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Clarkston’s City Council adopted a policy pertaining to the detention of individuals for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. 2
More than 145 seniors signed up to compete in track and field, table tennis, swimming and more in the 2017 Senior Olympics. 7
Put Litter in Its Place Let’s Do Our Part to Keep DeKalb Beautiful
EAST ATLANTA • DECATUR • STONE MOUNTAIN • LITHONIA • AVONDALE ESTATES • CLARKSTON • ELLENWOOD • PINE LAKE • REDAN • SCOTTDALE • TUCKER
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May 6, 2017
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Volume 23, Number 1
DeKalb Ethics Board to appeal unconstitutional ruling It’s back to the drawing board for state lawmakers after DeKalb Superior Court Judge Asha Jackson ruled that their law creating the DeKalb Ethics Board is unconstitutional. In an April 28 Final Order, Jackson said that “while the court appreciates that the DeKalb delegation sought to change Asha Jackson the appointment process and makeup of the DeKalb Board of Ethics to ensure greater accountability and transparency, this court cannot agree that the four challenged members of the DeKalb Board
of Ethics are, at present, subject to a constitutional appointment process.” The ruling comes on a March 9, 2016, lawsuit filed by former DeKalb Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton challenging the makeup of the Ethics Board, which allowed private groups to appoint four members. Barnes Sutton said S. Barnes Sutton May 1 that she is happy about the ruling not just for herself but for the county and the state. “This is a victory for the state of Georgia,”
she said. “There are other boards that have been put together in the same way that needs to change. This ruling gives the county an opportunity to establish a constitutionally appointed ethics board that is in the best interest of the people.” DeKalb voters overwhelmingly approved HB597 with 92 percent of the votes in a November 2015 referendum. The board, with four members each appointed by Leadership DeKalb, the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, the DeKalb Bar Association, and by six major universities and colleges located within the county, began operations in January 2016. The remaining three members are appointed by the DeKalb probate judge, the DeKalb
Superior Court judge, and the DeKalb Legislative Delegation. The challenged members are Edward Queen, appointed by DeKalb universities, and board Chairman Daniel DeWoskin, appointed by Leadership DeKalb. Two positions, appointed by the DeKalb Chamber and the DeKalb Bar Association, are currently vacant because Greg Russell and Scott Vanders, respectively, resigned for reasons unrelated to the court challenge. Barnes Sutton was the county’s District 4 commissioner and facing ethics charges that she misspent her office’s funds when she filed Please see ETHICS BOARD, page 2
Golden Glide Skating Rink could reopen mid-May Bank seeking to lure ex-owner back as manager
Greg Alexander and his family acquired Golden Glide Skating Rink in Decatur in 1993. He walked away from the business on April 30 after years of losses.
By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
Golden Glide Skating Rink, which closed on April 30 after 44 years of serving DeKalb County, could reopen in about three weeks if the bank that now owns it can lure former owner Greg Alexander back to manage it. Alexander, whose family had owned the rink for the past 24 years, walked away from the business on Sunday after years of Greg Alexander losses. He said the rink had not been doing well for some time and he got tired of pouring money into it to meet payroll and pay bills. “Revenues fell more than 40 percent,” he said. “I just turned the keys over to the bank. I was comfortable with that decision.” When news of the closure came last weekend, hundreds of teens showed up at the rink on Saturday night to skate. They filled it to capacity and flooded the parking lot and Wesley Chapel Road when they couldn’t get inside. The crowd was so large, the fire marshal closed the rink early. Its last night of business was adult skate night on Sunday. Alexander, who operates Cascade Skating Rink and Metro Fun Center in southwest Atlanta, said he made the decision to concentrate his efforts on his Atlanta operations, which are doing well. “I get a lot of support from Atlanta officials and community,” he said. “Council members and community leaders are always visiting to make sure we have everything we somewhere to go.” Alexander and his aunt, Mary Holmes, need. The city of Atlanta understands the importance of a skating rink to the community. acquired Golden Glide in 1993 when it was They understand that kids and teens need 20 years old. He said the rink’s slide in rev-
Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews
cages. District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson, who represents the area where the rink is located, said it’s been part of the family for many people in his district and the county. “I taught my daughter to skate there,” he said. “It’s a gathering place for the community. You meet friends there. Parents got to talk to each other while they were waiting on their children.” Johnson, who called Alexander to commiserate when he heard about the impending closure, said he would hate to see it disappear. “Greg is a good community-minded businessman,” Johnson said. “He helped to establish the CID. He has done a lot in the File Photo community.” enues started about 10 years ago after the Johnson is hoping someone will buy DeKalb Board of Commissioners voted Golden Glide and keep it operating. down his plans to expand the rink and add miniature golf, bumper cars and batting Please see RINK, page 3 Young people skate at the Golden Glide rink in happier times. Hundreds of teens showed up at the rink on April 29 when they heard news of the closure.
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CrossRoadsNews
May 6, 2017
“We are traumatized from living in refugee camps. … Now we are having to relive it again.”
Clarkston votes for non-detainer policy to support its refugees By Angelina T. Velasquez
Clarkston residents living in fear of deportation now know the city is behind them after the City Council voted unanimously on May 2 to put a non-detainer policy in place. The resolution states that the city shall not detain or extend the detention of any individual at the request of Immigration and Customs Enforcement unless ICE “first presents the City of Clarkston with a judicially issued warrant authorizing such detention.” The policy comes after eight Clarkston families were torn apart by ICE in three weeks with fathers, mothers and children detained without warning. All six council members – Beverly Burks, Mario Williams, Jamie Carroll, Ahmed Hassan, Dean Moore and Awet Eyasu – and Mayor Ted Terry were present for the meeting. Some council members were initially concerned that the policy could lead to loss of federal funds and wanted to delay action, but City Attorney Stephen Quinn said the non-detainer policy would not violate any law. Terry urged members to take action because all the research was done and there were no laws prohibiting them. “I think it is clear that we have to show our community we support them,” Terry said. At an April 27 Public Safety meeting at the Clarkston Police Department, more than 60 residents showed up to discuss their concerns over ICE detentions with City Council members. They described being interrogated by ICE agents and talked about the terror of having their homes raided and their spouses, parents, children and relatives detained. Naima Musse, a Somali immigrant who has lived in Clarkston for a year, told council members that her husband of two years, Abdusalam Hussein, was detained and is currently in an Irwin County detention center on suicide watch. “We have five kids together and he would rather kill himself than to leave us alone,” she said. Dabbing tears from her cheeks, Musse said five ICE officers came to her apartment on April 13 with rifles looking for her husband. “You would think they were catching bin Laden,” Musse said. “This is not the America we know and this is not fair.” Some residents told council members that they feel America is turning its back on their community and they called on the city to stand behind them.
Angelina T. Velasquez / CrossRoadsNews
Somali immigrant Naima Musse is comforted by a friend as she tearfully tells Clarkston City Council members that ICE took her husband Abdusalam Hussein from their home to an Irwin County detention center. She said he is on suicide watch because he would rather kill himself than leave his family.
