the DeKalb FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019 • VOL.

24, NO 18 • 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

Doraville official expresses pride in

being part of LGBTQ community
“It’s important to stand
up for who we are
and show that we’re
not ashamed of being
who we are.”

BY TAYLOR ROBINS
carla@dekalbchamp.com

J
une is lesbian, gay, bisexual,
transgender and queer
(LGBTQ) Pride Month, when
people across the country take a stance
against discrimination by celebrating
with various events during the month.
Doraville City Council Member
Stephe Koontz told The Champion
about several LGBTQ topics, including
the city’s first Doraville Pride movie
night and pool party scheduled for
July 27 at Flowers Park─5921 New
Peachtree Road in Doraville─ starting
at 7:30 p.m. The event will feature the
movie Love Simon and food will be
provided.
“We are still a very repressed
segment of society and for a lot of
people it takes a lot of courage to just
be out as an open LGBTQ person,”
Koontz said. “I think having pride in
who we are and being able to celebrate
that is important. And for me personally
seeing how much persecution and hate
is still being thrown at our community,
I think it’s important to stand up for
who we are and show that we’re not
ashamed of being who we are.”
Koontz is the first transgender
person to win an election in the state of
Georgia.
“[Fellow Doraville City Council
Member Joseph Geierman and I] felt it
was important to show the community
that we see them,” said Koontz. “[The
SEE LGBT ON PAGE 6
Stephe Koontz, a Doraville city council member. Photo provided by Stephe Koontz.

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

LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019 • Page 2

CLARKSTON

City tentatively adopts

2019 millage rate
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Clarkston City Council
has tentatively adopted a
millage rate that would
increase property taxes for
residents.
The council
unanimously voted June
4 to adopt the proposed
2019 millage rate of 15.89
mills, which is an increase
of 2.607 mills over the located at 3921 Church St. will be held at 7 p.m. on
rollback rate of 13.283. The final public hearing July 2 in the council room.
City manager Robin
Gomez said the rate would
increase property taxes by Georgia Department of Transportation
19.63 percent.
“Based on the total
To Hold a Series of
tax digest, the rollback Location and Design Public Information Open Houses
millage rate for the city of For P.I. No. 0013914, I-285 Eastside Express Lanes
Clarkston to generate the DeKalb County
same property tax revenue
this year as the prior year,
would be 13.283,” he said. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) will hold a series of Public Information Open Houses
concerning the project listed above. The dates, times, and locations are as follows:
“We’re recommending
the 15.89 mills, which is Tuesday, June 18 Clarkston First Baptist Church Gymnasium 4:30-7:30 p.m.
a 19.63 percent increase, 3999 Church St, Clarkston, GA 30021
so that the tax rate would
remain the same due to the Thursday, June 20 Peace Baptist Church Annex 4:30-7:30 p.m.
values increasing. Our real 3996 Covington Hwy, Decatur, GA 30032
property values increased
by 24.16 percent.” Tuesday, June 25 Rehoboth Baptist Church Fellowship Hall 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Gomez said the rate 2997 Lawrenceville Hwy, Tucker, GA 30084 4:30-7:30 p.m.
would be the maximum
millage rate that the Thursday, June 27 DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Atlanta - Northlake 4:30-7:30 p.m.
4156 Lavista Rd, Atlanta, GA 30084
council could set.
We could not increase This project proposes to construct express lanes on an approximate 10-mile section of I-285 from I-20 to
or go above this millage near Henderson Road in DeKalb County. The proposed express lanes would improve mobility and travel
rate, but certainly based time reliability along the east side of I-285 and provide connections to the proposed expansion of the
on how we progress, Georgia Express Lanes network.
the council could make
a decision to lower the The purpose of these Location and Design Public Information Open Houses is to provide the public with
millage rate,” Gomez said. an opportunity to view the proposed project, ask questions, and comment on the proposed project.
Before the council’s
vote, city councilman The Open Houses will be informal, and the public is invited to attend at any time during the hours listed
Jamie Carroll said since above. There will be no formal presentations. A court reporter will be available to allow the public an
the rate is the maximum, opportunity to make verbal comments about the project.
he did not see the need to
raise it higher than it was Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Information: The meeting sites are accessible to persons with
last year, considering the disabilities. Accommodations for people with disabilities can be arranged with advance notice by calling
increase in the tax digest. Joshua Higgins at 770-216-3896.
“It may go lower than
this, but I don’t really see Written statements will be accepted concerning this project until Monday, July 15, 2019. Written
a reason to raise it higher statements may be submitted to:
than 15.89 for advertising
purposes,” he said. Mr. Eric Duff
Clarkston will host two State Environmental Administrator
public hearings at 10 a.m.
Georgia Department of Transportation
and 6:30 p.m. on June 25
in the city council room, 600 West Peachtree Street, NW – 16th Floor
Atlanta, Georgia 30308
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019 • Page 3

DORAVILLE

DCSD responds to Cary Elementary

becoming historic building
BY TAYLOR ROBINS
Taylor@dekalbchamp.com

After community development or insensitive facility conditions of the

members voiced concerns
about the maintenance at
Cary Reynolds Elementary
School, Doraville city
council members voted
to support the inclusion
of the building in The
Georgia Trust for Historic
Preservation’s “Places in
Peril” list June 3.
The city council
approved a resolution to
support the designation
from the Georgia Trust For
Historic Preservation and it
could lead to funding for the
schools infrastructure.
“It’s a necessary need
whether it’s an historic
building or not and Cary
Reynolds is in dire need of
our city and local support,”
said Doraville City Council
Member Pam Fleming.
The Georgia Trust
program identifies and
helps preserve historic
sites threatened by
demolition, neglect, lack of
maintenance, inappropriate
public policy, according to
its site.
Doraville city council
members voted unanimously
to include the school on the
historic building list.
The Champion contacted
DCSD communications
for a statement about Cary
Reynolds’ addition to the
historic list and DCSD
responded with, “While the
[DCSD] Superintendent
[R. Stephen Green] and
DCSD staff did not know
about the Cary Reynolds
resolution until after it
had passed, the mayor of
Doraville and Board of
Education member Stan
Jester had discussed it prior
to the city council bringing
it up for a vote. DCSD staff
has subsequently spoken
with the mayor and each
shared their perspectives
on the resolution, and agree
in principle for the support
of community stakeholders
goals’ to raise funds for the
school. DCSD and the city
of Doraville value their
longstanding cooperative Doraville officials voted to include Cary Reynolds Elementary School to a historic
partnership to serve the building list. Photo by Taylor Robins.
students and families of the
city of Doraville.” “Adding Cary Reynolds possible replacement of
In another statement, Elementary to The Georgia this school in the future,”
DCSD officials discussed Trust’s ‘Places in Peril’ list a district spokesperson
how the district’s future could limit the flexibility
plans for the school can the district has in the SEE ELEMENTARY ON PAGE 7
collaborate with the building
being placed on the historic
buildings list.
NOTICE OF
NONDISCRIMINATORY
POLICY AS TO
STUDENTS
So Much 2 Learn Home
School admits students
of any race, color, ethnic
origins, gender or sexual
orientation to all the rights,
privileges, programs,
and activities generally
accorded or made available
to students at the school.
It does not discriminate
on the basis of race,
color, national and ethnic
origins, gender or sexual
orientation in administration
of its educational policies,
admissions policies,
scholarship, and loan
programs, and athletic and
other school-administered
programs.

REPORT OF CHAMBLEE DORAVILLE COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT

DISTRICT OF PROPOSED MILLAGE RATE

In compliance with O.C.G.A. §48-5, the Chamblee Doraville

Community Improvement District (“CID”) reports that at its meeting
on June 24, 2019, beginning at 2:30 p.m. at 5170 Peachtree Road,
Building 100, Suite 400, Atlanta, GA 30341, the CID Board of
Directors will vote upon a proposal to levy an ad valorem taxation
rate of 5 mills, and will set its millage rate for the lawful purposes
of the District for the current calendar year. Set forth below is
the assessed taxable value of the properties subject to taxes for
the current year and the total dollar amount of ad valorem taxes
proposed to be levied for the current year, reflecting there have
been no CID taxes previously assessed, and therefore no preceding
years of CID assessed taxable values, taxes, and increases to
report. All property levied upon is real property.

Assessed Value Taxes Levied % Change $ Change

2019proposed $158,146,046 $790,730 100% $790,730

J. Lynn Rainey, P.C. – State Bar No. 592350 – 358 Roswell Street, Suite 1130
Marietta, Georgia 30060 – (770) 421-6040
OPINION
Is the 'Heartbeat Bill' worth Georgia jobs?
Now that Gov. Brain Kemp
has endorsed the controversial
“heartbeat” abortion bill─signed
May 7─several production
companies have announced that
they are considering pulling out
of Georgia and moving their
companies to other states if the law
goes into effect in January. AMC,
CBS, NBC, Viacom, Sony, Netflix
and Disney have filmed and/or are
currently filming in Georgia.
Those companies bring to mind
productions such as AMC’s The
Walking Dead. Not only is a large
part of the series set in Georgia, but
all of its fully aired nine seasons
have been filmed in Georgia. If
AMC pulled The Walking Dead
Foreclosures
Tax Sales/Ads for Bids
Trade Name Registrations
Public Notices/Public meetings
Sheriff Sales/Local Legislation
Notices of Incorporation
To subscribe, visit DeKalbLegalNotices.com
or call 404-373-7779, X 0
#ItsInTheChampion
TAYLOR ROBINS
Taylor@dekalbchamp.com
from Georgia, imagine how many
people could potentially lose their
jobs or have to relocate. Local
businesses which provide catering
and other services for productions
would potentially lose revenue
which keeps their businesses afloat.
Disney and Marvel Studios
created the ninth highest-grossing
film of all time, Black Panther, in
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019 • Page 4
2018. The film made $1.34 billion
at the box office and was filmed
in Georgia. With a budget of $200
million, how much of that money
may have gone to local film crews
and businesses? I’m not sure.
However, I’m sure that if future
Disney and Marvel mega-films were
pulled from Georgia, the loss would
be felt in dollars generated.
The Atlanta Journal
Constitution reported in August
2018 that Georgia benefitted from
an estimate of $2.7 billion in direct
spending by the film industry. From
July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018,
455 television and film productions
spent at least $500,000 each in the
state.
Is this bill really worth all
the opportunities Georgia could
lose if it goes into effect and
these production companies
keep act on their threats to halt
production in Georgia? Could one
of the strictest abortion laws in
the nation slow down Georgia’s
blossoming Hollywood status and
progressiveness?
Regulating a woman’s body
after six weeks of pregnancy is
a heavy topic for many reasons;
however, I’m not sure it’s worth the
loss to thousands of Georgians who
make a living doing what they love
in the film industry.
OPINION DEKALB FREE PRESS • JUNE 14, 2019 • Page 5

