COMMUNITY
WELLNESS
No bond this time
Zika in the classroom
Former Police Sgt. Anthony Robinson will remain in prison while he appeals his conviction for assaulting teen suspects. 4
Public Health Commissioner Brenda Fitzgerald has called on educators to help disseminate information about the Zika virus. 6
Put Litter in Its Place Let’s Do Our Part to Keep DeKalb Beautiful
EAST ATLANTA • DECATUR • STONE MOUNTAIN • LITHONIA • AVONDALE ESTATES • CLARKSTON • ELLENWOOD • PINE LAKE • REDAN • SCOTTDALE • TUCKER
Copyright © 2016 CrossRoadsNews, Inc.
April 2, 2016
Volume 21, Number 49
www.crossroadsnews.com
Hank’s office evacuated because of suspicious mail By Ken Watts
tocol and the situation ended without injury to anyone. “After the all-clear was given, the office remained open,” Phelan said. “The congressman wanted the business of the district to continue.” Johnson was in Seattle, Wash., attending a Congressional Black Caucus meeting. Phelan said Cummings, a college student who interns Tuesdays and Thursdays at the office, went home after she was released. “She handled herself well,” he said. “She was very composed. She did what she was trained to do.”
A suspicious package with red powder caused the evacuation of U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson’s District Office in Lithonia and an hourlong closure of Hillandale Drive on March 31. The congressional staff and employees from neighboring offices in the Hillandale Drive building were left outside in the parking lot for several hours, and intern Elexis Cummings, who was opening the mail, was quarantined in the office until a Hazmat team arrived. Richard Phelan, Johnson’s communications director, said everyone followed pro- Please see HAZMAT, page 3
DeKalb Fire Rescue’s Hazardous Materials Team prepares to enter Congressman Hank Johnson’s district office on Hillandale Drive on Thursday.
Jerry Waldrop / SPECIAL
Blasting resuming at Snapfinger plant Work halted to improve public notification
Five months after the Oct. 23 groundbreaking (below), the construction site of a dewatering building at the Snapfinger Wastewater Treatment Plant is deserted. The county halted work and blasting on March 1.
By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
Residents surrounding the Snapfinger Wastewater Treatment Plant are preparing for “the shakes again” as blasting resumes April 4 on the $187.8 million Phase II of the expansion of the aging facility on Flakes Mill Road. Blasting, rock excavation, and construction of a sludge dewatering building halted March 1 as residents fought with the county over compensation for damages filed by 123 homeowners from the project’s first phase. The work stoppage at the plant, at 4224 Flakes Mill Road in Decatur, came in the wake of a Feb. 16 meeting in which residents of Dogwood Farms, Riverbend, Camelot and other subdivisions along Dogwood Farms Road complained about outstanding Phase I claims and called for the Phase II construction to stop until they were settled. Some of the claims date back to Dec. 20, 2013, which was the county’s first deadline for filing. Scott Trowler, DeKalb Watershed Management director, said on March 30 the blasting and construction activities were Scott Trowler suspended “to assist the county in resolving some of outstanding claims and improve public notification and outreach.” Trowler, who was hired by the county 15 days before the Oct. 23, 2015, groundbreaking on the project’s second phase, said the site was not closed down. “A project of this nature, just because the equipment is not moving, there is other work being done,” he said. “Construction activity is going on right now. Engineering work is under way.”
Work is set to resume on April 4.
