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The fulldome/immersive projection system throws extraordinarily bright light onto a spherical mirror the exact shape of the Fernbank planetarium dome. Photo provided
By Kathy Mitchell Kathy@dekalbchamp.com Now were in the digital age, Thats how Fernbank Science Center Director Douglas Hrabe summed up the recent changes at the centers Jim Cherry Memorial Planetarium. Already the biggest planetarium in Georgia and one of the largest in the United States, Fernbanks planetarium near the end of 2012 underwent a major technological upgrade that was introduced with special free showings on Dec. 21. Planetarium visitors that evening saw programs on a new fulldome /immersive projection system. This totally changes the planetarium experience, said Ed Albin, a Fernbank astronomer, in a statement released by the science center. For the video portions of our pro-
gramming, weve been using standard projectors, which put an image on only a small segment of the dome. The digital immersive projection system throws extraordinarily bright light onto a spherical mirror tuned to the exact shape of our dome. So now the video and other images cover the entire dome. April Whitt, also a Fernbank astronomer, explained: Before we could project images, but it was rather like a slide show. With the new system, animated images move across the entire surface. Its what children today expect to see. The fulldome system, made by e-Planetarium of Houston, is not replacing the planetariums Because she gets her news updates online from the The Champ iconic Zeiss star projector, but Because she gets her news updates online from the The Champion. will be used to complement it. gets her news updates online from the The Champion. Because she Nothing gives you the feel of
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Fernbank Science Center Director Douglas Hrabe, left, and astronomer April Whitt both say they are excited about the planetariums new possibilities. Photo by Kathy Mitchell
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Anges Scott College classics professor Jim Abbot recently revived the campuses arboretum tour with the help of Kimberly Reeves. Reeves, who is now getting her masters at the University of Georgia, came up with the idea to include QR codes at each stop on the tour. Photos by Daniel Beauregard
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DeKalb Countys Mobile Career Center, also known as the jobs bus, has attracted an estimated 2,000 people at approximately 200 locations since launching in February. The mobile center is designed to help residents find employment by providing job search assistance, adult workshops and training, resume writing and interviewing tips. The bus has 13 computer stations, a meeting space, a smart board and is compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act. Photos by Carla Parker
ous employers but we have a business relations unit and its primary focus is to work directly with employers to match them with qualified applicants, Chapman said. Since launching, the jobs bus has attracted an estimated 2,000 people and been to approximately 200 locations in DeKalb County. DeKalb Countys unemployment insurance initial claims have
dropped from 3,557 in October 2011 to 3,330 in October 2012. Chapman said they have been receiving good reviews about the bus. People couldnt get to [the DeKalb County Workforce Development] all the time and we put the bus out in the community wherever its needed, she said. So, weve had people to say that its a great resource because they
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Guest Editorial
Opinion
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Meditation is the action of silence. Krishnamurti (1895-1986), an Indianborn speaker and author on philosophical and spiritual subjects Perhaps little known today, and seldom seen, are monastic orders. In the hustle and bustle of our modern world, there are so few places reserved simply for quiet thought, reflection and asking the great questions of today. In east metro Atlanta, specifically in Rockdale County and not far from Conyers is the Monastery of the Holy Spirit (MOHS), a Catholic monastery originally founded in 1944. The monastery is a Roman Catholic religious community, belonging to the worldwide Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance, more commonly known as Trappists. This Trappist community is currently home to 36 monks, a few of whom have been there more than 36 years, who live, work and pray repeatedly throughout the day at the Abbey. The monastery sits on 2,300 acres, 1,000 of those are under permanent easement protection. This is one of Georgias two National Heritage Areas.
FREEPRESS
Let Us Know What You Think!
THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS encourages opinions from its readers. Please write to us and express your views. Letters should be brief, typewritten and contain the writers name, address and telephone number for verication. All letters will be considered for publication.
Send Letters To Editor, The Champion Free Press, P. O. Box 1347, Decatur, GA 30031-1347; Send E-Mail to Kathy@dekalbchamp.com FAX To: (404) 370-3903 Phone: (404) 373-7779 Deadline for news releases and advertising: Thursday, one week prior to publication date. EDITORS NOTE: The opinions written by columnists and contributing editors do not necessarily reect the opinions of the editor or publishers. The Publisher reserves the right to reject or cancel any advertisement at any time. The Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts.
Publisher: Dr. Earl D. Glenn Managing Editor: Kathy Mitchell News Editor: Andrew Cauthen Production Manager: Kemesha Hunt Graphic Designer: Travis Hudgons The Champion Free Press is published each Friday by ACE III Communications, Inc., 114 New Street, Suite E, Decatur, GA. 30030 Phone (404) 373-7779.
