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the DeKalb FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 • VOL. 24, NO 2 • 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

Civil rights
activist returns to
a changed South
BY KATHY MITCHELL movement and was involved in marches

T
ypically, young people completing
their education begin trying to forge
a career. In the generation that came
of age in the 1960s, many instead sought
to forge a changed America. Kit Havice,
now a Lithonia resident, was a social
activist during the decade History.com
describes as “one of the most tumultuous
and divisive decades in world history,
marked by the civil rights movement,
the Vietnam War and antiwar protests,
political assassinations and the emerging
‘generation gap.”
“Initially, I was interested in the peace
and demonstrations aimed at ending the
Vietnam War. There was a march from
Canada to Cuba and I wanted to join the
southern leg of it because I was interested
in Dr. King’s nonviolent movement,”
said Havice, who was among the White
young adults interested in ending the racial
discrimination and injustice that prevailed
in much of the nation, especially in the
South, nearly a century after the end of the
Civil War.
Havice said the marchers advanced
approximately 15 miles a day and spent
nights in Black churches. “Those were the
safest places for us because we were an
SEE ACTIVIST ON PAGE 6 Kit Havice says, “It’s good to come back to the South and see how much things have changed.”

Stonecrest residents considering

filing lawsuit to remove cell tower
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com

R
esidents living near
a newly constructed
T-Mobile cell tower are
Disbarred lawyer Richard Merritt is accused of stabbing his mother to death in her Stone Mountain
home. discussing filing a lawsuit to
have the tower removed, citing
the tower was illegally built on
Manhunt continues for lawyer conditional commercial zoned
property.

accused of mother’s murder The cell tower is located off

Evans Mill Road in District 5
of Stonecrest. Councilwoman
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN Diane Adoma, who represents
District 5, met with residents
horace@dekalbchamp.com Feb. 6 to hear their concerns
about the tower and discuss
Disbarred Cobb County lawyer Richard
possible solutions. Residents
Merritt, 44, was scheduled Feb. 1 to turn
Phillip Kelly and Virginia
himself in to the Cobb County Jail after
Pierce-Kelly said they discov-
pleading guilty to stealing settlement money
ered the cell tower being
from his clients.
The tower is also near two subdivisions. Photo by Carla Parker SEE CELL TOWER ON PAGE 6
SEE MANHUNT ON PAGE 6 Merritt

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

LOCAL
CLARKSTON
New city manager hopes to
enhance the ‘unique’ city
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
It has been a little
more than a month since
Robin Gomez took over as
Clarkston’s new city manager
and he described his first
month on the job as wonderful.
“The staff is wonderful,
very knowledgeable and a
very motivated workforce,”
Gomez said. “They want to
see the city succeed and make
sure that we provide the best
possible services that we can.”
Gomez discussed with The
Champion Feb. 7 his journey
to Clarkston and ideas he has
to improve and grow the city.
Clarkston City Council voted
unanimously Dec. 4 to hire
Gomez as the city manager,
replacing Keith Barker, who
retired. Gomez was previously
the city manager of Fairmont,
W.V., where he served for
three years.
Gomez said his wife
suggested that he apply for the
city manager job in Clarkston.
“I was unaware of
Clarkston and then I started
researching and reading about
[the city],” he said. “After
reading the ad for the city
manager I thought it would be
a great place to come work and
live because I truly believe in
living where I work. To me,
it’s very important to get to
know as much [as possible]
about the people, the places
and the businesses.”
Gomez, who has been in
city government for almost 20
years, was among five finalists
selected by the mayor and city
council.
“I would be living here,
shopping here, interacting
with businesses, with residents
and visitors,” he said, “and
ensuring that we do provide
the best city services that
we can and come up with
innovations and enhancements
that we can do in the services
that we provide.”
Looking at the city’s
demographics Gomez
concluded that as diverse
as it is the city has a small
REDUCE • RECYCLE
Gomez
Hispanic/Latino demographic
among residents or visitors.
“I was born in Mexico and
Spanish is my first language,
so I thought that could be
something unique to the city
that I would bring,” he said.
Clarkston has several
projects in the development
stage, including the streetscape
project.
“It will transform the
city,” he said. “New roads,
additional sidewalks, curbing,
helping to improve pedestrian
and vehicular safety. I live on
Montreal Road in the middle
of where hundreds of people
walk every day and we want
to make sure that it’s safe as it
can be.”
Once the streetscape project
is complete, Gomez said, he
will focus on redeveloping the
downtown area.
“We’re looking to have
some additional development
in downtown and perhaps
even redevelop some of the
existing plazas to essentially
modernize and beautify the
area,” he said. “There are some
that are already doing that. The
economic development and
redevelopment are extremely
important, and we want to
have some growth in that.”
Gomez said the city will
explore hiring more police
officers if it annexes more
property. He also is interested
in enhancing city parks.
He said all Clarkston
residents are welcome to
meet with him. “I’ve already
met with many residents, but
I’m very active and involved
in wanting to communicate
with residents,” he said.
“It’s important to me to
communicate and interact.”
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 • Page 2
CLARKSTON
Three arrested after home burglary
BY TAYLOR ROBINS homeowners were able to
contact us with enough
Taylor@dekalbchamp.com information so our officers
could get these guys off
Brookhaven police the street without further
apprehended one adult and incident,” said Brookhaven
two minor suspects while Police Chief Gary Yandura.
responding to a burglary in “It’s always a good idea for
progress at the Lenox Crossing residents to check windows
subdivision Jan. 31. and doors to be sure they are
Luis Gostovo Garcia, locked and secure, because
19, and two minors, ages criminals are checking too.”
15 and 13, allegedly cut the The two minors were taken
window screen and entered a Luis Gostovo Garcia. (Photo provided
by DeKalb County Jail) to juvenile detention; Garcia
Brookhaven home, while the was taken to DeKalb County
homeowners were upstairs, Jail. Garcia has been charged
according to Brookhaven as the others ran. A perimeter with first degree burglary,
police. was set up and the two fleeing willful obstruction of law
The victims discovered the
suspects were found hiding enforcement officers and
burglary in progress and called
behind a tree with a bag filled giving false information to law
police as the suspects fled.
with stolen property next to enforcement.
Police arrived on the scene
them.
in less than one minute and
“These very alert
arrested one of the suspects,
CITY HALL ADDITIONAL PARKING PROJECT
PROJECT BID NO. PARK10-18
STONE MOUNTAIN, GEORGIA
The City of Stone Mountain is soliciting competitive sealed bids from qualified con-
tractors for construction of a parking lot adjacent to city hall. Sealed bids will be
received by the City of Stone Mountain, 875 Main Street, Stone Mountain, Georgia
30083, until 2:00 p.m. local time on Friday, February 15, 2019. Any bid received after
2:00 p.m. will not be accepted. Bids will be publicly opened on Friday, February 15,
2019 at 2:00 p.m. in the Stone Mountain City Hall, 875 Main Street, Stone Mountain,
Georgia 30083. The bid envelope must be marked on the outside with Bid Number,
name of Bidder, date and time of opening.
Work required under this Contract includes furnishing materials, labor, equipment, etc.
for the construction of a new parking lot and attendant structures adjacent to Stone
Mountain City Hall. Construction Drawings and Specifications are available from the
engineer by contacting:
Kate Langman
Clark Patterson Lee
3011 Sutton Gate Drive, Suite 130
Suwanee, Georgia 30024
klangman@clarkpatterson.com
770-831-9000
Bids shall be entered on a lump sum basis and as described in the project manual.
One complete set of drawings and specifications shall be provided to General Con-
tractors only, for no cost. No partial sets of working drawings or specifications shall be
issued.
Bids in the case of Corporations not chartered in Georgia, must be accompanied by
proper certification stating that said Corporation is authorized to do business in the
State of Georgia.
No Bidder may withdraw his Bid within sixty (60) days after the actual date of the
opening thereof.
All Bidders are required to submit a Bid Bond or a certified check made payable to
the City of Stone Mountain in the amount of five percent (5%) of the total amount
bid. The successful bidder will be required to furnish a contract performance bond
and payment bond in the amount of one hundred percent (100%) of the total amount
bid and provide insurance coverage as required by the contract documents. The Bid
Bond or certified check must be enclosed in the envelope with the sealed bid.
Bonding Company must be licensed to do business in Georgia, licensed to do busi-
ness by the Georgia Secretary of State, authorized to do business in Georgia by the
Georgia Insurance Department, listed in the Department of the Treasury’s Publica-
tion of Companies Holding Certificates of Authority as Acceptable Surety on Federal
Bonds and as Acceptable Reinsuring Companies and have an A.M. Best rating of A-,
Class V or higher.
The Owner will award the Contract to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder,
subject with the Owner’s right to reject any or all bids, to waive technicalities, and to
make an award deemed in its best interests.
CITY OF STONE MOUNTAIN
LOCAL
LITHONIA
Matthew Walker’s Children’s Collectible Mobile Museum features signs from the Civil
Rights era. Photo by Carla Parker
Mobile museum brings historic
artifacts to rec center
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
“Coloreds Only” signs and
other historic artifacts were
part of a temporary Black
History Month display at
Redan Recreation Center Feb.
4-7.
Matthew Walker brought
his Children’s Collectible
Mobile Museum to the
recreation center to display
signs from the civil rights era,
including stamps, old irons,
kitchen utensils and other
items.
Walker, who often plays
cards at the recreation center,
said he wanted to bring items
he has collected over the past
three years to the center for
African-American students to
see and touch.
“It first started as a hobby
and then it came more than
just a hobby,” he said. “People
started liking some of the stuff
that I had. I would share with
friends and family and they
told me to take it out to the
community.
“I go to thrift stores, yard
sales and antique estate sales,”
Walker said. “I visit Florida a
lot and Tennessee, so I [make]
stops [along the way] and hit
the antique shows.”
Students from East DeKalb
Boys & Girls Club, which is
located within the rec center,
we invted to the display. The
club’s executive director,
Brandon Riley, said the
museum gives students an
opportunity to see and touch
history that they often read
about in books.
“It’s important that they
understand and appreciate
how far we’ve come as a
generation, especially when
they see the ‘For Coloreds
Only’ signs and slave auction
signs,” Riley said. “It’s
important for them to see the
history, let them be able to
touch it, feel it and appreciate
it, [rather] than just read about
it. This has just really been a
blessing to have this museum
here for the week.”
The museum also has
bullets from the Civil War,
foreign currencies, old
magazines, dolls, seashells and
toys.
“I wanted to make it a fun
experience, another learning
tool for education,” Walker
said. “I hope [students] learn
a little bit about the history. I
have signs from segregation
and military uniforms for
coloreds. There is stuff that
they haven’t yet seen. They
think they know everything;
they think they’ve seen
everything, but I give them a
chance to come in here and
touch and see.”
Portia Perry, Redan
Recreation Center director,
said the response to the
museum has been good.
“We’ve been having a lot
of visitors,” she said. “We
have basketball games in the
evenings, and we get a lot of
traffic and everybody has been
really interested in it. [There
are] a lot of interesting things
in the museum.”
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 • Page 3
DUNWOODY
Kim Murray Jr. Michael Minor Ryan Harns
Kevin Roach Jeremy Wing Emanuel Richardson
Earle Marshall Dereck Gladney Charlie Parker III
Mugshots of nine people who were arrested the week prior to the Super bowl for allegedly pimping. (Photos provided by DeKalb
County Jail)
Dunwoody makes 32 sex-related
arrests ahead of Super Bowl
BY TAYLOR ROBINS human trafficking─one Police VICE Unit,” states
arrest, enticing a child for the city of Dunwoody on its
Taylor@dekalbchamp.com
indecent purposes─one arrest, website.
prostitution─19 arrests and According to the FBI and
As the Atlanta area
pimping─nine arrests. WSB-TV, 169 sex trafficking
prepared for the Feb. 3 Super
All nine pimping arrests are related arrests were made in
Bowl, Dunwoody Police
listed as misdemeanors on jail the region during 11 days
Department conducted
records. leading up to the game, putting
a multiday undercover
Dunwoody Police Atlanta on the high end scale
commercial sex trafficking
Department worked with compared to arrests in other
operation that resulted in 32
FBI Metro Atlanta Child Super Bowl host cities in the
arrests.
Exploitation Task Force and past.
“The goal of operations
Gwinnett County Police “From Jan. 23, 2019, to
such as these is to first and
Department to conduct the Feb. 2, 2019, the operation’s
foremost rescue any children
multiday undercover operation goal was to raise awareness
or young adults who are
in Dunwoody. about sex trafficking by
victims of sex trafficking. We
“Through our continued proactively addressing that
also want to remove those
participation in the MATCH threat during the Super Bowl
profiting from commercial sex
Task Force, we were able to and events leading up to the
trafficking from our streets
identify and rescue two victims Super Bowl,” the FBI said in
by putting them in jail,” said
from sexual servitude. This a statement. “Sex trafficking is
Dunwoody Police Chief Billy
would not have been possible not just a problem during large
Grogan.  
without the hard work and scale events; it is a 365-day-a-
In the operation that
dedication of the men and year problem in communities
occurred the week of Jan.
women of the Dunwoody all across the country.”
28, sex related arrests were
Police Department, the FBI,
pandering─ nine arrests,
and the Gwinnett County
OPINION
The world watched while state/metro shut down
On the heels of the longest partial
shutdown of federal government in our
nation’s history, the state of Georgia,
city of Atlanta and most school systems
and government offices north of the
metro area shut down Jan. 29 due to
concerns of possible inclement winter
weather.
Georgia Department of
Transportation is quick to point out that
since the snow and ice debacle of 2014,
the state has made tremendous strides
in being proactive to the possibility of
inclement winter weather. Major roads
and interstates are treated in advance
of possible ice and now with brine
solutions, gravel and salt.
Many counties and cities also claim
that advances have been made in how
they respond to inclement weather.
Yet, hours before an estimated 5,000
journalists from around the world
convened the evening of Jan. 28 for a
Super Bowl media event, Gov. Brian
Kemp and Atlanta Mayor Keisha
Foreclosures
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To subscribe, visit DeKalbLegalNotices.com
or call 404-373-7779, X 0
#ItsInTheChampion
John Hewitt
johnh@dekalbchamp.com
Bottoms held a press conference
announcing that almost a third of state
offices and Atlanta government offices
would be closed due to the possibility
of snow and ice accumulations.
Those of us who fall into the
category of seniors can likely well
remember the few snow days of our
youth when schools shut down due to
weather. Just as many can also likely
remember occasionally slipping and
sliding on snow and ice as we made our
way to school.
Perhaps what is seen by many as
bad decision making on the part of
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 • Page 4
officials in government and education
can be attributed to a greater concern
for the safety and well-being of the
public, students and employees. It also
can be seen as part of the continual
softening of our nation as we give in to
perceived dangers before they become
reality.
The expected wintry weather was
originally forecast to arrive in the metro
area mid-morning on Jan. 29. However,
24 hours prior to the expected arrival of
inclement weather, officials announced
the closings based on predictions made
by organizations that often are not
accurate in their predictions.
Due to the shutdowns, hundreds of
thousands of students were kept home
and out of learning environments,
tens of thousands of parents were left
scrambling to find daycare, deciding
to take a day off from work or leave
children at home unattended.
School system administrators likely
believe that the safety of students may
be compromised if classes are not
cancelled, but does anyone know how
many children may be left at home
with no adult supervision as a result of
school closings?
Children without adult supervision
on a snow or ice day will likely want
to play in the snow and take risks that
may endanger them even more than
had they been in the classroom.
Obviously, no one wants to be
stuck on frozen roads and endanger
themselves or others, but it does seem
that if would be more logical to delay
decisions such as government and
school closings until there is evidence
that the threat is real.
Each time the public is told that
there is an inherent danger, and this
danger does not become reality;
the credibility of those making the
decisions is questioned and public
confidence is lessened.
OPINION
“America will never be destroyed
from the outside. If we falter and
lose our freedoms, it will be because
we destroyed ourselves,” President
Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865).
 