Disastrous disaster relief

farmers who were crippled earlier communities and economies may
“Today the president
acknowledged he was going to fulfill
‘One Man’s by a late season freeze as well
as tornadoes in 2017.  The aid
make all the difference between
eventual re-growth or failure.
his promise to these disaster victims Opinion’ package has billions more for  Our people and nation deserve
and have their backs, and I think restoring highways, wastewater better, from both sides of the
today, in a bipartisan way, Congress Bill Crane infrastructure and military bases, aisle. Part of making America
backed him up on that,” said U.S. bill.csicrane@gmail.com such as Tyndall Air Force Base great again is responding to
Senator David Perdue (R-GA), in near Panama City and an additional natural disaster and caring for
announcing the long-delayed Senate $900 million in recovery assistance our injured and those in harm’s
window. But for thousands of for Puerto Rico, still reeling from way, immediately, or as soon as is
vote on a $19.1 billion disaster
family farmers who also suffered Hurricane Maria in 2017. The latter technically possible. That certainly
recovery bill that passed 85-8 on
the loss of their homes, barns and was a key priority for Democrats was not the case here. Please, let’s
May 23, 2019.
farming equipment, there was also throughout negotiations. put that priority and mandate back
 
no collateral to make crop loans  Natural disasters are not in place. We are now entering into
Hurricane Michael crashed
against. Local and community partisan and they should not be hurricane season for 2019, and the
ashore in Mexico Beach, Fla., on
banks with heavy farm loan politicized. Just as Americans mid-west floods arrived early this
Oct. 10, 2018, with winds estimated
portfolios have been flexible and rush to donate blood, send cases year.
at 160 miles per hour. Michael is
patient, but foreclosures are likely of bottled water, diapers and  
one of only four known Category
to begin soon for many farms in other packaged goods, our U.S.
5 hurricanes to make U.S. Bill Crane also serves as a
families for generations, which had government should be able to
landfall. Within hours the charming political analyst and commentator
no yield income last year from their maintain a clear lane and unfettered
vacation, retirement, and beachfront for Channel 2’s Action News, WSB-
crops destroyed in the fields. path to assist those most in need. 
residential community was all AM News/Talk 750 and now 95.5
 President Donald Trump was After another round of stalling,
but obliterated. That was seven FM, as well as a columnist for The
quick to visit the disaster scene, and the U.S. House finally sent along
months ago, and with thousands of Champion, DeKalb Free Press and
promise significant aid; and the U.S. the bill to President Trump for
residents having left their homes Georgia Trend. Crane is a DeKalb
House moved unusually swiftly signature, while he was making
and businesses behind, there are native and business owner, living
passing two separate aid packages his visits in Europe. The actual
still families, seniors and longtime in Scottdale. You can reach him
of $17 and $19 billion to assist the day count until those dollars
area residents living in tents, houses or comment on a column at bill.
region in rebuilding.  are circulating in those crushed
without fully functioning utilities or csicrane@gmail.com. 
 Yet somehow, as is increasingly
tarped roofs and businesses unable
the case on Capitol Hill, partisan
to return to their prior locations.
divides over additional aid for
 And Michael was not finished
Puerto Rico (which Trump
on the coast, in addition to causing
opposes), and additional funding
74 deaths (59 in the United States),
for the Mexico border wall (which
Michael caused an estimated $25.1
the White House strongly supports),
billion in infrastructure and property
became intertwined with the disaster
damage. As Michael moved inland,
relief for the Florida panhandle
it laid down hundreds of miles of
and farmers. Thankfully due to
crops in the field, wiping out key
the persistence of several farm
cash crops in Florida, southwest
state senators, including Georgia
Alabama and south Georgia, before
Senators David Perdue and Johnny
farmers could harvest. Agricultural
Isakson, a deal was finally reached
losses approach $4 billion. As
and passed the Senate on Thursday,
another summer approaches, and
May 23, the House is expected to
vacationers return to Panama City
pass soon as well, though members
Beach, Pensacola, Seaside and
have already left Washington for the
many popular destinations along
Memorial Day recess, and President
U.S. 98 and the Florida Panhandle,
Trump has promised his signature
normalcy appears to have
despite the absence of any border
returned. But not for Mexico Beach,
security funding in the $19.1-billion
other nearby beach communities,
spending package.
nor inland family farms across three
 The relief package includes
states. 
$3 billion in emergency aid for
 The farm planting season is
farmers in Alabama, Florida
not endless, planting cash crops
and Georgia. Additional aid is
in June is well outside the normal
included for peach and blueberry

FREEPRESS
the DeKalb Publisher: Staff Reporters:
John Hewitt Carla Parker STATEMENT FROM THE
Horace Holloman PUBLISHER
Chief Financial Officer: Taylor Robins We sincerely appreciate the
Dr. Earl D. Glenn discussion surrounding this and any
Let Us Know What You Think! Social Media Manager: issue of interest to DeKalb County.
THE DEKALB FREE PRESS encourages opinions from SEND LETTERS TO EDITOR, Production Manager: Donna Seay The Champion was founded in 1991
expressly to provide a forum for
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its readers. Please write to us and express your views. P. O. Box 1347, Decatur, GA 30031-1347; on all sides of an issue. We have no
Letters should be brief, typewritten and contain the Send email to Johnh@dekalbchamp.com desire to make the news only to
FAX To: (404) 370-3903; Phone: (404) 373-7779. The DeKalb Free Press is published each Friday report news and opinions to effect
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EDITOR’S NOTE: The opinions written by columnists and contributing editors do not necessarily reflect the opinions www.championnewspaper.com we make every effort to avoid
of the editor or publishers. The Publisher reserves the right to reject or cancel any advertisement at any time. The printing information submitted to
us that is known to be false and/or
Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts. DISPLAY ADVERTISING (404) 373-7779 x 110 assumptions penned as fact.
LOCAL
LGBT Continued From Page 1A
celebration is] open to the
public and anyone that
wants to celebrate with us
is more than welcome, and
we would love for allies
to show up and show their
support.”
According to Koontz,
Doraville has a “very
diverse” population with
60 percent of its population
being Latino. Doraville
also has large LGBTQ,
Muslim, Asian and Pacific
Islander populations. The
diverse population allows
for an accepting culture
in Doraville, according to
Koontz.
“In any community
there are a few people [who]
probably aren’t accepting
of LGBTQ people but it’s
the minority in Doraville,”
said Koontz. “The majority
of people in Doraville
have moved past that and
accepted that a lot of their
neighbors are LGBTQ and I
think one of the key things
to accepting any minority
is human interaction
with them. When your
neighbors are LGBTQ or
a different skin color and
you get to know them as
human beings, it’s hard to
marginalize them.”
In Koontz’s opinion,
the accepting culture of
Doraville contrasts with the
overall country’s acceptance
of the LGBTQ community.
“I feel like the country
has a long way to go and
there [are] still a lot of
people─for reasons that I
don’t understand─who seem
to feel like LGBTQ people
are less than human and
don’t deserve their respect,”
Koontz said. “I’m not sure
what it’s going to take to
convince them that we’re
just normal people trying to
enjoy our lives. We all just
want the same thing, the
pursuit of happiness.”
The council woman said
the current political climate
is a reason for the country’s
level of acceptance.
“Some of the politicians
are using [LGBTQ rights]
as a campaign tool,” Koontz
said. “They pass these
religious freedom bills
and these other bills that
marginalize this community
because they feel like
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019 • Page 6
their constituents want our
community marginalized
and they do it to get elected.
What’s going to have to
happen is people will have
to change who they vote for
based on these issues. And
we’ve seen that happening
in DeKalb County and
hopefully the state will
soon do the same thing and
people who champion these
anti-LGBTQ causes will get
voted out of office.”
Originally from North
Carolina, Koontz and her
family moved to the Atlanta
area while she was a toddler
and moved to Doraville
in 1984. Although Koontz
came out as transgender 25
years ago, she said she knew
that she was transgender at
the age of 3. Koontz started
her transition 15 years ago
before entering the political
circle around 2009. Stephe Koontz celebrates Atlanta Pride in 2018. Photos provided by Stephe Koontz.
“At the time I was
terrified and I knew that
especially as a transgender
person that’s not a bell that
you can un-ring,” Koontz
said. “Coming out was
probably one of the scariest
things that I ever did. But
like many things in my
life I’ve discovered that
the things that you’re most
afraid of never materialize,”
she said she found
acceptance in Doraville.
“Very few people made a
big deal of it. I assumed
everyone would. [Many]
fear that everybody is going
to be against them and that
coming out will be negative, Doraville residents patriciate in 2018 Atlanta Pride event.
when most the time it’s
not. But there still are some
people that are negative and
hanging on to the parts experience of working it and get on with your life
ugly but I can’t let those
of Doraville that are cool through this part of who and that’s what I’ve tried to
people control my life.”
while defining what the I am was a big learning do.”
Koontz ran for city
future of Doraville is,” experience on how to work Koontz suggests
council because she felt
Koontz said. “I feel like a through problem solving on Georgia Equality as a
the city wasn’t heading
lot of people misunderstand anything.” resource for the LGBTQ
in the right direction.
me and what I represent According to Koontz, community that offers
However, with the current
as an elected official. And the biggest misconception support.
council─consisting
since people have watched about the LGBTQ “I’m not going to
of Koontz, Geierman,
my actions on the council, I community is that being gay tell someone that there’s
Shannon Hillard, M.D.
have a lot more support than or transgender is a choice or nothing to be afraid of,”
Naser, Pam Fleming
I did when I was running.” lifestyle. Koontz said. “People have
and Robert Patrick─and
When asked if being “This is just something come out and their families
Doraville Mayor Donna
transgender has made her that we are,” Koontz said. have disowned them. I don’t
Pittman, the city has
a better leader, Koontz “People are born this way want to pretend that that’s
passed a nondiscrimination
said, “it’s given me and there’s nothing you can not a reality but I will say
ordinance, loosened alcohol
strength that knowing do to change it. So you can that to truly be happy you
restrictions and embraced its
that I can overcome this fight it, hide in the closet need to accept who you
art community.
I can probably overcome and deny that this is who are and be ok in your own
“We’re hoping to change
anything and that the you are, or you can embrace skin no matter what people
the face of Doraville while
LOCAL
BROOKHAVEN
Making space for electric cars
Brookhaven is
expanding its sustainability
landscape this month with
the installation of a series
of dual headed electric
car smart-charger stations
at select locations around
Brookhaven.
The move is part of
the city’s Sustainable
Brookhaven initiative
announced earlier this year.
“We are always looking
for ways to reduce our
impact on the environment
ELEMENTARY Continued From Page 3
said in a statement,
“DCSD is encouraged by
stakeholders and partners
seeking grant funds for
school improvement and
sustainability. In this
instance, however, adding
the building to the historic
buildings list could limit
the district’s overall options
in the future. DCSD
will continue to support
stakeholders and their
associated foundations in
any way possible when
applying for funds for Cary
Reynolds Elementary.”
DCSD said they
are committed to the
preservation of historic
buildings such as Druid
Hills High School, as
well as the Rock Gym at
Champion Theme Middle
School.
During a March 2019
district event, where
community members
discussed concerns in their
communities, overcrowding
and maintenance of Cary
Reynolds was a topic of
discussion.
Doraville City Council
member Stephe Koontz
attended the event to speak
on behalf of residents she
represents and who have
children attending Cary
Reynolds.
According to Koontz,
the school has mobile
classrooms on its property
used for overflow classroom
space.
“In an elementary school
that’s a really tough thing
for the kids to deal with
because you just can’t let
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019 • Page 7
or improve our air quality, Hall, Skyland Park and
not only for today but Ashford Park, Lynwood
for future generations,” Park, near the tennis facility
said Brookhaven and new playground area in
Mayor John Ernst. Blackburn Park. This first
“Brookhaven is helping round of installations is
lead the way in creating scheduled to be completed
viable environmental by the end of June.
alternatives for our ongoing Atlanta architectural A Stanton Electric Inc. crew installs additional car charging stations at Brookhaven
City Hall. The workers will be also be adding additional charging stations in Skyland,
sustainability initiative.” and engineering firm Clark Ashford, Lynwood and Blackburn parks throughout June. Photo provided by the city of
Crews from Stanton Brookahven.
Electric Inc., a subsidiary of SEE CARS ON PAGE 8
Georgia Power Company,
are currently installing
stations at Brookhaven City
NOTICE OF PROPERTY TAX INCREASE
City of Tucker, GA
them walk to the bathroom The City Council has tentatively adopted a millage rate which will require
and sometimes the teachers an increase in property taxes by 100 percent.
can’t go with them,” Koontz
said.
Koontz also discussed All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearing on this tax
maintenance concerns such increase to be held at 7:00p.m. on May 28th, 2019.
as water leaks and possible
mold.
Green said mold
Times and places of additional public hearings on this tax increase are at
was ruled out by district
6:45pm on June 10, 2019 .
maintenance workers.
District officials said
Times and places of additional public hearings on this tax increase are at
SPLOST revenues will fund
7:00pm on June 26, 2019 .
a $5.6 million project to
This tentative increase will result in a millage rate of .9 mills, an increase
replace the roof and HVAC
of .9 mills. Without this tentative tax increase, the millage rate will be no
systems at Cary Reynolds in
more than zero mills.
2022.
According to DCSD,
The proposed tax increase for a home with a fair market value of
Cary Reynolds was built in
$200,000 is approximately $63 and the proposed tax increase for
1961 with additions in 1963,
nonhomestead property with a fair market value of $200,000 is
1966, and 1998.
approximately $72.
NOTICE OF INTENT TO ADOPT A MILLAGE RATE
The City of Tucker has tentatively adopted a millage rate of .9 mills in the city. All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearing on the millage rate adoption to
be held at the City Hall Annex, 4228 First Avenue Suite 2-4, Tucker, GA 30084 on June 26, 2019 at 7:00 pm.
The City of Tucker Mayor & City Council does hereby announce that the millage rate will be set at a meeting to be held at the City Hall Annex, 4228 First Avenue Suite
2-4, Tucker, GA 30084 on June 26, 2019 at 7:00 pm and pursuant to the requirements of O.C.G.A. Section 48-5-32 does hereby publish the following presentation of
the current year's tax digest and levy, along with the history of the tax digest and levy for the past five years. There will be three publice hearings held and duly
advertised for the following dates: May 28th, June 10th and June 26th, 2019. City of Tucker expected revenue generation in the amount of $1,500,000. The adoption
of the .9 mills is lower than the previous rate for the services as provided by DeKalb County. City of Tucker is advertising at 100% increase
CURRENT 2019 TAX DIGEST AND 5 YEAR HISTORY OF LEVY
City of Tucker 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Real & Personal 1,679,063,795 1,809,804,379 968,019,546 1,075,936,079
Motor Vehicles 26,631,760 18,858,550 23,917,145
Mobile Homes
Timber - 100%
Heavy Duty Equipment 50,098
Gross Digest 0 0 1,679,063,795 1,836,436,139 986,878,096 1,099,903,322
Less M& O Exemptions 61,277,075 670,730,920 220,270,453 303,239,510
Net M & O Digest 0 0 1,617,786,720 1,165,705,219 766,607,643 796,663,812
State Forest Land Assistance Grant
Value 0
Adjusted Net M&O Digest 0 0 1,617,786,720 1,165,705,219 766,607,643 796,663,812
Gross M&O Millage 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.900
Less Rollbacks (LOST)
Net M&O Millage 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.900
Net Taxes Levied $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $716,997
Net Taxes $ Increase #REF! $0 #REF! #REF! #REF!
Net Taxes % Increase #REF! 0.00% #REF! #REF! #REF!
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019 • Page 8