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We sincerely appreciate the discussion surrounding this and any issue of interest to DeKalb County. The Champion was founded in 1991 expressly to provide a forum for discourse for all community residents on all sides of an issue. We have no desire to make the news only to report news and opinions to effect a more educated citizenry that will ultimately move our community forward. We are happy to present ideas for discussion; however, we make every effort to avoid printing information submitted to us that is known to be false and/ or assumptions penned as fact.
Community
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Polina Milter was a victim of bullying when she was a student at Dunwoody High School. The bullying, which ranged from name calling and being ignored by other students, had gotten so bad that she attempted to commit suicide. I didnt really feel like I had anyone around me and I felt like no one cared, she said. I was surrounded by so much depression and stuff. So, I just took a bottle of Ambien. Surviving the suicide attempt changed Milters outlook of her life. I made an agreement with myself that if Im going to be alive then Im going to live it the way I want to live it, she said. The 22 year old vowed to fight back against bullying so no other student would have to go through what she went through. Last year, she came up with the idea to create the Push Back Project. The Push Back Project is a nonviolent organization that teaches students about bullying and builds support
to Jacobs Engineering Group. Jacobs, one of the worlds largest and most diverse providers of professional techThe City of Brookhaven city nical services, also runs the court in council has awarded contracts and Sandy Springs. initial task orders for six of the seven InterDev Systems, a specialist inmunicipal government services work formation technology solution providpackages. er, won the contract for information The Governors Commission on technology services. Brookhaven issued requests for proThe firm of UHY Advisors Tax and posals for municipal government Business Consultants was awarded the services on Oct. 12 for government contract for the finance and adminisservices, including communications tration services. and community engagement, comOn Dec. 21, the city council chose munity development, financial and the firm of Clark, Patterson and Lee administrative services, information to provide community development technologies services, municipal court services that include zoning, planning, services, public works, and recreation building permits and code compliance. and parks. Back-up contracts were also awarded The city awarded contracts and task to The Collaborative, Jacobs and orders for communications and comSAFEbuilt. munity engagement, community deThe council awarded the contract velopment, financial and administrafor public works to Lowe. The countive services, information technologies cil has yet to reward the contract for services, municipal court services, and the parks and recreation services. The public works. council met on Dec. 22 for a work Throughout the selection process session that included hearing from the we felt it vital to make prudent and former Brookhaven Governors Comfiscally conservative selections, said missions park committee. Brookhaven Mayor J. Max Davis. Interim deputy city manager J.D. We carefully examined all bids and Clockadale said several bidders were proposals to help make the most straawarded contracts, but only one firm tegic and cost-effective decisions for received the initial task order to perthe citizens of Brookhaven. Each of form the service. the firms receiving contracts and iniWith the task order approach we tial task orders provide the best overall can give them the contract but, the value to the city of Brookhaven for vendor that is actually going to be Municipal General Government Serproviding services to the city will be vices requirements. awarded a task order, he said. The Fourteen firms submitted propos[vendor] thats given the task order als to provide multiple services to the will be doing the work and getting city. paid for it. On Dec. 18, the Brookhaven City The final costs will not be known Council awarded the contract for the until the task orders are fully negotimunicipal court services and commu- ated by the city attorney and interim nications and community engagement city-manager Marie Garrett.
if you would like to nominate someone to be considered as a future champion of the week, please contact kathy Mitchell at kathy@dekalbchamp.com or at (404) 373-7779, ext. 104.
atlanta
arounDDeKalb
Staff will be on hand from 10 a.m. to noon to answer questions about email, finding information on the web, or Microsoft programs. The library located is at 951 N. Indian Creek Drive. To register, call (404) 508-7175. Jewish community center to host pajama party
Community
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Emory anthropologist receives awards Emory University anthropology professor Peter Brown has received two major 2012 career awards for teaching and mentoring: The American Anthropological Association (AAA)/Oxford University Press Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching in Anthropology and the Society for Medical Anthropology Graduate Student Mentoring Award. Both awardsthe first recognition by his peers, and the second by his studentswere presented at the recent AAA annual meeting in San Francisco. Many of his students have gone on to outstanding careers in anthropology, public health and other fields according to Emory officials. In nominating Brown for the awards, several of his students described how he cultivated their interest in medical anthropology by combining facts and personal stories.
Decatur
Soil and water meeting scheduled The DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District monthly meeting will be held on Friday, Jan. 11, at 10 a.m. at the Clark Harrison Building, 330 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. in downtown Decatur. For additional information call (770) 761-3020.
