CrossRoadsNews, July 29, 2017

SCENE

WELLNESS

Boogie with a badge

Beat the heat

Across DeKalb County and around the country, residents will hang out with first responders during National Night Out. 4

Staying hydrated is just one of the tips DeKalb Emergency Management Agency recommends to keep summer heat at bay. 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

Copyright © 2017 CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

July 29, 2017

Volume 23, Number 13

www.crossroadsnews.com

Aug. 3 court date for mother whose baby died in car Sheriff Mann The mother whose 13-month-old baby died in a hot car while she was getting her hair done will face a DeKalb County judge on Aug. 3.

Dijanelle Fowler left her daughter Skylar in her white Hyundai Sonata outside the Mahogany Hair Studio near Northlake Tower shopping center in Tucker for more than six hours on June 15.

Dijanelle Fowler The baby died.

Fowler, 25, is charged with second-degree murder, concealing death and second-degree

cruelty to a child.

She has been in the DeKalb County Jail without bond since July 17.

Police investigators say Fowler, who is from Summerville, S.C., was visiting relatives in DeKalb County while she was interviewing for a job in Atlanta.

They say that on June 15, she drove with her baby to a 10 a.m. appointment at the salon on LaVista Road, and left the infant in the car with the air conditioner running.

At some point between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when she emerged from the salon, the car’s battery died and as the outside tempera- Police say Dijanelle Fowler left 13-month-old

Skylar in a car for six hours on June 15 while she was getting her hair done.

Please see HOT CAR, page 2

40 schools getting spruced up A roofing crew lay a new roof on Toney Valley Elementary School in Decatur on July 26. Across the county, crews are racing to complete repairs and renovations before school begins Aug. 7.

Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Repairs, upgrades and renovations funded by SPLOST

By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

When the bell ring on the first day of class on Aug. 7, thousands of DeKalb students will arrive at schools that have undergone more than $74.6 million in renovations, funded by Special Local Options Sales Tax (SPLOST).

Forty of the district’s 102 schools and centers are having repairs, renovations, and upgrades ranging from $423,000 to $15.7 million done this summer. The work includes everything from ADA and restroom renovations, to the installation of new heating and air conditioning systems, classroom additions and renovations, caferia expansion and roof replacements.

The bulk of the work is being completed while students are on summer break. The projects are part of $561 million worth of building improvements and upgrades being completed across the school district over the next five years.

Twenty-three of the projects are being

completed by August, 10 by December, one in January 2018, and three by July 2018.

Among the projects: n Nine schools – Bouie, Briar Lake, Robert Shaw, Toney and Marbut Elementary, Salem and Henderson Middle, and Clarkston and Stephenson High schools – are getting new roofs, or roof modifications and upgrades. n Sixteen schools – Avondale, Bouie, Briaklake, Canby Lane, Huntley Hills, Kelley Lake, Kingsley, Marbut, Midway, Montclair, Oakgrove, Robert Shaw, Sagamore, Stoneview, Toney Elementary , and Miller Grove Middle are getting new HVAC or HVAC upgrades and modifications. n Canby Lane, Kingsley, Huntley, Monclair, Shadow Rock and Stoneview Elementary are getting new emergency generators n Seven schools - Kelly Lake, Canby Lane, Briarlake, Hawthorne, Oak Grove, Eldridge Miller elementary and Clarkston High schools are getting new grease traps.

Other work includes the installation of

blackflow preventers, and new fire doors, the upgrading of lighting, and the repair of sidewalks and parking lots. Also included, is a new replacement school for Rockbridge Elementary School at 2084 Green Forrest Drive in Decatur.

The new school, being built at cost of $18.2 million, is scheduled for completion in November.

Crews from 10 different general contractors – BonBuilding Services, BuildSmart/ Tebarco, Carroll-Daniel, Centennial, Construction Works,Inc., Evergreen, MetroGreen, Nix Fowler, O&M Construction/SRS, Inc., and Triad Construction – have been working at feverish pace, to get the schools ready for the start of the school year.

Many have been working seven days a week to complete the work.

On July 18, crews were toiling in 93-plus degree temperatures to finish replacing the roof at Toney Valley Elementary School at 2701 Oakland Terrace in Decatur.

back to work, pleads guilty

By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

DeKalb Sheriff Jeffrey Mann, who returned to work July 24 after a 40-day suspension, has been banned from all Atlanta parks for 180 days.

