Professional Documents
Culture Documents
FREEPRESS
of making false statements and one count each of hindering the apprehension of a criminal, and concealing material facts. Sneiderman was originally charged with murder and aggravated assault but prosecutors dropped those charges several days before her trial began. Adams is allowing the year Sneiderman spent on house
Andrea Sneiderman leaves court Aug. 20 after her sentence was handed down by a Superior Court judge who gave her ve years with credit for time served during her house arrest. Photo by Kent D. Johnson/AJC
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Twenty-five DeKalb County Police personnel received accommodations for their work during a ceremony Aug. 14. Nineteen individuals were promoted. Photos by Andrew Cauthen
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No students or teachers were injured when a 19-year-old gunman entered Ronald E. McNair Discovery Learning Academy with an AK-47. After exchanging gunfire with police, the suspect surrendered peacefully. Photos by Carla Parker
A police officer helps a child off a school bus as buses arrive with students after an incident at Ronald E. McNair Discovery Learning Academy Aug. 20. Interim Superintendent Michael Thurmond said all students at the school in Decatur were accounted for and safe. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
in the car. DeKalb Schools interim superintendent Michael Thurmond thanked law enforceA suspect is in custody after allegedly fir- ment and school administrators for their ing a gun inside Ronald E. McNair Discovquick response to keep students safe. ery Learning Academy on Aug. 20. Its a blessed day, Thurmond said. All Police said after the gunman exchanged of our children are safe. Its a tragic situation fire with law enforcement he surrendered but were blessed and pleased that the chilpeacefully. There were no injuries to studren and staff are safe. dents, teachers or the suspect, according to Students were bused to the Gresham police. Road Walmart to be picked up by their parDeKalb County Police Chief Cedric ents. Many parents at the scenedown the Alexander said the 19-year-old suspect enstreet from the school on Second Avenue tered the building behind someone who had were upset that they did not receive proper proper access to the building. notification from school officials about the He had an AK-47 and other weapons shooting. on him, he said. He had one to two staff One parent, Jonessia White, said she members held captive inside the front office. received a call from her 5-year-old sons He did not get past the front office. teacher about what happened. Alexander said when police arrived to the She just said that they were still inside school the suspect began shooting at officers the school waiting, White said. from inside the school. He said the suspect Delnert Samuel, who has two grandsons fired as many as half a dozen shots at the of- at the school, said he heard the gunshots ficer. from his house. Once police arrested the suspect, the I then heard the police sirens but I didnt DeKalb SWAT team came to clear the leave the house, Samuel said. When I saw school and have students safely removed the news report about the shooting, thats from the building. Alexander said that is when I came running down to the school but when they noticed the suspects car was police officers stopped me from going near blocking the entrance and the police dog the school. sniffed out explosive devices. Samuel was upset that the gunman had We had the kids exit from the side of easy access to the school building. the building because we had to get the kids He should not have been able to walk away from the explosives, Alexander said. in the school like that, he said. After what Alexander said the car is still under inhappened in [Newtown, Conn.] the school vestigation to find out what explosives were doors should be locked at all times.
atethose are the people I wake up and do this every day for, Perry said. Being a policeman is the most exciting job a person can have, Perry said. Your job changes from day to day. One day you could be doing traffic, one day you could be chasing down the most
dangerous individual youve ever known. The job always changes. Interim DeKalb County CEO Lee May told the officers that they are cherished, honored and loved. When you do good you deserve to be acknowledged publicly, because, you know
when you do bad you will be blasted loudly, he said. The work that you do in public service is not just service in terms of a name, but its service in terms of action, May said. Each day you go forward, you lay down your life as a sacrifice that others may be protected.
Your role is of utmost importance for a great DeKalb County, May said. In this new role that Im in, I understand more clearly than ever that we have to truly support you men and women whoserve and protect our county. Alexander said, I am so
proud of all them. I am very proud to be a member of this police department. The men and women of this police department love this police department. They love the work that they do. They love the challenges that they go out and face every day.
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OPINION
One Mans Opinion
The menu at McDonalds has grown by 70 percent to roughly 145 items since 2007.As the chain adds on new item after item, franchise owners are complaining that running a restaurant has become an operational nightmare, rife with slow service.Bloomberg News, May 2013. On a blustery day with coupon in hand, I recently visited at the dinner hour a once favored fast food chain, now challenged to hold its market share.At this location, the dining room was empty, with a queue of roughly seven cars in the drive-through line. I approached the counter, smiled and said, Good evening, handing the coupon to the cashier and placing my order, Cheeseburgerno cheese, no mayomedium fries and a medium unsweetened tea. After staring at the coupon for a good two minutes, the cashier enters one cheeseburger, large fries, large Coke. I softly, and still with a smile, making eye contact repeat my order, and mention that she is ringing in large when I had re-
Bill Crane also serves as a political analyst and commentator for Channel 2s Action News, WSBAM 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.
