—could vote on as “hypocritical and referendum denies voters to get along with regressive
called meeting, the board the cityhood referendum discriminatory." of their rights and to join commissioners at the expense
approved a resolution without opposition from the “This is blatant the NAACP’s opposition of neglecting their own
that seeks support from commissioners or the general discrimination; and the against “the discriminatory constituents.”
the Dekalb legislative assembly. NAACP finds it wrong actions.” The organization also “This is despicable, and
delegation for a three-year “Once the mostly and unacceptable, and it expressed its consternation their constituents should hold
moratorium on new cities and African-American citizens vehemently opposes the at the Africa-American them accountable,” Hardy
annexations in the county. in Stonecrest wished to moratorium,” Hardy said. commissioners who “go along said.
The resolution also requested incorporate, they were met “Their hypocrisy is further
a change in voting so that with stern opposition, which on display by saying they

EYESORE Continued From Page 9A


all residents of the county was finally overcome” Hardy are so concerned about how
would vote on cityhood said. the creation of new cities
referendums, instead of only Leaders of the proposed is negatively affecting the
the residents within the city of Greenhaven said their finances of the county and undermine the quality of life in DeKalb.”
proposed new city. initiative has received unfair the school system. The wealth DeKalb County Commissioner Nancy Jester updated
“When a person is treatment. of the cities of Dunwoody and residents in a Facebook post stating she’s waiting for the
elected to the Board of “It [Greenhaven] is, Brookhaven is probably 10 county to release a demolition schedule.
Commissioners to represent a however, the only cityhood times that of unincorporated “I worked with the county code and legal departments
particular district, that person movement where the DeKalb, yet no concern was to find a solution. The county took [the] owners to court and
should not be consumed with citizens, despite meeting all expressed about the loss of on Dec. 21 we got a court order allowing us to demolish the
a dogged passion to do harm the requirements, have been revenue when those cities dwellings after the 30-day cure period,” Jester said. “...I know
to citizens in another DeKalb denied the right to vote and incorporated.” this took a long time but getting access to private property
district. That is exactly what exercise self-determination The NAACP called on must go through the courts.”
some commissioners appear by the state legislature,” residents to see how the

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LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2018 • Page 11

WEEK in PICTURES

The Southwest DeKalb High School wrestling team won its second consecutive area 5-AAAAA
traditional championship. Photo submitted

Volunteers at Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve pick up


debris.

The city of Dunwoody and Mayor Denis Shortal hosted Kingsley Elementary School fifth grade
leaders Jan. 23 at Dunwoody City Hall. Photo courtesy of the City of Dunwoody.

Four Cedar Grove High School NJROTC cadets met Rep. John
Lewis at a ceremony in Atlanta.

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


LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2018 • Page 12

STONECREST
Chamblee recognized WATER
as a Tree City USA Continued From Page 8A

her he was unaware of any


Chamblee was recognized recommendations made by the
by the non-profit Arbor Day water billing advisory board.
Foundation as a Tree City USA “Jeff Rader said he had no
community by meeting four idea that there was a resolution
standards of sound urban passed by this board,” Stathis
forestry management, as said “Who’s making the decision
recognized by the organization. to decide which [email] goes to
It is the first year Chamblee which person? I was shocked that
has earned this national Jeff Rader was like, ‘what are you
designation. talking about?’”
“This is quite an honor,” The recommendations included
Chamblee Mayor Eric Clarkson extending the moratorium
said. “For many years, the Arbor on water shut offs, creating
Day Foundation has inspired standardized “talking points”
for customer assurance during
Another major retailer closing in Stonecrest people to plant, nurture and
celebrate trees. To have their the billing dispute process and
requiring the finance department
recognition means a great deal.”
Dave Brandon said the company’s The four standards to to flag bills that are more than 300
BY CARLA PARKER focus is on reimagining the business become a Tree City USA percent of the previous month’s
carla@dekalbchamp.com with customers in mind. community are: maintaining bill.
“We want to make it easier for a tree board or department, The board agreed to have
Another major store plans to leave you to shop with us, whether online having a community tree future recommendations placed
Stonecrest. or in our stores,” Brandon said. “This ordinance, spending at least $2 as agenda items to be received by
According to court documents past season, we were successful in per capita on urban forestry and the commissioners.
filed Jan. 23, Toys “R” Us will close accomplishing this objective for celebrating Arbor Day. “I want this to be voted on and
182 stores as a part of its Chapter millions of customers. However, there The Tree City USA Program not just a [recommendation],”
11 bankruptcy reorganization plan. were also far too many transactions began in 1976 and more than water advisory board member
Babies “R” Us, located at 8160 Mall where this wasn’t the case—due to 3,400 communities across Star McKenzie said. “When we
Parkway, is among the stores that will our operational missteps.” the US participate in the create a resolution, we want to
close. The announcement of Babies “R” program, which is a nationwide know where it goes.”
Stonecrest Communications Us closing comes two weeks after the movement that provides A DeKalb official said many
Director Adrion Bell said a member of Sam’s Clubs on Jan. 11. The Stonecrest the framework necessary for of the recommendations were
the Babies “R” Us management team location was the only store in Georgia communities to manage and already being implemented
confirmed the closure to the city and to close. expand their public trees. by the county and the board’s
said the store will begin “store closing Four other Babies “R” Us stores recommendations should
sales” Feb. 8 with the goal of closing are closing in Georgia, including the appear as an agenda item
the store by April. store at 1155 Mt. Vernon Highway in for commissioners as early as
In a letter to customers, Toys “R” Us Dunwoody. February.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