The ban came after Mann pleaded guilty to charges of obstruction and prohibited conduct in Atlanta Municipal Court in Atlanta on July 27.

He also paid a fine of $2,000 and was senJeffrey Mann tenced to 80 days of community service, which he served at Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless while he was suspended with pay.

Mann, who has been DeKalb County sheriff since Aug. 20, 2014, was facing indency and obstruction charges for allegedly exposing himself and simulating a sexual act before an Atlanta Police officer on May 5 in Piedmont Park, “in an area known for sexual acts after dark.”

He had orginally pleaded not guilty, but after negotiating the indecency charge to prohibited conduct – for being in the park after dark on Thursday – with prosecutors, Mann pleaded guilty before Atlanta Municipal Court Judge Crystal Gaines.

He was arrested after a foot chase through the park, across several streets and into a neighborhood along 9th Street in Atlanta. A homeowner’s video surveillance system captured Mann running from the police.

Gov. Nathan Deal suspended him for 40 days on June 13 for “alleged misconduct in office, or alleged incapacity of the sheriff to perform the functions of his office.” The suspension was recommended by a panel comprising Attorney General Chris Carr, Newton County Sheriff Ezell Brown and Peach County Sheriff Terry Deese, who is also president of the Georgia Sheriffs Association, whom Deal appointed to investigate the charges against Mann.

Georgia POST, which certifies law enforcement officers, is also investigating.

Mann, who is answerable to the voters for his office, also suspended himself for a week between May 27 and June 4 “for conduct unbecoming.” He said at the time that he would donate a week’s pay to a nonprofit. He has not yet said which agency got the money.

Mann spent 13 years as director of labor relations and legal affairs and chief deputy in the Sheriff ’s Office before becoming sheriff. He has apologized, through his lawyer, to the citizens of DeKalb for “the unfavorable light I have brought on this county and the men and women in the Sheriff ’s Department, and most importantly the citizens.”

2

Youth

CrossRoadsNews

July 29, 2017

“We will celebrate where we have been and where we are going, and build enthusiasm for welcoming back 102,000 students.”

Improvements earn DeKalb Schools accreditation through 2022 DeKalb County School District now has full accreditation from AdvancED for the next five years.

The renewal extends the district’s full accreditation, originally earned in 2016, through 2022.

DeKalb School Superintendent Dr. R. Stephen Green said the achievement proves DCSD is on Stephen Green the right path.

“This school district is relentlessly marching to higher levels of student achievement,” he said. “This renewal is proof positive we

are on the right path,” Green, who came to the district in 2015, said they are grateful for the result, which is the product of much hard work by the district’s students and staff.

“We’ve moved from just seeking accreditation to a long-term renewal in just 24 months,” Green said. “That’s how you rebuild trust with your community.” DeKalb Schools earned full accreditation on Jan. 28, 2016 after three years – 2011 to 2015 – under the cloud of accreditation probation, The accreditation comes at the end of AdvancED’s deep review of every aspect of the district’s operations and outcomes.

Over the last year, a team of 25 educational professionals from Georgia, Florida, South Carolina and Alabama spent four days visiting 31 schools and interviewing more than 1,400 stakeholders.

In the preliminary report, released in March, DeKalb Schools scored at or above the average in the three core areas of teaching and learning impact, leadership capacity and resource utilization.

Among other things, the review team praised the district for having a laser focus on curriculum and instruction, for building trust, having layers of purposeful support and for intensified communications efforts.

The team also recognized the district for having two “Powerful Practices” that denote excellence, and Dr. Green for being a “visionary leader who is passionate, supportive, inclusive, instructionally focused, and dedicated to making decisions that are in the best interest of students.”

Green said the hard work is behind this achievement.

“We have earned this renewal by doing the right thing: providing quality leadership, enhancing deep teaching and learning for our students, and utilizing taxpayer resources effectively,” he said. “We’re proud of this milestone, but the work continues.”

School district hosting pep rally to inspire, motivate employees

By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

More than 13,000 DeKalb teachers, principals, school leaders, administrators and administrative staff will attend an Aug. 4 convocation at the Infinite Energy Center to get them excited about the start of the new school year.