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The Newslady
Movie producer Spike Lee, who has ties to the Atlanta area through his attendance at Morehouse College, had a very popular movie out back in 1989. It was called Do the Right Thing and it was all about the racial tension existing at the time in the Bedford-Stuyvesant district of New York. The rallying cry toward the end of the movie was for Pizza Parlor owner Sal to do the right thing. When my girls were young I would tell them if you dont want to hear me fuss, then just do what you are supposed to do. Do the right thing. Here we are 150 years after emancipation ending slavery in this country and 50 years since Dr. Martin Luther Kings I Have A Dream speech and there are still major forces in this country that simply will not do the right thing. So the marches, rallies and protests continue. Lawsuits keep getting
FREEPRESS
recently been overturned, but there was still plenty of activity on the state and local level to keep Blacks away from the ballot box. There is one thing upon which Whites and Blacks can always agree: the vote is a very powerful right. Now its 50 years later, and the whole civil rights struggle is becoming a distant memory. On the surface, it would seem we have made so much progress. So much progress that the U.S. Supreme Court has decided the Justice Department no longer needs to be the watchdog for fairness in the South, where the powers in charge have had the most prolific history of abuse. In spite of this, somehow, a clandestine organization empowers a governor to discard the will of a electorate greater than that of three states. The men and women upon whose shoulders I stand paved the way in blood, sweat, and tears; but mostly blood. MLK, Medgar Evers, Viola Liuzzo, John Lewis, Jimmie Lee Jackson, and many, many more. They bore the brunt of the struggle; a Georgia Supreme Court case is a pittance in comparison. I owe it to them, the cause they stood for, and to future generations to see this through. Thats why I will never quit. Gene Walker
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Send Letters To Editor, The Champion Free Press, P. O. Box 1347, Decatur, GA 30031-1347; Send E-Mail to Kathy@dekalbchamp.com FAX To: (404) 370-3903 Phone: (404) 373-7779 Deadline for news releases and advertising: Thursday, one week prior to publication date. EDITORS NOTE: The opinions written by columnists and contributing editors do not necessarily reect the opinions of the editor or publishers. The Publisher reserves the right to reject or cancel any advertisement at any time. The Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts.
The recent decision by administrative law judge Maxwell Wood to sustain Gov. Nathan Deals suspension of the DeKalb County School Board [members] came as no surprise to anyone, certainly not me. Disappointing, yes. I always hold out hope that the best of human nature will persevere. But it came as no surprise. What is surprising at this time is other conversations I have had with people. These are people who I have had the greatest respect for in the past. There are two in particular: One was White, one Black. Why dont you just quit, Gene? they asked. Give it up and go on about your business. Let it go. They are old, like I am, but their complacency is showing. I would have thought those closest to me would understand what I am doing and why I am doing it. The administrative appeal was simply an obstacle that had to be dispensed with. You cant bother the Georgia Supreme Court if there are untried remedies; it is the court of last resort. The Georgia General Assembly created this constitutional crisis and the administrative hearing was just another hurdle to be cleared. To place it in a nutshell, again: A privately run organization with no accountability or investigative
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CoMMuniTY
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When Gresham Park Community Association President Darryl Jennings needed community and business leaders to donate funds for a backto-school backpack giveaway, one of the people he called was Ramon Ward. The 41-year-old Ward was one of several who donated money for school supplies that were given to students at Meadowview Elementary on Aug. 7. Ward, owner of the soon-to-be-open Atlanta Sports Complex in Gresham Plaza, said he donated a nice check of $500 for the school supplies. Ive been giving to the kids in this area for probably the last 15 years, Ward said. Ive always found a way to just give back. Ward, a Lithonia resident, said volunteering is not new to him. For several years he served as a community coach at Columbia High School and later coached
sports at Exchange Park Recreation Center in Decatur. I wanted to do something for my neighborhood, he said about volunteerism. I grew up here. In his volunteer work, Ward said he likes to focus on fitness and exercise. Ward said he volunteers to do something for the kids and give the kids an opportunity to reach that next level in athletics and academics. Its about giving back to the kids. Ward said he volunteers because theres not
enough people who give enough to this area. With me growing up in this area and doing business around here, I just wanted to help because I saw the change in the community from how it was when I grew up around here and where it is now and where its trying to go, Ward said. I just want to do my part, starting with the kids and teaching them about volunteering, giving back and not just taking all the time. When hes not working or volunteering, Ward said he likes to visit his sons in Virginia and Oklahoma. Traveling is my passion, he said. I just took an overseas trip in May. I was gone for 15 days on a European tour. Ward said volunteering is one of the most rewarding things you will ever doto give someone something and not expect anything in return.
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.
AVONDALE ESTATES
AROUNDDEKALB
Quilting class offered at Library
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located at 215 Sycamore Street, Decatur. For more information, call (404) 370-3070.
Annual Labor Day Race scheduled Runners and walkers will strap up their sneakers for the 35th Annual Labor Day 5K Race and 1 Mile Race on Sept. 2 in Avondale Estates. Walkers and runners of all ages and athletic levels can participate. Registration for the two races will begin at 7:30 a.m. The one mile race will start at 8:30 a.m. and the 5K race will follow at 9 a.m. For more information on donating, being a sponsor or volunteering, contact Karen Holmes at (404) 2945400 or kholmes@avondaleestates.org.
BROOKHAVEN
Lighting to be added along Buford Highway The Brookhaven City Council voted unanimously Aug. 13 to approve an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the Georgia Department of Transportation that will add more than 200 streetlights along Buford Highway. The streetlights are part of the Buford Highway Sidewalk Project, which focuses on improving pedestrian safety. According to the IGA, the Georgia Department of Transportation agrees to install 2.5 miles of lighting spanning both sides of Buford Highway between the Atlanta city limits and Afton Drive. The city of Brookhaven will assume costs related to power and maintenance when the project is completed. The addition of streetlights on Buford Highway will greatly increase visibility and safety for pedestrians and motorists traveling on one of the busiest roads in Brookhaven, Mayor J. Max Davis said. Installation will begin in early 2014 and the project is expected to be complete by April 2015.
Make a Quilt, Make a Friend Workshop is the theme of an event at the Embry Hills Library Monday, Aug. 26, 6-8 p.m. Participants will be taught to cut, piece and assemble a quilt. These are skills needed to complete a project. Participants must bring straight pins, neutral color thread, small scissors and a seam ripper. If possible, they also should bring a sewing machine with needles and bobbins, a rotary cutter and mat and a rotary cutting ruler, as only a limited number are available to share in the class. Participants must register in person. Funding provided by the Friends of the Embry Hills Library. The Embry Hills Library is located at 3733 Chamblee-Tucker Road, Chamblee. For more information, call (770) 270-8230.
