CrossRoadsNews, December 16, 2017

COMMUNITY

HOLIDAY

AmeriCorps opportunity

‘Tree of Love’ doing its thing

Lithonia has an opening for an Ameri­ Corps VISTA worker to pro­ vide financial literacy support to residents of the city. 2

Commis­ sioner Larry Johnson’s an­ nual campaign will provide Christmas gifts for 500 DeKalb County children this year. 6

Let’s Keep DeKalb Peachy Clean Please Don’t Litter Our Streets and Highways

EAST ATLANTA • DECATUR • STONE MOUNTAIN • LITHONIA • AVONDALE ESTATES • CLARKSTON • ELLENWOOD • PINE LAKE • REDAN • SCOTTDALE • TUCKER • STONECREST

December 16, 2017

Copyright © 2017 CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

Volume 23, Number 33

www.crossroadsnews.com

Stonecrest mayor ups ante for Amazon HQ2 bid, is mum on costs

By Lyle V. Harris

ference at Stonecrest City Hall.

Lary earned widespread Raising the stakes in a bid to lure Ama- media attention in October zon’s second headquarters to the city of when he offered to officially Stonecrest, Mayor Jason rename a de-annexed Lary unveiled a hi-tech portion of the public relations blitz on city “AmaDec. 14 that he hopes zon” if the will seal the deal with retail githe company’s Seattleant agreed based executives. to build its “This is a digital highly coveted education campaign for “HQ2” on the 345-acre a digital company and a site near Stonecrest Mall. city of the future,” Lary Jason Lary told reporters during Wednesday’s news con- Please see AMAZON, page 2

City of Stonecrest

Proposed City Amazon, GA

Stonecrest’s new marketing initiative will send a digital message to Amazon executives if they enter the proposed HQ2 site.

Amazon Decision-Makers Geo-Fence Area

South DeKalb a magnet for fatal auto crashes Causes include distracted drivers, speed and alcohol

This 2014 fatal accident on I-20 near Candler Road in Decatur was one of 210 accidents resulting in 228 fatalities that occurred in the last five years in south DeKalb County.

By Lyle V. Harris

The tragic death of Morehouse student Kavi Pudu on I-20 near Evans Mill Road on Oct. 1 in Lithonia highlights a troubling reality that has become far too commonplace – a proliferation of fatal accidents on roadways in south DeKalb County.

P u du, a go s pel musician and budding artist, was struck and killed in an accident caused by a hit-and-run driver in a speeding white SUV. The senior from Dallas, Texas, was checking the lights on the rented vehicle Kavi Pudu he was riding in, which had stopped by the side of the highway, when a car struck by the speeding SUV plowed into him.

About 60 percent of the fatal accidents in DeKalb County over the last five years occurred on interstate highways and local streets crisscrossing South DeKalb, an independent review of crash statistics provided by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) shows.

Bob Andres / Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Between January 2013 and November this year, there have been 335 fatal crashes countywide – including the hit-and-run that ended Pudu’s life. In all, 210 such accidents – a staggering 62 percent – took place on roadways south of U.S. 78, west of Atlanta’s city limits, and north of the Henry and east of the Rockdale county lines.

All told, those accidents resulted in 228

deaths and 183 nonfatal injuries to drivers, pedestrians, passengers and cyclists. As of last month, there were 51 fatalities on South DeKalb roadways compared to 47 in November 2016.

The reasons for the fatal accidents in south DeKalb include motorists who lost control of their vehicles (12.2 percent), failure to yield (12.2 percent), driving under the

influence (7 percent), speeding (7 percent) and distracted driving (4.4 percent).

In about 34 percent of the fatal accidents countywide during the five-year period, accident investigators could not determine a direct cause. Some accidents appear to have been caused by multiple factors.

