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Kiddie Olympics encourage children to play

by Andrew Cauthen andrew@dekalbchamp.com

media outlets and corporations as an event for nutritious fun. Childhood obesity has more ore than 1,000 children than tripled in the past 30 years. from various metro Childhood obesity causes joint Atlanta daycare centers disease, possibly, said Catrenia converged at Hallford McLendon. It could cause Stadium May 9 for the seventh cardiovascular disease and just a annual Kiddie Olympics. Children whole array of issues that we could participated in the 20-yard dash, tug prevent if we get out and do a little of war, sack race, pogo ball race, and bit of physical exercise. bounce house events. What we would like to do is It was all a plan to allow kids to startyou little guys out in the to get more fit, to bring awareness to mindset of being active, being fit, parents to let their children go out and she told the children. play a little bit more, said Derrick During the event, DeKalb McLendon, the events founder. If County Commissioner Stan Watson you learn fitness today, it will stay reminded the children and their with you the rest of your life. parents to look at all the recreation The Kiddie Olympics were centers we have in and around Sack races and pogo ball races were two of the events in which more than 1,000 children participated. The Kiddie Olympics are now regional with events in DeKalb, founded in 2007 as an awareness DeKalb County. Make sure you Gwinnett and Chattanooga, Tenn. Photos by Andrew Cauthen event for childhood obesity by utilize them. We have some brand McLendon, a former Division 1 just wasnt adequate for the children. 2,000 children, family members and new facilities across the county. athlete and graduate of the University Some of the sponsors of the staff and 40 DeKalb County day care McLendons company has of Tennessee, and his wife Catrenia, Kiddie Olympics include Peach State centers participated in the 2013 event. developed a curriculum that goes an administrator at a technical Health, Farmers Insurance, Chuck E. The Kiddie Olympics as a metro towards helping these kids stay college. The McLendons felt children Cheese, Wellness Assessment Team Atlanta event, but now its regional, focused in terms of fitness that they younger than age 6 were underserved and the DeKalb County Board of with Kiddie Olympics events in can put in their reading, writing [and] where fitness and nutrition are Health. DeKalb, Gwinnett and Chattanooga, arithmetic, he said. concerned. The first Kiddie Olympics Tenn. The curriculum deals with I started because I had small consisted of 10 daycare facilities The Kiddie Olympics has evolved some of the fitness issues that I think children in a day care environment, competing in several events to spark into the largest fitness event for some of the schools are having, McLendon said. When I saw what childrens competitiveness and children ages 3-5 in the United States McLendon said. We bring fitness to they were doing in terms of fitness, it interest in play. Approximately 1,500- and has been endorsed by multiple schools.

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Children from 40 daycare centers participated in seventh annual Kiddie Olympics aimed at curbing childhood obesity.

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The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 17, 2013

LOCAL NEWS
inner strength and peace that it teaches you in order to be able to influence others in a positive manner. During the trial, Lenixs girlfriend Kristina Guede testified that the couples car battery died while they were watching a movie and Lenix went to ask for help. He was then shot by Williams after reportedly interrupting him and his girlfriend having sex. How has Quentric Williams affected my life? Guede said. He took joy from it and replaced it with hate, sadness and fear. He took one of the most positive people out of this world. Williams claimed he shot Lenix in self-defense and only fired a warning shot to try to scare him away and Lenixs death was accidental. Williams was convicted of multiple charges May 2, including malice murder, felony murder and assaulting a police officer and fleeing the scene. According to police, Williams led officers on a high speed chase on I-285 into Gwinnett County, where he wrecked his car and managed to run away from police officers. While police were chasing him, Williams threw nearly $10,000 in cash out of his truck. Williams also tried to steer his truck into several of the police cars chasing him, which is why he is charged with aggravated assault of a police officer. He was arrested May 16, 2012, at the Sun Suites on Club Drive, where police found a gun and a large amount of cash and drugs. According to officials, Williams had previously served two state prison terms for drug convictions and was on parole when he shot Le-

Page 2A

Starlight Six shooter sentenced to life

by Daniel Beauregard daniel@dekalbchamp.com A DeKalb County judge sentenced Quentric Williams May 8 to spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole. Williams received the maximum sentence, life plus 15 years, for the 2012 murder of martial arts expert Mitt Lenix at the Starlight Six Drive-In Theater off Moreland AvWilliams enue. This is probably one of the more senseless crimes Ive seen in some time, Superior Court Judge Gregory Adams said during the sentencing. Lenix, who taught martial arts at his parents martial arts studio in Stockbridge, was a combat medic in the National Guard and won several martial arts awards nationally and abroad. Lenixs former students, friends and familymany of whom wore traditional karate uniforms were present for the hearing. The courtroom looked more like a martial arts classroom as retired Army sergeant Bill Lenix, Mitts father, took the stand. Mr. Quentric represents all that is evil in our society today, but first I must learn from my son and take a lesson from his mother and somehow find the strength to offer forgiveness, the elder Lenix said. Our son was raised in the martial arts, not for the violence, but for the nix. Both Bill Lenix and prosecutor Zina Gumbs said if Williams had remained in prison for the time he was sentenced for those drug offenses, Mitt Lenix would still be alive today. Our son was well-known all over the U.S. as a martial arts champion but especially in Georgia and Florida, Bill Lenix said. He was also a combat medic in the National Guard and he had spent his lifeeven thought it was cut so shorthelping others. Williams cousin spoke on his behalf during the sentencing hearing. I dont want to see my cousin in jail for the rest of his life, Travis Williams said. I just feel like him going to jail for the rest of his life and never getting out is just like killing him, and thats revenge.

FAMU hires a new band director

by Carla Parker carla@dekalbchamp.com Ohio University band director Sylvester Young was named the new band director of marching and pep bands at Florida A&M University. Young beat out DeKalb County School District music coordinator Don Roberts, who was a finalist for the position. Young is replacing former FAMU director Julian White, who was fired in 2011 for alleged misconduct and incompetence involving confirmed reports and allegations of hazing, according to university officials, after the hazing death of drum major Robert Champion. Champion, a Southwest DeKalb High School graduate, died after a hazing ritual. He was found unresponsive on the bands bus after a football game in November 2011 in Orlando, Fla. Officials termed his death a homicide resulting from blunt force trauma sustained during a hazing incident. Twelve band members were charged with manslaughter on March 4 in the case of Champions death. FAMU Interim President Larry Robinson announced Young as the new director May 7 after a nationwide search. Dr. Young is a talented and experienced administrator, musician and scholar who I believe will provide strong discipline, leadership and vision for the Marching 100, Robinson said. Dr. Young has had a stellar career as director of bands at several universities and I am looking forward to Young continuing the great traditions of the Marching 100 when we deem it ready to return to the field. Young is a FAMU graduate and a former member of the marching band. He said in a released statement that he is honored to be back at FAMU and fully embraces the challenge ahead. The Marching 100 had such a positive impact on me and I know firsthand what this band means to FAMU, he said. We will enter a new era of excellence for the band and I am proud to be leading the charge. Young served as an associate professor of music since 1990 at Ohio University where he taught courses in marching band techniques, jazz ensemble methods, computer skills for musicians and instrumentation. For six years, he served as director of bands for Ohio University. He also served as director of bands at Hampton University from 1982 to 1990 and Lincoln University from 1979 to 1982. Young is scheduled to start at FAMU on June 14, with an annual salary of $105,000.

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DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management Public Advisory

SNAPFINGER WOODS SANITARY SEWER ACCESS ROADS

May 9, 2013 Advisory Issue Date June 9, 2013 Advisory Close Date

This advisory is issued to inform the public of a receipt of an application for a variance submitted pursuant to a State Environmental Law. The Public is invited to comment during a 30 day period on the proposed activity. Since the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has no authority to zone property or determine land use, only those comments addressing environmental issues related to air, water and land protection will be considered in the application review process. Written comments should be submitted to: Program Manager, Non Point Source Program, Erosion and Sedimentation Control, 4220 International Parkway, Suite 101, Atlanta, Georgia 30354. Type of Permit Application: Variance to encroach within the 25-foot Sate Waters Buffer. Applicable Law: Georgia Erosion and Sedimentation Act O.C.G.A. 12-7-1 ET seq. Applicable Rules: Erosion and Sedimentation Control Chapter 391-3-7. Basis under which variance shall be considered {391-3-7.05(2) (A-K)}: A Project Location: This project is located on the section of Snapfinger Woods Drive that is bounded by Rayburn Road to the west and Shell Bark Rd to the east near the city of Lithonia, GA. Specifically, the site is located in land lots 8 & 9 of the 16th district & land lots 128 & 129 of the 15th district, in DeKalb, Georgia. The proposed construction will include the installation of permanent gab surface course sanitary sewer system access roads on both tracts of land. Project Description: The proposed site conditions will include the installation of 16ft heavy duty gravel road inside of a 20 proposed access easement. The surrounding site conditions will not be altered from the existing. All disturbed non-roadway areas and landscaping will be replaced in kind. Abandoned drives will be planted with approved materials and converted to wetland mitigation areas. County and state buffer encroachments will be required for sanitary sewer maintenance road access in order to gain access to different parts of the property that contain the overall sewer main. The Public can review site plans at 1580 Roadhaven Drive Stone Mountain, Georgia 30083. Phone 770-621-7272.

Page 3A 

The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 17, 2013

Papers of Ophelia DeVore, Black is beautiful pioneer, come to Emory

by Maureen McGavin, Emory Libraries Ophelia DeVore Mitchell, a model, businesswoman and pioneer in the Black is beautiful movement, has placed her papers at Emory Universitys Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library (MARBL). DeVore exemplified power, pride, presence and beauty in Black women. A former model and longtime business executive, she started one of the first modeling agencies for Black models, which helped launch the early careers of actresses Diahann Carroll and Cicely Tyson, among other celebrities. DeVore also opened a charm school for young Black women to learn etiquette, self-presentation and confidence; launched a cosmetics company catering to Black women, and took over the Columbus Times, a daily newspaper for the Black community in Columbus, Ga., which she still owns today. She was appointed by President Reagan to the John F. Kennedy Center Committee on the Arts in 1985 and has been involved in many community programs throughout her career. Randall K. Burkett, curator of African American Collections at MARBL, said the collection represents Black pride for women. DeVores charm school taught women how to present themselves confidently, allowing them to set and achieve higher goals for themselves and expect equal treatment and opportunities. The school counts as its alumni entrepreneurs, businesswomen, actresses, models, news correspondents, judges, doctors, and a New York City chef and restaurant owner, among others. What she was communicating, through all of her enterprises, is that you have to see yourself as a beautiful person, as a person of authority and confidence, Burkett said.

Diahann Carroll, center, pictured with charm school students in this undated photo, started her career as a Grace del Marco model. Photo is courtesy of Ophelia DeVore papers, MARBL, Emory University.

Modeling days

One of the first mixedrace models in the United States, DeVore was born in Edgefield, S.C., in 1922, to parents of German, French, Native American and African American heritage. In 1933, DeVore was sent to

New York City to live with her aunt and complete her education. She graduated from Hunter College High School and attended New York University. DeVore began modeling in 1938 at the age of 16, working primarily for Ebony magazine. In 1946, she and four friends co-founded Grace del Marco Models; in addition to Diahann Carroll and Cicely Tyson, the agency represented such notable figures as Richard Roundtree (Shaft), Gail Fisher (Mannix); Trudy Haynes, one of the first Black female TV reporters; and Helen Williams, one of the first successful Black models. The agency sought to encourage the media to portray Blacks in non-stereotypical ways. DeVore took on mainstream publications, advertisers and other agencies who avoided hiring Black models, and she was a tough businesswoman proud of her accomplishments. She once sued Life magazine after it published a story in 1969 on Black models for which she was interviewed; the resulting article cited Whiteowned agencies instead.