Before Tuesday’s meeting, council members Burks, Hassan and Moore met with ICE agents to discuss the experiences of residents whose family members have been detained. Burks said the ICE agents were not open to discussion. “To put it lightly, the ICE agents were threatening,” she said. “They did let us know that passing a non-detainer policy could potentially come at the cost of losing federal funding and being put on Beverly Burks a ‘naughty list.’ ” Quinn said the ICE threats were empty and an overstretch of executive power. “At most, ICE can only request we assist in detaining people,” he said. “We do not have a jail so there is no expectation that we will even receive those types of requests.” Clarkston has residents from more than 50 countries and has been home to refugees and immigrants from around the world since the 1980s. Glory Kilanko, director of Women Watch Afrika who helped organize the April 27 Public Safety meeting, said Clarkston residents are being victimized twice – many had to flee their home countries and now ICE is
detaining them. “We are traumatized from living in refugee camps and we come here to deal with that trauma,” she said. “Now we are having to relive it again.” President Donald Trump ordered ICE to detain refugees lacking legal status or a green card, but the Clarkston residents say those who have legal status are still being targeted. Mohamed Rage, 19, said his father, Ahmed Mohamed, who is from Somalia, was taken on April 18. “He is a man who has never committed any crime,” the teen said. “He Mohamed Rage is the picture of an outstanding citizen.” Rage’s father will be detained for 90 days before ICE decides if he will be deported. “My father is not a bad man or a man who commits crime,” his son said. Stephanie Alli of the nonprofit New American Pathways, which helps refugees and immigrants navigate the immigration process, says her agency has clients with legal status who have been visited and questioned by ICE. She said the visits have brought back memories of persecution they suffered in
their native countries. “They are being triggered by the war and violence from back home when officers come to their homes in the middle of night,” she said. In some cases, Alli said residents are blocked from closing their doors as ICE officers force themselves into the home. La’Die Mansfield, a Clarkston resident and member of Project South, a nonprofit working to eliminate poverty and genocide of people of color, urged council members to take a stand. “This city can be a model community that respects the human rights of everyone,” she said at the April 27 meeting. Before the vote, Burks told the council that the non-detainer policy is the first step in protecting the community. “Step two is what we are going to do to educate our community,” she said. “Any fear of the police has to stop because these people are here to help you.” Georgia law does not prevent the city from adopting policies of limiting the use of ICE detainers. DeKalb and Clayton are the only Georgia counties to adopt a policy stating they will work with ICE but will not detain individuals beyond 90 days without judicial warrants.
DeKalb lawmakers planning to appoint all seven board members ETHICS BOARD,
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the lawsuit challenging the appointment of four members by private/community organizations. Before the state law took effect, the county’s CEO and Board of Commissioners appointed members to the Ethics Board. In the lawsuit, her attorney, Dwight Thomas argued that allowing private organizations to appoint members to the Ethics Board “was an unconstitutional delegation of power.” In her eight-page order, Jackson cited articles of the Georgia Constitution that prohibit the General Assembly from creating laws inconsistent with it. She wrote that while the court has no authority to determine who sits on the DeKalb Board of Ethics, “to pass constitutional muster, it would seem that there should be an accountable governmental entity that would provide final approval to those seats to serve on the board. Therefore, the writ of quo warranto is granted as to the four challenged
members of the DeKalb Board of Ethics.” Stacey Kalberman, DeKalb’s ethics officer, said the board is going to appeal the court’s ruling to the Georgia Supreme Court. “Our attorney is going to do it as soon as practical,” she said May 4. Stacey Kalberman In the meantime, Kalberman says there is nothing in the board’s rule to stop it from meeting and the affected members “are not necessarily off the board.” “We believe we have the ability to continue meeting,” she said. “There is nothing in the rules to say we cannot.” As a board of the county, Kalberman said DeKalb County will pay all the board’s legal expenses. She said the court’s decision also does not stop her from working. “As the county’s ethics officer, I have work
to do,” she said. “I have 5,000 employees to train and a hotline full of complaints to investigate. It’s my job and I will be doing it.” State Rep. Howard Mosby, who chairs the DeKalb Delegation to the Georgia Legislature, said members had hoped to fix the problem with Senate Bill 273, which would eliminate private group’s appointments and allow Howard Mosby delegation members to make all seven appointments. The bill is sponsored by Elena Parent (D-42), Fran Millar (R-40), Emanuel Jones (D-10), Gloria Butler (D-55), Tonya Anderson (D-43), and Steve Henson (D-41). Mosby said the bill stalled during the 2017 session over disagreements about the DeKalb solicitor general investigating complaints about members of the Ethics Board. “They didn’t like the fact that the solicitor would be the final arbiter,” he said.
Mosby said the bill can proceed in the 2018 session and legislators plan to take it up again. Even though DeKalb is the only county in the state that has an ethics board created by state legislators, locally constituted boards in Cobb, Fulton and Gwinnett counties also allow private groups to appoint members to their boards. They are now weighing the ramifications of the DeKalb County ruling. Barnes Sutton called HB597 a bad and flawed law and said she tried to raise the issues with it with legislators prior to its passage and was ignored. She said that a board of ethics constituted with private group appointments doesn’t represent the people and is not representative of the people they elect. “Those boards represent the organizations who appoint them and do their biddings,” Barnes Sutton said. “They don’t help with ethical issues. They compound them.”
May 6, 2017
Community
CrossRoadsNews
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“I know how much Golden Glide, Cascade Skating Rink and Metro are needed.�
MARTA adds lots of parking
Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews
Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary and City Council members Jimmy Clanton Jr., Rob Turner, Jazzmin Cobble, George Turner, and Diane Adoma takes the oath of office at the new city’s May 1 “Public Appreciation & Ceremonial Inauguration� from DeKalb Associate State Court Judge Ronald Ramsey.
Stonecrest Council to meet for first time on May 8
The Stonecrest City Council will meet for the first time on May 8 at 9 a.m. at the Stonecrest Library. The five council members – Jimmy Clanton Jr., Rob Turner, Jazzmin Cobble, George Turner and Diane Adoma – and Mayor Jason Lary will consider a number of resolutions to hire an acting city clerk, acting city attorney and an assistant city attorney, but Lary said they won’t appoint an acting city manager. “We will not be doing that,� he said Thursday. “It will be removed from the agenda.�
Members also will elect a mayor pro tem, ment period near the beginning of the receive the report of the Governor’s Commis- meeting. The library is at 3123 Klondike Road. sion on Stonecrest, discuss the search for a city hall, and consider requests for proposals METROPOLITAN ATLANTA RAPID TRANSIT AUTHORITY for city services. The council will formally adopt the city’s charter, approve a resolution to notify DeKalb County of its intention to take over planning and zoning for the city, set a meetNotice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit ing schedule, and discuss a moratorium on zoning and land development permits. Authority will hold public hearings for the purpose of considering the There will be a 30-minute public com-
Notice of Public Hearings
Golden Glide ex-owner mulls offer RINK,
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“It would be a good opportunity for a business person or a group of folks to form a partnership and keep it going, not just for skating, but miniature golf and batting cages and so on,� he said. Johnson was on the commission, but Alexander’s expansion was denied. He said neighbors, at the time, did not want it because they fear it would have been too noisy. He said things have changed since then. When he decided to pull the plug, Alexander said the bank surprised him by asking him to stay on and manage the rink until it can find a buyer. Alexander said that so far, two of the three buyers who have shown
The Kensington MARTA station in Decatur is getting 385 additional parking spaces to help accommodate the growth in transit riders in the wake of the I-85 bridge collapse. They are among 4,400 new parking spaces added at MARTA stations since the collapse on March 30 after a massive fire, allegedly set by a homeless man. MARTA has been collaborating with businesses and organizations to identify ways to expand capacity at stations across the system. In April, it worked with AT&T to open 750 additional spaces for commuters at high traffic stations at North Springs, Doraville and College Park. MARTA General Manager and CEO Keith T. Parker said the additional spaces are needed. “In the wake of the I-85 bridge collapse, many of our parking lots reached capacity by 7:30 a.m. or even earlier in some instances,� he said. MARTA also encourages commuters to take advantage of ride-sharing services, carpool or use designated Kiss/Ride lanes. For more information, visit www.itsmarta. com/parking.