Please see FATALITIES, page 4

By the numbers

335

210

51

33

235

228

1,500

Fatal crashes in DeKalb County between January 2013 and November 2017

Fatal crashes that occurred in South DeKalb

Fatalities on South DeKalb roadways in November 2017

Percent increase in fatal accidents in Georgia between 2015 and 2016

Pedestrians killed by automobiles in Georgia in 2016

Drivers, pedestrians, passengers and cyclists who died in South DeKalb

People who died in motor vehicle accidents in Georgia in 2016

CrossRoadsNews

2

Community

December 16, 2017

The consent decree ordered the county to make drastic improvements to its 50-year-old sewer system

Thurmond to update residents on $1.3 billion consent decree it in December 2011, Seven years after DeKalb County signed which is when the a $1.34 billion consent decree with the U.S. county says it became Environmental Protection Agency and the effective.

Georgia Environmental Protection Division., The consent decree citizens will get an update. came in the wake of CEO Michael Thurmond will detail prog836 sewage overflows ress made toward fulfilling the sewer consent from DeKalb’s broken decree on Dec. 19, a year shy of when it is manholes and clogged supposed to end. sewer lines between The meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. at the 2006 and October Tucker-Reid H. Cofer Library.

Michael Thurmond 2010.

DeKalb County signed the 104-page Both environmental agencies, which consent decree in December 2010. After a period of public input, a judge signed off on police the county’s waterways, said the spills

violated the federal Clean Water Act and the Georgia Water Quality Control Act. The consent decree ordered the county to make drastic improvements to its 50-year-old sewer system – which includes 2,600 miles of sewer lines, 55,000 manhole covers and 66 lift stations – over the next eight years.

The upgrades came with an 11 percent increase in water rates paid by residents.

As part of the agreement, the county paid a $453,000 fine for the spills, and $600,000 to clean up the South River, Snapfinger Creek and the South Fork on Peachtree Creek near Emory University.

The consent decree also called for significant levels of sanitary sewer system inspection, assessment, rehabilitation and repair, and the county has been cleaning 150 miles of sewer lines, and has removed more than five tons of debris and completed 1,154 stream crossing inspections.

The update will be broadcast on Comcast Cable Channel 23 for residents living in DeKalb County and livestreamed at www. dekalbcountyga.gov/dctv.

Citizens unable to attend the meeting can submit questions on DeKalb’s Facebook page or Twitter account, @ItsInDeKalb.

DeKalb legislators Deadline looms for AmeriCorps position in Lithonia of Lithonia is seeking applihosting town hall cantsTheforcityan AmeriCorps VISTA position with the city. at Maloof center The successful applicant will provide A DeKalb Delegation Town Hall meeting hosted by the DeKalb House Delegation has been rescheduled for Dec. 19 at the Maloof Auditorium in Decatur.

The meeting, which originally was set for Dec. 11, will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the auditorium at 1300 Commerce Drive.

The meeting agenda includes issues and concerns that may emerge in the 2018 legislative session. The public is invited to share and discuss questions and concerns for their communities.

For more information, contact Rep. Howard Mosby, House District 83, at 404656-0287.

financial literacy support to residents of the city.

The temporary full-time position lasts for one year and comes with a monthly stipend of $1,026 and health and other benefits. Outside employment is permitted during the assignment but must not conflict with responsibilities to the VISTA project.

Mayor Deborah Jackson said the new position will complement the work of the city’s two other VISTAs. “The new VISTAs will continue to build on our work in the community to identify and bring resources in the area of financial

AmeriCorps VISTA is about making a difference for communities and individuals facing issues such as poverty, inequity, homelessness, and lack of access to education.

literacy and asset building,” she said.

The deadline to apply online is Dec. 22 and the position starts on Feb. 26.

Jackson said the successful applicant must be available for training Feb. 20 to 23.

For more information, visit www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps

and click on the link Find Opportunities Now. The Lithonia project link is https:// my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing. do?id=77786&fromSearch=true.