The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta is hosting a pajama party and Havdalah, which is a ceremony that marks the symbolic end of Shabbat and the Jewish high holidays. The event will be Jan. 12, 6:30-8 p.m. at Alis Cookies, located at 4511 Olde Perimeter Way in Dunwoody. The event is free and parents and children are invited to come dressed in their PJs and listen to childrens songs with Rabbi Brian Glusman. For more information, call (678) 812-4161.
stone Mountain
Business group steps up safety patrols The Stone Mountain Community Improvement District (CID) has increased safety patrols during the holidays. The CID is increasing measures to further deter crimes against commercial properties along the Mountain Industrial Road corridor as 2012 draws to a close. Every day, CID-funded private security and off-duty DeKalb County police officers provide a continual presence throughout the district. These law enforcement professionals are making special efforts to safeguard the area during the holidays. CID Chairman Larry Callahan said that expanded public safety throughout the greater Mountain Industrial corridor is a key benefit to district stakeholders. As a result, the number of reported incidents continues to decline. We want all of our member properties to know that we are aware of the unique safety concerns that businesses have right now, Callahan said. We are committed to vigilantly monitoring the district and working closely with DeKalb County Police to limit opportunities for incidents. Private security officers document details they observe during routine patrols and notify county police the
moment potentially criminal behavior is observed. These patrols have generated positive interactions with business owners seeking to increase the security of their facilities. Safety personnel have been alerted to situations where their presence could prove beneficial. Recently, representatives of an area corporate headquarters informed the CID of suspicious occurrences believed to be precursors to a burglary. The next weekend, a patrolling officer intercepted a vehicle and its occupant at the business during pre-dawn hours, potentially curtailing a crime. For more information about the CIDs efforts, contact CID President Emory Morsberger at (770) 4098100 or emory@stonemountaincid. com. Emancipation celebration scheduled Stone Mountain Village will host a celebration of the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. The event will take place in the village square Jan. 5 near the Shermans Neck Ties public art sculpture from 10:30-11:30 a.m. There will be a reception immediately following several speeches and Mayor Patricia Wheeler will give a proclamation. The event is sponsored by Main Street Stone Mountain. For more information contact Susan Ryles at (770) 413-0607. Professional football legend visits library Clarence Scott, former NFL defensive back for the Cleveland Browns (1971-1983) will visit the Hairston Crossing Library, located at 4911 Redan Road in Stone Mountain, Jan. 12 from 2-4 p.m. Scott will answer questions about his experiences in college and professional athletics and be available to sign autographs. Scott is a recent Georgia Sports Hall of Fame inductee and a Decatur High School Alumni. For more information call (404) 508-7170.
DunwooDy
MJCCA announces new day camps The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) recently announced that its new online day camp registration begins Jan. 13. Additionally, several new day camps have been added to the more than 100 options MJCCA offers children ages 5 14. New camps for 2013 include: Aerial & Acrobatics Archeology Rocks Atlanta Hawks Basketball Chess Camp CIA Fusion Fencing Hollywood Bound Intro to Graffiti Art Junk Art Meteorology Camp Need for Speed Travel Painting Frenzy Sports Broadcasting Spy Camp Video Game Builders, and Water Wipeout Camps start the week of May 28 and continue through Aug. 9. For more information, visit www.atlantajcc. org/camps.
Brookhaven
English as a Second Language class to be offered English classes will be held at the Brookhaven Library on Jan. 7 and 14. The English as Second Language class is sponsored by Literacy Volunteers of America-Metro Atlanta and DeKalb County Public Library. The free class is for adults 18 years and older. The class is 6:30-8 p.m. Brookhaven Library is at 1242 N. Druid Hills Road NE in Atlanta. For more information, call Literacy Volunteers of America-Metro Atlanta at (404) 377-7323 or DeKalb County Public Library Literacy Services at (404) 370-8450, ext. 2240.
clarkston
Computer class offered at library Computer classes for adults will be held at the Clarkston library on Jan. 9.
Local News
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Maloof Center Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur Maloof Center Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur
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The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners will hold Public Hearings on the 2013 Proposed Budget at the times and places listed below: Tuesday February 12, 2013 Tuesday February 26, 2013 10:00AM 10:00AM
All interested citizens are invited to attend these hearings and have the right to present comments pertaining to the proposed budget. The recommended budget is available for public inspection in the office of the Director of Finance, 6th Floor, Maloof Center, at all DeKalb County Libraries during normal business hours, and electronically at www.dekalbcountyga.gov.