DeKalb County School District


Projects Constructed with E-SPLOST III Sales Tax Proceeds
Fiscal Year 2017 (July 1, 2016 - June 30, 2017)
Expenditures3
Excess
FY 2007 FY 2017 Prior Years (June Current Fiscal Proceeds
Original Estimated Current Estimated 30, 2016 or Year (July 1, 2016 - Not Estimated Completion
1 2 earlier) June 30, 2017) Total
2007 Sales Tax - Authorized Projects Cost Cost Expended Date
1. Lease-hold improvements for Rock Chapel ES, Princeton ES, and
$66,000,000.00 $73,189,758.00 $59,928,637.92 $14,062,886.10 $73,991,524.02 $0.00 Completed
Dunwoody ES (COPS 05/07)
2. Renovations/expansion at SWD HS, Towers HS, Columbia HS, McNair
$25,000,000.00 $22,888,017.55 $22,888,015.35 $0.00 $22,888,015.35 $0.00 Completed
HS, and emergency HVAC
3. Cross Keys HS Renovation and Career Tech $16,927,348.00 $18,078,925.00 $17,909,849.64 $0.00 $17,909,849.64 $0.00 Completed
4. Tucker HS replacement $66,330,016.00 $60,359,593.17 $60,359,593.17 $0.00 $60,359,593.17 $0.00 Completed
5. Roofing Portfolio #1 $9,677,168.00 $12,238,001.23 $12,238,001.23 $0.00 $12,238,001.23 $0.00 Completed
6. HVAC Portfolio #1 $17,168,224.00 $12,064,044.20 $11,708,470.64 $292,060.35 $12,000,530.99 $0.00 Completed
7. ADA Code Requirements Portfolio #1 $4,730,336.00 $3,564,363.39 $3,558,405.70 $0.00 $3,558,405.70 $0.00 Completed
8. Local School Priority Requests (LSPR) $5,156,419.00 $7,655,608.16 $7,421,713.65 $0.00 $7,421,713.65 $0.00 Completed
9. Site improvements $13,417,986.00 $9,221,216.00 $7,184,058.58 $552,563.62 $7,736,622.20 $0.00 Completed
10. Druid Hills HS improvements $9,739,800.00 $18,017,254.00 $17,915,398.55 $0.00 $17,915,398.55 $0.00 Completed
11. Renovation and expansion of relocated DeKalb School of the Arts $10,000,000.00 $5,404,497.00 $5,404,226.51 $0.00 $5,404,226.51 $0.00 Completed
12. Renovation and expansion of Mountain Industrial Center $29,836,296.00 $32,134,498.00 $31,587,438.27 $0.00 $31,587,438.27 $0.00 Completed
13. Purchase of land $3,000,000.00 $11,350.00 $11,350.00 $0.00 $11,350.00 $0.00 Completed
14. Additions to Chamblee HS, Clarkston HS, Druid Hills HS, Dunwoody
$63,292,805.00 $53,687,582.00 $51,242,675.66 $160,720.90 $51,403,396.56 $0.00 Completed
HS, Lakeside HS, and Redan HS
15. Technology--Refresh cycle $19,418,581.00 $25,376,645.00 $25,939,116.33 $230,828.92 $26,169,945.25 $0.00 Completed
16. Lithonia HS addition and improvements $11,447,624.00 $25,488.00 $25,488.00 $0.00 $25,488.00 $0.00 Deemed Unnecessary
17. MLK Jr HS addition and improvements $10,178,779.00 $16,035,370.00 $14,627,535.52 $881,309.00 $15,508,844.52 $0.00 Completed
18. Miller Grove HS addition and improvements $5,874,487.00 $5,142,911.18 $5,142,911.18 $0.00 $5,142,911.18 $0.00 Completed
19. Dunwoody HS addition and improvements $4,819,395.00 $19,774,546.64 $19,774,546.64 $0.00 $19,774,546.64 $0.00 Completed
20. Clarkston HS improvements $4,000,000.00 $11,797,094.00 $11,759,987.13 $0.00 $11,759,987.13 $0.00 Completed
21. HVAC Portfolio #2 $10,716,737.00 $8,599,873.84 $8,528,076.54 $19,135.79 $8,547,212.33 $0.00 Completed
22. Roofing Portfolio #2 $10,681,471.00 $4,124,513.66 $4,124,513.16 $0.00 $4,124,513.16 $0.00 Completed
23. ADA Code Requirements Portfolio #2 $2,052,729.00 $2,625,894.91 $2,599,010.84 $0.00 $2,599,010.84 $0.00 Completed
24. School buses $12,000,000.00 $11,999,775.62 $11,999,761.12 $0.00 $11,999,761.12 $0.00 Completed
25. Technology-Media Center upgrades $10,000,000.00 $9,975,100.00 $9,909,524.63 $68,404.54 $9,977,929.17 $0.00 Completed
26. HVAC Portfolio #3 $17,408,662.00 $8,989,817.08 $8,558,124.04 $104,013.86 $8,662,137.90 $0.00 Completed
27. Roofing Portfolio #3 $7,125,137.00 $2,926,166.09 $2,926,166.09 $0.00 $2,926,166.09 $0.00 Completed
4 5
28. Other improvements and supporting services $0.00 $69,106,750.58 $45,777,663.59 $323,644.71 $46,101,308.30 $0.00 Dec 2023
All Projects $466,000,000.00 $525,014,654.30 $481,050,259.68 $16,695,567.79 $497,745,827.47 $0.00