For more information or to learn how to apply, contact Lithonia city administrator Cheryl Foster at cheryl.foster@lithoniacity. org or 770-482-8136.

WIC public comment period open The annual pubic comment period into Georgia Department of Public Health’s (DPH) Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is now underway through Dec. 31.

During the period, which opened Dec. 1, Georgians can comment on the program’s successes and identify opportunities to improve the federally funded health and nutrition program’s services.

Georgia WIC promotes healthy and positive food choices by providing nutrition education and food selections based on their nutrient content, availability and cost.

WIC food packages, which are aligned with the American Academy of Pediatrics Dietary Guidelines, can include infant formulas and medical foods, milk, cheese, eggs, fruits, vegetables, juice, whole grain foods, fish, peanut butter, soy products and beans. Statewide, there are more than 1,400 authorized food retailers who participate in the Georgia WIC program.

Comments and suggestions can be made at wic.ga.gov. Click on the public comment link located on the Georgia WIC home page. For more information, call 1-800228-9173.

Decision on HQ2 expected in 2018 AMAZON,

Reach More of the People Who Matter the Most – Your Customers!

Call 404-284-1888 for Advertising Rates & Circulation Information

from page

1

To further raise Stonecrest’s odds of being picked, Lary said the city has now teamed up with national marketing firm Smart Reach Digital to target Amazon decision-makers with appeals directed to their cell phones and mobile devices.

Smart Reach Digital will use a technology called geo-fencing that creates a virtual geographic boundary that enables software to trigger a response when Amazon employees’ mobile devices enter or leave a particular area.

Those who are inside the fence will be prompted to voluntarily open an email linked to pro-Stonecrest content touting the benefits of “Amazon Georgia” and bearing the company’s familiar “smiling” logo.

The latest announcement is part of an “aggressive” strategy by the South DeKalb city that is fervently trying to woo Amazon to its doorstep. Despite intense curiosity surrounding the project, Lary refused Wednesday to say how much the city’s outreach efforts to court Amazon are costing city taxpayers.

Lary had previously pledged to have Amazon’s founder and CEO, Jeff Bezos, permanently installed as the unelected mayor of the proposed Amazon city. He also proposed that the city of Stonecrest run the

city of Amazon’s municipal functions on a contractual basis.

If it happens, Lary claims Stonecrest would be “the first corporate city.”

Asked repeatedly by reporters about the price tag of the Amazon campaign, Lary repeatedly answered: “We have a marketing budget. We’re good,” and declined to offer any details.

Stonecrest is among scores of local and state governments nationwide and in Canada rolling out the red carpet for Amazon.

Amazon said in October that it had received 238 proposals from cities, counties, states and Canada.

Georgia is among those who have made a formal bid for the company’s planned headquarters. The state has not said if Stonecrest was one of the sites it submitted in its package.

Amazon says the new headquarters will be a “full equal” to its Seattle campus, and that it will invest more than $5 billion to build the facility and create up to 50,000 “high-paying” jobs.

Economic development officials estimate that if Georgia lands the Amazon’s HQ 2. it could generate $50 million worth of investment over the next 15 years.

Amazon reportedly began visiting prospective sites in November and is expected to make a decision on HQ2 in 2018.

CrossRoadsNews

December 16, 2017

3

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CrossRoadsNews

4

Community

2346 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007 www.crossroadsnews.com editor@crossroadsnews.com

Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker 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.

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December 16, 2017

“I think a lot of us underestimate the true harm of being distracted and driving.”

Turners to host ‘Cultural Exchange’ to foster dialogue

By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

Political power couple Vickie Turner and Rob Turner will host a monthly community breakfast meeting to discuss issues affecting the county starting in January.

Vickie Turner, who represents District 5 on the DeKalb School Board, and Rob Turner, the Stonecrest City Council representative for District 2, say they will call the gathering “The Cultural Exchange” and it will take place second Saturdays monthly.

