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DeKalb County CEO hits 100 days in office
By ZOE SEILER zoe@appenmedia.com
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson has been in office for 100 days. So far, she has tackled increasing the water and sewer rates, improving police recruitment and retention, and making
some high-level staffing changes.
With a new administration comes some new faces. A few staff positions have changed, including the police chief, watershed director and county attorney.
Former DeKalb Police Chief Mirtha Ramos previously said county officials blind sided her with the news that she had 21 days to resign
or face termination. She was placed on administrative leave in February.
Assistant Chief Gregory Padrick is the interim police chief.
“I had no idea that it was coming,” she said during an episode of the Decatur Dish show in February.
See CEO, Page 23
DEAN HESSE/DECATURISH
With her left hand on a Bible held by husband U.S.A.F. Ret. Lt. Colonel William H. Johnson, III and family gathered around, Lorraine Cochran-Johnson is sworn in as DeKalb County CEO by the Honorable Mark Anthony Scott at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church on the Emory University Campus on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025.
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EDITOR’S NOTE
Financing humanity’s greatest accomplishment
DAN WHISENHUNT Editor dan@appenmedia.com
Dear readers, It is common knowledge that the grilled cheese burrito at Taco Bell is the greatest thing humanity has ever accomplished or ever will accomplish. For a mere $5, you can get 700 protein-filled calories with hot sauce. The frugal, undiscerning gentlefolk among us know and understand this reality.
Yet, affordable as it is, the economic winds are shifting, and I know there may come a day when humanity's greatest accomplishment will be economically out of reach.
DoorDash has a solution. The company has joined hands with a fintech company called Klarna, twirling together in the death spiral of capitalism. Get a load of this: they’re offering to finance that grilled cheese burrito. Eat now, pay later, because putting your DoorDash on your Discover card isn’t a low enough bar for fiscally questionable life choices.
Like many consumers, I have questions about this.
I’m told my Taco Bell purchase will be interest-free in four installments. Let’s say I have Taco Bell debt and happen to find a coupon for a grilled cheese burrito on the floorboard of my car. Can the coupon be used to settle it? If I’ve already made payments toward my grilled cheese burrito, would I get a refund on those payments? And what happens if I miss a payment? Will goons be visiting me? Related question: Does Taco Bell employ goons? As a reporter, I find this idea hilarious and intriguing. And I’m very devoted to screwing with these people in every way possible.
As our country experiments with oligarchy, I have to find my economic pleasures where I can. The tech bros who now run the government insist that cost-cutting is needed across the board. And you know what? We agree on this. Wanting to be a team player, I’ve cut my costs by canceling Amazon Prime, Netflix and a few other streaming services. It’s not much, but it’s a start.
Recent economic boycotts in this country have a spotty track record, so I do not believe people like Jeff Bezos will miss me
or my money. Instead, this is better viewed as a reordering of my financial priorities. Every year, we all preach at each other about shopping local for the holidays, but can’t escape the lure of convenience. I will be more intentional about supporting local businesses this year, during the holidays and otherwise.
After counting up what I’m saving on subscriptions, I have roughly $300 more in my budget for local spending. Because I’m a journalist and therefore good at math, I know I can get a year’s worth of grilled cheese burritos for that. But I will instead support the small companies investing in my community instead of the companies siphoning every last nickel out of it.
Tired of the insatiable greed that’s running this country into the ground? Support your local economy in every way you can at every available opportunity. It’s a small thing, but it matters.
We hope you will enjoy this month’s edition of Decaturish Ink.
Until the next issue, I remain your humble and grateful community news editor.
– Dano Dan Whisenhunt, editor and founder
Meet the Decaturish Team
Dan Whisenhunt Editor & Founder
Dan started Decaturish in May 2013. He envisions Decaturish becoming a news website that covers all of DeKalb County. Dan currently covers Tucker, development and public safety. dan@appenmedia.com
Zoe Seiler Assistant Editor
Zoe joined the Decaturish staff in May 2021, and had been freelancing for us starting in 2019. She is passionate about keeping our community informed on local happenings. Zoe covers Decatur, DeKalb County and state politics. zoe@appenmedia.com
Jim Bass Reporter
Jim is the newest member of our team, having joined us in February. He's often seen with a camera over his shoulder, a notepad in his hand or an eye looking through a viewfinder. Jim covers education and Avondale Estates. jim@appenmedia.com
Dean Hesse Photographer
Dean Hesse takes a majority of the photos seen on Decaturish. He joined us as a freelancer in 2019. Dean has a background in wedding and portrait photography. His work has appeared in consumer and trade publications.
dean@appenmedia.com
Debbie Inglis Sales & Marketing Director
Debbie has been on staff since 2024, selling ads and working to market and promote Decaturish. Want to advertise with us? Reach out to Debbie.
debbie@appenmedia.com
“They
– Mary M., Buyer
City pauses pickleball project after it goes 'off the rails'
By DAN WHISENHUNT dan@appenmedia.com
TUCKER, Ga. — During a pleasant spring evening on April 1, Tucker Mayor Frank Auman sat on wooden bleachers at Rosenfeld Park with crossed arms and listened.
Below him, about 50 pickleball players roamed the courts, laughing, cheering from the sidelines, and popping balls with paddles on the courts while pop music played over a speaker. Next to him, Tucker resident Heather Hale asked pointed questions about the city’s plans for 12 pickleball courts at the Tucker Recreation Center, four miles away.
Their meeting continued a conversation about pickleball in Tucker that had been going on for over two years, or shorter, depending on who you ask. The project is officially on “pause,” as of April 11, brought to a halt by a deluge of emails and public comments from residents living near the recreation center. The city hasn’t decided how it will move forward, but its status will likely to be addressed at an upcoming city council meeting.
Opponents say they were never consulted about the project and don’t want it. The noise, they say, would ruin their quality of life.
It’s not about the volume, but the kind of noise pickleball play creates. Hale said, “Decibels isn’t the story. That’s not what makes pickleball noise problematic.”
“We don’t have a measure of how annoying a sound is,” Hale said. “The sound of a truck backing up was designed to capture the attention of a human brain. It’s super annoying and jarring. That type of noise is the same frequency as pickleball.”
When the city began pursuing the project, it appeared the public supported it. In March 2023, the council approved a $77,000 design contract with Root Design Studios. A large, enthusiastic group of players showed up in support. But a year later, a large and loud group of opponents began showing up at meetings, making it clear they were prepared to take legal action to stop it.
Supporters of the project say the courts are needed and that inclusive sports build a stronger community.
Amy Ney spoke with a reporter on April 1 between matches at Rosenfeld Park. She travels to Rosenfeld Park from Gwinnett County and likes the sport because people of all ages can compete against each other. Her friend’s mom, who is 81, plays, as does her son, who is 17. On the pickleball court, they are equals.
“There are not a lot of sports you can play with grandma where it's competitive,” Ney said.
While the pickleball play on Tucker’s courts is friendly, the off-court drama between players and opponents of the new courts has been tense. A construction contract hasn’t been signed, and it’s unclear if one will ever be. City leaders admit that they’ve erred in their pursuit of the project.
“We brought a little bit of this on ourselves,” Auman said in an interview with Decaturish. “Because we had talked about having some public input on the final design before we went to bid, which we didn't do, or didn't do like some people expected us to do. So then when it came out that we had a bid, everyone assumed we were
DEAN HESSE/DECATURISH
(Left to Right)
Robert Gonzales, Barbara Gonzales and Elisabeth Beckwith play pickleball at Rosenfeld Park in Tucker.
The Corner Cup
By ZOE SEILER zoe@appenmedia.com
GREATER DECATUR, Ga. — Walking into The Corner Cup, it’s hard to not run into a friend or neighbor. It’s a space where everyone knows your name and the baristas know your coffee order.
