COMMUNITY
YOUTH
A new web portal allows filmmakers to apply for permits and find locals who want to provide movie location sites. 2
The Disney Dream Academy is taking applications from high school students who want to explore techniques for living their dreams. 6
One-stop movie shop
Put Litter in Its Place
Disney seeking dreamers
Let’s Do Our Part to Keep DeKalb Beautiful A PUBLIC SERVICE MESSAGE FROM CROSSROADSNEWS
EAST ATLANTA • DECATUR • STONE MOUNTAIN • LITHONIA • AVONDALE ESTATES • CLARKSTON • ELLENWOOD • PINE LAKE • REDAN • SCOTTDALE • TUCKER • STONECREST
Copyright © 2018 CrossroadsNews, iNC.
August 11, 2018
Volume 24, Number 15
www.crossroadsnews.com
GPTC’s Cannon ‘not taking meetings’ about closure plans By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
with Cannon. Emails and phone conversation transcripts obtained by CrossRoadsNews in an Open Records Request indicate that Cannon’s office has shown little interest in meeting with elected officials and the D. Glen Cannon Board of Commissioners, which has been a long-standing supporter of the Clarkston-based college. Demetrius McCoy, Davis Johnson’s chief of staff, first contacted Cannon’s office by
A month after CrossRoadsNews broke the news that Georgia Piedmont Technical College has targeted its South DeKalb campus in Decatur for closure, the college’s interim president, Dr. D. Glen Cannon, has refused to meet with elected officials to discuss the campus’s future. DeKalb CommissionM. Davis Johnson er Mereda Davis Johnson, who represents the area, has tried unsuccessfully since July 23 to set up a meeting Please see GPTC, page 3
GPTC, which is part of the Technical College System of Georgia, opened the South DeKalb campus at 2460 Wesley Chapel Road in August 2015. Its interim president wants to terminate the campus’s lease by the end of this year. Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews
Fires cause death and disruption in DeKalb Four dead, 100s displaced due to blazes in 2018
Capt. Scott Stroup (lower left) waits to catch a 4-yearold girl who was thrown from a ladder during a fire at the Avondale Forest Apartments.
By Bryce Ethridge
When a fire erupted at Avondale Forest Apartments in Decatur just two days after New Year’s Day, the parents of a 4-year-old girl had to throw her into the waiting arms of Fire Capt. Scott Stroup on the ground. While that heroic catch prevented any deaths from that Jan. 3 fire, it displaced 100 residents. Year to date through July 9, more than 215 fires – including a second one at Avondale Forest Apartments on July 8 – have killed four people and two puppies in DeKalb County; injured 18 people and one dog, displaced more than 250 people, destroyed 63 apartment units, eight homes, and three businesses, and caused $8,763,728 worth of property damage. Those fires have also cost the American Red Cross more than $200,000 in direct emergency assistance to 1,041 people from 339 families, who were victims of DeKalb County fires.
Among the identified dead are: n 74-year-old Onoloda Williams was found dead on Jan. 30 in her bedroom on the 1300 block of Hidden Hills Parkway after the fires were put out. n 71-year-old Quinette Ludlam was pronounced dead on May 2 at her home on the 1100 block of Mayfield Drive in Decatur, after firefighters were unable to resuscitate her. n 92-year-old Harold Smith died June 3 at his 751 Medlock Road home because smoke prevented his family from rescuing him. n 42-year-old Adelfo Jimenez died July 5 in his second-floor bedroom when his home in the 7300 block of Covington Highway in Decatur was set ablaze. So far, only eight of the fires have been identified as intentional. The others were
DeKalb County Fire Rescue
ruled unintentional, or due to equipment failure or acts of nature, or are still under investigation. David Abrohams, disaster program manager of the American Red Cross, said that on average the relief agency responds to three or four disaster events a day in metro Atlanta and that DeKalb County accounts for a fair amount of them. Since July 1, Abrohams said, more than 500 families have been displaced throughout metro Atlanta’s 10-county area. “DeKalb is our busiest and most active county,” he said. The Red Cross is usually called to the scene when a local fire department notifies its disaster relief team of a displaced family. It provides shelter and a credit card for food, clothing and other necessities.
Families struggling to recover Trenton Wyatt, who lost his apartment on July 9 in a fire at Le Parc Fontaine Condominiums in Lithonia, said his experience has been crazy.
A second fire at Avondale Forest Apartments in Avondale Estates on July 8, in which 60 residents were displaced, is still under investigation. Bryce Ethridge / CrossRoadsNews
“It was hard to explain,” he said. “It was an adrenaline rush, crazy, scary.” It’s only been four weeks since the fire that destroyed his home and life, and so far Wyatt said he’s had little to no updates about fixing his apartment. He said he received no assistance from the Red Cross. “I can’t even get back into my apartment,” he said. “It’s upsetting and devastating.” Between 2007 and 2010, Wyatt was a part of the DeKalb Fire Department’s Explorer program which teaches kids 14-18
years old about basic firefighting. “It trained us to be wary of fires and from there it was like if I see a fire, I’ll know what to do,” he said. Wyatt said that training helped him to help others escape the fire. Still, he wasn’t prepared for a fire leaving him homeless. The number of fires in DeKalb County through July 14 is just three less than the same time last year, when 218 fires razed homes and apartments across the county. Please see FIRES, page 4
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August 11, 2018
The new system makes location identification and permitting a completely electronic process.”