The project is the largest of $1.35 billion in water and sewer improvements under a Consent Degree between DeKalb County and the Environmental Protection Agency. DeKalb residents and businesses are funding the upgrades with increases in water and sewer billing rates that went up 16 percent in 2011 and another 11 percent each in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Phase I construction, which was completed in September 2013 at a cost of $7.6
reach and participation of blasting and the impacts.” “Notification was paramount to make sure that we have a fully engaged community,” he said. Brennan added that the county wanted to let the community be fully well aware of what is going on and how it might impact them. “During the first round of blasting, we could have done a little better job with notification and that was the largest underlining reason why the cessation was done,” he said. Now, 48 hours ahead of any blasting, Alicia Penne, the Watershed Department’s public relations manager, said they will be notifying 800 residents for the resumption of blasting “to help them manage expectations.” “We want to let them know what they should expect,” she said. “We are trying to make sure that everyone is on the same page.” Phase II construction, which is scheduled
million, included clearing, grading and rock fracturing in the area designated for the new wastewater treatment facility. The DeKalb Board of Commissioners approved $350,000 to settle 123 claims. County press secretary Burke Brennan said Wednesday that there are seven claims still outstanding. Trowler said the primary reason for the temporary cessation of blasting and construction was “to improve public out- Please see SNAPFINGER, page 4
2
Youth
CrossRoadsNews
“I wanted to set the example for guys younger than me so they can apply for things they want and know they can achieve them.�
Arabia seniors nab rock prize Seniors Jalen Bobbitt of Arabia Mountain High and Brandon Hardy of Columbia High have been awarded the Colored Rocks Prize for encouraging at-risk students to stay in school. They are among 14 Georgia seniors honored by the Colored Rocks Foundation on March 13 at the W Hotel in Midtown. Jalen’s brother, Qualon Bobbitt, won the award in 2014. This is the fifth year the foundation Jalen Bobbitt has awarded the prize to outstanding male students of color. Jalen is committed to helping develop and encourage high-risk students. “When I saw my brother win the secondplace award for this competition two years ago, I thought I could compete for the award and win it,� he said. “I feel I’m a nice fit for the award with all the community service I do.� Jalen co-founded Teens TURN UP with his brother in 2013 as a nonprofit that encourages teens to turn up and graduate from high school and to continue their education at the college level. He also created and organized a STEM Wars Competition for middle school students so they can be better prepared for science, technology, engineering and math careers. “The way the world is turning more toward science and technology, I wanted to show students how the skills they acquire in school can translate into a career,� Jalen said. “My first STEM Wars Competition involved 10 middle schools. My goal is to get this program implemented in all middle schools in DeKalb County and metro Atlanta.� Jalen is headed toward a technology career and hopes to work in IT development
April 2, 2016
and Web design. He plans to pursue a college degree in computer science. Columbia High was represented at Colored Rocks for the first time by Brandon, a senior from Decatur and 2016 Simon Scholar. “It took me two days to write the essay for this award. My hard work paid off. I’m really excited to be chosen,� he said. “I felt that [by winning the award] I would get to be around Brandon Hardy other successful AfricanAmerican males, which I don’t always see. I wanted to get the exposure and the example along with the other honorees, and I wanted to set the example for guys younger than me so they can apply for things they want and know they can achieve them.� Brandon serves as president of the senior class, the National Honor Society and the National Beta Club. “My high school only sends about 25 percent to 30 percent of its students to college, so I am encouraging students at the school to go to college, and I am mentoring them as they apply for college and financial aid,� he said. He plans to attend Notre Dame to study economics, accounting and politics. “I’m going to law school,� he said. “I’ll work at an accounting firm or law firm for a while and then go into politics. I’m going to run for governor of Georgia and then president of the United States.� Students chosen for the Colored Rocks Prize have committed to help struggling, high-risk students improve a problem area and inspire them to graduate. For more information, visit www.coloredrocks.org and www.coloredrocks.us.
Austin Peay offering Tuition discounts DeKalb high school students and other residents qualify for a discounted tuition rate for both undergraduate and graduate programs at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tenn. The discount applies to Georgia residents who live or attend high school in a county within a 250-mile radius of Austin Peay. High school students who have a 22 ACT (or 1020 SAT) or higher are eligible for an additional Provost Scholarship, bringing tuition rates within a few dollars of the university’s instate rate. Dr. Rex Gandy, APSU provost and vice president for academic affairs, said the new program will help Austin Peay expand and diversify by allowing it to reach beyond state Rex Gandy borders and bring in students from different locations and cultures.
“We already offer a variety of high-quality academic programs, and when you combine this with our highly affordable in-state tuition rates, it not only opens the door for out-of-state students to an option they may not have otherwise considered, it will help us further diversify our student body, which is an important part of the academic experience for our students,� Gandy said. The program, referred to as 250R for its 250-mile radius from the Tennessee-based school, was approved by the Tennessee Board of Regents during its December meeting. Austin Peay, established in 1927, is a Carnegie classified Master’s Large University, comprising more than 10,000 students, offering master’s, bachelor’s and associate degree programs. It has been nationally recognized by President Barack Obama and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for innovations in student success and course redesign. For more information, visit apsu.edu/ admissions/250R or call 1-800-844-APSU (2778).