As has been documented in
numerous public opinion surveys,
millennials, who as of this year became
the largest demographic age group and
population block in our nation, have a
clouded understanding of the meaning
of socialism. When asked, in multiple
formats, if our nation would be better
off if all incomes were collected by
the government, and then redistributed
in equal amounts to all citizens; an
overwhelming nearly 80 percent of
those surveyed emphatically said, “yes.”  Finland. Neither is a true socialist state,
I frankly find this more disturbing
than the ongoing opioid crisis, which
took the lives of nearly 48,000
Americans during 2018.  States. Having traveled to Iceland and
Since elementary school, I have been
a student of history, our republic and the
conflicts that helped build our nation
into the world’s strongest economy, and
the only place I know where personal
freedom reigns supreme. And with
that said, I want my children, your
children and our grandchildren to better
understand that even freedom is not
"free."
 The parade of U.S. presidential
candidates for 2020 already sounds like
a sweepstakes race, with each trying to
top the other with their Get Out, No Jail,
everything is FREE card. Free college,
free Medicare for all, free daycare, free
basic income; and the list goes on.
 I purchase healthcare coverage via
the federal Market Place Exchange,
and though I can’t say I have been
pleased with many aspects of the
Affordable Care Act of 2010, I had no
coverage at all for a few years prior
to that, due to a pre-existing medical
condition. That said, me having health
care coverage remains and should be my
responsibility—not my employer, the
federal government, nor my neighbor.
 I support subsidized and on-site
employer sponsored daycare, as an
employee amenity, and deductible
expense for the employer, but not
mandated, federally organized
and funded child care. If you think
otherwise, pay a visit to your nearest
local Head Start program. Georgia’s
lottery provides pre-K funding, but
FREEPRESS
the DeKalb
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DEKALB FREE PRESS • FEBRUARY 15, 2019 • Page 5
Even freedom isn’t free
continuing freedom is truly not free. not fully appreciate for decades, but it
 A warm visit just over a year ago also makes the price of any return trip
‘One Man’s to the land of fire and ice (Iceland) was to that lovely island nation a bit too high
Opinion’ followed by my more recent discovery
that the world’s tiniest nation strictly
for me.
controls the birth rates of any fetus Bill Crane also serves as a political
Bill Crane determined to test positive for a genetic analyst and commentator for Channel 2’s
bill.csicrane@gmail.com marker for Down syndrome. Nearly Action News, WSB-AM News/Talk 750
100 percent of those pregnancies are and now 95.5 FM, as well as a columnist
then terminated. Having a child with for The Champion, DeKalb Free Press
that program funds local schools and Down syndrome of our own, we can and Georgia Trend. Crane is a DeKalb
even private daycare facilities, leaving unequivocally state that this is a choice native and business owner, living in
placement choices and related staffing and price that the people of Iceland are Scottdale. You can reach him or comment
concerns in the hands of parents, as it collectively paying, and that they may on a column at bill.csicrane@gmail.com.
should be.
 Much example is made of socialist
programs in many Scandinavian
countries, particularly Norway and
but both offer much higher income tax
rates, greater redistribution of income
and a larger safety net than the United
other neighboring nations, I found the
populations there are smaller, much
more Euro-centric and generally
less diverse. Tourism is easy and
encouraged; immigration, non-native
born citizenship, or the ownership of
property are not particularly encouraged
and, in some cases, practically
impossible.
 The immediate prior president of
France raised the income tax rate for
wage earners there to 75 percent. Almost
overnight the top 300 wealthiest citizens
of France became citizens of Belgium
and other neighboring low and no-tax
neighbors within the European Union. 
More recently, Trump administration
tax cuts removed a long-treasured
tax haven of the full deductibility of
state income and property taxes. Not
surprisingly, with the cap on deductible
residential property taxes now $10,000,
hundreds of thousands of residents in
high tax states have sold their property
and homesteads, relocating to lower and
no property tax states.
 Not having served in uniform in
our nation’s military is perhaps my
largest single life regret. Although time
spent in the Georgia Defense Force (the
Reserve’s reserve) was worthwhile,
it’s not the same, and particularly not
the same as serving during a time of
military conflict. Those who have lost
life, limb or a family member in combat,
paying the ultimate price, know more
than any others that the price of our
Publisher: Staff Reporters:
John Hewitt Carla Parker STATEMENT FROM THE
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LOCAL
CELL TOWER Continued From Page 1A
built behind their neighborhood last month.
Pierce-Kelly said she contacted Adoma to find
out why a cell tower was being constructed with-
out public notice; however, Adoma said she did
not know the cell tower was being constructed.
“I had known idea what was going on and
that’s how I found out about the tower,” Adoma
said. “There is no way something of this mag-
nitude should bypass a councilwoman, a district
and a city.”
According to the Kelly’s research, the
199-foot-tall commercial cell phone tower was
approved for installation next to First Lithonia
Seventh Day Adventist Church, the church’s
school, playground and two subdivisions.
Phillip Kelly said they discovered the com-
pany received building permits from the city and
FCC licensing to allow installation of the tower
near residential-zoned areas because the property
is conditionally zoned commercial.
“The property was conditionally zoned as
commercial for a daycare center,” Kelly said.
According to a document from DeKalb
County, Raggedy Ann and Andy Child Care
Centers Inc. submitted a rezoning application in
1976 to conditionally rezone the property from
R-100 (residential) to C-2 (commercial) for a
summer day camp. The document states that the
daycare center would use the property for a day
care camp only during summer months.
After Stonecrest incorporated, it adopted
DeKalb County’s zoning laws. Residents are
arguing that the tower was illegally approved
because the property was conditionally zoned
as commercial for the summer months, and that
technically, the property is still zoned residential
outside the summer months.
“[The company] lied in the application. The
ACTIVIST Continued From Page 1
integrated group and the South was very much
segregated at that time.”
Nights not spent in churches were sometimes
spent in jail, she recalled. “We were arrested
on all sorts of charges and held in crowded,
uncomfortable conditions. In some places the
toilets in the women’s area were out in the open
even though men regularly came down the halls.
We had to cover our laps with a blanket when we
used the toilet to have some measure of privacy.”
Havice was in a Macon jail on Nov. 22, 1963,
when protestors got word that something major
had happened. “Finally, we learned that President
Kennedy had been assassinated. I guess they
decided things were chaotic enough, so they
let us out and we went back to Atlanta. Dr.
King invited me to a Thanksgiving Day service
at his church where I learned more about the
nonviolent approach to social change,” she said.
Incarceration and other harsh treatment
did not discourage the marchers, according to
Havice. “By mid-December, I was involved in a
protest in Albany, Ga. Dr. King had been there in
‘61 and police officials down there were drawing
a hard line on marches or demonstrations. We
were arrested Dec. 23. On Christmas Day we
hung stockings and joked, ‘I guess Santa Claus
doesn’t come to the jail.’”
The group went on a hunger strike and for
50 days refused anything but water. “The jailers
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 • Page 6
property was conditionally zoned as commercial
for a daycare center,” Kelly said. “Instead of put-
ting that detail in their application with the FCC,
they fraudulently listed the property as com-
mercial to the FCC. And that’s how they got the
license to have the higher power rating, right next
to the school, the playground, the church and the
two subdivisions.”
Residents at the community meeting ex-
pressed concern that a public hearing wasn’t
held before permits were approved. Stonecrest
spokesman Adrion Bell said because the proper-
ty is zoned commercial, the tower was approved
by right-of-use and the city can legally approve
a permit for a commercial property without a
public hearing.
“It meets FCC safety requirements,” Bell said.
“It meets all of the requirements to be legal.”
T-Mobile and the property owner were invited
to the community meeting, according to Adoma,
but neither showed up. Adoma said she is not
against technology, but she is concerned about
the cell tower’s effect on the residents’ quality of
life.
“What comes in our community impacts our
quality of life. No one in here is saying we’re
not innovative, we’re not technology-savvy, we
don’t care about technology,” she said. “We live
in an era where you have to be concerned about
technology, but with technology comes a series
of challenges. There is a delicate balance on
bringing technology into the community verses
privacy issues.”
Residents are now raising funds to retain legal
council from Weissman Law Firm. Bell said the
city had no comment on potential litigation.
kept asking, ‘Don’t you want something to eat?
We’ve got some cherry pies out here,’ but we
continued to fast. I was down to about 90 pounds
and many others had dropped to less than 100
pounds. They forced us to take vitamin shots, but
those don’t help when you’re not eating,” said
Havice, whose education includes some medical
training.
Havice said her activist experiences changed
her in unexpected ways. She went into her
protest years as an atheist and ultimately enrolled
in theological seminary. “We associated with a
lot of churches, especially Black churches that
not only helped with such day-to-day matters
as food and shelter but offered the spiritual
underpinning that helped many keep going.”
She said the exposures to ministers and churches
prompted her to become interested in exploring
her spiritual side.
White ministers, she recalled, were often
sympathetic but most were reluctant to break
with traditions deeply rooted in Southern culture.
Havice remembered attending a White church
during a traditional fellowship meal. “I noticed
that they had a Black woman washing dishes
and cleaning up in the back. I introduced myself
to the woman and asked if she would like some
help, which she gladly accepted. There were
people in the church who didn’t like that I did
that. It didn’t take much to upset them.” Havice
MANHUNT Continued From Page 1A
Merritt pled guilty to 34 felony counts, including theft,
forgery, exploitation of an elderly person and bank account
fraud.
According to court documents, Merritt requested to
be released to handle personal affairs and was set free on
a $400,000 bond. Instead of turning himself in, Merritt
allegedly stabbed his mother to death in her DeKalb home
before cutting off his court-ordered ankle bracelet and
stealing his mother’s car—a brown 2009 Lexus RX350,
according to police.
DeKalb County Police responded to a call of a dead
person inside a residence on Feb. 2 and arrived at Shirley
Merritt’s house at 1590 Planters Row in Stone Mountain.
According to police, Shirley Merritt was stabbed to
death in her home. Police said they believe the stabbing was
“an isolated domestic related incident.”
Frank Lempka, supervisory inspector for the Southeast
Regional Fugitive Task Force, is handling the case for
the U.S. Marshals Service. Lempka said it’s important to
capture Richard Merritt as soon as possible.
“It’s important because of the severity of the case. The
victim was his own mother,” Lempka said. “It’s important
to capture someone who would do that.”
Lempka said police officials do not believe Richard
Merritt has a “hit list” or plans to target anyone else
but there are concerns that he could become violent if
provoked.
“We believe it was an isolated incident, but he could hurt
someone if he’s backed into a corner or feels threatened,”
Lempka said.
As a medical malpractice attorney, Merritt stole
hundreds of thousands of dollars from elderly clients from
2014 to 2017, according to court documents. Along with
his prison sentence, Merritt was ordered to pay $454,706 in
restitution.
Police officials said Richard Merritt could have access to
finances or friends in other states around the southeast area.
said she felt her role was often to set an example
for other White people who weren’t used to
treating Black people as equals.
Among Havice’s most vivid memories was
participating in the Selma to Montgomery voting
rights march of 1963. “Most of us were beaten
and some like John Lewis received concussions.
He was a brave example to the rest of us. I was
fortunate, they hit me in such a way that I didn’t
get a concussion,” she said.
Despite her admiration for Lewis, now a
Democratic Congressman representing Georgia’s
5th District, Havice said she doesn’t feel the
Democratic Party has done much to advance the
cause of civil rights. “President Johnson did sign
the 1964 Civil Rights Act, but that’s about it. I’m
a Trump supporter. I feel President Trump has
done more for Black people than any president
in U.S. history. One day people will realize that,”
she said.
Havice lived a few decades in California
before moving to Georgia. “It’s good to come
back to the South and see how much things have
changed. We’re still not where we should be, but
it’s so much better than it was. This is where I
feel most comfortable,” she said of her Lithonia
neighborhood, where she is one of the few White
members of the Lou Walker Senior Center.
LOCAL
STONE MOUNTAIN
Local gains chance to get the price right
BY TAYLOR ROBINS
taylor@dekalbchamp.com
David Smalls of Stone
Mountain recently lived
out one of his dreams as he
competed on the television
game show The Price Is Right.
Although Smalls did not
walk away a winner of the
show, he said the experience
makes him a winner.
“I wasn’t mad that I didn’t
win because I had a great
time,” Smalls said. “I’m happy
I had that opportunity.”
Smalls, a DeKalb County
firefighter, grew up watching
the show with his grandmother
and great-grandmother.
“It would be our little
time,” Smalls said.
Smalls said he learned
online that the show was
having a Super Bowl special.
Deciding he wanted to take a
chance after years of watching
the show on television, he
applied. A short time after,
Smalls found himself at the
CBS Studio in Los Angeles,
Calif., on Jan. 23.
According to Smalls, once
one applies to be an audience
COUNTYWIDE
DeKalb performing emergency maintenance on sewer pipes
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
Crews are currently
replacing 300 feet of aging
30-inch-diameter concrete
sewer pipe near Flowers Road,
from Woodstock Boulevard
to Brandywine Road around
Chamblee. The project is
expected to be completed by
Feb. 18.
DeKalb County Watershed
Management will work with
contractor Ruby-Collins to
perform “emergency repairs,”
on a collapsed sewer pipe
determined to be a public
safety hazard, according to
DeKalb County officials.
The repairs began at
Flowers Road Jan. 22 and will
cost approximately $700,000,
according to county officials.
The repairs are an effort
to comply with the county’s
David Smalls, left, stands with The Price Is Right show host Drew Carey, right, during
the show’s taping Jan. 23. (Photo provided by The Price Is Right)
member for the show, a ticket
is issued. An applicant can
get either a priority ticket
which guarantees access into
the studio or an applicant
may be placed on a waitlist.
After checking in with show
officials at 9 a.m., audience
members complete paperwork
and then interview with show
producers.
“They ask you questions to
get a feel for your personality
and type of person you are,”
Smalls said.
Producers then decide
Workers repair 300 feet of aging 30-inch-diameter concrete sewer pipe near Flowers
Road.
consent decree with the
Environmental Protection
Agency and Environmental
Protection Division. According the consent decree is June
to the decree, DeKalb must
take measures to reduce the
number of sanitary sewer spills Eastall, consent decree
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 • Page 7
which audience members
will be called on stage during
the show’s taping, however,
audience members only find
out if they’ll be participating in
the show’s activities when the
show’s announcer calls their
names.
Smalls said when he heard
his name called he thought,
“Wow. They choose me. Me.”
“I can’t explain it in any
way,” Smalls said. “It’s just
the best feeling in the world.
It’s something that you’d
never think would come true
in the county.
The deadline for
implementing changes under
2020.
According to Darren
that came true right there
on national television and
everyone gets to see it.”
Smalls said when his name
was called, he jumped to his
feet with his hands in the air.
He then hurried down to the
stage. After winning a bar set,
he played the Balance Game
and spun the wheel toward the
end of the game.
“It’s a good feeling. It
really, really is,” Smalls said.
“I’m still on a high from it.”
Smalls said there is no
way to prepare since the
show catches its participants
off guard. “You’re always
thinking that you’ll never get
selected. And then you see
your name, and some people
are emotional, and so was
I, because I was caught off
guard. Anything is possible.”
He also said, “If you’re a
diehard Price Is Right fan you
already know what to do. Be
aware of pricing around you.”
Smalls also was visibly
happy for the people who
won bigger prizes in the
game. Smalls described every
audience member as not
competitive.
“In the process of waiting
administrator for the county,
DeKalb has assessed
approximately one-third of the
county’s total sewer pipes.
“Every pipe was given a
ranking and a recommendation
for replacement, for pipes
in the worst condition, to
reassessment in 10 years, for
pipes in good condition. This
assessment is an ongoing
program and will continue
after the consent decree
period,” Eastall said.
Eastall said in areas with
sanitary sewer overflows, the
pipes are inspected for any
further issues that might cause
another overflow.
Eastall said the county will
monitor pipes with methods
such as smoke testing to
reveal cracks or openings, dye
testing to uncover concealed
defects, acoustic inspections
to determine percentage of
blockage in a pipe and sonar
you get to meet people and
hear their stories,” Smalls
said. “I really hope the best for
them.”
When the episode aired
Feb. 1, Smalls did not
have a watch party but said
family members and friends
supported him by phone.
“It felt funny,” Smalls said
about watching himself on
television. “It did because I’m
looking at myself. And then
you start analyzing yourself
like ‘my mom always told me
to keep my head up.’ You pay
attention to stuff like that.”
Smalls described his family
and friends as “great support
system. Thank God for family
and friends.”
Although Smalls’
grandmother and great-
grandmother are deceased,
Smalls said he is certain that
they would be happy about his
recent experience.
“I’m sure they’re smiling
down on me now,” Smalls
said. “I kept up the tradition of
watching the show. I’m sure
they were playing with me.”
inspections.
“After these inspections a
determination is made as to
whether these pipes need to
be regularly maintained and
monitored for condition on a
quarterly to annual basis. This
monitoring and assessment
schedule is entered into the
county’s asset management
software for tracking
purposes,” Eastall said.
According to county
officials, sewer spills and
sewer spill volumes have
decreased despite heavy
rainfall.
“At the end of the third
quarter of 2018, major sewer
spills were down 42 percent
from 2017. Despite the recent
increase in wet weather-related
spills, the county ended the
year with an overall reduction
in major spill volume,” county
officials said in a statement.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 • Page 8

