Free Press 3-2-12

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WWW.CHAMPIONNEWSPAPER.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2012 VOL. 14, NO. 49 FREE
A PUBLICATION OF ACE III COMMUNICATIONS
Emory University sees record application numbers for fall

by Daniel Beauregard daniel@dekalbchamp.com mory University has received a record number of freshman applications for the fall 2012 semester and more than 20 percent of them are from international students. We are seeing an interest in more applications from overseas, primarily from China, Scott Allen, Emory University senior associate dean of admissions said. Allen said as the university grows, it has expanded its initiatives and made more of an effort to engage with student groups across the country and overseas. He attributed the growing increase in Chinese applicants to the growth the Chinese middle class has seen
in recent years. Typically kids in China looking to the states look toward the most well-known schools in the country and this dynamic plays out at all of the major universities, Allen said. Allen speculated as to why Emory might interest Chinese students. There are so many academic options, especially if youre going to come so far for an education, he said. So far this year Emorys College of Arts & Sciences has received 17,489 applications, including a record number of students selecting Emory as their rst choice. The previous high for applications was 17,446 in 2008. Additionally, applications
See Emory on Page 15A
HYIS SHE HAPPY ?

by Daniel Beauregard daniel@dekalbchamp.com Early in the morning, rain or shine, residents passing the corner of East Trinity and Howard Avenue in downtown Decatur are greeted by a familiar sound: the loud shriek of Tynesha Smiths whistle. Smith, a 30-year-old Decatur native, has been working as a crossing guard on the corner for nearly two years. She began doing it to supplement her income but now she said she doesnt ever want to give it up. I started doing this job and the fun part about it was I was afraid to cross the street myself. When I told my mom about this job, she laughed at me and said, How are you going to cross kids when youre afraid to cross the street yourself? Smith said. Smith managed to overcome her fears and prove her mother wrong. The area where Smith works includes a busy intersection with train tracks. Each time she blows her whistle and holds up her stop sign, Smith said, she is risking her life. As driversI know from ex-
Being a crossing guard in downtown Decatur is a family affair

School on South Columbia Drive and her stepfather works right up the street on the corner of East College Avenue and Dougherty Street. On Thursdays and Fridays, Smiths mom works on her daughters corner with her. Sandra said she has been a crossing guard for six years. I love my job, Sandra said. Im a people person and I enjoy talking to the parents and the kids and just making sure they get across safely. Sandra, who is also a full-time MARTA employee, is retiring next year and said she plans on working as a crossing guard for as long as she can. She helped both Smith as well as her husband Decatur crossing guard Tynesha Smith helps a student cross the busy intersection find their jobs as crossing guards. at East Trinity and Howard Avenue. Photo by Daniel Beauregard Hes been there for four years he told me today, she said of her husband Maurice. Tyneperiencewere always in such a was also a crossing guard. In shas a peoples person too. She rush to go somewhere. If youre fact, Sandra Smith-Johnson always tells me how she misses not careful you could hit a kid be- and Smiths stepfather Maurice it when we have to be out for a cause youre not paying attention, Johnson both work as crossing holiday or teacher workday. you might be gets her news updates online from the The Champion. Because she gets her news updates online from the The Champion. guards in the downtown Decatur Because she texting or on the Both Smith and her mother phone, Smith said. her news updatesarea. from the The Champion. Because she gets online said they love their us. and the In between helping children Its kind of like a family af- you can too! Follow job And and residents cross the road, fair, Smith said with a chuckle. See Crossing on Page Smith mentioned her mother Her mother works by the Friends www.facebook.com/championnewspaper 15A
WHYIS SHE WHYIS SHE SO SO HAPPY ? HAPPY ?
Emory University had record applications submitted for fall 2012, nearly 20 percent of which were from overseas applicants. Photo provided
WHYIS SHE SO HAPPY ?
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The Champion Free Press, Friday, March 2, 2012
CEOs Community Hero Awards

presented by The Champion Newspaper and DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis
Nominate a community servant, community organization or an individual in the DeKalb community who tirelessly volunteers his or her service for the betterment of DeKalb County.
Please complete this nomination form and return it to The Champion o ce by March 30, 2012. A panel of civic, corporate, and government volunteers will select the winners. Recipients will receive charitable contributions to help further their e orts in the county. Winners will be honored at the CEOs Community Hero Awards Gala at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center on Sunday, April 29, 2012 - 4 p.m. Nominations may be faxed to: 404-373-7721 Or mail nomination to: The Champion Newspaper P. O. Box 1347, Decatur, GA 30030 Email nomination forms to: JohnH@deKalbchamp.com Nominators name ___________________________________________________ Nominators address __________________________________________________ City _________________________________ State ____ ZIP Code _____________ Nominators phone number ____________________________________________ Nominators email ____________________________________________________ Deadline to submit nominations is March 31, 2012. For more information, please contact Erica M. Brooks at 404-371-3695 or John Hewitt 404-373-7779 x110.
Announcing the 2012
Award Nominee Information (attach additional page if needed)
*All individual nominees must live in the DeKalb County. Any organization nominated must be able to demonstrate a clear presence and direct impact on DeKalb County. Please indicate below which category best describes your nomination: COMMUNITY CHAMPION AWARD This award acknowledges an individual and non-pro t organization whose work has had a positive impact in strengthening communities and improving the lives of others in DeKalb County. ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE AWARD This award honors a community member and/or organization that works to preserve, protect, and raise awareness about our environment. YOUTH VOLUNTEER AWARD This award recognizes a DeKalb County young adult between the ages of 5-18 that exemplifies volunteerism and community service. NEIGHBORHOOD EMPOWERMENT AWARD This award recognizes an individual and organization that fosters civic engagement and promotes community involvement. THE VANGUARD AWARD This award recognizes an individual and organization whose contributions most exemplify the National County Government Month theme as established by NACo each year. The 2012 theme is Healthy Counties, Healthy Families; ONE Healthy DeKalb Nominees name______________________________________________________ Nominees Agency, Community Organization, or Individual Volunteer Focus ____________________________________________________________________ Nominees address:____________________________________________________ City______________________ State____ ZIP _________________ Nominees contact info (required so nominee can be noti ed if selected) Name ____________________ Phone ____________ E-mail address _________________ Please tell us why this nominee should be honored as a CEOs Community Hero: ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________
Attach additional information if needed
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Commissioners pass budget with reservations

by Andrew Cauthen andrew@dekalbchamp.com DeKalb Countys 2012 budget is set at $559 million and does not require a tax increase, but commissioners on both sides of the 4-3 vote have problems with it. The final budget, passed on Feb. 28, restores some funds cut by DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis in his budget recommendation, including $500,000 to repair roads, $363,000 for senior centers, $180,000 for a grand jury investigation into the countys watershed department and funds to unfreeze six animal control officer positions. The commissioners also approved $2 million to cover the replacement of malfunctioning air masks used by the fire rescue department. Commissioners Larry Johnson, Sharon Barnes Sutton, Lee May and Stan Watson supported the budget, while commissioners Elaine Boyer, Kathie Gannon and Jeff Rader voted against it. In a statement released after the budget was passed, Ellis said he was pleased that the Board of Commissioners adopted a budget largely based on his recommendations. This budget will allow us to maintain essential services, particularly those in public safety, while rebuilding our reserves to $30 million, Ellis stated. Ellis said that approval of the budget affirms the fidelity of our revenue projections. We look forward to receiving an official report on property values in a few months, wherein we will make any necessary adjustments to the budget at mid-year, Ellis stated. Despite voting to approve the budget, some commissioners said they have reservations about those revenue predictions. May, who chairs the commissioners finance committee, said Ellis prediction of a 5 percent drop in tax income are overly optimistic and have been off for the past three years. In fact, home prices in the metro Atlanta area decreased 12.8 percent in 2011, according to the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices released Feb. 28, before the board passed its budget. Boyer, who voted against the budget, said she could not in good conscience vote for a budget with faulty assumptions. We are going to have a digest, which in the past three years has been wrong every single time, estimated at 5 percent [decrease], Boyer said. Last year it was 12 percent. All youve got to do is drive around DeKalb County and see the empty buildings, storefronts, homes foreclosed, Boyer said. Weve made assumptions on 5 percent, when last year it was 12 percent? Thats not good planning. Boyer said the other problem looming down the track is the possible incorporation of the city of Ashford which would take more taxes from the countys coffers. We have to start doing business differently in DeKalb County, Boyer said. Weve lost 50,000 people through the city of Dunwoody. We may lose another 50,000 to the city of Ashford or Brookhaven or whatever and were still delivering services the same way? Whats up with that? Rader said he is concerned that the county will have to spend money at a rate that it cannot maintain all year, similar to last year when some county department heads and constitutional officers asked for additional revenue mid-year. They invented a new word for thatunder-appropriations, Rader said. I certainly dont want to be in that position again this year. Rader said the $12 million discovered by the administration should have been used to reduce the millage rate. Gannon said she had reservations about the budget because it adjusts the number of employees, going in the wrong direction. Over the years the county had decreased the number employees from 6,500 to 5,900, Gannon said. This budget is calling for 6,100, Gannon said. It sort of feels like the same old budget.
Cleaning up the trash and crime around extended stay hotels would help revitalize the Candler/Flat Shoals area, say business owners. Photo by Andrew Cauthen
Candler Road/Flat Shoals businesses unite against crime

by Andrew Cauthen andrew@dekalbchamp.com Adra Tippett, owner of Cake Caf Atlanta on Candler Road, said her business has been burglarized four times during the three years her business has been open. Items stolen include cell phones, two televisions, security monitors, an edibleimage printer and baking ingredients, Tippett said. Tippett said she has combated the break-ins by installing a more secure storm door, cellular back-up for the alarm system and more security cameras. Ive got a camera everywhere now, Tippett said of her three cameras outside and five inside. But it isnt the thefts that annoyed her the most; it was the reaction of the police officers who responded to one of the incidents. I said, So, are youre going take fingerprints? What are we going to do to try to find this guy? Tippett recounted. They said, Nothing. This is Candler Road. Tippett made the comments during a forum for business owners in the Candler Road/Flat Shoals Parkway business corridor to address crime and develop strategies to deal with criminal activity in the area. Responding to Tippetts comments, Capt. T. Voss, of the DeKalb County Police Department, apologized. If an officer told you that, its totally unacceptable, Voss said. I do apologize. No officer should ever say something like that. I can tell you, as far as the command staff of the police department, we dont look at things like that, Voss said. South DeKalb is just as important as any place else. DeVon Hudson, who, during the forum realized that his business is across the street from Tippetts, said the area suffers from bad public relations. I love south DeKalb, Hudson said. We can make a difference here. Im not going anywhere. Hudson said his insurance agency had also been burglarized. During the burglary in which a computer was stolen, Hudson said the thieves dropped a cell phone which he gave to the police. When Hudson followed up with the police, he said he did not get much help. Quite frankly he acted like I was interrupting his day, Hudson said. Commissioner Larry Johnson, who sponsored the forum, said the corridor is improving. Any crime is too much, Johnson said. But for our size, its not as bad as it was. Between November 2011 and Feb. 23, the Flat Shoals/ Candler Road area has had 17 pedestrian robberies, seven business robberies, six residential robberies and 14 business burglaries, Voss said. Overall the nighttime burglaries have gone down, Voss added. The police department has a special team that is trying to address crime in business areas, focusing on making drug cases in hotels and apartments, Voss said. A lot of these crimes these smash-and-grabsa lot of it is based off of drugs, Voss said. Officers use drug arrests to get in the door to find the bigger fish, Voss said. All of it is intertwined. The police department wants to make arrests, Voss said. We want to do something about [crime]. We want to serve the community. According to Johnson the area has a median income of $55,000 per household higher than the city of Decaturand is beginning to see some revitalization. The Candler Road area has had $25 million in investments in the past seven years, Johnson said. The corridor is also the countys first overlay districtan area where additional planning regulations are in place for more stringent zoning. Weve got some good businesses in our area, Johnson said. We have very few vacancies on Candler Road. Anthony Drummer of Drummer Imports on Flat Shoals Parkway said he has been in business for 10 years with a few minor incidents. Even with the bad economy, we had our best year last year, Drummer said. My motto is were doing good in the hood. Johnson urged the business owners in the area to organize to help each other. You have to start a business watch program, Johnson said. Thats the take away we want to get from this meeting. Johnson reiterated his commitment to help revitalize the corridor. Im not leaving, Johnson said. I believe in Candler Road. I dont care what these people say.
Fickle fame and flags

message to our youth that drugaddicted entertainers deserve the same recognition afforded those who gave their lives or made other significant, life-changing contributions. Sounds harsh, but I have to agree. Popular media vilified Whitney Houston in life for her drug use and loss of The Voice. In death, however, when she cant It was bought to my attention hear them, she is deified in a fashby two former combat veterans ion reserved for true heroes. who I hold in very high regard that My friends are not alone in they felt it was an insult and a trav- their harsh criticism of Gov. Chrisesty for New Jersey Gov. Chris tie. The hoots and howls of protest Christie to order flags flown at came fast and furious. Most comhalf-staff in honor of the late Whit- ments about the incomparably ney Houston. talented Ms. Houston were very The rationale of these vets was unkind. The governor for his part two-fold: Flags flown at half-staff defended his actions for New Jershould be reserved for women seys native daughter by citing and men of the armed forces who her ties to the Garden State, her have made the ultimate sacrifice remarkable voice and far-reaching and other heroes as designated influence. And to further quiet critby the U.S. Flag Code. They also ics who believe lowering the flag reasoned that we send the wrong should be reserved for military men and women killed in action, the governor reminded that all New Jersey soldiers who lost their lives in service to their country had flags lowered in their memory. Still it raises the question should entertainerseven those of incredible talentbe accorded the same privileges as our fallen heroes and people who have brought significant change to the world through their works? Whitney Houston was an amazing talent, the like of which is unlikely to be seen on the world scene for many, many years to come. Without detracting from her enormous talent, there are many of similar gifts that can be found in Black churches all over the country each Sunday morning. They have not been discovered. They continue lifting their voices for the glory of the Lord each week without worldly compensation and worldly recognition. There has been no official cause of Whitney Houstons death. But her self-admitted battles with drug addiction have been well chronicled over the years. The same fickle fans weeping and mourning her untimely death are some of the same who maligned her weakness for drugs and the loss of that golden voice. The lessons in Whitney Houston leaving our midst much too soon are these: Be careful that our talent doesnt take us to a place our character cant reach. Stay grounded and rooted. Fame is fickle. We are the sum total of our choices. Flags at halfstaff should be reserved for fallen heroes. Steen Miles, The Newslady, is a retired journalist and former Georgia state senator. Contact Steen Milies at Steen@dekalbchamp. com.
Opinion The Newslady
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Ask not for whom the cell tolls