Entertainment commission offers one-stop link for film industry DeKalb homeowners and businesses can now showcase their properties as potential locations for films, television and commercials, and location scouts can easily secure locations and permits at DeKalbEntertainment.com and on any mobile device. The new online portal, created by the DeKalb Entertainment Commission, allows location scouts a one-stop shop to find, secure and pay for sites throughout the county. Shelbia Jackson, DeKalb Entertainment Commission director, said the system streamlines permitting and approvals through every county department involved in the process. “The new system makes location identification and permitting a completely electronic process, with every county department integrated into the online, paperless system,” she said. “Our system is based on FilmApp, the accepted standard used across the industry.” Scouts are looking for everything from Homeowners and businesses can register their properties as potential sites for films, television and commercials, and industry officials can obtain modern homes to 1970s-style ranches, or permits, locate sites and pay for them, through the DeKalb Entertainment Commission’s new online portal. older offices to modern businesses, to create the right “image” for their productions, and https://dekalbentertainment.com/film-lo- sion of Decide DeKalb and the Development and other resources for hundreds of DeKalb DeKalb residents and business owners can cations/ and choose an option: permitting, Authority for DeKalb County. It is charged businesses and residents. The commission also offers events to now easily input their properties into the finding a location, or inputting your home with stimulating economic growth across the county in film, television, music and digital educate and support residents and local busior business as a potential location. system as potential locations. The DeKalb Entertainment Commission, entertainment. An inaugural “Entertainment ness, and an ongoing marketing effort that To use the portal, scouts, filmmakers, homeowners and business owners can visit which launched in October 2017, is a divi- Expo” in October offered panels, networking showcases DeKalb locally and nationally.
Former DeKalb ADA among eight appointed assistant U.S. attorneys Former DeKalb County Senior Assistant District Attorney Noah Schechtman is among eight new assistant U.S. attorneys appointed by Byung J. “BJay” Pak, U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Georgia. Making the announcement Aug. 6, Pak said the new appointees will support “our mission to enforce the law and defend N. Schechtman the interests of the citizens we serve in this district.” “The opportunity to represent the United States is one of the greatest honors for a lawyer,” Pak said. “I’m honored to lead these exceptionally talented and dedicated lawyers whose commitment to public service is unmatched.” Schechtman will serve in the U.S. Attorney’s Criminal Division. During his tenure in DeKalb, he worked in the DA’s Trial Division trying a wide range of cases, including narcotics, trafficking, armed robbery and murder. His experience also includes serving as clerk for Hon. Daniel J. Yablonsky, Judge of the Superior Court – Passaic Vicinage Criminal Division, as well as an externship
with Hon. David E. Peebles, United States Magistrate Judge in the Northern District of New York. Schechtman graduated cum laude from Syracuse University College of Law, received a B.S. in Business Administration from George Washington University, and currently coaches the mock trial team at Emory Law School. The other new appointees are Angela Adams, Theodore Hertzberg, Leanne Marek, and Erin Spritzer to the Criminal Division; and Austin Hall, Flora Manship, and Andres Sandoval to the Civil Division. Adams joins the office from the Department of Justice in Washington, where she served as a trial attorney in the Fraud Section of the Criminal Division. She previously spent six years with Alston & Bird LLP in Atlanta, specializing in government investigations and white collar crime and serving as lead associate in a high-profile criminal RICO case involving school officials. Hertzberg, who was an associate with Kramer Levin in New York City, is an assistant U.S. attorney in the Southern District of Georgia, where he served as the asset forfeiture chief. He received his law degree from New York University, and his bachelor of arts cum laude from Amherst.
‘Coffee with the Commissioner’ set for Aug. 15 Residents of DeKalb Commission District 5 can have coffee with Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson on Aug. 15 in Stonecrest. Davis Johnson is hosting “Coffee with the Commissioner” from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Panera Bread to meet and greet District 5 residents. She said residents will get updates on what is happening in DeKalb County. “Residents also will have the opportunity to meet rep- M. Davis Johnson resentatives from various county departments to discuss any concerns,” Davis Johnson said. Panera Bread is at 8200 Mall Parkway. Visit www.commissionermeredajohnson. com for more information.