Healthy ME seeks fifth-grade girls Fifth-grade girls who live in South DeKalb have until April 8 to register for the free Healthy ME Program. More than 100 girls have participated in its health promotion activities. Generations Connected Inc. with partners Lithonia Performing Arts Zone and Family Ties Inc. is presenting the six-week program from 3 to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays April 12 to May 19. Registration with a parent or guardian is required. The program, which began in 2011 with wellness experiences for high school girls, now offers hands-on activities to
fifth-graders who will enter middle school in August 2016. It features professional women health trainers who demonstrate wellness activities with experiences in food preparation, journaling, poetry/spoken word, movement and dancercise, and STEM – how to make a wellness shampoo/lotion or an app. The goal is to promote earlier healthy living concepts that build wellness self-care leadership decisions in and away from home. Sessions are held at the performing arts studio, 7245 Rockbridge Road, Suite 2100. To register, visit the studio, call 770-873-4049, or email generationsconnected@gmail.com.
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April 2, 2016
Community
CrossRoadsNews
“We’re excited about the opportunity to take control of our governance in this part of the county.”
Lawmakers approve City of Stonecrest By Ken Watts
Lithonia residents living within the boundaries of the proposed city of Stonecrest may get to vote on the new city on the Nov. 8 ballot. Senate Bill 208 that creates a “City of Stonecrest” passed 39-12 on March 24 in the final minutes of the 2016 General Assembly. The law is awaiting action by Gov. Nathan Deal, who has 40 days to sign or veto it. Jason Lary, president of the Stonecrest City Alliance that had pushed for the law since 2013, was ecstatic. “We’re making history,” he said. “We’re excited about the opportunity to take control
3
of our governance in this part of the county.” The proposed 29square-mile city would have a population of 50,000 from neighborhoods around the Panola, Evans Mill and Turner Hill road exits along I-20. Jason Lary If approved by voters, the new city, will offer three services: planning and zoning, code enforcement and parks. DeKalb County would continue to provide police. A bill to create a city of Greenhaven, taking most of the rest of unincorporated DeKalb, did not make it out of committee.
DeKalb County seeks director for new Department of Beautification DeKalb County is hiring a director to head its new Department of Beautification. Interim CEO Lee May announced the creation of the new department during his State of the County address on March 10. It will incorporate code enforcement, Keep DeKalb Beautiful, the mowing unit, and the county’s foreclosure and vacant property registry programs to fight litter and blight. May said it will have more than 150 employees. “Communities with curb appeal attract businesses as well as residents,” he said.
“Communities that attract businesses and residents increase in value, and that adds to the tax base without raising taxes.” The job description, which was posted on the county’s website, said the director of the Department of Beautification “manages and directs the operations of the County’s Department of Beautification which include Code Compliance, right of way maintenance, litter abatement, Keep DeKalb Beautiful and other outreach and educational programs.” The position, which was posted through April 1, pays $70,536 to $114,636. It was unclear this week when the new department would begin operation.
Training pays off when intern encounters powdery substance in mail HAZMAT,
from page
1
The incident, which happened around 11 a.m., brought television news cameras to the Lithonia office, and closed Hillandale Drive to public access for more than an hour. Phelan said the congressman’s staff handled the situation by the book. “Within the last month, all of our staff was trained on how to handle all mail,” he said. Cummings, who began interning at the office about two months ago, also received the training and was following procedures when the red powdery stuff fell out of a white business envelop. Phelan said mail is opened in a Hood, a chest-size box with ventilation. He said everyone opening mail wears latex gloves and a mask, and that mail without a return
address is considered suspicious. The envelope in question did not have a return address. Per her training, Cummings alerted others in the office by telephone. They evacuated the building and alerted DeKalb Homeland Security and the FBI. Phelan said the office sometimes gets hate mail and “nastygrams” but that this was the first time a package caused evacuation. While Cummings was quarantined in the office alone, Phelan said that someone was in constant contact with her by phone until the Hazmat team arrived. The team, dressed in protective blue suits and goggles, determined on the scene that the powder was not anthrax. It took the envelop and its content for testing at the GBI Crime Lab in Decatur. DeKalb Fire Capt. Eric Jackson said the
incident ended well. “Happy to report that there was no medical injury to that staffer nor to anybody else who was inside the building,” he said. Kathy Register, office manager for the district, said staff followed training. “We got everyone out and got the proper people here to deal with the situation,” she said. “ I’m really proud of everyone Kathy Register especially Elexis, for the way she handled herself.” Felicia Jackson, a nurse at Sulton Pediatrics Group, which shares the building, said they had to move some of their patients to safety. “A couple of them were undergoing
nebulizer treatment for their lungs, so we had to put them in a car and plug in an extension cord that reached the car so we could operate the nebulizer,” she said. Mereda Davis Johnson, the DeKalb District 5 commissioner and wife of the congressman, rushed to the scene. She said she was relieved to find everyone safe but she was angry with the package’s sender. “Whether it’s a real attack or not, it was intended at the very least for intimidation,” she said. “If you do not put your name or return address on the package... there were reasons for that.” In a statement, Rep. Johnson thanked tthe law enforcement team for its rapid response and professionalism. “While the substance in question has been contained, I look forward to the results of the pending investigation,” he said.