In compliance with O.C.G.A. 48-8-122 and O.C.G.A. 48-8-141


1 - $466 million is the projects approved by the Board of Education on November 17, 2006 (please see https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/Meetings/Attachment.aspx?S=4054&AID=83684&MID=4751).

2 - Current estimated revenues increase from $466.0 million to $525.0 million by: (1) re-estimation of E-SPLOST III revenues to $488.1 million, (2) the addition of $23.3 million from the Georgia DOE
reimbursements expected for E-SPLOST III projects, and (3) an addition of $13.6 million for local-funded projects (which are included).
3 - Total expenditures as presented in this E-SPLOST report will differ from the annual financial audit report due to timing differences not included in this E-SPLOST expenditures report, relative to contracts
payable, retainage payable, and accounts payable.
4 - The current project estimate for "other improvements and supporting services" includes $20,050,000 for principal payments for the $300 million bond, approximately $13.6 million for local-funded capital
projects, and other projects added during the mid-term assessment.
5 -The original budget for this was allocated to each individual project and contained therein for projects #1 - #27.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2018 • Page 13

COUNTYWIDE DUNWOODY

Erwin elected new Armed robbery suspect shot


and killed by Dunwoody Police

DCSD board chair collaboratively as a unified


BY DEREK SMITH
derek@dekalbchamp.com

BY DEREK SMITH board for the students,


A suspect was shot and killed Jan. 20 by
derek@dekalbchamp.com parents, stakeholders and
Dunwoody Police after an armed robbery, police
employees of this great
say.
district. They are depending
Dr. Michael A. Erwin was Officers responded to the Walmart parking lot at
on us.”
unanimously elected chair Winter’s Chapel Road around 7:45 a.m. after being
Erwin —along with Dr.
of the DeKalb County Board advised that a suspect in an armed robbery at the
Joyce Morley—is one of two
of Education at its regular Kroger on Holcomb Bridge Road in John’s Creek had
board members remaining of
monthly meeting Jan. 13. pulled into the lot.
the six governor-appointees
Marshall D. Orson The suspect, which the Georgia Bureau of
in 2013. Erwin has served as
was unanimously elected Investigation (GBI) later identified as 44-year-old
board vice chair for the past
vice chair by fellow board Jason Lappe, was followed to the location by a
two years. Outgoing board
members. All members also witness after he reportedly forced his way into a
Erwin chair Dr. Melvin Johnson—
took the conflict of interest register at the Johns Creek Kroger, then fled in a car.
who was one of three board
oath. Officers were told that the Lappe was armed
members elected in 2012 and
The meeting was a AdvancED. with a handgun. After not complying with officer’s
allowed to stay—has been
makeup from the Jan. 8 After his appointment, verbal commands, Lappe exited his vehicle and an
the only board chair since the
cancellation due to weather. Erwin was elected to the officer fired a single shot, striking Lappe, according
2013 shakeup.
Erwin came to the board in board in 2014 and re-elected to police.
“For the past five years
2013 when he was appointed when he ran unopposed in Officers detained Lappe and administered first
it has been a joy serving
by Gov. Nathan Deal after 2016. aid until DeKalb Fire and EMS crews arrived. Lappe
this great school system,
Deal removed six members “First, I would like to was transferred to Grady Memorial Hospital where
its 102,000 students,
of the board. The move came thank you for your vote of he was pronounced dead.
administration, board, and
after the school district was confidence in me as the new According to Dunwoody Police, the officer
parents,” Johnson said. “We
placed on accreditation chair of the school board. I involved in the shooting, who has not been
hope you will continue to
probation by Southern commit to work with each identified, has been placed on administrative leave
support the board, whose
Association of Colleges and of you in board leadership pending a GBI investigation.
intention is to continue to
Schools the agency that and management,” Erwin serve the boys and girls of
accredits the school district said. “It will be important DeKalb County.”
through its parent company, that we work together and

DeKalb County School District


Projects Constructed with E-SPLOST IV Sales Tax Proceeds
Fiscal Year 2017 (July 1, 2016 - June 30, 2017)
3
Expenditures
Excess
FY 2013 FY 2017 Current Fiscal Year Proceeds Estimated
Original Estimated Current Estimated Prior Years (June (July 1, 2016 - June Not Completion
2012 Sales Tax - Authorized Projects Cost
1
Cost
2 30, 2016 or earlier) 30, 2017) Total Expended Date

1. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Improvements $2,342,500.00 $2,647,052.34 $248,700.95 $975,419.32 $1,224,120.27 $0.00 Sep 2018
2. Stadiums $9,557,400.00 $11,813,309.00 $3,527,113.40 $4,557,069.23 $8,084,182.63 $0.00 Sep 2017
3. Capital Renewal Program $84,892,200.00 $116,278,737.78 $17,574,258.73 $28,128,361.59 $45,702,620.32 $0.00 Aug 2018
4. Code Requirements $2,342,500.00 $2,562,296.48 $164,268.40 $973,541.73 $1,137,810.13 $0.00 Sep 2018
5. Coralwood Diagnostic Center Addition $9,932,200.00 $9,804,210.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Apr 2019
6. Early Learning Center $2,717,300.00 $2,682,284.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Jun 2018
7. Arts School at former Avondale MS $4,029,100.00 $9,377,167.00 $116,549.31 $56,958.60 $173,507.91 $0.00 Dec 2018
4
8. Renovation of Southwest DeKalb HS and Stone
Mountain HS $11,056,600.00 $35,525,148.58 $21,884,115.33 $4,077,148.59 $25,961,263.92 $0.00 Aug 2018
9. Replacement of Austin ES, Fernbank ES, Gresham Park
ES, Pleasantdale ES, Peachcrest ES, Rockbridge ES, Smoke Rise
ES $135,021,700.00 $146,479,570.97 $57,806,210.14 $22,631,527.01 $80,437,737.15 $0.00 Jun 2020
10. Henderson MS Renovation/Addition $14,992,000.00 $19,270,623.91 $6,384,146.22 $10,732,929.87 $17,117,076.09 $0.00 Aug 2017
11. Redan HS Renovation/Addition $20,988,800.00 $21,018,330.00 $17,888,287.46 $2,001,968.80 $19,890,256.26 $0.00 Jan 2018
12. Chamblee HS Replacement $55,001,900.00 $54,992,632.00 $16,760,316.01 $5,567,557.98 $22,327,873.99 $0.00 Jun 2019
13. McNair MS Replacement $35,043,800.00 $37,292,213.00 $4,931.60 $371,809.31 $376,740.91 $0.00 Nov 2018
14. Local School Priority Requests $5,153,500.00 $3,202,479.00 $2,902,294.25 $0.00 $2,902,294.25 $0.00 Completed
15. Demolition $2,342,500.00 $4,412,309.00 $2,742,280.21 $330,446.85 $3,072,727.06 $0.00 Aug 2018
16. Safety/Security Systems Upgrade $2,342,500.00 $2,312,313.00 $2,055,999.24 $236,720.00 $2,292,719.24 $0.00 Completed
17. Technology Equipment and Infrastructure Refresh $36,261,900.00 $34,252,207.00 $31,550,634.08 $1,270,912.81 $32,821,546.89 $0.00 Aug 2018
18. School Buses $9,463,700.00 $12,800,319.00 $12,800,247.61 $0.00 $12,800,247.61 $0.00 Completed
19. Service Vehicles $1,592,900.00 $2,255,311.00 $2,107,220.33 $145,310.00 $2,252,530.33 $0.00 Completed
20. Other capital improvements and supporting services
$29,925,000.00 $89,421,486.94 $20,187,623.83 $23,564,955.40 $43,752,579.23 $0.00 Oct 2018
All Projects $475,000,000.00 $618,400,000.00 $216,705,197.10 $105,622,637.09 $322,327,834.19 $0.00 Jun 2020
In compliance with O.C.G.A. 48-8-122 and O.C.G.A. 48-8-141
1 - $475 million is each of the first 19 projects minus the 6.3% taken off and the sum of the 6.3% dollars provided to Project #20, as described in the literature provided to the public prior to the
November 2011 E-SPLOST vote at http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/splost-iv/referendum.
2 - Current estimated revenues increase from $475 million to $618.4 million by the increase of $105.4 million from the Georgia DOE reimbursements expected plus the $38 million in bond
revenues for partial program financing.
3 - Total expenditures as presented in this E-SPLOST report will differ from the annual financial audit report due to timing differences not included in this E-SPLOST expenditures report, relative
to contracts payable, retainage payable, and accounts payable.
4 - The Board of Education moved the Southwest DeKalb HS project from E-SPLOST III to E-SPLOST IV, increasing its total project budget by $22.3 million, in accordance with the E-SPLOST
Corrective Action Plan approved on April 27, 2012. This Board action can be found at https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/Meetings/ViewMeetingOrder.aspx?S=4054&MID=25181.
EDUCATION DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2018 • Page 14

DECATUR

Goats gather in the Oakhurst Greenspace on the southern edge of the Agnes Scott College campus Jan. 25. Photos by Derek Smith.