COUNTYWIDE

ARC Principal Planner Crystal Jackson, left, Mark Ethun, Courtney Frisch, Decatur Mayor Patti Garrett and ARC Executive Director Doug Hooker, left, Chamblee Mayor Eric Clarkson, ARC Chairman Kerry Armstrong,
Andrea Arnold, right, after Decatur was named a green community in January. Photos provided by Atlanta Rebecca Keefer, Taylor Goldman and Jon Walker, right, celebrate Chamblee being named a green community
Regional Commission in January.

Chamblee, Decatur and DeKalb County recognized for environment stewardship

BY TAYLOR ROBINS
Taylor@dekalbchamp.com
Atlanta Regional
Commission recently upgraded
the city of Chamblee from
bronze to gold level for
lessening its environmental
footprint under its Green
Communities program in
January.
Under the program, a
government can qualify to be
awarded bronze, silver, gold or
platinum level based on a point
system. Chamblee scored 290
points to be certified gold. A
local government must score
175 points to be designated
bronze.
“This was our second year
to apply for and be certified
as a Green Community,”
said Chamblee Mayor Eric
Clarkson. “Last year we were
named a bronze community,
and this year we achieved
gold. We are thrilled with this
honor, and we hope to go even
further in the program as we
are dedicated to improving the
environment.”
Green Communities is a
voluntary certification program
that helps local governments
implement measures to reduce
their environmental impact.
It recognizes a communit’s
commitment to environmental
stewardship and sustainability
practices.
Winners earned certification
points for sustainable
measures implemented in their
communities. Measures that
earned the city of Chamblee
certification points include
hosting a light bulb exchange
in which LED bulbs replaced
less-efficient bulbs to decrease
the city’s per-capita energy
consumption, identifying
bicycle and pedestrian
connections to transit-oriented
development opportunities
and other public amenities
throughout the city through
its Rail Trail plan, and
nurturing partnerships with
Keep Chamblee Beautiful
and Chamblee Charter High
School.
The city’s relationship
with Chamblee Charter High
School led to the founding of
the school’s Environmental
Science Club as well as
student involvement in the
city’s transportation advisory
committee.
According to Green
Community officials, green
communities are better places
to live and being a green
community also can help

SEE ARC ON PAGE 20

GOT A NEWS TIP?

We’d love to hear from you.
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.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 • Page 9

DORAVILLE

Waffle House lawsuit escapes nondiscrimination ordinance

BY TAYLOR ROBINS husband when the cook and process. is legally enforceable because are needed. [Martinez’s] only
restaurant manager used a racial Doraville adopted a citywide businesses are required to option was to find an attorney
Taylor@dekalbchamp.com slur to refer to them, according nondiscrimination ordinance be approved to operate in willing to file a federal law
to the Associated Press. concerning businesses Nov. 5. Doraville and agree to follow its suit.”
As a result of a February The manager, a White man, In the ordinance, Doraville ordinances. The ordinance will apply
2017 incident at a Doraville allegedly said, “Why don’t they is described as “a dynamic However, the ordinance is to future issues similar to
Waffle House, a federal civil deport you to Mexico?” and incredibly diverse place in not retroactive and the Waffle Martinez’s federal civil rights
rights lawsuit was filed against The lawsuit says the family metro Atlanta. [Doraville wants House incident occurred before lawsuit. Under the ordinance,
the company Feb. 4. later discovered the food in to protect] the rights of residents its passage. both parties would be asked
The lawsuit claims that their to-go order was strewn and visitors to the city and “[The ordinance] will never to enter mediation, where
a Waffle House manager with garbage and not cooked ensure the unbiased services apply to events that happened the business could settle. If a
used racial epithets to Pabla properly. against discrimination.” prior to it being passed,” said settlement can’t be reached,
Martinez, a customer of Waffle House issued a The ordinance allows Stephe Koontz, Doraville city both parties would go to a
Mexican decent. statement Feb. 5 saying it is individuals to file legally councilmember. “Most laws hearing officer and the business
Martinez, a U.S. citizen, reviewing the case, does not enforceable complaints against are like that. But this is a great could be fined up to $500 and
went to the restaurant with tolerate discrimination and businesses displaying “blatant example of why local [and] court costs per infraction.
her young daughter and then- will respond through the legal offenses.” The new amendment state nondiscrimination laws

CITY OF ATLANTA NOTICE OF DESIGNATION RECORDS CUSTODIANS AND RECORDS COORDINATORS FOR THE
PURPOSES OF THE GEORGIA OPEN RECORDS ACT, O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71(b)(1)(B) AND O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71(b)(2)
WHEREAS, the City has created a new chapter in the Atlanta City Code of Ordinances, “Chapter 3 – Transparency”; and
WHEREAS, the City of Atlanta has specifically identified the records custodian and the open records coordinator(s) for each city department, office,
bureau or similar entity, the Mayor’s Office and the City Council pursuant to the requirements of the Georgia Open Records Act, O.C.G.A. Section
50-18-71(b)(1)(B) for the purpose of directing open records requests to the department, office, bureau or similar entity most equipped to respond to
said requests; and

WHEREAS, the City of Atlanta has compiled a list of the records custodians and the open records coordinators for each city department, office,
bureau or similar entity, the Mayor’s Office and the City Council, that includes the first and last name, email address, facsimile number and
telephone number to which open records requests should be directed and is publishing said list pursuant to the requirements of the Georgia Open
Records Act, O.C.G.A. Section 50-18-71(b)(2); and
WHEREAS, open records requests should be directed to the appropriate city department, office, bureau or similar entity, the Mayor’s Office and the
City Council to the attention of the identified designee at the email address, facsimile number or telephone number listed below.