During the two-hour rally, which is mandatory, the district’s employees will hear Superintendent Dr. R. Stephenson Green’s vision for the year.

Employees will ride school buses to the 9:30 a.m. event, which is costing the district $100,000 to host.

Employees will also hear from Dr. Rick Rigsby, a motivational speaker, corporate coach, former Texas A&M University professor, and author of “Lessons from a Third Grade Dropout — the story of timeless common-sense wisdom learned from his father.”

Motivational speaker, corporate coach and author Rick Rigsby will speak at the event.

will also honor employees with five, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years of service. Stone Mountain High School NJROTC and a band made up of high school students from around the district will perform.

District spokesman Andre Riley said that Green will layout the shared vision for the 2017-2018 school year and the need for employees to work together to continue to raise student achievement.

Green has said that the convocation is a chance for the entire DeKalb family to hear the charge from the superintendent, to come together as one DeKalb in a collegial way, and to see each other across boundar-

ies, regions, geographic areas, north, south, east and west.

Riley says that Green wants to get everyone on the same page.

“We will celebrate where we have been and where we are going, and build enthusiasm for welcoming back 102,000 students,” he said. “We hope our employees will be inspired.”

Riley said the convocation is being held in Gwinnett County because DeKalb County does not have a venue large enough to accommodate 13,000 people.

“We would have held it in DeKalb if we had a place big enough,” he said.

App competition seeks contestants

Rigsby, a favorite at education conferences, loves to exhort teachers to “make an impact, not an impression.”

Students in grades K-12 in the 4th ConDuring the event, whose theme is “One gressional District can compete in the ConTeam, One Voice, One DeKalb,” the district gressional App Challenge (CAC) through Nov. 1.

The competition is open to students who meet eligibility requirements regardless of skill level or coding experience.

U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson said science and technology are transforming our world and that the community must do all Hank Johnson it can to ensure kids are taking part in and helping shape the changing economy.

“This competition has showcased some of the Fourth Congressional District’s brightest young minds as they take on cutting-edge technology that is becoming an increasing part of all our lives,” he said.

Winners will be selected during Computer Science Education Week, Dec. 4-10, and will get Congressional recognition for their achievements.

The winning apps will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on house.gov, and on the Congressional App Challenge website.

More than 4,000 students have participated in the challenge since 2013.

For more information, visit www.congressionalappchallenge.us.

Free, reduced meal applications online Families needing free and reduced meals for children attending DeKalb County Schools can now register and apply at www. schoolcafe.com, ahead of the start of the new school year.

The district says it is now accepting ap-

plications online.

“Users will receive instant notification of status,” it said in a July 18 statement.

For other information on the new school year, visit the district’s BTS Express webpage at www.dekalbschoolsga.org/bts2k17.

Emergency workers noticed dead baby HOT CAR,

from page

1

tures soared to 95 degrees at 2 p.m. the baby suffocated to death.

When Fowler returned to the car, she called for assistance to have her car battery jumped, but did not call 911 for help for the baby.

Investigators say that the man who assisted Fowler with her battery did not see the dead baby in the car because mounds of clothes covered her. They also say that Fowler did an internet search of “seizure symptoms” on her cell phone before driving to Emory Hospital and finally called 911 for help for herself.

Emergency workers were treating her for seizure-like symptoms when they noticed baby Skylar, who had been dead for hours by then.

The baby was buried June 23 at Howe Hall Cemetery in Goose Creek, S.C. where

Louis Williams & Skylar Fowler in March.

her father and Fowler’s ex-boyfriend Louis Williams II lives.

Williams, 26, is an Air Force reservist.

Skylar was the couple’s only child and Fowler had full custody of her.

Since 1990, more than 800 children have died in hot cars. Twenty-three of those deaths occurred this year.

July 29, 2017

Community

CrossRoadsNews

“I, and I alone, am the sole signatory of the security instrument, identified as ‘Deed to Secure Debt.”

Flat Rock Church members feuding over access

By Angelina T. Velasquez

Members of Flat Rock Community Church have been blocked from entering the church grounds in the wake of a change of leadership.