DUNWOODY
Teens invited to bake a difference The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) has announced its upcoming Teen Community Service event, Bake a Difference, Tuesday, Aug. 27, 7-8:30 p.m. Come together with other teens to Bake a Difference in our community for those in need. Teens will serve the community, prepare with a dash of patience and add a pinch of creativity when preparing these exciting recipes and exploring issues of hunger and tzedakah, the announcement states. The event is $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers. Participating teens will earn 1.5 community service hours. Pre-registration is required. MJCCA at Zaban Park is located at 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody. For more information, contact Amy Helman-Darley at amy.helmandarley@atlantajcc.org, or at (678) 812-3978. Summit to help parents of K-12 pupils The Stewart Foundation will hold its annual Parent Information Summit Saturday, Aug. 24, 9 a.m.-noon, at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts and Community Center. The summit will offer parents of children in grades K-12 information on how to help their students succeed. The keynote speakers will be Renita Shepard and metro Atlanta superintendents. Presenters will include Donna McBride, Keisha Pooler and Mychal Wynn. Workshops will include: Parenting 101Getting involved & Staying Informed: What to Say & How to Say It; Preparing Your Child for College from K-12; and Understanding the Curriculum: What Your Child Needs to Know. Registration is free at Parentalinvolvement. evenbrite.com. Light refreshments will be provided. The Porter Sanford Performing Arts and Community Center is located at 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur.
DECATUR
Emory poet wins PEN Award Emory University award winning poet Kevin Young has won the 2013 PEN Open Book Award for his book The Grey Album: On the Blackness of Blackness. The award is given by the PEN American Center, the largest branch of the worlds leading literary and human rights organization. The award is given for an exceptional booklength work of literature by an author of color published in 2012. Young is Atticus Haygood Professor of Creative Writing and English and curator of literary collections and the Raymond Danowski Poetry Library at Emory. Judges called The Grey Album, published by Greywolf Press, an ambitious, exhilarating, impassioned work of Black literary and cultural criticism, unlike any otheran inspired, sweeping book that deserves to be savored and celebrated. Extension expert to speak on lawn care Lynwood Blackmon of the DeKalb Cooperative Extension office will be at Scott Candler Library Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2-3 p.m., to share tips for giving a lawn the best care during the coming months. Call or visit the branch to register. Scott Candler Library is located at 1917 Candler Road, Decatur. For more information, call (404) 286-6986. Writer to speak on entertainment industry After participating in the Bill Cosby Screenwriting Fellowship Program, Kevin Lance Collins went on to write for the Showtime series Soul Food and the popular television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. He will be at the Decatur Library Wednesday, Aug. 28, 7-9 p.m. His presentation, the Entertainment Industry: Writing and Producing Stories that Sell, will cover how Hollywood works, the difference between film and television, how to write a feature film versus a one-hour television show and his experiences with writing novels. He also will read from his current novel, The Unveiling 1.0. Collins is a professor at The Savannah College of Art and Design (Atlanta) and The Creative Circus. The Decatur Library is
CHAMBLEE
Experts to give advice on fatty foods Area residents who would like to learn more about the role fat plays in diet are invited to attend a workshop titled Fat: The Real Story Wednesday, Aug. 28, at North DeKalb Senior Center. The event, which will be noon-1:30 p.m., is sponsored by DeKalb County Public Library. Fat has been demonized for many years. Weve all heard that eating fat leads to heart disease and that eating a lot of high calorie foods will make you fat. As obesity rates increase, its time to take a real look at our love-hate relationship with consuming fat. Is eating a lot of fatty foods harming us? Or is eating too little fat harming us? Come out to this workshop and find out, states an announcement from the library. North DeKalb Senior Center is located at 5238 Peachtree Road, Chamblee. Call (404) 370-8450, ext. 2257, for more information. Presentation on Chinese dialects announced There will be a presentation on Chinese culture and dialects at the Chamblee Library Saturday, Aug. 24, 2:30-4 p.m. Tehwan Tso will discuss the history of Chinas different dialects, which are referred to as fngyn, literally regional speech. Chamblee Library is located at 4115 Clairmont
LITHONIA
Church to hold mens day celebration The United Methodist Men of Ousley UMC will host Mens Day 2013 on Sunday, Aug. 25. The theme is Christian Men, Stepping Out on Faith. According to the church, the event is relevant and timely for one and all: male and female, young and old. The speaker will be Bishop James E. Swanson, an ordained an elder in the South Georgia Conference and former pastor of St. Marys Road United Methodist Church in Columbus. The Mens Day events will begin at 10 a.m. in the Sanctuary of the Ousley United Methodist Church, located at 3261 Panola Road, Lithonia. Immediately following the service, the church will host a reception in the Tom Curtis Christian Life Center. For more information, visit www.ousleyumc. org, or call the church office at (770) 981-0180.
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Clarkston Mayor Emanuel Ransom and Mary Morris niece Nancy Kay cut the ribbon on the Clarkston City Hall Annex. Photos by Travis Hudgons
Musical performance by the Jazz Trio, Alwynn & Company features Antoine Knight.
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The type of still Independent Distillery Company is using hasnt changed much throughout history. It is similar to many of the copper stills developed during the prohibition era. Photo provided
a permit and a lot of the local permitting agents [said], We dont have a permit for this. It didnt even exist. That was one of the things that excited me about it, Anderson said. Decatur was easy to deal with because they wanted us hereAtlanta didnt care, they didnt want to deal with us. Both Anderson and Williams have jobs outside of the distillery. Anderson has been a fundraising coordinator at Zoo Atlanta for nine years and Williams is a partner in another beverage company. Since prohibition ended in 1933, Anderson said, there have only been a few major distilleries in the United State, but over the past 10 years more small distilleries have begun opening.
