LOCAL: Fallen officer recognized as officer of the year | Page 2 LOCAL: ‘Cocoa with the Po-po’: Decatur police

with the Po-po’: Decatur police deliver warm smiles, drinks | Page 7

the DeKalb FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 • VOL. 23, NO 50 • 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

A day to
remember King
BY TAYLOR ROBINS
taylor@dekalbchamp.com
The third Monday of
every January is the official
observance day of Martin
Luther King Jr.’s birthday.
He was born Jan. 15, 1929.
The federal holiday is meant to
honor King and his legacy as an
activist and a spokesperson in
the Civil Rights Movement.
This year’s Martin Luther
King Jr. Day will be Jan. 21.
Many areas and
organizations put together
events to celebrate the minister
and activist. Events local to the
county include:
SEE MLK ON PAGE 6

SHOW ME THE MONEY

BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
DeKalb County officials
held a special called finance,
audit and budget committee
meeting Jan. 11 to review the
fiscal year 2019 recommended
budget. Commissioners have
until March 1 to approve the
budget and will discuss the
budget in committee meetings
throughout January and
February.
County officials said
DeKalb eliminated a $24.7
million deficit and increased the
fund balance to $103 million.
Called the county’s “rainy
day” fund by DeKalb County
CEO Michael Thurmond,
the $103-million fund balance
could cover approximately two DeKalb County COO Zach Williams discusses the county’s budget during a special called finance, audit and budget committee
months of county operating
expenses.
“We believe with this budget budgets that included “padded
we have achieved financial
stability. In 2019 and beyond,
we’re positioning ourselves to
deal with structural deficits,”
DeKalb County COO Zach
Williams said.
In years prior, Williams
said the county approved
meeting Jan. 11.
funding” in some departments.
The additional funds left over
were put into the general fund
balance. Now that the county’s
fund balance has reached
approximately $103 million,
Williams said the county
will more accurately fund
departments.
“We are convinced that this
way of budgeting is a much
more precise, much more
transparent way of budgeting
and is going to show everyone
‘here’s what we actually need
and here’s what we say we’re
going to do, and we monitor it
County discusses
2019 budget
to ensure it’s done,’” Williams
said. “If there are circumstances
that come up, that’s the beauty
of developing a two-month fund
balance.”
During the special called
budget meeting, DeKalb
County Commissioner Larry
Johnson questioned if there is
a contingency plan in place for
departments that may receive
less funding in 2019.
“If you’re just giving
[departments] what they didn’t
spend last year, and something
pops up, they’re going to
have to come back before [the
county commission] to request
funding,” Johnson said. “When
you talk about padding, how are
you handling that?”
County officials said they
plan to keep an eye on spending
and monitor departments as
needed.
DeKalb County
Commissioner Nancy Jester
said she agrees with how the
county plans to budget in 2019.
“It’s going to be tight, but
it’s more transparent,” Jester
said. “There [are] pluses and
minuses. There are strange
emergencies that will come
up, but I just think it’s more
transparent. Everybody will
know it and we’ll discuss it
and it will certainly give the
board more information and
more influence on the spending
policies.”
The proposed budget
for 2019 will also include a
SEE MONEY ON PAGE 6

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

LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 • Page 2

COUNTYWIDE

Fallen officer recognized as officer of the year

BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
DeKalb County Police Officer
Edgar Flores had been with the
department for 19 months before
he was shot and killed Dec. 13,
but Flores’ impact to the force was
undeniable, DeKalb public safety
officials said.
On Jan. 9, Flores received the
Officer of the Year award from the
south precinct during the DeKalb
County Police Department South
Precinct Officer and Community
Appreciation Awards ceremony at
the south precinct headquarters in
Decatur.
The event was originally
scheduled for December but was
postponed due to Flores’ funeral.
Flores was fatally shot conducting a
traffic stop in Decatur. The awards
ceremony was held in Flores’ honor.
Flores also received a U.S.
Citizen of Distinction honor from
congressman Hank Johnson. Family
members of Flores who were in
attendance at the award ceremony
were presented with a copy of the
proclamation.
Major K.D. Johnson said since
2015, the south precinct has worked
diligently to bridge the gap between
law enforcement and the community.
“We do this every year to honor
our officers and community members.
If you look around, we have a lot
of friends in the south precinct
community,” said Johnson.
Along with officer of the year,
the department presented awards
for detective of the year, supervisor
of the year, civilian of the year and
community contributor.
In total, the south precinct
recognized 26 community partners
and contributors.
“I just want to thank you all whole
heartedly for supporting these men
and women of south precinct during
a very tough time. We could not have
done it without you,” Johnson said. Family members of Flores and DeKalb County Police officials hold copies of a U.S. Citizen of Distinction
“The things we do in the community honor given by Congressman Hank Johnson.
we could not do without you.”
DeKalb County Police Chief appreciate everybody being here [at the members of the Flores family, police
James Conroy said the awards event] and for being here [in support officers and community members held
ceremony was an opportunity to of] me and our officers....In a moment, a symbolic balloon and dove release.
celebrate the hard work of DeKalb we’re going to hear some great stories Flores is survived by his fiancée,
officers and community members and of why we do this job and hear from Lizandra Mora; mother, Laura
honor Flores and his family. police officers who have done some Saucedo Flores; father, Isidro Flores;
“We’ve had a very difficult month. great things throughout the year. This and brother, Alexis Flores.
It’s been tough. But together, we’re will be a joyous occasion.”
getting through this,” Conroy said. “I At the end of the ceremony,

GOT A NEWS TIP?

Horace Holloman
Horace@DeKalbChamp.com
Local news editor: covers county government/crime/
courts plus Decatur and Avondale Estates.

Carla Parker
Carla@DeKalbChamp.com
Sports editor: covers sports plus Stonecrest, Clarkston,
Lithonia, Stone Mountain and Tucker.