Agnes Scott brings in goats to curb


spread of invasive plant species
BY DEREK SMITH Rowe, are detrimental to Atlanta’s because the invasive plants are the opportunity here, and in a lot of parts
native forest systems. only food source left alive this time of Atlanta, [because] our urban forests
derek@dekalbchamp.com “They just choke out all native of year. Throughout their 10-day stay, are also contained, so as we do these
plants from succeeding in that space,” each goat is expected to eat about removal projects, we can stop the
Students, staff and faculty at Rowe told The Champion. “They’re 10 pounds of leaf matter a day, Rowe spread of these invasives because
Agnes Scott College had some unique also detrimental to our tree canopy… said. it’s residential all around our forest
visitors to campus Jan. 24. if you have enough ivy growth in the Rowe said they don’t expect the system.”
To curb the spread of invasive, trees, it can actually pull trees down.” goats to remove all the invasive According to Rowe, who graduated
non-native plant species, school The goats were brought in as plants, but follow-up efforts will be from Agnes Scott in 2015, the college
officials brought 25 goats to campus opposed to other solutions because made by human teams in the spring was drawn to using goats not just for
to eat unwanted vegetation and they are a chemical-free, sustainable to eliminate whatever is left and help the sustainability, but because the
promote the growth of trees and way to remove the invasive plants. the native forest system thrive. method fits with the school’s identity.
other native plants. Workers clipped ivy growth off the Rowe said Trees Atlanta has “It feels very true to Agnes Scott.
The goats will graze for 10 days trees in advance to create a bed of begun using this approach all over We’re a little quirky and of course we
on the south end of the Agnes Scott plant matter for the goats to eat. the Atlanta area because there are so would bring goats as a solution.”
campus—a seven-acre area the Rowe said the invasive plants many small forest systems that exist The goats also generated buzz on
school manages jointly with Trees were likely brought to campus independent of one another and can campus.
Atlanta known as the Oakhurst in a landscaping effort, but have be sustainably cleared using the right “I haven’t heard students talk
Greenspace. The goats will work to since spread through the area so methods. about any other sustainability
clear the area of several invasive completely that officials aren’t sure “We are a city that’s known for programs we do in the same way
plants, like kudzu, English ivy and which native plants grow beneath. having forest systems—not just they’re talking about the goats,” Rowe
privet, which, according to Agnes According to Rowe, the goats tree canopies but whole forest said.
Scott sustainability fellow Elizabeth were brought to campus in winter systems,” she said. “We have a unique
EDUCATION DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2018 • Page 15

COUNTYWIDE COUNTYWIDE

Longtime parent council


advocate announces
school board candidacy
BY DEREK SMITH
derek@dekalbchamp.com

A longtime advocate for


better education in DeKalb
County is now running for
school board.
Allyson Gevertz, a 20-
year veteran of education
advocacy and a co-founder
of Parent Councils United,
formally announced her
intention to run for the
District 4 seat on the DeKalb
County Board of Education
Jan. 23. Allyson Gevertz
Gevertz worked for five
years as a school psychologist District back on track. Parent

DeKalb schools find


in Gwinnet County Schools Councils United worked
before turning her full to build a bridge between
attention to advocacy in parent groups and the

solutions for lost school days


2005. In 2013, as chair of district, advocating for a more
the Emory LaVista Parent transparent superintendent
Council, she co-founded search while not charging
Parent Councils United after dues or maintaining a strict
meeting several executive membership roster.
members of other regional Since Dr. Stephen Green mobile app and social media accounts.
parent councils while was brought in to be the BY DEREK SMITH
According to the district, potential make-
attending Georgia State new district superintendent, derek@dekalbchamp.com up options include a virtual learning day or
Capitol hearings during the Gevertz said, Parent Councils the addition of a period to the regular school
lead-up to Gov. Nathan United has shifted from day.
advocacy into a more Students in DeKalb County have missed
Deal’s order to remove six DCSD officials said the district wants to
collaborative role with district several days already this year due to weather,
DeKalb County Board of remain flexible in case more weather days are
officials. forcing districts to decide how to make up
Education members. needed. According to the National Weather
With the success she’s those days.
“At these meetings I Service, the Atlanta area has received 4.6
enjoyed as a founding DeKalb County School District (DCSD)
kept seeing some of the inches of snow this winter, and it’s possible to
member of Parent Councils students will be in class Feb. 16 and March
same people,” Gevertz told there will be more.
United, Gevertz said she’s 9—days that were originally scheduled as off
The Champion. “We started City Schools of Decatur (CSD) faced
heard from many people that days. DCSD closed schools Jan. 8 and Jan. 17-
talking and realized we were a similar dilemma at its Jan. 23 board of
she should run for school 19 due to inclement weather. Options for the
officers in our regional parent education meeting. The district canceled
board. That opportunity remaining days will be decided in a survey
councils.” school Jan. 17-19 as well, and board members
presented itself when the district will present in the coming weeks.
Parent Councils United debated how to make up those three days.
District 4 Board Member “Making up lost time on those dates
initially focused on what Members elected to convert a March 12
Jim McMahon made it clear is prudent and the least disruptive
Gevertz called “mythbusting,” teacher work day into a school day.
he wasn’t running. Now, of the options that were considered,”
allowing members of Since CSD is a charter school district, it’s
McMahon has thrown his Superintendent R. Stephen Green said.
different parent councils to exempt from the state requirement of 180
support behind Gevertz. Green said the survey will be shared
communicate directly and do days, so the board decided to not make up
“He’s willing to mentor me with parents, teachers, principals, teacher
away with misconceptions the additional two days.
and help me, and, assuming organizations, parent-teacher organizations,
about each other. According to CSD Superintendent David
I get elected, he’s willing parent council groups and school council
“Everybody ended up Dude, the district will revisit the 2018-19
to make that transition as members to determine the best option for
thinking ‘Oh, my gosh, we and 2019-20 academic calendars to plan for
smooth as it can possibly be,” our students and families.
all have the same problems. more than 180 days to allow for possible
Gevertz said. The survey will be online, through www.
Our schools are crumbling, cancellations.
If elected, Gevertz plans to dekalbschoolsga.org, or through the district’s
there’s too much deferred
maintenance. This is a big ask the same questions she
problem,” she said. “We want asked when starting Parent
all the teachers to have Councils United to help make
more training and more
professional development…
because everyone is having
the district more successful.
“How do we advocate for
the needs of different schools REDUCE
REUSE
trouble with teachers at their in different areas and how
schools.” do we all support each other
From there, the group to get what we all need for
all our schools?” she said.