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This project is supported by a National Crime Victims' Rights Week Community Awareness Project Subgrant awarded by the National Association of VOCA Assistance Administrators under a Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Grant from the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.
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CrossRoadsNews
4
Community
April 2, 2016
“ We know this was a lie because everyone said that it felt like an earthquake.”
DA to pay $2,850 in ethics fines 2346 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007 www.crossroadsnews.com editor@crossroadsnews.com
Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker Assistant Editor Brenda Yarbrough Staff Writers Jennifer Ffrench Parker Ken Watts Front Office Manager Catherine Guy Graphic Design Curtis Parker CrossRoadsNews is published every Saturday by CrossRoadsNews, Inc. We welcome articles on neighborhood issues and news of local happenings. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher, nor those of any advertisers. The concept, design and content of CrossRoadsNews are copyrighted and may not be copied or reproduced in whole or in part in any manner without the written permission of the publisher. Advertisements are published upon the representation that the advertiser is authorized to publish the submitted material. The advertiser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless from and against any loss or expenses resulting from any disputes or legal claims based upon the contents or subject matter of such advertisments, including claims of suits for libel, violation of privacy, plagiarism and copyright infringement. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement.
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DeKalb District Attorney Robert James will pay $2,850 in fines for 10 ethics violations. James signed a consent order with the Georgia Government Transp arenc y and Campaign Finance ComRobert James mission on March 24 to resolve complaints filed by Lithonia resident Beatrice Williams in July 2015. Williams alleged that James violated his oath of office by failing to provide transparency into his 2012 campaign funds. In her cover letter to the Transparency Commission, she wrote
that James was focusing intently on prosecuting suspended DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis for alleged corruption and perjury, “but Mr. James has neglected his own ethical obligations and failed to provide transparency into his campaign funds.” “It is time that DeKalb residents find out about Mr. James’ own glass house,” Williams wrote. She documented that James failed to file personal financial statements in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014, and 15 instances in which he failed to comply with requirements of the Campaign Finance Act. James did not respond by press time Thursday.
Bond denied Former DeKalb Police Sgt. Anthony Robinson will stay in prison while appeals his 10-year sentence for handcuffing and beating teen suspects. DeKalb Sup erior C our t Judge Clarence Seeliger denied Anthony Robinson bond to Robinson at a March 31 hearing. He said the appeal of the 15-year police officer is not likely to yield acquittal. Robinson was convicted in February for the 2011 beatings of 18-year-old burglary suspect Travarrius Williams. District Attorney Robert James also opposed the bond..
Morley to keynote NAACP meeting DeKalb School Board member Joyce Morley will headline the DeKalb NAACP’s annual membership breakfast on April 9 at the Greenforest Community Baptist Church Early Learning Center. Morley is a consultant, trainer, motivational speaker, life coach and psychotherapist. DeKalb Chamber president Katerina Taylor will be mistress of ceremonies. The breakfast begins at 8:30 a.m. Greenforest is at 3250 Rainbow Drive in Decatur. For tickets and more information, contact Teresa Hardy at naacpdek@comcast.net or 404241-8006.