any type of public works project possibly excluding parks and libraries. Having traveled to many third world countries, I can attest that the most easily witnessed differences are in infrastructure. In many places around this world of ours, running water and electricity are still a rarity. I view myself as a constitutional conservative as it relates to the rights of property owners. Which brings me to cell phone towers. Despite exploding demand for wireless band spectrum and home owners by the thousands dropping their land lines, it appears almost no one wants a mobile phone tower near their property. For the record, Ive lived for nearly a decade roughly 150 yards from a mobile towercurrently located on what was DCSS property in Avondale Estates and suffered no ill effects as a result. At a recent public hearing across from the state Capitol on this issue, and particularly regarding the placement of cell towers on public school property, my own State Rep. Karla Drenner (D-Avondale Estates), facilitated a reasoned and calm discussion of the potential negatives of locating towers on property owned or controlled by the DeKalb County School System. Discussion also took place about other county or publicly owned property (parks, libraries, MARTA), but the focus of the local legislation being considered would prohibit future tower contracts or construction on DCSS property. I asked the audience, predominantly though not entirely composed of concerned parents, to raise their hands if they were in attendance with a mobile device. Virtually every hand in the room arose. I have also noted, while picking up my own child from a DeKalb school, that the carpool queue frequently lined with parents chatting or texting to while away their time in line. I will assume that those parents clearly value our telecom infrastructure, they may just not be comfortable with the real or perceived potential risk, eyesore or loss of educational mission space that a cell tower might bring to school property. My suggestion to Representative Drenner, as well as the DeKalb delegation as it considers this potential legislation, as well as a companion piece being drafted by State Sen. Jason Carter (D-Atlanta), is to take the catalytic approach to cell phone tower placement of using carrots instead of sticks. Why not offer a tax credit or benefit to the wireless providers to place their towers on property owned by non-profits (which would include charities, arts and civic organizations, churches, hospitals and private schools among others)? Many non-profits are struggling for funding in the current and likely future economy. Having a consistent and steady annual revenue stream could greatly assist with their payment of rent, property taxes or physical plant improvements. The non-profits win, the community school is protected and the provider is able to service growing customer demand and realize a tax benefit at the same time. And to folks living in communities with all their utilities buried underground, that beauty comes at a high price. Ask earthquake veterans in California, or the residents of the Alabama and Mississippi Gulf coasts whose underground phone and cable lines were flooded and inoperable for months. Every utility service delivery model comes with a tradeoff. And as I suspect a few readers may get a bit hot under the collar after reading this, feel free to drop me a text, e-mail or even a mobile phone call to share your thoughts. 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.
Opinion One Mans Opinion
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Technology...is a queer thing. It brings you great gifts with one hand, and it stabs you in the back with the other. C.P. Snow (1905-1980), an English physicist and novelist who also served in several important positions in the British Civil Service. Im looking out the rear window of my home office onto the PATH trail, which Im told was once a rail spur to service a nearby plant and textile mill in Scottdale. Over that PATH trail and right of way are Georgia Power transmission lines. I often ponder that if we had the technology of today available to us yesterday whether we could ever have built the transcontinental railroad, our electric power grid or the natural gas lines that bring us the ability to heat our homes. We are now but a tweet, text, e-mail or flash mob away from another passionate and well-intentioned group of Not In My Back Yard (NIMBYs) ready to block, litigate or simply protest most
FREEPRESS
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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 verication. All letters will be considered for publication.
Send Letters To Editor, The Champion Free Press, P. O. Box 1347, Decatur, GA 30031-1347; Send E-Mail to Kathy@dekalbchamp.com FAX To: (404) 370-3903 Phone: (404) 373-7779 Deadline for news releases and advertising: Thursday, one week prior to publication date. EDITORS NOTE: The opinions written by columnists and contributing editors do not necessarily reect the opinions of the editor or publishers. The Publisher reserves the right to reject or cancel any advertisement at any time. The Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts.
Publisher: Dr. Earl D. Glenn Managing Editor: Kathy Mitchell News Editor: Robert Naddra Production Manager: Kemesha Hunt Graphic Designer: Travis Hudgons The Champion Free Press is published each Friday by ACE III Communications, Inc., 114 New Street, Suite E, Decatur, GA. 30030 Phone (404) 373-7779.
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We sincerely appreciate the discussion surrounding this and any issue of interest to DeKalb County. The Champion was founded in 1991 expressly to provide a forum for discourse for all community residents on all sides of an issue. We have no desire to make the news only to report news and opinions to effect a more educated citizenry that will ultimately move our community forward. We are happy to present ideas for discussion; however, we make every effort to avoid printing information submitted to us that is known to be false and/or assumptions penned as fact.
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Party of God
Opinion
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You wouldn't think it would take Him four shots to pick a winner.
seven rejects the idea of homosexuals marrying each other as repulsive and a violation of Gods will. He says abortion under any circumstances is an irredeemable sin and that contraception only provides an excuse for people to do bad things to each other. The Republican primaries have In short, he presents himself as been a tough sled for God, the Father the messenger of Gods true will. of the party. (Well, Republicans claim Although he denies God actually told he is.) him to run, he says he feels a callFirst, Michele Bachmann came ing to do so. to him and asked whether she should And maybe Santorum is onto run for president. You go, girl, he something. After I mistakenly desaid, or words to that effect. I take her clared him dead in Florida, Kid Rick word on that. (Hey, would she lie?) has moved ahead of Mitt [Romney] Then she started campaigning. in many polls. Even national ones. After Republicans got a good look at You wouldnt think it would take her, God said: Never mind. God four shots to pick a winner Then there was Herman Cain. though, would you? Remember him? He too said hed In truth its hard to know who regone to God for career advice and ally is doing well among these ReGod had told him to run for president. publicans because theyre operating It went pretty good until Cains nocin so small a universe. turnal habits became public, at which As Timothy Egan recently reportpoint God said: Forget what I said. ed in the New York Times, only three That was puzzling. Youd think million Republicans voted in the first God would have known about Cains nine primary and caucus states. That tom-catting before he told him to run, comes to 11 percent of the registered wouldnt you? I mean, hes God. He voters in those states. knows everything. Oh well, I guess Moreover, the people who did vote thats what they mean when they talk were less than representative. Ninetyabout his mysterious ways. eight percent of the voters in South Next came Rick Perry, the Carolina, for example, were White governor of Texas. He also said he (compared to 66 percent of the popuasked God whether he should run for lation there), 72 percent were older president. God replied: Hook em than 45 (compared to 36 percent in Horns. the state), and 65 percent were evanIt turned out that Perry had a secgelical Christians (compared to 40 ond languageEnglishand no first. percent statewide). So he didnt do well in debates and That pattern pretty much repeats speeches and stuff. But he didnt give itself in state after state. The people up. He went back to God and said: picking the Republican nominee for Are you sure I should be running for president are older, Whiter and more president? God, startled as though religious than the population at large. awakened from a nap, replied: Of You wonder why the candidates course Im sure. Im God. You think seem so out-of-touch with the times? God goes around not being sure? Its because they are. So Perry continued and suffered On virtually every issuehealth more humiliating losses. care, taxes on the rich, withdrawal Then God said: Oops. from Afghanistan, global warming Its hard to know which candidate Romney, Newt Gingrich, Santorum, God favors at the moment. They all and Ron Paul, the Four Horsemen of act as though theyre the teachers the Apocalypse, are on the wrong side pet. of the people. Rick Santorum, however, casts So how do they expect to win? himself as Gods most passionate Only God knows. warrior in the contest, the Savonarola OtherWords columnist Donald of the GOP. Kaul lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The former lawmaker and father of otherwords.org
The following comments are pulled straight from our website and are not edited for content or grammar.
Commissioner questions DCTV schedule

These guys (Ellis and his staff) always have the same answer for everything - I wasnt aware of (ll in the blank). Common sense posted this on 2/25/12 at 11:45 p.m. North Korea has a more Transparent Government ! Burrell, such a vision, in his own mind ! JerryMyer Jackson Jr posted this on 2/23/12 at 8:30 p.m.
Neuman, victims wife groped each other, witness says

Playin at work, aint nothin new there and the night has a thousand eyes! Snoopy Dog copyright movie name now : As The Tora Turns! The Snoopy Dog posted this on 2/22/12 at 6:41 p.m.
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Local News
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Lia Neel Zelazny

Zelazny also helps the agency with special projects and volunteers every fall at Garden of Eatin, A Taste of Decatur, the ministrys annual fundraiser. The event draws thousands of people and allows attendees to sample the wide variety of food available at Decatur restaurants. In addition to the food, there is entertainment, activities for children and a silent auction. Zelazny also said she recently participated in a clothing drive and purchased items that the ministry donated to children in foster care. The staff at Decatur Cooperative Ministries showed their appreciation recently by taking her to lunch to celebrate her 10th anniversary with the agency. I was very honored. I didnt expect that, Zelazny said. A few times while volunteering with DCM, Zelazny said, she was moved to tears. Once a woman called saying she had three young children, was unemployed and was on the streets with no place to go. Zelazny gave the woman a listing of other shelters because the DCM shelter was full. I had a feeling of helplessness and felt very sad and wished I had a denite place to tell her, Zelazny said. As a result of volunteering at DCM I gained a much greater awareness of how much need there is and how many people are in need. It is easy to get discouraged with so much need out there. The experience of volunteering at DCM has made me feel gratitude for what I have and it has also inspired me to re-evaluate how I spend my time and treasure.
Champion of the Week
CSD helps families bridge the digital divide