The Corner Cup has been a meet-up space or office for many since 2016 in Greater Decatur and 2018 in Tucker.
“We are the ‘Cheers’ of the coffee world, at least over where we are,” owner Rich Lavery said. “I love talking to people and getting to know them.”
The neighborhood coffee shop offers a variety of flavored drinks, such as coffee, tea, and smoothies. Some of the more popular drinks are the bee naughty latte, which is vanilla and honey, and the Vermont, which is a latte with maple syrup, honey, and cinnamon.
Lavery and his partner, Michael Vorndran, added that they strive for the coffee shop to have accessible drinks and reasonable prices.
“We want it to be the everyday coffee, so we don’t want you spending too much to come here every day,” Lavery said. “We keep our prices very competitive.”
Lavery previously worked for Pea Ridge, the former restaurant in a shopping center on Lawrenceville Highway, and was familiar with the property and the neighborhood. Pea Ridge and The Corner Cup share a parking lot.
The property owners previously surveyed the neighborhood to determine what it wanted. The top two suggestions were a restaurant and a coffee shop. When the corner unit became available, Lavery jumped at the opportunity.
“I was able to take a lot of my regulars from Shorties and from Pea Ridge and introduce them to The Corner Cup,” Lavery said. “They became regulars of my coffee shop. I made the transition from a bartender at night to a bartender in the morning.”
See SPOTLIGHT, Page 8
ZOE SEILER/DECATURISH
Rich Lavery (left) opened The Corner Cup in Decatur in 2016, and in Tucker with his partner Michael Vorndran (right) in 2018.
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Dec turisha
SPLOST revenue to fund Square renovation
By ZOE SEILER Zoe@appenmedia.com
DECATUR, Ga. — The Decatur City Commission, at its April 7 meeting, authorized a bond issuance of about $8.25 million to fund the Square renovation. The bond is related to the city's special purpose local option sales tax.
Phase one of the renovation to the Decatur Square will feature a new stage, a play area, plaza improvements, and an expansion of the Square into North McDonough Street. Construction is anticipated to take about 10 months to complete. City officials celebrated the groundbreaking on April 17.
In November 2023, DeKalb County voters renewed SPLOST and the equalized homestead option sales tax for another six years. SPLOST funds capital outlay projects.
Cities can bond out their SPLOST revenue by borrowing against it to receive the funding up front instead of over the next six years. The SPLOST revenue they collect would then cover the bond payments. The city can bond up to $10 million of its SPLOST funding, but it is not planning to bond that full amount.
"We're expecting just over $30,500,000 to be generated by SPLOST II over those six years," City Manager Andrea Arnold said. "Of that $35,500,000, [about] $11.5 million is already earmarked to cover debt service payments for past capital improvements –the Decatur Recreation Center, Fire Station No. 1, Decatur Public Works building and the Beacon Municipal Center."
Spotlight:
Continued from Page 6
Living just a few blocks away, the coffee shop also allowed Lavery and Vorndran to get to know their neighborhood.
Vorndran said he didn’t plan to be involved in the coffee shop long term, but has enjoyed the experience. Opening the Tucker location has kept him busy.
“I worked in the hospitality industry during college and just out of college,” Vorndran said. “I love coffee, so I was very excited when he wanted to do it in the first place, and even more excited when he wanted me to be involved.”
Lavery and Vorndran are communityoriented and encourage the staff to be as well through conversations with customers. The Corner Cup sponsors events and causes in the community, like the local schools, swim team and Girl Scouts. Vorndran serves on the Tucker Downtown Development Authority.
“We’re so community-oriented that I think that’s what drives our conversations, our business in general,” Lavery said.
(left) takes on her dad Calvin Kimbro in a game during the 2nd annual Fair on the Square in Decatur on Saturday, March 22, 2025.
The remaining SPLOST funds are available for other capital projects, like the Square construction.
The total cost of construction is about $8.5 million.
Courtney Rogers, the city's financial adviser with Davenport, said the plan is to issue $8.25 million. He said the buyers "are willing to pay a premium to get a little more interest a little faster."
The interest rate is 3%, and the city will pay back about $9.5 in total, which will be covered by SPLOST funding. Rogers added that the city will still receive $8.5 million for the project.
"You'll see on the uses side, the project fund is $8.5 million, so we'll be able to put $8.5 million in the bank that will go toward the project," Rogers said.
Visit Decaturish.com to read more about the April 7 Decatur City Commission meeting.
“That’s who we are. We invest in our community.”
Many friendships have been formed at The Corner Cup as well.
“We used to have a bunch of retired people when we first opened, and they’ve all become friends, and they do things separately now,” Vorndran said.
Future plans, such as opening other locations, remain to be seen, but for now, The Corner Cup is focused on continuing to be a community hub. Lavery said he loves seeing what investing in the community does.
The coffee shop hosts Girl Scouts after hours each year, and the people involved and the coffee shop staff have become close friends
“They call us Uncle Rich and Uncle Michael,” Lavery said. “I want my ‘nieces and nephews’ to have a place that they can go, so I think we do it now, more for that than anything.”
The Corner Cup is located at 2625 Lawrenceville Highway in Greater Decatur, and 2380 Main Street in Tucker. Both shops are open Monday–Friday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday–Sunday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
DEAN HESSE/DECATURISH Danielle, 8,
KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOR
Scottdale resident publishes first novel
By DAN WHISENHUNT dan@appenmedia.com
Editor’s note: This is the first installment in our “Know Your Neighbor” series, which highlights interesting people who live in our community. To nominate someone you know for this new feature, email decaturish@appenmedia.com
SCOTTDALE, Ga. – Malaika Cheney-Coker sees parallels between her experiences growing up in a relatively welloff household in Sierra Leone and the political conflicts inside the U.S.
Now the Scottdale resident can add another title: published author.
Her new book, “Creature of Air and Still Water,” debuted April 8. The main character is a young man in Atlanta who, moved by his brother's untimely death, returns home to Sierra Leone seeking answers about a mysterious affliction.
Cheney-Coker, 44, has lived in Scottdale for 10 years and Atlanta for longer, but she was born in Nigeria. She spent some of her childhood in the Philippines and most of it in Sierra Leone. A naturalized United States citizen, she holds a bachelor’s degree in literature from Lebanon Valley College and a master’s degree in international affairs and development from Clark Atlanta University. In 2019, she founded the social impact consulting firm Ignited Word.
She lived in Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, during the country’s civil war in the 1990s. The capital was mostly unscathed when she lived there, but her parents had to flee within a year of her leaving for college in the U.S.
“It was definitely weird and scary,” Cheney-Coker recalled.
While her home life was stable, political instability existed in and around Sierra Leone when she lived there. She attended school with Liberian refugees from the first Liberian Civil War.
Big hearts,Good
“When the war in Sierra Leone got started, it felt pretty distant, because it was mostly in the provinces, but the stories were starting to be horrific,” CheneyCoker said, noting that “brutal” accounts of amputations during the conflict were common. “It didn't quite get that bad when I was there. Day-to-day life looked totally normal, just going about in the capital, doing your thing. Everything was working as per usual, but you'd get these reports, and so it just was an ominous kind of feeling.”
The conflicts in these countries can be traced back to colonialism and its legacy of leaving behind fragile governments.
“You know, in some cases there were, like, two people with college degrees when their colonial masters left, and then they're supposed to set up a government,” she said.
There were other forces at work, too. Policies established by international financial institutions were intended to move countries like Sierra Leone forward, but did the opposite, leading to high debt and political corruption. That, in turn, reduced the basic social services the country needed to develop.
“And of course, there are internal reasons [for conflict],” she said. “It’s some of the leaders’ own fault for being corrupt and venal and stealing from their people and taking foreign funds and not delivering social services.”
