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the DeKalb FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2019 • VOL. 24, NO 4 • FREE

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Flat Rock exhibit

opens at DeKalb
History Center
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com

One of DeKalb County’s oldest African-American

Visitors examine historic displays of the Flat Rock exhibit.
The high school diploma T.A. Bryant, Jr., co-founder of the Flat Rock
Archives.
The exhibit features a church pew from the historic Flat Rock Methodist
Episcopal Church.
Artifacts and the history of the Flat Rock community in
southeast DeKalb County are the subject of the history
center’s new exhibit—Deep Roots in DeKalb: The Flat Rock
Story of Resilience. Photos by Carla Parker
communities is featured in a new exhibit at DeKalb
County History Center.
The Flat Rock community in southeast DeKalb
County is the subject of the history center’s new
exhibit—Deep Roots in DeKalb: The Flat Rock
Story of Resilience. The exhibit was developed in
partnership with the Flat Rock Archives and displays
artifacts gathered and preserved by the archives from
the 150-plus years of the community’s existence.
Flat Rock Archives is housed in the ancestral
home of Rev. T.A. Bryant Jr., who donated the
house, built by his father in 1917, to the archives to
house collections and tell the stories of the Flat Rock
community. The archives has been opened to the
public since 2006.
DeKalb History Center Executive Director
Melissa Forgey said the center created this exhibit
so DeKalb residents can learn the history of all parts
of the county.
“Historical resources get looked over a lot and
people don’t even know that we exist,” Forgey
said. So, it’s that knowledge that if we combine our
efforts then we can better spread the message that
everybody’s history is important to everybody.”
The Flat Rock community was founded in 1822
with the birth of DeKalb County. The first post office
was built in 1837 and the area became Lithonia
in 1856. Following the Civil War, some African-
American families remained in Flat Rock, working
together to ensure success and safety in rural DeKalb
County.
The exhibit features photos of community
residents, and artifacts such as a church pew from
the historic Flat Rock Methodist Episcopal Church,
which was one of the cornerstones of the community.
Johnny Waits, president and co-founder of Flat
Rock Archives, said the vision in creating the exhibit
was to finally acknowledge the oldest African-
SEE FLAT ROCK ON PAGE 6