by Daniel Beauregard daniel@dekalbchamp.com April Johnson sat in the front row of a classroom at the Decatur Career Academy listening to volunteer Allen Thornton explain how to enter the new login password on the laptop she was using. Johnson, like most of the other mothers in the room, didnt have a computer at home. However, she was in the last day of a technology class and by the end of it, she and 14 other mothers would be leaving with new laptops. My daughters go to the Boys and Girls Club afterschool program and I found out about [these] classes over there, Johnson said. Johnson has three children attending schools in the City Schools of Decatur (CSD) system. They gave us basic security information for the computer and a lot of information I didnt even know, like how to set up a Gmail account. They also showed us how we can communicate with the schools and look up our kids grades, Johnson said. Heather Borowski, CSDs director of instructional media and communications, said this is the fourth consecutive year they have offered the classes, which were started by Superintendent Phyllis Edwards. She really thought it was important to help parents communicate with the school because everything is going digital nowadays, Borowski said. Each class is taught by Borowski along with volunteers. Borowski said CSD uses an online student information system called Instant Campus where parents can access their childrens grades and calendars, and get important updates. If were moving to these digital resources youre really at a loss if you dont have them. They might have a computer but they might not have internet access. Thats what this concept is all about, Borowski said. The first few years, Borowski said the school system worked with the city while it was implementing its citywide wireless project. However, she said the school system ran into problems because the wireless connection only worked in a limited area. There was a signal but it still wasnt great inside their homes. But now, because were using Comcast, its broadband so we can reach families all over, Borowski said. The families enrolled in the course will each receive a laptop purchased with funds from the Decatur Education Foundation. We had way more families who applied than we could take. We had close to 75 families who applied. Although we could only afford to reach 15 families, it still affects 44 kids in City Schools of Decatur, Borowski said. Johnson said although she wasnt surfing the internet as well as her children yet, the class has been very helpful to her. Its also made her feel a bit more at ease letting her children surf the internet. Now I know different parental controls and can prevent them from going to certain sites, Johnson said.
A volunteer from City Schools of Decatur helps a mother log in to her new laptop during a recent technology class given at Decatur High School. Photo by Daniel Beauregard
An opportunity to serve others while looking for employment turned into a long-term commitment for Lia Neel Zelazny. In February Zelazny celebrated her 10th anniversary as a volunteer with Decatur Cooperative Ministries (DCM). She volunteers once a week as a receptionist for the nonprot, which assists with bill payments to help avoid foreclosure, eviction or utility cut-off. The agency also provides food and emergency shelter for women. Volunteering was originally something I did to try to ll time when I was not working, Zelazny said. And it turned into so much more. It made me aware of poverty and the need thats there. Zelazny is responsible for providing information and referrals to people who are seeking help with rent, food and clothing, said Sue Holec, volunteer and donations manager with the agency. Founded in 1969, the agency partners with dozens of churches in the area to provide assistance to families. She has a very cheery disposition, Holec said of Zelazny. She cares for people and has a big heart. She makes sure people get the help they need.
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.
This statement is published in accordance with Section 19 (b) of the DeKalb County Organizational Act of 1981, p. 4304. DEKALB COUNTY, GEORGIA STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION BY FUND AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2011 (In thousands of dollars / unaudited) Drug Abuse
Special Tax Special Tax District Unincorporated Fund 272 (667) 3,990 3,323
Law Enforcement Confiscated Monies Fund 210 Fire Fund 270 1,241 2,012 3,253
218 1,987 2,205 Designated Services Fund 271
Speed Street Lights Fund 211 1,898 1,898 1,839 1,839 8,087 8,087 (2,553) (2,553) 758 758 1,392 1,392 Hump Maintenance Fund 212 Telephone System Fund 215 GrantIn-Aid Fund 250 Grants 2005 JAG #10 Fund 257 Grants 2009 ARRA Fund 260
Emergency
Assets: Cash and investments Receivable Inventories and prepaid items Total Assets 1,330 1,181 2,511 1,024 1,024 1,487 2,511 Police Services Fund 274 14,864 14,864 (65) (65) 14,929 339 Water & Sewer Operating Fund 511 Sanitation Operating Fund 541 Sanitation Construction Fund 542 Airport Operating Fund 551 Airport Construction Fund 552 Stormwater Utility Fund 581 Stormwater Construction Fund 582 26,157 3,224 29,381 993 224 1,217 28,164 29,381 Grant-In-Aid Fund 250 2011 Budget 2011 Actual 450,239 91,627 11,909 6,795 15,700 11,269 7,251 9,295 450,239 90,270 11,909 6,622 15,700 11,269 7,208 9,248 10,534 10,588 93 1,264 1,357 173 173 9 34 43 47 47 54 54 450,239 450,239 91,627 91,627 11,909 11,909 6,795 6,795 15,700 15,700 11,269 11,269 7,251 7,251 9,295 9,295 10,588 10,588 1,629 1,629 1,629 1,629 Water & Sewer Bonds Construction Fund 512 914 62 33,241 67,590 9,659 1,334 970 425 7,479 Vehicle Maintenance Fund 611 (596) 1,970 1,374 1,375 1,375 (1) 1,374 339 914 62 221 127 33,120 67,479 (4,670) 9,503 1,334 924 425 7,479 121 121 111 111 156 156 46 46 999 999 1 1,000 Vehicle Replacement Fund 621 23,278 23,278 50 50 23,228 23,278 339 339 914 914 62 62 221 221 127 127 33,241 33,241 67,590 67,590 (4,670) (4,670) 9,659 9,659 1,334 1,334 970 970 425 425 7,479 7,479 1,000 1,000 2,899 2,899 2,899 2,899 Risk Management Fund 631 4,299 1,158 5,457 1,099 1,099 4,358 5,457 1987 G O Bonds - Parks Fund 311 COPS Projects Fund 351 HUD Section 108 Loan Fund 357 1998 Bonds - Jail Fund 312 1993 2001 G O Bonds - Health Bonds - Parks Fund Fund 313 314 2006 G O Bonds - P,T,L Fund 315 Host Capital Projects Fund 330 Urban Redevelopement Agemcu Fund 356 805 109 (435) 304 100 7,855 1,839 758 1,392 1,864 566 805 109 (434) 304 100 6,535 1,891 1,839 7,883 (2,778) 87 448 3,172
2,065 2,205 Debt Service Fund 410 9,529 9,529 9,529 9,529 Workers Compensation Fund 632 9,197 9,197 3 3 9,194 9,197 140 140
General Fund 100 County Jail Fund 204 566 566 (1) (1) 66 29 1,225 1,320 7 7 204 204 225 225 671 671 18 926 944 81 81
2 2,090 (213) 1,879 1,444 3,323 GO Bonds STD Debt Service Fund 411
Development Fund 201 Recreation Fund 207 (435) (435) 304 304 100 100 7,855 7,855 1,864 1,864 805 805 109 109
PEG Support Fund 203
Foreclosure Registry Fund 205
Victim Assistance Fund 206
Juvenile Services Fund 208
Treatment & Education Fund 209
(1,634) 10,489 92 8,947
Liabilities: Accounts payable Deferred revenue Payroll liabilities Advance payments and deposits Due to others Total Liabilities
2,456 7,026 523 444 10,449
Fund Balance
(1,502)
Total Liabilities And Fund Balance
8,947 -
Assets: Cash and investments Receivable Inventories and prepaid items Total Assets
Hospital Fund 273
1,864 Hotel / Motel Tax Fund 275
566 Rental Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Fund 280
1,898 Capital Improvement Projects Fund 350
8,087 Public Safety Judicial Facilities Fund 354
(2,553) Building Authority Juvenile Court Fund 355
3,253 ARRA Capital Projects Fund 360
(2,244) 903 (1,341)
2,063 2,063 2,063 2,063 Total All Funds 835,290 12,573 6,444 854,307 7,240 9,622 3,098 1,669 21,629 832,678 854,307 -
Fund Balance 14,864 Public Safety Judicial Facilities Debt Service Fund 413 Urban Redevelopment Debt Service Fund 414 33 33 33 33 221 Water & Sewer R&E Fund 513 127 Water & Sewer Sinking Fund 514 (4,670) Sanitation ARRA Capital Projects Fund 544
(1,341)
Assets: Cash and investments Receivable Inventories and prepaid items Total Assets
(1,341) Building Authority Bonds Debt Service Fund 412
125 125
Fund Balance
125
125 -
49 39,414 39,463
Local News
58 55,960 (4,883) 1,658 (4,535) 48,258 6,846
2011 Actual 120 32,665 2,798 4,555 (4,535) 35,603
General Fund 100 2011 Budget 192,969 55,113 6,268 100 3,208 25,499 10,377 384 6,543 7,833 (15,674) 292,620 2011 Actual 154,169 62,588 5,861 128 3,984 24,312 9,695 (25) 4,758 7,393 (15,674) 257,189 13,210 36,033 3,266 39,299 Revenues: Investment income Intergovernmental Contributions from private sources Transfers From Other Funds Proceeds from sale of bonds Miscellaneous Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Capital Projects Fund Expenditures Unappropriated Total Expenditures
2001 G O Bonds - Parks Fund 314 2011 Budget 1,942 (277) (183) (34) (38) (1,525) 39,414 39,299
Revenues: Investment income Miscellaneous Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Debt Service Transfers out Total Expenditures 6,345 (2) 6,343
Urban Redevelopment Agency Bond Debt Service Fund 414 2011 2011 Budget Actual 598 597 598 597 598 598 Water & Sewer Operating Fund 511 2011 Budget 9 197,916 20 64 22,266 220,275 2011 Actual 597 597
41 212,061 1,133 64 22,266 235,565 5,433 100,321 (1) 101,648 207,401 2011 Actual 6,975 126,751 86,549 220,275
1,571 2,867 3,252 8 1,838 13,928 2,788 2,642 17,880 5,432 4,040 6,857 1,828 -
1,720 2,633 2,972 1 1,505 13,679 3,082 2,318 15,891 5,195 3,982 6,762 1,747
2006 G O Bonds - Parks, Transportation, Libraries Fund 315 2011 2011 Revenues: Budget Actual (6,909) 107 Investment income Intergovernmental Revenue 231 214 Transfers From Other Funds (3,285) Contributions from private sources 433 4,243 Proceeds from sale of bonds (3,285) Fund Balance Carried Forward 88,819 88,819 Total Revenues 76,004 93,383 Expenditures: Parks 55,348 14,814 Library 17,284 4,079 Transportation 10,156 7,011 Fund Expenditures Unappropriated (6,784) 76,004 25,904 2011 Actual
Revenues: Investment income Charges for Services Miscellaneous Transfers From Other Funds Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Finance Water and Sewer Fund Expenditures Interfund transfers Unappropriated Total Expenditures
75,792 9,304 7,709 5,360 12,144 5,137 9,864 1,619 1,590 2,051 6,838 2,414 73,849 9,133 7,893 5,256 12,206 4,997 10,447 1,740 1,547 2,067 6,760 2,415 (6) 1,146 38,381 2011 Actual 2,562 (490) 11,960 861 254 545 12,071 Grants/2005 JAG #10 Fund 257 2011 Budget 1 1,143 96 42 1,282 1,282 1,282 2009 ARRA Stimulus Fund 260 2011 Budget
Revenues: Contributions from private sources Intergovernmental Miscellaneous Transfers From Other Funds Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: General Government: Finance Workforce Development Civil and Criminal Court System: Sheriff Juvenile Court Superior Court State Court Solicitor District Attorney Public Defender Magistrate Court Police Services Fire & Rescue Public Works Community Development Parks Extension Service Family & Children Services Sanitation Community Relations Fleet Maint. Animal Control Bd of Health Sr Citizen Services Human Services Keep Dekalb Beautiful Arts, Culture, and Entertainment Registrar/Elections Water & Sewer Non-Departmental Miscellaneous Unappropriated Total Expenditures 1,324 228 933 1 1,130 1,231 278 1,142 6,198 4,532 27,569 152 679 13 1 3,946 2,375 16 1,248 36 (26) (17,958) 48,258 Revenues: Investment Income Intergovernmental Deferred Revenue Transfers From Other Funds Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Capital Projects 680 148 543 142 1,733 94 435 2,096 1,671 15,241 514 1,987 2,882 1,241 988 Host Capital Projects Fund 330 2011 Budget 338 (8,316) 313 (2,102) (9,767) (9,767)
(4) 741 (2,102) (1,365) 3,305
Water & Sewer Bonds Construction Fund 512 2011 Revenues: Budget Investment Income (1,484) Proceeds from sale of bonds Fund Balance Carried Forward 59,859 Total Revenues 58,375 Expenditures: Capital Projects 86,282 Unappropriated (27,907) 58,375
64 410,474 59,859 470,397 20,158 20,158
2011 Actual Revenues: Investment income Miscellaneous Transfers From Other Funds Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Capital Projects Unappropriated 1 345 10 42 398 311 311 2011 Actual -
3,141 1,141 11,991 1,135
Water & Sewer R & E Fund 513 2011 Budget 15,858 (46) 42,946 43,450 102,208 83,067 19,141 102,208 Water & Sewer Sinking Fund 514 2011 Budget 39,397 9,890 49,287 49,287 49,287 -
69 58,786 43,450 102,305 12,035 12,035 2011 Actual
278 637 12,266 655 4,481 1,786 1,422 2,172 -
689 4,481 1,786 1,422 2,090 -
Revenues: Investment income Intergovernmental Revenue Transfers From Other Funds Deferred Revenue Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Police Unappropriated Total Expenditures
564 42,862 9,890 53,316 41,407 41,407 3 (2,822) 236 (641) (3,224) 5,793 (9,017) (3,224) 4 3,824 (641) 3,187 2,739
Revenues: Property Taxes Sales Taxes Other Taxes Licenses and permits Intergovernmental Charges for Services Fines and Forfeitures Investment income Miscellaneous Transfers From Other Funds Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: General Government: Chief Executive Officer Board of Commissioners Law Department Ethics Geographic Information Risk Management Facilities Management Purchasing Human Resources & Merit System Information Systems Finance Property Appraisal Tax Commissioner Registrar and Elections Civil and Criminal Court System: Sheriff Juvenile Court Superior Court Clerk Superior Court State Court Solicitor State Court District Attorney Child Advocate Probate Court Medical Examiner Public Defender Magistrate Court Public Safety: Animal Control Police Fire & Rescue Planning & Development Public Works: Directors Office Economic Development Public Services - Library Health and Human Services: Extension Services Public Board of Health Community Service Board Family and Children Services Human and Community Development Citizen Help Center Capital Improvement CIP GO Bonds - Parks Non-Departmental Fund Expenditures Unappropriated Transfers To Other Funds Total Expenditures 2 2 14,636 116 (24) 5,883 258,691
31,197 9,652 5,961 292,620
Revenues: Investment income Miscellaneous Transfers From Other Funds Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Debt Service CIP Unappropriated Total Expenditures
Revenues: PropertyTaxes Sales Taxes Investment income Intergovernmental Revenue Transfer from Other Funds Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Workforce Development Non-Departmental Total Expenditures
Page 8A
2,739
Development Fund 201 2011 Budget 2011 Actual 2011 Actual
Fire Fund 270
Revenues: Licenses and Permits Investment income Miscellaneous Charges for Services Transfers To Other Funds Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues 4,664 (46) 19 2 147 4,786 72,010 64,834 2,182 676 441 3,299 2011 Actual 3 84 1,843 1,930 66 2011 Actual 13,069 13,069 206 2,124 466 2,796 2011 Actual 1,721 1,721 387 387 2011 Actual 20,149 (13,818) 6,331 1,800 1,800 54,623 9,745 30,965 2011 Actual 7,348 5,597 12,945 2011 Actual 3,800 24,845 28,645 48,990 2,427 1,504 52,921 47,715 2,193 1,504 51,412 246 67,964 3,800 246 60,791 3,800 (3)
3,996 (4) (10) 16 2 147 4,147
2011 Budget 36,872 14,065 (61) 15 2,030 52,921 27 65,429 226 60 5,714 71,456 Revenues: Investment income Charges for Services Transfers From Other Funds Miscellaneous Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Finance Sanitation Interfund Transfers Fund Expenditures Unappropriated Total Expenditures
2011 Actual 40,437 12,104 (10) 23 2,030 54,584
Capital Improvement Project Fund 350 2011 Budget 25,330 434 81 (2,573) (44) 6,814 24,581 54,623 2011 Actual 3,624 429 179 66 11,589 24,581 40,468
Sanitation Operating Fund 541 2011 Budget 42 65,725 374 155 5,714 72,010
Expenditures: Planning & Development Public Works- Director's Office Interfund Transfers
2,995 703 449 4,147
Revenues: Property Taxes Sales Taxes Investment income Intergovernmental Revenue Miscellaneous Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Public Safety-Police Public Safety-Fire Non-Departmental Interfund Transfers Unappropriated Total Expenditures
Revenues: Investment income Miscellaneous Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: PEG Support
PEG Support Fund 203 2011 Budget
10 145 1,843 1,998
1,998
Sanitation Construction Fund 542 2011 Revenues: Budget Transfers From Other Funds 21,398 Fund Balance Carried Forward 24,845 Total Revenues 46,243 Expenditures: Capital Projects 26,537 Unappropriated 19,706 Total Expenditures 46,243
County Jail Fund 204 2011 Budget Sanitation ARRA Capital Projects Fund 544 2011 Budget 7,080 (749) 6,331
180 1,585 466 2,231
2011 Actual 12,309 11,226 232 (32) 1,940 341 18,037 (5,724) 38,329
Revenues: Intergovernmental Fines and forfeitures Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Transfers To Other Funds Unappropriated 2,230 2,230 180 Actual 854 854 2011 Actual 9,317 2,500 11,817 1,111 954 2,065 20 5,150 1 7,197 12,368 2,660 2,500 5,160 2011 Actual Revenues: Investment Income Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Capital Projects Unappropriated Airport Operating Fund 551 2011 Budget 25 4,594 1 7,197 11,817 COPS Projects Fund 351 2011 Budget 344 1,721 2,065 17 3,111 8,089 14,191 20 2,605 8,231 36,264 Revenues: Intergovernmental Interfund Transfers Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Capital Projects Unappropriated Total Expenditures
2,231
Revenues: Intergovernmental Investment Income Contributions from private sources Miscellaneous Charges for Services Transfers From Other Funds Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Board Commissioners GIS Facilities Management Fleet Maintenance Information System Finance Clerk Superior Court Recorders Court Police Library Transportation Public Works Host Capital Outlay Road & Drainage Parks Planning & Development Community Development Economic Development Extension Service Non-Departmental Fire DFACS Fund Expenditures Total Expenditures 1,354 4,357 435 (1,840) 1,100 2,487 13 16,194 47,023 14,746 277 167 1,335 107 8 (34,370) 1,230 407 4,077 243 3,104 322 1,662 610 8,181 1,330 70 699 1 514
2,231
Foreclosure Registry Fund 205 180 Budget
Special Tax - Designated Services Fund 271 2011 Revenues: Budget Property Taxes 4,732 Sales Taxes 405 Licenses and Permits (45) Investment income Intergovernmental Charges for Services 2,347 Miscellaneous 264 Transfers From Other Funds 20,164 Fund Balance Carried Forward (5,724) Total Revenues 22,143 Expenditures: Public Safety - Police 188 Public Works - Transportation 2,868 Public Works - Roads and Drainage 12,127 Parks and Recreation 14,283 Arts, culture & entertainment Non-Departmental 6,378 Transfers to Other Funds Unappropriated (13,701) Total Expenditures 22,143
Revenues: Charges for Services Miscellaneous Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Planning & Development Unappropriated 49 49 Revenues: Investment income Miscellaneous Interfund Transfers Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: DeKalb-Peachtree Airport Interfund Transfers Unappropriated Total Expenditures
Victim Assistance Fund 206 2011 Budget 2011 Actual 381 964 (7) 1,338 2011 Actual 1 427 428 2,084 (1,491) 593 1,408 1,408 -
300 950 (7) 1,243 16 1,213 1,229
Revenues: Intergovernmental Fines and Forfeitures Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Victim Assistance Transfers To Other Funds Unappropriated Total Expenditures Revenues: Investment income Intergovernmental Deferred revenue Interfund Transfers Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Capital Projects Unappropriated
Revenues: Investment Income Deferred Revenue Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Capital projects Unappropriated (4) 2,336 2,332 Airport Construction Fund 552 2011 Budget (9,320) 3,293 7,926 1,899 16,026 (14,127) 1,899
Public Safety - Judicial Facilities Fund 354 2011 Budget (1,743) 2,336 593
17 1,226 1,243
1 2,500 7,926 10,427 1,179 1,179
Special Tax District - Unincorporated Fund 272 2011 2011 Revenues: Budget Actual Charges for Services Sales Taxes 15,615 Other Taxes 15,435 28,151 Licenses and Permits 22,723 22,736 Investment income 12 1 Fines and Forfeitures 18,542 23,311 Miscellaneous (24) (105) Transfers From Other Funds (78,349) (69,430) Fund Balance Forward 4,282 4,282 (1,764) 8,946 Total Revenues Expenditures: General Government: Chief Executive Officer 346 380 Finance 585 609 Police Services-Code Enforcement 2 10 Recorders Court 3,618 3,385 3,210 2,712 Planning & Development Non-Departmental 406 406 Transfers From Other Funds Unappropriated (9,931) Total Expenditures (1,764) 7,502
Recreation Fund 207 2011 Budget 2011 Actual 872 (8) (316) 548 20,045 420 420 17 7,882 7,899 2011 Actual 3 3
1,000 (316) 684
Building Authority - Juvenile Court Fund 355 2011 Revenues: Budget Investment income (54) Miscellaneous 1,261 Fund Balance Carried Forward 427 Total Revenues 1,634 Expenditures: 479 Capital projects Unappropriated 1,155 1,634
Revenues: Investment income Charges for Services Miscellaneous Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Parks and Recreation Unappropriated 982 982 Urban Redevelopment Agency Fund 356 2011 Revenues: Budget Investment income Miscellaneous Fund Balance Carried Forward 7,882 Total Revenues 7,882 Expenditures: Capital projects 7,876 Unappropriated 6 7,882
684
2011 Actual 14,945 5,145 (8) (1,378) 18,704
Stormwater Utility Fund 581 2011 Budget (130) 17,000 10,651 27,521 Revenues: Investment income Charges for Services Miscellaneous Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Stormwater Utilities Interfund Transfers Unappropriated Total Expenditures 27,521 27,521
2011 Actual
4 16,241 10,651 26,896 15,646 716 16,362
684
Hospital Fund 273 2011 Revenues: Budget Property Taxes 15,995 Sales Taxes 5,511 Intergovernmental Investment Income (42) Transfers From Other Funds Fund Balance Carried Forward (1,378) Total Revenues 20,086 Expenditures: Health and Welfare-Hospital 20,086
Juvenile Services Fund 208 2011 Budget 2011 Actual 2011 Actual
Local News
Revenues: Investment income Charges for Services Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Juvenile Court 33 299 332 28 Revenues: Investment income Miscellaneous Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Capital projects Unappropriated
1 40 299 340
HUD Section 108 Loan Fund 357 2011 Budget -
1 1 2011 Actual
2011 Actual
340
Stormwater Utility Construction Fund 582 2011 Budget 187 1,134 10,664 (8,754) 3,231 Revenues: Contributions from private sources Intergovernmental Miscellaneous Interfund Transfers Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Capital Projects Unappropriated 18,799 (15,568) 3,231
656 10,464 (8,754) 2,366 737 737 2011 Actual -
Revenues: Investment income Fines and Forfeitures Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Health and Welfare Unappropriated 60 97 157 Hotel / Motel Tax Fund 275 2011 Budget 1,200 280 1,480 2011 Actual 4,342 280 4,622 1,480 1,480 1,565 2,718 4,283 29 28 57 2011 Actual Revenues: Other Taxes Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Convention Bureau Unappropriated
Drug Abuse Treatment & Education Fund 209 2011 Budget 1 18 97 116 2011 Actual 102,430 111 102,541 104,588 145 104,733
Revenues: Property Taxes Sales Taxes Licenses and Permits Charges for Services Investment income Miscellaneous Transfers From Other Funds Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Police Services Unappropriated
Police Services Fund 274 2011 Budget 55,470 1,432 1,018 342 (129) 88 58,185 (13,865) 102,541 2011 Actual 58,516 5,765 787 300 11 172 54,111 119,662
41 75 116
ARRA Capital Projects Fund 360 2011 Revenues: Budget Investment income Intergovernmental 7,846 Fund Balance Carried Forward 289 Total Revenues 8,135 Expenditures: Capital projects 4,709 Unappropriated 3,426 8,135
5,089 289 5,378 2,479 2,479
Vehicle Maintenance Fund 611 2011 Revenues: Budget 160 Intergovernmental Charges for Services 29,500 Miscellaneous 100 Fund Balance Carried Forward 905 Total Revenues 30,665 Expenditures: Fleet Maintenance 30,098 Interfund Transfers 567 30,665 GO Bonds Debt Service Fund 410 2011 Budget 9,025 (58) 629 9,596 2011 Actual 18,484 (6) 629 19,107
207 29,763 177 905 31,052 30,487 566 31,053 2011 Actual 9,596 9,596 9,578
12 1,508 19 6,755 8,294 -
Law Enforcement Confiscated Monies Fund 210 2011 Revenues: Budget Investment Income Intergovernmental 1,463 Miscellaneous Fund Balance Carried Forward 6,755 Total Revenues 8,218 Expenditures: Sheriff 1,435 District Attorney 100 Police Services 6,654 Transfers To Other Funds Unappropriated 29 8,218 Total Expenditures 215 41 1,503 1,759 1,172 705 Revenues: Other Taxes Investment income Miscellaneous Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Development Authority Rental Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Fund 280 2011 Budget 496 3 673 1,172 2011 Actual 595 1 350 673 1,619
Revenues: Property Taxes Investment income Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Debt Service Unappropriated
9,578
Vehicle Replacement Fund 621 2011 Budget 30 14,179 300 21,459 35,968 Revenues: Investment income Charges for Services Miscellaneous Interfund Transfers Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Vehicles Interfund transfers Unappropriated 32,468 3,500 35,968
26 14,491 832 21,459 36,808 10,080 3,500 13,580
Street Lights Fund 211 2011 Budget 2011 Actual 1 4,978 1,549 6,528 129 (65) 64
4,533 1,549 6,082 4,637
1987 G O Bonds - Parks Fund 311 2011 Budget 2 62 64
2011 Actual
62 62
2011 Actual 18,429 14 11,289 29,732 27,669 27,669 -
GO Bonds STD Debt Service Fund 411 2011 Revenues: Budget Taxes 16,304 Investment income 90 Transfers From Other Funds Fund Balance Carried Forward 11,289 Total Revenues 27,683 Expenditures: Debt Service 27,683 Transfers out Total Expenditures 27,683
Revenues: Sales Taxes Investment income Charges for Services Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Public Works-Transportation Revenues: Investment income Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Capital Projects Unappropriated Total Expenditures
6,082
2011 Actual 4,481 24 84,686 4,511 93,702
2011 Actual 304 2 1,624 1,930 91
2011 Actual
221 221 -
Building Authority Revenue Bonds Debt Service Fund 412 2011 2011 Budget Actual 4 3,732 3,732 106 106 3,838 3,842 Revenues: Investment income Miscellaneous Interfund Transfers Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Debt Service Unappropriated 3,838 3,838 3,717 3,717
Speed Humps Maintenance Fund 212 2011 Revenues: Budget Charges for Services 250 Investment income 3 Fund Balance Carried Forward 1,624 Total Revenues 1,877 Expenditures: 1,877 Public Works-Roads & Drainage
1998 G O Bonds - Jail Fund 312 2011 Revenues: Budget Investment income 55 Fund Balance Carried Forward 221 Total Revenues 276 Expenditures: Capital Projects 127 Unappropriated 149 Total Expenditures 276
Risk Management Fund 631 2011 Revenues: Budget Charges for Services 4,514 Miscellaneous Payroll deductions and matches 95,058 Fund Balance Carried Forward 4,511 Total Revenues 104,083 Expenditures: Risk Management 104,083 Interfund Transfers Unappropriated Total Expenditures 104,083 Workers Compensation Fund 632 2011 Budget 6,785 8,021 14,806 2011 Actual Revenues: Charges for Services Miscellaneous Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Non-Departmental Unappropriated 14,806 14,806
97,942 (8,598) 89,344 2011 Actual 6,825 179 8,021 15,025 5,831 5,831 127 127 ALL TAX FUNDS
2011 Actual 4 11 10,167 8,371 18,553 -
Emergency Telephone System Fund 215 2011 Revenues: Budget Charges for Services Investment income 10 Miscellaneous 11,424 Fund Balance Carried Forward 8,371 Total Revenues 19,805 Expenditures: Emergency Telephone System 19,805 Unappropriated Total Expenditures 19,805 10,670 10,670
Revenues: Investment income Fund Balance Carried Forward Total Revenues Expenditures: Capital Projects Unappropriated Total Expenditures
1993 G O Bonds - Health Fund 313 2011 Budget 3 127 130 120 10 130
Public Safety Judicial Facilites Authority Debt Service Fund 413 2011 2011 Actual Revenues: Budget Investment income (2) Miscellaneous 3,105 3,092 Fund Balance Carried Forward 36 36 Total Revenues 3,141 3,126 Expenditures: Debt Service 3,141 3,093 Transfers out Total Expenditures 3,141 3,093
Revenues: Taxes, Service Charges, Income & Transfers Fund Balance Carried Forward Fund Balance Carried Forward (for encumbrances) Total Revenues Expenditures: Approved Budget Encumbrances rolled forward from 2010 Total Appropriations
2011 Budget 544,736 (17,738) 526,998 544,736 (17,738) 526,998
Page 9A
Local News
Page 10A
Child advocates call for an end to overmedication of foster children