In a July 21 letter to nine trustees and church members, former pastor Binita Miles said that as the deed holder of the property, she was serving notice that “you are no longer to alter, change, interrupt, prevent, hinder, or get in the way of ministerial operations for any ministry that operates on the grounds of 4542 Evans Mill Road.”

Miles listed four ministries that are authorized to operate from the premises.

“I, and I alone, am the sole signatory of the security instrument, identified as ‘Deed to Secure Debt,’ ” she wrote. “Please be advised that any attempt to violate, interfere, or ignore these direct instructions concerning ministerial operations at 4542 Evans Mill Road, Lithonia shall be dealt with to the full extinct[sic] of the law.”

Members of the United Methodist congregation, which has 50 members, say they were shocked to find out at a June 22 leadership meeting that Miles had stepped down as their pastor and named Michael L. Johnson senior pastor.

Teresa Barkster, board of trustees chairperson, said UMC rules require that the congregation be notified when leadership changes are made.

“Church bylaws say that everyone 18 and older should be able to vote,” she said July 21.

Barkster said that Miles shared with trustees that she would serve as executive assistant to Johnson.

The last time that Flat Rock Community Church, which used to meet Sundays at 11:30

3

Angelina T. Velasquez / CrossRoadsNews

The locks have been changed four times and members have been prohibited from entering the Flatrock Community Church building.

a.m., met in the sanctuary was July 16.

Barkster and other trustees say they first met Johnson on May 24 when he inquired about renting the sanctuary to hold services for his House of Victory Christian Church at 7:30 a.m. on Sundays.

Barkster said they rented space to Johnson for $1,000 for July. House of Victory met at the location on July 2.

Barkster said Johnson never paid the rent and on July 14, she filed a dispossessory warrant with the DeKalb County Magistrate Court for $1,000. She thinks Miles and Johnson hatched the plan for him to take over the church back in May. “I believe the vision was to merge the two churches,” Barkster said.

Johnson said July 21 that there was no plan to merge the churches and that he was surprised to learn that he was to become senior pastor of Flat Rock Community Church. He said that Miles must have seen something in him.

“She felt my heart and saw an opportunity that could benefit the people,” he said.

Miles did not return numerous calls to

share her side of the story.

Former church member Johnny Waits, whose family help found Flat Rock Community Church in 1860, said that what Miles did was an abuse of leadership.

“This is the oldest church in the community; it means too much to all of us,” he said.

Flat Rock church trustees and members accuse Johnson of squatting in the church because he has not paid rent.

Johnson denied that he is a squatter.

“They’re hurt, they’re upset,” he said.

“She [Pastor Miles] repeatedly told them all she was tired.”

Johnson said Miles wanted to step down but did not want to leave the congregation without a a pastor.

Public records show Johnson registered the House of Victory at 4542 Evans Mill Road on May 31, 2017.

Barkster said Miles told her that she stepped down as pastor on May 29, but did not notify church members until June 22.

She said the locks on the church have been changed four times, twice by her, and once each by Miles and Johnson.

“We just changed the locks on Wednesday [July 19] so that we could all get into the church,” she said.

Miles ended her July 21 letter to the nine trustees this way: “Front chain need to removed by 4 p.m., Friday, July 21, 2017.”

On July 24, the chain and a “private property” sign was still across the church’s driveway.

Barkster said they love Miles and had no problem with her.

“This all could have been handled differently if she’d just told us she wanted to step down and had someone in mind,” she said.

Water main update Clarkston residents can get the latest updates on the $1.2 million Streetscapes Water Main Relocation project on Aug. 1 at the Clarkston Community Center.

The meeting, hosted by the DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management, takes place 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Angora Ballroom.

The Community Center is at 3701 College Ave. For more information visit www. dekalbcountyga.gov.

FOG permit rules

Business and commercial property owners can get information about DeKalb County monitoring requirements for fats, oil, and grease at an Aug. 3 FOG Permitting Program overview workshop.

The 10 a.m. to noon event takes place at the Department of Watershed Management, 4572 Memorial Drive in Decatur. For more information or to RSVP, email FOG@dekalbcountyga.gov or call 404-687-7150.

Evening in the Park

The nonprofit Columbia Alliance Sustainable Neighborhood Initiative Inc., which is hosting its fifth annual Evening in the Park celebration on Aug. 5, needs volunteers to help make the event successful.