COUNTYWIDE

DeKalb plans to invest $20 million in pipe improvements

BY HORACE HOLLOMAN fixing these longstanding uncertain when the overall
problems and has directed project will be finished, but
horace@dekalbchamp.com that it will not take years to
significant resources to get
Residents of Briarcliff the job done.” complete.
and north Decatur may soon Maria Houser, DeKalb “We’re trying to
get relief from problems County’s director of listen to the needs of the
associated with consistently environmental compliance, community,” Houser said.
low-water pressure. said, “We have water pipes “We don’t anticipate this
DeKalb County officials that are 60 to 100 years being a multi-year project
announced crews would old...if you can imagine and we don’t want to
begin replacing seven miles piping from the early impact or inconvenience
of water pipes to resolve 1900s. the community, but at the
complaints of low water At this stage, a same time, we want to get
pressure in the area. The replacement is necessary,” the job done.”
project is expected to cost Houser said. “One of Houser said area
$20 million. the symptoms of older residents should refrain Fire hydrant located at Briarcliff Road and University Drive is the connecting point
The project will include pipes is that build-up may from outdoor water use between two aging water mains that are contributing to low-water pressure in the
installation of more than accumulate in the pipes from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily area.
one mile of high-capacity, and that creates low-water until the low-water pressure
12-inch water mains along pressure.” issues are resolved.
Briarcliff Road.
“Resolving water
County officials said DeKalb County Fire NOTICE OF PROPERTY TAX
Thurmond’s office has been and Rescue Department
pressure issues in the asked for assistance from will have additional INCREASE
Briarcliff and north Georgia Department of resources in case of a fire The Governing Authority of the City of
Decatur area is a top Transportation officials in call in the area. County
priority for DeKalb County expediting permitting and
Avondale Estates has tentatively adopted
officials also said the
government,” said DeKalb traffic control measures on county plans to reactivate a 2019 millage rate which will require an
County CEO Michael Briarcliff Road. an elevated water storage increase in property taxes by 5.81 percent.
Thurmond. “DeKalb Houser said she is tower on Clairmont Road.
County is committed to All concerned citizens are invited to the
public hearing on this tax increase to be
held at City Hall, 21 North Avondale Plaza,
CARS Continued From Page 7 Avondale Estates, Ga. 30002 on Thursday,
June 13, 2019, at 6:01 p.m.
Patterson Lee, whose part of Brookhaven’s more energy efficient as
designs are often used by management since the more people in our area and
the city, has been instructed city was created and is community switch over to
Times and places of additional public
to include charging stations specifically included in driving electric cars,” said hearings on this tax increase are at City
in future designs for all park Brookhaven’s mission and Brian Borden, Brookhaven Hall, 21 North Avondale Plaza, Avondale
and municipal parking lots. vision statements. director of Parks and Estates, Ga. 30002 on Thursday, June 20,
The commitment to “The smart-chargers Recreation. 2019, at 6:01 p.m. and Monday, July 1,
being an environmental are being put into place
steward has been a strategic to help residents become 2019, at 6:01 p.m.

This tentative increase will result in a

millage rate of 9.8 mills, an increase of
0.538 mills. Without this tentative tax
increase, the mill rate will be no more than
9.262 mills. The proposed tax increase for
a home with a fair market value of $375,000
is approximately $81. The proposed tax
increase on non-homestead property
with a fair market value of $525,000 is
approximately $113.

The reason for the tax increase is

as follows: from 2014 to 2018, City
expenditures have increased by an average
of 6.53 percent, so a similar increase in the
dollar amount collected from property tax is
likely necessary to maintain the same level
of service to City residents and businesses
in 2019.
LOCAL
LITHONIA
Student doodles
for Google
BY TAYLOR ROBINS
Taylor@dekalbchamp.com
Arantza Pena Popo has
doodled herself to national
attention as she competes
to win a national Google
competition.
Popo, a 2019 Arabia
Mountain High School
graduate and Lithonia
resident entered the “Doodle
4 Google” competition
in which school-age
artists across the country
redesigned the Google logo
according to the theme
“When I grow up, I hope…”
“Once You Get It,
Give It Back” is the title
of the artwork that Popo
submitted to Google. She
said, explaining the piece
theme “When I grow up, I
hope to care for my mom as
much as she cared for me
my entire life. In my doodle,
there is a framed picture
of my mother carrying me
as a baby─a real picture in
my house─and below the
picture is me, caring for
her when she’s older in the
future.”
Google announced its
state and territory winners
for the competition May
30. Popo was listed the
winner for Georgia,
where she advanced to the
THIS COULD
BE
YOUR AD!
Call 404.373.7779 Ext 110
for more information.
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019 • Page 9
Arantza Pena Popo entered a Google competition with artwork titled “Once You Get It, Give It Back.” Photos provided by Jackson
Spalding for Google.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
DeKalb County Community Development Department will Host in Collaboration
with Commissioner Steve Bradshaw, District #4
A Project Overview/Status of the New District #4 Community and Senior Center
Popo
The DeKalb County Community Development Department will accept public com-
online voting stage of the ments on the early planning for the design, engineering, and programming for the
competition. Popo is one New District #4 Community and Senior Center with pool.
of 53 state and territory The proposed center will be located on County owned land at 4875 Elam Road, Stone
winners. Mountain GA. The area was selected for a center based on a 2016 Comprehensive
Voting took place Feasibility Study that identified the area as a high priority for senior services. The pro-
June 3-7 to determine five posed 21,000 sq. ft. center will include a state-of-the-art functional facility to include a
multipurpose dining room, classrooms, fitness room, a therapeutic pool with lap lanes,
finalists, from which judges and many other exciting amenities.
from Google will pick the
final winner, which will be A Community Meeting will be held to discuss the following objectives:
announced in late June. 1. Sharing with the public a Program Overview/Status of the project.
2. Validation of the Design & Engineering Requirements.
The national winner will 3. Development of a Schedule for feedback to the Community during the De
receive a $30,000 college sign & Construction phases of the project.
scholarship and the winner’s
school will receive a Date: Monday, June 17, 2019
Location: Antioch AME Church
$50,000 technology package 785 S. Hairston Road
or improvement of its Stone Mountain, GA 30083
computer lab or technology Time: 6:00pm – 8:00 p.m.
program. The doodle also
will be featured on Google’s
homepage for a day.
Please join us at this Community meeting. Questions can be directed to either the Community
Development Department at (404) 371-2438 or Commissioner Steve Bradshaw at (404) 371 -4749.
REPORT OF TUCKER SUMMIT COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT
DISTRICT OF PROPOSED MILLAGE RATE
In compliance with O.C.G.A. §48-5, the Tucker Summit Community Improvement District (“CID”) reports
that at its meeting on June 28, 2019, beginning at 7:30 A.M. at the Pierre Construction Group, 1677 Lewis
Way, Stone Mountain, DeKalb County, Georgia 30083, the Tucker Summit CID Board of Directors will vote
upon a proposal to levy an ad valorem taxation rate of 5 mills, and will set its millage rate for the lawful
purposes of the District for the current calendar year. Set forth below are the assessed taxable values of
the properties subject to taxes for the current year and the immediately preceding five calendar years,
the total dollar amount of ad valorem taxes proposed to be levied for the current year and levied in the
immediately preceding five calendar years, as well as the percentage and dollar increases or decreases
with respect to each immediately preceding calendar year. All property levied upon is real property.
Assessed Value Taxes Levied % Change $ Change
2014 $136,005,547 $680,028 8% $ 51,142
2015 $142,901,125 $714,505 5% $ 34,477
2016 $172,551,407 $862,757 21% $ 148,252
2017 $176,545,658 $882,728 2% $ 19,971
2018 $227,995,657 $1,139,978 29% $ 257,250
2019proposed $231,735,693 $1,158,678 2% $ 18,700
J. Lynn Rainey, PC, 358 Roswell Street, Suite 1130, Marietta, Georgia 30060; (770) 421-6040
Attorney for CID - State Bar No. 592350
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019 • Page 10

COUNTYWIDE

Lifeline continues to advocate for four-legged friends

BY HORACE HOLLOMAN We want to save as many
horace@dekalbchamp.com animals as we can and
that is what our mission
is all about. It’s difficult
Lifeline Animal Project
to maintain those levels.
will host a countywide
The DeKalb shelter is
pajama party adopt-a-thon
completely full. We need
event June 15 at its animal
people to adopt and foster.”
service facilities.
Friedman said Lifeline
Lifeline Animal Project
is also committed to spaying
volunteers will attempt
and neutering to keep the
to find homes for more
animal population down.
than 200 animals in one
In May, Lifeline hosted a
night, according to Lifeline
free pet vaccination spay
officials. All animals older
and neuter event at Wade
than six months will be free
Walker Park in Stone
to adopt during the event at
Mountain during which the
various locations including
organization serviced more
Best Friends Animal Society
than 800 pets, according to
in Atlanta, DeKalb County
Friedman. Approximately
Animal Services, Fulton
663 animals received rabies
County Animal Services and
vaccinations during the
Atlanta Humane Society
event and 495 spay and
at the Howell Mill Road
neuter vouchers were given
location in Atlanta and the
to pet owners.
Mansell Road location in
“We’re so excited to be
Alpharetta.
a part of the community and
Officials with Lifeline
help pet owners take care of
said the organization is
their pets so they don’t end
regularly comes up with
up in our shelter,” Friedman
ideas and events to promote
said.
adoptions from the shelter.
Lifeline Animal Project
Lifeline Animal Project
plans to unveil a new
Spokesperson Heather
community animal center
Friedman spoke with The
in September, Friedman
Champion and discussed
said. The center will offer a
how the organization deals
full-service vet clinic with
with overcrowding at the
affordable pet care options
shelter.
such as dental and x-ray
“We’re entering the Several DeKalb County residents brought their animals to the Lifeline Animal Project healthy pets day at Wade Walker Park in
services.
hardest time of the year,” Stone Mountain. Photos by Lifeline Animal Project.
Friedman said. “Every
day 20 to 40 animals are
coming in the door and it’s CURRENT PROPOSED 2019 TAX DIGEST AND 5 YEAR HISTORY OF LEVY
critical that we immerse AND NOTICE TO SET MILLAGE RATE
ourselves in the community
All concerned citizens are invited to the Public Hearings on this tax increase to be held Tuesday, June 25, 2019 at 10:00am, 
and come together so we City Hall Council Rm, 3921 Church Street, Clarkston, GA 30021.  A second Public Hearing will be held on June 25, 2019 at 
can save lives. We all have 6:30pm at the City Hall Council Rm, 3921 Church Street, Clarkston, GA 30021.
a responsibility to care for
homeless pets.” A final Public Hearing will be held on July 2 at 7:00PM at the City Hall Council Rm, 3921 Church Street, Clarkston, GA 30021. 
Friedman said Lifeline is The City Council will adopt the 2019 Millage rate at the July 2, 2019 meeting following the conclusion of the Public Hearing. 
focused on saving as many This tentative increase will result in a millage rate of 15.89 mils, an increase of 2.607 mills.  Without this tentative tax 
animal lives as possible. increase, the millage rate will be no more than 13.283.  The proposed tax increase for a home with a fair market value of $ 
The shelters managed by 100,000 is approximately $ 104.28.  The proposed increase on non‐homestead property with a fair market value of $ 
525,000 is approximately $ 547.47.  
Lifeline Animal Project are
on the cusp of “no-kill” City Tax 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

status. A no kill shelter Real & Personal 64,881,851 107,610,419 146,214,537 $163,338,661.00 $167,835,046.00 $ 212,634,751.00

saves 90 percent or more Motor Vehicles

Mobile Homes
5,266,300
0
3,300,880
0
2,257,250
0
1,939,920.00
0
1,068,940.00
0
$ 791,010.00
0
of the animals entering the Timber - 100% 0 0 0 0 0 0

shelter. No kill shelters do Heavy Duty Equipment

Gross Digest
0
70,148,151
0
110,911,299
0
148,471,787 $165,278,581.00
0
$168,903,986.00
0
$ 213,425,761.00
0

not kill healthy or treatable Less M & O Exemptions 1,798,483 1,945,711 1,991,501 2,067,595.00 1,991,219.00 $ 4,320,465.00

animals even when the Net M & O Digest 68,349,668 108,965,588 146,480,286 $163,210,986.00 $166,912,767.00 $ 209,105,296.00

shelters are at capacity. Gross M & O Millage 17.950 17.110 17.110 15.89 15.89 15.89

