Deal suspends DeKalb Sheriff: see www.TheChampionNewspaper.
com for details
FREEPRESS
Serving East Atlanta, Avondale Estates, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Clarkston, Decatur, Doraville, Dunwoody, Lithonia, Pine Lake, Stone Mountain, Stonecrest and Tucker
Harvest hits the road
through Fresh on Dek
by Kathy Mitchell
S
ome DeKalb
County residents
are now shopping
at community
centers, county offices,
libraries, churches and
other unlikely places
through Fresh on Dek, the
DeKalb Mobile Farmers
Market that visits sites
around the county to make
fresh produce available
to residents who might
otherwise have difficulty
accessing it.
Sites apply to have us
stop once or on a regular
schedule, explained
Extension Service
employee Joelette
Bembry at the mobile
markets June 8 stop at
the Scott Candler Library
on Candler Road, where
it stops on alternate
Thursdays. Our goal is
to reach places where
residents arent close to
stores that sell fresh fruits
and vegetables, she said.
The term for such
areas is food desert,
which the U. S.
Department of Agriculture
defines as parts of the
country vapid of fresh
fruit, vegetables, and
other healthful whole
foods, usually found in
impoverished areas.
This is largely due to a
lack of grocery stores,
farmers markets, and
healthy food providers.
The federal agency notes
that residents in such
area often do not have
transportation or walkable
roads and depend on
convenience stores,
small box stores and fast
Visit www.championnewspaper.com for local, real DeKalb County news.
the DeKalb
food restaurants for their
meals.
Another government
organization, the Centers
for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), notes
that dependence on highly
processed calorie-dense
food such as that usually
available at food outlets
that are not tradition
grocery stores can lead to
obesity and other health
problems.
CDC provides funding
for Fresh on DeK, which
operates as a partnership
of DeKalb County, the
DeKalb County office the
UGA Extension Service,
Live Healthy DeKalb,
and the DeKalb County
Board of Health. Research
supports the correlation
between poor health
and food insecurity, the
disproportionate effect this
relationship has on low-
income communities and
the need to address the
issue of locations lacking
access, according to
material published by the
program, which started in
July 2015.
Fresh on Dek has
been popular, according
to Bembry, who noted
that before coming to the
library at noon the mobile
market had sold out of
some items at an earlier
stop. It looks like were
going to run out again,
she said, eyeing the line
of shoppers filling their
baskets with tomatoes,
onions, snap beans,
collards, kale, eggplant,
oranges, apples, pears,
grapes and other produce.
We had cabbage this
morning, but it was gone
FRIDAY, JUNE 16, 2017 VOL. 20, NO. 11 FREE
A PUBLICATION OF ACE III COMMUNICATIONS
before we got here.
Shoppers at the library
stop, the second stop of
the day, included some
who had arrived on an
East Lake YMCA mini-
bus.
The mobile market
stops at three locations Joelette Bembry of the DeKalb Extension Service shows fresh
for two hours each on peppers that were for sale when the Mobile Farmers Market
stopped June 8 at the Scott Candler library branch. Photos by
Tuesdays, Wednesdays Kathy Mitchell
and Thursdays and one
location on Fridays.
Among the locations are:
Clifton Springs Health
Center in Decatur, Lou
Walker Senior Center in
Lithonia and Redan High
School in Stone Mountain.
Bembry explained that
the mobile market buys
produce in bulk from Your
DeKalb Farmers Market
and prices it to match an
average of area grocery
stores. Its good to make
a profit, but its OK if we
dont, she said. Were
not trying to compete with
other food sellers; we
just want to make high-
quality produce available.
A cooking demonstration featured a dish made with ground turkey
Were here to serve the and the vegetable of the dayyellow squash.
community.
After the vehicle
arrives at its site, bins are lower than at local grocery ground turkey. Recipes
attached to its side and stores. and nutritional information
filled with various types of More than a fresh were available. We
produce. The selection is produce market, want to show people that
a combination of whats the Mobile Farmers healthy eating can also be
available, what customers Market features food economical, said Cain,
ask for and what sells demonstrations with adding that the Extension
well, according to Bembry. samples and recipes. Service offers a series
We cant sell everything. At the library parking of classes for people on
We get a lot of requests lot, Extension Service the federal Supplemental
for watermelon, for employee Phyllis Cain Nutrition Assistance
example, but its too bulky prepared a skillet dish Program.
for us to carry on a regular featuring the vegetable The mobile market
basis. We only feature of the daysquash. You accepts EBT, credit cards,
it once in a while, she can serve this over any checks and cash. For a
said. The mobile farmers kind of grainpasta, full schedule of stops, visit
market website says the rice, quinoa, she said www.dekalbmobilemarket.
mark-up on produce is of the dish that includes com.
@DeKalbChampNews
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 16, 2017 Page 2
LOCAL
AROUNDDEKALB
BROOKHAVEN
Touch a Truck event
Police and fire departments will be on
hand to provide a day of fun and learning at
Brookhavens Touch a Truck event on June
24 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Blackburn Park.
The event is free. The park is located at 3493
Ashford Dunwoody Road.
CHAMBLEE
Onion Man offers Christmas in July
Onion Man Productionslocated at 5522
New Peachtree Roadis offering a two-session
workshop on writing for the stage on July 16
and 23.
Led by Atlanta-area playwright Daphne
Mintz, the goal of the workshoptitled
Christmas in Julyis to develop a 10-to
25-minute one-act, holiday-themed play.
Attendees will be instructed on how to create
palatable storylines and develop interesting
characters, according to event officials.
The workshop will include exercises to get
synapses firing, writing time to get the words
on paper, and the dos and donts for holiday
audiences, an event description states.
Together, we will kill your darlings, steal your
ideas, practice being naughty and nice, and
help everyone develop fresh works for the
best Christmas ever!
The cost is $75 and limited to a class size of
seven. For more information and to register,
visit www.onionmanproductions.com.
CLARKSTON
World Refugee Day to be celebrated
The city of Clarkston, in partnership with
the Coalition of Refugee Service Agencies, will
celebrate World Refugee Day on June 17 from
10 a.m. until noon at Refuge Coffee, located at
4170 E. Ponce de Leon Ave. NE.
Enjoy delicious coffee and family-friendly
activities as you meet your neighbors, hear
thoughts, stories and experiences from
special guest speakers and take part in a huge
group photo to show just how much Georgia
loves refugees! reads an event description.
World Refugee Day is recognized every
year internationally on June 20.
For more information, contact Stephanie
Jackson Ali at s.ali@newamericanpathways.
org.
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 16, 2017 Page 3
DECATUR
Decatur looking for artists
The Decatur Arts Alliance seeks sculptures
to be placed in five locations within walking
distance of downtown Decatur as part of
the ongoing Decatur Artway celebration of
public art. They are seeking artists for their
third phase of sculptures to be featured in the
downtown area.
Contact the Decatur Arts Alliance at (404)-
371-9583 or info@decaturartsalliance.org,
with any additional questions.
STONE
MOUNTAIN
June music events announced
Gareth Asher and Nicki Thrailkill will
perform June 23 at Stone Mountains Tunes By
The Tracks event in the municipal parking lot,
next to the Gazebo. Attendees can bring lawn
chairs. The two-hour concert begins at 7 p.m.
Tunes By The Tracks will be held every Friday
until June 30. For more information, visit www.
stonemountaincity.org.
TUCKER
City to host Fathers Day flag
football
Tucker will host a Fathers Day flag football
event June 17 at 2 p.m. at Henderson Park.
The friendly game of football will be played
by fathers. Moms and children are welcome to
cheer on the dads. The park is located at 2723
Henderson Road. For more information, email
Charla at CharlaHalverson@gmail.com.
COUNTYWIDE
Nonprofit seeks artists for Buford
Highway project
We Love BuHi is seeking 10 artists with
Buford Highway roots to participate in the
Great Gates of Buford Highway project.
According to event officials, beginning
in fall 2017, We Love BuHi will install Great
Gates at different businesses along Buford
Highway. The gates are intended to celebrate
the diversity of Buford Highway through
public art, promote local artists, support local
businesses and encourage pedestrian activity.
Criteria for submitted proposals include
details and background for each gate, a
visual mock-up, written description, and a
presentation at an introductory meeting on
July 12. Installation is expected to begin in
August with completion in October.
The deadline for all proposals is June 30.
For more information, contact Marian Liou
at marianliou@gmail.com or (404) 547-1349.
DeKalb pastors create faith-based
energy initiative
The DeKalb Pastors Alliance in partnership
with Partners In Energy, which includes
National Sustainable Energy Group, Air
Conditioning Experts, Atlanta Gas Light,
Georgia Power, Genesis Credit, Goodman
Manufacturing, UtiliPro and Wells Fargo have
teamed up to create a faith-based initiative
known as Smart Home Energy with the
residents of DeKalb County.
The kick-off event will be held on June
22, at 9 a.m. at the Clarkston First Baptist
Church, 3999 Church Street, Clarkston. The
event is free and open to the public.
This initiative is designed to promote
sustainable energy efficiency and safe
environmental friendly transfer from
the refrigerant Freon to puron. The EPA
mandatory phase-out of the R-22 refrigerant,
commonly known as Freon, will affect roughly
70 percent of the homeowners in DeKalb
County.
Free information workshops will be
conducted at area churches to help educate
the community.
To learn more about the DeKalb Pastors
Alliance and get more information on this
initiative please email dekalbpastorsalliance@
gmail.com or contact Steven N. Dial,
executive director at (404) 288-1910.
Park partially closed for repairs
A section of Deepdene Park will be closed
to repair the rock waterfall from June 19 to
30. Additional repairs will also take place
including rebuilding the trail, removing shrubs
and creating a drainage basin.
The park will remain open during repairs
and visitors are encouraged to use caution
and follow safety signs marking off the repair
area.
For more information, please contact
Revonda Cosby project manager at the
DeKalb County Department of Recreation,
Parks and Cultural Affairs at (404) 371-2540.
LOCAL
Helping Oppressed Mothers Endure founder Carolyn Watson
said the $25,000 donation from former NFL quarterback Colin
Kaepernick came as a surprise.
Colin Kaepernick donation a big hit
by Horace Holloman
horace@dekalbchamp.com
Initially, DeKalb County
resident Carolyn Watson had
no idea who NFL quarterback
Colin Kaepernick isor how
to pronounce his last name.
However, after Kaepernick
donated $25,000 to her
Lithonia-based charity Helping
Oppressed Mothers Endure
(HOME), she knows.
As a part of Kaepernicks
$1 million pledge to donate
to organizations that fight
oppression through education
and social activism, the Colin
Kaepernick Foundation
chose HOME as one of 24
organizations across the United
States to donate money to.
So far, the former starting
NFL quarterback has donated
$700,000 toward his $1 million
goal.
Watson said the donation
took her by surprise.
Somehow Colin
Kaepernick found out about
us...this [donation came
through] no efforts of our
own, Watson said. This is
something that I truly consider
a miracle and the reason why is
because this just came to us.
HOME, a nonprofit
organization that provides
single mothers with furniture
and other household items,
was the brainchild of Watson.
Watson is the founder and
executive director of HOME
and says she couldnt do it
without the support of her
husband, Leotis Watson, good
Lithonia-based HOME recently received a donation from former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick as part of Kaepernicks $1 million
pledge to charities across the United States.
Kaepernick
friend Carolyn Tolbert and
volunteers.
The $25,000 donation will
help provide additional beds
and items for single mothers in
need in the metro area.
HOME serves on average
10 families each month in
nine metro-Atlanta counties,
according to Tolbert, HOMEs
director of development.
As of June 7, 545 moms
and children collectively
received sofas, dinette sets,
beds, computer desks, TVs,
lamps, small appliances, dishes,
linen and bedding through the
organization. Also more than
5,600 pieces of gently used
home furnishings have been
distributed in less than 3 years.
Watson created the idea
of HOME based on her life
experiences. When she was
9 years old, Watson said she
watched her mother escape
an abusive relationship.
When Watson became a first-
time mom, she also endured
personal struggles and found
herself juggling bills and
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 16, 2017 Page 4
meeting family needs by announced that he would into the controversy, but you
herself with little support. donate $1 million to charities have to stand for something or
HOME is the only plus all the proceeds of his else youll fall for anything.
organization Georgia, so far, jersey sales from the 2016 Watson said she hopes
to receive a donation from NFL season to organizations to acquire a warehouse soon
Kaepernick. Last year the working in oppressed so HOME can have space
former San Francisco 49ers communities. The pledge to accept more donations.
quarterback made national includes donating $100,000 a Watson said she also wants
headlines by kneeling during month for 10 months. to develop programs to help
the playing of the national The fact that [Kaepernick] single mothers with daycare
anthem before every game to would take his tangible for children or clothes for
protest police brutality and resources and make change in potential job interviews.
social injustice. the world speaks a lot about his
Last year Kaepernick heart, Watson said. Im not
Notice of Property
Tax Increase
The City of Stone Mountain has tentatively adopted a
millage rate which will require an increase in property taxes
by 6.86 percent. All concerned citizens are invited to public
hearings on this tax increase to be held at City Hall, 875
Main Street, Stone Mountain, GA 30083 on Monday, June
26, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Times and places of additional public hearings on this tax
increase are at City Hall, 875 Main Street, Stone Mountain,
GA 30083 on Wednesday, July 5, 2017 at 6:30 p.m.
The tentative increase will result in a millage rate of
22.270 mils, an increase of 1.429 mils. Without this
tentative tax increase, the millage rate will be no more than
20.841 mils. The proposed tax increase for a home with a
fair market value of $100,000 is approximately $57.16 and
the proposed tax increase for non-homestead property with
a fair market value of $125,000 is approximately $71.45.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 16, 2017 Page 5