The first one, set for Jan. 13 at 9 a.m. at the Ray of Hope Christian Church’s Family Life Center, will include updates from DeKalb Senate and House Delegation, DeKalb County, DeKalb County Schools

Vickie and Rob Turner will host a monthly breakfast meeting to exchange information and bring the community together.

and Stonecrest/District 2.

The couple is seeking to fill the void created when former state representative and DeKalb commissioner Stan Watson ceased hosting his monthly community cabinet which provided residents, civic groups and homeowners representatives access to elected and appointed officials to discuss

a range of issues. Watson, who stopped the meetings in 2016 amid allegations that he misused county funds, hosted that meeting monthly for about 20 years.

Vickie Turner said they are working on a location for the other meetings.

She said the Cultural Exchange meetings will provide stakeholders

with updates as they relate to their quality of life, to include, national, state and local initiatives that are relevant to the community.

“There will be an informational exchange between elected officials, county and district leadership, department heads, business leaders and constituents,” she said.

Rob Turner said they have a simple goal.

“The vision is to create a culture of collaboration through the sharing of information that will empower our community and enhance our quality of life,” he said.

The Ray of Hope is at 2728 Snapfinger Road in Decatur. For more information or to be a volunteer or meeting sponsor, email thedekalbexchange@gmail.com.

GDOT seeks to improve safety for drivers, pedestrians FATALITIES,

from page

1

While GDOT closely tracks accident statistics to help improve its ongoing safety programs, it was not immediately clear why south DeKalb has seen a majority of fatal crashes in the county during the last five years.

Using the agency’s historical data, CrossRoadsNews created a “heat map” that illustrates the locations where fatal accidents occurred in South DeKalb County.

Three areas – I-20 near Wesley Chapel Road and two stretches of Covington Highway/U.S. 278 due west of the city of Lithonia – can be easily identified as hotspots for deadly crashes.

South DeKalb’s grim traffic statistics mirror what’s also happening across Georgia and underscore growing traffic problems in metro Atlanta. Interstate 285, which cuts a swath through DeKalb County, has earned the dubious distinction of being ranked the most dangerous highway in the nation based on statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Fatal accidents in Georgia jumped 33 percent between 2015 and 2016, which are the last two years for which complete statistics are available.

A National Safety Council study shows that in 2016, more than 1,500 people died in motor vehicle accidents in Georgia, and nationwide, 40,200 people died in accidents, making 2016 the deadliest year on the nation’s roads since 2007.

Deborah Hersman, president of the education and research council which seeks to eliminate preventable deaths on the nation’s roadways, said the top three k i l l e r s a r e Deborah Hersman speed, alcohol and distraction.

In Georgia, pedestrian, bicycle and motorcycle deaths rose by double-digits in 2016, as did fatalities involving vehicles that ran off the road, a clear sign that drivers may not be paying attention behind the wheel.

Scott Higley, a GDOT spokesman, said there’s at least one bright spot: The overall number of fatal traffic accidents statewide is about

Fatal accident clusters in South DeKalb

(Jan. 2013 – Nov. 2017)

I-285

Memorial Drive to Covington Highway 6 fatalities • 9 injuries

Memorial Drive transition to Hwy 78 9 fatalities • 9 injuries

I-285

at Glenwood Road 4 fatalities • 2 injuries

Covington Highway

from Panola Road to Lithonia Industrial Blvd.

13 fatalities • 12 injuries

I-20

from Gresham Road to Turner Hill Road 20 fatalities • 22 injuries

Wesley Chapel Road Snapfinger Road

from Dogwood Farms Rd to Panola Road 4 fatalities • 6 injuries

from Snapfinger Road to Covington Highway 10 fatalities • 7 injuries

* Map includes number of injuries that occurred in fatal accidents only. Injuries incurred in nonfatal accidents are not included.

three percent lower this year than it was at the same time last year.