The charm school

The Ophelia DeVore

School of Charm, which opened in 1948, offered social training for Black young women. It provided lessons in etiquette, poise and posture, ballet, speech and self-presentation (including grooming lessons in hair styling, applying makeup and dressing in flattering clothes). Hip-hop artist Faith Evans, widow of the Notorious B.I.G., is one of many notable graduates. The school, which closed in 2006, reached its peak between the 1960s and the 1990s, and at times graduated about 100 students in a class, said James D. Carter, DeVores son, who took over the charm school for a number of years and ran other aspects of various DeVore businesses. In the early years, when my mother started the cosmetics line and she was grooming students for modeling and handling Black talent as models, she was pretty much the only one doing it, Carter said. It wasnt until the early 70s that people started getting a sense of how marketable Black talent was and how to sell to the Black population, and that other agencies started managing Black models and handling talent. MaryLouise Patterson,

a retired pediatrician, recalls attending the charm school around 1956, when she was a young teen. She said jokingly that her mother probably sent her to get her out of the house on a Saturday, but also to learn poise, correct posture and elegant movement. (Her mother is the late Louise Thompson Patterson, friend of several Harlem Renaissance literary figures, social activist and member of the American Communist Party, whose papers are also held by MARBL.) Actress Beah Richards, who lived with them while she performed in plays at the time, also taught ballet at the charm school, so young Patterson tagged along with her for about a year. It was learning how to move your body through space, how to control it and use ityou dont just plop down on a seat, Patterson recalled of her time at DeVores charm school. We learned how to walk, how to turn around, how to sit, how to fold your skirt down. More than 50 years later, Patterson, who took additional dance classes aside from those at the charm school, still gets compliments on her posture. It wasnt like we were being

taught how to set a table or serve tea the way British ladies werethat wasnt what Ms. DeVore was teaching, she said. It was really more about movement and presentation.

Columbus Times

DeVore had five children with her first husband, Harold Carter, whom she married in 1941. She married her second husband, Columbus Times publisher Vernon Mitchell, in 1968. When he passed away in 1972, she took the newspapers helm and continues today as its owner, with her daughter, Carol Gertjegerdes, as co-publisher and executive editor. DeVore lives in New York City. The Ophelia DeVore Mitchell papers are unprocessed but open to researchers and the public. The collection includes correspondence, professional papers, business records, photographs, scrapbooks, audiovisual material and printed matter relating to her various businesses and community programs in which she was involved. To make arrangements to work with the collection, send an email to marbl@ emory.edu.

Page 4A

Disturbing trends
Case in point. Not many people have heard of the Quitman 10. Quitman is a rural south Georgia town of some 5,000 people in Brooks County near the Florida line. It is 67 percent African American. Many of these African American citizens waged a successful voter registration drive a few years back to give themselves a voice in local matters. Relying heavily on advanced voting and absentee ballots, three African Americans were elected to the previously all-White school board. A longtime African American educator became school board chair. This did not sit well with the White establishment. According to news accounts, the local district attorney ordered a GBI investigation into voter irregularities. In December 2010, the Quitman school board chair and the other successful candidates were arrested and charged with unlawful possession of ballots. Hundreds of people kept a vigil at the jail until they were released and to this date, nothing else has been said by the district attorney. But in 2011, two more African Americans were charged with voter fraud. In January 2011 by executive order, Governor Nathan Deal suspended three of the African Americans on the Brooks County School Board and replaced them with Whites thus returning the board to a White majority. Fast forward a couple years to 2013. Gov. Deal removes six DeKalb County school board members because they were deemed by their accrediting agency to be nonfunctioning. Theres been no criminal conduct alleged and nary a word about the quality of education DeKalb students continue to receive. The constitution provides a process for voters to rid themselves of non-functioning elected officials. Its called a recall. Voters put them in office. Voters should take them out. The constitutionality of the DeKalb matter is in the courts and a small but powerful group called 1Person1Vote has organized to support the court fight. This is not about personalities but the process. Perhaps other right-minded people might not have gone along with the removal of DeKalb school board members had they been aware of the Quitman situation. Based on Atlanta news coverage it would appear the DeKalb action was the governors first time removing school board members. Could there be a full court press to regain control of the very lucrative taxpayer funded, contract-letting school systems and other agencies such as MARTA, Grady Hospital and Hartsfield-Jackson Airport? As one reads the historical accounts of the desegregation of public accommodations and schools in this region during the 1960s, a similar pattern of coercion, collusion, fear, intimidation and jail emerges, sanctioned by the judiciary, legislature and media emerges. While reputations are being lynched in the high tech mode, could more real violence as a result of stand your ground laws be far behind? The situations are chillingly similar to the 1960s when schools of choice sprang up to circumvent federal desegregation laws. Today those schools might be called charter schools controlled in resegregated communities of interest. We must be very careful of what the president of the National League of Women Voters calls creeping legislation. This is the kind of legislation that gives the governor the authority to remove duly elected school boards based on the recommendation of the appointed state school board. Interpretation: Like kudzu, if youre not paying attention that little vine will take over. Remember: Once perhaps an accident, twice a trend and three times a habit. Quitman, DeKalb disturbing trends. Steen Miles, The Newslady, is a retired journalist and former Georgia state senator. Contact Steen Miles at Steen@dekalbchamp.com.

The Newslady

OPINION

The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 17, 2013

Shortly after 9/11 when planes slammed into the twin towers of New Yorks World Trade Center and the Pentagon killing thousands, then Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta spoke at a conference of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). His pearls of wisdom are indelibly etched in this writers mind. Referencing the thinking of officials at the time, Mineta said, When one plane hit it could have been a bad accident. The second time a terrible trend was developing and the third time meant something was horribly wrong. The takeaway applicable to any situation: Once perhaps an accident. Twice a trend and three times is a habit. Based on recent events here in Georgia with the governor removing duly elected officials, a disturbing trend has developed that left unchallenged and unchecked is certain to return us to a darker period in our history when justice and equal treatment under the law was the province of a privileged few.

The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 17, 2013

Good governing starts with smart budgeting

ings will eliminate a teacher furlough day, in exchange for another training day. Other notable new expenses include $4 million for textbooks (versus borrowing money for same?), $1.1 million for a new student assessment system (we have to measure progress to demonstrate the achievement), and $1 million to develop a new career pathways academy.And instead of planning the expenditure of every estimated collected penny of sales and property tax revenue, this budget puts aside nearly $13 million in savings to begin re-establishing reserves.It was only a few years ago that the DCSD had nearly $100 million in reserves, versus todays gaping deficits. These items are all only a small fraction of the total proposed budget of $759 million, but real and lasting improvement begins with small steps and smart choices.Last years budget gutted local funding for special education spending (reduced by nearly $20 million), as a clear example of how a budget document demonstrates priorities. This superintendent and board will also consider changes in how the system purchases and spends its millions, leaning in part on several decades of the business experience of new board members as well as the budget and political acumen of the new superintendent.Mr. Thurmond has righted errant budget ships before, through larger and more troubled waters than these.And he can do so again.This board and super may even find a few new sources of ancillary revenue that dont require digging deeper into taxpayer pockets. Signs of similar hope are already emerging from our southern neighbors in Clayton County, whose schools are regaining full accreditation, following some painful changes in leadership, priorities and agenda setting.Results are also already in view, as U.S. News & World Report recently ranked all three high schools in Clayton County among the nations highest performers.Real and sustainable change and improvement is possible, but it takes consistent hard work, as well as resolute and dogged leadership from the top, and within schools and classrooms. Many educators and parents already know that excellence can be found, as well as documented, in many of our DeKalb schools and classrooms today, a trend under way long prior to our recent changes in system leadership.In just released report cards from the Georgia Department of Education and their new College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI), two of the five highest scoring high schools in metro Atlanta are in DeKalb County (DeKalb School of the Arts & DeKalb Early College Academy).All of the top five are smaller schools with focused areas of instruction such as the arts, math, science or college prep, with each more focused on the needs of each student, and a bit less on the institution or facility.And the DCSD has none in the bottom five. It is also worth noting that in Washington, D.C., the White House and Congress, have failed routinely in one of their most basic missions to prepare, agree on and pass an annual budget for four consecutive years.I would suggest consideration of a constitutional amendment if our government operates on continuing resolution spending for a period of longer than two years, an automatic and complete recall election is triggered, in much the same way a British prime minister can issue the 100-day call for an election of Parliament.If that task cannot be completed, which of course requires compromise and finding a middle ground on occasion, then perhaps we need an entirely new leadership team, on both sides of the aisle and both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue.
Bill Crane also serves as a political analyst and commentator for Channel 2s Action News, WSB-AM News/Talk 750 and now 95.5 FM, as well as a columnist for The Champion, Champion Free Press and Georgia Trend. Crane is a DeKalb native and business owner, living in Scottdale. You can reach him or comment on a column at billcrane@ earthlink.net.

One Mans Opinion

OPINION

Page 5A

A simple and proper function of government is just to make it easy for us to do good and difficult for us to do wrong. former President Jimmy Carter during his nomination acceptance speech in July 1976. A local, state or federal government budget is much more than pages and columns of numbers.It is a priority list, a statement of what is valued and if prepared well and wisely, a roadmap to where we are trying to go.It appears that the leaders of our DeKalb County School District (DCSD), including our new interim Superintendent Michael Thurmond and the Board of Education, are putting the final touches on one of those smart budgets for 2014. This new board and superintendent are showing with their budget a set of priorities more focused on classrooms and less on empire building at the administrative headquarters.The proposed budget reduces HQ spending by $18.5 million, with cuts to central office expenses and legal fees.These sav-

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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 verification. 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 reflect 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 forall community residents onall 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, wemake every effort toavoid printing information submitted to usthat is known to be false and/orassumptions penned as fact.

The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 17, 2013

COMMUNITY

Page 6A

CDC employee accused of molestation wants polygraph entered as evidence

by Daniel Beauregard daniel@dekalbchamp.com Lawyers for a former CDC employee accused of molestation filed a motion asking a judge to admit the results of her lie detector test into evidence. Kimberly Quinlan Lindsey and her husband Thomas Joseph Westerman were arrested in 2011 and charged with two counts of child molestation. If convicted, Dr. Lindsey faces spending the rest of her life in prison. The evidence against Dr. Lindsey consists of statements by the 6-yearold alleged victim in the case, although even those statements contain exculpatory material, the motion states. According to the motion, Lindsey has repeatedly denied the allegations against her. She voluntarily subjected herself to a polygraph examination conducted by a highly qualified polygrapher, and Lindsey undisputedly passed the polygraph examination. Recently, Georgia law has changed to allow polygraph results to be entered into evidence for certain exceptions. Jill Polster, a criminal deSee CDC on Page 8A fense attorney for the Cohen Law Firm, said this is the first time in recent years polygraphs have been allowed as evidence, but ultimately, its always up to the judges discretion. There are exceptions to every rule, Polster said. Most likely, it will only be allowed by stipulation and CALL NOW! 404-220-8610 agreement with the state and storageworldinc.com the defendant, and only if the defendant takes a polygraph test from an expert the state recommends. Attorneys for Lindsey said polygrapher Marc Foster satisfies the standards that Georgia courts apply when addressing whether an individual is qualified to provide expert testimony. In Georgia, courts routinely admit fingerprinting analysis, handwriting analysis, and eyewitness identification testimony, the motion states. Both handwriting analysis and eyewitness identification testimony are less reliable than polygraph evidence. According to the indictment, Westerman and Lindsey asked the child to spank the buttocks of the partially nude Lindsey while Westerman watched. Additionally, the indictment states that Westerman forced the child to use a sex toy on Lindsey. The abuse allegedly took place January-August 2011, and DeKalb County Police said detectives were notified by a medical professional in late August 2011 of the al-

Champion of the Week

Mike Morrissey

MOVE IN

FOR

Mike Morrissey, who $60,000 through the sale lot of volunteers who has been a member of the of used books throughout have been working there longer than I have, MorFriends of Dunwoody Li- the year that are either rissey said. brary for eight years, said donated from the comAdditionally, the munity or taken off the he has been involved group also develops proshelves of the library. primarily in the groups Morrissey said he first gramming for the library fundraising efforts group and helps with summer raises funds for the Dun- began volunteering to reading programs woody Library. and other recreational The library is activities held at the one of the organizalibrary. tions that doesnt get The library is one of Because of the nearly as much fundthe organizations that funding problems the ing as it used to, faces, MorMorrissey said. doesnt get nearly as library rissey said its imMorrissey said portant for members funding has been much funding as it of the community to drastically cut over come together and the past few years used to. volunteer to keep the and the Friends of the Dunwoody Li- Mike Morrissey library an integral part of the community. brary has been holdWe feel the liing used book sales brary is a really to make up for the loss of funding for books put books on the shelves important part of the community especially at the library. One day, and materials. for children, but also for We have gotten very Morrissey noticed a students who need to do group of people sorting good at selling used books and having a real research on schoolwork, books and we get great adults looking for a free support from the commu- good time. Morrissey was later recruited by the copy of the latest bestnity, Morrissey said. seller and [who want] The group, which has Friends of Dunwoody read the daily newspabeen active for 43 years, Library. per, Morrissey said. There are a whole usually raises more than

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.