See NEIGHBOR, Page 22
PROVIDED
Malaika Cheney-Coker has published her new book "Creature of Air and Still Water.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Morton brings ‘monstrous’ creations to life
By JIM BASS jim@appenmedia.com
DECATUR, Ga. — Sometimes recognized in Decatur as the man with caskets on top of his van, Decatur resident Shane Morton wears many monstrous hats.
Morton is a visual effects artist who owns Silver Scream FX Lab based in Atlanta and has also hosted the Silver Scream Spook Show as Professor Morte at Plaza Theatre for 18 years.
Morton has recently had success working on numerous projects, including "Your Pretty Face is Going to Hell," "Mandy," and the Adult Swim viral short “Too Many Cooks.” While not currently working with any formal visual effects or makeup unions, Morton has found consistent work doing what he loves.
“It's all I do,” Morton said. “All I do is make monsters, do paintings of monsters, illustrate monsters and I’ve managed to turn my dream into my reality.”
Professor Morte's Spook Show features a 30-minute live stage show involving magic tricks, dancing girls, jokes, spectacles and frights followed by a classic horror film.
“The Spook Show is probably, out of all the projects I've ever done, my favorite thing,” Morton said. “It combines every-
thing that I do and everything I love into just one big, crazy package.”
Morton is encouraged by the passionate regulars in attendance, who often dress up in costumes. He believes that out of all of his creations, it will be what he is most remembered for.
“I always wanted to be a horror host since I was a kid. I always loved the old horror hosts on TV and it’s great that I've been Atlanta's horror host for almost 20 years,” Morton said.
Developing the passion to scare
Morton grew up in a “creative household” on Saint Simons Island and quickly grew to appreciate monster media. At a young age, Morton watched the original "King Kong" (1933), which sparked his initial passion for visual effects.
“I got lucky. I hit the parental jackpot, and my parents were super into this monster stuff, monster movies, comic books, Alice Cooper, KISS and stuff like that…," Morton said. “This is in my genetics."
As a kid, Morton developed his interests surrounding the world of monsters and collecting monster memorabilia. He would also often help his neighborhood
See MORTON, Page 11
JIM BASS/DECATURISH
Shane Morton, owner of Silver Scream FX Lab, poses in front of his custom-painted van with a casket on top at his studio in Stone Mountain.
Morton:
develop their Halloween costumes and makeup each year.
While attending Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) on a full scholarship for drawing, Morton got his first taste of working on a film set by helping with "Return of the Swamp Thing,"which was filming in Savannah then.
Despite a passion for film and a background in drawing, Morton pursued a different creative venture: playing in multiple rock 'n' roll bands, including Super X-13, and working as a tattoo artist.
“I have a style with my special effects that really stands out, and I believe it's because of being a wellrounded illustrator in all these different fields like tattooing and even the rock 'n' roll thing,” Morton said.
After performing alongside Rob Zombie’s band “White Zombie,” Morton built a connection with Zombie, who had him work on a “million-dollar sequence” in "Halloween II." Zombie was impressed with his talent and encouraged Morton to continue doing it full-time.
The interaction was eye-opening for Morton, who felt a connection with Zombie, who also notably transitioned from a rock musician to making monster movies.
As Morton continued to develop a career in visual effects, he got opportunities to work on a variety of films, primarily in the horror genre. He has been most passionate about working for independent productions, as he found it challenging early on to have creative freedom in productions with a large budget.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
this starry-eyed kid, who thought everybody made art because they were artists,” Morton said. “Some people are just there to take a paycheck or whatever. So that was a bummer, but that's why I've always gravitated toward independent cinema.”
Making a ‘Monster House’
Lately, Morton has purchased and nearly completed the first phase of renovating his newest studio for Silver Scream FX Lab.
Nestled on a small street in Stone Mountain, the studio is constructed from a 1840s home that will be the place for Morton and his production teams to construct monsters, create new designs and teach special effects lessons to newcomers.
Along with being a studio, Morton hopes to transform the home into a haunted house experience and a potential wedding location. Morton believes the space is a perfect fit to make his creations and gets to declare a unique distinction for Atlanta.
“We're gonna be able to say that we're the only special effects studio making monsters in a 200-year-old haunted house,” Morton said.
As the house is currently in the late stages of construction, Morton aims to begin classes this month. He is excited about the future, with several projects in the works and continuing his position working for the famous TV horror host Joe Bob Briggs.
Morton earned the role in 2023 as a production designer for "The Last Drive-in" with Joe Bob Briggs, a horror show that Morton has admired from a young age. The show on Shudder now also features Morton as a recurring member.
Morton’s next Silver Scream Spook Show at Plaza Theatre will feature a screening of "Mothra vs. Godzilla" on May 17. Continued from Page 10
“It was a harsh realization because here I was,
PHOTOS BY: JIM BASS/DECATURISH
Shane Morton, owner of Silver Scream FX Lab, smiles with a new mold of the "Cheddar Goblin" that he created at his studio in Stone Mountain.
Iterations of Shane Morton's iconic "Cheddar Goblin" from the film "Mandy" sits in his display case at his studio in Stone Mountain.
An estimated 30,000 people attend Atlanta 'Hands Off' protest
By DEAN HESSE dean@appenmedia.com
ATLANTA — An estimated 30,000 people showed up in Atlanta on Saturday, April 5, to rally against the policies of President Donald Trump during the “Hands Off!” protest.
The Atlanta event was part of approximately 1,200 protests nationwide on Saturday, including dozens across Georgia.
“We are very excited by the showing today,” John Morris, a 50501 Georgia organizer, said. “We have a large coalition of partners that are all here for different reasons, different issues, but collectively have come together because of what’s happening in this country, which is really an attack on all of us. Today is the day that
we collectively as Atlantans and Georgians come together, stand up and fight back and speak out against what is happening with this administration.”
Morris said people should check 50501 Georgia, Georgia Indivisible, and the ACLU of Georgia on social media to find out about upcoming events.
“Our ultimate goal is to provide a place for people’s voices to be heard and, in the end, demand -- ultimately --that we need this administration to stop attacking the foundational principles of our country and respect the constitution. They need to respect due process and, most importantly, they need to respect the people of this country,” Morris said.
BEHIND THE PHOTOS: Photographer Dean Hesse grew up in Decatur and lives in Stone Mountain. He began his career as a stringer covering events for the DeKalb News/Sun in the 1990s and attended the Southeastern Center for the Arts Professional Photography Program. He worked in a photo lab as a custom black & white printer for wedding and portrait photographers. His work has appeared in local and national consumer and trade publications. Dean can be reached at dean@appenmedia.com
Thousands of demonstrators march from Piedmont Park to the Georgia State Capitol on Saturday, April 5, 2025, during the "Hands Off! protest in Atlanta against policies enacted by President
— Photos by Dean Hesse
Donald Trump and Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) head Elon Musk.
An estimated 30,000 people demonstrate in Atlanta against the policies of President Donald Trump and Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) head Elon Musk during the “Hands Off!” protest on Saturday, April 5, 2025
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People fill Liberty Plaza across from the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta to capacity as they rally and hear from speakers.
DEAN HESSE/DECATURISH
Decaturish invites our readers to hang this Trader Joe’s photo on their wall and meditate upon it so we can collectively manifest a downtown Decatur TJ’s into existence.
Track, field now open at Legacy Park in Decatur
By ZOE SEILER zoe@appenmedia.com
DECATUR, Ga. — The city of Decatur and City Schools of Decatur recently celebrated the ribbon cutting of the Legacy Park track and field.
The track and field is open to school and city programming, as well as community use. Signs at the facility outline the schedule for when the track is used for specific programming and when it will be open to the public.