Children at Clairmont Presbyterian Church in Decatur have an close encounter with a Clairmont Presbyterian Church Associate Pastor Kimmy Briggs, left, and Anne
baby goat. Kilpatrick agreed that goats are a lifeline for families in La Gonave, Haiti.

Goat project supported by local church women

by Gale Horton Gay Gonave.
CPC has been involved with
For the women of Clairmont the La Gonave Project since
Presbyterian Church in Decatur, its inception 16 years ago,
funding the purchase of goats explained Edna Jennings,
to people living on an island a member of Clairmont
hundreds of miles away is an Presbyterian. Other churches
act of Christian love. in the area donate as well,
This year, for the 10th but I think were the only ones
year, the womens ministry who have actual live goats in
donated $7,000, which will fund attendance.
the purchase of 35 goats for I feel so privileged to have
families living on La Gonave, a tiny part in this ministry that
Haiti. I have added a bequest in my
Kimmy Briggs, associate will to the Haitian Partnership,
pastor of the church, said the added church member Anne
churchs womens group works Kilpatrick. I know exactly how
through the larger Presbyterian the money is spent and the
body in Atlanta and has difference one goat can make
steadily increased its financial in a familys life. Having a goat
commitment to the project over can make the difference in a
the years. familys ability to send a child to
On Oct. 4, 2016, Hurricane and a familys goat population
Briggs said the need school or buy medicine.
Matthew hit La Gonave, increases, some are sold for
for goats on the island is Kilpatrick described two
destroying homes, washing income.
particularly heightened this brothers on the island whose
away newly planted crops and Anne Kilpatrick, a member
year due to Hurricane Matthew, goat herd had increased to
killing more than 200 goats. The of the church and the womens
which caused destruction and about 12, which enabled them
goat farmers lost their livelihood group, said the fundraising
devastation on La Gonave last to pay for expensive medicine,
and the ability to put meat involving talking to children in
fall. and a woman who donated one
on the familys table, pay for Sunday School classes about
The island, which is of her baby goats to a neighbor.
their childrens education, and the lives of the islanders,
described as being only Its not a complicated
purchase medicine. bringing two baby goats to the
accessible by boat, is quite theological thing, she said.
It wiped out their goat churchs campus to interact
poor, according to church Because of the churchs
population, said Briggs, adding with families and holding a Goat
leaders. There are few roads commitment to this project,
that rebuilding the herd is vital Sunday during which a speaker
and most residents travel by Clairmont has been given the
to the islanders self-sufficiency from the project addressed the
motorcycle, by donkey, or by honor to name one of the bucks
and livelihood. congregation about the need
foot, states a church press (male goat). The church will
The goats are used for milk, and presented slides showing
release. The average family hold a congregation-wide vote
meat and after being breed the people and goats of La
income is $1.40 per day. to determine the bucks name.
OPINION DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 16, 2017 Page 6

Proud to be a Champion
On June 2, The Champion
was recognized as a first-
place winner in the category
of General Excellence at the
2017 Georgia Press Association
Annual Convention held in Jekyll
Island.
The 2017 recognition marks
the ninth consecutive year,
and 10th total time that The
Champion has been awarded
the prestigious first-place honor.
Each year newspapers are
judged by peers from other state
press associations; points are
accumulated for advertising
design and editorial categories
and tallied to determine the
newspapers that are recognized
as General Excellence winners.
The Champion became
a member of Georgia Press
Association in 2002 and was the
John Hewitt
johnh@dekalbchamp.com
first minority-owned newspaper
member of the statewide
association. Since then, the
newspaper has been recognized
numerous times for our editorial
and advertising content.
It takes a dedicated team
of professionals to produce an
entirely new product each week
and to consistently produce a
product that is recognized by
peers as being one of the best in
our state.
Under the guidance of our
publisher Carolyn Glenn, and
Chief Financial Officer Dr. Earl
Glenn, our staff is challenged
with recording the events and
people that define DeKalb
County. As the official legal
organ of DeKalb County, we are
also challenged with publishing
legal notices that serve as a
permanent record of our countys
judicial processes.
Our relatively small staff each
day does our best to bring the
news and legal notices to the
public in a timely and accurate
manner. Each member of our
staff, including our part-time
employees, plays a pivotal role
that has multiple responsibilities.
Without the efforts of
MaryAnn Thompson, Jenese
Turner, Dexter Redding, Carla
Parker, Horace Holloman,
Kathy Mitchell, Gale Horton-
Gay, Scott Belzer, Chris Glenn,
Jackie Bryant, Kemesha
Wadley, Travis Hudgons,
JoAnn Bowden, Donna Seay,
Bill Crane, Fitzroy James,
Vance Harper and Alvin
Brown, we would not be able to
maintain the level of excellence
that our readers and peers
have come to expect from The
Champion.
I am proud to be a part of
this team and look forward
to continuing the tradition of
excellence that our readers,
advertisers and community
deserve and expect.

Subscribe to The Champion Newspaper

To subscribe, visit TheChampionNewspaper.com or call 404.373.7779
OPINION DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 16, 2017 Page 7

Community newspapers: A vital cog in democracy

Buried somewhere doing their jobs, and thinking local economic development an opportunity to inform
in my parents house in to myself, perhaps out loud, story or a development in the themselves about the events
Watkinsville is a stack of Thats the best job in the public schools, the newspaper of the day in a way that brings
aged newspaperscopies of world provides coverage people them meaning.
the Athens Banner-Herald, It still is a great job, an need. The glare of the national
The Oconee Enterprise and important job, a job worth Its quite fashionable these news media sometimes
the dearly departed Athens doing well. Weve all followed days to be dismissive of the obscures the fine work done
Observer. You see, in my the news about the news future of the press. Its many by so many community
family, community newspapers business, watching the critics seem all too eager to journalists daily, soldiering on
have always been the drumbeat of layoffs at media write it off as some outdated in these trying times, bringing
chroniclers of family lore, of companies large and small anachronism of an earlier age. us the news we need to raise
scholastic achievements, of the as the digital era ushers in a I find that attitude troubling, our children, strengthen our
fleeting fame of youth. wrenching transition. Media and more than a little puzzling, communities and share our
In the bottom of that pile, managers are being asked to perhaps because I know that triumphs and our losses.
I know, are some of my most do more with less than ever every day, in communities So let me take a moment to
prized possessions: stories I before, with predictable results. across the state of Georgia and thank the countless journalists
wrote as a budding journalist. The somewhat myopic across the nation, reporters, out there who arent splashed
The first-ever clip, written in focus on all things digital belies editors, photographers and across the cable TV gabfests
the heat of a June night by a the fact that in communities all designers toil thanklessly to spewing opinion 24/7, but who
novice intern, told the gripping over the country, community keep us informed. Reporters instead tell the true stories of
tale of an error-plagued Little newspapers are thriving. The sit through interminable public Americaeven if it is a humble
League tilt between Athens reason is simple and timeless: meetings, keeping a watchful Little League game on a warm
Federal and Arbysor was it in so many communities the eye on school boards and southern night. Community
Arbys and Burger King? I cant local newspaper remains a city councils, water districts newspapers remain a rich part
recall, but I know that from the viable advertising vehicle and and non-profits. They ask of the media diet, and for that,
moment the Banner-Herald is the only source of verified, difficult questions of people I am thankful.
hired me on, life has never professionally presented news less than thrilled to answer
been the same. and information. Municipal them, challenge assumptions,
I spent a couple of governance, justice and all scrutinize assertions and shine Charles Davis
summers covering organized of the other news that binds bright light into dark corners of Dean, Grady College of
baseball in the Athens area a community together still society. Journalism and Mass
25 years ago, and recall forms the basic covenant In so doing, they provide an Communication
vividly sitting in the newsroom, between a town and its indispensable service to the University of Georgia
watching the real journalists newspaper, and whether its a democracy, offering its citizens

FREEPRESS
the DeKalb
Publisher: Photographer: STATEMENT FROM THE
John Hewitt Travis Hudgons
PUBLISHER
Chief Financial Officer: Staff Reporters: We sincerely appreciate the
discussion surrounding this and any
Let Us Know What You Think! Dr. Earl D. Glenn Carla Parker issue of interest to DeKalb County.
SEND LETTERS TO EDITOR, R. Scott Belzer The Champion was founded in 1991
THE DEKALB FREE PRESS encourages opinions from Production Manager: Horace Holloman expressly to provide a forum for
The DeKalb Free Press, discourse for all community residents
its readers. Please write to us and express your views. P. O. Box 1347, Decatur, GA 30031-1347; Kemesha Wadley on all sides of an issue. We have no
Letters should be brief, typewritten and contain the Send email to Johnh@dekalbchamp.com desire to make the news only to
FAX To: (404) 370-3903; Phone: (404) 373-7779. The DeKalb Free Press is published each Friday report news and opinions to effect
writers name, address and telephone number for verifi- Deadline for news releases and advertising: by ACE III Communications, Inc., a more educated citizenry that will
cation. All letters will be considered for publication. Thursday, one week prior to publication date. 114 New Street, Suite E, Decatur, GA. 30030 ultimately move our community
forward. We are happy to present
Phone (404) 373-7779. ideas for discussion; however,
EDITORS NOTE: The opinions written by columnists and contributing editors do not necessarily reflect the opinions www.championnewspaper.com we make every effort to avoid
of the editor or publishers. The Publisher reserves the right to reject or cancel any advertisement at any time. The printing information submitted to
us that is known to be false and/or
Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts. DISPLAY ADVERTISING (404) 373-7779 x 110 assumptions penned as fact.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 16, 2017 Page 8

Lithonia orders school owners to remove items from old city hall
Several city officials have said
the Lithonia Housing Authority
owns the building. Reynolds
said members of the housing
authority told her that they
want the city council to use the
building.
They feel like [the school]
[doesnt] have any business
trying to lease it, Reynolds said.
The council members and
Green agreed to work together
on how the building could be
used by business owners and
residents.
Im more than open to
working with the city, Green
said.
Once school officials
remove the schools items
from the building, keys to the
building will be given to council
members.