Exhibit A

Department Name Open Records Email Address Open Records eFax  Open Records  Records Custodian Records Custodian Title Records Coordinator #1 Records Coordinator #2 Records Coordinator #3 Records Coordinator #4
Number Phone Number
Atlanta Information Management OpenRecords‐IT@atlantaga.gov 404‐221‐4109 404‐546‐1067 Gary Brantley  Chief Information Officer Tye Hayes Daphne Rackley

Auditor's Office OpenRecords‐Auditor@atlantaga.gov 404‐215‐6378 404‐546‐1041 Amanda Noble City Auditor

Aviation OpenRecords‐Aviation@atlantaga.gov 404‐215‐6379 404‐546‐1042 John Seldon Airport General Manager  DeAllous Smith
Budget & Fiscal Policy (Finance) OpenRecords‐FinanceBudget@atlantaga.gov 404‐230‐7418 404‐546‐1089 Shawn A. Gabriel Interim Budget & Fiscal Policy Chief

Buildings (City Planning) OpenRecords‐PlanningBuildings@atlantaga.gov 404‐221‐6671 404‐546‐1072 Gregory Pace Interim Director Donna Roye  Quin Hunter 

Capital Projects (Public Works) OpenRecords‐PublicWorksCapitalProjects@atlantaga.gov 404‐221‐6679 404‐546‐1080 Barrington Brown Interim Program Management 
Officer
City Council OpenRecords‐CityCouncil@atlantaga.gov 404‐215‐6381 404‐546‐1044 Felicia Moore  City Council President Theo Pace
City Planning  OpenRecords‐Planning@atlantaga.gov 404‐221‐6670 404‐546‐1071 Tim Keane Commissioner 
Communications OpenRecords‐Communications@atlantaga.gov 404‐215‐6382 404‐546‐1045 Keith Whitney Director of Communications 
Contract Compliance  OpenRecords‐ContractCompliance@atlantaga.gov 404‐215‐6383 404‐546‐1046 Larry Scott Director Alisasha Wellington
Controller (Finance) OpenRecords‐FinanceController@atlantaga.gov 404‐221‐4098 404‐546‐1056 Youlanda C. Carr Controller
Corrections OpenRecords‐Corrections@atlantaga.gov 404‐215‐6384 404‐546‐1047 Patrick L. Labat Chief of Corrections Terrie Lawrence
Cultural Affairs OpenRecords‐CulturalAffairs@atlantaga.gov 404‐221‐4091 404‐546‐1049 Camille Russell Love Executive Director Morgan A. Garriss
Design (City Planning) OpenRecords‐PlanningDesigns@atlantaga.gov 404‐221‐6672 404‐546‐1073 Doug Young  Assistant Director 
Historic Preservation 
Executive Director, AUDC
Emergency Preparedness OpenRecords‐EmergencyPreparedness@atlantaga.gov 404‐221‐4093 404‐546‐1051 Ria Aiken Director
Enterprise Assets Management OpenRecords‐AssetManagement@atlantaga.gov 404‐215‐6377 404‐546‐1040 Jalal Slade Senior Policy Advisor Tiffany R. Burden
Ethics Office OpenRecords‐Ethics@atlantaga.gov 404‐221‐4095 404‐546‐1053 Jabu M. Sengova Ethics Officer  Portia Reeves Ibidapo Onabanjo
Film & Entertainment OpenRecords‐FilmEntertainment@atlantaga.gov 404‐221‐4096 404‐546‐1054 Christopher Hicks Director
Finance OpenRecords‐Finance@atlantaga.gov 404‐221‐4097 404‐546‐1055 Roosevelt Council, Jr. Chief Financial Officer Laurette Woods Lolita R. Ferrell
Fire Rescue OpenRecords‐Fire@atlantaga.gov 404‐221‐4102 404‐546‐1060 Randall B. Slaughter Fire Chief 
Fleet Services (Public Works) OpenRecords‐PublicWorksFleet@atlantaga.gov 404‐221‐6680 404‐546‐1081 Dale Fambrough Program Management Officer
Grants Management (Finance) OpenRecords‐FinanceGrants@atlantaga.gov 404‐230‐7419 404‐546‐1090 Karen Carter Interim Director
Housing & Community Development (City  OpenRecords‐PlanningHousing@atlantaga.gov 404‐221‐6673 404‐546‐1074 Valerie Bernardo  Director
Planning)
Human Resources OpenRecords‐HR@atlantaga.gov 404‐221‐4103 404‐546‐1061 Marian Y. Woods  Commissioner of Human Resources Jamar Brown

Human Services OpenRecords‐HumanServices@atlantaga.gov 404‐221‐4104 404‐546‐1062 Preston Brant Director

Immigrant Affairs OpenRecords‐ImmigrantAffairs@atlantaga.gov 404‐221‐4105 404‐546‐1063 Michelle Maziar Director Valerie Mills
Innovation Delivery and Performance OpenRecords‐Innovation@atlantaga.gov 404‐221‐4106 404‐546‐1064 Matthew Bartleet Director

Intergovernmental Affairs OpenRecords‐IntergovAffairs@atlantaga.gov 404‐221‐4107 404‐546‐1065 Megan S. Middleton, Esq.  Intergovernmental Affairs Manager 

International Affairs OpenRecords‐InternationalAffairs@atlantaga.gov 404‐221‐4108 404‐546‐1066 Vanessa Ibarra Director Paulina Guzman

Law OpenRecords‐Law@atlantaga.gov 404‐221‐6667 404‐546‐1068 Nina R. Hickson City Attorney Kristen Denius
Mayor's Office OpenRecords‐MayorsOffice@atlantaga.gov 404‐221‐6668 404‐546‐1069 Marva Lewis  Mayor's Chief of Staff
Mobility Planning (City Planning) OpenRecords‐PlanningMobility@atlantaga.gov 404‐221‐6674 404‐546‐1075 Janide Sidifall Director
Municipal Clerk's Office OpenRecords‐MunicipalClerk@atlantaga.gov 404‐230‐7420 404‐546‐1091 Foris Webb, III Municipal Clerk A. Vanessa Waldon Patricia Marshall
Municipal Court OpenRecords‐Courts@atlantaga.gov 404‐221‐4090 404‐546‐1048 Kyra Dixon Deputy Chief Clerk Rashida Davis Morgan Johnson
Parks & Recreation OpenRecords‐Parks@atlantaga.gov 404‐221‐6669 404‐546‐1070 John Dargle Parks and Recreation Commissioner

Police OpenRecords‐Police@atlantaga.gov 404‐221‐6676 404‐546‐1077 Erika Shields Chief of Police Carlos Campos Kimberly Parsley Nikiya Towns‐Massol

Procurement OpenRecords‐Procurement@atlantaga.gov 404‐221‐6677 404‐546‐1078 David L. Wilson II Chief Procurement Officer
Public Defender's Office OpenRecords‐Defenders@atlantaga.gov 404‐221‐4092 404‐546‐1050 Kenneth Days III Director/Chief Public Defender John Tapia
Public Works OpenRecords‐PublicWorks@atlantaga.gov 404‐221‐6678 404‐546‐1079 James A. Jackson Jr. Interim Commissioner Angela M. Campbell
Resilience, Equity and Inclusion OpenRecords‐Resilience@atlantaga.gov 404‐221‐6682 404‐546‐1083 Amol Naik Chief Resilience Officer Carol Anderson
Revenue (Finance) OpenRecords‐FinanceRevenue@atlantaga.gov 404‐221‐4099 404‐546‐1057 Felicia Neal Daniel Revenue Chief 
Risk Management (Finance) OpenRecords‐FinanceRisk@atlantaga.gov 404‐221‐4100 404‐546‐1058 Tamika B. Puckett Risk Director
Solicitor's Office OpenRecords‐Solicitors@atlantaga.gov 404‐221‐6683 404‐546‐1084 Raines F. Carter City Solicitor Ronda K. Graham Darryl A. Lockhart
Solid Waste Services (Public Works) OpenRecords‐PublicWorksSolidWaste@atlantaga.gov 404‐221‐6681 404‐546‐1082 Gayla Dodson Program Management Officer
Special Events OpenRecords‐SpecialEvents@atlantaga.gov 404‐221‐6684 404‐546‐1085 Ebony Barley Director of Special Events
Television & Technology ‐ Channel 26 OpenRecords‐Channel26@atlantaga.gov 404‐215‐6380 404‐546‐1043 LaNese Harris Director
Transportation OpenRecords‐Transportation@atlantaga.gov 404‐221‐6685 404‐546‐1086 Cotena Alexander Program Management Officer
Transportation (Public Works) OpenRecords‐PublicWorksTransportation@atlantaga.gov 404‐230‐7421 404‐546‐1092 Cotena Alexander Program Management Officer
Treasury (Finance) OpenRecords‐FinanceTreasury@atlantaga.gov 404‐221‐4101 404‐546‐1059 Scott Fairclough Interim City Treasurer
Watershed Management OpenRecords‐Watershed@atlantaga.gov 404‐221‐6686 404‐546‐1087 Kishia L. Powell   Commissioner of Watershed  Rukiya Campbell Jonecia White Christina Cruz‐Benton  Destiny Augustine 
Management
WorkSource Atlanta  OpenRecords‐WorkSource@atlantaga.gov 404‐230‐7417 404‐546‐1088 Kimberlyn Daniel Interim Executive Director
Zoning & Development (City Planning) OpenRecords‐PlanningZoning@atlantaga.gov 404‐221‐6675 404‐546‐1076 Keyetta M. Holmes Interim Director Valerie Lineberger 

1 of 1
LOCAL
DECATUR
Vandals poured paint on a German naval artillery cannon from World War I. Photos by Joseph Daniels
Reward offered for
Confederate memorial vandals
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
The Georgia Division
of the Sons of Confederate
Veterans is offering a $3,000
reward to anyone who can help
identify the person or persons
responsible for vandalizing
a Confederate memorial in
Decatur.
Decatur officials confirmed
that on Feb. 3 three veteran
memorials were covered with
paint, including a Confederate
memorial located near the
Historic Decatur Courthouse.
The memorial was vandalized
twice in 2017. In one incident,
feces was smeared on the
obelisk.
“It’s sad and it’s
disgusting,” said Martin
O’Toole, Georgia Sons
of Confederate Veterans
spokesperson.
O’Toole said he hopes
police convict those
responsible for the recent
vandalism.
“The vandals need to be
arrested and punished. I hope
in the future that vandals
will be forced to pay for the
damaged property. I think
#ItsInTheChampion
Visit us online @
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DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 • Page 10
that would deter some of this symbols, monuments and
behavior,” O’Toole said. memorials on public property
A spokesperson with in Georgia. It would also
Decatur Police Department outlaw displaying the
said there are no current leads Confederate battle flag on
on any suspects. Lt. Jennifer private property.
Ross said the department is The bill also repeals
contracting a company to prohibition of removal of
install cameras in the area. Confederate monuments and
Officers are aware of the removes language protecting
recent vandalism and regularly the Confederate monument at
walk around the square during Stone Mountain Park.
daytime and nighttime hours,”
said Ross. A Confederate monument and two cannons used in World War I were splattered with
Ross said there is currently paint by vandals Feb. 3.
no plan for additional
monitoring of the memorials.
Many activists have
requested that the county
remove the Confederate
memorial in downtown
Decatur. According to state
law O.C.G.A 50-3-1 (b) (1), it
is unlawful to “mutilate,
deface, defile, or abuse
contemptuously” or for local
governments to “remove or
conceal from display…for
the purpose of preventing the
visible display.”
DeKalb commissioners
also requested the General
Assembly create legislation to
repeal the law.
Proposed House Bill 175
would outlaw any Confederate
REGISTER ONLINE: DeKalbDA.org
Use coupon code Champ10 to receive 10% off registration
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 • Page 11

WEEK in PICTURES

Congressman Hank Johnson and Tuskegee Airman Val Archer, center, join 2019 U.S. Service Academy nominees for a picture on Feb. 4 at the ART Station in Stone Mountain. Photo provided

Dunwoody High School’s Youth City Council gave a presentation at Dunwoody’s city council meeting Jan. 28. The students
conducted a survey of fellow students to find out what changes they would recommend to Dunwoody Village. The group
suggested more trendy restaurants and greenspace. (Dunwoody Twitter)

Caffeine and Octane hosted its monthly car show Feb. 3 in the Perimeter Mall parking lot in Dunwoody. The free event is held
At the 22nd annual Firefighter Recognition Day Luncheon, DeKalb County Fire and Rescue every first Sunday from 8-11 a.m. (Dunwoody Twitter)
took fifth place for the Georgia Firefighter Burn Foundation boot drive.

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, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 • Page 12

EDUCATION BRIEFS

by Taylor Robins
Taylor@dekalbchamp.com

University of North Georgia announces President’s Lists for fall

2018

University of North Georgia President Bonita C. Jacobs

A volunteer reads to Toney Elementary School students during the school’s annual African American Male Read-
In Feb. 8. Photos by Taylor Robins
recognized students who achieved a 4.0 GPA during the fall 2018
semester.
Local students named to the lists include Benjamin Detzler of
Tucker, Anna Eilen of Decatur, Lila Murphy of Decatur, Thomas
Vella of Decatur, Elizabeth Wilcauskas of Dunwoody and Rachel
Wilson of Stone Mountain.
Students enrolled in 12 or more credit hours in bachelor’s degree
programs who achieved a 4.0 grade point average were named to the
President’s Honor Roll. Students enrolled in associate degree programs
who met the same level of achievement were named to the President’s
List.
University of North Georgia announces Dean’s Lists for fall 2018

The deans of each of University of North Georgia ‘s five colleges;

the College of Arts & Letters, the College of Education, the College of
Health Sciences & Professions, the Mike Cottrell College of Business
and the College of Science & Mathematics announced the names of
those students who made their respective lists for fall 2018.
Local students among those on the list were Caleb Hammond of
Tucker, Zachary Henderson of Tucker, Olivia Mansfield of Stone
Mountain, Samantha Park of Stone Mountain, Isabelle Romano-
Landry of Decatur, Zoe Tidd of Decatur and Secrett Wingard of
Stone Mountain.
Dean’s List recognition is achieved by having at least a 3.5 grade
point average; carrying 12 or more credit hours in one semester and
having no grade lower than B.

Walton graduates from JSU

Brittany S. Walton of Stone Mountain has been awarded a

Students listen as a book is being read to them during a school event. biology degree from Jacksonville State University.
Walton was among 582 students who were conferred degrees

Black men read at Toney at JSU’s fall commencement ceremony on Dec. 13. Due to
ongoing repairs at Pete Mathews Coliseum following the
destructive March 19, 2018 tornado, the ceremony was held on
Burgess-Snow Field at JSU Stadium.

Elementary JSU announces fall 2018 honor’s list

JSU named 2,049 students to the President’s and Deans’ Lists

BY TAYLOR ROBINS
taylor@dekalbchamp.com
Toney Elementary School hosted its
annual African American Male Read-In,
where 60 volunteers read and talked to
students Feb. 8.
The event is meant to excite students
about learning through reading. The
event is designed to allow Black male
volunteers to show representation in the
school and community during Black
History Month. The volunteers also talked
to the students about career choices and
self-esteem and asked comprehensive
questions after reading each book.
The books that were read were written
by Black authors and centered on Black
main characters.
for their outstanding academic performance during the Fall 2018
semester.
Local students included on the Dean’s list are Shaun
Weeden of Lithonia, Diondre Crowder of Stone Mountain and
Alexandra Stevens of Brookhaven.
To be named to the President’s List, a student must earn a
perfect 4.0 GPA while attending full-time. Full-time students
earning a GPA of 3.5-3.99 are named to the Deans’ List of their
respective schools.