Taylor Robins
Taylor@DeKalbChamp.com
Education editor: covers all things education-related plus
Brookhaven, Doraville, Chamblee, Dunwoody and Pine Lake. #ItsInTheChampion
LOCAL
COUNTYWIDE
Atlanta based non-profit Point 27 sent “Thin Blue Line” scripture-inscribed dog tags
to the agencies of the six Georgia police officers killed in 2018.
Fallen officer, five
others honored
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
In 2018, six Georgia police
officers lost their lives in the
line of duty, including DeKalb
County Police Officer Edgar
Isidro Flores.
Atlanta-based nonprofit
Point 27, an organization that
helps encourage members
of armed forces and first
responders, sent scripture-
inscribed dog tags to the
agencies of the six officers
killed in 2018. The dog tags
are called Shields of Strength.
The organization also sent
inscribed folded flag pendant
necklaces to the families of the
slain officers.
Retired U.S. Army Col.
David Dodd, director of
Point 27, said the organization
honors fallen officers and their
families every month of the
year.
Dodd, who served in
Afghanistan after the terrorist
attacks in Sept. 11, 2001, said
the dog tags are symbolic
and meant to honor law
enforcement.
“We are forever grateful for
these brave men and women
in law enforcement. We will
never forget the ultimate
sacrifice they made, and we
will not forget their families,”
Dodd said. “We present the
Thin Blue Line Dog Tags to
thank the officers for their
putting their lives on the line
to protect Americans. The dog
tag is engraved with a Bible
verse and serves as a physical
reminder that God is with them
day and night as they patrol
and protect the streets of their
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 • Page 3
STONECREST
Denmark named new city attorney
BY CARLA PARKER stepped down from the
position in December.
carla@dekalbchamp.com Denmark, a resident of
Stonecrest, is also the city
attorney of Lithonia.
Attorney Winston “I want to thank the council
Denmark is Stonecrest’s new for the confidence that you’ve
city attorney. shown in me pointing me as
The mayor and city council your city attorney,” Denmark
approved the appointment of said during the meeting. “I
Denmark at its Jan. 2 regular take the roll very seriously and
city council meeting. Denmark I look forward to doing a great
replaced Tom Kurrie, who job for the city.” Attorney Winston Denmark was appointed
new city attorney for Stonecrest.
M E T R O P O L I TA N AT L A N TA R A P I D T R A N S I T A U T H O R I T Y
Notice of Public Hearings
Revised 1/9/2019
Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid
Transit Authority will hold public hearings for the purpose of considering the
Proposed Bus Service Modifications for April 13, 2019
for the following bus routes:
Route 49: McDonough Boulevard;
Route 50: Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway;
Route 850: Carroll Heights/Fairburn Heights;
Route 853: Collier Heights
All route information, videos and comment forms are available at www.itsmarta.com.
Tuesday, Jan. 22 Wednesday, Jan. 23 Thursday, Jan. 24
Flores Clayton County Decatur Library Fulton County
Commission Chambers Auditorium Assembly Hall
communities. We want them to 215 Sycamore Street
know we appreciate and value 112 Smith Street 141 Pryor St., SW
Jonesboro, GA 30236
Decatur, GA 30030 Atlanta, GA 30303
them.” Community Exchange: 6 pm
Flores, 24, was shot in the Community Exchange: 6 pm Community Exchange: 6 pm
PUBLIC HEARING: 7 pm
head and killed in the line of PUBLIC HEARING: 7 pm PUBLIC HEARING: 7 pm
Riding MARTA: Blue Line to
duty while pursuing a man he Decatur Station; exit onto Church Riding MARTA: Bus Routes 21,
Riding MARTA: Bus Route 193
had pulled over. The suspect Street and continue one block east 42 and 55
involved in the shooting,
Justin Taylor, 33, was killed
by officers. Copies of the proposed Bus Service Modifications will also be available for public viewing at MARTA’s Headquarters Office of
DeKalb County officials External Affairs, 2424 Piedmont Road, N.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30324 during regular business hours, Mon-Fri 8:30 am to 5 pm.
honored Flores with a funeral For formats (FREE of charge) in accordance with the ADA and Limited English Proficiency regulations contact, (404) 848-
service Dec. 18 at all Saints 4037. For those patrons requiring further accommodations, information can be obtained by calling the Telephone Device for
Catholic Church in Dunwoody. the Deaf (TDD) at 404 848-5665.
Officers held a public safety In addition, a sign language interpreter will be available at all hearings. If you cannot attend the hearings and want to provide
procession from the public comments you may: (1) leave a message at (404) 848-5299; (2) write to MARTA’s Office of External Affairs, 2424 Piedmont Road,
safety headquarters in Tucker N.E. Atlanta, GA 30324-3330; (3) complete an online Comment Card at www.itsmarta.com; (4) or fax your comments no later
to the church. than January 29, 2019 to (404) 848-4179.
Flores, 24, was hired by All citizens of the City of Atlanta and the counties of Fulton, DeKalb, Clayton and Gwinnett whose interests are affected by the
the police department on May subjects to be considered at these hearings are hereby notified and invited to appear at said times and places and present
8, 2017, and graduated from such evidence, comment or objection as their interests require.
the police academy on Nov. 4,
2017.
Other officers killed in
Jeffrey A. Parker, General Manager/CEO
the line of duty in 2018 were
Henry County Police Officer
Michael Wayne Smith,
Locust Grove Police Officer
Chase Lee Maddox, Savannah
Police Officer Anthony
Christie, Ludowici Police
Chief Frank A. McClelland
Jr. and Gwinnett Police Officer
@DEKALBCHAMPNEWS
Antwan DeArvis Toney.
OPINION
Scooter invasion inconveniences
more than benefits
Anyone who has recently driven
through or near downtown Decatur has
likely seen the proliferation of scooters
on almost every block. At times, the
scooters are neatly lined up along city
sidewalks and other times, they are
haphazardly left lying wherever the
operator decided to leave them.
Scooter companies such as Bird and
Lime say their products will reduce
car usage, traffic and carbon emissions
in the cities served by the company.
Opponents of the scooters complain
about issues such as abandoned
scooters blocking sidewalks, a lack of
helmet requirements and impeding the
flow of traffic.
Love them or hate them, it
appears that electronic scooters have
successfully invaded both Decatur and
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
John Hewitt
johnh@dekalbchamp.com
Atlanta and made themselves right at
home.
According to Bird, 10 scooters
can be parked in one standard size
car parking spot. While this logic is
an impressive argument in support of
scooters and is a great marketing line,
it is doubtful that scooters will always
be required to be parked in designated
parking spots. If regulations are
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 • Page 4
implemented that determine where the
scooters can be parked, enforcement
will be difficult at best as users can
leave the scooters wherever they
please.
While the concept of having
environmentally friendly, low-cost
transportation options is admirable,
those who do not use the service
are inconvenienced and exposed to
possible injury by abandoned scooters.
I can’t think of any other mode of
transportation or any public service
that benefits a small segment of the
population and inconveniences others.
Shortly after the scooters appeared
on Decatur’s streets, I saw one
abandoned in a travel lane on the
narrow, crowded bridge over Sam’s
Crossing. Vehicles were swerving to
avoid it.
Decatur’s downtown area is already
visually cluttered with public art,
signage and colorful walkways at
intersections. When scooters can be
abandoned wherever the user chooses,
the clutter is magnified even more.
At some point, municipalities will
have to make decisions that may not
align with their social and environment
concerns to protect the ambiance of the
city and safety of all who live, work or
visit.
As appealing and novel as scooter
service is to some, there are many
more who are, and will continue to be
inconvenienced. Every new idea that
comes around shouldn’t be allowed
when the greater public sees no benefits
from the service.
OPINION
“Georgia and our people have
been very kind to Sandra and me. I’m
glad that together we were able to
accomplish some things that hopefully
make life a bit better here for all
Georgians,” said Georgia’s outgoing
Gov. Nathan Deal.
Deal modestly completed his second
term with a high and enviable approval
rating from voters in both political
parties, with some even suggesting
a re-visitation to the topic of term
limits for Georgia’s chief executive
in our state constitution. I’m among
those who’ve become an outspoken
fan of this quiet servant leader who
understands the importance of building
consensus, listens well and often to
inside and outside counsel, and who
has led Georgia to many of our greatest
and most lasting successes.
But surveying and summarizing
the Deal legacy is no easy task. Not
since Gov. Zell Miller has any Georgia
governor, in either political party, left
so many lasting marks and benefits to
our state.
Miller created the HOPE
scholarship and sold Georgia on the
lottery to finance that as well as an
ever expanding pre-K early education
program. Additionally, helming the
state through its Olympic years, and
cap stoning his public service with a
term in the U.S. Senate, Miller set the
gold standard for his successors in the
governor’s mansion. I’d say Deal has
grabbed that brass ring.
Deal’s economic development track
record is unmatched. And thankfully
this job growth was not only felt north
of Macon and in metro Atlanta, but
across the state as well. Strengthening
an initiative started by his predecessor,
Gov. Sonny Perdue, Deal made
Georgia not only the “Hollywood of
the South,” but one of the most popular
television and film production markets
on the planet, second only to the entire
nation of Canada.
Deal’s election brought an
introduction during a deep recession
to nearly empty fiscal cabinets (with
less than two day’s state payroll on
hand), and while assisted by a broad
and strong recovery, Deal leaves office
with more than $2.5 billion in reserves
and Georgia with the highest possible
FREEPRESS
the DeKalb
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DEKALB FREE PRESS • JANUARY 18, 2019 • Page 5
The real Deal legacy Deal began his public life as a stature, but these gains and his shadow
prosecutor, and ends nearing four are casting long marks for others to
‘One Man’s decades of public service more as attempt to emulate and follow, and it
Opinion’ a healer, delivering criminal justice
reforms, which also are resulting in the
may be decades before we see anything
quite like him again here in the Peach
lowest incarceration rates in modern State. 
Bill Crane history for non violent offenders, God speed to you sir, as well as to
bill.csicrane@gmail.com including a double-digit reduction in Mrs. Deal. Mission accomplished, and
the incarceration rates of Black men. well done.
Deal’s creation of Accountability,
bond ratings by all three major ratings DUI and Drug Courts are also regularly
agencies. producing amazing success stories of Bill Crane also serves as a political
And yet, it may be the education recovery and rehabilitation as well as analyst and commentator for Channel 2’s
and criminal justice arenas where the returns to productive, working and Action News, WSB-AM News/Talk 750
Deal touch will leave the most lasting tax-paying lives of citizenry, which on and now 95.5 FM, as well as a columnist
marks. occasion move this governor to near for The Champion, DeKalb Free Press
Seeking to become Georgia’s tears.  This shared celebration and and Georgia Trend. Crane is a DeKalb
“Education Governor,” Deal added an sense of accomplishment are also part native and business owner, living in
additional $167 million during the most of the real Deal legacy. Scottdale. You can reach him or comment
recent fiscal year budget for Georgia, Nathan Deal is not a man of great on a column at bill.csicrane@gmail.com.
fully funding the Quality Basic
Education Act. 
Though his attempted amendment
to the Georgia Constitution to create
opportunity school districts did
not pass, he has continued to make
resources and state expertise available
to challenged schools and school
systems who are willing to accept the
help—regardless of zip code, school
demographics or local politics. 
Rapid expansion and creation of
charter schools as well as a series of
opportunities for vouchers into private
education have also expanded options
for students and parents across the
state, especially intended to assist
families with children in failing
schools.
Deal is the son of educators, and
is married to one. Georgia’s former
first lady Sandra Deal has made
literacy and visiting with and reading
to elementary school children her
passion. Despite facing down not
insignificant health challenges over
the past few years, our first lady made
visits to 1,000 schools in every Georgia
county and all 181 public school
systems.
Though happy to see Georgia
remain under GOP leadership and
control, Deal is reluctant to offer much
in the way of direct advice for his
successor, Gov. Brian Kemp, other
than to suggest we find more ways to
embrace our commonalities and that his
party focus a bit less on social issues or
wedge concerns that may divide us.
Publisher: Staff Reporters:
John Hewitt Carla Parker STATEMENT FROM THE
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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.
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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, JANUARY 4, 2019 • Page 6