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LOCAL
CHAMBLEE
Asian women’s group rallies to
discuss equal pay, productive issues
BY TAYLOR ROBINS
Taylor@dekalbchamp.com
The Atlanta Chapter
of National Asian Pacific
American Women’s
Forum (NAPAWF) and its
supporters came together
at MIST Dessert and
Poke Bar in Chamblee
to acknowledge Asian
American and Pacific
Islander (AAPI) Women’s
Equal Pay Day March 5.
The March 5 date
symbolizes pay gaps and
the additional time Asian
American women must
work to earn what the
average White man earns in
a year.
According to NAPAWF,
COUNTY
Waiting game continues for Vista Grove, Greenhaven proponents
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
The future is uncertain
for two proposed cities in
unincorporated DeKalb after
both cityhood movements
failed to gain enough
support with lawmakers to
create a bill establishing a
referendum in this year’s
legislative session.
Proponents of Vista
Grove and Greenhaven
have tried to convert the
unincorporated areas into
cities for years, but have
been unsuccessful.
A day prior to Crossover
Day—the last day a bill can
pass in the House or the
Senate to move forward in
the legislative process—
Rep. Timothy Barr
R-Gwinnett sponsored a bill
in support of creating Vista
Grove.
Two days later, Barr
wrote a letter to DeKalb’s
legislative delegation
apologizing for sponsoring
the legislation.
“I just wanted to reach
out to all of the members of
in 2017 AAPI women
earned 85 cents for each
dollar White men earned.
However, broken down into
other Asian ethnic groups
Hmong and Cambodian
women earned 59 and 62
cents to the White male
dollar, respectively.
With the March 7
legislative crossover
day─the last day for
proposed legislation to
move from one chamber
to the other and still have
the possibility of becoming
law─ being days before the
NAPAWF event, leaders
of the group wanted to
highlight reproductive
justice.
The group planned the
the DeKalb delegation and
let you know that I made a
hasty decision a few days
ago and signed the Vista
Grove legislation,” Barr
wrote. “I’m grateful for
everyone who has come
by to speak with be, but I
need to inform you all that
my intentions were only to
continue the conversation.
I have no intention of
carrying the bill though the
legislative process.”
Andrew Flake, one of
the founding members of
the Vista Grove Initiative,
said the group attempted
to garner support with the
DeKalb Delegation. Flake
said he believes there is a
misunderstanding regarding
the purpose of creating a
referendum for cityhood
movements.
A similar initiative with
similar proposed boundaries
failed in 2015 when a
referendum to form the
city fell short by 139 votes.
Flake said the leaders of
the Vista Grove Initiative
are not associated with the
cityhood efforts of LaVista
event to call attendees to
support bills that they are
hoping will pass through
the Georgia legislature such
as the Pregnant Workers’
Fairness Act, the Paycheck
Fairness Act and the Equal
Rights Act.
“There [are] a lot of
bills that we could be
supporting right now if our
elected officials were also
supporting what would
make things better for Asian
American women and
AAPI immigrants,” said a
NAPAWF member.
The group says that
pregnant women’s rights,
paycheck rights and the
decision to start a family
are all interconnected and
Hills. He also said Vista
Grove organizers want to
have a positive working
relationship with DeKalb
County.
“We have been
approaching cityhood in a
different and more inclusive
way more than any other
effort I’m aware of,” Flake
said. “We welcome a full,
reasoned discussion on how
we best [move forward] in
our future.”
As proposed, Vista Grove
would have approximately
60,000 DeKalb residents in
its boundaries, according to
Flake.
“The legislators are
not deciding on the merits
of cityhood, they are not
making decisions for the
voters,” Flake said. “The
intro and passage of the
bill is simply permitting
the residents to vote on the
issue and to have a voice.”
Kathryn Rice, chair
of Imagine Greenhaven,
echoed Flake’s sentiments.
“Frustrating is just
the minimum. It’s about
suppressing the right
DEKALB FREE PRESS • MARCH 15, 2019 • Page 2
Supporters of the NAPAWF Atlanta chapter gathered at MIST Dessert and Poke Bar to
discuss equal pay and reproductive issues March 5. Photo by Taylor Robins.
asked attendees to oppose
a proposed statewide bill
that would make abortions
performed after six weeks of
fertilization a crime.
Gov. Brian Kemp
encouraged lawmakers to
pass the “trigger law” in
February.
to vote. It’s not about
frustration, it’s about being
denied the right to vote,”
Rice said.
The proposed city of
Greenhaven would have
approximately 294,000
residents, making it the
second most populated
city in Georgia—second to
Atlanta.
No lawmakers drafted a
bill to create a referendum
for Greenhaven this year.
“I want to know why
[DeKalb delegation] is
so opposed to this and
why they won’t allow a
presentation to be made to
them,” Rice said.
Ed Williams with
Citizens Against Cityhood
in DeKalb said the
organization has been
opposing the creation of
cities in DeKalb since 2014.
Williams said the group
is pleased the cities did not
receive sponsorship from
the General Assembly.
“It’s not about the right
to vote. No one has said
that residents should not
have the right to vote.
“It’s really upsetting that
instead of spending time
moving policies forward
that would help us some
people in the Georgia
legislature are trying to push
things backwards and trying
SEE RALLIES ON PAGE 3
Proponents are making a
false argument,” Williams
said. “It is about residents
having a choice and being
presented the real facts.
We believe that the process
should be reformed.”
Williams said DeKalb
County should complete a
study on how cities impact
county services and budgets
before any additional cities
are created.
“We hope the Georgia
General Assembly reforms
the cityhood process before
it allows any other cityhood
or annexation bills to be
passed,” Williams said.
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LOCAL
STONE MOUNTAIN
GMC’s zoning variance request approved
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Georgia Military College
(GMC) is a step closer to
executing its plan to expand
its Stone Mountain campus.
At its March 5 regular
meeting, the Stone Mountain
city council unanimously
approved a zoning variance
request for GMC to add
more classrooms. The
Stone Mountain Downtown
Development Authority,
which owns the building
where GMC operates, filed
the variance request asking for
“14 feet for the front setback
distance from Manor Drive to
the property located at 5325
Manor Drive.”
The expansion would
eliminate parking spaces on
the property. At a Jan. 28
DECATUR
Savage family holds press conference in response to R. Kelly interview
BY TAYLOR ROBINS
Taylor@dekalbchamp.com
After CBS This Morning
aired an interview March
6 with co-host Gayle
King interviewing singer
Robert “R. Kelly” Kelly
about recent sexual abuse
allegations against him, later
in the day the family of one
of the alleged victims held a
press conference in Decatur
to respond.
“We are in a battle to
make sure that [Joycelyn
Savage] is not a victim to
all that we’ve heard and the
charges that we’ve heard
against [Kelly],” said Gerald
Griggs, Savage family
attorney.
Kelly currently faces
10 counts of aggravated
criminal sexual abuse. He
allegedly maintains a sex
cult. The charges include
allegations of abuse against
four women, three of whom
are underage. Savage’s
family has accused Kelly
of kidnapping the now
23-year-old─who met Kelly
while trying to pursue a
music career when she
was 19 years old. The
special called meeting, the
city’s planning and zoning
committee approved the
application with a 2-1 vote.
At a Feb. 26 public
hearing, residents voiced their
opinions on GMC’s expansion
proposal. The room was split
down the middle in support
or opposition. Supporters
said GMC has been a positive
influence on the city and an
increase in student population
would benefit the business
district.
“GMC students that
choose to come to our city
to attend college are coming
here because they want to be
here,” Susan Coletti said.
“They want to learn, they
want to further their education
and some of them stay in the
city. They do frequent our
restaurants. They’re here for
lunch or dinner or breakfast.
Atlanta area family holds press conference to learn the whereabouts of their daughter and sister, Joycelyn Savage, March 6.
YouTube screenshot.
family allegedly has had no
contact with Joycelyn since
December 2016. Kelly has
pleaded not guilty to the
charges.
“She would have called
home by now,” said Jailyn
Savage, Joycelyn Savage’s
younger sister. “I just want
her home and safe.”
During King’s interview,
Kelly said rumors of him
having sex and abusing
underage girls are “not true.”
Along with Joycelyn
Savage, Kelly currently
lives with 21-year-old
It’s just a good, positive
addition to our city and
their expansion is extremely
important to us and the
surrounding areas.”
Some residents argued that
there is not enough parking in
Stone Mountain Village for
an increase in students, and
that few students support the
businesses in the city. Joan
Monroe said no studies have
been done on parking or traffic
and expansion could reduce
access to the library.
“Regardless of what you
can get away with, with
or without breaking laws,
proper conscious demands
looking after those citizens,
merchants; and the children
at Champion Middle School
are worthy of our respect and
consideration, even though
some of their parents do not
vote here,” Monroe said.
Azriel Clary in Chicago.
Kelly met Clary at a 2015
concert when she was 17
years old, according to the
Clary family. She has not
had contact with her family
and was also pursuing a
music career. The Clary and
Savage families both claim
their daughters have been
brainwashed.
“I love [them] and it’s
almost — it’s like they’re
my girlfriends,” Kelly said
during the interview.
Kelly claimed in the
interview that the Savage
DEKALB FREE PRESS • MARCH 15, 2019 • Page 3
RALLIES Continued From Page 2A
Casie Yoder, left, interviews the owner of MIST Dessert and Poke Bar, at
the Chamblee restaurant March 5. Photo by Taylor Robins.
to take more control away from us,” said the same
NAPAWF member.
Attendees then wrote letters to local legislators
asking them to support women’s right to choose.
MIST, an east Asian café owned by an Asian
American woman, donated 15 percent of the night’s
sales to benefit NAPAWF efforts.
Around 11 p.m. Mach 7, the abortion bill passed
the House 93-73.
“This is a huge step but we have more work to
do in the Senate and I look forward to working with
them to get where I can sign this legislation,” Kemp
said shortly after the bill was passed.
to do is to actually see our
daughter, hear from our
daughter and make sure she’s
fine,” said Tim Savage,
father of Joycelyn Savage.
“If she wants to carry on a
relationship with [Kelly] that
would be her prerogative;
but as a parent, our thing is
to make sure she’s healthy,
safe and sound. That’s what
we’ve been saying since day
one.”
The Savage family