The project is a partnership between the city and City Schools of Decatur. In 2023, the city commission approved an agreement with Sports Turf Company for about $6 million to construct the project. The project budget cost about $7 million, with each entity contributing $3.5 million. The city and school district celebrated the groundbreaking in February 2024.
The city of Decatur purchased a 77acre property from the United Methodist Children’s Home in 2017. The property was renamed Legacy Park, and the community went through a master planning process in 2018. Part of that plan included building a track and field.
“We have 77 acres, an incredible opportunity of generational change for the city of Decatur, of course, the city did what the
city does – we developed a master plan,”
Mayor Patti Garrett said. “Integral to that master plan was a track and field.”
She added that the track and field is something the city and school district will be able to enjoy for generations to come.
While the track and field was one of the most requested items in the Legacy Park Master Plan, it was also the most expensive.
“We thought it was going to be 20 years before this happened because it was
Officials won't confirm or deny reports linking Trader Joe's to Baby Kroger space
By ZOE SEILER zoe@appenmedia.com
DECATUR, Ga. — A new grocery store will replace the shuttered Baby Kroger in Decatur. The signs point toward the store being Trader Joe's, but neither city officials nor the developer has confirmed the rumors.
Rumors have been swirling for months that Trader Joe’s is interested in opening a store at the site, and the community has been asking for one. Tomorrow’s News Today, a local real estate website, reported it has insider information linking Trader Joe’s to the project. Trader Joe’s has not confirmed or denied its interest in opening a store in Decatur.
The Decatur Downtown Development Authority, at its March 14 meeting, approved a $13 million tax incentive to Pope and Land and AMLI Residential to support the redevelopment of the former Baby Kroger and DeKalb and Decatur housing authority offices. The companies are developing a 358-unit mixed-
use project at the former Baby Kroger site.
The 4.3-acre site is located at 720750 Commerce Drive. AMLI Residential previously developed and operates an apartment complex on North McDonough Street, across from Decatur City Hall.
Plans for the project include 358 multifamily units, a 642-space parking deck, and 26,000 square feet of retail space on the ground floor. The development is being designed and oriented toward the grocery store. The developers will have to meet the city’s inclusionary housing ordinance and 36 units will be set aside as affordable housing.
Baby Kroger was located at 720 Commerce Drive and closed in 2022. Pope and Land is in the process of purchasing the property from Stein Investment. The development site includes 750 Commerce Drive, too, which housed offices for the DeKalb and Decatur housing authorities. Pope and Land currently own the 750 Commerce site.
one of the most expensive pieces of the master plan,” Garrett said. “Well, the stars aligned, we were able to get [American Rescue Plan Act] funding and partner with the City Schools of Decatur to make it this happen.”
The athletic facility features an eightlane track, a synthetic turf field, a field house, and athletic field lighting. The field will have soccer, lacrosse, football and ultimate Frisbee markings. There are areas for pole-vaulting, long jump, shot put, and
discus.
The track and athletic field have athletic lights and natural seating. An existing basketball court was removed and converted into a grassy area for viewing.
“This track is more than just a surface to run on. It’s a place to push our limits, chase our dreams and support one another,” Decatur School Board Student Rep. Sophia D’Elena said.
D’Elena, who is a member of the Decatur High track team, said the project reflects the team’s hard work and commitment.
“This track isn’t just for athletes like me, it’s for everyone in our school and the community,” D’Elena said. “It’s a space where friendships grow and we can inspire each other. I envision track being filled with students, families and community members enjoying the fresh air in the spirit of competition.”
She thanked the DHS administration and coaches for advocating for track and field in the city.
“Your support has been instrumental in making this dream a reality,” D’Elena said. “And to my fellow teammates, let’s commit to making the most of our incredible gift. Together as a community, we will run and compete and create lasting memories.”
ZOE SEILER/DECATURISH
Members of the Decatur High School track and field team test out the new high jump equipment during the official opening of the track and field at Legacy Park on March 29, 2025.
Introducing the 2025 Atlanta Hustle frisbee team
By IAN MADDOX Contributor
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — For years, our city's pro ultimate Frisbee team, the Atlanta Hustle, has been more than just a squad on the field—it’s been a rallying point for a growing community of athletes and fans.
The Hustle’s inaugural season was in 2015. They joined with seven other new teams to expand the then American Ultimate Disc League (AUDL), now Ultimate Frisbee Association (UFA), from
17 to 25 teams. Since then, the Hustle has been a franchise defined by a highflying, fast-paced play style highlighted with monster throws, otherworldly catches, and Herculean defensive efforts.
The play style focused on athleticism and individual performance has led the Hustle to see extreme heights and lows.
The franchise made the playoffs in its inaugural season, only to fail to see the postseason in the next four before finally getting back in the summer of 2021. They've made the playoffs for the last three seasons.
Following their four-year playoff drought, the Hustle saw roster mix-ups and a coaching change. Longtime Atlanta area Frisbee standout Miranda Knowles stepped down in 2022. Tuba BensonJaJa, a southeast Frisbee standout, replaced her as the Hustle's head coach in 2023.
Benson-JaJa brought with him a long and decorated resume of Ultimate success. He played with one of the marquis club Frisbee teams in the southeast, Raleigh Ring of Fire, where he defined himself as an elite defender and receiving threat, coaching former AUDL franchise, the Tampa Bay Cannons to two of their only postseason births between 2015-2018, serving as an assistant coach with the Hustle during Knowles’ final season.
So, how is the Hustle doing now?
Since Benson-JaJa took the team's reins, the Hustle has quickly become one of the UFA's most consistently dominant regular-season teams. Posting stats that put them at the top of the five both points scored per game(21.58) and goals scored against(17.01) for the past two seasons. Heralding top-tier scoring,
passing, and red zone completion percentages across those two seasons to match.
This combination of elite offense and super stingy defense has seen the Hustle make the playoffs and be one of the teams no one wants to see in the postseason. Atlanta won the Southeast division and advanced to the league finals in Benson-JaJa’s first season. Losing only to the undefeated New York Empire, a team enjoying an undefeated season and unprecedented regular+postseason success as they secured their second consecutive championship and third in four seasons.
In 2024, the Hustle repeated the regular season success of the year prior and saw themselves once again in the Southeast divisional championship game, only this time falling to in-region rivals, the Carolina Flyers, in a heartbreaking game that culminated in the team from Carolina essentially playing keep away while up one to runout the clock. A game that left many, players and spectators alike, asking themselves: what’s next?
See HUSTLE, Page 23
ATLANTA HUSTLE/PROVIDED
All-UFA star player Brett Hulsmeyer skies the pile for an Atlanta Hustle score.
Kirkwood’s 22nd annual Spring Fling will return ‘rain or shine’
By JIM BASS jim@appenmedia.com
ATLANTA — The 22nd annual Kirkwood Spring Fling fundraiser festival is set to return to Bessie Branham Park on Saturday, May 17 from noon to 8 p.m.
Before the start of the festival, there will be a 5K run at 8 a.m.
The Spring Fling fundraiser, organized each year by Kirkwood Neighbors Organization (KNO), is the organization’s biggest event. The main festival welcomes the community for live music, the event’s fourth annual wing competition, artist markets, and a children’s area.
The event is also bringing back the annual “Tour of Homes” from noon to 5 p.m. on May 17-18, which will allow registered attendees to see inside the homes that make up the Kirkwood neighborhood.
At the festival, KNO hopes to show the community its latest improvements to Bessie Branham Park, which Kirkwood Spring Fling Chair Andrew Feury calls a “complete overhaul” that includes restoring the park's stone gateway on the southwest corner.
“Previously, that's just kind of been a dead space in the festival and this year we're actually going to be trying to highlight it,” Feury said. “We're going to be putting some amenities there, celebrating that we have this great new entryway into the park and into the festival that was partly responsible for paying for [the archway].”