Expansion to improve odor control and South River SNAPFINGER,
from page
1
for completion in 2018, includes final site preparation and construction of the main location, its major processing facilities, and the administration building. It also includes the installation of power reducing equipment and lighting and processes to minimize chemical and operation costs. The expansion’s third and final phase will be the construction of new clarifiers. The team responsible for expansion include contractor Archer Western; construction manager Tetra Tech; and AECOM, the county’s overall capital improvement program manager. A March 31 bulletin that will be put on residents mailboxes ahead of the April 4 resumption of blasting will tell residents that the blasting will continue weekdays, except holidays, through Oct. 4 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. “Traffic patterns may be adversely impacted by project-related transportation issues,” the project bulletin said. “County contractors have been directed to ensure permanent access to your property or business during construction.” It also reminded residents that the expansion will improve the county’s wastewater treatment process to serve the county’s population that is expected to grow from 740,000 to 900,000 by 2025 and to improve water quality in the South River. Five days after the groundbreaking, Watershed Management told residents in an Oct. 28 letter that the blasting and excavation of rock to clear the site from construction was resuming, and it wanted them to submit to a pre-blast survey, at no cost, of all of the structures within 2,000 feet of the scheduled blasting within two weeks “to safeguard the public and personal property.” Vibra-Tech, an independent pre-blast construction survey company, did the surveys to establish “the existing condition of residents homes, identify structures and contents sensitive to vibrations” It included photographs, narra-
By the numbers
7.6
dollars to clear, grade and blast rock in phase 1, in millions
2
gallons of wastewater Snapfinger plant processed in 1968, in millions
tive and graphics. “The surveys will identify any nearby structures that warrant special precautions when blasting takes place and will be used to resolve any allegations of damage from blasting,” the letter said. At the groundbreaking, Trowler, Commissioner Jeff Rader, and Chief Operating Officer Zachary Williams all expressed the hope that the project would come in on time and under budget. Trowler said Wednesday that he did not know how the monthlong work stoppage would impact the project’s costs. “The impact hasn’t been determined,” he said, adding that cost changes and scope would have to go back to the Board of Commissioners for approval..The county refused CrossRoadsNews access to the site to take photos but provided two photographs showing the deserted work site for the dewatering building. “We will not be granting access to the site at this time,” Brennan said. The Snapfinger Wastewater Treatment Plant, which opened in 1968 with a capacity of 2 million gallons a day, was expanded to process and treat 36 million gallons of wastewater a day in 1983. The current expansion, which is installing a membrane filtration process, will increase its daily processing to 54 million gallons. The state-of-the-art process also will improve odor control and install LED lighting to reduce glare on neighbors. At the Feb. 16 meeting, county officials told residents that the proj-
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gallons of wastewater the plant processes today, in millions
54
gallons of wastewater that the plant will process daily in 2018, in millions
ect’s construction that 487 homes are within the 2,000-foot area of impact from the blasting. Residents also were told that seismic monitors have been installed near the blast site – at English Valley Drive in the Camelot subdivision; at Newcomb Road in the Chapel Hills subdivision; on Dogwood Farms Road in the River Bend/Riverside Walk and River Run subdivisions; and on Bucknell Place and Bucknell Drive in the River Bend subdivisions. In a recap of the meeting, the homeowners association said the county said it did a test blast on Jan. 1 “and no vibration exceedances were observed” and that a Jan, 20 production blast produced no vibration exceedances. “We know this was a lie because everyone said that it felt like an earthquake,” the recap email said. The expansion project began in July 2012 after Tucker-based Desmear Systems won a $7.6 million contract to clear, grade and blast rock for the new wastewater treatment plant. It has been beset by delays every since. Desmear had 240 days to
2012
the year in which the expansion project got under way
complete the work but ended up in litigation with the county when blasting damaged dozens of homes and sent water gushing throughout the neighborhoods from busted water mains. Phase II construction, which was scheduled to start in the spring of 2014, did not get under way until October 2015. Linda Cotten-Taylor, a longtime Chapel Hill Community resident, said the construction has been a slow process Linda Cotten-Taylor since the October groundbreaking. “A lot of people were complaining about the blasting so I can appreciate them taking their time,” she said. But at the same time, CottenTaylor worries that if the project takes too long to build, it could cost taxpayers millions more. “At what point is it going to take millions of dollars more if they are slowing down the process,” she said.
District 3 spring cleanups in April Residents, business owners, groups, schools and churches can join District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson and DeKalb Sheriff Jeffrey Mann for spring community cleanups Satursday throughout April. The two-hour cleanups, in conjunction with Keep DeKalb Beautiful, begin at 10 a.m.
They are scheduled for April 2 in the Candler Road area, April 9 in Ellenwood, April 16 in the Wesley Chapel Road area, April 23 in the Gresham/Bouldrecrest Road area, and April 30 in the Moreland/Conley Area Business Association community. To participate, email larryjohnson@dekalbcountyga.gov or
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CrossRoadsNews
April 2, 2016
“We are rolling forward together as one� -Interim CEO Lee May
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The DeKalb County Sanitation Division advances through Phase II of the Rolling Forward to One sanitation service change program. Please see below for county-provided recycling and garbage container options, and information on soon-to-be-implemented changes to garbage and recycling container requirements and collection procedures.
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CrossRoadsNews
6
Wellness
April 2, 2016
“Zika virus is transmitted primarily through the bite of infected Aedes species mosquitoes, which can be found in Georgia.”