Marek joined the office from Alston & Bird LLP, where she was a senior associate focused on white-collar matters. Marek earned her law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law and graduated summa cum laude from Auburn University with a bachelor of arts in political science. During her time at Auburn, Marek served as a senator in the Student Government Association. Spritzer joined the office from the U.S. Attorney’s office for the Middle District of Georgia, where she prosecuted narcotics, firearms, public corruption and child pornography cases. Spritzer earned her law degree from Emory University School of Law, where she was managing editor of the Emory International Law Review, and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a bachelor of arts in American studies and a minor in Spanish. Hall returned to the office from the Georgia Attorney General’s office, where he was an assistant attorney general in the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. He also worked as a civil assistant U.S. attorney on cases involving the securitization of residential mortgages and violations of the Controlled Substances Act. Prior to that, Hall worked as a senior
associate at Alston & Bird LLP, focusing on federal securities fraud, SEC enforcement and insider trading cases. Hall earned his law degree cum laude from Georgia State University School of Law, and graduated with a bachelor of arts in English from the University of the South in Sewanee. Manship was previously a senior associate at Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP in Atlanta, where she focused on labor and employment litigation. Manship received her law degree from Emory University School of Law, where she served as the executive managing editor of the Emory International Law Review. She graduated magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, from Drew University in Madison, N.J. Sandoval joined the office from Sequor Law P.A. in Miami, where he was a civil litigator, specializing in asset recovery, financial fraud, bankruptcy, and other commercial actions, recovering over $70 million on behalf of fraud victims. Sandoval earned his law degree cum laude from the University of Florida’s Levin College of Law, and a bachelor of arts in political science, cum laude, from Florida International University. For more information, visit www.justice. gov/usao-ndga or call 404-581-6016.
Supt. Green to address Stonecrest Citizens Coalition Dr. R. Stephen Green, DeKalb Schools superintendent and CEO, will address the Stonecrest Citizens’ Coalition on Aug. 14. Green’s State of the District Address takes place 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Stonecrest Library. Donna Priest-Brown, an organizer of the Stonecrest Citizens’ Coalition,
said the nonpartisan grassroots organization was founded in January to educate and engage Stonecrest residents. “Our mission is to advocate for transparent, efficient, ethical and accountable governance from our local, state and federal representatives to improve the quality of life
and prosperity of the city,” PriestBrown said. The group meets monthly on second Tuesdays. The Stonecrest Library is at 3123 Klondike Road. For more information, contact Priest-Brown at dpriestbrown@ bellsouth.net or 404-386-8454.
R. Stephen Green
Call-back option for utility customers facing long waits DeKalb County’s Utility Customer Operations Center has updated its phone and customer service system to include call-back capabilities. The service, which went into effect Aug. 6, has a “first in line” system that allows customers to receive a call back once an agent is available.
The system, run by Swampfox Technology, holds customers’ place in line when faced with an extended wait time. Antrameka Knight, interim assistant director of DeKalb’s Finance Department, said customers are guaranteed a call back when they reach the front of the line. “This new service will keep customers
from being on hold for extended periods during peak call times,” Knight said. DeKalb customers also will be given the option to remain on hold once an agent is available. The callback option is available on a home, business or mobile number. For more information, call 404-3784475.
August 11, 2018
Community
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“Dr. Cannon’s refusal to meet indicates that he does not have the concern nor interest of the community at heart.”
Wesley Chapel Road getting refreshed with new markings
Motorists and pedestrians using Wesley he said. Chapel Road at the intersection of Snapfin“It will take approxiger Woods Drive will once again have street mately two to three weeks, markings to guide them after the county beweather permitting.” gan refreshing the faded lines in the road. Cauthen didn’t have A DeKalb County Traffic Engineering a cost for the program, crew began repainting the lines on July 20. saying that it’s part of the County spokesman Andrew Cauthen county’s regular maintesaid it is part of DeKalb’s routine countywide Andrew Cauthen nance budget. maintenance. “The county averages “The crew is refreshing markings on approximately 140 miles of maintenance Wesley Chapel from I-20 to South Hairston,” striping each year,” he said.
The fresh coat of paint at the intersection of Snapfinger Woods Drive is part of DeKalb’s regular highway maintenance program.
Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews
Seats available on advisory councils Grant will help refugees assimilate Parents, guardians, teachers and other engaged stakeholders can run for election to the DeKalb County School District’s 20182019 Principal Advisory Councils. The district says that council service offers participants the opportunity to unite school communities while increasing student achievement and performance. Principal Advisory Councils serve at all 112 district schools. They act as a link between the school and the community, encouraging engagement with stakeholders, increasing transparency, monitoring progress, and participating in the selection of principals when vacancies
arise. Interested candidates can declare their candidacy through Aug. 31. Applicants are required to complete a candidate declaration form, available at www.dekalbschoolsga.org/school-councils. Voting takes place Sept. 18-25. Votes can be cast electronically at DCSD’s Infinite Campus system for parents and guardians, and on Outlook for teachers. For more information, contact Kina Champion at kina_champion@dekalbschoolsga.org or 678-676-0718, or visit www.dekalbschoolsga.org.