interest in purchasing the property also have told the bank they will only buy it if he continues to manage it. Now that he no longer owns Golden Glide, Alexander said he wants to concentrate his efforts on his Atlanta locations – but he is torn. “I know how much Golden Glide, Cascade Skating Rink and Metro are needed,� said Alexander, who lives in Decatur. Through press time Thursday, he said he had not yet made a decision on the bank’s offer. “I am still considering it, but we are three to four days away from a decision,� he said. If they are able to make a deal, Alexander said Golden Glide could reopen during the third week in May.
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#OPIES OF THE PROPOSED "UDGETS AND "US 3ERVICE -ODIlCATIONS WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC VIEWING AT -!24! S (EADQUARTERS /FlCE OF %XTERNAL !FFAIRS 0IEDMONT 2OAD . % !TLANTA 'EORGIA DURING REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS -ON &RI AM TO PM &OR FORMATS &2%% OF CHARGE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE !$! AND ,IMITED %NGLISH 0ROlCIENCY REGULATIONS CONTACT &OR THOSE PATRONS REQUIRING FURTHER ACCOMMODATIONS INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED BY CALLING THE 4ELEPHONE $EVICE FOR THE $EAF 4$$ AT )N ADDITION A SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER WILL BE AVAILABLE AT ALL HEARINGS )F YOU CANNOT ATTEND THE HEARINGS AND WANT TO proVIDE COMMENTS YOU MAY LEAVE A MESSAGE AT WRITE TO -!24! S /FlCE OF %XTERNAL !FFAIRS 0IEDMONT 2OAD . % !TLANTA '! COMPLETE AN ONLINE #OMMENT #ARD AT WWW ITSMARTA COM OR FAX YOUR COMMENTS NO LATER THAN -AY TO !LL CITIZENS OF THE #ITY OF !TLANTA AND THE COUNTIES OF &ULTON $E+ALB #LAYTON AND 'WINNETT WHOSE INTERESTS ARE AFFECTED BY THE SUBJECTS TO BE CONSIDERED AT THESE HEARINGS ARE HEREBY NOTIlED AND INVITED TO APPEAR AT SAID TIMES AND PLACES AND PRESENT SUCH EVIDENCE COMMENT OR OBJECTION AS THEIR INTERESTS REQUIRE
Keith T. Parker, AICP, General Manager/CEO
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2346 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007 www.crossroadsnews.com editor@crossroadsnews.com
Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker General Manager Curtis Parker Assistant Editor Brenda Yarbrough Staff Writers Jennifer Ffrench Parker Angelina Velasquez 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.
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CrossRoadsNews
May 6, 2017
Sessions has set out with a vengeance to transform the Department of Justice into a Department of Injustice.
Attorney general is threat to fundamental rights As Donald Trump neared the end of his first 100 days on April 29, media commentary focused primarily on how little he has achieved in comparison to other presidents. It’s a mistake, however, to discount the threat that the Trump administration poses to our fundamental rights. His attorney general, former Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions, is a case in point. Sessions has set out with a vengeance to transform the Department of Justice into a Department of Injustice. He’s been hindered by the incompetence that characterizes this administration. He’s home alone in his department, with no nominations offered for the heads of top DOJ units – the Civil Rights, Criminal or National Security divisions. His deputies – Nos. 2 and 3 in the DOJ – have been nominated but not confirmed. That has slowed but not stopped Sessions’ efforts to roll back basic rights. He’s reversed the Justice Department’s position of challenging voter identification laws; he deems the Voting Rights Act too “intrusive.” Now the DOJ will intervene in favor of states that pass discriminatory measures to restrict access to
“Sessions wants to revive private prisons and ensure them a steady stream of prisoners. People of color, particularly young African-American men, will be the greatest victims of this injustice.”
the ballot. The right to vote – the fundamental right of a democracy – will now depend on the willingness of judges to stand up for the truth, as U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos did in ignoring the DOJ intervention and ruling that the Texas ID law was “passed, at least in part, with a discriminatory purpose.” Sessions has issued orders to revive the old, failed war on drugs. The promising bipartisan efforts to reform sentencing provisions to end the mass incarceration of nonviolent drug offenders are to
Community
Jeff Sessions
be abandoned. Sessions wants to revive private prisons and ensure them a steady stream of prisoners. People of color, particularly young African-American men, will be the greatest victims of this injustice. Sessions has called for a “review” of all the reform agreements that Obama’s Civil Rights Division has reached with police forces. His DOJ sought to delay implementation of a consent decree reached in Baltimore in the wake of the Freddy Gray killing. Sessions scorns these agreements as “political expediency” that will “handcuff the police.” In Baltimore, the judge ignored the DOJ’s efforts to impede reform. But despite the outcry at the killings of young black men and women, Sessions is clearly telling police they can act with impunity once more. And Sessions has been point
on the administration’s efforts to ramp up deportation, terrorize immigrants and defend the president’s unconstitutional Muslim ban. He expressed amazement that a “judge sitting on an island in the Pacific” could overturn the president’s order. That judge was a federal District Court justice in the state of Hawaii, part of the union for 58 years. Sessions has issued letters to nine sanctuary cities, counties and states, including the state of California, New York City, Chicago and Cook County, threatening to deny federal grant funds – largely funds for local law enforcement – unless they commit to cooperating with the administration’s sweeping assaults on immigrants. This arbitrary assertion of federal power is particularly remarkable from Sessions, who as a senator declaimed endlessly about the glories of states’ rights. Luckily, Sessions wasn’t at Herod’s side when Mary and Joseph sought sanctuary in Egypt with the baby Jesus. The Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. is founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
“This case highlights the danger that lurks on social media sites, where the defendants allegedly pursued some of the child victims.”
Stone Mountain man indicted on charges of sex trafficking Stone Mountain resident Jaime Adam Riano and brothers Brian Hernandez Acosta and Nilageo Alvarez Acosta have been arraigned on charges of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor, sex trafficking of a minor, and transportation of a minor for prostitution. The three are accused of conspiring to traffic at least five girls ages 16 and 17 by force, fraud, and coercion for commercial sex throughout North Georgia as well as in Florida and Tennessee between November 2015 and December 2016. Riano, 29, was indicted April 13. Hernandez Acosta, 26, of Dalton and Alvarez Acosta, 31, of Tampa,
Fla., were indicted on April 11. U.S. Attorney John A. Horn said the men operated a high-volume, low-cost business that required the young girls to have sex with multiple men each night and kept nearly all of the money they were given. The case, investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Dalton Police Department, alleges that Hernandez Acosta pursued some of the girls on Facebook and posted provocative photos of them to solicit men to have sex with the minors for money in the adult entertainment and escort sections of classifieds website Backpage. com.