Former NBA player and current broadcaster Mike Glenn presented the “Expanding Civil Rights: With a Focus on Women of the Movement” exhibit at the Decatur Library. Photos by Carla Parker.

Women of Civil Rights Movement featured in exhibit

BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Newspaper clippings and
magazine covers of women
who played a role in the Civil
Rights Movement are on dis-
play at the Decatur Library.
The exhibit, “Expanding
Civil Rights: With a Focus on
Women of the Movement,”
is presented by former NBA
player and current broadcaster
Mike Glenn. The exhibit fea-
tures newspaper and magazine
articles, photographs, art-
work and first-edition books
of women who made history
during the Civil Rights era,
as well as pre- and post-Civil
Rights era, including Harriet
Tubman, Coretta Scott King,
Shirley Chisholm and Stacey
Abrams.
The exhibit also celebrates
the 50-year anniversary of
Chisholm’s historic election
to the United States Congress.
Decatur officials and others
gathered at the library Jan. 10
for the opening of the exhibit.
Glenn, a son of two educa-
tors, said he has been collect-
ing books for years and decid-
ed to share his books through
an exhibit. His first exhibit was
at the Wesley Chapel Library
in the late 1980s.
“And then I was collecting
magazines and newspapers
and I found that people liked
the pictorial aspect,” Glenn
said. “So, I started marrying
them together and started do-
ing those kinds of exhibits and
everybody was loving it. I was
getting requests to go all across
the country and do exhibits on
different things. Sports [items]
were one of the last things
I collected, and now people
really love my sports exhibits,
they love the slavery timeline,
the Harlem Renaissance and
the different time periods of
American history.”
Glenn is scheduled to visit
schools in the City Schools of
Decatur District to share pieces
from the exhibit.
“I hope they learn true his-
tory—how did we get to this
point and what people went
through,” Glenn said. “I think
when they learn how much
effort and energy and [how
many] lives it cost, even to
have the ability to vote, they
will take it more seriously and
become involved, learn from
it and go forward more power-
fully. I hope they realize that
people had greater obstacles
than they have now and still
overcame them. I hope they
will get strength from that.”
Decatur Mayor Pattie Gar-
rett said the city is thrilled to
have this exhibit in the city and
the library.
“As I walked through just
briefly, I have to say I am
touched,” she said. “I think all
of you will be touched by this
amazing exhibit and collection
of artifacts. It will stir your
hearts and stir your souls. As a
female leader I am especially
appreciative of Mike Glenn for
reminding us about the role of
women in the movement, both
in history and now.”
The exhibit will remain
through the end of January.