“It’s very challenging. Less Rollbacks

Net M & O Millage
3.200
21.150
0.000
17.110
0.000
17.110
0.000
15.89
1.610
17.50
0.000
15.89
For us, we’re not focused
on hitting that 90 percent. Total County Taxes Levied $1,445,595 $1,864,401 $2,506,278 $2,593,423 $2,920,973 $3,322,683

We’re focused on finding Net Taxes $ Increase $311,977 $418,806 $641,876 $87,145 $327,551 $401,710

adoptable animals a home. Net Taxes % Increase 27.52% 28.97% 34.43% 3.48% 12.63% 13.75%
EDUCATION DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019 • Page 11

COUNTYWIDE

Scholarship recipient talks

accomplishments, college and TedX
BY TAYLOR ROBINS
Taylor@dekalbchamp.com
Addison Dascher, who
graduated May 30 from
Lakeside High School, was
awarded the 2019 Joseph P.
Reed Alumni Scholarship by
the Lakeside High School
Foundation.
The $1,000
scholarship-─named
in honor of a former
Lakeside principal─is
awarded annually to a
graduating student who has
excelled in academic and
extracurricular activities
and has served the Lakeside
community.
Dascher said that
although the application
process of the scholarship
was “intense,” she was
happy to apply since she
is familiar with Reed, who
was her elementary school
principal.
“He is very sweet,
which is why I applied for
it because I liked him,”
Dascher said.
During the school’s
honor ceremony, the
scholarship winner
was announced first by
accomplishments and then
named.
“I was so excited,”
Dascher said. “They listed
all the accomplishments
of the person before they
announced the name. So
we were trying to figure
out who this person was. I
thought it could be me but I
didn’t want to get too cocky.
Then they called my name.
It was very exciting.”
Not long after receiving
Addison Dascher is a recent DeKalb County graduate who won Joseph P. Reed Alumni
SEE SCHOLAR ON PAGE 24 Scholarship. Photo provided by Addison Dascher.

EDUCATION BRIEFS
Colwell named to president’s list at Bob
Jones University
Robin Colwell of Tucker, a junior
biblical counseling major, was among
approximately 540 Bob Jones University
students named to the spring 2019
President’s List.
The President’s List recognizes students
who earn a 3.75 or higher grade point
average for the semester.
Berry College announces class of 2019
Berry College recently welcomed its
newest class of graduates for 2019.
Local graduates are: Amoriah
Shaw of Avondale Estates, who earned
a bachelor of science in psychology;
Mary Grace Gaskin of Brookhaven,
who earned a bachelor of science in
environmental Science; Kristen Heerema
of Brookhaven, earned a bachelor of arts
in communication; Rachael Meyer of
Brookhaven, who earned a bachelor of
science in nursing; Maggie Christensen
of Decatur, who earned a bachelor of
science in environmental science; Ben
Estes of Decatur, who earned a bachelor of
science in dual-degree engineering; Derrell
Mims of Decatur, who earned a bachelor
of science in exercise science; Miranda
Vega of Decatur, who earned a bachelor of
science in animal science; Violet Keys of
Doraville, who earned a bachelor of science
in early childhood education; Jada Zellous
of Lithonia, who earned a bachelor of arts
in creative writing; Will Kenworthy of
Stone Mountain, who earned a bachelor
of science in management and marketing;
Caroline Stiles of Stone Mountain, who
earned a bachelor of science in health in
Psychology and Spanish.
Cumberlands recognizes Sunketa
University of the Cumberlands
recognized students who completed their
degrees during the 2018-2019 academic
year on their graduation.
Lavanya Sunketa of Decatur recently
graduated with a master of science in
information systems and in information
systems security.
Brenau University students inducted into
Honor Society
Brenau University recognized all of the
students inducted into the Alpha Lambda
Delta honor society.
Local students are J’Kaya Lawson
of Lithonia and Caleigh Santa Maria of
Decatur.
Campbellsville University graduates
record number of students
A record of 2,279 students received
degrees from Campbellsville University
during three commencement ceremonies in
May.
Anil Gaddam of Brookhaven graduated
with master of science in information
technology management; Santosh Reddy
Pothireddy of Brookhaven graduated
with a master of science in information
technology management; Prerana
Chaudhari of Decatur graduated with a
master of science in information technology
management; Rapul Kumar of Decatur
graduated with a master of science in
information technology management;
Srikanth Katikala of Decatur graduated
with a master of science in information
technology management.
Notice of Property Tax Increase
The City of Stone Mountain has
tentatively adopted a millage rate
which will require an increase in
property taxes by 14.62% percent. All
concerned citizens are invited to public
hearings on this tax increase to be held
at City Hall, 875 Main Street, Stone
Mountain, GA 30083 on Wednesday,
June 26, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. and 6:00
p.m.
Times and places of additional public
hearings on this tax increase are at
City Hall, 875 Main Street, Stone
Mountain, GA 30083 on Tuesday, July
2, 2019 at
6:30 p.m.
The tentative increase will result
in a millage rate of 22.00 mills, an
increase of 2.806 mils. Without this
tentative tax increase, the millage
rate will be no more than 19.194
mils. The proposed tax increase for
a home with a fair market value of
$100,000 is approximately $112.24
and the proposed tax increase for non-
homestead property with a fair market
value of $125,000 is approximately
$140.30.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019 • Page 12

COUNTYWIDE

South Precinct Major Danny Jordan addresses officers during a community roll
call.

DeKalb County Police officers attend a community roll call at 285 Flea Market in Decatur.

DeKalb County resident Wayne Powell displays snacks to be given to officers. A local business owner talks to South Precinct Major Danny Jordan
during a community roll call June 5.

Police hope community roll calls can reduce crime

BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
DeKalb County Police
Department South Precinct Major
Danny Jordan grew up in DeKalb
County and said south DeKalb feels
like “home” to him. Jordan also
said he is aware of the negative
perceptions about south DeKalb and
the violence that occurs in the area.
Jordan said he wants to be find
a solution to the criminal activities
and recently hosted community roll
call events at various locations in
south DeKalb. The precinct hosted
morning, day and evening watch
roll calls. During roll calls officers
share information, give details on
crime suspects and discuss officer
accomplishments.
On June 5 and 7, the south
precinct hosted community roll
calls as part of the department’s
Homicide and Aggravated Assault
Location Targeting Initiative.   them what they want their police
More than 50 officers from the
department gathered at the 285
Flea Market in Decatur on June
5 to patrol the area and increase
community visibility.
“We have to deal with the
perception first; and the perception
is south DeKalb has a lot of
violence. The one thing I can tell
you [having grown] up in south
DeKalb is that it personally offends
me,” Jordan said. “There are a lot
of good people out here in south
DeKalb and some people can’t
afford to leave and we don’t want
them to leave. The community
doesn’t want violence here either.”
“We wanted to reach out
to community leaders and ask
department to look like,” Jordan
said. “We want to know how we can
help fight the violent crimes that are
going on out there. The police can’t
do it all anymore, so we need the
community to come together.”
Jordan said the south precinct
plans to host approximately two roll
calls for each shift per month.
Wayne Powell, a south DeKalb
resident since 1975, recently
attended a community roll call
to give refreshments to officers.
“This seemed like a wonderful
opportunity for the community
to show support for our officers,”
Powell said. “This is a small attempt
to demonstrate to the officers of
the south precinct how much we
appreciate their sacrifice.”
Powell said police officers
seem to be more involved in the
community since he moved to south
DeKalb more than 40 years ago.
“I’ve always tried to work more
proactively with DeKalb County
Police Department. They are an
integral part of our society and our
community,” Powell said. “In the
past five years or so, it seems like
the police department is trying to
reach out to us more actively.”
 DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019 • Page 13

WEEK in PICTURES

Dunwoody High School seniors Weston Spencer, left, Daniella D’Angelo, Luther Pankey, Annie Solomon, DeKalb Fire Rescue Special Operations crews from Company 24 and Company 19 taking part in a
Christopher Johnson and Nathan Stefanik, right, were recognized as 2019 Georgia Scholars by State School technical rescue training symposium in Covington.
Superintendent Richard Woods. Photo provided by Dunwoody High School Twitter Page.

Local clergy form a prayer circle with members of the DeKalb County Police Department.

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

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

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

LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019 • Page 14

STONECREST

Residents give final input on transit master plan

BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
The final round of
public input meetings on
DeKalb County’s transit
master plan wrapped up
June 6.
The final three meetings
were held in Decatur and
Stonecrest, where residents
had an opportunity to give
input on the master plan’s
four scenarios—existing
MARTA penny scenario,
half-penny system scenario,
full-penny system scenario
and the previously adopted
MARTA scenario. Project
managers also presented
information about revenue
projections for an additional
half- or full-penny sales tax,
which is now available to
DeKalb County under new
enabling legislation.
Assistant project
manager Laura Everitt
said they will present
the maps and input from
residents to city councils in
the county.
“Then we will
take all of that input,
synthesize it and go to the
DeKalb County Board of
Commissioners,” she said.
The transit master plan
is a 30-year vision for
future transit investments
in the county, including
new transit investments and
enhancements to exiting
transit services. Officials
said the mission of this plan Senior Transportation Planner and Project Manager Jonathan Webster explains one of the four DeKalb County’s transit master
plan scenarios to a resident at an open house at Stonecrest Library.
is to address the county’s
mobility challenges,
help to enhance future communities. partnership with the Atlanta conclude this summer,
In 2018, the master Regional Commission, according to officials.
development opportunities,
and improve the quality of planning process was MARTA and DeKalb cities.
initiated by the county in The plan is scheduled to
life within each of DeKalb’s SEE PLAN ON PAGE 15
cities and unincorporated

NOTICENOTICE
The City of Brookhaven City Council does hereby invite all concerned citizens to the following public hearing regarding
adoption of its millage rate for 2019. The public hearing will be held at Brookhaven City Hall, 4362 Peachtree Road.
at 7:00 p.m. on June 25, 2019.

The City of Brookhaven City Council does hereby announce that the millage rate will be set at a meeting to be held at the
Brookhaven City Hall on June 25, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. and pursuant to the requirements of O.C.G.A. Section 48-5-32 does
hereby publish the following presentation of the current year's tax digest and levy, along with the history of the tax digest and
levy for the past five years.