According to Kirkwood Spring Fling’s music curator Jamal Prince, the full line-up that will perform during the festival will be The Druid Hill Billy's, The Ham-
strings, Hiibrid Band, Tulani, Ebony & Ivory Band, and Pennylane.
Pennylane, the headliner, is an all-girls Beatles cover band from Nashville that recently performed overseas in Liverpool.
The artist market will feature work from local artists, including painters, photographers, potters, jewelers, and glassmakers. The children’s area will have activities including bounce houses, bubbles, face-painting, and Atlanta United’s new “mini-pitch.”
The fourth annual “Wing Fling” wing competition also invites restaurant chefs and at-home cooks to compete and see who can make the best wings in town. Everyone is invited to register in advance and participate.
Feury is excited about the many additions and overall growth of the Spring Fling. He also emphasized that the event would happen whether it was “rain or shine.”
“It seems like we get bigger every year, and this year, I'm looking forward to some of the musicians that we're going to be getting,” Feury said.
KNO’s Spring Fling planning happens year-round, and 20 to 30 committee volunteers assist with the process. On May 17, the work culminates in something that Feury hopes will be a time for the community to celebrate the neighborhood.
“All the organization, all the planning and all the key decision making is done by people in the neighborhood who come together every year to make this event a success and I want to thank them for their hard work,” Feury said.
According to a KNO press release, the festival's proceeds are reinvested in the community’s schools, parks, and neighbor-assistance programs like Neighbor in Need.
The festival is free to attend, but some aspects involve registration in advance, including the Tour of Homes. To learn more, visit historickirkwood.org.
ANDREW FEURY/PROVIDED Spring Fling will include food trucks, an artist market, live music and children's activities.
details at 160clairemont.com
Now Leasing ±2,333sf - 20,182sf including rare, full-floor opportunity
Finding self-worth and resilience during tough times
Well, hello, beautiful. For anyone who may not know me, my name is Evelyn Caldwell, but you can call me Evie! All my friends do! I’m a seasoned, professional drag entertainer in Atlanta. You can find me WednesdaySunday performing at Lips Atlanta in Brookhaven!
This is the first installment of my new advice column, Life’s a Drag. More information about sending me questions can be found in the info box in this article.
I’ve spent a great deal of my life learning how to authentically be the best version of myself in every way possible. I’m excited to answer all of your queries and share that knowledge with you in a fun, encouraging, and fabulous way. Enough about me, though; let’s focus on you and your questions!
Question: How do you handle judgment—whether it’s from strangers, family, or even yourself?
Handling judgment can be tough, but remember that everyone has their own struggles and insecurities. Focus on loving yourself and surrounding yourself with supportive people. One powerful way to cultivate self-love is to practice gratitude—take a moment each day to acknowledge what you love about yourself, whether it's your creativity, your kindness, or your fabulous style. Look at yourself in the mirror and verbally say it! Out loud! When you embrace your true self, the judgments of others start to lose their power. And
TIDBITS
For more advice, feel free to reach out to me on social media!
Facebook: Evelyn Caldwell
Instagram: @TheEvelynCaldwell
TikTok: @TheEvelynCaldwell
Email: evelyncaldwell.info@gmail.com and decaturish@appenmedia.com
don’t forget to be kind to yourself—selflove is the best armor against negativity!
Question: If you could give a masterclass in self-worth or resilience, what would your first lesson be?
If I could give a masterclass in self-worth or resilience, my first lesson would be all about embracing your uniqueness! I'd encourage everyone to celebrate what makes them different because that's where true strength lies! It’s also crucial to be patient with yourself as you navigate your journey. Remember, growth takes time, and it's okay to stumble along the way. Give yourself grace during tough moments— acknowledge your feelings without judgment and remind yourself that it's part of the process. Resilience comes from knowing your value and standing tall, no matter what life throws your way!
I know a lot of this is easier said than done. Bad days are inevitable. Life isn’t always easy.
Question: How do you get through tough times and bounce back stronger?
When you’re going through a tough time, it’s essential to lean on your support system.
Surrounding yourself with friends or family who uplift you can provide comfort and perspective. Additionally, finding small moments of joy—like listening to your favorite music, diving into a good book, or spending time in nature—can help you recharge. Practicing self-care is vital! Allow yourself to feel your emotions without judgment and give yourself grace during this process.
Remember, every setback can be a setup for a comeback, and with time and patience, you can emerge even stronger!
At the end of the day, my loves, just be true to yourself. Figure out who you are and do it on purpose! Be kind to yourself, be patient with yourself. Remind yourself that it’s okay to be different. Remind yourself that it’s okay to make mistakes. You are a constant work in progress. Learn to love yourself the way that you want others to love you. I promise the moment you do, everything else will fall into place.
I hope you take a moment today to be kind.
Smile at a stranger. Give someone a compliment. Hold the door open for someone while you’re out shopping. In a world for full of division and uncertainty, remember that the smallest kernel of kindness can completely turn someone’s day around. Be the reason someone smiles today. It’s a great feeling for you and them.
Thank you for letting me share a little piece of my heart you all! I hope we can do it again soon.
— Until next time, love and lashes. XOXO, EC
Grindhouse Killer Burgers lives up to its name
ADRIANNE MURCHISON Contributor
DECATUR, Ga.
— Grindhouse Killer Burgers in downtown Decatur offers more than just a good burger.
On a recent sunny Saturday afternoon, the relaxed rooftop bar served up a full-on vibe — fueled by great service, flavorful food, and wallet-friendly prices. Grindhouse burgers are partially wrapped and stacked with toppings
that spill over the bun, from sautéed mushrooms and grilled onions to a black bean spread and melted cheese. According to staff, everything is made fresh, with sauces and dressings prepared inhouse daily.
Dirty South Fries are crinklecut and layered with pico de gallo, jalapeños, cheese sauce, chipotle ranch, and shredded cheddar. They are an instant favorite for fries aficionados.
Menu customization is easy. The servers are attentive to dietary preferences and clarify ingredients
like bacon or chili that diners might want to exclude.
For patrons craving something classic with a twist, the Dixie Style Junior Turkey Burger is a standout. It features pimento cheese, a fried green tomato, Carolina coleslaw, and chipotle ranch served on a bun. Sweet potato fries, with a crinkle-cut texture, made an ideal pairing for first-time diner Teresa Cuellar. She raved about the flavor and told the server, “I am so good right now,” mid-meal.
See GRINDHOUSE, Page 20
EVELYN CALDWELL Columnist
you the correct number of letters for each answer (the answers in line 1 are 4, 5 and 5 letters). The clues are numbered 1 through 7, with each number containing 3 clues for the 3 answers on the line. But here’s the catch! The clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually be for the second or third answer in that line. Got it? Good luck!
CARTOON CHARACTERS
1. The Gem State. Peter Pan villain. Uniform fabric.
2. One of the 7 Dwarfs. Charity. Wine bottle designation.
3. Charlie Brown loves him. Small whirlpool. Lock name.
4. Brouhaha. Moonfish. One of TV’s Simpsons.
5. Get-up-and-go. Coffee order. Bugs bugs him.
6. Church official. The “Oyl” in Popeye cartoons. Smell really bad.
7. Golf bag gadgets. High-hatter. Dear me, it’s a deer.
1 The Gem State. Peter Pan villain. Uniform fabric
2. One of the 7 Dwarfs. Charity. Wine bottle designation
How to Solve: Each line in the puzzle above has three clues and three answers. The last letter in the first answer on each line is the first letter of the second answer, and so on. The connecting letter is outlined, giving you the correct number of letters for each answer (the answers in line 1 are 4, 5 and 5 letters). The clues are numbered 1 through 7, which each number containing 3 clues for the 3 answers on the line. But here’s the catch! The clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually be for the second or third answer in that line. Got it? Good luck!