revealed during the press
conference that Joycelyn did
not attend her grandfather’s
recent funeral.
“The only thing I want
and Clary families sold their to say is, Jocelyn, if you’re
daughters to him.
seeing this message please
“We want to clear some know that I love you,” said
things up of the falsehood
Jonjelyn Savage, mother of
and alternative facts that Joycelyn Savage.
were given [during the
After the March 6 press
CBS interview],” Griggs conference, Joycelyn made
said. “We want to first
contact with her family.
acknowledge that at no “I have told you guys a
point did the Savage family
million times that I’m OK
provide or sell their daughter where I am and I’m happy,”
to [Kelly]. We have proof
Joycelyn Savage said to her
and we have receipts.” family on speaker phone.
Kelly was acquitted on
The Savage family recorded
child pornography charges in the conversation and posted
2008.
it online.
“The only thing we want
OPINION
Two wrongs don’t make a right
DeKalb County commissioners
recently approved what they refer to
as “contextualization” that is to be
placed adjacent to the Confederate
monument currently located on
the square in downtown Decatur.
If the monument is relocated, the
contextualization is to accompany it
wherever it goes.
The resolution to contextualize
the monument states, in part,
“Whereas, a group of local
historians who were tasked by
Resolution of the DeKalb Board
of Commissioners to study the
Confederate Monument and to
provide objective, interpretive
context on has recommended
language to contextualize the
monument.”
I find it difficult to comprehend
the meaning of objective
interpretation due to the
contradictory nature of the two
words. An objective statement
cannot be influenced by personal
feelings or opinions; an interpretive
statement is normally considered
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Monument contextualization lacks objectivity
John Hewitt
johnh@dekalbchamp.com
to be an explanation based on one’s
understanding of the subject matter.
Context is generally considered to
be based on facts and is intended
to provide additional information
but void of assumptions and
implications.
To attempt to provide objective,
interpretive context seems to be
a near impossible feat. Objective
context makes more sense in that
facts such as laws that promoted
segregation and poll taxes were in
effect at the time the monument was
erected. These are facts that can
be verified. Facts are not open to
interpretation.
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2019 • Page 4
The approved contextualized
wording is “In 1908, this monument
was erected at the DeKalb County
Courthouse to glorify the 'lost
cause' of the Confederacy and
the Confederate soldiers who
fought for it. It was privately
funded by the A. Evans Camp
of Confederate Veterans and the
Agnes Lee Chapter of the United
Daughters of the Confederacy.
Located in a prominent public
space, its presence bolstered white
supremacy and faulty history,
suggesting that the cause for the
Civil War rested on southern Honor
and States Rights rhetoric—instead
of its real catalyst—American
slavery. This monument and
similar ones also were created
to intimidate African Americans
and limit their full participation
in social and political life of their
communities. It fostered a culture
of segregation by implying that
public spaces and public memory
belonged to Whites. Since state
law prohibited local governments
from removing Confederate statues,
DeKalb County contextualized this
monument in 2019. DeKalb County
officials and citizens believe that
public history can be of service
when it challenges us to broaden
our sense of boundaries and
includes community discussions of
the victories and shortcomings of
our shared histories.”
As a journalist, I believe that
any information disseminated to the
public, particularly by, or on behalf
of, a body of elected officials,
should be fact-based and attributed
to the person or persons who were
involved in writing such material.
Providing factual context for the
monument would give passersby
an opportunity to form their own
opinions and not be influenced by
others’ interpretations of the intent
of the monument. The proposed
contextualization meets the criteria
of being interpretive but misses the
mark on being objective.
OPINION
“With a bit of work ethic and
any kind of training or certification
in our construction trades, you can
be employed in days, ranging from
a paid apprenticeship learning a
trade up to starting salaries in the
$80,000 a year range,” Michael
Dunham, CEO, Associated General
Contractors of Georgia Inc. (AGC).
In a near full employment
economy, spot shortages, often
in key industries, are bound to
develop. Georgia, and particularly
metro Atlanta, have economic
growth tied in many ways to
real estate, development and
construction. An ongoing shortage
of skilled craftsmen, licensed
plumbers, electricians and other
trades also drives up costs as
well as contributes invariably to
construction delays.
Though comparatively a good
economic problem to have, the
contractors, subs and construction
industry leadership across the state
are not sitting on the sidelines
waiting for shifts in the job
market. They have instead chosen
to work to rebuild the jobs and
prospective employee pipelines into
their industry.
During 2018, for the first
time, aggregate college loan debt
obligations surpassed aggregate
household credit card debt. And the
college debt is pulling away from
the pack.  employment.
A societal trend over the
last generation has been that
increasingly a college education
or diploma is considered best and
appropriate for everyone. However,
an undeniable truth for many
reasons and on many levels, is that
college and university simply are
not the best path for everyone.
Kevin Kuntz, president of the
southeast division of McCarthy,
a 155-year old, employee-owned
construction firm, remembers
well being taken under wing at
the age of 16 by a construction
industry executive, steered toward
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DEKALB FREE PRESS • MARCH 15, 2019 • Page 5
Rebuilding the pipeline
the late 2000s wiped out nearly a falls on the backs of those in the
decade of recruitment. The typical industry today.
‘One Man’s construction site or project manager “We have to be constantly
Opinion’ is now in his or her mid-50s, with
a comfortable retirement possibly
scanning the classrooms in our
community and continually hiring
Bill Crane already in view. As these Baby with purpose,” said Horton.
bill.csicrane@gmail.com
Boomers age out, the industry is No industry or type of
challenged to rebuild that qualified employment can guarantee
pipeline fast enough to keep up satisfaction or a life of success, but
a construction industry college with demand. this industry is certainly applying
scholarship, completing his studies Thankfully, Georgia government more than a bit of sweat equity
and then returning to an industry leaders hear and understand these to construct a solid pathway and
that he already considered family. pleas, and have been expanding a pipeline for their successors to
“It’s also our job—in the wealth of programs in Georgia’s follow. We can only hope that the
communities we serve—to be trade and vocational schools as millennials in classrooms today will
looking around and identifying and well as the Technical College look up from their phone and pay
encouraging interest, finding the System of Georgia, QuickStart attention.
stars, young men and young women job training, YouScience online
and rebuilding the jobs pipeline career assessment tools for high
into our industries and trades,” said schoolers and a broader availability
Kuntz, board president of AGC. of HOPE scholarship dollars for Bill Crane also serves as a
Georgia contractors and trade degrees—all to buttress the political analyst and commentator
construction industry leaders, foundations of one of the state’s for Channel 2’s Action News, WSB-
like dozens of other groups, fundamental industries. AM News/Talk 750 and now 95.5
converge on the state capitol Jerry Horton of Collins & FM, as well as a columnist for The
during the legislative session to Arnold Construction in Sandy Champion, DeKalb Free Press and
raise the profile of their issues Springs points out that the industry Georgia Trend. Crane is a DeKalb
and industries with the governor, is now beginning its recruitment native and business owner, living
lieutenant governor and legislative efforts in many elementary schools in Scottdale. You can reach him
leadership in our State House with Toolbox Clubs. The industry or comment on a column at bill.
and Senate. The strategy and exec is clear that the competition csicrane@gmail.com.
tactics are not particularly rare or is fierce, and telling their story
newsworthy. However, like the
exploding film and entertainment
industry, AGC and its peer groups
can offer something which
few other industries can—
almost instantaneous, well-paid
Licensed and certified plumbers,
technicians, HVAC techs and many
other certified craftsmen easily earn
into six figures just a few years into
their respective trades. Starting
salaries, particularly in high
demand metro areas, are generally
in the range of $70-80,000 for
licensed construction industry
trades.
Yes, there is also still a
demand for unskilled labor as
well, but the industry is also more
concerned about its "graying"
midmanagement. The industry
recession, some say depression, of
Publisher: Staff Reporters:
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LOCAL
The Flat Rock exhibit features photos of residents from the community, and artifacts. Photo by Carla Parker
FLAT ROCK Continued From Page 1
American community in the county.
“Since Black history is not very
well [documented] in the history
books of Georgia, this was one way
for us to tell this story of DeKalb
County’s African American history,”
Waits said.
Descendants from the
community, as well as those who
know the history of the community,
said the exhibit was well overdo,
according to Waits.
“They’re just elated with it,”
Waits said. “It is 2019 and this is
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the first time that DeKalb County
has ever publicly recognized [its]
Black history or communities.
We just want people to know how
this county started and that Blacks
have always been here since the
conception of the county. We may
have been slaves, but we were
here and that’s what I’m hoping to
educate people on.”
Rebecca Selem, exhibits and
communications coordinator for
the history center, said the exhibit
balances the good and bad history
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2019 • Page 6
of Flat Rock.
“We try to balance [it] because
history is not always good. So, we
wanted to include the terror aspects
of it—what [Flat Rock residents]
had to go through on a daily basis
and how it wasn’t all sunshine and
rainbows for them,” Selem said.
“It was hard work, hard farming
work and then they had to deal with
people who didn’t want them there.
They had a lot to deal with, so we
wanted to showcase [that].”
Forgey said the exhibit should