Volunteers will set out at 9 a.m. at Creek Park I and Creek Park II at Glenwood, and will visit Exchange Park, 2771 Columbia Drive in Decatur, at noon to assess the needs and resources that can attract more families to parks. Then they will gather for the celebration event at 6 p.m. at Rainbow Park, 3181 Rainbow Drive.

For more information, call Mary Gude at 404-285-0945.

4

Scene

CrossRoadsNews

July 29, 2017

National Night Out activities heighten crime- and drug-prevention awareness and strengthen neighborhood spirit.

2017 National Night Out, which takes place Aug. 1, offers communities and law enforcement the opportunity to build relationships.

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

Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker Staff Writers Jennifer Ffrench Parker Angelina T. Velasquez Editorial Intern Tekia Parks Front Office Manager Catherine Guy Multimedia Editor Sharif Williams

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National Night Out is Aug. 1 Residents across DeKalb will celebrate National Night Out on Aug. 1 with block parties, cookouts, music, refreshments and visits from police officers.

The annual outdoor community campaign, which is in its 34th year, is a crime and drug prevention event that promotes positive relationships between police and the community.

Started in 1984 by the the National Association of Town Watch in the United States, it is celebrated in DeKalb and across the United States every year on the first Tuesday in August.

It offers residents the opportunity to host community get-togethers that focus on crime prevention and getting to know one another in their neighborhood.

Lithonia Mayor Deborah Jackson, who is co-hosting a Night Out event in the city, said National Night Out brings people together.

“It creates a sense of community spirit.” she said.

National Night Out activities heighten crime- and drug-prevention awareness, generate support for and participation in local anti-crime programs, and strengthen

neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships. They also send a message to criminals, letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

The 2017 festivities, celebrated in communities nationally, take place 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Here are a few local events: n The City of Lithonia, Beyond the Bell and No Junk Productios are co-hosting National Night Out at 6920 Main St. There will be information on substance abuse and other life threatening issues, free food, giveaways and vendors. n The City of Clarkston Police Department is hosting National Night Out in the Tahoe Shopping Center, at 4600 E. Ponce de Leon Avenue in Clarkston. n In Decatur, residents of the Summit at Chapel Lake and the Chapel Lake subdivisions are celebrating with music, refreshments, giveaways and a guest speaker from the South Precinct.

For help planning your National Night Out, contact Sheila O’Rear at the DeKalb South Precinct at 404-286-7955 or scorear@ dekalbcountyga.gov.

To sign up your event, email alfowler@ dekalbcountyga.gov.

Games and such at senior mixer

Russian dancers to perform at library

Seniors 55 years and older can play dominoes, Scrabble and chess, and create art and crafts at the Wesley ChapelWilliam C. Brown Library on Aug. 4.

The two-hour games and networking mixer starts at 10:30 a.m.

The library is at 2861 Wesley Chapel Road.

To register, call 404-286-6980 or visit the library.

Adults and kids can learn Russian words, songs and dance moves with Golden Gates Russian Dance Company on Aug. 5 at Stonecrest Library.

The hour of Russian folklore with the dance company, founded in 1993 in St. Petersburg, Russia, begins at 11 a.m.

The library is at 3123 Klondike Road.

For more information, call 770-482-3828.

Life-size monopoly game at Scott Candler Children and teens can play a game of life-sized monopoly with friends on Aug. 5 at Scott Candler Library.

Games begin at 2 p.m. and are open to participants ages 10 to 17.

A total of eight individuals can play at one time.

The game ends at 3:30 p.m.

The library is at 1917 Candler Road.

For more information, call 404-286-6986.

Harpist teaching lessons at the library

Atlanta harpist Susan Ottzen will be teaching library patrons how to play the harp on Aug. 5 at the Decatur Library.

Participants must be at least 10 years old.

Ottzen has performed with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and NPR’s Marketplace Radio, and was an extra in a production for Tyler Perry Studios.

The 90-minute session starts at 11 a.m. and is open to the first eight Susan Ottzen registered participants.

The library is at 215 Sycamore St. in downtown Decatur.

To register, call 404-370-3070, Ext. 2008.