The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 17, 2013

Police chief advocates for domestic violence victims

AROUNDDEKALB
BROOKHAVEN
p.m. Those struggling with debt or who have been sued for a debt and have questions can get information from DeKalb Volunteer Lawyers Foundation. Local attorneys will discuss information regarding debt cases in DeKalb County and facilitate one-on-one consultations. Participants should bring all documents related to their cases. The Decatur Library is located at 215 Sycamore Street, Decatur. For more information, call (404) 3703070. Library to host session on computer basics for seniors Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library will offer computer coaching for seniors Tuesday, May 21, 10 a.m.-noon.The session will cover using email, finding information on the web and creating Microsoft Word documents. Participants should bring their basic computer questions and staff will help them find answers. The session is open to the first six participants. Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library is located at 2861 Wesley Chapel Road. To register, visit the branch or call (404) 2866980. Healthy habits program pairs seniors, children The CATCH Healthy Habits Program allows seniors to make a difference in the life of a child, in the community, while improving their health.In the CATCH (Coordinated Approach To Child Health) Healthy Habits Program, adults ages 50 and older teach children in grades K-5 healthy habits for a lifetime. The children and adults have a lot of fun as they learn together how to stay healthy and fit. Volunteers work together in teams and all training and class materials are provided free of charge. CATCH classes are one hour and are conducted once a week for a period of eight weeks. CATCH classes at theExchange Park Intergenerational Center will take place on Thursdays, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. starting June 6 through August 1. Volunteer training will be held May 22 and May 23 at the Villages at Carver YMCA, in southwest Atlanta. I am very pleased to have this initiative at the Intergenerational Center here in DeKalb, Commissioner Larry Johnson. It lines up with what we have been working onraising the awareness of childhood obesity and developing strategies to help combat the high inci-

COMMUNITY

Page 7A

Brookhaven Police Chief Gary Yandura was with Gov. Nathan Deal on May 7 as he signed Senate Bill 86, which gives police greater authority to enforce temporary restraining orders and protect domestic violence victims. Yandura spoke in support of the bill and has worked to advocate for greater laws to protect victims of domestic violence. Also in attendance at the signing were Atlanta Police Chief George Turner, Dunwoody Police Chief Billy Grogan and DeKalb Solicitor General Sherry Boston.
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CHAMBLEE

Citizenship class available A free U.S. citizenship class will be offered at the Chamblee Library Tuesdays, May 21 and 28, 6-8 p.m. The class is designed to help applicants prepare to pass the USCIS Citizenship Test and become U.S. citizens. Participants must be legal permanent residents to enroll. For more information, contact Mark Farris at (770) 677-9376 or mfarris@jfcs-atlanta.org. The Chamblee Library is located at 4115 Clairmont Road, Chamblee. To contact the library, call (770) 936-1380. Fourth Friday concert series set The city of Chamblee is hosting a concert series every fourth Friday during May, June and August. The Tams, an Atlanta-based vocal group, will be performing May 24. The Ruperts Orchestra will perform June 28 and the Kinchafoonee Cowboys August 23. The free concerts will be held in downtown Chamblee and are sponsored by Jim Ellis Automotive Group. For more information, or to reserve a VIP table, contact Loren Roberts at lroberts@chambleega. com or call (770) 986-5016.
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dence of childhood obesity.This is a great opportunity for the community to lend a hand. To learn more about the CATCH Healthy Habits Program, attend an outreach event at the DeKalb Exchange/Intergenerational Center Monday, June 13, from 10:30 a.m. to noon.The center is located at 2771 Columbia Dr., Decatur, GA, 30034, Decatur. For more information about the CATCH Healthy Habits Program, visit www.oasisnet.org, or contact Mary Newton at the Atlanta Regional Commission at (404) 4633119 or mnewton@atlantaregional. com. CATCH an evidence-based, coordinated school health program designed to promote physical activity, healthy food choices and the prevention of tobacco use in children. The CATCH Programs cover kids from preschool through eighth grade and has been implemented in thousands of schools and afterschool organizations across America and Canada.
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Nature Preserve, this event will highlight the creative recovery efforts being done to restore matforming quillwort and pool sprite. These plants are found on Arabia Mountain and are protected under the Endangered Species Act. The group will meet at the Nature Center to discuss the unique ecosystem and heritage of Arabia Mountain, then hike up the mountain at sunset to observe the areas of restoration for the plants. The event is free and open to the public. Those interested in participating should meet at the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Center, 3787 Klondike Road, Lithonia. To learn more about Arabia Mountain visit arabiaalliance.org and fws.gov/athens.

STONE MOUNTAIN

CID installing LED street signs Crews have begun installing new street signs illuminated by light-emitting diodes (LED) to the recently upgraded intersection mast arms. The signs will appear next to the existing traffic signals at the major intersections of Mountain Industrial Boulevard. The Stone Mountain Community Improvement District (CID) has secured the services of R.J. Haynie & Associates to place 24 signs at 10 intersections. The project is being funded by a $500,000 grant by Georgias State Road and Tollway Authority. CID President Emory Morsberger said the energyefficient LED signs will greatly benefit all Mountain Industrial drivers. They dont use much electricity, but the signs are very bright, Morsberger said. Any time you increase visibility at a busy intersection, you promote safety for everyone involved. We expect these signs to lead to safer driving throughout the corridor. In addition to increased safety, Morsberger said the signage will provide a distinguishing feature for the CID area as a whole. This project will not only help people to know where they are headed, but it will also underscore that they are inside the Stone Mountain CID, Morsberger said. These are positive, active indicators that you are driving in a distinctly different part of the county.

LITHONIA

Library to offer information session for nonprofits As part of their starting a nonprofit organization series, DeKalb County Public Library branches and The Leadership Academy are offering a session titled Marketing and Fundraising for Nonprofit Organizations at the Redan-Trotti Library, Monday, May 20, 6:30-7:30 p.m. This class is designed to help participants understand the marketing and fundraising challenges facing nonprofits in todays economy. The focus will be on developing and implementing comprehensive marketing and fundraising strategies, with a special emphasis on using ethically-based approaches. The session will also address how to develop initiatives for sustainable enterprise and fundraising in an era of increasing demographic diversity. Redan-Trotti Library is located at 1569 Wellborn Road, Lithonia. For more information or to register, visit the branch or call (770) 482-3821. Sunset hike planned at Arabia Mountain preserve The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is sponsoring a sunset hike at Arabia Mountain on May 18, from 6-9 p.m. Hosted by the Davidson-Arabia Mountain

DECATUR

Local lawyers offer free consumer education session A free consumer education clinic is being offered at the Decatur Library Tuesday, May 21, 5:30-7

The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 17, 2013

LOCAL NEWS

Page 8A

Overall, county school district ranks below state average

by Andrew Cauthen andrew@dekalbchamp.com DeKalb Countys Wadsworth Magnet School for High Achievers outscored all other Georgia middle schools on the College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) released May 7. In the DeKalb County School District (DCSD), 24 elementary schools, 14 middle schools and 11 high schools outperformed the state average. However, the countys overall score is lower than the state average. DCSDs overall CCRPI score was 71.2 for elementary schools, 73.5 for middle schools and 66.4 for high schools. The average score is 83.4 for Georgias elementary schools, 81.4 for middle schools and 72.6 for high schools. Twenty-six elementary schools were above the state average while 57 were below. Twelve middle schools and eight highs schools were above the state average, while 17 middle schools and 18 high schools scored below average. Designed to help parents and the public understand how schools perform, the CCRPI gives each school and district an overall score made up of three areas: achievement (70 points), progress (15 points) and achievement gap (15 points). The index is the new accountability system that replaces the No Child Left Behind Adequate Yearly Progress measurement in Georgia. Up to 10 challenge points are given to schools with a significant number of economically disadvantaged students, English learners and students with disabilities who We are pleased to see some outstanding achievements in many of our schools, said Dr. Kathleen Howe, deputy superintendent for curriculum and instruction. As educators, our primary goal is to prepare students for the next step, be it higher education, joining the military or joining the workforce. These results help our district see where we must focus more efforts to make sure we provide our teachers and students with the additional supports and resources they need to succeed, Howe said. Robert Shaw Elementary scored the highest among Kathleen Howe DCSD Title I elementary schools with a 93.2. The meet expectations. Schools Champion School ranked and districts can also receive the highest among DCSD points for going beyond Title I middle schools with CCRPI targets. a 94.4. At the high school In DCSD, Wadsworth level, DeKalb Early College Magnet outperformed all of at 95.5 led among other Title the states middle schools I schools. with an overall score of DeKalb School of the Arts 101.4. Wadsworth Magnet was ranked eighth among also had the highest elemen- the states high schools, and tary CCRPI score with a DeKalb Early College was 101.9. It was also the thirdranked ninth. highest elementary score in All of the City Schools of the state. In the high school Decatur schools scored highcategory, DeKalb School of er than the state average. the Arts scored 95.5.

Top 5 DCSD elementary schools

Wadsworth Magnet School for High Achievers 101.9 Kittredge Magnet School 99.5 Austin Elementary School 98.2 Vanderlyn Elementary School 97.1 Museum School Avondale Estates 96.7

Bottom 5 DCSD elementary schools

Flat Rock Elementary School Meadowview Elementary School Indian Creek Elementary School Ronald E McNair Discover Learning Academy Flat Shoals Elementary School

53.8 53 51.4 50.5 49.7

We are pleased to see some outstanding achievements in many of our schools

Top 5 DCSD middle schools

Wadsworth Magnet School for High Achievers 101.4 Kittredge Magnet School 97.7 The Champion Middle Theme School 94.5 DeKalb School of the Arts 94.3 Chamblee Middle School 90.3

Bottom 5 DCSD middle schools

Columbia Middle School 66.2 Salem Middle School 65.5 Freedom Middle School 65 Mary McLeod Bethune Middle School 61.6 International Student Center 39.1

Top 5 DCSD high schools

DeKalb School of the Arts 95.5 DeKalb Early College Academy 95.2 Dunwoody High School 83.7 Chamblee Charter High School 82.7 Arabia Mountain High School 81.9

Bottom 5 DCSD high schools

Gateway to College Academy 52.6 Elizabeth Andrews High School 47.6 Destiny Achievers Academy of Excellence 40.3 DeKalb Alternative School 38.4 DeKalb Alternative Night School 12.9

CDC Continued From Page 6A

leged child molestation of a 6-year-old boy, according to court documents. Lindsey was the deputy director for the Laboratory Science Policy and Practice Program Office at the CDC. Prior to that, she was the senior health scientist in the Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response, which oversaw the allocation process for $1.5 billion in terrorism preparedness. In her 12 years at the CDC, Lindsey has received numerous awards for outstanding performance on projects and programs, according to her profile on Emory Universitys Biological and Biomedical Sciences website. Lindsey earned her doctorate in immunology and molecular pathogenesis from the university in 1998. A LinkedIn page for Westerman lists him as having been a watch officer at the CDC from 2009-10.