MLK Continued From Page 1 MONEY

DeKalb County
DeKalb County is throwing one of
the first events locally to celebrate MLK
Jan. 18 during its 35th annual MLK
Celebration. “King’s Vision: Humanity
Tied in a Single Garment of Destiny”
will be held 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the
Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce
Drive in Decatur.
DeKalb NAACP
The DeKalb County NAACP branch
will host is 17th annual parade honoring
the civil rights champion Jan. 21.
Opening ceremonies will begin at
11:30 a.m. at Green Pastures Christian
Church with the parade following at
noon. Several bands from DeKalb
County School District will also
participate in the parade.
Along with King, the parade will also
honor Vietnam veterans and highlight
DeKalb County sanitation workers. King
was in Memphis advocating for Black
sanitation worker rights when he was
shot and killed there in 1968. Daughters
of the late DeKalb school board member
and county NAACP executive board
member Sara Copelin-Wood will serve
as grand marshals.  Decatur seniors.
Brookhaven
Brookhaven will host its MLK
Day dinner and program at Lynwood
Park. The park is home to the historic
Lynwood Community Center, the site of
the segregated Lynwood schools. The
students integrated the DeKalb School
system in 1968, the year King was
killed.
Former Lynwood Park resident
U.S. Army Brigadier General Richard
Dix will be the keynote speaker. The
event will be held 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 21
at the Lynwood Community Center,
3360 Osborne Road. Retired American
football player Steve Wallace also will
speak.
Tickets for the event are on sale for
$10 each and can be purchased at the
Lynwood Community Center. A total of
200 tickets are available. This will be the
city’s fourth MLK dinner and program.
Decatur
Martin Luther King Jr. Service
Project is offering residents an
opportunity to volunteer for three days.
During Jan. 19 and Jan. 21. from 9 a.m.
to 5 p.m., and Jan. 20 from 1 to 5 p.m.
volunteers will repair the homes of
Since 2003, the Decatur Martin
Luther King Jr. Service Project has Continued From Page 1
provided free home maintenance and
yard work. In 2017, the project helped
3-percent raise for all county employees
33 senior households with 1,200
who did not receive a raise in October
volunteers.
2018. County employees will also earn
Volunteers will meet at the Solarium
a minimum wage of $15 an hour.
at the Community Center of South
DeKalb County commissioner
Decatur, 321 W. Hill St. in the Oakhurst
Lorraine Cochran-Johnson said
section of Decatur 30 minutes before
increasing the minimum wage to $15
shifts start. Anyone can sign up for
an hour could be discouraging to
shifts at www.mlkserviceproject.com/
employees who have worked with the
volunteers/.
county for years and earned a salary
increase based on merits.
Dunwoody
“Was there any consideration in this
budget for employees who have served
Dunwoody will host a day of service
at the minimum wage? Who were team
in honor of MLK Day. Volunteers can
leads within their department? Who
plant trees and flowers, clean street signs
will now have new hires who will be
and parks, spend time at a local senior
making the same salary?” Cochran-
living center or complete projects at
Johnson asked.
Community Assistance Center, which
Williams said county officials will
provides assistance to the homeless
take merit-based pay into consideration.
community in Sandy Springs and
“We’ve certainly been sensitive
Dunwoody.
to that in the past and will deal with
Volunteers will check-in at 8:30 a.m.
it as needed,” Williams said. “We are
at the pavilion at Brook Run Park at
probably in a much better position now
4770 N. Peachtree Road in Dunwoody
to have those conversations.”
Jan. 21. 
The first scheduled public hearing
Those interested can sign up at the
meeting on the 2019 budget will be
Dunwoody Parks registration portal.
Feb. 12.
All city offices in the county, City
Schools of Decatur and DeKalb County
School districts will be closed in
observance for the holiday Jan. 21.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 • Page 7

DECATUR

Decatur Police Department held a Cocoa with the Po-Po event Jan. 11 at the bandstand in downtown Decatur.

‘Cocoa with the Po-po’

Decatur police deliver warm smiles, drinks
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
Decatur police officers handed
out approximately 200 cups of hot
chocolate to teens on the Decatur
bandstand Jan. 11 for the department’s
first Cocoa with the Po-Po event.
Event organizers said the hot
chocolate giveaway was an opportunity
to meet with the city’s young residents.
Decatur police have previously
hosted Coffee with a Cop, which is
meant to target an older audience, in
various locations throughout the city,
said Decatur Police Sgt. John Bender.
The Cocoa with the Po-Po event was
specifically geared toward a younger
crowd, he said.
“We hadn’t really reached out to
the teenagers and middle schoolers
to build a relationship with them, so
what we decided was to do Cocoa with
the Po-Po,” Bender said. “We picked
a time and a place where all the kids
hang out.”
Bender said the bandstand in
downtown Decatur is a popular Friday
hangout spot for the city’s teenagers
and middle-schoolers.
“They usually come out here and
go to the local ice cream shops, so we
decided to come out and meet them
here and interact with them just like we
do coffee with a cop,” Bender said.
Cocoa with the Po-Po was
originally scheduled for Dec. 20,
but was postponed due to weather.
Members of the Decatur Youth Council
volunteered during the event and
distributed the hot chocolate. Decatur
police also provided marshmallows.
Officer Keck, who has been with
the Decatur Police Department for
more than five years, said she enjoyed
attending the Cocoa with the Po-Po
event.
“I enjoyed it. I think the high
schoolers were a little hesitant at first,
but I think they’re enjoying themselves
getting to talk with some of the
officers,” Keck said. “I think this helps
build great relationships.”

DUNWOODY

Prison sentence for commercial

sex enterprise couple
BY TAYLOR ROBINS
taylor@dekalbchamp.com
Samuel Crenshaw and
Darliene Crenshaw are now
serving prison time after
pleading guilty to racketeering
and conspiracy in connection to
a commercial sex enterprise in
Dunwoody.
“This is an important first
step in attacking a serious
problem in our community,”
said DeKalb County District
Attorney Sherry Boston. “I am
thankful for the hard work and
investigative leadership of the
Dunwoody Police Department
in this case. It is my hope that
these convictions will send
a strong message that these
crimes will not be tolerated in
DeKalb County.”
During the couple’s
investigation, it was proven
that between February of
2015 and August of 2016, the
Crenshaws operated a full-scale
commercial sex enterprise
under the business names
“Gold Club” and later “Lipstick
and Shoes.”
The Crenshaws used false
information to lease units at
three Dunwoody apartment
complexes for the purpose of
pairing “models” with clients
to engage in paid sexual
activities. They also conspired
to recruit employees, advertise,
secure locations and manage
appointments and payment
systems in furtherance of the
criminal enterprise.  and Corrupt Organizations
The defendants were
arrested in December 2016
following a months-long
investigation by the Dunwoody
Police Department. Samuel Crenshaw was sentenced to 20 Darliene Crenshaw was also sentenced
years for racketeering and conspiracy. to 20 years for racketeering and
“It’s important that we do
not normalize this behavior on Photos provided by DeKalb County conspiracy.
Sherriff’s Office
the part of any participant,”
Boston said. “This is not a
Act (RICO) during court largest of its type in DeKalb
victimless crime. I want to
proceedings Dec. 28. history. The charges range
do everything in my power to
Darliene Crenshaw, 47, from RICO, to pandering
make certain women and men
pleaded guilty to the same and prostitution. Individuals
are not exploited in the sex
charge 10 days earlier. She was charged include George
trade.”
sentenced to 20 years to serve Moore, Tara Lee Gilleo and
Samuel Crenshaw, 51,
three years in custody, with the Giovene Burkhalter.
was sentenced to 20 years to
balance on probation. Defendants charged with
serve seven years in custody,
The couple surrendered to prostitution were referred to
with the balance on probation.
authorities on Jan. 6 to begin counseling and programs for
He entered a guilty plea to
serving their sentences. survivors of sex trafficking.
a single count of Violation
In total, 62 individuals, They must also submit to drug
of the Racketeer Influenced
including the Crenshaws, were and STD testing.
charged. The indictment is the
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 • Page 8

Celebrating
a day on,
not a day off.
Georgia Power is proud to observe Martin
Luther King Jr. Day — a nationwide celebration
of service to mankind and community — by
encouraging its employees and customers to
use their time off to serve others.