REDUCE • REUSE •RECYCLE
encourage residents to have more
discussions about the county’s past.
“I don’t think people know
how bad it could be for African
Americans in rural DeKalb County,”
she said. “It’s not really a discussion
we’re having. More history needs to
be gathered and people need to have
open discussions, before our elders
pass, about what life was really
like.”
The exhibit will be up for the
next two years, until February 2021.
Admission is free.
LOCAL
DUNWOODY
Grogan encourages
public to ask anything
BY TAYLOR ROBINS
taylor@dekalbchamp.com
Dunwoody Police Chief Billy
Grogan hosted his first “Ask Me
Anything” Facebook Live session
March 6, in which residents had 30
minutes to ask Grogan questions.
Grogan opened the session
by announcing that April 1 is the
department’s 10th anniversary. In
celebration of the anniversary, the
department will host an open house at
Dunwoody’s city hall with tours of the
building and police vehicles, as well as
prize giveaways.
Grogan also said that he had not
shot a handgun until at age 21, when
he began his career in law enforcement
with the Marietta Police Department;
he still is at the marksmen standard.
Grogan was hired in December 2008
and needed to have the department up
and running by April 1, 2009. When the
department hired 40 officers, it needed
40 vehicles. According to Grogan,
ordering police vehicles would have
taken too long. The department found
20 white Crown Victorias and 20 black
Crown Victorias and painted them to
look alike.
The first question asked by attendees
was regarding ride alongs with officers.
“We absolutely love for people to
come out and ride along,” Grogan said.
“We probably have somebody once a
week or once every other week ride out
with our officers.”
“I live off of Mt. Vernon,” a
Dunwoody resident said. “In the
mornings prior to school traffic, it is
nearly impossible to turn out of our
neighborhood due to a blind curve and
speeders. What’s the best way to get an
officer to slow this traffic down?”
Grogan directed the resident to the
police website where residents can
submit traffic complaints to Sergeant
Jason Dove. Pothole questions were
also directed to the police website.
When asked whether there would
be an increase in police patrolling in
apartment complexes, Grogan said,
“We do quite frequently try to patrol
a lot of our apartment communities
because we know apartments tend
to attract more traffic and have more
issues than single-family residential
areas.”
One resident asked how many
female officers are on the city’s police
force. Grogan said there are currently
DEKALB FREE PRESS • MARCH 15, 2019 • Page 7
COUNTYWIDE
A snapshot of a DeKalb resident’s water bill from 2017.
Legislation addressing water
Billy Grogan answers Dunwoody resident questions during
a Facebook live video March 6. Facebook Live screenshot.
billing issues falls short
McKenzie spoke in favor of the
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
bill at a House Energy, Utilities
horace@dekalbchamp.com
five female officers. “We would love and Telecommunications
to have more female officers,” he said. A bill sponsored by a DeKalb committee meeting. McKenzie
created the Facebook group
“Unfortunately we don’t get that many legislator that would have set
Unbelievable DeKalb Water
female applicants.” guidelines and principles for
Bills, which has more than
Grogan encouraged those interested utility companies and billing
to consider becoming Dunwoody systems statewide was tabled in 3,000 members.
“I’ve been fighting the good
police officers because Dunwoody this year’s legislative session.
is an “amazing” community with House Bill 465, known as the fight for more than three years
a supportive city council and city Georgia Water Customer Bill of now. I cannot tell you that
we’ve made a lot of progress,”
manager and a positive environment Rights Act, was co-written by
McKenzie said.
inside the department. Karla Drenner, D-Avondale.
McKenzie, a board member
“Everybody works really well The act would have ensured
of the county’s Watershed
together,” Grogan said. “There’s good Georgia residents would not
Customer Service and Billing
team work and our supervisors are all receive an estimated bill that
Advisory Board, said it’s
about helping those we work with to exceeds the customer’s average
unclear what DeKalb’s strategy
achieve their goals and be all that we bill amount for the prior 12
is to fix billing issues.
can be.” months.
“We are years away from
Another resident asked, “Who In DeKalb, ongoing issues
completely fixing our billing
decides what laws will be enforced with the county’s water billing
issues in the county. I think
and which laws will be skipped over?” system have eroded trust in
residents need to have some
Grogan said with routine traffic stops, government, according to some
protections in place until
citations are issued at the officer’s residents.
those fixes actually happen,”
discretion. He said officers do not have Some said the proposed act
quotas and are expected to monitor the was a step in the right direction. McKenzie said.
DeKalb County resident
public when working. “This has been an effort
Molly Proffitt said she received
Another resident asked about ways that has been underway for
three bills in 2017 totaling more
to prevent school shootings. “I don’t the last three years to address
than $4,000 for 200,000 gallons
think there’s a way to 100 percent some significant billing issue
of water consumption. Proffit
prevent them, but I think people should concerns,” said Drenner. “We
said the issue started with a
be more aware of what’s going on wanted a piece of legislation
defective iPearl meter.
around them and changes in people that so Georgia consumers have a
“We reached a resolution last
they’re with,” Grogan said. recourse if there has been an
month,” Proffitt said. “That was
Grogan also reminded residents that issue with one of their bills.”
550 days that my husband and I
the police department holds regular The bill would have also
came home every day to discuss
Civilian Response To Active Shooter required water service providers
Events (C.R.A.S.E) courses to provide to provide in writing “reasonable our $4,000 water bill.”
Opponents of the bill said it
strategies to survive an active shooter payment arrangements” to
would adversely affect utility
event. customers prior to disconnecting
and water billing companies
Since March 7, the video of the service for failure to pay a
across the state.     
live event has been on the Dunwoody bill, provide customers with
“This will have a significant
Police Department Facebook page a website detailing how rates
cost to some utility companies
and has been viewed more than 1,700 are determined and correct any
who will have to upgrade billing
times. billing errors or mistakes within
software,” said Mike Thomas,
30 days.
DeKalb County resident Star
SEE WATER ON PAGE 16
LOCAL
COUNTYWIDE
CEO: ‘We had a deficit in leadership,
management and oversight’
Officials highlight errors in county water billing system
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
Systematic defects in
leadership, management
and oversight resulted in
a problematic water meter
system, DeKalb County
CEO Michael Thurmond
said during a water meter
update March 12 at the
Maloof Auditorium in
Decatur.
Thurmond said the
county failed to implement
a water meter replacement
plan and is now plagued
with faulty meters that
contributed to inaccurate
water bills. From 2011
to 2015, DeKalb County
purchased and installed
approximately 50,000 iPerl
water meters that could
become defective if the
meters became wet.
“There’s been a lot of
finger pointing about what
went wrong. Was it the water
meters? Was it the system?
Was it the leadership? Well
it’s all of those things,”
Thurmond said. “We had
a deficit in leadership,
management and oversight
and that contributed directly
and indirectly to all the
problems that have occurred
in our system.”
Thurmond said
the county attempted
to implement a water
replacement program in
2011 but failed to initiate
an implementation plan,
partially due to contract
disputes and lack of vendor
capacity and resources.
“A large percentage of
our water meters are now
25 to 30 years old. Over
time the meters often lose
accuracy as they age,”
Thurmond said.
DeKalb officials
negotiated a settlement with
iPerl manufacturer, Sensus,
to replace 47,500 water
meters in 2018. Sensus
DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond
updates residents on water billing issues
during a meeting March 12 at the Maloof
Auditorium in Decatur.
agreed to pay DeKalb
a negotiated settlement
of approximately $8.64
million to offset equipment
repairs, installation and
reprogramming services.
According to Reggie
Wells, director of the
county’s watershed
management department,
DeKalb will begin a three-
year program to replace
approximately 102,000
potentially defective iPerl
water meters in April. Phase
one of the replacement
program will replace 30,000
water meters, according to
Wells.
“We will start in the
beginning of April. The
benefit to the customer is
more accurate water billing
and meter readings. This
will improve consistency
and efficiency in the billing
process because we will
eliminate that manual meter
reading,” Wells said.
County officials said
the faulty water meters
will be replaced with new
meters manufactured by
AccuStream. According
to Wells, AccuStream is
a “top performing” meter
in the water industry and
has 60 years of proven
performance.
“The new meters will
DeKalb County officials held a water meter replacement update meeting March 12.
allow us to have real-time
data. This will get us to
restore trust and we can
proactively engage with
customers,” Wells said.
PET WEEK
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has a toy by his side!
Do you have a big box
of dog toys just waiting
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Bone is your guy and he'd
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watch?v=U3pluyy9uzY
If you would like to
expand your family by 4
furry little feet; ask to meet
this great pup and have a
loving friend forever. All
adoptions include spay/
DEKALB FREE PRESS • MARCH 15, 2019 • Page 8
Water customers
receiving new meters will be
notified with door hangers
at their residences. When
the installation is complete,
Ham Bone
neuter, vaccinations and
microchip! If you would
like more information about
Ham Bone please call (404)
another door hanger will
notify them a new water
meter is in place, according
to a release from DeKalb
County.
294-2165 or email foster@
dekalbanimalservices.
com. All potential adopters
will be screened to ensure
Ham Bone goes to a good
home. Hours: Mon-Fri;
11am-7pm / Sat-Sun;
11am-6pm
Not ready to adopt or
already have enough pets?
Then please consider
fostering a pet. We are
in urgent need of foster
homes for two weeks or
more, since our shelter is
completely full and we are
out of room. We will provide
everything you need, and
you just supply the love.
Interested in helping?
Please contact foster@
dekalbanimalservices.com.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • MARCH 15, 2019 • Page 9