Williams said since he and Anderson decided to open the distillery, it has become a passion for both of them. They have been learning about the richalbeit sometimes illicithistory distilleries have in Georgia. They said the company wont be trying to compete with other distilleries that have been open for 200 years such as Jack Daniels or Makers Marktheyre going to offer unique rums and whiskies crafted using oldschool methods. Anderson said they will also be using Georgia-grown grains as much as possible. We want it to be a product thats as much representative of the state and the south as possible, Anderson said. Were buying corn from a
MODIFIED
Pet
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ever find. He walks up to everyone with a wagging tail and lick for their hand. While little Chase has had no formal training he sits nicely while waiting for you. He is calm and well behaved. He walks along nicely on a leash; sniffing at everything and full of curiosity. Chase only wants to be cuddled and loved. Every pup wants to romp and play and to feel safe; Chase also wants all those things. Please dont let Chases bright spirit fade in this shelter. You cannot meet Chase without loving him. If you have the space in your home and heart please come to see Chase and give him the opportunity for the life every puppy deserves.
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Chase is a 6 month old American Pit Bull Terrier mix. Little Chase came in to the shelter as a stray. Its very sad when a young pup has no home and no one to show him the love he wants and deserves. You would think this type of beginning in life would negatively affect a puppy, but not little Chase. He is as full of love and sweetness as you will
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For adoption inquiries: adoption@dekalbanimalservices.com For rescue inquiries: rescue@dekalbanimalservices.com For volunteer and foster inquiries: volunteer@dekalbanimalservices.com
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PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF ELECTION DECATUR CITY COMMISSION AND DECATUR BOARD OF EDUCATION The Decatur City Commission officially announces the Call for the City's General Election to be held in the City of Decatur, Georgia, on November 5, 2013 for three Decatur Board of Education members for four year terms of office, and two City of Decatur Commissioners for four year terms, such terms to begin at the organizational meeting in January 2014. One City Commissioner from Election District 1, Post A One City Commissioner from Election District 2, Post A One Decatur Board of Education member from Election District 1, Post A One Decatur Board of Education member from Election District 2, Post A One Decatur Board of Education member At-Large DeKalb County will conduct this election at the following precincts: Election District Clairemont East Clairemont West Glenwood Precinct Oakhurst Ponce De Leon Renfroe Winnona Park District: 1 1 1&2 2 1&2 2 2 Polling Place for Election : First Baptist Church of Decatur, 308 Clairemont Ave : The Church at Decatur Heights, 735 Sycamore Drive : Holy Trinity Parish, 515 E. Ponce de Leon Ave. : Oakhurst Baptist Church, 222 E. Lake Dr. : First Christain Church of Decatur, 601 W. Ponce de Leon Ave : Renfroe Middle School, 220 W. College Ave. : Winnona Park Elementary School, 510 Avery St.
Each candidate will file notice of his or her candidacy and the appropriate affidavit in the office of the Election Superintendent at City Hall, 509 North McDonough Street, Decatur, Georgia. The opening dates for qualifying will start Monday, August 26, 2013 beginning at 8:30 A.M., continuing during regular business hours until Wednesday August 28, 2013 at 4:30 P.M. The qualifying fee for City Commission office is $144.00 and the qualifying fee for Board of Education members is $35.00 Registration for voting in the November 5, 2013 election will close Monday, October 7, 2013. Early/Advance Absentee Voting in person begins October 14, 2013 at the DeKalb County Voter Registration Office, 4380 Memorial Dr., Ste. 300, Decatur, Georgia continuing, Monday through Friday between 8:30 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. through Friday, November 4. Questions concerning absentee voting, early voting or voter registration should be directed to DeKalb County Elections Division at 404-298-4020.
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Jason Lary, president of the Stonecrest City Alliance, receives congratulations from Gov. Nathan Deal upon raising enough money for a cityhood study. Photo provided
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Top left, a police officer leads a handcuffed Mark Harris from the Avondale Estates home he lost to foreclosure. Harris attempt to keep his house was supported by members of Occupy Our Homes Atlanta. Photos by David DiCristina
A few people committed civil disobedience, refusing to leave when asked by the police, Call said, adding that there were five arrests, including Harris. According to Harris, he worked at UPS in Doraville, where he was a member of the Teamsters union for 21 years and retired in 2005. He then started a trucking company which eventually failed. After being laid off twice, Harris applied for assistance from HomeSafe Georgia, a program that provides temporary mortgage assistance for homeowners who are unemployed or underemployed through no fault of their own. For several months he went back and forth with the mortgage company trying to get a modification, he said. Then in October 2012, after he thought he had a verbal deal with the mortgage
company, he found a foreclosure notice on his door, he said. After three years of paperwork, Harris, who was injured in the military, began receiving disability benefits in October. His Teamsters retirement benefits began in September, after he returned 50. In November 2012, representatives of Occupy Our Homes Atlanta, Teamsters Local 728, AFL/ CIO and Atlanta Jobs with Justice converged outside Harris home of 16 years to offer their support. Three months later, with the assistance of Occupy Our Homes Atlanta, Harris and other homeowners from around the nation had a meeting in Washington, D.C., with upper level Fannie Mae representatives, Call said. After that meeting, there were weekly negotiation phone calls between Harris and Fannie Mae, until July, Call said. A month later Harris was evicted and arrested. As a veteran, I thought the toughest battles were behind me, said the retired staff sergeant in an interview last year. I never thought Id be struggling to keep a roof over my head. Guards are posted at the house around the clock to prevent Harris from returning. A video by Occupy Our Homes Atlanta of the eviction can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com watch?v=qkbxgi1YS3w.