CITY OF STONE MOUNTAIN CITY OF STONE MOUNTAIN

REDUCE PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

The City of Stone Mountain hereby gives notice that

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
The City of Stone Mountain hereby gives notice
that a Public Hearing will be held to receive public
comment on a Variance Application for 6803 JBR
a Public Hearing will be held to receive public comment

REUSE
on a Variance Application for 5356 Charity Way, Stone
Mountain, GA 30083, Parcel #18 074 02 038. Variance
is requested for deviation from the Single Family
Residential (R1) district development regulations.
Memorial Drive, Parcel #18 126 06 002. Variance
is requested for deviation from Chapter 28 Storm
Water Utility, Article III. Stream Buffer Protection,
Sec. 28-545.- Land development requirements.
The Mayor and City Council will hold a Public

RECYCLE
The Mayor and City Council will hold a Public Hearing
on this matter on Tuesday, March 5, 2019 at City Hall
located at 875 Main Street, Stone Mountain, GA at 6:30
P.M. Anyone wishing to attend the public hearing may do
so and be heard relative thereto.
Hearing on this matter on Tuesday, February 26,
2019 at City Hall located at 875 Main Street, Stone
Mountain, GA at 6:30 P.M. Anyone wishing to attend
the public hearing may do so and be heard relative
thereto.
LOCAL
COUNTY WIDE
DCSD superintendent releases
statement after salary raise mishap
BY TAYLOR ROBINS
taylor@dekalbchamp.com
After a salary raise
schedule went wrong, the error
left 1,600 DeKalb County
School District employees
with incorrect pay raises
toward the end of January.
Employees were supposed
to receive a 2.5 percent raise;
however, some employees
received a two cent raise while
others received thousands of
dollars more in pay, according
to the Atlanta Journal
Constitution.
The raises are supposed to
make other employee salaries
ATLANTA
Support of ‘Coach
OD’ continues
BY TAYLOR ROBINS
taylor@dekalbchamp.com
A group of Henderson Mill
Elementary School (HMES)
alumni, former teachers,
community members and a
fifth-grade student spoke in
support of James O’Donnell
at the Feb. 4 DeKalb County
School District board of
education meeting.
The coach, who has
worked at the school for 39
years, allegedly sent a student
out of the gym because
of behavior in November.
According to community
members, the student was
asked to stand in the doorway
in O’Donnell’s line of sight,
under the door awning that
connects the school’s gym
to the main building. The
Visit us online @
TheChampionNewspaper.com
more competitive with other
school districts.
When questioned by
The Champion Newspaper
about the salary mishap, the
district did not provide a
specific answer but DCSD
Superintendent R. Stephen
Green released the following
statement to The Champion
Newspaper Feb. 8:
“DCSD values its
employees as the most
important resource in the
education, achievement and
support of our community’s
children. The district staff and
I are working, without delay,
to develop pathways to address
weather at the time was rainy
and temperatures were in mid-
40s weather. After the student
went home wet, O’Donnell
was suspended and allegedly
told by school district officials
to retire, or be fired, after an
investigation was completed
by the district.
Gail Jones, a former
assistant principal at HMES,
spoke in defense of O’Donnell
during the meeting saying “he
was one of the finest educators
I have had the privilege to
know.” The group has attended
multiple school district
events speaking in support
of O’Donnell and wearing
matching shirts.
DeKalb County School
District’s board has not
announced a resolution to the
suspension.
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 • Page 13
compensation-related concerns
raised by district employees
in recent weeks. An internal
district team is working to
develop recommendations
to present to the Board of
Education in the coming
days. Concurrently, DCSD is
developing a comprehensive
communications update for
its employees regarding this
situation.
“We will take all necessary
and prudent efforts to address
the concerns of our employees.
DCSD will have no further
comment until the presentation DCSD Superintendent R. Stephen Green released a statement about incorrect
of a plan to the Board of employee raises. Photo by Taylor Robins
Education.”
Photo provided by Julie Herron Carson
INVITATION TO BID FEBRUARY 7, 2019
PROJECT NAME: OPO BUILDING RENOVATIONS
PROJECT BID NUMBER: OPO 2019-1
The Downtown Development Authority of the City of Stone Mountain,
Georgia (OWNER) is soliciting competitive sealed bids from qualified
contractors for building renovations.
Bids will be received by the DDA, 875 Main Street, Stone Mountain, Georgia
30083, until 2:00 p.m. local time on March 1, 2019. Any bid received after 2:00
p.m. will not be accepted. The bid envelope must be marked on the outside
with PROJECT NAME and PROJECT BID NUMBER. Bids will be opened at
2:00 p.m. on March 1, 2019.
Work required includes furnishing materials, labor and equipment necessary
for interior and exterior building renovations at 5379 East Mountain Street,
Stone Mountain, Georgia 30083. The project consists of selective interior
demolition, modification to existing restrooms, new glazing (storefront and
punch windows) and exterior finishes.
Bid Documents may be obtained at 875 Main Street, Stone Mountain,
Georgia 30083 on weekdays Monday through Friday during the hours of 8:00
a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or by email request to dda@stonemountaincity.org.
A mandatory pre-bid conference will be held on the project site at 2:00 p.m.
on February 19, 2019. The OWNER, Project Manager and Architects for
the project will be in attendance. Address questions concerning the project
and the bidding documents to: Gary Peet at dda@stonemountaincity.org.
The deadline for submitting questions is 5:00 p.m. on February 21, 2019.
Responses to questions will be made available to all bidders on or before 2:00
p.m. on February 26, 2019.
A bid bond or bid security deposit will be required to be submitted with the
bid. A performance bond and a payment bond will be a required term in the
construction contract. Refer to other bidding requirements described in the
Instructions to Bidders contained in the Bid Documents.
The OWNER reserves the right to accept or reject any or all offers.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 • Page 14

This statement is published in accordance with Section 19 (b) of the DeKalb County Organizational Act of 1981, p. 4304.
DEKALB COUNTY, GEORGIA
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION BY FUND
As of December 31, 2018 This statement is published in accordance with Section 19 (b) of the DeKalb County Organizational Act of 1981, p. 4304.

DEKALB COUNTY, GEORGIA

(In thousands of dollars / unaudited) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION BY FUND

As of December 31, 2018
(In thousands of dollars / unaudited)

Drug Abuse Law Enforcement Speed Emergency Special Tax Special Tax
PEG Foreclosure Victim Juvenile Treatment Confiscated Street Hump Telephone Grant- Grants Grants Designated District
General Development Support County Jail Registry Assistance Recreation Services & Education Monies Lights Maintenance System In-Aid 2005 JAG #10 2009 ARRA Fire Services Unincorporated
Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund
100 201 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 215 250 257 260 270 271 272
Assets:
Cash and investments 62,072 12,189 855 134 272 187 122 70 72 6,327 1,342 1,435 (1,331) 1,212 101 (1) 4,763 4,438 2,958
Receivable 14,315 - - - - - - - - 328 16 1,269 (1,565) - - 6,195 2,836 -
Inventories and prepaid items 5,057
Non-Current Assets - - 5 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Total Assets 81,444 12,189 860 134 272 187 122 70 72 6,327 1,670 1,451 (62) (353) 101 (1) 10,958 7,274 2,958

Liabilities:
Accounts payable 9,206 138 21 - - - 58 1 1 4 3 7 366 530 - 2,185 851 491
Deferred revenue 6,006 - - - - - - - - - - - - (863) - - 1,547 980 -
Payroll liabilities - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Advance payments and deposits 839 1,877 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1,246
Notes payable -
Due to others 146 - - - - - - - - 955 - - - - - - - - 817
Other Accrued Liabilities -
Total Liabilities 16,197 2,015 21 - - - 58 1 1 959 3 7 366 (333) - - 3,732 1,831 2,554

Fund Balance 65,247 10,174 839 134 272 187 64 69 71 5,368 1,667 1,444 (428) (20) 101 (1) 7,226 5,443 404

Total Liabilities And Fund Balance 81,444 12,189 860 134 272 187 122 70 72 6,327 1,670 1,451 (62) (353) 101 (1) 10,958 7,274 2,958
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Hotel / Rental Motor Capital Public Building Urban ARRA GO Bonds
Motel Vehicle Excise 1987 G O 1998 1993 2001 G O 2006 G O Host Capital Improvement COPS Safety Authority Redevelopement HUD Section Capital Debt STD
Hospital Police Services Tax Tax Bonds - Parks Bonds - Jail Bonds - Health Bonds - Parks Bonds - P,T,L Projects Projects Projects Judicial Facilities Juvenile Court Agency 108 Loan Projects Service Debt Service
Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund
273 274 275 280 311 312 313 314 315 330 350 351 354 355 356 357 360 410 411
Assets:
Cash and investments (4) 27,351 2,580 13 - - - 10,535 11,639 (1,282) 43,833 13,337 - 2 697 1,383 - 774 879
Receivable 1,340 33,295 487 45 - - - - - - 540 620 - - - - - 476 643
Inventories and prepaid items - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Total Assets 1,336 60,646 3,067 58 - - - 10,535 11,639 (1,282) 44,373 13,957 - 2 697 1,383 - 1,250 1,522

Liabilities:
Accounts payable - 3,149 - - - - - 14 162 23 461 - - - - - - 1 -
Deferred revenue 452 31,195 - - - - - - - 440 - - - - - - 194 453
Payroll liabilities - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Advance payments and deposits - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Notes payable -
Due to others - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Other Accrued Liabilities
Total Liabilities 452 34,344 - - - - - 14 162 23 901 - - - - - - 195 453

Fund Balance 884 26,302 3,067 58 - - - 10,521 11,477 (1,305) 43,472 13,957 - 2 697 1,383 - 1,055 1,069

Total Liabilities And Fund Balance 1,336 60,646 3,067 58 - - - 10,535 11,639 (1,282) 44,373 13,957 - 2 697 1,383 - 1,250 1,522
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Building Public Safety Urban Water & Water & Water & Water & Sanitation
Authority Bonds Judicial Facilities Redevelopment Sewer Sewer Bonds Sewer Sewer Sanitation Sanitation ARRA Capital Airport Airport Stormwater Stormwater Vehicle Vehicle Risk Workers Total
Debt Service Debt Service Debt Service Operating Construction R&E Sinking Operating Construction Projects Operating Construction Utility Construction Maintenance Replacement Management Compensation All
Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Fund Funds
412 413 414 511 512 513 514 541 542 544 551 552 581 582 611 621 631 632
Assets:
Cash and investments 70 (230) 309 36,293 249,299 273,487 100,661 13,498 1,458 7,402 5,536 24,025 10,647 8,426 346 78,857 23,226 14,014 1,056,278
Receivable - - - 60,931 - - - 4,029 - - 303 38 2,028 - - - - 128,169
Inventories and prepaid items - - - 6,486 - 2,276 - - - - - - - - 2,294 - 1,583 - 17,696
Non-Current Assets - - - - 5
Total Assets 70 (230) 309 103,710 249,299 275,763 100,661 17,527 - 1,458 - 7,402 - 5,839 - 24,063 - 12,675 - 8,426 - 2,640 - 78,857 - 24,809 - 14,014 - 1,202,148

Liabilities:
Accounts payable - - - 5,676 639 8,555 - 1,260 152 - 65 234 397 - 934 47 448 29 36,108
Deferred revenue - - - 176 - - - - - - (762) 42 (99) - - - - 39,761
Payroll liabilities - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Advance payments and deposits - - - 382 - 15,774 - - - - 54 - - - - - - - 20,172
Notes payable - 2,728 2,728
Due to others - - - 1,323 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3,241
Other Accrued Liabilities 3,353 9,681 1,868 115 340 566 9,398 142 13,940 39,403
Total Liabilities - - - 10,910 639 24,329 9,681 3,128 2,880 - 234 (528) 779 (99) 1,500 9,445 590 13,969 141,413

Fund Balance 70 (230) 309 92,800 248,660 251,434 90,980 14,399 (1,422) 7,402 5,605 24,591 11,896 8,525 1,140 69,412 24,219 45 1,060,735

Total Liabilities And Fund Balance 70 (230) 309 103,710 249,299 275,763 100,661 17,527 1,458 7,402 5,839 24,063 12,675 8,426 2,640 78,857 24,809 14,014 1,202,148
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