In 2015, GDOT launched a comprehensive safety program called “Drive Alert, Arrive Alive” aimed at eliminating fatalities, preventing cars from leaving roadways, improving protective devices for vehicle occupants and reducing distracted driving. The agency is also investing in other measures including lane striping, replacement of signs, rumble strips and raised pavement markers.

One of the most alarming traffic trends statewide is the seven percent increase in pedestrian fatalities. Last year, motorized vehicles killed a total of 235 pedestrians, according to GDOT statistics. In South DeKalb, however, pedestrian deaths have decreased to five through November 2017, down from 16 in 2016.

To address pedestrian deaths, GDOT is promoting a public awareness campaign called “See & Be Seen” which urges pedestrians to cease using electronic devices when they’re near traffic. The campaign also reminds motorists to slow down and be more mindful of pedestrians.

DOT’s Higley said the agency

is constantly looking for new, more effective tactics and strategies to reduce crash-related injuries and fatalities.

“As with all our campaigns, we evaluate to ensure our messages are resonating with the public,” he said.

“This year we did just that and Scott Higley had some key learnings. We are currently working on some fresh ideas for a re-launch of this campaign early next year.”

Several south DeKalb motorists who encounter accidents on their local roadways were not surprised by the statistics.

Stonecrest truck driver Jason Edwards often spends 14 hours a day on the road and routinely sees fellow motorists taking dangerous risks behind the wheel. As part of his training, Edwards, who has a Class A license, says he follows the “Smith System” which advises motorists to: n Aim high in steering. n Get the big picture. n Keep your eyes moving. n Leave yourself an out.

n Make sure they see you.

“I’m usually sitting up high in my truck so I can see folks texting on their phones,” said Edwards, 47. “It’s ignorance and negligence and it’s going to get worse. The only thing that’s going to stop it is if they make cars smarter than the people driving them. Evolving technology will be the only thing that saves us.”

Tammie Grimes, an educator who also lives in Stonecrest, only drives local streets – never on the highway.

She faults increasing traffic congestion as well as inexperienced and dis- Tammie Grimes tracted drivers for the alarming body count on South DeKalb’s roads.

“I think a lot of us underestimate the true harm of being distracted and driving,” Grimes said. “A lot of younger people have never experienced driving without their electronic devices. This age of technology has caused us to believe we’re invincible. Obviously, we’re not.”

December 16, 2017

T:10.5”

CrossRoadsNews

5

T:16”

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CrossRoadsNews

6

Holiday

December 16, 2017

Since its inception in 1999, the campaign has provided gifts to more than 10,000 children.

500 kids getting gifts from this year’s Tree of Love campaign

Five hundred DeKalb County children will be getting Christmas gifts this year because of the annual Tree of Love Campaign founded by District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson.

The campaign, which is in its 19th year, offers South DeKalb residents the opportunity to fulfill the wishes of kids in foster care and others in need.

Donors picked the names of kids and their wish lists on Nov. 18 from the Tree of Love at the Gallery at South DeKalb and are returning Dec. 16 with gift bags and boxes laden with toys, clothes, games and other items.

Gifts can be dropped off 10 a.m. to noon at the stage near Macy’s at the mall, 2801 Candler Road in Decatur.

The 2017 Tree of Love Finale takes place noon to 3 p.m. with performances by by The MARTA Choir, Korean Traditional Dancers, singer Steven Adetumbi, Lou Walker Line Dancers and Jan Reynolds and Icon Models.

Johnson says that since its inception in 1999, the campaign has raised more than $750,000 in toys and provided gifts to more than 10,000 children.

For more information, call Colet Odenigbo at 404-371-2988.

Donors who picked the names of kids and their wish lists from the Tree of Love will return on Dec. 16 with gift bags and boxes laden with gifts and other items.

Greenforest hosting candlelight service All six Greenforest Community Baptist Church choirs will minister in song at the church’s annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Service & Musical on Dec. 24.