Johnsons ‘very appalled’ at response GPTC,
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telephone on July 23. In a response the following day, Cannon’s secretary, Sonja M. Warner, informed McCoy that “Dr. Cannon is not taking meetings about this topic.” Cannon, a Gwinnett County certified public accountant with more than 30 years of experience in higher education, was appointed May 14 by Technical College System of Georgia Commissioner Matt Arthur to serve as interim president while a national search is underway for another president. On Aug. 3, McCoy sent a follow-up email again requesting a meeting. Warner replied Aug. 6 that “we had already spoken about this and nothing has changed from what I informed you in our previous conversation.” By Aug. 8, the gloves were off. “Yes, we spoke about this last week,” McCoy wrote in another email to Warner. “However, Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson requested that I reach out again to the Interim President, Dr. Cannon, to confirm that he refuses to meet with Elected Officials and Community Leaders on the topic of the Georgia Piedmont Technical College South DeKalb Campus Closing. “The Commissioner and her husband, U.S. Representative Hank Johnson (GA-04) were very appalled that the Interim President, Dr. Cannon, would not meet with her concerning this issue which will have a direct effect on residents that she represents in the 5th District.” McCoy reminded Warner that Davis Johnson has been a supporter and advocate of GPTC over the years and fought to include it on the DeKalb Film and Entertainment Commission, and has worked to build a direct relationship between DeKalb County Fleet Management and the college to help DeKalb residents who desire to learn a trade and find a job. “It is very disheartening to know that while the Commissioner has advocated for the college, Dr. Cannon’s refusal to meet indicates that he does not have the concern nor interest of the community at heart,” the email said. “Please share with Dr. Cannon that as the Commissioner of District 5, the Commissioner reached out in hopes that she could get information that would help her to better inform and educate residents in her district who may consider Georgia Piedmont for future educational endeavors, or those
who are currently residents of the district who look to the South DeKalb Campus for their educational needs. “Please confirm that Dr. Cannon refuses to meet with Commissioner Davis Johnson on this matter.” Within an hour, Warner responded that she had received the e-mail. “Dr. Cannon is on vacation this week,” she wrote. “I will follow up with you next week when he returns.” GPTC, which is part of the Technical College System of Georgia, opened the South DeKalb campus at 2460 Wesley Chapel Road in August 2015, at a cost of $500,000. Since the college removed former President Jabari Simama in April, the TCSG has terminated the college’s leadership associated to him, and now plans to close the Decatur campus. In the CrossRoadsNews story published on July 20, GPTC spokesman Corey Thompson denied that the campus was being targeted for closure, but emails acquired by the newspaper in an Opens Records Request showed Cannon calling the termination of the South DeKalb campus lease by the end of the year “a financial imperative at this point.” “After the GPTC board of directors meeting a couple of weeks ago I think I made it clear and the board understands the financial strain the South DeKalb location has put on the college,” Cannon wrote in a June 25 email to Sara Honeywill, senior executive director of TCSG’s Office of Facilities Management. “Ending Dec. 31, 2018, gives the college time to find alternate locations for barbering and the Georgia Film Academy which are the only two credit programs on that campus at this point,” he wrote. Thompson told CrossRoadsNews in that story that the college is looking at all of its options for the campus. “We want to have a presence there whether it is at that location or somewhere else,” he said. “The college, in conjunction with the State Properties Commission, are exploring a more cost-effective location in south DeKalb County.” Davis Johnson says she is planning a town hall meeting so that residents and students who will be impacted can discuss the changes. “We hope the interim president will A PUBLIC MESSAGE come to speak aboutSERVICE their plans, ” she said. FROM CROSSROADSNEWS “But with or without him, we will meet.”
Organizations serving refugees have until Aug. 15 to apply for grants under the Citizenship and Assimilation Grant Program, which is providing up to $10 million for citizenship preparation programs in communities across the country. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service said the competitive Refugee and Asylee Assimilation Program is for organizations that prepare lawful permanent residents for naturalization and promote civic assimilation through increased knowledge of English, U.S. history and civics. The program will help those groups expand the availability of high-quality citizenship preparation services throughout the country. The Refugee and Asylee Assimilation Program will fund up to four organizations to provide individualized services to lawful permanent residents who entered the United States under the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program or were granted asylum. The USCIS said the services will help refugees to obtain the skills and knowledge required for successful citizenship and to foster a sense of belonging and attachment
to the United States. “This grant strives to promote long-term civic assimilation of those lawful permanent residents who have identified naturalization as a goal, yet may need additional information, instruction and services to attain it,” the agency said. When making its final award decisions, USCIS said it will take into account various program and organizational factors, including past grantee performance and whether an applicant and any sub-awardees are enrolled in E-Verify, when making final award decisions. It expects to announce award recipients in September. Since 2009, USCIS has awarded 353 grants totaling more than $73 million to immigrant-serving organizations that have provided citizenship preparation services to more than 200,000 lawful permanent residents in 37 states and the District of Columbia. The funding of these grant opportunities is supported by fee funds. To apply, visit grants.gov. For more information, visit uscis.gov/grants or email the USCIS Office of Citizenship at citizenshipgrantprogram@uscis.dhs.gov.
Show Your PRIDE, South DeKalb!
Show Your PRIDE, Show Your PRIDE, South DeKalb! South DeKalb! Show Your PRIDE, South DeKalb!