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*OK, were kidding.
CUSTOMERS
Clarkston City Hall ribbon cutting. Page 8A. Photo by Carla Parker
DCTV Your Emmy Award-winning news source of DeKalb County news. Available on Comcast Cable Channel 23.
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Neighbors on Alverado Way in unincorporated Decatur say they are tired of the yard filled with weeds at a foreclosed house on the street. Below, notices of a civil hearing are posted on the property. Photos by Andrew Cauthen
hood. It affects the whole area. I had to put up burglar bars. People dont want to buy [houses] when they see a whole lot of that, he said. He added that his home has been broken into more than once. The alarm was the only thing that ran them out of here, because
they broke into my basement, too, he said. According to county tax commissioners website, DeKalb County is listed as the owner of the property. Robert Goodman, assistant tax commissioner for DeKalb County, said there was a tax sale in August
LOCAL NEWS
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A funeral Aug. 16 honored a fallen DeKalb Police ofcer. Ivorie Klusmann enjoyed getting up and putting on that uniform each and every day, said Pastor Ral Waltower. Photos by Andrew Cauthen
else in the world and thats to serve and help others, said DeKalb County Police Chief Cedric Alexander. On that night he was en route to help others, Alexander said. And thats who he was and thats who he will always be. What he wants for us is to continue the tradition that he signed up for: to honor, to serve with integrity and to serve with courage. Pastor Ral Waltower said Klusmann always had such a smile on his face. The brother just had such an infectious smile, Waltower said. He had such a way about him. He could bring you to tears in laughter with just his comical ways. Waltower said Klusmann enjoyed being a policeman.
He enjoyed what he was doing. He enjoyed his work. He enjoyed getting up and putting on that uniform each and every day, Waltower said. The brother was extremely respectful, Waltower said. Even at the age of 31, he still respected his parents. His personality was even keeled. Sometimes if something was bothering him you might not even know it because he always had that smile on his face. Surviving Klusmann are two young sons, Iverson Klusmann, of Stockbridge, and Julian Klusmann, of Phoenix, Ariz.; father, Uwe Klusmann, of Upper Marlboro, Md.; mother Diane Blue, of Stockbridge; his grandmother, two sisters and four brothers. One brother, Elisha Blue, is a DeKalb County Police officer.
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Rep. Hank Johnson informs nonprofits leaders about its $1.2 million grant.
community-based organizations focused on HIV, domestic violence, substance abuse intervention and comprehensive re-entry services for men. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration award is part of a national recidivism effort titled Project Synergy. STAND will receive an an-
nual grant of $430,000 for three years. This grant allows us to continue our now more than 14-year mission of helping former inmates in south DeKalb and throughout metro Atlanta become healthy, productive members of our communities, Sperling said.
NOTICEOFPUBLICHEARING
TheMayorandCityCounciloftheCityofChamblee,GeorgiawillholdapublichearingonThursday, September12,2013,attheChambleeCivicCenter,3540BroadStreet,Chamblee,GA30341at6:00p.m. toreceivepubliccommentsregardingthefollowingmatters: 1) TextamendmenttothefollowingportionsofAppendixA,ZoningOrdinance: Section203,Additionalapplicationrequirements; Section204,Staffreviewandreport; Section205,Architecturaldesignreview;and Section207,Plannedunitdevelopmentprocedure. Thepurposesoftheseamendmentsaretorevisethedefinitionofplannedunitdevelopments toincludepropertiesof2acresdevelopedwith2ormoreexistingand/ornewprincipal structures,toprovidefortheexpirationofapprovedPlannedUnitDevelopments,toclarifythe proceduresthatapplytoDevelopmentsofCommunityImpact;torevisestandardsforminor modificationsofpreviouslyapprovedPlannedUnitDevelopments,andtomakeothereditorial revisions. 2) TextamendmenttoAppendixA,ZoningOrdinance,Section902D.toprovidethatunderstory treesmaybeusedforstreettreeswheretheproposedstreetscapedesignconflictswithGeorgia DepartmentofTransportationregulations. 3) TextamendmenttoAppendixA,ZoningOrdinance,Sections1002.A.1toauthorizethe DevelopmentDirectortomakewritteninterpretationsofusespermittedwithinzoningdistricts. 4) MacauleyandSchmitandJelcoBetaInvestmentCorporationproposetodevelopaparcelID#18 30004001consistingof5.95acreslocatedat5193PeachtreeBoulevard.TheparceliszonedVillage Commercial(VC)andtheproposalisforamixedusedevelopmentconsistingof365apartmentsand approximately15,000sq.ft.ofretailcommercial.ApplicantisrequestingawaivertoDevelopment RegulationsSection93.1(b)thatrequiresconcreteandsteelframingformultifamilyresidential buildingsof3storiesormore.ApplicantalsorequestsvariancestothefollowingsectionsoftheCity ofChambleeZoningOrdinance:Section407(a)requiringmixedusebuildingstohave20%oftheir floorareaincommercialuses;Section905.E.thatregulatesdesignofresidentialusesatthesidewalk level;Section907.AthatlimitsthegroundfloortoretailorofficeusesforbuildingsfacingPeachtree Boulevard,requiresaminimumfloortoceilingheightof18feetonthegroundfloor,andrequires fenestrationforaminimumof65%ofthegroundfloorfacade;Section908.Athatrequiresa maximumblocklengthof600ft.andinterparcelvehicularaccesstoadjacentparcels;Section909.A. thatrequiresupperportionofabuildingfaadetostepbacktenfeetforbuildingstallerthan50ft.; Sec.1006.A.thatrequiresaminimumfloorareaof800sq.ft.foronebedroomapartments;Section 1007.D.thatrequiresnonresidentialusesonthegroundfloorintheVCZoningDistrict;andSection 1208.D.thatrequireslandscapingontheupperlevelofcertainparkingdecks.
