WELLNESS
MINISTRY
Certified physician assistant Telicia Scott (left) has joined the formerly all-male Flat Shoals Internal Medicine. 5
Clothes and food collected by Greenforest Baptist Church members have reached hurricane ravaged St. Thomas and St. Croix. 6
Pioneering move
Let’s Keep DeKalb Peachy Clean
Hurricane relief arrives
Please Don’t Litter Our Streets and Highways
EAST ATLANTA • DECATUR • STONE MOUNTAIN • LITHONIA • AVONDALE ESTATES • CLARKSTON • ELLENWOOD • PINE LAKE • REDAN • SCOTTDALE • TUCKER
March 10, 2018
Copyright © 2018 CrossRoadsNews, Inc.
Volume 23, Number 45
www.crossroadsnews.com
DeKalb Superior Court seats are races to watch in 2018 By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
The battle for two seats in DeKalb Superior Court are shaping up as the hot races for the May 22 primary and nonpartisan elections. Through March 8, five candidates – Tunde Akinyele, Gina Bernard, Roderick Bridges, LaTisha Dear Jackson, and Nicholas Smith – had qualified for the race to succeed Judge Daniel Coursey, who is retiring on Dec. 31. It’s the most candidates in a single 2018 race in DeKalb. Genet Hopewell, who announced her challenge to Superior Court Judge Courtney
Tunde Akinyele
Gina Bernard
Roderick Bridges
Johnson, also qualified. Johnson, who had been silent on Hopewell’s challenge, said this week that she was “excited to announce” her campaign for re-election. “Since taking the bench I have worked
L. Dear Jackson
Nicholas Smith
tirelessly to streamline the disposition of cases in order to reduce the overall caseload in my division and ensure that cases are handled as efficiently as possible,” said Johnson, who was elected to the bench in 2010. Qualifying, which opened March 5, was
Genet Hopewell
Courtney Johnson
set to close at noon Friday, offering other candidates four more hours to qualify. Other contested races, as of press time Thursday, are DeKalb Commission Districts Please see CANDIDATES, page 2
Massive water main break cripples county Boil-water order extended; cause being investigated
The 48-inch water main break that shut down Buford Highway and led to a countywide boil-water advisory, led to closed schools and canceled meetings across the county.
By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
DeKalb residents will have to continue to boil water to drink, cook and to prepare baby food into the weekend in the wake of a 48-inch water main that broke March 7 on Buford Highway in Doraville. County officials said Thursday that crews were working to replace the main at 5718 Buford Highway N.E. and were on track to complete the work by Friday evening. The boil water advisory, put in place Wednesday, will continue until the Georgia Environmental Protection Division determines that the water is safe for consumption. “Based on the process of approval, the boil-water advisory could be issued through Saturday,” county spokesman Andrew Cauthen said. For the boil advisory to be lifted, Cauthen said the EPD has to evaluate microbiological samples from 49 sites throughout the county to determine that the water is safe. “Until otherwise notified by DeKalb County, customers should continue to boil all water prior to use for drinking, cooking or preparing baby food,” the county said Thursday. “The water should be boiled for at least one minute after reaching a rolling boil.” To help DeKalb Schools and DeKalb Medical cope Thursday, DeKalb County Emergency Management donated more than 72,000 bottles of water for distribution to 130 schools and three DeKalb Medical campuses. In addition to wasting millions of gallons of water and flooding Buford Highway north of I-285, the water main break, which occurred early in the morning on March 7, caused water pressure to drop to dangerous lows triggering widespread disruptions across the county. It caused DeKalb County School District, City Schools of Decatur, and two campuses
Tekia L. Parks / CrossRoadsNews
County officials are trying to determine if the break resulted from “a systematic failure, improper maintenance, wear and tear or physical tampering.”