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ShowTrim Your & PRIDE, h Mow, Paint South DeKalb! Don’t Litter Your PRIDE, h Clean tohShow the Curb
h Don’t Litter
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h Clean to the Curb
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hMESSAGE Mow, A PUBLIC SERVICE FROM CROSSROADSNEWS
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A PUBLIC SERVICE MESSAGE FROM CROSSROADSNEWS
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Community
August 11, 2018
“If we know there are a lot of fires in a territory then we’ll focus on educating the kids in that territory.”
Keith Barker retiring from Clarkston in December 2346 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007 www.crossroadsnews.com editor@crossroadsnews.com
Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker Staff Writer Jennifer Ffrench Parker Editorial Intern Bryce Ethridge Front Office Manager Catherine Guy Multimedia Editor Sharif Williams
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 advertisements, 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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After seven years of running the city of Clarkston, Keith Barker is bowing out. Barker, who became city manager in 2011, is retiring in December, ending a 38-year career as a public servant. Keith Barker He said this week that he has been “very fortunate” to have worked with a long list of dedicated elected officials throughout his career. “I would especially like to thank the many hardworking and capable public employees that I have had the pleasure to work alongside throughout my career in public service,” Barker said. Under his leadership, Clarkston completed and initiated several major construction and infrastructure improvement projects including
“He brought vigorous professionalism to our operations, fiscal sustainability to the budget, and deployed innovative strategies that have elevated our communities to new heights. He will be sorely missed.” Clarkston Mayor Ted Terry
renovating Milam Park, Milam Pool construction, redevelopment of Friendship Forest Wildlife Sanctuary, City Hall Annex Historic Restoration, and the start of construction on a $6.5 million City Center Streetscape Project. He also successfully led annexations that increased Clarkston’s land size and population by 66 percent. Mayor Ted Terry said Barker helped turn the city around. “He has brought vigorous professionalism to our operations, fiscal sustainability to the budget, and deployed innovative strategies that
have elevated our communities to new heights,” Terry said. “He will be sorely missed, but greatly appreciated for leaving Clarkston better off than he found it.” Barker became Clarkston’s first city manager after the city converted to its present council-manager form of government in 2010. Before joining the city, Barker was DeKalb County’s chief operating officer, assistant county manager for Dougherty County, assistant city manager for Decatur, and a public service faculty member at the University of Georgia Carl Vin-
son Institute of Government. Council member Awet Eyasu, who worked closely with Barker over the last three years, praised him for successfully balancing the budget and playing a key role in the inception and planning of the city’s major capital projects. “I strongly feel that the foundations laid out with his advice and leadership will remain as cornerstones of our city’s future development,” Eyasu said. Terry said the city council will hire an executive search firm to recruit applicants for the city manager position and that elected officials, city staff and the community will have input on the characteristics, skills, knowledge and experience everyone wants to see in a city manager. “The city council will make the final decision and we are on schedule to appoint a new city manager by December of this year,” he said.
Operation Safe DeKalb on a mission to educate about safety FIRES,
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In their wake, they left $9,740,934 worth of property damage. To help reduce the number of fires in the county, DeKalb Fire and Rescue has implemented Operation Safe DeKalb, which focuses on public education, inspection, and investigation. Fire Capt. Dion Bentley said they are working together to educate not only the public but also each other on trends and issues so that they can be better at preventing fires. “If we know there are a lot of fires in a territory then we’ll focus on educating the kids in that territory,” he said. Besides teaching children, Operation Safe DeKalb makes it a policy to visit apartments, businesses and homes that have burned down in the past to teach occupants about fire safety. Bentley said officers inspect common spaces in apartments, and teach tenants about checking their smoke detectors and changing their batteries. They also outline steps to take in the event of a grease fire. Occupants are also taught not to overload electrical outlets, and how to survey their homes for potential fire hazards such as not having heaters close to curtains. Sherry Nicholson, Red Cross Georgia’s communications director, adds that families should develop a fire escape plan that includes an outside meeting place. “Practice it with family members twice a year until everyone can escape in two minutes or less,” she said. She adds that families should install and have working smoke alarms that are less than 10 years old on every level of their home and test them monthly. The Red Cross has lots of fire safety tips at www.redcross.org/gethelp/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire. Nicholson said DeKalb residents can also volunteer as Red Cross disaster responders and donate money to support its daily disaster responses in metro Atlanta
Twenty-five residents were displaced by a July 9 fire at Le Parc Fontaine Condominiums in Lithonia that destroyed 16 housing units.
Bryce Ethridge / CrossRoadsNews
DeKalb County fires in 2018 Date
Place
7/9/18
Le Parc Fontaine Condos in Lithonia
Fatalities
Residents Displaced
Damages
Cause of fire
25 residents displaced
16 housing units destroyed
Under investigation
7/8/18
Avondale Forest Apartments in Avondale Estates
60 residents displaced
Under investigation
7/6/18
Magnolia Advanced Materials warehouse in Doraville
Under investigation
7/5/18
A home on the 7300 block of Covington Highway in Decatur
No casualties but caused the evacuation of a local hotel Displaced 5 family members 70% of home destroyed
7/5/18
A home on the 5200 block of Scarbrough Lane in Stone Mountain.