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Superior Court judge releases findings of watershed investigation to chief judge for review
by Daniel Beauregard daniel@dekalbchamp.com After a contentious legal battle involving attorneys for suspended DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis and the DeKalb District Attorneys Office, a DeKalb County Superior Court judge released the findings of a special grand jury report to a panel of judges for review. Superior Court Judge Mark Anthony Scott released the findings of a special grand jury report Aug. 15. The grand jury was impaneled more than a year ago to investigate allegations of corruption in the countys watershed department. The report, which was handed over to Scott in February, has remained under seal. Soon after the grand jury filed it, attorneys for Ellis and his former campaign manager Kevin Ross filed motions requesting the report be made available for their review before being released to the public. Scott initially granted that motion, but reversed his decision after District Attorney Robert James filed an emergency motion to appeal the judges decision. Ellis and Ross attorneys argue that their clients have a right to review the report and redact anything that might be used against them in a criminal indictment. James disagreed and urged Scott to send the report to a panel of judges and dissolve the special grand jury. I never thought in my wildest dreams that we would be here beyond 60 or 90 days trying to vet these issues out, Scott said at a recent status hearing. At the hearing, Scott asked lawyers representing Ellis and Ross if their position involving the sealed report had changed since Ellis had been indicted. In June, Ellis was indicted on charges of theft, conspiracy and extortion. Prosecutors believe he used his position as CEO to try to strong-arm county vendors into donating to his campaign. Shortly after the indictment, Gov. Nathan Deal suspended Ellis and appointed DeKalb County District 5 Commissioner Lee May to serve as an interim pending the outcome of Ellis trial. It has been a painful complicated process for all but our motion has merit, we believe, and should be heard, Ellis attorney Craig Gillen said. To say to anybody, with a straight face that Mr. Ellis was not a target of their investigation is in my mind completely disingenuous. Ellis and Ross lawyers believe that the District Attorneys Office abused its power regarding the special purpose grand jury. We, the Ellis team, need to see that special purpose grand jury report because it might well be an additional factual basis, for not only our allegations before this court about improper use of the grand jury, but for the criminal case, Gillen said. Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Leonora Grant said Scott still had the authority to release the report under seal to Chief Superior Court Judge Gregory Adams, who will then disseminate it to the nine other circuit judges to review. Upon their review, if the judges decide the matter is closed, Adams has the authority to dissolve the special purpose grand jury. It has been quite a journey, there has been a lot said, a lot of pleadings filed, none of which changes the matter that the special purpose grand jurors have been in servicethey have the right and they should have been extended the courtesy of being dismissed, Grant said. Scotts order indicated that the report will remain unpublished and will be transferred to Adams. Additionally, Scott said he will recommend that the special purpose grand jurors be dismissed from duty and that the stay he ordered on all other pending motions related to the matter remain in place.
COMBINED NOTICE NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS August 22, 2013 DeKalb County Human and Community Development Department 150 E. Ponce de Leon Avenue, Suite 330 Decatur, Georgia 30030 Telephone (404) 286-3308 TO ALL INTERESTED AGENCIES, GROUPS AND PERSONS: e DeKalb County Human and Community Development Department gives notice that it will submit a request for release of grant funds and an environmental certi cation pertaining to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) 15 days following this publication. e request and certi cation relate to the following projects. Project: Location: Park City Place Flat Shoals Road and Castle Keep Way, Atlanta, GA 30316
Purpose: e Park City Place project is an endeavor that brings together unique development resources in the form of Columbia Residential, Mothers Rebuilding Atlanta, and DeKalb County Human and Community Development for the acquisition and development of approximately 10 acres of land in DeKalb County. Columbia Residential and Mothers Rebuilding Atlanta, jointly comprise the development entity (Columbia-MRA Park City Place, LLC) that plans on utilizing HOME funds for the rst phase of development. e initial phase will include the rehabilitation of 9 existing townhome units and necessary site work to improve living conditions and make the land tenable for future build out of the site. Park City Place will be a mixed income community comprised of townhomes that may host a mix of both rental and fee-simple for sale units that provide opportunities for home ownership. FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT (FONSI) It has been determined that such request for release of funds will not constitute an action signi cantly affecting the quality of the human environment and, accordingly, DeKalb County has decided not to prepare Environmental Impact Statements under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (P.L. 91-190). e reasons for such decision not to prepare such Statements are as follows: An Environmental Assessment has been made for the project which concludes that all adverse e ects will be minor, short-term impacts will be mitigated by either the requirements of the construction contract documents or by the requirements of applicable local, state or federal permits and environmental ordinances. e positive e ects of eliminating public health hazards and improving environmental conditions for low and moderate-income families outweigh any potential negative impacts. is project is consistent with the goals and objectives of DeKalb County Government and the Community Development Department. e Environmental Review Record, respecting the proposed project, has been made by DeKalb County which documents the environmental review of the project and fully sets forth the reasons why such Environmental Impact Statements are not required. e Environmental Review Record is on le at the DeKalb County Community Development Department, 150 E. Ponce de Leon Avenue, Suite 330, Decatur, Georgia 30030 and is available for public examination and copying upon request between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. No further environmental reviews of the subject project are proposed to be conducted prior to the request for release of Federal funds. Public Comments on FONSI All interested agencies, groups, and persons disagreeing with this decision are invited to submit written comments for consideration by DeKalb County to the Human and Community Development Director. Written comments will be received at 150 E. Ponce de Leon Avenue, Suite 330, Decatur, Georgia on or before September 6, 2013. All comments received will be considered and DeKalb County will not request the release of Federal funds or take any administrative action on the proposed projects prior to the date speci ed in the preceding sentence. NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS (NOI/RROF) At least one day a er