CURRENT 2019 TAX DIGEST AND 5 YEAR HISTORY OF LEVY

Brookhaven City 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Real & Personal 2,713,777,476 3,181,646,217 3,446,267,675 3,737,518,097 4,098,805,085 4,191,767,069

Motor Vehicles 82,633,320 67,891,300 47,578,450 40,040,890 22,420,340 16,582,860
Public Utility 26,441,934 27,904,818
Mobile Homes
Timber - 100%
Heavy Duty Equipment
Gross Digest 2,796,410,796 3,249,537,517 3,493,846,125 3,777,558,987 4,147,667,359 4,236,254,747
Less M & O Exemptions 432,899,327 646,602,506 728,531,005 760,277,266 824,159,366 885,041,261
Net M & O Digest 2,363,511,469 2,602,935,011 2,765,315,120 3,017,281,721 3,323,507,993 3,351,213,486
State Forest Land Assistance
Grant Value
Adjusted Net M&O Digest 2,363,511,469 2,602,935,011 2,765,315,120 3,017,281,721 3,323,507,993 3,351,213,486

Gross M&O Millage 2.850 2.795 2.740 2.740 2.740 2.740

Less Rollbacks 0.055 0.055 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000
Net M&O Millage 2.795 2.740 2.740 2.740 2.740 2.740

Net Taxes Levied $6,606,015 $7,132,042 $7,576,963 $8,267,352 $9,106,412 $9,182,325

Net Taxes $ Increase $888,703 $526,027 $444,921 $690,388 $839,060 $75,913

Net Taxes % Increase 15.54% 7.96% 6.24% 9.11% 10.15% 0.83%
 LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019 • Page 15

Notice of Property Tax Increase

The DeKalb County Governing Authority has tentatively

adopted a 2019 millage rate which will require an increase in
property taxes by 4.22 percent.

All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearing on this

Project manager Grady Smith gives a presentation about revenue projections for an
additional half- or full-penny sales tax.
PLAN Continued From Page 14
Everitt said elected officials in DeKalb have been
engaged in this process to make this transit study work.
“I think when you see that kind of commitment, you’re
going to see the ball move forward,” she said. “[We’re]
feeling that commitment from the top down in DeKalb
County to make sure we’re getting it right, that we’re
providing a tremendous amount of information to people
so they can see how much is it, what will the get and how
much it cost. All of those things have really been pushing
us to make sure that it’s all open and out on the table.”
Residents can view the master plan’s four scenarios,
other maps and previous public input meetings at www.
dekalbtransitmasterplan.com.
tax increase to be held at the Manuel J. Maloof Auditorium,
1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur GA 30030 on Tuesday, June
25, 2019 at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Times and places of additional public hearings on this tax
increase are at the Manuel J. Maloof Auditorium, 1300
Commerce Drive, Decatur GA 30030 on Tuesday, July 9,
2019, at 10 a.m.
This tentative increase will result in a millage rate of 10.495
mills, an increase of 0.425 mills. Without this tentative tax
increase, the millage rate will be no more than 10.070 mills.
The proposed tax increase for a home with a fair market value
of $250,000 is approximately $42.50 and the proposed tax
increase for non-homestead property with a fair market value
of $400,000 is approximately $68.00.
VISIT US ONLINE @
WWW.THECHAMPIONNEWSPAPER.COM
NOTICE
NOTICE

The City of Brookhaven City Council does hereby invite all concerned citizens to the following public hearing regarding
adoption of its millage rate for 2019. The public hearing will be held at Brookhaven City Hall, 4362 Peachtree Road.
at 7:00 p.m. on June 25, 2019.

Don’t Wait.
The City of Brookhaven City Council does hereby announce that the millage rate will be set at a meeting to be held at the
Brookhaven City Hall on June 25, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. and pursuant to the requirements of O.C.G.A. Section 48-5-32 does
hereby publish the following presentation of the current year's tax digest and levy, along with the history of the tax digest and
Communicate. levy for the past five years.

CURRENT 2019 TAX DIGEST AND 5 YEAR HISTORY OF LEVY

Spec Tax Dist #1 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Real & Personal 0 59,127,532 77,468,898 99,023,094 169,394,829 187,755,137

Motor Vehicles
Mobile Homes
Timber - 100%
Heavy Duty Equipment
Gross Digest 0 59,127,532 77,468,898 99,023,094 169,394,829 187,755,137
Less M& O Exemptions 31,786 25,407 31,334 33,089
Net M & O Digest 0 59,127,532 77,437,112 98,997,687 169,363,495 187,722,048
State Forest Land Assistance Grant
Value
Adjusted Net M&O Digest 0 59,127,532 77,437,112 98,997,687 169,363,495 187,722,048

Gross M&O Millage 0.000 1.500 6.450 6.450 6.450 6.450

Less Rollbacks 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000
Net M&O Millage 0.000 1.500 6.450 6.450 6.450 6.450

Make your
emergency plan today. Total County Taxes Levied $0 $88,691 $499,469 $638,535 $1,092,395 $1,210,807

Visit Ready.gov/communicate
Net Taxes $ Increase $0 $88,691 $410,778 $139,066 $453,859 $118,413
Net Taxes % Increase 0.00% N/A 463.15% 27.84% 71.08% 10.84%

ADC29448_3.75x21_Newspaper_NATFire_Eng.indd 1 9/25/15 3:07 PM

LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019 • Page 16

TUCKER
Fast, reliable plumbing solutions
HIV pilot program coming to DeKalb NEW CONSTURCTION & REPAIRS. RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

BY HORACE HOLLOMAN of strategies to end the becomes available,” said

horace@dekalbchamp.com
DeKalb County will
receive $1.5 million from
the Health Resources and
Services Administration’s
Ending the HIV Epidemic
Initiative to start a program
to help prevent the spread
of HIV in the county with a
goal of reducing new HIV
infections by 75 percent in
the next five years and 90
percent in the next 10 years.
DeKalb County is
one of three pilot sites
in the country that will
implement the model with
four strategies: early HIV
diagnosis, medications to
help keep HIV patients
healthy and prevent
transmission, protecting at-
risk populations from HIV
infection and effectively
responding to outbreaks of
new HIV infections.
“On behalf of DeKalb
County, I would like to
thank our federal, state and
local partners for securing
HIV epidemic,” said Eric
Nickens Jr., spokesperson
for DeKalb County Board of
Health.   saving efforts will guide
“We are very early in the
implementation planning
process with our partners at
the CDC and the Georgia
Department of Public
Health. Once this process is
complete, we will be able
to provide additional details
to the community,” Nickens
said.
The funding will
also be used to promote
the use of pre-exposure
prophylaxis—a pill
taken daily to block HIV
infection.
“This pilot in DeKalb
County will serve as a
model for expansion of
these strategies into other
parts of metro Atlanta
as additional funding
The City of Brookhaven City Council does hereby invite all concerned citizens to the following public hearing regarding
Kathleen E. Toomey,
DPH commissioner.
“Additionally, these life- AC PLUMBING SOLUTIONS, LLC
404.483.1216
our work throughout the ACPlumbingSolution@gmail.com Licensed & Insured
state—particularly in rural
areas—to ultimately end the
HIV epidemic in Georgia.” Visit us online at
www.thechampionnewspaper.com
NOTICE OF MEETING OF THE ATLANTA CITY COUNCIL TO ADOPT
ATLANTA’S FISCAL YEAR 2020 BUDGET
Notice is hereby given that the Atlanta City Council will meet on Monday,
June 17, 2019 to consider and adopt the City of Atlanta’s fiscal year 2020
budget (19-O-1223). The meeting will be held at the Atlanta City Hall
Complex, 55 Trinity Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia in the Honorable Marvin S.
Arrington, Sr. Council Chamber located on the second floor beginning at 1:00
p.m. All concerned citizens are invited to attend. A copy of the proposed
budget legislation (19-O-1223) is on file in the Office of the Municipal Clerk,
Suite 2700, City Hall 55 Trinity Avenue, S.W. Atlanta, Ga. 30303 for public
inspection. This document is also available online for public inspection at http://
www.atlantaga.gov (the file can be found under the Department Finance: Office
of Budget & Fiscal Policy documents).
NOTICE
NOTICE

this much-needed funding adoption of its millage rate for 2019. The public hearing will be held at Brookhaven City Hall, 4362 Peachtree Road.
that will be used to combat at 7:00 p.m. on June 25, 2019.
the HIV epidemic,” said
DeKalb County CEO
Michael Thurmond. “We The City of Brookhaven City Council does hereby announce that the millage rate will be set at a meeting to be held at the
look forward to working Brookhaven City Hall on June 25, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. and pursuant to the requirements of O.C.G.A. Section 48-5-32 does
together to end HIV once hereby publish the following presentation of the current year's tax digest and levy, along with the history of the tax digest and
and for all.” levy for the past five years.
The program, to begin
July 1, is a collaboration CURRENT 2019 TAX DIGEST AND 5 YEAR HISTORY OF LEVY
between the Georgia
Department of Public Health Brookhaven City - BOND 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
and DeKalb County Board
of Health to expand HIV
Real & Personal 2,713,777,476 3,181,646,217 3,446,267,675 3,737,518,097 4,098,805,085 4,191,767,069
testing and connect HIV-
Motor Vehicles 82,633,320 67,891,300 47,578,450 40,040,890 22,420,340 16,582,860
positive patients to needed
Public Utility 26,441,934 27,904,818
care.
Mobile Homes
“The DeKalb County
Timber - 100%
Board of Health is honored
to have been selected as one Heavy Duty Equipment

of three pilot sites in the Gross Digest 2,796,410,796 3,249,537,517 3,493,846,125 3,777,558,987 4,147,667,359 4,236,254,747

country to serve as a model Less Bond Exemptions 0 0 0 0 0 885,041,261

for the implementation Net Bond Digest 3,351,213,486

State Forest Land Assistance
Grant Value
Adjusted Net Bond Digest 0 0 0 0 0 3,351,213,486