The ads used fake names for the minors and falsely listed their ages as 19 and 21 when they were all underage. The case alleges that Hernandez Acosta and Alvarez Acosta forced one 16-year-old girl to have sex with the men after driving her from Florida to Georgia to engage in prostitution and after falsely offering the girl a place to live. Riano often drove this 16-yearold victim to the locations where she engaged in commercial sex acts, the case alleges. Another 16-yearold high school student was driven to a residence in the Atlanta area to have sex with a man for $150, which was paid directly to Hernan-
dez Acosta, the case alleges. Horn said the men allegedly preyed on vulnerable young girls by sexually exploiting them for quick money. “This case highlights the danger that lurks on social media sites, where the defendants allegedly pursued some of the child victims,” he said May 3. David J. LeValley, special agent in charge at the FBI Atlanta Field Office, said the federal charges are a reminder that sex trafficking of minors continues to be a very real problem and that it is not confined to urban areas. For more information, visit www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Compliance update at Industrial Pretreatment workshop Sixty participants from both regulated industries and the public can attend the DeKalb Watershed Management Industrial Pretreatment Program Stakeholder Workshop on May 25. At the workshop, which takes place 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at 4572 Memorial Drive in Decatur, companies permitted by the county’s IPP will receive updates on organizational and programmatic changes implemented to improve compliance with county rules and ordinances,
the Federal Clean Water Act, and the Georgia Water Quality Control Act. Participants also will have an opportunity to discuss the program implementation and ask questions or suggest modifications. DeKalb County is currently under a federally mandated consent decree related to the operation and maintenance of the sewer system, and the IPP’s goal is to prevent further deterioration of pipes and other parts of the system. It also
prevents the introduction of pollutants to county treatment plants that may pass through into rivers, lakes and streams, adversely impacting the environment. Watershed Management says that while the requirements have been in place for years, it has enhanced enforcement to ensure that the county and industries in the county permitted by the IPP are up to current regulatory standards. It is actively identifying industries that are required by law
to be permitted by the program. DeKalb’s Industrial Pretreatment Program is under the oversight of both the Georgia Environmental Protection Division and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. To reserve space in the workshop, email IPP@DeKalbCountyGA.gov. For questions or more information, contact Bernard Bethea at brbethea@dekalbcountyga.gov or 404-687-7147 or visit IPP@DeKalbCountyGA.gov.
LIHEAP energy assistance funds available through May 31 By Angelina T. Velasquez
Circulation Audited By
LIHEAP funds will be available until May 31 to help eligible residents of DeKalb, Gwinnett, Rockdale, Newton and Walton counties with their home heating bills. The nonprofit Partnership for Community Action has offered the Low Income Home Energy As-
sistance Program for more than 20 years. It is funded by government grants. Eligible residents can apply for a one-time heating assistance payment of either $310 or $350 per program year to help with the cost of heating bills. Potential clients are people who heat their homes with natural gas, electricity, propane,
wood, kerosene, or coal and meet the income guidelines of 60 percent of the median household income for Georgia. Applicants must provide proof of income, recent home heating bill, most recent electric bill, and verification of Social Security cards for all household members. Appointments are available to
all low-income households in PCA’s service area and can be scheduled online at www.pcaction.org. Walk-ins are accepted MondayFriday beginning at 8 a.m. at the Covington Highway, Rockdale and Gwinnett locations on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call 404537-4300.
May 6, 2017
CrossRoadsNews
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Wellness
CrossRoadsNews
May 6, 2017
“Our clients are able to walk in and get medical care and know that when they leave, they will have a roof over their head.”
Agency helps homeless people with HIV/AIDS get housing By Angelina T. Velasquez
More than 400 DeKalb homeless people living with HIV/AIDS are getting help from Living Room Atlanta, a nonprofit that provides rent, utilities and mortgage assistance. The support is funded by a $3 million continuum of care grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, part of $22 million awarded by HUD in Atlanta in 2016 to help decrease metro homelessness. Angela Susten, Living Room Atlanta executive director, says the nonprofit serves 29 counties, including DeKalb. “Our mission is to ensure people living with HIV/AIDS in Georgia are able to obtain and maintain long-term stable housing,” said Susten, who has been with the agency for 10 years. The Midtown-based agency, housed in a Grady health center on Ponce de Leon Avenue, is the central intake for homeless people with HIV/AIDS in Atlanta. Susten said the agency’s office is unique. “Our clients are able to walk in and get medical care and know that when they leave, they will have a roof over their head,” she said. DeKalb, which ranks second in new cases of HIV/AIDS in metro Atlanta, is the secondhighest county serviced by the group. Susten said Living Room Atlanta does not own houses or apartments. “We rely very heavily on our partnerships and agreements we have with housing providers in the community,” she said. In DeKalb, its largest partner is Jerusalem
“Some people have been fired after revealing their HIV/AIDS status. That’s a huge issue in our community. There’s way too much stigma out there that needs to be eliminated.”
House, which provides housing solutions for 68 percent of homeless people living with HIV/AIDS throughout the county. It has a $9.9 million budget and offers 400 units for long-term housing. “We can get up to 300 applicants for one open space,” said Janice Harris-Corry, director of housing at Jerusalem House.
Clients served Eligible clients served by Living Room Atlanta and Jerusalem House must be homeless or at risk of becoming homeless and have low income. Susten said lots of times people come to them because they are sleeping on a friend’s couch. “Or they’re coming to us because they are in an emergency shelter,” she said, adding that last year, 27 percent of clients serviced had no income. Harris-Corry, who has worked with Jerusalem House for 17 years, said: “Some lose their jobs due to side effects of new medications, which can then result in them losing their homes.” Bertha Dave, who got a two-bedroom apartment through Jerusalem House 18 months ago, finally had space to accommodate her grandkids who needed a home.
Dave, who was diagnosed with HIV in 1999, was not homeless but couldn’t afford a larger apartment. Jerusalem House subsidizes her rent and helps with her utilities. “I am grateful for the help and the opportunity to save and eventually move out on my own,” said Dave, who has had AIDS since 2001. Nationally, chances of becoming homeless increase when a person has HIV/AIDS. Within six months of diagnosis, upward of 30 percent become homeless. Despite those figures, DeKalb has seen a 24 percent decrease in homelessness. Living Room’s clients are majority black men ages 30-50. In metro Atlanta, one out of two black men will contract HIV in their lifetime, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. Susten said there are housing options but not enough support options, and Living Room is working to connect clients with every resource needed to become selfsufficient. “We are linking them,” she said. “Not just paying their rent and a ‘how are you doing’ case management. We’re connecting them to all different sources they need.” At Jerusalem House, the clients’ needs
and program have to match. “We ensure that we are placing people in a program to take care of any issues they may have, whether it be substance abuse or anything else,” Harris-Corry said.
Viral suppression When it comes to HIV/AIDS, Susten says there are two major goals – prevention and achieving viral suppression, and both require open dialogue about the disease and understanding. She says people remain afraid to discuss and disclose their status. “Some people have been fired after revealing their HIV/AIDS status,” Susten said. “That’s a huge issue in our community. There’s way too much stigma out there that needs to be eliminated.” She said achieving stable housing is greater than the task of decreasing homelessness, and steady income, stable housing and health go hand-in-hand. “If they’re able to be stably housed, they’re able to get to their doctors, get on their medication and achieve viral suppression,” Susten said. Infected people with viral suppression can no longer pass the disease on to their partners, but Susten says consistent medical care is required. HIV/AIDS is more manageable today than it was 20 years ago, and even with the potential for viral suppression, Susten said people need to know their status and educate themselves. “The disease is not to be taken lightly,” she said. For more information, visit www.livingroomatl.org and www.jerusalemhouse.org.