WEEK in PICTURES

Tucker hosted its annual chili cookoff March 9. Photos from Tucker’s Facebook page Decatur Police Officer White recently helped 93-year-old resident change her flat tire. Photo by

Students from Narvie J. Harris Theme Elementary during the 20th annual Black History Month program Feb 23. Photo provided by Stonecrest Councilman Jimmy Clanton, left, and Mayor Jason Lary celebrate
DeKalb County School District. median landscaping upgrades on Turner Hill Road. Photo from Stonecrest’s
Facebook page

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 • MARCH 15, 2019 • Page 10

STONE MOUNTAIN
EDUCATION
BRIEFS
BY TAYLOR ROBINS
TAYLOR@DEKALBCHAMP.COM

Former DeKalb students

recognized for academic
excellence

College of Coastal
Georgia’s office of the
president announced
students who made the
President’s List and Dean’s
List by their high academic
performance during the fall
2018 semester.
Sophie Hine from
DeKalb County was
named to the College of
Coastal Georgia fall 2018
President’s List.
Jordan Bewer, Sai
Cegielski, Alexis Payne
and LaTosha Walker, all
from DeKalb County, were
named to the College of
Coastal Georgia Dean’s List
A Stone Mountain High School student supports the school’s basketball coach during the Feb. 28 On the Scene with Dr. Green event. Photo by Taylor Robins. for fall 2018.
To be named to the