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, let us all come

together to spend a “day on“ by extending a
helping hand to help those who need it most.

georgiapower.com/community
©2019 Georgia Power. All rights reserved.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 • Page 9

WEEK in PICTURES

Indi, the K-9 officer shot in the line of duty Dec. 13, makes progress with his Austin Elementary School was honored at the Jan. 7 DeKalb County School District Board of Education meeting for its recent
recovery and is expected to return to work. Indi poses with Master Police Officer achievement of becoming a National Blue Ribbon School. (DeKalb County School District Twitter Page)
and handler Norman Larsen. (WSBTV Twitter page)

DeKalb County Police South Precinct Major K.D. Johnson holds an Officer of the Year Papa John’s delivered pizzas to the Decatur Police Department for Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, Jan. 9.
award that was presented posthumously to fallen officer Edgar Flores' family.

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 • FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 • Page 10

COUNTYWIDE EDUCATION BRIEFS

BY TAYLOR ROBINS
taylor@dekalbchamp.com

Area residents make President’s List at Georgia

Southwestern State University

Justin Byers of Atlanta, Olivia King of Decatur, Jessika

Marlow of Stone Mountain and Jarome Wilson of Stone
Mountain have made the fall 2018 President’s List at
Georgia Southwestern State University and were among 600
students recognized for scholastic achievement.

Woods makes fall 2018 Dean’s List

Lynnette Woods of Decatur was named to the fall 2018

Dean’s List at Georgia Southwestern State University.
To be eligible for the Dean’s List, a student must earn a
semester GPA of 3.5 or better and take a minimum of 12
credit hours.

Area residents graduate from Georgia Southwestern

Supporters of James O’Donnell, stand in a show of support at a recent DCSD Board of Education meeting Jan. 7. Photos by Taylor State University

Supporters rally for gym

Robins
The following DeKalb students were among
approximately 426 students who graduated from Georgia
Southwestern State University during the fall 2018
commencement ceremony held Dec. 12 in Convocation Hall

teacher at BOE meeting

of the Student Success Center:
Lakeia Aaron of Decatur earned a bachelor of business
administration degree in accounting; Natelie Williams of
Lithonia earned a bachelor of business administration in
management degree; Gabrielle Pointer of Lithonia earned
BY TAYLOR ROBINS a bachelor of science degree in psychology; Sidney Walker
of Decatur earned a bachelor of science in political science
taylor@dekalbchamp.com degree; Cecilia Chavis, of Decatur, earned an educational
specialist degree in early childhood education; Mary Jones
Parents, students and others of Decatur earned an educational specialist degree in early
interested parties attended childhood education; Danisa Ross of Tucker earned a
DeKalb County School master’s degree in business administration.
District’s Board of Education
meeting Jan. 7 in hopes that Dean’s list at Coastal Carolina University tops 2,400
they could sway the board’s
decision on Henderson Mill More than 2,400 students at Coastal Carolina University
Elementary School’s James were named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2018 semester.
O’Donnell’s employment fate. That’s more than 23 percent of the student body earning a
The Henderson Mill GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Elementary coach was Local students earning a spot on the Dean’s List are
Residents line up to attend the DCSD Board of Education meeting Jan. 7. Jacob Vaughan, an intelligence and national security studies
suspended as a result of how
he allegedly disciplined a fifth- major of Decatur; and James Williams, an English major of
was completed by the district. a response from the DCSD Stone Mountain.
grade student.
DeKalb County School board as the meeting was a
According to DeKalb
District’s board has not community input session only. Belmont University announces fall 2018 Dean’s list
County parents, before
announced any resolution to Some of the same people
Thanksgiving break, the
the suspension of O’Donnell. also attended the “On the Amy Coon of Tucker was named to the Dean’s List at
coach sent a student out of the
“There is a lot of anger and Scene with Dr. Green” DCSD Belmont University for the fall 2018 semester. Eligibility is
gym for spitting on the floor.
frustration in our community event on Nov. 29, to show their based on a minimum course load of 12 hours and a quality
Since the gym was full, the
about [O’Donnell’s] ongoing support for the coach. grade point average of 3.5 with no grade below a C.
student was asked to stand in
suspension,” said supporter “This is a personnel
the doorway in O’Donnell’s
Julie Herron Carson. matter,” said DCSD $150M in student loan debt to be canceled
line of sight, they said. He
Parents and students of Superintendent R. Stephen
was asked to stand under the
Henderson Mill Elementary Green on Nov. 29. “It’s U.S. Department of Education will cancel $150 million
door awning that connects
noticed O’Donnell’s absence confidential and under in student loans after a judge dismissed Education Secretary
the school’s gym to the main
upon returning to school Jan. investigation as we speak. I’m Betsy DeVos’ bid to block an Obama-era rule on the matter.
building during rainy and mid-
7. His absence prompted a not at any liberty to engage The debt forgiveness applies to about 15,000 student
40s weather.
group of supporters wearing with you or talk with you borrowers who were eligible for “closed school” loan
According to DeKalb
matching shirts to attend about this. All I can say is that discharges. Roughly half of the canceled debt belongs to
County parents, other students
the Jan. 7 DCSD board of you’re entitled to your opinion. students who attended Corinthian Colleges, a chain of
observed the reprimanded
education meeting. I will sit and listen.” for-profit schools that shuttered in April 2015, with the
student dry “late in the class.”
“He is really a part of our Supporters have also made remaining debt tied to students who attended schools that
The student allegedly “ran
family in many ways,” said a “Support for Dr. James closed from 2013 to 2018.
around” in the rain and went
supporter Charles Hankla. “I O’Donnell (OD) Henderson “On Friday, Dec. 14, 2018, we will begin emailing
home wet, according to
had had him as my P.E. teacher Mill Elementary School” borrowers to inform them that the company that handles
DeKalb County parents.
from 1980-1988 and two of Facebook page, which now has billing and other services related to their federal student
O’Donnell was suspended
my daughters had him for six 857 members. loans will discharge some or all of the borrower’s loans
and allegedly told by school
years.” within the next 30–90 days,” the department said in a press
district officials to retire or
Supporters did not get release.
be fired after an investigation
EDUCATION DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 • Page 11