May 6, 2017
Wellness
CrossRoadsNews
7
“Life is good. You know, it’s what you make it, and I wake up every day looking forward to it.”
Senior Olympians competing for medals, bragging rights
Photos by Angelina T. Velasquez / CrossRoadsNews
The DeKalb Senior Olympics kicked off May 1 at Exchange Rec Center. CEO Michael Thurmond (from left), Elsie Franklin, Kurt Simmons, Carolyn Hartfield and Marvin Billups also attended.
By Angelina T. Velasquez
More than 145 DeKalb seniors are competing in track and field, table tennis, swimming and more during the 31st annual DeKalb County Senior Olympics. On May 1, participants filled the Exchange Recreation Center with enthusiasm for the opening ceremony that kicked off the Games taking place at multiple venues through May 10. The Olympic-style sports festival sponsored by the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs provides seniors 50 years and older the opportunity to compete in a variety of sports, including free-throw basketball, bowling, golf, horseshoes, track and field, billiards and water volleyball.
Participants compete in team and individual events and the top three finishers get gold, silver and bronze medals. This year’s youngest and oldest participants – Kurt Simmons, 50, and Elsie Franklin, 86 – were presented with medals of participation. Simmons, a nine-year Decatur resident, said he was surprised to find out he was the youngest participant. “I have been a part of the Games as a spectator and picture taker,” he said. “This is the first time I will be on the other side.” Simmons, a self-described table tennis nut, is competing in table tennis. He and Franklin got to hold the Olympic torch alongside DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond and Recreation, Parks and Cultural
Panel of experts to discuss human trafficking and how to combat it A panel of experts, law enforcement representatives and victims will hold a candid conversation on human trafficking on May 9 at Antioch AME Church in Stone Mountain. The seminar, which begins at 6:30 p.m., is presented by Antioch’s Social Action Committee. Invited panelists include Erica Williams, Taken; Pam Perkins, Interfaith Children’s Movement; Lt. C. Rorey, DeKalb Human Trafficking & Crimes Against Children; Roland Washington, DeKalb Human & Community Development; a YouthSpark ambassador; and a Street Grace represen-
tative along with participation from the District Attorney’s Office, Tabitha’s House, and victims. The seminar, part of Antioch AME Community Series 2: Community-driven Initiative to Identify and Eradicate Human Trafficking, will cover the legal definition of human trafficking; common risk factors; red flags, facts and statistics; current laws – SB8, HB141 and HB341; and what stakeholders can do. The church is at 765 S. Hairston Road. For more information, visit http://antioch-ame. org or call 404-299-3388.
5K Walk/Run to benefit 2017 Pinnacle Youth Scholarship fund Walkers, runners and sponsors are needed for the 2017 Unite for Healthy Kids 5K Walk/Run on May 20 at the Decatur campus of Perimeter College at Georgia State University. The 8:30-to-11:30 a.m. event benefits the nonprofit Live Healthy & Thrive Youth Foundation Inc.’s Pinnacle Youth Scholarship Fund. To register, visit www.live-
healthyandthriveyouth.org. To become a sponsor, call 1-800-551-3775. The 5K begins and ends in the rear student parking lot of the GSU Decatur campus at 3251 Panthersville Road. At the seventh annual event, there will be a warm-up, live DJ, kids race, and fruit and fitness party with prizes and awards. All finishers in the 5K will receive a swag bag.
Affairs Director David Manuel. Franklin, who has lived in Stone Mountain for 21 years, has been a regular in the Games since 2005. “I compete in shot put, discus and the football and softball throw,” Franklin said. Aside from winning, Franklin said it’s the people who keep her coming back. “You just meet so many new people,” she said. This year’s Senior Olympics theme is “Aging Out Loud,” and Carolyn Hartfield, an 18-year Olympics competitor in race walking and cycling, has been doing just that. While speaking to the audience at the kickoff, she reminded them to start the day with a song in their heart. Her choice is “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah,” and
the audience joined her in singing. “Life is good,” Hartfield said. “You know, it’s what you make it, and I wake up every day looking forward to it.” The opening ceremony featured the DeKalb Mobile Market, health screenings by Kaiser Permanente Mobile, Wii bowling, a fun walk and exercise demonstrations. Thurmond urged seniors who did not register for the 2017 Games to consider competing next year. “Now is a good time to start practicing for next year,” he told them. The sports festival is open to residents of DeKalb as well as residents from surrounding counties. It is part of National Older Americans Month, celebrated in May. Visit www. dekalbcountyga.gov/oam2017.
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Youth
CrossRoadsNews
May 6, 2017
“Whatever Chelsea decides to do, she will do amazing things. Her mind is so sharp, and she excels at whatever she does.”
Green to present State of the District Superintendent R. Stephen Green will update the community on the progress of the DeKalb School District at the State of the District address on May 9 at Georgia Piedmont Technical College in Clarkston. Parent Councils United is host for the event, which begins at 6:30 p.m. with refreshments and networking. Green will share updates on topics such as the recommendation by AdvancED to renew the district’s accreditation for five years;
PAL Summer Academy now registering
the five-year, $561 million E-SPLOST Capital Improvements Program; and an increase in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics – STEM – programs. In addition, the five regional superintendents will give their inaugural Regional State of the District addresses before leading break-out sessions. Georgia Piedmont is at 485 N. Indian Creek Drive. For more information, visit www.deka- Superintendent R. Stephen Green, shown lbschoolsga.org. reading with a student, will speak on May 9.
Toney Valley scholarships deadline coming up
Two scholarships and a Janet L. Pierce Book Stipend will be awarded this year to collegebound Columbia High seniors who live in the Toney Valley subdivision in Decatur. The inaugural scholarships and book stipend, totalling $650, were created by the Toney Valley Civic Association in celebration of its 33rd anniversary, which it is observing this year. The association will award a total of $650. The book stipend honors the memory
of Pierce, a community activist and longtime Toney Valley resident who died Nov. 16, 2016. The civic association says the awards will benefit graduates who have lived in the Toney Valley subdivision for at least one year. Applications for the scholarships and the book stipend are available from senior counselors at Columbia High or from toneyvalley@ earthlink.net.
The deadline is May 15. Applicants will be interviewed by appointment on May 20 between 10 a.m. and noon at the Scott Candler Library, 1917 Candler Road in Decatur. Eligible applicants must complete the application package, submit two letters from references, and provide proof of their admission to an institution of post-secondary education.
Kids ages 7 to 14 can register now for the DeKalb County PAL Summer Academy that kicks off June 5. The annual summer camp, operated by the DeKalb County Police Athletic League, runs through July 28 at Lithonia Middle School. It includes art activities, career exploration, community service, daily fitness, field trips, sports workshops, swimming, tutorials and guest speakers. It is one of four youth mentoring programs run by the league. The weekly fee is $55. Space is limited. To avoid disappointment, register by calling 770-724-7479. For more information, visit www.dekalbcountypalplus.org.