Lithonia officials gave notice to the co-founders of The Harriet Tubman School
for Leadership and Enterprise to remove items from the old city hall building.
Photo by Carla Parker
by Carla Parker
carla@dekalbchamp.com
The founders of The
Harriet Tubman School for
Leadership and Enterprise
have been ordered by Lithonia
City Council to remove their
belongings from the old city hall
building on Main Street.
The council voted during its
June 5 regular meeting to give
the school founders Jhavaun
Green and Muhammed
Cannon a 30-day notice to
remove items left in the building
from their operation. The school
hosted programs in the building
for 11 months beginning in
November 2015, but were told to
cease using the building by the
council in August 2016 when
council members discovered
they were using the facility
without a lease agreement.
Four city council members
voted at a special call meeting
May 24 to have access to the
building, and to clean the inside
of the building so it could be
used for office space for council
members and as a meeting
place for business owners and
residents.
Mayor Pro Tem Tracy-Ann
Williams and Mayor Deborah
Jackson were not at the meeting.
During that meeting, Green
brought up the issue of who
owns the title of the old city
hall building. A search for the
lease was authorized by the city
council in September 2016;
however, the city attorney was
unable to find the title to see
who owns the building.
They cant find anything
and now were back to where we
were, Councilwoman Shameka
Reynolds said.
CITY OF DORAVILLE
NOTICE OF PROPERTY TAX INCREASE
The City of Doraville has tentatively adopted a millage rate of
8.951 which will require an increase in property taxes by 16.23
percent. The proposed millage rate is .58 mills more than the prior
year millage rate of 8.371 mills.
All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearing on this tax
increase to be held at the Doraville City Hall located at 3725 Park
Avenue, Doraville, GA 30340 on June 12, 2017 at 6:00pm.
Times and places of additional public hearings on this tax increase
are at the Doraville City Hall on June 12, 2017 at 11:30am and at the
Doraville Civic Center located at 3770 Central Avenue, Doraville GA
30340 on June 19, 2017 at 6:00pm.
This tentative increase will result in a millage rate of 8.951 mills,
an increase of 16.23 percent over the rollback rate. Without this
tentative tax increase, the millage rate will be no more than 7.701
mills. The proposed tax increase for a home with a fair market
value of $150,000 is approximately $43.75 and the tax increase for
a non-homestead property with a fair market value of $675,000 is
approximately $337.50.

CITY OF DORAVILLE
CITY OF DORAVILLE
NOTICE NOTICE OF FIVE
OF FIVE YEAR YEAR HISTORY
HISTORY
Pursuant
Pursuant to the requirements
to the requirements of O.C.G.A.
of O.C.G.A. Sectiondoes
Section 48-5-32 48-5-32
herebydoes hereby
publish publish the
the following followingofpresentation of
presentation
the current
the current years years taxand
tax digest digest
levy,and levy,
along along
with with the
the history history
of the of theand
tax digest taxlevy
digest andpast
for the levyfive
foryears.
the past five years.
All citizens
All citizens of Doraville
of Doraville aretoinvited
are invited attend.to attend.

CURRENT 2017 TAX

CURRENT DIGEST
2017 AND FIVEAND
TAX DIGEST YEAR LEVY
FIVE YEAR LEVY
2012 2012 2013 2013 2014 20142015 20152016 2017
2016
Real & Personal
Real & Personal 361,679,814 395,990,311
361,679,814 416,515,498
395,990,311 582,014,025 582,014,025
416,515,498 586,820,583 586,820,583
669,265,983 669
Motor Vehicle 15,848,630 15,906,220 14,025,040 9,332,050 7,001,920 6,360,280
Motor Vehicle 15,848,630 15,906,220 14,025,040 9,332,050 7,001,920 6
Mobile Homes 0 0 0 0 0 0
Mobile Homes 0 0 0 0 0
Timber 100% 0 0 0 0 0 0
Timber 100% 0 0 0 0 0
Heavy Duty Equipment 4,530 4,530 0 0 2,222 2,222
Heavy Duty Equipment 4,530 4,530 0 0 2,222
Gross Tax Digest 377,532,974 411,901,061 430,540,538 591,346,075 593,824,725 675,628,485
Gross Tax Digest
Exemptions 377,532,974
35,478,708 411,901,061
35,478,708 430,540,538
37,551,588 64,281,530 591,346,075
62,253,978 593,824,725
78,870,899 675
Exemptions
Net Tax Digest 35,478,708
342,054,266 35,478,708
376,422,353 392,988,95037,551,588
527,064,545 64,281,530
531,570,747 62,253,978
596,757,586 78
Net Tax Digest
Net Millage 342,054,266 9.00
9.00 376,422,353 8.75392,988,9508.50 527,064,545
8.371 531,570,747
8.951 596
NetLevy
Net Tax Millage
100% 3,078,488 9.00
3,387,801 9.00
3,438,653 8.75
4,480,049 8.50
4,449,779 8.371
5,341,577
Net Increase/(Decrease)
Net Tax Levy 100% 144,285 309,3133,387,801
3,078,488 50,852 3,438,653
1,041,395 30,270
4,480,049 891,798
4,449,779 5
Net Levy %
Net Increase/(Decrease) 4.92% 144,28510.05% 309,313
Increase/(Decrease) 1.50% 50,852
30.28% 1,041,395
0.68% 30,270
20.04%
Net Levy %
Increase/(Decrease) 4.92% 10.05% 1.50% 30.28% 0.68%
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 16, 2017 Page 9

Outdoor and sidewalk cafes are now an option for restaurant owners in Clarkston. Photo by R. Scott Belzer A business owner publicly thanked Clarkston city council for passing an amended
ordinance allowing outdoor and sidewalk seating at local restaurants. Photo by R.

The complete dining experience

Scott Belzer

Sidewalk and outdoor seating en route to Clarkston restaurants

the option of offering seating, regulating music in the newly
by R. Scott Belzer
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com tables and umbrellas on city
sidewalks pending an annual
allowed seating areas. On June
6, Carroll said restaurants will
NOTICE OF PROPERTY
Thank you all for
addressing this matter. Ive
$100 permit.
According to councilman
Jamie Carroll, council passed
be regulated under the citys
noise ordinance.
According to the amended
TAX INCREASE
been in business for 10 years the ordinance as a way to ordinance, restaurants will be The DeKalb County Governing Authority
in Clarkston. Ive seen a lot [of
ordinances] working against
showcase the citys cuisine and
attract visitors.
required to allow two feet of
sidewalk space and five feet
has tentatively adopted a millage rate
businesses. In the last two
years, Ive seen a lot of changes
We want to encourage of space from a fire hydrant which will require an increase in property
more pedestrians, more or pedestrian crosswalk. They
in the city helping business outdoor dining and draw will be allowed to operate their taxes by 10.76% percent.
owners. Thank you all.
These are words from a
more people to Clarkston,
Carroll said. Hopefully our
outdoor space until 2:55 a.m.
on Saturdays and Sundays and
All concerned citizens are invited to the
Clarkston restaurant owner
regarding an amended
restaurants will profit from all 2 a.m. on weeknights. public hearing on this tax increase to be
of this. We hope this will bring Its a little hot right now,
ordinance that will allow more business and have more but this will be really nice this held at the Manual J. Maloof Auditorium,
outdoor seating at city
restaurants on May 30. The
people eating in Clarkston.
Maybe this will encourage
fall, said Mayor Ted Terry.
You can have a coffee or a
1300 Commerce Dr, Decatur GA 30030 on
amended ordinance was passed
by city council one week later
more people to walk around beer outside. Were trying to be Tuesday, June 27, 2017, at 10 a.m.
and visit our town center. trendy like other big-boy and
on June 6. On May 30, council big-girl cities. Times and places of additional public
Following its approval,
Clarkston restaurants now have
members were divided on
hearings on this tax increase are to be
held at the Manual J. Maloof Auditorium,
CITY OF DORAVILLE
PUBLIC NOTICE 1300 Commerce Dr, Decatur GA 30030
Fiscal Year 2018 Budget on Tuesday, June 27, 2017, at 6 p.m. and
Notice is hereby given that the proposed budget for the City of Doraville shall be the Manual J. Maloof Auditorium, 1300
available for public inspection beginning Friday, June 2, 2017, in the City Clerks Commerce Dr, Decatur GA 30030 on
office from 8:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at City Hall, 3725 Park Avenue,
Doraville, GA. Tuesday, July 11, 2017, at 10 a.m.
This tentative increase will result in a
A Public Hearing shall be held on the 12th day of June at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall, 3725
Park Avenue, Doraville, GA before the Mayor and Council of the City of Doraville at millage rate of 9.983 mills, an increase
which time public comment pertaining to the Fiscal Year 2018 (July 1, 2017 through of 0.970 mills. Without this tentative
June 30, 2018) budget shall be sounded. All citizens of Doraville are invited to attend.
tax increase, the millage rate will be no
A Public Hearing shall be held on the 19th day of June at 6:00 p.m. at Doraville Civic more than 9.013 mills. The proposed tax
Center, 3770 Central Avenue, Doraville, GA before the Mayor and Council of the City
of Doraville at which time public comment pertaining to the Fiscal Year 2018 (July 1, increase for a home with a fair market
2017 through June 30, 2018) budget shall be sounded. All citizens of Doraville are value of $250,000 is approximately
invited to attend.
$64.96 and the proposed tax increase
A Regular Meeting shall be held on the 19th day of June at 6:30 p.m. at Doraville
Civic Center, 3770 Central Avenue, Doraville, GA before the Mayor and Council of the for nonhomestead property with a
City of Doraville at which time the Fiscal Year 2018 (July 1, 2017 through June 30, fair market value of $1,200,000 is
2018) budget shall be approved and the budget ordinance adopted in accordance with
O.C.G.A. 36-81-5. All citizens of Doraville are invited to attend. approximately $231.84
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 16, 2017 Page 10