BUDGET RESOLUTION
TAX FUNDS GENERAL FUND ANTICIPATED REVENUES: Taxes Licenses and Permits Intergovernmental Charges for Services Fines and Forfeitures Miscellaneous Other Financing Sources Fund Balance Carried Forward TOTAL - GENERAL FUND PROPOSED EXPENDITURES: Chief Executive Officer Board of Commissioners Ethics Board Law Department Geographic Info Systems Facilities Management Purchasing Human Resources & Merit System Information Systems Finance Property Appraisal Tax Commissioner Registrar Sheriff Juvenile Court Superior Court Clerk of Superior Court State Court Solicitor - General District Attorney Child Advocates Office Probate Court Medical Examiner Public Defender Police Magistrate Court Fire & Rescue Services Planning & Development Public Works - Director Economic Development Library Cooperative Extension Public Health Community Service Board DFACS Human Services Contributions to Capital Projects Non - Departmental TOTAL - GENERAL FUND 2013 Recommended Budget
HOSPITAL FUND ANTICIPATED REVENUES: Taxes Fund Balance Carried Forward TOTAL - HOSPITAL FUND PROPOSED EXPENDITURES:
POLICE SERVICES FUND ANTICIPATED REVENUES: Taxes Licenses and Permits Charges for Services Miscellaneous Other Financing Sources Fund Balance Carried Forward TOTAL - POLICE SERVICES FUND PROPOSED EXPENDITURES: DEBT SERVICE FUND ANTICIPATED REVENUES: Taxes Fund Balance Carried Forward TOTAL - DEBT SERVICE FUND PROPOSED EXPENDITURES: SPECIAL TAX DISTRICT - DEBT SERVICE FUND ANTICIPATED REVENUES: Taxes Fund Balance Carried Forward TOTAL - STD - DEBT SERVICE FUND PROPOSED EXPENDITURES: TOTAL RECOMMENDED 2013 TAX FUNDS BUDGET
$1,869,545 3,062,075 4,500 3,139,711 1,902,262 17,319,915 3,179,928 3,102,415 16,238,033 5,650,199 4,390,264 6,629,597 1,889,295 75,717,002 9,444,635 8,392,003 6,121,920 13,213,450 5,951,607 11,843,372 1,816,119 1,577,720 2,278,903 7,283,038 4,521,684 2,706,229 9,120,920 973,957 267,196 1,186,797 12,376,767 $207,617 3,955,634 1,576,060 1,241,284 3,491,733 6,000,000 38,211,575 $297,854,961
SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS DEVELOPMENT FUND ANTICIPATED REVENUES: Licenses and Permits Charges for Services Investment Income Miscellaneous Fund Balance Carried Forward TOTAL - DEVELOPMENT FUND PROPOSED EXPENDITURES: Planning & Sustainability Land Development TOTAL - DEVELOPMENT FUND PUBLIC EDUCATION & GOVERNMENT ACCESS FUND ANTICIPATED REVENUES: Investment Income Miscellaneous Fund Balance Carried Forward TOTAL - P E G FUND PROPOSED EXPENDITURES:
FIRE FUND ANTICIPATED REVENUES: Property Taxes Charges for Services Fund Balance Carried Forward TOTAL - FIRE FUND PROPOSED EXPENDITURES: Fire & Rescue Services Non - Departmental TOTAL - FIRE FUND SPECIAL TAX DISTRICT - DESIGNATED SERVICES ANTICIPATED REVENUES: Taxes Charges for Services Miscellaneous Other Financing Sources Fund Balance Carried Forward TOTAL - S T D - DESIGNATED SERVICES FUND PROPOSED EXPENDITURES: Public Works - Transportation Public Works - Roads & Drainage Parks & Recreation Non - Departmental TOTAL - S T D - DESIGNATED SERVICES FUND SPECIAL TAX DISTRICT - UNINCORPORATED ANTICIPATED REVENUES: Taxes Licenses and Permits Fines and Forfeitures Miscellaneous Other Financing Sources Fund Balance Carried Forward TOTAL - S T D - UNINCORPORATED FUND PROPOSED EXPENDITURES: C E O Office - Cable TV Support Finance - Business License Recorders Court Planning & Development- Zoning Analysis Non - Departmental TOTAL - S T D - UNINCORPORATED FUND