General Fund 100 Grant-In-Aid Fund 250 2001 G O Bonds - Parks Fund 314 Urban Redevelopment Agency Bond Debt Service Fund 414
2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018
Revenues: Budget Actual Revenues: Budget Actual Revenues: Budget Actual Revenues: Budget Actual
Property Taxes 180,100 169,047 Contributions from private sources 2,106 227 Investment income 8,655 229 Interfund Transfers - 714
Sales Taxes 93,517 90,457 Intergovernmental 1,525 20,211 Intergovernmental (277) - Miscellaneous 815 145
Other Taxes 3,394 4,439 Miscellaneous (3,338) 1,464 Contributions from private sources (183) - Fund Balance Carried Forward 164 164
Licenses and permits 20 90 Transfers From Other Funds (1,634) 4,465 Transfers From Other Funds (34) - Total Revenues 979 1,023
Intergovernmental 3,064 1,581 Proceeds of general long-term obligations (25) - Proceeds from sale of bonds (38) - Expenditures:
Charges for Services 48,644 49,919 Fund Balance Carried Forward 2,380 2,380 Miscellaneous (1,525) - Debt Service 715 714 #
Fines and Forfeitures 10,002 8,372 Total Revenues 1,014 28,747 Fund Balance Carried Forward 12,907 12,907 Transfers out - -
Investment income - 761 Expenditures: Total Revenues 19,505 13,136 Unappropriated 264 -
Miscellaneous 8,335 10,129 General Government: Expenditures: Total Expenditures 979 714
Transfers From Other Funds 4,153 4,031 Finance - - Capital Projects 39,344 2,415
Proceeds of general long-term liabilities Workforce Development 7,541 5,086 Fund Expenditures - 200 Water & Sewer Operating Fund 511
Fund Balance Carried Forward 49,092 49,092 Civil and Criminal Court System: Unappropriated (19,839) - 2018 2018
Total Revenues 400,321 387,918 Sheriff 654 207 Total Expenditures 19,505 2,615 Revenues: Budget Actual
Expenditures: Juvenile Court 3,171 922 Investment income 1,214 2,749
General Government: Superior Court 6,396 791 2006 G O Bonds - Parks, Transportation, Libraries Fund 315 Charges for Services 252,894 265,777
Chief Executive Officer 4,164 3,482 State Court 103 148 2018 2018 Fines and Forfeitures -
Board of Commissioners 4,078 3,096 Solicitor 1,644 370 Revenues: Budget Actual Miscellaneous 635 889
Executive Assistant - - District Attorney 3,037 1,703 Investment income (6,909) 235 Transfers From Other Funds - -
Budget 1,135 730 Public Defender 2 2 Intergovernmental Revenue (65) - Fund Balance Carried Forward 80,626 80,626
Internal Audit 4,078 3,096 Magistrate Court 2,215 462 Transfers From Other Funds (3,285) - Total Revenues 335,369 350,041
Law Department 5,289 4,245 Police Services 5,709 1,210 Contributions from private sources (4,255) - Expenditures:
Ethics 600 509 Fire & Rescue 6,498 1,807 Proceeds from sale of bonds (3,285) - Finance 11,869 8,777
Geographic Information 2,671 2,374 Public Works - - Fund Balance Carried Forward 13,645 13,645 Water and Sewer 143,939 182,967
Risk Management - - Community Development 1,077 9,196 Total Revenues (4,154) 13,880 Fund Expenditures
Facilities Management 18,060 17,296 Parks 2,913 506 Expenditures: Interfund transfers 100,677 65,497
Purchasing 3,390 2,734 Extension Service - - Parks 18,711 2,185 Unappropriated 78,884
Human Resources & Merit System 4,320 3,782 Family & Children Services (101) - Library 457 33 Total Expenditures 335,369 257,241
Information Systems 26,599 21,480 Sanitation 26 - Transportation (4,555) 185
Finance 7,070 6,191 Economic Development 200 - Fund Expenditures -
Property Appraisal 5,833 5,231 Fleet Maint. - - Unappropriated (18,767) Water & Sewer Bonds Construction Fund 512
Tax Commissioner 8,592 7,834 Animal Control - - (4,154) 2,403 2018 2018
Registrar and Elections 4,460 4,183 Bd of Health 2 - Revenues: Budget Actual
Civil and Criminal Court System: Sr Citizen Services 7,244 2,742 Host Capital Projects Fund 330 Investment Income - 2,272
Sheriff 85,283 82,652 Human Services 1,867 1,393 2018 2018 Proceeds from sale of bonds (17,477) -
Juvenile Court 7,804 7,621 Keep Dekalb Beautiful 33 - Revenues: Budget Actual Fund Balance Carried Forward 266,088 266,088
Superior Court 10,256 9,438 Arts, Culture, and Entertainment - - Investment Income 335 - Total Revenues 248,611 268,360
Clerk Superior Court 7,593 7,591 Registrar/Elections - - Intergovernmental (9,793) 30 Expenditures:
State Court 16,592 16,229 Water & Sewer 546 Deferred Revenue - - Capital Projects 182,129 19,700
Solicitor State Court 7,962 8,103 Non-Departmental 83 - Transfers From Other Funds 313 - Unappropriated 66,482
District Attorney 15,923 16,045 Fund Expenditures - Fund Balance Carried Forward (519) (519) 248,611 19,700
Child Advocate 2,939 2,685 Miscellaneous (4) - Total Revenues (9,664) (489)
Probate Court 2,111 2,106 Unappropriated (49,842) 2,222 Expenditures: Water & Sewer R & E Fund 513
Medical Examiner 3,012 2,842 Total Expenditures 1,014 28,767 Capital Projects 38,006 816 2018 2018
Public Defender 9,926 9,447 Unappropriated (47,670) Revenues: Budget Actual
Magistrate Court 4,012 3,686 Grants/2005 JAG #10 Fund 257 (9,664) 816 Investment income 15,858 -
Public Safety: 2018 2018 Miscellaneous (46) -
Public Safety Admin & Communications - - Revenues: Budget Actual Transfers From Other Funds (224,336) 52,672
Animal Control 6 12 Investment income 5 - Fund Balance Carried Forward 329,062 329,062
Police 8,698 7,320 Intergovernmental Revenue 118 305 Total Revenues 120,538 381,734
Fire & Rescue 51 86 Transfers From Other Funds 458 - Expenditures:
Planning & Development 2,154 1,679 Deferred Revenue - - Capital Projects 279,559 130,300
Public Works: Fund Balance Carried Forward (1) (1) Unappropriated (159,021)
Directors Office 731 626 Total Revenues 580 304 120,538 130,300
Economic Development 1,465 736 Expenditures:
Public Services - Library 19,395 18,948 Police 374 203 Water & Sewer Sinking Fund 514
Health and Human Services: Unappropriated 206 - 2018 2018
Extension Services 1,065 781 Total Expenditures 580 203 Revenues: Budget Actual
Public Board of Health 4,306 4,306 Investment income - 339
Community Service Board 2,434 2,134 2009 ARRA Stimulus Fund 260 Miscellaneous - -
Family and Children Services 1,278 1,278 2018 2018 Transfers From Other Funds 65,984 64,915
Human and Community Development 4,482 4,312 Revenues: Budget Actual Proceeds from sale of bonds - -
Citizen Help Center 421 214 PropertyTaxes - - Fund Balance Carried Forward 91,363 91,363
Capital Improvement Sales Taxes - - Total Revenues 157,347 156,617
CIP - - Investment income - - Expenditures:
GO Bonds - Parks - - Intergovernmental Revenue (9,938) - Debt Service - -
Non-Departmental 6,143 3,968 Transfer from Other Funds 299 - Fund Expenditures 65,984 65,637
Debt Service 8,885 3,658 Fund Balance Carried Forward (1) (1) CIP - -
Fund Expenditures - 6 Total Revenues (9,640) (1) Unappropriated 91,363
Unappropriated 54,758 3,134 Expenditures: Total Expenditures 157,347 65,637
Transfers To Other Funds 10,297 14,765 Workforce Development 1,216 -
Total Expenditures 400,321 322,671 Non-Departmental (10,856)
Total Expenditures (9,640) -
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 • Page 15
Development Fund 201 Fire Fund 270 Capital Improvement Project Fund 350 Sanitation Operating Fund 541
2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018
Budget Actual Revenues: Budget Actual Revenues: Budget Actual Revenues: Budget Actual
Revenues: Property Taxes 64,098 62,662 Intergovernmental 23,292 6,527 Investment income - -
Licenses and Permits 8,286 7,429 Sales Taxes 3,264 4,790 Investment Income 434 - Charges for Services 66,107 68,658
Investment income 467 415 Other Taxes - 8 Contributions from private sources (22) 46 Transfers From Other Funds 400 400
Miscellaneous - - Fines and forfeitures 2 2 Miscellaneous 6,068 2,513 Miscellaneous 20 27
Charges for Services - - Investment income 74 Charges for Services (1,184) 534 Fund Balance Carried Forward 10,804 10,804
Transfers To Other Funds 8,433 8,433 Transfers To Other Funds 531 531 Transfers From Other Funds 17,265 9,474 Total Revenues 77,331 79,889
Total Revenues 17,186 16,277 Charges for Services 1,635 1,490 Fund Balance Carried Forward 48,608 48,608 Finance - -
Miscellaneous 6 9 Total Revenues 94,461 67,702 Sanitation 64,951 62,277
Expenditures: Fund Balance Carried Forward 5,841 5,841 Expenditures: Interfund Transfers 3,213 3,213
Planning & Development 6,943 5,765 Total Revenues 75,377 75,407 Board Commissioners - - Fund Expenditures - -
Public Works- Director's Office - 24 Expenditures: GIS (134) - Unappropriated 9,167 -
Interfund Transfers 314 314 Public Safety-Police - - Facilities Management 15,390 1,316 Total Expenditures 77,331 65,490
Unappropriated 9,929 - Public Safety-Fire 61,778 61,465 Fleet Maintenance 459 -
17,186 6,103 Non-Departmental 5,292 5,280 Information System 5,581 1,210 Sanitation Construction Fund 542
Debt Service 682 - Finance 668 40 2018 2018
PEG Support Fund 203 Interfund Transfers 755 1,436 Clerk Superior Court (84) 587 Revenues: Budget Actual
2018 2018 Unappropriated 6,870 - Sheriff 1,000 611 Intergovernmental 615 -
Revenues: Budget Actual Total Expenditures 75,377 68,181 Police 2,946 2,414 Contributions from private sources 1,200
Investment income - - Library 2,224 9 Transfers From Other Funds 36,951 3,127
Miscellaneous 85 63 Special Tax - Designated Services Fund 271 Transportation 31,756 3,068 Fund Balance Carried Forward (1,810) (1,810)
Fund Balance Carried Forward 1,171 1,171 2018 2018 Property Appraisal (54) 820 Total Revenues 36,956 1,317
Total Revenues 1,256 1,234 Revenues: Budget Actual Host Capital Outlay 28,493 4,174 Expenditures:
Expenditures: Property Taxes 30,602 29,421 Road & Drainage 24,914 6,533 Capital Projects 13,319 3,936
PEG Support 626 395 Sales Taxes 1,691 2,312 Parks 6,238 891 Interfund Transfers - (1,197)
Unappropriated 630 - Other Taxes 1 5 Planning & Development 2,293 1,073 Unappropriated 23,637
1,256 395 Intergovernmental - - Community Development 40 82 Total Expenditures 36,956 2,739
Investment income - 36 Economic Development 214 -
County Jail Fund 204 Contributions from private sources - - Extension Service 2 - Sanitation ARRA Capital Projects Fund 544
2018 2018 Charges for Services 886 862 Non-Departmental 24,236 83 2018 2018
Revenues: Budget Actual Miscellaneous 200 149 Fire 1,118 163 Revenues: Budget Actual
Transfers From Other Funds 10,140 10,017 DFACS - Intergovernmental - -
Intergovernmental 110 113 Fund Balance Carried Forward 2,411 2,411 Fund Expenditures - Interfund Transfers (12,339) -
Fines and forfeitures 1,169 1,149 Total Revenues 45,931 45,213 Unappropriated (52,839) 1,156 Fund Balance Carried Forward 7,402 7,402
Fund Balance Carried Forward 24 24 Expenditures: Total Expenditures 94,461 24,230
Total Revenues 1,303 1,286 Public Safety - Police - - Total Revenues (4,937) 7,402
Expenditures: Public Works - Transportation 3,367 2,211 COPS Projects Fund 351 Expenditures:
Transfers To Other Funds 1,303 1,152 Public Works - Roads and Drainage 17,001 16,265 2018 2018 Capital Projects 3,061 -
Unappropriated - - Parks and Recreation 14,837 14,427 Revenues: Budget Actual Unappropriated (7,998) -
1,303 1,152 Debt Service 132 - Investment Income 18,739 11 Total Expenditures (4,937) -
Non-Departmental 5,913 5,763 Miscellaneous 395
Foreclosure Registry Fund 205 Transfers to Other Funds 972 1,104 Proceeds from sale of bonds (4,830) - Airport Operating Fund 551
2018 2018 Unappropriated 3,709 Fund Balance Carried Forward 13,611 13,611 2018 2018
Revenues: Budget Actual Total Expenditures 45,931 39,770 Total Revenues 13,611 14,017 Revenues: Budget Actual
Charges for Services 100 37 Expenditures: Investment income - -
Miscellaneous - - Special Tax District - Unincorporated Fund 272 Capital Projects 2,967 60 Miscellaneous 5,222 5,982
Fund Balance Carried Forward 247 247 2018 2018 Unappropriated 10,644 - Interfund Transfers - -
Total Revenues 347 284 Revenues: Budget Actual 13,611 60 Fund Balance Carried Forward 4,476 4,476
Expenditures: Charges for Services - Total Revenues 9,698 10,458
Interfund Transfers 200 12 Other Taxes 4,472 3,992 Public Safety - Judicial Facilities Fund 354 Expenditures:
Unappropriated 147 - Licenses and Permits 11,966 14,366 2018 2018 DeKalb-Peachtree Airport 2,941 2,603
347 12 Investment income - - Revenues: Budget Actual Interfund Transfers 2,250 2,250
Fines and Forfeitures 9,029 9,273 Investment Income (1,744) - Unappropriated 4,507
Miscellaneous (76) (144) Deferred Revenue - - Total Expenditures 9,698 4,853
Victim Assistance Fund 206 Transfers From Other Funds (5,463) (10,335) Fund Balance Carried Forward - -
2018 2018 Fund Balance Forward 720 720 Total Revenues (1,744) - Airport Construction Fund 552
Revenues: Budget Actual Total Revenues 20,648 17,872 Expenditures: 2018 2018
Intergovernmental 400 441 Expenditures: Capital projects (368) - Revenues: Budget Actual
Fines and Forfeitures 450 468 General Government: Unappropriated (1,376) - Investment income - 16
Fund Balance Carried Forward 158 158 Economic development - (96) (1,744) - Intergovernmental (1,359) 3,740
Total Revenues 1,008 1,067 Finance - - Miscellaneous (5,699) -
Expenditures: State Court 4,923 4,638 Building Authority - Juvenile Court Fund 355 Interfund Transfers (1,087) 2,250
Victim Assistance 159 31 Recorders Court - - 2018 2018 Fund Balance Carried Forward 23,483 23,483
Transfers To Other Funds 849 849 Planning & Development 1,704 1,497 Revenues: Budget Actual Total Revenues 15,338 29,489
Unappropriated - - Non-Departmental 1,686 1,686 Investment income (56) - Expenditures:
Total Expenditures 1,008 880 Fund Expenditures 5 Proceeds of long-term Liabilities 1,261 - Capital Projects 36,868 4,503