The hand, the head and the heart

Georgia Piedmont Technical College president delivers commencement speech
by R. Scott Belzer
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
According to Georgia
Piedmont Technical College
(GPTC) President Jabari
Simama, finding successes in
life involve proper use of the
hand, the head and the heart.
When I was in the third
grade, I learned to do something
that helped create a paradigm
of success that affected my
future successesI learned
how to play the drumsread
notes and all. It gave me great
pride in learning a skill, that at
the time, I thought was of the
hand, Simama said. At first I
thought it was about how loud
I could play my snare drum
or how well I could execute a
drum roll. Then, when I began
to read sheet music, I discovered
I had to pay attention to accent
marks, crescendos, time, and
the difference between quarter
and 16th notes. I was beginning
to learn that to become a great
drummer, I had to use more
than my hands. I had to use my
head. I had to think about what
I was doing. I learned that great
drumming was about more than
the hands and the mindit, too,
was about the heart. I learned
to feel the music, to play with
sticks in my hands, but with my
whole body. In order to perform
great music, it had to come from
inside out. It had to come from
the heart.
Simama delivered GPTCs
2017 commencement address
on May 20 at the Georgia World
Congress Center, advising
students to be artists or artisans
in all they do, be committed to
a larger purpose and make good
use of their education.
Simama went down the line
of careers that GPTC graduates
can expect to embark on,
applying the drumming story to
each.
We have no doubt that you
are skilled of the hand, Simama
told students. So, when you
accept a job as a certified nurse
assistant, for example, I know
dangerous society would be if you do. Real education is about
police officers didnt use their freeing the mind.
heads more often than their Simama advised students
guns? Simama asked. How to find purpose in their career
many firefighters would lose choice to be fulfilled, complete
their lives if they ran into a global citizens.
blazing fire without thinking If we have not mentioned
first? Can you really become the heart, we have done you a
a great film director without disservice, Simama said. The
knowledge? An optician or an heart is what being work ready
emergency medical medic? Let really means. What being a fully
your minds rule your heads, and
you will be much better at what
See GPTC on Page 14A
NOTICE
Public Hearing for Millage Rate
The Mayor and City Council will hold a Public
Hearing on Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at the
Georgia Piedmont Technical College celebrated its 2017 Commencement at Courthouse/Council Chambers, 459 Pine Drive,
the Georgia World Congress Center on May 20 with president Jabari Simama
delivering the farewell address. Photos submitted. Pine Lake, GA 30072 beginning at 6:00 PM. The
purpose of this meeting is to hold a public hearing to
solicit public input for the setting of the 2017 millage
suggesting a job cannot be critically.
completed without thinking Can you imagine how
rate.
The public is invited to attend and be heard.
NOTICE
NOTICE
Public Hearing for Millage Rate Public Hearing for Millage Rate
The Mayor and City Council will hold a Public The Mayor and City Council will hold a Public
Hearing on Saturday, June 24, 2017 at the Hearing on Thursday, June 22, 2017 at the
Courthouse/Council Chambers, 459 Pine Drive, Courthouse/Council Chambers, 459 Pine Drive,
Pine Lake, GA 30072 beginning at 7:00 PM. The
Pine Lake, GA 30072 beginning at 9:00 AM. The purpose of this meeting is to hold a public hearing
purpose of this meeting is to hold a public hearing to to solicit input for the setting of the millage rate.
solicit public input for the setting of the millage rate The millage rate will be adopted at the June 27th
at June 27, 2017 meeting at 6:00 PM. meeting.
The public is invited to attend and be heard. The public is invited to attend and be heard.
NOTICE
The Mayor and Council of the City of Pine NOTICE Lake does hereby announce that the millage rate will
be
Theset at aand
Mayor meeting
Council oftothe
beCity
held in the
of Pine LakeCourtroom/Council Chambers,
does herby announce that the millage 459 Pine
rate will be Drive,
set at a Pine Lake,
meeting to be GA
held
30072 on June 27, 2017
in the Courtroom/Council at 6:00459
Chambers, PM and
Pine pursuant
Drive, to GA
Pine Lake, O.C.G.A. Section
30072 on June 27, 48-5-32 does
2017 at 6:00 PMhereby publish
and pursuant to
O.C.G.A. Section 48-5-32 does hereby publish the following presentation of the current years tax digest and
the
levy along
with following
the history ofpresentation of levy
the tax digest and the for
current
the pastyears tax digest and levy along with the history of the
five years.
tax digest and levy for the past five years.
A public hearing will be held June 22, 2017 at 7:00 PM and on June 24, 2017 at 9:00 AM at the above location. The public is
A public
invited hearing
to attend and bewill be held June 22, 2017 at 7:00 PM and on June 24, 2017 at 9:00 AM at the
heard.
above location. The public is invited to attend and be heard.
CURRENT 2017 TAX DIGEST AND 5 YEAR HISTORY OF LEVY
INCORPORATED 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Real & Personal 15,898,584 12,792,852 14,339,521 20,069,921 21,363,181 22,335,135
Motor Vehicles 1,141,400 1,177,580 977,730 699,770 533,790 457,630
Mobile Homes
Timber - 100%
Heavy Duty Equipment

your hands will be healing Gross Digest 17,039,994 13,970,412 15,317,251 20,769,691 21,896,971 22,792,765

hands. In this regard, your Less M& O Exemptions 1,103,602 968,437 927,770 952,730 980,240 1,005,946
Net M & O Digest $16,036,392 $13,001,975 $14,389,481 $19,816,961 20,916,731 21,786,819
hands may take you even farther
than your feet. In the classroom, State Forest Land Assistance Grant Value 0
as an early childhood teacher, Adjusted Net M&O Digest 16,036,392 13,001,975 14,389,481 19,816,961 20,916,731 21,786,819
handle students in a manner
that instills in them a lifelong Gross M&O Millage 24.190 29.824 28.110 21.402 20.381 22.200

thirst for learning. Awaken Less Rollbacks

Net M&O Millage 24.190 29.824 28.110 21.402 20.381 22.200
the knowledge within them
and learn from their purity of Net Taxes Levied $387,210 $387,771 $404,488 $424,122 $426,303 $483,667
hearts. Net Taxes $ Increase/Decrease $3,489 $1,014 $16,717 $19,634 $2,181 $57,364
Simama stressed the Net Taxes % Increase/Decrease 0.79% 0.02% 4.14% 4.65% 0% 14.51%
importance of job knowledge,
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 16, 2017 Page 11

Decatur High Schools graduation on May 25 sold out the schools gymnasium; valedictorian Patricia Jones delivers her commencement speech. Photo by
R. Scott Belzer
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 16, 2017 Page 12

Boarding houses discussed in Doraville

by R. Scott Belzer
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
Illegal housing has come under the microscope in
Doraville following a violent incident on Mothers Day
weekend, resulting in the consideration of an updated
city code.
On May 15, members of the public and Doraville
Police Chief John King recalled an incident in which
three individuals were involved in a stabbing at a
residence on Raymond Drive.
According to King, an investigation allowed city
code enforcement officials to inspect the property
and evict its current tenants for what King called
deplorable conditions from slum lords.
The housing conversation continued at Doravilles
June 5 city council meeting following more complaints
from residents. The meetings sole agenda item,
Community Concerns, involved a public discussion
following comments from the public.
Im concerned about houses being rented out and
turned into holding areas for large groups of people
that are being used at massage parlors and the sex trade
in Doraville, said resident Tom Hart. Im concerned
about workers being rounded up and being used in
labor camps in neighborhoods. Im concerned about
people turning carports into extra rooms and into
boarding houses. The list could go on and on.
Resident Bernadette Pannier said the discussion
was designed to ask for help from council in addressing
Code violations such as enclosed car ports and trash on the curb have led to a larger discussion involving boarding houses and illegal
renters in Doraville following a stabbing incident. Photos by R. Scott Belzer
the overwhelming number of multi-tenant rental
homes or boarding homes that reside in [Doraville]
neighborhoods.
These homes have very large driveways, lots of
trash, many cars, some parked in the streets blocking
the street for other drivers and pedestriansand
unkempt lawns, Pannier said June 7. This week
our city council was asked to review and adjust a
few codes to help us clean up our city and make our
neighborhoods safer for us [as well as] our children.
Pannier suggested Doraville City Council consider
such options as reducing driveway width, cap the
number of cars per driveway, allow parking on only
one side of the street and create a registry for rental
properties.
Mayor Donna Pittman said the housing issue has
been discussed many times and there is no simple
solution
Its a difficult thing to enforce and even find out if
its going on, Pittman said. You have to be family, but
legally, how do you prove people arent family? Its an
age-old problem.
Pittman said Doravilles legal team suggested
giving priority to housing cases in court, increasing
code compliance efforts and limiting the widening of
driveways. She suggested drafting official ordinances.
Councilman Robert Patrick suggested installing
high-powered cameras at busy intersections and
preventing gateway activity such as parking on lawns.
He, too, suggested Doraville develop a rental property
registry.
Similarly, Councilwoman Pam Fleming supported
limiting driveway width.
Councilmen M.D. Naser and Shannon Hillard,
See Housing on Page 14A

2017 Mobile Market Stops

June - September

FRESH ON DEK
Cash, Credit, SNAP/EBT Cards Accepted
DEKALB COUNTY

Tuesday 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. Clifton Springs Health Center, 3110 Clifton Springs Rd., Decatur 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Lou Walker Senior Center, 2538 Panola Rd., Lithonia
5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Taddas Fitness Center, 2615 Park Central Blvd., Decatur

Wednesday 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. Watershed Management, 1580 Roadhaven Dr., Stone Mountain
12 p.m. - 2 p.m. Austin Drive Community at Bethesda Cathedral, 1989 Austin Dr., Decatur
5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Mainstreet Community Association, 5001 Mainstreet Park Dr., Stone Mountain

Thursday 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. DeKalb County Division of Family and Children Services, 178 Sams St., Decatur
12 p.m. - 2 p.m. Scott Candler Library, 1917 Candler Rd., Decatur (Alternating Thursdays starting June 8, 2017)
12 p.m. - 2 p.m. Redan-Trotti Library, 1569 Wellborn Rd., Lithonia (Alternating Thursdays starting June 15, 2017)
5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Redan High School, 5247 Redan Rd., Stone Mountain

Friday 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. DeKalb County Extension, 4380 Memorial Dr., Ste. 200, Decatur

For more info, call (404) 298-4080 or go to www.dekalbmobilemarket.com.

LOCAL

WEEKinPICTURES
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 16, 2017 Page 13

Dunwoody Police assisted in a service call involving a downed tree along Winters Chapel Road, resulting in
about three hours of labor before the street was reopened. Photo submitted.

The DeKalb County Board of Health and Extension Office kicked off its annual
mobile farmers market program at various locations throughout DeKalb County
the week of June 5. Photo submitted.

Thomas Jeffery, of Decatur, assigned to the supply department of the amphibi-

City officials in Dunwoody took a tour of the Winters Chapel Road corridor with city officials from Peachtree ous dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52), practices flight signals on the
Corners to discuss how to better the area. Photo submitted. ships flight deck.

Have you created programming youd like to air on TV?