COUNTY JAIL FUND ANTICIPATED REVENUES: Intergovernmental Fines and Forfeitures Fund Balance Carried Forward TOTAL - COUNTY JAIL FUND PROPOSED EXPENDITURES: FORECLOSURE REGISTRY FUND ANTICIPATED REVENUES: Charges for Services Fund Balance Carried Forward TOTAL - FORECLOSURE REGISTRY FUND PROPOSED EXPENDITURES: HOTEL / MOTEL TAX FUND ANTICIPATED REVENUES: Taxes Fund Balance Carried Forward TOTAL - HOTEL / MOTEL TAX FUND PROPOSED EXPENDITURES: RENTAL MOTOR VEHICLE EXCISE TAX FUND ANTICIPATED REVENUES: PROPOSED EXPENDITURES: VICTIM ASSISTANCE FUND ANTICIPATED REVENUES: Intergovernmental Fines and Forfeitures Fund Balance Carried Forward TOTAL - VICTIM ASSISTANCE FUND PROPOSED EXPENDITURES:
$1,547,907
Local News
$885,814 (5,924) (464,890) $415,000 $415,000 PROPOSED EXPENDITURES: Public Works - Sanitation Finance - Revenue Collections TOTAL - SANITATION FUND DEKALB - PEACHTREE AIRPORT ANTICIPATED REVENUES: Investment Income Miscellaneous Fund Balance Carried Forward TOTAL - DEKALB - PEACHTREE AIRPORT PROPOSED EXPENDITURES: Airport Operations Transfer to Capital Projects TOTAL - DEKALB - PEACHTREE AIRPORT STORMWATER UTILITY OPERATING FUND ANTICIPATED REVENUES: Charges for Services Investment Income Fund Balance Carried Forward TOTAL - STORMWATER UTILITY FUND PROPOSED EXPENDITURES: Stormwater Operations TOTAL - STORMWATER UTILITY FUND INTERNAL SERVICE FUNDS FLEET MAINTENANCE ANTICIPATED REVENUES: Intergovernmental Charges for Services Miscellaneous TOTAL - FLEET MAINTENANCE PROPOSED EXPENDITURES: Public Works - Fleet Maintenance TOTAL - FLEET MAINTENANCE VEHICLE FUND ANTICIPATED REVENUES: Charges for Services Investment Income Other Financing Sources Fund Balance Carried Forward TOTAL - VEHICLE FUND PROPOSED EXPENDITURES: Vehicle Acquisitions Interdepartmental Services Reserves and Other Miscellaneous TOTAL - VEHICLE FUND RISK MANAGEMENT ANTICIPATED REVENUES: Charges for Services Payroll Deductions and Matches Fund Balance Carried Forward TOTAL - RISK MANAGEMENT PROPOSED EXPENDITURES: Group Health & Life Buildings & Contents Boiler & Machinery Non- Immunity Expenses Vehicle Airport Liability Helicopter Money & Securities Loss Control Other TOTAL - RISK MANAGEMENT WORKERS COMPENSATION ANTICIPATED REVENUES: Charges for Services Miscellaneous Fund Balance Carried Forward TOTAL - WORKERS COMPENSATION FUND PROPOSED EXPENDITURES:
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$6,978,648 95,074,385 7,601,754 $109,654,787 94,521,100 1,850,000 50,000 2,000,000 4,091,962 6,100 130,000 50,000 350,000 6,605,625 $109,654,787
$66,058,188 $66,058,188
ENTERPRISE FUNDS WATER & SEWERAGE OPERATING FUND ANTICIPATED REVENUES: Charges for Services Investment Income Fund Balance Carried Forward TOTAL - WATER & SEWERAGE OPERATING FUND PROPOSED EXPENDITURES: Public Works - Water & Sewer Finance - Revenue Collections TOTAL - WATER & SEWERAGE OPERATING FUND WATER & SEWERAGE SINKING FUND ANTICIPATED REVENUES: Miscellaneous Other Financing Sources Fund Balance Carried Forward TOTAL - WATER & SEWERAGE SINKING FUND PROPOSED EXPENDITURES: SANITATION FUND ANTICIPATED REVENUES: Charges for Services Investment Income Miscellaneous Other Financing Sources Fund Balance Carried Forward TOTAL - SANITATION FUND
REVENUE BONDS LEASE PAYMENT FUNDS BUILDING AUTHORITY LEASE PAYMENTS ANTICIPATED REVENUES: Investment Income Fund Balance Carried Forward TOTAL - BUILDING AUTHORITY PROPOSED EXPENDITURES:
PUBLIC SAFETY AND JUDICIAL FACILITIES AUTHORITY LEASE PAYMENTS ANTICIPATED REVENUES: Miscellaneous $3,075,089 Fund Balance Carried Forward 32,013 TOTAL - PS&J FACILITIES AUTHORITY $3,107,102 PROPOSED EXPENDITURES: URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BONDS DEBT SERVICE ANTICIPATED REVENUES: Miscellaneous Fund Balance Carried Forward TOTAL - URA DEBT SERVICE FUND PROPOSED EXPENDITURES: $3,107,102
Local News
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Every single national accreditation you can have that speaks to our operational excellence, we have.