BROOKHAVEN

Mother and daughter receive education awards

BY TAYLOR ROBINS
taylor@dekalbchamp.com
Each year, schools honor
teachers with Teacher of the
Year awards. During the most
recent awards ceremony a
mother and her daughter,
both DeKalb County School
District employees, received
awards from their respective
schools.
The DeKalb County School
District banquet has held Nov.
10 at the World Congress
Center.
Rachel Elizabeth
Petrucelli, a visual arts teacher
at Evansdale Elementary,
received the Teacher of the
Year award. Petrucelli’s
mother, Raylene Fruit
Lowe, counselor at Briarlake
Elementary and Hawthorne
Elementary, received the
Educational Support Personnel
II of the Year award from
Briarlake.
“It’s kind of funny that we
got it the same year,” Lowe
said.
Petrucelli is currently in
her fourth year of teaching at
Evansdale and Lowe has been
with DCSD for 40 years.
“Rachel is very into her
job,” Lowe said. “She’s an
art teacher but she goes way
above and beyond. She doesn’t
do arts and crafts. She teaches
about theories of art and
different artists. She does a
lot.”
Lowe started as a
paraprofessional with DeKalb
in 1978. She was a classroom
teacher at Briarlake from
1981 until 1989. For 20 years
Lowe was a counselor and
assistant principal at Medlock
Elementary School. She
says that she has come “full
circle” now that she is back at
Briarlake as a counselor.
Only those who have taught
for at least three years are
eligible to be nominated for
the award.
The mother and daughter
recipients comprise a first of
that combination for these
honors from the DeKalb
school system.
A love for teaching and
working with students runs in
the family. According to the
mother and daughter winners
Lowe’s mother, Ruth Fruit,
also served DeKalb County as
a teacher, assistant principal,
principal and area director
before retiring. Together the
three individuals have given
more than 80 years of service
to DeKalb County School
District.
“I guess we just all really Raylene Lowe, left, and Rachel Petrucelli, right, recently won teaching awards. (Photo
enjoy kids and love helping provided by Raylene Lowe)
others,” Lowe said. “People
ask me all the time why
haven’t I retired yet. I just love
what I do every day. I don’t
know what I’d do with myself
if I wasn’t at school every day
and enjoying the kids.”
Fruit was also in attendance
at the banquet.

PUBLIC NOTICE
The public is hereby provided notice that the City Council of the City of Brookhaven
may take up and consider, and may act upon, changes to the Charter of the City of
Brookhaven pursuant to the authority of O.C.G.A. § 36-35.3. A copy of the Changes to be
considered shall be on file in the office of the City Clerk for the City of Brookhaven and
in the Office of the Clerk of the Superior Court of DeKalb County, as required by Code. A
summary of the changes to be considered includes:

1. Amend Section 2.14 of the Charter to require that members appointed by the
Council to the Planning Commission, the Zoning Board of Appeals, and the Public Facilities
Authority must be residents of the City of Brookhaven.
2. Amend Section 3.02 of the Charter to explicitly require the City Manager be
appointed based on his or her executive or administrative qualifications and further permit
and allow the City Manager’s contract to extend for 2 years, coinciding with each council
election cycle.
3. Amend Section 3.03 of the Charter to clarify the reference of a pronoun in the
section.
4. Amend Section 3.06 of the Charter to allow the Council to suspend or terminate
the City Manager in accordance with the City Manager’s contract and to allow the
appointment of an interim city manager in the event of the death of the city manager while
in office.
5. Amend Section 3.07 to permit city manager to appoint an interim city manager in
the absence of the city manager.
6. Amend Section 3.08 to remove the disqualification of a member of the General
Assembly from serving as City Attorney.
7. Delete Section 3.10, that makes the Finance Director a mayoral appointment,
and allow the City Manager to directly supervise and answer to the Mayor and Council for
the financial health of the City.
8. Renumber Section 3.11 to 3.10 Caleb was born to teach. In fact, every kid he plays with leaves
9. Renumber Section 3.12 to 3.11 and make explicit the power of the City Manager knowing a little more about something. One thing he doesn’t know
to manage and direct staff subject to the budget and the table of organization approved by yet is that his dream of being a professor can one day come true,
the Council. because you play the Georgia Lottery. For the past 25 years, the
Georgia Lottery and you have been helping our students reach their
10. Amend Article VI of the Charter to remove language related to the referendum,
true potential. That gets an “A” in Caleb’s book.
approval, transition, and other administrative text from the Article.
11. Amend Section 6.02 to make the Charter Commission a mayoral appointment,
with Council confirmation, and to direct the timeliness of Charter reviews into the future.