Name: Batman Adult Vaccinated & Heartworm negative Neutered Batman is a real super dog. He attends Charm School and is at the top of the class. He knows his basic commands of sit, touch, walking nicely on a leash and he can shake hands. He even knows the down command, which is very hard for most dogs, but not for him because he's Batman! Batman is a charmer; he loves people and he is great with other dogs. He's a very happy fellow who enjoys going for walks, playing outside and being scratched behind his ears. Batman is a volunteer favorite because he is so easy to handle, playful and full of energy. Batman is a medium size Pointer / Terrier mix. Batman isn't looking for Robin, but he is looking for a home. Please come to the shelter and shake hands with Batman; a real 4 legged, furry, super hero.

Pet

of the

Week

Twenty-five receive scholarships from teacher group

The Organization of DeKalb Educators and Family Support Center Inc. awarded 25 Levi A. Simon III scholarships during a May 3 awards banquet at Saint Philips AME Church. Edgar Carranza, of Redan High School, received a $1000 scholarship. Evan Daniels, Stephenson High School; and Janna Koffman and Emmanuel Smith, DeKalb School of the Arts, received $750 scholarships. Scholarships ranging from $300-500 were awarded to Jerome Cox, Lakeside High School; Naomi Coats, McNair High School; Jordan Bennett, Natasha Monroe, Micah Richards and Jalissa Shealey, Redan High School; Nathaniel Stowe, DeKalb Early College Academy; Chloe Brantley, Chamblee Charter School; Candace Moon, Whitney Grier and Taylor Brown, Miller Grover High School; Jahi McNabb and Caviaye Williams, Martin Luther King Jr. High School; Gift Dornu Baanen, Jared Howard and Jayan Anderson, Redan High School; Craig Schultz and Karen Campbell, Stephenson High School; Kijon Renfroe, Southwest DeKalb; Messa Evans, DeKalb School of the Arts; and Alexis Barnes, Arabia Mountain High School. The Community Service Award was presented to State Sen. Jason Carter for his leadership and hard work on behalf of the Hope scholarship. Rep. Stacey Abrams was presented with the Legislator Award for exemplary leadership as a minority caucus leader.

If interested in adopting Batman, send an email to both addresses below for a prompt reply

Jamie Martinez Jsmartinez@dekalbcountyga.gov Christine Kaczynski ckaczynski@dekalbcountyga.gov

Dekalb County Animal Shelter

404-294-2165

The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 17, 2013

LOCAL NEWS

Page 9A

A $26 million dollar extension of Lithonia Industrial Boulevard will enhance economic development in the area, officials say. Photos by Andrew Cauthen

Lithonia road extension improves quality of life

by Andrew Cauthen andrew@dekalbchamp.com Aaron Weil of Demis Products in Lithonia said recently finished construction on Lithonia Industrial Boulevard is good for business. Any improvements to infrastructure not only help us from a standpoint of allowing more trucks to come in and outwhich means more productsbut it also enables our employees easier access to the office, Weil said. And happy employees equal a happy workplace. Demis Products, a wood products manufacturing company, has a warehouse and factory located at 2738 Lithonia Industrial Boulevard. Any growth of the community means potential growth for us, Weil said. Georgia Department of Transportation and DeKalb County officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony May 8 at the intersection of Rogers Lake Road and Lithonia Industrial Boulevard. This is a clear cut from Highway 124 to I-20, said DeKalb County Commissioner Lee May. This is a big, big phase to allow the accessibility of our drivers. Its a good cut-through. It shows progress in the county. The $26.4 million project extends the existing Lithonia Industrial Boulevard from Rogers Lake Road to State Route 124/Rock Chapel Road. The roadway has four 12-foot lanes, a 20-foot concrete raised median, curb and gutter, and 5-foot sidewalks on both sides. Also constructed with the project was a 330-foot bridge over Swift Creek. What we do in local government is we deliver quality of life and quality of life starts with the infrastructure projects, said DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis. Before we can bring projects out of the ground, weve got to put projects in the ground that sustain us. Robert L. Brown, a member of the state transportation board, said the project has created jobs and also improved the quality of life here. The roadway construction will enhance mobility [and] enhance commercial development in this fastgrowing area DeKalb County, Brown said. The roads medians, sidewalks and improved connectivity will enhance safety and travel in the area, Brown said. Lithonia Mayor Deborah Jackson said, The work that has been done really creates a tremendous and beautiful gateway to the city of Lithonia. We look forward to more opportunities to collaborate and create a better quality of life. Leornardo McClarty, president of the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, said the road will aid in the area economic development. When you start talking about business development and economic traction and the like, certainly transportation is one of those main things that go hand in hand and you have to be able to move goods and services and products, McClarty said. This is definitely a great day in DeKalb County.
DeKalb and state officials cut a ribbon to commemorating the completion of the road project.

DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management Public Advisory

Interstate 85 & Oakcliff Industrial Court Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation

May 9, 2013 Advisory Issue Date June 9, 2013 Advisory Close Date

This advisory is issued to inform the public of a receipt of an application for a variance submitted pursuant to a State Environmental Law. The Public is invited to comment during a 30 day period on the proposed activity. Since the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has no authority to zone property or determine land use, only those comments addressing environmental issues related to air, water and land protection will be considered in the application review process. Written comments should be submitted to: Program Manager, Non Point Source Program, Erosion and Sedimentation Control, 4220 International Parkway, Suite 101, Atlanta, Georgia 30354. Type of Permit Application: Variance to encroach within the 25-foot Sate Waters Buffer. Applicable Law: Georgia Erosion and Sedimentation Act O.C.G.A. 12-7-1 ET seq. Applicable Rules: Erosion and Sedimentation Control Chapter 391-3-7. Basis under which variance shall be considered {391-3-7.05(2) (A-K)}: A Project Description & Reason for Initiating: I-85 and Oakcliff Industrial Ct. Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project is a rehabilitation project of an existing sanitary sewer located between the North Fork of Peachtree Creek and just northwest of Oakcliff Industrial Ct. in the City of Doraville, GA. Specifically, the site is located in land lot 314 & 318 of the 18thth district in DeKalb County, GA. The proposed construction will include the rehabilitation of approximately 2,275 linear feet of 10, 12, and 15 sewer pipe. The project is needed due to the numerous sewer spills along the existing sewer outfall. Project Location: This project is located in land lot 314 and 318 of the 18th district of DeKalb County, beginning at terminus of Oak Cliff Industrial Court and running south to Interstate 85 and continuing south to the confluence of the North Fork of Peachtree Creek for a total distance of approximately one mile. The Public can review site plans at 1580 Roadhaven Drive Stone Mountain, Georgia 30083. Phone 770-621-7272.

The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 17, 2013

LOCAL NEWS

Page 10A

U.S. Attorneys Office, DCSD reach agreement to resolve complaints of religious harassment
by Carla Parker carla@dekalbchamp.com The DeKalb County School District must provide anti-harassment training that addresses religious origin bias at a Sikh students current middle and likely high school as a part of an agreement between the school district and the United States Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Georgia and the Justice Department in Washington, D.C. The school district and the Justice Department reached a settlement agreement May 7 to resolve the departments investigation into allegations of religious and national origin harassment of a Sikh middle school student. Counsel for the Sikh Coalition filed the complaint with the Justice Department on behalf of the student, alleging that he had been repeatedly targeted with verbal and physical harassment because of his faith. The alleged harassment included claims that another student had tried to cut the Sikh students hair; he was called Aladdin because he wore a turban; and he had been told by another student to go back to his country. The harassment also led to a fight between the Sikh student and another student. The complaint alleged that the school district failed to respond appropriately to numerous incidents, that disciplinary measures had been ineffective in ending the harassment, and that the student feared continued harassment. The school district denied the allegations but agreed to work cooperatively with the Justice Department to resolve the complaint and protect the student. The settlement agreement, which will be in effect until the end of the 2014 2015 school year, requires the school district to work with a consultant to develop and implement anti-harassment training that addresses religious and national origin bias at both the students middle and high school.
See DCSD on Page 11A

Stonecrest City Alliance educates residents of cityhood struggle

by Daniel Beauregard daniel@dekalbchamp.com Jason Lary said nearly every neighborhood and community organization the Stonecrest City Alliance has spoken with is interested in hearing more about the proposed city of Stonecrest. The group began meeting at the beginning of the year to discuss what it will take to become Lary a city, and how it can improve the areas economy. Ive been interested in A depiction of the borders of the proposed city of Stonecrest, one of six areas championing to become a new city in DeKalb County. doing this for a year now, Lary said. Lary said the goal of what someone has not done. meetings June 10, July 8 the alliance is to educate What I want to focus on and August 12, from 6-8 residents about possibility is what we can do for the p.m. at the Stonecrest Liof the cityhood and then let people in our area. brary. them decide whether a city The alliance is currently is a viable option for them. raising money to perform a Since the creation of cityhood study, required by the city of Brookhaven, STONE MOUNTAIN the state, to see whether it six cityhood bills have VILLAGE will be financially possible been filed for various areas CITY-WIDE YARD SALE to create a city in the area. throughout DeKalb County, People are excited 922 Main St. behind Gazebo including Lakeside (SB about a new town in south Saturday, May 18 270), Tucker (HB 677), DeKalbStonecrest is very 8:30 a.m. 3:00 p.m. Briarcliff/North Druid positive right now, Lary Hills (HB 665), LaVista Setup begins 7:30 a.m. on said. Hills (SB 275), the city day of sale The Stonecrest City Alliof DeKalb (HB 687) and For info call City Hall ance will be holding public Stonecrest (SB 278). 770-498-8984 Sen. Ron Ramsey filed the bill for Stonecrest, which is a placeholder bill similar to the other ones filed. Since the creation of Dunwoody, legislators are required to file a bill two DeKalbCountySchoolBoardissellingtwoofitspropertiesasis years prior to holding a vote throughacompetitivesealedbidprocess.Thetwoproperties for cityhood. If Stonecrest does become a city, Lary said, it would give the area the opportunity to boost its economy, become more commercially viable and increase home values. Although there are no firm boundaries as of yet, a draft of the proposed city borders Rock Chapel and Rogers Lake roads on the north, Snapfinger Woods Drive on the west and Covington Highway SW on the east, with the city of Lithonia inside the proposed boundaries. Quite frankly, we also want to improve the mall and the industrial areas out here for commerce, Lary said. We havent seen the focus on that out here from anybody else. DeKalb County is the third largest county in the state, with a population of approximately 700,000 residents, with seven commissioners. Lary said that a smaller government will provide a greater focus on the immediate area of Stonecrest. Its unfair to blame DeKalb County as a wholeits a big county, Lary said. I think its unfair to point the finger at

SchoolPropertySale

arelocatedat:

Printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper

BuildingA/B(office) 3770NorthDecaturRd Decatur,Georgia30032 81,000squarefeetofofficespace 9.3acres

HooperAlexander(school) 3414MemorialDrive Decatur,Georgia30032 68,900squarefeetofschoolfacility 8.1acres

AnadvertisementforbidswillbepostedintheChampionnewspaperinmidMayand allInvitationtoBiddocumentswillbemadeavailableviatheDistrictssolicitation websiteathttp://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/solicitationsforyourconsideration.The DistrictcurrentlycontemplatessitevisitsinearlyJuneandanticipatesclosingthebid processinearlyJuly.Ifasuccessfulbidderisselected,theDistrictwouldliketoclose onsaidpropertiesasearlyasAugust2013.Amoredetailedscheduleofeventswillbe providedintheformalInvitationtoBiddocuments.Formoreinformationonthis upcomingcompetitivesealedbidprocess,pleasecontactGloriaJohnsonat678676 1444orgloria_johnson@fc.dekalb.k12.ga.us.