For the 90-minute service, lighted candles will line the driveway to the sanctuary from Rainbow Drive to the Decatur church.

After performances by the Praise Team, Celestial Choir, Brotherhood Choir, Children’s Chapel choir of kids from age 4 to sixth-graders; the Ambassadors choir of seventh- to 12th-graders and the Voices of Inspiration choir and the Dance Ministry, the service culminates with the congregation

lighting candles before processing from the sanctuary.

Longtime church member Rosalind Barnes Fowler says the program, which starts at 6:30 p.m., is a beautiful service to be a part of and to see.

“It is always an endearing experience for all in attendance,” she said. “You’re welcome to come out and celebrate the birth of the Savior.”

Greenforest Baptist Church is at 3250 Rainbow Drive. For more information, visit www.greenforest.org or call 404-4861120.

Holiday Hangout at Salem-Panola Tis the season and Salem-Panola Library is hosting Holiday Hang Out on Dec. 21 and Jan. 3.

Between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., patrons can drop by anytime to make a quick craft, fill out a holiday-themed crossword or two, play a holiday game or take a selfie at the branch’s photo booth.

Holiday Hang Out is funded by the Friends of the Salem-Panola Library.

The library is at 5137 Salem Road in Lithonia.

For more information, call 770-987- Holiday Hang Outs will be offered on Dec. 21 6900. and Jan. 3 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Lithonia collecting toys for tots ‘Christmas in Lithonia’ event on Dec. 24 Donors can still drop off toys for the city of Lithonia’s Toys for Tots Drive through Dec. 19 at City Hall.

Mayor Deborah Jackson said the need is great and that toys collected will be distributed on Dec. 21.

City Hall is at 6920 Main St. For more information, call Arika Miller at 770-4828136.

The city of Lithonia’s Toys for Tots Drive is accepting toys through Dec. 19.

Families needing toys and gifts for their kids this holiday can find plenty at the Toys for Tots Give-a-Way being hosted by Overcomers Christian Fellowship on Dec. 24.

Overcomers’ “Christmas in Lithonia” event, which will take place at 6 p.m., will include fun, music and a performance by a dance team led by Lemeisha Bailey. There will be photos with Santa and hot cocoa, tea and coffee.

“This event will be epic,” said Delethia Foxx,

who will emcee the event.

The giveaway will take place at 7373 Covington Highway. Foxx said every child present will get gifts and there will be door prizes awarded throughout the evening.

Apostle Benny Momoh will deliver a mini sermon.

For more information, visit www.ocfinternational.org or call Delethia Foxx at 540-8759923.

CrossRoadsNews

December 16, 2017

Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Laventress Hammond, 5591 Regency Forest Ct., Lithonia, GA 30038. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Oct. 30, 2017.

Witness the Honorable Tangela M. Barrie, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 30th day of Oct., 2017

Legal Notices 12/02, 12/09, 12/16, 12/23

Notice of Petition in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM9874 Brianna A. Mitchell PLAINTIFF VS Aomori M. Mitchell, and Michael Chad Halman, DEFENDANTS NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: Michael Chad Halman 2550 Shady Lane, Apt. #3B Waycross, GA 31503-9216 You are hereby notified that the abovestyled action seeking Divorce and Other Relief was filed against you in said court on September 19, 2017, and that by reason of an Order for Service of Summons by Publication entered by the court on Sept 08, 2017, you are hereby commanded and required to file with the clerk of said court and serve upon Mara Block, Plaintiff’s attorney, whose address is Atlanta Legal Aid Society, 246 Sycamore Street, Suite 120, Decatur, GA 30030, an answer in writing to the Petition within sixty (60) days of the Order for Servicce

by Publication.