3. Charlie Brown loves him. Small whirlpool. Lock name
4. Brouhaha. Moonfish. One of TV’s Simpsons
5. Get-up-and-go. Coffee order. Bugs bugs him
6. Church offical. The “Oyl” in Popeye cartoons. Smell really, really bad.
7. Golf bag gadgets. High-hatter. Dear me, it’s a deer.
Will NIMBYs fight Lorraine Cochran-Johnson’s housing priorities?
KING WILLIAMS Guest Columnist decaturish@appenmedia.com
With about 100 days officially on the job as county CEO, Cochran-Johnson has outlined her priorities: hiring more police officers, improving public safety, improving infrastructure, and promoting economic development.
The CEO has been on an ongoing tour to promote her agenda and build bridges in a county best known for burning them. But when it comes to the success of her agenda, there is one area that could be a challenge… housing. In particular, whether more housing should be built for various people in a county that’s mostly been anti-new housing for years.
Housing issues undercut the potential of most of her policies. Her goal is to attract new investment and new residents to South DeKalb. Hiring more officers, teachers, and county-level staff will require places
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for them to live. If DeKalb wants to grow, Cochran-Johnson must persuade a large cohort of residents who resist change.
Cochran-Johnson spent much of last fall discussing improving housing, increasing housing stock, advocating for multiple housing types beyond single-family homes, and enhancing density. She has promoted a missing middle housing strategy by identifying various building types that could fit within existing residential and commercial spaces. This approach has been shown to lower rental and ownership costs and prevent displacement over time.
It will require a departure from old ideas around suburban, lowdensity, single-use/single-family real estate development, partly because these suburban styles have limited the county's overall growth potential after years of expansion.
Cochran-Johnson has specified that her biggest priority will be reinvigorating the long-declining Memorial Drive and the communities south of the county's unofficial
She later said she would rate Grinderhouse Killer Burgers a “15 out of 10.”
Beyond the Dixie Style burger, patrons can build their burgers with beef, turkey, veggie, or the plant-based Impossible patty. The menu also includes several signature options, like:
– Euro Style: Swiss cheese, sautéed mushrooms, lettuce, mustard, and mayo
– Hillbilly Style: Pimento cheese, jalapeño, chili, and sliced red onion
– Apache Style: Pepper jack cheese, green chiles, caramelized onions, lettuce, and tortilla strips
– Cowboy Style: Cheddar cheese, applewood bacon, crispy Vidalia onion rings, and barbecue sauce
Lighter fare is also available, including the small Avocado Salad: a mix of fresh greens topped with half a sliced avocado, pico de gallo, crunchy tortilla strips, and a southwest dressing.
The salad is usually served with bacon and Texas chili, but both can be omitted upon request. Portion sizes are generous at $6.99 for the salad and $10.99 for the loaded fries.
Each sauce choice ordered during the visit, whether for dipping fries or pouring over a dish, was pleasing, especially Diablo, a smoky, spicy sauce.
Currently, there are 15 seasonal beers on tap and nearly two dozen canned options.
Grindhouse’s own Lager is a regular staple on draft. Prices range from $3 to $7 for pints, $10 to $21 for pitchers, and wine is available by the glass for just $5.
dividing line. These areas are also the most likely to have older homeowners pushing against newer housing models and being anti-density. Her most significant hurdle will be convincing baby boomer and Gen-X homeowners to get with the times. The days of large footprints, large parking lots, and big box suburban retail styles are over and not in line with successful economic development. Cochran-Johnson’s decision to follow the data and build more high-density housing will likely face an uproar as generations of older homeowners and those with older mindsets are determined to make DeKalb 1995 again instead of 2025.
NIMBYism has hurt the city of Atlanta. Backtracking of the complete streets project on Peachtree Center avenue in 2022 led to the further decline of the city’s downtown. That project was supposed to kick off the redevelopment of the Peachtree Center area from a declining office and commercial corridor to a residential mixed-use
The service at Grindhouse helps to set the tone. One server, Bo, shared that he has worked at the Decatur location for nearly a decade. He is also an alumnus of Decatur High School, he said, which is located across the street and visible through the rooftop’s open-air view.
His personal connection, friendliness, and sharing of insider knowledge with patrons added to the welcoming atmosphere and likely contributed to turning first-time visitors into regulars.
The rooftop is open to ages 21 and over. Its decor matches the laid-back energy of the space. Think rustic, worn wood, no-frills, old-school neighborhood bar. That means if you come-as-youare wearing jeans and a T-shirt you will feel just right.
While the rooftop area is reserved for adults,
housing development. That was supposed to be anchored by reducing street traffic and prioritizing pedestrian-friendly amenities, only for a single developer to complain, prompting the mayor to abandon the project. What was supposed to be a pivot from office to residential pre-pandemic to stave off a declining corridor is now post-pandemic, an eyesore downtown with no plan in sight on how to revive the area.
If the new CEO is not careful, the same can happen to her in DeKalb.
Currently, the NIMBY (not in my backyard) movement is taking over communities across the US. NIMBYism resists development of any kind often on ideological or personal grounds. For the new CEO, it would behoove her to avoid these groups and focus on revitalizing South DeKalb.
She has the right ideas regarding housing issues. Hopefully, she will stick with her vision of expanding housing options and not be derailed in her pursuit of growth in DeKalb County.
the downstairs dining room is open to all ages and offers both counter service and takeout.
Alex Brownstein and Johnny Farrow opened Grindhouse Killer Burgers in 2009 at The Municipal Market, also known as the Sweet Auburn Curb Market. Since then, the Atlantabased brand has expanded with locations on Piedmont Avenue and Memorial Drive, as well as in Athens, Brookhaven, and two counters inside Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
Last year, Grindhouse Killer Burgers announced that a new 7,000-square-foot Grindhouse location will open on Chattahoochee Avenue in 2025.
The Decatur Grindhouse Killer Burgers is located at 433 N. McDonough Street. For more information visit www.grindhouseburgers.com.
PHOTOS BY: ADRIANNE MURCHISON/DECATURISH
The Avocado Salad and Dirty South Fries with pico, jalapenos, cheese sauce, chipotle ranch and shredded cheddar.
Sweet Potato Fries and the Dixie Style Junior Turkey Burger served with pimento cheese.
Local water polo team gives teens a chance to compete
By JIM BASS jim@appenmedia.com
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga — On a Wednesday night, Dynamo Swim Center is full of kids practicing their backstroke, learning breathing techniques and improving lap times. However, at 8:15 p.m., an eager group of teens pushes the lanes aside, puts up goals, and practices.
Viking Water Polo is a local club water polo team that brings teens across grades 6-12 from the DeKalb County area together to compete in girls, boys and coed water polo.
Originating as a club sport at Lakeside High School in 2010, the group expanded across the community and welcomes students of any public or private school to try out. The Vikings currently compete in the Georgia Water Polo League (GWPL), which is held under USA Water Polo and made up of teams across Georgia.
The Vikings welcome a recent spark of nationwide interest toward water polo. According to USA Water Polo, their membership numbers have nearly doubled from 2008 to 2020, surpassing 50,000 members.
The Vikings are coached by head coach Bella Nunez and assistant coach Max Ware, who are both former players for the Vikings.
Ware attended Georgia Southern and formed a water polo club while there. After being called in by the Vikings' former head coach, he took on the coaching role and hopes to build on his passion for the sport, inspired by his coaches.
“Showing enthusiasm and showing that you do care: That is what I try to bring to the table the most is my voice, my energy and my presence,” Ware said. “ I feel like you can motivate the kids a lot, and that is what I personally do enjoy.”
The boys and girls teams both finished in 3rd place in the GWPL last year, with the coed team emerging as champions. Outside of the GWPL, the Vikings
SOLUTIONS
also participate in tournaments including the Battle of The Bay in Tampa, Florida to show them more of what water polo has on a national level.