The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 17, 2013

LOCAL NEWS

Page 11A

Residents sue school district over legal contract for Heery International case
by Daniel Beauregard daniel@dekalbchamp.com The DeKalb County School District (DSCD) is being sued by two residents who claim the districts agreement with a law firm is violating the constitution and putting DeKalb County residents at risk. Residents Marsha Harding and Donald Green filed the suit against the district and all the members of the DeKalb County school board May 3. Law firm King & Spalding is representing the district in a civil case against construction firm Heery International. Since the case began in 2007, the district has spent more than $30 million in legal fees. Although the suit doesnt mention it, Green is a vice president of Heery International. The suit asks a judge to force the district to void the contract with K&S on grounds that its unconstitutional and lists a number of reasons. The contract is not an enforceable contract under Georgia law, the suit states. It creates an illegal debt. At issue is a contingency fee agreement the district entered into with K&S in 2008. According to the lawsuit, the agreement has no termination date, money has never been allocated to cover the retroactive attorneys fees and in the event that the district fires the law firm, it still has to pay those fees. The contract provides in the event of settlement, judgment, or K&Ss termination that K&S has the right to recover its actual attorneys fees expended in the litigation in addition to having a property interest in further DCSD moneys or properties received in settlement, judgment, or through taxpayer funds, the agreement states. Heery first filed suit against DCSD, alleging the district owes the company outstanding invoices from when it managed the SPLOST construction projects from 1997-2006. DCSD then countersued for $100 million, alleging fraud and mismanagement during the period Heery managed construction projects. The district has been embroiled in legal battles since its former Superintendent Crawford Lewis, former operations manager Patricia Reid and her then husband Tony Pope were indicted in 2010. According to prosecutors, Lewis, Reid and Pope conspired to defraud the school district of approximately $2.4 million through illegal construction contracts. Some contend one of the reasons the civil case involving the district and Heery has been so drawn is officials are waiting for the outcomes of the criminal trials involving Lewis, Reid and Pope. All three have been charged with running a criminal enterprise within the school system. Lewis has been charged with violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act theft by taking by a government employee and bribery. Pope and Reid face similar charges. They are currently awaiting trial, which is expected to begin this summer in Judge Clarence Seeligers courtroom. DeKalb schools spokeswoman Lillian Govus said the district is currently working to lower its legal costs. The Board of Education had previously directed the superintendent to put in place a plan to eliminate all excessive legal fees, and compliance with that directive is already under way, Govus said.

Judge wont modify sentence for James Miles

by Carla Parker carla@dekalbchamp.com A DeKalb County judge denied a motion that would have reduced the sentence of James Miles, who pleaded guilty in 2012 to vehicular homicide charges. A lawyer for Miles filed a motion to modify the remaining nine months of his jail time sentence to probation. Miles was sentenced to five years, to serve two years in a prison work release program after pleading guilty to charges relating to an accident in which the Dodge Stratus he was driving struck a commuter van, causing it to crash on Stone Mountain Freeway. Three Southern Company employees died in the crash and six others were injured. Miles also pleaded guilty to reckless driving, following too closely, failure to maintain lane, and improper lane change. Miles was sentenced to perform 240 hours of community service, attend three victim impact panels and attend a defensive driving course. Miles lawyer, Robert Williams, told DeKalb State Court Judge Johnny Panos at a motions hearing on May 9 that transporting Miles from his Loganville home to the prison work release program and back has become a hardship on Miles wife. His wife has had a recent back injury and her having to drive him all the way from where they live to the jail every day and to do all of the family necessities is a burden on her, Williams said. Williams added that Miles has been active in the community performing his community service requirements. Hes working with children, his church and teaching Sunday school, Williams said. We believe Mr. Miles will be a good candidate for modification. Jessica Rock, who represented the state, said the hardship on Miles wife is not new information. The fact that it has been a hardship on his family is what we addressed the first time [during the plea negotiations], she said. This is why we were so inclined to allow him to work on work release rather than spend his time doing straight time [in jail]. Panos agreed with the prosecution and said the hardships on Miles wife and family are not sufficient for him to change Miles sentence. If he was in a different predicament, health wise or something like that, that would be something else to consider, he said. But at this point Im not inclined to change the order.

DCSD Continued From Page 10A

The agreement also requires the district to implement a safety plan for the student that will ensure that the student is safe when he is at school and should incidents of harassment occur, that the district responds quickly and effectively to address the incident. Since the student is transitioning to high school next year, the agreement also requires the school district to meet with the student, his family, and administrators from his middle and high school to identify key school personnel who can support him should any incidents of harassment occur at his new school. Every student should be able to attend school without fear of being harassed and bullied because of his skin color or religious beliefs, said United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates. I am encouraged by DeKalb Countys willingness to take immediate steps to ensure that students attending DeKalb County schools are free of this type of harassment and bullying.

NOTICEOFPROPERTYTAXHEARINGS TheMayorandtheAtlantaCityCouncilwill adoptamillageratewhichwillrequirenotax increase. Allconcernedcitizensareinvitedtothepublic hearingtobeheldattheAtlantaCityHall Complex,55TrinityAvenue,Atlanta,Georgiain theCityCouncilChamberslocatedonthe SecondFlooronThursday,May16,2013at 6:00p.m.

CITY OF DORAVILLE PUBLIC NOTICE Fiscal Year 2014 Budget Notice is hereby given that the proposed budget for the City of Doraville shall be available for public inspection beginning May 21, 2013, in the City Clerks office from 8:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at City Hall, 3725 Park Avenue, Doraville, GA. A public hearing shall be held on the 3th day of June at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 3725 Park Avenue, Doraville, GA before the Mayor and Council of the City of Doraville at which time public comment pertaining to the Fiscal Year 2014 (July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014) budget shall be sounded. All citizens of Doraville are invited to attend. A regular meeting shall be held on the 17th day of June at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 3725 Park Avenue, Doraville, GA before the Mayor and Council of the City of Doraville at which time the Fiscal Year 2014 (July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014) budget shall be approved and the budget ordinance adopted in accordance with O.C.G.A. 36-81-5. All citizens of Doraville are invited to attend.

The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 17, 2013

LOCAL NEWS

Page 12A

Dunwoody Police Chief Billy Grogan

DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis

DeKalb County Police Chief Cedric Alexander

DeKalb County honors fallen police officers

by Carla Parker carla@dekalbchamp.com DeKalb police officers killed in the line of duty were remembered May 8 with a roll call, honor guard and three-gun salute during the countys annual Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Service on the grounds of the historic DeKalb County Courthouse. CEO Burrell Ellis, representatives from various DeKalb County police departments, elected officials and family members of the fallen officers were among the attendees. The ceremony also included a rendition of Amazing Grace by a bagpiper and the ringing of a silver bell after the names of the 40 officers were read aloud. A large wreath was placed at the memorial wall in front of the courthouse that lists the names of fallen officers. Among those remembered were Doraville Detective Robert Wilson, killed Nov. 14, 2011, by an alleged drunken motorist driving the wrong way on I-20 between Wesley Chapel and Panola roads; Sheriff-elect Derwin Brown, who was gunned down in his driveway on Dec. 15, 2000, three days before he was to be sworn into office; Officers Eric C. Barker and Ricky L. Bryant Jr., who were slain in 2008; and 36 other fallen law enforcement officers from the DeKalb County Police force and from the forces of the cities of Decatur, Clarkston, Doraville and Stone Mountain. Officers from MARTA, the DeKalb Sheriffs Office and the DeKalb Marshals Office were also remembered. Jim Hanson, Wilsons stepfather, said the ceremony was touching. I appreciate the chiefs of DeKalb coming together and the political leaders of DeKalb coming together to do this ceremony every year, he said. It always meant a lot to the officers, it means a lot to me and it means a lot to our family to come here and honor our loved ones that made the ultimate sacrifice. Although DeKalb Police Chief Cedric Alexander was not with the department when these officers lost their lives, he said he feels that he has been with the families from the beginning. It is touching to be here to stand before the families and friends and the police officers who served with those whove lost their lives taking care of us and protecting us, he said. I did not know any of these men and women personally but spiritually, I feel that I do and to me that is important. Ellis said speaking at memorial services for fallen officers is among the hardest things to do as CEO. I think about the families, especially the children who must find a way to endure the pain of loss, he said. I think about the law enforcement officers, who every day willingly put themselves in harms way so that we can all sleep at night and be safe. Ellis added that the charge for families, officers and citizens is not to fall victim to feelings of sadness and dread. We are called together on this beautiful day to pay homage to our fallen comrades, he said. To celebrate their lives not just with words but also our actions as citizens of this beloved community.

DeKalb police officers killed in the line of duty were honored May 8 during the countys annual Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Service. Photos by Carla Parker

The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 17, 2013

LOCAL NEWS
Saturday - June 8, 2013

Page 13A

Planning Workshop & Showcase

FREE Family Reunion

Pink Pony lawyers file lawsuit against Brookhaven

by Carla Parker carla@dekalbchamp.com A lawyer for the Pink Pony, an adult entertainment club located in Brookhaven, filed a lawsuit against the newly formed city on May 13. The clubs attorney, Aubrey Villines, said the lawsuit is centered on property rights and a breach of contract. In 2001, the club entered into an agreement with DeKalb County, which was amended in 2007, that says the club would continue to function as is and if municipality took over the area then the agreement is binding upon the new city. When Brookhaven seceded from DeKalb that agreement became binding on Brookhaven, Villines said. And we say they violated that agreement. The terms of our operation are set forth in that agreement and they cant change that. The city would not comment on the lawsuit, stating that the city does not comment on pending litigation, according to Brookhaven City Manager Marie L. Garrett. Villines said the city is trying to outlaw alcohol and public nudity all together. [The Sexually Oriented Business ordinance] has restrictions regarding what they define as nudity, he said. The way it is written, bikinis that are too revealing are [considered] nudity. According to the citys ordinance, nudity is defined as the showing of the human male or female genitals, pubic area, vulva or anus with less than a fully opaque covering or the showing of the female breast with less than a fully opaque covering of any part of the nipple and areola. The Pink Pony is also against the citys six-foot distance rule between dancers and patrons, and the hours of operation for adult clubs. According to the ordinance, no sexually oriented business shall be or remain open for business between midnight and 6 a.m. on any day after Jan. 2, 2014. We cant function doing that, Villines said. We cant function as a business if were not allowed to serve alcohol. We cant function as a business if [the dancers] dress in 1920 bikinis. We cant function if the distance is six feet.

DeKalb Convention & Visitors Bureaus Reunion Specialist will teach you everything you need to know to plan the perfect Family Reunion in DeKalb County!
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DeKalb Convention & Visitors Bureau

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.

The Champion Weather

Seven Day Forecast
Isolated T-storms High: 84 Low: 60 Isolated T-storms High: 82 Low: 61 Isolated T-storms High: 83 Low: 63 Partly Cloudy High: 84 Low: 64 Partly Cloudy High: 84 Low: 62 Mostly Sunny High: 85 Low: 61

May 16, 2013

Todays Regional Map
Dunwoody 82/59 Smyrna 83/60 Doraville 83/60 Atlanta 84/60 College Park 85/60 Union City 85/60

Detailed Local Forecast

Today we will see partly cloudy skies with a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, high temperature of 84, humidity of 44%. Light winds. The record high temperature for today is 91 set in 1944. Expect mostly cloudy skies tonight with a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms.

Weather History
May 16, 1989 - Thunderstorms developing ahead of a cold front produced severe weather in the south central United States. Thunderstorms spawned 20 tornadoes, and there were 180 reports of large hail and damaging winds. May 17, 1983 - A golfer, playing the Fox Meadows Course in Memphis, Tenn., was struck by a bolt of lightning that went through his neck and down his spine, came out a pocket containing his key, and went into a nearby tree. Miraculously, he survived to tell the tale.

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Lilburn 83/60

Last Week's Local Almanac

Date Hi Lo Normals Precip Tuesday 68 50 78/57 0.00" Wednesday 76 49 78/57 0.00" Thursday 81 54 78/57 0.00" Friday 78 57 79/58 0.00" Saturday 78 61 79/58 0.16" Sunday 70 53 79/58 0.00" Monday 69 41 79/59 0.00" Rainfall. . . . . . . . 0.16" Average temp . . 63.2 Normal rainfall. . 0.91" Average normal 68.1 Departure . . . . . .-0.75" Departure . . . . . -4.9 Day Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Sunrise 6:34 a.m. 6:33 a.m. 6:33 a.m. 6:32 a.m. 6:32 a.m. 6:31 a.m. 6:31 a.m.