the termination of the public comment period for the FONSI, but not before comments on the FONSI have been considered and resolved, DeKalb County will submit a Request for Release of Funds (RROF) and certi cation to HUD. By so doing DeKalb County will ask HUD to allow it to commit funds to this project, certifying that (1) it has performed the environmental reviews prescribed by HUD regulations (Environmental Review Procedures for Title I Community Development Block Grant Program - 24 CFR part 58), and (2) the Certifying O cer, Chris Morris, Director, DeKalb County Community Development Department, consents to accept and enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental reviews or resulting decision-making and action. e legal e ect of the certi cation is that by approving it, HUD will have satis ed its responsibilities under the National Environmental Act, thus allowing DeKalb County to commit CDBG funds to this project. Objection to Release of Funds HUD will accept objections to its approval of the release of funds and the certi cation only if it is on one of the following basis: (a) that the certi cation was not in fact executed by the Certifying O cer; or (b) that the applicants Environmental Review Record for the project indicated omission of a required decision, funding, or step applicable to the project in the environmental review process. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance to HUD at the Regional Environmental Branch, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 40 Marietta Street N.W., 15th oor, Atlanta, Georgia 30303-9812. Objections to the release of funds on basis other than those stated above will not be considered by HUD. No objection received a er September 23, 2013 will be considered by HUD. Chris H. Morris, Director DeKalb County Community Development Department 150 E. Ponce de Leon Avenue, Suite 330, Decatur, Georgia 30030
Correction
The article titled LifeLine officials shocked over dog beating at DeKalb animal shelter in the Aug.15, 2013, issue of The Champion Newspaper and the Aug. 16, 2013, issue of The Champion Free Press incorrectly identified Calvin Battle, who was arrested and charged with one count of misdemeanor cruelty to animals, as a DeKalb County employee. Battle worked for LifeLine Animal Project.
education
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Georgias First Lady Sandra Deal promoted Alcohol Awareness Month at Cross Keys High School Aug. 15. From left, pictured are Director Harris Blackwood of the Governors Office of Highway Safety, DeKalb school district Region 1 Supt. Cynthia Brictson, interim Superintendent Mike Thurmond, Georgia First Lady Sandra Deal, DeKalb School Board member Marshall Orson and Executive Director Katie Jo Ballard of the Governors Office for Children and Families. Photos by Andrew Cauthen
First Lady Sandra Deal reads a proclamation from Gov. Nathan Deal designating August as Alcohol Awareness Month.
content] youre considered DUI and you will go to a juvenile facility, Blackwood said. If you are 17 years oldyou will be charged with DUI as an adult, he said. It does not go away. It remains on your record for 55 years. It may go away in terms of what your insurance company might look at. But if you want to be a public school teacherand you have a DUI, theres a good chance youre not going to get there. If you want to be a law enforcement officer, if you want to be an attorney, if you want
to go into a number of professions, the doors are going to close on you because of your DUI, Blackwood said. Blackwood said parents need to have a conversation with their children about underage drinking. That conversation is, Hey, whatever happens, you can call mom and dad, or a friend, or your pastor, without fear. You dont have to worry that night and somebodys going to come and get you, he said. Blackwood said the average cost of an adult DUI is approximately $10,000, including attorney fees,
education
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Business
Page 20A
Atlanta Winsupply President Benny Durden says his companys relationship with WinWholesale is a different business model. Photo by Kathy Mitchell
Lithonia company helps fire sprinkler system contractors put it all together
by Kathy Mitchell kathy@dekalbcham.com Atlanta Winsupply is both a new company and a company that has roots deep in the DeKalb County business community. Company president Benny Durden has more than 38 years experience in the industry that includes what is now his primary business, fabricating fire sprinkler systems for contractors. Thats what his company was engaged in when it was bought Aug. 1 by WinWholesale, a national company based in Dayton, Ohio. Were operating a lot like we did before, Durden explained. Affiliation with the national company, he said, puts him on a level playing field with his competitors, most of whom have a national or international presence. It also provides such business necessities as insurance and legal services, freeing local employees to focus on the core business. They pretty much let us operate our own way as long as we meet their goals, which are quite reasonable, he said. Durden called the relationship a different business model from any in the country. Although the relationship is still new, Durden said the parent companys representatives have been very helpful. There are a couple of them here now helping us set up our computers so they link with the ones in Dayton, he commented a little more than a week after his business became part of the Win Group of Companies. WinWholesale Inc., a supplier of residential and commercial construction and industrial supplies and materials, is a privately held company with more than 550 wholesaling locations in 45 states and offers entrepreneurs the unique opportunity to own part of the local business, according to material published by the national company. Its network of businesses engage in a range of specialties, including plumbing and heating supplies; industrial pipe, valves and fittings; air conditioning and refrigeration equipment; electrical equipment and landscaping supplies. Fire prevent equipment is a relatively new area for the company, Durden said, adding that when the national company decided to enter the Atlanta market, they were looking for a solid local business that already had a strong reputation. Durden grew up in a household where his father was a Stone Mountain-based contractor. As an adult he formed his own business, eventually specializing in fire prevention equipment. Today, his company provides contractors with the components for fire sprinkler systems. Working with architects and contractors plans Winsupply secures or fabricates the pieces needed to make up the system then numbers each piece indicating how it is to be put together. Its a bit like putting a puzzle together, Durden said. Thats a greatly oversimplified description of what we dobut basically thats it. He said his background makes him better equipped to serve his customers than most of his competitors. Ive been a contractor. Ive been the person on the other side of the counter. I know what my customers need. Most other people in this business dont have the level of understanding I gained from working as a contractor, said Durden, adding that his businessto-business company serves the entire metro Atlanta area and uses materials from some of the most well-known manufacturers in the industry. Still operating from his Rock Chapel Road location in Lithonia, Durden said his employees oftencan serve our customers at the counter and get them on their way with what they need within 20 minutes.