RECYCLE
became what Gevertz called
a “grassroots advocacy “Because our system is only
organization” to try to get going to be as successful as
the DeKalb County School our least successful school.”
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2018 • Page 16

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BUSINESS DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2018 • Page 17

CHAMBLEE
Photos provided

Gourmet burger chain opens


its first Georgia restaurant
BY KATHY MITCHELL to have a really great time.” in five states prior to
Freelance Reporter The brash name—Bad coming to Georgia and the
Daddy’s—came about 3,673-square-foot Chamblee
incidentally, Leach explained. restaurant is the 27th in the
A chain that set out 10 “I believe they were going to chain.
years ago to show that a call it Big Daddy’s, but there Leach said Bad Daddy’s
hamburger can be more than was a conflict with a business chose the Chamblee location
a fast, convenient way to that had a similar name because of its positioning
satisfy hunger has opened its so they quickly changed between Brookhaven and
first Georgia restaurant. Bad it.” Nevertheless, the chain Buckhead. He said other
Daddy’s Burger Bar brought decided to carry the cheeky Atlanta area Bad Daddy’s are
to Chamblee what it calls attitude forward in some of scheduled to open within
its “philosophy to prepare the menu items, including the year, including a Decatur
simple foods–such as the the Bad Ass Burger, which location that is scheduled
quintessential American dish, is made with 10 ounces of to open in late 2018 or early
the hamburger–with culinary beef, buttermilk fired bacon, 2019.
passion.” horseradish mayo and other The new eatery is among
“We’ve had our eye on toppings. the first businesses to open in
Georgia for quite some time Nick Leach, manager of the Chamblee Bad Daddy’s, said the menu Despite the swagger in its a development on Peachtree
and there isn’t a better spot can be extended “as far as your imagination.” Photo by Kathy name, Bad Daddy’s is family Boulevard near Clairmont
to introduce our brand to the Mitchell friendly, Leach said. “We have Road. “This is a booming area.
great state than in Atlanta,” The menu offers 14 with four types of greens that a bar, but we’re not a late- We look forward to becoming
CEO Boyd Hoback said in different burgers, but those can be topped with any of night drinking place. We close a lunchtime favorite for those
a news release announcing who don’t find what they 10 cheeses, approximately at 10 p.m. on weekdays and working in the businesses
the opening. “Bad Daddy’s want among the chef’s 30 vegetables, fruits and 11 on weekends. Children around here,” said Leach,
has earned a distinctive creations can build their other options as well as 11 are welcome.” He said the who added that Bad Daddy’s,
reputation in the burger own combinations of seven dressings. “We can extend music has a classic rock which opened Jan. 8, has
world for the unique culinary types of patties, six types the menu as far as your theme and the décor is casual been busy in its first weeks of
passion we put into our of bread, 12 cheeses and imagination,” said Leach, and features local sports operation.
hamburgers, and we can’t approximately 40 condiments who added that many of the memorabilia. The community, including
wait to share this passion with and toppings. dressings and toppings are The first Bad Daddy’s the local government has
everyone in Atlanta.” While burgers are Bad made from scratch in the opened in Charlotte, N.C., in been warm and welcoming,
“We serve chef-inspired Daddy’s signature offering, restaurant. 2007. In 2013, the business Leach said, noting that Mayor
burgers,” said Nick Leach, the menu features other He said in addition to was sold to Colorado-based Eric Clarkson and other local
who manages the new Bad entrees, including chili, excellent food, Bad Daddy’s Good Times Burgers. The officials were present for a
Daddy’s. “With each burger nachos, chicken sandwiches seeks to offer “radical number of restaurants Jan. 6 preopening event that
we build a flavor profile, just and wings. A wide variety hospitality. We want to be the doubled in the next four included the presentation of a
as a chef does at an upscale of salads also are available friendliest place in town. We years, according to Leach. check to Children’s Healthcare
restaurant.” as a “build your own option” want everyone who comes in Bad Daddy’s operated of Atlanta.
SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2018 • Page 18