DeKalb PALS hosting

basketball showcase

Free school supplies will be provided to students of all ages on July 29 at DeKalb County’s P.A.L. Plus and Parks and Recreation 1st Basketball Showcase at the N.H. Scott Recreation Park in Decatur.

The Back-to-School event takes place 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Detective Khary Ricketts of DeKalb’s South Precinct, the basketball showcase’s coordinator, said the event will celebrate the young people’s basketball talents and provide school supplies for the upcoming school year.

“The goal is to use basketball as a tool to connect the community and law enforcement,” he said.

The basketball showcase will feature six games. The first between McNair High School and Dutchtown High School begins at 1 p.m.

Aztec vs. Griffin Cruasders kicks off at 2 p.m.; McNair High School vs. DeKalb PAL is at 3 p.m.; DeKalb Knights Team B vs. DeKalb Sheriff Office, 4 p.m.; DeKalb Lady Knights vs. DeKalb Knights B at 5 p.m.; and 107.9 Reece and the Hot Shots vs. DeKalb Knights Team A at 6 p.m.

The park is at 2230 Tilson Road.

To donate school supplies and for more information, call Ricketts at 404-664-1225.

Chess moves fuel empowerment event Students can attend an Aug. 5 Back-to-School Chess Leadership Training & Personal Empowerment Event at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Stonecrest.

The free event, hosted by chess master Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson, takes place 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Hudson, who is the founder of Stone Mountain-based Be SomeOrrin Hudson one, Inc., uses a life-size chess board to teach kids to think before they act and to out-think the competition.

“These young people will learn to respect others, think before they make dangerous moves, and give more than they take,” he said.

The family-friendly event is open to students who are accompanied by their parents.

The Fairfield Inn & Suites is at 7850 Stonecrest Square.

July 29, 2017

CrossRoadsNews

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CrossRoadsNews

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Wellness

July 29, 2017

Children and adults generally do not experience significant illness from Zika, but the virus causes serious birth defects in unborn children.

High summer heat poses dangers Substitute yellow fever vaccine in use DeKalb County Emergency Management recommends that you drink at least four cups of water every hour if outside.

Don’t wait until experiencing thirst.

As summer temperatures reach into the high 90s and 100-plus degrees, it is important to take extra precautions to stay hydrated and cool.

Babies, children, older adults and those with chronic illnesses are most at-risk.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says more than 658 people died from heat-related illnesses between 1999 and 2009.

What to do?

DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency offers these tips to stay safe during summer heat: n Stay in an air-conditioned area during the hottest hours of the day. Residents without air conditioning should go to a public place such as a shopping mall or library. n Wear light, loose-fitting clothing. n Drink water often; at least four cups every

hour if outside. Don’t wait until experiencing thirst. n If you must work outdoors, take frequent breaks; at least five minutes for every 15 minutes of work, in the shade or indoors. n Avoid unnecessary sun exposure. When in the sun, wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim. n Don’t forget about pets. Bring them inside during the day, or if outside, give them extra water and a shady cool place. n Do not leave children or pets in the car.

Even with the windows down or cracked, the temperature can increase to more than 110 degrees within 10 minutes. n Check neighbors, especially those who live alone or are elderly.

DeKalb County will open cool centers if temperatures remain elevated.

For more information, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov.

Second West Nile case in DeKalb A 78-year-old DeKalb man has been hospitalized with West Nile since July 24.

The man, who lives in unincorporated DeKalb between Chamblee and Tucker, is the second victim of the disease in the county this year. The first case was a 72year-old man from Brookhaven.

The DeKalb Board of Health says it continues to conduct door-to-door campaigns to keep residents informed and educated of online resources.

So far, 30 positive West Nile virus mosquito pools have been identified from 14 collections across the county.

Last year 2,038 cases of West Nile were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The pubic is encouraged to: n Reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes that transmit West Nile are most active. n Use an insect repellent containing DEET, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. n Spray clothing with products containing permethrin. n Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when outdoors. n Reduce stagnant water around the house and overgrown grass, weeds and vines. n Make sure window and door screens fit tightly to keep mosquitoes out.

For more information, visit www. dekalbhealth.net/envhealth or call 404508-7900.

Travelers who need the yellow fever vaccine YF-Vax will get Stamaril, an investigational trial formula, due to an interruption of supply.