Thomas Brown
DeKalb County Sheriff Thomas Brown said his staff has worked hard to get away from the colorful past of the Sheriffs Office. Photos by Andrew Cauthen
Local News
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DeKalb County Wants to Hear From You Regarding the Proposed Franchise Agreement Renewal with Comcast Cable Communications
Send your comments and/or concerns regarding Comcasts current performance under the current franchise agreement and/or the future cable-related needs and interests of your community to www.dekalbcountyga.gov.
Jan. 3, 2013
Today's Regional Map Weather History
Jan. 3, 1777 - An overnight freeze enabled George Washington and his troops to flank the British at Trenton, cross their lines at Princeton and seek security in the hills of northern New Jersey. Jan. 4, 1989 - Up to a foot of snow blanketed the mountains of West Virginia and strong winds in the northeastern United States produced wind chill readings as cold as 60 degrees below zero in Maine. Mount Washington, N.H. reported wind gusts to 136 mph. Dunwoody 49/31 Lilburn Smyrna Doraville 50/32 50/32 50/32 Snellville Decatur 51/32 Atlanta 51/32 51/32 Lithonia College Park 52/32 52/32 Morrow 52/32 Union City 52/32 Hampton 53/33
FRIDAY
Mostly Sunny High: 49 Low: 30
SATURDAY
Sunny High: 52 Low: 31
SUNDAY
Sunny High: 53 Low: 28
MONDAY
Mostly Sunny High: 54 Low: 28
TUESDAY
Partly Cloudy High: 54 Low: 31 Last 1/4
Tonight's Planets
Mercury Venus Mars Jupiter Saturn Uranus Rise Set 7:12 a.m. 4:58 p.m. 6:15 a.m. 4:12 p.m. 9:14 a.m. 7:29 p.m. 3:04 p.m. 5:10 a.m. 2:48 a.m. 1:44 p.m. 11:56 a.m.12:10 a.m.
WEDNESDAY
Mostly Sunny High: 55 Low: 34 New 1/11
Full 1/26
Local UV Index
Weather Trivia
What is the Bermuda High?
0 - 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11+
UV Index 0-2: Low, 3-5: Moderate, 6-7: High, 8-10: Very High 11+: Extreme Exposure
Answer: Each summer, a huge area of high pressure sets up over Bermuda.
www.WhatsOurWeather.com
Local News
Wilson was arrested in November 2010 after he was accused of molesting and raping a 12-year-old girl. The girls mother reportedly called police who then arrested Wilson, a resident of Ellenwood. DeKalb County District Attorney Robert James said Wilson took an oath to serve and protect the people of Georgia but instead preyed upon the very individuals he was sworn to protect. Assistant District Attorney Dalia Racine, who leads the Crimes Against Children Unit, served as lead prosecutor on the case. It is truly alarming that an individual tasked with protecting the public has violated his oath of office
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Wilson
The Chick-fil-As mascot, Clemson football players and Miss Georgia, Brittany Sharp, visit patients at the Clemson football players autograph Chick-fil-A Bowl shirts for Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta at patients. Photos by Carla Parker Egleston.
Clemson football players visit Childrens Healthcare patient Cassidy Fletcher and her family.
Clemson linebacker Corico Wright gives Childrens Healthcare patient Cassidy Fletcher an autographed Chick-fil-A Bowl shirt.
Brittany Sharp, Clemson football players and Chickfil-As Eat Mor Chikin cow visits patient Skyler Philips.
Clemson linebacker Corico Wright lets Skyler Philips handle some team gear.
Brittany Sharp and Clemson football players visit patient Keiondra Dupree.
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nities, the lawsuit says. In addition to reducing tax income, vacant or abandoned homes that are in or near foreclosure create additional costs for the counties, the lawsuit says. Their housing code and legal departments have to investigate and respond to code violations, including having to board up, tear down or repair unsafe homes. They have to deal with public health concerns, such as pest infestations, ruptured water pipes, accumulated garbage and unkempt yards. And fire and police departments have to respond to health and safety threats. The lawsuit says predatory lending practices include: targeting vulnerable borrowers for mortgage loans with unfavorable terms; directing credit-worthy borrowers to more costly loans; putting unreasonable terms, excessive fees or pre-payment penalties into mortgage loans; basing loan values on inflated or fraudulent appraisals; and refinancing a loan without benefit to the borrower. The counties are asking the court to order the bank to stop its behavior and to take steps to prevent similar predatory lending in the future. They are also seeking financial compensation for the damages theyve suffered and punitive damages to punish the bank for its willful, wanton and reckless conduct. The counties say the financial injury theyve suffered is in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Andrew Sandler, a lawyer for HSBC and its subsidiaries, said he couldnt
comment on the case. A federal judge has given the bank until Jan. 25 to respond to the counties complaint. Lawyers for the counties declined interviews on the case, but one of them, Jeffrey Harris, said in an emailed statement that they are continuing to investigate other banks and could file additional complaints. Similar suits were filed against Wells Fargo by the city of Memphis and surrounding Shelby County in Tennessee in 2009 and by the city of Baltimore in 2008. Those suits were settled earlier this year. Both settlements included $3 million to the local governments for economic development or housing programs and $4.5 million in down payment assistance to homeowners, as well as a lending goal of $425 million for residents over the subsequent five years, according to media accounts. As in those cases, the lawsuit filed by the Georgia counties says the bank, in this case HSBC, targeted communities with high percentages of Fair Housing Act-protected minority residents, particularly Blacks and Hispanics.