It is the present intent of the Mayor and Council that an ordinance may be considered by
the Council making these changes at two consecutive meetings on January 8 and January
22, 2019. If the proposed changes and ordinance are approved at each meeting, the
changes will take effect immediately.
BUSINESS
Developers of the Year include DeKalb in their plans
BY KATHY MITCHELL
Freelance Reporter
When a growing chain
of quick-serve restaurants
announced its annual national
awards near the end of 2018,
among those recognized were
developers with significant
investments in DeKalb County.
Omer Casurluk, Erdem
Aydin and Mike Tillis were
named the Developers of the
Year throughout the nationwide
Checkers & Rally’s system.
During 2017 and
2018, Casurluk, Aydin
and Tillis acquired 26
restaurants in the Atlanta,
Augusta and Charleston
markets. The team currently
has agreements to acquire
two additional restaurants
in the Atlanta area, bringing
them closer to their goal of 40
restaurants.
“We strongly believe in the
Checkers and Rally’s business
model and the Atlanta metro
area, including DeKalb County,
is an excellent match for it,”
commented Tillis, who with his
partners owns 30 restaurants
in the chain, including five in
DeKalb County, specifically
Decatur, Stone Mountain,
Tucker and Doraville.
Tillis is chief operating
officer with Star Chain Inc., a
Georgia-based company that
owns Checkers and Rally’s
restaurants as well as other
quick serve food franchises.
Casurluk is CEO of Star
Chain. Aydin is a financial
partner who, according to his
pet week
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biography, owns one of the
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the United States.
Tillis who has more than
30 years of experience in both
the corporate and franchise
sides of the food business, said
he is impressed with not only
Checkers/Rally’s products,
but also with the strong
support corporate provides
its franchisees, its training
initiatives, use of technology
and marketing promotions.
He said he also likes its
corporate culture. “Checkers/
Rally’s executives believe in
treating everyone the way they
would like to be treated—
employees, customers, vendors.
Their success is a strong
indicator that the approach
works,” he said. Before
becoming a founding executive
with Star Chain, Tillis had nine
years of business consulting
experience with Checkers/
Rally’s.
Checkers and Rally’s are
identical restaurants operating
under different names
depending on the region, Tillis
said, adding that the brands
overlap in some markets.
The restaurants specialize
in hamburgers, hot dogs,
chicken wings, shakes and the
company’s signature seasoned
fries. Most of its restaurants are
double side, drive-throughs, he
said, noting that the food and
the service model are designed
to appeal to young consumers.
“The food is bold flavored and
a good value—you get a lot of
racer
screened to ensure Racer
goes to a good home.
Hours: Mon-Fri; 11am-7pm /
Sat-Sun; 11am-6pm
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 • Page 12
average age living and working taking it over,” Tillis said.
in the area as well as traffic Checkers and Rally’s
count and drill down on details started in the 1980s as separate
such as ease of access and restaurant chains, but merged
visibility.” in 1999, blending systems, best
Tillis and his partners bring practices and ultimately menus.
restaurants under their umbrella “The only difference,” Tillis
through both acquisition and said, “is that Checkers offers a
new construction. “When Checkerburger and Rally’s has
we find a location that we a Rallyburger. The sandwiches
feel is a good match for our are identical.”
business model, we pursue The Checkers and Rally’s
the possibility of building a organization reached a
store. When there is an existing national milestone of 900
Mike Tillis store that the owner is looking restaurants in December 2018
to sell, that also could be an and, according to Jennifer
opportunity for us. Durham, chief development
food for your money,” he said. “People give up a franchise officer, is well on its way to
“Those features are popular
store for a number of reasons. achieving the company goal
with our target customer base.” The owner may decide to retire, of 1,200 restaurants by 2020.
Several factors go into
move out of the area, go into a She said that 91 percent of
choosing a location, Tillis different line of work. If there the restaurants are owned by
said. “We look at such area
is a thriving store at a good multi-unit franchisees such as
demographics as income and location, we may look into Casurluk, Aydin and Tillis.
PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF CHAMBLEE, GA
NOTICE OF MUNICIPAL OFFICE QUALIFYING DATES
The date of Municipal Election for the office of Councilmember District 2 (two),
Councilmember District 3 (three) and Councilmember At-Large is Tuesday, No-
vember 5, 2019. The qualifying fee for offices of Councilmember District 2 (two),
Councilmember 3 (three) and Councilmember At-Large is $360.00, which is 3%
of the total gross salary of the preceding year (O.C.G.A. 21-1-131 (a)(1)(A)).
Each candidate shall file a notice of candidacy in the office of the City Clerk of
Chamblee, 5468 Peachtree Road, Georgia between Tuesday, August 20, 2019
and Thursday, August 22, 2019, between the hours of 8:30 am and 1:30 pm and
2:30 pm and 4:30 pm (O.C.G.A. 21-2-132(d)(4)). Each candidate must meet
the qualifications of the Charter and Code of the City of Chamblee, as well as
applicable State laws.
Emmie Niethammer, CMC
City Clerk/Election Superintendent
DeKalb County Special Purpose Home Repair Program
Application Period Opens
The DeKalb County Community Development Department will offer deferred pay-
ment, forgivable loans to assist senior and disabled homeowners with critical repairs
to plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and roofing. To be eligible, applicants must be at least
62 years of age or disabled and at least 21 years of age, own DeKalb County prop-
erty that serves as their primary residence, and satisfy income and other eligibility
requirements.
The DeKalb County Community Development Department will accept preliminary
applications for the Special Purpose Home Repair program on January 17 - February
1, 2019. Preliminary applications and instructions for submission are available on the
DeKalb County website (https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/community-development/
public-notices) or at the DeKalb County Senior Centers shown below:
DeKalb Atlanta Senior Center Lithonia Senior Center
25 Warren Street 2484 Bruce Street
Atlanta, GA 30317 Lithonia, GA 30058
South DeKalb Senior/Community Center
1931 Candler Road
Decatur, GA 30032
Lou Walker Senior Center
2358 Panola Road
Lithonia, GA 30058
North DeKalb Senior/Community Center Central DeKalb Senior Center
3393 Malone Drive 1346 McConnell Dr.
Chamblee, GA 30341 Decatur, GA 30033
For further information, please call 404-371-2727.
LOCAL
AROUNDDeKalb
CLARKSTON
City to host mixer
Clarkston residents can
meet new City Manager Robin
Gomez at the city council
pre-work session mixer Jan. 29
from 6 to 7 p.m. at Clarkston
City Hall. City hall is located
at 3921 Church St. For more
information, visit www.
clarkstonga.gov.
LITHONIA
Volunteers needed for
MLK event
Volunteers are needed
for two MLK Day events in
Lithonia. The Lithonia Food
CLASSIFIEDSection
Pantries’ food distribution
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RATES: $30 for up to 40 words, each
additional word $0.60. All ads are prepaid. All
major credit cards accepted.
needs volunteers Jan. 19 from
8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Lithonia
City Hall’s parking lot,
6920 Main Street. For more
information, call Charles
Anderson at (678) 887-3221.
On Jan. 21, volunteers are
needed from 9 a.m. to noon
for the Stoneview Elementary
School beautification project.
The school is located at
2629 Huber St. For more
information, email Cindy
Thomas at willpowersouth@
gmail.com.
Rec center to host day of
service
Friends of Tucker
Recreation Center will host a
day of service in honor of Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Jan.
www.FixJets.com
Healthcare Career Training
Online. Start a New Career
in Medical Billing & Coding.
Medical Administrative
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Do you know a student
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Ads due by Friday at noon for next publication
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DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 • Page 13
21 at the Tucker Recreation
Center from 9 a.m. to noon.
on current park improvements
and recreation projects.
and dancing.
To access online registration,
Volunteers are asked to come For more information, visit www.dekalbcountyga.
dressed in painting clothes. contact Carol Underwood, gov/parks and click the
The rec center is located at administrator coordinator, at “register online” button on
4898 Lavista Road. For more (404) 371-2927 or cjunderw@ the department’s homepage
information, visit www. dekalbcountyga.gov. or register in person at any
tuckerga.gov. recreation center of your choice
until Feb. 5.
Father-daughter dance For more information,
COUNTYWIDE scheduled contact Wannetter Terrell,
recreation center director, at
Parks Citizens Advisory DeKalb County Department (404)-244-4890.
Board to meet of Recreation, Parks &
Cultural Affairs will host a
The DeKalb Parks Citizen father-daughter dance at the
Callanwolde Fine Arts Center,
Schools close for MLK Day
Advisory Board Committee
meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. 980 Briarcliff Road in Atlanta on City Schools of Decatur and
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Fire Rescue Headquarters, 1950 The father-daughter dance will not hold classes on Martin
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The meeting will take place on per couple and $5 for each Both districts will resume
the first floor in room 111. additional child. The event will classes Jan. 22.
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SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 • Page 14