1 puppy killed from smoke inhalation, 1 puppy resuscitated from smoke inhalation
6/30/18
Eagle’s Run Apartments on Bouldercrest Road
50 residents displaced
6/18/18
Family Dollar on Glenwood Road, Decatur
6/3/18
A home at 751 Medlock Road in Decatur
4 employees suffered smoke inhalation; no Inside of store destroyed deaths Home was destroyed
5/2/18
A home on the 1100 block of Mayfield Drive in Decatur Quinette Ludlam, 72
Displaced two adults and a teen
4/23/18
Star Child Learning and Development Center on Covington Highway in Decatur
No injuries or casualties
4/23/18
4500 block of Raleigh Drive, Decatur
No injuries or casualties
Two cars and a house were set on fire
3/15/18
Police officer’s home (no address given)
No injuries or casualties; displaced officer and six kids
House was destroyed
Harold Smith, 92
2/8/18
Mamaw’s Country Kitchen, Memorial Drive in Decatur
1/30/18
1300 block of Hidden Hills Parkway, Decatur
1/3/18
Avondale Forest Apartments in Avondale Estates
and Georgia at www.redcross.org. “Georgia’s Red Cross responds to more fires and helps more families following them than any Red Cross region in the country,” Nicholson said. Bentley, of DeKalb Fire & Rescue, said that the department’s goal
Adelfo Jiminez, 42
24 housing units destroyed
House received extensive damage but didn’t burn down Inside was burned
No casualties or injuries Onoloda Williams, 74 Displaced one son 8 children and four adults hospitalized for minor injuries (mostly smoke inhalation); 100 residents displaced
is never to have a fire in the county and to never lose a person or any pet to a fire. “We’re always looking to see what we can do better,” he said. “As firefighters, our motivation has not changed. We always have to grow and become more focused.”
Under investigation
Under investigation
Under investigation
Under investigation Under investigation
Restaurant was destroyed
Cause unknown
House was destroyed
Cause unknown
Housing units were destroyed
He said the death of four residents and two pets this year hit firefighters pretty hard. “No firefighter wants to lose a human being or a pet,” Bentley said. “Some things are out of our control, some things are accidents, but it makes us sad.”
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Youth
August 11, 2018
“Don’t let one disappointment – or anything – keep you from your destiny of success.”
Dreamers Academy taking applications from high school students A world of opportunities awaits 100 high school students at the 2019 Disney Dreamers Academy in Orlando, Fla., which is now taking applications. The four-day mentoring program with Steve Harvey and Essence magazine takes place March 21-24, 2019, at the Walt Disney World Resort. Oct. 31 is the deadline for applications, which are open to students ages 13-19 from across the United States. Selected participants and one parent or guardian will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Walt Disney World Resort, where they will engage in life-changing experiences and enjoy Disney’s magical theme parks. The students will get information to help jump-start their life goals and pursue their dreams. The decade-old Disney Dreamers Academy uses the magical setting of Walt Disney World as a vibrant classroom, helping students imagine bright futures, make exciting discoveries and learn how to put their goals into action. In sessions and workshops with celebrities, community and industry leaders, and Disney cast members, students participate in hands-on, immersive career seminars that explore the fields of animation, journalism, entertainment, business, culinary arts and zoology. They also get personal guidance from mentors to develop career skills like interviewing, networking and dressing for success that will give them an edge in the workplace. The ideal candidate is optimistic about
Disney Dreamers Academy students participate in career seminars in animation, journalism, entertainment, business, culinary arts and zoology. They also get personal guidance from mentors to develop career skills like interviewing, networking and dressing for success.
the future, has a love for learning and creativity, cares for others, can face obstacles with poise and maturity, inspires others, and has a generous spirit. Applicants must answer essay questions about their personal journeys and dreams for the future. Disney started the Dreamers Academy a decade ago to honor the legacy of its founder, Walt Disney, who arrived in Hollywood in 1923 with a few dollars in his pocket and a dream of drawing cartoons. Though he faced rejection and disappointment, Disney
believed in his talent and his dream, and his tiny animation studio has grown into the largest media company in the world, and his work has touched billions of people. The company says the Dreamers Academy’s mission continues Walt Disney’s abiding belief in the power of one’s dreams and their ability to make a positive difference in the world. Students who don’t get picked the first year they apply are encouraged “to keep trying, keep applying, keep watching and keep
following” on social media. “Don’t let one disappointment – or anything – keep you from your destiny of success,” the company says. Disney Dreamers Academy graduates have gone on to become doctors, nurses, engineers, pilots, journalists and more. Some have started their own public relations firms, while others have worked with national political leaders. Visit www.DisneyDreamersAcademy. com for more information or to apply.