by Nigel Roberts tions to sedate or control their behavior because it is Some child advocates de- often expedient. mand oversight of how docThe report, presented to tors prescribe psychotropic a state House committee, drugs to foster care children. examined nearly 100 cases They say that thousands of involving foster children foster children unnecessarily that did not have permanent receive strong, mood-altering homes. It revealed that docdrugs, and it is time for the tors prescribed multiple state to act. psychotropic drugs for the Melissa D. Carter, direc- convenience of caregivers, tor of Emory Universitys the study found. Barton Child Law Center, Since these children move highlights a Department of frequently, they receive treatCommunity Health prelimiment from different doctors nary report that found docwho do not have the childs tors prescribed at least one medical records available. psychotropic medication to This lack of coordinated care one in three children in fostoo often results in physiter care in 2010. She added cians diagnosing different that this places Georgia at disorders and prescribing adthe higher end of national ditional medications. averages. Making matters worse, In the face of these stathe study also revealed that tistics, children in foster care the children receive dosages lack a single, committed recommended for adults adult to provide informed because some psychotropic consent and advocate for ap- drugs have not been tested propriate clinical care, she for optimum doses for misaid. nors. They are diagnosed with These medications have mental and behavioral health a central role in treatment, disorders at greater rates Carter stated, but they also than children not in foster are powerful substances with care because of the trauma of the potential for serious side their early childhood experi- effects, and their long-term ences with abuse, neglect, impact on developing brains and exposure to violence, and growing bodies is not which is further compounded well understood. by disrupted attachments and Overmedication also has instability once the child en- financial consequences for ters foster care, Carter said. the state. Carter said the Rep. Mary Margaret DCH report revealed that Oliver (D Decatur) has it cost Georgias Medicaid spearheaded the legislative program more than $13 mileffort that calls for oversight. lion in 2010. This cost is Georgia assumes a legal not justified by the outcomes and moral obligation when experienced by children in it replaces the parents of an foster care, she said. abused or neglected child, This problem is not she said. Foster care kids unique to Georgia. Indeed, it often do not have anyone to is a national problem. A U.S. protect their interest. So we Government Accountability have to take that responsibil- Office (GAO) study of five ity. states (Florida, MassachuWith these children often setts, Michigan, Oregon and shuffling from one foster Texas) revealed that physihome to another, Oliver cians prescribe psychotropic noted that Georgia fails to medications at rates 2.7 to maintain adequate medical 4.5 times higher to foster records for them and lacks care children than they prean oversight policy to ensure scribe to non-foster care they receive proper mental childrenand frequently at health care. much higher doses. In some cases, these chilOliver has championed dren have no mental illness Georgias reform efforts in that requires these powerful the General Assembly for almedications but instead need most two years. She pre-filed psychological help coping legislation (House Bill 23) in with their trauma. According 2010 that would require the to a new Barton report, the Georgia Department of Hustates foster children someman Services to implement times receive these medicaa system whereby an inde-
pendent team of physicians would review each case semiannually. Although HB 23 has not come to a vote, Oliver said there has been significant movement. She pointed to the two-hour hearing at which the Barton Clinic presented its analysis of cases and former foster care children who experienced overmedication offered powerful testimony. Carter described the
states efforts to address these issues as commendable. She added, And based on this early progress, I am encouraged about the potential for systemic improvement. Oliver is also optimistic. She said everybody recognizes that this is a problem. Moreover, the federal government issued a mandate in 2008 that requires Georgia to provide oversight of its system, she added.
Still, this is a complex problem requiring intense coordination among state agencies and professionals involved with individual cases, Carter added. That degree of coordination does not come naturally or easily to large state agencies with diverse priorities, and for that reason, I am supportive of Rep. Olivers legislative approach to give a sense of direction and urgency.
PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY DeKalb County Community Development Department 2011 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER)
The DeKalb County Community Development Department is preparing to submit its Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The report covers the status of activities and programs carried out through the use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), and Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) funds during the most recently completed program year that ended December 31, 2011. The Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report is available for citizens review and comments from March 1, 2012 through March 15, 2012 at the following address: DeKalb County Community Development Department 150 E. Ponce de Leon Avenue, Suite 330 Decatur, GA 30030
The office hours are 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The document may also be reviewed at the libraries listed below. Please contact the libraries for hours of operation. Chamblee Branch 4115 Clairmont Road, Chamblee (770-936-1380) Redan-Trotti Branch 1569 Wellborn Road, Redan (770-482-3821) Decatur Branch 215 Sycamore Street, Decatur (404-370-3070) Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Branch 2861 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur (404-286-6980)
Telephone: 404-286-3308
Hearing Impaired (TDD) (404) 286-3336
(Written comments should be submitted to the 150 E. Ponce de Leon Avenue address.) All locations are accessible to persons with disabilities.
Foreclosure bill stuck in committee