of Georgia Piedmont Technical College to close early Wednesday. All county offices, senior and recreation centers, restaurants and other businesses were shuttered early or did not begin operations. Hospitals cancelled surgeries and some businesses closed and sent workers home. The water woes also caused some churches to cancel Wednesday night Bible studies. County officials said the cause for the break in the 20- to 30-year-old water main
is “under investigation.” CEO Michael Thurmond said he is committed to making sure the county’s infrastructure is protected and maintained in a manner that will ensure quality service to the citizens. “We will determine whether the break was the result of a systematic failure, improper maintenance, wear and tear or physical tampering,” he said. DeKalb officials said the source and
severity of the issue manifested itself about 5 a.m. Wednesday. The first boil-water advisory was sent to residents at 7.28 a.m. By 11 a.m., the county closed all its offices, sent home employees and told those who had not yet reported to work to stay away. The DeKalb Board of Commissioners canceled all of its Wednesday meetings, and DeKalb WorkSource canceled its Returning Citizens Expo for former inmates. GPTC closed its DeKalb campus and Starnes Center all day Wednesday. They reopened on Thursday but students and staff were asked to bring bottled water with them to drink. DeKalb senior centers closed at noon, and DeKalb School District dismissed all 102,000 students and its 15,500 employees at 137 schools and centers by 12:15 p.m. Exchange Recreation Center closed at noon and all DeKalb County recreation centers closed for afterschool programs. For more information, contact the DeKalb County Watershed Department at 770-270-6243. – Tekia Parks contributed to this report.
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Forum
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 Tekia L. Parks Editorial Intern Rosie Manins 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.
Circulation Audited By
CrossRoadsNews
March 10, 2018
It is interesting that the Joint Development Authority has not met and has no office.
Readers weigh in on Atlanta Sports City, tire dumping Editor’s note: Two stories – “A year later, Atlanta Sports City facing delays” (Feb. 3) and “Sports City CEO: Timeline changes not due to financing” (Feb. 10) – on the announced $200 million project a year after the big announcement – and our Feb. 10 story on “Tire dumping a growing problem in DeKalb” elicited a lot of responses from readers. Here are a few:
Scrambling for cover Good article, it was fair and you added to the public knowledge of the soccer field project and where it stands. I think now I have a better understanding of how they plan to finance it. I am going request a copy of the finance documents from the Joint Authority through open records. I cannot wait for the Stonecrest City Council and the zoning meetings of which neither have occurred. I look forward to the projects ground breaking, and future CrossRoadsNews updates. You certainly got the guys scrambling for cover. – Ed Williams, chairman of Concerned Citizens for Effective Government, Feb. 3 Digging deep You are doing very good work, you are digging deep. It is interesting that the Joint Development Authority has not met and has no office. It seems to be violating the state guidelines. I smelled a rat from the initial story last year. These guys take us for suckers. The question I have is, if the
taxpayers are not going to be on the hook, then why is JDA even involved? Someone is leaving out something. In whose name will the bonds be written? I smell a rat. This story is getting more and more interesting. – Ed Williams, chairman of Concerned Citizens for Effective Government, Feb. 16
Georgia must act Georgia collects a fee for used tires. The law should be amended to force the state to pay for the removal of illegally dumped tires. In fact they should go as far as setting of several tire recycling centers throughout the state. They should pay a fee for each returned tire, like some states do for soda cans.” – Jerome Still, Stonecrest
CHaRM your tires You’re right; there are tires all over the place. When people dump them on my street I take them to CHaRM – the Center for Hard to Recycle Materials. They’ll take them for free (and TVs for a lot less than anywhere else) and get them turned into something useful. Their website is https://livethrive. org/charm/ Most people would be won over at the word “free.” Something often overlooked in recycling discussions is the social-justice end of it all. The more stuff we keep out of landfills and back in use, the less often a poor neighborhood will get gobbled up for a new landfill. – Erika Tracy, Decatur Proud to read you It has been quite a while since I’ve had my hands on a Cross RoadsNews and just as I remember, it’s as informative and impressive as before! I’d like to congratulate the staff for the teamwork and professionalism delivered to this weekly anticipated publication. We, the community are so proud of you for your service. I, as a former community member of DeKalb County, will continue to support CrossRoadsNews and any of its future endeavors. Thank you! – rollmic6@gmail.com