Support continues for ousted coaches

President’s List, a student
must be enrolled in at least
12 hours of course work
and achieve a grade point
average of 4.00 for the
According to Jamie Mitchell─a the basketball team instead. term. The students named to
BY TAYLOR ROBINS the Dean’s List achieved a
volunteer and regular monetary No one has taken over the girls’
taylor@dekalbchamp.com grade point average between
contributor to the school─the funds basketball program. 3.5 to 3.99 while enrolled
could not have been misappropriated Parents and community members as full-time students in the
During the Feb. 28 On the Scene
because the fees are “very seldom are concerned for the future of female given term.
with Dr. Green event, a group from
paid” for the Title I school. The basketball players if the Clarks
Stone Mountain High School stood up
girls’ basketball program is run from do not return as coaches. Stanley Valdosta State University
to show support of two coaches they
feel have been wronged by the school
donations from parents and the Clarks. Clark was helping four senior level announces fall 2018
The school does not have a booster students to obtain scholarships before Dean’s List
and district.
club, according to Jamie Mitchell. his suspension. He has also helped
“Why does DeKalb County School Valdosta State University
The Clarks finished the 2018-2019 approximately 20 girls receive
District (DCSD) hire administrators announced its fall 2018
basketball season, but were removed scholarships in his history with the
that think it is OK to operate with fear Dean’s List. More than
from their positions at season's end by school.
and intimidation,” asked Reginald 1,700 students earned a spot
the school’s new principal Wislene DCSD responded to the group’s
Mitchell, a Stone Mountain High on the Dean’s List.
John. accusations with a March 7 statement Local students on the
School volunteer.
According to Jamie Mitchell, John is sent to The Champion Newspaper: Dean’s List are Julia
“Well, I would hope that would
“very aggressive” and staff at the high “Maintaining a welcoming, positive Allison of Decatur,
not be the case,” said R. Stephen
school do not want to speak out against and healthy learning environment for Folake Amoda of Stone
Green, DCSD superintendent. “The
her in fear of losing their jobs. Staff at teachers and students is one of DeKalb Mountain, Gabrielle Ash of
administrators that we hire operate
under a code of conduct themselves
the school are allowing the Mitchells to County School District’s top priorities. Decatur, Brooke Douglas
be their spokespersons. When necessary, DCSD will investigate of Lithonia, Savannah
and that code of conduct is to respect Lockhart of Decatur,
According to Jamie Mitchell, John individual cases involving employee
individuals. If that has occurred then I Elisa Miller of Lithonia,
removed the Clarks because funds behavior. No case is the same, and each
need to hear about that and we’ll take Jameria Moore of Decatur,
raised for the basketball program were case offers its own set of circumstances.
the approiopate measures to try to Safi Mujaddidi of Tucker,
not turned in to John, as required by a The outcome of each investigation,
address that... That is not the kind of Maura O’kane of Decatur,
school policy. In Stanley Clark’s decade whether it results in an employee being
culture I want here.” Walter Parker of Decatur
of teaching and coaching with the removed from a position, reassigned, and Maxwell Steele of
The group attended to support
school, he had not heard of the policy, or reinstated, is determined through our Decatur.
Stanley Clark─the school’s girls’
according to Jamie Mitchell. DCSD disciplinary procedures.” Students who achieve
basketball head coach─and his
The Clarks were originally removed DCSD has also been criticized a semester grade point
daughter Deanna Clark─his assistant
from their basketball position. this year for the suspension and average of 3.50 or higher
coach. Stanley Clark has been the girls’
However, after the On the Scene with reinstatement of Henderson Mill on nine or more semester
basketball coach for 13 years at Stone
Dr. Green event in February, a district Elementary coach James O’Donnell hours with an institutional
Mountain High School. grade point average of 3.00
investigation opened that includes and Chamblee High School’s former
Both Clarks were removed from the or higher are recognized by
DCSD Region Superintendent Sherry principal Rebecca Braaten─who
team for allegedly misappropriating being placed on the Dean’s
Johnson, according to Jamie Mitchell. resigned after being accused of leading
basketball fee funds. The Clarks are List.
When the investigation opened, the in an intimidating way by parents,
still teachers at the school, however.
Clarks were placed on suspension from teachers and students. SEE EDUCATION ON PAGE 11
EDUCATION
DECATUR
Members and supporters of Beacon Hill Black Alliance for Human Rights gather March 7 in downtown Decatur before discussing
pending legislation regarding Confederate monuments.
Decatur High School students walk toward a MARTA train,
enroute to the state capitol March. 7.
Students rally against
Confederate monuments
BY TAYLOR ROBINS
taylor@dekalbchamp.com
Decatur High School students and
supporters of Beacon Hill Black Alliance
for Human Rights came together March
7 to discuss pending legislation regarding
Confederate monuments.
The group met at the Confederate
monument in downtown Decatur behind
the historic courthouse, where they
discussed their support of House Bill
175 and Senate Bill 51 and opposition to
Senate Bill 77.
HB 175 prohibits the display of
monuments or memorabilia related
to the Confederate states on public
property except for museums and Civil
War battlefields. SB 51 provides local
governments the authority to relocate,
remove, conceal, obscure, or alter certain
monuments and flags.
SB 77 provides additional protections
for government statues, monuments,
plaques and banners.
“We’re hoping that the youth will put
pressure on the legislators to act how we
want them to,” said Sulaiman Reshid,
Decatur High School senior. “These
monuments are proof that the Confederacy
and White supremacy aren’t good… These
great monuments are put into place and we
don’t know the context behind them most
of the time. We’re going to be paying taxes
DEKALB FREE PRESS • MARCH 15, 2019 • Page 11
EDUCATION Continued From Page 10A
Townsend named to Dean’s List at Grove City College
Bekah Townsend, freshman biology major at Grove
City College, has been named to the Dean’s List with high
distinction for the fall 2018 semester.
Bekah of Tucker is a 2018 graduate of Killian Hill
Christian School.
Students eligible for the Dean’s List have a GPA of 3.40
to 3.59; for the Dean’s List with Distinction a GPA of 3.60
to 3.84 and for the Dean’s List with High Distinction a GPA
of 3.85 to 4.0.
Decatur man completes U.S. Merchant Marine
Academy Sea Year
Midshipman Isaac Church, son of Yumie Toka, of
Decatur recently completed Sea Year training at the United
States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, N.Y. 
Church was nominated to the elite federal service
academy by Congressman Hank Johnson of Georgia’s
4th Congressional District and is a graduate of Druid Hills
High School.
Two student organizers rally fellow classmates on the Decatur
Square. Photo by Taylor Robins.
soon and our taxes are going to be paying
for monuments like these.”
After their discussion, the group and
adult chaperones from Beacon Hill and
Hate Free Decatur rode a MARTA train to
the state Capitol where they hoped to meet
with legislators before entering the gallery
and observing the General Assembly.
“By taking the initiative to go to the
state capitol as young leaders, it sends
the message of resilience and persistence
that is necessary in any call to action. Our
commitment to visiting the capitol not only
emphasizes the impact our community has
on us, but our desire to change our own
communities,” said Kenya Oliver, student
organizer and Decatur High School senior.
The group said they attended the
session respectfully and quietly. The group
also wore matching shirts.
The students were provided pizza by
Mod Pizza, supporting the restaurant’s
launch of the “Kennedy Pizza.” Kennedy
Segars was a Decatur High School
graduate who was killed by an alleged
drunken driver in Lithonia.
While at the capitol, students met and
discussed the proposed bills with Georgia
representatives Renitta Shannon and
Erica Thomas and Georgia senators Elena
Parent and Harold Jones II.
SB 77 was passed through the senate
before the night was over.
 AROUNDDeKalb
DEKALB FREE PRESS • MARCH 15, 2019 • Page 12