by Andrew Cauthen andrew@dekalbchamp.com A rally for a bill that would protect homeowners facing foreclosure apparently fell on deaf ears. House Bill 781, the Homeowners Fairness Act, is stuck in committee after Rep. Mike Jacobs (D-80), chairman of the House judiciary sub-committee, stated on Feb. 24 that he would not allow the committee to vote on the bill this session. That move came the day after a rally on the steps of the state Capitol urging lawmakers to vote on the bill. What [this] means to me is they dont want to vote on it because they dont want their constituents back home, who went through foreclosures, to use that against them, said Rep. Darshun Kendrick (D-94), who sponsored the legislation. Kendrick said the bill would require that lenders give actual notice to homeowners when they are about to be foreclosed on. Currently under state law you just need a certified letter and an advertisement in a legal organ, Kendrick said. The bill also gives us due process, Kendrick said. Foreclosures are the only type of action that takes away your property without having to go through the judicial process. Rep. Scott Holcomb (D82), who co-sponsored the bill said, the bill would force banks to better underwrite their loans. The financial crisis that we have experienced and that engulfed the world was ignited by bad mortgages, Holcomb said. Banks had lax standards and made bad loans. What I like about this bill is that it changes the policy so that banks actually do some due diligence before underwriting loans, he said. Commissioner Larry Johnson said the bill would stop unnecessary foreclosures and give homeowners an opportunity to explain themselves and work out some payment plans. This bill will help folks in neighborhoods all over the state of Georgia to make sure they can maintain and keep their homes, Johnson said. Owning a home is the American dream. We dont need to create a nightmare. According to RealtyTrac. com, DeKalb County had the third-highest number of foreclosure actionsdefault notices, foreclosure auction notices or bank repossessionsin the state in January, with most of the foreclosures occurring in Lithonia, Stone Mountain and Decatur. According to Commissioner Lee May the bill would give a voice to people that dont necessarily have a voice for themselves. When youre going up against these banks with billions of dollars who are also being supported to the tune of billions of dollars by our government as well, the people dont stand a chance, May said. Youll hear people say, Well, they shouldnt have gotten into this house that they couldnt afford, May said. Well, they had no understanding that gas prices would be $3.50 a gallon. They didnt know that the unemployment rate would double since 2007. They didnt know that this governmentwould be passing laws that would adversely affect their day-to-day lives. Khaiyah Yisrael, a retired attorney who helps homeowners who cannot afford attorneys, called foreclosure the new civil rights issue. Foreclosures are disproportionately affecting African
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Supporters say a bill proposed by Rep. Darshun Kendrick would give a voice and due process to homeowners facing foreclosure. Photo by Andrew Cauthen
Americans and Latinos, more so than any other group, Yisrael said. Yisrael said state law needs to be changed to force the courts to give homeowners the due process afforded by the U.S. Constitution. The judges are not listening to the issues, Yisrael said. They are siding with the banks and [banks] are able to put the people out without them having a voice. Doreen Carter, president of the Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce, said, The business community is demanding a vote. Its time [for banks] to stop taking homes of homeowners without representation, Carter said. We need for our legislators to step up and support the people.
Dont Just Dream of a Better Life
Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore St. Decatur, GA 30030
Saturday, March 24, 2012 7-10:30 p.m.
Grant Jerkins, William Rawlings, Patricia Sprinkle, and Amanda Kyle Williams
A Mysterious Evening
Featuring Mystery Authors
Honorary Chair Karin Slaughter and DeKalb Library Foundation present
Minimum Cost Maximum Benefit
Advance Tickets $65. $75 at the door. Cajun hors doeuvres, beer/wine, Book signing, Silent Auction, Mystery theater performance, A Tale of Two Swamps. Event to benefit DeKalb County Public Library. Call 404-370-8450 x 2238 or visit www.dekalblibrary.org/foundation
Formerly DeKalb Technical College
404-297-9522 www.GPTC.edu Application/Documentation Enrollment Deadlines: Summer Semester: April 10 Fall Semester: July 17
A. S. Turner & Sons
Local News
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Hundreds of DeKalb residents gather to counter a proposed Walmart in Suburban Plaza in Decatur. Residents cite increased traffic, low wages and alleged sweatshop conditions as reasons they want the giant retailer out of their community. Photos by Andrew Cauthen
Opponents of Walmart at Suburban Plaza declare war

by Andrew Cauthen andrew@dekalbchamp.com After months of neighborhood meetings, rallies, fundraising and petitionsigning, residents who oppose the proposed Suburban Plaza Walmart in Decatur have sent a message to the retail giant. This is a war, said attorney Donald Stack, of Stack and Associates, one of two attorneys hired by Good Growth DeKalb to conduct a legal review of the proposed development. This is a war for your community. It is war for your property values. It is a war for your safety. Good Growth DeKalb, a group of residents formed to promote economic growth around the Suburban Plaza area, is opposing the Walmart there. The group held a community forum on the proposed Walmart property on Feb. 23 that attracted hundreds of residents. Some neighborhood associations asked for concessions instead of opposing Walmart, said Louise Runyon, a founder of Good Growth DeKalb. Good Growth DeKalb takes the position that Walmart at Suburban Plaza is not a done deal. We oppose Walmart at Suburban Plaza while at the same time we are looking to develop an alternative vision for a positive, neighborhood friendly and commercially viable shopping area. Walmart is planning to construct a 150,000-squarefoot store that would have groceries, deli, a pharmacy, an optical center and underground parking. The developer, Selig Enterprises, which was not represented at the community meeting, has predicted that the improved development, which will increase by 30,000 square feet, would add 600-800 jobs to the community and spur redevelopment in the corridor. Opponents of the proposed Walmart have a list of reasons they do not want the worlds largest retailer in their neighborhood. One reason is the increased traffic that will bring added dangers to ambulances, pedestrians and cyclists, Runyon said. We can hardly afford the added traffic of a Walmart, Runyon said. Residents are also complaining about the 4-mile proximity to the nearest Walmart, the possible reduction in property values and the wages the department store pays its workers, which they say are too low. Walmarts success is based upon low wages here, sweatshop conditions abroad, limited health benefits, putting the burden on the taxpayer as low-paid workers are forced to seek government benefits, Runyon said. Walmart is a giant thats breathing down our neck, Runyon said. Jan Crawford, who envisions Suburban Plaza being a gateway to the city of Decatur, had a message for the shopping centers developers: Be good stewards of our community instead of being known in history as helping Walmart lead their urban penetration and assault. Peggy Sharkey, who lives and works in Decatur, was one of a few residents at the forum supporting the Walmart. I think that what we all are here for, whether were for or against [Walmart], is whats best for our community, Sharkey said. Sharkey said she is concerned that its being declared a war. I have never been a Walmart sympathizer, Sharkey said. As a matter of fact, for the record, I boycotted Walmart for 15 yearsbecause I saw what they did to small towns. But times have changed. Theyre not the same. Sharkey said Walmart can help address the countys unemployment. Walmart may not be ideal jobs, but if youre not putting food on the table and youre not providing for your family, that job is better than no job, Sharkey said. Melissa Link, a spokesperson for People for a Better Athens, countered Shar-
keys comment. You wouldnt tell a victim of domestic violence that an abusive husband is better than no husband at all, Link said. Thats what Walmart is. Its not the answer to jobs and unemployment. People for a Better Athens is a group facing a similar fight against Selig and Walmart in Athens, where Selig plans to build a 100,000 square-foot Walmart, Link said. Keep up the fight, Link said to the DeKalb group. Dont back down and never be discouraged.
Silent Auction & Party

Sample foods from DeKalbs best restaurants. Bid on food, art, theatre, services, travel, clothing, jewelry and other great items.
DEKALB COVNTY COVRT HOVSE
March 23 6-8:30 P.M. Old Courthouse 101 E. Court Square,Decatur.
and Annual Meeting
lus Drinksnp od & Free Fo h as a week i items suc to bid on! Jamaica ns are r, donatio
fundraise This is aated. appreci
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Legislators propose state/local legislation to ban cell towers on school property

by Daniel Beauregard daniel@dekalbchamp.com Rep. Karla Drenner (D-Avondale Estates) has proposed state and local legislation that, if passed, could ban the placement Drenner of cell towers on DeKalb School System property in the future. Drenner, who has a health background, said she began to pay more attention to the matter after recently attending a panel discussion on the perceived Jacobs hazards of cell towers. DeKalb County has agreed to let cell phone towers to be placed on nine schools and I would like to ask that a special committee be formed to disTaylor cuss [my] particular piece of legislation, Drenner said at a recent delegation meeting. The state bill, HB 1128, is also backed by Reps. Mike Jacobs, Tom Taylor and Earnest Coach Williams. Drenner is proposing a local Williams bill which mirrors HB 1128. It just says that moving forward no towers will be allowed. The bill doesnt address any of the concerns right now over those towers that currently have contracts with the county, Drenner said. Last July, the DeKalb County School Board voted to allow the placement of T-Mobile cell towers on the grounds of Margaret Harris Center, Briarlake, Flat Rock, Jolly, Princeton, Smoke Rise and Narvie J. Harris elementary schools, as well as Lakeside and Martin Luther King Jr. high schools, to garner additional revenue for the school system. Drenner said HB1128 and the local bill have the same language. However, she wasnt optimistic HB1128 would make it out of committee and onto the floor this session. It is currently in the education committee. It would have to have a hearing sometime this week to get to rules. Im not optimistic because the industry would also have a say in this. At this point thats why it was better to handle local issues at the DeKalb level, Drenner said. Drenner said she was confident the local bill will make it through committee, be read twice and be on its way to the Senate likely sometime next week, where Sen. Jason Carter is proposing similar legislation. Carter is working on a statewide bill to kind of close some of the zoning issues so Im anticipating Ill have Senate delegation support, Drenner said.
Our specialty is treating people suffering from the status quo.