BASEBALL

Trash talk highlight of

baseball media day
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com

The battle for Region 5-AAAAA baseball title expects

to be competitive this season.
Comments from a couple of coaches from the region
stirred up light-hearted trash talk during the annual DeKalb
County School District baseball media day Jan. 10 at
Tucker High School. A Chamblee coach boldly announced
that the team is coming for the region title, which Arabia
Mountain won last season.
Arabia Mountain won the title with a 14-1 region
record. Chamblee (11-3) finished second, Lithonia (9-5)
finished third and Southwest DeKalb finished a game
behind with an 8-6 record. Chamblee coach Brian Ely
was out of town but sent the message through his assistant
Columbia hopes to get back to the playoffs this season under new coach Greg Barnett, center.
coach Alan Loper that the Bulldogs were coming for the
region crown.
“[Ely] wants to win the region,” Loper said. “So, heads
up Arabia Mountain, Miller Grove and the rest. It’s going
to be tough.”
Loper’s comments were met with mumbles and giggles.
Comments from Lithonia coach Samuel Marion also
roused the crowd.
“Just watch us again this year,” Marion said. “We got
something in store for you guys.”
Marion said he feels more confident about his team’s
chances this year because of the high number of players
returning from last year’s team.
“Confidence is not cockiness. It’s more believing in
[our] system,” he said. “I have good freshmen coming
in and I have two transfers. I had Bryson Suber come
from Arabia Mountain and Osiris Corker coming from
Woodland, and I expect them to do something really big
for [the team].” Lithonia expects to compete in its tough region.
Arabia Mountain coach Eric Hoxie said the trash talk
is all in fun.
“Everybody wants to talk this talk this year, but it’s
all good,” Hoxie said. “It’s all in fun and it’s making it
exciting and even better for the sport.”
Miller Grove’s new head coach Yancey Satterwhite
said he likes the competitiveness of the other teams.
“We will be competitive and I’m just trying to build
on that,” he said. “I’m trying to get us over the hump to
actually win the region. It’s going to be interesting.”
Miller Grove finished fifth in region 5-AAAAA at 7-7
and missed out on the playoffs. Satterwhite, who is also an
assistant football coach, is coaching baseball for the first
time and said he is excited about this new journey.
“It’s awesome. I asked for the job,” he said. “I know
some of these kids from football, so I’m excited about the
season. I’m excited about these kids and I’m ready.” Stephenson is heading into the season with a new coach, Tim Jones, center.
Columbia, another region 5-AAAAA team, is also
entering the 2019 season with a new head coach. Greg
Barnett, an alum of Columbia, was promoted from junior
varsity coach to varsity coach. He said it’s exciting to lead
the program this season.
“I’m an alum, so it definitely means something to me,”
he said. “We have a lot of expectations from our guys.”
Columbia also missed the playoffs last season and
finished the season under .500 (10-14). Barnett said he
expects his players to compete with the top teams in the
region.
“Nobody is really expecting anything much from

SEE BASEBALL ON PAGE 15 Arabia Mountain hopes to repeat as region champions.

SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 • Page 15

BASBALL
Continued From Page 14

us because they don’t know what we have, but I’m definitely

expecting a lot,” he said. “Our region is competitive, I’m
expecting my guys to compete and look for us to be there at the
end.”
Stephenson is heading into the season with a new coach for
the first time in 10 years after Tim Jones replaced retired coach
Marco Jackson. Jones, who was an assistant under Jackson,
credits Jackson with preparing him for this position.
“[Jackson] definitely helped shaped me to get me ready for
this position,” Jones said. “I think the only thing I can really add
[to the program] is a little bit more consistency and try to change
the culture here at Stephenson. We’re looking to reach our goals,
as far as winning the region, and getting all of my guys into
college.”

Southwest DeKalb will have a large senior class this season.

WEEKLY BASKETBALL SCORES

Jan. 8 Jan. 10

Boys
Arabia Mountain 53, Columbia 50
Chamblee 48, Miller Grove 47
Druid Hills 65, Salem 63
Greenforest 89, Our Lady of Mercy 60
Marist 65, Denmark 62
Redan 61, Westminster 57
Southwest DeKalb 78, Clarkston 60
St. Pius X 72, Oconee County 59
Stephenson 68. Forest Park 57
Stone Mountain 68, Lovett 56
Tucker 71, Lovejoy 42
Centennial 79, Dunwoody 63
Meadowcreek 68, Lakeside 44
Morrow 66, M.L. King 59
Mt. Vernon Presbyterian 70, Paideia 62
Pace Academy 52, Cedar Grove 45
Riverwood 59, Decatur 44
Therrell 80, McNair 61
Wesleyan 53, W.D. Mohammed 40
Girls
Arabia Mountain 58, Columbia 56
Cedar Grove 37, Pace Academy 33
Greenforest 73, Our Lady of Mercy 15
Lakeside 54, Meadowcreek 11
M.L. King 49, Morrow 24
Marist 62, Denmark 13
Miller Grove 38, Chamblee 32
Paideia 54, Mt. Vernon Presbyterian 37
Redan 56, Westminster 38
St. Pius X 50, Oconee County 49
Stone Mountain 62, Lovett 58
Southwest DeKalb 69, Clarkston 12
Centennial 58, Dunwoody 44
Forest Park 65, Stephenson 31
Lovejoy 65, Tucker 22
Riverwood 52, Decatur 51 (OT)
Salem 37, Druid Hills 36
Therrell 61, McNair 33
Wesleyan 79, W.D. Mohammed 20
Boys
Notre Dame Academy 76, Cross Keys
32
Girls
Notre Dame Academy 56, Cross Keys 6
Jan. 11
Boys
Arabia Mountain 70, Clarkston 40
Cedar Grove 59, Towers 36
Columbia 71, Howard Tech (Tenn.) 66
(OT)
Greenforest 78, Elite Scholars Academy
30
Lithonia 52, Chamblee 39
St. Pius X 72, North Oconee
Stephenson 65, M.L. King 57
Stone Mountain 73, Redan 62
Tucker 73, Forest Park 44
Alpharetta 71, Dunwoody 54
Forest Park 63, Tucker 10 Redan freshman point guard Jayla Cook dribbles past Stone Mountain senior guard Jada Price. Photo by
Greater Atlanta Christian 64, Marist 51 Mark Brock
Jackson 73, Decatur 59
Parkview 72, Lakeside 59 South Atlanta 55, McNair 31 Thompson (Ala.) 49, Paideia 37
South Atlanta 76, McNair 25 Wesleyan 58, Paideia 33
Wesleyan 67, Paideia 35 Woodward Academy 56, Druid Hills 50 Girls
Woodward Academy 62, Druid Hills 44 Clarkston 68, Cross Keys 12
Jan. 12 Lakeside 52, Dunwoody 18
Girls Marist 61, Mt. Vernon Presbyterian 31
Arabia Mountain 82, Clarkston 26 Boys Towers 60, Southwest Atlanta Christian
Cedar Grove 46, Towers 18 Clarkston 73, Cross Keys 21 30
Greenforest 85, Elite Scholars Academy Dunwoody 59, Lakeside 54 W.D. Mohammed 38, Our Lady of
24 Marist 56, Mt. Vernon Presbyterian 33 Mercy 24
Lithonia 33, Chamblee 28 Redan 81, Chamblee 74 Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy 66,
St. Pius X 59, North Oconee 54 Southwest DeKalb 66, Stephenson 43 Paideia 49
Stephenson 67, M.L. King 48 Tucker 50, Cedar Grove 40
Stone Mountain 72, Redan 32 W.D. Mohammed 60, Our Lady of
Alpharetta 66, Dunwoody 18 Mercy 57
Jackson 61, Decatur 46 Brainerd (Tenn.) 54, Columbia 52
Parkview 58, Lakeside 31

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LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 • Page 16