Transfers From Other Funds 329 329 Fund Balance Carried Forward 2 2 Unappropriated (21,530) 395
Unappropriated 12,006 9,409 Total Revenues 1,207 2 15,338 4,898
Recreation Fund 207 Total Expenditures 20,648 17,468 Expenditures:
2018 2018 Capital projects 736 - Stormwater Utility Fund 581
Revenues: Budget Actual Hospital Fund 273 Unappropriated 471 - 2018 2018
Investment income - - 2018 2018 1,207 - Revenues: Budget Actual
Charges for Services 949 898 Revenues: Budget Actual Investment income - -
Miscellaneous - 5 Property Taxes 14,091 13,355 Charges for Services 14,700 14,825
Fund Balance Carried Forward 278 278 Sales Taxes 7,044 7,242 Urban Redevelopment Agency Fund 356 Miscellaneous - -
Total Revenues 1,227 1,181 Other Taxes - 3 2018 2018 Fund Balance Carried Forward 13,483 13,483
Expenditures: Investment income - 61 Revenues: Budget Actual Total Revenues 28,183 28,308
Parks and Recreation 1,227 1,117 Interfunds - - Investment income - 2 Expenditures:
Unappropriated - - Proceeds of general long term liabilities - Miscellaneous - - Stormwater Utilities 20,863 13,460
1,227 1,117 Transfers From Other Funds - - Fund Balance Carried Forward 695 695 Interfund Transfers 4,000 2,952
Fund Balance Carried Forward 623 623 Total Revenues 695 697 Unappropriated 3,320
Total Revenues 21,758 21,284 Expenditures: Total Expenditures 28,183 16,412
Expenditures: Capital projects 876 -
Health and Welfare-Hospital 20,499 20,400 Unappropriated (181)
Fund expenditures - 695 -
Unappropriated 1,259 -
21,758 20,400
Juvenile Services Fund 208 Stormwater Utility Construction Fund 582
2018 2018 Police Services Fund 274 HUD Section 108 Loan Fund 357 2018 2018
Revenues: Budget Actual 2018 2018 2018 2018 Revenues: Budget Actual
Revenues: Budget Actual Revenues: Budget Actual Contributions from private sources 187 -
Investment income - - Property Taxes 70,171 69,410 Intergovernmental (7,817) - Intergovernmental (642) 105
Charges for Services 60 59 Sales Taxes 3,657 4,878 Investment income - - Charge for Services 185 -
Fund Balance Carried Forward 59 59 Other Taxes 29,164 29,307 Miscellaneous 9,100 - Interfund Transfers 2,200 2,000
Total Revenues 119 118 Licenses and Permits 364 364 Fund Balance Carried Forward 1,245 1,245 Fund Balance Carried Forward 6,587 6,587
Expenditures: Charges for Services 431 400 Total Revenues 2,528 1,245 8,517 8,692
Juvenile Court 109 49 Investment income 75 Expenditures:
Interfund Transfers 10 - Miscellaneous 269 71 Capital projects 3,097 (138) Capital Projects 17,089 167
Unappropriated - Transfers From Other Funds 176 2,951 Unappropriated (569) - Unappropriated (8,572)
119 49 Fund Balance Carried Forward 20,819 20,819 2,528 (138) 8,517 167
Total Revenues 125,051 128,275
Expenditures: ARRA Capital Projects Fund 360 Vehicle Maintenance Fund 611
Drug Abuse Treatment & Education Fund 209 Non-departmental 9,738 9,738 2018 2018 2018 2018
2018 2018 Police Services 90,370 89,346 Revenues: Budget Actual Revenues: Budget Actual
Revenues: Budget Actual Debt Service 1,304 - Investment income - - Intergovernmental 200 160
Fines and Forfeitures 210 194 Interfund Transfers 2,140 2,889 Intergovernmental (315) - Charges for Services 29,540 30,514
Fund Balance Carried Forward 132 132 Unappropriated 21,499 - Fund Balance Carried Forward - - Miscellaneous - 99
Total Revenues 342 326 125,051 101,973 Total Revenues (315) - Fund Balance Carried Forward 613 613
Expenditures: Expenditures: Total Revenues 30,353 31,386
Health and Welfare 338 255 Hotel / Motel Tax Fund 275 Capital projects 34 - Expenditures:
Unappropriated 4 2018 2018 Unappropriated (349) - Fleet Maintenance 30,353 30,246
342 255 Revenues: Budget Actual (315) - Interfund Transfers - -
Other Taxes 2,000 1,734 30,353 30,246
Law Enforcement Confiscated Monies Fund 210 Fund Balance Carried Forward 2,952 2,952 GO Bonds Debt Service Fund 410
2018 2018 Total Revenues 4,952 4,686 2018 2018 Vehicle Replacement Fund 621
Revenues: Budget Actual Expenditures: Revenues: Budget Actual 2018 2018
Investment Income - 29 Convention Bureau 3,095 375 Property Taxes 12,164 12,206 Revenues: Budget Actual
Intergovernmental 6,025 1,343 Transfers To Other Funds 1,857 1,244 Investment income - - Investment income - -
Miscellaneous - - Unappropriated - - Interfund Transfers - - Charges for Services 24,056 23,989
Fund Balance Carried Forward 4,844 4,844 4,952 1,619 Proceeds of general long term liabilitie - - Miscellaneous 1,000 1,264
Total Revenues 10,869 6,216 Fund Balance Carried Forward 587 587 Interfund Transfers - -
Expenditures: Rental Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Fund 280 Total Revenues 12,751 12,793 Fund Balance Carried Forward 53,175 53,175
Police - (14) 2018 2018 Expenditures: Total Revenues 78,231 78,428
Sheriff - (56) Revenues: Budget Actual Debt Service 11,761 11,738 Expenditures:
District Attorney - - Other Taxes 550 522 Fund Expenditures - - Vehicles 76,445 9,016
Grants 3,306 917 Investment income - Unappropriated 990 - Interfund transfers - -
Fund Expenditures - 1 Miscellaneous - - 12,751 11,738 Unappropriated 1,786
Unappropriated 7,563 - Fund Balance Carried Forward 623 623 78,231 9,016
Total Expenditures 10,869 848 Total Revenues 1,173 1,145 GO Bonds STD Debt Service Fund 411
Expenditures: 2018 2018 Risk Management Fund 631
Street Lights Fund 211 Development Authority 1,173 1,087 Revenues: Budget Actual 2018 2018
2018 2018 Unappropriated - - Taxes 10,378 10,385 Revenues: Budget Actual
Revenues: Budget Actual 1,173 1,087 Investment income - - Charges for Services 12,232 12,000
Property Taxes - 9 Proceeds of general long term liabilitie - - Miscellaneous - 44
Investment income - - 1987 G O Bonds - Parks Fund 311 Fund Balance Carried Forward 954 954 Interfund Transfers - -
Miscellaneous - 2018 2018 Total Revenues 11,332 11,339 Payroll deductions and matches 94,000 97,339
Charges for Services 4,652 4,655 Revenues: Budget Actual Expenditures: Fund Balance Carried Forward 16,715 16,715
Fund Balance Carried Forward 1,887 1,887 Investment income (19) - Debt Service 10,282 10,270 Total Revenues 122,947 126,098
Total Revenues 6,539 6,551 Fund Balance Carried Forward - - Transfers out 1,050 - Expenditures:
Expenditures: Total Revenues (19) - Total Expenditures 11,332 10,270 Risk Management 105,871 101,879
Public Works-Transportation 6,149 4,884 Expenditures: Interfund Transfers - -
Unappropriated 390 - Capital Projects - - Building Authority Revenue Bonds Debt Service Fund 412 Unappropriated 17,076 -
6,539 4,884 Unappropriated (19) - 2018 2018 Total Expenditures 122,947 101,879
Total Expenditures (19) - Revenues: Budget Actual
Speed Humps Maintenance Fund 212 Investment income - - Workers Compensation Fund 632
2018 2018 1998 G O Bonds - Jail Fund 312 Miscellaneous 3,823 - 2018 2018
Revenues: Budget Actual 2018 2018 Interfund Transfers - 3,710 Revenues: Budget Actual
Charges for Services 300 312 Revenues: Budget Actual Fund Balance Carried Forward 70 70 Charges for Services 6,500 6,500
Investment income - - Investment income - - Total Revenues 3,893 3,780 Miscellaneous - 131
Fund Balance Carried Forward 1,325 1,325 Fund Balance Carried Forward - - Expenditures: Interfund Transfers - -
Total Revenues 1,625 1,637 Total Revenues - - Debt Service 3,723 3,710 Fund Balance Carried Forward (132) (132)
Expenditures: Expenditures: Unappropriated 170 - Total Revenues 6,368 6,499
Public Works-Roads & Drainage 334 193 Capital Projects - - 3,893 3,710 Expenditures:
Unappropriated 1,291 - Interfund transfers - - Non-Departmental 6,368 6,454
1,625 193 Unappropriated - - Public Safety Judicial Facilites Authority Debt Service Fund 413 Unappropriated - -
Total Expenditures - - 2018 2018 6,368 6,454
Emergency Telephone System Fund 215 Revenues: Budget Actual
2018 2018 1993 G O Bonds - Health Fund 313 Miscellaneous 2,758 - ALL TAX FUNDS
Revenues: Budget Actual 2018 2018 Interfund Transfers - 2,409 2018
Charges for Services - 6 Revenues: Budget Actual Fund Balance Carried Forward 9 9 Revenues: Budget
Investment income - - Investment income 3 - Total Revenues 2,767 2,418 Taxes, Service Charges, Income & Transfers 632,672
Miscellaneous 11,406 10,031 Fund Balance Carried Forward - - Expenditures: Fund Balance Carried Forward -
Fund Balance Carried Forward 1,672 1,672 Total Revenues 3 - Debt Service 2,663 2,648 Fund Balance Carried Forward (for encumbrances) 81,670
Total Revenues 13,078 11,709 Expenditures: Transfers out 104 - Total Revenues 714,342
Expenditures: Capital Projects - - Total Expenditures 2,767 2,648 Expenditures:
Emergency Telephone System 11,793 10,561 Interfund transfers - - Approved Budget 632,672
Unappropriated 1,285 1,576 Unappropriated 3 - Encumbrances rolled forward from 2016 81,670
Total Expenditures 13,078 12,137 Total Expenditures 3 - Total Appropriations 714,342
BUSINESS
DECATUR
Spa owner CeWyon Ward says she was introduced to the personal services industry during her childhood, when her father owned a chain of luxury barbershops.
Veteran entrepreneur says new spa ‘speaks to my interests’
BY KATHY MITCHELL
Freelance Reporter
CeWyon Ward, who
recently opened a spa
in Decatur, said the new
business is an expression
of the entrepreneurial spirit
she developed growing up
in central Florida. “I don’t
remember when I didn’t have a
business,” Ward said, recalling
that she sold popcorn before
her eighth birthday. “I grew
up seeing entrepreneurship
on both sides of my family
and my father urged—OK,
insisted—that I start a business
at an early age,” she said.
Ward, a Lithonia resident,
this month opened a Hand
& Stone Massage and Facial
Spa in North Decatur Square,
providing what the business’s
website describes as “the
very highest quality massage
services at affordable prices.”
“We’re not high-end, but
we’re not low-end either. I
think we’re in keeping with
what’s right for downtown
Decatur,” she said. “It’s a
deluxe experience in a pleasant
atmosphere where clients are
enveloped in soothing aromas
and sounds that invite them
to leave their stress behind.
We have massages for those
who are sore or aching as well
as for those who want the
treat of a relaxing massage.
We’re designed to appeal to
those who are new to the spa
experience as well as to those
who have long made it part of
their lifestyle.”
The 3,200-square-foot
facility has eight massage
rooms, including a couples’
message room, and four
facial areas. The staff of
approximately 15 includes
a certified skin expert, Ward
said, adding that there will
be a personnel roster of 20 to
25 when the business is fully
staffed.
The franchise offers an
array of services that include
not only Swedish massages
and hot stone massages but
also couples’ massages,
foot massages, hair removal
and facials. “Our message
practitioners are licensed and
adhere to the highest ethical
and professional standards,”
Ward said. In addition to
services, the Decatur Hand
& Stone offers a selection of
personal care retail products.
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 • Page 16
Ward said Hand & Stone is
a membership-based spa but
welcomes those who would
like to try its services on a one-
time basis.
Although she has owned
several enterprises over the
years, Ward said the Hand
&Stone Spa is her first bricks-
and-mortar business. A 20-year
resident of the area, she has
developed other businesses
including her consulting firm,
Future Forward, designed to
help young entrepreneurs.
She also is senior director for
a charity sponsored by singer
and songwriter Usher.
Ward said she feels at home
in the personal service industry
because her father pioneered
a men’s grooming concept
with his chain of luxury
barbershops. “This speaks to
my personal interests,” she
said, adding that “health and
wellness has always appealed
to me.” She said she finds the
recently opened North Decatur
Square an ideal location
because the shopping plaza
includes several health and
fitness-focused businesses
and is near DeKalb Medical
Center.
Before choosing the New
Jersey-based Hand & Stone, stone massage. Its logo, which
Ward said she “vetted it quite the website says, “honors
a bit.” She noted that she plans indigenous people with their
to bring two more locations to history of healing,” depicts a
the greater Decatur area. healing stone cradled in hands.
“I found it was run by Franchise Times Magazine
veteran franchise operators last year ranked Hand &
who go above and beyond in Stone among the Top 200 of
helping their franchisees,” the largest franchise systems
she said. Hand & Stone was based in the United States,
launched in 2005 by physical declaring it the sixth fastest
therapist John Marco and growing by unit in the United
is now led by franchise States and 193rd overall in
veteran Todd Leff. The systemwide sales growth.
business name, according to Hand & Stone, according to
its website, was suggested by its website, has approximately
the founder’s 14-year-old son 400 spas throughout the U.S.
and represents the tools of and Canada.
its signature service—the hot
CITY OF STONE MOUNTAIN
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
The City of Stone Mountain hereby gives notice
that a Public Hearing will be held to receive public
comment on a Variance Application for Parcel #18
089 04 003. Variance is requested for deviation
from the Office Professional Institutional (OPI)
district development regulations.
The Mayor and City Council will hold a Public
Hearing on this matter on Tuesday, February 26,
2019 at City Hall located at 875 Main Street, Stone
Mountain, GA at 6:30 P.M. Anyone wishing to attend
the public hearing may do so and be heard relative
thereto.
LOCAL