Witness the Honorable Asha F. Jack­ son, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 19th day of Oct., 2017 12/02, 12/09, 12/16, 12/23

Notice of Petition in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM10929-3 Santrena L. Fultz PLAINTIFF VS Douglas R. Fultz DEFENDANT NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: Douglas R. Fultz 10429 Prince Dr. St. Louis, MO 63136

By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Nov. 7, 2017. You are hereby notified that Oct. 18, 2017, 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: Santrena Fultz, 1391 Post Oak Drive, Apt. G., Clarkston, GA 30021. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Nov. 07, 2017.

Witness the Honorable Clarence F. Seeliger, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 8th day of Nov., 2017

12/02, 12/09, 12/16, 12/23

Notice of Petition in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM10618-3 Brian Etheridge PLAINTIFF VS Theresa Hearn Etheridge DEFENDANT NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: Theresa Hearn Etheridge 2807 Misty Water Dr., Apt. 30 Decatur, GA 30032

By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Nov. 7, 2017. You are hereby notified that Oct. 08, 2017, 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: Brian Etheridge, 1851 Camellia Dr., Decatur, GA 30032.

Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Nov. 07, 2017.

Witness the Honorable Clarence F. Seeliger, Judge of the DeKalb Supe­ rior Court.

This the 8th day of Nov., 2017 12/02, 12/09, 12/16, 12/23

Notice of Petition in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM7004-5 Jacqueline McLendon PLAINTIFF VS Joshua McLendon DEFENDANT NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: Joshua McLendon

By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Nov. 06, 2017. You are hereby notified that Oct. 18, 2017, 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: Jacqueline McLendon, 2805 Misty Waters Dr., Apt. #2, Decatur, GA 30032. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Nov. 07, 2017.

Witness the Honorable Gregory A. Adams, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 7th day of Nov., 2017 12/02, 12/09, 12/16, 12/23

Notice of Petition in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM11072 Victoria Hayes PLAINTIFF VS

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12/02, 12/09, 12/16, 12/23

Notice of Petition in the Superior Court

Elray Booker DEFENDANT NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: Elray Booker

By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Nov. 01, 2017. You are hereby notified that Oct. 16, 2017, 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: Victoria Hayes, 3855 Brookview Point, Decatur, GA 30034.

Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Nov. 01, 2017.

Witness the Honorable Asha F. Jack­ son, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 6th day of Nov., 2017

of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM10421-7 Hanh Kieu Pham PLAINTIFF VS Hung Tran DEFENDANT NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: Hung Tran 3921 Norman Rd. Stone Mountain, GA 30083 You are hereby notified that the abovestyled action seeking Divorce, Custody and Child Support was filed against you in said court on Oct. 03, 2017, and that by reason of an Order for Service of Summons by Publication entered by the court on Nov 08, 2017, you are hereby commanded and required to file with the clerk of said court and serve upon Mara Block, Plaintiff’s attorney, whose address is Atlanta Legal Aid Society, 246 Sycamore Street, Suite 120, Decatur, GA 30030, an answer in writing to the Petition within sixty (60) days of the Order for Servicce by Publication.

Witness the Honorable Daniel M. Coursey, Jr., Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 8th day of Nov., 2017

12/02, 12/09, 12/16, 12/23

Notice of Petition in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM10768-1 Marleen Denise Pierce PLAINTIFF VS Antonio Terrell Pierce DEFENDANT NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: Antonio Terrell Pierce 2687 Hwy 701, North Conway, SC 29526

By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Oct. 26, 2017. You are hereby notified that Oct. 12, 2017, 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: Marleen Denise Pierce, 7060 Ravenwood Lane, GA 30038.

Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Nov. 02, 2017.

Witness the Honorable Courtney L. Johnson, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 2nd day of Nov., 2017

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: 17FM10022-3 NOTICE OF PUBLICATION La’Shante Esty filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Sept.

22, 2017 to change the name(s) of the following child(ren) from: Mercy Winter Esty to: Mercy Winter Forman.

Any interested party has the right to appear in this case and file objections within the time prescribed in OCGA 19-12-1(f)(2) and (3).