Races include longtime incumbents, political newcomers
Gregory Adams
CANDIDATES,
Ed Williams from page
Tonya Anderson
Joel Thibodeaux
Gail Davenport
Keith Horton
1
3 and 7; DeKalb School Board District 6; Senate Districts 40, 44 and 43; and House Districts 86 and 87. In the race to succeed Coursey, Akinyele and Dear Jackson had previously announced their candidacies. Bernard is a 25-year resident of DeKalb County and former prosecutor in Atlanta Municipal Court, DeKalb Solicitor General’s Office and Fulton County Superior Court. For the past seven years, she was a public defender in the Stone Mountain Conflict Defender’s Office. Bridges, who has more than 18 years of legal experience, is a former DeKalb Traffic Court Judge in DeKalb Recorders Court for 13 years. He was a candidate for DeKalb State Court in 2016. Smith, a partner at Buckley Bea law firm, is a DeKalb County native and a former a staff attorney for the U.S. Court of Appeals 11th Circuit. In the Commission District 3 race, incumbent Larry Johnson is facing his first opponent in years in Felton Wright of Decatur. Wright lists his occupation as a DSUMC retired trustee chairperson. He did not respond to questions about his candidacy by press time Thursday. Commission District 7 incumbent Gregory Adams was the lone
Michele Henson
Joscelyn O’Neil
qualifier for the Super District seat through March 8, but late Thursday, Ed Williams of Decatur announced that he planned to qualify Friday for the seat. Williams, a 20-year DeKalb County resident, is a professor of education, community activist and entrepreneur, and founder and chairman of Concerned Citizens for Effective Government and Concerned Citizens Against Cityhood. Adams, who is a bishop, won the Super District 7 seat in a special election in December 2016. Within his first year in office, the EEOC said it was investigating charges that he sexually harassed his former district director. Diijon “Twin” DaCosta and Lance Hammonds qualified for the open DeKalb School Board District 6 race. Incumbent Dr. Melvin Johnson says he is not seeking re-election because he is retiring from the board at the end of his term on Dec. 31. DaCosta has worked with the DeKalb School District for five
Ernest Williams
Viola Davis
years, first as a high school science teacher and for the last two years in human resources. He said he resigned to run for office. He is also the founder of the nonprofit DeKalb Kids Project Inc. Hammonds, a DeKalb NAACP member and chairman of the NAACP Education Committee, is a chemical salesman. He ran unsuccessfully for DeKalb County Commission District 4 in 2016. In the Senate District 40 race, Salley Harrell and Tamara JonsonShealey qualified. In Senate District 43, incumbent Sen. Tonya Anderson is facing a challenge from Joel Thibodeaux, an internal auditor and former state Senate staffer who chaired the Governor’s Commission on the City of Stonecrest. Anderson is a pastor and a former state representative, and former mayor of Lithonia. She was elected to the Senate in 2016. In Senate District 44, incumbent Gail Davenport is facing opposition from Keith Horton, who has more than 30 years of leader-
Howard Mosby
Becky Evans
ship experience in the military and state government including as deputy director of Georgia’s Division of Child Support Services and director of Child Support Services. Davenport, a real estate professional, was elected to the Senate in 2007. In House District 83, incumbent Rep. Howard Mosby is being opposed by Becky Evans, a longtime Druid Hills resident, former educator, project manager and community volunteer. Mosby, who was elected to the House in 2002, is a certified public accountant, 22-year Grady Medical Center employee, and chairman of the DeKalb Delegation. In House District 86, incumbent Michele Henson is facing community volunteer and advocate Joscelyn O’Neil for a second time. Henson, a 33-year DeKalb resident, was elected to the Georgia House in 1990. O’Neil ran against Henson in 2016. She is a 34-year DeKalb resident and president of the Greater Towers Community Association. In House District 87, incumbent Earnest “Coach” Williams is facing Viola Davis, a registered nurse and community activist. Williams, a retired teacher, was elected to the House in 2003. Davis is co-founder of Stone Mountainbased Unhappy Taxpayer & Voter organization.
CrossRoadsNews
March 10, 2018
Community
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“If we are going to turn the tide of crime in our community, we cannot continue to only employ traditional approaches.”