How it is in healthcare, is not how it has to be. Thats why we challenged what a state-of-the-art healthcare facility should look like, how it should operate and even where it should be. DeKalb Medical at Hillandale became the first all-digital master planned hospital in Georgia and brought advanced medicine outside of the perimeter, where people actually live. We recruited nationally-acclaimed physicians and a dedicated support staff who are passionate about providing world-class service. We made sure that the hospital didnt look or smell like one and that the food was actually delicious, all of which make close to home, feel more like home. We even make a point to care for the community outside of our doors. Every day, we continue to ask ourselves, What can we do differently? What can we do better than them? because the last thing we want to be is like everybody else.
To learn more, visit www.dekalbmedicalhillandale.org
Local News
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Upcoming election for Doraville council seat, DeKalb Sunday sales referendum
out our borders along Buthe citys planning commis- self, I think its a very good corporated DeKalb. ford highwayan overlay sion, said Doraville had a lot system. But, in any governOther cities in the county district would be an option, of zoning issues it needed ment, its not the form of voted on the referendum The city of Doraville is Patrick said. If elected, Pat- to work out. He also said government but whos in the last year during municipal holding a special election rick said one of his goals one of his goals would be government that matters, elections. However, DeKalb on March 6 to fill a District will be to beautify the area. re-establishing the citys tax Anderson said. County spokesman Burke One city Anderson said one of his base. Additionally, the Repub- Brennan said since there council seat goals was working to annex Although he agreed a lican presidential primary are no county-wide elections vacated the Buford Highway corcity manager form of govwill be held the same day officials decided to hold by Mayor ridor. ernment is a good one, Anand DeKalb County resithe referendum during the Donna PitIts extremely desirderson said he thought the dents will decide whether to Republican presidential pritman last able for the city to do that, referendum was disingenu- allow Sunday retail alcohol mary rather than pay to hold year. Anderson said. Anderson, ously proposed. sales between the hours of a special election. Counwho has been chairman of As far as the issue it12:30-11:30 p.m. in unincilwoman Pam FlemPittman ing currently holds one of the two seats DeKalb County Wants to Hear From You and vying for the other are Regarding the Proposed Franchise Agreement Renewal Stuart Anderson and Robwith Comcast Cable Communications ert Patrick. John Noonan was also in the running but Send your comments and/or concerns regarding Comcasts current performance under recently the current franchise agreement and/or the future cable-related needs and interests of dropped your community to www.dekalbcountyga.gov. out. Patrick The Champion Weather March 1, 2012 said he first Weather History Seven Day Forecast In-Depth Local Forecast Today's Regional Map got interested in runToday we will see mostly cloudy skies with a March 1, 1910 - The deadliest THURSDAY 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, high avalanche of record in the ning for the Isolated T-storms of 74, humidity of 60%. West wind 10 to 15 mph. United States thundered down Doraville Dunwoody High: 74 Low: 55 The record high for today is 80 set in 1997. the mountains near Wellington Fleming 72/54 Lilburn City CounExpect mostly cloudy skies tonight with a slight Smyrna Doraville Station, Wash. It swept three 73/55 cil when his FRIDAY chance of showers, overnight low of 55. huge locomotive train engines 73/55 73/55 property value declined last Scat'd T-storms Snellville and some passenger cars over Decatur year. *Last Weeks Almanac High: 71 Low: 53 74/55 the side and into a canyon, Atlanta 74/55 Hi Lo Normals Precip Date With the recent county claiming the lives of more than 74/55 Tuesday 62 41 58/38 0.01" SATURDAY tax increase, my property Lithonia 100 people. College Park Wednesday 65 51 59/38 0.00" Scat'd T-storms 75/55 value went down from ap75/55 Thursday 76 58 59/38 0.00" High: 62 Low: 39 Morrow proximately $160,000 to March 2, 1975 - The Friday 71 43 59/38 0.02" 75/55 around $80,000. At that Governors Tornado in Atlanta Union City Saturday 54 37 59/39 0.00" SUNDAY did considerable damage to the point, I thought that was 75/55 Sunday 60 35 60/39 0.00" Sunny governors mansion and good enough reason to get Monday 65 45 60/39 0.00" High: 63 Low: 40 Hampton surrounding areas, resulting in involved in the race, PatRainfall . . . . . . .0.03" Average temp . .54.5 76/56 three deaths and 56.5 million rick said. Normal rainfall . .1.19" Average normal 48.8 MONDAY dollars in damage. Departure . . . . .-1.16" Departure . . . . .+5.7 In November 2011, resiSunny *Data as reported from De Kalb-Peachtree Airport dents passed a referendum High: 61 Low: 35 that will change the citys Local Sun/Moon Chart This Week Tonight's Planets TUESDAY government to one with a Day Sunrise Sunset Moonrise Moonset Rise Set Mostly Sunny Full New Thursday 7:05 a.m. 6:34 p.m. 12:06 p.m. 1:51 a.m. part-time mayor and a fullMercury 7:49 a.m. 7:57 p.m. High: 56 Low: 34 3/8 3/22 Friday 7:04 a.m. 6:35 p.m. 12:59 p.m. 2:41 a.m. time city manager, making Venus 8:59 a.m. 10:05 p.m. Saturday 7:02 a.m. 6:36 p.m. 1:56 p.m. 3:28 a.m. it one of the last cities in Mars 6:36 p.m. 7:38 a.m. WEDNESDAY Sunday 7:01 a.m. 6:37 p.m. 2:57 p.m. 4:11 a.m. DeKalb County to convert Jupiter 9:40 a.m. 10:55 p.m. Partly Cloudy Monday 7:00 a.m. 6:38 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 4:52 a.m. First Last Saturn 10:08 p.m. 9:29 a.m. to such a form of governHigh: 59 Low: 38 Tuesday 6:58 a.m. 6:39 p.m. 5:05 p.m. 5:30 a.m. 3/30 3/14 Uranus 8:07 a.m. 8:14 p.m. ment. Wednesday 6:57 a.m. 6:39 p.m. 6:12 p.m. 6:07 a.m. I think a fairly strong Local UV Index National Weather Summary This Week Weather Trivia city manager is a good idea. The Northeast will see partly cloudy to cloudy skies with scattered rain and snow today The City Council should Where is the hottest through Saturday, with the highest temperature of 69 in Georgetown, Del. The Southeast really be focused on policy place in the atmosphere? 0 - 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11+ will see mostly clear to partly cloudy skies with scattered showers and thunderstorms and big business issues rathtoday through Saturday, with the highest temperature of 86 in Ft. Myers, Fla. The Northwest will see UV Index er than daily hiring and firAnswer: The thermosphere, or widespread rain and snow today, mostly clear to partly cloudy skies with a few showers Friday and 0-2: Low, 3-5: Moderate, top layer, gets the hottest. ing concerns, Patrick said. Saturday, with the highest temperature of 52 in Medford, Ore. The Southwest will see mostly clear skies 6-7: High, 8-10: Very High In 1981, Doraville went 11+: Extreme Exposure today through Saturday, with the highest temperature of 83 in Carlsbad, N.M. www.WhatsOurWeather.com from a city manager to a StarWatch By Gary Becker - Leap Year Day full-time mayor form of When I was in elementary school, probably in the fifth grade, there was a girl in class whose sister had been born on February 29, 1952. We were perplexed because in 1960 government by referendum, this was only the second time her birthday fell on February 29. What happened to people that were born on leap year day we thought? Did they live for an especially long which is why it chose the period of time or did they just celebrate their birthdays on a different date? The girls sister was similar to any third grader, so we concluded that she probably celebrated her same route to go back. Patbirthday on either February 28 or March 1. Such were the musings of 10 year old kids. There is nothing tricky about leap year. The Earth has a job to performorbit the rick said another area he is sun with respect to a slowly moving point in the sky called the Vernal Equinox. This is called the tropical year. It takes an average of 365.2422 days for the Earth to complete this task. The concerned with is the big job of the Gregorian calendar, created in 1582, was to beat as closely as possible to the tropical year cycle. A Gregorian year has 365.2425 days. Since calendars must have a whole number of days, each year the Earth falls approximately one quarter day behind in its solar orbital cycle. After four years the Earth is about one day in arrears of its solar schedule, and we chunk of Buford Highway give Earth an extra day to catch upleap year day. Years divisible by four without a remainder are designated as leap years. However, this assumes that the Earth orbits the sun in 365.2500 located in unincorporated days, the exact fault of the Julian calendar and why it was replaced. To correct for this excess, the Gregorian calendar added that only century years wholly divisible by 400 were leap years. DeKalb. Since its inception, only the century years of 1600 and 2000 have met this leap year criterion, but the story is still not concluded. Finally, to bring the Gregorian calendar into closer agreeSome annexations ment with the tropical year, modern astronomers have decreed that the century years of 4000 and 8000 will not contain leap years. www.astronomy.org might be appropriate to fill by Daniel Beauregard daniel@dekalbchamp.com
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Crossing
Continued From Page 1A
most important part about it for them is making sure that everybody, especially the children, make it safely across the street each day. Sometimes you just have some people who act like they dont see us and some of these people just do not want to stop, Sandra said. Even in a city as pedestrian-friendly as Decatur, both women said they have seen an increase in traffic over the past several years, and sometimes a car will go by in the blink of an eye. Even though this is a pedestrian crossing, they dont abide by it, so Im risking my life for theirs. Im forever watching and looking around for oncoming traffic, kids or pedestrians, Smith said. Smith said everybody in the neighborhood is appreciative of what she, her mother and stepfather do each day, and over the years many residents have gotten used to seeing them. Both women have wide smiles and speak to everyone who crosses their path. She said some parents stop to say, Thank you and others smile and wave as they drive by. Smith said their jobs give both of them a sense of satisfaction theyre playing an important role in making the community safer. There are some jobs where you dont want to wake up in the morning and come to them but this isnt one of them, Smith said.
The shrill sound of crossing guard Tynesha Smiths whistle fills the early-morning air as she helps Decatur residents navigate the traffic. Photos by Daniel Beauregard
Emory
Continued From Page 1A
have increased 69 percent during 10 admission cycles. Emorys new Dean of Admission John Latting said admissions staff is still processing data but the applicants are highly competitive in scores, achievements, diversity and engagement. Applicants are competing for the 1,350 slots available for the class of 2016. This year saw several hundred more students identify Emory as their number one choice, Latting said. Over the past three years Allen said the application pool has grown 3 to 5 percent each year and the university has seen an average of 15-20 percent international students applying to the university. Every year we get applications from students who are from 90 to 95 different countries, Allen said. It has been a really good year for Emory so farkids from everywhere are interested and we really enjoy diversity.
Education
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DeKalb County Schools Superintendent Cheryl Atkinson spoke to the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce recently about her new strategic plan. Photo by Daniel Beauregard
Atkinson elaborates on new DCSS strategic plan

by Daniel Beauregard daniel@dekalbchamp.com DeKalb Schools Superintendent Cheryl Atkinson said when developing her new strategic plan she wanted to make sure it passed the 7-Eleven test. During a recent State of the System address Atkinson told members of the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce her goal is to develop a strategic plan clear enough that anybody walking in or out of a 7-Eleven, could understand it. Earlier in February Atkinson released the Excellence in Education Plan, which had five main goals: student achievement and success, excellence in leadership and personnel, operational effectiveness, safe and orderly schools and strong partnerships for education. In her address she elaborated on these goals and how she said they would help move the school system forward over the next several years. School districts, teachers, students and parents all need ongoing diagnostic information to track progress. Unfortunately we didnt have what toward pre-kindergarten. The system is also considering giving students a shorter summer break. Many of our students arent leaving the area for those eight or nine weeks. Atkinsons Excellence in Education Plan: Many of them dont have anything to occupy Developing a new curriculum to their timeand thats critical present in May time, Atkinson Ending social promotion said. Recently, the Implementing an early childhood school system learning program completed a personnel audit of Shortening summer break central office staff Reclassifying jobs and altering and found pay adjustments needed salaries to be made in some areas. Although Atkinson said she believes the system does need a central we needed, but we will, rial, to keep them with peers office to function, she said Atkinson said. their age. her goal is to drive more of Atkinson said work is Additionally, the system those resources toward the under way to develop a new is in the process of working classroom. curriculum and the system with other organizations to During a recent meetwill propose the first draft in implement an early learning with the DeKalb County May. She also said the sysing program to help children School Board, Atkinson tem will end social promojumpstart their journey presented a plan to reclassify tion, the practice of promoting students to the next grade at the end of the school year, even when they have not learned the necessary matejobs and alter salaries that was unanimously adopted by the board. School system spokesman Walter Woods said the shift in oversight would drive approximately $109 million in annual spending from the central office to principals, and save the system $5.6 million this year. Atkinson said in 2013 the system would implement a zero-based budget philosophy. She also stressed the importance of professional development for teachers. Our teachers must have instructional technology training and the technology at their fingertips. A weekly early release will allow teachers to have time to analyze the data and make good instructional decisions based on that data, Atkisnon said. Additionally, Atkinson said the system would start a leadership academy for existing principals and aspiring leaders. The system will also be revamping its options for students who dont fit into a traditional school setting.
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DeKalb school kicks off Read Across America tour

by Daniel Beauregard daniel@dekalbchamp.com Rowland Elementary students crowded into the auditorium on Feb. 23 to celebrate the kickoff of the National Education Associations Read Across America Tour. The event, hosted in partnership with the Organization of DeKalb Educators, celebrated the 15th anniversary of the program, an effort to encourage children to develop a love of reading at an early age. This is the nations largest reading celebration with more than 45 million parents, teachers, students and educators who will be participating, Principal Roberta Walker said. This years event was sponsored by Mazda, which pledged up to $1 million in support of the nations public school libraries through a unique test-drive program. For each test drive of a Mazda vehicle between Feb. 21 and April 2, Mazda will donate $25 County School Board Tom Bowen, and state Rep. toward public school members Donna Edler and Michelle Henson. libraries. The event also celebrated the birthday of ADULT EDUCATION childrens author Dr. Seuss. 11Alive local news anchor GRANT NOTICE Donna Lowry and retired Adult Education providers are invited to apply for federal NFL linebacker Chris Draft read to children from funding to deliver adult education services in jurisdictions in Georgia. Interested agencies may obtain the Request Seusss book The Lorax. for Application (RFA) from the Technical College System Also present at the of Georgia (TCSG), Office of Adult Education (OAE) event was DeKalb County website at: www.tcsg.edu click on Adult Education-GED Schools Superintendent Cheryl Atkinson, DeKalb then click Request for Application (RFA) or call
(404) 679-1625 for additional information.
City Schools of Decatur to participate in Georgia Walk & Roll to School Day
Decatur Active Living and City Schools of Decatur will participate in the annual Georgia Walk & Roll to School Day on March 7. Residents are encouraged to join City Schools of Decatur in welcoming children as they arrive at school in walking school buses and bike trains. Participating schools are Clairemont Elementary, Glennwood Elementary, Oakhurst Elementary, Winnona Park Elementary, the 4/5 Academy at Fifth Avenue, St. Thomas More Catholic School and Renfroe Middle School. The Walk & Roll to School Day is part of Decaturs Safe Routes to School Program, which encourages communities to make walking and bicycling to school safe and routine.
EDUCATION BRIEFS
ADULT EDUCATION GRANT NOTICE
SETTInG THE STAnDArD oF EXCEllEnCE In PArEnTAl InVolVEMEnT

Educating, Engaging, and Empowering Parents
Saturday, March 17, 2012 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Stone Mountain Middle School 4301 Sarr Parkway, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Adult Education providers are invited to apply for federal funding to deliver adult education services in jurisdictions in Georgia. Interested agencies may obtain the Request for Application (RFA) from the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), Office of Adult Education (OAE) website at: www.tcsg.edu click on Adult Education-GED then click Request for Application (RFA) or call (404) 679-1625 for additional information.
Title I Annual Meeting: Parental Involvement Conference
Emory University student selected for fellowship in Asia

Emory University senior Dana Toy is one of 18 Americans selected as a Luce Scholar for a year of hands-on experience and work in Asia. Toy is the fifth Emory student selected for the scholarship since 2000. He was among 143 candidates nominated by 62 colleges and universities. The Luce Scholars Program was launched by the Henry Luce Foundation in 1974 to enhance the understanding of Asia among potential leaders in American society. The program provides stipends, language training and individualized professional placement in Asia for 15-18 scholars each year.
ConFErEnCE HIGHlIGHTS
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Joe Martin Parental Involvement and How it Affects Your Childrens Educational Success Test-Taking Strategy Workshops: Math, reading and language Arts on all Grade levels Special Education Workshops Early Childhood Workshops for Pre-K and K language Translators/Interpreters Title I Parental Involvement Policy and Budget Child Care for School-Aged Children Special Workshops for Middle and High School Students Exhibitors from: DeKalb County Schools, Community Agencies and Educational Companies light refreshments will be served Door Prizes (Donated by Exhibitors)
For additional information, contact Jackie Marshall, Chairperson at 678-676-0376 or by email: Jackie_Marshall@fc.dekalb.k12.ga.us
Agnes Scott College achieves silver in national sustainability program