AROUNDDeKalb
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 • Page 17

CHAMBLEE asked to register by Feb. 18 at www.

A trail cleanup scheduled
Keep Chamblee Beautiful will host a
Keswick Trail Clean up Feb. 16 at 10 a.m.
Volunteers are asked to meet
at Keswick Community Center to
do light maintenance and remove
invasives plants such as ivy and
privet. Those interested can sign up at
keepchambleebeautiful.org.
CLARKSTON
Friends of Clarkston Library to host
luncheon
Friends of the Clarkston Library will
host a benefit luncheon at Biryani
Point restaurant in Clarkston Feb. 23
from noon to 2 p.m. The luncheon
will feature a variety of South Indian
vegetarian and non-vegetarian
options. The luncheon will benefit
Clarkston Library. Attendees are
eventbrite.com. The restaurant
reservations to attend either session
at (404) 371-2250 or tajones@
LITHONIA
is located at 3647 Market Street. dekalbcountyga.gov no later than City to host vendor fair
For more information, visit www. March 7 by 3 p.m.
clarkstonga.gov. Lithonia will host a free
Schools closing for winter break community vendor fair Feb. 23
COUNTYWIDE at Granite Crossings Apartments
DeKalb County School District and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event
City Schools of Decatur will be closed will include samples from local
Notary training offered for their prospective winter breaks.
restaurants, handmade jewelry
DCSD will be closed Feb. 15-18 and and entertainment. The apartment
DeKalb County Superior Court Clerk CSD will be closed from Feb. 18-22.
Debra DeBerry and the Georgia complex is located at 6887 Max
Classes will resume for DCSD Feb. 19 Cleland Boulevard.
Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative and for CSD Feb. 25.
Authority are hosting two free notary
training sessions on March 8. The first Symphony orchestra holding
session is 9 to 10:30 a.m. and the TUCKER
auditions
second session is 11 a.m. to 12:30
p.m. Soccer team to host spirit night
The DeKalb Symphony Orchestra
This training workshop is open (DSO) is holding auditions for first
to the public and recommended to Tucker High School's soccer team
violins. The DSO is a community will host Spirit Night at Village Burger
anyone who is a notary public in orchestra celebrating its 54th
the state of Georgia or would like to on Main Street Feb. 20 from 4 to 8
concert season. Those interested p.m. For more information, visit www.
become one. The event will be held at in auditioning should visit www.
the Maloof Auditorium in downtown DeKalbSymphony.org or call (678) tuckerga.gov.
Decatur. 891-3565 with questions.
Contact Twinette Jones for

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or intend to discriminate, on any illegal basis. Nor do we knowingly accept
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LOCAL
COUNTYWIDE
Stephenson had five players to sign on National Signing Day.
More than 80 sign on National Signing Day
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
The long snapper position isn’t a
highly recruited position.
However, long snappers do receive
college scholarship offers and Cedar
Grove High School long snapper
Anton Cousins was one of several
long snappers across the country to
sign on National Signing Day Feb.
6. Cousins signed with Albany State
University in Albany, Ga.
“It’s a blessing. I couldn’t have done
it without my friends, coaches, teachers
and counselors,” Cousins said. “They
pushed me every day. When I didn’t
believe in myself, when I didn’t think
I had the chance, they saw something
different in me. Albany State wanted
me the most and I want to go there.”
Cousins, a two-time state champion
at Cedar Grove, said he hopes to hoist
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 • Page 18
Southwest DeKalb had seven football players and one track and field athlete to sign on National Signing Day.
Cousins was one of 80-plus players
from DeKalb County to sign letters
of intent on National Signing Day.
Several players signed during the
early signing period, including Cedar
Grove wide receiver Jadon Haselwood
(Oklahoma) and Stephenson linebacker
Tra Wilkins (Kentucky).
Tucker led all DeKalb schools with
12 signees, followed by Cedar Grove
with 10 and Miller Grove with nine. A
majority of DeKalb players signed with
Division I Football Bowl Subdivision
(FBS), Division II, Historically Black
Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and
community college programs.
A few players signed with schools
from Power Five conferences,
Cedar Grove High School long snapper Anton Cousins including Stephenson offensive tackle
signed with Albany State. Joshua Black and Southwest DeKalb
defensive back Jamel Starks who
championship trophies at Albany State. are headed to Louisville. Black was
“I’m looking forward to winning a committed to Georgia Tech before he
championship,” he said. de-committed after coaching changes.
Black said Louisville’s coaching staff
played a big role in him signing with
the program.
“I’m looking forward to the culture
of Louisville,” Black said. “It’s a
college town. It’s going to be nice.”
The coaching staff also attracted
Starks to Louisville.
“I felt like it was more family-
oriented there,” he said. “[The
coaches] showed much love during this
recruiting process.”
As Starks celebrated signing
day with his teammates, he also
remembered his late brother
Christopher Starks, who was shot and
killed while on campus at Savannah
State University in 2015. The football
player was 22.
Starks said it’s a dream come true to
play football on the college level as his
older brother did.
SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 • Page 19

DECATUR

McCrary gets 600th win

BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Columbia High School
boys’ basketball coach Dr. Phil
McCrary made history Feb. 6
when he won his 600th game
as head coach.
McCrary’s 600th win
was accomplished on his
home court after a 56-47 win
over Arabia Mountain in the
Region 5-AAAAA basketball
tournament. McCrary’s
coaching record is now 600-
212 in 27 seasons and he
has the most wins in DeKalb
Columbia High School boys’ basketball coach Dr. Phil McCrary got his 600th win
Feb. 7. Photo by Mark Brock
history.
In a Jan. 3 interview with
The Champion, McCrary
discussed approaching the
historic mark and what 600
wins mean to him.
“[It means] no more than
[coaching] a long time,”
he said. “To be honest with
you, [I’m] just humbled and
grateful for the experience and
opportunity that was given
to me many years ago to be
able to coach and touch lives
and to be able to try to make a
difference and give back.”
McCrary, a 2012 Atlanta
Sports Hall of Fame inductee,
has spent his entire coaching
career at Columbia High
School, where he led the boys’
basketball program to five state
championships (2006, 2008,
2010-2012).
He retired at the end of
the 2012 season and accepted
an administrative position in
the DeKalb County School
District’s athletic department.
After four years with
the county schools’ athletic
department, McCrary returned
to Columbia to coach the boys’
basketball team.

SWIMMING

St. Pius boys’ won its third consecutive state title. Chamblee won the girls’ Class AAAA-AAAAA state title, the first swim and dive title in
school history.

Chamblee girls, St. Pius boys win swimming state championships

BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
The Chamblee girls’ swim and dive
team made history Feb. 9 after winning
its first state championship.
Chamblee won the girls’ Class
AAAA-AAAAA state title, the first
swim and dive title in school history.
The team claimed the title with 262
points, beating out runner-up St. Pius X
(256 points).
Four-time state gold medalist senior
Jade Foelske won two individual gold
medals at the state meet. She won the
100-yard butterfly (53.81) and 200-yard
individual medley (2:00.22). Foelske
also won gold in the 200-yard medley
relay (1:45.94) along with teammates
Sophia Bell, Kayla Maloney and
Teresa Maloney.
Chamblee’s 400-yard freestyle relay
team of Foelske, Anna Blankenship,
Kayla Maloney and Teresa Maloney
finished second with a time of 3:34.31.
Kyla Maloney won silver in the 100-
yard backstroke (55.91).
St. Pius X girls’ swim team’s
second-place finish was led by senior
Abby Cohen, who won gold in the
500-yard freestyle (5:01.80), and junior
Riley Hendrix, who won gold in the
100-yard backstroke (55.77). Cohen
also won a silver medal in the 200-yard
individual medley (2:05.47). The 200-
and 400-yard freestyle relay team won
bronze medals.
St. Pius boys’ won its third
consecutive state title after winning the
Class AAAA-AAAAA state title with
364 points. The team was led by senior
Ian Grum, who won gold in the 200-
yard freestyle (1:38.10) and 500-yard
freestyle (4:26.38).
Grum, along with Noah Daniels,
Henry Halloran and Blake Reynolds
won gold in the 400-yard freestyle
relay (3:10.40). Reynolds won a silver
medal in the 50-yard freestyle (20.46)
and 100-yard freestyle (46.08).
Other DeKalb gold medalists from
the Class AAAA-AAAAA state meet
were Druid Hills senior Liam Bell
(l00-yard breaststroke and 200-yard
individual medley) and Decatur’s girls
400-yard freestyle relay team.
In the Class AAAAAAA boys’
state meet, Lakeside finished third
with 255 points. Sophomore Kamal
Muhammad finished second in the
100-yard freestyle and third in the 50-
yard freestyle, and senior Sam Witcher
finished second in the 1-meter dive.
In the Class AAAAAA meet,
Dunwoody junior Grant Allison won
the boys’ 100-yard freestyle (45.29)
and finished second in the 50-yard
freestyle.
LOCAL
‘Operation Interception’ takes on sex crimes
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
Twenty-one individuals were
arrested in DeKalb during a five-
day undercover sting operation,
called Operation Interception,
coordinated by the Georgia Internet
Crimes Against Children Task
Force.
The task force and Georgia
Bureau of Investigations worked
with local agencies, including
Brookhaven Police Department,
DeKalb County District Attorney’s
Office and DeKalb County
Sheriff’s Office.
Operation Interception was
centered in Brookhaven and
took several months of planning,
according to officials with the GBI.
“The operation was successful,”
said GBI agent Debbie Garner,
who was the lead agent for the
operation. “We have a great
relationship with the local agencies
and Brookhaven police. The
Brookhaven Police Department
is one of our most active member
agencies. We appreciate their
daily efforts to combat child
exploitation. This type of
cooperation and collaboration is
invaluable in the effort to keep our
children safe from predators who
seek to harm them.”
The operation was held prior
to Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta,
according to Garner. She said
the agency attempts to set up sex
trafficking stings during major
events.
Public safety officials
established more than 63 cases
that met the threshold for arrest.
Investigators had close to 200
conversations with subjects on
various social media and internet
platforms, according to GBI
officials.
“There are people online who
are very manipulative and either
[receive] pictures from minors
or meet up with a child,” Garner
said. “You have to be aware of
who you’re speaking with online.
There is no standard profile or
demographic for a [sex offender].
That’s why [GBI] puts the
offender’s profession and age in
our press release. We arrest people
from all backgrounds.”
Three of the 21 individuals
arrested live in DeKalb County.
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 • Page 20
Ages of the suspects rang from 20
to 55. The cases will be prosecuted
by the DeKalb County District
Attorney’s office.
“We applaud this task force for
its vigilance and proactive efforts
to protect our children,” said
DeKalb County District Attorney
Sherry Boston.
“Those who prey upon our most
vulnerable population, must be
held accountable for their actions.
We will work quickly to file formal
charges with the ultimate goal of
prosecuting the accused individuals
in the interest of justice for these
egregious crimes.”
Garner also said the operation
was the first time the GBI used
license plate reader technology.
The technology was operated by
Brookhaven Police Department.
The department has approximately
50 license plate reader cameras
throughout the city.
Using this technology, our
officers were alerted the moment
an identified target entered the
city, assisting with their ultimate
apprehension,” said Brookhaven
Police Chief Gary Yandura.
ARC Continued From Page 8
attract businesses and residents.
In metro Atlanta, 20 local governments, 13
cities and seven counties are currently certified
under the ARC Green Communities program.
This is the first program in the country to promote
sustainability through a green certification
program for local governments.
Also participating in the program are
DeKalb County─which is certified silver─and
Decatur─which is certified platinum.
According to Green Community officials,
program certification is not an easy process. The
program requires specific documentation and local
governments can take from six months to a year
to complete the documentation to submit with an
application.
Alpharetta and Sandy Springs, as well as
Cherokee, Fulton, and Gwinnett counties were
also recognized by ARC’s Green Communities this
year.
“These communities are making significant
strides in reducing their environmental footprint,”
said ARC chairman Kerry Armstrong. “They are
creating a greener region through cleaner water,
less energy use, reduced waste and restored natural
resources. Their efforts serve as a model for
communities across metro Atlanta that are looking
to become more sustainable.”