D.A., Police collaborate to fight crime in ‘innovative manner’ By Tekia L. Parks
The DeKalb District Attorney’s Office and Police Department are teaming up to fight crime in what they call “an innovative and strategic manner.” During a Feb. 28 press conference, District Attorney Sherry Boston and DeKalb Police Chief James Conroy announced the launch of a new Crime Strategies and Community Partnerships Unit (CS/CPU) to increase public safety and reduce crime. CS/CPUs, which are in use in major metropolitan areas like Manhattan, San Francisco, and Saint Louis, consist of multidisciplinary teams of assistant district attorneys, analysts, and investigators who collect, analyze, process, and share data to identify crime trends, criminal activity, and priority offenders in the community. Through use of this collected data, the CS/CPU develops and implements intelligence-driven prosecution strategies that provide long-lasting solutions to the county’s major crime issues. Boston said that if, for example, they see
District Attorney Sherry Boston said criminal justice reform and “smart prosecution” require different methods in the ways they address crime. Tekia L. Parks / CrossRoadsNews
that 80 percent of shootings are happening in a particular area, they will pull the data, analyze it and ask some very important questions. “Who is behind the crime?” Boston said. “Is it the same people in the same circle? Where are the intersections? Is one crime connected to another?” Boston said criminal justice reform and “smart prosecution” demand change and the courage to be different in the way in which they address crime. “We know that if we are going to turn the tide of crime in our community, we
cannot continue to only employ traditional approaches,” she said. Conroy, who studied the concept with Boston prior to implementation and has committed a full-time detective to the Unit, said his department has employed community-oriented and intelligence-led policing as part of their crime-fighting strategy for many years. “This new unit is a continuation of that focus, and allows us to combine law enforcement and prosecutorial efforts,” he said. Conroy said research shows that 50 percent of the crimes are committed by six
percent of the offenders. He said they will now be able to receive the proper level of attention from prosecutors. “It’s going to allow our efforts to bring data from the law enforcement room to the prosecutor room,” he said. The DeKalb CS/CPU will also take a social approach, getting insight on criminals through social media and receiving help from community outreach groups. “We know we can’t do this alone,” Boston said. The unit will also build and maintain relationships with government and law enforcement agencies, as well as key community partners reminiscent of Community Prosecution models of the 1980s. It will oversee and administer the District Attorney’s community outreach, education, and training programs. Sonja N. Brown, who will serve as the deputy chief of the unit, said the strategy will be a unique game-changer in eliminating DeKalb’s violent criminals. “I do feel that this is the next level,” Brown said.
Free notary public training offered Workshop on harnessing water runoff DeKalb citizens who are notaries public or are interested in becoming a notary public can attend one of two free notary training sessions being hosted by DeKalb Superior Court Clerk Debra DeBerry and the Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority on March 23. The 90-minute sessions are at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. in the Maloof Auditorium. DeBerry said the training workshop is open to the public and is highly recommended to anyone who is or wants to become
a notary public in Georgia. “It is important to remember that a notary public should perform their duties to the utmost extent of the law. Failure to do so could result in costly lawsuits and penalties as a notary is liable for his or her actions,” she said. The Maloof Auditorium is at 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur. To reserve a seat for either session, contact Twinette Jones at tajones@dekalbcountyga.gov or 404-3712250 by March 20.
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Wednesday, March 14, 2018 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. MARTA Headquarters Atrium 2424 Piedmont Rd., NE, Atlanta, GA 30324 To RSVP or for additional information, visit www.itsmarta.com.
Decatur residents can learn how to build rain barrels at a March 24 barrel workshop at Oak Grove United Methodist Church. During the workshop, hosted by Keep DeKalb Beautiful, participants will learn how to drill holes, install spigots, and harness runoff water to irrigate their landscape, plants or gardens. An inch of rain on a 1,000-square-foot
roof provides 623 gallons of water. Rain barrels, which collect roof runoff and store the water for future use, help reduce the amount of storm water runoff. The workshop takes place 2 to 3:30 p.m. The cost is $25 per household and all proceeds benefit Friends of Frazier-Rowe Park. The church is at 1722 Oak Grove Road. To register, call Keep DeKalb Beautiful at 404-298-4080.
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Youth
CrossRoadsNews
March 10, 2018
“This is the only annual international competition that encourages scientific understanding of real-world environmental challenges.”