Communities with high concentrations of such potential borrowers, and the potential borrowers themselves, were targeted because of the traditional lack of access to competitive credit choices in these communities and the resulting willingness of FHA protected minority borrowers to accept credit on uncompetitive rates, the lawsuit states. The lawsuit states minority borrowers were disproportionately targeted with high-cost loans between 2004 and 2007. Before the beginning of the subprime lending boom in 2003, annual foreclosure rates in metro Atlanta averaged below 1 percent, but U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development data show that the estimated foreclosure rates for each of the three counties now average more than 9 percent and are as high as 18 percent in the communities with the highest percentages of minority borrowers, the lawsuit states. It is the alleged targeting of minority communities that entitles the counties to seek action against HSBC for loss of tax income and other expenses, the lawsuit said.
TheMayorandCityCounciloftheCityofChamblee,Georgiawillholdapublichearingon Thursday,January10,2013,attheChambleeCivicCenter,3540BroadStreet,Chamblee,GA 30341at6:00p.m.toreceivepubliccommentsregardingthefollowingzoningmatters: 1) AppendixA,ZoningOrdinance,Section202,Zoningamendmentprocedure.The subjectpropertyislocatedat5485PeachtreeBoulevard.Theapplicantisrequestinga rezoningfromVillageCommercial(VC)toCorridorCommercial(CC)zoningtoallowa Popeyesrestaurantwithadrivethru. 2) AppendixA,ZoningOrdinance,Section1202.A,Drivewaysandcurbcuts.The subjectpropertyislocatedat3402HardeeAvenue.Theapplicantisrequestinga variancetothe22footinteriordrivewaywidthrequirement.
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Local News
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Fernbank Science Center staff members watch as the new system is installed. Photo provided
In addition to Christmas trees of various species, Gainesvilles Kinsey Family Farm grows acres of shrubs and other plants to be sold in its nursery. Photos by Andrew Cauthen
Education
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Oglethorpe University President Larry Schall, seen above speaking at a graduation ceremony last year, recently authored a letter urging policy makers to impose stricter gun control laws. Schall, along with Agnes Scott College President Elizabeth Kiss, has circulated the letter and gained the support of more than 300 leaders of higher-learning institutions around the country.
reasonable gun safety legislation wont prevent every future murder and the mental health issues that lie behind many of the recent mass shootings must also be addressed. Additionally, the letter calls for policy makers to end the gun show loophole, which allows the purchase of guns from an unlicensed seller without a background check. It also asks for the reinstatement of the ban on military-style, semi-automatic assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines. After polishing up the
letter he wrote, Schall emailed it to Kiss who read it and began to circulate it to other presidents of higher learning institutions. As soon as I read it I just thought it was such a powerful statement and echoed what I thought as well, Kiss said. Kiss said the call to oppose legislation allowing students to carry guns on campus wasnt in the original letter but after talking to so many Georgia colleges and university presidents, it was added. While the letter was circulating to educators around
the country, local legislators announced a plan to reintroduce gun legislation in the coming general assembly session that will make it easier for people to carry firearms. That gave our letter a local resonance, Kiss said. I really hope that our letter can be a small part of an effort all across the country and state standing up and saying that we need some sensible gun control laws. Hopefully well be speaking directly to some of the people in the legislature.
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Business
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The Erbert and Gerberts Sandwich Shop in Decatur was the first to introduce certified gluten-free menu options.
Edward Andrist says many customers thank him for offering tasty gluten-free foods.
In addition to gluten-free breads, the restaurant offers glutenfree chips, soups and cookies. Photos by Kathy Mitchell
We had to convince the national headquarters that gluten-free food is a health need, not a food fad that will disappear in a few years.