REDUCE Gross Bond Millage

Less Rollbacks
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.680
0.000

REUSE Net Bond Millage

Net Taxes Levied

0.000

$0
0.000

$0
0.000

$0
0.000

$0
0.000

$0
0.680

$2,278,825

RECYCLE Net Taxes $ Increase

Net Taxes % Increase
$0
0.00%
$0
0.00%
$0
0.00%
$0
0.00%
$0
0.00%
$2,278,825
N/A
LOCAL
PUBLIC NOTICE
HUD Submission for 2019 Funding – Annual Action Plan
Preliminary Budget and Plan DRAFT
Public Comments Invited
PROPOSED 2019-2023 CONSOLIDATED PLAN, INCLUDING THE YEAR 2019
ANNUAL ACTION PLAN FOR THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT,
HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP AND EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS GRANTS
PROGRAMS
The DeKalb County Community Development Department is preparing
its 2019-2023 Consolidated Plan, including the Year 2019 Annual Action
Plan for the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG), the
Home Investment Partnership Act (HOME), and the Emergency Solutions
Grants Program (ESGP).
Written public comments will be received from June 13, 2019 through July 12,
2019 and should be submitted to the DeKalb County Community Development
Department, 750 Commerce Drive, Suite 401, Decatur, Georgia 30030.
Anticipated Year 2019 Grant Awards and Program Income:
2019 Community Development Block $ 5,260,167
Grant Allocation (CDBG)
Projected CDBG Program Income $ 551,596
2019 HOME Program Allocation $ 2,156,360
Projected HOME Program Income $ 735,105
2019 Emergency Solutions Grant Program $ 445,432
Allocation (ESGP)
TOTAL $ 9,145,570
PROGRAM POLICY for PROGRAM INCOME
1. Twenty percent of CDBG Program Income will be used for
Planning and Administration. Up to 15% may be used for Public Services
activities as outlined in the budget. The remaining balance will be used
for other eligible activities.
2. Ten percent of the HOME Program Income will be used for
Planning and Administration.
3. CDBG regulations require program income to be used before
Treasury funds are expended. Program income will be used for any
approved eligible activity as outlined in the 2019-2023 Consolidated
Plan.
4. If more program income revenue is received than anticipated
for any activity, the additional funds will be appropriated to activities
indicated in this policy.
5. The designated entity that the County contracts with to manage
the Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund may retain the
program income for approved loans programs for businesses in DeKalb
or return the funds to the County. The County must approve the loan
fund programs that utilize County funds and program income generated
from repayment of loans that were made with County funds.
6. HOME Program Income and Recapture amounts reflect
availability as of the date of the development of this plan. Additional
amounts received in 2019 will be reported in the 2020 Annual Action Plan
and committed within 24 months of HUD allocation dates for 2020. This
commitment will occur within two years of the HUD allocation date for
2020.
7. The County will commit its available HOME program income
and recapture amounts ($635,600 as shown in the annual plan) for
eligible projects. The commitment will occur within two years of the HUD
allocation date for 2019 funds.
8. Program income receipts may vary widely from amounts
projected due to any number of unanticipated factors. Regardless of the
amount received, the Consolidated Plan will not need to be amended
unless the funds are used for activities not outlined in the 2019-2023
Consolidated Plan or other approved eligible activities.
YEAR 2019 CDBG PROPOSED ACTIVITIES
Below are preliminary recommendations. Please review the complete
proposed recommendations to the 2019-2023 Consolidated Plan, which
has been extended to include the Year 2019 Annual Action Plan for
details about the activities.
1. PUBLIC FACILITIES IMPROVEMENTS
A. Tobie Grant Recreation Center – Construction ($650,000)
B. East DeKalb Senior Center- Bruce Street- Construction &
FF&E ($500,000)
C. Rainbow Park Amphitheater ($100,000)
D. Scottdale Early Learning Center Renovation ($250,000)
E. Activity Delivery Cost ($125,000)
2. LOAN/BOND REPAYMENT ($1,000,000)
A. HUD Section 108 Loan Repayment – Estimated annual re
payment amount – ($700,000) (See additional CDBG recom
mendation C.)
3. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
A. ACE - Revolving Loan Fund for Small Business Initiative –
($125,000)
B. Urban League - DeKalb Small Business Mirco-Enterprise
Training Program – ($90,000)
C. Activity Delivery Cost $21,500
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019 • Page 17
PUBLIC SERVICES $722,583
Amount cannot exceed 15% Cap
COC/Homelessness/Assistance
4. Africa’s Children’s Fund, Inc. ($23,400) Provides case
management, (including assessment and referral) to assist homeless
and underserved households in DeKalb County, as well as housing
and supportive services that enable those households to become self-
sufficient and avoid incidents of homelessness.
5. Homeless At-Risk Client Services Assistance ($45,000)
This activity is a critical component of the DeKalb Continuum of Care
Centralized Access Model. CDBG funds will be used to fund a part-time
position to perform case management.
6. Drug/Mental Health Court Assistance Programs ($68,700)
Provides housing assistance to participants in a judicially supervised
drug/mental health treatment and alternative sentencing program for
non-violent offenders with substance abuse problems.
7. Furniture Bank of Metro Atlanta, Inc. ($16,000)
Provides free household furniture to people in need within DeKalb
County. The majority of clients impacted will be moving out of
homelessness, are living with HIV/AIDS, or fleeing domestic violence.
8. Jerusalem House, Inc. ($37,483) Transitional housing and
services for persons with HIV/AIDS.
9. Latin American Association, Inc. ($20,000)
Employment counseling and support services primarily for Hispanic
persons who are homeless or at risk.
10. Safe Haven Transitional, Inc. ($10,000) Transitional Housing
Program for homeless women
11. Salvation Army, Atlanta Temple Corp ($25,000) Homeless
Prevention Assistance
12. Salvation Army, Red Shield ($50,000) Homeless Emergency
Shelter Assistance
13. St. Jude’s Recovery Center ($42,000) Case Management
and counseling services
14. TBRA Case Management ($25,000) Provides case
management services for homeless individuals.
Domestic Violence
15. Men Stopping Violence ($20,000) Domestic violence
prevention
Financial Literacy
16. Catholic Charities- Atlanta ($10,000) Financial Literacy
17. New American Pathways, Inc. ($23,000) Financial literacy
counseling and education for refugees.
Fair Housing/Foreclosure Prevention
18. Atlanta Legal Aid Society, Inc. ($60,000) Prevention of
predatory lending, consumer education, fraudulent mortgages and
mortgage scams public awareness.
19. Metro Fair Housing Services Inc. ($42,000) Provides legal
advice and referrals for housing discrimination complaints.
Youth/Child Development
20. Our House, Inc. ($75,000) Daycare services for children of
homeless families.
21. Scottdale Early Learning ($23,000) Affordable childcare and
family resource center.
22. Metro Atlanta Recovery Resources ($23,000) Afterschool
program for children of women who are in the treatment program.
23. Youth Voucher Set-aside Program ($100,000) Assistance
for youth participating in recreational activities.
HOUSING ACTIVITIES
24. Special Purpose Housing Repair Program ($300,000)
CDBG funding will be used to provide income eligible seniors home
system repairs up to $10,000.
25. Demolition & Blight ($600,000) CDBG funds will be used for
eligible single family housing demolition and blight remediation programs.
26. Implementation Services for Special Purpose Home
Repair ($150,000)
27. Housing Demolition Services ($63,000)
28. Housing Activity Delivery Cost (CDBG/HOME underwriting)
($60,000)
29. Blight Inventory Survey – Phase II ($116,000)
PLANNING AND PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION (20% CAP)
30. Community Development Administration ($1,052,033)
General oversight, planning, management, monitoring and
Implementation services
YEAR 2019 PROPOSED HOME ACTIVITIES
HOME Investment Partnerships Program ($2,891,465)
31. HOME Program Administration (10%) Set-aside ($289,146)
Funds to be used for direct administration and project implementation
costs associated with the HOME program.
32. HOME/CHDO Projects (15%) Set-Aside ($443,720) Funds
will be provided to eligible organizations for cost associated with the
development, sponsorship, or ownership of affordable housing.
Continued on page 18
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019 • Page 18

33. HOME CHDO Operating (5%) Set-Aside ($144,573) Funds requirements that are associated with ESG and/or CoC funding.
will be used to provide general operating assistance to CHDO’s that are L.The Community Development Department Director is authorized
receiving set-aside funds for an activity or activities. to designate CDBG funds to an agency to administer case management
34. HOME Eligible Projects ($2,014,026) These are services for the Tenant Based Rental Assistance Program.
undesignated funds. The proposed activities being considered are: M. Program Income receipts from the NSP Grant shall be
Single-family owner-occupied rehab, Single-family homeownership converted to CDBG program income receipts and used for CDBG
new construction, Single–family rehab (Rental), Multi-family (Rental), eligibility activities upon the authorization of the Director.
Single-family Homeownership (Down payment Assistance) Acquisition N. The Community Development Director may authorize the use
(including assistance to homebuyers), Tenant-based Rental Assistance, of CDBG funds to conduct surveys and counts of homeless and at-risk
and any other housing development activities considered eligible under individuals in the County in order to determine housing needs for those
HOME Program regulations. Housing Initiative to leverage Neighborhood populations.
Stabilization Program Fund. O. The Community Development Director is authorized to accept
additional HUD/CoC grants for homelessness mitigation and to allocate
YEAR 2019 ESGP PROPOSED CATEGORIES OF FUNDING eligible CDBG funds for grant matching requirements.
($445,432)
35. Emergency Shelter + Street Outreach - 60% Cap HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM ADDITIONAL
($185,000) RECOMMENDATIONS
36. HMIS ($35,025) A. In addition to committing a minimum of 15% of our 2017 HOME
37. Homeless Prevention ($91,000) allocation for the acquisition and/or rehabilitation of specific, eligible
38. Rapid Re-housing ($102,000) homebuyer properties or multi-family rental properties to be owned,
39. Street Outreach ($40,000) developed or sponsored by qualified Community Housing Development
40. Administrative Costs – 7.5% Cap ($33,407) Organizations (CHDOs). Funds in excess of the 15% minimum may be
committed if specific, eligible properties are identified and HOME funds
NOTES SECTION are available. The County may allocate up to 5% of its HOME allocation
ADDITIONAL CDBG RECOMMENDATIONS to eligible CHDOs for the operation of the CHDO. CHDOs will be selected
A. The following projects are aligned with the goals and objectives during open application/certification processes. Selection may occur once
of the 2019-2023 Consolidated Plan. If funds are available, these or multiple times per year.
projects listed below will move forward in accordance with the County’s B. In order to comply with regulations requiring that specific
priorities. addressing and the identification of funding occur prior to the commitment
•Fire Station #13 and #14 – CDBG funds will be considered of HOME funds, the County only includes eligible categories of funding
for land acquisition, design, and the new construction of two new fire in the 2019-2023 Consolidated Plan rather than specific projects. The
stations. figures do not include prior year funds that may be available for these
•City of Lithonia Masonic Building Renovation Project/ Main Street projects or program income that was received later. If there is an
Streetscape Study -$125,000 increase in the HOME allocation and more CHDO funds are available,
•The Art Station Historic Facility Renovation – Provides services the funds will be designated for eligible uses as determined by the
to children and seniors $300,000 Community Development Department Director and the approval of the
•ACE Loan Servicing for County HOME and CDBG back loans Chief Executive Officer.
•DeKalb County Juvenile Court ADA Improvements C. The County works closely with the DeKalb Housing Authority
•DeKalb N.H. Scott Park Pool Renovation and Field in the administration of its CDBG, HOME, NSP1 and NSP3 Program
Improvements activities related to the development and implementation of affordable
B. In 2018, a Section 108 Loan in the amount of $7.8 million was housing assistance programs and projects. The Housing Authority
approved and awarded to DeKalb County to be used to pay for the new acts as an agent and sub-recipient on a number of HOME activities.
District 4 Senior Center with a pool. The mechanism for repayment of this Many of these activities are undertaken through the County’s ongoing
project will be from the County General Fund. contract with the Housing Authority and are developed and implemented
C. HUD Section 108 Loan Program – The Community in accordance with the program descriptions executed by the Housing
Development Department will consider the use of the Section 108 Authority Executive Director and the Community Development
Loan Program to finance the building of large scale eligible Capital Department Director. The County may work with the DeKalb Housing
Improvement Projects and Economic Development Projects in County Authority or other approved entities. The following is a list of potential
and municipalities. The mechanism for repayment of these projects will activities that may be undertaken by the County with HOME funds in
be from the County General Fund and/or CDBG funds. the upcoming program year and details outlining how they may be
D. The Community Development Department is working with administered.
the Parks and Recreation Department to construct the Tobie Grant •Unless otherwise approved, all multi-family projects will be
Intergenerational Center. Community Development is paying for the implemented under the Housing Authority’s contract with the County
architectural and engineering services. Construction will be paid following a competitive application process and thorough review of the
from County General funds and from 2019 and 2020 CDBG funding project for compliance with the County’s underwriting guidelines as
allocations. outlined in the HOME application package. This includes multi-family
E. CDBG funds will be used for any approved eligible activity as developments using CHDO funds. The Community Development
outlined in the 2019-2023 Consolidated Plan. Because CDBG regulations Department Director is authorized to commit funding amounts and
require program income to be used before Treasury funds are expended, determine loan terms for these projects.
flexibility is needed in order to comply with the regulations. •Tenant-based Rental Assistance programs may be administered
F. The Community Development Director may approve the use of by the Housing Authority under its contract with the County or by other
CDBG funds for eligible Capital Improvement Projects submitted by local approved entities through separate agreements.
municipalities and County Departments during the program year as long •When the County pursues additional affordable housing initiatives
as they meet eligibility requirements. in the County will partner with the DeKalb Housing Authority and/or other
G. The DeKalb County Community Development Department entities on development activities.
is authorized to reallocate funding of prior year projects that are no D.The Community Development Department Director may
longer feasible or needed. Reallocating previously funded projects will approve interchanging the use of CDBG, HOME, NSP1, and NSP3 funds
allow for other approved projects to utilize prior year or current year for projects as long as all program eligibility standards are satisfied.
funds. Through the reallocation process, the Community Development . E. The County will consider Tenant-based Rental Assistance
Department is allowed to utilize/reallocate funds immediately to ensure on special initiatives consistent with the needs identified by the DeKalb
compliance with HUD guidelines and regulations. Continuum of Care or special need that may be identified by the County.
H. The remaining Section 108 principle loan amount is $8.1 Million F. The Community Development Department
with an amortization period of 11 years (2019-2030) at a fixed interest Director shall provide comments and letters of support to the Georgia
rate of 2.54%. The annual loan repayment amount will be approximately Department of Community Affairs regarding Tax Credit applications or the
$950,000. other entities regarding potential funding for applicants.
I. The Community Development Department will work with the G. The Community Development Department will work with
Infrastructure Group to fill the gap in funding for the construction the Tobie the County Departments and the community to identify and prioritize
Grant Recreation Center. Funding is allocated in the 2019 grant and if distressed multi-family properties in the County and develop collaborative
additional funds become available in 2019 they will be allocated toward strategies to remove blight.
the completion of the project. H. In an effort to stabilize neighborhoods, prevent and/or reduce
J. If funds are available in an eligible category, they may be blight, and increase the availability of standard, affordable housing, the
used to assist with providing services to fill the services gap in the County may acquire, demolish, and/or redevelop substandard apartment
DeKalb Continuum of Care for the Homeless and meet other needs in complexes or single family residences using eligible CDBG, HOME,
DeKalb neighborhoods. The DeKalb County Community Development NSP1, NSP3, Program Income, and other funds.
Department will collaborate with DeKalb County Continuum of Care I.The Community Development Director will act as the primary
representatives and other service providers to identify and prioritize contact for affordable housing initiatives and collaborate with other
service gaps. County Departments and community representatives to develop
K. At the direction of the Community Development Department affordable housing plans and strategies for the County.
Director, CDBG funds may be used to fulfill any eligible match J. If funds are available in the Public Services category, they
Continued on page 19
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019 • Page 19