Tell Me a Story fest for preschoolers SWD grad named Truman Scholar Children’s stories from around the world take center stage on May 13 for the Tell Me a Story! Festival at the Clarkston Community Center. The fifth annual cultural, literacy and language fest begins at 2 p.m. More than 10 organizations will engage preschoolers and their families in art projects, play and learn, storytelling, and other activities presented by CDF: A Collective Action Initiative, Habitat for Humanity DeKalb and community partners through the Clarkston Early Learning Network.
The nonprofit CDF, founded in 2010, works to connect and engage the diverse residents of Clarkston by helping them recognize and develop their assets and assist them in creating activities and services that benefit the community. The community center is at 3701 College Ave. in Clarkston. For sponsorships and donations or to volunteer, email info@cdfaction.org or call 404-736-6602. For more information, visit http://cdfaction.org/event/5th-annualtell-me-a-story-festival.
Emory University junior and campus activist Chelsea Jackson, the 2014 Southwest DeKalb High Magnet salutatorian, has been named a 2017 Harry S. Truman Scholar. Jackson and 61 other students across the U.S. earned the highly competitive national honor, which is granted to exChelsea Jackson ceptional students in their junior year who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, academic excellence and a commitment to a life of public service. Jackson, an Emory College of Arts and Sciences student double majoring in political science and African American studies, is Emory’s first Truman Scholar since 2011. As part of the award, which is administered by the Harry S. Truman Foundation, she will receive $30,000 for graduate study as well as professional development for a career in public service. Jackson’s major adviser, Andra Gillespie, associate professor of political science and director of Emory’s James Weldon Johnson Center for the Study of Race and Difference, said the award is going to expand “her launching pad” and her world. “Whatever Chelsea decides to do, she will do amazing things,” Gillespie said in an April
12 statement. “Her mind is so sharp, and she excels at whatever she does.” Jackson, who arrived at Emory from Lithonia, was mentored by seniors Jovanna Jones and Samantha Scott, who helped put her on the path to activism. “It just reinforced the way I was raised, to advocate for myself. As a black woman, I knew I had to be the best, the brightest. When I came, I was a ball of energy wondering why things were this way or that way.” She became involved in the Emory chapter of the NAACP and co-founded the Atlanta Black Students United, which has black student representatives from every school in metro Atlanta. She said she is most proud of her work helping to overhaul Emory’s Bias Incident Reporting system to increase its transparency and require specific actions be taken. Jackson continues to advocate for diversifying the faculty and curriculum. “I came here wanting the best for Emory, and I believe everyone here has the best interest of the students in mind, just with a different vision,” Jackson said. “This is about what changes I can make that will make Emory different. That’s the legacy that was left for me, and that’s the mark I’m trying to leave for the next little black girl from Decatur. Then, the world.” For more information, visit www.emory. edu and www.truman.gov.
May 6, 2017
Scene
CrossRoadsNews
Rhythm & Rhymes is collecting new or gently used children’s books on May 13 for the Wesley Chapel Library. “All About That Color,” the spring photo exhibit of Lou Walker Senior Center’s Advanced Digital SLR Class, is open to the public weekdays through May 19.
Spring photo exhibit at Lou Walker Members of the Lou Walker Senior Center’s Advanced Digital SLR Class, aka “The Photographers,” are presenting their spring photo exhibit through May 19 in the center’s lobby. “All About That Color” is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The exhibit, which opened on May 2, is part of DeKalb’s Older Americans Month: Age Out Loud! celebration. The center is at 2538 Panola Road in Lithonia. For more information, visit http:// louwalkercenter.com or call 770-322-2900.
Picnic in a Park DeKalb seniors can take the party outside for entertainment, games, food and fun on May 10 at McKoy Park in Decatur. Baby boomers and other seniors can join Decatur Active Living for Picnic in a Park, which takes place 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. RSVP is required to Sara Holmes at sara.holmes@ decaturga.com or 678-553-6559. McKoy Park is at 1000 Adams St. Dancing Is Good for the Heart The young at heart can join in a fun-filled day of dancing on May 10 at the DeKalb Atlanta Senior Center. Dancing Is Good for the Heart begins at 9:30 a.m. and includes line and inspirational dances. It is presented by the Office of Senior Affairs. The center is at 25 Warren St. S.E. in Atlanta. Show and Tell for Seniors Patrons of all ages can bring an old photo, letter or a cherished personal item and share
a story about what it means to them on May 10 at the Clarkston Library in observance of Older Americans Month. Show and Tell for Seniors: Share Your Stories takes place 1 to 3 p.m. Participants will have five minutes to show or tell their story – visit or call the branch to register. Refreshments will be served. The library is at 951 N. Indian Creek Drive in Clarkston. For more information, call 404-508-7175.
Rhythm & Rhymes The Age Out Loud edition of Rhythm & Rhymes kicks off at 1:30 p.m. on May 13 at the Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library in Decatur. Patrons can take in a fusion of live jazz and spoken word performances, including open mic and readings from “Reflections on Life,” a collection produced by DeKalb Public Library and the Senior Advisory Board. To register, call 404-286-6980 or visit the branch. Funding is provided by the Friends of the Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library. Rhythm & Rhymes also is collecting new or gently used children’s books to help support the library. Donations will be accepted from 1 to 3:30 p.m. To become a book drop location or for more information, email info@rhythmandrhymes.org. The branch is at 2861 Wesley Chapel Road. For more events, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/news/dekalb-celebratesolder-americans-month-events and www. dekalblibrary.org. Back in the Saddle will perform a free concert May 9 at the Decatur Library. The band’s shows include classic cowboy songs and Western swing.
Band to perform songs of Old West The band Back in the Saddle will bring the songs of the Great American West to the Decatur Library on May 9 in a free concert suitable for all ages. Funding for the 7 p.m. program is provided by the Friends of the Decatur Library. The band’s shows include classic cowboy songs, Western swing, movie and TV Western theme songs, originals inspired by
the West, and even some Tin Pan Alley standards. Vocalist and band leader “Frenchy” Berne Poliakoff, a founding member of Cowboy Envy, has composed all of the band’s original songs as well as original songs for her own recordings. The library is at 215 Sycamore St. in Decatur. For more information, call 404370-3070.
‘High Noon History’ for quick look back For a quick look back into the past, “bring a sandwich, bring a friend” for the DeKalb History Center’s new “High Noon History” tour offering Fridays in May. The tour, which was scheduled to kick off at noon on May 5 on the south steps of the Historic DeKalb Courthouse, lasts 30 minutes and is perfect for those on their
9
lunch break. Topics include architecture of the historic courthouse and Decatur Square history. Reservations are not required. Upcoming dates are May 12, May 19 and May 26. The historic courthouse is at 101 E. Court Square in Decatur. For more information, including fee, visit www.dekalbhistory.org.
‘King & Africa’ exhibit opens “King and Africa: Connecting Continents” opens May 12 at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights with a reception and conversation featuring scholars and activists. The event, which is free to attend, begins at 6 p.m. To RSVP, visit www.civilandhuKali-Ahset Amen Derreck Kayongo Samuel Livingston manrights.org/event/king-andthe-diaspora. Amen, assistant director of the James Wel“King and Africa,” the center’s newest don Johnson Institute at Emory University; collection in the Morehouse College Mar- Derreck Kayongo, CEO of the Center for tin Luther King Jr. Collection, sheds light Civil and Human Rights; and Dr. Samuel on King’s influence in continental Africa. Livingston, associate professor and director After the opening reception, there will of the African American Studies Program at be a panel discussion on how King’s phi- Morehouse College. losophy in nonviolence and civil rights still The center is at 100 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd. impacts communities across the globe. in Atlanta. For more information, visit www. Panelists include Dr. Kali-Ahset civilandhumanrights.org.