STEM teams can tackle climate challenges, win up to $10,000 DeKalb high school students who are interested in STEM careers can register for the 2018 Spellman High Voltage Electronics Clean Tech Competition through March 16. The annual competition, sponsored by the Rockville Centre, N.Y.-based nonprofit Center for Science Teaching and Learning, offers high school students the opportunity to get involved, learn about science, technology, engineering and math, and compete for cash prizes up to $10,000. Allison Gayn, a competition spokesperson, says students from Georgia are urged to participate in the 2018 competition that is designed to foster a deeper understanding of STEM-related concepts, recognize outstanding talent and prepare the next generation of globally competitive innovators. “This is the only annual international competition that encourages scientific understanding of real-world environmental
Student teams tour the headquarters of Spellman High Voltage Electronics, which sponsors the competition focused on clean solutions to climate change.
challenges and energy use issues,” she said. The theme for this year’s competition is “Solving Climate Change.” Teams of one to three students are challenged to identify and analyze specific problems associated with climate change
and to design a clean technology solution to mitigate the negative impacts, help reduce the carbon footprint and create a solution for overcoming the identified challenge. Eligible students must be 15 to 18 years old. March 16 is the registration deadline; the paper submission deadline is April 13. Semifinalists will be announced May 7, and 10 finalists will be announced May 14. The final competition, at which the student-teams will present their solutions to environmental challenges, takes place July 12 at Stony Brook University in Stony Brook, N.Y. Dr. Ray Ann Havasy, the Center for Science Teaching and Learning’s director, said the competition is critical today as studies show low levels of interest in STEM in the U.S. when compared with other nations.
He said the competition, sponsored by Spellman High Voltage Electronics, based in Hauppauge, N.Y., provides an important forum for high school students to show their skills, talents and creativity to address climate change, clean energy problems and sustainability. “Each year we are amazed at the innovations and creative solutions our student competitors offer and display for judges,” he said. The competition’s winning team will get $10,000 and a mentor to advise and assist it in furthering its climate change work and education. The second place team will get $7,000, and third place, $5,000. For more information and to apply, visit www.cleantechcompetition.org or call 516764-0045.
Students can apply to shadow engineers Students who want to be engineers can shadow professionals at CERM’s Job Shadow Day on April 6. Tucker-based Corporate Environmental Risk Management is inviting high school seniors, college undergraduates and postgraduate students to get hands-on experience in the engineering, environmental, and program management fields.
The application deadline is March 23. During the 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. program, students will have access to engineers, scientists and project managers at CERM’s corporate headquarters. They will also visit a work site to see their coursework applied in the field. CERM is at 1995 Lakeside Parkway, Suite 300. To apply, visit www.cerm.com/webform/ job-shadow-application.
Magistrate Court 101 offers inside look Children and adults can learn the ins and outs of DeKalb County Magistrate Court during its annual Magistrate Court 101 Day on March 17. The court, which handles civil and criminal cases, is also known as small claims court. It was created in 1983 to allow citizens to represent themselves in civil cases without
the help of an attorney. Participants will get a tour of the courthouse, and a chance to meet with judges and court staff. There will also be mock-trial exercises. The Magistrate Court is at 556 N McDonough St., #270, in Decatur. To register, visit eventbrite.com and search Magistrate Court 101.
CrossRoadsNews
March 10, 2018
Wellness
5
“She is a nationally certified physician assistant who has dedicated her career and free time to community health.”
New physician assistant at Flat Shoals Internal Medicine Physician assistant Telicia Scott has joined (from left) Drs. Daryl Sherrod, John Oliga, and Joseph Brantley at Flat Shoals Medicine.
Dispose of household hazardous waste DeKalb residents can dispose of dangerous household chemicals on March 17 at DeKalb County’s annual household hazardous waste recycling event. The county’s Sanitation Division is hosting the free event from 8 a.m. to noon, in partnership with MXI Environmental Services LLC. It takes place at the Sanitation Division’s Central Transfer Station, 3720 Leroy Scott Drive in Decatur. Hazardous materials like aerosols, batteries, adhesives, flammables, lawn care products, fluorescent light bulbs, photo chemicals, artist supplies, and up to 10 gal-
lons of paint and paint-related products per vehicle will be accepted. Agricultural waste, ammunition, pharmaceuticals, radioactive materials, biohazardous and biomedical waste will not be accepted. Representatives from the Sanitation Division and Department of Watershed Management will be on-site to distribute recycling and fats, oils and grease (FOG) educational materials. Residents must bring proper identification to prove DeKalb County residency. For more information, call 404-294-2900 or email sanitation@dekalbcountyga.gov, or visit www.dekalbsanitation.gov.