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

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

LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 16, 2017 Page 14

Clarkston High School soccer team honored
by R. Scott Belzer
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
Clarkston High Schools
varsity soccer team was
honored by city officials June 6
following a season that ended
just short of a state title.
For the 2016-2017 school
year, Clarkstonalso known
as the Angorashad an
overall record of 19-1-2 and a
7-0 regional record, earning
a top 40 national ranking
and top 15 state ranking,
according to MaxPreps.com.
The Angoras placed second
in the GHSA Class 5A Boys
State Soccer Tournament
following a 2-1 loss to
McIntosh High School, a
Peachtree City school that is
currently ranked fourth in the
nation and second in the state.
The game ended in the second
period of overtime.
Though the Angoras did
not bring home a trophy,
Mayor Ted Terrywho
attended the Angoras final
game in Maconcalled
Clarkstons performance,
run and ultimate result
extraordinary.
A valiant effort
The Clarkston High School boys soccer team was honored by city officials on June 6. Photo by Travis Hudgons.
There were lots of
amazing games played,
Terry said. There was some
amazing dedication. All
around, it was really exciting
to be [a resident of] Clarkston.
Were proud of all the hard
work they have done.
Coach Andrew Goodman,
whos been at Clarkston
High for 18 years, said the
energy at school was amazing
throughout the season.
We were really grateful
and touched to be so feted by
the community, Goodman
said. There was very little
separating us from a team who
won five state championships
in the last seven years.
McIntosh was the only team
that beat us this year.
Principal Michelle Jones
said Clarkstons soccer team
gave the entire community a
reason to cheer.
We are very proud of
the work they have been
doing, Jones said. Theyve
been region champs and
region runner-ups. This year,
were proud to be region
champs and state runner-ups.
What we hope is that were
moving to bring home the
state championship trophy
next year. We see that in our
future.
Jones credited the players
passion and the coaching
staff s dedication for such a
successful season.
These children play soccer
every single day, Jones said.
They do not stop playing. The
only thing that keeps them
from playing is lightning, not
thunder, but lightning.

HOUSING Continued From Page 12A

who both said they live close to
boarding houses, suggested
residents continue to report
issues to each other and city
officials until council can arrive
at an all-encompassing solution.
I feel for [residents],
Naser said. Ive seen it. I have
[a boarding house] very close
to my house If we look at
[potential] solutions, its very
hard to enforce.
Hillard said she learned
of one boarding house by
interacting with a neighbor, who
freely admitted she was renting
via Craigslist.
Sometimes its as simple
as talking to your neighbor
and reporting them to code
enforcement or your district
representative, Hillard said.
Council voted 5-0 in favor of
moving forward with a written
policy, with councilwoman
Sharon Spangler absent.

GPTC Continued From Page 10A

developed human beingready
for life, is really all about. The
first mechanic I took my car to
was the one who loved the cars
he worked on. The instructors
who work on motorcycles
at Georgia Piedmont love
the machines. The drafters
at our college love what they
do. But the lines on paper are
meaningless without the shapes
and forms created from the
heart.
Simama concluded by
recommending compassion and
empathy over individuality.
James Brown once said
to his musicians that every
instrument is a drum, Simama
said. Be every instrument.
Be a beautiful drum, beating
out the rhythms of your life.
Integrate the hands with the
head and the heart. Being of the
heart, moreover, involves being
committed to something larger
than yourselves. It means letting
all you have learned make you a
force for good in your families,
communities, and in society.
You are not an educated human
being unless you are a good
human being.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 16, 2017 Page 15
The Decatur Police Department drugs. He allegedly threatened to shoot hours later.

Decatur arrested a man who allegedly attempted to

rob a CVS Pharmacy in Decatur on West
workers and held an unknown item under
his clothes as though he were holding a
The officer recognized the man as
Knowles and detained him.

Police nab
Ponce de Leon Avenue. weapon. Knowles, from Conyers, had an active
The man has been identified as Knowles allegedly fled the CVS but was arrest warrant for aggravated stalking and
54-year-old Leigh Knowles. later tracked down by a Decatur police criminal trespassing in Coweta County.

CVS robber According to Decatur Police, Knowles

came into the store around 2:55 p.m.
on June 6 and demanded prescription
officer when the department received
a report of a man refusing to leave a
business on Sycamore Street roughly two
According to Decatur Police, warrants
are pending on Knowles attempted
robbery at the CVS.

NOTICE OF PROPERTY TAX INCREASE

The Governing Authority of the City of Avondale Estates has

tentatively adopted a 2017 millage rate which will require an
increase in property taxes by 4.84 percent. All concerned
citizens are invited to the public hearings on this tax
increase to be held at City Hall, 21 North Avondale
Plaza, Avondale Estates, Ga. 30002 on the following
dates:

Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at 5:30 p.m.,

Monday, June 26, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., and
Monday, June 26, 2017 at 6:30 p.m.

This tentative increase will result in a millage rate of 9.957 mills

(which is the current millage rate), an increase of .46 mills. Without
this tentative tax increase, the mill rate will be no more than 9.497
mills. The proposed tax increase for a home with a fair market value

of $305,056 is approximately $56. The proposed tax increase on

non-homestead property with a fair market value of $244,929 is
approximately $45.

NOTICEOFPROPERTYTAXINCREASE
The Governing Authority of the City of Avondale Estates has tentatively adopted a 2017 millage rate which will require an
increase in property taxes by 4.84 percent. All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearings on this tax increase to
be held at City Hall, 21 North Avondale Plaza, Avondale Estates, Ga. 30002 on Wednesday, June 21, 2017, at 5:30 p.m.,
Monday, June 26, 2017, at 10 a.m. and Monday, June 26, 2017, at 6:30 p.m. This tentative increase will result in a millage
rate of 9.957 mills (which is the current millage rate), an increase of .46 mills. Without this tentative tax increase, the mill
rate will be no more than 9.497 mills. The proposed tax increase for a home with a fair market value of $305,056 is
approximately $56. The proposed tax increase on non-homestead property with a fair market value of $244,929 is
approximately $45.
CURRENT 2017 TAX DIGEST AND 5 YEAR HISTORY OF LEVY
CITY 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Real & Personal 133,021,745 141,146,248 148,072,403 178,050,508 191,456,685 203,036,721
Motor Vehicles 8,014,980 8,451,460 7,456,190 5,564,760 4,306,900 3,998,710
Mobile Homes
Timber - 100%
Heavy Duty Equipment
Gross Digest 141,036,725 149,597,708 155,528,593 183,615,268 195,763,585 207,035,431
Less M& O Exemptions 231,089 138,061 268,311 371,490 466,802 512,749
Net M & O Digest 140,805,636 149,459,647 155,260,282 183,243,778 195,296,783 206,522,682
State Forest Land Assistance Grant
Value 0
Adjusted Net M&O Digest 140,805,636 149,459,647 155,260,282 183,243,778 195,296,783 206,522,682
Gross M&O Millage 10.957 10.957 10.957 9.957 9.957 9.957
Less Rollback (LOST)
Net M&O Millage 10.957 10.957 10.957 9.957 9.957 9.957
Total City Taxes Levied $1,542,807 $1,637,629 $1,701,187 $1,824,558 $1,944,570 $2,056,346
Net Taxes $ Increase $94,822 $63,558 $123,371 $120,012 $111,776
Net Taxes % Increase 6.15% 3.88% 7.25% 6.58% 5.75%
LOCAL
Hoping for $460,000
in 60 days
Clarkston coffee shop challenges
supporters for funds to buy space
by R. Scott Belzer
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
Every mission has a place. Ours
is here in Clarkston, Georgia. We own
our missionwill you help us own our
place?
This is the introduction of a video
outlining Refuge Coffee Companys latest
fundraiser for $460,000the amount
needed to purchase property at 4170 E.
Ponce de Leon Ave. NE in downtown
Clarkston where its current offices are
located.
Refugea 501(c)3 nonprofit operating
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 16, 2017 Page 16
in Clarkston for the past two years
launched the crowdfund campaign on
June 1 with hopes to raise the funds
within 60 days. The amount will be used
to purchase the garage it operates from
Iberia bank, which currently owns the
property.
If the nonprofitwhich offers
employment and job training for
immigrants and refugees through a coffee
house, catering services and coffee-
focused food truckcannot raise the
funds, spokesmen state Refuge may have
to relocate.
If we dont pay, we dont get to stay, a
description of the fundraiser reads.
Refuge Coffee Company set a goal of raising $460,000 in 60 days to purchase the property
See Coffee on Page 17A it operates on, located at at 4170 E. Ponce de Leon Ave NE in downtown Clarkston. Photo
submitted.
LOCAL
COFFEE Continued From Page 16A
Staying, in Refuge Coffee Co.s case,
means continuing its mission to provide
a safe place for Clarkstons refugee
community, which includes an estimated
2,500 individuals from more than 145
countries. The nonprofit offers incoming
residents employment, job-training and
event space.
Refuge helps new American residents
focus on a job schedule, meeting members
of the community and earning their first
American dollar.
We believe in the power of welcome,
reads Refuges mission page. We dream
of a vibrant, resettled refuge community
in Clarkston where our new neighbors
are embraced and given opportunities to
thrive through the business of hospitality.
We will not only train resettled refugees
here; well create a place for these unique
cultures to tell their stories and share their
lives.
According to founder Kitti Murray,
Refuge used similar fundraising in
November and December 2016 to raise
$100,000, enough to maintain financial
stability while waiting for the right time to
make an offer on the property.
The fundraising efforts came after
Refuge learned that Iberia may be
considering other offers on the property.
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 16, 2017 Page 17
We felt that it was time to take
ownership of the property, Murray said
June 6. The citys streetscape project is
coming up in the fall and theyve already
bought the right of way. The perceived
value of the property is about to go up.
Murray said Refuge Coffee Co. has
become Clarkstons de facto town center
because of its proximity to Clarkston City
Hall, Thriftown, international markets,
shops and restaurants. While location may
be key, she said financial challenges still
arise because Refuge is still considered a
young non profit.
Murray said she hopes the Clarkston
community will support Refuges
fundraising efforts and that the nonprofit
is able make an offer on the property
within 60 days.
This really is a hopeful thing, Murray
said. Weve seen that this community has
a vast, rich array of gifts and generosity.
We just need a little bit extra of that
generosity to make this happen.
To donate to Refuge Coffee Co.s
$460,000 fundraising campaign, visit
www.purecharity.com/a-place-for-
refuge or refugecoffeeco.com. For
more information, contact Murray at
refugecoffeecompany@gmail.com.
BUSINESS DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 16, 2017 Page 18