Decatur Snellville 84/60 84/60 Lithonia 85/60 Morrow 85/60

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

Hampton 86/61

Local Sun/Moon Chart This Week

Sunset 8:32 p.m. 8:33 p.m. 8:34 p.m. 8:34 p.m. 8:35 p.m. 8:36 p.m. 8:36 p.m.

TUESDAY

First 5/17 Full 5/24

WEDNESDAY
Mostly Sunny High: 85 Low: 59

Moonrise Moonset 12:03 p.m. 12:57 a.m. 12:58 p.m. 1:33 a.m. 1:55 p.m. 2:06 a.m. 2:53 p.m. 2:40 a.m. 3:54 p.m. 3:13 a.m. 4:57 p.m. 3:49 a.m. 6:03 p.m. 4:27 a.m.

Tonights Planets
Last 5/31 New 6/8 Mercury Venus Mars Jupiter Saturn Uranus Rise Set 6:53 a.m. 9:03 p.m. 7:21 a.m. 9:33 p.m. 6:16 a.m. 7:58 p.m. 8:11 a.m. 10:26 p.m. 6:47 p.m. 5:54 a.m. 4:29 a.m. 4:53 p.m.

Local UV Index
0 - 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11+

National Weather Summary This Week

The Northeast will see scattered showers and thunderstorms today, mostly clear to partly cloudy skies with isolated showers and thunderstorms Friday and Saturday, with the highest temperature of 85 in Georgetown, Del. The Southeast will experience mostly clear to partly cloudy skies with isolated thunderstorms today through Saturday, with the highest temperature of 90 in Hoffman, N.C. In the Northwest, there will be scattered showers and thunderstorms today and Friday, mostly clear to partly cloudy skies Saturday, with the highest temperature of 84 in Torrington, Wyo. The Southwest will see mostly clear skies today through Saturday, with the highest temperature of 102 in Goodyear, Ariz.

Weather Trivia

StarWatch By Gary Becker - The Eclipse that Almost Isnt

On the evening of May 24/25, one of the most ephemeral of astronomical events takes place. It is a partial penumbral eclipse of the moon. Lunar eclipses occur when the sun, Earth, and moon are aligned so precisely that the moon passes through one or both of the shadows of the Earth. The Earth, or for that matter any astronomical

Answer: When sustained winds reach 30 mph or gusts reach 40 mph.

UV Index 0-2: Low, 3-5: Moderate, 6-7: High, 8-10: Very High, 11+: Extreme Exposure

When is a wind advisory issued by the National Weather Service?

VisitAtlantasDeKalbCounty.com

The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 17, 2013

LOCAL NEWS

Page 14A

Preventing a fare increase included in proposed MARTA budget

by Carla Parker carla@dekalbchamp.com MARTA officials are trying to prevent another fare increase through its fiscal year 2014 budget. The proposed Fiscal Year 2014 budget for MARTA includes a five-year strategy to stabilize finances, improve the overall customer experience and build employee morale. According to MARTA officials the strategy will preserve existing transit service and avoid a previously projected 25-cent fare increase. The proposed budget allocates $426.9 million for operations and $430.5 million for capital programs, including $141.1 million for debt service. MARTAs General Manager and CEO Keith T. Parker said in a released statement that the proposed budget is a road map to transforming the transit agency for long-term fiscal sustainability by implementing efficiencies, making the system more attractive to customers and positioning it for future growth and expansion by changing public perceptions. There is very good news in this budget, Parker said. We are moving forward with initiatives that will put our financial house in ormately $8.3 million in December 2013; an employee merit increase in July 2015; and employee morale incentives. According to MARTA officials, in order to achieve a balanced budget and shore up reserves, there could be fare increases of 15 cents, 10 cents and 10 cents between fiscal years 2015, 2016 and 2018, respectively. The current budget proposal also anticipates some significant cost savings, healthcare reforms and outsourcing opportunities previously recommended by the consulting firm KPMG aimed at making the transit system more effective and efficient. The MARTA Board of Directors business management committee will vote on the final budget before the 2014 fiscal year, begins July 1, after receiving input from public hearings. To view the proposed budget presentation, visit www.itsmarta.com/FY14Operations-Capital-Budgetdraft-1.ppt. Copies of the proposed budget will also be available at MARTAs Office of External Affairs, 2424 Piedmont Road, N.E. in Atlanta during regular business hours, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

MARTAs proposed Fiscal Year 2014 budget includes a five-year strategy to stabilize its finances, improve the overall customer experience and build employee morale.

der with no new sources of funding. At the same time, our goal is to make people feel safer when theyre riding MARTA and offer them great customer service from employees who are proud to work here. The proposed budget includes customer relief initia-

tives. Those initiatives include; service restoration in 2017; reopening rail station restrooms implementing security enhancements, which include security cameras on buses and trains, increasing police visibility and a See and Say app; implementing a knuckle-head behavior

campaign; restoring some transit service; and a secret shopper program to monitor and improve customer service. Employee relief initiatives include an incentive payment for employees who have worked without raises for eight years, approxi-

Drive-by shootings leave one dead, one injured

by Daniel Beauregard daniel@dekalbchamp.com Two drive-by shootings in DeKalb County have left one dead and another wounded. Police spokeswoman Mekka Parish said officers responded to a call from 3770 Larkspur Terrace in South DeKalb shortly before 1 a.m. May 10. Parish said when officers arrived they found 19-year-old male victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds; he was pronounced dead on the scene. According to detectives, the victim and a second man where walking along the street when they observed a white SUV slowly approaching. The window of the SUV rolled down and someone then began firing at them. One victim was able to run from the location unharmed, Parish said. The SUV is described as a white Yukon or Tahoe. Parish said the name of the deceased has not been released. A makeshift memorial at the home identifies the victim as Javereon Snoop Barber, 19. According to a memorial page on Facebook for Barber, he was gunned down in the street of his neighborhood, while walking [from a] store. He was a 19-year-old teenager with a 9-month-old son, according to the Facebook page. His life was taken from him and we would like to keep his memory alive. A fund to help pay for his funeral has been set up at www.giveforward.com. Larkspur Terrace is less than half a mile from the apartment complex where 18-yearold Dominique Boyer was shot and killed in a drive-by shooting in March. A similar shooting occurred approximately 15 minutes later and six miles away at 2744 Elkhorn Drive. According to police, when officers arrived they found an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. Detectives said the victim and a woman were standing outside when they observed a suspicious vehicle approaching. Someone in the vehicle then fired in their direction and the male victim was struck. At this point no determination has been made for the motive of these two shootings nor has it been determined if these two are connected, Parish said. Detectives continue to actively investigate these cases.
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The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 17, 2013

LOCAL NEWS

Page 15A

Dr. Michael J. Bell, the DeKalb school districts new acting chief financial officer, consults with school board member Marshall Orson during a board meeting. Photo by Andrew Cauthen

millions found
DeKalb schools CFO resigns
DCDS Proposed 2014 Budget 634,745 Superintendent 6,981,846 School Board 639,206 Communications Curriculum and Instruction Facilities & Operations Finance Human Resources Information Technology Internal Affairs School Leadership & Operational Suppport Strategic Management & Accountability Charter Schools Schools TOTAL 42,230,834 84,862,229 16,058,414 3,923,620 20,373,791 6,981,021 21,631,365 583,323 31,535,513 522,705,593 759,141,500

by Andrew Cauthen andrew@dekalbchamp.com The DeKalb County School District has a new chief financial officer. Dr. Michael J. Bell, who was working as a senior compliance auditor for the school district, was appointed acting chief financial officer after the resignation of Michael Perrone May 7, a day after announcing millions in discovered school funds. Perrone resigned his position as chief financial officer after the district discovered what interim Superintendent Mike Thurmond called undocumented funds. When asked whether there was a connection between Perrones resignation and the millions of dollars found in the school districts finances, Thurmond said, not to my knowledge. When asked if he had asked for Perrones resignation, Thurmond said, No. Absolutely not. We appreciate [Perrones] service to the district, but we are very excited that we were able to appoint today Dr. Michael Bell, one of the foremost authorities in public finance to lead this division, Thurmond said following a May 8 school board meeting. Hes respected throughout this state, throughout this nation, has worked in very high-profile, very important positions and were just honored and delighted to have him here. Bell has worked as the chief financial officer for the city of Atlanta and DeKalb County, and as a financial administrator for Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. He is a professor of

practice at the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University. He has a tremendous amount of experience and expertise that he brings to the table Im just excited to have him with us, Thurmond said. In his first presentation to the school board as interim CFO, Bell presented the concept of where we think were going to be relative to revenue and expenses for the 2013 and 2014 fiscal years. The revised revenue for the current fiscal year is $754.9 million, up from the original revenue projection of $748 million. The increased revenue projection is based reimbursements for the cost of managing

Title IIA grant and school nutrition program, reimbursement for funds paid to teachers through Title I, and surplus funds reserved for the after school extended day program. Bell said the best estimate of expenses for the district is $742 million plus $3.7 million in reserve. We could have a surplus at the end of 2013 of $9,197,000, Bell said. For 2014, the revised anticipated revenue for the district it $759.1 million. The anticipated revenue was originally estimated at $732.4 million. There are some areas that were not initially included in the original budget, to the tune of $26.7 million, Bell said. The new 2014 projected budget is $759.1 million, with an anticipated revenue surplus of $27.2 million. This anticipated revenue, based on our skill, experience, expertise and resources, we feel relatively confident about it, Thurmond said. This is the first projectionthe first cut at it. Well continue to look at it. There will continue to be, Im sure, some amendments, some tweaks. But we feel relatively confident that well be able to, first appropriate, and then achieve the goals encompassed this budget. The goal is to have a document that represents the priorities established by the board and one that will move us in the direction of improving academic achievement and career readiness for our students, Thurmond said. The school board will hold its final budget public hearing scheduled June 3 at noon.

The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 17, 2013

LOCAL NEWS
by Daniel Beauregard daniel@dekalbchamp.com will be eligible for various federal, state and local grants to allow it to undergo construction to improve the area by building things such as streetscapes or improving pedestrian safety. Burke Brennan, a member of the Tucker Business Association and spokesman for DeKalb County, said the list of the CIDs priorities will ultimately be decided by members of the CID board, which will be elected. Brennan said the top three property owners are automatically appointed as CID board members, the next three will then be elected and two additional appointees will be chosen by the board of commissioners. Commissioner Elaine Boyer said Tucker is a well-oiled community that has always tried to have government as its partner. A bunch of folks in the

Page 16A

School district seeks code of conduct input

NEWS Briefs

Commissioners approve Tucker CID

The DeKalb County School District is seeking input from parents on the 2013-2014 Code of Student Conduct: Student Rights and Responsibilities and Character Development Handbook. The code of student conduct handbook outlines the policies, rules and regulations that govern student discipline in the district, including dress code, behavior, bus information, electronic communication devices, violence against students, school personnel and other student responsibilities. The handbook is intended to inform students in grades K-12 of the types of behaviors that are unacceptable. Students are taught and tested on the contents of the handbook. A copy of the current 2012-2013 handbook is available in all DeKalb schools and at www.dekalb. k12.ga.us/student-relations. Comments and recommendations may be sent to the Department of Safe Schools and Student Relations, 5823 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain, Georgia 30083.

renew.Businesses within the opportunity zone boundaries may begin taking the credit for net new jobs created in a taxable year which begins on or after Jan. 1, 2013, provided a minimum of two net new jobs are created. The incentive is a job tax credit for new and existing businesses that create two or more jobs, which can be taken against the businesss Georgia income tax liability and payroll withholding tax. The maximum job tax credit allowed under law is $3,500 per job created.