Two Decatur Town Center, 125 Clairemont Ave., Suite 235, Decatur, GA 30030 404.378.8000 www.DeKalbChamber.org
classified
For Prices, Deadlines and Information
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Classifieds
aANNOUCEMENTS
Become Dietary Manager (average annual salary $45,423) in eight months in online program offered by Tennessee College of Applied Technology Elizabethton. Details www. tcatelizabethton.edu, 1-888986-2368 or email patricia. roark@tcatelizabethton. edu. Training. Apply online at AverittCareers.com Equal Opportunity Employer. CDL-A Teams; Now hiring experienced CDL-A Teams and Owner Operators. SignOn incentives. Competitive Pay Package. Long haul freight. Paid loaded & empty miles. Call 888-7053217 or apply online at www.drivenctrans.com Drivers CDL-A. Train and work for us! Professional, focused CDL training available. Choose Company, Owner Operator, Lease Operator or lease Trainer. (877) 369-6712. www. CentralTruckDrivingJobs. com Drivers: Run FB with WTI. Be home through the week and weekends. Start up to 28% plus bonus. New equipment. BCBS. Experience needed. LP available. Call 877-6931305. DEDICATED driving opportunities for team and solo drivers. Quality home time, steady miles, high earnings. Enjoy Transport Americas great driver experience! TAdrivers.com or 866-204-0648. Experienced Drivers Excellent Regional Runs! Great Home Time & Benefits! Competive Weekly Pay & Late Model Equipment. Arnold Transportation www. drivearnold.com 888-7428056.
TheChampion
Visit www.championclassifieds.com
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ahelp wanted
DeKalb Juvenile Court is seeking qualified applicants for the following grantfunded positions: Program Manager, Probation Officer, and Case Manager. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice, Psychology or related field; two years of experience working with youth in a social work or law enforcement capacity. Applicants must pass a background and reference check and possess a valid GA drivers license. Please send cover letter and resume to Keisha Jones at kmjones@dekalbcountyga. gov. Earn $500 A-Day: Insurance Agents Needed: Leads, No Cold Calls: Commissions Paid Daily; Lifetime Renewals; Complete Training; Health/Dental Insurance; Life License Required. Call 1-888-7136020.
areal estate
MOBILE HOMES with acreage. Ready to move in. Seller Financing with approved credit. Lots of room for the price, 3Br 2Ba. No renters. 706-459-3030. LandHomesExpress.com
aauction
August 24th! 5 Commercial properties in Macon & a hotel in Statesboro. Opening Bids below list prices. Bid Online! August Auction.com or 866-523-6098 Auctioneer #AU003815. ADVERTISE YOUR AUCTION in over 100 newspapers for only $350. Your 25-word classified ad will reach more than1 million readers. Call Jennifer Labon at the Georgia Newspaper Service, 770-454-6776.
aservices
AIRLINES ARE HIRING begin here Get FAA approved Aviation Maintenance Technichan training. Financial aid for qualified students Housing available.Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (866)564-9634 www.fixjets. com
aeducation
MEDICAL OFFICE TRAINEES NEEDED! Train to become a Medical Office Assistant. No experience needed! Online training at SC gets you job ready! HS Diploma/GED & PC/Internet Needed! 1-888407-7162.
avacation rentals
adriver
25 New Driver Trainees Needed! Become a driver for TMC Transportation! Earn $750 per week! No CDL? No Problem! Local 15 day training! 1-877-6482755. ATTENTIONL REGIONAL & DEDICATED DRIVERS! Averitt offers excellent benefits & hometime. CDL-A req. 888362-8608. Recent grads w/a CDL-A, 1-5/wks Paid
ahealth/beauty
ARE YOU 45-79 year old woman who developed diabetes while on Lipitor? If you used Lipitor between December 1996 and the present and were diagnosed with diabetes while taking Lipitor, you may be entitled to compensation. Call
ADVERTISE YOUR VACATION PROPERTY, to more than 1 million Georgia newspaper amiscellaneous readers. Your 25-word classified ad will appear WELDING CAREERS. in over 100 Georgia Hands on training for career newspapers for only $350. opportunities in aviation, Call Jennifer Labon at the automotive, manufacturing Georgia Newspaper Service and more. Financial aid for at 770-454-6776 or online qualified students Housing at available. Job placement Www.gapress.org/ assistance. Call AIM (877) georgianewspaperservice. 205-1779. html
sPorTs
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Dunwoodys Alex Cameron will be defending her Class AAAAA individual state title this season.
sPorTs
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Lakeside catcher Ashleigh Dennis, who finished the 2012 season with a .449 batting average, practices her swing.
Miller Grove junior pitcher Lakaylin Lee finished last season with an 8-5 record, a 4.56 ERA and 63 strikeouts.
sports
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photo highlights:
ML King 40, Cedar Grove 6
During a pre-season scrimmage between ML King Lions (6-AAAAA) and Cedar Grove Saints (6-AAA), both teams feature new head coaches. Photos by Travis Hudgons
Jamel Smith breaks through two Cedar Grove defenders for a touchdown.