TRACK & FIELD

Brian Herron to skip track


and field season at Lakeside
details], but there are a lot of kids the Vikings to their first DeKalb
BY CARLA PARKER who are not running. We have County track and field title in
carla@dekalbchamp.com absolutely no beef with the head 42 years, and they repeated as
coach. He’s a wonderful guy. He champions last season.
was the throw coach last year, but Herron won a silver medal
Lakeside High School junior there are just some other issues.” his freshman year at the Class
Brian Herron will not run for the According to MileSplit, which AAAAAAA state meet in the
Vikings track and field team this ranks Herron No. 1 in the 2018 400-meter dash, and finished
season. MileSplit50 Boys Indoor ranking, second again last season in the
MileSplit USA broke the news Oliver said a new coach was 400 as well as in the 200-meter.
Jan. 23, stating that Herron will brought on for the upcoming Last summer, Herron was a part
skip the upcoming high school spring season and Herron “didn’t of the US men’s 4x400-meter relay
track and field season to run feel comfortable going forward team that broke the world U20
unattached for his track club, with what they had going on.” record at the Pan-American U20
Flight400, under coach Andre Herron’s mother said they are Championships in Trujillo, Peru.
Oliver, who has coached the star hoping to work something out for He currently holds the nation’s top
for the past five years. Herron’s the season. 400m time of 46.43 seconds.
mother, Joyce, confirmed the “It’s still early,” she said. Herron was named the Most
report to The Champion. Herron has been a sprinter Outstanding Male Track Athlete in
“It’s a very different year at for the Lakeside varsity track and metro Atlanta by the Atlanta Track
Lakeside,” she said. “And, I’m on the field team since his freshman Club last summer. Lakeside High School junior Brian Herron will skip
board and can’t go into [further year. During freshman year, he led the upcoming high school track and field season
to run unattached for his track club, Flight400. File
photo

WEEKLY BASKETBALL SCORES


Jan. 23 North Clayton 65, Druid Hills 55 Druid Hills 55, Salem 25
Greenforest 60, Drew Charter 43
Boys Girls Marist 48, White County 43
Cedar Grove 68, Stone Mountain 42 Arabia Mountain 79, Chamblee 33 St. Pius X 35, North Oconee 19
Columbia 59, Lithonia 39 North Clayton 66, Druid Hills 42 Southwest DeKalb 77, Miller Grove 42
Greenforest 68, Elite Scholars Academy 55 Paideia 57, Mount Vernon Presbyterian 50 Stone Mountain 61, Towers 45
Marist 49, Chestatee 41 Tucker 45, Stephenson 43
Miller Grove 54, Clarkston 19 Jan. 25 Cambridge 33, Dunwoody 27
Paideia 48, W.D. Mohammed 45 Galloway 58 Paideia 41
St. Pius X 63, Madison County 57 Boys Lovejoy 51, M.L. King 39
Southwest DeKalb 59, Chamblee 47 Columbia 85, West Valley (Ark.) 51
Towers 76, Redan 52 Jonesboro 53, Tucker 44 Jan. 27
Tucker 71, Lovejoy 45
Centennial 57, Dunwoody 46 Girls Boys
Lovett 55, McNair 41 Tucker 64, Jonesboro 28 Columbia 83, West (Ark.) 46
Mt. Zion 50, M.L. King 477 Dunwoody 68, Johns Creek 55
Norcross 68, Lakeside 53 Jan. 26 Greenforest 69, Eagle’s Landing Christian 56
Lakeside 90, Cross Keys 33
Girls Boys Redan 62, Towers 48
Cedar Grove 41, Stone Mountain 40 Cedar Grove 87, McNair 48 Stephenson 54, Southwest DeKalb 51
Greenforest 36, Elite Scholars Academy 35 Chamblee 62, Clarkston 39 Blessed Trinity 53, Marist 39
Lithonia 32, Miller Grove 28 Columbia 76, Kodiak (Ark.) 37 Mount Vernon Presbyterian 59, Paideia 38
M.L. King 62, Mt. Zion 41 Greenforest 71, Drew Charter 58
Marist 48, Chestatee 33 Lithonia 71, Arabia Mountain 33 Girls
Miller Grove 66, Clarkston 31 M.L. King 59, Lovejoy 50 Lakeside 90, Cross Keys 33
Paideia 61, W.D. Mohammed 17 Marist 45, White County 44 Lithonia 49, Clarkston 16
Southwest DeKalb 55, Chamblee 28 Miller Grove 35, Southwest DeKalb 34 Marist 60, Blessed Trinity 28
Towers 50, Redan 43 Paideia 46, Galloway 44 Paideia 41, Mount Vernon Presbyterian 28
Centennial 41, Dunwoody 38 St. Pius X 75, North Oconee 39 Stephenson 72, Southwest DeKalb 54
Coretta Scott King 47, Cross Keys 43 Stephenson 51, Tucker 49 Coretta Scott King 61, W.D. Mohammed 49
Lovett 58, McNair 21 Towers 95, Stone Mountain 64 Eagle’s Landing Christian 63, Greenforest 53
Lovejoy 68, Tucker 33 Berkmar 60, Lakeside 24 Johns Creek 35, Dunwoody 31
Madison County 46, St. Pius X 43 Cambridge 53, Dunwoody 44
Mount Vernon Presbyterian 71, W.D. Mohammed 28
Jan. 24 Salem 54, Druid Hills 50
Westminster 61, Redan 45
Boys
Cedar Grove 70, Towers 59 Girls
Chamblee 63, Arabia Mountain 55 Arabia Mountain 69, Lithonia 9
Mount Vernon Presbyterian 57, Paideia 42 Chamblee 44, Clarkston 12
SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2018 • Page 19