DeKalb Police major promoted to brigadier general

DeKalb County Police Major Brian Harris is set to lead a division of the Alabama Army National Guard after receiving a promotion to the rank of brigadier genHarris eral.Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley made the official announcement during a pinning ceremony May 3. In this role, Harris will serve as the deputy comAvondale Estates manding general of a logisopportunity zone tics division headquartered approved at Fort McClellan, Ala. Harris is a 20-year vetOfficials from the city eran of the DeKalb County of Avondale Estates have Police force.In addition to announced that the citys his new responsibilities, he central business district has will remain in his current been designated an opporposition as commander of tunity zone by the Georgia the special operations diviDepartment of Community sion. Affairs, one of the first in Harris previous military DeKalb County. service includes deputy This new designation commander of the 167th will create a tax incentive Theater Support Command, for businesses to expand and one of only two units in the locate in the area, benefiting U.S. Army that comprise new and existing businesses. active duty U.S. Army and City officials said the desNational Guard soldiers. ignation adds another tool Additionally, Harris has to supplement the economic deployed three times, supdevelopment efforts the city porting Operation Noble has been working on over Eagle in 2002, Operation the past few years. Enduring Freedom in 2005The designation is in ef06, and Operation Iraqi fect for 10 years, until May Freedom in 2007-08. 3, 2023, with an option to

DeKalb County commissioners voted unanimously May 14 to approve a community improvement district (CID) in Tucker, making it the third area in the county with a CID. Dunwoody and Stone Mountain also have CIDs, which allow the areas to create a self-taxing districts that enables property owners to invest in planning, studies and improvements. The district will operate on the revenues from its self-imposed tax increase and state and federal grants; the creation of the district will provide them [opportunities] without having a negative impact on DeKalb Countys revenues or resources, Commissioner Lee May said. Additionally, the CID

community saw the possibilities and positive energy that comes with creating a CID, so they can self-tax and make improvements in the community along Lawrencville Highway and LaVista, which are the key corridors, Boyer said. Honey Van De Kreke, a member of the Tucker Business Association, helped develop the CID proposal, which she said had been in the works since last September. Every bit of this work has been done by volunteers, Van De Kreke said. We had a really good bunch of volunteers that were committed to Tucker and its growth. Board members will be elected within the next 90 days.

Notice is hereby given that the Mayor and Council of the City of Brookhaven, Georgia in accordance to O.C.G.A. 36-35-3 (b) (1) is proposing an amendment to the Charter for the City of Brookhaven pursuant to the Municipal Home Rule Act of 1965 (O.C.G.A. 36-35-1, et seq.) Amendment That the Charter of the City of Brookhaven, Georgia shall be amended in accordance with the above so that upon proper passage, Section 2.15 of the City Charter, Ordinance form; procedures shall be revised to read as follows: Sec. 2-15. Ordinance form; procedures (a) (b) Every proposed Ordinance and Resolution shall be introduced in writing and the City Council shall have the authority to approve, disapprove or amend the same. An Ordinance or Resolution may be passed at the time its offered for the first time. The catchlines of sections of this charter or any ordinance printed in boldface type, italics, or otherwise are intended as mere catchwords to indicate the contents of the section, and: (1) Shall not be deemed or taken to be titles of such sections or as any part of the section; and (2) Shall not be so deemed when any of such sections, including the catchlines, are amended or reenacted unless expressly provided to the contrary.

LEGAL NOTICE CITY OF BROOKHAVEN NOTICE OF PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE CHARTER

Furthermore, the article and section headings contained in this charter shall not be deemed to govern, limit, or modify or in any manner affect the scope, meaning, or intent of the provisions of any article or section hereof. (d) The city council may, by ordinance or resolution, adopt rules and bylaws to govern the conduct of its business, including procedures and penalties for compelling the attendance of absent councilmembers. Such rules may include punishment for contemptuous behavior conducted in the presence of the city council. The proposed amendment is on file in the office of the Clerk of the City of Brookhaven and in the office of the DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court for examination and inspection by the public. Anyone may, upon written request submitted to the Clerk of the City of Brookhaven, obtain a copy of the proposed amendment. The Mayor and Council will consider this amendment for adoption by ordinance during their regularly scheduled meeting on May 28, 2013 and if approved at said meeting, again at their regularly scheduled meeting on June 11, 2013. City Council meetings are held at 2 Corporate Square, Suite 125, Brookhaven, Georgia 30329 beginning at 7:00 P.M. All council meetings are open to the public.

(c)

Susan D. Hiott City Clerk

The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 17, 2013

BUSINESS

Page 17A

Trophy business creates items that mark lifes big moments

by Kathy Mitchell kathy@dekalbchamp.com Sean Mahoney describes his company, Suburban Custom Awards & Framing, as a feel good business. Awards and trophies mark the high points in our lives, Mahoney said. They come at times when we have excelledtimes we want to remember the rest of our lives. Sports trophies are very popular, but so are business and academic awards, he said. For example, Suburban Custom Awards & Framing creates the more than 200 awards The Atlanta Journal Constitution presents to the outstanding graduating senior in each metro Atlanta high school. Some customers like to commemorate special days even when they dont necessarily mark achievement, Mahoney said. He recalls a customer who wanted the forceps with which his baby was delivered made into a trophy. He even wanted to leave the blood on them, Mahoney recalled. We had to pass on that. Another customer wanted a trophy designed to be used as an urn for the ashes of his son who died. The business that is now Suburban Custom Awards & Framing opened in 1964 as a framing business. Over the years, the company has offered printing, gifts and other specialties. The owner got into the plaque and trophy business incidentally after he was unable to find someone to do the engraving he needed and bought equipment to do the work himself. In the late 1970s or early 80s the company began focusing on trophies and awards as its primary business. Mahoney, who bought the company from the original owner in 2000, said framing is still a large part of the business, which now also offers specialty promotional items. But the lions share of our business is still awards, he said. Until December 2012, when it moved to its current location, Suburban Custom Awards & Framing was in Suburban Plaza on North Decatur Road. When a big box company bought most of the strip shopping malls space, Mahoney started looking for a new location. We wanted to stay in the Decatur area since were near our two largest customers, the CDC and Emory, Mahoney said. He added that the new space is more than 13,000 square feet, compared to the 10,000-square-foot Suburban Plaza store; however, its a bit more off the beaten path. Mahoney, who left a corporate accounting job to go into business for himself, said hes pleased with the direction the area he relocated to is moving in. He said of the Rail Arts District where Decatur meets Avondale Estates, Lots of businesses are coming here and the nearby DeKalb Farmers Market has plans to expand soon. We should be very well positioned in the next few years, he predicted. As in nearly everything else, styles in awards have changed since the mid-1960s. The trend now is more toward color, Mahoney said. We do a lot of art glass trophies. He added that crystal and glass are becoming more popular because petroleum-based acrylic awards have gone up in price and now costs almost as much as the more prestigious crystal and glass awards. The companys longevity positions it as the go-to place for customers looking for retro styles. For the movie Anchor Man 2, which is being shot around here, they needed a 1970s-style trophy and we were able to provide it, Mahoney said. Suburban Custom Awards & Framing also custom designed trophies for the movie Need for Speed being filmed in the area. The companys team of artists and artisans can create an award around nearly any idea, Mahoney said. Among the stores displays is a replica of an award the company created to commemorate the 2011 retirement of Braves Manager Bobby Cox. Designed to evoke the Worlds Series Award, the trophy has a large 6, Coxs number, surrounded by flags marking each playoff championship during his tenure. The awards and trophy business has changed in recent years because of the popularity of internet shopping, Mahoney said. People used to go to their local trophy shop and choose from among what they offered. Now people decide what they want and look on the internet for someone who can provide it. The upside of that is that were no longer limited to local customers. We got a large order recently from a company in Wyoming.

Sean Mahoney says he enjoys owning a business centered on recognizing peoples achievements.

The company kept its name after moving from Suburban Plaza.

Plaques and trophies include traditional and modern styles.

The company now offers a range of specialty promotional items.

Crystal and glass trophies are becoming increasingly popular, according to Mahoney.

Many trophies are designed and manufactured at the new facility in Decaturs Rail Arts District.

DeKalb Chamber of Commerce

The Voice of Business in DeKalb County

Two Decatur Town Center, 125 Clairemont Ave., Suite 235, Decatur, GA 30030 404.378.8000 www.DeKalbChamber.org

The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 17, 2013

EDUCATION

Page 18A

Sequoyah Middle students learn to eat better

by Andrew Cauthen andrew@dekalbchamp.com Can you eat better than a middle schooler? That was the challenge some students at Sequoyah Middle School recently undertook. As part of National Nutrition Month in March, Sequoyah Middle students in Kevin Keelers health class participated in a program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to encourage students to eat healthier. Twenty-four students were recognized May 10 for their participation in the contest in which they recorded their vegetable and grain consumption and physical activity for two weeks. Yusuf Azizi, 13, an eighth-grader, won first place in the contest. Yusuf said his teacher told the students they had to log what they ate. So thats what I did, Yusuf said. I always followed the food pyramid. So thats just what I ate. I just tried my best. Yusuf said eating healthy foods was not difficult. Actually, I didnt even change anything in my diet, he said. I just ate everything that I normally did. However, logging his meals was hard work, he said. Ive never actually tried to log it down [before], he said. Most people, you just eat. Thats all it is, just eating. After you log it down you start to notice whether youre eating well, whether you eating badly, school. Brittany Cunningham, principal of Sequoyah Middle, said, Its been a pleasure and an honor to have such a great partnership with the USDA and Sequoyah Middle. It was a wonderful opportunity for our health classes to have the ability to actually jot down in a journal how they are eating, how healthy the cafeteria food is, and really getting that full knowledge that conscious knowledgeof the choices that they make in terms of their healthand their eating habits, Cunningham said. And those habits really will pay big dividends later on, she said. Joyce Wimberly, the DeKalb County School District nutrition director, told the students that they had stepped up and taken the initiative to do what needs to be done to make changes in what [their] eating and in terms of being more active. You all will be healthier, happier and you will also be more fit as a result of what youre doing, she said. Wimberly said the school district is focusing on serving healthier school meals. Were focusing on serving more whole grains, fruits and vegetables, low-fat milk and nonfat milk and also less sodium and fat. The school district serves more than 103,000 meals per day, including breakfast, lunch and afterschool snacks, Wimberly said.

Two dozen Sequoyah Middle School students were recognized for their participation in a U.S. Department of Agriculture program designed to encourage them to eat healthier. Photos by Andrew Cauthen

From left, Yusuf Azizi and Jose Martinez received special recognition along with Principal Brittany Cunningham and Kevin Keeler, health teacher.