Coming back in style New SunTrust branch offers

Young entrepreneur opens salon in her
old neighborhood
by Kathy Mitchell
Shenquita Baker said she
was about 10 years old when
she realized that she loves
styling hair. By the time she
was 16 she had decided that she
wanted to own a hair salon. In
mid-May that dream came true
when she opened Kiss & Co. on
Columbia Woods Drive.
I would have opened
sooner if I had known more
about meeting state and county
requirements. That was the
toughest part about opening
the salon. Im young and I
didnt have anyone to tell
me what I needed to do to
meet legal requirements so I
learned through a trial-and-
error process. I had completed
cosmetology school and
gotten my personal license,
but licensing the business was
another matter, she recalled.
Baker said she would
advise anyone planning to start
a business to do the research
upfront. Theres more to it than
most people imagine.
Once all the paperwork was
in place, the more enjoyable
part of being an entrepreneur
could start, Baker said.
When she learned the
facility on Columbia Woods
Drive at Columbia Drive was
available, she immediately
took steps to rent it. Its a
good spot. Theres a lot of
traffic on Columbia and there
are residential and business
areas close by. I know the area
because I grew up here; I went
to school here. This is my old
neighborhood, she said.
The easy part, she said, was
preparing the physical space.
This suite had been a hair
salon previously, so it was a
matter of decorating and putting
in the fixtures I wanted. I hired
someone to do that and he did a
great job, she said.
The dominate color in
the salons dcor is Bakers
favoritepink. I love pink. It
makes me feel good. I think it
will make my customers feel
good, too, she commented.
Baker said making
customers feel good is what
she likes best about operating a
beauty salon. I want everyone
who comes in hereeven if
shes been having a bad dayto
leave with a smile on her face.
When you look good, you cant
help feeling better.
Kiss & Co. has two other
hair stylists and a make-up
artist. The range of hair services
includes relaxers, natural hair
care and weave. Baker, 25, said
her ambition is to own three
salons by the time shes 30. I
struggled a lot growing up and
I want to make things easier for
my kids, she said.
new design, new features
by Kathy Mitchell
The recently opened Decatur
Crossing branch of SunTrust
Banks Inc. is the first that
incorporates the institutions
new design, according to branch
manager Roberta Mapp, who
commented, We are very
excited about this space and
what it offers our clients. From
the layout to digital elements
and cutting-edge technology,
this branch is all about helping
our clients and making banking
more convenient than ever.
Mapp said SunTrust, which
has more than 1,300 full-
service branch locations in the
southeastern and mid-Atlantic
United States, chose Decatur
Crossing as its newest location
after deciding it would be
convenient for clients.
When choosing a branch
location, we look at our client
preferences to learn where,
when and how they like to
bank, said Mapp, who lives
in Decatur and has been with
SunTrust 14 years.
The branch has seven
full-time employees and a
conference room for ongoing
financial education workshops
and community meetings.
Five years ago, SunTrust
started the journey to become
a purpose-driven company,
Mapp said, explaining that
the bank calls this purpose
Lighting the Way to Financial
Well-Being. We decided
it was our job as a bank to
help relieve financial stress,
which is why we set out to
change the conversation about
money. Over a year ago, we
launched the onUp movement,
which provides inspiration,
education and other resources to
encourage Americans to take a
step onward and upward toward
financial confidence, Mapp
said.
That means we take a
client-centric approach to
meeting financial needs,
Mapp continued. We keep
our clients at the center of
everything we do and spend
time understanding what they
value and need in order to
help them achieve financial
confidence, whatever that means
to them.We offer a full suite of
products and services designed
to meet the needs of our
consumer, business, corporate
and institutional clients.
Among the features at the
Decatur Crossing branch is a
Teller Connect ATM allowing
clients to interact with a live
teller via video during and
outside the normal branch
hours. The service, which Mapp
said is exclusive to SunTrust, is
in addition to traditional ATM
capabilities.
We want clients to feel
comfortable and confident while
they are in our branches, and we
have put a lot of thought into
ensuring the Decatur Crossing
location does just that, she
said. We also have an area to
introduce clients to our digital
channels, such as online and
mobile banking, so we can be
available to help them even
when the branch is closed.

DEKALB COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION Notice of Public Hearing for Clarkston Millage Rate
2nd and 3rd PUBLIC Notice is hereby given that the Governing Authority of the City of
MILLAGE RATE HEARINGS Clarkston has tentatively adopted a 2017 millage rate which will
require an increase in the property taxes of 14.95 percent.
Tuesday, June 27, 2017 All concerned citizens are invited to the Public Hearings on this tax
TIME LOCATION increase to be held Tuesday, June 29, 2017 at 10:00am, City Hall
11:30 a.m. J. David Williamson Board Room Council Rm, 3921 Church Street, Clarkston, GA 30021.
Robert R. Freeman Administrative Complex
1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd.
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
A second Public Hearing will be held on June 29 at 6:00pm at the
City Hall Council Rm, 3921 Church Street, Clarkston, GA 30021.
Tuesday, June 27, 2017 A final Public Hearing will be held on July 6 at 7:30PM at the City
Hall Council Rm, 3921 Church Street, Clarkston, GA 30021. The
TIME
6:15 p.m.
LOCATION
J. David Williamson Board Room
City Council will adopt the 2017 Millage rate at the July 6, 2017
Robert R. Freeman Administrative Complex meeting following the conclusion of the Public Hearing.
1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd.
Stone Mountain, GA 30083 This tentative increase will result in a millage rate of 15.89 mils,
an increase of 2.066 mills. Without this tentative tax increase,
Citizens interested in reviewing a detailed copy of the program the millage rate will be no more than 13.824. The proposed
based budget may do so by visiting the DeKalb County School tax increase for a home with a fair market value of $ 100,000 is
District website at www.dekalbschoolsga.org. approximately $ 82.64. The proposed increase on non-homestead
FOR INFORMATION, CALL THE OFFICE OF THE property with a fair market value of $ 475,000 is approximately
$392.54.
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AT 678-676-0069.
CLASSIFIED
The
CHAMPION
The Champion is not responsible for any damages resulting from advertisements. All sales final.
RATES: $30 for up to 40 words, each
additional word $0.60. All ads are
prepaid. All major credit cards accepted.
AUCTIONS
AUCTION 62 ACRE
EQUESTRIAN FACILITY,
Calhoun, Gordon County,
June 24, 11:00 AM, 26
Stalls, Residence, arena,
drone video online,
timber, pasture, Dempsey
Auction Company, www.
dempseyauction.com,
GAL#101.
ADVERTISE YOUR AUCTION
in over 100 newspapers for
only $350. Your 25-word
classified ad will reach more
than1 million readers. Call
Bruce Washington at the
Georgia Newspaper Service,
770-454-6776.
DRIVERS
Local-Home Nightly! Union
City Flatbed. Great Pay,
Benefits & Load Incentives!
CDL-A, 1 yr Exp. Req.
Estenson Logistics. Apply:
www.goelc.com 855-523-
2477
EDUCATION /CAREER
TRAINING
New Year. New Career-
AVIATION Grads work with
JetBlue, Boeing, Delta
and others-Get hands on
training for FAA certification.
Financial aid if qualified.
Call Aviation Institute of
Maintenance (866)564-9634
. www.FixJets.com
INDEPENDENCE
UNIVERSITY. Offering
Associates, Bachelors &
Masters Degree Programs,
Study online around your
schedule! Healthcare,
Business, Technology,
Graphic Arts, more! Financial
Aid for those that qualify!
Call 866-684-6547 for info!
Accredited member, ACCSC.
MISCELLANEOUS
DIGITAL HEARING AIDS-
Now offering a 45-Day Risk
Free Offer! FREE BATTERIES
for Life! Call to start your free
CLASSIFIEDS
Ads due by Friday at noon for next
publication date. For more information
visit www.championclassifieds.com
trial! 844-245-5602.
SAVE THOUSANDS ON
SURPRISE COSTLY HOME
REPAIRS!!! With Nations
Home Warranty we pay
100%of covered Home
repairs! CALL FOR A FREE
QUOTE TODAY!!! 855-410-
3296.
Comcast Hi-Speed Internet
$29.99/mo (for 12 mos.)
No term agreement. Fast
Downloads! PLUS Ask About
TV (140 Channels). Internet
Bundle for $79.99 (for 12
mos). Call 1-877-920-4815.
GREAT Offer from T Mobile.
Unlimited Data! Two Lines
for ONLY $100/month (w/
autopay). No Cost HD Video
Feature. No Cost Upgrade
for Hi-Speed Mobile
Hotspot. CALL 844-500-8709
Are you in BIG trouble with
the IRS? Stop wage & bank
levies, liens & audits, unfiled
tax returns, payroll issues &
resolve tax debt FAST. Call
877-355-6139.
High-Speed Internet is
Available Where You Live
Today! Plans as low as
$39.99 per month. Ask
about discounts for DirecTV
Customers! 1-800-266-4409
PBSinternet@gmail.com
Have a car? Want to earn
money on your schedule?
Drive with Uber. www.
uber.com Use invite code
JENNIFERL1266UE.
SWITCH TO DIRECTV. From
$50/Month, includes FREE
Genie HD/DVR & 3 months
HBO, SHOWTIME, CINEMAX,
STARZ. Get a $50 Gift Card.
Call 855-412-1946.
Acorn Stairlifts. The
AFFORDABLE solution to
your stairs! **Limited time--
$250 Off Stairlift Purchase!**
Buy Direct & Save . Please
call 1-877-768-2480 for FREE
DVD and brochure.
OXYGEN-Anytime.
Anywhere. No tanks to refill.
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 16, 2017 Page 19
No Deliveries. The All-New
Inogen One G4 is only 2.8
pounds! FAA approved!
FREE info kit: 877-925-6492
Attention: VIAGRA and
CIALIS USERS!! A cheaper
alternative to high drugstore
prices! 50 Pill Special $99.00.
FREE Shipping! 100%
Guaranteed. CALL NOW
888-411-3860.
Lung Cancer? And 60+ Years
Old? If so, You and Your
Family May Be Entitled To
Significant Cash Award. Call
844-461-4870 to learn more.
No Risk. No Money Out of
Pocket.
SAVE YOUR HOME! Are
you behind paying your
MORTGAGE? Denied Loan
Modification? Is the bank
threatening foreclosure?
CALL Home Owners Relief
Line now for Help 888-614-
2507.
New AT&T INTERNET
OFFER, $20 and $30/
mo plans available when
you bundle. 99% Reliable
100% Affordable. HURRY,
OFFER ENDS SOON. New
Customers Only. CALL NOW
1-800-291-8502.
DISH SPECIAL! Stop
paying for channels you
dont watch! Starting at
$39.99/mo. FREE Next-
Day Installation + FREE
$50 giftcard with signup
courtesyof SatelliteDeals
Call855-400-4334
Spectrum Triple Play. TV,
Internet & Voice for $29.99
ea. 60 MB per second speed.
No Contract or commitment.
We buy your existing
contract up to $500! 1-800-
616-7798.
Struggling with DRUGS
or ALCOHOL? Addicted to
PILLS? Talk to someone who
cares. Call The Addiction
Hope & Help Line for a free
assessment. 888-497-5176.
Exede Satellite Internet.
Affordable, high speed
DISCLAIMER: We do not knowingly accept advertisements that
discriminate, or intend to discriminate, on any illegal basis. Nor
do we knowingly accept employment advertisements that are not
bona-fide job offers. All real estate advertisements are subject
to the fair housing act and we do not accept advertising that is
in violation of the law. The law prohibits discrimination based on
color, religion, sex, nationalorigin, handicap or familial status.
broadband satellite internet FREE Install (up to 6 rooms).
anywhere in the U.S. Order $49.99/mo. PLUS Hi-Speed
now and save $100. Plans Internet-$14.95/mo (where
start at $39.99/month. Call available). Call 1-866-369-
1-800-615-3819. 1468
LIVING WITH KNEE OR BACK VACATION RENTALS
PAIN? Medicare recipients
that suffer with pain may ADVERTISE YOUR VACATION
qualify for a low or no cost PROPERTY, to more
knee or back brace. Call 855- than 1 million Georgia
972-2656. newspaper readers. Your
25 word classified ad will
Life Alert . 24/7. One press appear in over 100 Georgia
of a button sends help FAST! newspapers for only $350.
Medical, Fire, Burglar. Even Call Bruce Washington
if you cant reach a phone! at Georgia Newspaper
FREE Brochure. CALL 800- Service, 770-454-6776 or
371-8914. online at www.gapress.org/
georgianewspaperservice.
DISH NETWORK. TV for html
Less, Not Less TV! FREE DVR.
An Ice-cream and Gelato shop Amorino Lenox, LLC located in Atlanta, GA is looking
for Business Analyst who will conduct organizational studies, evaluations and
procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies for the company.
Prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more
efficiently and effectively. Document findings of study and prepare recommendations
for implementation for opening new locations for the company and/or organizational
changes. Interview personnel and conduct on-site observation to ascertain unit
functions, work performed, and methods, equipment, and personnel used. Analyze
data gathered and develop solutions or alternative methods of proceeding. Plan study
of work problems and procedures, such as organizational change, communications,
information flow, inventory control, or cost analysis. Will work with Manager and
director of the company to assist in opening new locations for the business.
Requirements: Masters Degree in Business. Send resume to zraik63@gmail.com
CALL NOW 1-844-500-8709
DENTAL Insurance
Physicians Mutual Insurance Company
A less expensive way to help get the dental care you deserve
If youre over 50, you can get coverage for about
$1 a day*
No wait for preventive care and no deductibles
you could get a checkup tomorrow
Keep your own dentist! NO networks to worry about Coverage for over 350 procedures including
NO annual or lifetime cap on the cash benefits cleanings, exams, fillings, crownseven dentures
you can receive
FREE Information Kit
1-877-914-2062
www.dental50plus.com/georgia
*Individual plan. Product not available in MN, MT, NH, RI, VT, WA. Acceptance guaranteed for one insurance policy/certificate of this type. Contact us for complete details
about this insurance solicitation. This specific offer is not available in CO, NY; call 1-800-969-4781 or respond for similar offer. Certificate C250A (ID: C250E; PA: C250Q);
Insurance Policy P150(GA: P150GA; NY: P150NY; OK: P150OK; TN: P150TN) 6096C MB16-NM001Gc
EDUCATION
Bennie Foster Jr., Rashida Davis, Des Potier, Hal Wilkerson and Lakeside guidance counselor Adrian Israel hosted Summer Transition Centers at Lakeside High June 6, 13 and 20. Photo by R. Scott Belzer
A DIPLOMANOW WHAT?
DeKalb high schools offer transitional training throughout June
by R. Scott Belzer
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
Each year, some high school
students have unanswered
questions about continuing
their education or starting a
career after graduation.
How can I pay for college?
Where can I learn a trade? Are
my grades good enough? What
are my options?these are
just some of the questions that
recent high school graduates
may have.
Beginning June 6,
professionals at 19 DeKalb
County School District (DCSD)
high schools will address such
questions at Summer Transition
Centers. The centers specialize
in helping students who want
to take the next step into
the armed forces, college or
entrepreneurship.
Necessity is the mother of
invention, said Bennie Foster
Jr., a postsecondary transition
specialist for DCSD in Region
2. We have a need and this is
[the countys] pilot program. Its
not just about getting students
into a postsecondary situation,
its about making sure they are
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 16, 2017 Page 20
successful in that option they
choose, whether its Army, Navy,
Air Force, Marines, local college
or out of state. We want them to
be successful.
According to Foster,
DCSD is combating what
many education professionals
refer to as summer melt,
in which 10 to 40 percent of
college-intending students
particularly from low-income
backgroundsfail to enroll in
college within six months after
graduation.
Factors such as financial aid,
being a first-generation college
student, missed deadlines and
language barriers often affect
students ability to make a
smooth transition into the next
phase of their liveseven when
they have every intention of
making a transition, Foster said.
Its usually for small
reasons, said Foster.
Sometimes its students
who feel like they missed
out. We have tried to cover
everything: placement tests,
financial aid, documented and
undocumented studentswe
have people on hand to answer
any question. With the criteria
that were putting out, hopefully
Bennie Foster Jr., a postsecondary transition specialist for DCSD in Region 2 said students need help and guidance to
See Diploma on Page 21A successfully transition from high school to the world at large. Photo by R. Scott Belzer
EDUCATION DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 16, 2017 Page 21