Agnes Scott College has achieved a silver rating in the Sustainability, Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS), a program designed to encourage sustainability in all aspects of higher education. A silver STARS rating recognizes Agnes Scotts sustainability leadership in the areas of education and research, operations and planning and administration and engagement. Innovative programs at the college include an arboretum project designed to provide an interactive tour of historic trees on Agnes Scotts campus; a partnership with the city of Decatur to collaborate on sustainability initiatives in the city; a revolving fund to help pay for sustainability improvements on campus that would save money and fund other sustainability projects; and a project with Oak Ridge National Lab and the Southface Energy Institute to significantly improve the energy efficiency of five houses near campus.
Business
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Decatur remodeler recognized for creative approach to older homes

by Kathy Mitchell kathy@dekalbchamp.com she said, is based on problem solving, functionality, aesthetics, craftsmanship, Renewal Design-Build in innovation, degree of diffiDecatur specializes in solv- culty and entry presentation. ing renovation puzzles, They look not only at particularly in older homes the layout, the design and such as the Craftsman bunthe choice of materials, but galows and classic ranches also at the company itself that are prevalent in the and how well its teams heart of Decatur. work together to execute to Projects last year in Dea higher level. That makes caturs Winnona Park neigh- a company like ours really borhood near Agnes Scott stand out from one that College garnered the comoperates out of a pick-up pany regional awards that truck. its officials say are among Shuster said her comthe most prestigious in the pany analyzes the square industry. The National Asfootage to determine how it sociation of the Remodeling can best be used for the way Industry (NARI) awarded the family lives. We comRenewal Design-Build pletely rethink the space Regional Contractor of the and arent limited by where Year (CotY) awards in its existing walls or windows residential kitchen and resi- are or how the space is curdential bathroom categories. rently divided into rooms, Heather Shuster, projshe said. Ultimately, the ect development director at design of the home should Renewal Design-Build, said support the lifestyle of those that judges look at the intel- who live in the home. ligence and creativity that The award-winning goes into a project. Judging, kitchen, for example, had been renovated in the 1980s, but didnt fit the familys current lifestyle, according to Shuster, who said the designers moved a laundry area that had been part of the kitchensomething the homeowners really wantedand opened up the area in a way that brings in more daylight. They also added an island and made the room more guest-friendly so that the homeowners could entertain in the kitchen. The award-winning projects were designed by Aimee Leonard. As with the bathroom project, Shuster said, the space is more modern and functional, but retains the character of the original home. The Winnona Park neighborhood is listed as a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places and seeks to keep the classical look of the area through any renovations on its homes. Officials at Renewal
A bathroom and a kitchen, both in homes in Decaturs Winnona Park area, were winners in NARIs regional Contractor of the Year competition. At right, is Heather Shuster, project development director at Renewal Design-Build. Photos provided
Design-Build, who say their company is the largest remodeler in DeKalb County, attribute the companys success to such factors as passion, innovation, collaboration accountability and the pursuit of excellence. Every project, large or small, is treated like our own, states the companys website, and thats why we exceed a 97 percent client referral rate, and our clients are raving fans. Shuster said that she and her colleagues were especially proud to receive a NARI award because the organizationthe only national association designed, organized and dedicated specifically for service to professional remodelers sets the standard for the profession. Renewal
GROW YOUR BUSINESS
Design-Build is one of 350 members in the Atlanta area. Contractors from seven regions around the country vie for CotY Awards every year. Projects that win regional awards are eligible to compete for national awards, which this year will be presented in Dallas, Texas, in April. This is the fourth consecutive year Renewal Design-Build has won CotY awards.
...WELL DO THE PAPERWORK! 770-482-1092 www.exceptionaltbs.com
The Voice of Business in DeKalb County

Two Decatur Town Center, 125 Clairemont Ave., Suite 235, Decatur, GA 30030
DeKalb Chamber of Commerce

404-378-8000 www.DeKalbChamber.org
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AROUND DEKALB
Republican women to meet The North DeKalb Republican Women will meet Saturday, March 3, at 10 a.m. at the DeKalb Republican Party Headquarters, 3583-G Chamblee Tucker Road, Atlanta (Embry Hills Shopping Village). The guest speaker will be Tara Hassell Dorfman, who will speak on life after prison. The NDRW is a non-prot organization involved in public service, working with the USO, Ronald McDonald House, the VA Hospital and local schools. The organization is collecting diapers for families of American military. Those who would like to contribute can bring the diapers to the DeKalb GOP Headquarters on any meeting date. For more information, contact Natalie Olmi at (770) 396-4101.
ATLANTA
cious activity, contact Keith Barker, city manager at (404) 296-6489 or kbarker@cityofclarkston.com.
DECATUR
ebrating the 81st anniversary of The Star-Spangled Banner with a weekend of free events for local seniors. The community is hosting red, white and blue bingo on March 2 at 7 p.m., a southern chicken barbecue on March 3 at 12:30 p.m., and a free screening of the movie The War of 1812 on March 4 at 7 p.m. Complimentary refreshments will be provided at each event. To attend, call The Regency House at (404) 296-1152. David Niven movie to be shown at library Toco Hill-Avis G. Williams Library has announced that the March 2 movie in its Friday Movies Series will be Stairway to Heaven, starring David Niven and Kim Hunter. The 1946 film is rated PG and runs approximately 104 minutes. A mix of new releases and old favorites, the movies are shown at 1:30 p.m. each Friday. When available, movies are presented with closed captioning to assist the hearing impaired. Toco Hill-Avis G. Williams Library is located at 1282 McConnell Drive, Decatur. For more information, call (404) 679-4404. Ledbetter to speak at Agnes Scott College Lilly Ledbetter, the subject of a widely publicized case involving salary discrimination and sexual harassment issues, will present a lecture Tuesday, March 6, on her new book, Grace and Grit: My Fight for Equal Pay and Fairness at Goodyear and Beyond. Ledbetter is the courageous woman at the center of the historic legal discrimination case that inspired the Obama administrations Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act, the first piece of legislation passed under President Obamas tenure. She remains a tireless advocate for change, urging women all over the country to press their own cases for equality and civil rights, according to an announcement from the DeKalb County Public Library Systems March Festival of Writers. The event is at 7 p.m. in Presser Hall at Agnes Scott College in Decatur.
officers out on the road. By using two separate databases, a scan will be done of the suspects fingerprint. If there is a match, the biographical data and the suspects picture will appear on the screen. The system will also display any outstanding warrants or probation/parole information. The device has assisted Dunwoody police in identifying several wanted individuals. The Mobile ID Scanner was acquired through a Georgia Emergency Management Agency grant. Police creates Domestic Assault Response Team In an effort to further assist victims of domestic violence, the Dunwoody Police Department has initiated the Domestic Assault Response Team. The team is composed of seven officers and a supervisor, who have received 40 hours of training through the Peace Officers Standards and Training for Response to Domestic Violence. Its responsibility is to follow up with all victims of domestic violence, and to ensure they have been notified of all available resources. Some of these resources are Victim Information and Notification Everyday (V.I.N.E.), the Ahimsa House, the Womens Resource Center to End Domestic Violence and several others. For more information, go to www.dunwoodypolice.com and go to our Resources page. There is a domestic violence link with the abovereferenced information. The police departments Safety Planning pamphlet, which provides safety tips about handling domestic violence incidents, also is on the website.
Publishers recognized as history makers Earl and Carolyn Glenn, publishers of The Champion Newspaper, were honored by their church, Greenforest Community Baptist Church, on the final Sunday in Black History Month. During the recognition a brief video was played noting the couples achievements as founders of the newspaper that became the first Black-owned legal organ in Georgia and the first Black-owned member of the Georgia Press Association. The video also highlighted their work as founders of a charitable foundation that among other work strives to support underprivileged residents of Jamaica.
Reading exercise offered at library
CHAMBLEE
Children 5 to 8 years old will be able to practice their reading skills by reading to therapy dogs Brutus or Maude at the Chamblee Library on March 14, 6:30 -7 p.m. The event is free and open to the rst four participants. For more information call (770) 936-1380 or visit the Chamblee Library located at 4115 Clairmont Road.
City continues to monitor stormwater runoff
CLARKSTON
The City of Clarkston is continuing to implement a program designed to reduce pollution that ows into local storm drains and streams. City staff will soon begin to test discharge from local streams to determine if it contains pollution. then work with residents, business owners, developers, etc. to eliminate the problem. As in previous years, city representatives are continuing to inspect local businesses, such as car repair shops, restaurants and car washes, to identify such potential sources of pollution as used oil, grease and muddy runoff. Potential problems will be documented and educational materials distributed to help business owners and operators comply with local, state and federal laws to prevent polluted stormwater runoff. For more information on the City of Clarkstons Stormwater Management Program and to report suspi-
PINE LAKE
Nursing home resident honored Yvonne Christian was crowned Ms. UPAC-Decatur Nursing Home at a pageant Feb. 18 at the care facility on Panthersville Road. She was one of five contestants who wore evening gowns, gave talent demonstrations and answered questions for the judges. Senior community to celebrate U.S. flags anniversary The Regency House independent retirement community, located at 341 Winn Way in Decatur, is cel-
DUNWOODY
Fingerprint scanner to assist police The Dunwoody Police Department has acquired a Rapid ID Mobile Fingerprint Scanner to assist
Crew leads clean-up project A group of volunteers, led by Pine Lake Mayor Kathy DiNobriga and Director of Public Works Phil Howland recently helped clean the citys leaf bags and streets.
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HELP WANTED DRIVERS OWNER O P E R AT O R S : E a r n up to a $2,000 SignOn Bonus. Excellent P a y. H o m e D a i l y. WANTED 24/7 Dispatch. Fuel & Tire discounts. Third Party Lease Purchase We buy houses! Any P ro g r a m a v a i l a b l e . location. Any condition. CDL-A with 1 year Cash to you in 10-15 tractor trailer experience required. Call 866-7308725 or apply online: www.comtrakinc.com HELP WANTED MEDICAL BILLING TRAINEES NEEDED! Tr a i n t o b e c o m e a Medical Ofce Assistant! No Experience needed! Job Training & Placement Assistance available. HS Diploma/ GED & PC/Inter net needed! 1-888-4077162. FOCUS GROUP-PAYS $100 Looking for individuals interested in participating in a decision analysis project regarding a potential legal case on Saturday, March 24, 2012 (9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.) All interested persons MUST be DeKalb County residents with valid photo identication. Contactfocusgroupintake@
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Sports
Page 21A
Soccer: Tradition comes with hard work for St. Pius girls
by Robert Naddra robert@dekalbchamp.com hree straight state championships. Ten appearances in the state championship match in the past 14 years with six state titles. Thirty-three players have earned college soccer scholarships since 2001. Thats a lot of tradition for teenagers to soak in and St. Pius girls soccer coach Sara Geiger is constantly trying to make sure her players understand what they are playing for. Being able to keep the success has been hard because you constantly have to remind the girls that it does not come to you, you have to go out and take it, Geiger said. I am constantly trying to get them to compete at practice and work hard so that they earn every game they win. The Golden Lions are one of 13 teams in DeKalb County that advanced to the state playoffs last season. St. Pius won the Class AAA boys and girls state titles for the second time in the past three years last season. The girls beat Woodward Academy 5-0 and the boys beat Woodward 5-4 in the state championship. Many of Geigers top players graduated last season, but she has already seen players step forward this season. St. Pius already is 3-0 and has outscored Paideia, Parkview and Collins by a combined total of 14-0. This team is a lot less experienced that the team from last year, Geiger said. We have new players playing in new positions and girls that are starting for the first time. So, we will have to gain game time experience and that comes from playing some tough teams in these first weeks of the season. We scheduled good 5A and 4A schools to constantly keep our team battling against others. Two sophomores have made an impact on offense. Forward Amanda Vocelka has three goals and midfielder Caitlin Orman scored the goal in a 1-0 win over Collins Hill. Another offensive threat is expected to be Caroline Wootten, who scored 15 goals last season. Taylor Glenn and Katie Ward, who have been on the team for four years, lead a group of five seniors who have committed to college scholarships. Wootten also has committed to play at Wake Forest. We are working on having everyone learn their role and know that the team comes first, Geiger said. Players are stepping up whether they are on the field or off the field. We are communicating nicely and keeping a positive spirit. Our energy on the bench during games is great and it comes from everyone being part of the team and wanting to do what is best for the team. Among the other DeKalb schools that made the playoffs last year, the Cross Keys boys had a landmark season. The Indians advanced to the Class AA state semifinals, the best showing by a Cross Keys team since the boys basketball team won a state title in 2003. Also, Paideias girls lost in the Class A championship match 3-2 to First Presbyterian Day and the Paideia boys lost in the Class A semifinals. In addition to St. Pius and Paideia, Marist, Lakeside and Dunwoody all had their boys and girls teams advance to state last season. First-year Cross Keys coach Laura Canepa has half of the lettermen returning from last years team. The Indians are off to a 2-2 start, with senior forward Jordy Banegas providing the offensive spark as he did last season. Banegas has nine goals through the first four games while Lazaro Martinez and Jeffrey Arezalo each have score four goals. We definitely look forward to repeating the success of last season, and our expectations are to get as far as we did or even further, Canepa said.
St. Pius junior Caroline Wootten returns after scoring 15 goals last season. File photo
Sports
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Each week The Champion spotlights former high school players from the county who are succeeding in athletics on the college level. Marcus Vaughn, LaGrange College (basketball): The junior had 22 points and 13 rebounds in a 75-73 loss to Maryville in the Great South Athletic Conference championship game on Feb. 25. Vaughn, who leads the Panthers in rebounding, also was named to the all-conference team. Chancie Dunn, Clemson (basketball): The sophomore from Southwest DeKalb had 10 points and six assists in a 62-50 loss to Georgia Tech on Feb. 25. Dunn, who has started 14 of the Tigers 24 games, is second on the team in assists and averages five points per game. Andy Threatt, Georgia Perimeter College (baseball): The freshman pitcher from Lakeside earned his first collegiate victory on Feb. 23, allowing seven hits and two runs in five innings in a 6-2 win over Piedmont College. He is 1-1 with a 3.46 earned run average.
M.L. King seniors Tivius Guthrie, left photo, shooting, and De'Aires Tate, right photo, helped lead the Lions to a Region 2-AAAAA title and a 20-win season. Photos by Bruce James
Band of brothers
Bonding in offseason and on court pays off for M.L. King
and 6-5 sophomore Greg King, the Lions have been one of the best shooting teams in the county this season. All three shot better than 60 percent from the field, landing them among the top four in the county. As a team, the Lions are tied for second in the county with Southwest DeKalb at 53 percent. The threesome has helped the Lions become strong defensively as the team averages nearly eight blocks per game. The backcourt of sophomore Paul Jackson and senior Tivius Guthrie has been hard for opponents to handle all season. The pair combines for nearly 15 assists per game and Guthrie, who has committed to Grambling along with Tate, leads the county in free throw shooting at 84 percent. Guthrie is one of the best shooters in the county, also leading the area in 3-point shooting at 57 percent and he averages 14 points per game. Weve been focusing on the state tournament since last season and theyre extremely hungry for it, Johnson said. The third-year coach, who led Miller Grove to its first state championship in 2009 before taking the job at M.L. King, has a simple mantra for his team. Theyre all brothers, and you dont let your brothers down, Johnson said. If you have that mindset, then you make sure you get that rebound or lock down on defense. If you work together as a team, then you celebrate together at the end. Throughout the season the team concept has been prevalent, with several players sharing the scoring and rebounding loads. King had 17 points in the semifinals against Westlake and Jackson had 14 points and eight assists in the region title game against Stephenson. The entire basketball team ran cross country last fall to stay in shape, and most took advantage of the open gym during the offseason. It helped us to bond, Guthrie said. And we all hang out on the weekends too. On the court, were all comfortable with each other. We all know where people like to have the ball on the floor. Guthrie and his teammates have taken Johnsons message to heart. Its easy to walk up to someone on the court whos down and help them, Guthrie said. We tell each other what we need to hear and its easy to pick each other up.
by Robert Naddra robert@dekalbchamp.com M.L. King boys basketball coach Eddie Johnson knew the timing would be right this season. The Lions had only one senior from last years team that went 16-9 but lost in the first round of the Region 2-AAAAA tournament to rival Stephenson. M.L. King got another shot this season in the region tournament finals and beat Stephenson to qualify for the Class AAAAA state tournament. An 86-78 win over Lowndes in triple overtime on Feb. 25 was the Lions first win in the state tournament since 2007. For Johnson, the loss last year to Stephenson served as motivation to get his team to the state tournament. I told the kids in the locker room to remember the taste in their mouth, Johnson said. I told them, if you dont like it the way I dont, then dont let it happen again. That incentive plus returning the same starting lineup has served M.L. King well all season. With a front line composed of a pair of 6-foot-6 playersseniors DeAires Tate and Johnny Garvin
The Champion chooses a male and female high school Athlete of the Week each week throughout the school year. The choices are based on performance and nominations by coaches. Please e-mail nominations to robert@ dekalbchamp.com by Monday at noon. MALE ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Tivius Guthrie, M.L. King (basketball): The senior guard, who has committed to Grambling, had 24 points and seven assists to help the Lions beat Coffee 86-78 in triple overtime in the rst round of the Class AAAAA state basketball tournament. FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Klarissa Weaver, Miller Grove (basketball): The junior had a tripledouble with 18 points, 13 rebounds and 12 blocks in the Wolverines 7345 win over Chapel Hill on Feb. 24 in the rst round of the Class AAAA state basketball tournament.
Sports
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DeKalb High School Sports Highlights