Babies Can’t Wait seeks public input
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Runners and walkers can register for the April 14 Sickle Cell Road Race/Walk. The 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. event, which is in its 39th year, is a qualifier for the Peachtree Road Race and the RRCA-certified State Championship race. Participants will run a 7K (4.3 miles) course or 4K walk (2.5 miles) that will take them through East Point’s charming neighborhoods and offer glimpses of East Point’s downtown, hotels and thriving businesses. Register at www.sicklecellrace.com. Registration fees are $30 for walkers and $35 for runners. Children pay $25. Participants get race T-shirts and can vie for customized, category awards, and proceeds benefit programs and services of the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, which serves sickle cell patients and their families. Same day registration starts at 7 a.m. at Tri Cities High School, 2575 Harris St. in East Point. For registration information, contact CW Wilson at 404-755-1641 or cwilson@sicklecellga.org. For sponsorship information, contact Ayanna Rutherford at 404-755-1641 or arutherford@sicklecellga.org.
Think your doctor should listen to more than just your heart?
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Race/walk benefits programs for sickle cell patients
completed his residency in internal medicine at Emory University Affiliated Hospitals. Sherrod completed his medical degree at Medical College of Georgia and previously practiced medicine in Columbus and Conyers. “I’m glad to be part of this practice because it frees me up to do what I do best, which is direct patient care,” he said. Flat Shoals Internal Medicine is at 4153-B Flat Shoals Parkway, Suite 200 in Decatur. For more information, visit www.dekalbmedical.org/dekalb-medical-physiciangroups/flat-shoals-internal-medicine or call 404-585-5049.
plication and revised policy may be reviewed online or at locations throughout the state. Written comments will be accepted by mail until May 2 at Babies Can’t Wait, Attn: Lisa Pennington, Deputy Director Early Intervention, 2 Peachtree Street N.W., 11th Floor, Atlanta, GA 30303-13422. Email comments to DPH-MCHDO@dph.ga.gov, with subject line “Part C or Public Comment,” or fax comments to 404-657-7307. In-person comments can be made from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. March 15 at Cobb County Board of Health, 1738 County Services Road Suite 200, Marietta, GA 30008. For more information, visit http://dph. georgia.gov/Babies-Cant-Wait, or call 404657-2850 or 888-651-8224.
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Physician assistant Telicia Scott has joined Drs. Joseph Brantley, Daryl Sherrod and John Oliga at Flat Shoals Internal Medicine. The 20-year-old practice, which is part of DeKalb Medical Physicians Group, treats patients from teens to more than 100 years old. Brantley said he and his partners are delighted to welcome Scott to the formerly all-male practice. “She is a nationally certified physician assistant with 12 years’ experience who has dedicated her career and free time to community health, especially in underserved populations,” he said. Brantley said Scott will help increase the comfort level of the practice’s female patients who prefer to see a woman for women’s health issues and services such as pap smears and breast exams. “It will be great to have a female professional’s perspective as we all treat both women and men,” Sherrod said. Brantley, who has practiced in DeKalb County for 22 years, said his oldest patient is 101. “And I treat an entire extended family from older children to grandparents,” said Brantley, who is originally from the island of St. Vincent. “That’s not at all unusual here.” Brantley attended Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, and also worked at Columbia University Hospital in New York. Oliga, who has also been practicing for 22 years, received his medical degree from Howard University in Washington, D.C., and
Stakeholders, early intervention providers, parents and members of the public can comment on the Georgia Department of Public Health’s Babies Can’t Wait program through May 2. Babies Can’t Wait is Georgia’s statewide early intervention system for infants and toddlers with special needs and their families. It enhances the capacity of families to meet the special needs of their child, from birth to age 3, to ensure each child achieves his or her maximum potential. The state is seeking public input in a 60-day public comment period for the federal fiscal year 2018 annual state application under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The grant ap-
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Ministry
CrossRoadsNews
March 10, 2018
“We are asking for people of faith to pray for health and other needs of these evacuees.”