DIPLOMA Continued From Page 20A opportunities.

students will come here
knowing we have a solution and
that we can provide a solution
to them.
Des Potier, director of
Georgia State Universitys
Learning, Income, Family
Transformation (LIFT)
program, as well as Hal
Wilkerson of the Georgia
Student Finance Commission
are available at Lakeside High
School throughout the month
of June.
Potier is on site to educate
parents and students about
Georgia States Decatur campus,
which offers two-year programs
to students and up to 60 college
credit hours. He said Georgia
State can offer such incentives as
its Perimeter Academy program,
which supports and monitors
student progress for a full year.
My goal is to let students
know Georgia States perimeter
campuses are a good option,
Potier said. You can start out by
getting your associates and go
all the way to obtaining a Ph.D.
Were cost effective. This is a
great gateway.
Wilkerson said his main
goal at the Summer Transition
Center is to educate students
and families about opportunities
after high school, as well as
how to plan, apply and pay for
education opportunities.
Hopefully, by the time
students are done interacting
with me, they have more
knowledge on how to pay for
their education, Wilkerson
said. We can teach you how to
apply for HOPE, how to fill out
a FAFSAwe want to remove
those barriers.
Potier said a challenge
that many students face deals
with momentum. Students are
often burnt out or so glad to be
finished with high school that
options after high school are
rarely considered.
Army Staff Sgt. Rashida
Davis also will be at Lakeside
throughout June to tell students
about options available in
the Army. She said students
are often curious about
completing a tour in the Army
for free college tuition, but
that the Army also offers other
A lot of students like to
dates:
Thursday, June 15: Cross
Keys (Noon to 4 p.m.), Druid
Hills (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), Stone
travel, get out of the area and Keys (noon to 4 p.m.), Tucker Mountain (1 to 5 p.m.), Martin
make a way for themselves, (noon to 4 p.m.), Stephenson (8 Luther King Jr. (8:30 a.m. to
Davis said. We offer stability, a.m. to noon), Arabia Mountain 12:30 p.m.), Southwest DeKalb
30-days paid vacation, full (2 to 6 p.m.), Southwest DeKalb (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.), Redan (11
medical, dental and pay tuition (1 to 5 p.m.), Towers (8 a.m. to a.m. to 3 p.m.), Columbia (8
assistance. We teach trade noon), Columbia (1 to 5 p.m.) a.m. to noon).
skills. We have over 150 career Tuesday, June 20: Cross Keys Thursday, June 22: Cross
opportunities in the Army and (8 a.m. to Noon), Lakeside (8 Keys (noon to 4 p.m.), Tucker
were investing in them upfront. a.m. to noon), Stone Mountain (noon to 4 p.m.), Stone
Davis recommends students (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.), Martin Mountain (8 a.m. to noon),
consider the armed forces a first Luther King Jr. (8:30 a.m. to Martin Luther King Jr. (2 to
option rather than a last. 12:30 p.m.), Miller Grove (9 6 p.m.), Miller Grove (1 to 5
Upcoming Summer a.m. to 1 p.m.), Redan (1 to 5 p.m.), Redan (8 a.m. to noon),
Transition Centers will be p.m.), Cedar Grove (8 a.m. to Cedar Grove (1. to 4 p.m.).
available at the following noon).
schools during the following Wednesday, June 21: Cross
CURRENT PROPOSED 2017 TAX DIGEST AND 5 YEAR HISTORY OF LEVY
AND NOTICE OF PROPOSED TAX INCREASE
NoticeisherebygiventhattheGoverningAuthorityoftheCityofClarkstonhastentativelyadopteda2017millagerate
whichwillrequireanincreaseinthepropertytaxesof14.95percent.
AllconcernedcitizensareinvitedtothePublicHearingsonthistaxincreasetobeheldJune29at10:00am,CityHall
CouncilRm,3921ChurchStreet,Clarkston,GA30021.AsecondPublicHearingwillbeheldonJune29at6:00pmatthe
CityHallCouncilRm,3921ChurchStreet,Clarkston,GA30021.
AfinalPublicHearingwillbeheldonJuly6at7:30PMattheCityHallCouncilRm,3921ChurchStreet,Clarkston,GA
30021.TheCityCouncilwilladoptthe2017MillagerateattheJuly6,2017meetingfollowingtheconclusionofthePublic
Hearing
Thistentativeincreasewillresultinamillagerateof15.89mils,anincreaseof2.066mills.Withoutthistentativetax
increase,themillageratewillbenomorethan13.824.Theproposedtaxincreaseforahomewithafairmarketvalueof
$100,000isapproximately$82.64.Theproposedincreaseonnonhomesteadpropertywithafairmarketvalueof$
475,000isapproximately$392.54.
City Tax 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

NOTICE OF PROPERTY TAX

Real & Personal 64,816,123 58,592,799 64,881,851 107,610,419 146,214,537 $163,338,661.00
Motor Vehicles 5,462,080 6,244,650 5,266,300 3,300,880 2,257,250 1,939,920.00

INCREASE
Mobile Homes 0 0 0 0 0 0
Timber - 100% 0 0 0 0 0 0
Heavy Duty Equipment 0 0 0 0 0 0
Gross Digest 70,278,203 64,837,449 70,148,151 110,911,299 148,471,787 $165,278,581.00
The City of Brookhaven has Less M & O Exemptions 1,618,667 1,683,228 1,798,483 1,945,711 1,991,501 2,067,595.00

tentatively adopted a millage rate for Net M & O Digest 68,659,536 63,154,221 68,349,668 108,965,588 146,480,286 $163,210,986.00

the General Fund which will require Gross M & O Millage 14.000 17.950 17.950 17.110 15.890 15.89

an increase in property taxes by 5.63

Less Rollbacks 3.950 0.000 3.200 0.000 0.000 0
Net M & O Millage 17.950 17.950 21.150 17.110 15.890 15.89

percent over the Rollback Millage Total County Taxes Levied $1,232,439 $1,133,618 $1,445,595 $1,864,401 $2,327,572 $2,593,423
rate. This increase is due solely to
the revaluation of real property tax Net Taxes $ Increase
Net Taxes % Increase
$165,576.67
15.52%
-$98,820
-8.02%
$311,977
27.52%
$418,806
28.97%
$463,171
24.84%
$265,851
11.42%

assessments.
All concerned citizens are invited
to the public hearings on this tax NOTICE OF PROPERTY TAX INCREASE
increase to be held at Brookhaven
City Hall at 4362 Peachtree Road,
Brookhaven, GA 30319. The first The City of Pine Lake Mayor and City Council have tentatively
public hearing will be held at 7:00 p.m. adopted a millage rate which will require an increase in property
on June 15, 2017. taxes by 14.51 percent. All concerned citizens are invited to the
The second public and third public public hearing on this tax increase to be held at the Courthouse/
hearings will be held June 29, 2017 at Council Chambers, 459 Pine Drive, Pine Lake, GA on June 22,
10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. After the final 2017 at 7:00pm.
public hearing, the millage rate will be
formally adopted at the June 29, 2017
meeting at 7:00 p.m. Times and places of additional public hearings on this tax increase
The tentative increase will result in are at the same location on June 24, 2017 at 9:00am and June
a millage rate of 2.74 mills, a millage 27, 2017 at 6:00pm.
rate equivalent increase of 0.146 mills.
Without this tentative tax increase, This tentative increase will result in a millage rate of 22.200 Mills,
the millage rate will be no more than an increase of 2.813 mills. Without this tentative tax increase, the
2.594 mills. The proposed tax increase
for a home with a fair market value of millage rate will be no more than 19.387 mills.
$426,054 is approximately $20.51 and The proposed tax increase for a home with a fair market value of
the proposed tax increase for non- $125,000 is approximately $129.40 and the proposed tax increase
homestead property with a fair market for nonhomestead property with a fair market value of $200,000 is
value of $1,003,694 is approximately approximately $225.04.
$58.62.
SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 16, 2017 Page 22