The DeKalb Board of Health says it will administer the vaccine made by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration beginning Aug. 1 at the T.O. Vinson Health Center travel clinic in Decatur.

It is one of six authorized sites in Georgia.

Yellow fever occurs in sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends travelers get the YF-Vax, which is licensed for use in the U.S. and 70 other countries.

In a travel alert on its website, the CDC says that because of a total depletion of YF-Vax until mid-2018, Sanofi Pasteur, the Swiftwater, Penn.-based manufacturer, has worked with it to make an alternative yellow fever vaccine, Stamaril, available at select locations until YFVax supply returns in mid-2018.

Dr. S. Elizabeth Ford, DeKalb County district health director, said the decision to administer the investigational trial was not taken lightly.

The T.O. Vinson Health Center is at 440 Winn Way in Decatur.

For more information about the yellow fever vaccine or other travel services offered by the DeKalb County Board of Health, visit www. dekalbhealth.net or call (404) 294-3700.

Progress in Zika vaccine research

Scientists are making progress in creating vaccines to prevent mother-to-unbornchild Zika virus infections.

New findings published in the July 13 issue of Cell show that two experimental vaccines can restrict Zika virus transmission from pregnant mice to their fetuses, and can prevent Zika virus-induced placental damage and fetal demise.

The study was conducted by scientists from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), which is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH); Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis; the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB); and other partners.

The vaccines created by biotechnology company Moderna and UTMB are the first tested on animals to restrict transmission of the virus.

In the study, all female mice were mated and infected with Zika virus. One week after infection, the scientists observed that most fetuses in the vaccinated mice showed no evidence of having Zika virus transmitted to them from their pregnant mothers. Those mice that were infected showed markedly diminished levels of Zika virus RNA in maternal, placental and fetal tissues compared to placebo-injected mice, resulting in protection against placental damage and fetal demise. Together the data show that both experimental vaccines can restrict in-utero transmission of Zika virus

Zika birth defects include microcephaly, which causes a baby’s head to be much smaller.

in mice. Further evaluation of the experimental vaccines is warranted, the authors say, as a vaccine that prevents congenital Zika syndrome in people is a critical public health need.

Children and adults generally do not experience significant illness from Zika, but the virus causes serious birth defects in unborn children including microcephaly which causes a baby’s head to be significantly smaller than others, decreased brain tissue, collapsed skull, joints with limited range, eye damage and limited movement from too much muscle tone.

In the April 17, 2017, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report released by the CDC, 51 babies were born with birth defects as a result of Zika. The report also showed most women caught the virus in Latin American and Caribbean countries and territories, as well as the South Pacific and coast of West Africa.

This year the CDC has reported 175 cases of Zika. One of those cases was acquired through sexual transmission. As of July 19, 36 cases were reported in New York, 16 in Texas and Florida and 17 in California.

The research, funded by NIAID and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, will continue to seek vaccines to prevent transmission of the virus in people.

Free screenings, school supplies at NAACP fair

Congratulations!

The following Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates physicians have been named to Atlanta magazine’s list of Top Doctors for 2017: Dr. Girish Anand, Dr. Christopher Brown, Dr. Hitesh Chokshi, Dr. Norman Elliott, Dr. Charles Fox, Dr. Lori Lucas, Dr. Ralph Lyons, Dr. Enrique Martínez, Dr. Kamil Obideen, Dr. Neal Osborn, Dr. Nirav Patel, Dr. David Quinn, and Dr. John Suh

www.atlantagastro.com | 1.866.GO.TO.AGA [468.6242]

Free health screenings will be available at the DeKalb NAACP’s annual Health Fair on Aug. 5 at the Gallery at South DeKalb in Decatur.

The 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. event is co-sponsored

by District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson.

Teresa Hardy, the NAACP branch president, said the first 10 children who get a dental screening will also get a $10 gift certificate for school supplies.

“We will also have school supplies as a giveaway on first-come, first-serve basis,” she said.

Twenty-five groups and organizations will offer information and screenings for blood glucose, hypertension, nutrition and HIV/AIDS. The mall is at 2801 Candler Road.

For more information, contact Cherry Willis, NAACP Health Committee chair, at 404-241-8006.