The Vikings are a parent-funded organization, with Vikings President William Higgins taking on the leadership role. Higgins has a daughter on the team who has recently made it to the national team, and emphasizes to newcomers that the sport can open opportunities for players.
“Water polo is still a sport that can
take you to college,” William Higgins said.
Rising Stars in a growing sport
While many of the United States' big gest water polo programs are held in Cali fornia, the Vikings are gaining traction for building talent with players participat ing in the Olympic Development Program, regional teams and national teams.
Vikings player Graham Hege “fell in love with the sport” in 8th grade when his friend invited him to play. Graham was
PHOTOS BY: JIM BASS/DECATURISH
Vikings head coach Bella Nunez coaches to players in the Dynamo Swim Center pool during practice on April 2, 2025.
Vikings players Leo Daussat, Ian Swanson, Cadhan Cole and Felix May for the blue team during practice at Dynamo Swim Center on April 2, 2025
Polo:
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Abigail also currently plays for the national water polo program after playing for the southeast regional team for two years.
Head coach Bella Nunez returned to coach the sport after being a former player. She felt she had little opportunity as a player to grow due to a lack of participation in Georgia. After the recent spark of interest in water polo nationwide, Nunez wants to give back to upcoming players and help them develop their skills further.
“I kind of wanted to give back and create a space for kids here to have [the opportunities] I didn't have and to carry my love of the sport on,” Nunez said.
Spring Training
The teams primarily compete in the fall under the GWPL, but each spring, they stay active by training and conditioning at Dynamo Swim Center for 90 minutes on Monday and Wednesday nights and inviting the newer players to learn the basics.
Neighbor:
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She sees parallels between her experiences growing up in a relatively well-off household in Sierra Leone and the political conflicts inside the U.S.
“I think that when you live in societies with a lot of inequality, it's easy to kind of lose sight of the levels of desperation, or in some cases, the level of misinformation, and it's easy to lose sight of how people are
Pickleball:
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going to race to approve it, and we never got there. That's where we still are today.”
What is clear is that the opponents will not be satisfied until the city declares the project dead.
Hale said the city bore the burden of finding a solution, as she talked about if there was any compromise that would allow pickleball courts at the recreation center.
“We have not been offered a compromise,” Hale said. “At no point has Parks and Recreation Director Rip Robertson said we could consider four-to-six courts.”
Even if he did, it wouldn’t matter. The only solution Hale would support, aside from not building it, is for the city to agree to enclose the project within a
“For those new players, it really is just getting them comfortable in the water, getting them comfortable with the rules and getting them comfortable with handling the ball,” Graham Hege’s mother Pamela Hege said.
The Vikings often recruit players from swim teams as they have already gained the ability to swim at higher levels, and
living different realities from you,” she said.
Though her new book is set in Atlanta and Sierra Leone, it’s not autobiographical, she said. She also didn’t want her book to perpetuate the cliché of a war-torn Africa but to portray the complexities of immigration and returning to one’s homeland, the tensions of being torn between two places.
The main character, Seth, is from Sierra Leone and lives in Atlanta. He has achieved “the American dream.” But his brother's death and a mysterious medical condition prompt him to abandon his career and return home searching for answers. She said
building.
“Put it in a building and I won’t fight it,” she said.
And fight she will. Hale and her neighbors have already engaged an attorney and are preparing to join other people around the country who have filed lawsuits over noise from pickleball courts.
Enclosing all the courts would likely increase the cost of the project, a number that has been ticking upward since it was proposed. The project budget currently sits at more than $3 million. Initially, for Fiscal Year 2023, Robertson asked for $1.25 million and $600,000 in American Rescue Plan Act money for the project.
Roots Design Studio's job was to produce construction documents that could be used in a bid. The project bid came in at $2.6 million. Then the city incorporated a bathroom and a pavilion into the project, bringing the amount to $2.9 million, and $3.4 million with contingency funding included.
swim coaches usually encourage this as water polo helps develop swimmers’ endurance and speed.
“[Swimmers] follow that little black line when they swim, and we make a big deal about how you can do something more in the water than follow that black line,” Pamela Hege said. “You can actually get in there and play probably one of
Seth was inspired by a family member.
“So the river that features in the novel pretty heavily is the river that I grew up next to,” Cheney-Coker said. “My house is literally on the banks of the river. The house that Seth lives in, the main character, is pretty much the archetype that is the house that I grew up in.”
It’s a story she’s been working on since her mid-20s. In addition to her years of work writing the novel, Cheney-Coker has been soliciting feedback and networking through her connections at the Atlanta Writers Club, Executive Director George
Following a public outcry over the project at a city council meeting in October 2024, the city of Tucker held a public meeting about the project in November 2024.
Addressing a packed auditorium, Auman acknowledged that the city got ahead of its process by not holding a public input meeting.
“We’re a little bit off the rails on this project, not in the normal process, and we’re hoping to get everyone back on the same page as to where we are and maybe what’s next,” Auman said.
Following that meeting, they received a noise impact assessment from Arpeggio LLC, and an alternative site study from Perez Planning. Arpeggio LLC recommended including a noise barrier in the project. Perez said that based on their criteria, the three best locations for the proposed pickleball facility are Tucker Recreation Center, Fitzgerald Park, and the northeast field of Henderson Park.
the toughest sports that there is.”
As the Vikings are not formally attached to the school district, the team rents a space at Dynamo, which also has its own club water polo program. Most Viking practice sessions feature throwing drills, conditioning exercises, reviewing plays, and scrimmages. Since players often don’t have many opportunities to play outside of practice at the pool, many students look forward to the practice sessions each week.
“We try to get as much pool time as we can, but it's definitely a challenge to balance homework, with swim practice and water polo practice but it's the highlight of my week every week being here with these guys,” Graham Hege said.
While the fall season is still months away, the spring conditioning is now in full swing as players prepare for the competition. Nunez believes that the sport’s benefits extend past the athletic aspect and provide valuable life lessons.
“I think it's better than an individual sport…” Nunez said. “There's something else about having teammates around you, winning together, losing together, that I think gives you a different type of motivation that I think is good for life: Learning how to work together.”
Weinstein said.
“She’s what we call in academia ‘a gunner,'" Weinstein said. "She’s going great guns trying to teach herself everything she can and absorb everything, make sure she’s putting her best work out there and constantly improving."
Christine Ristaino, Cheney-Coker’s neighbor, colleague and friend, called her a “beautiful, stunning writer.”
“She’s one of the kindest and most compassionate people I’ve ever met,” she said. “She’s a voice to be listened to. A voice to be heard.”
Hale said the Arpeggio study is flawed and opponents are waiting on the results of their pickleball sound study. She’s also opposed to putting pickleball courts in other parts of the city close to people’s homes.
“We don’t want it in anybody’s backyards,” Hale said.
Perspectives differ on the annoyance of pickleball noise, even among people living close to courts. Robin Philpot lives near Rosenfeld Park and plays pickleball there. She remembers there weren’t many people using the park when Tucker acquired it in 2020. Pickleball changed that.
“Different people hear different sounds differently,” she said. “I hear this as life in the community. Other people might hear it as noise, but I see it as a way to bring livelihood into our neighborhood.”
Sara Amis contributed reporting to this story.
JIM BASS/DECATURISH
Vikings head coach Bella Nunez coaches players with a whiteboard in the Dynamo Swim Center during practice on April 2, 2025.
CEO:
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“I knew it was possible," Ramos said. "I am an appointed position, so I’m at the will of the CEO, and she has the right to come in and choose to pick whoever she wants. So, I mean, I knew it was possible.”