Greenforest’s Hurricane relief shipment arrives in Virgin Islands
Residents of the Caribbean islands of St. Thomas and St. Croix began receiving supplies of clothes and food this week that were donated by members of Greenforest Baptist Church and the community. The Decatur church shipped four barrels of food and supplies to the islands, which were ravaged by two Category 5 hurricanes – Irma on Sept. 6, and Maria on Sept. 20 – last year. Minister Daphyne Callender-Douglas, who coordinated the relief effort, said many residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands – St. Croix, St. John and Daphyne Douglas St. Thomas – are still without electricity and basic supplies. She said Greenforest members and the community began contributing to the effort last November. The barrels – stocked with everything from insect repellent, batteries, lanterns, LED lights and flashlights to nonperishable food, clothes and shoes, water, toothbrushes, lotion, soaps and deodorants – were shipped Jan. 27. Douglas, who lived in the Virgin Islands for 20 years and manages Greenforest’s social ministry, said part of the shipments went to Free Will Baptist Church in St. Croix. She said Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) also donated four jumbo boxes of new shirts and shoes to the effort.
Sarah and Serena were airlifted to the St. Croix Hospital. Then, two weeks later, she was flown to Atlanta just before Hurricane Maria devastated that island. Hicks will be here until the summer when the hotel where she works is scheduled to resume operations. Douglas, who has family and friends in the U.S. Virgin Islands, said 400 hurricane evacuees from the islands who are receiving dialysis services and their families are still living at Sonesta Hotels throughout metro Atlanta. “The patients are in need of toiletries, cold medicines, warm clothes, socks, sweaters, water and nonperishable food items,” she said. “We are asking for people of faith to pray for health and other needs of these evacuees as some have unfortunately developed other health challenges and some have REUTERS / Jonathan Drake regretfully passed away as well.” Hurricanes Irma and Maria ravaged the U.S. Virgin Islands of St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix on Douglas said it is not too late for people Feb. 6 and Feb. 20. Many in the affected areas are still without power and basic supplies. who want to help. “If you feel led of the Lord to assist the evacuees, please call 678-984-9531 or the Greenforest has many members from the her third child. Hicks, her husband Bennie Quetel and Greenforest Church office at 404-486-1120 Virgin Islands. Douglas said the relief effort was spear- their new baby and two other daughters and ask for Mrs. George.” headed by deacon Ronald Coleman and June Coleman of the North American Mission Board, Krystal Hicks, a former Greenforest member, and others. Hicks had returned to her native Virgin Apostles Shirley DowlIsland, but was airlifted from St. Thomas ing and Louis Trammel Hospital, which was destroyed by Hurricane will speak at the 13th anIrma just after she give birth to Samantha, niversary celebration of
Worshippers Interceding celebration
Worshippers Interceding for Excellence Church on March 18. Dowling of Praise Temple International Ministries Shirley Dowling Louis Trammel will speak at the morning service at 11 a.m. at the church, 599 Hemp- Deliverance, will speak at a 4 p.m. service at stead St. in Scottdale. the GPTC Conference Center, 595 N. Indian Trammel, of Williams Grove Church of Creek Drive in Clarkston.
“Come on and be a part of the vision” First Afrikan Church is an Afrocentric Christian Ministry that empowers women, men, youth and children to move from membership to leadership in the church, community and the world. Praise & Devotion Worship Service Sundays at 10 a.m. Join us for Bible Study Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
5197 Salem Road Lithonia, GA 30038
770-981-2601 “We are building far beyond our years.”
Rev. Dr. Mark A. Lomax
CrossRoadsNews
March 10, 2018
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“We look forward to sharing the results of our investigation with them so that they can have closure.”
Family of inmate found hanging in DeKalb Jail wants answers
By Tekia L. Parks
The family of DeKalb jail inmate Willie Whonya Lowery Jr., who died March 1 at Grady Hospital after seven days in a vegetative state, is calling for the GBI to investigate the circumstances of his death. Lowery, 19, had been in the jail on robbery charges since Jan. 4. He was found hanging in his cell on Feb. 23.