Trade union’s bookbag giveaway took Rock Chapel students by surprise Hundreds of Rock Chapel Elementary students received a big surprise just in time for the first day of school on Aug. 6. The students received more than 650 backpacks stuffed with notebooks, pencils, art and other school supplies, compliments of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT). The unexpected gift came though a partnership between IUPAT International, Rock Chapel Elementary School, First Book, and many area parents and students. Mark Komaromi, a spokesman for the union, which represents more than 160,000 painters, installers, and finishing workers in Georgia and nationally, said kick-starting the school year for the kids was a real pleasure. “Making a positive difference in children’s lives is the ultimate reward for being a good neighbor in our communities,” said Komaroni, who is the union’s District Council 11 business manager. “From classrooms to apprenticeship pathways to continuing skills development, IUPAT’s commitment to learning never, never stops.”
“Students who are stronger readers at just 8 years old are more likely to graduate high school,” she said. “We’re so grateful that IUPAT International and PATCH share that vision for our students.” Rock Chapel Elementary is IUPAT’s newest community partner. It joins a network of more than 90 partner charities and organizations supported by the union’s Painters and Allied Trades Children’s Hope Foundation (PATCH), founded in 2001. The nonprofit provides educational and medical services to youth. Other partners include hometown chapters of Big Brothers Big Sisters, Special Olympics, United Way, and the YMCA. IUPAT’s active and retired members in the United States and Canada work in the finishing trades as industrial and commercial painters, drywall finishers, wall coverers, glaMembers of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades delivered more than 650 ziers, glass workers, floor covering installers, backpacks stuffed with school supplies to Rock Chapel Elementary School in Lithonia. sign makers, display workers, convention The Rock Chapel Elementary book bag wide. and show decorators and other trades ocLisa Green, the school’s principal, said cupations. giveaway is one of four events for IUPAT’s PATCH Foundation, which is distributing reading is foundational to all other knowlFor more information, visit https://iupat. school supplies to nearly 2,000 kids nation- edge. org.
100 Black Women recruiting ninth- 6 pools open weekends through Sept. 3 grade girls for leadership program Even though the official pool season Atlanta. Saturdays, noon to 6 p.m.; Sundays, Ninth-grade girls who are interested in career and personal development, a successful college life, and developing their leadership skills can apply now for the Legacy Girls Program operated by the Decatur-DeKalb chapter of 100 Black Women. The chapter is hosting a noon to 2 p.m. open house on Aug. 25 at the LithoniaDavidson Library in downtown Lithonia. The Legacy Program, established in 1996, mentors girls and teaches them leadership skills.
Applicants are expected to participate in the program throughout high school. Girls selected for the Legacy program will have monthly educational workshops on economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, cultural awareness, and other topics. They will also support community service projects. Space is limited. The library is at 6821 Church St. To download an application or for more information, visit www.ncbwdekalb.com or call Toni Coates at 678-687-1574.
is over, six DeKalb County pools will stay open on weekends through Sept. 3. DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs said the following pools will be open on a modified schedule: n Browns Mill Family Aquatic Facility, 4929 Browns Mill Road in Lithonia. Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sundays, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. n Exchange Splash Pad, 2771 Columbia Drive in Decatur. Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sundays, noon to 7 p.m. n Gresham Park, 3113 Gresham Road in
1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
n Lithonia Park, 2501 Park Drive in Litho-
nia. Saturdays, noon to 6 p.m.; Sundays, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. n Midway Park, 3181 Midway Road in Decatur. Saturdays, noon to 6 p.m.; Sundays, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. n Medlock Park, 874 Gaylemont Circle in Decatur. Saturdays noon to 6 p.m.; Sundays, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/parks or call the DeKalb County aquatics office at 770-414-2119.