Kids can craft Mother’s Day gift Kids can find ways to honor their moms for Mother’s Day with arts and crafts programs and fun activities at DeKalb Public Library branches. Mother’s Day is celebrated on May 14. On May 9 at the Stonecrest Library, 5- to 12-year-olds can make a gift for the mother in their life. Mother’s Day Craft starts at 4 p.m. and is open to the first 20 participants. Groups of five or more should call the branch for an appointment. The library is at 3123 Klondike Road in Stonecrest. For more information, call 770-482-3828. On May 11, kids can craft a special
LAST CHANCE!
gift for mom at the Scott Candler Library in Decatur. The session takes place 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. and is designed for 5- to 12-year-olds. Funding is provided by the Friends of the Scott Candler Library. The branch is at 1917 Candler Road. For more information, call 404-286-6986. Saturdays @ Salem features Mom and Me Tee on May 13 at the Salem-Panola Library in Lithonia. Patrons of all ages can bring mom for a round of miniature golf around the library starting at 10:30 a.m. Funding is provided by the Friends of the Salem-Panola Library. The branch is at 5137 Salem Road. For more information, call 770-987-6900.
CrossRoadsNews
10
Finance
May 6, 2017
“Entrepreneurs have always been a cornerstone of our economy and the small businesses they oversee are vital for American prosperity.”
Jerry Myers receives ‘Small Business of Year’ for 4th District Lithonia resident Jerry Myers is U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson’s “Small Business of the Year” recipient for the 4th District. Johnson invited Myers to the nation’s capital on May 2 for National Small Business Week, which pays homage to small businesses and entrepreneurs who work every day to promote industry in their communities and create new jobs. “Entrepreneurs have always been a cornerstone of our economy and the small businesses they oversee are vital for American prosperity,” Johnson said. “It gives me great pleasure to recognize Jerry for all the hard work he does to contribute to the community.” Johnson said the Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce, which nominated Myers, recognizes the value that Myers’ service brings to the community. “This was a great thing to do this week –
Valerie and Jerry Myers of Lithonia join U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson for a discussion about small businesses.
to honor our small businesses and reaffirm our support for their success,” he said. Myers’ In the Door career development and work force training facility provides a wide range of services to job seekers of all ages. Myers has done work with the city of Atlanta, the DeKalb County School District
and AARP. “Talking to the congressman in his office about my start and why I do what I do was a real highlight for me,” Myers said. “He was very interested in the career training workshops and some of our other services we provide. It really feels good to know that
Legal Notices 04/15, 04/22, 04/29, 05/06
Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name of ADULT in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: 17FM4104-4 Lakita Opeal Wright filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Dec. 16th, 2016 to change name from: Lakita Opeal Wright to Lakita Opeal Inman. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed. Dated: Dec. 16, 2016 04/22, 04/29, 05/06, 05/13
Notice of PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: 17FM4047 Brinda Bariffe PLAINTIFF VS Ronald B. Barrus DEFENDANT To: By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Apr. 12, 2017. You are hereby notified that on Mar. 30, 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: Brinda Bariffe, 5357 Medena Way, Lithonia, GA 30038. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Apr. 12, 2017. Witness the Honorable Asha F. Jackson; Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 13th day of Apr., 2017 04/22, 04/29, 05/06, 05/13
Notice of PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: 17FM4125-1 Catilya Cobb PLAINTIFF VS Urah Outler DEFENDANT To: By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Apr. 14, 2017. You are hereby notified that on Apr. 06, 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: Catilya Cobb, 2809 Misty Water Dr., #7, Decatur, GA 30032. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Apr. 17, 2017. Witness the Honorable Courtney L. Johnson; Judge of the DeKalb Supe-
rior Court. This the 17th day of Apr., 2017 04/22, 04/29, 05/06, 05/13
Notice of PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Court to change name from: Nancy Verdell Thompson to Angela Nancy Thompson. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed. Dated: Apr. 13, 2017
Civil Action Case Number: 17FM3066-7 Saudi Wells PLAINTIFF VS Tomika Wells DEFENDANT To: 6427 Wellington Chase Ct. Decatur, GA 30058 By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Apr. 11, 2017. You are hereby notified that on Apr. 03, 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: Saudi Wells, 1993 Marco Dr., Decatur, GA 30032. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Apr. 17, 2017. Witness the Honorable Daniel M. Coursey, Jr.; Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 11th day of Apr., 2017
05/06, 05/13, 05/20, 05/27
04/22, 04/29, 05/06, 05/13
Civil Action Case Number: 17FM4472 Kathy Sanford filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Mar. 23, 2017 to change name from: Kathy Sanford to Kathy Heard. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed. Dated: Mar. 23, 2017
Notice of PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: 17FM2750-2 Janelle Cotton PLAINTIFF VS Keith McCloud DEFENDANT To: By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Apr. 12, 2017. You are hereby notified that on Feb. 28, 2017, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Declaration of Custody of Mackinsey McCloud. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Janelle Cotton, 1953 Manhattan Pkwy., Decatur, GA 30035. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Apr. 17, 2017. Witness the Honorable Asha F. Jackson; Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 13th day of Apr., 2017 05/06, 05/13, 05/20, 05/27
Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name of ADULT in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: 17FM4655-3 Nancy Verdell Thompson filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior
Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name of ADULT in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: 17FM4439-7 Sonyia Vannette Hill filed a petition on Apr. 17, 2017 in the DeKalb County Superior Court to change name from: Sonyia Vannette Hill to Sonyia Vannette Lenon-Thompson. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed. Dated: Apr. 13, 2017 05/06, 05/13, 05/20, 05/27
Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name of ADULT in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
05/06, 05/13, 05/20, 05/27
Notice of PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: 17FM4460-7 Niya T. Watts PLAINTIFF VS Daren Brown DEFENDANT To: By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Apr. 17, 2017. You are hereby notified that on Apr. 17, 2017, the above-named Plaintiff 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: Niya Watts, 4522 Snapfinger Woods Dr., #114, Decatur, GA 30035. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Apr. 17, 2017. Witness the Honorable Daniel M. Coursey, Jr.; Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 17th day of Apr., 2017
05/06, 05/13, 05/20, 05/27
Notice of PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: 17FM3036-6 Aretha Williams PLAINTIFF VS Tracy Wellons DEFENDANT To: By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Apr. 18, 2017. You are hereby notified that on Mar. 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: Aretha Williams, 2408 Ayesbury Loop, Apt. 180, Decatur, GA 30034. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Apr. 18, 2017. Witness the Honorable J.P. Boulee, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 21st day of Apr., 2017 05/06, 05/13, 05/20, 05/27
Notice of PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: 17FM4228-10 Leslie Christian PLAINTIFF VS David Powers DEFENDANT To: By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Apr. 19, 2017. You are hereby notified that on Apr. 10, 2017, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit
legal notice
the legislative body wants to hear from us to see how we can be helped during the year. I am thankful to be a part of this process and honored to be selected.” Before starting his own business in 2014, Myers was the Employer Committee president for the Georgia Department of Labor for DeKalb and Rockdale counties. He is also a husband, father, author and a professor of marketing and public administration. Myers said he started his small business to bridge the gap for people who needed career development and also the unemployed and underemployed who needed to sharpen their skills to get them in the door for new opportunities. Along with receiving the recognition from Johnson, Myers participated in the Small Business Committee Democrats’ Small Business Week Constituent Roundtable.