Yusuf said. If you start logging it down, it really makes you change the way that you eat if youre doing it bad. During the contest, Yusuf realized that he was eating some bad stuff. I was eating a little bit too much candy and consuming too much sugar, so I had to cut back on that, he said. I started to try to eat more beans for protein. Yusuf said more students should pay attention to their meals. For every other student thats around my age, where our bodies are developing you really have to tryand not only people our age you really have to try to watch what youre eating because it doesnt seem like such a big problem, but later on in your life it probably

will, he said. Other students recognized were Kimberly Castro, Guillermo Diosdado, Diana Escobar, Estrella Euten-Gonzales, Kelvin Gonzalez, Brandon Gramajo, Jasmine Hernandez, Jessica Huerta, Ayesa Hussain, Wanda Islas-Pulido, Dennis Lin (second place), Jennifer Lopez, Deny Lozano, Jesus Lucio-Gonzalez, Jose Martinez (third place), Lan Nguyen, Gabriela Perez-Jimenez, Benjamin Pulliam, Estefany Rivas, Christian Rodriguez-Soto, Darlenne Salazar-Garcia, Sharmen Sayed and Jesus Vega Mayo. Elton Harden, the schools nutrition services manager, Ellis Stanley, health/PE department chairman, and Keeler were recognized for heading up the program at the

The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 17, 2013

EDUCATION

Page 19A

Students made race cars from Styrofoam and made small containers that could protect eggs from a high drop as part of Drew Charters Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) Day. Photos by Andrew Cauthen

Drew Charter goes full STEAM ahead

by Andrew Cauthen andrew@dekalbchamp.com Justin Roberts was confident that his egg would not crack. We already tried it and it worked. We tried in the stairwell, Justin said. And he was correct. The egg survived a one-story drop inside the East Lake YMCA gym May 9. The egg is surrounded by a box and the box was surrounded by socks, said Justin, 10, a fifthgrader at Drew Charter School in East Lake. We put a parachute over the box to make it lose pressure to ground. We put shredded newspaper inside the sock, said teammate Stacy Richards, 11. Justin further explained, The way we put the shredded newspaper in, when it actually hits the floor, it doesnt bring all the pressure into it. It stays the same. The socks around itmake it more stable when it hits the ground. Stacy said he learned that not all different cardboards work. Different sizes and different compression matter. Thats why we shredded the newspaper. Several other teams were not so lucky as they waited anxiously for volunteers to determine whether their eggs survived the drop. The egg drop, in which students had to make an 8-cubic-inch package for the eggs, was part of Drew Charter Schools STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) day and DesignOrama. DesignOrama was the culmination of a monthlong study of engineering and design. Students have visited with professionals and companies in the field of design, as well as created designs for themselves. In addition to the egg drop contest, Drew Charter School invited engineers, designers and artisans to display their work and the latest in creative human design Jack Wood, of the Georgia Tech Research Institute, manned a laser exhibit. We have a series of 11 laseroriented science exhibits that we created in 2010 at the 50th anniversary of the invention of the laser, Wood said. Since then weve been taking it around to metro Atlanta schools. Its been seen by over 23,000 people, mainly elementary school children. Here they learn the history of the laser, Wood said. Its 53 years old now, so its a pretty young technology. They learn how lasers work and they learn some useful applications, everyday applications of laser. The students do not learn how to kill with laser beams, he said in response to a question. Absolutely not, Wood said. But its a very common question because Hollywood has done a disservice to science in some ways. STEAM Day, DesignOrama, this fun day that we have here at Drew Charter School is really about getting the kids excited about things having to do with science, technology, engineering, the arts and math, said teacher Courtney Bryant. Thats what this day is about. It gets them making stuff, gets them building stuff, getting them using their brains to do those things.

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The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 17, 2013

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The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 17, 2013

SPORTS

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Cedar Grove

Dunwoody

Marist

Cedar Grove, Dunwoody and Marist girls track teams win state titles
by Carla Parker carla@dekalbchamp.com DeKalb County is continuing to bring home track and field state titles as Cedar Grove and Dunwoody girls, along with Marist, won a state championship at the 2013 GHSA State Track and Field Championship at Hugh Mills Stadium in Albany on May 11. The wins by Cedar Grove and Dunwoody mark the seventh consecutive year (2007 to 2013) at least one DeKalb County School District team has brought home a girls state track championship trophy and 12th overall since 2002. The Cedar Grove Lady Saints got their third state title in school history with the help of twin sisters Christian and Kayla Pryor. They combined for four individual medals and two relay medals to lead the Lady Saints to the 2013 GHSA Class AAA State Track and Field Championship 8978 over Blessed Trinity. Kayla edged out Douglass High Schools Amber Hughes by .07 of a second (43.07 to 43.14) to capture the gold in the 300-meter hurdles and put Cedar Grove up 74-70 with the 4x400-meter, relay remaining. The sisters then teamed up with Latoya Harze and Nylah Littles to take on Blessed Trinity head-to-head in the 4x400-meter relay. The team ran a 3:56.70 to take the gold over Blessed Trinity (4:03.85) by seven seconds to seal the state track title. Christians victories in the 400-meter dash (56.30) and 800-meter run (2:17.42), along with a second-place finish in the 4x100-meter relay team including the two Pryors, Harze and Shayla Toomerput Cedar Grove in and out of first place throughout the day. Daimer Gordon helped put 13 points on the board for Cedar Grove during the field events as she finished second in the discus (114-04) and fourth in the shot put (35-02.00). The Dunwoody Lady Wildcats won a second state title in school history with a 69.33-44 win over Kell High School in the Class AAAAA state track championship. Junior Alex Cameron led Dunwoody to first place with gold medal victories in the 1600-meter and 3200-meter runs. It was the second consecutive year Cameron has won the 1600-meter run (AAAA in 2012). Lauren Jackson helped the Lady Wildcats pull away as she won the 400-meter dash (55.09) and the 800-meter run (2:14.83) to match Cameron with two individual gold medals. The 4x400-meter relay team finished the meet with a time of 3:49.41 to take gold in the event and complete the 25.33 point victory over Kell. Marist outscored defending state champions Redan 57.50-50 to win the GHSA Class AAAA state title. Marist girls joined the boys team in winning its first track and field state title in school history. Morgan Ilses gold medal win in the 1600-meter (5:07.48) and 3200-meter (11:15.79) helped lead Marist to the state title finish. Bailey Weiland added to the victory with a first-place win in the high jump (5-06.00). Redan scored 25 points in the last four events, led by a silver medal finish in the 4x400-meter relay (3:51.15), to finish second. Crystal Gray was part of the 4x400-meter relay team, along with Tanzanie Brown, Miyah Golden and Shequilla McClain while bringing home a gold medal in the 400-meter dash (55.85) and bronze medal finish in the 200-meter dash (25.03) in leading the Lady Raiders rally attempt. McClain put together a pair of fourth-place finishes in both 100and 300-meter hurdles to put up 10 points for Redan down the stretch. Draneisha Griffin also scored 10 points with her performance in the field events. Griffin took silver in the triple jump with a leap of 3804.50 and a seventh-place finish in the long jump.

The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 17, 2013

Five Lady Wolverines sign basketball scholarships

by Carla Parker carla@dekalbchamp.com Five members of the Miller Grove High School girls basketball senior class signed scholarships on May 7 in front of family, friends and teammates. Shaquanda Durden, Katie Hunt, Tashi Thompson, Aniefiok Udofia and Klarissa Weaverwho led Miller Grove to its first state championship in 2012signed with the colleges of their choice. Durden, a 5-foot-9 guard, signed with Florida State College. Hunt, a 5-foot-9 point guard, signed with Kennesaw State University. Hunt led the team in steals with 3.6 per game. Thompson, who led the team in scoring with 13.0 points per game, signed with Palm Beach State College. The 5-foot-8 shooting guard also led the team in assists with 3.0 per game. Udofia, a 5-foot-9 shooting guard, will join Thompson at Palm Beach State College. Weaver, a 6-foot-1 center, signed with the University of North Carolina at Asheville. Weaver finished her senior season with 11.0 points per game and led the team in rebounds (7.7) and blocks (3.0). She said she chose to go to UNC Asheville because it is a program she feels she can build up. UNC Asheville finished the season with a 2-28 record. The basketball program could use improvement and I want to pioneer the program to be what it can be, she said.

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From left, Miller Grove High School Lady Wolverines starting fiveTashi Thompson, Shaquanda Durden, Aniefiok Udofia, Katie Hunt and Klarissa Weaversigned basketball scholarships to the colleges of their choice on May 7.

Miller Grove girls head basketball coach Renee Breedlove said she was blessed to have coached these group of girls the past the three years. These girls have made historyLady Wolverine history, she said. The group led Miller Grove to its first 20 wins season in 20102011, the first state champion in 2012 and the best record (26-6) in Lady Wolverines history in the 2012-2013 season. These girls have truly made an impact on Lady Wolverine basketball, Breedlove said. I wish them the best in their endeavors in becoming student athletes.

Guard Shaquanda Durden signed her letter of intent to Florida State College.

Atlanta Jr. Wheelchair basketball team wins back-to-back national championships

The Atlanta Junior Wheelchair Hawks Prep team won its second consecutive National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) National Prep Championship on April 22 in Louisville, Ky. The team, which features Chance Boyd from Henderson Middle School, defeated the Courage Rolling Rowdies from Minnesota 30-13. The Hawks held the Rowdies to three points in the first half behind the defensive play of Collin Lancaster of Bethlehem and Cameron Elzey of Cumming. On the offensive side, Samuel Armas from Villa Rica scored 10 points, Boyd scored six points and Kalen Reese of Powder Springs scored four points to give the Hawks a 20-3 lead at half-time. Armas, led the team again in scoring in the second half with six points, Boyd and Taveon Grant of Atlanta had two points each. Armas led the Hawks with 16 points and was named MVP for the championship game and MVP for the entire prep tournament. Reese was awarded the Neal Radbel Sportsmanship Award by the NWBA. This was the last prep game for Boyd, Armas and Reese, who will move up the varsity team next year.

The Atlanta Junior Wheelchair Hawks Prep team won its second consecutive National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) National Prep Championship in Louisville, Ky.

The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 17, 2013

SPORTS

Page 23A

Redan sweeps Columbus to advance to Class AAAA quarterfinals

by Mark Brock The No. 5 ranked Redan Raiders traveled to No. 3 ranked Columbus in the second round of the Class AAAA high school baseball state playoffs on May 8 and came away with a sweep to win the best-of-three series two games to none. The Raiders (24-6), the No. 2 seed from Region 6-AAAA, found themselves trailing Columbus (20-8) 3-0 after four innings in the first game. Then the bats came alive, exploding for five runs in the top of the fifth to take a 5-3 lead. Tyler Layton got the scoring started with his two-run single and was followed by run scoring singles from James Nelson, Wesley Jones and Trega Williams. Corderius Dorsey pitched a complete game allowing eight hits, four runs (two earned) and striking out five while allowing just one walk to pick up the victory on the mound. It was Dorseys second consecutive playoff victory. Williams picked up three more RBIs to finish with four on the day in leading the Raiders to the 9-4 win in the second game of the doubleheader to complete the playoff series sweep. The bats were swinging well to open the second game as Williams joined Brandon Baker, Bacari Gayle and Miles Fore with run-scoring hits to give the Raiders a 4-0 lead in the bottom of the first. Baker added another RBI single in the second inning as Redan picked up two more runs to go up 6-0. Baker was aiding his own cause with his RBIs as he went into the seventh inning having allowed just three hits in his complete game victory. He allowed four runs (two earned), struck out four and walked five while also going 3-3 at the plate. Williams sealed the game with a two-run homer in the bottom of the fifth to collect his third and fourth RBIs on the day. Williams was 2-3 at the plate with the three RBIs in the second game win. The quarterfinal best-of-three series is set for May 14 with a doubleheader and a third game, if necessary, on May 15. Redan will travel to Locust Grove.

Twelve year old wins golf Player of the Year award

Ayanna Habeel won the U.S. Kids Atlanta Spring Tour 2013 season at Mystery Valley Golf Course and championship and earned the Player of the Year award. The 12 year old from Lithonia said it was an honor to receive the award. Last year, she received the 2012 Player of the Year 9-Hole Open Girls 7-18 award and the All Atlanta Junior Golf Team award after finishing the season 6-0. Asked about her future in the sport, Habeel said, I plan to stay humble and continue to work hard on improving my game.

Lakeside, who defeated Heritage-Conyers in the second round of the playoffs, fell to McIntosh 6-1 on the quarterfinals.

Vikings fall to McIntosh to wrap up the DeKalb soccer season

by Mark Brock The Lakeside Vikings 2013 soccer season came to an end on May 11 as host and No. 1 ranked McIntosh pulled away for a 6-1 victory in the Class AAAAA quarterfinals. McIntosh, which had defeated Lakeside 1-0 earlier in the season, got out to a 1-0 lead only to see the Vikings score to tie the game at one. The Lakeside goal was just the second scored all season against the McIntosh defense, which has led the team to a perfect 21-0 season heading into the semifinals. McIntosh got two more goals in the first half on the way to a 3-1 lead at the break. Lakeside gave up a quick goal to start the second half as the Vikings went on to fall by the final of 6-1. The Vikings wrap up the 2013 season with a 14-5-2 overall record and as the Region 6-AAAAA champions.

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The Champion Free Press, Friday, May 17, 2013

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