CrossRoadsNews

July 29, 2017

7

Legal Notices 07/15, 07/22, 07/29, 08/05

Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name of ADULT in the Superior Court 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: 17FM7054-7 Wray Tucker filed a petition on Mar. 30, 2017 in the DeKalb County Superior Court to change name from: Wray Tucker to Raymond Frank Tucker`. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed.

Dated: Jun. 20, 2017

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM7077-3 Marrie Nee Faust filed a petition on Jun. 27, 2017 in the DeKalb County Superior Court to change name from: Marrie Nee Faust to Marion Juanita Faust`. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed.

Dated: May 18, 2017

07/15, 07/22, 07/29, 08/05

07/15, 07/22, 07/29, 08/05

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

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM7048 Cecil Butler filed a petition on Jun. 27, 2017 in the DeKalb County Superior Court to change name from: Cecil Butler to Lucille Cecile Chambers`. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed.

Dated: May 31, 2017 07/15, 07/22, 07/29, 08/05

Sex Offender

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

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM6678 Bryant K. Daniel PLAINTIFF VS Carol Ann Daniel DEFENDANT To: Carol Ann Daniel 630 Rufus Henderson Dr. Scottdale, GA 30079

By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Jun. 26, 2017. You are hereby notified that on Jun. 19, 2017, the above-named Plaintiff

Sex Offender

Curtis Nash, 3695 Flat Shoals Rd., Decatur, GA 30034; Charge of Criminal Attempt to Commit a Felony; Convicted 02/05/2014

Corey Page, 2942 Belvedere Ln., Decatur, GA 30032; Charge of Child Molestation; Convicted 07/20/2007

filed suit against you for Divorce without minor children. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Bryant K. Daniel, 630 Rufus Henderson Dr., Scottdale, GA 30079. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Jun. 07, 2017.

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

This the 28th day of Jun., 2017 07/15, 07/22, 07/29, 08/05

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

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM6542

Jeffrey L. Mann, Sheriff 4415 Memorial Drive Decatur, GA 30032 Sex Offender

The DeKalb Sex Offenders List is published by the DeKalb County Sheriff Office.

For more information call the Sex Offender Unit at 404-298-8130.

Sex Offender

Shun Palmour, 5904 Trentwalk Dr., Lithonia, GA 30038; Charge of Statutory Rape; Convicted 09/13/2002

Rickey Brown, 3841 Kensington Rd., Apt. W198; Decatur, GA 30032; Charge of Child Molestation; Convicted 02/27/1996

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Sex Offender

Jarvis Jones, 4620 Hairston Crossing Place, Stone Mountain, GA 30083; Charge of Assault with Intent to Commit Sexual Penetration; Convicted 10/20/2008

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.

Marketplace ABANDONED VEHICLE

to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Ava Willa Brown, 3454 Elgin Drive, Decatu, GA 30032. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Jun. 26, 2017.

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

This the 30th day of Jun., 2017

DeKalb County Sheriff Office

MARKETPLACE RATES

Abandoned Vehicle/Foreclosure on $300 Lien on: 2000 Chevy truck; VIN 2GCEC19T2Y1284747; Located: 534 Winton Terr., NE, Atlanta, GA 30308; respond by Sept. 29, 2017 or auction will be scheduled.

Ava Willa Brown PLAINTIFF VS Elvis Davis DEFENDANT To:

By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Jun. 26, 2017.

You are hereby notified that on Jun. 01, 2017, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required

Sex Offender

Alan Lamperty, 4396 Colony East Drive, Stone Mountain, GA 30083; Charge of Sexual Exploitation of Children; Convicted 03/10/2015

Sex Offender

Sex Offender

Jarvis Mayo, 2877 Cloverleaf Dr. SE, Atlanta, GA 30316; Charge of Child Molestation; Convicted 04/30/2010

Sex Offender

Charles Wasson, 3975 Laura Ct., Tucker, GA 30084; Charge of Lewd or Lascivious Exhibition Victim Under 16; Convicted 10/10/2006

Shane Wilson, 4928 Glaze Dr., Dunwoody, GA 30360; Charge of Sexual Battery on a Minor; Convicted 10/05/2012

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8

CrossRoadsNews

July 29, 2017