Dated: Jul. 12, 2017

Notice of Petition in the Superior Court

12/02, 12/09, 12/16, 12/23

of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name(s) of MINOR CHILD(REN)

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM6647-10 Laventress Hammond PLAINTIFF VS Cecorie A. Hammond DEFENDANT NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: Cecorie A. Hammond

By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Oct. 25, 2017. You are hereby notified that Jun. 16, 2017, 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

12/02, 12/09, 12/16, 12/23

Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name of ADULT in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM11984 NOTICE OF PUBLICATION Petitioner in the above-captioned case filed a Petition to Change Name of Adult in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Nov. 21, 2017, to change her name from: Valorie Jeanette Coleman to Valerie Jeanette Wiggs. Any interested party has the right to appear in this case and to file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed.

Respectfully submitted this 21st day of November, 2017

in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM10021-3 La’Shante Esty filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Sept. 22, 2017 to change the name(s) of the following child(ren) from: Taylor Emerson Esty to: Taylor Emerson Castell Any interested party has the right to appear in this case and file objections within the time prescribed in OCGA

PLAINTIFF VS Kenyatta D. Cosby DEFENDANT NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: Kenyatta D. Cosby

By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Nov. 29, 2017. You are hereby notified that Nov. 27, 2017, 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: Christie C. Cosby, 2740 Tilson Rd., Decatur, GA 30032.

Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Nov. 29, 2017.

Witness the Honorable Linda W. Hunter, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 30th day of Nov., 2017 12/09, 12/16, 12/23, 12/30

Notice of Petition in the Superior Court

12/02, 12/09, 12/16, 12/23

of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name of ADULT in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM11973-7 NOTICE OF PUBLICATION Walter Andrew Hamric filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on November 21st, 2017 to change the name from: Walter Andrew Hamric to Lupa Marlene Brandt. Any interested party has the right to appear in this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed.

Dated: November 15, 2017 12/02, 12/09, 12/16, 12/23

12/02, 12/09, 12/16, 12/23

12/02, 12/09, 12/16, 12/23

19-12-1(f)(2) and (3).

Dated: Jul. 12, 2017

Notice of Petition in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM9862 Angie Blasingame PLAINTIFF VS Travis Morris DEFENDANT NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: Travis Morris 1232 Kipling St., SE Atlanta, GA 30315

By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Sept. 27, 2017. You are hereby notified that Sept.

18, 2017, 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: Angie Blasingame, 102 Hillside Village Dr., Apt. 102, Atlanta, GA 30317.

Witness the Honorable Tangela M. Barrie, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 21st day of Nov., 2017 12/09, 12/16, 12/23, 12/30

Notice of Petition in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM12056-8 Christie C. Cosby

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM7183-5 Laree Danner PLAINTIFF VS Taneisha Allen DEFENDANT NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: Taneisha Allen 5400 Memorial Dr., Unite 3-C Stone Mountain, GA 30083

By ORDER of the Court service for ser­ vice by publication dated Oct. 31, 2017; You are hereby notified that on Jun. 30, 2017, The above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for: Modification of Custody and Visitation. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Laree Danner, 722 Gatehouse Dr., Apt. D, Decatur, GA 30032.

Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Nov. 29, 2017.

Witness the Honorable Gregory A. Adams, Judge of the DeKalb Supe­ rior Cour.

This the 29th day of Nov., 2017 12/09, 12/16, 12/23, 12/30

Notice of Petition in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM11925-7 Kourtney Stephens PLAINTIFF VS Quentin Barkley DEFENDANT NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: Quentin Barkley

By ORDER of the Court service for ser­ vice by publication dated Nov. 30, 2017.

You are hereby notified that Nov. 20, 2017, 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: Kourtney Antionette Stephens, 4960 River Overlook Way, Lithonia, GA 30038. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Nov. 29, 2017.

Witness the Honorable Daniel M. Coursey, Jr., Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 30th day of Nov., 2017

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