Edward Andrist
is a $2.6 billion industry. Its expected to grow to $8 billion by the end of the year. He noted that finding certified gluten-free restaurant food is very important to those who are so gluten sensitive that even a small amount makes them extremely ill. I hate to use a word as strong as militant,
restaurants. On its website, for example, Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta advises: Ask your server or chef to explain how foods are prepared to make sure they are gluten-free. Take the list of the foods that your child needs to avoid with you. Foods that often contain hidden gluten in restaurants include salad dressings, mari-
Local News
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Sports
Page 19A
MALE ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Daniel Graves, Chamblee (basketball): Graves scored 18 points and had four rebounds and three assists in the 62-58 win over Butler on Dec. 26 in the opening round of the second annual Nike Boys Basketball Invitational. FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Miah Spencer, Columbia (basketball): The senior guard scored 21 points in the 51-46 win over Miller Grove on Dec. 21.
The Lithonia High School junior varsity wrestling team won the DeKalb County Junior Varsity wrestling title on Dec. 22. Photo provided
Each week The Champion spotlights former high school players from the county who are succeeding in athletics on the college level.
The Lithonia High School junior varsity wrestling team finally won the DeKalb County Junior Varsity wrestling title on Dec. 22 after placing third twice in the last three years. Lithonia won the tournament with a score of 190.5. They outscored McNair (171.5), Southwest DeKalb (167.5) and Stephenson (127) to win the county title. Wrestling coach Patrick Ryan said it felt good to finally win first place. It feels good that all of the hard work has paid off, he said. Im very proud of my guys. The Lithonia Bulldogs had six wrestlers to move on to the final round and had three champions Desmond Robinson (132-pound weight class), Christian Sanders (138-pound weight class), and DJ Wallace (220-pound weight class). They also had three runner upsShamel Findley (113-pound weight class), Chris James (160-pound weight class), and Davion Findley (170-pound weight class). TeAndre Newell pinned his way to a convincing third place
It feels good that all of the hard work has paid off.
Patrick Ryan win and David Williams (fourth place), Starling Johnson (fourth place) and eighth-grader Victor Piedra all contributed to the Bulldogs final score. Ryan is hoping his varsity squad will have the same success at the DeKalb County Tournament on Jan. 25-26. Some of the varsity wrestlers are having a successful season so far. Sophomore Kirkglen Hudson is 28-0 on the season in 106-pound weight class, sophomore Shamel Findley is 30-4 in the 113-pound weight class, and first year wrestler Devon Wallace is 18-2 in the 22pound weight class. In Ryans four years as the wrestling coach at Lithonia, the Bulldogs finished in the top five of the varsity county tournament twice, had 12 state qualifiers and one two-time state placer and state runner-upAnthony Smith. Smith placed sixth in the 140-pound weight class in 2010 and state runner-up in the 152-pound weight class in 2012. The senior received a wrestling scholarship to Brewton-Parker College. Ryan said hopes his varsity team will win a county title this season. Its been a work in progress getting these kids better, he said. But, were starting to get better.
Breshad Perriman, Central Florida (football): The freshman wide receiver from Arabia Mountain had five catches for 90 yards in the 38-17 win over Ball State in the Beef O Bradys Bowl on Dec. 21. Perriman finished the season with 26 receptions for 388 yards and three touchdowns. Shaq Goodwin, Memphis (basketball): The freshman forward from Southwest DeKalb scored 11 points and had seven rebounds in the 62-56 win over Lipscomb on Dec. 20. He is averaging 8.4 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. Kayla Lewis, Florida (basketball): The sophomore guard from Southwest DeKalb had a double-double and led the team in scoring with 18 points and rebounding with 10 in the 81-75 win over Central Michigan. She is averaging 8.3 points and six rebounds per game.
Local News
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Programs such as this exercise event at Exchange Park Intergenerational Center helped DeKalb County to win awards for completing health and wellness goals. File photo
walking, exercise classes as well as a workout room. Childhood obesity is an epidemic affecting our young people, Johnson said. We have a generation of children who, because of the prevalence of obesity, may not live to their 40s and who will be facing myriad health issues due to obesity. We have an obligation to raise awareness of this epidemic and provide workable solutions to address these issues.
Exercise and [healthy] eating is where you want to start to get a healthy attitude, Johnson said. The National League of Cities is the lead collaborating partner on this initiative, working with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the National Association of Counties and other nonprofit organizations, in assisting local elected officials to implement policy
and environmental changes to prevent childhood obesity. More than 165 cities, towns and counties are participating in LMCTC. To date, NLC has awarded 578 medals to local elected officials across the country, recognizing these leaders for their progress in adopting long-term, sustainable, and holistic policies that improve communities access to healthy affordable food and opportunities for physical activity.