Brian Herron named most outstanding athlete

by Carla Parker
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Lakeside High School rising
junior Brian Herron has been
named the Most Outstanding
Male Track Athlete in metro
Atlanta.
Herron received the honor
June 7 at Atlanta Track Clubs
All-Metro High School Track and
Field Awards Banquet. Herron
was among nine athletes from
DeKalb County selected by the
Atlanta Track Club to receive
All-Metro High School Track and
Field Team honors.
Herron was named to the All-
Metro team for his performance
in the 400-meter dash and will
receive a $1,500 scholarship. He
currently holds the states fastest
time in the 400 with a time of
46.15, which he ran in the Class
AAAAAAA sectionals meet on
April 29.
The other eight students
named to the All-Metro team are
Miller Groves Emoni Coleman
(800-meter run), Decaturs
Sam Ellis (800-meter run) and
Southwest DeKalbs 4x100-meter
relay teamMarcelus Boykin,
Devin Brewington, Terry
Conwell, Terryon Conwell,
Justin Tomlin and Hasim Smith.

Lakesides Brian Herron, center, was named the Most Outstanding Male Track Athlete at
Atlanta Track Clubs All-Metro High School Track and Field Awards Banquet. Photo by
Travis Hudgons

DeKalb County Fastpitch Club

all-county teams announced
First Team
Lashayna Lee 12th Miller Grove Catcher (Player of the Year)
Walker Wicklund 10th Dunwoody Catcher
Deyounce Anderson 11th Miller Grove Pitcher
Jordyn Powell 12th Stephenson Pitcher
Kayla Phillips 12th Arabia Mountain Pitcher (Pitcher of the Year)
Carlin Waddell 11th Chamblee Pitcher
Katie Cassidy 11th Decatur Pitcher
Brierra Warren 9th Stephenson Infield
Tajah Clark 11th Arabia Mountain Infield
Alexandra Towner 12th Chamblee Infield
Rachel Lovejoy 10th Chamblee Infield
Janiah Canty 11th Miller Grove Infield
Shai-Anne Stoudemire 11th Stephenson Outfield
Denaudia Smartt 10th Stephenson Outfield
Dyamond Brown 11th Arabia Mountain Outfield
Taylor Pierce 10th Dunwoody Outfield
Amber Austin 9th Druid Hills Outfield
Lauren Smith 10th Decatur Utility
Jalyn Barker 10th Arabia Mountain Utility

Second Team
Marcella Ferguson 12th Arabia Mountain Catcher
Audrey Wheeler 11th Decatur Catcher
Samantha Moss 10th Dunwoody Pitcher
Angel Heard 12th Cedar Grove Pitcher
Alyssa Leveritte 11th Tucker Pitcher
Mary Axelson 9th Chamblee Pitcher
Madison Kesel 12th Lakeside Infield
Dylan Andrews 10th Decatur Infield
Sydney Pettus 10th Decatur Infield
Lindsey Puckett 11th Dunwoody Infield
Dasha King 11th Lithonia Infield
Kaylen Ponder 10th Cedar Grove Infield
Cyerra Burdette-Long 11th Decatur Outfield
Ariana Carter 12th Tucker Outfield
Traci Brown 11th Towers Outfield
Jada Ramey 11th McNair Utility
Niyah McRae 12th Cedar Grove Utility
Latiya Lee 9th Miller Grove Utility Arabia Mountain pitcher Kayla Phillips was named Pitcher of the Year by the
DeKalb County Fastpitch Club. Photo by Carla Parker
SPORTS
Chapel Hill wins third
all-sports award
by Carla Parker
carla@dekalbchamp.com
With a one-point margin,
the Chapel Hill Middle School
athletics program claimed the
2017 DeKalb County School
District Middle School All-
Sports Award.
The award is the third for
the Chapel Hill Panthers,
which became the first school
to win the award three times
since it was first given 10 years
ago. Chapel Hill outscored
Chamblee 92-91-in the award
standings.
Chapel Hill won the boys
county track championship.
The football team, girls
basketball and boys basketball
teams also won county region
titles.
The football team advanced
Chamblee athletics wins first
county All-Sports award Arabian
Mountain places second
by Carla Parker
carla@dekalbchamp.com
It was a year of firsts for
Chamblee High Schools
athletics program.
The girls tennis team won
its first state title, the baseball
team won 22 games for the
first time in program history.
The overall athletic program
won its first DeKalb County
School District All-Sports
award with 310 points, out-
scoring runner up Arabia
Mountain (304.5) by 5.5
points.
Lakeside finished third
with 292 points.
Since the 1981-82 athletic
season, the school district has
recognized as the best overall
athletic program in the county
with the All-Sports Award.
Chamblee, which finished
second the inaugural year,
was led by the girls athletic
programs this school year.
The girls tennis team won
the programs first state tennis
title by defeating Starrs Mill
3-2, and finished the season
WWW.THECHAMPIONNEWSPAPER.COM
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 16, 2017 Page 23
to the semifinals of the county
tournament and the girls
basketball team finished 16-1
overall and third in the county
championship. Chapel Hill
finished fourth in the boys
basketball county tournament
at 13-4 overall.
Chamblee was within
one point of Chapel Hill in
the awards standings after
trailing by five points following
basketball season. The boys
basketball team won the
county championship and the
girls finished fourth.
Chamblee girls won the
county track and field title and
the boys track team finished
Chapel Hill boys track and field team won the county championship. Photo by Mark Brock
fourth.
Champion Theme Middle
runner-up Stephenson finished with 71 points. won again in 2014. Chamblee
School, the 2016 All-Sports
fourth with 75 points. Miller Chapel Hill won the finished second for the third
Award winner, finished third
Grove rounded out the Top 5 inaugural award in 2008 and time.
with 79 points, while 2016
undefeated with a 25-0 record.
It was the countys first girls
tennis title since 1984. The
boys tennis team finished as
Region 5-AAAAA champions
and advanced to the Sweet 16
of the state playoffs.
The Chamblee girls swim
team finished second in the
Class A-AAAAA state meet
and the boys team finished
third for the third consecutive
year. The volleyball team
won its area title, advanced
to the Elite Eight of the Class
AAAAA state playoffs and Chamblee girls tennis team won its first state title. Photo by Carla Parker
finished with a 37-9 record.
Chamblee girls basketball
and golf teams also made state
playoff appearances, and the
fastpitch softball team finished Chamblees baseball team 477.0 points. and winning its first playoff
third in the region and made won a school record of 22 Arabia Mountains game.
the state playoffs. games, finished second in the second-place finish is the The fastpitch softball team
Chamblee girls soccer region standings and advanced highest for Arabia Mountain (21-9) and the baseball team
team won the region title and to the state playoffs. in the schools eighth year of (22-11) also had first playoff
advanced to the Sweet 16 of Chamblees athletic athletics. series victories. It was the first
the state tournament and program finished 11th in the The football team had softball first-round win for
finished the season with a 13- Georgia Athletic Directors its best season in program DeKalb since 2009 and first
4-1 record. The girls track and Cup with a combined 707.0 historywinning its baseball region title for Arabia
field team finished third in the points in girls and boys first region title (region Mountain. The boys track
county meet and the region athletics. The girls finished 5-AAAAA), clinching a No. 1 team won its first region title.
meet. seventh in state standings with seed and its first playoff berth,
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 16, 2017 Page 24

Avondale grad hopes to become first Black female governor

by Horace Holloman
horace@dekalbchamp.com
Former DeKalb County
resident and Avondale Estates
High School graduate Stacey
Abrams said the time has
come to change the political
landscape in Georgia.
Abrams, who graduated as
valedictorian from Avondale
Estates High School in 1991,
formally announced she
would run for the open seat in
the states highest office.
If successful, Abrams
would become the first Black
female governor in the United
States.
[A win] would
demonstrate that difference
is not a barrier. Identity has
become a curse sometimes,
but I celebrate it as an African-
American woman, Abrams
said. Its emboldened me to
try in places Im not expected
to be. If Im successful, I can
uplift families in Georgia.
Abrams has become
accustomed to making
history in Georgia. In 2010,
she became the first woman
to lead either party in the
Georgia General Assembly
and the first Black to lead in
the House of Representatives.
Abrams said shes tried to
make strides in the state for
forgotten voters and people
of color. She created the
New Georgia Project, which
registered more than 200,000
voters between 2014 and 2016.
Im running because
I believe that Georgia has
a pathway to freedom and
opportunity, but so many have
been left behind, Abrams
said. For too long our
political leadership in Atlanta
and the governors mansion
have moved things forward
but havent reached everyone.
I want to include everyone.
Gov. Nathan Deals seat
will be open in 2018. As of
June 9, three Republicans
announced they would run for
governor.
Abrams said the political
landscape in Georgia has
shifted in recent years. Some
were surprised by the success
of Democrat Jon Ossoff,
whos running in Georgias
6th Congressional District,
after he entered a runoff with
Republican Karen Handel,
Abrams said.
With the changing
demographics in Georgia,
some predict the Peach State
will eventually turn blue,
Abrams said.
If you look at the last
four midterm election
cycles...we were able to cut
the [Republicans] margin
of victory in half. That
change has been driven by
demography. We have to go to
forgotten voters and give them
a reason to engage, she said.
Abrams said the time she
spent in DeKalb Countys
school system has helped
prepare her for the upcoming
challenge. She hopes she can
make a difference.
I am running for
governor of Georgia because
we must build a future for
our state where people can
succeed not just survive,
she said. Avondale Estates graduate Stacey Abrams announced she would run for
governor of Georgia. If successful, she would become the first Black female
governor. Photos provided.

Bring it to the table.

The food, the stories, the same old jokes and
games. All the years happenings. Everyone and
everything. Bring it all, because thats what family is
about. And this wouldnt be a reunion without it.

Learn how Publix can help make it a family reunion to remember at publix.com/familyreunion.