may be used to assist in providing services to fill the services gap in the homeless programs and services in DeKalb County. The delivery system
DeKalb Continuum of Care for the Homeless. We will collaborate with will move away from the homeless shelter concept to a variation of the
DeKalb CoC representatives and other providers to determine areas of Housing First model of rapidly re-housing homeless individuals and
need. households.
EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS GRANTS PROGRAM
ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS The County has agreed to work as the Collaborative Applicant for the
A. HUD requires a 7.5% cap on the funds for Administration, and DeKalb CoC. In this role, the County will receive the HUD Planning
a 60% cap on Emergency Shelter + Outreach. There is no cap on any Grant, HMIS, and other funds that support the work and activities in the
other component. CoC. As the Collaborative Applicant, the county may receive additional
B. Representatives from the newly formed DeKalb County funds and may apply to become the Unified Funding Agent for the DeKalb
Continuum of Care (CoC) are assessing services to determine gaps CoC. At the direction of the Community Development Department
and establish new DeKalb County priorities for serving the homeless Director, CDBG funds may be used to pay salaries for Department
population. The Community Development Department Director is personnel performing CoC or homelessness mitigation related work and
authorized to make the required funding changes to fill service gaps, fulfill any eligible match requirements that are associated with CoC and/or
align ESG funding with newly formed priorities, and satisfy HUD’s ESG funding.
guidelines and regulations. Changes may include funding agencies that
are not shown in the 2019 allocation but have been recommended by THE PRELIMINARY 2019-2023 CONSOLIDATED PLAN INCLUDING
the DeKalb Continuum of Care. THE 2019 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN MAY BE REVIEWED AT THE
C. If for any reason and for any year Emergency Solutions FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:
Grants funds have been received and service providers cannot utilize From, June 13th – July12th, 2019
the funds allocated, the fund will be considered for reprogramming Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
to any of the approved ESGP service providers or providers who DeKalb County Community Development Department
can fill a service gap in a manner that is identified by the Community 750 Commerce Drive, Suite 401 Decatur 30030
Development Department Director. Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
D. All approved ESGP funding will be contingent upon the
agency being in compliance with all DeKalb County statutory regulations. Bruce Street/East DeKalb Senior Center
E. The Community Development Department Director will be 2484 Bruce Street, Lithonia
authorized to act on behalf of the County to provide certifications for
non-profit agencies that request funding from the Georgia Department of Central DeKalb Senior Center
Community Affairs or other providers in the County of DeKalb. 1346 McConnell Drive, Decatur
F. Any funds remaining from the previous year will be
reprogrammed to agencies approved to receive FY 2019 ESGP funding. DeKalb/Atlanta Senior Center
25 Warren Street, S.E., Atlanta
OTHER
Housing Activities Lou Walker Senior Center
$1,223,000 (or13%) of DeKalb County’s Community Development 2538 Panola Rd., Lithonia
Budget is allocated for direct housing activities. If Fair Housing and
Foreclosure prevention funded activities are added to the direct housing North DeKalb Senior Center
activities, the County is allocating $1,325,000 (or 14.5%) of the CDBG 3393 Malone Drive, Decatur
Budget for housing activities. If the HOME activities are added to
these CDBG activities, the County is allocating $4,216,465 or (46%) of South DeKalb Senior Center
DeKalb County’s Community Development Budget to housing activities. 1931 Candler Road, Decatur
This figure does not include any of the funding activities that address
homelessness that also address critical housing issue in DeKalb County. Please contact the DeKalb County area public libraries listed below
If the $342,583 provided to this area was added to all other housing for the hours of operation.
activities, the County is allocating $4,559,048 (or 50%) of the total CDBG
Budget to housing activities. Chamblee Branch
4115 Claremont Road, Chamblee
Point-In-Time Count (770-936-1380)
HUD requires a 7.5% cap on the funds for Administration, and a 60%
cap on Emergency Shelter+Outreach. There is no cap on any other Decatur Branch
component. 215 Sycamore Street, Decatur
(404-370-3070)
Re-Entry Program
The State provides short term financial assistance ($600 per offender Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Branch
per month for three months) to help stabilize the re-entry process of 2861 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur
newly released convicted felons and enhance their ability to remain (404-286-6980)
crime free. Following an agency housing/services assessment process,
the Community Development Department will recommend approval or A Public Hearing will be held on
disapproval for agencies wishing to provide housing for this program. June 20, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at the
The final determination will be made by the Chief Executive Officer. Maloof Auditorium
The Community Development Department will collaborate with County 1300 Commerce Drive
staff and agencies interested in assisting individuals who re-enter the Decatur, Georgia 30030.
community from jail or prison to achieve stability and avoid recidivism.

DeKalb County Continuum of Care (COC) We encourage citizens to review the 2019-2023
In compliance with the HEARTH Act of 2012, the DeKalb Continuum Consolidated Plan including the 2019 Annual Action
of Care (CoC) has formed committees to develop an organizational Plan. Written comments should be submitted to the
structure, establish priorities, assess service gaps, and implement DeKalb County Community Development Department,
a service delivery system. When completed, the delivery system 750 Commerce Drive, Suite 401, Decatur, Georgia
description will include uniform requirements for the provision of 30030, no later than July 12, 2019.

Visit us online at
www.thechampionnewspaper.com
LOCAL

AROUNDDeKalb
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019 • Page 20

LITHONIA Stonecrest Library. Doors open 15 minutes before movie

Library to host filmmaking class
Lithonia-Davidson Library will host a filmmaking
101 class for residents ages 12 and older June 17 from
2 to 5 p.m. Award-winning TV show host and broadcast
instructor Keysha Lee will teach students how to use
their electronic devices to produce a professional movie
trailer. Included in the three-hour workshop is everything
from scripting, storyboarding, shot types, camera moves,
filming, editing and distribution. Smartphones, iPads,
tablets, video cameras are welcome. The library is located
at 6821 Church Street. For More information, call (770)
482-3820.
STONECREST
Library to host movie screening
Breakthrough, starring Chrissy Metz, Denis
Haysbert and Topher Grace will be shown June 21 at
starts. The library is located at 3123 Klondike Road. For
more information, call (770) 482-3828.
STONE MOUNTAIN
Bradshaw to hold community meeting
DeKalb County Commissioner Steve Bradshaw
will host a community meeting on the proposed District
4 senior center June 17 at Antioch AME Church in Stone
Mountain from 6 to 8 p.m. Residents can offer thoughts on
the design of the building and programming services for
constituents. The church is located at 785 S. Hairston Road.
COUNTYWIDE
Residents invited to shred paper
DeKalb Sanitation will host a paper shredding
event June 15 at the sanitation division’s central
transfer station, 3720 Leroy Scott Drive in Decatur from
8 a.m. to noon. The free event is open only to DeKalb
County Sanitation Division customers.
Proof of residency is required.
Become an educator for the district
DeKalb County School District (DCSD) invites all
educators seeking employment to a districtwide job fair
June 13 from 9 a.m. until noon.
The event—scheduled to take place at Miller Grove
High School—will provide attendees with information
about working as a teacher at DeKalb County schools. In
some cases, interviews will be held onsite for qualified
candidates.
Participants are asked to bring resumes,
certificates, official transcripts, edTPA scores, GACE
scores, program admissions, ethics assessments and
content assessments.

EDUCATION /CAREER TRAINING

CLASSIFIEDSectionS/W (i.e. Autocad & Solidworks). Mail resumes
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(866) 564-9634 www.FixJets.com
Healthcare Career Training Online. Start a New
Career in Medical Billing & Coding. Medical
Administrative Assistant. To learn more, call
Ultimate Medical Academy 855-658-3012.
HELP WANTED
DEKRA Services, Inc. seeks Executive Vice
President, Automotive Expertise and Solutions
to build and manage a high-performing
team dedicated to driving and delivering
business results. Travel: 30% international and
domestic travel required. Worksite: Atlanta, GA
office. Send resumes by mail to DEKRA, Attn.
Cherele LaVack, 1945 The Exchange SE, Suite
300, Atlanta, GA 30339.
DESIGN ENGINEERS (Decatur, GA): Design parts
& products, conduct new product dvlpmt,
create enhancements for existing products, &
provide support for these products incl fixes
for problem jobs using drawing & modeling
to Acuity Brands Lighting, inc., Attn: Ms. Erica
Chmielewski, Senior Legal Counsel, One Lithonia
Way, Conyers, GA 30012. Ref job #PK5124.
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BUSINESS
Business is popping
at Poppa Corn’s
BY KATHY MITCHELL
FREELANCE REPORTER
When Keith Forrester
was working at some
of America’s largest
corporations, he dreamed
of one day owning a small
neighborhood sweet shop.
“I actually tried to buy an
ice cream stand once, but it
didn’t work out,” Forrester
recalled.
His dream was
realized last year when
he opened Poppa Corn’s
Gourmet Popcorn in
Kirkwood. Literally a
corner story, Poppa Corn’s
sits at the intersection of
Hosea Williams Drive
and Woodbine Avenue,
where Forrester welcomes
neighbors of all ages as
they come in for a wide
selection of sweet and savory
popcorn varieties as well
as “nostalgia” candies and
sodas.
He said as he planned his
store, he received help from
a shop owner in Texas who
operated a similar business
for more than 30 years. “He
gave me advice on stetting
up the retail side as well as
the kitchen,” said Forrester,
explaining that the popcorn
is made on the premises.
“Before I opened, I
thought a lot about how
the store would feel and
the experience customers
would have. Atmosphere
and customer service are just
as important to me as the
quality of the products—and
the quality of the products
is very important,” Forrester
said.
Approximately 60
popcorn flavors, 50 of which
as usually in stock every
day, according to Forrester,
include sweet varieties such
as caramel, chocolate, cotton
candy, cheesecake, cinnamon
bun, red velvet and a wide
range of fruit flavors. Savory
popcorn flavors—in addition
to the traditional—include
mac & cheese, spicy buffalo,
loaded potato, pizza,
barbecue, beer cheese, chili
lime and dill pickle.
“I was surprised that far
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019 • Page 21
and away the most popular
flavor is dill pickle. I like
it, but I never imagined
that so many other people
would like it, too,” Forrester
said. The candied popcorn
comes in bright colors that
reflect such flavors as cherry,
blueberry, strawberry, green
apple, grape and banana,
as well as a mixture called
cornfetti. “Sometimes people
say. ‘I want that rainbow
one.’ I know they mean the
cornfetti.”
Forrester said he
occasionally must disappoint
a customer who wants one of
the chocolate flavors. “When
those run out, we can’t
quickly whip up another
batch so it’s not available Keith Forrester shows the more than 50 varieties of popcorn he has on hand every day at his Kirkwood neighborhood store.
until the next day.”
Flavors can be mixed to and telling them about but we sell a lot of popcorn fundraisers. “We do these
suit a customer’s taste, and the store’s offerings, he to caterers who have requests two ways,” he explained.
the shop offers a signature acknowledged that over- for popcorn at parties, “The organization can buy
blend—a mixture of sea salt the- counter sales probably showers, weddings and other prepackaged popcorn and
caramel and beer cheese aren’t enough to keep him events. They like that we sell it concession style at
that Forrester calls the in business. Poppa Corn’s can provide popcorn in their fairs, ball games and the like
Kirkwood. Ten percent of regularly takes special orders theme colors,” Forrester said. or we can provide a form on
sales of the Kirkwood go a for gift baskets and tins as Poppa Corn’s also which they can take orders.
nonprofit called Kirkwood well as large corporate orders partners with such groups We fill the orders and the
Cares, created to provide and business promotion as school clubs, sports organization picks them up
home repairs for Kirkwood packages. teams, church groups and delivers them.”
residents who are unable to “We don’t do catering and other nonprofits for
afford them.
“It’s just one way of
giving back to a community
that has been so welcoming Notice of Property Tax Increase
and so good to us,” Forrester
said, noting that popcorn The Governing Authority of the City of Clarkston has tentatively adopted a
nearing the end of its shelf 2019 millage rate which will require an increase in the property taxes of 19.63
life is donated to a nearby percent.
food bank.
The small neighborhood The Mayor and Council of the City of Clarkston will hold three (3) public hear-
store has much the look of ings to discuss and take public comment on the proposed 2019 millage rate.
candy stores many baby The City Council has proposed and advertised the proposed rate of 15.89
boomers remember from mills, which is an increase of 2.607 mills over the rollback rate, of 13.283.
childhood—and many
candies and sodas from that The first public hearing will be held on Tuesday, June 25, 2019 at 10:00am in
era a stocked. “Some of these the Clarkston Council Room, 3921 Church Street, Clarkston, GA 30021.
my wife and I remember
buying when we were The second public hearing will be held on Tuesday, June 25, 2019 at 6:30pm
growing up and at least 10 of in the Clarkston Council Room, 3921 Church Street, Clarkston, GA 30021.
them are brands customers
asked us to stock. We even A final Public Hearing will be held on July 2 at 7:00PM at the City Hall Council
have candy cigarettes. I Rm, 3921 Church Street, Clarkston, GA 30021. The City Council will adopt the
would have thought the 2019 Millage rate at the July 2, 2019 meeting following the conclusion of the
political correctness people Public Hearing.
would have driven those off
the market,” Forrester said This tentative increase will result in a millage rate of 15.89 mils, an increase
with a laugh. of 2.607 mills. Without this tentative tax increase, the millage rate will be no
While Forrester said more than 13.283. The proposed tax increase for a home with a fair market
his favorite part of what he value of $ 100,000 is approximately $ 104.28. The proposed increase on non-
calls his “encore career” is homestead property with a fair market value of $ 525,000 is approximately
greeting walk-in customers $ 547.47.
SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019 • Page 22