Health commissioner shares Zika concerns with schools Infection from the Zika virus is now a cause for concern as families travel for spring break and Georgia Public Health Commissioner Brenda Fitzgerald has called on educators, including DeKalb School District Brenda Fitzgerald teachers and administrators, to help disseminate important information about the virus. In a March 21 letter, Fitzerald asked school districts to share information with students, faculty, and families about protecting against mosquito bites and preventing the spread of Zika virus in Georgia. “Many popular spring break destinations throughout the Caribbean, Central America, South America, Pacific Islands, and Mexico have outbreaks of Zika virus,” she wrote.“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued Zika travel notices with recommendations for travelers to these destinations. Because Zika virus is primarily spread by mosquitoes, travelers to any destination with Zika outbreaks should protect themselves from mosquito bites.” While there have been no locally-transmitted Zika cases in Georgia, cases have been reported among returning travelers. “Zika virus is transmitted primarily through the bite of infected Aedes species mosquitoes, which can be found in Georgia,” she said. “Sexual transmission of Zika has
Prevention talk on mosquito-borne viruses in Decatur DeKalb residents can learn how to help prevent mosquitoborne viruses like Zika and West Nile on April 12 at the Community Achievement Center. The free public health event takes place at 6 p.m. and is presented by District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson and the DeKalb Board of Health. Register at https://preventingmosquitoborneviruses.eventbrite.com. As of March 25, there were nine confirmed travel-related Zika cases in Georgia, the Georgia Department of Public Health reports. The Zika virus has been linked to birth defects. West Nile virus can cause febrile illness, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord), the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. The center is at 4522 Flat Shoals Parkway in Decatur. For more information, email larryjohnson@dekalbcountyga.gov There have been nine confirmed travel-related Zika virus cases in or call 404-371-2988. Georgia. The mosquito-borne virus has been linked to birth defects. also been documented.” There is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat Zika. Fitzgerald said that pregnant women should not travel to areas where there is ongoing Zika virus transmission because of a link with birth defects. Studies are under way to determine if there is a connection between Zika virus infection and Guillain-Barré syndrome and other serious neurological disorders. Travelers should check CDC travel
advisories for their travel destinations. Precautions against mosquitoes include wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks, using EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. The use of permethrintreated clothing like boots, pants, socks, and tents and staying and sleeping in screened-in or air-conditioned rooms or under a mosquito net, also help. Fitzgerald said travelers returning home
from Zika-affected countries should continue to use EPA-registered insect repellents for three weeks and follow precautions to prevent additional mosquito bites. Mosquitoes that spread Zika bite mostly during daytime and tend to live around homes. They breed in containers so dumping standing water around the home after it rains will help reduce mosquitoe population. For more information, visit dph.georgia. gov/zika.
Keeping kids out of jail seminar LITHONIA PRIMARY CARE 5900 HILLANDALE DRIVE SUITE 300 LITHONIA, GA 30058
DEKALB MEDICAL PARKWAY
PANOLA RD
278
770.268.0174 www.lithoniaprimarycare.com
INGER SNAPF DR S WOOD
HILLANDALE DR
Free HIV testing in Lithonia, Clarkston
20
New Practice, Same Great Care
Carmen Echols, M.D.
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DeKalb Medical Physicians Group is proud to welcome Carmen Echols, M.D. to her new location, Lithonia Primary Care, beginning in April of 2016. Janet Bivens, M.D. is retiring, effective March 31st and the current Kendrick Family Practice will change to Lithonia Primary Care. Dr. Echols has served the DeKalb area for five years and is excited to continue that service at her new location. To schedule your appointment, visit www.lithoniaprimarycare.com or call 770.268.0174 today.
TO FIND A PHYSICIAN IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
Tweens, teens, parents and other residents can attend the Keeping Kids Out of Prison seminar on April 9 at the Wesley ChapelWilliam C. Brown Library in Decatur. The free seminar by the nonprofit Watchdogs for Justice begins at 2 p.m. Attorneys Clara King, Dana Harrell and Alis Hughes and juvenile advocates Frank Conwell and Daisy Graham will discuss different crimes and the prison sentences associated with them. Attendees will learn about their rights and what to do when stopped by police. The library is at 2861 Wesley Chapel Road. Visit www.watchdogsforjustice.org or call 678-412-2299 for more information.
www.dmpg.org 404.501.MYDR
Free HIV testing for adults will be available on April 5 at the Redan-Trotti Library in Lithonia. The DeKalb Board of Health is offering confidential Rapid HIV Oraquick testing from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. with same-day results. Registration is not required. The library is at 1569 Wellborn Road. For more information, call 770-482-3821. Free testing also will be offered 1:30-4:30 p.m. on April 18 and April 25 at the Clarkston Library, 951 N. Indian Creek Drive. For more information, call 404-508-7175.