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: Angela Riccett, Atlanta Legal Aid Society, 246 Sycamore St., Ste. 120, Decatur, GA 30030. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Apr. 21, 2017. Witness the Honorable Tangela M. Barrie.; Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 21st day of Apr., 2017
4593 Busswood Ave., Stone Mountain, GA 30083. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Apr. 25, 2017. Witness the Honorable Tangela M. Barrie.; Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 25th day of Apr., 2017
05/06, 05/13, 05/20, 05/27
Civil Action Case Number: 17FM4437-5 Marcia V. Miller PLAINTIFF VS Curtis O. Miller DEFENDANT To: By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Apr. 24, 2017. You are hereby notified that on Apr. 17, 2017, the above-named Plaintiff 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: Sarah T. Austin, 246 Sycamore St., Ste. 120, Decatur, GA 30030. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Apr. 24, 2017. Witness the Honorable Gregory A. Adams; Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 24th day of Apr., 2017
Notice of PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: 17FM4383-10 Alicia Hughley-Williams PLAINTIFF VS Joshua Jameel Williams DEFENDANT To: Joshua Williams 2908 Stilesboro Ridgeway Kennesaw, GA 30152 By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Apr. 25, 2017. You are hereby notified that on Apr. 13, 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: Alicia Hughley-Williams,
05/06, 05/13, 05/20, 05/27
Notice of PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
legal notice
CrossRoadsNews
May 6, 2017
Finance
11
DeKalb County Sheriff Office
Construction jobs available
Mobile Career Center stops in May The Jobs Bus, WorkSource DeKalb’s Mobile Career Center, will be at locations throughout the county in May. The mobile unit provides services such as job search assistance, workshops, training, and resume writing and interviewing tips. Businesses may use it for interviewing, training, preemployment screenings or recruiting. The unit also offers assistance to residents interested in applying for DeKalb’s year-round internship program, which provides short-term opportunities for low-income residents ages 16-24 who are seeking employment and are not enrolled in school.
Upcoming stops, which take place 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., include: n May 8 – Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore St. in Decatur. n May 9 – DeKalb Access & Resource Center, 949 N. Hairston Road in Stone Mountain. n May 10 – Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road in Stonecrest. n May 11 – Covington Library, 3500 Covington Highway in Decatur. For more information about WorkSource DeKalb, visit www.worksourcedekalb.org or call 404-687-3400 (1-800-255-0135 or 711 TTY for people who are hearing impaired).
DeKalb for Seniors hosting business expo
Large and small businesses and local nonprofits have until May 10 to register for DeKalb for Seniors Inc.’s third annual Business & Community Expo. To reserve a spot, contact Donna Dees at dekalbfs@ gmail.com or 678-982-9805. All proceeds benefit the Lou Walker Senior Center. The event takes place 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 17 at the senior center, 2538 Panola Road in Lithonia, and is open to the public. Hundreds are expected to attend. Businesses can showcase their company, nonprofits can present information on their organization, and anyone else who would like to market their services can participate as a vendor.
Jeffrey L. Mann, Sheriff 4415 Memorial Drive • Decatur, GA 30032
Construction worker positions are available at a May 18 WorkSource DeKalb Hiring Event for Archer Western in Decatur. It takes place 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 4572 Memorial Drive. Positions include concrete finishers, equipment operators, carpenters, carpenter assistants, and general laborers. Job seekers can contact Karl Adkins at fkadkins@dekalbcountyga.gov or 404-687-3400 for more information.
Sex Offender
Sex Offender
Michael Fontus 3440 Waldrop Trail Decatur, GA 30034 Charge of Sexual Misconduct Convicted 7/9/2007
Kervince Oslin 1000 Montreal Rd., Apt 11 Clarkston, GA 30021 Charge of Sexual Battery by Adult Child Under 12 YOA Convicted 6/7/2002
Sex Offender
Sex Offender
Sex Offender
DeKalb clinic for vendors, small-business enterprises Vendors and small-business enterprises can attend the “How to Do Business With DeKalb County” clinic May 12 at the Department of Watershed Management in Decatur. It takes place 10 to 11:30 a.m. in Conference Room A, 4572 Memorial Drive. To RSVP, email pcadmin-ops@dekalbcountyga.gov or call 404-371-7051. The clinic is presented by the Department of Purchasing and Contracting. The “DeKalb First” Local Small Business Enterprise Ordinance was enacted on Sept. 27, 2016, by the Board of Commissioners with the intention of providing earned revenue to local certified businesses through the competitive bid process. Visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/purchasingcontracting/dekalb-first-lsbe-program.
Walter McCants Shaade Brown 100 Camellia Ln, Apt. 720 685 Shoreview Lane Lithonia, GA 30058 Lithonia, GA 30058 Charge of Sexual Assault Charge of Sexual Abuse of Minor 2nd Degree Convicted 12/11/2002 Convicted 2/20/1998
Sex Offender
Armonze Daniel 3764 Radcliffe Blvd. Decatur, GA 30034 Charge of Aggravated Assault and Cruelty to Children Convicted 9/9/2016
Marketplace FINANCIAL HELP Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Petitions -- $150.00; Scrupples, LLC; Document Preparation Services (including Immigration Petitions, Green Cards, etc.);Call 888-4063331 or 678-395-6862
HELP WANTED Drivers, CDL-A: Local, Buford, GA Openings! 1 yr Class-A Call CEVA about our Solo and Team’s; Excellent Pay, Full Benefits; Sign-On, Quarterly Bonuses & MORE! 1-888-593-2705
HOME SERVICES
MUSIC LESSONS
Lic. electrician w/reasonable rates & free estimates; 35 yrs. exp. & great cust. serv; Contact Gerald 678-756-2041 or geraldv123@ gmail.com
Love Divine Music Conservatory; Award-winning school teaches: piano, organ, voice, band and strings. Call Dr. Sue Hampton at 404-244-7420
Insurance
REAL ESTATE
Are you heading into retirement and want to leave a legacy? Call Sonya Young & Associates at (470) 343-4051.
House For Sale- 4 bdrm; 2 baths; located near Towers HS; zoned personal care home; priced in mid-$100’s; Call 404-284-6379
FINANCIAL
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Sex Offender
Curtis McDaniel 5016 Brittany Drive Stone Mountain, GA Charge of Sexual Exploitation of Children Convicted 4/3/2017
Ricky Perry 1903 Manville Drive Atlanta, GA 30341 Charge of Rape 2nd degree Convicted 3/18/1980
Sex Offender
Edgar Robles-Flores 826 Rogers Street Clarkston, GA 30021 Charge of Sexual Exploitation of Children 8 cts Convicted 4/24/2017
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.
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Sex Offender
Houston Averiett 2611 Streamside Ct. Decatur, GA 30034 Charge of Sexual Assault of a Child Convicted 12/20/1996
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