DECATUR at the entrance to the library of the paved Arabia

Passport Day to be celebrated
DeKalb County Superior Court Clerk Debra
DeBerry will host National Passport Day on March
23, from 8 a.m. until noon to provide passport
information to U.S. citizens and to accept passport
applications. Appointments are not necessary when
applying in the clerk’s office. Passport applications
will be accepted for routine or expedited service.
The event will be held in the office of Clerk of
Superior Court, 556 N. McDonough Street, in
Decatur.
For more information on National Passport Day
at the DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court Office
and how to apply for a U.S. passport call Fayron
Woodley at (404) 687-3873
STONECREST
Library to host hike
Hikers will take a one-mile trek from Stonecrest
Library March 22 at 10:30 a.m. The hike will start
Mountain PATH. Participants may return to the
library for a light snack. Hikers are asked to wear
closed-toe shoes and bring a bottle of water.
Children must be accompanied by an adult. The
library is located at 3123 Klondike Road. For more
information, call (770) 482 3828.
STONE MOUNTAIN
ART Station to host event
ART Station, in Historic Stone Mountain Village, will
hold its 23rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
and Fundraiser, “Raising of the Green” March 17
from 6 from 10 p.m. The event features silent and
live auctions, “A Taste of Stone Mountain,” music
and complimentary green beer. Tickets are $25 at
the door or $20 in advance. For more information
or to purchases tickets, call (770) 469-1105 or visit
www.artstation.org.
TUCKER
City to kick off leash campaign
Tucker’s Parks and Recreation Department will
host a kickoff event for its new program “Lead the
Pack” March 16 from 3 to 5 p.m. in Henderson Park.
The program’s mission is to encourage residents to
keep their pets on-leash while walking within city
parks. Pet owners can meet at the Lake Erin Pavilion
to sign the pledge and then take a group hike with
their pets through the park’s beautifully wooded
hiking trails. Select pet stores and vendors will be
on hand with product information and to give away
gift cards. The park is located at 2723 Henderson
Road. For more information, visit www.tuckerga.
gov.

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BUSINESS
COUNTYWIDE
Survey: Younger consumers
enjoy spending of the green
BY KATHY MITCHELL
FREELANCE REPORTER
While St. Patrick’s
Day spending continues
to be small in comparison
to spending on many
other holidays and
commemorative days—it’s
less than a fourth of the
average spending a month
earlier on Valentine’s Day,
for example—it has risen
sharply over the past 10
years, according to studies
conducted by National
Retail Federation (NRF) and
its affiliate Prosper Insights
& Analytics.
This year’s results of the
annual survey indicate that
consumers celebrating St.
Patrick’s Day will spend an
average of $40, compared
with $32.80 in 2009. The
national total spending for
the March 17 holiday rose
from $3.29 billion in 2009
to an estimated $5.60 billion
this year. During the same
time period, the percentage
of consumers celebrating
grew from 44 percent in
2009 to an anticipated 55
percent in 2019, down from
60 percent in 2018, when the
holiday fell on a Saturday.
Although NRF
acknowledges that the
measurement of how much
Americans spend celebrating
St. Patrick’s Day varies
source to source—and there
even is disagreement on
what should be included—
the retail association states
without reservation that the
holiday has “a rather large
economic footprint.”
NRF this year took a
more detailed look at its St.
Patrick’s Day data to better
understand why the holiday
is capturing the attention
of increasing numbers of
Americans each year. The
primary reason appears
to be the preferences of
younger people entering
the consumer community.
“While older generations
might turn to more
traditional St. Patrick’s Day
celebrations like preparing
a dinner of corned beef
and cabbage or attending a
parade, younger consumers
wholeheartedly embrace the
social aspects of the holiday,
planning to spend an
evening at a bar or restaurant
or making party plans with
friends,” the NRF study
states.
Although the most
recent U.S. Census shows
that more than 33.1 million
Americans claim Irish
descent—more than seven
times the current population
of Ireland—increasingly
those celebrating are
unconcerned about whether
they have Irish ancestry,
the NRF survey notes. This
appears especially true
among younger consumers.
A decade ago
approximately half of
consumers 35 years old
and younger celebrated
St. Patrick’s Day; today
the number is 70 percent,
according to NRF. Although
the percentage of those
celebrating has increased
among older consumers, it
has not grown as sharply as
it has among those younger
than 35. Among consumers
36 to 54 years old, the
percent celebrating has
increased from 43 percent to
57 percent since 2009 and
among those 55 years old
and older, the number has
risen from 39 percent to 41
percent.
Younger consumers
are attracted to bargain or
discount retailers such as
dollar stores, off-price and
thrift stores, with “more than
DEKALB FREE PRESS • MARCH 15, 2019 • Page 13
Drake Irish Dancers and
King O Sullivan Irish
Dancers will perform the
afternoon of Saturday,
March 16 and on March 17
King O Sullivan Dancers
and Drake Irish Dancers will
return Sunday, starting at 3
p.m. and Marley House will
have live Irish music from
12:30 until 8 p.m. on March
17.
“Our St. Paddy’s has
grown over the last 10
years. We spend months
90 percent of millennials and likely to attend a private planning this one weekend
adult Gen Zers [shopping at party. and it is always a huge
such stores]—often several Much of the spending is success,” Rivera-Rodriguez
times a month,” according on alcohol consumed in pubs said. 
to NRF. Such stores offer and restaurants, along with Jade Moffett, general
inexpensive holiday items traditional Irish foods. For manager of O’Brian’s Tavern
such as beads, scarves, example, people consume in Dunwoody said O’Brian’s
holiday themed cups and about 7.5 million pints of the will have bagpipers and
plates, balloons, headbands Irish beer Guinness globally special menu items such
and other items that young on most days, but that rises as Irish stew, corned beef
consumers find as fun to 13 million on St. Patrick’s and cabbage, as well as a
but inexpensive ways to Day — “enough to fill 60 selection of Irish beers.
celebrate. percent of the Empire State Olde Blind Dog Irish
Another finding from the Building,” the NRF notes. Pub in Brookhaven for the
survey indicates a fondness Several DeKalb fifth year will celebrate St.
for private St. Patrick’s restaurants and pubs Patrick’s Day with a ticketed
Day parties among younger anticipate a boost in outdoor festival featuring
men. Women in the 35 and spending on St. Patrick’s live Irish music on Saturday,
younger demographic were Day weekend and are according to General
slightly more likely than planning special menus and manager Dan Ping.
men to wear green, attend a entertainment to encourage Lexi Staccia, the bar
party at a bar or restaurant, patrons to join them for the manager at Mac McGee’s in
decorate at home or the wearing of the green. Decatur said she anticipates
office or make a special The Marley House in being very busy all St.
dinner and were equally Decatur, an Irish themed Patrick’s Day weekend. “St.
likely to attend a parade. restaurant, has two days of Patrick’s is on Sunday this
Younger men, however, special entertainment lined year and whenever it falls
are twice as likely to host up this year, according to on a weekend, we’re extra
St. Patrick’s Day party as General Manager Michelle busy Friday, Saturday and
women in the same age Rivera-Rodriguez. She Sunday,” she said.
group and were also more reports that The Art Project,
PUBLIC NOTICE
CITY OF LITHONIA, GEORGIA
Notice of Intent to Take Action to Increase the Compensation of the Mayor and
Councilmembers of the City of Lithonia, Georgia.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Mayor and Council, at their April 15, 2019
Regular Meeting, intend to consider and to vote upon an ordinance that will
provide for an increase in compensation for the Mayor and members of the
City Council, and will provide that said compensation for the Mayor be fixed at
a monthly salary of $900.00; and that said compensation for Councilmembers
be fixed at a monthly salary of $450.00 and if so approved on April 15, 2019,
will become effective January 1, 2020. Copies of the proposed ordinance
are available for examination and inspection with the Lithonia City Clerk. All
concerned citizens are invited to the public hearing, which will be located at the
Lithonia City Hall, 6920 Main Street, Lithonia, Georgia on April 15, 2019 at 6:30
p.m.
LaThaydra Sands
City Administrator
SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS • MARCH 15, 2019 • Page 14

BASKETBALL
NEXT
LEVEL
Each week The Champion spotlights
former high school players from the
county who are succeeding in athletics
on the college level.