Ceremony kicks off community garden
The Fulton/DeKalb Family Life Center in Decatur is breaking ground on its community garden on April 9 with a ceremony, vendors and entertainment. The event takes place noon to 5 p.m. Donations of nonperishable foods also are being accepted for the food pantry. There will be a hula hoop contest, health products, tax preparation, raffle and fish fry. The center is at 3300 Memorial Drive, Suite D4. Visit www.familylifectr.com.
CrossRoadsNews
April 2, 2016
7 State of Georgia
Legal Notices 03/19, 03/26, 04/02, 04/09
Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++16CV2990-4++ Devona Stevens Plaintiff Vs. Malcolm Stevens Defendant To: Malcolm Stevens 1787 Whitehall Forest Ct. Atlanta, GA 30316 By Order of the Court for service by publication dated Mar. 07, 2016 you
are hereby notified that on Mar. 01, 2016, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Devona Stevens, 2051 Flat Shoals Rd., #0-10, Atlanta, GA 30316. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Mar. 07, 2016. Witness the Honorable Gail C. Flakes, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 8th day of Mar., 2016 03/19, 03/26, 04/02, 04/09
Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court
of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++16CV2848-3++ Chitaka Weekly Plaintiff Vs. Terry Ross Defendant To: Terry Ross 1249 Fisk Rd. Grand Rapids, MI 49505 By Order of the Court for service by publication dated Mar. 08, 2016 you are hereby notified that on Feb. 29, 2016, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are
required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Chitaka Weekly, 3531 Clubhouse Cir., E., #E, Decatur, GA 30032. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Mar. 08, 2016. Witness the Honorable Clarence F. Seeliger, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 8th day of Mar., 2016 03/19, 03/26, 04/02, 04/09
Notice of Petition to Change Name of ADULT in the Superior Court of DeKalb County
Civil Action Case Number: ++16CV2915-2++ Justine Pruitt filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on 2015 to change name from: Justine Rebekah Pruitt to Juntina Rebekah Pruitt. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed. Dated: August 18, 2015 Name: Justine Pruitt 4522 Snapfinger Woods Dr., Apt. #6211 Decatur, GA 30035 770 771-4187 03/19, 03/26, 04/02, 04/09
Notice of Petition to Change Name of ADULT in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++16CV3146-7++ Michael James Charlston Magee filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Mar. 04, 2016 to change name from: Michael James Charleston Magee to Michael James Charleston. Any
interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed. Dated: Feb. 29, 2016 Name: Michael J. Charleston Magee 6136 Hillandale Dr., Apt. #1312 Lithonia, GA 30058 678 499-3874 04/02, 04/09, 04/16, 04/23
Notice of Petition to Change Name of ADULT in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++16CV3353-2++ Elizabeth Ebunoluwa Adeyemi filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Mar. 08, 2016 to change name from: Elizabeth Ebunoluwa Adeyemi to Elizabeth Ebunowua Ade. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed. Dated: Mar. 08, 2016 Name: Elizabeth Ebunoluwa Adeyemi 2884 Snapfinger Manor Decatur, GA 30035 (937)
MARKETPLACE RATES
Marketplace COMMUNITY SALE Friends of Chapel Hill Park Fundraiser; May 13, Noon-6pm; May 14, 10am-6pm; 3985 LeHigh Blvd., Decatur; vendors: 404-7865464; volunteers: 678-598-2656
HAIR CARE/SALON Salon Booth For Rent; stylists/ braiders/barbers; $75 per week; call 404-243-1837 or 404-6275745.
HELP WANTED Drivers: Local-Home Nightly! $1,000 Sign-On Bonus! Dacula flatbed! Great Pay, Benefits! CDL-A, 1yr Exp. Req. Estenson Logistics. Apply: www.goelc.com 1-866-336-9642
Drivers: CDL – A 1 yr. exp., Earn $1,250 + per week, Great Weekend Hometime, Excellent Benefits & Bonuses, 100% No Touch/70% D & H 888-406-9046
30013 will be delivered to the Secretary of State for filing in accordance with the Georgia Profit Corporation code.