Mr. Lowery.” Mann offered condolences to Lowery’s family. “We look forward to sharing the results of our investigation with them so that they can have closure after this unfortunate tragedy,” he said. At a March 2 press conference outside the hospital, the family and their lawyer, Mawuli Mel Davis of the Davis Bozeman Law Firm, called on Mann to request an investigation
The Sheriff ’s Office said it is investigating the hanging as a suicide attempt. “We investigate each situation very thoroughly,” Sheriff Jeffrey L. Mann said March 2. “While preliminary reports indicate that no one else was involved, we will rely on the investigation to determine the facts of the case. At this point, however, we believe that our trained staff performed as required and that we did all that we could to try to assist
Legal Notices 02/17, 02/24, 03/03, 03/10
Civil Action Case Number: 18FM2179-7 Phylicia Johnson filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Feb. 14, 2018 to change the name from: Phylicia Johnson to Sunny Deon Johnson. Any interested party has the right to appear in this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed. Dated: Feb. 09, 2018
Tamika Wells DEFENDANT NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: Tamika Wells 6427 Wellington Chase Crt. Lithonia, GA 30058 By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Feb. 14, 2018. You are hereby notified that Jan. 24, 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: Saudi Wells, 1993 Marco Dr., Decatur, GA 30032. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Feb. 02, 2018. Witness the Honorable J.P. Boulee, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 14th day of Feb., 2018
02/17, 02/24, 03/03, 03/10
03/03, 03/10, 03/17, 03/24
Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name OF ADULT in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Notice of Petition in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: 18FM1533-6 Saudi Wells PLAINTIFF VS
Notice of Petition in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: 18FM2058-2 Shantine Shopshire PLAINTIFF VS Darryl Green
DEFENDANT NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Feb. 22, 2018. You are hereby notified that Feb. 12, 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: Shantine Shopshire, 5470 Forest Path Ct., Stone Mountain, GA 30088. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Feb. 22, 2018. Witness the Honorable Asha F. Jackson, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 22nd day of Feb., 2018
from: Jonia Antionette Bromell to Jenia Lalindus Cater. Any interested party has the right to appear in this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed. Dated: Feb. 27, 2018 03/03, 03/10, 03/17, 03/24
Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name OF ADULT in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: 18FM2367 Evelyn Brown Conyers filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Feb. 21, 2018 to change name from Eiiylene Brown to Evelyn Brown Conyers. Any interested party has the right to appear in this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed. Dated: Feb. 14, 2018
03/03, 03/10, 03/17, 03/24
AMENDED Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name OF ADULT in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: 17FM12320-10 Jonia Antionette Bromell filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Dec. 06, 2017 to change the name
03/10, 03/17, 03/24, 03/31
Notice of Petition in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. “We cannot allow for the entity that was responsible for his safety to be the investigating agency,” Davis said. “That does not make common sense, legal sense, nor is it decent Willie Lowery and in order.”
Civil Action Case Number: 18FM1953-3 Lanisha D. Coates PLAINTIFF VS Alton Coates, Jr. DEFENDANT NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: Alton Coates, Jr. 3800 Flat Shoals Pkwy, Apt. 16D Decatur, GA 30034 By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Mar. 01, 2018. You are hereby notified that Feb. 05, 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: Lanisha D. Coates, 1402 David Cir., Decatur, GA 30032. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Mar. 01, 2018. Witness the Honorable Clarence F. Seeliger, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 1st day of Mar., 2018 03/10, 03/17, 03/24, 03/31
Notice of Petition in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: 18FM2097-1 Egbert Samuels PLAINTIFF VS Hyacinth Samuels DEFENDANT NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: Hyacinth Samuels 32 Mimosa Ave. Kingston, Jamaica By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Mar. 02, 2018. You are hereby notified that Feb.
13, 2018, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for divorce w/o 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: Egbert Samuels, 4213 Wingfoot Ct., Decatur, GA 30035. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Mar. 06, 2018. Witness the Honorable Courtney L. Johnson, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 06th day of Mar., 2018 03/10, 03/17, 03/24, 03/31
Notice of Petition in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: 18FM2097-3 Egbert Samuels PLAINTIFF VS Hyacinth Samuels DEFENDANT NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: Hyacinth Samuels 32 Mimosa Ave. Kingston, Jamaica By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Mar. 02, 2018. You are hereby notified that Feb. 07, 2018, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for divorce w/o 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: Egbert Samuels, 4213 Wingfoot Ct., Decatur, GA 30035. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Mar. 06, 2018. Witness the Honorable Clarence F. Seeliger, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 05th day of Mar., 2018
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March 10, 2018