Jalen Cobb, Fordham

(basketball): The
freshman guard
from Columbia led
the team in scoring
with 15 points in
the 67-56 win over
George Washington
University March 6.
Tucker’s Nate Ogbu (10) drives baseline against Tir-Cities Mario McIntosh (3) during first half action of their Class 6A boys’
championship thriller. Photo by Janette Brock Lyndon Weaver,
Eastern Kentucky

Tucker falls to Tri-Cities

(baseball): The
freshman infielder
from Redan had two
RBIs in the 16-10 win

in championship game over Oakland March

10.

Jada Walton, Texas

BY CARLA PARKER point line, leaving shooters Tucker was still leading
open on multiple plays. with less than two minutes A&M (basketball):
Carla@dekalbchamp.com
Tri-Cities shot 29.2 left in the game, but two The sophomore guard
A last-second three- percent from the three-point missed free throw attempts from Southwest
pointer crushed the Tucker line and was 3-of-8 in the by freshman Raylan
Tigers’ chances of winning a fourth quarter. Tucker went Barrion proved costly as DeKalb led the team
state championship. 0-for-6 from three. Johnson hit a three-point on in steals with four,
No. 5-ranked Tucker Tucker led Tri-Cities 22- the following play to tie the and had five points
fell to No. 1-ranked Tri- 18 at halftime and held the game at 41-41.
lead throughout the third Tri-Cities took a 43-
in the 64-62 win over
Cities 46-43 in the Class
AAAAAA boys’ basketball quarter. Junior Braelon 41 lead with 14.6 seconds Auburn March 8.
title game March 9 at Seals’s driving layup before remaining on a driving
Macon Centreplex. With the buzzer gave Tucker a layup by Demetrius Rives,

6.9 seconds remaining on
the clock, Tucker senior
Nicholas Watson hit two
free throws to tie the game
This could
seven-point lead at the end following a turnover by
of the third quarter. Watson. Watson would
However, the Tigers redeem himself after tying
went cold in the fourth the game with his two free

be your
at 43-43. quarter, going 0-for-4 from throws, but in the end, it
Tri-Cities’s Da’Marcus the field, and team-leading was not enough.
Johnson got the ball on the scorer Jemontae Hill fouled Hill led the team in

inbound pass and got behind
the three-point line before
drilling the game-winner.
Tucker struggled the entire
game to defend the three-
out of the game with 4:35
remaining in the game.
Tucker’s fourth-quarter
points came from the free
throw line.
ad!
scoring with a game-high 14
points. Sophomore David
Giddens had nine points
and nine rebounds. Tucker
finished the season 28-5.

Call
404.373.7778 x 110
SPORTS
FOOTBALL
Cedar Grove football coach Jermaine Smith is leaving the program after accepting a position in Georgia State University’s football program. File photo
Jermaine Smith accepts position at GSU
BY CARLA PARKER
Carla@dekalbchamp.com
After leading Cedar Grove High
School’s football program to its
second state title in three seasons,
coach Jermaine Smith is moving
up to the college level.
Smith is the new running
backs coach for Georgia State
University’s football program, the
team announced March 7. Smith
has coached at Cedar Grove for 12
years, including the last six years as
athletic director, football coach and
head track coach. Smith said he has
received many high school coaching
job offers, but turned them down.
“College and this [position] were
too good [to turn down],” Smith
said.
Smith, a native of Darlington,
S.C., began coaching at Cedar
Grove in 2007 as the receiver and
defensive back coach. He was
named offensive coordinator in
2010 and was promoted to head
coach in 2013 after Ray Bonner
retired.
Smith led Cedar Grove to two
Class AAA state championships in
2016 and 2018, with its first title in
school history coming in 2016. The
two-time Class AAA coach of the
year leaves Cedar Grove with a 67-
14-1 record.
Smith also led the boys’ track
and field team to four consecutive
DEKALB FREE PRESS • MARCH 15, 2019 • Page 15
College and
this [position]
were too good
[to turn down].
- JERMAINE SMITH
state titles, including the program’s
first ever title in 2015. He said he
will not coach track this season
at Cedar Grove as he begins his
new position. He said he kept his
coaching staff and players informed
of every interview he had.
“I told them I wouldn’t leave this
year unless it was a college,” Smith
said. “I turned down [thousands
of job offers]. I told my coaches it
would probably happen [March 8]
and met with the guys [March 4].
The guys were hurt but understood.”
Smith said Miguel Patrick will
be interim head football coach.
In a press release, Georgia State
head coach Shawn Elliott said,
“Not only is Smith a tremendous
coach and person with deep ties to
this city and to the great high school
football culture here in Georgia,
but he is a Georgia State graduate,
having earned his master degree
here.”
Smith played quarterback at
Tennessee State, where he helped
lead the team to Ohio Valley
Conference titles in 1998 and 1999.
He earned his bachelor degree
in business administration from
Fayetteville State in 2002 and
earned a master of education degree
from Georgia State in 2009.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • MARCH 15, 2019 • Page 16

WATER
GOT A NEWS TIP?
Continued From Page 7
member of the Georgia
Association of Water
Professionals. We’d love to hear from you.
Others said the
legislation was too broad.
“A statewide solution
is not the way to address
a local problem,” said
HORACE HOLLOMAN
Horace@DeKalbChamp.com
Gil Shearouse, executive Local news editor: covers county government
director for Douglas County crime • courts • Decatur • Avondale Estates
Water and Sewer Authority.
“I think fixing one bad apple
or a group of bad apples
at the expense of the rest
is punishing providers and
their customers. This is
CARLA PARKER
Carla@DeKalbChamp.com
problematic...one size does Sports editor: covers sports plus Stonecrest
not fit all.”    Clarkston • Lithonia • Stone Mountain • Tucker

TAYLOR ROBINS
Taylor@DeKalbChamp.com
Education editor: covers all things education-related
Brookhaven • Doraville • Chamblee • Dunwoody • Pine Lake.
TheCHAMPION