Place your MarketPlace line ad here – up to 20 words for $25. Additional words are $3 per block of five words (maximum 45 words). Boxed Ads (with up to 3 lines bold headline): $35 plus cost of the classified ad. Send ad copy with check or credit card information and contact phone number (if different from ad) to MarketPlace, CrossRoadsNews, 2346 Candler Road, Decatur, GA 30032, or e-mail to marketplace@crossroadsnews.com. Our deadlines are at noon on the Friday one week prior to publication, unless otherwise noted.
health/wellness
home services
insurance
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MISCELLANEOUS On 3/4/16 there was an accident on Moreland Ave involving a BMW. Any information, please call 678-818-5007. Reward offered. Star
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PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is given that a notice of intent to dissolve DOC Development DME, Inc., a Georgia for profit corporation with its registered office at 2365 Wall St., Suite #120, Conyers, Georgia
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nlange@neallange.com
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Put CrossRoadsNews to Work for You! Personal Injury & Workers Comp â&#x20AC;˘ Family Law/Divorce/Custody â&#x20AC;˘ Wills/Probate/Trusts Bankruptcy â&#x20AC;˘ Criminal Defense â&#x20AC;˘ Corporate & Business Law â&#x20AC;˘ Immigration Law
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CrossRoadsNews
8
April 2, 2016
LOWEST
OUR
NEW SEASON! NEW LOOKS! SPECTACULAR SAVINGS!
PRICES OF THE SEASON!
6O%-85% OFF STOREWIDE
SPECIALS! NOW-SUN, APRIL 3 OR, EXTRA DOLLARS OFF FRI, APR. 1-SUN, APR. 3 EXTRA DOLLARS OFF SELECT SALE & CLEARANCE CLOTHING & HOME ITEMS
EXTRA DOLLARS OFF SELECT SALE & CLEARANCE CLOTHING & HOME ITEMS
$
$
1O OFF
YOUR PURCHASE OF $25 OR MORE. LIMIT ONE PER CUSTOMER. VALID 4/1-4/3/2016
2O OFF
YOUR PURCHASE OF $50 OR MORE. LIMIT ONE PER CUSTOMER. VALID 4/1-4/3/2016
CANNOT BE USED ON DOORBUSTERS OR DEALS OF THE DAY Excludes ALL: cosmetics/fragrances, Deals of the Day, Doorbusters/web busters, electrics/electronics, Everyday Values (EDV), furniture/mattresses, Last Act, Macy’s Backstage, rugs, specials, super buys, Breville, Dyson, Fitbit, French Connection for her, Frye, Hanky Panky, Jack Spade, Kate Spade, KitchenAid Pro Line, Le Creuset, Levi’s, Michele watches, Nespresso, New Era, Nike on Field, OXO, Sam Edelman, Samsung watches, Shun, simplehuman, Stuart Weitzman, The North Face, Theory, Tumi, Vitamix, Wacoal, Wüsthof, athletic clothing, shoes & accessories; Dallas Cowboys merchandise, designer Impulse brands, designer jewelry, gift cards, jewelry trunk shows, previous purchases, select licensed depts., services, special orders, special purchases, tech watches; PLUS, ONLINE ONLY: baby gear, kids’ shoes, Allen Edmonds, Birkenstock, Cole Haan for him, Hurley, Johnston & Murphy, Merrell, RVCA, Tommy Bahama. Cannot be combined with any savings pass/coupon, extra discount or credit offer, except opening a new Macy’s account. Dollar savings are allocated as discounts off each eligible item, as shown on receipt. When you return an item, you forfeit the savings allocated to that item. This coupon has no cash value and may not be redeemed for cash or applied as payment or credit to your account. Purchase must be $25 or $50 or more, exclusive of tax and delivery fees.
BUY ONLINE, PICK UP IN STORE! IT’S FAST, FREE AND EASY! DETAILS AT MACYS.COM/STOREPICKUP
FREE SHIPPING ONLINE & FREE RETURNS FREE SHIPPING WITH $99 PURCHASE. U.S. ONLY. EXCLUSIONS APPLY; SEE MACYS.COM/FREERETURNS
LOWEST PRICES OF THE SEASON IN EFFECT 3/28-4/3/2016, EXCEPT AS NOTED. “Lowest price(s) of the season” refer to Macy’s spring season from February 1-April 30, 2016 and may be lowered as part of a clearance. OPEN A MACY’S ACCOUNT FOR EXTRA 20% SAVINGS THE FIRST 2 DAYS, UP TO $100, WITH MORE REWARDS TO COME. Macy’s credit card is available subject to credit approval; new account savings valid the day your account is opened and the next day; excludes services, selected licensed departments, gift cards, restaurants, gourmet food & wine. The new account savings are limited to a total of $100; application must qualify for immediate approval to receive extra savings; employees not eligible. N6020141E.indd 1
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