Cochran-Johnson named Reginald Wells the new director of Watershed Management after former director David Hayes retired. The county announced that Wells will lead efforts to enhance DeKalb’s water services, improve infrastructure, and comply with state and federal regulations.
Former County Attorney Viviane Ernstes also stepped down for another job opportunity. Attorney Matt Welch is serving as the interim county attorney. According to LinkedIn, Ernstes is now the deputy general counsel for the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia.
Raising water and sewer rates
One of the first issues CochranJohnson tackled upon coming into office was raising the water and sewer rates that residents and business owners pay. She proposed, and the county commission approved, a plan to increase rates 10% annually for the next 10 years.
Rates will start to increase on July 1. Due to the timing, water customers will see a 20% hike by Jan. 1, 2026. After that, there will be an annual 10% hike on Jan. 1 from 2026 to 2034.
The 10% water and sewer rate increase will fund some operations and maintenance, debt service, and the capital improvement plan for 2025 to 2034.
Cochran-Johnson previously said the county can’t afford to continue putting off water and sewer projects. “This is our moment to secure a better future for DeKalb County. I am prepared to
Hustle:
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Coming into the 2025 season, Benson-JaJa and the Atlanta squad are faced with a perplexing question to answer: How does a top-five offensive and defensive team get better? There are many ways to answer this question, but however you choose to answer it, it almost certainly goes beyond what sheer stats can quantify. There is some aspect of the Hustle’s game going into this year that requires a qualitative change beyond the numbers and statistics.
This year’s Hustle squad must find a way to bring a new edge to their identity in how they play and put their product
DEKALB
make the tough decisions necessary to protect our residents, create economic opportunities, and ensure we leave a legacy of strong infrastructure for the next generation."
Hiring more police officers
Shortly after the water rates were approved, the CEO announced plans to invest about $10 million in police recruitment and retention efforts.
The county currently has 531 police officers on staff but funded 841 officers in the budget, but Cochran-Johnson previously said the department should have about 1,100 officers.
A pay increase for officers went into effect March 1. The base salary for police recruits is now $61,000, for police officers is $62,525, and for senior police officers is $70,000. Master Police Officers, Helicopter Pilots, Sergeants, Lieutenants, Captains, and Majors received a 7.1% salary increase.
“This is just the beginning,” CochranJohnson previously said. “In less than two months, my administration has already begun delivering on the promises I made to DeKalb County. This pay increase and recruitment effort marks a significant milestone in our ongoing mission to make DeKalb safer and stronger.”
In other public safety news, Cochran-Johnson announced new policing strategies, including increased collaboration with state troopers and revisiting police pursuit policies.
Those policy revisions included inviting state troopers to patrol state highways in DeKalb and allowing county officers more freedom to chase suspects.
In an interview with Decaturish on March 28, Cochran-Johnson said the strategy shift is intended to address pedestrian deaths and street racing.
Difficult times ahead
Cochran-Johnson’s first 100 days has come with some uncertainty. The CEO
out on the field. Simply being among the best by the numbers isn’t enough for them. Breaking through the ceiling they have banged their heads against in the past two seasons is going to require the Hustle to bring the hustle. So, how do they do that?
To start, the Hustle comes into 2025 with a reloaded roster. A roster featuring a combination of proven playmakers and young talent. Starting with the proven playmakers, Atlanta adds premier receiving threats Cameron Brock (the all-time UFA leading goal scorer) and Alec-Wilson Holliday (60 goals in 2024) to reinvigorate an offense already nigh-unstoppable. As well as a proven gunslinger from Salt Lake City in Sean Cannole, who boasts one of the highest career huck (throw further than 40yds) percentages in the league (68%).
announced an executive order temporarily freezing new spending and hiring for departments controlled by the CEO’s office until further notice, beginning April 3. The freeze is in response to a pullback of federal funding initiated by President Donald Trump.
“Let me be crystal clear, we are not eliminating services, and we are not laying off employees," Cochran-Johnson said. "This is about being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars, ensuring that our core services and the people that rely on them remain protected no matter what happens on the federal level, or as a part of the broader economy."
She added later during the press conference that, “it is time we exercise great constraint and care today to ensure the future.”
The county receives about $346 million in federal funding each year, representing about 19 percent of the county's $1.8 billion budget. That money provides programs for seniors, the homeless, accountability court, workforce development, and food security, all of which Cochran-Johnson says are priorities for her administration.
Commissioners weigh in DeKalb County commissioners spoke favorably of Cochran-Johnson's performance as CEO in her first 100 days.
Presiding Officer Michelle Long Spears noted that the county commission is considering legislation related to affordable housing, such as reducing the minimum square footage requirements and establishing a housing trust fund and a land trust.
“In collaboration with the Board of Commissioners, CEO Cochran-Johnson has demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing the housing crisis,” Spears said. “It is my understanding that the CEO is also in the process of appointing a Housing Officer, who will be responsible for shaping the strategic direction of a comprehensive county-wide housing plan
Defensively, Atlanta welcomes back JP Burns, former UFA All-Star and All-Defensive team member. And, this is to name a few. Notably among the young talent joining the Hustle’s 2025 campaign are Ki Greene and Michael Poe. Both players were called to try out for the USA U-24 National Team, with Poe being selected for their explosive playmaking ability and heady field positioning. Expect both players to make their impact known early and clearly in this 2025 season.
For those attending Hustle home games this season, things to pay attention to beyond the scoreboard to see if Atlanta is succeeding in their quest to conquer the demons of seasons past will be the attitude of the team and their opponents. Atlanta will be looking to ride big play momentum into
and overseeing the implementation of these and other related initiatives.”
Deputy Presiding Officer Nicole Massiah said that Cochran-Johnson is committed to addressing ongoing challenges. She added that the CEO has immediately faced and embraced challenging issues, tackling them with the county commission.
Massiah hopes the CEO will prioritize economic development based on community feedback, especially in areas like South DeKalb Mall, Belvedere Plaza, Eastgate Shopping Center, and Candler Road.
“This development will help enhance transportation options for residents who rely on public transit and ridesharing to travel to work or access basic necessities and conveniences,” she said. “Lastly, I am committed to working with the CEO to ensure that all residents experience equity, justice, and ongoing service delivery throughout the county.”
Commissioner Ted Terry said he has worked alongside Cochran-Johnson on the county commission. He said her commitment to DeKalb is unwavering.
“As a commissioner, committee chair and member, CEO Cochran-Johnson knows firsthand what we as a County are doing well in as well as the areas that allow the opportunity to improve,” Terry said.
He added that he expects she is working with her transition team to assess each area of the county's government and “any actions will be for long-term goals for efficiency and effective service delivery.”
Spears said she has found CochranJohnson to be a compassionate, proactive and strategic leader. She has approached the first 100 days with urgency and focus.
“She has demonstrated a clear commitment to addressing long-standing housing and infrastructure challenges, maintaining fiscal responsibility, and laying the groundwork for sustainable growth across DeKalb County,” Spears said.
a crushing tide that leaves opponents meek and dejected on the field.
If opponents continue to view Atlanta as the same team capable of sliding out of the lead in any game, they will stay that same team. Atlanta must look to instill the same sense of inevitability that past champions of the league have brought into every matchup, particularly at home. Players to watch that will be key to this are Hayden Austin-Knab(17), Brett Hulsmeyer(6), Austin Taylor(2), Alec Wilson Holliday(10), and Sean Cannole(7).
The Hustle open their season April 26 at Silverbacks Park as they take on the Salt Lake City Shred. For more information about the team's upcoming season, visit https://www.watchufa. com/hustle.
A V ONDA L E
E S TA T ES WINE & A RT WA L K
SA T .
M AY 1 0
3-7 P. M .
Ticket includes:
• Entry to the event
• A wine tasting event glass
• Wine tastings, art and entertainment throughout downtown Avondale