TRACK & FIELD

St. Pius’ Duffin

named most
outstanding athlete
BY CARLA PARKER
Carla@dekalbchamp.com
For the second
consecutive year, St. Pius
X’s Tanner Duffin was
named the most outstanding
male field athlete at Atlanta
Track Club’s Powerade
All-Metro Track & Field
Banquet held this year on
June 6.
The club announced
that Duffin, who recently
graduated from St. Pius X,
took home the Bruce Yohe
Most Outstanding Field
Athlete award after finishing
with the nation’s second-
farthest throws in both the
shot put (70’2.25”) and the
discus (200’10”).
Duffin, who will attend
University of Michigan on a
track and field scholarship,
won his second consecutive
Class AAAA state title in the
discus throw with a throw of
187-01, and broke the state
record in the shot put (66-
10.50) last month. He told
the Atlanta Track Club that
it feels good to win the Most
Outstanding Field Athlete
award.
“It’s great to see a lot of
hard work paying off,” he
said. “I’m just happy with
my career and four years of
amazing experiences.”
Duffin received a $1,500
scholarship from Atlanta
Track Club toward his
college education as part
of the honor. Last month,
he was one of 46 state
champions from across the
state named to the club’s
2019 Powerade All-Metro
Track & Field team.
St. Pius X’s Tanner Duffin was named the most outstanding male field athlete by the Atlanta Track Club. Photo by Paul McPherson

TENNIS

Emory tennis player named

finalist for Honda Award
Emory University sophomore
Ysabel Gonzalez-Rico was named
a Division III Honda Athlete of the
Year finalist for tennis.
Collegiate Women Sports Awards
(CWSA) Executive Director Chris
Voelz announced that Gonzalez-Rico
is one of 11 finalists for the Division
III Honda Athlete of the Year. This
will be voted on at the end of the
academic year by national balloting
among 1,000 National Collegiate
Athletic Association (NCAA)
member schools.
“Being named the tennis
representative for the D-III Honda
Athlete of the Year is truly an
honor,” Gonzalez-Rico said. “I am
grateful for this nomination and
the opportunity to represent Emory
Emory University sophomore Ysabel Gonzalez-Rico was named the Division III Honda Athlete of the Year
University and D-III tennis. This is
finalist for tennis. only possible thanks to my teammates
and my coaches who help me and
challenge me every day. I am very
thankful, and I cannot wait for next
season.”
Gonzalez-Rico closed her
sophomore season by winning the
2019 NCAA D-III Championship
singles title with a straight set 6-4,
6-3 decision. As the top-seed in the
tournament, she won four of five
matches during her singles run in
straight sets in route to the title and
was a combined 7-0 in singles.
A native of Pinecrest, Fla.,
Gonzalez-Rico finished the season
with a 34-5 overall record, tying for
the program’s single-season record
for victories. She went 22-1 during
the spring season, including a perfect
19-0 record against Division III
SEE TENNIS ON PAGE 23
SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019 • Page 23

GOLF TENNIS
Continued From Page 22

Emory golfers earn All-Region, competition and dropped

just six sets.
“Ysabel is well

All-America scholar recognition deserving of this

tremendous honor as she is
a great representation of our
team and our sport,” said
head coach Amy Bryant.
BY CARLA PARKER “She is an incredible
Carla@dekalbchamp.com competitor who is able
to concentrate on every
Emory’s men’s golf point and has the ability to
team was represented on play different styles to win
two sets of awards that against any opponent she
were announced by the Golf faces. Her drive and focus
Coaches Association of are extraordinary and her
America (GCAA). excellence as a teammate
Five members of and commitment in getting
the Eagles’ team earned the best out of everyone has
Division III PING All-South elevated our entire program
Region accolades, and to new heights.”
three captured All-America All Honda Sports
Scholar recognition. nominees from D-III and
A total of 98 players D-II become finalists for
were chosen to six all- the 2019 Honda Athlete of
region teams. Emory junior the Year in their respective
score of five-under 208 program’s all-time chart for rounds of par or better and
Matt Organisak, freshman division winners will be
ranked second in school a 54-hole tournament. He finished as the team’s top
Logan Ryan, sophomore announced June 24 in Los
history for the best score for wrapped up his four-year performer and 13th overall
Eric Yiu, senior Connor Angeles. Honda Sports
a 54-hole tournament while stint as an Eagle in the No. out of 90 players at the
Yakubov and junior Sam nominees are recognized in
placing him fourth overall 4 spot on their all-time Savannah Harbor Classic
Galloway were all named to 11 D-III and D-II NCAA-
on the leader board out of scoring average list at 74.7 with a 36-hole performance
the Division III PING All- sanctioned sports—cross
90 players. strokes over 90 rounds. of 148.
South Region Team. country, basketball, field
Yiu saw action in nine Galloway amassed Galloway, Organisak
This is the third season hockey, golf, lacrosse,
tournaments and tied Ryan 24 rounds over nine and Yakubov were among
Organisak has played his soccer, softball, swimming
for second on the team competitions and averaged 61 golfers named as Srixon/
way to all-region accolades. and diving, tennis,
and fourth on the Eagles’ 74.9 strokes per 18 holes. Cleveland Golf All-America
He finished the year with a volleyball, and track and
seasonal chart with an He finished with three Scholars for Division III.
team-leading 13 rounds of field.
average of 73.3 strokes
par or better and averaged a
over 24 rounds. He rang
school-record 72.6 strokes

PET WEEK
up 11 rounds of par or
over 24 rounds.
better, including a program-
Organisak had four top-
record tying 66 that he
five finishes this season,
carded at the Golfweek
including medalist honors
D-III Fall Invitational. He
at the 54-hole Tartan
had two top-five finishes
Invitational where his final
during the year, including
score of three-under par 213
a second place tie out of 82
tied the program’s sixth-
competitors at the Wynlakes
best mark for a three-round Jodeybug (ID# 41009038) -This girl goes
Intercollegiate with a 36-
tourney. Named University by the name of Jodeybug. She is smart and
hole effort of one-under par knows some of her basic commands! She is
Athletic Association Golfer
143. playful and lovely. She is social and enjoys
of the Week on three being around people as well as dogs! She
Yakubov earned his
occasions, he will head into loves a good rough play but once she is done,
second career all-region nod it's time to cuddle up and relax with you. She
the 2019-20 season in the
churning out an average of is also impressive on leash. Come give this
No. 1 spot on the school’s sweet girl a smooch!
74.1 strokes over 24 rounds,
career scoring average list at If you would like to expand your family by
tying for 10th on the Emory 4 furry little feet; ask to meet Jodeybug and
73.29 strokes per round.
seasonal ladder. He posted have a loving friend forever. All adoptions
Ryan was selected as the
nine rounds of par or better include your new pet's spay or neuter,
Division III winner of the vaccinations, microchip and more! For
including a pair of 67s, one
Phil Mickelson Outstanding more information about Jodeybug please
coming at the NCAA Fall call (404) 294-2165 or email adoption@
Freshman Award. He logged
Preview and the other at dekalbanimalservices.com. All potential
24 rounds of play and tied adopters will be screened to ensure Jodeybug
the Jekyll Island Collegiate
for second on the team goes to a good home. Hours: Mon-Fri; 11am-
Invitational. 7pm / Sat-Sun; 11am-6pm
with a stroke average of
Yakubov registered a Not ready to adopt or already have enough
73.3, tying for fourth on the pets? Then please consider fostering a pet.
pair of top-10 finishes in
program’s seasonal chart. We are in urgent need of foster homes for two
his final season including weeks or more, since our shelter is completely
Ryan ranked as the
a sixth-place effort in the full and we are out of room. We will provide
Eagles’ top performer in
Jodeybug
150-field player at Jekyll everything you need, and you just supply the
three events, including love. Interested in helping? Please contact
Island where his four-under
the Golfweek D-III Fall foster@dekalbanimalservices.com.
212 stands eighth on the
Invitational where his final
EDUCATION
SCHOLAR Continued From Page 11A
her scholarship, Dascher graduated from Lakeside
High School and gave a speech as a class officer to
fellow graduating classmates during the ceremony.
Dascher said it feels good to be a high school graduate
now that the pressure of giving her speech is off.
“[Dascher] personifies the true spirit of a Lakeside
Viking. She excels academically, athletically and
in our community,” said Derrica Williams with
the Lakeside High School Foundation. “We are
delighted to be able to present her with the Lakeside
Foundation’s scholarship award for 2019.”
With a weighted 4.4 GPA, Dascher found time to
participate in chorus, cross country, drama club, tennis,
French Honor Society, international thespian society,
Lakeside’s school newspaper, national honor society
and Student Government Association throughout her
high school years. Dasher was also a member of the
Beta Club and a Gesher Youth Peer Leader at The
Temple because she found it a good opportunity to
serve the community. She is also a volunteer with
Books for Africa and Hands on Atlanta.
“I’ve always enjoyed helping people,” Dascher
said. “It stems from me wanting to be a teacher when I
was young. Now it’s kind of developed into a broader
want to help and educate people.”
While at Lakeside, Dascher helped run the student-
led TedxYouth@LakesideHS─an in-person forum to
discuss topics based on TED Conferences LLC that
post talks online.
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019 • Page 24
According to the recent graduate, the student
version of the conference focuses on such topics as
Afrocentric hair and hairstyles revolutionizing styles
across races and hydrogen fuel cells.
“We all have these ideas now and we’re hearing
about these different stories. So we're taking what we
know personally from our experience and blending it
with tools and research we have access to,” Dascher
said. “You can educate people about all kinds of
things. It’s a really interesting way to take personal
things and make them accessible for other people.”
Dascher plans to attend Georgia Tech in the
fall─where her scholarship will be applied─and major
in literature media communications. Law school
maybe in her future, but she is keeping her options
open.
“My plans could change. Who knows,” Dascher
said. “I just like the idea of helping people and all
PLEASE
RECYCLE
that. Law school seems like a good way to do it. But
hopefully at Georgia Tech my horizons are broadened
in what I’m actually interested in and what I really
THIS
want to be doing for the rest of my life.”
While preparing to attend Georgia Tech, Dascher is
excited to meet new people.
“I’m going to be meeting so many new and
PAPER!
different people,” she said. “Georgia Tech is such an
international school and I’m excited to branch out a
little and learn from other people.”