MARTIAL ARTS

Young martial artists win national


championships, ranked best in nation
BY CARLA PARKER world.”
carla@dekalbchamp.com Williams was encouraged by her
aunt to try martial arts after seeing
her kick.
“I’m flexible in my legs and I kick
Next Level Martial Arts in a lot,” Williams said. “My aunt said I
Stonecrest has become home to would be really good and she could
two of the best martial arts fighters teach me. At first, I wasn’t [sure
in the nation. about it], but as soon as I stepped
Kaitlyn Williams, 11, and her on the floor in my first practice I fell
10-year-old cousin Titus Whitfield in love with it.”
were crowned national champions For Titus, it was a no brainer that
of the North America Sports martial arts would be in his future.
Karate Association 2017 (NASKA) “It’s like a family pass over
season. Their success at multiple where it goes from generation to
tournaments during the 2017 generation and it was passed down
season earned them top spots in to me,” he said.
the national rankings. The cousins said it took years
Williams is ranked No. 1 for them to perfect their craft and
in fighting for 10/11-year-old they are still learning as they strive
intermediate girls, and ranked to earn a black belt. Whitfield has Titus Whitfield is ranked No. 3 in forms for Kaitlyn Williams is also ranked No. 1 in
No.1 in forms for 10/11-year- a brown belt and Williams has a 8/9-year-old intermediate boys and girls. forms for 10/11-year-old intermediate girls
old intermediate girls and boys. purple belt. Along with fighting, and boys.
Whitfield is ranked No. 1 in fighting they also know weapons and
for 8/9-year-old intermediate musical form.
boys, and ranked No. 3 in forms for When the two aren’t traveling
8/9-year-old intermediate boys and across the country for competitions,
girls. they are playing other sports.
They were honored Jan. 18 at Williams plays basketball and
a banquet in Chicago. Both said softball, and Whitfield plays football
it feels great to be recognized for and basketball. They said they use
their hard work. skills from martial arts to help in
“I push myself,” Williams said. other sports and vice versa.
“And my cousin always says, ‘You “Martial arts helps me with
go, come on Kaitlyn, I got you, softball,” Williams said. “Just the
push yourself. My parents, my focus and the concentration—you
grandparents have also made a can’t catch a ball if you’re looking
big impact on me. They’ve always at the sky. My focus from karate
told me to do my best and they’re has helped me focus [better on
proud of me no matter what.” what I’m doing in softball and
“I couldn’t have done it basketball].”
without my other teammates, “I use football for my strength
because there is no such thing as and I use basketball for my speed,”
completing something on your Whitfield said. “You need strength
own,” Whitfield said. “Every time I in fighting because once you get
get to number one in fighting I just that certain technique, then [the
think of everybody that I teach, I’ve opponent] doesn’t want to fight
helped and who have helped me. I any more. And once you have
just think of everyone else.” speed, you have to be the first one
Whitfield, a student at to hit, and hit face and hit hard.”
Leadership Preparatory Academy in With 2017 behind them, the
Lithonia, has been in martial arts for two said they are looking forward
six years, and Williams, a student at to getting better as fighters and
Newton County Theme School, has teaching others as well.
be in the sport for four years. For “My goal is to keep on pushing
both, martial arts is in their blood. and pushing like all my other
Iesha Whitfield, Titus’ mother cousins do,” Whitfield said. “They
and Kaitlyn’s aunt, is their instructor push me, whether I’m down or up.
and founder of Next Level Martial When I get older, I want to help and
Arts. She has a black belt and was encourage other [martial artists]
nationally ranked when was young. too.”
Seeing her son and niece become “I really want to get my black
national champions and nationally belt because once I have my black
ranked is a dream come true, she belt more doors will open up for
said. me,” Williams said. “I want to teach
“It’s a blessing,” she said. “I was Kaitlyn Williams, left, and her 10-year-old cousin Titus Whitfield were crowned national
other kids.” champions of the North America Sports Karate Association 2017 season.
beyond proud as a mother, as an
aunt and as their teacher. I can’t
wait to see what they bring to the
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2018 • Page 20

1897 2018
Alfred L. Cralle Maya D. Jones scoops
invents the ice her own ice cream for
cream scoop. the very first time.

This Black History Month, take time to celebrate the achievements of African Americans,
from the lesser-known inventions that helped weave the fabric of our day-to-day lives,
to the more widely-known achievements that revolutionized our culture. All of these
accomplishments come together to pave the way to a bright—and sweet—future.

Join Publix in the celebration of Black History Month. Explore African American
contributions to food history at publix.com/BlackHistoryMonth.

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