BOYS BASKETBALL played Feb. 28-29. Seven boys basketball teamsM.L. King, Stephenson, Miller Grove, Southwest DeKalb, Marist, Columbia and Towerswon first-round games in the state tournaments Feb. 24-25. Second-round games were held Feb. 28-29. Stephenson: Derek Harper scored 29 points to held the Jaguars defeat Coffee 73-62 in the first round of the Class AAAAA tournament. Traevon Gresham added 15 points, and Delmont Walton had 13 points and 10 rebounds. M.L. King: Tivius Guthrie, who has committed to Grambling, had 24 points and seven assists for the Lions in an 86-78 triple-overtime win over Coffee in the first round of the Class AAAAA tournament. The game was tied 57-57 at the end of regulation. DeAires Tate added 19 points and a season-high 19 rebounds, while Johnny Garvin, Greg King and Lorenz Griggs each had 11 points. Garvin added 13 rebounds while King grabbed 12. The Lions made 31 of 47 free throw attempts for the game. Miller Grove: Tony Parker had 21 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Wolverines to an 83-35 win over New Manchester in the Class AAAA tournament. Tony Evans added 17 points and Brandon Morris had 15 for the Wolverines, who led 43-17 at halftime. Southwest DeKalb: William Goodwin had 34 points, 23 rebounds and six blocked shots as the Panthers rallied in the fourth quarter to beat Osborne 70-58. The Panthers trailed 53-49 after three quarters. Justin Hollimon added 12 points and Jordan Price had 11. Columbia: The Eagles rolled over Shaw 84-66 in the first round of the Class AAA tournament. Tahj Shamsid-Deen had 24 points and 10 assists, while Nate Mason had 13 points and Jarmal Reid had 11 points, seven rebounds and three blocks. Also, Jhaustin Thomas had a triple-double with 10 points, 10 rebounds and 10 blocks. Towers: The Titans won their first state playoff game since 2002, beating LaGrange 61-59 in the Class AAA tournament. Tierre Smith led with 15 points and Brett Oakman added 13 for the Titans (20-8), who reached 20 wins in a season for the first time since 1996. GIRLS BASKETBALL Five girls basketball teamsStephenson, Southwest DeKalb, Miller Grove, Chamblee and Columbiawon firstround state tournament games Feb. 24-25. Second round games were Stephenson: Junior Kaliyah Mitchell scored 20 points and Naima Jackson added 18 as the Jaguars defeated Tift County 67-47 in the first round of the Class AAAAA tournament. The win was the 15th in a row for the Jaguars. Southwest DeKalb: Nine players scored as coach Kathy Walton used 12 of her 13 players in a 63-49 win over Kell in the first round of the Class AAAA tournament. Nekia Sockwell led with 17 points, Jasmine Coleman added 16 and freshman Nicole Martin had 10 points and 17 rebounds. Miller Grove: Klarissa Weaver had a triple-double with 18 points, 13 rebounds and 12 blocks as the Wolverines easily defeated Chapel Hill 73-45 in the first round of the Class AAAA state playoffs. Tashi Thompson led the scoring with 22 points and Tabitha Fudge added 16. The Wolverines made 31 of 51 field goal attempts for the game. Columbia: Miah Spencer scored 18 points to lead the Eagles to a 78-52 win over LaGrange in the opening round of the Class AAA tournament. Victoria Gonzalez and Yakitiva Hickson each added 12 points for the Eagles (20-5). Decatur: The Bulldogs, at one time ranked as high as No. 5 in Class AA, lost to Heard County 55-47 in the first round. It was the third time in the past four seasons the Bulldogs have been knocked out of the playoffs in the opening round. BASEBALL Stephenson: The Jaguars in the first week of the season matched their win total for last season with victories over Mount Zion (19-4), Central Gwinnett (5-2) and North Springs (6-3). Miller Grove: Trey Nelson and Juan Hambrick combined to throw the first no-hitter of the season in a 13-1 win over Stone Mountain. Nelson had four strikeouts in four innings. Fentress Henderson had three hits, three RBIs and four stolen bases while Sean Charleston had two hits, an RBI and two stolen bases. Marist: The defending Class AAAA state champions opened the season with three losses4-3 to Cartersville, 5-1 to Greenbrier and 3-2 to Lassiter. Will Curran was 2 for 7 with two RBIs in the three games and Grifn Davis hit a home run. Cedar Grove: The Saints opened the season with an 8-2 in over Southwest DeKalb and a 9-8 win over Lithonia. Against Southwest, Denzel Washington struck out four and allowed one run to earn the win, and had two hits and three RBIs at the plate. Akheem
The Stephenson boys, led by Derek Harper (3) with 29 points and Delmont Walton (55), defeated Coffee 73-62 in the first round of Class AAAAA state playoffs.
Kyana Johnson (24) and Naima Jackson (15) drive to the basket during the Stephenson girls 67-47 win over Tift County. Photos by Travis Hudgons
Taylor, James Harteld and Bryson Allen-Williams each had two hits, with Allen-Williams driving in three runs. Dunwoody: The Wildcats opened the season with a 3-1 loss to Milton and a 4-1 loss to Pope. Against Milton, Jerric Johnson had an RBI and Logan Elliot pitched a one-hitter through four innings. Jonathan Langley drove in a run in the loss to Pope. Chamblee: Patrick Golden, the winning pitcher, struck out three and allowed four hits in a 7-3 win over Riverwood on Feb. 20. David Coble led the offense with two hits. Columbia: The Eagles got off to a 2-0
start with wins over Meadowcreek (115) and Tucker (9-6). Jaylen Atterburry was 5 for 7 with three RBIs in the two games, while Xavier Floyd, Trent Nash, William Belcher, Demetrius Jones and Atterburry each had two hits against Meadowcreek. Lakeside: Chad Sitten had three hits and an RBI in the Vikings 8-1 win over Druid Hills on Feb. 20. Rob Cosby added two hits and an RBI. Adam Hall was the winning pitcher. Southwest DeKalb: Kevin Winbush struck out five and allowed three hits over five scoreless innings to pace the Panthers 6-5 victory over Martin Luther King Jr. on Feb. 20. Malcolm Moore had two
Page 24A
Community mourns loss of banker James Young

Funeral services for James E. Young, president and CEO of Citizens Trust Bank since 1998, are being planned for Saturday, March 3. Young, a resident of Stone Mountain, died after a brief battle with cancer. Attributing much of his success to consistently striving for excellence, Mr. Young until his death remained a steward of dignity and humility. Under his guidance and direction Citizens Trust Bank continued to be safe, sound and well capitalized, Citizen Trust Bank officials said in a statement. He is remembered as a leader who shepherded the bank through recent difficult economic times for the industry, during which the bank never failed to pay a dividend. Young joined Citizens Trust Bank of Atlanta in 1998 as president and CEO as a result of the merger of the institution and DeKalb Countys First Southern Bank, where he had been president and CEO since 1993. The passing of Mr. Young has left us deeply saddened. He will be tremendously missed but not forgotten, said Cynthia N. Day, newly appointed president and CEO of Citizens Trust Bank. Mr. Young has left a lasting impact on us all with his wisdom, his character and his ability to inspire others. We will continue to honor him and the legacy he has left. Citizens Bancshares Corporations Board of Directors, management team and staff continue to embrace and pray for the family to show our support. A native of Cleveland, Tenn., Young served on the boards of The National Bankers Association, The Atlanta Action Forum, Central Atlanta Progress, The Commerce Club and Rock-Tenn Company. In addition he was a member of the Board of Councilors of The Carter Center, the DeKalb County Chapter of 100 Black Men of America and Antioch AME Church in Stone Mountain. E. Lamont Houston, president and chairman of the board of 100 Black Men of DeKalb County issued this statement: The 100 Black Men of DeKalb County is deeply saddened by the death of one of our long-time members, Mr. James (Jim) Young. Jim joined the 100 Black Men of DeKalb in 1993 and has supported the organizations efforts to groom and develop the students enrolled in our Leadership Academy program, which supports the students of DeKalb County Schools. We are grateful for the many opportunities that Jim met and discussed the banking industry with our students. He was a catalyst for financial and banking literacy and worked diligently to lead and serve as a role model for the youth in our community to follow in his footsteps. Mr. Youngs leadership throughout DeKalb County will be sorely missed by the many lives he has touched. Young is survived by his wife Rebecca of more than 30 years, three sons and a daughter.
James E. Young
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Serving East Atlanta, Avondale Estates, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Clarkston, Decatur, Doraville, Dunwoody, Lithonia, Pine Lake, Tucker

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WWW.CHAMPIONNEWSPAPER.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2012 VOL. 14, NO. 49 FREE

A PUBLICATION OF ACE III COMMUNICATIONS

Emory University sees record application numbers for fall

HYIS SHE HAPPY ?

Being a crossing guard in downtown Decatur is a family affair

WHYIS SHE WHYIS SHE SO SO HAPPY ? HAPPY ?

WHYIS SHE SO HAPPY ?

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The Champion Free Press, Friday, March 2, 2012

CEOs Community Hero Awards

Announcing the 2012

Award Nominee Information (attach additional page if needed)

The Champion Free Press, Friday, March 2, 2012

Commissioners pass budget with reservations

Candler Road/Flat Shoals businesses unite against crime

The Champion Free Press, Friday, March 2, 2012

Fickle fame and flags

Opinion The Newslady

The Champion Free Press, Friday, March 2, 2012

Ask not for whom the cell tolls

Opinion One Mans Opinion

STATEMENT FROM THE PUBLISHER

The Champion Free Press, Friday, March 2, 2012

Commissioner questions DCTV schedule

Neuman, victims wife groped each other, witness says

Printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper

The Champion Free Press, Friday, March 2, 2012

Lia Neel Zelazny

Champion of the Week

CSD helps families bridge the digital divide

PEG Support Fund 203

Foreclosure Registry Fund 205

Victim Assistance Fund 206

Juvenile Services Fund 208

Treatment & Education Fund 209

(1,634) 10,489 92 8,947

2,456 7,026 523 444 10,449

Total Liabilities And Fund Balance

The Champion Free Press, Friday, March 2, 2012

Hospital Fund 273

1,864 Hotel / Motel Tax Fund 275

566 Rental Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Fund 280

1,898 Capital Improvement Projects Fund 350

8,087 Public Safety Judicial Facilities Fund 354

(2,553) Building Authority Juvenile Court Fund 355

3,253 ARRA Capital Projects Fund 360

(2,244) 903 (1,341)

Total Liabilities And Fund Balance

(1,341) Building Authority Bonds Debt Service Fund 412

Total Liabilities And Fund Balance

58 55,960 (4,883) 1,658 (4,535) 48,258 6,846

2011 Actual 120 32,665 2,798 4,555 (4,535) 35,603

(4) 741 (2,102) (1,365) 3,305

64 410,474 59,859 470,397 20,158 20,158

3,141 1,141 11,991 1,135

69 58,786 43,450 102,305 12,035 12,035 2011 Actual

278 637 12,266 655 4,481 1,786 1,422 2,172 -

689 4,481 1,786 1,422 2,090 -