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August 11, 2018
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08/04, 08/11, 08/18, 08/25
Notice of PetitioN iN the SuPerior court
Legal Notices 07/28, 08/04, 08/11, 08/18
Notice of PetitioN iN the SuPerior court of DeKalb county State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: 18FM1833-2 Joy-Alexis Outur PLAINTIFF VS Osadebanan Ode DEFENDANT NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: 2918 Hemingway Lane Roswell, GA 30075 By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated May 17, 2018. You are hereby notified that May 8, 2018, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Joy-Alexis Outur, 4401 Luxembourg Way, Decatur, GA 30034. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of May 17, 2018. Witness the Honorable Asha F. Jackson, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 17th day of July, 2018 07/28, 08/04, 08/11, 08/18
Notice of PetitioN iN the SuPerior court of DeKalb county State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: 18FM5526 Giana Shabazz PLAINTIFF VS
Rosaldo Shabazz DEFENDANT NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: Rosaldo Shabazz 1577 N. Military Trl. W. Palm Beach, FL 33409 By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated July 16, 2018. You are hereby notified that May 18, 2018, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Giana Shabazz, 5256 Golfcrest Circle, Stone Mountain, GA 30088. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of July 17, 2018. Witness the Honorable Daniel M. Coursey, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 17th day of July, 2018 08/04, 08/11, 08/18, 08/25
Notice of PetitioN iN the SuPerior court of DeKalb county State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: 18FM7463 Shameka Burch PLAINTIFF VS Jarod Burch DEFENDANT NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: Jarod Burch 3879 McGill Lane Decatur, GA 30034 By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated July 25, 2018. You are hereby notified that July 24, 2018, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit
of DeKalb county State of Georgia
against you for divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Shameka Burch, 5908 Halwood Ct., Lithonia, GA 30058. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of July 26, 2018. Witness the Honorable Gail Flake, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 26th day of July, 2018 08/04, 08/11, 08/18, 08/25
Notice of PetitioN iN the SuPerior court of DeKalb county State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: 18FM6710-3 Kiashanna Bragg PLAINTIFF VS Todd Bragg DEFENDANT NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: Todd Bragg 2110 Dellwood Pl. Decatur, GA 30032 By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated July 27, 2018. You are hereby notified that Jun. 28, 2018, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Kiashanna Bragg, 3398 Tulip Dr., Decatur, GA 30032. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of July 27, 2018. Witness the Honorable Clarence F. Seeliger, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 27th day of July, 2018
Civil Action Case Number: 18FM7466 Jeremiah Jenkins PLAINTIFF VS Candace Baker DEFENDANT NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated July 27, 2018. You are hereby notified that July 23, 2018, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Jeremiah Jenkins, 65 Howard St., Atlanta, GA 30317. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of July 27, 2018. Witness the Honorable Clarence F. Seeliger, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 27th day of July, 2018 08/04, 08/11, 08/18, 08/25
Notice of PetitioN iN the SuPerior court of DeKalb county State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: 18FM6239 Arnold Stewart PLAINTIFF VS Moniqua Weaver DEFENDANT NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO:
By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated July 20, 2018. You are hereby notified that June 15, 2018, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Arnold Stewart, 899 Forest Path, Stone Mountain, GA 30088. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of July 27, 2018. Witness the Honorable Daniel Coursey, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 27th day of July, 2018 08/04, 08/11, 08/18, 08/25
Notice of PetitioN to chANGe NAMe(S) of MiNor chiLD(reN) in the Superior court of DeKalb county State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: 18FM7455 NOTICE OF PUBLICATION Joycelyn Zakiyyah Saboor filed petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on July 12, 2018, to change the name(s) of the following minor child(ren) from: Marqavious Zakee’ Bibbs to: Marqavious Zakee’-Bibbs Saboor. Any interest party has the right to appear in this case and file objections within the time prescribed in OCGA 19-12-I(f)(2) and (3). Dated: July 12, 2018 08/11, 08/18, 08/25, 09/01
Notice of PetitioN iN the SuPerior court
Civil Action Case Number: 18FM4617-3 John Youngblood. II PLAINTIFF VS Delshonda Latricia Youngblood DEFENDANT NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO:
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of DeKalb county State of Georgia
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By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated July 31, 2018. You are hereby notified that Apr. 27, 2018, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: John Thomas Youngblood, 2523 Columbia Crossing Ct., Decatur, GA 30034. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of July 31, 2018. Witness the Honorable Clarence F. Seeliger, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 31st day of July, 2018 08/11, 08/18, 08/25, 09/01
Notice of PetitioN iN the SuPerior court of DeKalb county State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: 18FM5756-3 Theresa Ann Chambers Monteith PLAINTIFF VS Michael T. Monteith DEFENDANT NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Jun. 15, 2018. You are hereby notified that May 31, 2018, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Deborah A. Johnson, Atlanta Legal Aid Society, DeKalb County Office, 246 Sycamore St., Ste. 120m,m Decatur, GA 30030–3454; dajohnson@atlantalegalaid.org. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of July 31, 2018. Witness the Honorable Clarence F. Seeliger, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 31st day of July, 2018
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Jeffrey L. Mann, Sheriff • 4415 Memorial Drive • Decatur, GA 30032
Sex offeNDer
Arnold Harris 2710 Rockcliff Rd SE Atlanta Ga 30316 Charge of Sexual Battery Convicted 11 30 2010
Sex offeNDer
Cameron Brown 7883 Nolan Trl Snellville Ga 30039 Charges of Incest, Statutory Rape Convicted 10 20 2003
Sex offeNDer
Christian Stanley 93 Creste Ln Decatur Ga 30035 Charge of Child Molestation Convicted 08 07 2016
Sex offeNDer
Dennis Johnson 3124 Haynes Park Dr Lithonia Ga 30038 Charges of Criminal Sexual Content 1st Degree,Criminal Sexual Content 3rd Degree Convicted 07 11 1988
Sex offeNDer
Juan Cordero 4371 Cross Ln Decatur Ga 30035 Charge of Sodomy Convicted 10 03 1996
Sex offeNDer
Kenneth Edwards 216 Whitney Chase Apt 216 Stone Mountain Ga 30088 Charge of Sexual Battery Convicted 11 05 1987
Sex offeNDer
Noah Harris 2942 Ember Dr Room 512 Decatur Ga 30034 Charge of Sex Offense 3rd Degree Ccnvicted 12 17 2002
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August 11, 2018
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